Believer ’s

M AG A Z I N E

We trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
(1 Timothy 4.10)

DECEMBER 2018
 NEW TITLES
1 Corinthians by John Riddle £10.99 / 9781912522422
John Riddle is well known throughout the United Kingdom and further aield
as a gited Bible teacher. For many years he has conducted a Friday evening
Bible Class in Cheshunt. Those who have been able to atend this Bible Class
have been blessed richly, and others are now able to get the beneit as well.
Notes from these meetings have been reproduced as commentaries, the
latest of which is 1 Corinthians. This epistle deals primarily with local church
problems, and the commentary looks very practically at why these problems
arose and how we can learn lessons from them today. The style of these
commentaries is easy-to-read, and will appeal to
new Christians and younger people in particular.
Whilst this book is not a ‘word-by-word’ in-depth
commentary, those looking for a good outline and overview of 1 Corinthians
will ind it very helpful.

The 5-Minute Bible Reading Plan and Devotional

£12.00 / 9781683226352
Don’t be intimidated by the Bible’s size - you can read it from cover to cover!
Made up of 66 individual books, 1,189 chapters, and more than 31,000 verses,
the Bible is a big book. Its sheer size and length can be intimidating for many
Christians - even those who desire to read it from cover to cover. That’s where
The 5-Minute Bible Reading Plan and Devotional can help! Scripture is broken
down into readings of between 1,500 and 1,800 words - approximately the
number of words a person can read in ive minutes. This book takes you through the Bible from Genesis
to Revelation in 549 readings, and you will be encouraged not only through God’s Word, but also by short
devotional insights that accompany each Bible reading, along with introductions
to each Bible book. Usable with any Bible translation, The 5-Minute Bible Reading
Plan and Devotional is great for readers of all ages.

Everyday Evangelism - Sharing the Gospel in Conversation

by Paul McCauley and David Williamson £10.99 / 9781912522453
As the indiference of our secularised western world advances, fewer and fewer
people respond to printed invitations to atend Gospel meetings. This has
highlighted the need for personal evangelism. It is the one-on-one contacts of
believers, establishing relationships with their neighbours and friends, which
prove most efective in seeing people evangelised in our day.
“This publication does not promise ‘success’ in personal evangelism, but it should awaken us to our
responsibility and provide some very useful information to assist us in it” (Sandy Higgins - Editor, Truth
& Tidings magazine).

Post & Packing: Orders under £25.00 + £1.95. Orders over £25.00 post free (UK only). Overseas postage charged at cost.

FREEPHONE ORDER LINE 0800 169 2981

Visit our website at www.ritchiechristianmedia.co.uk
CONTENTS
From the Editor 4

Heroes of the Faith in 19th Century Italy (12), the late John Shaw Anderson 5-6

Daniel (4), Jack Hay 7-8

Renewal of a Right Spirit (1), Walter Gustafson 9-10

Contending for the Faith, John Parkinson 11-12

Malachi (19), John Riddle 13-14

David and Jonathan - Lessons in Fellowship (3), Christo Benson 15-16

Into All The World - Ethiopia, Robert Revie 17-20

Question Box, David McAllister and Ian Jackson 21

The Incarnation of the Lord Jesus (1), Jeremy Gibson 22-23

The Believer's Bookshelf - Book Reviews 24-25

With Christ 26-27

The Lord’s Work and Workers 27-29

Forthcoming Meetings 29-33

Notices 33-34

Since it was first published by Mr John Ritchie in 1891, the monthly Believer’s Magazine has sought to edify, exhort and
encourage Christians in their most holy faith, and stimulate interest and practical involvement in the Lord’s work.
Published monthly by John Ritchie Ltd, 40 Beansburn, Kilmarnock KA3 1RL, Scotland.
Editor: Phil Coulson.
Correspondence relating to editorial matters and the Question Box should be sent to the Editor at believersmagazineeditor@gmail.com
All other correspondence should be addressed to John Ritchie Ltd at graphics@johnritchie.co.uk
To subscribe to the digital version of Believer's Magazine, visit www.pocketmags.com or download the BM app from iTunes.
All Scripture references in this magazine are from the King James (Authorised) Version, unless otherwise indicated.
Cover picture: A Red-legged Partridge on a frosty morning.

3
 FROM THE
EDITOR
“… a partridge in the mountains”
(1 Sam 26.20)
O ne of the more senseless songs that we might
hear being sung at this time of year is ‘The
Twelve Days of Christmas’. Assumed to have
been written in the 19th century, the song catalogues
a list of improbable gifts received by a lady from her
suitor. Each verse concludes with the line “And a
partridge in a pear tree”, but this is supposed to be a
corruption of the original song. In the French language
a partridge is une perdrix, so the original line probably
read “And a partridge, une perdrix”.
Apart from any other consideration, the notion of a
partridge being in a pear tree is contrary to nature,
for it is a ground-dwelling bird that prefers to run
rather than fly. Its short, rounded wings are incapable
of sustained flight, and this characteristic has for
centuries made it an easy prey, especially in the hills
of the middle-east. The technique of the hunters is
simple: the birds are flushed repeatedly from their
ground cover until they become exhausted with the
urgent need to fly short distances on their whirring
wings. Their strength gone, they are then easily
captured and killed.
The imagery of such a hunt was vividly expressed by
David as, relentlessly, Saul pursued him throughout
the wilderness of Judah. Having spared Saul’s life a
second time, David called out to him “Wherefore
doth my lord thus pursue after his servant? for what
have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? … the king
of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth
hunt a partridge in the mountains” (1 Sam 26.18, 20).
How descriptive! Constantly pursued and harried,
dodging this way and that, the enemy at every hand
and strength for flight ebbing away. When, later, David
became a victim of further treachery on the part of
Ahithophel, perhaps he feared having to once again
flee for his life. Remembering his partridge-like flight
from Saul, he cried “Oh that I had wings like a dove! for
then would I fly away, and be at rest” (Ps 55.6).
4
A remarkable feature of David in the days of his
rejection was his unswerving respect for, and loyalty
to, the man who so tormented him and wanted him
slain. David saw past the flawed and tragic character
of Saul the man, and consistently considered him as
“my lord, O king” (1 Sam 26.17). When he said to Saul
“The Lord render to every man his righteousness and
his faithfulness: for the Lord delivered thee into my
hand to-day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand
against the Lord’s anointed” (v 23), how sweetly he
reminds us of his greater Son, of whom Peter records
“when he was reviled, [he] reviled not again; when he
suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself
to him that judgeth righteously” (1 Pet 2.23).
There is a timely lesson for us in David’s attitude to
Saul. Notwithstanding his own anointing and position
as the true king of Israel, David did not seek to defame
Saul or to demand his own rights. His view was clear:
since God had established Saul initially, it was the right
of God alone to remove the man. We are living in days
when, perhaps, we are apt to forget the exhortation
of Paul: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher
powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers
that be are ordained of God” (Rom 13.1). The dignity of,
and respect for, the high offices of state have all but
disappeared from the holders of such office and the
common people alike, but the Lord’s people should
ever distinguish between the person and the position
they hold under God. If it pleases God to set up “the
basest of men” (Dan 4.17) then, whatever our opinion
may be of their personal character, we should afford
them respect as those who “are ordained of God”.
Part of Solomon’s advice in answer to the question
“what is good for man in this life …?” (Eccl 6.12) was
“Curse not the king, no not in thy thought … for a bird
of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath
wings shall tell the matter” (10.20).
Phil Coulson
 HEROES OF
THE FAITH
In 19th Century Italy
by the late John Shaw Anderson of Florence, Italy
Pietro - The Italian
Christian Ex-Priest (2)
R eturning home, Pietro spent the late hours of the
evening in calm reflection on the subject which
so deeply occupied his mind. Taking his Vulgate
Bible from his little library, he read Matthew 26.26. The
statement that Christ, after breaking the bread, gave
it to His disciples, came to him with a fresh and living
meaning, and he thought “if Christ gave the bread to
His disciples it could not have been a sacrifice, because
a sacrifice is offered to God. But, suppose it to have
been a propitiatory sacrifice, then Christ must have
offered two such sacrifices, one in the upper room
and one on the cross.”
The thought of two propitiatory sacrifices offered by
Christ presented to Don Pietro a still graver difficulty,
and he became lost in a theological fog. While groping
his way around, he remembered that near him lived a
Protestant gentleman, pious and esteemed, and the
only good thing Don Pietro knew about the Protestanti
was that they loved the Bible. He thought that his neigh-
bour would be sure to help him, from a Scriptural point
of view, to solve this question of a double propitiatory
sacrifice offered by Christ. “But”, thought he, “after all
that I have heard of the Protestant heresy, can a Prot-
estant guide me even a step to the truth? And, besides,
he may confuse my mind with his Bible. But I have my
Vulgate, and I could take it with me. Well, I shall sleep
over the question, and see how I feel on the morrow.”
The following morning Don Pietro said mass - the last
he ever said! What a difference between it and the
first mass he had said under the influence of his new
official pride. Then, he did not inquire the meaning of
anything; now, all was mysteriously dark. Evening came,
and he made up his mind to visit his Protestant neigh-
bour. He arrived at the gate and stood a little, reflecting,
looking here and there, and entered. Having introduced
himself, he explained the nature of his visit. Although a
perfect stranger he received a cordial and sympathetic
welcome. The subject was soon opened, and Don
Pietro gave it point by asking his friend whether the
Holy Scriptures afforded any ground for the mass being
considered as a bloodless sacrifice. Hebrews 9.22 was
read: “without shedding of blood is no remission.” As to
Christ’s suffering only once, verse 26 was quoted: “for
then must he often have suffered since the foundation
of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath
he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.”
“That seems conclusive”, remarked Don Pietro as he
re-read the passage. “Christ offered only one propitia-
tory sacrifice for sin, and that on the cross. If so, the mass
is not a propitiatory sacrifice, and I am not a priest.”
This led to a conversation on the subject of priesthood.
It was shown that the word hiereus (priest) is never
applied to any of the New Testament servants of God
as distinct from the rest, because all believers form a
holy priesthood. Two verses were read from 1 Peter 2:
“ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, accept-
able to God by Jesus Christ” (v 5), and “a royal priest-
hood” (v 9). Then followed a reading from the Book
of Revelation: “Unto him that loved us, and washed us
from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings
and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory
and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1.5-6). Don
5
Pietro, having made a note of these passages of Scrip-
ture, arose and, thanking his kind friend, expressed the
hope that they might soon meet again.
His greatest trial now was in maintaining a dual life. He
had to conceal from his mother, the people and the
local priesthood the spiritual experience through which
he was passing. “I must choose between playing the
hypocrite and passing as a heretic.” This was the decisive
question with which he sought sleep in vain that night.
The morning found him still wearied, and he arose late,
spending the afternoon reading afresh the Scriptures
which he had noted in his Vulgate Bible. The early evening
found him again at the house of his friendly neighbour, to
whom the unexpected visit was a pleasant surprise. Don
Pietro looked very careworn, and his friend perceived
that it was a question of the spiritual condition more than
the official position of the young priest.
“What a sublime doxology that is which we were reading
last night: ‘Thou art worthy’ - can you sing it, Don
Pietro?” “No, I cannot!” Saying so, he wept, sobbing out
the deepest feelings of his soul: “I am unworthy.” “Weep
not, Don Pietro. The New Song is not: “I am worthy”,
but “Thou art worthy”. Let us read slowly this beautiful
doxology: “Thou art worthy ... for thou wast slain, and
hast redeemed ...” “Me”, interposed Don Pietro. “… to
God by thy blood.” “There is no place in the New Song
for the boast of works of supererogation”1 exclaimed
Don Pietro, continuing: “Thou art worthy … Thou wast
slain … Thou hast redeemed. This is the Gospel, echoed
in Heaven. I believe it!”
His friend afterward prayed with him and, rising from
his knees, Don Pietro embraced him saying “Now I am
your brother: call me no longer Don Pietro.” Nor shall
we call him Don Pietro any more, but simply Pietro.
However carefully Pietro had counted the cost, he
could not have known the bitterness of the persecu-
tion he was now to endure as a follower of Christ.
His conversion was not an official, dogmatic change
of religion; it was not a step from Popery to Protes-
tantism; it was from self to Christ. His daily life became
a testimony to the reality of his conversion.
The first verbal confession of his personal faith in Christ
was made to his mother, and it caused an immediate
and irreconcilable rupture. Pietro was not a stoic, and
his filial feelings were torn with grief by the action
which his mother was, by the confessional, obliged to
adopt. He next wrote to his late bishop a respectful
6
letter, informing him of his separation from the Romish
Church, but the news had already reached him. Pietro
possessed numerous documents of a recent date,
proving how highly he was held in esteem by the local
ecclesiastical authorities. These made no attack upon
his character or motives, but contented themselves
with his excommunication and consequent isolation
from the fellowship of his relatives and friends.
Pietro had now to face the question exercising many
young priests of Rome: how to earn a living. If they would
only face it, as Pietro did, with faith in God, their religious
freedom would be an accomplished fact. Pietro was not
ashamed to work. He rejoiced to know that God had
justified him by faith, and he lived to prove that his faith
was not “without works” (Jas 2.20). He preached the
Gospel publicly and powerfully, and day by day enjoyed
in his own experience the theme of his Gospel testimony
– “the just shall live by faith” (Rom 1.17).
The Romish priesthood may morally and spiritually be
divided into three classes. The first comprises those who
entered it without any serious reflection, and remain in
it simply as a profession by which they may gain a living.
And we freely and frankly admit that the Roman Catholic
Church is not the only religious sphere in which this class
is found. To it there is no great moral gulf between truth
and error, right and wrong. All is convenience. We confess
that with this class we have little sympathy, and for it
much pity. Then there are those who entered the Romish
priesthood and remain in it from a sincere conviction of
the sacredness of the office. For these we have a sincere
and prayerful consideration. The third group are those
who entered the Romish priesthood sincerely believing
it to be a divine institution, but have now discovered the
true priesthood of all believers in the Gospel dispensa-
tion, and are sincerely endeavouring to follow its holy and
heavenly calling. For this increasing class, to which Pietro
belonged, we have the deepest sympathy and fellowship.
The conversion to God of any man, be he a public
priest or a private person, should not be judged from
any party standpoint. Pietro’s conversion was not a
step from the dogma of Rome to another creed, but
from a state of spiritual doubt and darkness to the
assurance and light of the Gospel.
1
Works of supererogation are those performed beyond what
God requires.
(This article is concluded; the series continues …)
DANIEL (4)
Introduction
When interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s vision, Daniel told
him “Thou art this head of gold” (Dan 2.38). This seemed
to send him on a massive ego trip and, in chapter 3, we
encounter his “image of gold” (v 1). His empire was cosmo-
politan, so he possibly deduced that a common religion,
a single object of worship, would be a binding influence.
All “people, nations, and languages” were ordered to “fall
down and worship the golden image” (vv 4-5).
There are parallels between this incident and the final
Gentile administration headed by the Beast (Rev 13). In
both there is the demand for universal worship (Dan
3.4; Rev 13.7-8). In Babylon the object of worship was
a golden image; in the future it will be “the dragon
… the beast … the image of the beast” (Rev 13.4, 15).
Blasphemy features in both passages: “who is that
God that shall deliver you?” (Dan 3.15); “he opened his
mouth in blasphemy against God” (Rev 13.6). In the
two scenarios there are death threats directed against
God’s people: here the three Hebrews are victimised;
in latter days the beast will “make war with the saints”
(v 7). In both passages the number six is prominent:
the image in Daniel’s prophecy is 60 x 6 cubits and
there are six instruments of music; the “number of the
beast … is six hundred threescore and six” (v 18).
The Dedication of the Image
Daniel is invisible here, but any suggested reasons for
this are speculative. Importantly, his friends stood firm
despite his absence. He was the motivator and role model
(ch 1), but the others had learned to stand on their own
two feet. King Joash stood firm as long as “Jehoiada the
priest instructed him” (2 Kgs 12.2), but when that prop
was removed he collapsed. Spiritual progress should be
such that we are not dependent on a mentor but, rather,
our personal relationship with the Lord should be suffi-
cient to see us still standing after the enemy’s assault.
Jack Hay, Perth, Scotland
With the image complete, it was time for its “dedication”
(Dan 3.2). The elite of the empire were summoned and
they “stood before the image”, among them Shadrach,
Meshach and Abed-nego (vv 2-3). Daniel had smoothed
their pathway to promotion without realising it would
endanger them (2.49). Sometimes ‘putting in a word’ for
someone is legitimate; on other occasions it can intro-
duce them to temptation, as when an unnamed disciple
eased Peter’s access to the “palace of the high priest”
(Jn 18.15-16). When asked to give references, be sure you
are not facilitating circumstances that could be to your
friend’s spiritual detriment.
Only men of status were present for the dedication,
so another lesson is that believers in promoted posts
are exposed to temptations that those in humbler
circumstances avoid. Here, the three Hebrews were
under pressure to behave like their peers, but they were
uncompromising. In less demanding circumstances
some have sacrificed their ethics and compromised
their integrity to save face. They have no stomach for
being a jarring note at a function, or a stick-in-the-mud
as regards some doubtful financial proposal. Success
has exposed them to options that others never face
so, like our three heroes, they must make wise choices
whatever the cost.
The Declaration of the Herald
The herald’s strident tones insisted that every attendee
“fall down and worship the golden image” (Dan 3.4-6).
A two-pronged effort was made to induce the worship.
First there was the appeal of the music, for music targets
and stirs the emotions. The world of popular music
has evolved from the old days of tear-jerking ballads
portraying a jilted boyfriend, to raucous incitements to
immorality, drug abuse and rebellion. Believers should
be guarded about what passes through their ear buds; it
could be so polluting.
7
Every nation has its anthem to stir loyalty, and their citi-
zens experience tingling sensations of patriotism when
the first notes are struck! The music of the regimental
band is calculated to stir and embolden the warriors (2
Chr 20.21-22). Protest and freedom movements have
capitalised on the emotive effects of music, and religion
has tapped into this valuable medium with instruments
and choirs being major features of the regular ‘services’,
to stir the spirit of ‘worship’. Believers are not dependent
on emotional lyrics or catchy tunes to induce worship; we
“worship by the Spirit of God” (Phil 3.3, Revised Version).
Here, the music was calculated to charm the attendees.
The latter part of the herald’s proclamation was less
subtle; it was the threat of a particularly nasty death as the
penalty for non-compliance; the fiery furnace awaited.
Both the “angel of light” and “roaring lion” aspects of
Satan’s character were in evidence as the assembled
celebrities were ordered to bow the knee. Even today,
emotional blackmail and abusive language are combined
to move believers to comply with accepted norms.
The Determination of the Hebrews
They refused to bow and it was noticed, just as when
Mordecai refused to bow (Esth 3.2-4). In both cases there
were those with an eye to promotion who were quick to
report the offenders. The fact that the three Jews had
been “set over the affairs of the province of Babylon”
rankled with the informers, and they happily anticipated
their demise. As a believer with convictions, you may find
yourself being victimised by others if they can turn it to
their advantage. They will feign outrage at your dated
Christian ‘opinions’, and make their ‘grievances’ heard.
The wording of the complaint was to the credit of Shad-
rach, Meshach and Abed-nego. Nebuchadnezzar was told
they “have not regarded thee” (Dan 3.12). How could they
obey the king when in the first and second command-
ments Jehovah had outlawed rivals and graven images?
It was a clear-cut choice, expressed in New Testament
language: “We ought to obey God rather than men”
(Acts 5.29). That principle should prevail in all our deal-
ings. If demands are made that conflict with the teaching
of Scripture, God’s Word must always take precedence.
The second phase of the complaint stressed their
consistency: “they serve not thy gods, nor worship the
golden image” (Dan 3.12). In other words, their conduct
that day was in keeping with their track record; they
had never acknowledged Babylon’s gods, and today
was no exception! The crisis served to reveal loyalty to
God that had always been there. Similarly, when Daniel
8
was faced with a crisis, his behaviour was just as it had
always been, praying three times a day “as he did afore-
time” (6.10). Steady, consistent behaviour in the normal
routine of life develops reserves that are necessary
when emergencies strike.
Nebuchadnezzar was incandescent, but neither his
fury nor the opportunity to recant influenced them
(3.14-18). They were courageous, and their mind was
made up: “we are not careful to answer thee in this
matter” (v 16). The situation was black and white, and
they made no appeal for time to ‘consider their posi-
tion’, or to formulate a defence plea, or to toy with
options. We all need, at times, to be as decisive.
Not only had they convictions, consistency and courage,
they also had confidence in their God: “our God … is
able to deliver us” (v 17). Their belief in God’s power was
tempered by the thought of His sovereignty: He does
not always choose to exercise omnipotence, hence their
words “but if not …” (v 18). God permitted James to be
martyred but delivered Peter from prison miraculously
(Acts 12). In Luke 7, two men experienced Christ’s miracu-
lous intervention in healing and quickening, but in Mark 6
we read how John Baptist was beheaded. Could omnipo-
tence not have intervened for James and John Baptist?
Certainly, but it was not His will, and there are times when
we just have to bow to the mystery of His ways with us.
As far as these Hebrews were concerned, whether or not
God intervened, they were adamant; they would not bow
(Dan 3.18). Loyalty despite adversity is a noble virtue.
The Demonstration of God’s Power
That loyalty was severely tested, but was rewarded
three-fold. The overheated furnace consumed their
executioners, but they themselves emerged without
even the smell of fire upon them - what an evidence of
God’s power and His ability to do things thoroughly (v 27)!
Second, they had the support of the divine presence (v
25). Paul enjoyed that when passing through the waters
(Acts 27.23-26); they experienced it when walking through
the fire (Isa 43.2). The promise of God is “I will never leave
thee” (Heb 13.5): we should cling to His promise when
facing either flood or flames. The third encouragement
was to see how their stance affected the king (Dan 3.28-
30). His conversion was still future, but no doubt this
event was a link that led to it, for at this point there was
stirred within him sympathies for their God. Your stand
for truth and your Christian convictions can impact on
the thinking of others.
(To be continued …)
RENEWAL OF A RIGHT SPIRIT (1)
Introduction
“Renew a right spirit within me” (Ps 51.10). God has
answered that prayer many times for believers!
It is very important for each believer to have a right spirit
continually renewed within them. The condition of our
spirit becomes manifest to others to a greater or lesser
degree, but it is only God who always knows its condition
accurately. Proverbs 16.2 reads “all the ways of a man are
clean in his own eyes; but the Lord weigheth the spirits.”
God wants each of us to be right in our inmost being - to
be right inside out. In the Word of God we read different
adjectives used to describe the forlorn condition of a
human spirit: an anguished spirit, a broken spirit, a grieved
spirit, a groaning spirit, an overwhelmed spirit, a restless
spirit, a sad spirit, a sorrowful spirit, a troubled spirit, a
vexed spirit and a wounded spirit. Dear child of God, if
any of the adjectives that I have just named describes the
condition of your spirit, the Lord knows all about it, even
if no one else does.
The Word of God also tells us about more pleasant
conditions of the human spirit: a contrite spirit, a
faithful spirit, a fervent spirit, a forgiving spirit, a Gospel
spirit, a guileless spirit, a humble spirit, a meek spirit, a
patient spirit, a praying spirit, a purposeful spirit, a quiet
spirit, a refreshed spirit, a rejoicing spirit, a revived spirit,
a singing spirit, a steadfast spirit, a strong spirit and a
willing spirit. Besides these adjectives, we also read of a
spirit of error, a spirit of fear, a spirit of grace and suppli-
cation, a spirit of heaviness, a spirit of love, a spirit of
meekness, a spirit of power, a spirit of prophecy, a spirit
of truth and a spirit of wisdom.
God is so interested in the condition of our spirit that He
will send chastening to improve its condition or to correct
a wrong spirit: “we glory in tribulations also: knowing that
Walter Gustafson, Hatboro PA, USA
tribulation worketh patience” (Rom 5.3). In the language
of Hebrews 12.9, “we have had fathers of our flesh which
corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not
much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits,
and live?” He knows the very best for our spirits. One of
the reasons for the extreme discipline of 1 Corinthians 5
is explained in verse 5 of the chapter: “that the spirit may
be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
Here, in Psalm 51, David had committed a very serious
sin that would have come under the discipline of 1
Corinthians 5 in our day. No wonder he prays “renew
a right spirit within me.” May it also be our prayer even
if, by the grace of God, we have not done anything that
would call for such discipline to be carried out in our
lives. May the Lord maintain us all so that our attitudes
will be right in our inmost beings. Paul exhorted the
Ephesians to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind”
(Eph 4.23). We should be grateful to God that our spirits
can be renewed by the Word of God.
A Guileless Spirit
“Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not
iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile” (Ps 32.2).
The forgiven saint who has no guile is a person who does
not have any hypocrisy toward God in his repentance
and faith. Scripture does not say “in whom there is no
guile” but, rather, “in whose spirit there is no guile”. But
God not only wants us to be guileless toward Himself,
but to our fellows as well. Guile is a form of deceit. No
matter how much guile and deceit characterised us in
our unsaved days, being born again and indwelt by the
Spirit of God we should be through with it now!
Paul wanted to clear himself from the insinuation
of some of the Corinthians that (quoting Albert
McShane) “while he himself did not burden them, yet
9
he obtained indirectly what he refused personally”
and, further, “they had to admit that he was truthful
when he claimed this right as an apostle to accept
their support had not been exercised. But they blamed
him for sending others to obtain what he had refused,
and so through his envoys he had craftily caught them
with guile” (2 Cor 12.16).1 In 2 Corinthians 12.16, Paul
quoted his enemies to show that he never used craft
or guile against the Corinthians. He refuted the accu-
sation by asking them four questions. The answer to
the irst two questions that Mr McShane asked (taken
from verses 17 and 18a) is an emphatic ‘no’, and the
answer to the last two questions in reference to Titus
(taken from verse 18b) is ‘yes’: “walked we not in the
same spirit?”, and “walked we not in the same steps?”
1 Peter 2.2 (RV2) instructs believers, “as newborn
babes, long for the spiritual milk which is without
guile”. We should always want the guileless Word to
grow spiritually. There are three things about the Lord
Jesus that show He does not want us to use guile - His
example, His evaluation and His exhortation:
1. The example of Christ: “Who did no sin, neither was
guile found in his mouth” (1 Pet 2.22).
2. The evaluation of Christ. When Nathaniel was told
about Jesus of Nazareth, he said “Can there any good
thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip gave him good
advice: “Come and see” (Jn 1.46). Jesus saw Nathaniel
coming to Him, and said of him “Behold an Israelite
indeed, in whom is no guile!” (v 47).
3. The exhortation of Christ: “Behold I send you as
sheep in the midst of wolves; be therefore prudent
as the serpents, and guileless as the doves” (Mt 10.16,
JND3).
A Humble Spirit
A humble spirit is humility in reality. We all had a
humble spirit when we got saved. Like the Queen
of Sheba, when she saw the greatness of Solomon,
“there was no more spirit in her” (2 Chr 9.4). The next
four verses show her praising Solomon and God. Isn’t
that like God’s salvation? When we got to the end of
ourselves so that there was no more spirit in us, then
we were ready for God to reveal to us His salvation
and to begin praising God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
There are some people hoping to get to Heaven by
striving to keep the Sermon on the Mount, yet they
do not know experimentally the irst words of that
passage: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is
the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5.3)! They are still rich in
10
spirit, they have never had a time in their life’s expe-
rience when they saw that they were unit for God’s
presence the way they were, and they have never
learned the truth of John Dickie’s poem:
When I took my place as sinner,
And at mercy’s footstool lay,
Jesus took His place as Saviour,
And took all my sins away.
In Isaiah we read “for thus saith the high and lofty One
that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell
in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a
contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the
humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones”
(57.15). Matthew Henry comments: “He that dwells in
the highest Heaven, and dwells in the lowest heart,
inhabits sincerity as surely as He inhabits eternity.” In
Psalm 34.18, David wrote “the Lord is nigh unto them
that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a
contrite spirit.” And, in Psalm 51.17, the Psalmist wrote
“the sacriices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and
a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” God
is intensely interested in how we humble ourselves
before His Word.
In Jeremiah, the prophet says “hear ye, and give ear;
be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken … but if ye
will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for
your pride” (13.15, 17). We read that “all the captains
of the forces, and Johanan, the son of Kareah, and
Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people from
the least even unto the greatest, came near” (42.1).
They requested “that the Lord thy God may shew us
the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we
may do” (v 3). How sad that, after Jeremiah had given
them direction in chapter 42, we read in chapter 43
“then spake Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan
the son of Kareah, and all the proud men, saying unto
Jeremiah, Thou speakest falsely: the Lord our God
hath not sent thee to say, Go not into Egypt to sojourn
there” (v 2). We can all see why they missed direction
from God, because of their pride, and any of us can
make the same mistake!
1
Albert McShane, 2 Corinthians - What the Bible Teaches,
(Kilmarnock, Scotland: John Ritchie Ltd).
2
Revised Version.
3
J N Darby, The Holy Scriptures - A New Translation from the
Original Languages.
(To be continued …)
CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH
In our pluralistic age, we often hear the Bible described
as merely another source of divine inspiration alongside
the sacred texts of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and
Sikhs. It is also argued that the Bible makes its own claim
to be the Word of God and, therefore, the claim cannot
be valid. Why should anyone believe what the Bible says
about itself?
The question may be posed in a spirit of unbelief, or
it may be asked by a genuine seeker who wants help.
For the benefit of the genuine enquirer, we propose to
show that the Bible is not like any other book, but that
it is self-validating, self-interpreting, self-consistent
and self-contained.
1. The Bible is self-validating
The Bible makes stunning claims about itself. For
example, Paul advises Timothy that “all scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction
in righteousness” (2 Tim 3.16-17). Is there any way in
which this claim can be validated?
The Bible was written over a time span of approxi-
mately 1,500 years by about 40 different writers.
The earlier authors made many detailed predictions
about events which would happen later. On the road
to Emmaus, the Lord Jesus rebuked His two disciples:
O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the
prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have
suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he
expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things
concerning himself (Lk 24.25-27).
Later that evening the Lord appeared to the disciples
and said:
John Parkinson, Ballymena, N Ireland
These are the words which I spake unto you … that
all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the
law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms,
concerning me. Then opened he their understanding,
that they might understand the scriptures (vv 44-45).
This is the key to understanding how the Bible is self-
validating. Many of the prophecies written in the Old
Testament (OT) were fulfilled in the New Testament
(NT), with accuracy that defies all natural explanations.
We name some of the OT prophecies concerning Christ
which have already been fulfilled: He was born of a virgin
(Isa 7.14); was of the line of Abraham (Gen 12.3); was of
the tribe of Judah (49.10); was of the house of David
(2 Sam 7.12-13); was born at Bethlehem (Mic 5.2-3); was
called out of Egypt (Hos 11.1); had a forerunner (Isa 40.3);
was a worker of miracles (35.5-6); was a man of sorrows
and rejected of men (53.3); was deserted (Zech 13.7);
was scourged and spat on (Isa 53.5); was numbered
with transgressors (53.12); was given vinegar to drink (Ps
69.21); was pierced with nails (22.16); was forsaken by
God (v 1); was surrounded by enemies (vv 7-8); agonised
with thirst (v 15); had His garments distributed (v 18);
commended His spirit to God (31.5); had no bone broken
(34.20); was buried with the rich (Isa 53.9); rose from the
dead without seeing corruption (Ps 16.9-10); ascended
into Glory (68.18).
The list is by no means exhaustive. There are other
prophecies which relate to the nation of Israel and the
wider Gentile world, many of which have been already
fulfilled, and many yet to be fulfilled. Thus, by checking
the OT prophecies against their fulfilment in the NT, we
can see that the Bible is manifestly demonstrated to be
true, accurate and divinely inspired. We have every good
reason to believe what the Bible says about itself. No
other book in existence is self-validating in this way.
11
2. The Bible is self-interpreting
The Bible is its own interpreter. Believers in any culture,
with a reasonable translation of the Bible in their own
language, will be able to read and understand the Scrip-
tures for themselves. To draw out the teaching of a
passage we must compare Scripture with Scripture. Paul
told the Corinthian Christians that the natural man cannot
discern spiritual truth, whereas believers have the Spirit of
God to illuminate the Scriptures: “Which things also we
speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth,
but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual
things with spiritual” (1 Cor 2.13). Thus, the believer can
come to an understanding of a passage by comparing
Scripture with Scripture as led by the Spirit of God.
Peter tells us that no one has the right to make a private
interpretation: “Knowing this irst, that no prophecy of
the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the
prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but
holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy
Ghost” (2 Pet 1.20). In other words, no one can claim
divine authority to interpret Scripture. Any such claims
by a ‘church’ to be the sole interpreter of Scripture must
be rejected. Individual Christians can read and under-
stand the Bible precisely because it is self-interpreting.
3. The Bible is self-consistent
The Bible, which never contradicts itself, should be read
in its totality in the knowledge that it has one true, uniied
meaning. The great themes of creation, redemption and
gloriication are dealt with progressively throughout
the Bible in total harmony and agreement. But, without
doubt, the over-arching theme of Scripture is God’s reve-
lation of Himself in His Son. The Lord Jesus said “Search
the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life:
and they are they which testify of me” (Jn 5.39).
Some have claimed that there are contradictions
and inconsistencies between the OT and the NT. For
example, why were animal sacriices required in the OT
but discontinued in the NT? Why were food restrictions
necessary under the law but not under grace? Why
were believers required to keep holy days in the OT but
not in the NT?
There is nothing contradictory between the OT and
the NT. The coming of Christ has fulilled the types
and shadows of the OT. The oferings of the OT have
fulilled their purpose in pointing to Christ, but now that
Christ has come they are no longer necessary. The food
laws demanded a separation from Gentile diet and from
what was ceremonially unclean, but Christ has now
12
declared all foods clean, thus bringing the Gentile into
equal blessing with the Jew. The holy days, such as the
Sabbath, new moon and the annual feasts of Jehovah,
are all fulilled in Christ and are not part of the Church’s
calendar. There are no feast days given to the Church.
Paul explains to the Colossians “let no one judge you in
food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon
or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but
the substance is of Christ” (Col 2,16-17, New King James
Version). There is a unity between the OT and the NT
which is inally and fully expressed in Christ. The whole
Bible is non-contradictory, and is self-consistent from
beginning to end.
4. The Bible is self-contained
The Bible is a completely self-contained book. Jude
tells us that all we need has been delivered: “Beloved
… I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you
to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for
all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3, New King James
Version). In other words, the revelation of Scripture is
complete – there is nothing more to add.
The Lord Jesus said “Heaven and earth shall pass away,
but my words shall not pass away” (Mt 24.35). The Bible
will never be revised, corrected, updated, withdrawn
or declared obsolete. In fact, the Bible will outlive the
universe.
Some key truths about the Scriptures:
• They speak of Christ (Lk 24.27; Jn 5.39).
• They tell us the way of salvation (2 Tim 3.15).
• They are inspired of God (2 Tim 3.16; 2 Pet 1.20-21).
• They cannot be broken (Jn 10.35).
• They shall never pass away (Mk 13.31).
• They are proitable for doctrine, reproof, correction,
and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim 3.16).
• They nourish us and cause us to grow (1 Pet 2.2).
Conclusion
The Bible is not like any other book. We have sought to
show, though be it brief, that the Bible is self-validating,
self-interpreting, self-consistent and self-contained. On
the eve of His cruciixion, the Lord Jesus prayed to His
Father concerning His disciples, saying “I have given
them thy word … Sanctify them through thy truth: thy
word is truth” (Jn 17.14, 17). The Christian can contend
for the faith in total conidence regarding the inspira-
tion, accuracy, harmony and truth of the Bible.
(Concluded)
MALACHI (19)
The Conduct of the Remnant (3.13-18) (continued)
The final section of chapter 3 clearly falls into two
parts: the attitude of the nation (vv 13-15) and the atti-
tude of the remnant (vv 16-18). Last month we noticed
that the nation were unaware of their attitude to God.
This month we will continue our study, considering
how the nation were uncomplimentary about the
service of God (3.14), and unthinking about the char-
acter of God (3.15).
The Attitude of the Nation (3.13-15)
“Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit
is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have
walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?” (Mal
3.14). God describes this attitude as “stout against me”
(v 13). This is most searching. We, too, can oppose God
by disparaging His service, by disparaging obedience
to His Word, and by disparaging godly living.
1. They were uncomplimentary about the service
of God ( 3.14)
a) They disparaged God’s service: “It is vain to serve
God”. It seemed pointless. There was no improvement
in their circumstances, and the wicked continued to
prosper. Do we sometimes think that it is “vain to serve
God”? After all, there often seems to be so little return
on the capital expenditure of time, energy and finance.
All those tracts and invitations. All that preaching. All
those prayers. All that personal witnessing to family,
friends and neighbours. Is it really worth it? We must
let God answer: “Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye
know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1
Cor 15.58); “Every man shall receive his own reward
according to his own labour” (3.8). We can be sure
John Riddle, Cheshunt, England
that God “will hasten [His] word to perform it” (Jer
1.12). Note J N Darby’s translation here: “I am watchful
over my word to perform it”. If we make our excuses,
and give up our service for God, we are “stout against
him”. The attitude of the perfect Servant was so
different: “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy
law is within my heart” (Ps 40.8).
b) They disparaged obedience to God’s Word:
“What profit is it that we have kept his ordinance?”
For the technically minded, two different words
are used for “ordinance” in this chapter. In verse
7 (“ye are gone away from mine ordinances”), the
word choq refers particularly to ritual observances,
whereas here the word mishmereth refers to
general religious duties.
Their complaint reminds us that obedience to the
Word of God is not necessarily accompanied by
immediate and spectacular blessing. We should obey
God’s Word whether or not He is pleased to show
His approval at once. We should obey God’s Word
because it is God’s Word. This applies both to our
personal life and to our assembly life. We are some-
times tempted to wonder why some ‘churches’ with
little or no desire to conform to God’s Word in either
doctrine or practise seem to flourish. Whatever the
answer to that problem, it remains our duty to obey
God’s Word. The apostle Paul was able to say at
the end of his life “I have fought a good fight, I have
finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4.7).
The Lord Jesus commended the church at Philadel-
phia for their faithfulness: “thou hast a little strength,
and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name”
(Rev 3.8). This leads to:
c) They disparaged godly living: “What profit is it …
that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of
13
hosts?” Paul thoroughly disagreed: “Godliness is prof-
itable unto all things [spiritually, mentally, and physi-
cally], having promise of the life that now is, and of
that which is to come” (1 Tim 4.8). The word “mourn-
fully” is literally ‘in blackness’, and reminds us that
godliness involves self-judgment and self-restraint. It
is not always easy to “mortify the deeds of the body”
(Rom 8.13), especially when people around us do as
they like and seem to suffer no ill effects. We can
understand why the Psalmist said “I was envious at
the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked”
(Ps 73.3). Was Paul really right in saying “godliness is
profitable unto all things”? The answer will be made
very clear when we come to the end of the passage
(see verses 17-18). But what generated these questions
in the first place?
2. They were unthinking about the character of
God ( 3.15)
“And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that
work wickedness are set up [meaning ‘prosper’ or
‘successful’]; yea, they that tempt God [the same
word as ‘prove’ in verse 10] are even delivered.” The
wicked challenge God with their evil, and apparently
get away with it. Doesn’t this remind us of Malachi
2.17: “Ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in
the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them”?
You can just hear them saying “The wicked seem to
be having such a good time, so why bother about
obeying God’s Word and trying to please him?” We
are about to see that these arguments ignore the
character of God. God does differentiate “between
the rightous and the wicked, between him that
serveth God and him that serveth him not” (3.18).
This brings us to:
The Attitude of the Remnant (3.16-18)
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to
another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and
a book of remembrance was written before him for
them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his
name” (v 16). They have been described as ‘a remnant
within a remnant’. The little word “then” is most signif-
icant. The Bible does not say that these godly people
began to fear the Lord, but that they already feared
the Lord, and the ministry of Malachi had a salutary
effect on them. His preaching helped and encouraged
them. This reminds us of Isaiah 9.8: “The Lord sent a
word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.” In
other words, God spoke to all the people, but it only
14
took effect in the lives of those who were spiritually
minded. So, the ministry of Malachi promoted further
godliness. Proverbs 9.9-10 tells us to “give instruction
to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just
man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the
Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge
of the holy is understanding.” We must now notice
what they did, and what God did:
What they did
They did three things: They “feared the Lord”; they
“spake often one to another”; they “thought upon
his name”.
a) They “feared the Lord”. This is how they lived.
The “fear of the Lord” is a reverential awe of Him.
It is a fear of grieving Him - not out of terror, but
motivated by love for Him. The range of references
is immense. Here are some of them: “The fear of
the Lord is clean” (Ps 19.9); “The fear of the Lord
is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov 1.7); “The fear
of the Lord is to hate evil” (8.13); “The fear of the
Lord is a fountain of life” (14.27); “The fear of the
Lord is the instruction of wisdom” (15.33); “The fear
of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall
abide satisfied” (19.23). Bearing in mind Malachi 1.6
- “If I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord
of hosts” - these godly people must have brought
the Lord great pleasure. He will honour them at His
coming (4.2).
b) They “spake often one to another”. This is how
they spoke. They didn’t just speak; they spoke
“often”. They certainly fulfilled the instructions of
Deuteronomy 6.7: “thou … shalt talk of them [“these
words, which I command thee this day”, v 6] when
thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest
by the way, and when thou liest down, and when
thou risest up.” It wasn’t a case of addressing meet-
ings either! They “spake often one to another”, and
displayed the spirit of Hebrews 10.24-25: “Let us
consider one another to provoke unto love and to
good works … exhorting one another.” This wasn’t
social ‘chit-chat’; it was spiritual conversation and
true fellowship. Remember, fellowship is more
than friendship! Do notice that it does not say that
‘they spake often one about another’, but “one to
another”! There was no ‘biting and devouring’ here
(Gal 5.15). We will continue our study of this section
next month, God willing.
(To be continued …)
DAVID AND JONATHAN (3)
Lessons in Fellowship
Thus far we have developed the concept of fellowship
by gleaning information from the fellowship that there
was between David and Jonathan, and have established
that it involves:
1. More than one person.
2. Commonality of interest between those involved.
3. Only those who share that commonality.
4. Multi-faceted issues.
The Present
Unlike faith, fellowship does not have a deinition in
the Bible. Hence, it is useful to identify the signiicance
of the word, because it is commonly used in assembly
settings. In the Old Testament, the root word for
fellowship comes from the Hebrew word hbr, which
can mean a common or shared house (Prov 21.9),
binding (Ex 26.6), or companion (Mal 2.14). None of
these examples include God in the relationship.
In the New Testament, the word we use for fellowship
is irst mentioned in Acts 2.42 by Luke. It is derived from
the Greek word koinonia (Strong’s, G28421), and is used a
total of 19 times, mostly by the apostle Paul. When used,
it means fellowship (12 times), sharing (three times),
participation (twice) and contribution (twice). We know
that the most signiicant event mentioned in Acts 2 is the
Day of Pentecost, and the fact that the word koinonia
appears after the giving of the Holy Spirit clearly implies
that fellowship in the New Testament is related to the
Holy Spirit indwelling believers. The abiding presence of
the Holy Spirit is the commonality that brings believers
together in fellowship: we have a relationship with, and
can relate to, one another because we are indwelt by the
Holy Spirit. As we have already seen, the word koinonia
has several meanings (describing diferent ways of
Christo Benson, Leicester, England
expressing and having fellowship), hence the concept of
fellowship is also multi-faceted. In summary, believers in
Christ are united in the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and He
is the reason we can have fellowship with one another
and express it in several ways.
It is often assumed that believers meeting to spend time
with each other constitutes fellowship. Even though
this is not false, it does not capture the true essence
of fellowship. Trying to deine fellowship can be chal-
lenging and complex, but it could be considered as a
relationship based upon the common sharing of the
Holy Spirit, leading to an inter-dependency and related-
ness, resulting in external expressions of the Holy Spirit
in our lives by achieving God’s will on earth.
We will now consider the various aspects of fellowship in
the New Testament as described by the word koinonia:
Relationship
This aspect of fellowship is described both with God
and man:
• With God - 1 Corinthians 1.9 describes believers as
being “called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ
our Lord”. It is also used in 1 John 1.3: “our fellowship is
with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
• With man - in 1 John 1.7 we read “if we walk in the light,
as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another.”
This relationship is ongoing and continuous - it cannot
be practised only at certain times. The continuity is due
to the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit within
believers, which emphasises the importance of every
believer spending time in prayer and communion with
the Lord.
15
Partnership
This aspect of fellowship serves to attain a goal, which
includes ministering and preaching the Gospel with a
view to souls being saved. The partnership between
men is described using the word koinonia:
• Ministering - in 2 Corinthians 8.4 we read “take upon
us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.”
• Gospel - in Galatians 2.9 Paul says “they gave to
me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that
we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the
circumcision.”
Paul calls Titus his “partner” in 2 Corinthians 8.23. The
Greek word used for partner is koinonos (Strong’s,
G2844), which is derived from the word koinonia.
Companionship
This aspect of fellowship is related to the Holy Spirit,
the Gospel and the Lord’s suferings:
• With the Spirit - Paul wrote to the Philippians “… if
any fellowship of the Spirit” (Phil 2.1).
• With the Gospel – again, Paul wrote to the Philip-
pians “for your fellowship in the gospel from the irst
day until now” (1.5).
• With His sufferings - in Philippians 3:10 we read
“… and the fellowship of his suferings, being made
conformable unto his death.”
This companionship should be with the Holy Spirit in
prayer. On earth, the companionship is demonstrated
by identifying with the suferings of one another as we
share Christ in common. However, we not only share
sorrows, but also joys.
Stewardship
This aspect of fellowship involves sharing mate-
rial possessions for the purposes of spreading the
Gospel and helping those who are involved in God’s
work:
• In 2 Corinthians 9.13, Paul commends the Christians
at Corinth for “your liberal distribution unto them, and
unto all men.”
• In Romans 15.26, Paul records “it hath pleased
them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain
contribution for the poor saints which are at
Jerusalem.”
16
Considering these various facets of fellowship demon-
strates the need for believers to spend time in prayer,
and to work together with one accord to further God’s
will on earth.
To explain the working of fellowship within an
assembly, we can think of Paul’s example of the body
and its members in 1 Corinthians 12, and the illustra-
tion of believers as participants in a race in chapter 9.
Whilst running a race, the body works with one spirit,
and all its members contribute to the running of the
race with the aim of reaching the inish line. The eyes
focus on the road ahead, the legs move in harmony,
the arms swing by the side to help propel the body
forward, and the whole body moves together in one
luid motion.
Life is full of trials and tribulations and, although
we are not immune from them, we can face and
overcome them in a way in which the world cannot.
Continuing with the example of a person running a
race, we can consider a trial to be akin to that person
falling down and hurting himself. Being in one spirit,
the above-mentioned members now change their
function to do what they can to support the body as
a whole. The whole body feels the pain: the eye might
shed a tear, taking its gaze away from the road and
looking at the injury, the arms stop swinging but help
the body lift itself up from the ground, and the legs
stop running but help the body steady itself. All of
these actions are performed instinctively and harmo-
niously, with each member recognising what they
have to do to support the body in order to continue
and achieve the inal goal, either by continuing to do
what they did before or by changing their contribu-
tion to the overall efort.
Every member of the body of Christ is gifted, but
each member of the assembly has their own gift. By
being in one spirit, each believer will recognise when
to contribute, how to contribute, what to contribute,
when to change what they can contribute, and how
long to continue with this change. Only by being
in one spirit can this be achieved, as believers will
then be led by the Holy Spirit and not their own will.
And, when the Holy Spirit governs all its members,
we can be sure that the final goal will definitely be
achieved.
1
James Strong, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible.
(To be continued …)
INTO ALL
THE WORLD
“Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her
hands unto God” (Ps 68.31)
Although this verse has a prophetic application, many
feel that it is already being experienced today in
Ethiopia. The following report goes back to a time 50
years ago …
Beginnings
In February 1969, following the call of the Lord, Robert
and Sheena Revie, with their two children Crawford
and Jane, travelled to Ethiopia to commence work
there, believing that it would be for their lifetime. They
travelled to Batie, a town 1,500 metres above sea level
in the north-central region of Ethiopia, where the work
had been started in 1952 by John and Martie Flynn.
During their first year at Batie, the Revies began to
study the Amharic language under the expert teaching
of John McQuoid. Amharic is the national language,
and, being a Semitic tongue, is closely related to
Hebrew and Arabic.
Robert Revie
Development
In 1971, John and Valerie McQuoid felt guided to
commence a new work in the capital and, since the
Revies had not completed their language training, they
followed the McQuoids there to finish the course.
Around the same time, Ron and Maria Cunningham
commenced a medical work in Dagan and, some time
later, Robert and Sheena joined them to help out in
that ministry. Mary Breeze also started a school in the
village of Dagan while, in Batie, Eileen Semple became
involved in the work of the school there.
Communism
In 1973 there was a severe famine in Ethiopia but, sadly,
news of it was generally withheld from the rest of
the world. It led to Emperor Haile Selassie’s eventual
removal from the throne, and he died on 27th August
1975 at the age of 83. This commenced a reign of
Communism which continued until 1991, during which
many believers lost their lives and many others were
imprisoned. During the five years from 1973-1978 the
Communist government increasingly made it impos-
sible for the missionaries to continue in the country
and, very reluctantly, they all left Ethiopia in 1978.
Opposition
Standing on the tarmac at the Addis Ababa airport,
the missionaries felt that this was the worst day in the
history of Ethiopia, especially for the spread of the
Gospel. They were leaving behind three small assem-
blies in Addis, Batie and Dagan, with the total number
17
of believers not much more than 100. Shortly after the
missionaries left Ethiopia, the government took away
the buildings where the believers met, and the church
went underground, meeting in safe houses in compa-
nies of no more than five until 1991. In that year, a blood-
less coup evicted the Communist regime, replacing
it with a military government, and the brethren were
given back the two Halls in Addis and Batie. However,
these were in a very poor state of repair, and the Dagan
Hall was never returned to the believers.

Return
Robert and Sheena returned to Ethiopia in 1993 as
tourists since they no longer had work permits, and
for the next 25 years they visited Ethiopia for three-
month periods. In their absence the local believers
had continued to reach out to new areas. Instead of
Two brethren working at translation
attended. Only a few years later there were 3,000 at
the Conference, demonstrating how the work of God
was spreading into new areas.

Bible School
Some of the better-taught brethren in Addis felt
that there was a need of teaching for those who had
recently left animism and had little knowledge of the
Bible. A self-supporting Bible school was established,
where evangelists and elders could attend for six
weeks every year for three years. During this time a
wide range of subjects was taught, mainly by brethren
from the capital. If an evangelist wanted to go to
the Bible school the assembly that was sending him
provided his food for the six weeks he was there and,
in this way, many who came from a pagan background
learned the basic truths of Scripture.
Conference time at Chobi
Children’s Work
going north to Batie or Dagan, where there was a very Around 1995, God raised up a young man called
strong Islamic presence, they travelled west to a place Digaffe, who had a great burden to reach children
called Ginchi, and a new work was
commenced there with about 30
believers. By this time God had
also raised up seven evangelists
who were supported by their
six local assemblies. In the area
around Ginchi there was a mixture
of animism and witchcraft, but
the work gradually began to
increase. Soon it spread into the
countryside, and the evangelists
were increasingly reaching out
to new territories. Robert recalls
a few years after 1993 when he
went to a Conference in a place
called Chobi, about 60 kilome-
tres from Ginchi, and over 700 Members of a discipleship class

18
with the Gospel. He commenced by encouraging the
assemblies in and around the capital to commence
Sunday Schools again, since these had ceased to exist
under the Communist regime. One Saturday he organ-
ised a meeting of the various Sunday Schools in the
capital, and around 500 attended. At the lunch break
he remarked that, although it was wonderful to have
the children for a day, it would be great if they could
have these children for a weekend or even longer.

Camps
The situation encouraged Robert to consider the Brother Mulugeta and his wife Alum
possibility of having a campsite for children. Soon this
was commenced at Ginchi and, for a good number of travelling there every four months for a week. In time
years, many children came under the teaching of the he then commenced a course himself in Addis Ababa,
Scriptures at camp, and many trusted the Saviour. The where he taught five brethren. There are ten modules
leaders of the youth work today would accredit their to be completed and, when the person reaches module
interest to their involvement in children’s work when five, they initiate a new course with at least five new
they were quite young. Until recently, all the camps had believers. Some of the subjects include ‘Finishing the
been conducted in Amharic but, since there are now Great Commission of Matthew 28’, ‘How to reach a new
so many children who speak the Oromo language, a territory’, ‘How to study the Bible’, and ‘How to pass on
camp was convened to others what you
for them in July of have been taught’.
this year. These courses have
developed maturity
BES (Bible Educa- among the believers.
tion Services)
About five years ago Conference
contact was made A Conference was
with Sam Balmer, arranged in 2015
who is responsible at Ginchi, where
for the work of the around 400 people
Postal Bible School attended.
internationally, and The desire of the
soon the Postal Conference leaders
Bible School book- was to look back
lets were translated to remember what
and ready to be God had done in
printed in Amharic Some of the Sunday School leaders the early days of
by Revival Move- Batie and Dagan,
ment. The work and also they
is done in Northern Ireland, where the booklets are wanted to think of what God had done in the area
printed free of charge and the cost of delivery to around Ginchi and into the interior.
Addis is covered. Some of the books have also been
translated into the Oromo language, and have been New Work
well received by the children. There are now well However, they were also burdened to reach out to
over 6,000 children being taught in Sunday Schools new areas in the south-west and south-east of Addis,
throughout Ethiopia. and among the new works they decided to commence
was one in a province called Kefa. The area that they
Discipleship are concentrating on is controlled by 400 witch
Mulugeta, one of the leaders in the capital, attended doctors. A new work was also commenced in a place
a discipleship course for over three years in Kenya, called Adiyo and, by April 2017, numbered six believers.

19

A Conference in rural Ethiopia
By October this number had increased to 40 and, as
a result, inroads are being made to this previously
unevangelised area.
Bali
Around the same time, a number of farmers from
the Chobi area bought some farms in an area
called Bali, south-east of Addis. Because of the
Muslim opposition in the area the brethren felt it
was better for them to visit us in a neutral loca-
tion. This involved a walk of around nine hours
for some of them to reach the bus to take them
to the neutral town. Already there are five assem-
blies in this area, and recently they learned that
five Muslims have been converted.
Unrest
Since 2015 there have been many peaceful
protests in the country, and they came to a head in
February 2018. As a result the existing Prime Minister
A Lord’s Day meeting in Akaki
20
resigned, which meant parliament had to
appoint a new Prime Minister. After four
weeks of deliberation Dr Abiy Ahmed
was elected and, at the age of 42, he is
the youngest leader in Africa. He comes
from a mixed family: his mother, who
recently died, was a born-again believer,
and her son has followed in her foot-
steps. One of the important decisions he
made was to end the enmity that there
had been with Eritrea for over 20 years.
Many feel that his appointment is of God,
and all are looking forward to serving
under his rule.
Reflection
As one looks back over these past 25 years
it has been wonderful to see the way
in which God has been at work, mainly
through the local evangelists, who now number 287,
and who are all supported by their local assemblies.
The number of assemblies has risen from six to over
A gathering of national evangelists
215, and the evangelists thank God for what He has
done through them during this time, desiring to give
God the glory. Eighteen new assemblies commenced
in 2017 alone, and we can truly say “What hath God
wrought!”
Prayer Points
1. Pray that God will continue to bless the children’s
work, and that many children might trust the Saviour.
2. Pray for the new Prime Minister that he will be given
freedom and wisdom to rule well.
3. Pray that the wider outreach work might continue,
and that many more villages in the region will be
reached with the Gospel.
QUESTION
BOX
What is God’s book which He has written in
Exodus 32.32?
The context is the making and worship of the golden calf.
Moses said to the Lord “Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their
sin –; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book
which thou hast written.”
Some hold that everyone’s name goes in the “book of
life” when he or she is born, and is removed from it if
he or she dies unsaved (see question in October 2018
Believer’s Magazine). However, if that were so, it would
mean that everyone presently alive on earth is in it. This
is not supported by Scriptures such as the Lord telling
His disciples to “rejoice, because your names are written
in heaven” (Lk 10.20), or Paul’s reference to those
“whose names are in the book of life” (Phil 4.3). These
statements strongly imply that there are those on earth
(unbelievers) whose names are not there.
So, the book of life contains only the names of believers,
and the eternal security of believers ensures that their
names cannot be removed from it. Nor would any believer
want to be removed from it, even if it were possible. Thus,
Moses is not speaking of the book of life here.
The simplest way to understand the book to which Moses
refers is that it is God’s record of those currently living on
earth, and that to have one’s name blotted out of it means
to have one’s life taken away – to die. This fits the context:
Moses’ desire was that the people be spared from death,
and if the Lord was not going to do that then he did not
want to live either. However, God told Moses that there
was no question of him dying: “go, lead the people unto
the place of which I have spoken unto thee” (Ex 32.34) but,
contrastingly, “whosoever hath sinned against me, him will
I blot out of my book” (v 33); that is, he would die.
So, the book referred to in Exodus 32.32 is the record of
everyone presently alive in the world (both believers and
unbelievers). People are added to it when they are born,
and removed from it when they die. In contrast, the book
of life records those with eternal life (that is, believers
only). People are added to it when they are born again,
and they can never be removed from it.
David McAllister
Will there be nations in the eternal state?
This question might not seem to be of much significance,
but it opens up the wider point of how we are to under-
stand Revelation 21.9 - 22.5. From the marriage of the Lamb,
at the beginning of chapter 19, through to the description of
the eternal state, concluding in chapter 21 verse 8, events are
described in chronological order. There are good reasons for
thinking that from 21.9 to 22.5 there is a retrospective descrip-
tion of the conditions that prevail in the Millennium, from a
new standpoint.
It is generally agreed that Revelation 21.1-8 refers to the
eternal state. This is described as “the day of God” (2
Pet 3.12), when God will be “all in all” (1 Cor 15.28). It is
no surprise, therefore, that in verses 1-8 there is a clear
emphasis on God, whereas from verse 9 onwards there is
an emphasis on God and the Lamb.
The two sections are further distinguished by the description
of the Lord Jesus. He is described as “the Lamb” in relation
to the marriage and the marriage supper in chapter 19, and in
21.9 the Church is “the bride, the Lamb’s wife”. In fact, this is
the first of seven references to the Lamb in the section from
21.9 to 22.5. This is because all that is described is the fruit
of Calvary. He has redeemed the purchased possession, and
the bride at His side is the firstfruits of His redemptive work.
However, in the eternal state, the Church is eternally seen as
a bride adorned for “her husband” (21.2), viewed not so much
as the fruit of Calvary but as the eternal object of His love.
The eternal thought will have been achieved.
In the eternal state, Revelation 21.1-8, God has to do with
“men” (v 3). Here there is no reference to kings and nations.
God will then have finished with man’s government of men
as there will be no evil to repress. Peter speaks of new
heavens and a new earth, “wherein dwelleth righteous-
ness” (2 Pet 3.13). The character of Revelation 21.9 - 22.5
is different. Everything is connected to time. There are
geographical locations (21.13), measurements (v 15), divi-
sions of time (22.2), and nations (21.24, 26; 22.2), none of
which characterise the description of the eternal state.
There is no suggestion, therefore, here or elsewhere, that
there will be nations in the eternal state.
Ian Jackson
21
THE INCARNATION OF THE LORD JESUS (1)
The entire Christian faith hangs on the vital doctrine
of the incarnation of Christ. It was firmly believed
by the early Church and, with every member of
the Godhead being actively involved, our view of it
projects our theological stance, reveals our spiritual
state, and affects our eternal destiny (Jn 8.23-24; 1
Jn 4.2-3).
He who is the “Father of Eternity” entered time
(Isa 9.6, JND1). Having been forever enthroned in
the splendour of holiness, at the centre of angelic
worship (6.1-3), He “was made a little lower than
the angels for the suffering of death” (Heb 2.9). The
eternal “Word was made flesh, and dwelt among
us” (Jn 1.1, 14). As the Son of the Father, He “came
down from heaven, not to do [His] own will, but the
will of him that sent [Him]” (6.38). Being the living
bread, He came down to give His flesh “for the life
of the world” (v 51). The Son of God added a spot-
less human body to deity (Col 2.9; 1 Tim 3.16). With
the utmost humility, “Christ Jesus: Who, being in the
form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with
God … made himself of no reputation, and took upon
him the form of a servant, and was made in the like-
ness of men” (Phil 2.5-7).
At His incarnation, the Son of God retained every
attribute of deity. The psalmist testified to the
divine nature of Messiah when he wrote “Thy
throne, O God, is for ever and ever” (Ps 45.6). Isaiah
prophesied of Him being named “Emmanuel, which
being interpreted is, God with us” (Isa 7.14; Mt 1.23).
Jeremiah foresaw Israel’s future King “called, THE
LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS” (Jer 23.6). When
God brought “the first begotten into the world, he
saith, And let all the angels of God worship him”
(Heb 1.6; cf Ps 97.7).
22
Jeremy Gibson, Derby, England
Christ’s words and actions affirmed His deity. When
the Lord Jesus said “My Father worketh hitherto,
and I work” (Jn 5.17), the Jews knew full well that He
“was making a unique claim upon the fatherhood
of God. He was the Father of Christ in a manner in
which He was not the Father of anyone else.”2 Christ’s
words, “before Abraham was, I am” (8.58), were an
unequivocal claim to be the eternally self-existent and
self-sufficient God, who predated Abraham (cf Ex 3.13-
14). “The Greek text reads prim Abraham genesthai
ego eimi (literally, “Before Abraham came to be, I
am”).”3 Christ accepted and commended worship (Mt
8.2; 9.18; 14.33; 15.25; 28.9, 17), forgave sins (9.1-8; cf Ex
34.7), walked on stormy waves (14.25; cf Job 9.8), and
even raised the dead (Jn 12.1; cf 1 Sam 2.6). These all
attested to His deity.
The irreversible and indivisible unity between Christ’s
divine and human natures following the incarnation
explains some apparent paradoxes. Immutable (Heb
13.8; cf Ps 102.27) and uncontainable, He who “filleth
all in all” (Eph 1.23; cf 1 Kgs 8.27) humbly entered
Mary’s womb. For nine months His tiny body grew
steadily, dependent upon Mary, while simultane-
ously upholding the universe (Heb 1.3). Although He
hungered in the wilderness while tempted by the devil
(Mt 4.1-2), He could feed thousands of men, women
and children in a desert place (14.13-21; cf Ex 16).
While Jehovah neither slumbers nor sleeps, Christ
Jesus “was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a
pillow” (Ps 121.4; Mk 4.38). Yet, as soon as “he arose,
and [with omnipotent power] rebuked the wind, and
said unto the sea, Peace, be still … the wind ceased,
and there was a great calm” (v 39; cf Ps 65.7; 89.9). On
the Mount of Transfiguration His divine glory shone
visibly from His body of flesh and blood (Mt 17.2).
Although the Son of God knows everything, is able to
read all hearts (Jn 2.24; cf 1 Sam 16.7; 1 Kgs 8.39; Prov
15.11), and in Him “are hid all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge” (Col 2.3; cf Prov 8), He voluntarily
withheld from His conscious knowledge the day of
His glorious return (Mt 24.36). Even though in His
human body the Saviour experienced the restriction
of locality, He remained omnipresent (cf Ps 139.8-12).
He saw Nathaniel before meeting him (Jn 1.48), He
was in Heaven while speaking to Nicodemus on earth
(3.13), and with ease He healed the nobleman’s son at
a distance (4.46-54).
The incarnation brought a materialisation to the
Old Testament anthropomorphic depictions of
God. David’s words, “when I consider thy heavens,
the work of thy fingers”, expressed, in human terms,
the incomparable skill of a creator God (Ps 8.3).
When Isaiah wrote “the Lord hath made bare his
holy arm in the eyes of all the nations” (Isa 52.10), he
conveyed the idea of an omnipotent Saviour. Zecha-
riah’s phrase “the eyes of the Lord, which run to and
fro through the whole earth” (Zech 4.10) ascribed
to Jehovah the twin attributes of omniscience (all
knowledge) and omnipresence (all presence). Since
God is spirit, He does not have fingers, or an arm, or
eyes (Jn 4.24). But, at the incarnation, this language
was realised literally.
THE INCARNATION IS
A WONDERFUL TRUTH,
FAR BEYOND OUR
UNDERSTANDING.
One of Jehovah’s titles must have perplexed Old Testa-
ment saints. How could the unapproachable Jehovah be
so closely linked to Israel as to be their Goēl – Kinsman-
Redeemer (Isa 43.14)? The incarnation answered this
question. By becoming a true Jewish man, Christ iden-
tified Himself with Israel in particular, and mankind in
general. Having a blood-based circulatory system, and
being entirely free from sin, He offered Himself as a
flawless sacrifice for sinners, bearing “the sin of many”,
and redeeming by His “precious blood” (Isa 53.12; Heb
9.14, 28; 1 Pet 1.19, 2.24; 1 Jn 3.5).
During the Old Testament era the overwhelming
brightness of God’s glory prevented any mortal
from surviving a face-to-face encounter with Him
(Ex 33.20). When God descended on Mount Sinai,
Moses was ordered to “set bounds unto the people
round about … whosoever toucheth the mount shall
be surely put to death” (19.12). The incarnation gave
human beings a full and accessible revelation of God
(Jn 1.18). “God, who commanded the light to shine
out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give
the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor 4.6). He is “the image of
the invisible God … the brightness of his glory, and
the express image of his person” (Col 1.15; Heb 1.3).
When God created Adam “in [His] image, after
[His] likeness” (Gen 1.26) it was in anticipation of
the incarnation, Adam’s body being a kind of proto-
type of the body God would prepare for Christ
(Rom 5.14; Heb 10.5). But, while Adam’s representa-
tion of God was limited, the revelation which the
Saviour gave was so complete that He could make
the astonishing assertion “he that hath seen me
hath seen the Father” (Jn 14.9). In contrast to the
distance of Sinai, the Son of God was “heard … seen
with … eyes … handled” (1 Jn 1.1).
Unlike Adam, who would always have had the
capacity to sin, His miraculous conception ensured
that the Lord Jesus was forever impeccable (inca-
pable of sinning). Although sent “in the likeness of
sinful flesh” (Rom 8.3), He was “that holy thing”
(Lk 1.35), the seed of the woman (Gen 3.15), who
inherited none of Adam’s sinful nature. This untar-
nished purity meant that He could experience the
full depth of human suffering and the severest form
of satanic temptation, yet always without sin. Such
a first-hand experience of human trials equipped
Him to be this world’s righteous Judge (Jn 5.22), as
well as being His people’s sympathetic High Priest
(Heb 2.16-18; 4.14-15; 5.6-8) and flawless example (1
Pet 2.21).
The incarnation is a wonderful truth, far beyond our
understanding. The only appropriate response is to
believe it, and to fall down in adoring worship before
our unfathomable God.
1
J N Darby, The Holy Scriptures - A New Translation from the
Original Languages.
2
Robert Gromacki, The Virgin Birth (Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel
Publications, 2nd ed, 2002), p 53.
3
Ibid, pp 50-51.
(To be continued …)
23
BELIEVER’S
BOOKSHELF
A Great Blessing To Me by Grant Gordon, published by Christian Focus Publications, 2016, and available
from John Ritchie Ltd; 220 pages. Price was £8.99 now £6.99 (9781781917152)

The sub-title John Newton Encounters George Whitefield more speciically describes what this
book is about. Grant Gordon’s detailed knowledge of the historical background of Whiteield
(1714-1770) and Newton (1725-1807), and his access to many of their manuscripts, have enabled
him to describe and analyse the inluence these men had on each other and their ministries.
The book is partly detailed historical narrative and partly analytical. It begins with short,
but comprehensive, biographies of the two men up to their irst meeting in 1755. During the
seven years at sea since his remarkable conversion, Newton’s spiritual life had been isolated
from the evangelical movement which was sweeping through England and America. He seized
the moment to make up for this, and went to London as soon as possible to hear Whiteield
preaching. He was captivated, and returned frequently for private conversation on many points
of doctrine. These were Newton’s formative years.
His subsequent ministry at Olney is described, and Whiteield came to Olney several times at Newton’s request.
Although oten separated from each other, their mutual friendship and the “great blessing to me” which Newton spoke
of never diminished until Whiteield’s sudden death in America. Notes of the funeral sermon preached by Newton in
London are in Chapter 5.
Bert Cargill

The Inner Chamber and The Inner Life by Andrew Murray; available from John Ritchie
Ltd. Price £10.99 (9781629118338)

The 36 short chapters of this very challenging book will give the discerning reader much food
for thought. Its author, Andrew Murray (1828-1917), was a Dutch Reformed minister in South
Africa, and many of the chapters were originally published as magazine articles in The South
African Pioneer. This means that each chapter can be read in isolation, and it is perhaps best to
approach the book in this way rather than reading it through from cover to cover.
In many ways it is reminiscent of the writings of A W Tozer - the major theme is that it is vital for
each believer to have a genuine, habitual walk with God, rather than being satisied with a merely
theoretical Christianity. The author gives examples from the lives of Moses, Eljah and the Lord Jesus Himself, and draws
practical lessons about the need for reality in Christian experience. Particular emphasis is laid on the importance of
starting each day in the presence of God in order to draw strength for what the day will bring.
Thought-provoking statements abound: “[there is a] danger of substituting prayer and Bible study for living fellowship
with God” (p 12); “prayer is an index of the spiritual life” (p 23); “[doing the will of God] proves whether it is a god of my
own sentiment and imagination that I confess, or the true and living God who rules and works all” (p 46). There are many
similar quotes that will cause the reader to examine whether his or her own spiritual life is what it ought to be.
Not everyone will agree with all that Andrew Murray believed, nor with everything that he says in this book, but it is
nevertheless a challenging read. Taking time to read and consider one chapter a day (as an addition, not an alternative,
to daily Scripture reading!) would make for a very proitable month.
Michael Wilkie

24
Managing Your Family’s High-Tech Habits by Arnie Cole, Pam Ovwigho and Michael Ross; available from
John Ritchie Ltd. Price £5.99 (9781630583736)

This litle book deals with what is an important and very relevant modern-day subject: the use
(and particularly the abuse) of digital technology and the internet. If the statistics contained in it
are to be believed (and I have no reason to doubt them), it also deals with what is a bigger problem
among believers than we might think. The three authors of the book come from an evangelical,
non-assembly background, and we might console ourselves that they are writing about a situation
that exists ‘out there’. We should not be so readily fooled.
The book is writen in a straightforward, easy-to-read style, and the authors write frankly about
both the time-wasting aspects of technology and its dangers, including subjects such as social
media and pornography. The book also explains the efect that 24/7 connection can have on our brains, our behaviour
and our relationships: much, perhaps most, of it damaging.
Chapter 10 is the best part of the book as it gets down to the important subject of ‘Biblical Solutions for a More Balanced
Life’. As believers, the Word of God is what feeds us. Statistics and data are all very well, but Bible-based instruction is key.
The ive Scriptural lessons in this chapter are very important, and I was disappointed that they did not form a larger part
of the book. While the book recognises that technology is a central part of our lives, I felt that it was too accepting of
this. As believers, we should never forget that these things are part of the world system: most of the material available
on the internet is, ater all, called the ‘World Wide Web’.
Andrew Grieve

Prove It by Paul McCauley, 2017; John Ritchie Ltd; Price £8.50 (9781871642872)

Paul McCauley is not defensive about the Bible, and he doesn’t want us to be defensive
either. His objective in writing this book is twofold. Firstly, to give the believer conidence in
the Word of God so that they will feel no need to blush when they say that they are a Bible-
believing Christian. Secondly, to challenge the unbeliever with the reality that the Bible is
demonstrably the Word of God, and that we are responsible to bow to its message.
He aims to prove the authenticity of the Word of God using ive proofs based on the ive
leters of the word ‘PROVE’: Prophecy, Reality, Oneness, Veriication and Experience. It is a
comprehensive treatment of the subject, and is writen very much in Paul’s own individual
style. If you have ever heard Paul preach, that is the lavour of this book: he is not writing
in a theoretical way. Much of the material he presents he has used in personal evangelism,
where he has encountered many people who are either nonchalant or antagonistic towards
the Bible. He doesn’t claim to be presenting ‘knock down’ arguments that will remove the
objections of every opponent, but he will give you insights and conidence to present the claims of Scripture and the
Gospel to any fair-minded hearer, and help you in dealing with the people you encounter in your daily Gospel witness.
There are parts of the book which are necessarily quite technical, but Paul keeps a proper balance between the ‘hard’
arguments from apologetics and the ‘sot’ arguments from spiritual experience. The book is a good read, and you should
be able to get through it in about seven hours.
Andrew Grieve

25
WITH CHRIST
In view of the number of obituary notices the publishers are requested to insert, we ask those who submit
them to keep them as succinct as possible. All obituaries will be edited with the utmost care and respect.
Mrs Barbara Joan Freeman, aged 85, was called into
the presence of the Lord on 28th August, having been
associated with the Ormeau Road assembly from her
earliest days. As a girl she always wanted to help, even
in the marking of the little attendance cards which were
used for the Children’s Meetings, and being involved in
helpful activity gave her great satisfaction. Following
her marriage to Jim Freeman they continued in the
Ormeau Road assembly until, due to political unrest in
the area, the assembly moved to Laganvale. Joan had
a great interest in missionary work, and continued this
interest until she fell ill and was moved to Faith House
Residential Home. It was always a pleasure to accept an
invitation to their comfortable home, where her activity
as she busied herself preparing a lovely meal for her
guests will be missed, and where the singing led by Jim
was much enjoyed. We miss her, but look forward to
the moment of reunion around our adorable Lord.
Mrs Lila Gilmour, aged 79, went Home to be with
her Saviour on 9th October. Lila was saved as a girl of
11 on 6th November 1950 in a potato field, through the
words of the hymn ‘Just as I am’. She was received into
fellowship in Gorteade assembly a few years later, and
her steadfast Christian testimony was an example to all
who knew her. Her husband David, who predeceased
her by five years, was saved at meetings conducted by
John Thompson. She will be sorely missed as a faithful
member of the Gorteade assembly, and also by her
sister Wilma, brother-in-law Robert, and the entire
family circle, who tended to her faithfully during her
illness. Her funeral service was conducted by John
Rogers and David McGarvey, assisted in prayer by
Jonathan Buchanan and Wesley Martin.
Mr Ian Glasgow, late of Drumnamalta Road,
Cookstown, went to be with Christ on 3rd August from
Craigavon Area Hospital, surrounded by his family.
Ian was the beloved husband of the late Florence,
much-loved father of Rhoda, Shirley, Nigel and Freddy,
father-in-law of Roy, Richard, Phyllis and Kim, and a
loving grandfather and great-grandfather. A service of
thanksgiving was held in Killycurragh Gospel Hall on 5th
August, followed by interment in Cookstown Cemetery.
Ian will be lovingly remembered by the entire family
circle. “With Christ; which is far better” (Phil 1.23).
26
Miss Frances Graham of Castlewellan, aged 93,
passed into the presence of the Lord peacefully on
25th September. Frances was saved by the grace of
God on 21st October 1938, while attending Gospel
Meetings conducted by the late Robert Hawthorne in
Wallace Avenue Gospel Hall, Lisburn. After a solemn
meeting on the Great White Throne judgment,
Frances trusted the Lord Jesus as the congregation
sang the closing hymn, “Come, every soul by sin
oppressed … Only trust Him … Only trust Him now”.
Her father’s employment moved the family first to
Newcastle and then, in 1955, to Castlewellan. For over
63 years Frances lived in this small provincial town as
a shining testimony of the grace of God to neighbours
and townsfolk. She and her late mother contributed
much to the work of the Lord in the area, evidenced
by their entertaining of the Lord’s servants and their
support of the Gospel. Her large funeral saw many
local neighbours, along with friends from all over
Northern Ireland, come to the Gospel Hall and later
to Drumnee Cemetery, where they heard the Gospel
plainly presented. The funeral service, arranged by
herself, was conducted by her two nephews-in-law,
with local brethren sharing.
Mrs Annie (Anne) Magill (née Gallagher), aged
92, was called Home to be with the Lord on 22nd
September. She was a native of Banbridge, Co Down,
having been born there on 20th April 1926. Anne was
saved in the village of Donaghcloney on 1st September
1954 through the preaching of Mr Bunting. Her
husband-to-be, Sammy Magill from Donaghcloney,
was saved three days later. They were later married,
and eventually went to reside in Banbridge. Her
husband predeceased her by just over a year and a
half, and she greatly missed him. She was in fellow-
ship for many years in the local assembly that gathers
in Victoria Street, Banbridge, where she attended
until family caring commitments and, eventually,
illness hindered her in the latter years of her life. She
was a generous and caring sister who showed this
forth to all she came into contact with. Her funeral
service in the Gospel Hall, Banbridge was shared by J
Rogers, S Dawson and A Petrie. Prayer is requested,
and very much valued, for her daughters, son and
grandchildren.
Mrs Margaret Robinson went to be with Christ
on 1st October, in her 78th year. She was saved in
February 1957 as a girl of 16, while attending meet-
ings in Edenderry Gospel Hall conducted by the
late Edmund Allen and W J Nesbitt. That moment
secured her eternal destiny and set her life’s course
to live for Christ. Shortly afterwards she was
baptised and received into the assembly meeting
in Edenderry. Margaret was held in high esteem by
all, and was consistent in her attendance at all the
assembly meetings. She was a willing worker, dili-
gent in giving help, given to hospitality, and a true
friend in times of need. As her health began to fail
in the past few years she was greatly disappointed
THE LORD'S WORK AND WORKERS
SCOTLAND
The assembly in Buckie has been encouraged again
by this year’s Holiday Kids Club in October which, as
before, was taken by Richard Smith from Bridge of
Weir. Well over 100 children came each day to hear
stories from the Bible, sing choruses, and commit to
memory a verse from God’s Word.
Over 160 children heard the Gospel throughout the
week, and on the Parent’s Night the Hall was full to
capacity, with around 320 people sitting or standing
wherever space could be found. A simple Gospel
message was presented, and the believers’ prayer is
that the joy of salvation will come into the lives of
these children and their parents.
Every day some believers from the Cullen assembly
came along to help, which was very much appreciated.
It is always a joy to see believers working well together
in the Gospel.
A similar Bible Week for children was held in
Peterhead, with nearly 100 children coming each
morning during the schools’ mid-term holiday.
Different local brethren gave the key message each
day, while others in the assembly willingly supported
the work in a variety of ways at the York Street Hall.
A large number of parents also came to the final
meeting on the Friday, where the Gospel was clearly
presented.
when she was unable to attend some of the meet-
ings, but she maintained a keen interest throughout
her illness. Her courage and strength in adversity
was a great example to all the believers and, even
in the midst of these difficulties, she was able to
maintain a happy disposition, sharp wit and sense of
humour. Her very large funeral from Ballymagarrick
Gospel Hall was conducted by Keith Henderson and
David Gilliland, with Andrew Steele preaching the
Gospel at the graveside. Margaret’s homecall is a
great loss to her husband Ernest, sons Maurice and
Trevor, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, the wider
family circle, and the saints at Edenderry. She will
be sorely missed.
ENGLAND
Tim Coltman’s WW1 presentation, based on the life of
William Coltman VC and entitled The Story of the Two
Crosses, is still being used to reach many with the Gospel.
In October, over 1,000 were reached in this way, all of
whom also received a tract. The believers at the Spencer
Bridge Road Gospel Hall, Northampton hired the
Towcester Town Hall on 12th October for a presentation,
and 25 visitors from the town attentively listened to
the Gospel. Many good conversations were held at the
end. From September to December Tim has over 70
presentations planned, and many bookings have been
taken for 2019. Prayer is valued for this ongoing work.
In Bath, a Seed Sowers effort in October saw a good
number of believers coming together to give out 20,000
packets of Gospel literature, and Jim McMaster gave
helpful ministry.
In Hanslope, J Black and P Scarsbrook had two weeks
of Gospel Meetings in October, with a few new people
coming to hear the Gospel.
WALES
At Adamsdown, Cardiff, a week of Gospel Meetings
was held in September with H Rees. Many invitations
with Gospel texts were distributed, and some good
conversations were held on the streets and at people’s
27
doors. Each evening saw unbelievers present, some
of whom had serious conversations after the meet-
ings and accepted copies of John’s Gospel. The saints
were encouraged, and request prayer for the Lord’s
continued blessing.
End-of-Year Opportunities
December brings the opportunity to use the Christmas
season once again to point people to Christ Himself.
Secularists and humanists want to obliterate any
reference to the advent of the Saviour, and commercial
interests smother it in their high-profile drive to sell
things. We can try to offset this, distributing Christmas
tracts and booklets, as well as 2019 Gospel calendars,
to our friends and in our own communities. There
are plenty of good ones to choose from. We can also
invite folk to our Christmas Carol Services since many
local people seem more willing to come into our Halls
then than at other times. As they listen to the Gospel
carefully and faithfully presented, pray that minds and
hearts will be opened to the Saviour’s call. Contacts
already made in schools and Care Homes can be built
on, along with efforts made to show kindness and care
to the homeless and destitute in many of our towns
and cities. May the Lord help us, for it is “in the midst
of a crooked and perverse nation [that we] shine as
lights in the world” (Phil 2.15).
NORTHERN IRELAND
BELFAST
Ballyduff: D McGarvey was with the assembly during
September for well-attended Gospel Meetings.
Surrounding assemblies gave good support, which
was very much appreciated. Blessing in salvation was
experienced.
Edenderry: J Fleck was with the assembly for four
nights of ministry on ‘Special characteristics unique to
the present time’. The meetings were well attended,
and the assembly was helped by the encouraging
nature of the ministry.
CO ANTRIM
Antrim: Gospel Meetings in October with E Fairfield
attracted good attendance, including some children
from the Sunday School. 7,000 specially-designed
invitation cards were distributed in the town and
many homes were visited. Support from surrounding
assemblies was much appreciated and, because of the
interest, it was decided to continue the meetings for
a further week.
28
Ballintoy: J Black and J Rogers are expected for
Gospel Meetings early in January.
Ballymoney: The assembly was greatly encouraged by
the diversity and number of unbelievers who attended
throughout the entire series of Gospel Meetings
with W Martin and T Armstrong. Even at the closing
meeting some were there for the first time. News of
blessing in salvation also brought much joy.
Ballyvaddy: The assembly enjoyed a week of very
helpful, challenging and encouraging ministry from J
Hay. The meetings were very well attended and the
assembly was encouraged.
Broughshane: W Martin and D Strahan have
commenced Gospel Meetings in a portable hall at
Eaton Park on the outskirts of the village. Prayer is
requested for this needy area.
Harryville: The assembly enjoyed a week of Bible
Readings conducted by D McAllister on ‘The Seven
Churches’ in Revelation. They were fairly well
attended, with good participation, and proved to be
most profitable.
Portrush: During October, the assembly had a most
encouraging and extremely helpful visit from D Rudge.
His subject was ‘Old Testament Foreshadowings of
Christ and Calvary’, and the saints were refreshed
by a renewed and unique view of the Saviour. Once
again, the support and encouragement of surrounding
assemblies was greatly appreciated.
CO DOWN
Ballymacashan: Gospel Meetings conducted
by J Fleck and S Gilfillan have commenced, with
encouraging numbers of local people attending.
Ballymagarrick: The assembly is very thankful to be
able to resume meetings in the refurbished Gospel Hall
after an arson attack in February. The contractor who
originally built the Hall in 2000 was responsible for the
extensive repair work, and all agree that the building
has once again been completed to an exceptionally
high standard. The new Hall opened with a week of very
well-attended Gospel Meetings, during which many,
including not a few from the local area, came to hear the
Gospel suitably preached by J Procopio (Canada) and D
Gilliland. The Lord’s presence and help were clearly in
evidence during these meetings. The week concluded
with a Ministry Meeting on Saturday 6th October, when
J Procopio spoke with great profit to a full Hall on the
subject ‘Job’s trust in the midst of trial’.
The assembly also convened their annual Conference
on Saturday 13th October (re-scheduled after the
usual date of 13th July had to be postponed due
to reconstruction work), and a capacity company
gathered to hear challenging and refreshing ministry
from M Radcliffe, D Gilliland, A Sinclair, M Penfold,
D Strahan and R Pickering. This was a profitable and
encouraging day for all present. Prayer will be valued
for the preservation of the new building, as well as for
the blessing and preservation of the assembly.
Please note: The assembly intends in future, God
willing, to continue to hold the Conference on the 2nd
Saturday in October.
Banbridge: Gospel Meetings being conducted by J
Rogers and D Gilliland in a showroom on the Newry
Road are being very well attended, especially by people
from the vicinity.
Dromore: A Steele and P Tinsley have concluded
Gospel Meetings held in a portable hall on the
outskirts of the town. The assembly was encouraged
by blessing in salvation, and by the good attendance
of local people.
Kilkeel: D Strahan was with the assembly for one
week of well-attended and profitable ministry. His
subject was ‘The week that changed the world’, and
over the five nights he spoke on ‘The Fragrance’, ‘The
Foal’, ‘The Farthing’, ‘The Feet’ and ‘The Faithful’.
Shanaghan: The Annual Conference was well
attended, and very helpful ministry was given by
A Davidson, T Meekin, J Procopio, U Ussher, B
Glendinning, E Fairfield and J Fleck.
FORTHCOMING MEETINGS (DV)
Please note: All material relating to forthcoming meetings, holiday homes and personalia for the February 2019
issue of Believer's Magazine must be submitted by 3rd January 2019. Please send to graphics@johnritchie.co.uk
SCOTLAND
DECEMBER 1
Culloden: Gospel Hall, Keppoch Road at 7.30pm. D
Mowat. Subject: ‘Gethsemane’.
Gorgie: Gorgie Gospel Hall, Edinburgh at 7.00pm.
Bible Reading (1 John 2.7-29: ‘Overcoming Error and
Abiding in the Truth’).
Hamilton: Low Waters Gospel Hall at 6.30pm. A Sinclair,
C Lacey. Mr Lacey continues on Lord’s Day at 3.15pm and
6.45pm.
Kennoway: Arnot Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. R Cargill.
Kilmarnock: Elim Hall, Cuthbert Place at 7.00pm. G
Edwards (both sessions).
CO LONDONDERRY
Bellaghy: The assembly enjoyed a report by S
Ussher from Venezuela. A young sister was also
recently baptised and received into assembly
fellowship.
Limavady: The saints enjoyed, and were greatly
encouraged by, a week of profitable ministry on
the Epistle of James from E Fairfield. There was
good support from surrounding assemblies, and
a number of believers outside of assembly fellow-
ship attended too. Many saints commented on how
helpful the ministry had been.
A Caldwell was also in Limavady for a very encour-
aging week of Children’s Meetings at the end of
September, when his subject was ‘The Character of
Joseph’.
Portstewart: The Gospel was clearly and faith-
fully preached by D McGarvey in the Cromore Halt
Restaurant. Neighbouring assemblies gave excep-
tional support, and the Lord granted blessing when
a lady professed to be saved.
CO TYRONE
Donemana: The assembly held its Annual Confer-
ence on 18th October. The speakers were J Hay, J
Wishart, D Gilliland, R Wilson and D Armstrong. The
ministry given was much appreciated.
Livingston: Gospel Hall, Deans at 6.30pm. A Summers,
K A Munro.
Perth: Gospel Hall, Huntingtower Road, West Edge at
7.00pm. P McCauley.
Shieldhill: Gospel Hall at 6.30pm. J Black (Ministry
and Report).
DECEMBER 8
Aberdeen: Holburn Gospel Hall, 220 Holburn Street
at 7.30pm. S Banks.
Bridge of Weir: Hope Hall at 7.00pm. S Gillespie.
Lossiemouth: James Street Gospel Hall at 7.30pm.
I Lewis.
Mayfield: Gospel Hall, Stone Avenue at 6.30pm. J
Thompson, G Stewart.
29
Methil: Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. D Gillies.
New Stevenston: Assembly Hall at 6.30pm. M Wilkie,
W Banks.
Prestwick: Bethany Hall, Glenburn at 7.00pm. J Hay.
Tayport: Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. A deVille.
DECEMBER 15
Ayr: Gospel Hall, Prestwick Road at 7.00pm. Ministry
and Bible Reading (Revelation 20.11-15). J Hay.
Barrhead: Gospel Hall at 7.00pm. F Munro.
Forres: Caroline Street Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. I
Murray.
Gourock: Bethany Hall, Drumshantie Road PA19 1RU
at 7.00pm. S Grant.
Luthermuir: Gospel Hall, Church Road at 7.30pm. B
Martin.
Newton Stewart: Gospel Hall, Jubilee Road at
4.00pm. D Miller.
DECEMBER 22
Aberdeen: Fountain Hall, Woodside at 7.30pm. I Grant.
DECEMBER 31
Glencraig: Gospel Hall. Annual Conference at 3.00pm
and 6.00pm in Rothes Halls, Kingdom Shopping Centre,
Glenrothes KY7 5NX. Ample parking and crèche facilities
are available. Ministering brethren expected. Supper will
be served afterwards in the Glencraig Gospel Hall.
DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 1
Hamilton: High Parks Gospel Hall. Monday 31st at
6.45pm. R Catchpole, A Summers. Tuesday 1st at 1.15pm,
Conference in High Parks Gospel Hall. R Catchpole, C
Munro, A Summers.
JANUARY 1
Ayr: Woodpark Assembly. Conference in Riverside
Evangelical Church, Ayr at 1.30pm. K Binnie, J Dunlop,
A Gamble.
Kennoway: Arnot Gospel Hall. Conference to be held
in Kirkcaldy Gospel Hall, Hayfield Road at 2.30pm. J
Hay, A Sinclair, M Wishart. Mr Wishart will also give a
report on the Lord’s Work in India. (See box advert.)
New Stevenston: Assembly Hall. Annual Conference in
Holytown Parish Church at 11.30am. E Fairfield, P Coulson,
J Coltman. (Please note change of venue.)
JANUARY 2
Cowdenbeath: Union Hall, Broad Street at 6.30pm. A
Sinclair (Ministry), N McMeekin (Report).
Methil: Gospel Hall. Annual Conference at 3.00pm
and 6.00pm. J Hay, C Hutchison, B Martin.
30
New Stevenston: Assembly Hall at 6.30pm. J Coltman,
P Coulson.
JANUARY 5
Culloden: Gospel Hall, Keppoch Road at 7.30pm. A
Summers. Subject: ‘Gabbatha’.
Gorgie: Gorgie Gospel Hall, Edinburgh at 7.00pm.
Bible Reading (1 John 3.1-24: ‘Reality Checks for the
Children of God’).
Hamilton: Low Waters Gospel Hall at 6.30pm. J Dunlop,
G Woods. Mr Woods continues on Lord’s Day at 3.15pm
and 6.45pm.
Kennoway: Arnot Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. B Martin.
Livingston: Gospel Hall, Deans at 6.30pm. I Steele, S
Arbuthnot.
ENGLAND
DECEMBER 1
Ash Vale: Ash Vale Christian Assembly at 6.45pm. A Henry.
Corby: Gospel Hall, Rockingham Road at 7.00pm. D
Scarsbrook.
Ely: Gospel Hall, Ship Lane at 7.00pm. S Baker. Mr
Baker continues on Lord’s Day at 4.00pm and Monday
to Wednesday at 7.45pm.
Great Yarmouth: Gospel Hall, Kitchener Road at
7.30pm. K Totton.
Jarrow: Gospel Hall, Cambrian Street. Bible Reading at
4.00pm, Ministry at 6.45pm. S Grant.
Leeds: Harehills Gospel Hall, Hovingham Avenue at
7.30pm. P Kaye.
Luton: Selbourne Gospel Hall, Waller Avenue at
6.30pm. M Anness.
Prestwich: Gospel Hall, Venwood Road at 7.00pm.
J Riddle.
Westcliff-on-Sea: Gospel Hall, Carlton Avenue at
7.30pm. D Rudge.
West Mersea: Assembly Hall, East Road at 4.00pm
and 6.00pm. M Hall.
Wimborne: Emmanuel Gospel Hall at 7.00pm. R Hill.
DECEMBER 8
Bromborough: Gospel Hall, The Rake at 7.30pm.
A Gamble. Mr Gamble continues on Lord’s Day at
8.30pm and Monday at 8.00pm.
Cheshunt: Mill Lane Chapel at 7.00pm. J Lee.
Derby: The Meeting Room, Curzon Street at 7.15pm.
J Holifield.
Leeds: Harehills Gospel Hall, Hovingham Avenue at
7.30pm. R Collings. Mr Collings continues in ministry
on Lord’s Day at 4.30pm.
Leicester: York Street Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. M Lacey.
Redditch: Foxlydiate Crescent Gospel Hall at 7.00pm.
S Dunn.
Warrington: Hope Hall, Hawthorne Street at 7.00pm.
R Revie. Mr Revie continues in ministry on Monday at
7.30pm.
DECEMBER 15
Cheltenham: Bethany Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. S
Buckeridge.
Mitcham Junction: Gospel Hall, Percy Road. Bible
Reading at 7.00pm (Philippians 4.11-23). I Jackson.
Peterborough: Orton Gospel Hall, Malborne Way at
7.00pm. M Buckeridge.
Stoke-on-Trent: Gospel Hall, Fletcher Road at
7.00pm. J Black.
JANUARY 1
Ash Vale: Ash Vale Christian Assembly. Annual
Conference at 3.30pm and 6.00pm. I Jackson.
Manchester: New Year Conference in Pendlebury
Evangelical Church, Bolton Road, Swinton M27 8TD at
3.00pm and 6.00pm. M Hall, D E West.
Plymouth: Wolseley Road Gospel Hall at 3.30pm and
6.00pm. E Parmenter.
JANUARY 4
Port Talbot: Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. H Rees.
JANUARY 5
Ely: Gospel Hall, Ship Lane at 7.00pm. J Ramsey. Mr
Ramsey continues on Lord’s Day at 4.00pm.
Huyton: Bethany Hall. Liverpool & District Conference
at 3.00pm and 6.15pm. I Jackson, C Hutchison. Mr
Jackson continues in ministry from Monday to
Thursday at 8.00pm.
Jarrow: Gospel Hall, Cambrian Street. Bible Reading at
4.00pm, Ministry at 6.45pm. R Hill.
Leeds: Harehills Gospel Hall, Hovingham Avenue at
7.30pm. J Gibson.
Leicester: York Street Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. D Rudge.
Westcliff-on-Sea: Gospel Hall, Carlton Avenue at
7.30pm. R Catchpole.
Wimborne: Emmanuel Gospel Hall at 7.00pm. C
Lacey.
WALES
DECEMBER 1
Cwmbran: Gospel Hall at 7.15pm. G Davies.
Deri: Gospel Hall at 7.00pm. R Collings.
Wrexham: Norman Road Gospel Hall at 7.00pm. M
Cooper.
DECEMBER 7
Port Talbot: Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. K Gibson.
DECEMBER 15
Johnstown, North Wales: Rehoboth Gospel Hall at
7.00pm. W Banks.
DECEMBER 22
Port Talbot: Gospel Hall at 7.00pm. Community Carol
Service. G Evans, R Collings.
JANUARY 5
Deri: Gospel Hall at 7.00pm. H Rees.
NORTHERN IRELAND
NOVEMBER 26-30
Ballymoney: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. P
McCauley.
DECEMBER 1
Armagh: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. D McAllister.
Ballymagarrick: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. J
Rogers.
Ballymena (Cambridge Avenue): Ministry at 8.00pm.
J Hay.
DECEMBER 2-14
Tassagh: Gospel Hall. D Gilliland. Subject: ‘Future
Events in Bible Prophecy’, using a large chart and
with a Gospel application. Lord’s Day at 7.00pm and
Monday to Friday at 8.00pm.
DECEMBER 3-5
Dundonald: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. C Logan.
DECEMBER 3-7
Ballybollan: The assembly is having a week of
conversational Bible Readings on the Book of Ruth,
conducted by J Fleck. Your attendance will be
appreciated.
Dromore: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. S Gilfillan
(Newtownstewart).
DECEMBER 7
Ballyclare: Gospel Hall. Ministry. J Rogers.
Portrush: Gospel Hall. Monthly Ministry Meeting. T
McKillen. Subject: ‘Focusing on the Fundamentals’.
31
DECEMBER 8
Armagh: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Report Meeting. T
Wright (Brazil).
Bangor (Central Hall): Gospel Hall at 7.30pm.
Ministry. D Williamson.
Growell: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. C Logan.
DECEMBER 10-14
Coleraine: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. B Currie.
DECEMBER 26
Buckna: Gospel Hall. Annual Conference at 1.00pm.
Interval at 3.30pm.
Cregagh Street: Gospel Hall at 7.00pm. Annual
Ministry Meeting. W McBride, D Radcliffe. Refresh-
ments provided at the close. All will be made most
welcome.
DECEMBER 27
Belfast: Christmas Conference and Bible Readings.
(See box advert.)
DECEMBER 31
Aughrim: Gospel Hall at 10.00pm. Watchnight Service.
R Hewitt.
Ballymena (Cambridge Avenue): Last Meeting of
the Year at 11.00pm.
Bangor (Central Hall): Gospel Hall at 7.30pm.
Ministry. M Radcliffe.
Fortwilliam: Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. Ministry. P
McCauley.
Sandringham: Gospel Hall at 7.30pm. Ministry. M
Penfold, J Black. Refreshments at the close.
DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 4
Omagh: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. W Martin.
JANUARY 1
Ardmore: New Year’s Night Ministry Meeting at
7.00pm. Refreshments at 8.30pm. J Fleck, C Logan.
Newtownstewart: Gospel Hall. Annual Conference.
Prayer at 12.30pm; Bible Reading from 1.00pm - 2.30pm
(Hebrews 11.1-19). J Fleck. Refreshments at 2.30pm;
Ministry from 3.30pm - 5.30pm. (See box advert.)
JANUARY 5
Ballymagarrick: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. C
Munro. Subject: ‘The Women in Revelation’.
JANUARY 7-11
Ballymagarrick: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. C
Munro. Subject: ‘The Women in Revelation’.
32
Ballymoney: Gospel Hall. Ministry. D McKillen. Subject:
‘Future Events’.
Portrush: Gospel Hall. Ministry. J Fleck.
JANUARY 8
Limavady: Gospel Meetings are expected to commence
in the Town Hall. Speakers: D Gilliland, J Hay.
JANUARY 12
Bangor (Central Hall): Gospel Hall at 7.30pm.
Ministry. W Martin.
Growell: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. S Grant.
JANUARY 13
Ballymena (Cambridge Avenue): Gospel Meetings
are expected to commence, and to continue for a
number of weeks. Speakers: J Fleck, A Steele.
JANUARY 26
Kingsmills: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. S Wells.
JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 1
Newry: Gospel Hall. Ministry. D Gilliland. Subject:
‘Prophetic Subjects’.
FEBRUARY 1
Portrush: Gospel Hall. Ministry. G Woods. Subject:
‘Focusing on the Fundamentals’.
FEBRUARY 2
Ballymagarrick: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. E
Fairfield. Subject: ‘There is Hope in Hebrews’.
FEBRUARY 4-7
Sandringham: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. D
Gilliland.
FEBRUARY 9
Bangor (Central Hall): Gospel Hall at 7.30pm.
Ministry. P McCauley.
Growell: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. M Radcliffe.
FEBRUARY 11-15 & 18-21
Growell: Gospel Hall. Ministry. M Radcliffe. Subject:
‘Tabernacle Studies’.
FEBRUARY 16-21
Glenburn: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. J Hay.
Lord’s Day 17th at 7.00pm.
FEBRUARY 23
Kingsmills: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. A Steele.
MARCH 2
Ballymagarrick: Gospel Hall at 8.00pm. Ministry. A
Summers. Subject: ‘Jewels from Jude’.
MARCH 11
Bangor (Central Hall): Gospel Hall at 7.30pm.
Ministry. E Fairfield.
MARCH 17
Bangor (Central Hall): Gospel Hall. Gospel Meetings
are expected to commence with M Radcliffe and E
Fairfield.
MAY 12-17
Glenburn: Gospel Hall. Ministry. N Emerson.

For audio requirements in your assembly - PA

NOTICES
GENERAL
Birmingham: Students studying at the University
of Birmingham or Newman University will be very
welcome at the assembly meetings in the Gospel
Hall, Quarry Lane, Northfield B31 2QJ.
A letter of commendation would be greatly
appreciated. Contact 0737 5213020 or 0777
3215046.
systems, induction loops for hard of hearing,
radio microphones, video data projectors, screens
etc - contact Andrew Borthwick: telephone 01592
654549 or go to www.acav.co.uk
NI Audio Equipment Hire: PA system available for
hire. Scalable for assembly gatherings of all sizes.
Contact hire@niaudio.com for quote.
We wish to inform believers of the closure of Assembly
Hall, Ogilvie Street, Portessie due to diminished
membership, thanking all who have helped to maintain
a local testimony there for the Lord over the years.

Canterbury: Students studying at Canterbury’s HOLIDAY HOME

universities will be made welcome by the assembly
meeting in Cyprus Road Gospel Hall, Cyprus Road,
Faversham, Kent ME13 8HB.
Email martin_margaret3@yahoo.co.uk or telephone
01795 531614.
Girvan: Holiday let. 3-bedroom, mid-terrace house
with front and rear garden. Near Turnberry Golf
Course. Tel: 07910 268374.

Online Bible DVD (Windows)

This amazing resource provides more than 30 English
Bible translations, including the AV, NKJV, ESV, RSV
and Phillips. It has 45 commentaries, 18 Bible diction-
aries and much more to help you study the Scriptures.
Fast word and verse searches, with over 650,000
cross-references.

£25.00 for new users, £15.00 for existing users.

The complete What The Bible Teaches series linked to

all Bible versions is now available on the Online Bible -
OT £15.00 and NT £15.00.

To order, go to www.onlinebible.co.uk

33
 BELFAST CHRISTMAS
CONFERENCE
Assembly Buildings Conference
Centre, Fisherwick Place,
Belfast BT1 6DW
Thursday 27th December 2018
Bible Reading: 11.00am - 1.30pm
Bible Reading: 2.30pm - 5.00pm
Ministry of the Word: 6.00pm - 8.00pm
Bible Reading Subjects:
1 John 4.7 - 5.3
(The Vitality of Love)
1 John 2.12-29
(The Victory of Faith)
Conducted by Mr P McCauley and
Mr A Summers
NEWTOWNSTEWART
GOSPEL HALL
Annual Meeting for Believers
will be held (DV) in
The Model School,
6 Baronscourt Road,
Newtownstewart BT78 4EX
Tuesday 1st January 2019
Prayer Meeting: 12.30pm - 1.00pm
Bible Reading: 1.00pm - 2.30pm
Refreshments: 2.30pm - 3.30pm
Ministry of the Word: 3.30pm - 5.00pm
Bible Reading Subject: Hebrews 11.1-19
Conducted by Mr J Fleck
EVERYONE HEARTILY WELCOME
(New Gospel Hymnbook Used)

ARNOT GOSPEL HALL

KENNOWAY
New Year Conference to be
held (DV) in
Kirkcaldy Gospel Hall,
Hayfield Road KY2 5DT
(Please note the venue)
Tuesday 1st January 2019
at 2.30pm
Interval for refreshments:
4.30pm - 5.30pm
Speakers expected: Mr J Hay,
Mr A Sinclair, Mr M Wishart (N Ireland)
Mr Wishart will also give a report
of the Lord’s work in India

34
 SPECIAL OFFER

Post & Packing: Orders under £25.00 + £1.95. Orders over £25.00 post free (UK only). Overseas postage charged at cost.

FREEPHONE ORDER LINE 0800 169 2981

Visit our website at www.ritchiechristianmedia.co.uk
 NEW TITLES
THE NEW REVISED BELIEVERS HYMN BOOK
Hymns for collective
and individual worship
A completely new revised Hymn Book with a number of rarely
sung hymns removed and a considerable number of new hymns
The New added. This will enhance the suitability of the Hymn Book not
Believers only for the Breaking of Bread, but also for Ministry Meetings
and Conferences.

• Almost 700 Hymns

£9.99
9781912522385 • Hardback and
Paperback format
Hymns for collect
and individual ive
worship • Quantity discounts will
be available

To view the full listing of hymns, visit www.ritchiechristianmedia.co. uk

The Gifts of Tongues, Healing & Prophecy - Are They Current Today?
he new revised believers.indd 1
Mervyn Wishart 31/10/201

Mervyn has very kindly made copies of this booklet available to Believer’s
Magazine readers free of charge. If you would like to take advantage of the
offer, it can be added to any qualifying post-free order, or sent for a postage/
handling charge of 80p.

Post & Packing: Orders under £25.00 + £1.95. Orders over £25.00 post free (UK only). Overseas postage charged at cost.
TO PLACE AN ORDER: FREEPHONE ORDER LINE 0800 169 2981 - line open 9.00am - 5.00pm Monday - Friday
(Please have your debit or credit card to hand and be ready to quote its number and expiry date)
VISIT www.ritchiechristianmedia.co.uk OR email sales@johnritchie.co.uk

JOHN RITCHIE LTD, 40 BEANSBURN, KILMARNOCK KA3 1RL, SCOTLAND

Telephone 01563 536394 (24-hour answering service)