Evangelical Presbyterian

Mar-Apr 2004 75p

Evangelical Presbyterian
Editor:

is published by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

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

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CONTENTS
Editorial: The Lord of the Rings - Some truth, but not the whole truth. Obituaries Does Scripture condemn or condone homosexuality? B. Elliott The Regions Beyond A New Day Dawning: It is done (Rev. 21:-6-8) S. Atkinson Apologies (2): Why is there something and not nothing? M. Trimble Books etc. Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use On Course with Christiana (2) - Neighbours S. Atkinson Cover Photo: Springtime in Ayrshire - Harold Gibson 1 2 3 8 12 16 21 24 25

Editorial: Tolkiens Middle earth

Sa

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OBITUARIES
Miss Gretta McConnell With greme. Stephen Roger Ballyclare

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Does Scripture Condemn or Condone Homosexuality? Billy Elliottt

This article is based upon a talk given in Richhill EPC on 19th November 2003

All Christians are called to be salt and light but to be effective demands that we accurately identify, properly diagnose and make a correct Biblical response to the real issues of our day. Homosexuality is becoming increasingly acceptable, even fashionable, as an alternative lifestyle. Laws have been passed to legalise it and promote its acceptance as a normal form of behaviour. Christians have a responsibility to openly, willingly and honestly face the issue and find out what Gods Word really does say on this subject.

hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Just as Jesus was willing to receive all manner of sinners, from all types of backgrounds, and point them towards the way of everlasting life, so His disciples must follow His perfect example. But the challenge is to do so in a spirit of humility and gentleness that reflects our loving concern for their eternal souls, something that must begin before they are converted Checked to here and continue afterwards. We must seek Believers are obliged to speak the truth to win the lost and having done so we but always in a loving way (Eph 4:15). must also be prepared to disciple them. Indeed, Pauls admonition in 2 Tim Knowing the truth about 2:24-26 is helpful because it tells us homosexuality demands a prior how to share the gospel with those knowledge, understanding and with whom we differ: And the Lords acceptance of the ultimate source of servant must not quarrel; instead, he truth. Genuine Christians recognise must be kind to everyone, able to and appeal to one ultimate source of teach not resentful. Those who oppose truth, the Lord Jesus Christ. John 14:6 him he must gently instruct, in the I am the way, and the truth and the
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life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. The truth found in Christ covers every area of human life and has so much to say about what constitutes true righteousness and holiness. Therefore, genuine believers must always accept Jesus word over that of the so-called scientific experts in all matters, including homosexuality.

The Holy Spirit who would Carry On His Work in His absence (John 16:1213) Those who, inspired by the Holy Spirit, gave us the NT (John 13:20, 1 Corinthians 14:37, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, and 1 John 4:6)

The Holy Spirit unites all those who God has furnished definitive proof that truly believe in Christ according to the teaching of the Word and it is very Jesus is the ultimate judge regarding righteousness and truth by virtue of His important to grasp that the truth resurrection from the dead. (Acts 17:30 revealed by the Holy Spirit to the -31) Accordingly, when He speaks we apostles was complete. So when the NT is added to OT we have Gods full must both listen and obey. Modern and final revelation to man - all God scientists, sociologists, philosophers and others may speak confidently and wants man to know. There will be no eloquently that homosexual conduct is more and so you mustnt expect God to give modern-day revelations morally acceptable but they cannot revised, updated or amended versions produce divine (definitive) proof that they know what they are talking about. of His truth that will in any way contradict or change what He has It is sheer folly to accept their flawed already given. human judgement and reject Christs perfect divine judgement! We see this very clearly: When we read the Bible it becomes very clear that Jesus the ultimate source of truth deemed a number of other sources to be truthful e.g. The Law and the Prophets i.e. the OT Scriptures in Acts 20:27 where Paul tells the Ephesians elders as he leaves them I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God

in 2 Peter 1:3 where Peter makes it plain that God has provided everything necessary for life and godliness in Although the NT teaches that Jesus fulfilled the Law and prophets it is clear Christ and from Matthew 5:17-19 that He in Jude v3 which speaks of the faith considered the Law and Prophets to be that was once for all entrusted to the a source of truth. saints i.e. the content of the message taught by the apostles and held in The Words He spoke while on earth common by all true believers. (John 8:31-32 ) 2 Tim 3:15-17 is a fit summary of all
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this because there we are told how the same God-breathed scriptures that are able to make sinners wise for salvation also make saints thoroughly equipped to do the good work of God.

Sodom and Gomorrah doing that made them so different from other ungodly cities at that time? God told Abraham that the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great because their sin is so grievous. (Genesis 18:20) What, Therefore, any claim that the Holy then, was their great sin that was so Spirit has led individuals or churches grievous? Some try to say it was a lack today to accept homosexuality as an of hospitality but the text does not acceptable alternative lifestyle is totally warrant this. Genesis 19:4-5 tells how without scriptural basis. Any such all the men were wanting to message is not Gods Spirit revealing participate in gross sexual sin. Lots new and modern truth but sinful reaction shows that he understood only human spirits seeking to accommodate to well the crowds sinful intentions contemporary social pressures. It is the (vv6-7). world trying to drive the church. Those who accept Jesus as the ultimate source Lots statement in v8 is problematic of truth must also accept His and hard to understand because he determination of where truth is to be appears to be offering his unmarried found - the God-breathed scriptures of daughters to the irate crowd. Maybe the Old and New Testaments. Put what he suggests is an expression of his simply the Bible is the Word of God concept of hospitality revealing that he and the only source of truth (John was willing to suffer personal loss 17:17 Your Word is truth) and since rather than allow hurt to come to his this is so whatever it teaches guests, since he was bound by the concerning homosexuality must be the ancient Near Eastern code requiring final word! the protection of guests at all costs. Certainly, Lots strange offer But what exactly does the Word of concerning his daughters confirms that God, (the OT and NT scriptures), he believes the crowds intentions to be teach concerning Homosexuality? What sexual in nature. It is important to is Gods final word on the matter? notice also how the original aim of Lots hospitality towards the 2 strangers Homosexuality is a grievous sin was precisely to protect them from the Genesis 19:24-28 describe the sort of homosexual rape the crowd was destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah intent on inflicting upon them. and Peter says this was an example of The crowds response is also instructive what is going to happen to the (v9). Their angry reaction to Lots ungodly. (2 Peter 2:6) But why were these cities chosen to be an example of intervention is similar to that of many unbelievers who say to believers today Gods ultimate judgement upon the who dare to lovingly point out their ungodly? What were the people of
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sinful conduct, Who do you think that you are you to judge me? Sinful people havent really changed! Yet what so many of them fail to recognise is that when believers pinpoint what the Word says about their sinful conduct it is not we who are judging them but the Word of God that is doing so. What they are trying to do is avoid the condemnation of Gods message God by condemning His messenger.

gift of the land of Canaan to the Israelites because the previous occupants were guilty of this grievous sin amongst others (vv2425). If the Israelites engaged in similar sins then they too would be vomited out of the land (vv26-30). Gods indictment cannot be missed especially when Leviticus 20:13 states that If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is despicable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on That homosexuality was the grievous their own heads. Under the Law of sin of Genesis 18:20 becomes ever Moses homosexuality was forbidden clearer in Jude v7: In a similar way, and deemed to be a grave offence Sodom and Gomorrah and the worthy of death and homosexuals surrounding towns gave themselves were held accountable for their up to sexual immorality and grievous sin. perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment The NT like OT is very clear in its of eternal fire. Notice how Jude Denunciation and Condemnation of determines that the sin of Sodom and Homosexuality Gomorrah is sexual immorality and perversion. There is no hint of a lack Paul wrote to the Church at Corinth 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 Do you not know of hospitality. Only those who are that the wicked will not inherit the desperate to find some justification kingdom of God? Do not be for their own or anothers deceived: neither the sexually immoral homosexual conduct can fail to see what the grievous sin of Sodom and nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male Gomorrah really was homosexuality! prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor Homosexual conduct was deemed a drunkards nor slanders nor swindlers Capital Offence under the Mosaic will inherit the kingdom of God. 2 Law words are used in the original Greek malakos (meaning effeminate, of a Leviticus 18:22 could not be any catamite, a male who submits to clearer it declares that in Gods eyes unnatural lewdness) and homosexuality is detestable. The arsenokoitai (meaning one who lies Biblical evidence is overwhelming, with a male as with a female, a God forbids homosexuality. Indeed it sodomite. is one of the sins that justified Gods
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Note very carefully Pauls warning is Do not be deceived and it is very timely because today there are so many attempts to deceive the church of Christ. Infact, we are currently being asked to rewrite scripture and believe that the apostle was merely condemning male prostitution. Certainly malakos does include such a condemnation; however, arsenokoitai embraces all homosexual activity. So despite the many glaring and increasing attempts to twist Scripture, in a concerted attempt to deceive many, the Word of God is crystal clear all those who continue to engage in homosexual activity and refuse to repent of their sin will not inherit the kingdom of God! However, v11 does offer repentant homosexuals great hope as we shall see shortly.

throughout His Word. Adultery and promiscuity have always been condemned by God, equally we have seen how in scripture homosexuality is deemed a grievous sin - a detestable practice, an abomination no less, that once warranted death - something shameful and indicative of a debased mind - contrary to the sound teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ.

It is understandable that those who do not believe in God or accept the Bible to be His full, final and complete Word to mankind might strongly disagree with this scriptural evaluation of homosexuality but what beggars belief is that anyone who claims to believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God can approve homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle that is condoned in scripture and so has Gods blessing Paul also used arsenokoitai (the and not a sin to be repented of. If you generic term for all homosexual profess to believe in Scripture as the activity) as an example of something final arbiter on all matters of faith and contrary to sound doctrine in 1Tim practice then you must never hesitate 1:10-11. Since the sound doctrine of to believe or to propagate what it says the gospel condemns sexual relations however politically incorrect this between unmarried heterosexuals it might be in the debased eyes of the should not be too hard to understand sinful world in which we are called to that sex between unmarried live as ambassadors of Christ. homosexuals is wrong. As for those homosexuals who regard themselves Finally the good news and it is very good news indeed, because it is as being married they too fall far short of the Biblical norm. Marriage as possible for homosexuals to be designed by God and graciously given delivered from the condemnation of by Him to man only allows for sexual the sin of homosexuality. relations within marriage between a This good news must be made known husband and wife. There are no near and far despite the loud protests exceptions to this permanent and so of those who would want us to abiding rule, about this the modern believe that homosexuality is genetic, church must be clear and certain. page 7 something passed on in the genes, (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-6) something you are born with, must

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Apologies
Part 2 - Why is there something and not nothing?
Apologetics has been defined as the reasoned defense of the Christian Faith. Are apologetics important? Why should we bother with them? The place of apologetics in the Christian Church has not always been agreed upon.
In our last article we considered two world views, the Christian or Biblical world view which believes in God as real, personal, moral and knowable. A God who has revealed himself in nature, Scripture and in the person of his Jesus Christ and from what we know of God we can know that the world is ordered and knowable too. This was the basis of modern science. Many of the scientists who were believers felt they were thinking Gods thoughts after him . The modern, or rather post modern man, relies on Descarte I think therefore I am; Rousseau whatever I feel to be right is right; Hegel syntheses rather than thesis and antithesis and Sartres existentialism. Knowledge must be arrived at by starting with ourselves and finding things out without any recourse to the supernatural. We will now look at how two world views answer the question of why there is something and not nothing. This is of course the creation versus evolution debate. But before we start we will cover some important definitions; firstly science. Science involves a process the, scientific method, which consists of the observation of natural phenomenon, formulating an hypothesis to explain the observation, and conducting experiments to test the hypothesis. This is called falsification,that is trying to test and disprove the hypothesis. If the hypothesis withstands rigorous testing it can then be accepted as a fact. This method was largely developed by Christian scientists and philosophers such as Frances Bacon. Theory
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A theory is defined in the Concise Oxford Dictionary as a supposition, a system of ideas explaining something especially one based on general principles independent of facts. This is important because whereas an hypothesis can be tested and if it is not true then refuted, a theory is then something different altogether. Science

In general, phenomenon should be explained by natural means. Miracles by definition are exceptional. However, to deny the supernatural is even a possibility is to go too far, but for some such as Richard Dawkins truth means scientific truth, there is no recourse to the supernatural ever. Evolution

Darwin had two theories, the first was a special theory which involved natural selection or survival of the fittest. One example that he used was of the shape of finches beaks. The ones that were best suited for the environment in the Galapagos Islands prospered and became the dominant variant. The same sort of principal can be seen in breading characteristics in certain types of domestic dogs. The second or general theory of evolution was to make the assumption that if a series of small changes was to continue over a longer time, one species would develop into a new species or a simple organism could become more complex. It is important to note that this is not just gradual change but change as a result of chance, quoting Jaques Monod the To emphasize again, this view of biologist Chance alone, chance blind science means that all explanations and free. Therefore for the naturalist must not involve the supernatural. scientist the answer to the question of why there is something rather than Now in general this is a sensible approach. If a doctor was explaining to nothing equals Time plus Space plus us how a new drug worked and showed Chance. There is no directing mind. us a diagram with point A and point B To quote Dawkins again, Darwin made it possible for him to be an and an arrow in between with a label intellectually fulfilled atheist. What telling us that in between a miracle happens, we would not be impressed. used to be a somewhat radical view has In addition to being used to describe a system of discovery science is also a belief system based exclusively upon naturalistic explanations, to quote the national academy of science in America. The most basic characteristic of science is a reliance upon naturalistic explanation. To explain further we will quote Richard Dickerson, a member of the NAS science fundamentally is a game, it is a game with one overriding and defining rule: let us see how far and to what extent we can explain the behaviour of the physical and material universe in terms of purely physical and material causes without involving the supernatural.
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now become the accepted view of society and certainly of the scintific establishment. Helena Curtis in the introduction to her text book Biology states that one of the reasons for writing the book was to demonstrate the fact that evolution has occurred. I have had it said to me by a senior colleague I cannot understand how anyone can claim to be a scientist and not believe in evolution.

But how does this fact stand up to testing by scientific criteria. We have already mentioned that a theory is a supposition and not, like a hypothesis, open to testing by experiment. We will Thirdly, there is the problem of the consider now some of the evidence on complexity of living organisms, even which the theory of evolution is based. simple single cell organisms are extremely complex. We are faced with Firstly the fossil record: This is often irreducibly complex systems. To presented as if it provided conclusive explain that such systems cannot exist proof of evolution. If that were the in a less complex primitive form, case then we should see gradual biologist Michael Beahy uses the chances in the animals and plants example of a mousetrap. A mousetrap preserved. There should be no jumps. is a very simple machine but to For it is gradual chance that the theory function it needs all its components, a states should happen. However, there base, spring and a mouse. is a marked lack of intermediate forms in the fossils. This was a problem that In living organisms such irreducible troubled Darwin himself. Secondly, the complexity can be seen in the interactions that control the way the nature of mutations. Mutations are small changes in the DNA which codes blood clots. Blood must stay fluid to flow through the blood vessels but for the proteins and chemicals that needs to be able to clot rapidly to stop make up the cells of living creatures. For the DNA to be functional it must bleeding should an injury occur. This clotting mechanism must also be make sense. If we use a simple sentence to illustrate DNA we can take tightly regulated so that once a clot has he sat on the mat, now a mutation would formed its size is limited to only the area of damage. A complex interplay be similar to taking one letter and of pro-coagulant factors maintains a

changing it. We could change it she sat on the mat, a following mutation which would still make some sort of sense would be she sat on the hat but after this it becomes difficult and the sentence would soon not only read as nonsense but will not even contain real words. This is a problem for the cell, for if this starts happening it will not be able to make the necessary proteins and will die. This is borne out in our study of human disease, mutations lead to disease and cell death. But for the theory of evolution to work mutations need to lead to new and more successful organisms.

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delicate balance. A defect in a single gene coding for one of these factors can cause a severe bleeding disorder such as haemophilia.

within that chrysalis it undergoes complex process where its body effectively liquefies and then reorganize itself into the mature butterfly that will break out of the chrysalis and fly away. Another example of irreducible This process only makes sense if it complexity is the copying and reading happens to completion. There is no of the genetic code in a cells DNA as it logical way that it would have synthesises proteins. The DNA is first developed step by step. Imagine a copied to a similar chemical called caterpillar that by chance evolves to the RNA, then the message coded by the point where it could spin a cocoon, it RNA is read by complex structure spins a cocoon, enters a cocoon but called a ribosome. The ribosome what next? Perhaps it goes further? A assembles proteins from building caterpillar that spins a cocoon and gets blocks called amino acids according to as far as breaking its body down into a the information contained in RNA more liquid form. Again it does not code. The ribosome itself is made of take this process any further; it is no RNA and proteins. Therefore in order more than easy food for the birds to to make a ribosome the cell must have eat. It is only when the process is functioning ribosomes to read the completed and a mature insect emerges DNA code. If you can picture the at the other end that it makes any sense message of the DNA being like a at all. message on a cassette tape, then for evolution by chance alone to be true, it A further objection to Darwinians would be like finding a cassette which thinking is regards to a view to society. by chance contains the information It evolves around us including needed to make a cassette player falling ourselves is merely the sum of time into a cassette player which has plus space plus chance then there is no assembled itself (by chance) and real meaning of good and evil, no real allowing the instructions to be heard by meaning of fairness or justice. It is someone who could understand then merely a social construct and that social and make a new tape machine. One is construct which is often based on left wondering where the initial coded Biblical teaching which, if you are a message came from and how the tape thoroughgoing Darwinian, is therefore player appeared! If this microscopic wrong. However, even the most system is hard to conceptualize a arger staunch Darwinians such as Richard example would be the metamorphosis Dawkins still like to borrow the of insect lava into the adult form. traditional views of fairness and Think of a caterpillar crawling along, at morality even though they detach them some point in its development it will from their religious routes. To quote make for itself a chrysalis or cocoon, Dawkins in the first chapter of the
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Selfish Gene

of mitochondrial DNA from women across the world that it all pointed back I am not advocating morality based on to a single female ancestor who would evolution, he goes on to say, let us have been based somewhere in North try to teach generosity and altruism Africa or the Middle East. Those with because we are born selfish. Perhaps a Biblical world view, this sounds more honest is Peter Singer, Professor awfully like the evidence points to Eve. of Philosophy at Monash University For those with a more Darwinian bent Melbourne. He uses a more this merely confirms an early hominid thoroughgoing Darwinian approach ancestor in Africa. favoring abortion and euthanasia. He is the philosopher who provided the Another example; for many years it was intellectual basis for the animal assumed that by the atheistic naturalists liberation movement argues that to that the universe had existed in a so view human beings as special is called steady state and that the idea of a speciesism. He even goes as far as Biblical sudden start to the universe advocating a period of 28 days after the was criticized. Everyones scientific birth of a handicapped child before it theory changed and the big bang was might be accepted as having the same proposed even though this fitted in right to life as any other. As he puts it more with the Biblical account, a purely naturalistic interpretation is put on the It would allow a couple time to decide data. What we have, is not a clash of that it is better not to continue with the facts but a clash of worldviews. The life that it has begun very badly. Bible states in Psalm 19 that the Heavens declare the Glory of God and If society moves further and further the skies proclaim the work of his away from the biblical bases of out hands. However, Psalm 14 reminds current accepted morality then this is us that the fool says in his heart, there increasingly what we shall find. is no God and the Apostle Paul In conclusion we return to the idea that writing in Romans states, since the Darwinian evolution is a theory, a creation of the world, Gods invisible presupposition and this qualities is eternal power and define presupposition will influence how any nature being clearly seen. Being evidence is viewed. understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse. For example researchers have been tracing the genetics of mitochondrial DNA. (That is DNA carried in small structures outside the nucleus of the cells, passed down each generation from the mother.) They described their findings that having analysed samples
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The closing chapters of Scripture with all their mystery reveal to us some of the most glorious themes concerning the believers future, and yet also some of the most awful matters concerning those who remain without Christ. In these articles we turn our attention to that - New Day Dawning.

It is done!
(Revelation Chapter 21:6-8 )
by

Rev Stephen Atkinson

In the closing chapters of the revealed Word of God John sets before us what he has seen and heard concerning the new order. As we considered in the last issue, Revelation 21:1-5 brings before our minds something of the wonder of our secure future as the people with whom God dwells. In that future there is nothing which causes pain or suffering; all the fruit of the Fall is past. There are definitive no mores and a mighty affirmation from the One who sits upon the throne that his words are trustworthy and true. Following on in verses 6-8 we have a further declaration as to the certainty of this: It is done. We then transcend time for we have a present invitation to the thirsty, a future promise concerning the gift and inheritance, and another future declaration concerning the end of the idolater. 1. The Certainty of the New Order. And he said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. (v6)
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What is it that is so certain? It is what John has just seen and heard. It is the new heavens and new earth. Their coming into being is certain.

CHECKED TO HERE
He has seen the New Jerusalem, the Holy City, the Bride of Christ, and this glorious corporate entity of the body of all believers is a certain reality in Gods grace. It is not a vain hope but something gloriously new made. This is a Bride prepared by the one who makes all things new. There is a certainty to

this New Jerusalem. And that near presence of God is not something vainly hoped for, but something real and certain in Gods purpose and plan. And in that near presence, his abiding comfort of wiping our tears away, assuring us that the cause of our grief is completely at an end, is a sure reality. Now he gives reasons to assure us of the certainty of these things. The first of these we gave some mention to last time in closing, namely his trustworthy word. As sure as His word is true so certain shall these things come to pass. But he gives us another reason now to assure our faith in the certainty of these things, and that is His Name. It is as if he now swears the coming to pass of these things by his Name. It is done. It has occurred. So certain is this future happening that it is spoken of as having already happened. Indeed in Johns vision it has.

in conformity with the purpose of his own will. But more than that, this doctrine comes home with sweetness to us who know this God in a saving way. We who have come to know him whom to know is life eternal now listen to him speak of his work and enjoy a rich measure of assurance from our Alpha and Omega. The certainty of this happening brings security to the believer. This is something similar to the encouragements I sought to bring from the first letter of John. There the letter brought home to us the reality of it all. This is real. Now this is bringing home to us the certainty of it all. Not only real, but certainly real.

The believer has been chosen before the creation of the world. And upon the reborn believer God lavishes this wisdom and understanding, this mystery of his will, and the One who now says it is done, works out everything, according to Ephes.1 in But on what basis is the certainty? - on order that we who were the first to the basis of the Alpha and the Omega, hope in Christ might be for the praise the first and the last, the beginning and of his glory. - now that is something the end. This certainty is based upon staggering, and powerfully reassuring. God, sovereign and eternal. It is based upon the one who begins, the one who This certainty of the reality comes from continues, who controls, who purposes the voice of a true and trustworthy from beginning and brings to pass in God, a beginning and end, God, and it time, who rules in providence and who includes fallen sons of Adam, you and brings to completion. me, who by grace have been brought to know Jesus Christ. This certainty brings What doctrine of God is contained in security - your security, my security, for that statement, It is done, I am the it is all in order that, it is for that Alpha and the Omega.! It is the purpose, for the making of the Bride, doctrine of a God who works all things
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the making of the New Jerusalem, for the praise of His glory.

given which paralells our next verse in Rev21 concerning the wicked. Isaiah also makes the point of the vanity of And so as we listen to this Tis done seeking the world to the detriment of do we not long to be there. We have your soul. There are things which do read, and shortly we will read not satisfy, so listen, listen to me, Isaiah something of the glorious nature of our appeals, eat what is good, and you soul secure hope and desire to be absent will delight in the richest of fare. from the body and present with the Lord, desiring this corruption to put on Jesus speaks to the woman of Samaria incorruption, desiring to be with Christ concerning the water of life that he the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, gives, which satisfies, and springs up our Alpha and Omega, the one who within unceasingly. In the Sermon on began the work, and the one graciously, the Mount he speaks of the blessedness and perseveringly will bring it to of those who hunger and thirst for completion. righteousness for they shall be filled. He shall lose none. None shall snatch them from his hand. The no mores and the near presence IS a secure and living hope for the soul who trusts in the finished work of Christ, dying on the cross for our sins. A Sovereign Protector I have, Unseen yet ever at hand, Unchangeably faithful to save, Almighty to rule and command. He smiles and my comforts abound; His grace as the dew shall descend, And walls of salvation surround the soul he delights to defend. The Certainty of the New Order. 2.The Present Invitation to the Thirsty. v6a There are a number of scriptural paralells. A similar invitation to the thirsty is given in Isaiah 55:1-3. The thought is carried through with regard to the free nature of the gift, and in v6,7 (of Isaiah) further exhortation is
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Salvation is presented for us in scripture as a free gift and as a satisfying draught. The constant error and folly of sinner man is that he thinks he has to earn his salvation, and that Christ is not enough, we must have Christ plus, and Christ plus is the Galatian error. Christ alone is enough, and Christ is set before you to be received freely. We do not present a cheap gospel, for his blood is priceless, but the wonder of grace is that we present to you a free gospel and invite all thirsty sinners to drink of Christ. There is no exception here, all you who thirst are invited to drink of Christ. When we come to a communion service there must be a clear fencing of the table that only those who have spiritually drank of Christ may physically drink of the symbol of his blood. You will notice that at

communion services my invitation to the table is a fenced invitation, a limited one. Now some would have the table so open that unbelievers may drink in the hope that through drinking they may believe, or may come closer to God. Not so. That is the wrong way around, using an end justifies the means principle. Rather the table is only open to those who approach in living faith, discerning, understanding, contemplating the Lords body to the nourishment of their souls. But concerning the invitation of this scripture, it is an open one to thirsty sinners. And so I ask you this evening Does your soul so thirst for God for the living God? Can you say with the Psalmist, O God you are my God, my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.? This world has no satisfying water for the sin sick soul. So why spend money on what is not bread and labour for what does not satisfy. Give ear to me that your soul may live. There is a glorious and simple promise in our text. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink from the spring of the water of life. Sinner, are you thirsty? Is there an unsatisfied soul weary of this world, and parched? Is there someone, young or old, who has tried the broken cisterns the muddy waters that life offers, but still knows no satisfaction, then my friend I invite you to come to Christ. He invites you to come to him. And you can be sure, as his word is

trustworthy and true, that if you so come in humble repentance and faith, simply turning from sin unto him, that he will surely give you what he has promised, and his gift of grace, and gift of salvation is a fully satisfying drink, and one which is ever flowing from now unto eternity. And what does he promise? - an inheritance and a sonship. Where on earth can you find such treasure? What on earth compares to such riches? Gain the whole world you may, but it profits nothing if you lose your soul. It has been the scriptural covenantal promise that God will be our God and we will be his people, or sons. Now that promise is brought to fulfilment by the words of the alpha and omega. And remember that these words for first for the persecuted church of the first century. What sweet comfort to those who overcame and even sealed their testimony by their own blood, of whom the world was not worthy, despised and persecuted, yet precious to him. He will be my son. And it is still his gracious promise to the one who receives Christ who drinks of his living water that he comes to us, makes his home with us, saves and sanctifies, perseveres, and enables, beautifies his bride for that spoken for day. He makes all things new, he is making, we are his workmanship, and the certainty of our future is found in his words, Tis done. Of what worth is vanity fair world? Even our present sufferings are not
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worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed.

this week concerning lowering the age of consent the church said This gave out the wrong sign. What sort of But then along with this invitation, response is that? It should say It is there comes this warning. I said last SINFUL!! and shall meet with the time that we read in Revelation a judgment of God. But it fears the picture that is largely positive with only great pressure of such small but a few negatives. Well in the midst of all influential sodomite groups. this glorious revelation we do have this sobering negative concerning the end The church should stand against of the wicked. wickedness whatever the cost. Courage brethren! So, our prayers are with 3. The End of the Wicked. todays persecuted brethren, and we pray for their strengthening. And then But, and there is a but. v8. In we read with sadness of the persecution John 3:36 John the Baptist makes a in Sudan where Christians are being similar inviting remark, Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, and enticed to convert to Islam and are there too there is a but, but whoever being offered money, housing, scarce goods, and some professing faith are rejects the son will not see life, (and falling. While we cannot judge or see gives the reason), for Gods wrath anyones true condition, yet the remains on him. warning here and the naming of the And what a list we have here, beginning cowardly at the top should stir us and with the cowardly. That is noteworthy they into a watchfulness and a standing when we consider some of the first firm in his grace. century church where being called to Well the list is self explanatory, and the courageous self sacrifice, even death. end of the wicked is clearly known to Some however turned back. Some proved that their faith was not genuine be the eternal fires of hell. But just as we conclude I want us to turn to 1Cor. and fell away, like Demas who loved 6:9-11 and see the parallells. the world. Under intense persecution the church was called and also graced to a holy steadfastness, and those who overcame would inherit, but, but the cowardly Here is a warning to those so tempted. The cowardly are listed here first. Those who fear men more that they fear God are first included in this wicked list. In these days of grace, the invitation still stands to the thirsty, even the thirsty who presently are included in this list of evil doers. Because if truth be told, and our hearts laid bare, we all stand guilty of these offences. This IS what some of you were, but by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the work he wrought for you, you were washed, sanctified, justified.

It is a sad truth that in our day many And now therefore there is no are giving page 24 way to the fear of man. Church leaders are taking an easy route condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Come as men pleasers rather than faithful

Books etc.
The Guide - Christian Comfort
Roger Ellsworth Evangelical Press 240 pages 7.00 Reviewer: Billy Elliott Christian Comfort is the sixth volume in The Guide; EPs topical, straight forward, web linked series and is an excellent resource for those blue days when you or someone else is in need of encouragement. The book co

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WHATS GOING ON OUT THERE Understanding todays world JOHN BENTON 32 pages Evangelical Press 9.95 (pack of 10)

Practical advice on a contemporary issue.

Whats going on out there is a very helpful evangelistic booklet targeted with relevance and readability. It addresses the vital theme of Gods temporal judgment that we see around us. It draws both believer and unbeliever to see the breakdown of our society as evidence not only of Gods coming judgement, but his judical wrath already meted out upon a disobedient and decadent society. The author helpfully explains that there is a mistaken notion concerning the judgement of God that consideris him throwing thunderbolts from on high; instead, Gods temporal judgement comes in the form of unravelling - the disassembling of the good creation and created order. Adam was given life from the dust of the ground, but after he sinned, he died and returned to dust. There are many precious things... which are gradually being eroded or have been lost... The uniqueness of human beings as made in the image of God The sanctity of human life The unity and equality of the races as descended from one ancestral human pair The general consensus on the difference between right and wrong The personal responsibility and accountability of the individual for their actions The blessing of a weekly day of rest from work for the community The distinctive difference between male and female as positive for both sexes The loving traditional family as the basic unit of society The caring government of the earth and its resources The right to a home and to be active in gainful employment ... (p.7,8) There are many people who are asking this very question - Whats going on out there? John Benton answers biblically, and relevantly. In effect he is scratching where the people are itching, and as such the booklet is a most useful tool for evangelistic outreach. Our prayer is that it will be a great blessing to all who receive a copy. Our only criticism would be that in our review copy the interior photos were a little dark and too small - perhaps a second print run can amend this.
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(John Bunyan presented the world with a wonderful picture of Christian experience in The Pilgrims Progress. Not so well known is Part II concerning Christiana, Pilgrims wife. We plan here to retell some of the main parts of the story.)

PILGRIMS PROGRESS PART II

- (2) Neighbours Christiana was just about to set out on the same journey as her husband when a knock came to the door. It was Mrs Timorous. What are you all up to? Were going on the same journey as my husband. What! Havent you heard of the things that happened - all those dangerous situations he met? Another neighbour came in. Her name was Mercy. When she heard what Christiana was doing she asked if she could join her. Well, at that point Mrs Timorous stormed out of the house, and gathered round her a few other neighbours: Mrs Bats-Eyes, Mrs Inconsiderate, Mrs Light-Mind, and Mrs Know-Nothing. They all talked about Christiana and thought of her as a complete fool. Good riddance, I say. I wouldnt want her living near me. I couldnt stand talking to her. The journey for Christiana will be difficult, as it was for Christian. Following Jesus is a difficult path, but it is the right path. There may be some friends and neighbours around you who would like to hear something more about Jesus and the journey through life with him. I hope there may be some people like Mercy who will ask to join you, and maybe come to church, or Sunday School. Of course there will be others who will think youre a complete fool. But theyre like Mrs Know-Nothing. They know nothing! Christiana, her family, and now Mercy are starting their journey to find eternal life in Jesus Christ. Are you On Course with Christiana?

Evangelical Book Shop

15 College Square East, Belfast, BT1 6DD E-mail: shop@evanbooks-belfast.fsnet.co.uk Tel. 028 9032 0529 Fax 028 9043 8330 Manager: John Grier
Sing Psalms
Staff Music and Words Edition (post free in Belfast) 24.00

The handsome red hardback has a split page format which gives flexibility of tune selection. Appropriate tunes are suggested at the head of each psalm. There are 321 tunes including most of the traditional Scottish psalm tunes and a number of new compositions appropriate for the new psalm versions in the words copies. As the music of the psalter has not been available for some time in this format it will be welcomed by congregations that sing metrical psalms either old or new. Training Hearts Training Minds
Starr Meade Paperback

11.95

8.95

These family devotions are based on the shorter catechism. A superb imaginative example of how to teach the historic Christian faith to our children. The Rise of Evangelicalism
Mark A Noll Hardback

16.95

13.25

IVP are proposing to publish in the next few years a five volume History of Evangelicalism from 1730 to 1990.This is the first volume for the years 1730 to 1790 covering the age of Edwards, Whitefield and the Wesleys. Heavenly Wisdom
Gary Brady Paperback

14.95

10.95

This Welwyn Commentary gives the Bible text and a simple explanation of each verse of the Book of Proverbs.810 pages.Good for personal reading or preparing messages. Pastor in Prayer
CH Spurgeon Hardback

6.95

5.55

24 prayers from morning worship and 2 evening ones are enhanced by Spurgeons advice on how to pray in public. This will be a great help in personal devotion and preparation for leading in prayer. The Passion of Jesus Christ
John Piper Paperback

5.99

4.50

This Spring our Lords life is being portrayed in popular cinema and video film releases. John Piper has gathered from the New Testament 50 reasons why Christ suffered and died in order to guide the ignorant and interested to the heart of the gospel. (Cheaper rates are available for bulk evangelistic distribution)