Evangelical Presbyterian

Nov-Dec 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: A Final Word Obituary Sons of Encouragement The Regions Beyond: Scripture, Africa, Livingstone and us A New Day Dawning: Life in the City (Revelation 22:1-5) Books etc. Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use On Course with Christiana (6) - The Valley of the Shadow Cover Photo: 1 2 3 5 9 14 16 17

I. Hamilton E. Brown S. Atkinson S. Atkinson

Inters Camp at the Martyrs Stake, Wigton. (Photo by Catherine Riddell)

Editorial: A Final Word

It is with a good deal of sadness that I write my last Editorial for the Evangelical Presbyterian. I have just taken up a new post with Christian Witness to Israel as the Deputation Secretary for Ireland. Call it mid-life crisis, or new direction in my lifes calling, I must now hand over the reins of this prestigious magazine to another, and that fills me with much sorrow. It is a gift of God to mankind that human beings act like their Maker in being creative. I have enjoyed immensely the creative aspect of this magazine. As all editors would concur there is a responsibility upon the editor to fill up the blank spaces. If the regular reader ever wondered why the Evangelical Presbyterian editors name was cropping up so often, I give a simple answer - lack of other willing contributors!

that most of the articles were amended sermons! My heart now goes out to the new editor, Mr Harold Gibson. He has the unenviable task of repeated emailing of contributors, chasing up promised articles and I trust meeting the deadlines with better efficiency than myself. I have a great interest in literature, good books and magazines, for I owe a great personal debt, before God, to the writings of godly men. I would hope that the pages of this magazine would continue to be a blessing to those who read; that guidance may be given, warnings may be sounded, good reading encouraged, and prayerful interest roused for worldwide missions.

I would like to express my gratitude to those who assisted, and encouraged me So with 20-30 white pages in front of over the past three years of my me on a bi-monthly basis there was the editorship. Behind the scenes, as it pressing need to be creative! But what were, a number of folks regularly proof -read the preliminary copy and taught a joy then to find from some correspondence received that there was me an immense amount concerning some measure of appreciation for that consistency of expression, good creativity. If I was honest I would say grammar and eye-pleasing layout. I

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now have at least something of an eye for the printed word - so much so that I bought a copy of Eats shoots and leaves! (I trust you are aware of that title Harold, if not, buy it).

make a plea on behalf of Christian Witness to Israel. It is a mission with which the EPC has had historic interest. Can I ask you then, the readership of EP, for your interest and prayer for me and my family in my new Furthermore, I would like to thank the work. Presbytery of the EPC for the confidence they placed in me to May the Lord continue to bless all our administer this worthy project in recent labours for him in the ingathering of years. Jew & Gentile, One Flock under One Shepherd. I trust I can be permitted to use my Editors prerogative one final time as I With sincere thanks,

OBITUARY
Mrs Matilda May Buick Stranmillis On the evening of 24th August 2004 Mrs May Buick passed from this life into the presence of Jesus Christ, her Saviour. For many years Mrs Buick had been a faithful member of Stranmillis Church and, although often in pain, she regularly attended the evening services until a very short time before her death. Prior to joining Stranmillis Mrs Buick, along with her husband, had been members of Orangefield Presbyterian Church, were for many years she had helped Mr Buick carry out his duties as Church officer. Mrs Buick had also lovingly cared for several family members during times of prolonged illness. These qualities of faithfulness to Christ's church and concern for others remained with her all her days. Since the death of her husband Billy over eight years ago Mrs Buick had been faithfully cared for by her devoted son Mervyn. His care and love for his mother was exemplary. Although Mrs Buick was often in considerable discomfort she maintained contact with a wide circle of friends who appreciated her regular phone calls and visits. Indeed the large number of people who attended her funeral service was a significant tribute to her and her kindness. We assure Mervyn of our thoughts and prayers at this time. Gareth Burke
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SONS OF ENCOURAGEMENT lan Hamilton (Cambridge Presbyterian Church)

The church of Christ is full of unsung heroes. They do not, on the whole, possess the kind of spiritual gifts that get them noticed and give them a name. They are, at least in my experience, rarely the most intellectually able or theologically articulate Christians in a congregation. And yet, they give their congregations a spiritual lustre that is nothing less than a divine benediction. Perhaps you are already wondering just who these people are; let me tell you - they are the spiritual seed of Barnabas, the proto-typical Son of Encouragement (Acts 4:36). The grace of encouragement is a precious and much-to-be-prized grace. It is a grace that owes its origin, as all graces do, to the indwelling presence of the Divine Encourager, the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is called the Paraclete, the One who comes alongside to minister the grace of Christ to his needy, wounded, limping servants. To be an encourager, is to be the Holy Spirit's chosen instrument to minister God's grace to his often-beleaguered saints. This is surely a grace to which all Christians should aspire. It may not, and probably will not, get you a name; it will, however, make you a precious instrument for good to your fellow believers. Why are sons (and daughters) of encouragement so rare in our churches (granted that your church may be an exception)? A number of reasons spring to mind. Encouragers Put the Needs of Others First The first is, too many of us are taken up with ourselves, our needs, our concerns, our problems, our struggles. Encouragers, by definition, think more about the needs of others than about their own needs. Encouragers are not free of personal struggles and trials; but they put the needs of others before their own needs. They heed the apostolic command to look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4). In doing this, they display the selflessness of the Saviour.
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Encouragers Minister the Consolation of Christ

perfectly our flaws and failures, but he deals with us compassionately and mercifully. There is a tender humanity A second reason is that too many of us about our majestic Saviour. are primed to search out weaknesses Encouragers are often our great High and flaws in other Christians, rather Priest's means of ministering his divine than being primed to minister the sympathy to our bruised and lacerated consolation of Christ. Encouragers souls. have Christ-like sight and a Christ-like heart. They are not blind to the sins You do not need a degree in theology and weaknesses in fellow Christians, to be an encourager. You do, but they recognize that love builds however, need a Christ-like spirit. You up. do not need to be a gifted speaker or an extrovert personality to be an This, no doubt, can become an encourager. You do, however, need a excuse to neglect the grace of rebuke. humble spirit, that doesn't wait for But the rebukes that make their others to do good to you before you God-ordained mark on our lives are do good to them. those rebukes administered by the church's encouragers - it is the wounds Indeed, the grace of encouragement of friends that are most taken to only grows in the fertile soil of heart. Too often in the church, those humility. A kind and thoughtful word, who are most eagle-eyed at pointing a few lines on a note (not an e-mail!), out what is wrong are the very people an assurance of prayer, an unexpected who should never do the pointing visit, a smile, a thoughtful enquiry after out. Our Lord Jesus memorably some major event - none of these impressed this on us with his teaching require you to have read Calvin, Owen, on specks and planks (See Matt. Edwards or Lloyd-Jones. They do 7:3-5). require you to have drunk deeply of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Encouragers Minister Christ's Sympathy May it please the Lord to adorn our churches with encouragers. Our Thirdly, encouragers appear to be few fellowships will be the sweeter and in the church because we do not more wholesome. take as seriously as we should the present High-Priestly ministry of our Saviour. As he exercises his heavenly (First printed in Banner of Truth magazine ministry from the throne of grace, our November 2003 - used by permission.) Lord Jesus sympathises with our weaknesses (Heb. 4:15). He never forgets that we are dust. He knows
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Scripture, Africa, Livingstone, and Us E C Brown

Africa and Scripture to lift him out with ropes (Jer 38:713, 39:15-18). Simon of Cyrene, the capital of Cyrenaica (part of modern Libya) carried Christs cross (Mark 15:21); he had two sons Alexander and Rufus, the latter probably the Rufus of Romans 16:13. Acts 8 relates the conversion of the Ethiopian Chancellor. There were visitors from the Cyrenian area of Libya at Pentecost (Acts 2:10), and Greek Jews from Cyrene preached at Antioch (Acts 11:20-21). Apollos, Bible times saw the first-fruits of the able and eloquent Jew from fulfilment in various people well- Alexandria in Egypt, ministered at known to us. When Jeremiah was Ephesus and Corinth. The infant cast into the cistern where he sank Saviour Himself spent some time in the mud, Ebed-Melech the in Egypt out of Egypt have I Ethiopian interceded for him with called my son. (Matt 2:15, Hos Zedekiah and secured permission Old Testament missionary vision for the continent of Africa is expressed among its references, first to the Mediterranean regions of Egypt, Cyrene and Libya, and then to Ethiopia, sometimes designated by the regional name of Cush. The Ethiopians were representative of the little known peoples to the south, who in every sense, were different and far removed from Israel (Ps 68:31, Ps 87:4; Is 45:14; Dan 11:43).
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11:1)
Africa: A Brief History During the two millennia before Christ cities grew up along the North African coast, and sea trade became increasingly important. The Roman Empire took control of North Africa about 30 BC and over the next three centuries extended its influence into the Nile valley and north-eastern Ethiopia. Christianity came into these areas too and strong churches grew up in North African countries during the first two centuries AD. Clement (d 215) and Origen (d 254) both of Alexandria, Tertullian (d 215) and Cyprian (d 258) both of north Africas other centre of learning, Carthage, Augustine of Hippo (354-430), and Athanasius of Alexandria (d 373), are prominent among the Church Fathers. The heretic Arius (d 336) was also from Alexandria. The following fifteen hundred years saw the emergence of various kingdoms and empires across northern and central Africa, including the Muslim conquest of northern Africa in the 8th century. Part of this development was the Bantu (the people) migration. Around the beginning of the AD era farmers of the Bantu group of languages and cultures migrated from the Cameroon region in the west into central Africa. Over the next millennium, they gradually moved south, populating the

remainder of the continent. Africa: David Livingstone Africa has been a powerful focus of the churchs mission, particularly since the 19th century and the work of Africas foremost, but not first, missionary, David Livingstone (18131873). He was converted when he was 19 and soon after decided to become a medical missionary in China. He was greatly disappointed when the Opium Wars effectively closed the door, but at that time he heard Dr Robert Moffat, a missionary at Kuruman, over 500 miles north of Cape Town, South Africa, speaking about the smoke of a thousand villages in vast Central Africa where the Gospel had never been preached. He felt Gods call and set sail for Africa in 1840 as a missionary of the London Missionary Society, beginning work at Kuruman. He married Mary Moffat in 1845. Leaving the normal mission work at Kuruman in 1841 Livingstone undertook three great missionary treks into the centre of the continent taking him from the south coast almost to the equator. His first trek as an emissary of the London Missionary Society was T shaped. He went north through the centre of Africa, turned west to Luanda on the coast of Angola, and then eastward, back across the continent, to Mozambique on the opposite coast. He reached it in 1856, discovering the Victoria Falls

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on the way. He returned home in the same year finding that his missionary travelogues had made him a figure of national and international acclaim. The publication of his Missionary Travels and Researches in South Africa followed in 1857. Returning to Africa he led his government-sponsored second trek, 1858-1863, to the eastcentral localities of the Zambezi River and Lake Malawi (Nyasa). It was a geographical success, but through a combination of disagreements and set -backs, including the death of his wife on the Zambezi in 1862, he returned home in 1864 a much less popular figure. Still, the Royal Geographical Society supported his third expedition, again to the eastern side of the continent, to explore the Congo and Zambezi rivers and to locate the head waters of the Nile. He arrived at southern Lake Tanganyika in 1867. He was often out of contact for extended periods and one of these prompted the New York Herald to dispatch Henry Morton Stanley in 1869 to find him. Stanley succeeded on 10 November 1871 at Ujiji at the northern end of Lake Tanganyika, greeting him with the legendary question, Dr Livingstone, I presume?

attendants buried his heart in the village and led the party that carried his body with his papers on an eleven month journey of 1000 miles to Zanzibar, from where it was transported to England for burial at Westminster Abbey. Livingstone never discovered the source of the Nile but recorded information to guide succeeding explorers. He paid high tribute to his African colleagues, especially the Makololo people of modern Zambia, acknowledging their faithful service to be indispensable to his work.

Livingstone sought the evangelization of Africa, learned its languages, preached the Gospel to its people, prayed, saw conversions and gave medical treatment. He vigorously and effectively opposed the slave trade in central and east Africa, graphically describing its cruelties in his despatches. He used to say, Cannot the love of Christ carry the missionary where the slave trade carries the trader? He never saw great numbers coming to Christ. That was not quite his calling. He was a pioneer, opening up the country for missionaries who would follow. He said: I am immortal till my work is accomplished. And though I see few Livingstone declined to return home results, future missionaries will see with Stanley but turned westward conversions follow every sermon. May towards the interior where, weakened they not forget the pioneers who by illness, he died on his knees at worked in the thick gloom with few Chitambos village in Zambia on 30 rays to cheer, except such as flow April or 1 May 1873. His two African from faith in the precious promises of
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God's Word. Africa and Us Livingstone quickly became the means of inspiration for a flood of missionary activity in Africa. Stanley himself continued the work of exploration after Livingstones death and was instrumental in organising missions to Uganda and the Congo. Millions of Africans from the regions that Livingstone and Stanley opened up subsequently came to faith and there are now many mission agencies working in the continent. Today, members of our Church are missionaries in three countries of Africa. Norman and Angela Reid have been working among the Xhosa people in Dumisani Theological Institute, King Williams Town, South Africa, since (Ps 68:31) Norman Reid Graduates

1999. Sidney and Jean Garland have been in Nigeria since 1987 and now lead ACTS (Africa Christian Textbooks) at Jos along with Pamela Johnston who joined them in 2003. Andrew and Eunice Moody went to Goli, Uganda, in 2004 and are engaged in the work of Christian Literature, translation, pharmacy and antenatal care. They each issue regular prayer letters, have e-mail addresses and are easily contactable by telephone. It is a privilege for us as a church to participate in the fulfilment of Scriptures missionary vision for Africa, and to enter into Livingstones labours. We must be diligent participants in this work, acquiring the available information, understanding it, keeping up to date, and supporting it faithfully. Envoys will come out of Egypt; Ethiopia will quickly stretch out her hands to God.

We congratulate Rev Norman Reid, MA, on graduating in Dogmatics at North West University, Pochefstroom, 15 September 2004. His 3-year thesis was The Unity of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith in Holy Scripture, a subject that has been a focus of thought for Norman throughout his ministry. He did a great deal of the work while on furlough in 2003. His academic success means that all three full-time members of Dumisani staff are now qualified to teach the Institutes Degree programme (Bachelor of Theology) at Honours level. The graduation was a prestigious event, honouring 150 Masters Graduates from seven disciplines, including Theology, although Norman was the only Dogmatics Graduate. We thank Angela also for her unfailing support and encouragement to Norman throughout the project and congratulate her as she shares in the pleasure of the
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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.

Life in the City

(Revelation Chapter 22:1-5 )
by

Rev Stephen Atkinson

And he showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and his servants shall serve him. They shall see his face, and his name shall be on their foreheads. And there shall be no night there: They shall need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign for ever and ever. What is it like after death? This is one of lifes greatest questions. Some will ignore the matter, as if it has no relevance. They will live for today and fail to prepare for that great Day of Gods reckoning. Others will seek to know about life after death but only out of a carnal curiosity. Yet not a few people will seek to consider the revelation of God on the matter. And here we find the glorious answer. God has been gracious enough to give a revelation of life after death. It is of vital, indeed eternal, importance to
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read, mark, and learn from his truth. In these articles on Revelation 21-22, we have been considering some of these great realities. In the book of Revelation the veil is lifted and God graciously reveals some of his activities throughout history (in earlier chapters), and at the end of history as we know it (in these final chapters). Mighty truths have been considered by us in chapter 21. We have this wonderful new order as the old things are passed away. John was shown, and we are shown, the Bride, the Holy City, the corporate people of God, saved and now glorified. We made a specific point of the fact that what is shown here and spoken of as a city, is not the place where Gods redeemed live in heaven, but rather is the people. This great city, vast, cube-shaped, beautiful, pure, costly, radiant, is a picture of the whole people of God in living unity, and in living communion with God. But as we come to chapter 22, we are shown the surroundings and even something of life within the city. We are thankful to God that he shows us this. Living in the day of shadows, with the limitations of our finite language, and finite comprehension, we are encouraged to have a glimpse of the eternal and the glorious, the state and surroundings of believers after their death. We are shown Life in the City.

Washington? In such cities the pace of life and the concrete jungle would seriously damage my health! I think we can say clearly that life in this heavenly city is completely different. In these verses we have a city that is like a garden. This is no concrete jungle. There is no pollution, smog, or fast pace of life. This city has a garden! There are no clouds. It is never overcast. (That comes as a relief to people in Northern Ireland!) The picture is of bright and glorious day, and much greenness. (That comes as a delight to those who love the Emerald Isle!) Joking aside, how different is that to our grey cities? But these are figures of things even more wonderful and refreshing. Hendriksen has a lovely way of speaking about this garden / city scene. He says that ever since Genesis 3, the City, as it were, has been crying for the Garden, and the Garden for the City.

Man was banished from the Garden for his sin, yet was promised a saviour. Genesis brings us those necessary words of curse and dismissal from the Garden, but also the promise of one who would bring the city of Gods people back to their Garden of fellowship with God. In parallel with the first book of scripture, the last book brings us the fulfilment of this promise. The city (Gods people), is brought back to the Garden of communion What is it like to live and work in a city? with the Creator and Redeemer, and I must admit I would find it hard to live take note: this Garden has no serpent! in London. What is life like in that city? What is it like to live in New York or We shall look at some of the things that
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are in this garden, and learn about life in this city.

city of God. His love, immense unsearchable, is being poured out upon you, day and daily, to gladden your 1. A River. heart. This is his ceaseless activity from We may not appreciate the significance this river of grace. of a river today in our society when we Its flow can go to the tap and turn on the water for a drink, or to wash or bathe. It is And notice particularly it flows down such a simple operation for us and we the middle. This river of grace has rarely consider where our water comes direction and purpose. As it comes from. from the throne, so we learn that his sovereign will is directed to the heart of But for first century readers a river was his people. He is well disposed to us a vital thing. Indeed river signified now, and will be so then, eternally. LIFE. Often in the scriptures river is used to signify eternal life. Do you know this? Do you know the joy of this? Do you presently enjoy the From Genesis to Revelation, this river effect of this life giving stream, and of Gods grace flows through scripture. ultimately long for this reality? God is gracious in dealing with his people from the beginning of time to From before the foundation of the its conclusion. It flows through human world this river of Gods outpoured history. It is life giving. It is Gods love has been flowing. The very plan of providential activity in the saving and creation, redemption and providence, is keeping care for his own. And it does this river of grace and love. This river is not cease in glory - Hallelujah. not a motionless stagnant pool from a cold, distant deity. It is an ever flowing, Its source purposeful, fruitful river that is bringing And he showed me a pure river of the water of life to men and women today, and unto life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne eternity. of God and of the Lamb. (Rev 22:1) Its purity There is a river whose streams shall make glad There is nothing impure in this city. the city of God... God is in the midst of her... There is nothing impure about Gods God shall help her. (Ps.46:4,5) plans and purposes. They are all just and holy. And while we may see things In this life dear Christian friend, he is a little dimly in this life, yet the pure life engaged for you. He is ever near, and giving purposes of God will be crystal ever present. Read the surrounding clear to us then. verses in Psalm 46, and see that even when all around us is caving in, there is Its necessity a river, whose streams make glad the
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In him we live and move and have our being. We cannot draw another breath unless he gives the power. We are utterly dependent upon him. So too in glory. But who would we desire more to be dependent upon? In marriage there is a dependency by the two persons. Dangers may arise if husband or wife sees no need of the other. It is not good for man to be alone. Man is drawn to a certain dependence upon his wife, and the wife to her husband. So in glory, shall we be independent of our Husband Christ? Would we desire to be?

be so eternally. Hendriksen helpfully points out that tree of life is the same as wood of life. It is the same term as is used of the cross. Scripture teaches us Cursed is anyone who is hung on a tree. Thus we see that Jesus Christ became that curse for us, so that the river of Gods grace may produce a tree of life, eternal life in him.

Do you remember the incident of Moses in the desert with the people, finding water, but it was bitter? They had come to Marah. The Lord showed Moses a piece of wood (a piece of a Then also, graciously he makes himself tree). He threw it into the water and it dependent upon us, unbelievably calling became sweet. us his Body. He, as the head calls us, The river of Gods grace has the roots his fullness. Life, in glory, will be of the Life giving tree of Calvary in it. wonderfully dependent upon our We are sustained now, and in glory by Saviour Christ. His necessary river of grace will ever flow to satisfy, refresh, the saving activity of the Lamb. His death is our life. His cross, his tree, is to and invigorate. us the tree of life, eternal life. We are ever dependent upon it, and upon 2. The Tree of Life Gods life giving river purposes. Notice that this tree is the fruit and produce of the river. From the life Furthermore, this tree bears fruit and giving purposes of God, comes a leaves (Rev. 22:2b). Do you remember wonderful tree - a tree of life. Jeremiah crying out, Is there no balm in Gilead? Why is there no healing for In Genesis chapter two we read of the the wound of my people? Well we tree of life in the Garden. But after the know there is! The fruit of Christs tree, Fall, Adam and Eve were banished is for the healing of ALL Gods people from the Garden and prevented from - and wonderful news for us, healing reaching out and taking of the tree of for the nations. life. If they had done so, they would have lived for ever in their post-fall Does this not also stir us to bear his state. But this was not the fruit of fruit now, and to bring his healing Gods river. The tree of life would be message to the nations. Did this not given to those who were pure, and to give to the early disciples a missionary
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zeal, which is largely lacking among us? worship. 3. The Purity of our Worship Our sight is now dim and so our worship so poor and unworthy. But What is to be our life in the city? - ever then we shall have the light of God thankful service, and joyful rule. His directly upon us. Now we know in part, servants will serve him. They will reign but then, face to face. for ever and ever. How we need stirring, even with these Without curse thoughts and words. Isaiah 33:17 Your eyes will see the king in all his beauty. There is no more curse for the old Song of Songs 3:11 - Come out, you order has passed away. Let us reflect upon this again. No curse, so no death, daughters of Zion, and look at King Solomon wearing the crown - on the day of his wedding, or mourning or crying or pain. No curse, so no need of closed gates in this the day his heart rejoiced. city; the inhabitants, the people of God Is it not that day we long for? Is it not are secure. The life giving river flowing that sight for which we breathe? Is it from eternity to eternity is through the not in that hope which we shall breathe centre of this city, through the centre of our last? His people. None shall snatch them. They are his; he is well disposed to When we face that last enemy, and in them, in Christ, by that tree of life, and Christ, defeat him, and awake - what is now in this place of purity and peace, our joy? - our glory? - our life, in that there is no curse. city? Wont it be our delight that our Ps. 17:15 - And I - in righteousness I shall worship of him and our service to Him see you face; when I awake I shall be satisfied is without curse, without sin, without with seeing your likeness. sorrow to ourselves, and without grief to our Father in heaven? - presenting The Bride eyes not her garment, but her dear pure unalloyed worship. Bridegrooms face. With perfect sight and given I will not gaze at glory, but on my King of light grace; 1John3:2 - Dear friends, now we are the Not at the crown he giveth, but on his pierced children of God, and what we will be has not hand: yet been made known. But we know that when he appears we shall be like him for we shall see The Lamb is all the glory Of Immanuels land. him as he is. Only perfect purity permits such a sight and such a sight will inspire perfect
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Books etc.
Has Science Got Rid Of God? John Blanchard uses reasoned
John Blanchard Evangelical Press 160 pages 6.99 Reviewer: Joe Hutton This is another excellent book from John Blanchard, quite different to Does God Believe in Atheists?, but nevertheless it too will prove to be a very useful volume for the Christian to read and keep for reference. argument throughout the book to expose the fact that their comments and beliefs when weighed up against the facts are worthless, but nevertheless dangerous because they are accepted in many schools, colleges and the media as matter of fact. As well as the above he has provided quotations and references from many eminent scientists past and present who look at science from the proper perspective, that is from the view that God has revealed himself in creation and when any one discusses or studies science they must do so from this standpoint in order to truly understand it.

He deals with the question very well and of course, as you would expect, comes firmly to the fact that you cannot be a true scientist without taking into account the creative work of God and that it is God alone who can meet mans deepest needs and not This book will prove very useful to the Christian and minister of the gospel science. when seeking to speak with knowledge The book will prove very useful for on this subject. quotation and reference because he quotes at length (these quotations are There is also at the end a very useful Appendix called The Strange Story of shocking) from many of the atheistic Christian Science with a brief account scientists of the past and current era, of the life of Mary Baker Eddy. from Darwin to well known atheists like Peter Atkins, Richard Dawkins, Sir As one of the reviewers on the back Alfred Ayer to name a few. cover says, John Blanchard exposes He exposes the licence these men and how world views that dispense with many others have to espouse their evil God, lead to chaos and despair. We are reminded to of the great challenge to and pernicious teaching that Science Has Murdered God, to quote one of all of us as Christians to do as Paul did at Mars Hill, bring the people back to them, and to be allowed to do this the knowledge that God is sovereign in without question and with the full creation, providence and redemption. support of most of todays media.
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I would heartily commend this book to all and say also, that despite its title and subject, it is very readable and is also encouraging. It leaves the believer with many reasons to lift our hearts in praise, awe and wonder of our omnipotent God and to worship him.

Justification
Francis Turretin Presbyterian & Reformed 115 pages 5.95 Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson RC Sproul writing in the Introduction to this reprint comments that Church history testifies that studied ambiguity is the refuge of the heretic. It is in the light of that, that he commends, and this reviewer also commends, this publishing of Turretin on Justification. The work originally appeared in his Institutes of Elenctic Theology (1688), and only now has been published separately to facilitate wider readership. The wider readership however will still have to be a theologically informed

readership, and readership prepared to slowly examine Turretins argument and logic. The average reader may consider this to be just a scholars debate, but Sprouls comment reminds us of the importance of theological precision and clarity in the face of the enemy attack upon truth. While theologically heavy, it is not simply cerebral, since the whole matter concerns how we shall stand before our Maker - will it be with a righteous which is inherent, infused, or imputed? In the clarifying of issues concerning justification and sanctification, which currently are often blurred, the precision of Turretin is necessary in the area, for example, of the Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT) debate, and the New Perspective controversy. Slow and careful reading will be rewarded.

(Continued from back page) I would point out that this is written from an Australian Anglican perspective, and while having a universal relevance, it is important to note that the fact of women in preaching ministry is assumed without comment. I suppose the best piece of wisdom found within comes in the form of a German proverb, The main thing is to make the main thing always remain the main thing. If we do, we shall be Going the Distance.
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 - How to stay fit for a lifetime of ministry -

Going the Distance

going the dist.jpg

Practical advice on a contemporary issue.

Peter Brain
258 pages Matthias Media 10.00

The blurb on the back cover reminds us that Christian ministry is not a sprint; its a marathon, a long term race, requiring not just initial enthusiasm and ability, but staying power. Unfortunately, a growing number of Christian ministers dont seem to possess that staying power. 44% of all pastors who have been involved in ministry for more than 15 years suffer from burn out, mental break down or serious illness... Going the distance is about making sure youre not one of those statistics. Im not sure simply taking a dose of the prescribed medicine will be a solve all, but theres no doubt that this book contains a lot of heavenly wisdom for earthly use. The helpful practical ideas are not rocket science, but sanctified common sense, which nonetheless is often overlooked. It covers subjects such as burn-out, stress, self care, temptations, family, friendships among other things. Some of his comments are rather earthy and might be considered somewhat crude - Self-care strategies are like All-Bran you eat it when you dont need it, so you wont need it. Many of the recurring problems in pastoral ministry are identified, and early warnings given. Areas such as unrealistic expectations, and resistance to ministry initiative are helpfully opened up. Inertia is always easier than initiative, but it rarely produces results. There are also earth shattering statements like - Ministry requires money (p206). Perhaps this is new to some. While it is a book for pastors, pastors will be even more greatly helped if the congregational members read this type of material. If they want their man to go the distance, the advice given here is encouragement, and affirmation, and the protection of the ministers physical well-being. He notes the oft repeated phrase, I love the ministry, its people I cant stand (p.30), but if the advice here is followed things can be different. (Continued on p15)
page 16

(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

- (6) The Valley of the Shadow It may be fun to ride on the Ghost Train, but real horror is no joke. As we see all too often on our TV screens, there are things in life that are horrific, and sometimes we have to go through them. Our pilgrim friends went down into the valleys just as Christian had done before. The first valley, where Christian met Apollyon wasnt too difficult, but the next was no fun ride. They heard groaning, and then the ground began to shake. Soon they heard snakes hissing. Great Heart kept their spirits up, but he told them also to watch their step. They thought they saw someone in front of them, but whatever it was disappeared. Mercy thought she saw a lion behind them, and indeed they heard something roar. It began to get dark, and a fog came down around them all. Suddenly they noticed a great hole in front of them, and they quickly stopped short of it. I have been through this valley many times said Great Heart. We must stop and pray to the one who gives light, and he will. And soon light came, and they could continue. Just a little further and they would be out, but they would still need to be very careful. ................... We can learn from this that our enemy the devil will do all sorts of things to frighten us, trip us up, and make us not want to continue as a pilgrim. He might make things appear all dark. We might not know how to go on, and at such times it is good to stop and pray, and ask God for light on our pathway. It is better to stop and pray than stumble and stray. The Bible tells us our enemy roars like a lion, and he is also depicted as a serpent who hisses his slanders at us - but Jesus Christ has defeated him, and he cannot ultimately harm us. Yes, there are valleys to go through - but as you go through them you will find yourself On Course with Christiana.

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