Evangelical Presbyterian

May-Jun 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: Passionate about the Passion. The Regions Beyond: Eastern Europe for Christ. A New Day Dawning: (Rev. 21:-9-11) The Bride shown off. Apologies (3): The Bible. YPA Project 2004 - African Christian TextbookS. Church News Books etc. Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use. On Course with Christiana (3) - Beware of the Dog! 1 2 7 11 14 16 17 20 21

S. Atkinson M. Trimble S. Garland

S. Atkinson

Cover Photo: Strangford Lough (Photo by Robert Johnston)

Editorial: Passionate about the Passion?

Mel Gibson has got the media talking due to his passion about the Passion of Christ. His graphic depiction of the crucifixion in The Passion of the Christ has been deemed anti-semitic and gratuitous in its violence. Should we not make the important announcement? The Jews conspired with the Romans to gratuitously mock, bruise, and cruelly crucify. These are the facts of history. It is not being anti-semitic to tell what happened, any more than it is being anti-German to depict the Second World War. Remember the Romans were not known for their gentleness or compassion. In days before video nasties, seeing people being eaten alive by lions was considered entertainment. Should we expect these Roman soldiers not to have some sport with this criminal? even accept pervasive adultery, but dont bring religion into it. No religion please, were Holywood (tho it was OK when Holywood made money out of the religious public with those biblical epics of former generations). Without passing comment on the rights and wrongs of depicting images of Christ, I simply think it is the epitome of hypocrisy to hear such Californian cries when little or nothing is said about gratuitous perversion. But then there is another thing that comes to mind. Rocky 5 - Star Wars 3. Yes, it sounds like a football score but its just those endless sequels in Holywood. We might be inclined to ask - Will Holywood desire Gibson to make The Passion - the Sequel?

Of course we know the sequel is crucial. The cross was not the end. Were passionate about the Passion not So has Holywood gone soft on because of the violence, but the victory. violence? Is it alright when Terminator He rose triumphant over death, and we blasts people away, or Aragorn cuts the passionately want to proclaim his head of the demon Lurtz, but please victory that sinners may know the dont tell us about the horrors of sequel: the power of his resurrection. crucifixion. Maybe give us gratuitous sodomy. Well
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Eastern Europe for Christ -The Last 12 Months-

Anniversary of the Lydia Home

Bonus Pastors work with addicts. Rev. Horvth has helped to establish several During the year under review the Lydia important works in Romania, including Home in Tirgu Mures celebrated its 10th Koinonia Publishing (publishing Christian anniversary. In the light of EEFCs vital books in Hungarian and Romanian), role in the founding and initial funding Bonus Pastor Foundation (which works with of the Home, our Council were asked to alcoholics and their families), and send representatives to the anniversary Genesius (student outreach). ceremony. Rev Bill Scott was the Councils first choice, but due to prior We aim to show our new EEFC video at commitments overseas he was unable to these meetings. There will also be copies attend. Our thanks go to Andrew of our new and colourful Handbook of Burrows, Janet MacInnes and Anne Involvement, which aims to give you an Brodie who travelled to Romania on overview of the work of EEFC, as well behalf of EEFC, conveying both our as our partner organisations. It is our greetings and an anniversary gift for the hope that through all these means the work of the Home. work of EEFC will become better known, and will expand further, to the Rev Levente Horvth glory of God. Rev Levente Horvth (who visited EPC EEFC Camps in May 1993) is to speak at a series of public meetings in the UK, scheduled for EEFC chairman Rev. John MacPherson the 22nd October to 3rd November 2004. summarizes the last 12 months: To date he is booked for venues in London, Aberdeen, Inverness, Lewis and It is with deep gratitude to God that we Edinburgh. He will not only promote the thank him for another fully-staffed, work of EEFC, but will also speak about accident-free series of five EEFC camps
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in Hungary, Romania and Ukraine. Positive reports were received from the leaders of all five camps, and although God alone knows what spiritual work was accomplished, there has been a sense of the Spirits working in different ways at each camp. Our warm thanks are due to those who faithfully pray for the work, encourage those who engage in it and provide financial support for it.

campers, and indeed football matches and outings were made more interesting with the added mud factor. Also, we watched and took part in the ongoing building work on the campsite, which is in the process of creating new toilet, shower and kitchen facilities. This project is necessary in order to comply with EU health regulations, and will improve the campsite enormously for future years.

Camp Report: Mahanaim 2003

This years theme, The Ten Commandments, prompted Across the border in Romania, we once surprisingly personal discussions in again ventured up the slopes of the groups and one-to-one. Many campers Carpathian mountains to the Mahanaim opened up about severe family campsite, which nestles in the hills far problems, loneliness, relationship beyond civilisation, and beyond problems, lack of leadership in churches electricity and water supplies. Our bus and other complex issues. It was a from the tiny train station to the privilege to have the confidences of campsite composed of a very large, very these young people, and to be a part of uncomfortable open-topped cattle discussing the liberating gospel of Christ truck, in which we endured a forty with them. minute white-knuckle ride around hair raising bends over numerous potholes. The Work Expands Mahanaims wild atmosphere and Almost every year EEFC is asked to run beautiful scenery combined with the lack of home comforts make this camp more and more camps: the demand a place to get completely away from it never abates. In the last couple of years, all, and washing in the river is an added our supply of UK leaders has significantly increased, making new excitement. Also, being without camps more of a possibility. This year electricity necessitates the nightly campfire gathering which affords many we are delighted to see the work opportunities to chat and to talk more expanding, in the form of a brand new camp in Hungary, called Berekfrd. personally to the campers. The camp is for the young people from the town of Nyregyhza, and will be led We caught some spells of blistering by Tams Spi. We do not need to heat, but dramatic thunderstorms and lashing rain prevailed. Despite this, we persuade Tams of the value of EEFC admired the lack of complaints from the camps: he attended the Hejce camp in
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his youth (a church camp, not an EEFC one) and was converted there; he went on to be the leader of the EEFC Hejce camp. Now he wants to reach children from his home town. Young people are being invited from local schools and churches. Please pray for this new camp in particular. Interview with Tams Spi Please introduce yourself and explain how you came to be involved in working in partnership with EEFC.

year by year. How did you find being a leader of the Hejce Camp? Year by year, Dani had become more and more involved in the general management of the Reformed Church, and so he had less and less time to take part in the everyday life this camp. So with the strong help of the Victors, I became more and more involved in the organisation throughout the whole year, and took part as the manager and overseer of the camp from the Hungarian side. I have to underline that the spiritual leadership has always been in the hands of the Victors, which I always liked and accepted.

Im from the town of Nyregyhza, in the North-East of Hungary, with approximately 120,000 residents. I attended university in Miskolc, where I got in close contact with the Hungarian organiser and initiator of the Hejce To be the managing leader of the camp EEFC English Bible Camps, Mr Dniel has always been challenge to me. I Szab. wanted to meet the requirements and at the same time enjoyed doing something In 1988 he invited me to take part in special and unique. And to do it as a this summer camp for the first time. As ministry for the Lord among youngsters a Christian who was interested in the (as well as with British Christians) English language I was amazed at the enhanced my readiness and zeal. Surely possibility. The venue (the Victors God blessed and used us in these Camp in Hejce) was already known to camps. This is not our work and not me. Before, I attended church youth our result, only His. Praise be to Him camps here at least once, where I for these camps! became a Christian, at the age of 17. In this way I arrived at my first EEFC It was not always easy. The load and the Camp as a born again Christian. Since I pressure of being responsible for many, had a very good relationship with many things at the same time was very Dniel and the Victors (our hosts) and I tiring. To make everyone happy and to was keen to look around with open keep everything in order at the same eyes for ways in which to help in the time is almost impossible. However, I camp, he asked me from the outset to know that there have always been many help with some practical things at the prayers behind us, ensuring the good camp. Since then I attended the camp fruits and protecting us from evil.
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Please tell us about the new camp.

running EEFC camps for over 10 years, in partnership with Christian In many ways it is going to be the same Endeavour (CE) Romania. This year we as the Hejce Camp, but with received an extremely generous differences too. This camp tries to donation of 15,000 from a small focus on one local church school and group of Christians who had heard the related reformed congregation of about the work. The money will help to our town. Obviously, the ultimate establish a modern campsite, which will purposes are to be the same always: be used by CE to hold camps in the proclaim the gospel of our Lord Jesus summer (camps for children, students, Christ, draw many to Him and teach orphans, children of addicts, deaf English. Again, its not me or children and language camps), as well somebody else who is important at as for other diaconal work throughout these camps, but God only. the year. We trust that God will use this strategic site for His glory. Camps Publicity Video You can now get your very own camps video and see the work with your own eyes! In the summer, Mary Gillies ventured off to Eastern and Central Europe to manage the production of our first ever recording of the camps. We made a short ten-minute one for those wanting a flavour of what the camps are about. Theres also a thirtyminute version, which we will use for the training day, or for those wanting to find out more. Those swithering about whether to come to camp or not are now able to see exactly what they will be letting themselves in for. And our prayer supporters will be better equipped to understand the work. To receive a copy (on CD, video or DVD!) please contact Andrew Johnstone: 01324 826862, andy@eefc.org.uk. Bucsin Project The Bucsin campsite is in the eastern Carpathians, where we have been Prayer We are grateful to our prayer secretary Ewen Morrison for continuing to produce high quality monthly prayer notes. If you would like to receive them then please email ewenhazelm@lineone.net. New English Teaching Resources We are currently expanding and upgrading our teaching resources. This involves a lot of work, and again, help from our supporters is required. Over the next few years, we will go from having 3 sets of resources to 6 sets one for each camp.

Cheap Flights As Hungary enters the EU on the 1st May 2004, the cost of flying to Hungary
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will be halved, and so the cost of attending camps will be significantly reduced. We hope that this will make it easier to persuade more people to come out to the camps! Rev John MacPherson concludes:

play a very small part in this ministry. Keeping up to Date For any general information regarding EEFC, please contact the secretary: John Johnstone, 77 Forest Avenue, Aberdeen, AB15 4TN, 01224 324630, secretary@eefc.org.uk.

Finally, our thanks are due to our many friends in Hungary, Romania and We aim to regularly update our website Ukraine, who offer our volunteers such (www.eefc.org.uk) with useful information and news. generous hospitality, and who appreciate the co-operation offered them in their camps programmes. We trust that God will bless them in their many efforts in the work of the Gospel, and thank God that we are privileged to

CAMP

LEADER

DATES

Hejce

Marc Ellis

16th 24th July 2004

Hdmezvsrhely

Andrew Johnstone

24th 31st July 2004

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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.

The Bride shown off.

(Revelation Chapter 21:9-11 )
by

Rev Stephen Atkinson

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife. And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. And her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.

John saw many strange and wonderful things from that island of Patmos, but I wonder if this sight didnt cause a reaction quite apart from the rest. He saw the bride of Christ, the believing people of God in corporate form - that unknown number of those who have been born again of the Spirit of God and have come to know Jesus Christ. In these verses 9-11, and beyond, we have John focusing on certain aspects

of this wonderful sight. He is shown the various beauties, dimensions, and descriptions of what is truly indescribable. What he continues to do is to focus his eyes of the various aspects of this sight and bring out its respective beauty from various angles. I remember being in the home of an elderly gentleman who had seriously impaired vision. He was a keen reader and he showed me his magnifying
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equipment and how a simple booklet with small print could be put up on screen and magnified greatly. Similarly, pictures were able to be seen in greater detail. With the equipment you could pan around and see things that perhaps you missed in viewing the overall view. I believe that is what is happening here. John has already been shown the bride, but now he is shown again from a higher perspective. He is taken to a high mountain where he can see better. There he is able to consider the dimensions and see the beauty more clearly. 1. This Beautiful Bride is worthy of display. Remember that the Holy Spirits purpose in presenting this vision was to encourage the persecuted believers in all ages. This glorious sight was set before us as an impetus to fight the good fight of faith.

thing but remember also that this angel that sets this sight before John is probably the same angel that set before John the Great Harlot (Revelation 17:1) If so, then what a contrast! There, John has a very different sight displayed before him; one of filth, blasphemy, and spiritual adultery. But what does he see now? He sees a sight that is clean, pure and undefiled. He sees the fully sanctified and now glorified saints as a corporate entity now married to Christ. We may note one point of difference between what he sees in v1, and v9. He sees the bride. Now this is termed the bride, the wife of the Lamb. Now, because, It is done, the Bride is married - and there will be no divorce!

As we groan our way through this life, seeing ourselves falling again and again at the same hurdles, facing inner accusations that come from hell as to whether we are Christians at all, my Sometimes people get so bogged down sinning, but believing friend, the Lord would have you see this sight! Come, I in the prophesies of Revelation that they fail to see the wood for the trees. will show you the Bride. The book is not simply predictive; it is Here is the exhibit; the fruit of Christs wonderfully pastoral. Look up, saints. saving work. He looks and he is Set your mind on things above. We satisfied. Should we not therefore look have a living hope, imperishable, kept and rejoice? He loved the church and in heaven - for you; you who believe in gave himself for her, to make her holy the Lord Jesus Christ as your saviour. and to present her to himself a radiant You are in this vision. This Bride is the blood bought body of Gods redeemed people. And here is this Bride on display! You, my believing brother and sister, are here on display for the apostle John! Now that is a wonderful
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church, without stain, or wrinkle, or any other blemish. Those blemishes and wrinkles and multitude of sins that you are aware of, he says, I will remember, no more.

When this perishable clothes itself with the imperishable and death is swallowed up in victory, the Bride is worthy of display. And remember too that she is Wife - Hallelujah! As husbands and wives in this life we will let each other down, and hurt each other, while at the same time we are grieved that we do. So with our Husband, we grieve Him with our many failures. But John sees that there is a perfection to the relationship. Then we are displayed as the Wife of One Husband. I am His and He is Mine is true now, but gloriously true then.

However, then it will be heavenly to enjoy such; as each one has a Christlike interest in the other. There will be a mutually serving community of the new humanity.
Jerusalem the Golden, with milk and honey blest Beneath thy contemplation, sink heart and voice oppressed. I know not O I know not what social joys are there. What radiancy of glory, what light beyond compare.

This hymn speaks of social joys. Have you ever given thought to that phrase? This city is a holy social entity. There is a corporate holiness, but also a mutually interactive goodness one to 2. A Community in Communion the other. with God. So you see this vision is not totally This city is the community of the twice beyond our understanding. There are born now perfected and glorified. It is certain factors which we can appreciate, the Holy City; a holy community. In and this is one of them. This is a vision this life that holiness is imperfect but of life in heaven as the glorified church; then the holiness is complete. What a a community in communion with God. wonderful thing to consider - a community of Christ-like people; a The hymn quoted above continues to community which exudes the aroma of remind us that this glorified people has Christ in every interaction from person a radiancy of glory. This is what is to person. revealed to John. John had already been shown how the Lord dwelt with His How much pain we cause each other people and wiped away tears. Now because of our sin. How much of our John has the picture enlarged and words and thoughts are taken wrongly. magnified. Gods presence has an effect But then all our interaction will be upon this community. It shines and sinless as a perfectly holy community. radiates with shekinah glory like a crystal jewel. There will be a harmony presently unknown. We regularly sing the I remember taking a visit to the Crown Psalmists comment - How good and Jewels in the Tower of London. Im pleasant it is when brothers dwell in not greatly taken by sparkling jewellery unity. But how little do we experience but there was an amazing radiance that goodness and pleasantness?
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coming from the jewels particularly as they were suitably displayed under appropriate lighting. The value was beyond imagination. The jewels themselves were so well set; some dark, some light, some opaque, some clear and flawless. This city of redeemed humanity has a value beyond our comprehension. We talk of being bought with the blood of Christ but can we begin to comprehend the purchase price? Gods priceless jewels are his own beloved people, set together in city, shining, not with an external light upon, but an inner light within, and that light is something beyond compare; it is the Light of all lights. This holy city that John sees is shining with the glory of God. She shines with a radiance so unspoiled, so undiluted, so unflawed, because it is the abiding presence of God in the midst of his people. Married to Christ, now in consummate union this Wife radiates, and does so perspicuously, as clear as crystal. John speaks of it as being like a jasper. This stone was clear like the diamond, transparent, and brilliant. Gods glory will radiate brilliantly from within his people, in a visible, transparent manner. Brothers and sisters in Christ, we truly need to meditate much more on these glorious truths, visions and ultimate realities. The New Day truly is dawning. I remember seeing someone on TV who was made to look older. By
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extensive makeup he was actually being made able to see what he would look like in 10 years, 20 years, 30 years. And of course increasingly it was not such a pleasant sight. In fact it was quite frightening as he saw for himself, on himself, the fruit of human decay. Now closing in on mid-forties it is not difficult for me to realise Im not as young as I used to be. While some may run the marathon as senior citizens, thats the exception. Its not very pleasant for the natural man to look ahead at his bodily decay. Thats why he doesnt. He lives for today. But why doesnt the Christian look ahead more often? Were not looking at decay. Were not looking at a weakening and ageing. The best is yet to come and indeed it will only be beginning. We have a glorious future, a splendid Christ-like future, both in our communion with one another, and more importantly our unbroken communion with our merciful and gracious God. Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him. But God has revealed them to us through his Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Apologies
Part 3 - The Bible
Michael Trimble

In the first article we made the argument for a moral absolute behind the order of the cosmos. In the second we made the argument for intelligent design and obviously therefore a Designer. However, we are still a long way from the God of the Christian faith and we must move from what is called general revelation to the particular special revelation of God in the Bible. Sadly the Bible is no longer held in high regard in our society. Writers such as Richard Dawkins view religion as merely superstition, and expect that in course of time theology and other humanities will no longer be taught at Universities. Even so called theologians such as the Jesus Seminary group in America choose which bits of the Bible they will accept. Whilst there is truth in Spurgeons exclamation Defend the Bible? I would sooner defend a lion we do need to be able to articulate our defence of the book that is so pivotal to our faith. This is what Francis Schaeffer would have termed pre evangelism. This article will consider the reliability of the Biblical text, the canon of Scripture and the uniqueness of its contents.

The Text Consider the text of the Old Testament. This was written over a period from around 1400 400 BC. The earliest complete manuscripts are to be found in the Leningrad library and are dated at AD 1008 1009. This is obviously some time after the initial

texts would have been written, but let us consider how the texts were passed on. The texts we have are described as Masoretic texts. The Masorites were groups of scribes in the period AD 500 to AD 900 coming from selected families, the most notable being the
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Ben Asher family in Tiberius. They devoted themselves to the meticulous copying of manuscripts. The accuracy of their copying can be seen from the fact that when the Dead Sea scrolls were found in 1946 in Qumran near Jericho, there were manuscripts among them dating from the 3rd century BC to 135 AD and the preservation of the text is exceptional. In a copy of the book of Isaiah found at Qumran only three words are different to the Isaiah of the Masoretic text - three words difference in textual copies almost a thousand years apart!

accepted secular ancient texts? Caesars Gallic War was written between 58-50 BC. There are nine or ten manuscripts in existence, the earliest of which is dated 900 years after the time of Julius Caesar. Livys Roman history was written between 59 and 17 AD but only 35 of his 142 books survived and these are in 20 manuscripts dated around the 4th century. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote about AD 100. Only 4 of his 14 books of Histories and 10 of his 16 books of The Annals are in existence and these are known from two manuscripts dating from the 9th and 11th centuries. Only 8 manuscripts When we come to the New Testament of the writings of Suetoninus (AD 69text there are over 5,000 ancient Greek 140 AD) are in existence. Of manuscripts in existence. The best Thucydides history (460 400 BC) we whole copies of the New Testament have 8 manuscripts dating from around date from around AD 250. There is AD 900. the Codex Vaticanus held in the Vatican library and the Codex Siniaticus It can be seen that comparing biblical held in the British Museum. Also manuscripts with other ancient dating from AD 500 is the Codex literature, whose historical value is Alexandria, again held in the British seldom contested, there are many more Museum. Earlier fragments include the and many earlier manuscripts to Chester Beattie papyri which contains support the biblical text. most of the New Testament and dates The Canon from the third century AD. In the John Rylands library in Manchester, Now we must consider the canon of there is a fragment of the Gospel of scripture; that is the books that actually John from AD 130. The Magdalene make up the Bible. It is usual to say papyri is a fragment of the Gospel of that the canon of the Bible was decided Matthew which has been dated by at the various early Church Councils German papyriologist Carsten Thiede such as the Council of Hippo in 393 at around AD 70. All the books of the AD or the Council of Carthage 397 New Testament were in circulation by AD. It would be more accurate though the middle of the second century. to say that these councils did not decide on canon but merely documented the How does this compare with other
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books that were accepted in practice.

The Bible is the word of God. God has spoken to us in the Bible revealing It seems that the development of the himself to us. The Bible is truth. canon was a progressive thing. Walter Often where there has been no outside Kaiser in his book The Old Testament evidence to back up statements in the Documents describes a succession of Bible the secular world has dismissed writing prophets. He notes how the its writings as mere myth. writer of Chronicles declares the history of David was written in the books of But archaeologists discovered that the the prophets, Samuel, Nathan and Gad. City of Ur really existed. They found He further comments how in Second external confirmation that the tribe of Chronicles the history of Solomon was the Hittites were real people. written by the prophets Nathan, Ahijah Solomons chariot city of Megiddo and Iddo and how the reign of actually existed and there are many Rehoboam was chronicled by the other examples where archaeology has prophet Shemaiah and Iddo. He had to acknowledge the Bibles continues to affirm that Abijahs historical accuracy. history was written by Iddo and Another example of the uniqueness of Jehoshaphats written by the prophet Jehu, followed by the reign of Hezekiah the Bible is in fulfilled prophecy. Consider the prophet Isaiah predicting by Isaiah and so on. the fall of Jerusalem and the taking of He also illustrates how Daniel, which the inhabitants into captivity. Then was written in the 6th century BC, there is the writing of the prophet accepts the writings of Jeremiah 75 Jeremiah predicting the return from years previously as being the word of captivity and the prophet Daniel the Lord. Similarly Jeremiah had viewed predicting the rise of the empires of the words of the prophet Micah 125 Rome, Greece and beyond. years earlier also as the word of the In particular there are many prophecies Lord. Thus, the Old Testament developed with progressive recognition about one person, the Messiah who was to come as Gods promised King of books being inspired as they and the Saviour of mankind; but we emerged. will consider these in more detail in our fourth and final article when we look at A similar situation is observed in the New Testament with the Apostle Peter the person of Christ. in his second letter classing the writings of the Apostle Paul along with other Scriptures. The uniqueness of the Bible. (to be continued)

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YPA PROJECT 2004 Sid & Jean Garland (African Christian TextbookS)
The YPA Missionary project for 2004 is to assist ACTS (Africa Christian TextbookS) to produce the new International Edition of Jean Garland's book, AIDS is Real and it's in our Church.

ACTS is now publishing or reprinting many books, but each time a book is printed it costs money (and ties up that money for months or years). As a result, ACTS are really getting stretched to the limits financially.

the book down, but kept reading it right through the night. This book is urgently needed. Already we are getting requests from all over the African continent. According to what we are told by missionaries in other African countries, there is a surprising lack of We thank God that Jean's book is being anything comparable. well received and almost every day we are getting encouraging comments on Right now we need prayer for Jean and how people have enjoyed reading it. our missionary doctor friend Dr Mike The positive messages are coming from Blyth as they work hard on bringing a wide variety of people (e.g. a history out the International Edition. They professor at the University of Jos, a want to make the book less focused on medical doctor in Ethiopia, a Nigeria, though the African stories will theological student at TCNN who is remain, and they also want to update HIV positive, and Jean's dressmaker - the book, especially so that it includes who kept asking for more to give to her more information on Anti-Retroviral friends and her daughter). Like others drugs which are gradually becoming she told us that she was not able to put more available in Africa.
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This year the YPA project achieves a number of things all in one go: 1. The YPA project is a way of assisting ACTS who are the publishers of the book. It gives ACTS money up front to pay for the printing. When the books are sold, ACTS will continue to use the funds to keep the book in print or to print other good books in the future.

missionary Jean Garland who is heavily involved in AIDS awareness and care ministries.

5. By supporting this book, the YPA project is also helping to spread the message of the gospel of salvation by grace alone. The good news is woven into the book, and it is a message equally needed by those who are HIV positive and by those who (like the 2. By assisting in this way, the YPA Pharisees) trust in themselves that they project is encouraging Sid Garland and are righteous and despise others (Luke Pamela Johnston, from the EPC, who 18:9). both work with ACTS. So once again we would like to thank 3. The YPA project is a way of helping the YPA committee and all their to fight the terrible AIDS epidemic in members and supporters for accepting Africa where 30 million people are this project. Your interest and support already infected. The book helps to get in our work is greatly appreciated. information and awareness into the hands of people who can make a Yours sincerely in Christ, difference, especially ministers and other leaders in the church. Sid and Jean Garland 4. By joining the fight against AIDS, the YPA project is encouraging EPC

Photo of Jeans book

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EPC MINISTERS & OFFICE-BEARERS CONFERENCE 2004

The Ministers & Office-Bearers Conference for 2004 was held in Knock EPC on 26th-27th March. The guest speaker was Rev Steven Curry of Ballymoney Baptist Church. The theme of the conference was Perseverance in the Christian Ministry. On the Friday Mr Curry delivered to the ministers clear and practical expository addresses from 2 Corinthians 12, and Acts 2 concerning Gods sufficient grace and the importance of fellowship. The Saturday morning was attended by a goodly number of Office-Bearers and Mr Curry continued to exhort and encourage from Psalm 46, and Hebrews 12. The addresses on both Friday and Saturday were complemented by times of discussion. Mr Curry, having just recently returned from a period of ministry in Albania, gave a moving few minutes of report concerning the situation there, comparing it to how things were in his teenage years. The hospitality of the Knock ladies on the Friday and Saturday was most appreciated and the new facilities in the Knock church were put to good use.

BANGOR EPC
At the time of going to press the BANGOR EPC BUILDING PROJECT is nearing completion. The date of official opening is Saturday 8th May 2004 with the speaker being Rev Dr Andrew Woolsey (Crumlin EPC). The new church building is situated approximately three miles from Bangor on the edge of the nearby village of Groomsport. We are delighted with this development and thank God for the provision he has made for the future witness to the gospel in this part of North Down. A fuller report will appear in the next issue of this magazine.
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Books etc.
Shadows of Sheol
Philip S Johnston IVP (Apollos) 288 pages 14.99 Reviewer: Andrew Lucas Philip S. Johnston is presently Tutor in Old Testament at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, although previously he did lecture in Belfast. It is the writers stated aim to provide a thorough study of death and the afterlife in the Old Testament Scriptures. The book is comprehensive, but is within reach of the average reader and the writers style is very readable. The book is helpfully divided into four parts with a total of ten chapters, each concluding with a useful summary. Whilst the writer does interact with academic scholarship and the Hebrew text, he does so in such a way as to retain the semi-popular style of the book itself. book acknowledges and for that reason, he feels unable to fully recommend it.

For the Love of God

D. A. Carson IVP 2 volumes 14.99 each Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson Many will know and value both the written and spoken ministry of Dr Carson. These two volumes of daily devotionals are a bit different from his usual offerings to us, though the style remains as substantial and vital as ever. MCheynes Bible reading calendar is used as the basis for each devotional lesson which takes you through the Bible in a year, and twice through the New Testament and Psalms. If you wish you may proceed at half this pace and the two volumes will then facilitate this approach very well.

It has been conceived not merely as a devotional guide, but rather for Whilst the book may have its uses, particularly in keeping one informed of Christians who want to read the Bible, who want to read all the Bible. The trends in modern scholarship, the reviewer found himself disagreeing with Preface also rebukes us concerning our excuses about sustained Bible study as the writers handling of certain texts too often we sacrifice the important and his final conclusions. Johnston on the altar of the urgent. does acknowledge a growing understanding of the life hereafter in The daily devotionals often begin with the Old Testament, but according to a one liner such as Guilt. What a him, it remains shadowy and unclear. horrendous burden, and will often However, the reviewer feels that that close with summary wisdom, Never understanding was far greater than this
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fixate on the peripheral; do not lose focus on what is primary. This is for those who desire substance to their personal Bible study, and not (as is often the case) simply opening a devotional fortune cookie.

of grace - generosity... to the gutters of mans lostness. There are certain statements with which we would disagree theologically, such as The church was born on the Day of Pentecost... (p32), but overall it is a very helpful, common sense book that is easily read, and obviously less easily practised. He deals with matters such as covetousness, contentment, debt, stewardship. While recommending a more simple approach to life, he also rebukes those who glory in poverty, and dont adequately provide for their family, or their future. While generally recommending this book, I would suggest that perhaps there was too much emphasis on money generosity, while more could have been said on big-heartedness in other ways such as time, thoughtfulness and practical help. This kind of inventive generosity often makes a greater impact upon a selfish world than simply throwing cash at a problem. Big-heartedness is certainly something to be desired. May this book prompt you to study and improve, at all levels, a generous spirit. Study guidelines and other helpful titles for further reading are included.

Generosity

(Big-heartedness as a way of life) Michael Wakely IVP 144 pages 5.99 Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson I must admit that the sub-title sold itself to me, for several reasons. Firstly, I would like to be this more and more. Secondly, it is greatly lacking in the world and, of more concern to us, in the church. Thirdly, those I have encountered as big-hearted have a beauty from God that is attractive and challenging to other Christians and evangelistically powerful towards the lost. The author begins by speaking of the generosity of God which overflowed into creativity of thought and creative action. In a burst of expressive energy, not wanting to keep his pleasure and glory to himself, Gods qualities of love and generosity - his big-heartedness led him to make creatures that would benefit from and enjoy his nature. (p.16)

As he gives us a sweep of history, the America author reminds us that history is a story
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Sermons that shaped

(Reformed Preaching from 1630 to 2001) ed. W. S Barker & S. T. Logan Presbyterian & Reformed 406 pages 11.99 Reviewer: Stephen Atkinson

give us understanding of development and trend within reformed preaching and within the American church. Sermons are children of their day in language and shape and we may find the earlier sermons more difficult to read but there is no misunderstanding gospel truth in reading Tim Kellers What a goldmine of reformed sermons! sermon after 9/11 from the dust and - Cotton, Winthrop, Mather, Edwards, ashes of New York City. Nettleton, Palmer, Vos, Machen, Schaeffer, Boice, and Keller among For US readers this is of tremendous others. value in re-learning what makes a nation great and for non-US readers to Each sermon has a historical be taught from this example. The importance, and is prefaced by a most greatness of Great Britain, and the helpful introduction by the editors awesomeness of America does not giving pertinent comments on the come from wealth, or economic relevancy of each sermon in shaping prowess, but historic, reformed, the history of America. Indeed I would biblical, experiential Christianity that is have valued more comment from the unashamedly proclaimed with editors, but the 400 page volume may unadulterated clarity. have had to extend to two volumes but why not! Learn, re-learn, and pass on. We may not agree with every word, but all have their historical relevance, and

Extract from Sermons that shaped America (p.374) - Francis Schaeffer: No little people, No little places. Jesus commands Christians to seek consciously the lowest room. All of us... are tempted to say I will take the larger place because it will give me more influence for Jesus Christ. We should consciously take the lowest place unless the Lord extrudes us into a greater one. The word extrude is important here. To be extruded is to be forced out under pressure into a desired shape. Picture a huge press jamming soft metal at high pressure through a die so that the metal comes out in a certain shape. This is the way of a Christian.
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HEAVENLY WISDOM Proverbs simply explained GARY BRADY 816 pages Evangelical Press (Welwyn Commentary Series) 12.95

Heavenly wisdom.jpg

Practical advice on a contemporary issue.

I suppose I could have no better title for my Heavenly Wisdom page than this, but it is not simply the title that gives it this place. The book truly is a worthy candidate for our commendation. Wisdom is in short supply in our world, and perhaps we could also say that sanctified common sense is similarly hard to find in the church, but this book will serve to advance the cause of promoting wise believers. Solomons wisdom is proverbial, but Solomons proverbs are not always understood, or utilised. As readers of this magazine will know I place great value on Solomons words, but I stand rebuked that my knowledge, and my proclamation of the book of Proverbs is less than it ought to be. If that is my experience, Im sure there are many that may speak similarly, so this book will remedy that widespread ignorance. At 816 pages it is heavy in the hand, but certainly not in its substance. It is most readable and thought-provoking. While not heavy, it is certainly not superficial. Indeed I got the impression that the author had more to say, and curtailed some of his thoughts into nugget form. It is devotional and practical, rooted in pastoral experience. No doubt you have your favourite proverbs, and you can use this book as a reference tool for individual texts, but as with all of Scripture we should immerse ourselves in the whole. Work through Solomons heavenly wisdom guided by a capable and faithful servant of the Lord. What a mine the Lord has given us! As you come to the close of the book and consider the wife of noble character you might find the explanation a little different than you first thought. Theres a teaser for you! This is Heavenly Wisdom for Earthly Use.

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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

- (3) Beware of the Dog! Christiana and Mercy had left the City of Destruction behind them, and also left those foolish neighbours who laughed at them. Soon they reached the Gate. They knocked, and knocked. Suddenly they heard a dog bark. It sounded very near and very ferocious. They were frightened to knock any more, but they decided to give one more loud knock. Whos there? I am Christiana, wife of Christian who once came through this Gate and I wish to become a pilgrim too. Come in, come in, and your children too. Can my friend Mercy come in? Shes so frightened of that dog. Yes, she may, the Gate is open to all who knock and seek entrance. And that dog - hes not mine, but belongs to another whose land is close by. He keeps that dog to frighten pilgrims. The Gate-keeper fed them and soon they were on their way as new travellers along the pilgrim pathway. Just like Christian, and Christiana, we are to come to the Lord and ask that we might begin this new life, by entering through Christ. He is the Gate by which we enter and are saved. But that dog? - the devil tries to make many afraid to become Christians. He is close by, but Satan can only bark, not bite. The Lord Jesus will welcome us into the Christian life if we turn to him, and trust him as our Saviour, asking him to forgive us our sins, and lead us in the new path of holiness. Christiana has just entered that Gate. Have you? Are you On Course with Christiana?

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He unfolds the Big Picture that is Covenantal Theology, which gives you a vision of a bigger God. A wise and breathtaking panorama of 2000 years of Church history by a Free Church leader. Devotional meditations on our Lords final hours. Reprint of a classic which has been a favourite since Spurgeon. More evangelistic sermons from Lloyd-Jones. This beautifully illustrated hardback explains our Lords life to young people.