JanJan-Feb 2012

The Evangelical Presbyterian

Jan Jan-Feb 2012 1.50

The Stability of Your Times The Frozen Church

Complete SurrenderEric Liddell Introducing Connie and Philip

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The Evangelical Presbyterian

The Evangelical Presbyterian

is published bi-monthly by the Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Please visit: www.epcni.org.uk Follow us on

Take Note
2012: The Year Ahead 2012 brings many anniversaries and occasions that will be marked in various ways throughout the year. The Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, the signing of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant and the sinking of the Titanic. All of these are significant events in the history of the world that also have an impact on our Northern Ireland society too. The year ahead will bring challenges to the church in Northern Ireland. The ever increase -ing godlessness in our land, the apathy that is prevalent among Gods people, (witness the decline at Sunday evening worship and attendance at the prayer meetings) and a routine and formality that has the potential to drive some congregations into extinction! One outlook of the Reformation was that of Reformed but always reforming and it is one that the church in the 21st century needs to recapture. If the church is to make an impact today there needs to be a serious mindedness among the Lords people. We who describe ourselves as evangelicals need to beware of the slackness and slippage that is creeping into evangelicalism today. Some changes that are introduced are not always reforming and not always good or profitable for the church. See the decline of the Lords Day. Only last November 20,000 people gathered at Belfast City Hall for an outdoor Pop concert on Sunday evening. (Thats probably more than the entire worshipping community in NI on a normal Sunday evening.)

Policy
The views expressed are those of the Editor and Contributors which are understood to reflect the theological position of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church

Editor
Harold Gibson Stockbridge 2 Barronstown Court DROMORE BT25 1FB hgibson@barronstown.force9.net

Copy Deadline
1st of month prior to publication

Subscriptions 2012
Collected 9.00 By post within UK 11.50 By post outside UK 16.00 Enquiries to: Evangelical Book Shop (See back page for contact details)

Finance
Anyone wishing to help the Churchs work may send their gift to the Finance Committee, C/o: Rev J S Roger 16 Huntingdale BALLYCLARE BT39 9XB The church can benefit from the Gift Aid scheme from taxpayers donations. Please ask for details.

Cover Photograph
The edge of a Polar Ice Cap from the north Atlantic. Waft, waft, ye winds, His story; And you, ye waters roll, Till like a sea of glory, It spreads from pole to pole.
(Reginald Heber)

Take Note: Behold the days are coming

declares the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the landnot a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. (Amos 8.11)

JanJan-Feb 2012

The Stability of your Times

The Editor
As we reflect on the year that is gone one description of 2011 could be the year of instability. The crisis within the Eurozone and the danger it presents to the rest of the world has greatly undermined the financial stability of the global markets. The downfall of the Greek and Italian premiers, the fragility of the UK coalition government and the looming Presidential elections in the USA in November ever seeks to remind us that leaders and nations rise and fall as well! As we write, the decision of Britain to stand alone in Europe is bringing instability to the coalition government. The effects of the Arab Spring and the uncertainty that it has brought to the Middle East contribute further to the uncertainty of our times. The prospects for 2012 are not hopeful and the road to recovery, which so many of our leaders continue to talk about, will be hard and difficult for most of us. When it comes to Christianity, we may well ask what are the prospects for 2012? Prime Minister Cameron seems firmly set on a road that is opposite to Gods way, his constant pursuit of a liberal and unchristian agenda in terms of gay marriage and seeking to bring outdated laws into the 21st century are all matters of concern for the church. The Church, Gods Law and the family, bedrocks of our society in past generations, are all under attack and are adding to the increasing instability of our times. Recently, reading Isaiah 33, we were struck with these words of verse 6, and he will be the stability of your times. (ESV). It should be our motto text for 2012! He is the Lord that is exalted on high, the one who fills Zion with justice and righteousness. God is our Refuge The opening words of Psalm 46 declare that God is our refuge, our place of safety and security in the storms of life. Before Christmas we received a beautiful power point e-mail reminding us of the verse at the very centre of the Bible, Psalm 118.8: It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. The Psalmist often speaks of the Lord as our place of shelter, our strong high tower and our defence. The conies are a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks. (Prov 30.26) C H Spurgeon reminds us that the conies are conscious of their own natural defencelessness, yet resort to burrows in the rocks for safety. How much more should the Lords people, often exposed to danger, be looking unto the Rock of our salvation.

O safe to the Rock that is higher than I My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly...
There is no place of refuge or safety to hide other than in Jesus Christ, he alone is our hope and our Saviour. Gods Word is Sure This modern world is an unstable place. We live in an age of spin where the meaning of words can have numerous interpretations and the truth is hard to
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discover. We are surrounded by a modern day Babylon. The world glitters with gold and precious jewels, bright and attractive lights and we all absorb something of the atmosphere that we breathe every day. We often become worn down with a world that has a very different set of values to what we believe and hold dear. How do we avoid the constant weight of the world upon us? So often like the Babylonian exiles we need refreshed and reinvigorated and it is to Gods Word that we must come. It is part of the armour of the warfare in which we engage! Isaiahs account of God at work through the power of his Word speaks as powerfully to the Christian church today as it did to the exiles so long ago. Gods Word stands forever, the Psalmist reminds us that his truth at all times firmly stood, and shall from age to age endure. Our confidence and our hope is to be found in the Bible, the hymn (Book of Praise 298) teaches us that:

God yet speaks by his own Spirit, Speaking to the hearts of men, In the age-long word expounding Gods own message, now as then;

Through the rise and fall of nations One sure faith yet standing fast, God is King, his word unchanging, God the first and God the last.

Gods Promises are Certain Our political leaders make promises that are often broken and unfulfilled. Many of the guarantees and pledges given at the last General Election have been broken. But the promises of God are certain. Not one promise given in Scripture is ever in danger of being unfulfilled. Again the prophet Isaiah reminds us that Gods Word will not return unto him void! It does not return empty, it is effective because it is sent forth with a purpose that fulfils the will of God. As you read through the Old Testament God speaks through his prophets, they bring his Word, words of promise and words of judgment and words that in the fullness of time are fulfilled. Promises given by Jesus himself have proved to be true in the lives of Gods people in varied circumstances. His promise to be with his followers to the end of the age is one that brings certainty and stability to our lives in days of trial. He has promised to build his church and nothing, not even the gates of hell can withstand the advance of the Kingdom of God throughout the world. Isaiah reminds us that he is the God of salvation, our strength and our song. The lovely words of Jesus in John 14 brings comfort and hope that he has gone to prepare a place for all those who believe in God. Not only has he a place prepared but he has promised that he will come back again and take his children home to heaven. The New Testament is full of Gods promises and the certainty that one day we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thess 4.17) Paul concludes chapter 4 with some practical Christian advice comfort one another with these words. For many this world seems to be all they live for. For the Christian, there is more than this world; there is the glory that awaits, the city whose builder is God. Hebrews 12.28-29 exhorts us: Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Let us go forward into 2012 with confidence in the Lord our God who dwells on high and who is the stability of our times, abundant in salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is Zions treasure.
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The 7 ChurchesJesus speaks to his church today

Rev 2.1-7The Frozen Church

Rev Gareth Burke, Stranmillis

Early in 1989 I found myself in the difficult dilemma of trying to know the Lords will concerning future ministry. After only four years of ministry in Somerton Road I was called to Knock and not sure what to do. In discussing the matter with Rev Charles Garland he made a comment to me which has lingered in my memory ever since: Gareth, youve got to remember that Somerton Road is not your church its Christs church. This is exactly the point that is being made in the letters to the seven churches that are recorded for us in Revelation chapters two and three. Jesus is in the midst of His church. He holds the seven stars in his right hand, and walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands (Revelation 2:1). He addresses these letters to the angels of the churches who are probably the pastors or the ministers of the different congregations. They are men who are accountable to Jesus who sees and knows all that is going on in the life of the congregation. So as we begin a short series in the Seven Churches it is good for us to remember that Jesus is not only the Head to whom we are accountable but the One who is in the very centre of our church life observing all that we are doing and, more soberly, knowing our motives as we serve Him in His church. The City Ephesus was the largest and most influential city in the province of Asia. It was a thriving centre of commerce and trade with a busy seaport. It was the administrative centre for the Roman government of the province of Asia. As such it was a place of some political influence but also a place of great idolatry. The temple of Diana of which we read in Acts 17 was located there and was regarded as one of the wonders of the world. Whilst materially prosperous the city of Ephesus was spiritually poor. The Church If you had been holidaying in Ephesus and paid a visit to the church you would have been encouraged. Outwardly everything seemed good. There was a busy programme and, unless they had a printed bulletin, the announcements would have gone on forever. There was plenty of activity (Rev 2. 2a and 3). If after the service you had spoken with one of the elders you would have come away impressed by their orthodoxy and their commitment to the truth of God. They had no time for the Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6), some kind of false cult that had arisen and was proving influential. Indeed at Ephesus they not only were alert to obvious departures from the truth but they were also most discerning ensuring that only those who were sound entered the pulpit. (Rev.2: 2b). In short Ephesus was thoroughly Reformed. The pastor would have been a regular at the Banner Conference. Christianity Explored rather than Alpha would definitely have been the preferred programme for evangelism and an organ rather than a Praise Band would have led the worship.
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The Problem However, on your brief holiday visit you would only have obtained a passing insight into the true life of the church. Jesus, the great King and Head of the Church, knows everything that is going on in our churches. When He looked at Ephesus He saw much that was good and encouraging but, unlike us, He knew the hearts of His people there. He could see that they were on automatic pilot. They were simply going through the motions, engaging in church activity because they had always been involved and it was just the thing to do. Their hearts werent right. They were truly believers but they had left their first love (Rev 2. 4). What exactly did Jesus mean by that statement? I think that what the Saviour is suggesting is that when they were first converted there was an excitement with Him and with Gods people that had since evaporated. They used to be really excited by their devotional times with the Lord, enthused about being alone with God and simply bursting to get down to church to engage in worship and hear the sermons. Now it was a case of: well weve always come her and done this, its whats expected of us and what we were taught to do. A flat, unenthusiastic, lifeless involvement had kicked in. Love for Jesus and love for His people was not there. They were doctrinally sound but cold of heart. They had become Gods frozen chosen. The Remedy All was not lost however. The situation was not beyond repair. Jesus encourages them to remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works. (Rev 2: 5) Face up to where youre at and seek me with a new determination and desire thats essentially what the Saviour is suggesting to them. We should note that Jesus does not only face them with their lovelessness but encourages them by reminding them of the Paradise of God (Rev 2.7) that lies ahead for those who listen to and obey His word. So whats all this saying to us today in our different congregations in 2012? Well we are here reminded of the importance of holding on to the truth and remaining committed to the authority of scripture at a time of much confusion and dumbing down in the church at large. We are also reminded that the Saviour wants us to be a discerning people who are careful to guard our pulpits and not to be overly impressed by eloquence and image. However, we are also challenged to examine our love for Christ and His people. Lets do this by asking two questions:
Am I involved in the work of the Church out of a bare sense of duty, or because its what Ive always done, or because I want to serve Jesus who loved me and gave Himself for me? Do I have a real heartfelt burden for the brothers and sisters in my congregation, knowing them by name and praying for them every week?

There are parallels here with marriage. I always encourage engaged couples undertaking the marriage preparation course not to forget to date when they are married. That is to take time out together, quality time, to be alone and to share and to enjoy one anothers company. So, as Christians, we should be regularly taking time out to be alone with Jesus, to enjoy His company and to commune with Him. Lets watch it that we dont leave our first love. PS The church in Ephesus failed to listen to Jesus and ceased to exist.
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Congregations: Ballyclare
Rev Stephen Roger
Ballyclare EPC had its beginnings in a small group of folk meeting in a members home from early in 1928. A number of moves took place before a small but growing congregation was settled in the wooden hut in the Ballyeaston Road, that would be its home from the Summer of 1937 until the opening of our present building in October 1970. A further building programme resulted in the erecting of a suite of halls, opened in February 1978. A great debt is owed to those who worked and struggled in those earlier years and their labour of love is not forgotten by the One whom they served. But what of today? How is it in Ballyclare EPC at the start of 2012? Certainly we have much to be thankful for with a busy congregation morning and evening on the Lords Day. But how can you pray? The population of Ballyclare has grown over the years with a lot of house building (though this of course has greatly slowed in the present climate). Pray for us as we try to reach the community from time to time we distribute an evangelistic newsletter and tracts at the May-Fair each year. Pray for the ongoing youthyouth-work we have Sunday School each Lords Day afternoon, a Girls Bible Club (formerly Girl Crusaders) each Wednesday evening and a wealth of activity on Fridays with Childrens Meeting, Junior YPA and Senior YPA all of which are well attended. Remember too that like several other EP Churches we have a Mums & Tots group each Wednesday which has been encouraging over the years now with a mens section! The story of our young peoples work would not be complete without a quick reference to our Holiday Bible Club, held in the third week of August, and which has been a big blessing to our work both to young people and to the whole congregation as we pull together for some busy days. In addition as a rural community we tend to run outreach efforts connected with food! Harvest is a big occasion for us as well as our Open House night in March and Stew Day (YPA Project meal) in June. Pray for lasting contacts to be made on these occasions its good to see visitors but we long to see something more happen. Pray for us as we reach out, pray for our witness, but remember us as we gather for worship week by week that God would visit us with his Word and by his Spirit. Were nothing if we dont know his presence with us. The absolute essential of our witness is that God be amongst us. Prayer Points
1 Pray for the presence of God as we gather to worship his Name. 2 Pray for help for all who are busily involved, week after week, in a fairly large programme of outreach. 3 Pray that in a small town where memories are long that we might be the godly people we ought to be. 4 Pray that we be held and united together in a very self-orientated day.
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Mr TropicanaChristian Entrepreneur
Anthony Rossi 1900-1993

David Cross
Reproduced from The Record, August 2011 - permission kindly granted

You have seen his products on the television and in the supermarket juice section, but do you know the story of the Christian gentleman who developed orange juice not from concentrate? Anthony was born to a large family in Sicily. When he was six a massive earth -quake hit that island, killing 80,000 people, Anthonys oldest brother amongst them. After several days, relief ships brought food and a way to escape the devastation. Having heard his devout grandmother speak of Judgement Day, little Tony realised that because he was a naughty boy he would not have gone to heaven, should he have died like his brother. In spite of his naughty ways, he wanted to know God, and so faithfully served as an altar boy, where he was advised that the way to heaven was to say his prayers every morning and evening for seven years. At age 15 an uncle visited from America and set in motion a dream Anthony had to migrate to there. That dream came true when he was 21. With the 30 dollars he had saved, he sailed to New York. The sight of the Statue of Liberty seemed to promise all that he desired in this new country. Finding a home with an Italian family, he worked first as an assistant to a mechanic. Next was driving a taxi cab, and after only six months in America he bought his own car and became a chauffeur to a wealthy businessman. Next he opened restaurants with his brother, and then a grocery store, where he met his first wife, Florence. However, Tony never stopped dreaming of new ideas. One day he announced to his wife that he was going to the library to learn about agriculture in Florida. While there, doing research on tomato farming, his eyes fell on a book left on his table called The Life of Christ. Picking it up, he read it for the whole day. Longing to know more, he returned to the library and found a Bible. Day after day he read it until he came to the New Testament. It was when he read the words of John 3.16 that all his questions about God and heaven were answered. In the quiet of the library he surrendered his life to Christ. He followed his dream of growing tomatoes, a business that flourished, but then he was once again drawn into opening a restaurant. Always full of new ideas, he remembered one day how his customers in New York loved to buy oranges from Florida and thought, I could sell Florida oranges to restaurants in the north. Having worked out better ideas for buying, selling and shipping the
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oranges than others his oranges were in great demand. Selling oranges was not enough. Then he thought of the need to supply fresh fruit salad and orange juice. This was done by developing better and colder ways to transport the fruit to the New York market. In the midst of his business success, Florence developed a serious heart problem and soon died of a heart attack. Loneliness led to two things: longer working hours, developing new ideas, and intensive prayer times and Bible studies with close friends. It was during those times he realised that he not only needed to witness to friends and co-workers, but that he needed to share the Gospel with his family in Sicily. His brothers and sisters showed little interest in the Gospel, but he had the joy of seeing his father come to Christ.

Tropicana, grew and prospered with 800

The orange juice company, now named

employees. One day Anthony proposed a party for his workers to celebrate their success. While they were enjoying themselves, the new roof which had just been tarred that day began smouldering, leading to a fire that destroyed the huge storage building. Through his tears and exhaustion as he left the fire, Tonys greatest business idea came to mind buy a ship to transport freshly squeezed orange juice to New York! His chief engineer told him that it could not be done, but Tony only replied, I never studied engineering. So how can I know this could not be done? Starting in 1957, Mr Rossi bought a ship, the S.S. Tropicana, which was used to ship millions of gallons of fresh orange juice to New York. Friends had often heard him say, If I ever marry again, my wife must be a missionary. Eight years after the death of his first wife, he met Sanna Barlow, a missionary to South Africa. After their marriage in London, they headed off to Italy to meet his family and also to find the means to share the Gospel with his own people. They started a small Bible study which grew into a Bible conference, and then into a church in Anthonys boyhood home of Messina. Business trouble developed when the orange crops were destroyed by freezing temperatures. Anthony rejected the idea of selling reconstituted orange juice. Firmly believing, If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God (James 1.5), he designed a floating juice factory off the coast of Mexico where fresh juice was processed and then shipped to the US. Selling the company for 500 million dollars, Tony used the money to build an extensive home for retired missionaries as well as starting an organisation to provide Bible tapes for the blind and for prisoners. Anthony Rossi was honoured by being inducted into two Halls of Fame, but his greatest honour was serving the Lord through his witness and his wealth. Today, Tropicana is a division of PepsiCo. Its headquarters are in Chicago, Illinois.
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All Lands to God!

So what have we been doing all these years?
19281928-1932General Missions Support In February 1928, just four months after our Church came into existence, Rev James Hunter produced a list of sound missions and organisations which formed the basis of the Churchs initial missionary interest:
Scripture Gift Mission, London World Evangelisation Crusade China Inland Mission North Africa Mission Africa Inland Mission Soudan Interior Mission Regions Beyond Mission Nile Missions Press Japan Evangelistic Band Japan Rescue Mission Inland South America Mission Union Spanish Gospel Mission Barbican Mission to Jews Russian Missionary Society

The Belgian Gospel Mission, French Bible Mission and Ceylon and India General Mission and others were soon added to the list.

In April 1928 the Council encouraged mission support: It was thought right that each body of people in connection with the IEC (EPC) while doing their utmost to further the work of the Lord in their own district, should not neglect His work in the foreign field but should begin contributing to foreign missionary work. The Irish Evangelical carried articles and offered the Churchs facilities to forward contributions to sound missions. Missionary speakers featured at our early conferences. The map shows a worldwide interest, but this was not a strategic period. There was little direction from Council or consistent focus among congregations but it did establish mission awareness, and support for a range of mission societies has continued. It was also preparatory for the more strategic phase to follow and we remain thankful for the defining spirit and wide vision of those early days. 19321932-2011 - IndiaIndia-PeruPeru-South Africa In 1932 Council approved the Free Church of Scotlands mission in India and its work among the Jewish people. This coincided with sending our first Students for the Ministry to the Free Church College. And so began our co-operation with Free Church Missionsa much more focused era. In October 1937 Council introduced Free Church Mission Boxes and appointed a Box Secretary. In 1938 it set up our first Foreign Missions Committee to deal with requests for deputation from Missionary Societies and recommended that congregations hold an annual Foreign Missions Day, a practice that survived among us until the 1960s..
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Our first missionary, Dr Harold Lindsay a Deacon of the Knock congregation, served in the medical wing of the Free Church Mission in Peru, 1937-1954. Miss Annie Wilkinson (later Mrs Blair), a nurse, supported Dr Lindsay 1948-1953, and Miss Florence Donaldson became our longest serving missionary, 1951-1985, mainly as Administrator in Colegio san Andrs in Lima. So in all we have contributed 57 personyears to the work in Peru. Whilst our missionaries primarily had medical and secretarial roles they were each involved in evangelism with the local Church. Miss Nan Dunlop served in the centre of India from 1944 until 1974, and Mr Mervyn Oliver from 1960-1963. Nun Dunlop was a nurse and midwife in Lakhnadon Christian Hospital and in Chhapara Health Centre but is still best remembered for her evangelistic labours in these towns and their surrounding villages. Having notable conversational skills in Hindi she was greatly gifted for this task. So we can add 33 yearsfor India. Rev Joseph and Mrs Helen McCracken were missionaries in South Africa, also from 1944-1974. Rev McCracken was a District missionarythat is he was the Minister of various groups of Churches. He directed many church building programmes. In addition, he and Helen carried out a range of ancillary duties such as education and work among the women. Rev Norman and Mrs Angela Reid served from 1999-2011. Norman taught a range of subjects in Dumisani Theological Institute, specialising in Systematic Theology, and ministered practically and spiritually in the Churches. Angela supported with help in the womens work, Soup Kitchen, the local Childrens and Care homes. So we add another 42 yearsfor South Africa! So we have been enabled to contribute some 150 person-years (counting husband-wife as one) to these three strategic continents for eighty years,19372011. There was one gap,1985-1999, when we had no personnel in these fields. 19871987-Present - Mainly, but not just, Nigeria Rev Dr Sidney and Mrs Jean Garland worked in Nigeria 1987-2010 with Mission Africa and Sidney founded ACTS (Africa Christian Textbooks) whose purpose is to strengthen the church in Africa by providing evangelical, relevant and affordable theological literature and literaturerelated services for Christian leaders and institutions. Jean has had a huge input into a wide spectrum of AIDS ministry. Now retired they carry on the work from home with regular visits to Nigeria. Pamela Johnston (now Mrs Gaiya) joined the ACTS staff in 2003 and Ricky and Angie Fitzsimmons went with Mission Africa to Nigeria in 2010. Andrew and Eunice Moody had two tours of duty in Uganda (AIM) during the period 1995-2011. Dr Catherine Grier began her medical service in Chad in 2011. In addition some of our young people have engaged in shortterm missionary service to different parts of the world. So another c35 years to add! Our missionaries have engaged in church planting, teaching, evangelism, medical, educational and supportive programmes. We are thankful for the Lords goodness to us in this way in making us a sending Church and for the interest, prayer and support of the home congregations. So where do we go from here?
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CONNIE and PHILIP see

Quick! Quick! Come quickly! called seven year old Connie, standing in the middle of the conservatory with her school uniform half on. Mum rushed in from the kitchen, but Philip, Connies older brother, had got there first and the two children were on their knees, heads side by side, gazing through the glass doors. A few metres away, on a low fence-post, a sparrow hawk had caught a smaller bird and now held its prey under one claw. Pale feathers speckled the surrounding grass as the hawk pecked at its victims neck. Its caught a collared dove, whispered Mum. I love those little birds. Then scare the big bird away! cried Connie urgently. I think its too late, answered Mum. And, after all, Are you the hawks just doing what hawks do. I guessed it was a hawk, interrupted Philip, ready for knowingly. Ive got a picture of one in my bird book.

heaven?

Over breakfast, Connie described to Philip how she had seen a flash of movement as the hawk had dived from the top of the nearby pine tree and snatched the dove in mid air. Why did God make hawks anyway? she asked her big brother. He should have made only gentle birds like doves. Dont be silly! retorted Philip. When God made hawks they were vegetarians, like Adam and Eve and everything else God made. I dont understand, objected Connie. We just saw that hawk eating a dove? The Fall! declared Philip, impatiently. Dont you learn anything at Sunday school? He made a face and Connie started to cry, just as Mum came in to tell the children to hurry up and finish eating. When she heard what they had been talking about, she sighed.
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SOMETHING SPECIAL
Philip is quite right, Connie. It was all perfect in the beginning, before Adam and Eve disobeyed Gods one rule. After that, everything went wrong and its still wrong today. Including you, Philip, she added, with a half serious, half smiling look in his direction. Now it was his turn to look puzzled. When the hawk attacked the dove, it was doing what it does by nature. And when you were unkind to your sister just now, you were doing what you do by nature- your sinful nature. explained Mum. Thats right, isnt it? she finished. Connie nodded, but Philip had a question. Will there be hawks in heaven? he asked. I dont know, admitted Mum, But if there are, they will have new natures. There will be no killing in heaven. Thats for sure. Thats because theres no sin in heaven, piped up Connie. And Philip will need a new nature too, or else he wont be allowed in. Its not just Philip, said Mum gently. We all need Jesus to take away our sinful natures and make us ready for heaven. Well not get there the way we are. Now, hurry up please. Connie, put your jumper on properly. Philip, dont forget your PE kit. A few minutes later, they were driving to school. Mum concentrated on the traffic, while Philip chatted about the hawk in the garden and how impressed his friends would be when he told them. Connie was quiet. She was thinking about heaven and had an uncomfortable feeling she wasnt going to be there. Maybe she would ask Mum about it later.

Read more about Connie and Philip next time.

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Complete SurrenderLessons from Eric Liddell

David Watson, Ballyclare
Eric at the 1924 Paris Olympics

Eric Liddells last words are telling words. Age 43 and dying from a brain tumor in a Japanese prisoner of war camp in China, he said to the Christian nurse: Annie, its complete surrender. It was the culmination of a life lived to the Glory of God.

The Eric Liddell story is rolled out each Olympic year. It was our Sunday School project in 2000 and now in 2012. He is famous as The Man who would not run on a Sunday and immortalized in the Oscar winning film of 1981, Chariots of Fire. The film, using artistic license, distorts aspects of the heros life and finishes with the celebrations of his 1924 Olympic gold. Though it omits his life as a missionary the final credits reveal that Eric died in 1945 in the prisoner of war camp.

Leaving aside the narrative, what truths missed in the film must young and old grasp? The Ten Commandments are Applicable Today Eric believed in the perpetuity and relevance of the Ten Commandments. Today they are largely dismissed by the world and toned down by many Christians. The fourth commandment especially is considered legalistic, not binding, and as having little moral value. Eric calls us to remember, respect, rest and rejoice in the glory and blessing of the Lords Day. Worldly Peer Pressure must be Resisted Christian young people can sometimes be sucked into situations that are spiritually unhealthy. Todays worldly teenage scene is not friend to grace or to God. That does not mean, for instance, that I cannot participate in sport or recreation; but it does mean that, like Eric, I must be prepared to take a principled stand and be a winsome witness for Christ. Heavens approval is of greater value than earthly loss. Communion with God brings ChristChrist-likeness In the war camp Eric rose at 6.00am and, by the light of a peanut-oil lamp, had his quiet time. It was a feature of his lifecamp was no different. He talked to God all the time and it showed. Those in contact with him testified to his Christ-likeness. One fellow prisoner, not a Christian, on hearing of Erics death commented Yesterday Jesus Christ lived among us. Today he is no longer with us. What a challenge! The Prize is the Priority Sport did not dominate Erics life. His relationship with God and his service for God was paramount. He gained the cherished perishable crown, but his eye was on the greater eternal prize. He lived for Eternity and we should too! John Keddie in his book Running the Race, says that it is unlikely we will ever see the like of Eric Liddell again in todays professional sports scene. Whatever, Eric reminds us that it is surrender to Christ in all things that matters.
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Designed to help men who already engage in preaching and for those who desire to receive some training in this important work. Attendance NOT restricted to EPC members For further details and booking form text

PREACH THE WORD A series of preaching workshops in Lisburn Road Hall Saturday mornings 10 March, 14 April, 12 May, 9 June 9-30-12noon

Jan 2012: Pray that

S1 M2 T3 W4 T5 F6 S7 S8 M9 2012 will be a year of increased blessing Evangelical Book Shop will have a good our congregations will each see conversions the Lord will speedily answer prayer with regard to the ongoing Crumlin vacancy our Ballyclare congregation will see clear answers to their prayer requestspage 7 our youth work will flourish everywhere those who preach or teach tomorrow will experience the Lords blessing in preparation the Lord will use our Sunday schools the Lord will go with Ricky, Angie, Noah & Ellie Fitzsimmons as they return to Nigeria

Rev Gareth Burke 07803282489.

REFORMED THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE Knockbracken Road, Carryduff, Belfast Department of Systematic Theology, Ethics and Apologetics GUEST LECTURES Wednesday 8 February 2012 COMMUNION WITH GOD Rev Ian Hamilton (Cambridge Presbyterian Church) The meeting will be held in the premises of Covenanter Book Centre. 10.00 am 10.30 am Coffee 10.30 am 11.30 am Lecture 1 11.45 am 12.45 pm Lecture 2 There is no admission charge, but to facilitate planning, please register by Friday, 3 February with Prof David McKay (028) 90760589 wdjmckay@aol.com SHAFTESBURY REFORMED CONFERENCE Shaftesbury Square Reformed Presbyterian Church (Dublin Road, Belfast) Wednesday 8 February, 2012 @ 7.30 pm GREAT IS THE LORD A Sovereign God Rev Ian Hamilton Cambridge Presbyterian Church A Gracious God Rev Gareth Burke Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian Church

T10 our Elders and Deacons will love their work W11 our Prayer Meetings will be well-attended T12 village outreach work in India will progress F13 our youth minibus journeys will be safe S14 residents of Care Homes will hear the Gospel S15 each of our Ministers will have good health M16 the north Belfast communities will have peace T17 the local response at Groomsport will improve W18 Omagh will obtain more youth-work facilities T19 the Lord will continue to bless the development of the student work at Stranmillis F20 staff needs at Dumisani will be fully met S21 Sunday School teachers will be encouraged S22 we will all hear the Word with profit and apply it M23 ACTS will have wide influence in Africa T24 Planning for 2012 Camps will proceed well W25 the Christian Institute will see success T26 the Lord will meet our need for Ministers F27 the EP will be a means of grace to us all S28 we will be increasingly missions-minded S29 the Churchs finances will enable growth M30 the persecuted church will remain faithful T31 Those experiencing trials will have comfort

A HEART FOR GOD AND A HEART FOR PEOPLE IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

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Feb 2012: Pray that

W1 T2 F3 S4 S5 M6 T7 W8 T9 this Prayer Diary will be used daily throughout our congregations by all age groups Finaghy will be encouraged by a greater response from its district memory verses will be good seed our children will come to Christ early in life we will prepare carefully for the Lords Table EPCEW will continue to experience growth radio broadcasts will reach many peoples the Reformed Presbyterian conferences will be well-attended and instructivepage 15 our Missions Prayer Dairies will be in constant use in our congregations

Anna Johnston Omagh

F10 Parent & Toddler groups will be a witness S11 our rulers will govern by Biblical principle S12 many of our children will do the SS project M13 the schools in India will cope well with the T14 the local Caleb Foundation will have success W15 Richhill interim Session will see encouragement T16 F17 all our missionaries will be kept safe in dangerous situations and will enjoy good health our youth work will be well regulated and a means of grace to youth and parents

We do have younger readers!

We wish to thank all those who sent entries to our series of Crossword competitions. We hope you enjoyed it and learned from it too. We congratulate all the winners. We particularly thank Jim Leckey for his diligent work in producing the clues. Should any of the winners not have received the usual Evangelical Book Shop Gift Token, through some oversight, kindly let the Editor know.

S18 our mission-field churches will grow spiritually and numerically and evangelise S19 that we might be kept from the spirit of the age missionaries spending time at home will be M20 refreshed and strengthened T21 the process for local governance of Colegio san Andrs in Lima will proceed smoothly
1 7

NovNov-Dec 2011 Solution

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9

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14

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15

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16

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W22 Knock will reach the surrounding community T23 Elderly will know the Lords rich presence F24 our delight might be in the law of the Lord S25 Bible Classes will stimulate interest in the S26 we will each maintain a daily quiet time M27 our nation will turn to God through the GosT28 Preach the Word will be effectivepage 15 W29 Presbytery will see progress in key areas

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32

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31

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33

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34

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Winner: Elizabeth Woolsey, Crumlin

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Church News
Mrs Ella Loney, Finaghy70 years in Membership
On 2 November 2011 Mrs Ella Loney celebrated 70 years as a communicant member of the Lisburn Road (and now Finaghy) congregation. This was marked by her friends in Finaghy with supper and a gift of flowers. We congratulate Ella on this notable milestone, give thanks for her lifetime of faithful service in this corner of the Lord's vineyard and commend her to your prayers.

The Editor will always be glad to receive news items with photographs , such as the one above, from the congregations. We hope that this can be one way of stimulating inter-congregational interest

ObituaryMiss Ellen Ball, Finaghy

Ellen (familiarly known as Ella) was, in the good providence of God, born to William and Sarah Ball in 1921. Her early years were lived in Belfast until the family moved to Finaghy; in latter years she lived in Moira with her sister Sadie. Ella spent practically her whole working life in the Evangelical Bookshop, Belfast, although she did eventually move to work in the Belfast City Hospital. She had an extensive knowledge of religious literature and authors. It was she who ordered the stock for the Shop, having an informed appreciation of what constituted good Christian literature. Ella had a gracious manner with customers, many of whom came to look upon her as a friend. Very straight and honest in speech and character, she could be depended upon and confided in and when asked for advice or help gave it unstintingly and candidly. On her retirement, though residing in Moira, she kept her links with the Church attending regularly until January 2011. She loved the Saviour and served him faithfully, not only through the Bookshop, but also in Lisburn Road congregation where, among many things, she taught Sunday School. She was also for many years the nearest thing to a secretary that Rev W J Grier ever had. With her love for books, it was a great handicap when her eyesight deteriorated, and also her hearing. But she retained a clear mind and retained keen interest in the work of the Gospel. Latterly in need of nursing care, she resided in Nicholson House, Lisburn, where she was looked after with wonderful attention. It was from there she passed peacefully home to her eternal rest in heaven on 10 October 2011. We give thanks to God for every remembrance of her life and testimony and commend her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephew to the God of all grace and comfort. SW
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Spiritual DisciplinesThe Means of Grace (1)

Michael Trimble, Stranmillis
What is meant by the means of grace? This term has been used by Christians to refer to certain ways by which they receive blessing from God, strengthening their faith and appreciating the benefits of Christs gift of salvation. These ways include the sacraments, hearing Gods word preached and prayer. We have considered prayer in a previous study, here we will think about the role of the sacraments. Sacraments What are sacraments? There is no biblical definition of a sacrament. The word derives from the Latin sacramentum, meaning the oath of allegiance that Roman soldiers had to swear to the emperor. It was used by the 3rd century theologian Tertullian to translate the Greek word mysterion. He used this word to mean both the mystery of salvation and the rites of the church. Later Augustine used the word for sacred signs that both signify and enable grace. By the 12th century the definition had been elaborated to include four components: a physical or material element, a likeness with the thing signified, authorization, and efficacy. The medieval church held that there were seven sacraments (baptism, confirmation, the eucharist, penance, marriage, ordination, and extreme unction). The reformers used a narrower definition; although still a sign that signified and enabled grace, a sacrament had to have been ordained by Christ in the Gospel. Hence two sacraments were recognized; baptism and the Lords Supper. Here we will focus on the Lords Supper or Communion and ask the question how are we blessed in the communion meal, or to put it another way, on what do we feed in the Lords supper? The Roman Catholic view was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy, which distinguished between what a thing is (its substance) and how it appears (its accidents). With this understanding, and a literal interpretation of Christs words in the upper room, they arrived at the doctrine of transubstantiation - the bread changes its substance and truly becomes Christs body, merely retaining the accidental appearance of bread. Luther moved slightly away from this with his consubstantiation - Christ is present in, with and under the bread. Instead of this belief in the real presence of Christ in the bread and wine, Zwingli proposed an alternative view: The meal is simply a memorial, a remembrance (This is sometimes characterized as a real absence). Calvin held that Christ was present in the meal, but not in the bread and wine. The authors of the Westminster Confession took a similar view. Hence, whilst we do remember the death of Christ in the meal, we are also blessed by His presence with us in the Communion service. Who works in the sacraments? In the early church there was debate as to whether the efficacy of the sacraments depended on the one who performed the rite (ex opere operantis, on account of the work of the one who works) or the performing of the rite itself ( ex opere operato, on account of the work which is done). In his The Christian Faith, Michael Horton points out that, as sacraments are signs of His covenant, it is God who works in the sacraments to bless His people and make His salvation effective.
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Psalm 51A Cry for Forgiveness (1)

Colin Moore, Stranmillis
David begins this psalm by coming humbly before God and entreating Him to forgive his sin, pleading for God to be compassionate with him. A Cry for Forgiveness David understood in coming before God that forgiveness with God was based solely on divine mercy, unfailing love and compassion. David had absolutely nothing in himself other than the realization that his gross sin had driven a barrier between him and God and that he desperately needed Gods forgiveness. David cries out to God, Have mercy on me, O God he could do nothing else other than appeal to God in humility of heart. Davids appeal for forgiveness is pictured in three ways: First, the phrase Blot out my transgressions means to wipe away Davids sinful acts of rebellion and willful disobedience. Second, David compared his acts of rebellion to a filthy dirty garment, David prays, Wash away all my iniquity, as a person would wash dirty clothes. Third David pleads, cleanse me from my sin. This pictured the purification necessary for temple worship under the ceremonial law. This threefold request expressed Davids deep desire for complete forgiveness from the Lord. A Confession of Sin David was painfully aware of how heinous his sin was in the eyes of the Lord hence his expression I know my transgression. David could get no relief from his wrong-doing, so much so that it was always before him, haunting his mind. David knew that his sin was first and foremost against God and that God was the only one who could truly lift his burden from him. David acknowledges before God that his problem is a corrupt heart, saying surely I was sinful at birth. David also knew that he fell short of Gods desire for his life. His words, Surely you desire truth in the inner parts, indicate that David had been living a lie before God by attempting to cover up his sin. David must have known that this was futile and as a result is life was miserable and in turmoil. A Call for Cleansing David pleads with God to remove the stains of his sins while bringing spiritual renewal to his life. He uses the term Cleanse me with hyssop which alludes to the image of a leper seeking cleansing. Accordingly David saw himself as a spiritual leper in need of divine cleansing. David knew how much his sin had offended God and how much he needed God to deeply cleanse him and make him acceptable before him. David desperately desired Gods forgiveness and restoration. I wonder as you read this brief account of Davids confession how your own heart is before the Lord. We all need to keep our hearts pure and free from sin and the only way to do this is to regularly seek the face of God for cleansing and forgiveness.
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I am the Vineconcluding the 2011 series

Rev Samuel Watson, Finaghy
I am the Vine is the seventh, and last, of the great I am sayings of our Lord recorded by John in his Gospel. We do not know what exactly it was that prompted Jesus to speak of the Vine and its branches, but it does provide us with another rich source of teaching, encouragement and challenge. So what can we learn from this claim I am the Vine? The Reality Christ Provides The actual claim Jesus made was I am the true Vine (John 15.1) and that indicates a contrast with another vine (or vines). Now Jesus was speaking to his disciples herewho were all Jews. So this reference of himself to a vine would have had particular significance for them because the vine was used as a symbol for Israel over and over again in the Old Testament. Consequently, Jews thought that they were the true vine of God because of their race, birth and nationality. However, the Old Testament picture of Israel as the vine is also consistently one of degeneration and fruitlessness it brought forth wild grapes (Is 5.4); how art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me? (Jer 2.21); Israel is an empty vine (Hos 10.1; cf. Ps 80.8 -16. And Jesus was proclaiming here in unmistakeable terms that it was not the nation of Israel which was the true vine; in fact, as their prophets made clear, Israel was degenerate. The reality, Jesus was saying, was I am the true vine of God. It is in Christ that God dwells and Gods people consist only of those who are in relationship to him. It is not external qualifications (like physical or national ties and the like) but union with Christ faith in himthat makes us right with God and shows us to be his special people. The Security Christ Procures I am the Vine; ye are the branches (v5a). While we cannot be certain where it was that Jesus spoke these words, it surely is no mistake that they occur between John chapters 14 and 16 which record the comfort that the Saviour sought to give to his disciples in the light of his going away. The disciples were worried men; they were anxious and concerned that he was leaving them and they were going to be abandonedthey couldnt see that anything good was likely to happen them, especially in the face of the hostility of the religious authorities. It was bad enough facing opposition when the Lord was with thembut how could they possibly manage in his absence (cf 16v1)? And now Jesus says I am the Vine, ye are the branches. The point is that they were not going to be cut off from him; they were not going to be separated from him! They were still going to be joined to him in the same way that a branch is to the stem. There would still be that living link between them and their Lord and because of that they would be secure and they needed not to be afraid of what the future might hold. I wonder if you have that sense of security in the Saviour? The opposition we face is different in kind to that which the disciples met, but the world still opposes him and his people. However, as believers we still
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have the resources, power and presence of the Saviour today to enable us to overcome. If you are in Christ (as Paul loved to put it) you are never left on your own to meet any and every attack of the world, the flesh and the devil. The Fertility Christ Produces He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit (v5b). The whole point of a vine being cultivated is that it might produce fruit in the form of grapes. And Jesus was reminding his disciples of their responsibility to bear fruit to his glory. In a short time he would ascend bodily back to heaven and the public ministry he had conducted for two-to-three years in Palestine would cease. But his message had to continue to be spread by his followers, in ever widening circles. His disciples were to be witnesses of him in word and deed; beginning at Jerusalem, and going out to Judea, Samaria and to the uttermost parts of the world. And the example of life he had set was to be copied and lived out, in and before the world. So Christ-likeness of life, growth in grace, faithfulness in witness these were what the Master was requiring of his followers then and now. The great difficulty, however, is how to achieve this; we are, after all, weak and sinful and easily discouraged in the face of opposition and persecution. And the secret lies in Abiding in Christ. This is something we are commanded to doit is not an optional extra in the Christian life, but an absolute necessity. We are to have such a close relationship with Christ that the sap of his Spirit flows from him to us continually, enabling us to be spiritually fruitful. As he reminds us in v5c ..without Me ye can do nothing! This is both a challenge and an encouragement. Fruitfulness is impossible apart from Christ but it is inevitable if we preserve a living, vital contact with him! Are you abiding in Christ? The Levy Christ Prescribes Every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it ... (v2b). Here we meet the cost of fruitfulness. It is essential that, if a vine is to produce quantities of good fruit, pruning is carried out. And pruning involves cutting away those parts that would hinder productiveness. At times the pruning will be very severe; at others it will just nip little buds or tendrils. But if a good crop is to be harvested, then this process must occur. And Jesus is telling his disciples that they must expect to have the pruning knife applied to them in the same wayfor the same purpose. Therefore we are to take heed to the Word of God as it challenges our attitudes and behaviour Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you (v3). When Scripture convicts us of sin in our lives we are to repent of that sin and put it away. The providences of God in our lives are also a part of this pruning process. Whether it is illness, bereavement, disappointment or hardship and occurring in the domestic, employment or leisure aspects of our lives, our Lord will see to it that we are shaped and fitted for productive service and witness. I wonder how many of us, facing a trial or difficulty, ask why God is putting us through the mill and almost feel that he has abandoned uswhen we should be thanking him for the providence, drawing closer to him in it and finding his grace not only sufficient for the particular need of the hour, but also proficient in using what we have come through as a witness and testimony that brings glory to his name?
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Tescos Support of London Pride

Statement by EPC Public Morals Committee
In November 2011, Tesco in the UK announced that it is ending its long-standing sponsorship of Cancer Researchs Race for Life fundraising event and is now to be a major sponsor for London Pride, the largest gay festival in the United Kingdom. We feel that it is entirely inappropriate for a major retailer such as Tesco to end its support for a broadly based and widely accepted charity in favour of a militant, divisive and controversial pressure group which operates to an anti-Biblical agenda and represents a very small minority of the community. Tescos actions have caused considerable upset and offence to Christians across the UK, and the EPC Public Morals Committee has written to Tesco to express its deep concern and to urge it to reverse its decision. We ask congregations to pray about this matter. We do not feel it appropriate to be prescriptive about what other action, if any, congregations or individuals might wish to take. However, we do recommend our people to write to Tescos along the lines suggested by the Christian Institute below: Tips for contacting Tesco: You can email Richard Brasher, the Chief Executive of Tesco's UK Operations, at: richard.brasher@uk.tesco.com Here is some advice for what to do and say in your message:

Be calm and polite, but firm. Use your own words. Write your own subject line. If you are a Tesco customer, then say so. If you have a Tesco clubcard, then Say which Tesco store you use and how frequently you shop there. If you know approximately how much your weekly shopping bill is, then say so. You could use some of the following points, but put them in your own words: Say that you support traditional marriage. Ask whether the store will be Explain that Pride London is a highly controversial event. Say you do not
want the profits of your grocery bill being used to promote a homosexual lifestyle. Ask why Tesco have to sell a product with such an offensive name. Ask Tesco to make its stores appropriate places for children. donating money to campaigns for gay marriage. say so.

In addition to emailing, you can also write to Mr Brasher at the following address:
Mr Richard Brasher, Chief Executive UK Operations New Tesco House Delamare Road For further information on Cheshunt this and other issues: Hertfordshire www.christian.org.uk/ EN8 9SL
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Price discounts available from

JanJan-Feb 2012

Evangelical Book Shop

Belfast

Book Reviews

What the Bible Teaches aboutThe Trinity 5.99 4.50 Stuart Olyott, Evangelical Press 2011, Paperback. Theres a knock at the door and as you open it, there are two smartly dressed Jehovah Witnesses standing on your doorstep. Seeing this as a Gospel opportunity, you engage them in conversation. Eventually, they bring things round to the Trinity and assert that the Three-in-One idea, has its origins in paganism. They tell you that Christ is a created being and that the Holy Spirit is just a force. They start throwing Biblical texts at you, which seem to support what they are saying. What are you going to do, friend? Will you be able to hold your own or will you beat a hasty retreat and shut the door? If the thought of such a conversation fills you with dread, then you need to read Stuart Olyotts book on the Trinity. As with everything he writes, it is clear, well reasoned, thoroughly Biblical and easily understood. It will equip you to defend, what is the central doctrine of the Christianity, the doctrine upon which everything else depends, including our salvation. Knock! knock! Andrew J Lucas One Lord, One Plan, One People 8.50 6.80 Rodger Crooks, Banner of Truth, Paperback, 465 pages. Written by the present minister of Belvoir Presbyterian Church in Belfast, this is a splendid book that will be of great benefit to Bible class and youth leaders, Sunday School teachers and all involved in Christian work. Taking us on a journey from Genesis to Revelation and covering the main themes of each sixty-six books of the Bible, it shows us the unity of Scripture as it points us to the Lord Jesus Christ, the one who is the terminal point of Gods promises. This would also prove to be a useful book for new converts as they seek to read the Bible and get to know the various books showing how the Old and New Testaments proclaim the good news of Gods salvation. The Editor The Message of the Word of God 9.99 7.50 Tim Meadowcroft, IVP, Paperback, 281 pages. This useful addition to The Bible Speaks Today series directs us to exactly what the title says, the message of the Word of God. Beginning with a helpful expostion of Psalm 19 the author reminds us that God speaks in creation, (the heavens declare his glory) and in his Word which is perfect, converting sinful souls, giving joy to the heart and being more desirable than gold. The book is divided into four parts, God speaks, God speaks in the written Word, God speaks in Christ and God speaks today. I found this book refreshing, challenging and at times stretching the mind. The author takes us on a journey through the Bible reminding us in conclusion that the word of God continues to speak the work of God in each of us, and in the church and the world of which we are part. The Study Guide is a useful aid for Bible classes or discussion groups. The Editor
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The Evangelical Book Shop

15 College Square East BELFAST BT1 6DD
info@evangelicalbookshop.co.uk 028 9032 0529 www.evangelicalbookshop.co.uk

Manager: John Grier

Bible Reading Notes Geneva Quarter 3.75 4.00 4.00 3.25 3.00 4.00 5.00 Annual 15.00 16.00 16.00 13.00 12.00 16.00 12.00 Psalms Volume 1 (Psalms 1-72) Psalms Volume 2 (Psalms 73-150) Allan Harman has been Hebrew Professor in Free Church College Edinburgh and in his native Australia. He brings a lifetime's scholarship to this Mentor Commentary two-volume set which expands his previous onevolume edition, which was full of many rich spiritual insights. each 19.99 12.99

Good Book Company

Explore (adult) Engage (14-18) Discover (11-14) Table Talk (for famiXTB (7-10) Beginning with God

Come To The Waters James Montgomery Boice 12.99 11.50 Daily Bible Devotions for Spiritual Refreshment: each page includes a devotional reading drawn from Boice's sermons and writings, both published and unpublished, and a suggested biblical text, tracing themes of God's salvation and sovereignty throughout the scope of Scripture. An attractive hardback. Isaiah By the Day Alec Motyer 14.99 11.25 A New Devotional Translation These daily devotionals are the result of a lifetime of study on the prophecy of Isaiah. They reassure us that the Lord can restore what sin has robbed us of. Zeal for Godliness - a hardback devotional based on Calvin's Institutes 14.99 10.99 with Sinclair Ferguson, Derek Thomas and friends as contributors it's very worthwhile. Archibald G. Brown Iain Murray 16.00 12.80 Spurgeon's Successor A spiritually challenging biography of a London Baptist pastor of a hundred years ago. Engaging with Martyn Lloyd Jones (ed. Atherstone & Jones) 16.99 12.50 The life and legacy of 'the Doctor': a collection of essays about one of the greatest preachers of the last century. "I Want You To DO SOMETHING" Bill Woods with Victor Maxwell 9.95 The amazing life and ministry of Belfastman Dr Bill Woods, the world-renowned leprosy doctor who spent 50 years with Acre Gospel Mission in Brazil. Large format paperback. Miracle in the Mine Jos Henriquez 9.99 7.50 One Man's Story of Strength and Survival in the Chilean Mines The extraordinary story of the man who 'pastored' the 33 trapped miners for 69 days underground, and how God used him to bring many of them to know Him before they were successfully rescued. Paperback, with photo section.
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