APC NEWS The Magazine of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in ISSUE No 148 JULY/AUGUIST 2011

INVERNESS INDUCTION On Saturday 28 May, the Revd John Ferguson was ordained and inducted to our Inverness congregation. John’s father the Revd Dr Sinclair Ferguson, preached the induction service. Below is a photograph of Dr Ferguson, John and the former minister Revd Dr Malcolm MacInnes Subscriptions & Renewals Publication Details for APC News ‘The APC News’ is published 6 times per year on the The APC News is published first weekend of the second month 6 times per year, beginning with the January/February issue. The cost is January/February £10 per year including postage March/April May/June Note for Congregations July/August September/October Each congregation must contribute a minimum of £240 per annum towards November/December the APC News Fund as arranged with the treasurer Mr Donald M Fraser. This is to Copy deadline dates are the be considered as a donation towards the 1st day of the 1st month sustaining of the magazine. (eg for May/June magazine, Congregations can, if they so wish, last copy date, 1st May) charge for their own distribution of the magazine, or give them away free. All the views expressed in this Cheques should be made out to magazine are not necessary those of the ‘APC News’ editor or the denomination. and sent to the address below. The articles are meant to stimulate and Please state if acknowledgement of provoke a serious study of Holy donation is required. Scripture. All articles not attributed to an author are by the editor.

Mr D M Fraser, Articles can be sent by email (preferable), Publications Treasurer, or on CD in Microsoft Word. ‘Stratharris’, Clearly printed manuscripts, double Daviot, by Inverness, IV2 5XQ spaced in one column is also acceptable. Telephone 01463-772253 Photographs can be sent Email: by post or by e-mail in .jpeg format. [email protected] There is no copyright on any of the articles that do not bear the author’s Name...... name, and such articles may therefore be reprinted, with or without credit. Address...... Other articles may require the ...... permission of the authors...... Editor: Postcode...... ……..... Revd Donald C Macaskill 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 7SB Tel No...... ………...... Tel 01382 451798 [email protected] Email…………………………………. EDITORIAL The Church and the Gospel

THE LAST FEW weeks and months worship performed more or less have been difficult for some purely in them’, [Westminster Con- denominations in Scotland - with the fession of Faith, chapter 25, para- talk of more divisions! In such a graphs 1 and 4 - emphasis mine - Ed]. situation, we are compelled to ask So individual churches, ie, de- very serious questions: What nominations, can be part of the one constitutes a Church? What doctrine, true Church of Christ, and some of or doctrines, are fundamental to the them are more pure than others. faith? When is it right, when is it The Confession holds that out of wrong, to leave a denomination? the church ‘there is no ordinary All of us, apart from Roman possibility of salvation’! [paragraph Catholics, are in a denomination that 2]. (When did you last hear a sermon separated from the one to which the on that subject?) It also states that Early Church Fathers belonged, so we some denominations ‘have degen- are all in this together. erated so as to become no Churches It is important to distinguish of Christ’ [paragraph 5]. between ‘The Church’ and a Is there a demarcation line when denomination. Our Confession of we cross over from being a true Faith teaches that there is one church and a false one - and if so, ‘catholic or universal Church which is where? Is the line not in the phrase invisible’ and ‘consists of the whole we have emphasised, viz ‘according as number of the elect’ and of which the doctrine of the gospel is taught ‘particular Churches...are members and embraced’? The gospel is the thereof’ and are ‘more or less pure central thing. The Cross of Christ is according as the doctrine of the central. The Good News is an gospel is taught and embraced, announcement that Jesus has died ordinances administered, and public for our sins and risen again for our

APC News No 148 Page 3 July/August 2011 justification and salvation. The God and His Son Jesus Christ, then gospel of Jesus Christ is what the that church has departed from its Church is all about. roots and foundation. If its official The gospel was certainly central and public position is a denial of the in the Apostle Paul’s preaching. He gospel, then it is no longer a church. advised the young preacher Timothy Individual members belonging “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from to a true church, and who deny the the dead, the offspring of David, as gospel ought to be disciplined by preached in my gospel...therefore I that church. Every church has endure everything...that they may members who fail in their pro- obtain the salvation that is in fession, but a true church ought to Christ Jesus” [2 Tim 2:8]. The gospel sanction members who deny the very in which we find salvation was kernel of the gospel. paramount in Paul’s ministry. Israel, the OT Church, backslid Paul in fact tells us what was of and allowed terrible sins to take prime importance in his ministry “I place, yet God still owned Israel as delivered to you as of first import- His people, but once they denied the ance what I also received: that Lord Jesus, and refused to repent, Christ died for our sins in accord- He disowned them and transferred ance with the Scriptures, that He His Covenant to the NT Church. was buried, that He was raised on There will be debates until the the third day in accordance with the last day about some issues in the Scriptures” [1 Cor 15:3]. Scriptures, but it seems that of first A denomination must hold to importance is the gospel of Jesus the central matter of Holy Scripture - Christ. All other issues are secondary the meaning and significance of the to this fundamental. If a church cross of Jesus Christ. All other denies the work of Christ it is no matters, even baptism, fade into the longer a church - time to go. background. Paul was thankful that This is not to say that there are he could not remember who he no other issues over which a baptised, “For Christ did not send separation is necessary, there are me to baptise but to preach the plenty other reasons, but that is the gospel...lest the cross of Christ be most important one. We live in an emptied of its power” [1 Cor 1:17]. imperfect world with imperfect A church, to remain a church, churches, waiting for a better life must believe, teach and embrace the above, or as Peter put it “waiting for gospel of Jesus Christ as outlined in new heavens and a new earth in Holy Scripture. If it officially which righteousness dwells” [1 Pet denies the central themes of what 3:13]. May God ever guide all of His Scripture clearly states concerning dear people. ❐

APC News No 148 Page 4 July/August 2011

News for Prayer and Praise

CHINA undeterred in its efforts to worship Pastors from unregistered churches in public, despite many of its 1,000 (house churches’) in China in May members being detained by the lodged an unprecedented petition police, placed under house arrest with the Chinese parliament calling and losing their homes and jobs. for religious freedom and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict BBC BIAS involving one of Beijing’s largest The BBC is widely regarded as house churches. displaying an anti-Christian attitude The bold move - the first of its in its programming, according to kind in 60 years of repressive the Corporations’ own research, the communist rule in China - follows results of which were published in the detention and house arrest of June. According to viewers, the BBC hundreds of members of Shouwang uses ‘derogatory stereotypes’ of Church which has attempted to Christians which portray them as stage outdoor worship services over weak and bigoted. 4,500 people five consecutive Sundays. responded to the poll, which The move is being backed by included BBC staff. Chinese church pastors in the The BBC has also been heavily United States and Canada who have criticised in its decision to film and launched a worldwide ‘Help screen a man’s dying moments at Shouwang’ signature campaign; the Dignitas suicide facility in a they hope that drawing documentary fronted by Terry international attention to the Pratchett and shown on June 13. persecution of the church will stay Dr Peter Saunders, ‘Care Not the Chinese government’s hand in Killing Campaign’ director said: meting out even harsher This is yet another blatant example punishments against it. of the BBC playing the role of Shouwang Church has been cheerleader in the vigorous

APC News No 148 Page 5 July August 2011 campaign being staged by the pro- to have had an affair with his sister- euthanasia lobby to legalise assisted in-law, Natasha. suicide in Britain. The MPs use of privilege came as The Christian Institute the footballing association, FIFA, was embroiled in a bribes-for-votes INDIA fiasco. Across the pond, California’s Nearly three years after the vicious senator Arnold Schwarzeneger has 2008 attacks by Hindu radicals in been named as the father of at least Orissa left dozens of Christians dead one love-child and accused of further and thousands injured, there has infidelity, while the former head of been just one conviction for murder, the International Monetary Fund, with thousands of comlaints French economist Dominique disregarded by the authorities. Strauss-Kahn, has been arrested for Church activists list 91 murder assault on a hotel maid, which he cases, which include the 38 denies. Christians who died at the scene, In Egypt, the head of an plus 41 who later died of injuries international bank has also been sustained in the violence and 12 who accused of an attack on a hotel maid, died in police action. In 20 cases while former chief executive of the brought to date, there has been just Royal Bank of Scotland, Sir Fred ‘the one conviction for murder. Shred’ Goodwin, took out an Barnabas Fund injunction against revealing the name of the colleague with whom he PUBLIC SCANDALS had an extra marital affair while the Every leading newspaper in the UK, bank was in the throes of the credit Europe and US has recently been crunch. featuring sorry stories of high-profile If role-models, governing bodies leaders of society and role-models in and heads of global organisations are sport and culture involved in sex like this, how will the ‘grass roots’ be scandals, bribes and allegations of different? Thankfully, there is one corruption. answer. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, This has occurred even though the Saviour from the power, as well UK celebrities have been stifling as the guilt, of sin. ET public knowledge of their affairs with costly ‘super-injunctions’. Recently, RIPOSTE UK parliamentarians spoke out The flamboyant Archbishop of York, under parliamentary privilege, John Sentamu, has spoken openly in naming the Welsh footballer Ryan defiance of Professor Stephen Giggs. Giggs admitted adultery with Hawking’s assertion that there is no a ‘wannabe’ celebrity and is alleged God and no afterlife. In an interview

APC News No 148 Page 6 July/August 2011 with BBC’s Toby Foster, host of a London said’The economy and weekly breakfast show for BBC politics must have ground beneath Radio Sheffield, the archbishop said them. In Britain that ground has that Professor Hawking’s picture of been biblical since our earliest days - heaven as a retirement place for and you do not sacrifice that without Christians was vastly wide of the sacrificing much of what has been mark. According to reports, built upon that ground’. Archbishop Sentamu said ‘It is a JohnWyatt, professor of ethics place where God’s will is done’ and and perinatalogy at University not some ‘up-in-the-sky stuff’. The College, London, said ‘The Scriptures news came after he spent two days in had a profound effect on me as a South Yorkshire visiting young pediatrician. English law is still offenders, during which he said if deeply penetrated by this notion that people ‘talked about God as much as all human life is special. As we they talked about the weather, the debate the appropriate use of new world would be a different place’. and powerful technologies, a special ET responsibility falls on us’. The event came as the CBC held its new-look awards, hosted by RESTORING VALUES Christian comedian Tim Vine. These celebrated ‘a force for Christianity in The Bible is the bedrock of British the media’, according to Olave society and there should be a Snelling, and ‘exist to celebrate and restoration of its value in politics, promote Christian values in the economics and medicine, a panel of mainstream and to encourage experts told delegates at a independent Christian broadcasters symposium in the House of Lords. to reach ever greater heights’. Attendees at the event, hosted by Mainstream players who the Christian Broadcasting Council scooped awards included BBC radio (CBC) and called by Olave Snelling, and TV stations, and Channel 4. heard from an eminent film-maker, Many of the well-known Christian judge and professor of medicine, as independents were also honoured, well as the Bishop of London, Dr including Revelation TV, God TV and Richard Cahrtres (who conducted UCB Worldwide. the royal wedding). ‘The Book That Changed The The speakers hailed the Bible as World’ by film-maker Norman Stone the ‘foundation of national values scooped two major awards - gold for and culture’ and warned that unless the ‘Best Production over £5,000 society reinstates them the bedrock and ‘The Fred Grossmith Award for will be undermined. The Bishop of the best Christian film/DVD. ET ❐

APC News No 148 Page 7 July/August 2011 D A Macfarlane

by J. Cameron Fraser

This is the fourth instalment of an article on the late Revd D A Macfarlane, former minister in Dingwall, Ross-shire

IT WILL BE apparent by now that that, without receiving mercy after D A Macfarlane was unusual in his falling on the rock, then the stone giftedness, personality and mode of will come down on them and grind expression. The book I Shall Arise them to powder. includes several extracts from his ‘Say to the Lord, “My name is sermons and sayings. It is difficult to transgressor from the womb. I have know which ones to quote in this broken my back and my jaws.” short article, but here is one on our Wherever you have people who are need for Christ that illustrates his secretly taught, they are given a new captivating style: taste, a new insight, and they have ‘When Adam and Eve sinned forgiveness for Christ’s sake. The (and included in that were their Lord promises them, ‘I will never posterity) they were like one that come down to crush you like a stone. would come down on a rock—they I will never say, Depart from me, ye fell there on that rock and broke cursed” ’ (p. 125). their legs so that they could not walk And another: in the way of holiness; and their ‘What is the name of the river backs, so they could no longer stand that lies between the Ethiopia of the before God with acceptance. They old nature and the land of grace and were smashed on the rock; they mercy in Father, Son and Holy broke their jaws, so that they could Spirit? Well, I will tell you—it is the not swallow a promise of Christ river of unbelief and the carnal mind. unless a miracle was performed in Engineers are very clever at building their souls. And if men continue like bridges, but they cannot build a

APC News No 148 Page 8 July/August 2011 bridge that will cross this river. You see how he could take up options as cannot cross it, either, on boulders he felt inclined, and explore them. or stones. The ferry-boat of self- He seemed to be completely at home, righteousness will not do it. How wherever in Scripture he might want then are we to get across? Jesus to go’ (p. 43). Christ says, “I am the ark of the My own recollection of his covenant. Depend on me and you preaching has more to do with the will go over the river dry-shod” ’ (p. heavenly atmosphere he brought to 126). the pulpit than with the actual My uncle’s method of sermon content of the sermons. He was preparation was unique. John deeply conscious of being in the Tallach describes it well as follows: presence of God and communicated ‘He studied the text and the that awareness to his hearers. As a context thoroughly, writing pages of child I also appreciated the fact that compressed notes. After that he his sermons were considerably would sit back in the chair that was shorter than those of his colleagues. before his study fire and close his He used to say that it was better to eyes. He had usually finished sermon send people away hungry than preparation before Saturday. On the angry! morning of the Lord’s Day he would Not that the Lord’s people were get up early, go down to his study sent away hungry. There was much and would again prayerfully go over spiritual content packed into the the material he had prepared. About sermons and one really needed to an hour before going out to preach have a healthy spiritual appetite in he would gather up the notes he had order to fully digest them. The been going over and burn them in following extract from I Shall Arise the fire.’ will no doubt resonate with those He would then proceed to the who remember, while serving as an church and when it came time to introduction to others: preach (at least in later years when I knew him) he would place his left ‘He would approach an aspect of arm under the open pulpit Bible and Christian experience from different leaning on that arm, would speak points of view. He loved to show, for with an informality that belied the example, that the faith of the Old amount of preparation that had gone Testament saints was essentially the before. ‘The main elements (of the same as that of New Testament sermon) were clearly before his believers, though the revelation to mind, but he liked to feel free as to which that faith looked came to how he would develop and present a fuller expression in New Testament point. And it was amazing at times to times. He also liked to approach

APC News No 148 Page 9 July/August 2011 doctrines from different angles, and text was influenced by his particularly to show how one understanding of Greek or Hebrew doctrine implies and leads to phrases. His tendency was to another. In this way, although his disguise his learning rather than sermons lacked the usual signs of display it. order, they were often characterized He had an extensive library. “All by unity and wholeness at a deep his volumes by the Puritans, like level. Owen and Charnock, were read and reread. The fly leaves and the ‘…It came to him in a completely margins were crowded with jottings natural way to reconstruct a of thoughts which suggested Scriptural scene, sometimes putting themselves to him while reading, or words into a character’s mouth with cross-references to other which would indicate vividly what passages in the book. It seemed that his thoughts must have been. He whenever anyone raised a question would also use metaphors which he with (him) he was able to go over to worked out with extraordinary his shelves, pick out the volume he imaginative power. Sometimes there wanted, and turn to the spot where would be a tension between the the point in question was dealt with, sublimity of the subject and the perhaps by Calvin, Owen, Charles earthiness of the illustration which, Hodge or Warfield’ (p. 23). at least for some hearers, served to My uncle’s indebtedness to the heighten the effect’ (p. 45). Puritans and such Scottish divines as Despite his vivid imagination, I Thomas Halyburton and others has recall that my uncle disliked the already been mentioned. But his popular Highland practice of reading was not limited to theology. ‘spiritualizing’ Old Testament He used to stress the importance of passages with little or no regard to studying philosophy for those their historical context and preparing for the ministry and he immediate meaning. He defined taught himself psychology as an aid preaching as ‘textual and contextual to pastoral care. exegesis’, adding that it was He took a keen interest in questionable whether anything not political developments, always with a fitting that definition should be view to their impact on the kingdom called ‘preaching’. of God. He was, for instance, very As we shall see in our next article, much opposed to Britain’s joining my uncle was completely at home in the European Union (or Common the original languages of Scripture. Market as it was popularly known) But he never quoted them directly or and on at least one occasion this indicated how his interpretation of a found its way into a sermon,

APC News No 148 Page 10 July/August 2011 although generally he avoided them sent to me in Canada. Sadly, political issues in the pulpit—and the prohibitive cost of shipping an this included church politics. entire library across the Atlantic He also possessed a number of meant that I had to choose theological books that could not be selectively those I really wanted and recommended as biblically sound. sell the rest. But this means that On his retirement from active others have benefited from my ministry, he buried several of those uncle’s books and the notes written books in the manse garden at on almost every page. Dingwall for fear that they might Among those I treasure most is a have a harmful effect on anyone into tattered but complete set of Owen’s whose hands they might fall. Works, including his seven volume Following his death, I was blessed commentary on Hebrews. A to inherit most of the remaining photograph of pages from one of books, although it was some years those volumes accompanies this before I was able to have some of article. ❐

A photograph of one of ’s volumes with markings from Revd D A Macfarlane’s library

APC News No 148 Page 11 July/August 2011 Presbytery and Congregational News

INVERNESS iTunes. Since my ordination and induction at During the communion season the end of May we have been at the end of June we benefitted enjoying sermon series from from the ministry of guest preachers different parts of Scripture. In the Revd John van Eyk and Revd mornings I have been preaching on Malcolm MacLean. Jesus’ ‘I am Sayings’ in John’s The morning service on 17 July gospel. We have found in these was particularly memorable as I sayings our Lord making a number baptised my niece, Isabella Grace of important claims concerning His Ferguson. She is the daughter of my power and authority during His brother Peter and his wife Michele, ministry prior to the cross. who live in Melbourne, Australia. Our evening series on the letters This summer we have had a to the seven churches in Revelation number of visitors at Kingsview from has taught us of Christ’s care for His across the country and further church. He observes and instructs beyond including families from each congregation within the larger Australia, Canada, The Netherlands, body. We, in response to Him are to Northern Ireland and Romania. We ‘hear what the Spirit says to the pray that the Lord will continue to churches’. bless our congregation in Inverness. During our midweek we have seen that God uses even the most DUNDEE unwilling of His people in extending On 17 June we had a lovely meeting salvation to the lost. The prophet in our church with Stuart Windsor Jonah was not only unwilling to go from Christian Solidarity Worldwide to Nineveh when God called him, he who used our premises for Stuart’s was angry with the Lord even after book, ‘God’s Adventurer’, published Nineveh had repented of its sins. by Monarch. Stuart told of God’s Sermons from Kingsview are wonderful providence in protecting now available on the internet at: him and of His blessing on his www.sermonaudio.com/kingsview ministry in hostile foreign lands. and for podcast search ‘kingsview’ on Please pray that we would all

APC News No 148 Page 12 July/August 2011 grow spiritually in the Lord and that EDINBURGH our lives would truly reflect Our "days are swifter than the something of the Lord Jesus in the weaver's shuttle" [Job 7:6], and we community. It is our desire that can hardly believe holiday time is primarily God would be glorified in here. An opportunity to catch up our witness to those around us and with friends and family plus get that many may see the power of the some very needful rest or at least a gospel amongst us. change, which as they say, is as good We wish to give thanks to God as a rest. Holiday time normally for the very timely gift of several brings a reduction in the numbers hundred pounds to meet our respon- coming to the services and its sibilities. This has encouraged us certainly the case this summer. We that God knows our needs and has pray that it is the seasonal blip. moved the hearts of His people. Morag my wife writes, ‘Two

Hector MacKenzie, Aberdeen who assisted Stuart in the book launch, with Ross Burgess of the Dundee congregation, and Stuart Windsor who gave the main address at his book launch in Dundee

APC News No 148 Page 13 July/August 2011 weeks ago when I was north baby sermon for a hundred. We give sitting, I phoned home to see how thanks indeed for your prayers and the morning service went. John said support. there was only three out and they Pray too for the sick and were himself and two of our family’. suffering among our number. There One feels so responsible for the are three at the moment recovering, situation but we do know that where we trust, from serious operations. two or three are gathered together Pray most of all that people would be God is there. saved and clearly live the Christian God does give encouragement as life by God's grace. We do count our when John and Gordon Murray did blessings and it does surprise us door to door they had a most what God has done. We are encouraging response from some reminded of the well-known hymn, people so we pray on. Thankfully the Count Your Many Blessings: evening service brought others and When upon life's billows you are over the whole week the numbers tempest tossed, were fair. Last Sunday the number When you are discouraged, thinking again was low due to serious illness all is lost, and holidays. Count your many blessings, name Among those who came, one them one by one, person turned out who had not been And it will surprise you what the out for weeks, in spite of many good Lord hath done. intentions. They were not put off by the small number and there was a Chorus: really good spirit in the service when Count your blessings, name them the subject was the wedding one by one, banquet. Some people will only Count your blessings, see what God worship where there is a great hath done! crowd. Much as we would all love to Count your blessings, name them see great crowds, the important one by one, thing is that God is there and we are And it will surprise you what the under His word. In the forefront of Lord hath done. our minds is not numbers but the Are you ever burdened with a load of people and area we serve. Please care? rejoice with us that this is the case. Does the cross seem heavy you are I tell you these stories not to called to bear? discourage you but to show you the Count your many blessings, every need for prayer. Please pray for John doubt will fly, as the same work goes into a sermon And you will keep singing as the days for two or three as goes into a go by.

APC News No 148 Page 14 July/August 2011 When you look at others with their preaching from Matthew 22:1-14. lands and gold, ‘The Wedding banquet.’ This parable Think that Christ has promised you reminds us of many signifcant truths His wealth untold; in the Kingdom of God. God is Count your many blessings. Wealth mightier and more: noble, just, can never buy welcoming, patient, generous, Your reward in heaven, nor your gracious and humble than any home on high. earthly king. God delights in the marriage of So, amid the conflict whether great his Son to the church, and invites all or small, kinds of people to be part of this Do not be disheartened, God is over union. Everything is ready for a all; sumptuous wedding banquet no Count your many blessings, angels expense spared, it is after all a ‘royal will attend, wedding.’ The gospel is the greatest Help and comfort give you to your of all banquets. Heaven the happiest journey's end. of all marriages. Not only no expense John Oatman Jr 1856 - 1922 but the precious blood of Christ was paid for this most amazing of Although we had a very low marriages. attendance last Sabbath we enjoyed John Ross

DIARY DATE!! SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER APC CONFERENCE KINGSVIEW CENTRE, INVERNESS

10.15am to 3pm

Speaker: Revd Kenneth Stewart, RPCS

BRING A PACKED LUNCH – tea/ coffee etc will be provided

APC News No 148 Page 15 July/August 2011 “HE GIVES MORE GRACE”

By Revd Fletcher Matandika, Vancouver

IT WOULD HAVE been nice if we constantly be confessing and could go through this life without repenting of my sins before God, my having to deal with the things that wife and others everyday! But I have we don’t like. But there are to face up to my sin and not let my unavoidable realities that we have to pride get in the way when I have deal with in this life. Cars break done something wrong. When I have down and we have to find a good spoken unkindly to my wife; when I mechanic to work on them. We have thought of myself more highly sometimes get sick and have to go to than I ought; when I have a doctor. Our clothes get dirty and entertained vain thoughts in my we have to get them washed. These mind; when the ugliness of my sinful among others, are things that often heart is exposed! I don’t like that “intrude” in our lives. Things that one bit! It crushes my spirit and I we can’t shake off without leaving cry, “O wretched man that I am!” this world. We may avoid them for a And that is the very truth. while, but sooner or later they catch I am a wretched man at the core up with us and we have to deal with of my being save for the grace of God them somehow. And so it is with sin. in Jesus Christ. I am saved but Sin is the greatest unavoidable wretched. I still struggle with sin reality in this world especially for the and I don’t like that. But I have to Christian. I hate sin! deal with that reality! How? I have It would have been nice if my life to feed on the grace of God daily in would have been rid of sin (100%) order that my heart may be the day I became a believer and strengthened! And when I have follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. failed Him, I must remind myself That would have been so wonderful! that He gives more grace. I must I would not have to deal with my sin humble myself before the Almighty everyday. I would not have to God, before my wife, before my

APC News No 148 Page 16 July/August 2011 friends and the brethren and confess Forgive and cleanse me from sin; that I need help, that I need free me from its power; help me to forgiveness. I can do this with full conquer sin in my heart through assurance of pardon because God Jesus Christ. Amen! gives more grace (James 4:6a). His grace is sufficient for my every need. His power is made perfect in my weaknesses. “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Prayer of Confession Lord, thank You for Your saving Fletcher grace. Please give me grace sufficient for this day that I may “…It is good for the heart to be embrace my weaknesses and know strengthened by grace...” the power of your cleansing grace. [Hebrews 13:9] ❒

BOOK NOTICE

One of Heaven's Jewels The biography of the Rev Archibald Cook, first pastor of the Free North Church, Inverness, has just been republished. Much of the book focusses on the work of the gospel in the city of Inverness and in Daviot during revival times in the nineteenth century. It costs £19.99 and all the profits go to the Bethesda Care Home and Hospice in Stornoway. The book contains 278 pages and 27 colour and three black-and-white pictures. This second edition of One of Heaven's Jewels is available on the Bethesda Care Home web-site. It is also on sale in local bookshops, including Blythswood in Stornoway and Dingwall, CLC in Inverness, Roddy Smith's in Stornoway, the Free Church bookroom in Edinburgh, the FP Bookroom in Glasgow and the Harris Christian Bookshop. Norman Campbell

APC News No 148 Page 17 July/August 2011 Voices from the Past John Colquhoun

WHO IS JOHN COLQUHOUN? South Leith. Such value did they set A great Scottish preacher who was upon Colquhoun’s preaching that born in 1748 and died in 1827 and they were willing to walk about one whose sole charge was in the New hundred miles each weekend to hear Church, South Leith, Edinburgh [St him and be back at their work at 6 John’s, Constitution Street]. The o’clock on Monday morning’. biographical introduction in the John Colquhoun was perhaps Banner of Truth’s book ‘Repentance’ best known for book on Repentance. by John Colquhoun reads as follows. In that book he highlights the nature ‘While on a walking tour through of true evangelical repentance and Scotland during a college vacation, contrasts it with ‘natural’ repentance Alexander Moody Stuart spent a and ‘legal’ repentance. He says weekend at a country inn on the road ‘Natural repentance is that natural between Glasgow and Edinburgh. feeling of sorrow and self- His interest was aroused in two lads condemnation, of which a man is who arrived at the inn late on the conscious for having done that which Saturday evening. After spending the he sees he ought not to have done, night there they left early next and which arises from a discovery of morning and returned to the inn that the impropriety of it, or from evening. He discovered that they reflecting on the disagreeable were working lads from Glasgow consequences of it to others, and who, on coming under spiritual especially to himself. This feeling of concern, had sought for a minister regret frequently occurs. When a that preached the gospel fully. They man, especially a proud and vain eventually found a preacher to their man, is convinced of his having been mind in Edinburgh and were guilty of some glaring instance of determined to wait on his ministry. improper conduct, either against, or The preacher was Dr John in the presence of a fellow-creature it Colquhoun of the New Church in is sometimes very keen and painful.

APC News No 148 Page 18 July/August 2011 ‘Legal repentance is a feeling of deformed, and even destroyed his regret produced in a legalist by the own precious soul.’ fear that his violations of the Divine What Colquhoun is special law and especially his gross sins do concerned about is our under- expose him to eternal punishments. standing of the place evangelical This regret is increased by his desire repentance has in the covenant of to be exempted on the ground of it grace. He believes there is a great from the dreadful punishment to misunderstanding even among which he knows he is condemned for Christians saying that ‘multitudes in them. He is extremely sorry, not that the visible church mistake a he has transgressed the law, but that counterfeit for a true repentance and the law and the justice of God are so so flatter themselves that they are very strict that they cannot leave him true penitents and their salvation is at liberty to sin with impunity. His sure.’ love of sin and his hatred of holiness Colquhoun goes on ‘It is because continue in all their vigour. And yet many convinced sinners have not a under the dominion of his legal distinct discernment of its place in temper he presumes to expect that the new covenant that they such repentance as this will in some apprehend that Christ will receive measure atone for all his crimes none but the true penitent., or that against the infinite Majesty of none else is warranted to trust in heaven. him for salvation. Hence, they dare Evangelical repentance is not attempt coming to the gracious altogether different from either of Redeemer till they are first satisfied these. It is a gracious principle and that their repentance is of the true habit implanted in the soul by the kind, until they can bring it as a price Spirit of Christ, in the exercise of in their hand to procure their which a regenerate and believing welcome. Instead of this, they ought sinner, deeply sensible of the without a moment’s delay to come to exceeding sinfulness and just Christ for true repentance.’ demerit of his innumerable sins is He continues ‘It is no less owing truly humbled and grieved before the to their ignorance of its due place Lord, on account of the sinfulness among the other blessings of and hurtfulness of them. He feels salvation that many believe it to be bitter remorse, unfeigned sorrow, the federal condition of the pardon and deep self-abhorrence...chiefly, of sin in justification, and persuade because...he has dishonoured an themselves that in the Gospel this infinitely and holy and gracious God, pardon is offered only to the transgressed a law which is holy, and penitent. And is it not because of just, and good’, and defiled, their gross ignorance of the nature

APC News No 148 Page 19 July/August 2011 and use of true repentance that sense of sin as hurtful to the sinner many can persuade themselves that himself, but not a sense of it as their repentance will even atone for hateful to a holy God...... A deep their crimes, that it will make sense of sin, indeed, may proceed satisfaction to the insulted justice of from the faith of the law, but a true the Most High, and reinstate them in sense of it must arise from the faith his favour? It is in a high degree both of the law and the Gospel.’ owing to their ignorance of the Colquhoun goes to great lengths nature and design of evangelical to emphasis that the proper way to repentance and of its place in the bring the hard heart to repentance ‘is new covenant that many true to press the sinner to believe in Jesus converts do, even for years, make the Christ for pardoning mercy and exercise of repentance a part of their sanctifying grace’. warrant to renew the acting of their Colquhoun concludes the first trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. chapter by saying ‘it is not sound ‘And doubtless if others who doctrine to teach that Christ will appear to be real Christians had receive none but the true penitent, or attained correct and distinct views of that none else is warranted to come the grace, duty, and necessity of true by faith to Him for salvation. The repentance, they would not have regenerated sinner must first by faith imagined, as they seem to have done, embrace Christ, and apprehend the that the exercise of it was over with pardoning mercy of God in him their first conversion; nor would they before he can exercise true have presumed to look back on that repentance...... The evil of that exercise as a ground of right to apply doctrine is that it sets sinners in to themselves the unlimited offers spinning repentance, as it were, out and absolute promises of the of their own bowels, and on bringing glorious Gospel.’ it with them to Christ, instead of True repentance, says coming to Him by faith to receive it Colquhoun, springs from the work of from Him.... the Holy Spirit in the soul at Besides, if none be invited but regeneration ‘and converts this the true penitent, then impenitent principle into a habit in sanctifica- sinners are not bound to come to tion...and is a fixed resolution of Christ; for none is warranted or spirit to turn from all sin to God’. bound to come to Him, but he who is Colquhoun goes on ‘Without the invited. And if a sinner who is not exercise of saving faith, or the invited nor commanded does not apprehension of the mercy of God in come, he cannot be justly blamed for Christ, there may be a sense of sin, not coming; for where no law is, but not a true sense: there may be a there is no transgression.‘ ❐

APC News No 148 Page 20 July/August 2011 Preaching is Warfare

by Revd John van Eyk

WHEN JESUS TOLD us that the his Son. Through preaching God fights gates of hell would not prevail against by his Holy Spirit against the flesh and the Church He not only assured us of seeks to liberate his people from the the Church’s ultimate triumph against influence of sin. Through preaching the forces of evil He also served us Christ is lifted up and exhibited before notice that the Church’s victory would the eyes of the congregation. Satan be in the face of hostility. detests the freedom of his captives and The Church is built on enemy- despises the exaltation of the Saviour occupied territory and the enemy and resists it with all his might. doesn’t take too kindly to intrusions. Paul confirms that preaching is One of the weapons the Church has in spiritual warfare and when he her arsenal is preaching. Preaching is encourages Timothy to endure spiritual warfare. Probably not many hardship with him like a good soldier of us have ever thought of preaching of Jesus Christ [2 Timothy 2:3]. It is in this way but it is essential that we through the preaching of the gospel do if we wish to see God’s kingdom that the Church of Christ advances advance. against the forces of darkness. And Preaching and listening to where the Kingdom of God makes preaching is spiritual warfare. I would these attacks and forays into enemy venture to say it is the most intense territory you can be certain that the battle a Christian faces in his life of evil one will counter-attack to protect spiritual warfare. Why is this? It is his domain. because in preaching the Kingdom of Satan has a bevy of strategies as God strives to advance. The Lord, the he attempts to thwart the outworking commander of the army, engages the of the Conqueror Christ’s death and evil one and fights to defeat his resurrection victory. The first and strongholds and bring all things most obvious stratagem is to keep together under Christ. Through men from becoming ambassadors of preaching God seeks to free the Christ as ministers of the gospel. As a captives of the kingdom of darkness result of a variety of Satan’s ruses and bring them into the Kingdom of there is a dearth in our land and

APC News No 148 Page 21 July/August 2011 throughout the world of qualified salvation [Shorter Catechism 89]. men who will fill the pulpits and The first arrow the Church has preach the dominion destroying in its arsenal is prayer. The Church message of the cross. How many must charge the throne room of God strongholds in our own nation are in its battle against the evil one. bereft of Timothy-like soldiers of the Second Chronicles 20 relates the cross? seemingly hopeless situation facing Another device the enemy King Jehoshaphat when the employs is to keep people from Moabites, Ammonites, and some of hearing Christ preach through his the Meunites came to make war messengers. How many people have against him. been captivated by this-world Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved realities without any thought of the to inquire of the Lord. In his prayer life to come? So many are plodding he cried out, “O our God . . . we have to eternity, entertained into a no power to face this vast army that spiritual stupor, oblivious to their is attacking us. We do not know need of Christ. what to do, but our eyes are upon If unsuccessful in these schemes you” [2 Chronicles 2:12]. This is our Satan resorts to other machinations. first line of attack: we lay out our There are many ways by which he situation and acknowledge our designs to limit the effectiveness of weakness. the preacher. Or, if the preaching is What we will find is that the faithful, he contrives so that the Lord is saying to us what he said to hearers are not receptive or King Jehoshaphat: ‘Do not be afraid responsive to the declaration of or discouraged because of this vast God’s Word. army. For the battle is not yours, but Whatever the scheme, the God’s’. Ultimately, world history is Kingdom of God faces stringent the unfolding of the enmity between opposition from the prince of the kingdom of God and the darkness who seeks to obstruct the kingdom of Satan, the seed of the forward march of the Church of woman and the seed of the serpent. Christ. By the grace of God the Church Thankfully, however, the Church shares in the victory of Christ. Until is not at the mercy of the Kingdom of victory’s consummation we ought darkness and preaching doesn’t not to become disheartened; rather, depend for its success on the we should pray. Prayer is the project indulgence of Satan. Preaching can for the people of God. If the battle is be triumphant and be the instrument still raging by the next issue of the of convicting and converting sinners ‘APC News’ we will see what sorts of and of building them up in their things we ought to pray. ❐

APC News No 148 Page 22 July/August 2011 Congregational Details

DUNDEE LAIRG & ROGART Revd Donald C Macaskill, BA APC Manse, Saval Road, Lairg, IV27 4EH, 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 7SB, Tel 01549 402176 Tel Home 01382 451798, Mobile 07792 545 243 Lairg Church - 6pm Rogart Church - 11.30am Email: [email protected] Treasurer: Mrs Alison Mackenzie, Birchgrove, Bonar www.apcdundee.org.uk Dens Road Church - 11 Bridge, Sutherland, IV24 3AR. Tel. 01863 766251. Dens Road - 11am & 6.30pm, usually Wed 7pm Communions: Lairg: First in June. Rogart: Third in (confirm on website). Treasurer: Mrs Isabella September. Scrimgeour, 15 Barry Downs Park, Barry Road, Carnoustie DD7 7SA. Tel 07966 594 711 LOCHCARRON Communions: Last in March, June, September, (Lochcarron-Lochalsh Congregation) Services held December jointly with Free Church, 11am & 6pm, Wed 7.30pm, 2nd & 3rd Lord’s Day Kishorn 3pm. Treasurer: Mrs Alison Stewart, 13 Kirkton Gardens, Lochcarron IV54 EDINBURGH 8UQ, Tel 01520 722239 Revd John Ross, 6 Frogston Grove, Edinburgh, EH10 Email: [email protected] 7AG Tel 0131 466 6247 [email protected] Sundays - Services at 11.30am and 5pm and Bible Study Wed 7.30pm at 47 Southhouse Broadway, LOCHINVER & STOER & DRUMBEG EH17 8AS. All welcome Services held jointly with Free Morning services alternating between Stoer Free Church & Drumbeg APC - 11am. Evening service FORT WILLIAM Lochinver Free Church at 6pm. Contacts: Mrs E. Services held jointly with the Free Church, MacKenzie, Church Road, Stoer, Sutherland, IV27 High Street, 11am & 6.30pm, Wednesday 7.30pm. 4SE, Tel 01571 855279. Mrs I Macauley, Ard Na Contact: Donald MacNicol, 14 Altour Road, Spean Mara, Stoer, Sutherland Tel 01571 855214 Bridge, Inverness-shire PH34 4EZ, Tel 01397 712405. OBAN Revd Archibald McPhail, MA, MTh Fernhill, Polvinister Road, Oban PA34 5TN, INVERNESS Tel 01631 567076 Email: Revd John C A Ferguson, MA, MDiv [email protected] Manse: 16 Drummond Road, Inverness IV2 4NB, Campbell Street Church - 11am & 6.30pm, Wed Tel 01463 223983 7.30pm Treasurer: N Matheson, Carnish, Glenmore Kingsview Christian Centre, Balnafettack Road, Road, Oban PA34 4PG, Tel 01631 566259 11.30am & 6pm, Wed 7.30pm. Tel 01463 716843. Communions: First in May and November Treasurer: Mr Kenneth Macdonald, ‘Arnish‘, 16 Drumdevan Place, Inverness IV2 4DQ, Tel 01463 231364. www.sermonaudio.com/kingsview PLOCKTON & KYLE Communions: Fourth in January, April, June, (Lochcarron-Lochalsh congregation) Contact: Donald September Stewart, 13 Kirkton Gardens, Lochcarron IV54 8UQ, Monthly Bible Study in Black Isle. For information Tel 01520 722239. Email: [email protected] phone Kingsview on 01463-716843 Plockton: No services at present

POOLEWE Services meantime Inverasdale 10.30am (with KINLOCHBERVIE Sunday School); Aultbea 12 noon (with Sunday Kinlochbervie: Day Care Centre, Main Street, School); Poolewe 6pm Treasurer/Contact: K 11.30am; Treasurer: W D MacLeod, 114 Inshegra, MacLean, Dunedin, 42 Strath, Gairloch IV21 2DB, Tel Rhiconich, by Lairg IV27 4RH Tel 01971 521388. 01445 712050. Email: [email protected] Communion: Third in August Communion: As arranged locally SKYE and HARRIS Revd Dr Wayne Pearce, ABROAD Bruach Taibh, 2 Borve, Arnisort,Portree,Skye, IV51 9PS Tel 01470 582421 NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Email: wayne,[email protected] Revd F Matandika, 203-204 Sixth Street, Portree APC Church, Staffin Road - 12 noon & 6.30pm, New Westminster, BC, V3L 3A1, Canada. C of S, Dunvegan - 12.15 & 4.45pm. Tel/Fax +1-604-544-5054. Mid-week service Wed 7.30pm, 1st, 3rd, 5th Portree; Church Website: www.newwestminsterchapel.org 2nd, 4th Dunvegan Lord’s Day Services: Treasurer: Mrs Margaret Pearce, Bruach Taibh, 2 Sunday School: 10am Borve, Arnisort, Skye, IV51 9PS. Tel 01470 582421 Morning Worship: 11am Communions: Portree: third in March and September, Evening Worship: 6.30pm Dunvegan: first in June Wednesday Prayer & Bible Study: 7.30pm.

Harris: Seilabost School - 12 noon and 6pm ------Treasurer: Mr Finlay Maclennan, 3 Seilabost, Isle of Harris HS3 3HP Tel 01859 550252 CLERK of PRESBYTERY Communions: 2nd May and 4th September Revd A N McPhail, MA. MTh, APC Manse, Polvinister Road, Oban PA34 5TN Tel 01631-567076 STORNOWAY Email: [email protected] Revd George I Macaskill, BA ‘The Glebe’, Stoneyfield, Sandwick, ASSISTANT CLERK Isle of Lewis, HS2 0AP, Revd G I Macaskill, BA Tel 01851 703217, (Church 07733425498) ‘The Glebe’, Stoneyfield, Sandwick, Email: [email protected] Isle of Lewis, HS2 0AP 72 Keith Street - 11am & 6.30pm, Thu 7.30pm. Tel 01851-703217 Treasurer: Mr W K Macleod, 3 Oliver’s Brae, Stornoway Fax 01851 703775 HS1 2SS, Tel 01851 703796. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.apcstornoway.com GENERAL TREASURER of PRESBYTERY Communions: third in February, last in August Mr R W M MacKenzie, APC General Treasurer Geanies House, Fearn, by Tain TAIN & FEARN IV20 1TW Tel 01862 871450 Revd John van Eyk Email: [email protected] APC Manse, 2 Cameron Gardens, Tain IV19 1NT, Tel 01862 892199. Email: [email protected] Tain PUBLICATIONS TREASURER Church, Upper King Street - 11.30am; Hilton Church Mr D M Fraser, 10am, Wed 7.30pm. Joint evening services, 1st, 3rd, ‘Stratharris’, Daviot, 5th Lord’s Day Hilton, 2nd, 4th in Tain. Treasurer: by Inverness, IV2 5XQ Tel 01463 772253 Roderick Mackenzie, Geanies House, Fearn, by Tain Email: [email protected] IV20 1TW, Tel 01862 871000. Email: [email protected] EDITOR of ‘APC NEWS’ www.sermonaudio.com/tainfearnapc Revd Donald C Macaskill, BA 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 7SB Tel 01382 451798 WICK & STRATHY Email: [email protected] Wick Church, Breadalbane Crescent - 11a.m, Strathy ______Church - 3pm Interim Moderator: Revd D Ross McFarlane, 01349 862420, [email protected] Treasurer: Our Scottish Charity No is: Wick: Mrs Mary Taylor, Dixonfield, Thurso, KW14 8YN Tel 01847 892005. Treasurer: Strathy: Mrs J Jappy, 113 SC 02313 Strathy Point, by Thurso KW14 7RY, Tel 01641 541316. APC website address is: Communions: Wick: last in April, Strathy: second in September www.apchurches.org