Issue No 73 January/February 2001

The Magazine of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in

The Tay Bridge Disaster

Every now and again, the citizens of Dundee are reminded of the area’s worst disaster – the collapse of the Tay Rail Bridge as a train was crossing over it in 1879. The disaster is more memorable because it happened in the middle of the festive season. Everyone on board was killed, both passengers and crew – 75 people in all. Letters still appear in the local press about memories from grandparents and relatives of those who lost their lives. The incident below however, is quite unique!

The new Tay Bridge from Dundee to Fife as it stands today. The stumps of the old bridge can be seen at low tide as in the picture IN THIS ISSUE page The following has been extracted from letters catching that train, and he gave himself to the Congregational sent into the ‘Dundee Courier’ office over the Lord Jesus Christ and was truly saved in his Details 2 years and verified by reliable witnesses. soul. He was a committed Christian for the rest Are You Enjoying of his life, and used every opportunity to tell God? 3 others of God’s salvation. He used to preach What in the World is n the stormy Sunday night of the Tay frequently in the open air at the bottom of the Happening? 4 Bridge disaster on 28th December Hilltown in Dundee. Discriminating O 1879, a young man, Robert Will, was He was a man of good works also. on his way to catch the train when the wind Christians 5 When a colleague at work was off sick, Robert blew his cap away. He spent some time look- sent money to his wife every week. On return- Making the Simple ing for it and missed the train as a result. ing to work, the man went to thank his em- Wise 6 Drink was forbidden to be sold in ployer for sending his wages to him, only to The Sixth Sense 7 Dundee on the Lord’s Day but was available to find that it was Robert Will who had been Serving Our travellers in Fife, so the revellers used to take sending the money out of his own pay packet! Generation 7 the train across the Tay to party on the other Robert died preaching around 1942. The old Desiring God Ministries side. Robert Will lost his night out but his life man collapsed while preaching in the street! in UK 8 was saved for there were no survivors from In Psalm 148:8, we read that the Round Our Congrega- that fatal train – and more than that – God stormy winds do God’s bidding. The Lord spoke to Robert and saved his soul. tions 9 arranged for a gust to blow a cap off – to stop a Church Page 10 When the awful news came through young teenager in his tracks and save him – of the disaster, he saw that it was nothing but Children’s Page 11 and to give Dundee 60 years of faithful gospel God in His mercy that had kept him from witness! Page 2 The APC News – January/February 2001

Congregational Details “These are the people of the prov- ABERDEEN Church - 6pm. 2nd, 4th Weds 7pm. Treasurer: Miss ince…ince… Interim-moderator: Revd Donald C Macaskill, 238 Arbroath Annie J Morrison, Woodlands, , IV27 4DB; Tel. 01549 Road, Dundee DD4 7SB, Tel 01382 451798, Fax 01382-451764 402362. The priests… Email: [email protected] 12 noon and joint The Levites… service with Old Aberdeen Gordon Mission at 6.30pm. The Old LOCHCARRON The singers…” Gordon Mission, corner of St Machar Drive/Dunbar Street. Tel Revd J W Ross, APC Manse, Main Street, Lochcarron, IV54 01330 860393. Treasurer: C Fraser, 394 King St, Aberdeen 8YD, [Nehemiah[Nehemiah 7:5cf]7:5cf] AB15 2BQ, Tel 01224 631720. Tel 01520 722337 Lochcarron Village Hall - 11am & 6pm, DINGWALL Wed 7pm; Kishorn Meeting House 3pm on 2nd Lord’s Day of Revd Dr Malcom MacInnes, Drumalin, 16 Drummond Road, month. _____ Inverness IV2 4NB, Tel 01463 223983, Fax 01462 226939 Treasurer: Mrs Alison Stewart, 13 Kirkton Gardens, Email: [email protected] Community Centre, Tulloch Lochcarron IV54 8UQ, Tel 01520 722239. Street - 6pm, Tue 7.30pm in Free Church Hall. Treasurer: D M Macdonald, Scoraig, 8 Kinnettas Square, Strathpeffer IV14 9BD, Tel 01997 421847. LOCHINVER & STOER & DRUMBEG Associated DUNDEE Revd David Parker, Free Church Manse, Inver Terrace, Revd Donald C Macaskill, 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 Lochinver IV27 4LH, Tel 01571 844685, Free Church Stoer - Presbyterian 7SB, Tel 01382 451798, Fax 01382-451764 11am; APC Church, Drumbeg - 12.30pm; Free Church Churches Email: [email protected] Dens Road Church - 11 Lochinver - 6pm. Treasurer: Alex MacLeod, The Rowans, Dens Road - 11am & 6pm, Wed 7.30pm. Treasurer: Mr W J Drumbeg, IV27 4NW, Tel 01571 833231.

Macaulay, 4 Lomond Drive, Carnoustie, DD7 6DN, Tel 01241

853621. www.apcdundee.org.uk OBAN CLERK of PRESBYTERY Revd Archibald McPhail, Fernhill, Polvinister Road, Oban Revd A N McPhail, MA. MTh EDINBURGH PA34 5TN, Tel 01631 567076 Email: [email protected] APC Manse, Polvinister Road, Interim-moderator: Revd Archibald McPhail, Fernhill, Polvinister Campbell Street Church - 11am & 6.30pm, Wed 7.30pm Oban PA34 5TN Road, Oban PA34 5TN, Tel 01631 567076 Treasurer: N Matheson, Carnish, Glenmore Road, Oban Tel 01631-567076 Email: [email protected]. Viewforth Church of Scotland, 104 PA34, Tel 01631 566259 and D Morrison, Glenstruan, Old Email: [email protected] Gilmore Place - 12 noon & 6.30pm, Wed 7.30pm. Treasurer: Mr Shore Road, Connel, PA37, Tel 01631 710226. A Cumming, 104 Blackford Avenue, Edinburgh EH9 3ES, Tel ASSISTANT CLERK 0131 662 9582. PLOCKTON & KYLE Revd G I Macaskill Mr J van Woerden, 8 Bank Street, Plockton IV52 8TP, Tel APC Manse, 36 Newvalley, FORT WILLIAM 01599 544272 Isle of Lewis HS2 0DN Services held jointly with the Free Church, High Street, 11am & Email: [email protected] Plockton 3pm. Tel/Fax 01851-703217 6.30pm. Contact: Donald MacNicol, 14 Altour Road, Spean Email: Bridge, Inverness-shire PH34 4EZ, Tel 01397 712405. POOLEWE [email protected] Church of Scotland, Poolewe - 11.30pm & 6pm. Treasurer/

HARRIS Contact: K MacLean, Dunedin, 42 Strath, Gairloch IV21 2DB, GENERAL TREASURER of Contact: Norman MacDonald Tel 01859 530345. Seilabost Tel 01445 712050. Email: [email protected] PRESBYTERY School - 12 noon & 6pm Tue 7.30pm. Treasurer: John Mr Kenneth Maclean, PO Box MacKinnon, 8 Stockinish, Isle of Harris HS3 3EN Tel 01859 SKYE 2, Gairloch, IV21 2YA 530211. Revd Angus Cattanach, APC Manse, 20 Glamaig Place, Tel 01445-712050 Portree IV51 9PJ, Tel 01478 613258 Portree APC Church, Email: [email protected] INVERNESS Staffin Road - 12 noon & 6.30pm, Thu 7.30pm; C of S, Revd Dr Malcolm MacInnes, Drumalin, 16 Drummond Road, Dunvegan - 12.15 & 5pm. Contact: Norman MacKay Royal

Inverness IV2 4NB, Tel 01463 223983 Fax 01463 226939 Bank House, Portree IV51 9BX, Tel 01478 612822. PUBLICATIONS Email: [email protected] St Stephen’s Parish Church, TREASURER Old Edinburgh Road - 12 noon & 6.30pm, Wed 7.30pm. STORNOWAY Mr D M Fraser, Treasurer: Mr Kenneth Macdonald, ‘Arnish‘, 16 Drumdevan Revd George I Macaskill, APC Manse, 36 Newvalley, Isle ‘Stratharris’, Daviot, Place, Inverness IV2 4DQ, Tel 01463 231364. www. of Lew is HS2 0DN, Tel 01851 703217, Fax 01851 703775. by Inverness, IV2 5XQ apcinverness.freeuk.com Email: [email protected] Tel 01463 772253 72 Keith Street - 11am & 7pm, Thu 7.30pm.

KINLOCHBERVIE Treasurer: Mr W K Macleod, 3 Oliver’s Brae, Stornoway EDITOR of ‘APC NEWS’ Kinlochbervie: Conference Room, Harbour Offices, 11.30am; HS1 2SS, Tel 01851 703796. www.treetapesministry.org Revd Donald C Macaskill Treasurer: W D MacLeod, 114 Inshegra, Rhiconich, by Lairg 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee IV27 4RH Tel 01971 521388. TAIN & FEARN DD4 7SB Revd John Ross, APC Manse, 2 Cameron Gardens, Tain Tel 01383 451798 LAIRG & ROGART IV19 1NT, Tel 01862 892199, Tain Church, Upper King Fax 01382 451764 Revd Alexander Murray, APC Manse, Saval Road, Lairg, IV27 Street - 11.30am & 6.30pm; Hilton Church 11.30am and Email: 4EH, Tel 01549 402176 Email: [email protected] 5pm, Wed 7.30pm. Treasurer: Roderick Mackenzie, [email protected]. Lairg Church - 11.30am, 1st, 3rd, 5th Weds 7pm; Rogart Geanies House, Fearn, by Tain IV20 1TW, Tel 01862 uk The APC News – January/February 2001 Page 3

EDITORIAL

ARE YOU ENJOYING GOD?

OST OF US ARE familiar with the they had enjoyed their salvation in Christ, but answer to the Shorter Catechism’s 1st they had followed wrong teaching - teaching Mquestion, ‘Man’s chief end is to that focussed on what they had been delivered glorify God and to enjoy Him for ever’. How from – the law. By their intricate study of that seriously have we thought about it? Are we law, they again became obsessed by it. Thus enjoying God, or do we just believe in Him? Paul had to rebuke them saying he was afraid Can we honestly say that we are enjoying our of them and stood in doubt of them and called Christianity and that we draw great pleasure them to examine the origin of their profession from our faith in God? “What then was the blessing you King David would say that he did. In enjoyed?” [Gal 4:15]. many of his psalms, he manifested his delight Scripture has a timeless relevance for in God. Even in times of trouble and worry, many Christians today who have similarly God was the source of his joy “In the forgotten the verse “Do not sorrow for the joy multitudes of my anxieties within me, Your of the Lord is your strength” [Neh 8:10]. Our comforts delight my soul” [Psa 94:19]. faith should be a joyful thing – if we take to In Psalm 37:4 he commands us to heart all it means. If the Scripture is our “Delight yourself also in God” and adds that if standard for truth then the solution to our we do, God “will give you the desires of your morbid introspection is to believe what it says. heart”. In another psalm he again tells us to And it plainly tells us that faith in God is a enjoy God “Let the righteous be glad; Let them joyful experience. rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice One current preacher who brings us exceedingly” [Psa 68:11]. Moses too said it all back to God’s Word on this issue, is John Piper when he described God’s people as “Happy are the senior pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, you O Israel, who is like you, a people saved by in Minneapolis. In an article in the November the Lord?” [Deu 33:29]. issue of ‘Evangelicals Now’, Simon Vibert looks This is not just an old testament at ‘Christian Hedonism’ as portrayed by John concept of the faith. Paul also teaches it. He Piper. He tells us that Piper would change the instructs the Philippians to “Rejoice in the Lord answer in the catechism from ‘Man’s chief end always. Again I will say, rejoice” [Phil 4:4]. To is to glorify God and to enjoy Him for ever’ to the Thessalonians he said “Rejoice always...for ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God by this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for enjoying Him for ever’! Piper insists that we you” [1 Thes 5:16]. Peter also expects must enjoy God here and now. The mission “In Your presence is Christians to be delighting in God for he says statement of his church is ‘God is most the fullness of joy, at “In this… (being “kept by the power of God”) glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Your right hand are you greatly rejoice...with joy inexpressible and Him’. pleasures for ever- full of glory” [1 Pet 1:6-8]. Piper’s mentor is Jonathan Edwards more” If we are honest many of us would the well known reformed pastor that was in have to admit we do not conceive our faith as a Northampton, and later in Stockbridge in [Psa 16:11] source of joy – rather we think of it as a America. Edwards is known for his ‘world- challenge. We do not draw encouragement famous’ sermon ‘Sinners in the hands of an and strength as we ought, from the facts of Angry God’, which brought deep conviction of Christianity. But our faith in Jesus Christ ought sin, but he is not so well known for his to stimulate and generate joy and goodness emphasis on enjoying God. Piper has absorbed “You have put within our hearts. most of Edward’s teaching and now directs the gladness in my heart Why then do so many of us sound as if ‘Desiring God Ministries’ in Minneapolis. more than in the we are losers? Why is it that we do not seem to Piper travels the world speaking at season when that be enjoying God? Why does the title of this conferences promoting his conviction that their grain and wine editorial seem trite? Answer: partly because ‘God is most glorified in us when we are most increased” we focus our attention on what we have been satisfied in Him’. He has published many delivered fromfrom (sin), instead of what we have books and has an excellent website. [Psa 4:7] been saved toto (true joy in God). We have been Further details and information on saved to enjoy God. Preachers seldom preach Piper’s ministry can be found on his website on the joy of salvation. When the Ethiopian had www.desiringgod.org. See also the article on the gospel explained to him, he “went on his ‘Desiring God Ministries in the UK’ on page 8. “I will go to the altar way rejoicing” [Acts 8:29]! God can be To return to our original question: Are of God, to God my enjoyed. you enjoying God? Have you found pleasure in exceeding joy” The Apostle Paul had to rebuke a God? Asaph knew where he stood on the group of Christians in his day for becoming question “There is none upon earth that I [Psa 43:4] sensorious and legal in their faith. Initially desire besides You” [Psa 73:25]. Page 4 The APC News – January/February 2001

What in the World is Happen-

PORTUGAL SARDINIA ITALY GREECE NORTH SPAIN MEDITERRANEANT U R K SEAE Y This page is devoted to encouraging ATLANTIC Algiers Tunis OCEAN Rabat SICILY SYRIA Casablanca IRAQ events that are taking place around the TUNISIA Suez Tripoli Canal JORDAN MOROCCO ISRAEL CAIRO world to stimulate appropriate prayer. A L G E R I A S A U D I L I B Y A EGYPT REDA SEA R A B I A

WESTERN SAHARA MAURITANIA Nouakchott M A L I NIGER 1 SENEGAL Khartoum IGERIA IS A NATION that has gone YEMEN GAMBIA ARAB 2 Bamako NIAMEY CHAD REPUBLIC GUINEA- S U D A N BISSAU YEMEN through a lot of trouble over the past 3 GUINEA BURKINAOuagadougou FASO DJIBOUTI N'Djamena GULF OF 4 Djibouti ADEN SIERRA IVORY

5 LEONE GHANA NIGERIA BENIN COASTAbidjan few years with military dictators TOGO ETHIOPIA CENTRAL AFRICAN Porto-Novo Lagos 6 LIBERIA REPUBLIC Addis Ababa N Accra taking control. General Abacha’s military CAMEROON Malabo Yaoundé EQU. UGANDA GUINEA Mogadishu regime was oppressive on the people and Kampala S O M A L I A Libreville KENYA GABON Nairobi SÃO TOMÉ Kigali brought the country to financial ruin while SOUTH C O N G O RWANDA INDIAN Brazzaville Z A I R E BURUNDI Kinshasa Bujumbura ATLANTIC OCEAN accumulating his own wealth. However, TANZANIA OCEAN Dar es Salaam Luanda COMOROS Moroni MAYOTTE recently there has been encouraging reports MALAWI ANGOLA Dzaoudzi

N Z A M BLusaka I A of churches growing at a phenomenal rate, Capitals 1. SENEGAL - Dakar Harare 2. GAMBIA - Banjul ZIMBABWE 3. GUINEA_-BISSAU - Bissau Antanarivo evangelistic missions and 12 million believers 4. GUINEA - Conakry NAMIBIA 5. SIERRA LEONE - Freetown BOTSWANA M O Z A M B I Q U E Windhoek Gaborone responding to a united prayer meeting – the Pretoria Maputo M A D A G A S C A R Johan- nesburg SWAZILAND largest prayer meeting ever held. AFRICA Mbabane 0 50 100 200 300 400 500 600 MI. LESOTHO 50 200 400 600 KM. SOUTH AFRICAMaseru 0 100 300 500 One of the reasons for this is the Capital- Provincial/Territorial Capital- Cape Town MAURITIUS Cities over 1,000,000 pop. Port Louis St. Denis appointment of Christian leaders in the re- RÉUNION cently formed democratically elected govern- ment. In a most interesting article in the November. It is reputed to be the largest November/December issue of ‘Prophecy evangelistic event ever held that did not Today’, we learn about one Christian govern- include satelite or internet technology. Over the six-day rally over 6 million people at- ment official, Solomon Lar who was thrown into prison for 4 years by General Abacha. tended. African journalist Wale Fatade wrote “Never has Christendom in Nigeria been After being released, Lar’s life was in constant danger, but he managed to form a thrown into such a positive frenzy.” ‘Group of Eighteen’ likeminded former gover- Some Nigerians did not want the nors who were respected by the people. They main speaker to come back to the country as decided to write a letter to General Abacha to his previous mission in 1991 resulted in riots, persuade him to hold a general election and and banned him from entering the country. However, he was invited back by the new return to civil rule. It was a frightening pros- President of Nigeria - Olusegun Obasanjo! pect and much prayer was offered before it was decided that Lar himself should personally —————————— present the letter to General Abacha. When Lar eventually reached the ur own country has also had encour- presidential chair in the ornate marble lined agement recently. Revd Iain Ma- state room and delivered his message, Abacha O cAskill the Free Church minister of flew into an uncontrollable rage. He arrested South Uist and Benbecula reports of a wonder- Lar, and ordered that he be brought back in ful movement of the Spirit of God and had 23 the morning to be sentenced for treason. But new members at his communion last commun- that night General Abacha died!! ion in November, 14 by profession of faith. The mood of the military commanders Real conviction of sin and brokenness of heart changed dramatically overnight and they was evident among the many additional people started seeking Solomon Lar’s advice! An who came to the services. Many others started election was held, and Lar’s newly formed to read their Bibles and began asking serious People’s Democratic Party won handsomely. questions. “...And there were Lar nominated Olusegun Obasanjo as Give thanks for the ‘protection’ given loud voices in President who was also imprisoned and be- to Revd Iain MacAskill and Dr. Manuel Reano heaven, saying, ‘The came a Christian in prison. One of the first a few days after the communion, when Iain's kingdoms of this things he did on becoming President of Nige- car skidded very badly on a patch of black ice world have become ria was to build a church in the grounds of the and turned over several times before stopping. the kingdoms of our Presidential Villa where the Muslim Generals Recent reports are that those who Lord and of His had built their mosque. His declared objective professed faith are growing in the faith and Christ, and He shall is to make Nigeria a righteous nation, believ- one or two more people have been converted. reign for ever and ing that Nigeria will be a shining light to Other denominations are enjoying encourage- ever’ ” Africa and the whole world as “righteousness ment also – a sure sign that it is the Lord and exalts a nation” [Pro 14:34]. not man that is behind the movement. Recovery [Revelation 11:15] There are also reports from another Groups have also been started to help those source that Nigeria is turning to the gospel. A afflicted with Alcohol Abuse, and other addic- crowd of 1.6 million people crammed into an tions. May God continue His work there and 80 acre site in Lagos, to hear the gospel last may it spread far and wide. The APC News – January/February 2001 Page 5

Discriminating Christians: Are we Bible-thumping Bigots?

IGHT-YEAR-OLD Martin Thompson begins and ends with the fact of God's love. couldn't wait to join the Boy Scouts. We love these people, but not their behavior. E From the flyers passed out at school, And God loves them. The real question is: Did he'd read about all the fun Scouts have. But God make homosexuals the way they are, or is when Martin's parents discovered his interest, their sexual preference a consequence of what they told him absolutely not. Their reaction makes our world a broken place? shows just how successful the gay lobby has Many secularists claim that been convincing people that homosexuality homosexuality is genetically determined. But has no moral component. these claims ignore the empirical evidence to The Boy Scouts don't accept members the contrary. Researchers looking for a gay or leaders who engage in homosexual gene periodically announce new evidence for conduct -- and that's why Martin's parents it, and then that evidence evaporates when objected. "Our family does not agree with other researchers study it. discrimination against . . . homosexuals," So if homosexuality is not genetically Martin's mother told him. determined, then to some degree the behavior The family then went to a meeting of involves an element of choice. That doesn't the Anne Arundel County, Maryland, school mean that some people don't have a district and tried to get the Scouts thrown off predisposition to homosexuality: they do, just school property. Martin's father read a as straight people have pre-dispositions that statement Martin had written, which said, "I they themselves must control. don't want the Boy Scouts to come to my school David Persing, a molecular genetics because my school allows everyone to researcher and a Christian, says the biblical come. .. . . But . . . not everyone is allowed in teaching that all of nature is fallen includes the Boy Scouts." our genetic heritage. As a result, we all have Of course, Martin's school does not inborn tendencies toward various forms of allow everyone to attend. It discriminates sinful behaviors, from alcoholism to “Neither fornicators, against people who are too old or too young, heterosexual addiction to homosexuality. nor idolators, nor and against anyone who lives outside the But this fact does not excuse us from adulterers, nor school district. having to make a choice to do right or to sin. homosexuals, nor Evidently, this type of discrimination Christianity calls all of us to struggle against sodomites, nor doesn't bother Martin's parents. They probably our natural tendencies. Whatever those thieves, nor covet- view it as appropriate, because it violates no inclinations are, we still have room for making ous, nor drunkards, moral laws. But they're evidently teaching real moral choices. nor revilers, nor their son that homosexual conduct violates no And that's what we have to teach our extortioners will moral laws either -- but that objecting to it kids when they're accused of anti-gay bigotry. inherit the kingdom does. They equate the upholding of biblical My new book, Answers to Your Kids' of God. And such principles as code language for gay-bashing. Questions, will help you do this. Read it with were some of you. Many Christian families are having to them, and you'll help them learn how to But you were confront this issue head on. Around the discriminate between gay propaganda and washed, but you country, homosexual groups and their allies biblical truth. Chuck Colson were sanctified, but are lobbying to kick Boy Scouts out of public you were justified in schools and parks. So it's important that our From BreakPoint, 20 October, 2000, copyright the name of the Lord kids understand Christian teaching on this 2000, reprinted with permission of Jesus and by the subject. Prison Fellowship, P.O. Box 17500, Spirit of our God” First, we must teach them that Washington, DC, 20041-0500. Christian thinking about these questions [1 Corinthians 6:11]

Congratulations James – and Channel 4! NE NIGHT LAST December, television’s the last word on the programme, pointing out Channel 4 ran a programme about the that after all the ‘hype’ of the festive season, we O meaning of the festive season. The Revd have to return to the reality of life with all its James Tallach, Free Presbyterian minister on sin and problems. Forgiveness is the most the Island of Raasay spoke excellently on the important thing in the world. real meaning of Christmas. We were Let us pray that more Christians will particularly glad that the essence of the gospel take the opportunities offered to spread the was not ‘cut-out’ as can and does so often Word. Let us also pray that TV editors and happen in media editing. presenters will be fair and unprejudiced in It was also gratifying that James had reporting the views of Christians. Page 6 The APC News – January/February 2001

Making the Simple Wise

EOPLE OFTEN ASK, “How can I know The Bible and us God’s guidance?” The obvious answer is that God has already spoken, and his If we want God’s guidance we must remember P words are written for all generations to use. that it comes in the context of a personal The Bible, writes the Apostle Paul, “is able to relationship. The Bible is God’s speech. So it is make us wise unto salvation.” So let’s think not a book that we can control – it is the living about the Bible. God speaking to us today.

Origin A relationship can change over time. We can hardly expect to hear God’s voice if we consis- The prophets declared, “Thus says the Lord.” tently ignore him, disobey him, or prefer our And their words could be tested to see if the own ideas to his. On the other hand, Jesus claim was true. Paul referred to scripture as promised that those who love God and obey “breathed out by God” (“inspired”). And him will find him drawing close to them [John Simon Peter spoke of God’s prophets being 14:23]. “carried along” by the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was on earth he treated it as the very word of We don’t have a right to pick and choose God. which parts of God’s guidance we will accept. The Bible is authoritative. Functions Jesus accepted its authority over himself. For example, The Bible works in various when he was arrested he ways. Paul writes, “It is could have prayed for profitable for doctrine, angelic help; but he reproof, correction, and was under an obliga- instruction in righteous- tion to fulfil the scrip- ness” [2 Timothy 3:16,17]. tures. Why did Jesus not find that a bur- “Doctrine” means teach- den? Because of his ing, or information. The love to God who had Bible provides insights spoken. And if we have the about God and ourselves – love of God we will not find things we would never have his commands burdensome [1 discovered otherwise. It John 5:3]. also “reproves”, i.e. it exposes sin; but it does The Bible is sufficient to guide us more – it gives us a differ- in all matters of faith and conduct. “For the word of ent attitude towards our It was enough for Jesus. At the great God is living and own wrongdoing. crises of his life he relied totally on its powerful, and words. At his wilderness temptations, in sharper than any And it “corrects” – it puts right those things in controversy and facing the cross he relied on twp-edged sword, our life that were wrong. That implies that we nothing more (or less) than God’s word writ- piercing even to the respond to its teaching. Otherwise we would ten. division of soul and never be trained in the life of God. The word spirit, and of joints translated “instruction” reminds us of a child We may be tempted to add to the Bible by and marrow and is being trained for adult life. relying on other supposed authorities a discerner of the (individual conscience or the church). That thoughts and Purpose dishonours God its author, and Jesus our Lord. intents of the heart” Or we may detract from it by rejecting parts Its purpose is to “make the man of God com- that criticise us or make demands on us. [Hebrews 4:12] plete, equipped for every good work.” What a change, when an enemy of God becomes a man In a sermon he preached thirty years ago Rev of God! And the Bible does that. Malcolm MacSween quoted the Catechism, “The Word of God, which is contained in the But the newborn Christian is like an empty scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is room – part of the house but not fulfilling its the only rule to direct us how we may glorify potential. It needs to be “furnished”, then it is and enjoy him.” He paused, then added, “Some useful. And the Christian needs to grow in people think they are wiser than scripture.” grace so that he/she may serve their God and Saviour with good works. Archie N McPhail

The APC News – January/February 2001 Page 7

The Sixth Sense!

HERE IS A FILM CALLED ‘The Sixth 1:18]. We see how sin has ruined us, we see Sense’. It is about a young boy who can how God has been so patient with us, we see T see and hear and speak to dead people. how Christ has died for us while we were yet There are times when this ‘extra sense’ can be sinners. No person can see these things with very helpful and advantageous to him. Like the five natural senses! many films today, it is about the supernatural. We know things as a result of this (By the way, the popularity of supernatural ‘sixth sense’, things that eye has not seen, nor films these days, shows that people today have ear heard, nor has entered the heart of man, no difficulty believing in the supernatural and things that God has revealed to us “through miraculous – it is with the Bible and God’s His Spirit” [1 Cor 2:9cf]. In this connection supernaturalism that mankind has a natural Jesus said “it has been given to you to know aversion to!) the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to A sixth sense! The Bible actually them it has not been given” [Mat 13:11]. supports the view of a ‘sixth sense’ - all Is it not as a result of this ‘sixth sense’ Christians have it! Paul said “Now, we have that we know the “natural man does not received not the spirit of the world, but the receive the things of the Spirit of God because “ ‘I am Jesus...I now Spirit of God, that we might know the things they are foolishness to him” ? [1 Cor 2:14]. Of send you...to open that are freely given us by God” [1 Cor 2:12]. course it is. But these very spiritual insights of their eyes, in order That is, God has given us His Spirit that we God’s people, are deemed foolishness to the to turn them from might know things we would not otherwise world. The foolishness of much of the darkness to light, know. Do not Christians have this ‘extra supernaturalism of modern day films is not and from the power spiritual sense’, by which they can discern the seen as foolishness by many film goers – but is of Satan to God’ ” things of the Spirit of God, which no deemed foolishness by God, for “the wisdom of unregenerate person can discern? John said this world is foolishness with God” [1 Cor [Acts 26:18] “you have an anointing from the Holy One and 3:19]. you know all things” [1 John 2:20]. Let us pray that the present interest in By God’s saving grace, we can ‘see’ the supernatural would ultimately lead to what we did not see before, because the eyes of belief in the true supernaturalism – the divine our understanding have been opened [Eph power of Almighty God.

Serving Our Generation

ERHAPS NO KING honoured God more compromising the truth. It is possible to than King David. It is said that “he had change style and method without altering the P served the purpose of God in his own Word of God. We cannot minister to a past generation” [Acts 13:36 NASV]. What better generation for they are not with us. Each epitaph can one have on their tombstone? generation has its own characteristics and What is God’s purpose for your life? Are you culture which requires a specific type of fulfilling it? What a question to occupy our ministry. The ministry must fit the culture. The minds? David managed it – by God’s grace. shoe must fit the foot – we must not make the He was called to do it “in his own foot fit the shoe. generation” - ie in his own day and culture. Paul makes this principle very clear Times and cultures change – God has called when he says “I have become all things to all each of us to serve Him in our own day and men, that I might by all means save some” . generation. We cannot serve God in any other And he adds “And this I do for the gospel’s “And the lord com- generation but our own. We cannot live in sake” [1 Cor 9:22]. He did the adjusting to suit mended the unjust David generation or anyone else’s. We may the occasion without compromising the truth. steward, because he glean many lessons from reading and studying Because he was concerned for the gospel and had done wisely: for the saints of old, but we must serve our own for sinners, as well as about handing in his the children of this generation, just as it is. account to God, he was prepared to shave his world are in their One author put it like this: “David’s head, take a vow and serve his generation in generation wiser ministry was both relevant and timely. He whatever the cultural practices were – than the children of served God’s purpose (which is eternal and without giving place to sin. light.” unchanging) in his generation (which was May our love for our generation, and current and changing). He served the timeless our love to God, enable each of us to serve God [Luke 16:8] in a timely way. He was both orthodox and acceptably in our times. The men of Issachar contemporary, biblical and relevant.” - Rick were commended because they had Warren. “understanding of the times to know what We can be contemporary without Israel ought to do” [1 Chro 12:32]. Page 8 The APC News – January/February 2001

Desiring God Ministries in UK

– and a Testimony!

esiring God Ministries in Minneapolis next day (Friday) he was dreading a difficult (see Editorial), are very excited to meeting with an angry, dissatisfied customer D announce the opening of DGM UK, a from whom he needed to collect money. If God distribution office in Northern Ireland. Their would get him through that meeting, George goal is to spread a passion for the supremacy of would “get saved” on Saturday. God in the and Europe. Here During this meeting, George could

is a little background why they have scarcely believe what was happening. His undertaken this work and introduce you to customer was unexpectedly pleasant and George Ferris, the DGM UK Operations wrote out a cheque for the balance owed Director. without complaint. Feeling the same sense of In 1994, George Ferris owned his awe, George got in his car to drive home. On own business and a nice home, played the the way, while at a stop light, George suddenly stock market, and vacationed in Europe and sensed the presence of God fill the car and was the U.S. He was also growing increasingly overwhelmed with the knowledge that he was

depressed. saved – God was not going to wait until As a teenager, George had abandoned Saturday! When he got home, Pamela could see his parents’ Christian faith to pursue as much the difference before George said a word and happiness as he could find in the world. In her heart overflowed with joy. 1980, at age 21, he married Pamela. Five years George began to drink up the Bible later, she became a Christian. Although like a parched man. He also began reading George was supportive of his wife, Jesus theology. Sensing the Lord’s call to follow him, wasn’t for him. He thought happiness would George left behind his construction business

be found in business and financial success. and, with his wife, enrolled in a small Over the next several years, George’s hard Reformed Bible college in England. work and long hours building a construction While there, he encountered books by John business paid off and he was able to taste some Piper. The Bible and his conversion experience of the fruit of the “good life.” taught George that God is sovereign. Books But toward the end of 1993, George like Desiring God and Let the Nations Be Glad found himself looking into a black hole. His helped him grasp that everything God does, he "success" was empty. What he had worked so does for his glory. Moreover, he discovered

hard for wasn’t really his heart’s desire after that God’s pursuit of glory and people’s pursuit all. His futile search for joy, compounded by of happiness are not at odds, but the same stress at work, left George sinking in the pursuit. George realized that his hunger for joy quicksand of despair. was really a hunger for God – another life- Searching for hope, he began to read changing breakthrough for him. the Bible (secretly, so Pamela wouldn’t get her

hopes up) and pray for help. On a Thursday night in May of 1994, consumed with anxiety

about his work and his future and reaching The above article was taken from Desiring God Ministries Web Site what seemed the end of his rope, George cried out to God in desperation. Not knowing where “...give attention to to look, he closed his eyes, opened his Bible, The UK address for Desiring God Ministries is: reading, to exhorta- and put his finger down on the page in hope Desiring God Ministries UK (DGM UK) tion, to doctrine…” that God might speak to him. When he opened 23 Ashburn Ave, Londonderry

his eyes his heart sank. He was in the Northern Ireland , BT47 5QE [1 Timothy 5:13] concordance at the back of his Bible! His Tel/Fax: 028 71342907 Mobile: 0771 507 finger was in the “Stature” section. But then he 4465 read the text on which his finger had landed. E-mail: [email protected] It was Matthew 6:27 (NKJV), "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” George sat stunned. Worry was tearing him apart and this simple question exposed his heart. His worry was vain because his pursuit New Web Site of happiness was in vain things. Suddenly The Dundee congregation have now a web George knew Jesus was calling him to lay site of their own at www.apcdundee.org. aside his worry and put his hope in God. uk Filled with awe and fear, George Will congregations please inform the editor of decided to test this to see if it was real. The any new web sites so that it can be included The APC News – January/February 2001 Page 9

Round Our Congregations

ABERDEEN STORNOWAY There have been encouragements since we During January the congregation enjoyed the have moved premises. The services have been challenge of hearing from Slavic Gospel well attended and the older folk who worship Association who planted 64 new churches in with us in the evening are enjoying the added Eastern European countries within approxi- numbers and seem happy about the new mately 18 months. SGA's policy is to train arrangements. One or two new faces have students and pastors in the Bible so that they in appeared also. However, there are still a lot turn may evangelise their own countrymen. matters to sort out. A very handsome donation During February, the congregation look for- has encouraged the congregation greatly. ward to the Theological Winter Please continue to pray about the way ahead. A Conference and also to their own Communion. seminar is being held in the premises and The congregational Meal is set for Friday 2 Revd Alexander Murray from Lairg is giving a March. paper on exclusive psalmody and instrumental music on Saturday 20th January at 2pm. INVERNESSINVERNESS The Book-Reading Club in the Inverness/ DUNDEE Dingwall congregation is proving a worth- The premises have been almost completely while discipline. Members have been en- renovated in the last few months and our riched as they have worked their way through brand new carpet is at least in place. We hope the chapters. Relationships have been to have a ‘Thanksgiving Meeting’ on 17th strengthened as they discussed together the March DV, so we hope many of you will see all lessons and challenges met with in the proc- the improvements then. ess. Having started with a book about Bible However, we long for spiritual bless- Characters (Fight the Good Fight, by Richard ing and the renovating of human hearts and Mayhue), Club members went on to read about souls, as that is the business we are really in. the greatest character of all in R.C. Sproul's The church is not a building but people. book, Mighty Christ. The next month led into a We were sorry to lose Laurence and book about that all-important Christian activ- Notice to Congregations Elizabeth from the congregation at the end of ity, prayer, as we read Richard Bewes book, last year. Laurence accepted the post of man- TalkingCongregations About Prayer.are encouraged Our next to assignment, send reports in regularly of what is happening in their aging director of the Northern Ireland Elec- the Lord willing, is Stephen Oldford's book, tricity Board. "notcommunities. I but Christ". The Toeditor whet will your be appetite, pleased toI shall receive information anytime during the month. We have been making contact with quote from the book a verse by Daniel Whittle: the surrounding area again by delivering over It is Dyingup to each with congregation Jesus by death to reckoned send in their mine, own report without a reminder each month. 400 of the ‘Gospel of Luke’ booklets and an Living with Jesus a new life divine, invitation to a special service. We hope to Else Lookingyou will toconstantly Jesus till hearglory about doth shineDundee - and Aberdeen! - Ed. begin a programme with the Jesus video. Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine. The Sunday evening Bible Study has The Lord deserves nothing less than our “But that you may started again in the manse and our new subject whole-hearted commitment. Let's give it to know my affairs and is ‘Seeking God’s Will’. We have finished the him. how I am doing, study on ‘Money Matters’! Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you, whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs and that he may comfort your hearts”

[Ephesians 6:21,22]

Some of the Advisory Group Members in Aberdeen. They are from left to right, Paul Wraight, James Mackenzie, Andrew Louden and Donald Stewart. Page 10 The APC News – January/February 2001

Church Page

HE PRESBYTERY ASKS for prayer re- garding our congregation’s situation in T Edinburgh. As most of you know our minister there, the Revd Angus Morrison, has now been inducted to the St Columba Church of Scotland in Stornoway, last December. We ask that we will know the Lord’s will concern- ing the future. We wish Angus every blessing in his new charge and trust that God will help Our two new clerks who took up their duties him and his family as they settle down in a last September. Revd Archibald McPhail, Clerk, is completely new situation. Below is an account on the right, and Revd George Macaskill, of Angus’s induction. Assistant Clerk, is on left.

Induction of Revd Angus Morrison in Stornoway

ROUND 400 PEOPLE gathered for the High Church, Stornoway (a former missionary Induction of Rev Angus Morrison to the to Korea). A parish church of St. Columba in The bond between minister and Stornoway on 29th December last year. It was congregation was evident to all – something an occasion to be remembered. A warm very precious. That was obvious in the spirit of Christian spirit pervaded the proceedings, and the worship and in the gathering that took gospel truth came over clearly and powerfully. place afterwards. It gave encouragement that Angus Morrison was minister of the prayers for the greater usefulness of Angus’ APC congregation in Edinburgh until his ministry are being answered. resignation in September last year. Since then Our thoughts and prayers are also he has been concluding his PhD thesis on with the congregation in Edinburgh. There are Augustine, and preparing for his new charge. young, energetic people alongside elderly, Proceedings were led by the experienced believers. Opportunities for Moderator of Presbytery, Billy Forsyth. Tom Christian service blend with the need for Sinclair, Presbytery Clerk, read the narrative of gospel comfort. May the Master give wisdom events leading to the induction and gave the and grace for the future, blessing them and charges to minister and congregation. The making them a blessing to others. ANMcP sermon was preached by Willie Black of the

Arrested for Preaching the Gospel

AST YEAR TWO MINISTERS FROM THE unreasonable obstruction”. The ministers were London Outreach Centre were arrested fined £150. On stating they would go to prison L and charged with ‘obstruction to the rather than pay the fine, the Judge re-imposed highway’, after preaching to a small gathering a conditional discharge. The ministers “But Peter and John of people in London’s Leicester Square. The continue to preach in Leicester Square and answered and said ministers had been doing this twice per week leave the consequences to God. to them ‘Whether it for seven years without any problems from the One of the charges was ‘cursing the is right in the sight police. When warned by the police they would public’ but was dropped when independent of God to listen to be arrested if they continued to preach in that witnesses testified that the police officer was you more than to spot, the ministers explained that it was the not telling the truth. God, you judge. For exact spot other policemen had directed them One of the ministers, Rev Dr Guy Dirk we cannot but speak to. Wood, said “If our religion doesn’t cost us the things which we At an appeal hearing at Southwark anything in terms of opposition by satan and have seen and Crown Court, the lawyer defending the his agents, it most probably is not worth very heard’. So when they ministers reminded Judge George Bathurst- much”. had further threat- Norman that “Children playing on the There seems to be a growing ened them, they let pavement constitute Highway Obstruction, but prejudice against the Christian faith in our them go ” it is reasonable obstruction. A man chalking a country. This is not the first time that street picture on a pavement constitutes an preachers have been arrested in the UK. It is [Acts 4:19cf] Obstruction, but a reasonable obstruction.” He time for Christians to raise their voices loud left the court and went to his chamber and and clear.

returned saying “The preaching of the gospel is a Highway Obstruction and an Taken from Christian Voice - Summer Recess The APC News – January/February 2001 Page 11

CHILDREN’S PAGE

“And teach them to your children and your grandchildren”

[Deuteronomy 4:9]

The APC News is published 9 times per year in the following months:

January/February March April May/June July August/September October November December Page 12 The APC News – January/February 2001

All the views A “Major” Initiative God is expressed in this magazine are not NEW CALLING. A New Challenge. A necessary those of New vision. That is how the new at the Centre! the editor or the A representative with the Lord’s Day denomination. The Observance Society in Scotland sees his work. articles are meant HAT IS THE shortest chapter in the Iain Alasdair Macdonald left his home in Bible? Answer Psalm 117. What is to stimulate Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis at the age of 16 thought and pro- W the longest chapter in the Bible? to begin his career in the army, and rose to the Answer Psalm 119. voke a serious study rank of Major. For the past five years he has of the Holy Scrip- Which chapter is in the centre of the Bible? been the Army Careers Advisor for schools in Answer Psalm 118. ture. the North of Scotland. Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118. Now, however, Mr Macdonald, feels Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118. called by God to leave army life and to enter The typescript is set Add these numbers up and you get 1188. into a new sphere of labour and take on his What is the center verse in the Bible? in 10pt ‘Footlight new challenge. He has for long treasured the MT Light’ on Answer - Psalms 118:8. Lord’s Day as a tremendous gift from the Lord Does this verse say something significant Microsoft Publisher to all mankind, and is now concerned to 98. The style for about God's will for our lives? The next time promote its benefits as widely and as someone says they would like to find God's Scripture quota- effectively as possible as the society’s tions is italic perfect will for their lives and that they want spokesman in Scotland. to be in the centre of His will, just send them to within double His vision for the work is not inverted commas, the centre of His Word! negative, but extremely positive. He wants to Psalms 118:8 "It is better to trust in the LORD and then square win the minds of people not only on the issue brackets for the than to put confidence in man." of the Lord’s Day, but also on the greater issue Scripture reference, of the Lord himself. His desire is to stimulate a chapter and verse Now isn't that odd how this worked out – or change in the attitudes of the population-both was God in the centre of it? separated by a inside and outside the churches – so that colon. people will see the benefits of respecting the Lord and his Day for themselves and the whole of the Scottish community. The most helpful Mr Macdonald lives in Inverness Subscriptions and Renewals way to send articles with his wife Ella, also from Lewis, and their is by email. Text three teenage daughters, Anne aged 19, Karen for APC News may also be sent on aged 17 and Alison aged 13. disc in Microsoft Professor John Angus MacLeod, The APC News is published 9 times per year, Word. Some rtf files Chairman of the Scottish Association of the beginning with the August/September issue. The are so Society commenting on the appointment said: cost is £7 per year including postage and should be acceptable. Clearly “We are really grateful for the opportunity to considered as a donation. printed well- have someone with Iain Alasdair’s drive, spaced typing and enthusiasm and organisational skills. He has Note for Congregations artwork in one done so much work within schools on behalf of Congregations please note that the minimum column is also good the Army and is as happy speaking to as we can scan it. gatherings of young folks as well as other age charge for bulk copies (up to 50) is £20. Additional groups. There is so much to be done to change copies thereafter in bundles of 50 for £15 and 25 for attitudes in Scotland and we believe that he £7.50. Congregations of course, can order fewer Photographs can be will put the Lord and His day in the most copies, but they must pay the minimum £20 for each sent by post or by positive and effective manner.” email or on disc – issue. They can, if they wish, charge for their own Mr John G Roberts, General Executive distribution, or give them away free. Cheques in JPEG format of the society, added, ”We are delighted with should be made out to ‘APC News’ and sent to the the appointment of Iain. The task before him is enormous, but we have a man who is fully address below. Please state if acknowledgement of Editor: donation is required. committed to the cause of the Lord’s Day and Revd Donald C Macaskill we look forward to his gifts being used to 238 Arbroath Road further the work.” Mr D M Fraser, Publications Treasurer, Dundee, DD4 7SB If you wish a spokesman on Sunday ‘Stratharris’, Tel 01382 451798 issues, or a speaker for a meeting do not Daviot, by Inverness, Fax 01382 451764 hesitate to contact Iain Alasdair Macdonald. IV2 5XQ Email: dcmacaskill@ He stresses that he is open to come and speak Telephone 01463-772253 apchurches.org.uk to all groups – small or large, church groups or non-church groups any time of the year. Name...... Iain Macdonald, 3 Wimberley Way, Inverness, IV2 3XJ. Tel 01463 714055 Address...... Fax 01463 718158 ...... Email – [email protected]