Part One an Interview with Rev. Kihei Takiura

From the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland | February 2020

The Need for Ministers and Elders in the Church Pages 3-4 The Marks of the Church: Part One Pages 5-6 An Interview with Rev. Kihei Takiura Pages 12-14 CONTENTS EDITORIAL

Dear readers,

Another edition of Good News is here and I’m pleased to introduce a new doctrinal series on the marks of the true Church, written by Rev. Bill Matthess. Bill and his wife Sarah recently moved over to Scotland from Northern Ireland and I’m glad that he was willing to help us with this series. The contemporary topic focuses on CONTEMPORARY ISSUES our need for ministers and elders. What great The Need for Ministers & Elders in the Church | Rev. Dr. Tim Donachie �� 3-4 need there is and we look to the Lord to supply it! I would encourage all to read it seriously and PRACTICAL especially for the men to read it reflectively and Improving Our Worship: Part Six | Rev. Stephen McCollum �� 5-6 prayerfully. In that regard, please also note that DOCTRINAL the Presbytery News highlights the upcoming The Marks of the Church: Part One | Rev. William R. Matthess ��7-8 special collection for training men for the minis- VISUAL THEOLOGY ��9 try. There is a need for men and there is a need CHURCH HISTORY of finance to help train the men. I hope that by Act of Presbytery (1765) �� 10-11 setting this need before you many of you may INTERVIEW be moved to give, even if like the widow you can only give your two mites (Mark 12:41-44). An Interview with | Rev. Kihei Takiura (Japan) �� 12-14 Our historical piece is an Act from the RPCS NEWS back in 1765 giving reasons to fast and lament Presbytery News & Congregational �� 15-17 Global News �� 18-19 the state of the church and nation in that day. Perhaps some would think that it is irrelevant TEENS Q&A Rev. Peter Loughridge �� 20 to today, yet in a society that has gotten worse perhaps our thinking should be guided by these Children’s Story & Quiz �� 21-22 Recommended Reading �� 23 men of old. Whilst the language is outdated there Poster �� 24 will still be something thought-provoking for us. I’m thankful to Beth Bogue for deciphering the handwriting and typing it up for our perusal. Fi- nally, if you have any feedback about this edition please feel free to get in touch and as always consider passing along a copy of the magazine to any who would benefit from these articles, even those outside the denomination.

Every blessing, Stephen

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Editor – Rev. Stephen McCollum, Stornoway RPCS | Assistant Editor – Scott Maciver | Website – www.rpcscotland.org

Page 2 Contemporary Issues Rev. Dr. Tim Donachie The Need for Ministers & Elders in the Church

The title of this article may appear practice has moved so far away people. So, the government of the to be out of step with the general from its original function that it is church was to be the responsibility title of this series, ‘Contemporary necessary to go back to founding of what came to be known as Issues’, and yet in a very real sense, principles to seek to recover the ruling elders and the teaching and it is one of the most pressing issues honour and glory of the ministerial preaching in the hands of those of our day for the professing church and presbyterial office. Under the who were both teaching and ruling of Christ. In a past generation, the headship of the Lord Jesus Christ, elders, most often designated by the role of the minister and the elders the congregations that were formed title minister. The New Testament was well known and highly regarded, after Pentecost, were placed under constantly emphasised the wholly at least, within Presbyterian and the care of a plurality of godly men spiritual nature of both teaching and Reformed churches. Sadly, however, who were variously described as ruling as the qualifications for both that is no longer the case in ‘bishops’, ‘presbyters’ or ‘elders’ clearly show - see verses above. many professedly reformed or Titus 1:7; Acts 20:17, 28; Acts 14:23; Presbyterian congregations, with the the requirements for their office The responsibility of leadership and ministerial role being nothing more being specifically stated: They were ministry in the Church of Christ is to than a job and the eldership a status to be men, 1 Tim. 2:11 – 3:7, and they be exercised only by those who are symbol. It is important therefore to were to possess certain spiritual believers, who are mature in the faith, consider what the Word of God has characteristics 1 Tim. 3:1 – 7. Amongst who have a good reputation within to say concerning these obligations those men, there were those who and outwith the congregation and and how and why these roles should not only had the responsibility of have a genuine desire to serve the be desired and carried out. exercising rule in the church, but had Lord. In addition, they should have also been given the gifts and calling a firm grasp of the doctrines of the Much of Presbyterian and reformed to minister the Word of God to the faith, be self-controlled, personally

Page 3 disciplined, kind and gracious. As c. As spiritual self-examination is ii. by protecting them Acts 20:28. well as these characteristics, a man necessary for all believers, it is even Elders are to protect the flock desiring to exercise the ministry more so for those aspiring to hold against false teachings. Titus 1:9 of Word should be aware of a office in the Church of Christ. In divine personal call to preach the particular, the examination of motive iii. by leading them in the ways of the unsearchable riches of Christ. Both is absolutely fundamental, for if the Lord. motivation is anything other than the eldership and ministry are solemn B. They exercise oversight over the and daunting responsibilities and glory of God and the advancement flock 1 Peter 5:2 for that reason, some eminently of the kingdom of Christ it will lead qualified men shy away from seeking to personal spiritual shipwreck and i. they stimulate the members to the offices because of their own great harm to the cause of Christ. good works perceived inadequacy. Although that is far preferable to the situation of d. It is vitally important both for ii. they warn the members of possible those who seek the offices without those who believe that God may be dangers to their Christian profession directing them towards office in the the necessary qualifications in order Acts 20:29-30 Church and for all Church members to advance their own reputation or to be praying earnestly that God will C. They must be examples to standing, it is still not helpful for the raise up godly ministers and elders. the flock 1 Peter 5:3 - Elders cause of Christ for a congregation to A congregation cannot flourish as must live in such a way that the lack overseers because of false views it should without godly elders to congregation can imitate their of personal adequacy. care for and pastor the flock. It is conduct. Philippians 3:17. All Christians should be seeking sometimes erroneously asserted that it is the minister who pastors It should be clear therefore that to serve the Lord in whatever way godly elders in a congregation are they can and failure to do so cannot the flock, but the scripture would seem to suggest that it is the role essential, are a great blessing and bring the blessing of the Almighty should be fervently prayed for. God. Inadequacy in relation to the of both teaching and ruling elders. offices of minister and elder isa When Paul called for elders of the The teaching Elder (minister), as well given if that is referring to natural or church to meet him in Miletus he as fulfilling the responsibilities of the ‘ fleshly adequacy, but Paul’s words in said to them, Therefore take heed to ruling Elder carries the privilege and Philippians 4:13 are apposite here; ‘I yourselves and to all the flock, among burden of the proclamation of the can do all things through Christ who which the Holy Spirit has made you truth of God. strengthens me’. The work of the overseers, to shepherd the church of eldership and ministry are spiritual God which He purchased with His i. He must immerse himself in the works and to perform them spiritual own blood’. Acts 20:28. The minister Word so that he might correctly wisdom and spiritual strength are has the major role of teaching the interpret it for the people. Word of God so that the people required, and that our God graciously ii. He prays over the Word that it supplies. of God are fed, and sinners brought to saving faith, as well as seeking to might be effective in the lives of a. It is a good thing to desire shepherd the flock. The elder, whilst those that hear. he must be ‘apt to teach’ 1 Timothy the eldership 1 Timothy 3:1. The iii. He proclaims the Word faithfully 3:2, has a lesser role in teaching, but aspiration to serve as an elder is and impartially seeking only to be has the responsibility to ‘oversee the legitimate and praiseworthy, but that faithful to God. should be done in conjunction with flock’. a consideration of the qualifications The crying need for the church in It may not seem to be very important necessary for the office 1 Timothy Scotland today is twofold: to church members that they have 3:2 – 7. elders in the congregation, but it is vital i. For faithful and godly elders who b. The desire to serve God in the because one of the responsibilities of will promote holiness and will liv eldership or the ministry of the the elder is to ‘keep watch over the Word needs to be tested and souls of the congregation, Hebrews e godly lives both within and without cultivated. It would be difficult to 13:17 and what a joy and blessed their congregations, seeking above all see a man as a candidate for the privilege it is to have a godly man the glory of God. watching over our spiritual life! Their eldership who was not involved in ii. For men with a burning desire the life of the congregation and who work is fundamental for the life of the Church. to preach the unsearchable riches was not regular in his attendance of Christ without fear or favour, at morning and evening worship A. They shepherd the flock – 1 Peter denouncing sin and proclaiming a and the weekly prayer meeting. As 5:2 – 3 full and free salvation through the far as the ministry of the Word is Lord Jesus Christ, and the practice of concerned, there would need, in i. by feeding them. It is the Biblical holiness in society. addition, to be evidence of the ability responsibility of the elders to be sure to study and some signs of an ability that the congregation is receiving The need for such men is abundantly to communicate and interpret the a proper diet of Scripture-based clear. Could it be that we do not have Scriptures. teaching. because we do not ask?

Page 4 SERIES Practical Rev. Stephen McCollum Stornoway RPCS Improving Our Worship Part Six: Baptism

Baptism is one of two sacraments the removal of uncleanness by the mark on the seal is genuine; Christ is that Christ has instituted in His remission of sins through Christ’s issuing guarantees to our souls. With Church. We may have heard the blood and the cleansing of the Spirit. regards to baptism, the guarantee to word “sacrament” used and yet not We are baptised in, or rather into, the believers is that just as we have been understood it. Admittedly, it’s not one name of the Father and of the Son washed with water, so we have been we find in the Bible, yet the concept and of the Holy Spirit - an ingrafting really washed by Christ’s blood and is there. The word comes from Latin, into union with Christ and admission Spirit. The experience of this seal is meaning something sacred or holy. to His Church. not automatic and not always at the A sacrament is an ordinance that time of baptism itself, nevertheless it Christ gave to His Church to teach The other part of the sacrament is speaks to all Christ’s people at the the truth of the Covenant of Grace the inward seal. In the ancient world time of administration to give this in picture form, to strengthen the important documents were sealed inward encouragement. faith of believers, and to distinguish with melted wax stamped with the the Church from the world. signet ring. If the seal did not match Baptism is to be administered in the sender’s signet ring the authority a public worship service by an A sacrament has two parts to it: an of the document would be suspect. ordained minister of the Gospel. If outward sign and an inward seal. Let’s If the seal was genuine the letter you have seen a baptism before you think of a sign first of all, e.g. a road should be fully accepted. Christ may be tempted to think that the sign which points you in a particular gives sacraments to the church only participants in this part of the direction or warns of danger ahead. as seals of the genuineness of His service are the minister, the person A sign shows you reality in picture Covenant of Grace. If we possess the being baptised, and, in the case of form. A sacrament is therefore an inward reality that the sign points infants being baptised, their parents. illustration of Biblical truth. The to, then the sacrament comforts However, baptism speaks to all of outward sign of baptism is washing us by drawing our hearts to the us and so we should listen. Let me with water. Our condition by nature promises of the Covenant. We can attempt to address various groups of is defiled due to sin. Baptism pictures be encouraged because we know the people.

Page 5 1. Baptised members differences between Baptists and family once again on the Covenant Presbyterians. If your parents were promises, that God would be a God If you are a child in a Presbyterian Christians but did not think children to you and to your children after you. church the chances are that you should be baptised then many of were baptised as a baby, although the directions above will still be 4. Elders that is not necessarily the case. When relevant to you. I want to address the minister baptises someone with rather those whose parents were When elders observe a baptism water during worship you are to not Christians and probably did not in the worship service they ought think that when you were a baby a even go to church. You have missed to reflect upon their responsibility minister of the Gospel sprinkled a huge benefit by not being baptised towards the person being baptised. water on your own head. It is a visible and growing up a member of the Elders are shepherds and baptised sermon to you personally that you church, but in the Lord’s providence members are tender lambs. We need “the washing of regeneration you now attend church, hear God’s are not to think that elders are and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” Word, and maybe even have seen only responsible for communicant You will not be saved on the back a baptism in your congregation. If members. No, all baptised members of your parents’ faith or because you have now believed the Gospel, are under the discipline (positive as you attend church. You must trust in you may be baptised as an adult and well as negative) of the local Session. Jesus for yourself, to deal with your receive the same sign and seal of sin. I would encourage you to watch Christ’s Covenant. Think of adults 5. Wider congregation carefully because every baptism like the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8) We not just to think upon ourselves speaks of what your soul needs. or the Philippian jailer (Acts 16). as individuals but also corporately. Your minister and elders will be able Baptism also shows how someone is to guide you on this matter. As you Welcome the new member into the joining the visible church – marking watch people being baptised see it as fellowship of the church and begin them as separate from the world. a message urging you to be united to to practise the Scriptural injunctions Our Catechism speaks of baptism Christ and to join with the people of such as the “one another’s” together. being “an open and professed God by faith. When it is a child being baptised, engagement to be wholly and only reflect upon your duty towards the Lord’s.” Baptism has set you apart 3. Parents the child: to pray diligently for his from other boys and girls in your salvation and to offer encouragement If you’re a member of the RPCS it is school. You are set apart as one of and support to the parents as they your duty and great privilege to have God’s people. Do you live like that? raise the child in the Lord’s ways. your children baptised. Parents who Do you listen to your parents when Has someone recently been baptised they train you in God’s ways? If not, are not members should pay careful attention to the instructions above into your congregation? Is there why not? Let me urge you, “My son, a way that you can offer spiritual hear the instruction of your father, realising that you have a duty to raise encouragement to them or their and do not forsake the law of your your children to fear the Lord, even if parents? mother” (Prov. 1:8). you haven’t had them baptised. Baptism ultimately calls you to As part of the baptism service Our Larger Catechism reminds us become a communicant member of Christian parents take vows before that we have a duty to “improve” the church, one who professes his God. When we make a vow we must our baptism. At that time “improve” own faith and takes a seat at the do so solemnly, with prayer, and meant to employ or use something. Lord’s Table. When you see baptism seeking to fulfil it. These questions The Divines were making the point think about whether you are in the are put to parents at baptism: that our baptism, no matter how long faith: could you sit at the Lord’s Do you promise to train your child to pray, ago it was, is to be used by us as we Table or what is hindering you? If read the Bible and attend public worship? meditate upon the benefits signified you are younger, older Christians Do you promise to teach your child their and sealed in it. Have we responded will be able to help you judge when need of repenting and believing in the Lord to our baptism? Are we thankful for it is appropriate for you to sit at the Jesus Christ and confessing his name? it? Have we confessed that we have Lord’s Table. But alas there are many Do you promise to exercise a loving and fallen so far short of the holiness who are older, who were baptised firm parental authority while setting an expected of baptised members? Have as children, and yet have still not example of a holy and consistent life? we come to an assurance of faith? professed their faith! Each baptism Do you promise to pray for your child Do we draw strength from Christ is a visible sermon to them, asking and to engage regularly in personal, represented in the sacrament in that them why and calling upon them to family, and public worship? we were baptised into his death and believe in Christ and confess Him When you observe someone else’s now walk in newness of life? Is it in before men. child being baptised remember that this power of Christ that we seek 2. Those never baptised you took these vows when your own to kill sin and obey God’s law? And child was baptised. Listen carefully do we endeavour, having all enjoyed There are a variety of reasons why to the minister’s exhortations and the “one baptism,” to maintain peace some are not baptised as children. examine how well you are keeping among our brothers and sisters in I don’t have space to address the your vows. Cast yourself and your Christ?

Page 6 SERIES Doctrinal Rev. William R. Matthess

The Marks of the Church: Part One

What were the circumstances in live for Christ and do whatever He A Christian is one who is to hold your life that led you to become a asks. The Apostle Paul declared in tightly to the teaching of Scripture follower of Jesus Christ? I am certain Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified and to take an active part in a local that your story will be different from with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but gathering of likeminded believers. others, but there is one fact that will Christ lives in me; and the life which I This means being involved with be common to all true Christians. now live in the flesh I live by faith in others to worship, witness, and the Son of God, who loved me and gave live together for Christ in a world If you belong to Christ, you will have Himself for me.” which is increasingly ungodly. come to understand that you had no Therefore there is a common duty hope in life or in death unless you As every believer is a partaker of in Christ’s Church. A Christian is were enabled to turn from your sin the promise in Christ Jesus through not to live an isolated life without and believe in Jesus Christ as your the gospel with other Christians, any responsibility or accountability Saviour and Lord. You were given the Lord calls upon each one to join to others. We cannot opt out and faith to believe that Jesus suffered together, united together with other worship God solely in a private way. for your sin in your place and took Christians as one body of people. Jesus Christ did not come to save upon Himself the punishment you They are no longer to live solely for just a few individuals, but a multitude deserved. You will rejoice in the their own interests and goals, but as that no man can count. The Lord will fact that Christ died for His people adopted into God’s family, they have have a people to praise Him. He has by virtue of His perfect life and a duty toward their new brothers chosen men, women, and children sacrificial death. He loved His people and sisters in Christ who all share in from every part of the world, from and rescued them from eternal the same eternal hope of salvation. every age, to be His very own for damnation. He purchased them for The Word of God teaches us in this purpose (1 Peter 2:9). He is Himself. Therefore they belong to Hebrews 10:23-25, “Let us hold fast head of His Church (Colossians Him and now stand as righteous in the confession of our hope without 1:18) where unity, purity, and truth the sight of God. wavering, for He who promised are to be upheld, encouraged, is faithful. And let us consider one and maintained (1 Timothy 3:15). Because of all that Jesus did in another in order to stir up love There are questions that naturally obedience to His Father’s will to and good works, not forsaking the arise out of what has been said. Which procure our salvation, by faith, there assembling of ourselves together, as church should I join? There are many is a new life born in every believer. is the manner of some, but exhorting churches to choose from. There are The Holy Spirit comes to abide in the one another, and so much the more many different denominations and heart, producing a new willingness to as you see the Day approaching.” individual groups. Some are large

Page 7 with congregations in most cities and generation.’ Then those who gladly observe four things; the teaching or towns. Others may be small with received his word were baptized; the doctrine that they had received few members attending the meetings. and that day about three thousand from the apostles, their fellowship or Regarding the services, they can be souls were added to them. And they partnership together in the gospel, very diverse. One church may use continued steadfastly in the apostles’ the observance of the sacrament of modern music and video displays in doctrine and fellowship, in the the Lord’s Supper, and prayer. an attempt to make people feel more breaking of bread, and in prayers.” comfortable and at home, whereas Their practice of these things led the in another place there is a more believers to meet often and stand solemn, plain and simple service. As together, supporting and helping one to what is emphasized, you might As every another. Verses 43-47 give a further find a church that is all about singing believer is description of their unity. The New and heightening the experience Testament church was a place where where another will give the majority a partaker of the truth was taught and the Lord was of time to proclaiming and explaining rightly worshipped. There was an the Bible. Christians meet in promise in Christ abundance of love and acceptance of prominent established buildings Jesus through one another. Provision was made for with stained glass and high ceilings, the practical necessities of others. and also there are groups where the gospel with As a result, there was an effective meetings are held in community witness in the surrounding society, centres or in someone’s home. other Christians, and people were being converted the Lord calls and brought in. What a family to Does any of these things matter? For belong to! us to answer this question, we must upon each one turn to God’s Word. The Scriptures This passage in Acts chapter 2 are our authority for everything that to join together, records for us the fullness of blessing concerns our Christian faith. They united together resulting from Christ’s death and are given to us for that purpose. The resurrection. It was at that time in Scriptures are inspired by God and with other God’s sovereign purpose that the are for our guidance, instruction, world was to witness by means of and correction (2 Timothy 3:16). Christians as one the Holy Spirit, the power of the Therefore we are to examine any body of people.” gospel, which spread throughout the issue in the light of the teaching of known world. the Bible. Like the Bereans in Acts We may not experience what the 17:11, who listened to the Apostle first century Christians did, but we Paul when he visited them on his Peter’s words were used by the Lord are to be a part of a worshipping second missionary journey, they; to convert 3000 people on that day community which is guided by the “received the word with all readiness, and bring them into the church at Scriptures. In subsequent articles we and searched the Scriptures daily to Jerusalem. What do we find that their will look further at these marks of a find out whether these things were practice was? They gave diligence to so.” The Bereans looked at the Biblical Church. copies of the Old Testament that they possessed in order to verify if what they were being taught by Paul was true. If the Scriptures confirmed Paul’s words, then they could be trusted and relied upon.

So what does the Bible say about what constitutes a true church? What criteria should be used to determine if a particular church is a place where what takes place in the meetings is right or not? How does a Christian know whether a particular church holds and practices the truth?

When Peter addressed the crowds on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2:40-42, we read that at the conclusion of his sermon, … “he testified and exhorted them, saying, ‘Be saved from this perverse

Page 8 Page 9 Church History Act of the Reformed Presbytery; Containing Causes of Humiliation with Fasting

At Pentland, the 30th of January, 1765.

WHICH place and day, the ye even to me with all your heart, and conscience-debauching, and soul- Presbytery being met, and taking with fasting, and with weeping, and with ensnaring oaths are introduced in into consideration, the many awful mourning – and turn ye at my reproof, their place, whereby all true regard evidences of the Lord’s controversy, and behold I will pour out my Spirit upon to reformation principles is sworn he continues to plead against these you; it is our duty, with an eye to him out of the nations. The purity of nations, and all ranks therein, visible in with whom is the residue of the Spirit, the divine institutions is forsaken, the giving up of many to wander in to essay this duty of humiliation, for all the scriptural foundation of God’s counsels of their own wicked hearts, our sins, both national and personal. ordinances is changed, and the under the conduct of the destroyer More particularly, constitution of our church taken of souls, and in the great restraint of off that foundation God has laid in the Spirit of God from the means of 1. The sad and long eclipse of the Zion, and placed on the inclinations grace, and the spirits of the godly: and bright and glorious sun-shine of of men; our land has been soaked further considering our multiplied Reformation, in our covenanting with the precious blood of the and aggravated iniquities, which for and espousing days, and the Lord’s dear saints, shed for their quality and quantity, number and continued gross apostacy and faithfulness to their covenanted circumstances are increased, even defection of the nations therefrom, God, against the nation’s apostate above what our fathers groaned whereby they have involved and treacherous dealing with the under; and although we generally themselves in the guilt of perjury, Lord; and is yet burdened with the want that measure of grace, spiritual in breaking the most solemn oaths guilt of that blood, which is crying illumination, and heart contrition, to God, by which all ranks had from under the altar, How long, O necessary to a searching out and bound themselves to maintain said Lord, holy and true, dost thou not mourning over our ways, yet seeing beautiful Reformation, in all its judge and avenge our blood on them our God still graciously calls, Turn parts and attainments; and other that dwell on the earth.

Page 10 2. The incommunicable supremacy walk after the directions of his word amazing height; God’s laws are openly and headship of Christ over his and Spirit, and to draw strength trampled upon, his ordinances church, has been sacrilegiously taken from the death and resurrection of contemned, his name blasphemed, from him, and impiously vested in Christ into whom we are baptised, his holy sabbaths profaned , and the civil magistrate; and never yet for mortifying of corruption and his sacred word jested upon; lying, is he restored to his throne, crown, quickening of grace; together with backbiting, uncleanness, neglect and kingdom in these lands, by a other sacramental engagements, and of relative and family duties, the national acknowledgment of him as personal vows to the Lord: All which sinful diversions of the stage, balls, God’s King in Zion; but, as a certain omissions have no small tendency to assemblies, cards, dice, and horse- evidence of a continued opposition the decay of religion. To which may races greatly abound; oppression to the interest of Jesus Christ, his be subjoined, the unfaithfulness of by excessive racking of rents, church is robbed of that freedom parents towards their children, in not forestalling of markets, injustice and liberty wherewith her glorious fulfilling their solemn engagements at in commerce, coveting and then Head hath made her free, and still baptism, whereby they have vowed defrauding one another of what is lies under the hard bondage of to train up their children, yea and theirs, meet with general applause. Erastian encroachments. command them to walk in the way 9. Little concernedness in days of of the Lord, and keep his statutes public humiliation with the causes 3. A great and universal deadness, judicial and testimonies. stupidity and unconcernedness professed to be mourned over, under all our increasing sins; 6. Great ignorance of God, of his and the dishonours done to a holy little zeal in any to search out the truths, and the way of salvation God; not duly affected with our causes of God’s wrath against the through Christ, in the midst of the own sins, nor humbled for these nations, in such defections and means of knowledge; little panting of our fathers; not stirring up sins as we are chargeable with, in and thirsting after the purity and ourselves to a searching out what order to a national repentance and power of gospel ordinances; small particular grounds of controversy reformation, as the commanded preparation before coming to the the Lord hath with every one of us, and ordinary way to have the Lord’s sanctuary; little dependence on a nor earnestly seeking to have them departed glory returned to his God in Christ for spiritual benefit by done away and pardoned in the sanctuary; a deep forgetfulness of them; not receiving the word in faith blood of the Lamb. what the Lord has wrought for his and love, not practising it in life, to 10. That the fire of division has so long church; nay, a general contempt and a glorifying of God before men, but burned amongst the Lord’s people, ridicule of a work of reformation, rather turning more neutral, unstable who are professing to witness for and of all contendings of the Lord’s and hardened under the means; the same reformation cause, is witnesses for the reviving of that estrangedness from a life of faith on ground of deep humiliation; and blessed work; and this not only by a the Son of God, not being exercised religious differences carried on profane, but a professing generation. in a constant dependence on him with such heat of spirit, as alienates for the quickening, enlightening, the affections, and tends to destroy 4. The great abounding of damnable sanctifying, strengthening, comforting heresies, particularly Deistical that love which is the genuine mark and confirming influences of his of Christ’s disciples. errors, in an avowed opposition to grace in his service. So, the whole of revealed religion, and For these, with other causes, the turning religion into a mere natural, 7. A prevailing formality in religion Presbytery appoint the 21st day of rational thing; gross errors about among the professors of it, without February first, to be observed as a day the person and mediation of Christ, seeking after the power of godliness; of public humiliation with fasting, by all while some reject his supreme too much contentedness with the the people under their inspection, and Deity, others oppose the efficacy outward performance of duties, that they may, with the united cry of of his death, and imputation of his under a sensible witheredness and faith, supplicate the removal of these, righteousness in justification, and discernible restraint of the Spirit, and all causes of the Lord’s wrath; and others obscure the glory of the not labouring to attain and maintain acknowledging all his great goodness free grace of God in the salvation a life of fellowship and communion in midst of deserved judgment, to of sinners, by fixing gospel hearers, with a God in Christ, wherein it pray that the Lord may prosper his at first instant, under a preceptive is that the power and pleasure work in the hands of this Presbytery; dispensation, by which means of religion lies; a forsaking of first be gracious to his servants in the the grace of the new covenant is love, little study of heart-holiness dispensation of the gospel; may revive much darkened; with many other and personal reformation, which his work, heal the breaches among his dangerous errors, that seem fast hath issued in much untenderness people, and unite them all in the truth. increasing. in practice, and decay of zeal in And the Presbytery appoint that the cause of God and work of these causes by read by the ministers 5. Our forgetting and not improving reformation. the Sabbath preceding, with suitable our baptism, seldom or never exhortations to the people. laying to heart these engagements 8. Crying immoralities and God- Christians then come under to provoking and land defiling Extracted by be the Lord’s, to live with him, and abominations are arrived at an Jo. Thorburn Presb. Clk.

Page 11 An Interview with Rev. Kihei Takiura (Okamoto RPC, Japan)

their revolution, and when the RP missionaries stopped by in Japan on their way to the US, they decided to stay and start a church here. The first congregation was Ichinotani RP church (which is now Higashisuma RP church). Since then, with help from missionaries, 5 congregations have been formed, and in 1996 we became a presbytery of the RPCNA. How many congregations are there in existence, at present, and what ministries are engaged in? Presently we have 4 churches and 1 mission church in the presbytery. All congregations are in or near Kobe. We have 5 pastors and 5 elders and a total average worship attendance is around 120. We have a bookstore (Covenanter Book Room/CBR) and a seminary (Kobe Theological Hall/KTH) in downtown Kobe, as ministries under the presbytery. Rev. Kihei Takiura & family. The building (Covenanter Center Building/CCB) for these ministries Could you tell us about your peace came into my heart and stayed was built after big earthquake in 1995 background and entrance there. Almost at the same time, I felt which destroyed our former building. into the ministry? I was being called to serve in some With much support from American kind of ministry of the Word. So, I and Irish churches and others, we I grew up as the son of a Japanese RP took a course at Kobe Theological were able to build a 3 storey building. pastor. Though I knew many things Hall, studied at RPTS in the US, and The first floor of the building is the about God and the Bible, I didn’t I was ordained as a pastor in 2013. bookstore, second floor is the KTH know why I needed Jesus. When I was classroom and chapel, and third floor 12, I started struggling with shame What are the historical is the library and guestroom. about the ugliness of my heart. After beginnings of the RP Church much inner struggle, when I was 20, I in Japan? CBR started in 1952 as an came to understand that Jesus is “the evangelistic ministry. The main role door” through which anyone who The RP church in Japan was of CBR shifted to being a support enters by it “will be saved and go in started by American Missionaries for churches around Kobe. Now, and out and find pasture,” (John 10:9) to China in 1950. The Chinese as internet shopping becomes more which means being seen as righteous communist government forced common, our bookstore is focusing before God. Then long forgotten out all missionaries just after on stocking and guiding people

Page 12 to the most safe (non-liberal) and helpful books. Also, we are hoping to publish more Reformed books, as very few are available in Japan. KTH was started in 1996. The aim of the seminary is not only training possible pastoral laborers, but also any lay members of both our denomination and others. It is a night time seminary, so many students work during the day and study at night. Two of the present Japanese RP pastors are graduates of KTH. Are there opportunities to fellowship with other reformed churches in Japan? There are three reformed and Presbyterian denominations in Japan. The Reformed Church in Japan (RCJ), the Presbyterian Church in Japan (PCJ), and the RPC. We had been working together and having formal fellowship with RCJ for a long time, but RCJ made a decision to allow female elders and pastors in 2014, so we ended a formal fraternal relationship with them. With PCJ, we are seeking to have a closer for the same reason I mentioned that the Biblical God is one absolute relationship, but most PCJ churches above. Their understanding of God who created everything and are on the east side and we are on Christianity is that it is either a therefore transcends everything, the west side, so the fellowship is religion of morally good people and you need to explain some of rather more on an individual and or it is like a cult. They just don’t the implications of that to your life. personal level. Additionally, we have know that God’s grace is the central Also, the Japanese word for “sin” fellowship with evangelical churches teaching of Christianity, and they does not mean sin against God but around west Japan. have difficulty even comprehending means crime, so calling somebody How is Christianity viewed what God’s grace means. Everything “a sinner” can be like calling him “a by the general population? about Christianity, words, stories, criminal.” These are just a few of ideas, lifestyles, etc, are still very many language differences. Christianity is viewed as a western foreign to Japanese people. Even the religion. “It is the world’s biggest internet does not help, but rather -Atheistic Worldview religion, so it is influential and spreads misunderstandings because Japanese people’s idea of religion interesting but not our religion”- that’s those who make internet pages are needs much adjustment. They how people feel about Christianity. not well informed. think that “religion,” like Buddhism, Especially, the Christian population Shitoism, and Christianity is a belief in Japan is one of the lowest in the How does Japanese culture only about the supernatural sphere world (1.1% including heresies, 0.2% affect your ministry? and must stay entirely private. for conservative Christians), and They have a rule, which is their people don’t meet Christians that -Linguistic differences true religion, for their everyday life, often in everyday life. Therefore, Because of the absence of Christian often I see people meeting a serious separated from their formal religions. influence throughout the history of evangelical Japanese Christian I call it realistic atheism, or “we are Japan, a big adjustment is necessary and they look confused. The first gods” religion. If there is no God, question that comes out of their when you want to talk about then human beings are the only mouths is, “So... how did you become Christianity with people. When you personal being. Which makes human a Christian?” meaning, “Why would give a simple Gospel presentation beings the highest beings, and so that any Japanese person ever want to in Japan, it requires many footnotes. they can decide what is good and become a Christian?” For example, the Japanese word what is bad. Therefore the rule of for “God” gives the image of a the stronger group in the society Japanese people are indifferent and human-like god, similar to Greek becomes the rule for all. This belief ignorant about Christianity. Probably mythology. So you need to explain is deep and pervading in Japanese

Page 13 people’s hearts and lives, and that is Christianity usually, maybe because What can churches outside a big part of the difficulty in church they do not see Christianity as Japan learn from the ministry in Japan. threatening. Japanese church? -Practical difficulties: Sabbath keeping, What is the vision of the RP You can learn that God is really Christian marriage, and family religion Church in Japan? working on the other side of the world, and that the Gospel works There are mainly three practical We keep seeking what Jesus wants universally. Also, I coordinate short challenges to become or to be a us to do. But whether we can have term mission teams from other Christian in Japan. First, Sabbath day more people or more churches countries, and often I hear team keeping become controversial issue, does not depend on us. Besides members learned from seeing the especially for those who work at the basic things, like continuing to Japanese Christians’ “energy” to companies. For some jobs, Sunday worship, grow together, and seek serve in church. is the busiest day of a week. If you opportunities, what I can see right have one of those jobs, when you tell now about where He is guiding us is, How can the Scottish RP your manager that you don’t want raising the next generation of both Church take a genuine to work on Sunday because of your interest in the Gospel in religious conviction, he or she will leaders and members, seeking to have Japan? look at you like you must be crazy, our own Constitution, and starting a new church plant. Also, the RP and most likely you will lose your Of course you can come visit us church has an important role among job (if that is full time job). If you anytime! It is a great encouragement evangelicals in Japan. Dis-unity among are supporting your family, it is not for us to see Christians from other easy to risk your job. Besides career evangelicals is becoming more and countries and it is the best way to choice limitations, school events, more clear in Japan because of new know how to pray for us. Young community cleaning day, and other heresies like the New Perspectives people can come on RP Missions’ family events will become a pressure. on Paul and doubts on inerrancy of summer trips, as well. If you want to the Bible. Part of our burden is to support the Japanese church, giving Christian marriage is another protect biblical doctrines in Japanese toward the publishing, re-publishing challenge. There are so few Christians evangelical churches and encourage and translating of Reformed books is in Japan, therefore your chance of those who stay faithful in them. We a much-needed area. At this point, getting married is small. Additionally, are doing that through personal Reformed seminary students are in Japan, often church becomes the fellowship with other church pastors very limited in that many important place where social outcasts gather and people, and our bookstore theological books are only available in (because Jesus welcomes anybody). and seminary also is providing English. Only about 20-30 Reformed Therefore often people there might opportunities. titles are in print in Japanese. not be ready for marriage for various reasons. Becoming a Christian in Japan might mean a life of singleness. Sadly, some Christians are tempted to compromise and marry a non- Christian. Thirdly, family religion is often a barrier to become a Christian. Most Japanese don’t really believe their family religion seriously anymore, but they are obligated to exercise religious ceremonies as family responsibility. For example, their family religions are mostly Buddhism or Shintoism, and one of the children is required to inherit altars, idols, and tombs of those religions. Some parents even disown their children for becoming Christians for this reason. -Some advantages Because we have so much social disadvantage for becoming a Christian, there are fewer nominal Christians. Also, Japanese people do not have a hostile attitude against Okamoto RP Church

Page 14 Presbytery News

The Scottish Presbytery met on three special collections in 2020 congregations, would like to say “a Tuesday the 29th October at Glasgow throughout our congregations for (i) very sincere thank you to the wider RPCS. In addition to regular items of training men for ministry, (ii) the work denomination for this kind financial business, the Presbytery examined Mr in The Gambia, and (iii) supporting support. We are very thankful too Sylvester Konteh, student under care North Edinburgh and Stranraer. for your prayers and encouragement from The Gambia, via a conference The most recent collection (end and interest in how God is working call. Mr Konteh passed his exams and of 2019) for North Edinburgh and in each place, and this recent special was approved to continue his studies Stranraer raised £6,255. Presbytery offering is a very real and practical for the Gospel ministry. is thankful for the Lord’s continuing outworking of that ongoing support.” provision and care. Peter Loughridge Presbytery decided to repeat the and Stephen Steele, on behalf of the The next collection will be taken in March (DV) and is for training men for the ministry. We currently have two men under care of Presbytery, Ian Gillies and Sylvester Konteh. The cost to Presbytery in 2019 was over £20,000 of which £6,137.50 came from the Presbytery-wide collection. “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Cor. 9:6). Reformation Tours is gearing up for 2020. In addition to our ongoing custom tours, we are running three tours open to anyone to join. There will be a “Castles of Scotland’s Reformation” Tour the 9th-16th May and then two of our classic Reformation Tours on the 4th-11th July and the 12th-19th September. For more information or to sign up, visit the Sylvester Konteh website www.reformationtours.org

Page 15 Congregational News

Airdrie We are so thankful to the parents At its meeting on Tuesday 29 October, and grandparents who bring the RPCS Presbytery appointed Rev Dr On Friday the 29th November we children faithfully each week, and for Tim Donachie as Interim Moderator had our end of term Kids Club party. the opportunity we have to tell these of Glasgow RPCS during the absence We went to an indoor play place and children about the things of God. of Rev Kenneth Stewart due to his then to McDonald’s. Everyone had a Please pray that even more children ill health. great time. would come along in the new year. It’s been a good term at Kids Club Glasgow On Sunday 14 November Glasgow with these four boys where we have RPCS hosted a lunch in the upper been learning about John the Baptist, On Friday and Saturday 25-26 church hall for students and young the birth of Christ, the choosing of October Glasgow RPCS hosted a people of the congregation, and their the disciples, and some of the first Reformed Conference for Young invited friends. miracles that Christ performed. It was Adults at Rowardennan Lodge, by exciting to have some of the children Drymen. It was attended by 48 young On Friday 10 January Glasgow RPCS volunteer for the first time to say the adults from various RP congregations held its annual congregational buffet memory verse without looking, and and other Reformed denominations. in the church hall. It was attended it’s lovely to hear the children singing The speaker over the two days was and enjoyed by about 85 members the Psalm sections each week. Rev Dr Tim Donachie. of the congregation and friends.

Airdrie Kids Club Glasgow Youth Conference

Page 16 Rev. Archie McPhail, Edsel Yong, Anna Zlotkowska, Rev. Peter Loughridge

North Edinburgh enjoying wealth as a gift from Him, both services on the Lord’s Day he and delighting to use it to do good. was here. In the evening his theme At the morning service on 8th We had a time of fellowship at the was ‘The big picture for small- December 2019, Anna Zlotkowska manse afterwards enjoying various town churches’. This was a special and Edsel Yong were both baptised types of pie. event to which we had invited the and came into membership of the neighbouring churches, and we were congregation. This was a really On New Year’s Day we once again delighted to see the hall well filled for special day in the life of our church, gathered for worship and considered a helpful and encouraging address. with great gladness and thanksgiving James 4:13-15 where we are to God. exhorted to say “Lord willing,” in the The Gambia light of the fact that we don’t know Anna, originally from Poland, learned what each new day brings. The latest addition to the Konteh about our church through flyers family, Stephen Muir Konteh, was th distributed by our first ever GO Stranraer baptised on 17 November 2019. Team (back in 2017). She began Towards the end of the year, Stephen Life Impact Nursery School, run by worshipping with us regularly and was able to go into a number of Mrs Johnette Konteh, has seen two since then has put her trust in Jesus local primary schools with the local of the three recently constructed for salvation. Edsel, from Malaysia Scripture Union worker as part of a classrooms reach a stage where they and currently studying at Edinburgh regional programme that seeks to get can be occupied by staff and children. University to be a vet, was converted behind the myths and see what the from a Buddhist background in his Bible really says about Jesus’ birth. home country but was not in the In January, Rev. Kyle Borg from habit of attending church regularly. A Winchester RPCNA in Kansas spent Christian friend in Malaysia told him some time in Stranraer either side of he should attend church in Edinburgh meetings of the RP Global Alliance. and recommended our church, which Kyle is more widely known for his he’d discovered via Google! Edsel has blogging on Gentle Reformation been attending regularly ever since. and two podcasts which he co- It has been a joy for us to see God’s hosts: Three Guys Theologizing and The ongoing work in the lives of our sister Jerusalem Chamber. He preached at and brother. His ways of drawing us to Himself and to His Church are so varied and amazing! We give Him all the glory as He builds His Church and ask for your continued prayers for these young believers. Stornoway Life Impact Nursery School In November we had our usual Thanksgiving service were our minister preached on 1 Timothy 6:17- 19, addressing how we are to use our money, neither being haughty nor trusting in the uncertainty of riches, but rather trusting in the living God, Rev. Kyle Borg Stephen Konteh’s Baptism

Page 17 Global News

Australia Ireland SermonAudio to be useful. Please remember his family in prayer. The Australian RP Church sent their The Loughbrickland congregation annual team to help the Japanese RP and the Reformed Presbyterian The Milford and Letterkenny RP Church this winter. The team of 7 Church in Ireland is mourning the Churches held a series of 4 weeks of lectures (8 lectures in all) on Seeing, were involved in children’s work, Bible loss of former minister Rev. David Thinking and Speaking from a Biblical studies, English classes, distributing Silversides who died on the 12th of Perspective. flyers, and the two ministers in the December 2019. We are thankful group preached and gave lectures at for his ministry and many still The Somerton Rd. church plant the Theological Hall. find his sermons and lectures on in Belfast continues with Bible

Australian Mission Team

Page 18 studies and monthly services on Lord’s Day afternoons. Please continue to keep this outreach in prayer. France Pray that the distribution of many gospel calendars would bear much fruit. It is encouraging to hear people saying how much they appreciate having their calendar to read each day. North America Houston The Atlanta RP church is seeking to purchase the building they are currently meeting in. Please keep this church in one of the most deprived areas of this city in your prayers and give thanks for the growth they have seen. Pray for the RP Theological Seminary, where both a recently retired professor (Dr George Scipione) and a current professor (Dr Richard Gamble) have been diagnosed with cancer. A committee from Midwest Presbytery Midwest Presbytery visited Houston, Texas to explore a potential church plant in this city of 2.3 million. Pray for Reformed Presbyterians of Houston. At the meeting of the Midwest Presbytery in November, four men were licensed as eligible to receive a call. India Anugraha Reformed Presbyterian Church was organised as a congregation with elders and minister on the 24th November.

Page 19 TEENS Why do I need to read my Bible regularly? How can I get better at it? Rev. Peter Loughridge North Edinburgh RPCS

Why do I need to read my Bible it; He blesses us as we study it – so want to keep them from using their regularly? ask Him for His help. Open my eyes, minds in a disciplined way to get the that I may behold wondrous things measure of its message.” The Bible itself answers this question out of your law (Psalm 119:18). for us. Here are just a few good VARIETY reasons: EXAMPLE My personal experience is that I can • God commands us to meditate Talk to other Christians – your get stuck in a rut if I do the same on His law, and as we do so He friends, or older Christians at church, thing for too long (By that I mean gives us strength and courage or your minister or elders. Everyone many months; don’t just chop and (Joshua 1:8-9). will find it hard at times and want to change many times each week; stick be better at it. They can maybe share at whatever your method is for long • Delighting in the law of the some advice about what has helped enough). If you’re used to reading LORD and meditating on it day them. They can also pray for you. through the whole Bible from start and night is how we grow and to finish, maybe pick a specific book thrive and prosper (Psalm 1:2-3). DISCIPLINE of the Bible or a Biblical theme to focus on for a change. If you’ve • God’s Word is the lamp that Sometimes the best way to get better never read it from start to finish, guides where we should go and at something is simply to keep going! try that sometime – helpful reading the light that shows us the right There aren’t many things at life that plans are available online for one path (Psalm 119:105) – and we we become experts at straightaway! year, two years, three years. Or just don’t normally go through a day Getting better at something involves allow however long it takes. If you’re without using any light! sticking at it. Don’t let the devil put used to reading big chunks each day you off – he knows, better than us (as one year reading plans require), How can I get better at it? sometimes, how important regular maybe take time to slow down for PRAYER Bible reading is for the Christian life. a while and take in smaller, shorter J I Packer says – “If I were the devil, sections (allowing yourself more time God the Holy Spirit is the very best one of my first aims would be to to really consider it and meditate on Teacher and Guide that we can have. stop folk from digging into the Bible. it). If you normally use reading notes In John 14:26, Jesus promises – the Knowing that it is the Word of God, or other books, try it for a while Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the teaching men to know and love and without them; if you never use them, Father will send in my name, he will serve the God of the Word, I should try using them. At the start of a week teach you all things and bring to your do all I could to surround it with you could read what your minister remembrance all that I have said to the spiritual equivalent of pits, thorn just preached on and try to apply it you. It is God who commands us to hedges, and man traps, to frighten to yourself and use it in your own study His Word; He wants us to study people off ... At all costs I should praying.

Page 20 Children’s Story MARY JONES

Have you ever heard of for people to earn what little was worth it to have a copy a girl called Mary Jones? money she could and saved it of God’s own Word that all up for a Bible of her own. she could read any time she Maybe you’re not sure. After It took her six whole years to wanted. all, it’s quite an ordinary name, save up enough money, and and there are lots of people when she had finally managed What does this tell us about Mary Jones? I suppose it who have had it. Would it she got ready to go on a tells us lots of things - she help if I told you she lived journey. around two hundred years was patient, courageous, ago, and she became famous The nearest place that Mary determined, and strong for something she did when could buy a Bible in her to name a few. But most she was still a teenager? language was 26 miles away importantly it tells us what she really truly loved, because Mary Jones lived in a small from her house. She was 15 by now, and the only way we can see how much it cost village in the North East of her to get a hold of a Bible. Wales. She lived at a time she could get there was by when only people who were walking, and the only way to To someone who hasn’t reasonably wealthy could walk there was in her bare heard of her, Mary Jones afford to have a Bible in their feet. might sound like an ordinary house, but she desperately girl from an ordinary family Mary Jones walked for 26 loved God’s Word. She would in an ordinary village. But to miles in her bare feet to listen so carefully in church to those of us who have heard get a Bible of her own. That God’s Word being preached of her, Mary Jones was an and read, and hoped and length of journey would extraordinary girl with an prayed that one day she roughly take eight and a half extraordinary love for the would be able to have a Bible hours - she had to climb hills, Word of God. of her own. cross streams and I’m sure she probably hurt herself Margaret Murray Mary started to do small jobs along the way, but to her it Glasgow RPCS

Page 21 Children’s Can you help Mary Jones find her way QUIZ to her Bible? Start Here:

Page 22 All Things for Good Thomas Watson This little Puritan paperback is a true gem. It’s easy to read, it’s only 127 pages, and you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again throughout your life. Watson explains how not only the best things but also the worst things in life work for good to the godly. This book will comfort you and encourage you when everything seems to be going wrong either in your life, in the church, or in the world around you. It will help increase your trust that God does all things well and makes no mistakes. Watson explains the love God has for His people is the reason why all things work together for good, and then he calls on us to respond by loving God. From start to finish this book is an explanation and description of the love God has for us, and who could not be encouraged reading that?

Beth Bogue

2000 Years of Christ’s Power: The Age of the Early Church Fathers Nick Needham Christ promised that He would build His church. In a four-volume series, Needham records how He has done so over the past 2000 years. First in this series, The Age of the Early Church Fathers describes the church in the centuries immediately following Christ’s earthly ministry, a period often neglected by Christians today. The infant church was certainly not without its errors and difficulties but the beauty of the study of history is that we can seek to glean from the good and learn from the bad. Needham is extremely thorough in his content while very readable in his style. His series is sure to be of great use to any who have a desire to learn more of how the Lord has worked in years gone by.

Ian Gillies

Eyes Turned Skyward Max Meyers This book, written by Missionary Pilot Max Meyers, is a fascinating collection of interesting stories of the work of the Missionary Aviation Fellowship in Papua New Guinea. Each story is so beautifully told, beginning with a Bible verse and concluding with lessons and encouragement for the Christian life. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it very encouraging. “As you read my stories, may your eyes be turned skyward too. See how God used the technology of aviation to build and grow His Kingdom. But, as you read, may your eyes be turned beyond the sky ... to the heavens.” - Max Meyers

David Matthess

Page 23 “ Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. - Isaiah 1:18

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