Christians and Politics Pages 3-4 Improving Our Worship

GOOD NEWS From the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland | November 2018

Pages 5-6 Understanding the Trinity

Pages 7-8

Page 1 CONTENTS EDITORIAL

Dear readers, Like it or loathe it but politics is unavoidable in our world. Whether you interact much with politicians, their policies affect each of us - for better or for worse. But how do we respond as Christians? Tim Donachie’s article on this topic is certainly one which leads to profitable discussion. Also in this issue, Peter Loughridge seeks to address the perennial question of each generation “How can I know God’s will?” This CONTEMPORARY question is important for people of all ages to Christians and Politics | Rev. Dr. Tim Donachie ��3-4 wrestle with, although here written especially for young people. We also begin a helpful two- PRACTICAL part series on the Trinity with an old article by Improving Our Worship, Part One | Rev. Stephen McCollum ��5-6 J.G. Vos (1903-1983), an American RP minister. DOCTRINAL This doctrine is a great mystery and so difficult Understanding the Trinity, Part One | Rev. Dr. J.G. Vos ��7-8 to understand, but it is important. The article is best read slowly and carefully in order to digest Visual Theology ��9 it fully. Don’t worry if you can’t understand all CHURCH HISTORY of it in one go! Another new series explores Honey-Drops, or Crystal Streams | Rev. David Dickson �� 10-12 some practical steps to improve our worship –

NEWS the most important of Christian duties! As usual, there are the usual children’s pages. Thanks to Presbytery & Congregational News �� 13-15 Global News �� 16-19 Margaret Murray for agreeing to write regularly. Also, children, don’t miss out on your chance to TEENS Q&A win a prize! How can I know God’s Will for my Life? | Rev. Peter Loughridge �� 20 If there are any topics which you would like to Children’s Quiz & Story �� 21-22 see addressed from a Biblical perspective, please Recommended Reading �� 23 get in touch. If you find Good News helpful why Poster �� 24 not share it with a friend?

In Christ, Stephen

To subscribe email [email protected]

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

Page 2 Contemporary Issues Rev. Dr. Tim Donachie Christians and Politics

It would not be easy to find people as it relates to the Lord Jesus Christ. authority covered the whole of the in modern society who have much For the Christian, the most important universe and everybody in it, even trust in politicians or in politics! guide is not a political party manifesto, over those who do not recognise For many people, politicians are nor even his own sincerely held views, it or submit to it. The Bible teaches self-seeking, incompetent and often but the unchanging word of the living that the Lord Jesus Christ is ruler corrupt and the practice of politics God. There are principles enunciated over all the nations of the world (Rev. disreputable, so much so, that in in the Scriptures that can help the 1:5, 19:16), and that nations have surveys of the most and least trusted believer to understand how individual a duty to submit to his rule (Acts professions, politicians routinely Christians and nations should interact 4:25, 13:33). Whilst the vast majority come at the bottom! Such is the with the ruling authorities. of individuals and nations refuse to distrust in the political process that submit to the lordship of Christ, that many people simply refuse to have Perhaps the most significant principle does not lesson the obligation nor anything to do with it and opt out is the kingship of the Lord Jesus the consequences of such refusal. of any involvement at all. Christ over individuals and society. Immediately prior to his return How then should the individual In making judgments about the to heaven, the Lord Jesus Christ believer act when he lives in a society political process, as in every other claimed that ALL authority in heaven that rejects the rule of Christ, ignores area of life, the Christian has a unique and earth had been given to him his law and flouts his authority? He perspective, for he is to view all of life (Mat.28:18) which signified that his can, of course take the view that

Page 3 because his citizenship is in heaven made to Almighty God and refuses politics and the welfare of the state (Phil. 3:20) and he is an ambassador to give any place to Christ in the but if the state is in rebellion against of another kingdom (2 Cor. 5:20), he legal and constitutional framework Christ and has no place for Him then, has no reason to involve himself in of the country. This rejection of reluctantly it has no place for them! the affairs of an alien kingdom. As a Christ and of a solemn covenant led Those who believe that Christians believer he is to be subject to the Covenanters to adopt a position of must be involved in every part of powers that be (Rom. 13:1), he is to political dissent as they believed it the political system must carefully pray for those in authority (1Tim. 2:1- would be disloyal to Christ to have consider how they can do that 2), and he is to pay his taxes (Rom. active participation in a political without compromise: Can they be 13:6-7), but that is to be the extent system that excluded Christ. They members of a political party when the of his involvement. Others, however could not, in good conscience, take policies of a party are anti-christian take a different view! They argue that an oath of allegiance to a monarch (eg Abortion, Homosexuality etc.)? although society may be corrupt and who usurped the headship of Christ Could they conscientiously stand godless, it will never improve unless over a branch of the church of Christ. for election on a party platform at Christians become involved at all If they could not themselves take the local or national level when election levels of society, including politics, oath of allegiance, neither could they would mean being subject to the after all, Christians are to be salt and allow somebody else to take it on party whip? light in the world (Mat.5:13). The duty their behalf. There are, however, some things on of Christians is to seek to reclaim which all Christians should be able society for Christ and that can only to agree: be done as Christians become deeply The United involved in the decision making and 1. It is God who orders the affairs legislative process by voting for Kingdom of men and nations. ‘he removes suitable candidates, campaigning and kings and sets up kings’. God is standing for political office. has been signally sovereign over the affairs of men and does as he pleases – Obviously, within these two blessed by God nothing is out of his control contrasting views, there will be a especially as the (Dan. 4:35). variety of opinions: some holding 2. There is a responsibility to the non-involvement position will Reformation pray for the rulers; always accept the need to vote but will hold remembering that God is back from active involvement, whilst spread gospel the God of the impossible – some holding the second view will truth throughout he opened the Red Sea, he urge the establishing of a Christian defeated the Midianite army political party. There is also a third the land.” with Gideon’s 300 men, he view that has been traditionally released a chained Peter from a dungeon with no human agency held by Covenanters. The United – nothing is too hard for the It should be obvious that Christians Kingdom has been signally blessed by Lord and he can change the God especially as the Reformation should seek for a righteous and godly hearts of the leaders of nations spread gospel truth throughout the state where rulers submit themselves in answer to prayer. land, leading to a solemn recognition to the law of Christ and try to rule of the authority of Christ over the in accordance with the will of God, 3. There is a great need to nation. In 1643 the nation, through but is such a state achievable, and if evangelise the lost for it is Christian people that make up public representatives, church and it is. what is the best and most God a Christian nation. people, swore a Solemn League and honouring way to achieve it? Opting Covenant to order the affairs of out of any involvement in the political 4. The Church has a responsibility Church and Nation in accordance process may give the impression to campaign for the kind of with the revealed will of God. that society is irredeemable, and the righteousness that exalts a This Covenant was ratified by Christian should only be concerned nation and to instruct politicians with regard to their duty and the parliaments of Scotland and about ‘plucking brands from the responsibility before the king of England and signed by the king. This burning’ and leaving a wicked society kings and the lord of lords. Covenant was later repudiated and to its own devices’. Covenanters burnt and has never been reinstated, have sometimes been accused of a Every Christian has the responsibility even by the so-called Glorious similar attitude, but that is far from to live a quiet, godly life as a good and Revolution of 1688! The nation has the truth. Covenanters have always honourable citizen so that others deliberately turned its back on a had a desire for a godly state and may see his good works and glorify solemn and binding commitment have always taken a keen interest in God in heaven.

Page 4 SERIES Practical Rev. Stephen McCollum Stornoway RPCS Improving Our Worship, Part One

We begin a series on worship in This emphasis testifies to its importance. they do stand out of the page and which we will focus on the individual The second commandment (regulating make us think. God is not a tame pet elements of the service, (e.g. singing, how we worship) is enforced with – He is to be feared as we approach prayer, sermon, etc.). Let’s begin with the following, “For I, the Lord your Him, reverencing Him. Many modern some general observations. God, am a jealous God” (Ex. 20:5). versions of the Bible use “awesome” We ordinarily teach children that it is instead of these words, which is The Importance of Worship wrong to be jealous. More accurately fine as long as we understand it as it is not wrong to be jealous for what something producing awe – a very Thomas Watson says, God’s “worship is yours by right. Certainly, God has a solemn impression – rather than is the apple of his eye, that which right to be worshipped in the manner as I heard it overused in America he is the most tender of; and there He has chosen. to describe anything “cool!” When is nothing he has more showed his we worship God there should be displeasure against than corrupting his In the Bible different words are used real solemnity because He is to be worship.” Consider how much God’s for worship, each bringing out a reverenced. Word focuses on worship. It gives: different flavour of this highest duty. For example, one word emphasises The English word “worship” comes - reasons to worship the reverence that we should have from an older form “worth-ship.” - laws governing worship towards God; another points to the God is worthy to be praised. How - a whole book of worship songs humility as we “kneel” before Him. In often the Scriptures remind us of - accounts of punishments for older versions of the Bible you may that. “I will call upon the Lord, who corrupters of worship, and see God referred to as “terrible” or is worthy to be praised” (Ps. 18:3). - a glorious prospect of eternity “dreadful.” These words now tend “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive worshipping God. only to have a negative meaning, but glory and honour and power; for You

Page 5 created all things, and by Your will they we can worship Him. Don’t save this Parents, it is primarily your job exist and were created” (Rev. 4:11). It preparation until you sit down in the to train your children to worship. is self-evident that God is worthy to pew. We should be thinking about Do this by positive example be worshipped; to hold back worship them earlier in the morning and even and, if necessary, by appropriate is an act of rebellion. on the day before. Some examples of punishments for disobedience. Think things to think of: of ways that you can cultivate in your Hypocritical Worship child an expectation for the Lord’s - God is incomprehensibly great, Did you know that each week infinitely glorious, and perfectly Day, to call it a delight. It should be in our congregations there are holy. the highpoint of the week. Easier said hypocrites? No, I can’t point my than done! And yet, some people do finger at them, but the Bible admits - We are unworthy to approach an excellent job at passing on to their that not all who profess to worship God because of sin and may only children the delight of a particular do so in Christ, in whom we are God do so in sincerity and truth. hobby or the love for a sports team. received as beloved children of If your child can see the love that A true worshipper and a hypocrite God. may sing the same words, listen you have for the Lord and your to the same sermon, close their - While we are unable in ourselves anticipation for worship, it may be eyes at the same prayer, yet one is to worship God acceptably, impressed upon them. Why not start worshipping and the other is not. Christ is our Mediator who by simply tell your child how much If worship is not from a heart that presents our worship to God. you are looking forward to worship loves God, motivated for His glory, as you drive to church? it is hypocritical – merely to be seen - We need the Holy Spirit to stir up our hearts and enable us to and applauded by men, perhaps to worship. give a sense of respectability or ease We should of mind. How do you worship God? - God has given sure and precious promises about the preaching of confess any Practical directions to His Word and so we should pray sin that would prepare for worship expectantly for a blessing on minister and congregation alike. hinder us as we The time to prepare for worship is not when you sit down at the service, Let me give some directions regarding approach God but well before. Practically we must families with children. It is important for and seek to have a be ready. Sabbath mornings can be a children to be welcome in the worship heart of reverence, rush. Why is it easier to get the kids service. I’m firmly committed to that to school and yourself to work during theologically and I’m thankful my children humility, & love the week than it is to get to church? are welcome in our congregation. If we so that we can If you constantly arrived late for your remember our covenant theology, the job, you could face discipline. Why children of believers are members of the worship Him.” treat God with such contempt? It is church, therefore we should not treat key to be organised so that nothing worship as if it is only for adults. Those hinders you from being at worship from a different generation may prefer The single biggest help to train on time. for children to be seen and not heard children is daily family worship. If and any noise in worship may frustrate Try not to come to worship your children are used to Scripture you. As parents and children try to be exhausted, although this is not always reading, singing a psalm, and prayer sensitive to you, could you try to be possible. A word to young people each day then they will be much (since it’s not that long since I was encouraging to parents and children? better prepared for sitting through one), there are lots of things to do on Very simply, you don’t know the and participating in public worship. Saturday nights but if it results in you difficulties in their family that morning Again, it will not always be easy. dragging yourself out of bed in just which may have made getting there There may be temper tantrums enough time for worship or in you very hard. With children there may be during family worship, yet you will struggling to participate, then you 101 reasons why they won’t settle that be surprised how effective it will be need to re-evaluate your priorities. day. Obviously, parents shouldn’t let in the long run. Don’t be tempted their children get away with everything to give up because you can’t see Spiritual preparation is even more during worship but we must have age- immediate results. important. We should confess any sin appropriate expectations. Advice can be that would hinder us as we approach given by more mature Christians, but In the next article we will consider God and seek to have a heart of try not to make young mothers feel like how we can pay more attention to reverence, humility, and love so that failures when they have tried so hard. worshipping God by singing Psalms.

Page 6 SERIES Doctrinal Rev. Dr. J.G. Vos (1903-1983) Minister, RPCNA Understanding the Trinity, Part One

The subject of this article may finite beings. We should not expect which loses sight of His unity must perhaps seem dry and abstract, or to be able to rationalize the truth of be false. of little practical importance for the Trinity. the Christian life. But really there In the divine Being there exist three is no truth of the Christian Faith For the present discussion we shall persons, the Father, the Son, and the that is more important for the way assume that there is a personal God, Holy Spirit. When we say “ three of salvation and the Christian life. that this God has revealed Himself in persons,” we do not mean exactly the Christianity stands or falls with the Bible, and that God can be known same thing by the term “ Persons” the doctrine of the Trinity; where from His revelation in the Bible. We as we do when speaking of human this truth has been abandoned, shall consider, first, what the doctrine beings. The word person is just the Christianity soon disappears. It is the of the Trinity means; second, the Bible nearest approach, in our common landmark of the Christian Faith. proof for the doctrine of the Trinity; speech, to what the Bible teaches and third, the practical value of the about the distinction between the The divine Trinity (or the Tri-unity of doctrine of the Trinity. Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. In God) is a mystery in two senses. It is the one God there exist side by side a mystery in the Biblical sense; that is, What the Doctrine of the three centers of self-consciousness, it is a truth that we never could have Trinity Means each different from the other two. known if God had not revealed it to Each can call the others “ Thou” or us in the Bible. And it is also a mystery First of all, we should realize that the “ He” and can speak of Himself as in the ordinary sense, for it is a truth background of the doctrine of the “ I” or “ Me.” Thus there is a true which baffles our understanding Trinity is the truth that there is only distinction of Persons in the divine and transcends our power to one God. If we define God as the Being. comprehend. “ The Lord hath said Supreme Being, it follows necessarily that he would dwell in the thick that there can be only one God. Also Philip Schaff, in his History of the darkness” (2 Chronicles 6:1). God is the Bible teaches this truth from Christian Church, in discussing the clothed with impenetrable mystery; cover to cover. We should always doctrine of the Trinity, says: “ . . . He can never be comprehended by remember that any idea of God the term person must not be taken

Page 7 here in the sense current among three in the same sense. If that in human speech and human thought men, as if the three persons were were the doctrine of the Trinity, no to suggest the relations between three separate individuals, or three reasonable person could believe it. the first and second Persons of the self- conscious and separately acting But the doctrine of the Trinity affirms Trinity. beings. The word person is in reality that God is one and three in different only a make-shift in the absence of a senses; He is one in substance and One illustration that has been more adequate term.” three in personality. We admit the suggested is that of water, which mystery, but we deny the alleged exists in the three forms of liquid, Schaff also says: “ There is only one contradiction. vapour, and ice, yet always has the divine essence or substance. Father, same chemical composition of two Son and Spirit are one in essence, The three Persons of the Trinity are atoms of hydrogen to one of oxygen. or consubstantial. They are in one equal in power and glory. So far as This illustration is faulty because another, inseparable, and cannot their nature is concerned, no one water is not liquid, vapour and ice all be conceived without each other.” of them is subordinate to any of the at the same time; when it becomes “The three persons are related to others. If there were any personal one of these it ceases to be another. the divine substance not as three subordination, they could not all But God exists as one substance in individuals to their species, as three be truly God. There is a certain three Persons at the same time and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, or Peter, kind of functional subordination continuously. John and Paul, to human nature; in connection with the working Another suggested illustration is that they are only one God. The divine out of the plan of salvation for the of the sun; the matter of the sun is substance is absolutely indivisible human race. Because of His state of said to represent God the Father, by reason of its simplicity. . . . the humiliation on earth, the eternal Son the light of the sun to represent God whole fullness of the one undivided could say, “ My Father is greater than the Son, and the heat of the sun to essence of God, with all its attributes, I.” But in their nature none of the represent God the Holy Spirit. This is in all the persons of the Trinity. . . . three persons can be subordinate; is a better illustration than that of The church teaches not one divine all are equal in power and glory, water, for heat and light are distinct essence and three persons, but one just because they are the same in from the matter of the sun, yet essence in three persons. Father, substance. inseparable from it. The sun is the Son, and Spirit cannot be conceived All three Persons co-operate in sun, light is light, and heat is heat, as three separate individuals, but are every work, yet certain works are yet the sun is continually radiating in one another, and form a solidaric attributed more particularly to each. light and heat through the universe. unity.” Thus we think of God the Father But the illustration breaks down, We should not suppose that each of as most prominent in the work of because matter, light and heat are the three Persons possesses a part of creation, yet the Gospel of John not the same in substance as the the divine nature and attributes. That tells us concerning God the Son persons of the Trinity are. It may be would seem the natural and logical that “ without him was not anything that modern physics has shown that explanation to us, but it is not true made that was made.” The purchase matter, light, and heat are basically to the Biblical data. On the contrary, of our redemption was particularly similar in substance because they each of the three Persons is truly the work of God the Son, and the are all based, ultimately, upon energy God and possesses all of the divine application of redemption is more in the atomic nucleus; but the three nature and attributes. Just how each particularly the work of God the Persons of the Trinity are not merely of the three Persons can possess Holy Spirit. Yet it is all part of one similar or related in substance; they all there is of God is something we great plan in which all three Persons are identical in substance, each of cannot hope to understand; it baffles cooperate at all times. them possessing all of the one divine our human intellect. But the Bible essence or substance. All comparisons fail to do justice teaches just that. As John Gray wrote to the doctrine of the Trinity. While such illustrations may help us a in his poem “ On the Holy Trinity” : Many people have sought to find little in grasping this baffling concept, “ Equal, and none Can make but one; illustrations of this truth in the realm none of them is really adequate, One are the three; Yet what it be of nature or in human life. Some of because material things and forces That triple spirit only knows.” these illustrations may help us a little, cannot really represent relationships but none of them is really adequate. between persons, and especially not Though this truth is indeed a mystery, Really even the reciprocal terms relationships between the Persons still it does not involve a contradiction Father and Son used in the Bible itself of the divine Trinity. For the divine as has often been alleged against it. It do not mean the same as “ Father” Trinity is really unique and has no would be a contradiction if we were and “ Son” in the ordinary sphere. parallel in the created universe; it is to say that God is one and God is They are just the nearest conceptions truly a mystery.

Page 8 Page 9 Church History Rev. David Dickson (1583-1663) Covenanter Minister

David Dickson (c.1583–1663), was a Scottish Presbyterian and Covenanter minister who served as a minister in Irvine, Ayrshire. Dickson was faithful to the Reformed faith, even when he had to pay a high price for it. For opposing the Five Articles of Perth, which brought Episcopal practices into the Presbyterian Church, Dickson was deprived of his ministry in Irvine and banished to Aberdeenshire for a time. Later, when he served as the Professor of Divinity at Edinburgh, he refused to take the Oath of Supremacy to Charles II. As a result, Dickson was ejected from this post and he eventually died of failed health. Nevertheless, the Lord used him to write many excellent works such as The Sum of Saving Knowledge (along with James Durham) and various commentaries. Below is a poem penned by Dickson.

Page 10 Honey-Drops, or Crystal Streams; Flowing from Christ, the Fountain and Head thereof. By David Dickson

Of God’s great mercy now I’ll sing, And shall not only thou relieve I will his mercy praise, me from the infernal lake? For to extol Jehovah King, But also promisest to give a quiv’ring voice I’ll raise good things for mercie’s sake.

I’ll be thy God thou say’st O Lord, And shall I have not only crumbs, this promis’d is to me; which from thy table fall: What highest heaven can afford But more than all the richest sums I will vouchsafe on thee. of gold and silver all.

For this poor earth, thou needs not care, And shall it not suffice to give thou shalt inherit all; what creatures can afford? With Christ my Son thou shalt be heir, But thou wilt have me for to live, in glore celestial. ev’n with thyself, O Lord!

O pause my soul, and be amaz’d, Shall God then be my portion? at this transcendent grace; his wisdom to direct? And for thy vileness be abas’d, His goodness for compassion, be sure to make thy peace. his power to protect,

Oh what am I but sinful dust, His holiness to sanctify, and shall I have such store his all sufficient store, Of riches, that shall never rust Me to provide with rich supply, in that eternal glore? blest be my God therefore.

Is’t not enough, I’m not in hell, Shall his high habitation, tormented in that fire? ev’n be my dwelling place? For oft I did thy voice repel, And shall his creatures ev’ry one provoking thee to ire. make way for my solace?

Page 11 Shall his brave angels me surround, and guard me from all ill? O this great mercy hath no bound! sing praises then I will.

O then, my soul, let all my strength and faculties each one, Be consecrate to God at length, for his salvation.

Thy time and talent then bestow, his name to glorify; Who did to thee such mercy show praise him most cheerfully.

But as his mercies great and free, so doth it still endure, Most firm and sure t’eternity, none shall their souls enjure.

A woman may forgetful be of infants of her born; But tho’ she would, yet would not God me leave to be forlorn.

The mountains may removed be, the day and night may change, The hills cast into the sea, tho’ heav’n and earth do range.

Yet sure he will most tenderly, his precious saints embrace; In spite of hell, they shall prevail, and see his glorious face.

I grav’n am on his palms, therefore I’ll not forgotten be; Tho’ I were ev’n at death’s dark vale, it shall not terrify.

His wrath may for a moment last, to chasten me for sin; Yea, everlasting kindness, I, and favour hope to find.

Then I’ll begin to banish sin, contemning worldly toys; With wings I’ll fly and soar on high, seeking for heav’nly joys.

Page 12 Presbytery News

Camps and Conferences Irish International Conference – by our Scottish girls, and how they “One of the stand out elements of were making plans to stay in touch A number of people from all of the conference is living in what is with others met at camp. Christian the RPCS churches participated in essentially a village of Christians for friendship is such a big blessing and Irish RP Camps and Conferences a week; nobody passed on the street something that is so needed, so it’s over the summer. 8 were at Senior without offering a warm greeting and great to see God using camp to bring Camp; around 40 at the Irish RP everyday people were popping into that about between our churches.” International Conference; 11 at the each other’s houses to share a meal, - Rachel Nelson (Leader) (North Junior Camps; and 2 at the Young to share in fellowship, or to borrow Edinburgh RPCS) Adults Weekend. Here are some of some cooking implement. During a their comments: time of reflection on the final evening, Young Adults Weekend – “It’s nice several people referred to the week Senior Camp - “As it was my first to be together with other young as “a small taste of heaven” and camp, I loved getting to know people Christians in a situation which is with such a spirit of fellowship and and everyone was really easy to get on much more relaxed than some of the the representation of 12 different with. Being in fellowship and amongst other youth retreats. With plenty of nationalities, it is little wonder.” – free time, it’s nice to just relax with other Christians really strengthened Gemma Macdonald (Glasgow RPCS) me and by the end, I had not only friends- especially when being from made some great friendships, but Junior Camps – “Something else that Scotland and not seeing people so had also grown in faith with God.” – I loved about camp this year was often.” – Calvin Quigley (Airdrie Sarah Turnbull (Glasgow RPCS) seeing the friendships developed RPCS)

Page 13 Congregational News

The 29th of July was Dr. Andrew Quigley’s last Sabbath as our minister after 24 years with us. Needless to say it was an emotional day for all and a day that clearly demonstrated the deep love of one for the other. As a congregation we are so thankful for all the ways in which the Lord has richly blessed us through the Quigley family and used Dr. Quigley in his faithful preaching and pastoring for our growth in grace. Glasgow The minister was away for an Dr. Andrew Quigley & Family extended period in the summer - part of which in included speaking Airdrie at the St Lawrence Silver Lake Camp Over the summer 9 children and so thankful to the Irish RP Church for in Canada - and our pulpit was ably young people from Airdrie went to providing these opportunities for our supplied by Mr Ian Gillies and Revs the Irish RP Camps, Conferences, and young people to hear good teaching Andrew McMillan, Gerald Milligan were involved in 3 GO Teams. We are and spend time with other Christians. and Matt Kingswood. At the end of

Page 14 August, we said farewell to Ian Gillies, encouraging to be joined by a Stranraer and made a presentation to him, as handful of members from two other he was leaving to begin training for congregations in the Presbytery and Since our last update we have been the Ministry in the RP Seminary in we particularly enjoyed times of encouraged by having a couple of Pittsburgh. The congregation was fellowship together. new people coming along to church hugely blessed by May McCullough’s and Bible studies. It was also nice kind donation of her late husband’s We are delighted to welcome our to have holiday makers joining us library to the congregation. At the newest member as baby Eloise every week in July and August. It’s time of writing, it is still being sorted was born to Stephen and Brenda. always an encouragement to meet on the church but it should prove Eloise was baptised by Rev. Donald believers from different places, and st and excellent resource and a lasting Macdonald on 21 October. hear about the different sorts of reminder of Marcus’ ministry too. challenges and encouragements We continue to pray for a suitable they’re experiencing. Some of our young people were manse to become available and involved in camps over the summer the necessary funds to purchase it. For a few weeks in August we had and around 30 represented our We would like to become more Jude Colhoun with us on placement congregation at the conference established as a congregation and from the Irish Baptist College. in Southern Ireland which was a believe that purchasing a manse is Jude threw himself willingly and blessing to all. the next step. Currently, our manse wholeheartedly into whatever was North Edinburgh is rented but this is not a good long- happening, and the congregation term investment. We are thankful took him to their hearts. During his th From Monday 4 to Wednesday that we have received donations and time with us he preached the book of th 6 June we hosted three nights of pledges to help us, but we still fall Habakkuk. The summer finished with outreach services. Peter Loughridge short of enough to make a purchase. a GO Team, who helped organise our preached on the theme: ‘Ordinary We would therefore appeal to the Church Family Fun Day. This included Heroes – Normal People Whose wider church that if any individuals two talks on family worship from Lives Have Been Transformed by would like to contribute towards Rev. David McCullough, and provided Jesus’. On Monday, we considered this need they may get in touch an opportunity for our children to ‘The Quitter God Didn’t Quit with our treasurer by email: info@ be encouraged by other Christian On’ (John Mark); on Tuesday, ‘The stornowayrpcs.org. Any help would young people, and also for deepening Runaway who Returned’ (Onesimus); be greatly appreciated. fellowship within the congregation. and on Wednesday, ‘The All Kinds of People Church’ (Romans 16).

With the help of this year’s RP Mission Team, 7500 invitations were distributed in the local community. We were encouraged that 18 people who have never been or don’t normally attend church were there over the three nights.

The Mission Team were not able to participate in RME classes in the local high school this year. However, God in His grace opened doors into the local primary schools – which we’d not been in before, and where there is now opportunity for ongoing involvement in a Scripture Union club. Stornoway We were thankful to God for His blessing to us during our August communion season. The services were taken by our minister and Rev. Donald MacDonald. It was Stranraer

Page 15 Global News

Ireland A number of GO Teams took Lord Jesus Christ and to dig deeper received a call to Clare Reformed place over the summer months in into the teachings he has given his Presbyterian Church. Northern Ireland and Ireland. church. It is open to anyone aged 16-22 who is currently attending A new session has begun at the The Irish Synod has approved an a congregation of the Reformed Reformed Theological College. There exciting new event for young people Presbyterian Church and is approved are three students training for the that is due to be launched in Summer by their session to participate. ministry, Paul Wallace, Paul Flynn, and 2019. Theological Foundations John Coulter. Continue to pray that for Youth Ireland will provide an Mr Peter Dundee, a licentiate the Lord would raise up labourers to opportunity to learn more about the of the Northern Presbytery, has go out into the harvest.

Newry Go Team

Page 16 Japan North America

At a meeting of the Japanese There are new RPCNA church have Facebook pages and so can Presbytery on Monday 13th August, plants in Reno, Nevada (Great Basin be followed online. In September, Dr. Yusuke Hirata was licensed and is RPC) and Louisville, Kentucky. These Living Way RPC in Bryan, Texas was now eligible to receive a call to the cities have very large populations. organised as a congregation. ministry. Please uphold him in your Both of these new church plants prayers.

Dr. Yusuke Hirata Reno RPC

Louisville RPC

Page 17 A number of inductions have occurred since our last edition:

Joel Hart – associate minister at Second RPC (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Gabriel Wingfield - associate minister at Christ RPC (East Providence, Rhode Island)

Derek Baars – associate minister at The Shelter RPC (Edmonton, Alberta)

Bryan Schneider – minister at Rev. Joel Hart Sharon RPC (Morning Sun, Iowa)

Greg Stiner – minister at Shawnee RPC (Kansas)

George Gregory – minister at College Hill RPC (Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania)

Dr Barry York is the new president of the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Remember him in your prayers as he leads the Seminary in the work of training Rev. Gabriel Wingfield men for the Christian ministry. We are thankful for the input that he and the other professors at RPTS have into the training of Sylvester Konteh and Ian Gillies.

The Coldenham-Newburgh RPC in New York state celebrated their 220nd anniversary as a church in August, while Winchester RPC turned 150 in September. These milestones are a reminder to us of God’s faithfulness to His church. Rev. Bryan Schneider

Rev. Greg Stiner Rev. George Gregory

Page 18 Gambia Copies of Good News have made it all the way to the Gambia. Below are photos of Sylvester Konteh, distance learning student at RPTS, along with some from his congregation and some fellow pastors.

Gambian Pastors Pastor Sylvester & Mrs Konteh

Page 19 TEENS

How can I know God’s Will for my Life? Rev. Peter Loughridge North Edinburgh RPCS

Knowing God’s will for our lives used the life and the opportunities Let me give one warning: sometimes means knowing the direction He He has given us (2 Cor. 5:10; Matt. as Christians we might say we don’t wants us to go and the steps He 25:14-30). know God’s will, when we actually do wants us to take. It’s like using Google but we just don’t want to do it. Don’t Maps for a journey: Google gives you To know specifically what the NEXT kid yourself that you have a problem an overview of the whole journey STEP is when you need to make a with guidance if really your problem (the blue line, the distance, the time), decision in life (for example, what is with obedience! and then once you start, you’re given does God want me to do with my life? the directions step-by-step. Knowing Where will I live? Will I get married? If you want to know more about God’s will is like this – we need to If so, who?) – prayer is once again this important topic, I found Sinclair always have the big picture overview vital. The Christian life is a lifetime of Ferguson’s book ‘Discovering God’s of our lives, but there are also times constantly asking: Make me to know Will’ very helpful as a younger when we need His guidance about a your ways, O LORD; teach me Christian. specific choice. your paths (Psalm 25:4). Here are 6 questions (drawn from the Bible) To get the BIG PICTURE, there’s no that we can ask about any decision substitute for reading our Bibles and we face, which God might use to help praying! To know God’s will, we need lead us in taking the next step: to know God! And knowing His will is needed all through our lives, not just • Is it against God’s Word? on certain occasions. So the more • Am I allowing Jesus to be we feed our understanding and grow Lord of my life with this as Christians, the more we will know choice? the ways He wants us to go. The Bible • Is this thing too important to gives many good principles for any me (i.e. an idol)? decision-making: remember where • Will it benefit me as a we’re heading ultimately – heaven Christian? (Hebrews 11:13-16). Remember • What impact will my decision your purpose in everything in life – have on others? to bring glory to God (1 Cor. 10:31). Remember that life is short (James • Are there Biblical examples 4:13-15). Remember that we are that can guide me in this answerable to God for how we have choice?

Page 20 Children’s

ONESIMUS Brenda McCollum Onesimus was a slave who ran away from his master, Philemon. Philemon was a leader in the church in Colossae. In those days this was a crime punishable by death. When Onesimus ran away he met the apostle Paul and became a Christian by listening to him preach the Gospel. Paul loved Onesimus so much that he wanted him to stay and help him in his ministry. However, since Onesimus had run away from Philemon, Paul sent Onesimus back to be forgiven by Philemon first. You can read the story for yourself in the book of Philemon in the New Testament. What was the relationship between Paul and Philemon like (v1)? a) they were strangers b) they were both Christian ministers c) they didn’t get on well How was Philemon to respond when Onesimus came back (v15-16)? a) treat him as a slave b) welcome him as a Christian brother How did Paul get Philemon to forgive Onesimus (v8-10)? a) he appealed to him in love b) he commanded him to do it The name Onesimus has a very special meaning. Can you rearrange the letters to figure it out? FSULUE When Onesimus was converted he was able to live up to his name’s meaning (v11). When we believe in Jesus it changes us for the better.

Send me a drawing of a part of this story by the 1st December and I’ll send a prize to the best one. My address is RP Manse, 63A Newmarket, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0ED

Page 21 Children’s Story AMY CARMICHAEL

Much of Amy’s work was similar to her ‘Amma,’ which means ‘mother.’ William Carey’s at first. She spent a Preena’s new Amma taught her all lot of time learning the local language, the wonderful things about Jesus, and meeting the local people, and telling Preena learnt to live a happy life, full as many as would listen about the of hope and free from cruelty. Good News of God. Soon though, God would send someone special Shortly after Preena arrived came to Amy that would change her life in another little child, and another and India forever. another. Before long, Amy and her helpers had to pray for a new place It did not take Amy long to see that where they could all live. What do India was a very dark place spiritually. you think God did this time? The people worshipped idols, and did evil things. One of the terrible Let me tell you. He gave them a place things they did was to take very where they could all live, and it was young children as prisoners in their big enough that even more children temples. They treated them very could come and join them. cruelly all their lives long. When Amy Carmichael Amy Carmichael spent the rest of Amy heard about this, she prayed her life loving, caring and raising these and prayed and prayed for God to In our last magazine, we learnt a bit lost little children from India, and it show her a way to help these poor about the life of William Carey. He all happened because she prayed. She children. What do you think God did was a man who had realized that saw that there were people needing next? God’s plans are better than our help, she asked God if she could help plans, and that He is worth giving Let me tell you. He did something them, and He showed her the way. up everything for. We learnt that he very special. went all the way to India to tell the I wonder if you notice that there are people there about God. He began to send children to Amy. people around you that need help. Maybe there is someone in your Not too long after William Carey Preena was a little girl, living as a class who isn’t treated very kindly, or died, God sent another missionary prisoner in one of these temples. there is someone in your family or to India. This time, it was a woman. One day, she somehow managed to church that needs something. Think Her name was Amy Carmichael. She escape her awful prison and was led about Amy Carmichael, and pray to was from a country that we now call to Amy. No matter what the people God. I am sure He will show you a Northern Ireland… I wonder if you from the temple did, they could wonderful way you can help them! might know anyone who comes from not get Preena to come back with there! them. She lived with Amy and called Margaret Murray, Glasgow RPCS

Page 22 Robert L. Dickie How to Behave in the House of God (Emmaus Road Press 2018) 76pp. Psalm 89:7 says of worship: ‘God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him.’ Accordingly the worship of God must express a decorum and dignity appropriate to the meeting of God with His children. This reviewer would agree with Dickie’s observation of the tendency even among some Reformed Churches to make services more user-friendly: “For the most part today, the church is characterized by a worldly spirit of casual and careless Christianity…The church is feverishly working at being relevant to the world around it.”

The author critically highlights in detail the modern trend of casual dress and behaviour in worship as being symptomatic of a number of deeper concerns, including a defective ecclesiology coupled with the loss of the concept of the majesty and holiness of God. This timely and relevant little book ought to be prayerfully read by every believer and minister of the Gospel alike to encourage right and God-honouring behaviour in the House of God!

Andrew McMillan

J.C. Ryle Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots. (Banner of Truth) 480pp. Banner ed.2014 J.C. Ryle writing in the nineteenth century describes the issue of scriptural holiness as ‘a cause which is exciting much interest in the present day.’ Oh how that interest needs to be revived today! For, regardless of the Word of God clearly instructing the necessity of and the inducements unto holiness; one of the greatest problems confronting the modern Church is a neglect of the pursuit of evangelical holiness.

‘Holiness’ provides guidance for every Christian. Writing with much practical wisdom and scriptural discernment, Ryle highlights the real nature of holiness – how to get it and by what means, as well as temptations and difficulties to be expected along the way. ‘Holiness’ both encourages and warns the Christian, thus the reader will find his conscience pricked and his soul examined. Holiness is our greatest need, not an optional extra – Are you heeding this call?

“Follow Christ for His own sake, if you follow Him at all. Be thorough, be real, be honest, be sound, be whole-hearted. If you have any religion at all, let your religion be real. See that you do not sin the sin of Lot’s wife.” (JC Ryle, Holiness)

Andrew McMillan

Page 23 “ For the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His saints." - Psalm 37:28

Page 24