Australia’s reformed AP evangelical periodical

AUSTRALIAN PRESBYTERIAN SUMMER 2018/19

On the precipice A surprising hunger Ancient heresy reborn Iran’s courageous Christians The last AP

With limited income from have reached the point where just about subscriptions, it has depended on all news now is fake news. And advertisements in an age where there parliaments are not proving any more are fewer printed advertisements and an impressive. increased reliance on the online variety. God will surely revive the pulpit and To mangle T. S. Eliot, we found the vigorous proclamation of His word. ourselves ending with a whimper, not a One suspects that social media, while bang, as our losses appeared, albeit disreputable for the most part, will rather suddenly. As a result, this will be nevertheless play some part in this. The Preacher (Qoheleth) observed that the last printed edition of AP , barring Certainly, it is our hope at AP that the “of making many books there is no an unexpected, and at this stage journal will go online, and still be used. end” (Eccles. 12:12), but the same unknown, source of income. cannot often be said of printed To some of us, paper is next to wisdom, journals. They seem to belong with the In the 19th century, the pulpit, press and we would presumably have felt the grass that withers in contrast to the and parliament were often seen as the same way about papyrus. For now, word of God (Isa. 40:6-8). In 2012 three drivers of public opinion. That however, thank you, and pray that there was a valiant attempt to rescue has changed over time. C. S. Lewis whatever takes the place of the printed Australian Presbyterian by making it a played on the KJV’s rendering of the AP will be used to echo, however free quarterly which piggy-backed the paralytic’s four friends being unable to faintly, the message that God has entrusted to His people. book catalogue from Reformers get near Jesus because of the “press” Bookshop in Stanmore. (Mark 2:4), meaning the crowd. We Peter Barnes, editor of AP

Editor Peter Barnes | Social Media Coordinator Rosemary Timmins | Website ap.org.au | Online Blog apmagonline.org Facebook facebook.com/apmagonline

2 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU Australian churches, 10 years behind Scotland’s decline, must return to basics.

On the precipice David Robertson talks to Mark Powell

David Robertson is a Reformed Scottish in the early church didn’t make you and wrong. I think it’s right when it minister, blogger and podcaster. He has popular, but it did make you claims that we shouldn’t have sexual been minister of St. Peter's Free Church significant. So, a lot of what I do is harassment. However, I think it’s also in Dundee, Scotland, since October motivate people to speak up and show an overreaction because sexual 1992, and was Moderator of the Free how we are offering something very, harassment occurs in many different Church of Scotland for 2015-2016. You very different. ways that are not mentioned by the can follow him online at theweeflea.com The University of Western Sydney movement. For example, I’ve been sexually harassed as a white male. Here, he is interviewed by Mark Powell. had a course for teachers on gender, and they were told that Further, we have the appalling situation David, you’ve been very influential they couldn’t reference any where children are being groomed by in the Scottish scene by engaging outside sources or they would be an education system which tells them in what is referred to as “public marked down. What do you think that they can choose their sexuality or theology”. What have you about some of the changes gender as they please. And whether we observed from your time in coming into tertiary education like it or not, that is “grooming”. It’s Australia about some of the that control our thoughts? got nothing to do about health; it’s really various approaches we have about sexualising children. Then, on regarding the issue? Well, the scariest thing that I’ve seen the other hand, we’ve got people saying, since I’ve been here is the University of “Oh, it’s terrible, he gave me a hug!” Well, I don’t think we should use the NSW and their Sexual Ethics There’s a shocking inconsistency here. methodology of the world, and this is Committee. It’s comprised of two You have said that Australia is where I would disagree with those who students and two members of staff. culturally 10 years behind think that we should play the world’s One of the stated rules of this Scotland. Can you describe what game. I don’t think the “salt and light” committee is that “We do not accept might be ahead for us? thing is essentially about being nice to normal rules of evidence”. They actually people. Like the church father have that in writing! This is nothing Well, unfortunately, our “progressive” Tertullian, I think we need to stand out less than Chairman Mao’s red brigades! politicians are the same as yours. But as being different – to be “salt and It proves, I think, that when you it’s very important for us to understand light”. When you are different, many remove the Christian foundations of that progressive actually means people will not like you. In his Apology , society you lose important principles of “regressive”. We are regressing into a written in the 3rd century AD, justice like “people are innocent until Greco-Roman pagan view of the world Tertullian writes: “If the Tiber floods proven guilty”. that focuses on the worship of the body, the city, or if the Nile refuses to rise, or Do you think we’re seeing a abortion, infanticide, sexual if the sky withholds its rain, if there is parallel to that in the #MeToo exploitation and a growing gap between an earthquake, a famine, a pestilence, at movement? rich and poor. Our culture in not once the cry is raised: 'Christians to the getting better; it’s getting worse. lions’.” Clearly, standing for the gospel The #MeToo movement is both right What do you think are some of the “The education system tells children they main factors in the Church of Scotland’s spiritual collapse in can choose their sexuality or gender as regards to this?

they please. And whether we like it or not It is important to understand that the that is ‘grooming’.” church where I serve, St Peter’s, Dundee ,

SUMMER 2018/19 3 had been at the centre of a great spiritual that we select one particular group, for converted who had been the leader of revival. This was the church of Robert example, the poor or rich. Instead, it the Scottish National Party. He walked Murray McCheyne, through whose tells us to take the gospel to everyone. into my church one day, when we were preaching the Holy Spirit used to attract about 70 or 80 people and I recognised Interestingly, when I first went to St over 1000 people to Sunday worship. him. I said to him afterwards, “How Peter’s, Dundee, I was asked, “Well, In the 1851 census at least 50% of the did you find it?” And he said, “That what’s your strategy?” And I said, “To population of Dundee were linked to was interesting”. I said, “Interesting is preach the Word and see what happens.” the Free Church – the denomination St an ‘interesting’ word. What do you And they said, “No, no, no! What’s Peters had helped form. mean by it?” And he said, “Well, I’m your ?” And I said, “That IS the strategy not used to someone speaking for more Nevertheless, within 30 years this strategy.” Frankly, I haven’t a clue than 10 minutes for a start.” I said, denomination went into a death spiral what’s going to happen when I do this, “OK”. (I preach for about 30 to 40 in the 19th century when it introduced but God will make something happen. minutes). But he and his wife came a really destructive form of teaching I think a lot of churches say, we’ll preach back and they both professed their faith into Scottish society. It was called the word but we will determine what’s and became members with us. Higher Criticism. Higher Criticism did going to happen. So, they say, “We’re more than anything else to undermine going to reach the Chinese, we’re going But he asked to see me one day. And faith in the Bible. And in my book on to do this, we’re going to reach the rich, this may be helpful for you to know. Robert Murray McCheyne I said, “The we’re going to reach the middle class, He said, “David, this is unbelievable the message you’ve got. At Stirling church allowed a falsehood to take hold we’re going to reach the student body,” University in the 1950s I was in the within itself that took until the 1950s and I say, “No, preach the Word and Scottish National Party when it was to really manifest itself.” So, in the see what happens.” 1960s when the sexual revolution hit very small. We planned in 100 years to us, the church folded like a pack of So, in our church it was largely young have a Scottish government. We got it cards because it had lost its back-bone people who came through the ministry in 50 years and I’m absolutely which was its faith in Scripture as the of the Word and this was really unusual delighted. However, your message is Word of God. Since it no longer for a Psalms-singing church, which is way more important and you need to believed the teaching of the Bible, it what we were then. We’re not now, but train more people to share it.” That’s was powerless to resist the advance of we were then. We still do sing Psalms by how we founded our Centre for Public the new sexual morality. the way! But we never dumbed it down . Christianity. He also said this, That was the one thing we didn’t do... “Churches never think long-term.” And So, what tendencies among their I think that’s true, generally. We have to leaders should people be What do you mean when you say think carefully about training our concerned about, especially as that you didn’t dumb it down? people to be evangelists and apologists the generation that refused to Well, for example, we had a man for the true gospel. enter church union with theological liberals is now coming to an end?

We always have to careful about legalism. Our tendency is to overreact. So often you’ll find that as the culture goes down, the church becomes more and more inward-looking. So I think we need to be outward-looking. But this is also where the danger lies. We tend to think that in order to be outward-looking what we need to do is sit at the table – to be influencing society by reaching people at the top of it. It’s called the “top-down” approach. We are convinced that if we can reach people at the top of society then we will reach the rest of the community. It’s like the trickle-down theory in economics – I am not convinced it works in economics – and I don’t think it finds support in the New Testament either. The New Testament does not suggest

4 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE What are some of the things we would be no youth work left. And if can do in Australia in this regard? they come to us and say, “You have got to teach LGBTIQ stuff”, then I think First, we need to understand that there we should say, “No, we’re not doing it!” are factors that explain why Australia has The trouble is we’re always being not gone as quickly down the road as played by society. Society brings up an we have (in Scotland). One of the key issue and we respond. So, the church is ones is this: I think the Billy Graham always following. But we shouldn’t be mission in 1959 had a long-term following. We should be leading! What impact. In the sovereignty of God, a I mean by that is, we should be saying, number of people were converted there. “We should be seeking to help refugees”. The second point to remember is that My wife is in Lakemba right now and, Australia is essentially eight city states – yes, Islam is a threat. However, Muslims rather than one big state that is also present a tremendous opportunity centralised. Take Sydney, for example. I David Robertson for us to share the gospel. However, we spoke to one bishop here and he has 60 cannot communicate the gospel if we may be called to suffer for Christ but parishes and every single one is low think that Islam and Christianity are ordinarily the gospel spreads when church, reformed, and evangelical. fundamentally the same. That’s not there is freedom of religion. Every single one! That’s inconceivable loving. They’re not fundamentally the What principles guide you in your to me in the UK. So, there’s been a lot same. They’re radically different. And own ministry? of good stuff happening that we must recognise that. Australians should stop and praise God People said to me that my refusal to for. The emphasis on theological What does Christian leadership, in dumb down the gospel will affect education has also been fantastic, as I particular, look like? evangelism and outreach, and we won’t have discovered since I’ve been here. For me the church is really important. reach people. Well, our church has And that’s the key by the way. Sound If you do not have really good Bible grown and developed. People have been theological training and a solid churches all around the nation you converted. So, I think we have to stop preparation for future ministers is haven’t got national Christianity. In compromising on the Bible. Don’t be absolutely key for the advance of the Scotland, what’s happened is that as the afraid. Don’t be ashamed of Jesus and Christian faith in Australia. His words. If we are practising the number of Christians has declined, the marks of the church – the preaching of One of the things I’ve also come across number of Christian organisations has the Word, the sacraments, and proper and discovered here is that the young increased. It’s a paradox. But it’s also a discipline, along with mercy ministries – people who were in some cases from mistake. We need lots of good Bible we will have healthy churches. very, very good families didn’t know churches where the gospel is clearly what to do with the same-sex marriage preached in every state of the nation. Any other final words of advice you’d like to give to us? debate. And I’ll tell you why. They Apart from the Bible, what books didn’t understand underlying theological or authors would you suggest we Yes, we should not think that we have principles like the supreme authority of read? Who are the people who to have all these big mega-churches in the Bible. They were told what to do, feed you? city centres. It’s a fallacy. The Anglican but I don’t think they’ve been taught bishop of Wollongong said to me how to think things through biblically, I actually read quite a lot of non- recently that he oversees about 60 and so it was a political issue for them. Christian books. One book that I have churches in his diocese – and I’m sure But this is not a political issue. It’s enjoyed in recent times is by Douglas that they’re all in varying degrees of expressed in politics but it is a theological Murray, who is a gay atheist. His book, spiritual health – but that means that issue. And this misunderstanding came The Strange Death of Europe , is he’s now got 15,000 worshipping on a as a shock to me. absolutely fabulous. Why? Because he Sunday! If you had 5000 in a stadium recognises that without Christianity, If you could ‘prophetically’ say to in Sydney, you’d be famous all over the Europe is finished. And I’m sad to say God’s Church in Australia, ‘This is world. No one knows about this. Not that there are too many middle-class what you need to do’, what would really. But I’m thinking, “This is what Christians wandering around and you say? we need!” I’m not against mega- saying, “Oh wouldn’t it be good if we churches, by the way. God can do Go back to the roots; get back to the had a time of persecution.” I think anything. He can do it in the city, but basics. The Christian doctor who is that’s utterly wrong-headed. Perhaps he also does it in the towns and suburbs told, “Unless you take part in this you the Lord may bring a time of – and he is doing it in the Diocese of will lose your job”, should say, “OK, persecution on the church. However, Wollongong. then I need to practise somewhere else”. anyone who longs for persecution In my city, if you took all the doesn’t know what persecution is. I just Mark Powell is associate pastor at Christians out of youth work there think it’s such a foolish thing to say. We Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Sydney.

SUMMER 2018/19 5 REFORMERS INTERVIEW: THE 10 COMMANDMENTS KEVIN DEYOUNG $19.99 HARDCOVER

Why did you write a book about the Ten Christians today who go to church on Sunday (maybe), and Commandments? then treat the day like any other. This is problematic too. The Ten Commandments used to be a part of every How are we to view grace and law? And what is the Christian’s diet. Now it’s more of a speciality course. This right motivation for understanding and keeping the is unfortunate. For centuries, the church used the Lord’s Ten Commandments without falling into legalism? 3UD\HUWKH$SRVWOHV·&UHHGDQGWKH7HQ&RPPDQGPHQWV We often think of law leading to gospel, and in a theological to instruct believers in the fundamentals of the faith. We sense this is certainly true. The law shows us our sin, and lose something important when Christians are no longer then, in turn, the gospel shows us our Saviour. But from discipled in the obligations and prohibitions implicit in a redemptive-historical perspective, it’s just as true to say the Decalogue. Just as importantly, we see that the New that gospel leads to law. First God unilaterally delivered Testament often turned to the Ten Commandments as a the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, then he gave them shorthand summary of God’s revealed will. We see Jesus’ the Ten Commandments. The Commandments were never do this with the rich young man, and we see Paul do it in 1 designed for self-salvation. God gave the law to his people Timothy 1 and Romans 13. so they might serve him rightly and know the fullness of As you wrote this book, was there one commandment life with him. where you found yourself particularly encouraged and delighted? Was there one you found particularly On a slightly di erent topic, we like to ask the people dicult to write about? we interview about how they read. We trust this helps our customers/readership in their own reading. Do Great question. I was impressed again, while working on you have a tip for how to get the most out of a book? the third commandment, to think of how majestic God’s name is and how important it is to honour the divine name My advice: don’t read every book the same. There are properly. I was both convicted (do I treat God’s name books I read carefully from cover to cover with copious too casually?) and encouraged (what a mighty God we underlining and marginal notes. Other books I skim, VHUYH $VWRWKHVHFRQGTXHVWLRQ,DOZD\VÀQGLWGLIÀFXOW looking for the big idea (perhaps reading the introduction to write about the fourth commandment. The theology DQG FRQFOXVLRQ DQG WKHQ Á\LQJ WKURXJK WKH UHVW  $QG is complicated, and even good Bible-believing Christians then there are the books I know will present so much new don’t approach the Sabbath in the same way. I think some information or be beyond my area of expertise that I don’t Christians have turned the Lord’s Day into an unimaginable get bogged down in trying to understand everything. In burden, when God made the Sabbath for man, not man other words, I think the most effective readers learn how for the Sabbath. On the other hand, there are so many to get out of their books what they need at the time.

6 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU A surprising hunger How systematic theology classes have blessed a Tasmanian congregation Campbell Markham

early two years ago a Christian broad overview of Reformed theology to consolidate what we have learned. couple arrived at Cornerstone, looking at revelation and inspiration, We have deliberately made the course Nand almost immediately urged the attributes of God, the work of God, demanding , and for Unit One I invited me to begin teaching systematic biblical anthropology, Christology, people to write a “non-academic” essay of theology to the church. The husband is ecclesiology, and eschatology. We called 1000 to 2000 words on some set questions. a Portuguese-speaking Aussie, the wife it an “eight-week theology taster.” The About 15 people submitted papers, all of is Brazilian, and they had come from – idea was this: “Come along and get an which were well thought-out. who would have thought – a Brazilian idea of what it means to study systematic The motto of the course has been congregation of a Presbyterian church theology. If there’s enough interest, “Theology leads to Doxology.” The study in New Zealand. then we will run a two-year course with of God leads to worship (of God). And Their pastor, João (John) Petreceli, had eight six-week units corresponding to so we begin each night with prayer, and trained at Mackenzie Presbyterian each lesson of the Taster.” finish by singing, a cappella, one or two University in São Paulo, the hub of the On our first night we felt truly optimistic verses of an old hymn. We want our vibrant and long-established Presbyterian and assembled two folding tables in the classes to be overtly spiritual gatherings. Church of Brazil, with over a million church office with 10 chairs. Five Attendance so far for the full course has members, some 8000 pastors, nine minutes before start time we realised been about 25 attending in person, and seminaries, and a rich Lusophone that there was no way everyone was about 10 YouTube live connections theological literature. Pastor John left going to fit in. We quickly moved representing another 20 or so people. The Brazil with a deep appreciation for John across to the church auditorium where age range is very evenly mixed, from 18 to Calvin and Reformed Theology, and about 30 of us gathered. We also set up about 55, and we have a handful of people determined to teach this first to his a webcam and about 10 Skype attending from outside our church, from church in Chile, and then to his New connections were made, representing Seventh-day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Zealand church plant using his own about 20 to 30 people. A group of Uniting, and Pentecostal churches. notes, and a translation of Louis between 45 and 60 attended or Skyped- Berkhof’s Systematic Theology . in for the full eight weeks. This whole project has been a great surprise. I had no idea that there was He soon saw that that not only was Very encouraged, I drafted a two-year such a hunger for this kind of thorough there a hunger for this kind of program of 48 two-hour lessons, which and demanding teaching in the church thorough teaching, but those who were we began this February. We start at 7pm, community. In thinking over this, I learning it were quickly growing in break for about 15 minutes at eight, and realise that fewer Christians today are their knowledge and capacity to serve as finish by nine. I send out a PDF handout reading and “self-feeding”. And although elders and deacons, as Sunday school – between 10 and 16 pages – by email the 40-minute Sunday sermon brings and youth teachers, as evangelists and and Facebook in the afternoon. John vital congregational proclamation and mentors, and as faithful servants of Frame’s outstanding Systematic Theology exhortation, it is not the best forum for Christ in every area of life. is our textbook: we don’t follow Frame’s delivering large chunks of detailed and Back in Hobart, having heard these order, but many attendees read the systematic instruction. Midweek Bible stories, the elders agreed that we should corresponding chapters to strengthen studies are a very important place for trial something similar. I put together a and deepen their understanding. We mutual support and encouragement, but course of eight two-hour lessons, a also begin each class with a review quiz they too are not suited to grappling with large slabs of information. The theology “The theology classes appear to be filling a gap classes appear to be filling a gap in our in our teaching ministry, providing opportunity for teaching ministry, providing opportunity for learning the Bible in large and in- learning the Bible in large and in-depth chunks.” depth chunks.

SUMMER 2018/19 7 What advantage is this? First, as the “To my surprise and delight, I have discovered great Benjamin Warfield once pointed out, when it comes to systematic that Jesus’ sheep are very hungry: ‘Feed me theology, we all have one, and we all till I want no more!’” “do theology” all the time. Every Christian thinks about God, and what we can “test and approve what God’s will building their minds to be able to face the Bible teaches us, which builds itself is – His good, pleasing, and perfect will”. in our minds into some kind of system. the powerful and seductive lies of the The question is not, “Do you do We renew our minds in order to renew world. Above all, we are seeing systematic theology?” (we all do!) but, our lives: that we might become faithful doxology . And for this reason alone we “Do you do systematic theology well ?” and obedient servants of our Lord and will persevere with this. Is your theology meagre or rich? Is it King. Carefully and prayerfully To my surprise and delight, I have sickly or healthy? Is it well-thought out studying theology helps us to do this. discovered that Jesus’ sheep are very and ordered, or haphazard and confused? I have been a pastor for some 20 years hungry: “Feed me till I want no more!” We all do theology, and Christians will now, and, while fully acknowledging If you are an elder, why not consider be keen to do it well: to hold in their God’s sovereign and perfect plan, I regret doing something similar in your church? minds a thoroughly biblical, well- not embarking on this before. Yes it is digested, and well-ordered theology. [Every lecture has been recorded and demanding: I have had to find and may be seen online at the YouTube Ultimately, the Christian is devoted to devote, including delivery, at least 12 channel “Cornerstone Church Hobart ”. “no longer conforming to the pattern of hours work to each lesson. But we are The PDF handout is attached to each this age” (Rom. 12:2). Instead we seeing people grow, myself included (the clip, and these can also be accessed at devote ourselves to being “transformed teacher always gets the most out of the “Cornerstone Church Hobart” (metamorpho ) by the renewing of the teaching!). We are seeing people ō Facebook page. I’d be delighted to share mind”: driving out false, idolatrous, and becoming better equipped for manifold resources, please email me at anti-Christian thought, and rebuilding kinds of ministry. We are seeing weak [email protected].] our thinking with the truth of Christ. Christians, and possibly non-Christians , We want to think biblically, so that we come face-to-face with God in a deep Campbell Markham is pastor of might think truthfully and wisely, that way. We are seeing young people Cornerstone Church in Tasmania.

CARING FOR EW ONE ANOTHER N BY EDWARD T. WELCH Imagine... an interconnected group of people who entrust themselves to each other. You can speak of your pain, and someone responds with compassion and prayer. You can speak of your joys, and someone rejoices with you. You can ask for help with sinful struggles, and someone prays with you. The goal of this book is that these meaningful relationships will become a natural part of daily life in your church. With short chapters and discussion questions meant to be read in a group setting, Ed Welch guides small groups through eight lessons that show what it looks like when ordinary, needy people care for other ordinary, needy people in everyday life. [$9.99 EACH, PAPERBACK]

8 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE Forgiveness requires repentance

Unconditional forgiveness risks treading underfoot the justice of God Ron Norman

he topic of forgiveness is of is only granted when confession and granting us faith and repentance. But fundamental importance to all repentance are forthcoming (1 John God has made forgiveness contingent TChristians because it relates to 1:9), and presumably our forgiveness of upon repentance as a second cause, and our relationship with God and with our others should follow suit. its focus is the glory of God and our joy fellow man. Theologically there are two (Westminster Confession of Faith, 5:2). There are two levels of forgiveness. The main views. Conditional forgiveness is first is forgiveness granted for minor In a sermon on Matthew 6:7-15, John defined as that forgiveness which is offences. Such forgiveness – probably Piper pointed out: “One last observation only granted when the offending party better called forbearance or overlooking remains: forgiveness of an unrepentant shows remorse, repents and asks for – is granted without any repentance person doesn’t look the same as forgiveness. Unconditional forgiveness being required of the offender (Prov. forgiveness of a repentant person. In is forgiveness which is granted to the 19:11). The second is forgiveness for a fact I am not sure that in the Bible the offender without the requirement of serious offence, which is only granted if term forgiveness is ever applied to an prerequisite repentance. repentance of the offender is unrepentant person. Jesus said in Luke Chris Braun’s definition is helpful: forthcoming (Matt.18:15-35, Luke 17:3,4, “Be on your guard! If your “Forgiveness is a commitment by the 17:3, 4, 1 John 1:9). Whether an brother sins, rebuke him and if he repents offended to pardon graciously the offence is serious or minor is a judgment forgive him. And if he sins against you repentant from moral liability and to be that must be made by the one who is seven times a day and returns to you reconciled to that person, although not offended. Counsel and Biblical references seven times, saying ‘I repent’, forgive all consequences are necessarily can be sought to help the offended him.” So there’s a sense in which full eliminated”. He includes reconciliation person make this judgment. forgiveness is only possible in response in his definition, but my focus will be Withholding forgiveness for serious to repentance. But even when a person on the commitment to pardon. offences does not automatically create does not repent (cf. Matt. 18:17), we bitterness in the one offended and can be The forgiveness that is in view in this are commanded to love our enemy and an act of love, aimed at encouraging the definition is that which relates to serious pray for those who persecute us and do offending person to come to repentance. offences and is not to be confused with good to those who hate us (Luke 6:27). our responsibility to be forbearing when Chris Braun states “the notion of The difference is that when a person dealing with minor offences. The great automatic, unconditional forgiveness who wronged us does not repent with Reformed theologian John Murray itself fosters bitterness”. Furthermore, contrition and confession and summarised this truth as follows: “we are created with a standard of conversion (turning from sin to “Forgiveness is a definite act performed justice written on our hearts. When we righteousness), he cuts off the full work by us on the fulfilment of certain forgive someone who is not repentant, of forgiveness. We can still lay down conditions. Forgiveness is something we are acting in a way that is unjust our ill will; we can hand over our anger actively administered on the repentance and unloving. Deep down we are saying to God; we can seek to do him good; of the person who is to be forgiven. We that forgiveness must sometimes happen but we cannot carry through greatly impoverish ourselves and impair at the expense of justice.” This is not reconciliation or intimacy.” the relations that we should sustain with talking about revenge but a flouting of John MacArthur argues that for minor our brethren when we fail to appreciate the divine principle of justice. matters there are times when what is involved in forgiveness.” So how are we to view the basis for forgiveness is unilaterally and It is also a given that the model for our God’s forgiveness? Ultimately the basis unconditionally granted. But forgiveness of others, is God’s forgiveness for God’s forgiveness of us is the MacArthur also states: “It is obvious of us, and we should follow His example finished work of Christ, paying the from Scripture that sometimes (Col. 3:13, Eph. 4:32). God’s forgiveness penalty for our sin and graciously forgiveness must be conditional. There

SUMMER 2018/19 9 are times when it is necessary to helpfully describes forgiveness as a two- takes place between you and that person confront an offender. In such cases, stage process: “When an offence is too when there has been a serious offence, it unconditional forgiveness is not an serious to overlook and the offender has would not be appropriate to make the option. These generally involve more not yet repented, you may need to promises of forgiveness until the serious sins, not petty or picayune approach forgiveness as a two-stage offender has repented.” process. The first stage requires having complaints, but soul-threatening sins or The promises of forgiveness to which an attitude of forgiveness and the transgressions that endanger the Sande refers are: 1) I will not dwell on second, granting forgiveness. Having an fellowship of saints.” this incident. 2) I will not bring this attitude of forgiveness is unconditional incident up and use it against you. 3) Ken Sande agrees that there are times and is a commitment you make to I will not talk to others about this when minor offences should be God. By His grace, you seek to incident. 4) I will not allow this incident overlooked, (unconditionally forgiven), maintain a loving and merciful attitude to stand between us or hinder our personal but he also emphasises the need for toward someone who has offended you. relationship. (Matt. 6:12, 1Cor.13:5, repentance for serious offences before Granting forgiveness is conditional on Eph.4:32.) These promises can only be forgiveness can be granted. He the repentance of the offender and made in good conscience and according to the Biblical mandate when repentance has occurred. R.C. Sproul too writes: “God does not forgive us unilaterally; He requires repentance.” So God’s forgiveness is conditional upon repentance and He cannot show mercy to sinners at the expense of His holy justice. If we apply the hermeneutic principle that we should allow Scripture to interpret Scripture and that Scripture cannot contradict itself, then with reference to Luke17:3,4 and Mark 11:25, can we not say that when forgiveness is mentioned in Scripture, prerequisite repentance is implied? Could repentance be required by Christ for forgiveness in one text and not in another? The teaching of unconditional forgiveness places an enormous and A Christian School unbiblical burden on the backs of PLC is a Christian school that celebrates its faith and is committed to Christians in requiring them to be more YLÅLJ[PUN[OLSV]PUNUH[\YLVM.VKPUHSSHYLHZVMZJOVVSSPML     forgiving and more gracious than God >LHJ[P]LS`WYVTV[LHUKU\Y[\YL[OL*OYPZ[PHUMHP[O^P[OPU[OLZJOVVS  Himself. While we are commanded by JVTT\UP[`HUK[OYV\NO[OL*OYPZ[PHU:[\KPLZJVYLJ\YYPJ\S\TWYVNYHT[OH[       Y\UZMYVT,3*[OYV\NO[V@LHY  Christ to love our enemies in Matthew 5:44, He does not tell us that we are to School Tours forgive them unconditionally. In fact, Wednesday 8 and Saturday 11 August, 9.30am forgiveness is not mentioned at all. In 1 Wednesday 24 October, 9.30am Corinthians 13, where God spells out Scholarships what love does and does not do, Scholarships for 2019 are available for Years 7 to 11, for 2019 and beyond. forgiveness is also not mentioned. Cheap (unconditional), forgiveness is not love. To apply, contact Admissions on 9808 5811 or visit www.plc.vic.edu.au We are to have a forgiving spirit towards our enemies. We are to love them, pray for them, seek their good, care for them, be ready to forgive them and not be bitter towards them or hold a grudge for their actions. But we must not tread 141 Burwood Road, Burwood VIC 3125 underfoot the justice of God. www.plc.vic.edu.au 9808 5811 Ron Norman is an elder in the Presbyterian Church of Australia

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US admits fewer refugees The law also prohibits church leaders Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was from urging their followers to fast for sworn into office as Pakistan’s prime The United States, under President lengthy periods – like Jesus’ 40 days in minister on August 18. He has vowed Trump, has admitted 40% fewer the wilderness – in order to better to support strict blasphemy laws that Christian refugees in the past year, US secure God’s blessing; authorities claim could mean heightened violent broadcaster NBC News has reported. this is a form of starvation. persecution against the country’s As the Trump administration has Christianity Today Christians. implemented stricter policies on Khan has been urged to stop the immigration and refugees, almost 11,000 Child raped, strangled persecution of Christians in Pakistan, Christians looking for a safe place to go A nine-year-old girl from an Indian with critics accusing him of being part were reportedly refused entry to the US. family that had recently converted to of the “same old extremism”, according Christians from the Middle East who Christianity was gang-raped and to Tom Parfitt, writing for the British have been living in the US for years murdered on August 5 in Punjab state. daily newspaper . But, according have also been affected, with dozens of Express Anjali Masih was playing with her to Open Doors, Khan has not Iraqi Christians in detention centres friends in the city of Gurdaspur, near positioned himself as a champion for and facing the possibility of the Pakistan border, when a group of minority groups and religious freedom. deportation. men lured her away by showing her a In fact, he seems keen to ensure that “[This] suggests that the president has guava. She was then gang-raped and Pakistan remains a strongly Islamic no real interest in religious persecution strangled with a telephone wire. republic. or the tenets of religious freedom,” Local Christians told World Watch Assist Mary Giovagnoli, director of Refugee Monitor that there has been a rise in Kenyan Christians killed Council USA, told NBC. anti-Christian feeling in the area, which World Watch Monitor is predominantly Hindu and Sikh, Al-Shabaab terrorists murdered two since a number of families converted to Kenyan Christians travelling on a bus Rwanda churches closed Christianity. on September 14 after they refused to About 8000 official and unofficial India has seen a wave of anti-Christian recite the shahada Islamic creed. The churches, as well as 100 mosques, have violence in recent years, with a notable terrorists flagged down a bus travelling been closed in Rwanda for failing to increase since Narendra Modi’s Hindu to the north-eastern city of Garissa and comply with health, safety, and noise nationalist BJP came to power in 2014. ordered the passengers to produce their regulations. This includes four in 10 identity cards. They separated three congregations belonging to a nationwide World Watch Monitor “non-local” (assumed to be non-Muslim) association of 3300 Pentecostal churches. Persecution rising in Pakistan passengers and asked them to recite verses from the Quran and say the shahada And authorities indicate such shutting Christians in Pakistan are preparing for Islamic creed. Recitation of the shahada down of houses of worship in the East more violent persecution against them is considered conversion to Islam. African nation will continue until in the wake of former cricket star Imran congregations meet the strict Khan, who represents the PTI party, Two passengers who refused, a boy requirements of a new law adopted by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, being elected called Joshua who assisted the bus Rwanda’s parliament on July 27. Prime Minister. driver and a labourer from the town of Masalani, 100 miles south of Garissa, The latest requirement: Pastors must PTI is a centrist political party in were tied up and then murdered. now have a degree in theological Pakistan founded in 1996 by former education from an accredited school. national cricket captain and current In 2014, 28 Christians travelling on a

SUMMER 2018/19 11 bus in Mandera country, north-east neighboring Honduras – which has also were propagating misinformation about Kenya, were singled out and killed by pushed to relocate its embassy – now the Hindu religion and attempting to Al Shabaab jihadists. As in this recent boast Protestant populations of more convert people during Sunday services. attack, passengers were separated and than 40%. The Hindu group said it went to court those thought to be non-Muslim were The rise of Pentecostal traditions across after the Christians refused to stop ordered to recite the shahada. the region has brought Christian conducting Sunday prayer services despite repeated warnings. Kenya is around 80% Christian and Zionism with it; Guatemala’s 10% Muslim. Most of the country’s ambassador said her country would be UCA “blessed” through its support for Israel. Muslim population, many of whom are Attacks in Nigeria ethnic Somalis, live in the north-east of Christianity Today the country. The Somali-based terror Christians in Nigeria have called on Indian Christians charged group Al Shabaab has repeatedly their government to respond to a surge targeted Kenyan Christians. Police in India's Uttar Pradesh state have in attacks by Fulani herdsman, such as a Mbalom church shooting that killed Barnabas Fund charged more than 270 Christians with “spreading lies about Hinduism and nearly 20 people. Second Jerusalem embassy drugging people to try and convert Protestant and Catholic organizations Amid the furor over President Donald them to Christianity”. launched unprecedented public Trump’s decision to move the United Christians in Jaunpur district said on protests, including one in May to States embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv September 10 that the move showed correspond with a mass burial for to Jerusalem earier this year, religious bias and was an attempt to recent victims, and demanded that Guatemala’s President Jimmy Morales, terrorise Christians. Police in the district President Muhammadu Buhari stop the an evangelical Protestant, more quietly filed the charges against 271 Christians violent cattle owners, who are mostly made the same move the same week. of a Pentecostal church after being Muslim. It was a signal of greater pro-Israel directed to do so by a local court. Fulani attacks, mostly occurring in the sentiment among Latin America’s The court directive followed a “middle belt” between Nigeria’s growing Protestant population. Both complaint lodged by activist group predominantly Christian south and the Central American nation and Hindu Jagran Manch that Christians predominantly Muslim north, have

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12 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE begun to outpace violence by Islamist same governorate, a funeral service of a Sudan is fourth on the 2018 Open terrorist group Boko Haram, whose Coptic man was held outside St Moses Doors World Watch List of the 50 own death toll has eclipsed ISIS’s. Church in the town of Dairout. The countries where it is most difficult to live as a Christian. It is also a “country Christianity Today church was closed 20 years ago and since then the Christian community of particular concern” for the US Copts hold funerals in street has not been able to receive a permit for Commission on International Religious Coptic Christians in various parts of its re-opening. Freedom (USCIRF), an independent, Egypt have been left with no choice but bipartisan advisory body. World Watch Monitor to hold funeral services in the streets In 2011, Sudan’s president, Omar al- Bibles finally cleared in Sudan because of the closure of their churches. Bashir, said he wanted to adopt a “100%” Islamic constitution after the Coptic news site Watani reported on a The Sudanese government has cleared a street funeral recently in the village of shipment of Bibles believed to have Christian-majority south had voted to secede. Since then, foreign missionaries Dimshau Hashim, where the houses of been held in Port Sudan for six years. have been expelled, churches Copts came under attack by a mob The Arabic-language Bibles were confiscated or demolished, and leaders protesting against Copts gathering to transported to the capital, Khartoum, harassed and arrested. pray in one of the Copt’s homes, since after years of appeals by church leaders, there is no village church. a local source told World Watch Monitor . World Watch Monitor According to World Watch Monitor’s “Since 2011, government customs local source, around the same time a officials have delayed the clearing of funeral service for a Coptic woman was several shipments of Arabic Bibles via Read and download held in the streets of the village of Abu Port Sudan, without explanation,” the past years of AP free Greer, as again there is no church in the source said, adding that it had left village, nor any nearby. Bibles decaying in shipping containers of charge at ap.org.au Similarly, in Asyut governorate Copts at the port while the approximate 2 Click the Past Issues in Qasr Haidar held a street funeral million Christians in the country were button and enjoy! after the village church was closed facing a serious shortage of Bibles and following protests by Muslims. In the teaching materials.

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SUMMER 2018/19 13 Ken Stebbins God forsaken An ancient heresy is flourishing again in Australian churches.

rom the earliest days of the means of the indwelling Spirit. He said: squeeze a Scriptural passage into saying church Christians wrestled with “This is eternal life, that they may know what it is not. You, the only true God [addressing Fthe wonderfully mysterious Ralph Davis, the well-known God, the Father], and Jesus Christ nature of our triune God. The truth, as commentator, says: “I have no problem whom You have sent” (John 17:3). taught in the Bible, is clear enough: in preaching Christ from an Old 1) There is one God 2) There are Three Let us love and sing and wonder Testament narrative so long as this can Persons: the Father, the Son, the Holy Let us praise the Saviour’s name… be done legitimately and it frequently Spirit 3) The Father is God, the Son is He has washed us with His blood, can… However, I am convinced that I God, the Spirit is God 4) The Father is He has brought us near to God. do not honour Christ by forcing Him not the Son is not the Spirit. (John Newton) into texts where He is not.” But how to reconcile these truths has Let me outline a few areas where I Hymns always been a challenge. believe we are seeing this subtle form of Hymns have a profound influence on Some have tried and gone seriously Sabellianism emerging. shaping the theology of the church. astray. In the fourth century, Arius tried Worship to resolve the mystery of the Trinity by There are many good hymns being There is a confessionally Trinitarian teaching that the Son (Jesus) is not written today praising Christ. But there church in Australia that advertises itself God. In so doing, Arius was seeking to are disproportionately few praising the as being “all about Jesus. We meet to counter another error: that of Sabellius Father; or praising God: Father, Son hear about Him, worship Him, pray to in the previous century. Sabellius and Holy Spirit. Him and express our love for Him”. taught that the Father, the Son and the Some hymns draw on Scriptures that Spirit are all God; but they are all just Many others define themselves praise God, even specifically the Father, different forms of the one Person . similarly: “Above all else, we are about Jesus… we worship Christ because He but are turned into praise of “Jesus In recent times a more subtle form of is the only One truly worthy of such a only”. Some of these are basically fine Sabellianism has appeared. This is high level of devotion and affection.” hymns; many, I am happy to sing. But, where churches which hold to a they leave the door open to skewing doctrinal statement that professes the It is right that we worship Jesus. But it our understanding of Scripture. doctrine of the Trinity, yet in practice is wrong if in practice He is “the only As an example, consider Stuart Townend’s may focus on “Jesus only” as God. One” worthy of worship. It is wrong if “O my soul, arise and bless your maker” . Chris Balzer has also observed this: “In nothing of worship is directed toward Personally I love most of what Townend my church experience, I have noticed a the Father, or toward our triune God. has written, and there is nothing in this discernible trend for many Evangelicals Preaching hymn that is obviously wrong. But perhaps to be Trinitarian in theory but In recent years there has been a renewal while it overtly references Psalm 103 ‘Jesus only’ in practice.” in emphasis on “Christ-centred” and Psalm 3 which clearly address God But Jesus came to bring us into an preaching. On the whole this has been the Father (or, at least, the triune God), intimate relationship with God the healthy. But it is hijacked when a each verse concludes directing us only Father, as well as with Himself, by preacher uses this as an excuse to to the worship of Jesus. Prayer “Why have so many churches that confess the Chris Balzer notes how “Jesus only” Trinity, forsaken the Father in their practice?” practice “can often be seen in the

14 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE prayers in public worship, and in a “Jesus” becomes more and more just a neglect, almost an avoidance, of mentioning the Trinity in any way in personal friend. Worship loses a sense of the sermons.” the true wonder that is God and becomes Ron Clark (of PCQ) observes: “We increasingly man-centred.” have replaced Christology with what I would term ‘Jesus-ology’. This seems to (1) The only possibility of an intimate John 3:1, 4:8, 4:9, 4:10, 4:11, 4:16, be evidenced in the way the vast relationship with divinity is seen to be Jude 21. numbers of people these days will pray with Christ, but not with the Father, to Jesus, rather than through Jesus to A Trinitarian Theology contrary to what Christ Himself taught the Father.” (e.g. John 14:21, 17:3), and what the Ron Clark comments on the “Jesus-only” When Jesus was asked by His disciples rest of the Bible (e.g. Rom 8:15-16) – trend: “It is my opinion this is creating a to teach them to pray, Jesus Himself including the Old Testament (e.g. possible weakening in our understanding said, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Psalm 103:8-14) – teaches. of the Trinity even though we may hold ‘Our Father in heaven…’” It is not to that theological position.” (2) God the Father is seen as remote, wrong to pray directly to Jesus; there even unloving, who only favours us now It is now almost 70 years since Loraine are a few (though very few) instances of because of Christ’s sacrifice, contrary to Boettner warned against this trend: “The such in Scripture. But normally, if we verses like John 3:16, Rom 5:8. history of doctrine shows quite clearly are following Jesus, we would direct our that those who have attempted to There are many references in the New prayers to “our Father in heaven”, organise the system of theology around praying “in Jesus’ name”. Testament to the love of Christ: Mark the person of Christ, regardless of their 10:21, John 11:5, 13:1, 13:23, Rom The Love of God good intentions, have tended to slight 8:35, 8:39, 2 Cor 5:14, Gal 2:20, Eph other vital truths and to drift into a Why have so many churches that 3:19, Eph 5:2, 5:25, 6:23, 1 Tim 1:14. superficial system. Their system is confess the Trinity, forsaken the Father I personally delight in the precious truth unstable and tends to gravitate in their practice? which assures me of Christ’s personal downward, relinquishing one doctrine and intimate love for me: that “the Son I believe that, at least in part, it is after another until it becomes of God… loved me and gave Himself because, while we crave intimacy, we anthropocentric.” for me” (Gal 2:20) – I can never get have lost sight of the purpose of salvation over that. We see this happening today: “Jesus” being to bring us into an intimate becomes more and more just a personal relationship with the Father, as well as But equally, I find great comfort in the friend. As a result, worship loses a sense with the Son. Instead we have focused loving relationship I have with God my of the true wonder that is God and solely on intimacy with the Son – or a Father, and the many references to that: becomes increasingly man-centred. watered-down, man-centred version of John 3:16, 14:21, 14:23, 16:27, Rom “Jesus”. This leads to unbiblical views 5:5, 5:8, 8:39, 2 Cor 13:11, 13:14, Eph Ken Stebbins is a retired minister in the of God, notably: 2:4, 6:23, 2 Thes 2:16, 3:5, Titus 3:4, 1 Presbyterian Reformed Church.

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SUMMER 2018/19 15 Iran’s church is growing fast, but Christians are the first to suffer in times of trouble.

Barnabas Fund Iran’s courageous Christians

ran’s Christian converts face hanged. He refused an offer from police Iran’s support of Shia governments and persecution, prison and potential to escape death by recanting his faith. groups across the Middle East, including Iexecution. The country’s hard-line Converts cannot meet openly and police in Iraq and Syria, and concern over a Islamic leadership has tried to repress often raid house churches, confiscating possible future Iranian nuclear the convert Church. But since the Christian literature. In October 2016, program, has brought condemnation founding of the Islamic Republic in three converts were sentenced to 80 from President Trump’s administration. 1979, Christianity has grown remarkably lashes for taking communion. Still In August 2018, the US announced among Farsi-speaking Muslims who considered Muslims under Iranian law, increased economic sanctions against form the majority of the Iranian their partaking of communion wine Iran, which have already driven up food population. Hundreds of thousands breached laws forbidding Muslims to prices. This likely to mean severe have turned to Christ through the consume alcohol. Christians are hardship for the population and also brave witness of ordinary Iranian frequently detained on political charges lead to greater harassment of Christians and God’s sovereign work. and can face torture while in jail. Christians. In Iraq in the 1990s, under Now, there is a looming threat of Christ stated His Kingdom is not of this similar circumstances, Muslims blamed humanitarian catastrophe, as US-imposed world (John 18:36). But the long-held their Christian neighbours for Western economic sanctions come into force. perception of the historically Christian governments’ imposition of UN Iranian Christians, viewed by their West as the enemy of Iran causes sanctions on Saddam Hussein’s regime. significant problems for Iranian government as probable agents of the Christianity has a 2000-year history in Christians. In 1979, mass protests led supposedly “Christian” West, are likely Iran, which has the fastest growing to the overthrow of the Western-backed to come under even greater pressure. church in the Muslim world today. But government in Iran. The revolution put now there is a potential humanitarian The convert Church numbers an in power a clique of Islamic leaders who crisis, as tightened US sanctions put a estimated 350,000. Iran also has vowed to fight Western “imperialism” and stranglehold on the country’s already historic Assyrian and Armenian- efforts to control the country’s natural speaking Christian communities, resources. Iran officially became an shattered economy. Iran’s Christians established in Persia since the first Islamic theocracy under sharia law. need our prayers and support. In these century. They are permitted to meet Animosity to the West extends to times of deepening internal hostility openly and have representatives in Christianity, which is viewed by and economic uncertainty, Christians parliament, while Farsi-speaking authorities as a malign, foreign influence . may be first in the firing line if Iran’s converts from Islam potentially face the In June 2018, 12 converts from Bushehr Islamic leaders decide to strike back death penalty as apostates, under the city were each sentenced to one year in against the West. Iranian sharia (Islamic) law. The only prison. The sentencing judge stated You can support Barnabas Fund’s work execution of a Christian for apostasy in they were guilty of “propaganda against with Iranian Christians by giving to the modern times was in 1990, when 43- the state” and “inclination to the land Iran General Fund, ref. 19-940. With the year-old pastor Hossein Soodmand was of Christianity”. deteriorating situation in Iran, we plan to increase our aid considerably, although “The long-held perception of the historically for security reasons we are unable to Christian West as the enemy of Iran publicise details of such projects. causes significant problems for Iranian The Barnabas Fund is a charity advocating for persecuted Christians. Christians.” www.barnabasfund.org.au

16 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU God’s people A treasure belong to Him as surely as His power for eternity and wisdom. Daryn Graham

s Jesus was teaching in the But what belongs to God? The answer is Jesus continued speaking, He said, temple in the lead up to His found in the Bible. In the Old Testament , “I have other sheep that are not of this A crucifixion, certain spies were wisdom and power are said to belong to sheep pen. I must bring them also. sent by His Pharisee enemies to ask the God (Gen. 40:8; Job 12:13), as well as They too will listen to my voice, and Lord a loaded question: “Is it right for strength, insight, dominion and awe there will be one flock and one us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” If (Job 12:16; 25:2). In the Psalms, King shepherd” (John 10:16). Jesus said yes then he risked offending David also said that all kings, including According to Jesus, then, we belong to the Jews who despised Roman rule, but himself, belong to God, as do the God, and Jesus always intended to be if he said no he would risk defying the heavens (Ps 47:9; 115:16). But in the our one, true, good shepherd to Romans themselves. New Testament, something new is said shepherd us throughout our lives. We But what Jesus did next showed that he to belong to God: His Church. In John belong to God just as much as wisdom could not be trapped by human beings 10: 1-18, Jesus describes Himself as the and power and all of God’s other unwillingly. In reply, Jesus asked for a “good shepherd” who knows His sheep attributes belong to God! What is also denarius. Then he asked the spies, “Whose and whose sheep know Him “just as the really exciting is that as part of God’s image and inscription are on it?” Father knows Me and I know the Father universal Church we mean the world to “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then Jesus said, – and I lay down My life for the sheep” Him too. But whereas the riches and “Then give back to Caesar what is (John 10:14-15). wealth of the vast Roman Empire Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Although Jesus preached about Himself belonged to Tiberius Caesar at one The spies were astounded by this answer primarily among the Jews of His day, point, God’s possessions in his Church and, according to Luke’s Gospel, “they rank as God’s treasures for all eternity. became silent” (Matt 22:15-22; Mk Jesus’ status as the good shepherd applies 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26). globally, for all time, including for those Daryn Graham is a member of Hawkesbury What was so astounding about Jesus’ of us living in Australia and beyond. As District Presbyterian Church, NSW. reply and why did it shock the spies into silence? The answer is that Jesus’ words &216,'(5,1*& 2 1 6 , ' ( 5 , 1 *  were no cute witticisms. In Roman times , 77+(2/2*,&$/678'<+ ( 2 / 2 * , & $ / 6 7 8 ' < an emperor’s face could only appear on a %87$/5($'<+$9($% 8 7 $ / 5 ( $ ' < + $ 9 ( $ coin by that emperor’s command. In fact, ))8//6&+('8/("8 / /  6 & + ( ' 8 / ( " Roman currency was so tightly monopolised and regulated by the emperor that Roman coins were the (SXLI(SXLI property of the emperor, or the “Caesar”. In other words, the coins of Tiberius %78'MR%78'MR Caesar, who was the Roman emperor from AD14 to AD37 and who ruled  during Jesus’ own ministry, were in fact the property of Tiberius himself. In a 7KH$FDGHPLF6WXGLHVLQ7KHRORJ\&HUWLILFDWH7KH$FDGHPLF 6WXGLHVLQ 7KHRORJ\&HUWLI very real sense, then, the denarius that *RDW\RXURZQSDFHDQGHQMR\WKHIOH[LELOLW\RI*RDW \RXU RZQ SDFH DQG HQMR\ WKH IOH[LE  Jesus was given did belong to that OHDUQLQJRQOLQHIURPKRPHOHDUQLQJRQOLQHIURP KRPH Caesar. Jesus was telling these spies that 2QFDPSXVVKRUWFRXUVHVDOVRDYDLODEOH2QFDPSXV VKRUW FRXUVHVDOVR DYDLODEOH the coin they gave him to look at was  owned by Tiberius anyway, so just give it )LQGRXWPRUH)LQGRXW PRUH back to him in tax. As for God, we should give back to Him what truly 33  ((LQIR#SWFHGXDXLQIR#SWFHGXDX :: SWFHGXDXSWFHGXDX belongs to Him.

SUMMER 2018/19 17 How God wrought Heroic marvellous works through missionaJohnr anid Pehyllis s Mercer

Philip Mercer

ohn and Phyllis Mercer served with Rose River or Numbulwar in August the tribe through word and deed, music CMS in the remote mission station 1952. For that entire time, they had to and song. Contact with the outside Jof Numbulwar, on the Gulf of content themselves with a monthly world was through a monthly visit from Carpentaria, during the 1950s and mail delivery to keep in contact. a supply boat, bringing visitors, ’60s. Both John and Phyllis were born groceries and mail delivery. Construction The very fact of John’s taking on such into non-churched families: John was of the airstrip was an early priority, with an assignment was in itself a work of the eldest of eight born to Scots who most of the tribe involved, achieving the grace. John had been struck down with migrated to Australia between the wars feat without earth-moving equipment, polio as a boy, resulting in severely and settled in North Ryde; and Phyllis using the genius of Aboriginal bush deformed feet and ankles, requiring was the second of two children born craft and plain hard work. multiple operations and surgical boots into a painter’s household in Armadale, to enable him to be able to walk again. While John was pressing on to finish Victoria. Their childhoods coincided Conscious that this affliction may limit the airstrip, which was vital to enable with the Great Depression, and the his usefulness on the mission field, John medical aircraft to visit the station, austerity of the period called for thrift imagined being given home assignment Phyllis gave birth to their first-born and enterprise. or a desk job. But one day in chapel, a son, Paul, in Darwin in May of 1954. While a student at high school, attending visiting speaker preached on the text of Three weeks later, John finally got to an ISCF camp at Berwick in May 1946 , Psalm 147:10-11. “His pleasure is not meet his son when mother and baby were among the first plane-load of Phyllis came to saving faith in Jesus. in the strength of a horse, nor His passengers to land on the newly built Straight away, she joined the local delight in the legs of a man; the Lord airstrip. It was quite some Presbyterian Church and soon was delights in those who fear Him, who homecoming, with the entire tribe teaching a Sunday School class of eight put their hope in His unfailing love.” lining the runway to greet the arrival of and nine-year-old boys. Immediately every restriction or the first plane and to meet the first limitation to service was abandoned. At a similar time, John Mercer had come white baby any of them had ever seen. to saving faith through the witness of On his first furlough, John and Phyllis Over the next 10 years, John and work colleagues on the factory floor, were married at St. Anne’s Anglican Phyllis laboured fruitfully among the discipled under the ministry of the Rev Church Ryde in 1953. The ceremony Nunggubuyu people of Numbulwar, Donald Begbie, and was led to enroll as doubled as a commissioning of them then as superintendent of the mission a candidate at Melbourne Bible both for missionary service. Preparations at Groote Eylandt. A special friendship Institute. John was appointed to for their first two-year deployment to developed between John and Mardi, Armadale Presbyterian Church for Numbulwar involved shopping for the chief of the tribe. Through cyclones practical training during his course at groceries that had to last them six and medical emergencies, the Mercers Bible College and began teaching a months. Their first home was a sparse devoted themselves to a group of Sunday School class of 11 and 12-year- and rudimentary house built by John people who had until recently been old boys, right alongside Phyllis. A from largely locally milled timber that nomadic and under the dark power of friendship formed and a courtship had no electricity or hot running water. witch doctors and evil spirits. The ensued, leading to engagement in 1951. Phyllis’s first responsibility was to Aboriginal people were overjoyed to The next two years, almost the entire establish a school for Aboriginal hear the message of the good Spirit and time of their engagement, were spent children under the shade of a wattle to be freed of their animistic past. John apart with Phyllis completing her teacher tree, with an easel blackboard, and the was even made an honorary elder of the training in Melbourne while John spent children sitting on the sand, until a tribe. We might well exclaim: “What his first 18-month deployment at Roper school-house could be constructed. God has wrought!” River Mission, before being sent to begin They also ran a daily medical clinic and Philip Mercer is minister at Camberwell a pioneering work further up the gulf at dispensary, and ministered the gospel to Presbyterian Church, Vic.

18 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU A humbling but Raising powerful lesson for a Sunday the dead School teacher Madeleine Turner

eaching Sunday School to a that people’s salvation ultimately power of the Holy Spirit changes a bunch of five-year olds can be a depends on us and our power, our person’s heart, no method of Thumbling experience. I found appeal, our intelligence and our evangelism will be effective in bringing this out one Sunday morning when I expertise. We try and do the work of about salvation. And until we are was abruptly interrupted mid-way God apart from the power of God. utterly convinced of this truth – that it through a dramatic re-telling of Jesus is God who raises the dead to life – There are several reasons why we might raising Lazarus from the dead. I’d spent then we will always be tempted to be tempted to do this. But I suspect the hours in lesson preparation. I had depend on man-made and man-centred main reason is that we do not take almost every gimmick at my disposal: evangelistic strategies for conversion. seriously enough the sovereignty of puppets, costumes, character voices and God in the work of salvation, and the Understanding this truth makes our job colourful visual aids. I was feeling sinfulness of humanity. Jesus said, “No as ambassadors much easier. When we confident. Until one of the children one comes to the Father unless He share the gospel, we can be confident sighed heavily and said, “This is so enables them (John 6:65). “Without that we have the Holy Spirit to help us. boring, I want to die!” Then another the grace of God no one can ever So if you feel a deep inadequacy when chimed in, “We already know this story . become a true Christian. Why? Because it comes to personal evangelism, be Can we just get to the craft activity?” before we come to faith in Christ we encouraged! But also be challenged to Shocked and mortified, I wasn’t sure are “dead in [our] transgressions and consider whether you are taking on whether to laugh or cry! This was not sin” (Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:19). more responsibility than God intended. the response I had anticipated. I had The reason we need a Saviour is not Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace (wrongly) assumed that with enough simply because we need to be forgiven you have been saved, through faith – preparation, enthusiasm and for our sin, but because by nature we and this is not from yourselves, it is the persuasiveness, my gospel presentation are spiritually dead (Rom. 5:12). We are gift of God – not by works, so that no could stir these kids’ hearts towards alienated from God (Eph. 2:12), hostile one can boast.” God initiates everything repentance! to God (Rom. 8:7-8), cursed and in salvation. And He designed it this way But God showed me something condemned by God’s law (Gal. 3:10; so that He gets the glory . Not us. Our job important that day. He alone has the Rom. 2:3) ignorant of God’s love and is not to save sinners. Our job is to plant power to change people’s hearts. I’d spiritual realities (1 Cor. 2:14) and and water seeds – to proclaim the missed the point of my own lesson: completely incapable of seeking, loving gospel as clearly, prayerfully, graciously, only God can raise the dead to life. and pleasing God (Rom. 3:11; 8:8). and persuasively as possible. God’s job is to make things grow (1 Cor. 3:6,7). When proclaiming the gospel, it is We are helpless to change our tempting to make it all about us and circumstances and fully dependent on Madeleine Turner attends Ashfield our ability. We can convince ourselves God for new life. Unless the convicting Presbyterian Church.

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SUMMER 2018/19 19 Books

Travelling the World as I found myself wishing I had read a book Sayers argues that as cultural and social Citizens of Heaven like this before I first travelled overseas borders are moved, reimagined or made in 1964 at the age of 19. Its advice is porous, we see escalating confusion and Stephen Liggins also worth applying in our daily conflict, which increase social chaos. Matthias Media journeys with God at home. So I While globalisation may have brought 2017 recommend this book especially certain economic benefits, it has also to youth leaders and to young disrupted cultural boundaries increasing Christine Bradbeer Christians about to travel overseas the sense of dislocation, resulting in Travelling the World for the first time independently of social and personal unease and anxiety. as Citizens of parents and older siblings. At the Sayers then introduces us to the Heaven is a must- same time it is a good refresher increasing appeal of non-places that are read for just about course for golden oldies/grey characterised by a light approach to any believer with a nomads like the Bradbeers. It’s relationships. Non-places are supposed passport, says Bill available as an e-book so take it to be places where you have no history, Salier, Principal, with you, wherever you travel. relationships or identity, places you can Youthworks College, Sydney, Australia Christine Bradbeer, a retired teacher, attends frequent that do not demand anything on the website of Matthias Press. from you. These are places to go to in Blackburn Presbyterian Church, Vic. Stephen Liggins’ love of travel is order to retreat or to hide from the evident on almost every page of this Strange Days chaos (which he characterises book, as is his love of God’s word and Life in the Spirit as the tension between the Word made flesh. expectations and reality). The in a Time of mecca of non-places is, of I found myself saying “yea and amen” Upheaval. course, the internet where we to his accounts of reunions with family Mark Sayers flock, fleeing the pressures of and friends in other places, encounters an increasingly diffused culture with fellow travellers, and his experience Moody with ever-changing borders and of being awestruck by the beauty and Publishers, 2017 devoid of a consistent narrative. diversity of this world. His advice, Darren Middleton gently but firmly given, evoked similar Sayers views the cultural chaos responses: “How might we assess, or re- Strange Days is a through the spiritual realm, assess our plans in the light of God’s big terrific book noting how Satan seeks to picture plans for His creation?” “We offering an marshal us into the non-places. shouldn’t use travel as a means of insightful analysis of culture by Sounding a similar warning to avoidance.” “Being overseas increased Melbourne pastor and writer Mark James K.A. Smith, Sayers argues that my appreciation for what I had at home, Sayers. Sayers’ basic premise is that non-places are assumed to be neutral I also learned, in a new and deeper way, humans are not just social but religious places of hiding, but are in fact places where secular liturgies of human that Sydney is not the world.” beings which means that all social flourishing are played out. It is a very practical book, including architecture is shaped by concerns for The reader is challenged to see that several checklists, all wisely ending with purity, borders and sacrifice. Jesus calls us to flourish within gospel “Expect that you will be tempted to do The fundamental physics of socio- boundaries with a shared identity and none of the things suggested in this religious architecture means borders all the attending commitments. Sayers checklist. Don’t let sin ruin your time serve the purpose of telling us the uses the lens of an ongoing exile, with abroad – or your life”. tolerable and intolerable persons, all of its hardships and limitations, Topics include Know what you believe; objects and behaviour. Purity is the which reminds us that our flourishing Know why you believe it; Live like you sacred centre of any society and a sort can only be realised within the believe it; Going solo or with a friend; of flourishing or utopia that dictates boundaries of Christ and community. Female travellers; Group tours; The pace what makes a person, place or thing This exile lens counters the anti-gospel of travel; Travelling on the cheap or in pure or safe. Sacrifices are the practices of personal freedom and fulfilment luxury; Health and safety; Travel light; that defend the borders against anyone proclaimed by our pervasive Do some research; Keeping in contact. or anything that attacks or is impure. achievement culture.

20 AP LIKE US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/APMAGONLINE Thus, for Sayers, the answer is to see man obsessed with the beauty of Christ and the band Jesus Culture. At times ourselves in exile living life in the crucified and focused relentlessly on the the number of people supposed to be Spirit, in a world of flesh. To some salvation of sinners through the simple involved is staggering. In 2008, a extent, at certain points, Sayers feels a but powerful preaching of the Word of meeting in Florida, called the Lakeland bit more like Rod Dreher than James God, even as he suffers through Outpouring, “drew in 400,000 people K.A. Smith but is very readable and depression and poor physical health. over the course of three months”. There very helpful. are catchy phrases, such as “What I People considering reading this book confess, I possess”. There is the bizarre. Darren Middleton is minister of North will probably fit into one of two camps: Bill Johnson says, “feathers started Geelong Presbyterian Church, Vic. perhaps you are familiar with some or appearing and falling in meetings… all of Spurgeon’s work, or perhaps you you know… signs that make you Spurgeon on are yet to be properly acquainted wonder… We’ve had gold dust appear the Christian with the Prince of Preachers. on people’s hands for years.” Life To the first, I think you will find The book has seven chapters with titles Michael Reeves this book, as Michael Haykin such as “Master Manipulation” and says in his endorsement, “a Crossway, “Doctrinal Deception”. Chapter 2 gives tremendous draft of refreshment Illinois, 2018. brief biographies of those who have from deep Spurgeonic wells – just been instrumental in the Pentecostal Tom Eglinton what is needed in our day.” To the movement over the past 100 years, second, you may find yourself In the including their moral and theological “chanting with Helmut Thielicke, introduction to sins. The final chapter is entitled “True ‘Sell all that you have and buy this new Healing” and the authors say, “God’s Spurgeon!’ ”. addition to the power is ingrained in the gospel message Theologians on the Christian Life Either way, I was encouraged by this and cannot be presented as anything series, Michael Reeves states that he book, Jesus was lifted up in my else… Even when saved, many will wants to “let Spurgeon speak and thoughts, and I was left desiring to remain in humble circumstances... Yet, minister to readers directly”. I think he serve God more, live a more lively, Heaven will be full of eternal blessings achieves that end. Throughout the joyous life and know nothing but for all who’ve come thirsty.” The book, I felt that I was meeting “the Christ crucified in my thoughts, words appendix includes what is essentially a man himself, so fizzing with life” and and deeds. defence of the Cessationist position. was struck by the “relentless Christ- Tom Eglinton is the manager of Yet the book does not tar all charismatics centeredness of his theology and Reformers Bookshop, Sydney. and Pentecostals with the same brush. preaching”. Defining Deception It speaks more favourably of John Packed with quotations from Wimber who finally dismissed the Spurgeon’s works, Reeves’ book presents Costi W. Hinn Toronto Airport Church from the Spurgeon’s thoughts on the key themes and Anthony G. Vineyard Association of Churches of Christian doctrine and life, all with a Wood for “insane behaviours” (including very practical bent. Southern false prophecies, barking like dogs, and acting drunk). Nevertheless, He was a man who believed that “we California Costi’s assessment of his uncle is are begotten by the word of God: it is Seminary blunt. He “is no anointed prophet; the instrumental means of regeneration. Press, 2018. nor should he be considered a man Therefore, love your Bibles. Keep close Graham Barnes of God. He is a false teacher who to your Bibles”. He wished the students needs to turn from his ways.” of the Pastors’ College to be like the The surname Puritans; “men of equal learning and of one of the The danger is always that “the best grace, sound scholars, but much more authors, Costi lies are those that contain a kernel of sound divines, men of culture, but even Hinn, is truth”. In this case, error begins not more decidedly men of God”. enough to make anyone take so much with rejecting God’s Word, notice of this book. Costi Hinn is the but adding to revelation and twisting He desired to preach Christ (and only nephew of Benny Hinn, yet much of Scriptures from their meaning. This Christ) clearly and beautifully, as an the book focuses on Bill Johnson as a leads to a distorted view of God, the ambassador for Christ embodying the more contemporary example of a person of Christ and ourselves. Among text preaching in a “Christly manner”. Hinn-type “mystical-miracle” worker. Benny Hinn’s heresies is calling himself The great object of his preaching was Some of the terms may be unfamiliar to “Benny Jehovah”! We need to “rightly “not the revision of opinions, but the readers, such as Third Wave, New handle the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). regeneration of natures”. Apostolic Reformation, Kingdom Now Graham Barnes ministers at Walcha theology, Dominionism, Four Square The Spurgeon you will meet is a joyful Presbyterian Church, NSW

SUMMER 2018/19 21 Hope Beyond Cure de-Christianisation in sport, Stephen The Whole Christ David McDonald, Larkham, the assistant coach of the Sinclair Ferguson Wallabies, has commended it. We may Matthias Media, 2017 not all have terminal cancer, but we are Wheaton: all terminal. Crossway, Peter Barnes 2016. It is not Peter Barnes is editor of AP Peter Barnes uncommon I Shall Not Die, But Live that pastors Despite Sinclair Douglas Taylor, have to Ferguson’s first minister to Banner of Truth, 2016. suggestion that people with this book be Peter Barnes cancer, but entitled David The title of Marrow of McDonald this book Modern is one comes from Divines , it is pastor – Psalm not really a history of the Marrow married with four 118:17, but controversy of early 18th century children – who went from being the occasion Scotland, but a treatment of legalism, cancer-free to being diagnosed with from the antinomianism and assurance, using incurable cancer in less than two weeks. author’s the Marrow controversy as a starting Inside a month he lost so much energy liver cancer point. that even to carry on a conversation was which beyond him. On one occasion he was On February 12, 1717, the finally took sitting and listening to his neighbours Auchterarder presbytery questioned his life in 2014. As Douglas Taylor playing badminton over the fence, and, William Craig as a candidate for the prepared for death, he also sought to hearing their laughter and teasing, he ministry. He was asked to adhere to the help others prepare for the last enemy. began to sob. People tried to encourage creed: “I believe that it is not sound The result was a blog, “Works Worth him, even by saying that they knew and orthodox to teach that we forsake everything would be all right and that Declaring” which now appear in sin in order to our coming to Christ, he would be healed. There is nothing abbreviated form as the 247 blogs put and instating us in covenant with quite so discouraging as lame hope. together to make up this book. There is God.” Craig hesitated, with some good nothing trite or superficial about this reason, and that triggered off a dispute McDonald comments: “I couldn’t make work. It feeds the mind and the which in one sense still continues. The sense of anything in those first weeks emotions in every way. great Thomas Boston favoured the and months.” Life whirled about him: Auchterarder creed, although he “I know cancer and I know God.” Yet Taylor commented in March 2013 that conceded that it was not well-worded. this book is not a How to Cope with the worst sufferings were not physical Cancer and Beat It book. It is not but struggles partly associated with the The creed was meant to protect gospel about Hope of a Cure, as wonderful as effects of drugs and partly with the invitations from the impression that a that would be, but Hope Beyond Cure unbelief still resident in the old Adam. sinner had to prepare himself in order – resurrection hope. As McDonald says: Great comfort is drawn from the to come to Christ. We do not make “Death is not God’s final statement.” wonderful lines of Charles Wesley: “My ourselves better and then come to And, “It’s liberating to know that being heart is full of Christ, and longs,/ Its Christ; we come to Christ to be at peace with God has nothing to do with glorious matter to declare!” The forgiven and to be made better. Those what I do for Him. It’s all about what meditations here draw on Scripture, who had qualms about the creed He’s already done for me in Jesus.” and the best of commentators, thought it could be read in an confessions, and hymn writers. Taylor antinomian way – one could simply In all his struggles, it is God’s Word died on June 2, and his last blog – not trust in Christ as Saviour and continue which sustains McDonald, and so, for known to be such at the time – in sin. Granted that there was as much example, he expresses his thanks to a appeared on 8 May when he cited: “So heat as light, the Marrow controversy friend who sent him a message from the he bringeth them unto their desired nevertheless raises some vital issues for Psalms: “Power belongs to you, God, haven” (Ps.107:30). the presentation of the gospel and the and with you, Lord, is unfailing love” nature of saving faith. (Ps.62:11-12). This is short enough to All pastors, one would assume, spend give to a cancer patient who still has some time in reading works such as this To Sinclair Ferguson, antinomianism enough energy to do some reading, or one, but I have read very few that are as (“no law”) advocates and legalists (those could take its being read to him or her. moving, as powerful, as deep, and as who try to be their own saviours) are Yet there is also solid meat here. It is comforting. The time to read it is now, not opposites but non-identical twins. good to note that in these days of before the shadows fall. He makes a compelling case for viewing

22 AP SUBSCRIBE FOR YOUR OWN FREE COPY AT AP.ORG.AU the two that way. In the end, The circumstances (a command in the New just one simple task to do at the end of Whole Christ is a measured and biblical Testament)? How do we “rejoice in the each chapter; all are very achievable and presentation of the issues raised in the Lord always? And again I say, Rejoice”? help the reader practically understand original Marrow controversy. Union (Phil 4:4). how to enjoy God more. with Christ – the whole Christ – is the Tim Chester has done the church a This book helped me understand more key to making our way through some great service by giving us a book on this of what it means to commune with of the competing claims and assertions very topic. In Enjoying God, Tim God and enjoy Him throughout that we meet in today’s fragmented beautifully presents a picture of what it everyday life. More than that, it evangelical world. looks like to enjoy God in changed how I live – it changed my Enjoying God everyday life. It is not primarily perspective. I will be returning to this Tim Chester about enjoying God during the book, giving it to many people and Sunday worship – it is about recommending it to even more. And I’ll The Good Book enjoying God during the start that now – I recommend that you Company, Monday train ride or the Tuesday read Enjoying God . London, 2018 nappy change. Many of these books are available Tom Eglington Most of us live in the everyday. at Reformers Bookshop, phone: The Westminster We commute, work, look after (02) 9564 3555 web: reformers.org.au Catechism kids, sin, suffer, get rained on (it question 1 asks will make sense if you read the ‘What is man’s book). Tim gets this and takes great Read and download chief end?’ The efforts to describe how we can sixteen years of AP answer is “to glorify God and enjoy enjoy God in this everyday life. free of charge at Him forever”. We often speak about He has a very mundane everyday story ap.org.au the “glorify God” bit but we can miss that keeps popping up throughout the the “… and enjoy Him forever”. Click the Past Issues book which helps the reader see what button and enjoy! What does it look like to enjoy God? enjoying God might look like on a How do we have joy in all typical Monday. He gives the reader

GOD IS BY MARK JONES This book aims to help us study and understand the attributes of God so that we delight in and love Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. Each chapter explains one attribute, shows how it is most clearly manifested in Christ, and provides practical application for the Christian life. “Written in the tradition of J.I. Packer’s Knowing God, Jones’s work is an extremely helpful and needful primer on our great God and his all-beautiful character. Highly recommended as a tool for personal devotion or group study.” -- Michael A. G. Haykin [$19.99 HARDCOVER]

SUMMER 2018/19 23 e

h LAST WORD An unexpected t danger

Family and friends provide both solace and risk Peter Barnes

wo of the most wonderful Yet this can all be distorted in a fallen between us.” In reality, Steel had sought , consolations in a sin-sick and world – as we have already seen – and with some hiccoughs, to witness to the Tdecayed world are friendship not only in that we as husbands, wives, authority of Scripture at all times, while and family. The only thing that was children and friends fail to be what we Cosh was a committed liberal who declared not to be good before the Fall ought to be. The distortion can be more rejoiced in biblical criticism. was that man would be alone subtle than outright lying, fighting, or Something similar was seen in 1914 (Gen.2:18). Hence the vast majority of unfaithfulness. In dealing with friends when James Orr, who had written for people were designed for marriage, or with family, it is all too common for The Fundamentals , recommended although remaining single for the sake people to be either too hard or too soft. Samuel Angus to the Presbyterian of God’s kingdom can be equally Our judgment is easily distorted. Church of New South Wales in the worthwhile (Matt. 19:12). At Gibeah in Benjamin there occurred following terms: “I know from himself Psalm 68:6 says that “God sets the a dreadful outrage when the concubine and his writings that his theological solitary (or the lonely, NIV) in a home of a Levite was gang-raped and standpoint is that of evangelical (ESV) or in families (NKJV, NIV)”. murdered (Judges 19). To exact Christianity in his acceptance of the Two are better than one because if one revenge, the less than sensitive Levite great cardinal doctrines of the Divinity falls, the other can lift him up (Eccles. cut up her body and sent it throughout of Christ, the Incarnation and the 4:9-12). To isolate oneself and to seek the twelve tribes of Israel in order to Atonement.” Admittedly, Angus was one’s own desire is to break out against rally them to punish the vile offenders. not as theologically deviant then as he all sound judgment (Prov.18:1). One of Matters became worse when the tribe became in the 1920s, but already his the images that the Bible uses to of Benjamin refused to give up the doctrinal beliefs contradicted the describe the redeemed people of Christ perpetrators from Gibeah (Judg. 20:13) commendation of Orr. The two men is that of the bride (e.g. Rev.21:1; 22:17). and even went to war against their were friends, and this clouded Orr’s fellow Israelites. As a result, the tribe of Many companions may prove useless in judgment. Benjamin was almost wiped out. the day of trouble, while one friend will However, our concern is why the tribe The distortion can also go the other provide us with welcome support (Prov. of Benjamin rallied around the thugs of way, especially in families. We can 18:24). When Paul was deserted and Gibeah. Clearly, it was a form of demand a level of sanctification from left alone at his first defence, he was misguided tribalism, of defending the family members which may well be pained indeed, although not bitter (2 indefensible simply because there was a unfair, and which, at any rate, we do Tim.4:16). How comforted was David shared connection. It is a case of my not demand of our circle of friends. in all his troubles by the self-sacrificing team, right or wrong – or my country, The solution to this problem would friendship of Jonathan (1 Sam.18 and or my denomination, or my friends or appear to lie in the notion of “loving in 20)! There are those who like being my family. Christ”. For example, Jesus declares: around the prodigal while he has plenty “Whoever loves father or mother more of money to spend on the good times Such a response can be illustrated again than Me is not worthy of Me, and (Prov. 18:6-7; Luke 15:13-16), but that and again throughout history. As Robert whoever loves son or daughter more only lasts as long as the cash and splash. Steel lay dying in October 1893 he called than Me is not worthy of Me” In contrast, a true friend’s counsel is for his ministerial colleague, James Cosh, (Matt.10:37). Only in Christ can we sweet even when it hurts (Prov. 27:6, telling him, not altogether accurately: view anything clearly, including friends 9). Derek Kidner has good reason to “You and I, dear brother, have been long and family. comment that true friendship is both associated together in many things; and “reassuring and bracing”. there has never been any difference Peter Barnes is editor of AP.