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for APC News ‗The APC News‘ is published 6 times per year on the The APC News is published A Very Sad Day first weekend of the second month 6 times per year, beginning with the January/February issue. The cost is January/February £10 per year including postage March/April May/June ATURDAY 23 MAY 2009, smallness of the majority brought Note for Congregations July/August will go down in ecclesiastical fears of a split in the Church, so a September/October S history as a very sad day for commission has been set-up to Each congregation must contribute a November/December Scotland. It was the day that our discuss the issue of same-sex minimum of £240 per annum towards national Church of Scotland relationships. So, the main the APC News Fund as arranged with Copy deadline dates are the officially voted in favour of concern in the Church of Scotland the treasurer Mr Donald M Fraser. This 1st day of the 1st month proceeding to induct a practising seems to have been, Is it worth is to be considered as a donation towards (eg for May/June magazine, homosexual minister, into one of splitting the Church on this issue? the sustaining of the magazine. last copy date, 1st May) Congregations can, if they so wish, their charges. But such a consideration begs At the General Assembly of the the question, ‗Should we consider charge for their own distribution of the All the views expressed in this magazine, or give them away free. magazine are not necessary those of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh, the consequences of a vote in Cheques should be made out to editor or the denomination. objections to the induction of the preference to the rightness or ‘APC News’ The articles are meant to stimulate and Revd Scott Rennie were overruled. wrongness of a matter?‘ Surely and sent to the address below. provoke a serious study of Holy Mr Rennie, a divorced father of Christians are called to leave Scripture. All articles not attributed to an Please state if acknowledgement of one child, made it a condition of consequences in the hands of God? donation is required. author are by the editor. his acceptance of a call to the Surely when it comes to morality Articles can be sent by email (preferable), Queen‘s Cross Parish Church in and spiritual issues, we must judge Mr D M Fraser, or on CD in Microsoft Word. Aberdeen, that he be allowed to each matter on the rightness or Publications Treasurer, Clearly printed manuscripts, double ‘Stratharris’, spaced in one column is also acceptable. move into the manse with his male wrongness per se of that issue and Daviot, by Inverness, IV2 5XQ Photographs can be sent partner. The appeal to prevent the not be concerned about what may Telephone 01463-772253 by post or by e-mail in .jpeg format. induction was overturned. ensue as a result? Email: Even sixty years ago, this ruling The Church of Scotland have There is no copyright on any of the [email protected] articles that do not bear the author‘s would have been considered as an decided to ban further same-sex name, and such articles may therefore impossibility. But such has been ordinations for two years, in order
Name...... be reprinted, with or without credit. the deterioration of the spiritual to give it more thought and have Other articles may require the and moral condition of Scotland discussions on the matter. But Address...... permission of the authors. that it has happened. It is almost have they not been discussing it ...... Editor: unbelievable, that in Scotland, for years? What more is there to Revd Donald C Macaskill ...... once known as the ‗Land of the hear than what we have already 238 Arbroath Road, Dundee DD4 7SB Bible‘, the land of Knox and the heard regarding the rights or Postcode...... ……..... Tel 01382 451798 Covenanters, the national Church wrongs of homosexuality? Tel No...... ……….. E-mail: would vote in such a way. The question must also be [email protected] Email…………………………………. The voting was 326 against the asked, ‗What is the basis for a appeal and 267 for the appeal. The Church‘s understanding of truth
The APC News No 135 [24] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [1] May/June 2009 and righteousness? Is it not the Christians. However, some Holy Scriptures? Is the Bible not situations demand it. We believe the ‗bottom line‘ for an end to all Saturday 23 May 2009 was such discussions? Referring and an occasion. Shadrach, Meshach What’s that Tune? swearing by God‘s Word is surely and Abednego stood up and were “an end to all strife” [Heb 6:16]? counted. Daniel stood up and was Some of the supporters against counted. They were under threat ( A Melody Index of Sol-fa Tunes) the appeal, stated on television of not only losing their high that they had a different positions in the land, but also their interpretation of the Bible‘s lives! teaching on homosexuality. They We read recently about the stated that the Bible taught love ‗arguments of sin‘. We can begin to and compassion for all kinds of wonder about a sin, and if we look How often have you heard a tune but you don‘t know its people. We agree that God‘s Word long enough and hard enough, and name? How often have you scratched your head in a vain ef- welcomes all kinds of sinners, but like Eve studying the fruit, we will fort to find the answer? Help is at hand from Ebenezer Publi- it does not approve of their sin. find reasons for doubting its cations, thanks to Dr Donald Boyd, with this new and unique We welcome, and some of us demerit and ultimately decide in index which lists Sol-fa tunes. A beginner, as well as a sea- have entertained gays in order to favour of the sin. Reasoning with soned singer, can use it to find the name of an unknown tune show God‘s compassion and love, Satan is never a good idea. from the first line of the melody. Once the name is known, the and to demonstrate that we ought We thank God for those who whole tune can be consulted in any standard Psalmody book. not to discriminate against sinners did their best to stand up for of any kind. Christ and His Word at the This melody index fills a significant gap in the market. It is a But it is one thing to welcome Assembly, and pray that they handy pocket-sized 64 page booklet which, as well as finding homosexuals into our meetings would be led and guided regarding tunes, includes a useful Precentor‘s Quick Reference Guide for and to entertain them with their future ministries. There will prompting one‘s memory. kindness, it is another thing to no doubt be difficult times ahead make those who practise for them in the practical It indexes the common Psalters which have appeared during homosexuality, and declare there outworking of this decision. the past eighty years – from the Church of Scotland, the Free is nothing wrong with it, members God is patient and longsuffer- Church of Scotland and the Reformed Presbyterian Church of and office-bearers of Christ‘s ing—especially with His covenant Ireland. In one set of covers, with a clear font, Dr Boyd has Body, the Church! The office- people. Israel departed again and collated in 40 pages most tunes which are likely to be sung to bearers of the Church are to again from Him, yet He returned declare the teachings of Scripture in mercy and grace. But it was The Scottish Psalter. as Divine Truth. always after repentance. We pray Both the Old and New for national repentance. The author states his aim in publishing this new resource is to Testaments clearly condemn We must not presume on God‘s contribute to the honour of God‘s praise in its suitable expres- homosexuality. Why is it necessary grace, for Israel did finally lose sion through divine Psalmody. It is certainly a labour of love to have more time discussing their privilege of being the and satisfies the need to easily identify vocal Psalmody music. something very clearly condemned covenant people of God. The New in Scripture? testament Church now fulfilling It is available from the author: Dr Donald Boyd, Ebenezer, We know how hard it is to that role “For if God did not spare Westhill, Inverness, IV2 5JY or [email protected]. ‗stand up and be counted‘, against the natural branches, neither will The cost is £2.50 +p&p. a majority of professing he spare you” [Rom 11:21]. Ω
The APC News No 135 [2] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [23] May/June 2009 Do Not Take for Granted... Bob Gass tells how some people and their work never gets noticed. He Our Spiritual Roots relates the story of the husband who came home from work to find his house in a complete mess. The baby was crying, there were dishes piled up in the sink and dirty laundry on the floor. The TV was blaring, beds THIS IS THE THIRD article in a series of ‗Our Spiritual Roots‘. In this weren‘t made, carpets weren‘t vacuumed and dinner wasn‘t ready. When issue Wayne Pearce writes about the Doctrine of Predestination, one of he demanded to know what was up. His wife said ‗You know how you the foundation teachings of the Reformation. always ask what I‘ve being doing all day? Well, today I didn‘t do it‘. How easy it is to take people and their work for granted—especially the Spiritual Roots 3 – same relish and zeal that work of a housewife and mother! Just as we never miss the water until the The Reformation and the characterised the reformers. well runs dry, so we never miss some people‘s contribution to life until Doctrine of Predestination It is still widely believed both they are removed. Solomon in Proverbs says: “a good wife is from the within and out with the church Lord” [19:14]. An excellent wife “is far more precious than jewels” [31:10], O Thou that in the Heavens does dwell Wha, as it pleases best Thysel, that this doctrine actually “If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out” [20:20], Sends ane to Heaven an ten to Hell originated in the thought and ―a foolish man despises his mother” [15:20]. A‟ for Thy glory, teaching of John Calvin. However, And no for onie guid or ill it did not originate with Calvin. They‟ve done before Thee! Nor did it come from Martin APC FINANCES SO RUNS THE opening stanza of Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, Zacharias Robert Burn‘s famous poem ‗Holy Ursinus, Thomas Cranmer, John The following should have been included with the Summary Financial Willie‘s Prayer‘. Scotland‘s Knox or any of the other great Statements in the March/April APC News: national bard was certainly no leaders of the Protestant Note: the accumulated funds of £14,523 at 31/12/08 include £8,514 theologian, and his dubious Reformation, although they all which is restricted to use by the Ministry Training Fund, with general morals compel one to question steadfastly proclaimed, adhered to reserves of only £6,009. whether he was a believer. But this and defended this awe-inspiring poem which is an astute critique of truth. And it is my contention in Pharisaic hypocrisy within the this article that we would do well Readers will see from the summary of accounts for the year ended church of Burn‘s day was quoted to to learn from their Theo-centric 31 December 2008 that we had only a very small surplus for the me some time back as a riposte to and God-glorifying example. year, and our closing unrestricted funds were not sufficient to cover the Biblical and hence Reformed Nor did it originate with even one month’s expenses. doctrine of predestination. Augustine, the 5th century Our largest cost is the ministers’ salaries, and we try to increase It is probably true to say that theologian and bishop, as some are these annually in April. We have done this in faith, but really, to the doctrine of predestination is believe. Although he, like the maintain this, we need an increase in congregational contributions more than any other doctrine reformers, boldly defended it in to Central Funds. The ministers’ salaries are relatively low as it is, associated with the Reformed opposition to the teaching of being, for instance, less than two-thirds of a Church of Scotland Faith in the popular imagination. Pelagius and others who sought to minister’s stipend. Sadly however it appears spread the falsehood that man‘s Ministry Training Fund: At the recent meeting of Presbytery, it was reactionary and repellent to nearly salvation is not due to the sovereign grace of God but is decided to re-commence twice-yearly congregational collections for all outside the Reformed constituency. And it may be for within the grasp and power of man this Fund - in the Spring and in the Autumn. this reason that few within the himself. Travelling Expenses: The recommended rate for pulpit supply Reformed Church unapologetically No! The doctrine of predest- travelling expenses is a minimum of 30p per mile. proclaim this truth today with the ination originated with God who KM
The APC News No 135 [22] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [3] May/June 2009 alone revealed it to His church in by which he has determined in and through the word of truth himself, what would have to Letter which is the Holy Scriptures of the become of every individual of Old and New Testaments. It is on mankind. For they are not all to the this basis that George Whitefield, created with a similar destiny; but the celebrated 18th century eternal life is foreordained for General Assembly itinerant preacher whose labours some, and eternal damnation for were so mightily blessed by God others. Every man, therefore, of the both in Britain and in America, in being created for one or other of a letter to John Wesley explained these ends, we say he is Church of Scotland why he believed and upheld the predestined either to life or to doctrine of election and death‘ (Ins.III, xxi, 5). predestination. He stated, ‗Alas, I While the world seeks to “To: The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. never read anything that Calvin classify people by gender, class, The Associated Presbyterian Churches‟ General Assembly met at wrote; my doctrines I had from ability, wealth, ethnicity or Inverness on 13th May 2009 convey our prayerful concern regarding Christ and His Apostles; I was nationality, the Bible is unequiv- the present publicity and debate regarding human sexuality. taught them of God.‘ ocal in teaching that there is in Our prayer for you is that there will be a God-honouring outcome, reality only two classifications of for the good of our land and the churches in it. Predestination defined person. These are the saved and We pray that historic Christianity as defined by the Holy Spirit in Let us therefore acknowledge that the unsaved, the believer and the the whole of Scripture will prevail against those influences which the word predestination is used in unbeliever, the sheep and the threaten the gospel and the fabric of our families and society.” the Bible specifically to denote goats, the wheat and the tares! God‘s decision, made in eternity And such correspond to the elect past within the supreme council of and the reprobate. the Godhead, regarding the final destiny of each person. The prefix Predestination is Biblical pre refers to the decision made in While many professing Christians the past – in eternity past to be vociferously object and refuse to precise, and destination refers to accept this teaching and are the individual destinies of all men. notoriously scathing and hostile Building a bridge between the church in Scotland and Within the word predestination towards the Reformed Faith on is encapsulated both the doctrine account of this doctrine, we must persecuted Christians across the globe of election – that is the free gift to nevertheless understand that Find out more or invite a speaker by individual sinners of salvation and Calvin‘s observation which is eternal life in Jesus Christ to the elucidated in the Westminster contacting us at: glory of God‘s grace, and the Confession of Faith simply reflects reprobation or the passing over of the clear and plain teaching of the BOX 9937, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, others to damnation who will word of God! We are specifically HS1 9AA justly be punished for their sin to told in the Bible that salvation “is the glory of God‘s justice. Calvin not of him that willeth, nor of him Tel 01851 700931, lucidly and succinctly explains it that runneth, but of God that Email:[email protected] this way. He writes ‗Predestination sheweth mercy” [Rom 9:16]. In or visit us online at: steadfastglobal.org we call the eternal decree of God, other words, it is neither on
The APC News No 135 [4] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [21] May/June 2009 account of our faith nor our works work of God. He is the Author, PRESBYTERY that God saves but merely of His Worker and Finisher of the
grace. And to those who would salvation of His elect. dare to question the sovereignty of God in predestination, God says: Predestination must be Reporting Back “O man, who art thou that repliest taught against God? Shall the thing It was on this basis that the formed say to him that formed it, reformers made clear that the Why hast thou made me thus? awesome doctrine of predesti- HE SCOTTISH There has been a good response to Hath not the potter power over nation must be preached and PRESBYTERY met on the requests for help for John Ross‘ the clay, of the same lump to taught within the confines of the T afternoon of 13th May, work in Edinburgh, but further make one vessel unto honour, and church to magnify God‘s grace and followed by the annual Assembly financial support is needed. another unto dishonour? What if give Him the glory that is due to that same evening. Arrangements are in hand for the God, willing to shew his wrath, Him alone and for the edification, The bulk of the presbytery‘s annual Conference (5th September) and to make his power known, comfort and assurance of the time was taken up with the Trials and youth camp (10th till 15th endured with much longsuffering saints. The Westminster for Licence of Philip Ross. Philip August). the vessels of wrath fitted to Confession rightly declares: ‗The acquitted himself well in all the At the evening Assembly the destruction: And that he might doctrine of this high mystery of exercises, which included Old and retiring Moderator preached a make known the riches of his predestination is to be handled New Testament work, preaching, challenging sermon, and delegates glory on the vessels of mercy, with special prudence and care, and a Paper on a theological of other denominations spoke. which he had afore prepared unto that men, attending the will of God subject. He was duly licensed as a There was also an address on glory” [Rom 9:20-3]. revealed in his Word, and yielding preacher of the gospel, and is now behalf of the Highland Theological In the Acts of the Apostles we obedience thereunto, may, from a probationer available for a call to College, now under the guidance are explicitly told that “as many as the certainty of their effectual a pastoral charge or to do mission of a new Principal. were ordained to eternal life vocation, be assured of their work. A letter was sent to the General believed” [Acts 13:48]. Only those eternal election‘ (III, vii). Items of correspondence Assembly of the Church of who were ordained to eternal life Theodore de Beza rightly included: an invitation to take part Scotland, in connection with its believed. Only those appointed to cautioned in his A briefe in discussions designed to bring a much-publicised debate on eternal life were effectually called declaration of the Table of theological perspective to public matters of human sexuality—see to life, light and salvation in Christ Predestination that ‗we speak no issues, a suggestion for internship the Letter on next page. through His gospel. God‘s Word further herein than God‘s Word with APC ministers, and matters We are thankful for the Lord‘s categorically declares, “For whom doth limit us: and that we set forth relating to the Canadian blessing, not least in his provision he did foreknow (meaning fore- the same thing which the Scripture Presbytery. of gifted people to do the work of loved), he also did predestinate to teacheth accordingly and to Matters to do with the the gospel. But, like every be conformed to the image of his edification.‘ Similarly John Knox Edinburgh congregation were denomination, we are totally Son, that he might be the firstborn while agreeing with his contemp- discussed, along with work in dependent on the work of God and among many brethren. Moreover oraries and successors that care Caithness and the north coast. so need constant prayer. whom he did predestinate, them must be taken in handling this he also called: and whom he doctrine nevertheless was ―...SOME MEN ARE SO FAR GONE IN PRIDE, that when they might have an called, them he also justified: and adamant that it was essential and equal assistant to further the work of God, they had rather take all the burden upon themselves, though more than they can bear, than that anyone should share whom he justified, them he also foundational to our understanding with them in the honour, or that their interest in the esteem of the people should glorified” [Rom 8:29-30]. of the doctrines of God, man and be diminished.‖ Richard Baxter in ‗The Reformed Pastor‘ Salvation is from start to finish the salvation. He wrote: ‗Some do
The APC News No 135 [20] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [5] May/June 2009 think that because the reason of articulates five reasons why this is This alone can deliver you, and You may have doubts about man cannot attain to the so: (1) For without it we cannot your hearers, from the religious yourself and your fallible understanding, how God shall be form just and becoming ideas of boredom of the average Christian limitations, but there is no room just, making in his counsel this God. Thus, unless He certainly life. for doubts about God and his diversity of mankind, that foreknows and foreknew from Hear afresh, for your revelation in the Bible. The grace therefore better it were to keep everlasting all things that should encouragement in ministry, and proclaimed is to effect deliver- silence in all such mysteries, than come to pass, His understanding for the calling of young men for ances for the hearers, and so to to trouble the brains and minds of would not be infinite, and a Deity the Lord‘s work, the instruction “display the manifold wisdom of men with curious disputation. I of limited understanding is no of Jesus that we pray to the Lord God” [v10]. God‘s workmanship is willingly confess, that all curiosity Deity at all. of the harvest that he send out colourful, so every ‗sinner saved‘ ought to be avoided, and that with (2) He alone is entitled to the workers. That is where conviction is unique, a distinct and personal great sobriety we ought to name of true God who governs all and courage come from – knowing testimony. Every providence is so contemplate and behold that things, and without whose will that God has sent you! It was ordered so as to display God‘s love incomprehensible mystery of our (either efficient or permissive) John Calvin who said, ‗Every time and grace toward his people. All redemption. But yet I say, that the nothing is or can be done. And the Gospel is preached it is as heaven will declare it. doctrine of God‘s eternal such is the God of the Scriptures, if God himself has come to So, as you persevere in the Predestination is so necessary to against whose will not a sparrow summon us.‘ When last did you work of the Gospel, do not lose the Church of God, that without can die nor an hair fall from our have such precious awareness of heart v13. Although your efforts the same can Faith neither be truly heads (Matt. 10.) Now what is divine authority as you stand are imperfect, the Master‘s work is taught, neither surely established; predestination but the determin- before men for God? perfect, and he will present his man can never be brought to true ing will of God? The preacher has an amazing people without blemish. Your humility and knowledge of (3) Nor can we rationally message to deliver, the ‗unsearch- persevering work is not in vain in himself; neither yet can he be conceive of an independent, all- able riches of Christ‘. Here is the Lord. ravished in admiration of God‘s perfect first cause without allowing doctrine, dogmatic statements The sower who goes forth and eternal goodness, and so moved to Him to be unchangeable in His about God, His Son, purposes, grieves praise him as appertaineth.‘ purposes. His decrees and His promises and power. There are To see such barren ground Predestination, the reformers essence coincide, consequently a non-negotiables in the work of the Shall carry home his golden rightly remind us, is the eternal change in those would infer an gospel-minister. It was GK sheaves, and unquenchable spring from alteration in this. Chesterton who said that ‗we While songs of joy resound. which all of God‘s grace and (4) Without predestination to suffer today from humility in the (Psalm 126) blessing originate and flow. plan, and without providence to wrong place‘. Calum MacInnes put that plan in execution, what Predestination essential to becomes of God's omnipotence? It our understanding the vanishes into air. It becomes a Preach to Secure Attention sovereignty of God mere nonentity. For what sort of ―...MAKE THE PEOPLE FEEL that they have an interest in what we The reformers were passionate in omnipotence is that which may be [preachers] are saying to them. I have heard of some very strange things, their conviction that the doctrine baffled and defeated by the very but I never did hear of a person going to sleep while a will was being read of predestination is essential creatures it has made? Very in which he expected a legacy; neither have I heard of a prisoner going to therefore to our understanding of different is the idea of this sleep while the judge was summing up, and his life was hanging in the sovereignty of God. Consider attribute suggested by the jeopardy. Self-interest quickens attention. Preach upon practical themes, the following rationale posited by Psalmist, "Whatsoever the Lord pressing, personal matters and you will secure an earnest hearing‖ Jerome Zanchius in his famous willed, that did He, in heaven and Spurgeon in ‗Lectures to my Students‘ work Absolute Predestination. He in earth, in the sea and in all deep
The APC News No 135 [6] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [19] May/June 2009 own boss. is so described in 1Timothy 3:16 as places" [Psalm 135:6], i.e., He not Reformed doctrine of predestin- The preacher sent by God is a great mystery. The response of only made them when He would, ation. under strict orders and is Jesus to Peter‘s confession of faith, but orders them when made. answerable to him. In Luke 16:2, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of (5) He alone is the true God, Predestination is essential to Jesus illustrates that point when the living God, confirms that it is according to Scripture represent- our understanding the true he speaks about the man who can neither human effort nor innate ation, who saves by His mere gospel no longer be a steward, because he ability that brings a person to mercy and voluntary grace those If we neglect, reject or fail to has not been faithful to his recognise Jesus. It is the Father in whom He hath chosen, and proclaim predestination and master. Heaven who reveals it. righteously condemns (for their election the reformers were It is a point well-worth Here , in this instance Paul is sins) those whom He thought fit to insistent then we are failing to remembering by preachers, God telling the Ephesian Christians pass by. But without predestin- preach and teach the full-orbed will call you to give account of your that they, as non-Jews, were ation there could be no such thing gospel. Indeed they would go stewardship. You can grasp brought, in the grace of God, to be either as sovereign mercy or further and say that we are something of the solemnity in the part of the family and household of voluntary grace. For, after all, actually failing to preach the true words of Ezekiel 3:18, ―his blood God in the world. what is predestination but His gospel. Again, we would do well to will I require at your hand”. The So Paul tells them that the decree to save some of His mere heed the prudent advice of steward was entrusted with a stewardship of grace given to him goodness, and to condemn others Zanchius who notes that ‗The precious deposit, as is the Gospel was “for them”. The privilege in His just judgement? Gospel is to be preached, and that minister. God places his treasure granted to Paul was not merely for Now it is most evident that the not partially and piece-meal, but in vessels of clay. In the words his own benefit, but that he would Scripture doctrine of pre- the whole of it. of Martyn Lloyd Jones, referring be the bearer of good news from determination is the clearest The commission runs, ―Go to the work of preaching, “this is God to his hearers. The focus of mirror wherein to see and forth and preach the Gospel;” the the highest, the greatest, and the his ministry was to be the glory of contemplate these essential Gospel itself, even all the Gospel, most glorious calling.‖ God in the salvation of others. The attributes of God. Here they all without exception or limitation. So The stewardship concerns a preacher is to be a man with a shine forth in their fullness of far as the Gospel is maimed or any mystery, which is not some heart of compassion, not someone harmony and lustre.‘ branch of the evangelical system is nebulous, indefinable idea. The whose own interests come before Beza similarly justifiably suppressed and passed over in mystery is something that cannot the needs of those to whom God cautions us that to deny this truth silence, so far the Gospel is not be known except as God reveals would have him preach the is no minor matter. He writes ‗we preached. Besides, there is scarce it. Culture, education, and every Gospel. cannot think that anything any other distinguishing doctrine other attempt by human ingenuity The ultimate example of service happeneth contrary to God‘s will, of the Gospel can be preached, in cannot give us an understanding of is Jesus, who saw the people as except we deny blasphemously its purity and consistency, without this mystery. The mystery is sheep without a shepherd, was that he is omnipotent and this of predestination. twofold, as it first concerns Jesus moved with compassion for them, almighty.‘ Election is the golden thread Christ‘s coming into the world, and seeing the people of We must therefore conclude that runs through the whole and based on his work as Saviour, Jerusalem, he wept over them. that those who reject the Biblical Christian system; it is the leaven a sinner being brought to be at When last did you weep in your and Reformed doctrine of that pervades the whole lump.‘ He peace with God and made part of ministry? You have a gospel to predestination are erroneously further adds: ‗Now the doctrine of the ‗body‘, of which Christ is the preach, the message of Jesus robbing God of His sovereignty in predestination batters down this Head. Christ, who is ‗to become your creation, providence and delusive Babel of free-will and So, there is God‘s revelation of daily wonder, your recurring redemption. We must avoid this merit. It teaches us that, if we do himself in the Incarnation. God astonishment, and the continual grave error by believing and indeed will and desire to lay hold was manifest in the flesh, and this amazement of love and grace‘. proclaiming the Biblical and on Christ and salvation by Him,
The APC News No 135 [18] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [7] May/June 2009
this will and desire are the effect of among evangelicals today even in God‘s secret purpose and effectual Scotland where the Biblical and From the Moderator’s Desk operation, for He it is who Reformed Faith once shone so worketh in us both to will and to bright. We must not however do of His own good pleasure, that follow popular opinion or majority he that glorieth should glory in the thinking but instead we must The Stewardship of Lord.‘ continue to embrace and Regardless of the label that is disseminate the plain teaching of used to identify opponents of the word of God and uphold our God’s Grace [Ephesians 3:2] sovereign grace, whether Pelagian, Confessional standards and Universalist, semi-Pelagian or Reformed heritage for this is not Revd Dr Malcolm MacInnes Arminian such believe and teach an unimportant issue as many are that salvation is synergistic rather apt to conclude. than monergystic. They believe Instead the reformers were Below is a shortened version of Mr MacInnes‘ Assembly that it is a question of God and surely correct in their estimation sermon given at Kingsview, Inverness on 13 May 2009 man co-operating in man‘s that those who oppose the Biblical salvation. They believe that God and Reformed doctrine of has done all things requisite for predestination are in fact HIS IS HOW Paul describes not Paul‘s concern here. Paul the salvation of every man and preaching a different gospel which his gospel ministry. He was would have been aware of the that it is down to man as to is no gospel at all. For such people T a man of powerful intellect appointment of deacons to care for whether he is saved or not. This mistakenly believe that man is and deep passion. He was the material activities of the however is not the teaching of the capable of earning his salvation dogmatic in his doctrine, and hot Christian community, and he Bible. through self-wrought faith, and/or in his pursuit to advance the valued the gifts sent to support How can those who are dead in meritorious works such as honour of Jesus Christ. himself and others, but he was their trespasses and sins choose to religious observances, keeping the It was his personal spiritual acutely aware of what the apostles believe and live without God first law, doing penances or good involvement with Jesus Christ that said on that occasion, recorded in regenerating them and granting to deeds. This heresy was earnestly made Paul‘s life count for God in Acts 6, ―we will devote ourselves them the gift of faith? Thus the refuted and rejected by the the world. He had no crisis to prayer and to the ministry of great Scottish reformer John Knox Reformers. Luther‘s Bondage of of identity; he was not confused the word”. That was Paul‘s writes, ‗Faith springeth from the Will, for example, over doctrine or Christian conviction, and that is why he Election, so is it established by the comprehensively disproved the living. He knew God‘s gift for his could write with focused true knowledge of that doctrine synergistic notions articulated by personal benefit, and God‘s gift to conviction to the Corinthians that only, which this day is most Erasmus which was and remains him for others. Paul recognised his purpose was single, to preach furiously oppugned [opposed] by the official position of the Church God‘s grace to him for his to them Jesus Christ crucified. those who do not understand the of Rome. salvation, and the grace given to That is his concern here in same.‘ Beza adds: ‗It is most In a similar way the Five Points him so that he would minister to writing to the Ephesians. It is the evident, that they which teach that of Calvinism formulated by the other people. “mystery of grace” in all its man‘s salvation either in part or most able and learned Reformed What is the stewardship of richness. Why does he speak wholly dependeth and is grounded divines from across Europe at the God‘s grace given to the preacher? of ‗the stewardship‘? The word in works, destroy the foundation of Synod of Dort in 1618 in This verse is often used to refer to refers to house-management, the Gospel of God.‘ opposition to the Remonstrance the financial aspects of church-life, responsibilities and accountability, And yet tragically the Arminian presented by the followers of as if it was confined to the practise in keeping with the rules of the error has become the popular view Arminius who opposed the Biblical of tithing and offerings. But that is master of the house. Paul is not his
The APC News No 135 [8] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [17] May/June 2009 We look forward to our annual In Inverness, we have doctrine of unconditional election ‗is the mother of all virtue, so it is barbecue which we hope to have continued the Reviews of Revival, as well as man‘s total depravity, also the root of all godliness. … on the 3 July at the manse. At the and these have helped us hold on limited atonement or particular none other doctrine maketh man time of writing we also look to hope of better days. Many of us redemption, irresistible grace and careful to obey God according to forward to hearing John are in effect saying, ‗Lord, please perseverance of the saints upheld his commandment, but that Blanchard, the well-known do it again‟. Steve Taylor reviewed the true gospel to the glory of God doctrine only which so spoileth apologist, speak on ‗Where is God the Skye Revivals, and I conclude alone. We must continue to do man of all power and virtue, that When Things Go Wrong‘. One of that what was happening then was likewise. no portion of his salvation John‘s books is named ‗Does God „of and from another world‟. consisteth within himself; to the Believe in Atheists?‘ and is In the congregation, there has Predestination necessary for end that the whole praise of our published by Evangelical Press. been a collection of items for the true humility redemption may be referred to John was to speak a year ago but Orphanage Club. This was Mrs A. The doctrine of predestination is Christ Jesus alone; whom the had to cancel his tour because of Martin‘s final collection. She and also necessary for the promotion Father, of very love, hath given to his wife‘s ill health. the late Mrs Elma Macpherson of true humility throughout the death for the deliverance of his Please continue to pray for formed the Orphanage Club many visible church. For it ought to body, which is the Church, to the God‘s blessing on our ministry years ago, and Mrs Martin enable us to understand who and which He was appointed Head here in Dundee. continued the work after Elma had what we are in the flesh. It helps before the beginning of all times.‘ passed away. A token of us to see and to understand that The doctrine of predestination appreciation was given to we were, and remain, altogether ought not only breed humility in DINGWALL/INVERNESS Mrs Martin on the evening of her unworthy and undeserving of us but gratitude, love and joy as final collection. God‘s sovereign grace, love and well. To feel that some days better than The Orphanage Club will be mercy and that we can only love others is neither contrary to faith carried on under the management Him because He first loved us who The chief opponent of the nor to experience. We live in what of a new Committee, for which we were at enmity with Him. doctrine of predestination is the Bible would call an evil day. In are thankful. The Lunch Club This ought to humble us. For the Devil Egypt there arose a king who did continues, as do the many other when we have grasped that there It was for this reason that Knox not know Joseph, and that meant activities - the Mums & Tots, the are none righteous not even one determinedly defended the increased trouble for the Israelites Youth Club, the Creche, the and that we would never have doctrine of predestination against in the land. regular Sunday school Classes, the repented and believed on Christ its adversaries in the mid- Britain is suffering from bad distribution of The King‘s View had God not worked in to enable sixteenth century. leadership on an unprecedented magazine, the preaching of the us to do so then we have no cause He noted: ‗Satan ever from the scale, in almost every area of Gospel and prayer times. for self-adulation and gratification. beginning hath declared himself life. Britain, once exalted, is None of these will bear spiritual This doctrine reinforces the enemy to the free grace and falling fast. The business world, fruit apart from the work of God, awesome truth that we are saved undeserved love of God, so hath he the parliamentary system, and the the Holy Spirit. That is not a note only on account of the fact that we now in these last and most corrupt church have all evidently of despair, but of hope and are recipients of sovereign grace days most furiously raged against failed. The preacher, believing the certainty that when God works the which we continue to be that doctrine, which attributeth all Word of God, has the best message work will bear his stamp on it. dependent and reliant upon now praise and glory of our redemption to deliver, but he has to deliver in We enjoyed the ministry of Rev and always. On this basis Knox to the eternal love and undeserved a ‗dark day‘ – a day when even A McPhail at the Lord‘s Supper writes, ‗from that same doctrine grace of God alone. By what means Christians can be gripped with toward the end of April, when a [predestination/election] floweth Satan first drew mankind from the apathy. new name was added to the the very matter of true humility.‘ obedience of God, the Scripture membership roll by certificate. Ω Humility he wisely tells his readers doeth witness: to wit, by pouring
The APC News No 135 [16] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [9] May/June 2009 into their hearts that poison, that to have us doubt or cast aspersions If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus infinite grace, God did not love them; and by on the authenticity and complete ‗tis now. If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, affirming, that by transgression of trustworthiness of the word of ‗tis now. I love Thee because Thou hast God‘s commandment they might God. NB Services: Lord‘s Day 11.30 first loved me, attain to felicity and joy; so that he and 5.00; Wednesday 7.30 Ladies and purchased my pardon on caused them to seek life where Predestination a cordial to Bible Study (during school term) Calvary‘s tree; God had pronounced death to be. comfort the saints Thursday 10.30. All welcome. I love Thee for wearing the This same practice hath Satan ever John Ross thorns on Thy brow, from the beginning used, to infect Knox not only endeavoured to [email protected] If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus the Church with all kinds of refute those who ill-advisedly and ‗tis now. heresies; as the writings of Moses, misguidedly sought to mock and of the Prophets, of the Apostles, attack the doctrine of Dear Jesus, I love thee, for DUNDEE and of the godlie in the primitive predestination but he also calming the storm, Church, do plainly witness. But laboured with a true pastor‘s heart For miracles given morn after We had a very nice communion alas! To such blasphemies did to instil comfort, confidence and morn, with Revd Archie McPhail taking never the Devil draw mankind as assurance in the saints. For loving the lepers and all the services. We feel the now of late days, in the which no He wrote that ‗there is no way speaking the truth, ministry of the Word was a small number are become so bold, more proper to build and establish Yes Jesus, I loved thee, and love blessing to us all. so impudent, and so irreverent, faith, than when we hear and thee right now. Sadly the Lord‘s Supper is not that openly they fear not to affirm undoubtedly do believe that our viewed today as it ought to be—it God to be unjust, if that He in his Election (which the Spirit of God I‘ll love Thee in life, and love is a means of increase of grace to eternal counsel hath Elected more doth seal in our hearts) consisteth thee in death, the believer, and therefore ought of one sort of men than another, to not in ourselves, but in the eternal And praise Thee as long as to used for the individual‘s life everlasting in Christ Jesus our and immutable good pleasure of Thou lendest me breath; personal growth in Christ. The Lord.‘ God. And that in such firmitie that And say, when the death-dew bread and the wine are symbols of The reformers admonition is no it can not be overthrown, neither lies cold on my brow: Christ‘s body and blood sacrificed less apposite for our own day. We by the raging storms of the world, If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, for us, but is only of effect if it is ought to be aware that the greatest nor by the assaults of Satan; ‗tis now. administered with the reading of enemy of the doctrine of predestin neither yet by the wavering and the Word and with prayer, else it In mansions of glory and -ation and sovereign grace is the weakness of our own flesh. Then remains simple bread and wine. endless delight, Evil One himself. Satan will use only is our salvation in assurance, There are still those who I‘ll ever adore Thee and dwell in every ounce of cunning and deceit when we find the cause of the neglect this important sacrament, Thy sight; to lead man away from God and same in the bosom and counsel of but they do so to their own hurt I‘ll sing with the glittering His word onto the path of self- God.‘ and loss. Christ has instituted this crown on my brow; reliance and self-confidence which As we are wonderfully taught in ordinance for the benefit of His If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, terminates in self-righteousness Romans 8, each and every people. Its design is to strengthen, ‗tis now. and tragically in self-condemn- Christian‘s salvation is safe and not weaken the faith of His people. ation. Satan will forever whisper in secure in Him who has known and We are pleased to have a young Then millions and millions of our ears, ‗did God really say‘ or loved His elect from eternity past couple come most Sundays to saints up above, ‗trust in your own ability; trust in and who will be with them to His worship with us since our Easter Will never stop singing of Thy the wisdom and ways of your eternal praise and glory for all services. We ask for prayer that endless love. fellow man.‘ He will continuously eternity to come. To Him alone be they would come to know Jesus My Jesus, I love Thee, for seek with all his craft and cunning the glory. Ω Christ as the Lord of their lives.
The APC News No 135 [10] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [15] May/June 2009 worker for the KLM parish. Louise God has sent us excellent helpers is comparatively young, and an in the church and in the shop. May enthusiastic Christian with God be glorified. The fact remains Through Evil Report experience as a youth worker though that we are in a very needy among other things. She is area doing what we believe is a employed by the Church of very important work so we could TELEVISION programme the past life of this young convert Scotland. It will take time and do with yet more help. Obviously recently showed the to Christ, and reveal his previous perseverance for Louise to gain the there are innumerable places near A excellent work of three way of life. It has also now known confidence of families in the area; and far needing helpers, isn‘t it Christian groups in Dundee. The that the head of that television please pray that doors would open good to know that every place, programme was ‗The Secret channel‘s religious programmes is for her and the gospel, and that every person and every need is Millionaire‘, where a millionaire anti-Christian. Please pray for this she would know God‘s power and known to, ―The Lord of the secretly joins a group engaged in young Christian who is so enthusi- grace strengthening her in this harvest.‖ charitable work, with the intention astic about serving the Lord. very challenging work. There were We continue to hear new of donating large sums of money - This incident shows the power fifty people at the service and not stories of how God has brought if the millionaire is impressed with and freedom that journalists and only was it comfortable but ―still children from non Christian the project. editors have in selecting and there was room.‖ families into touch with the gospel, The three groups provided omitting whatever their personal Later on today (time of writing) and these children have gone on meals, food, clothing, shopping preferences may be. we will DV have the first of our to follow and serve Christ for the and caring of every kind to the Media workers are the weekly Transformer meetings, the rest of their lives, and some of most vulnerable and poor in the formulators of public opinion, and meetings have been monthly. To them turned out to be outstanding city. The programme highlighted therefore have great responsibility change to weekly meetings is a workers for the Lord. The the diligent and sacrificial service in reporting accurately all relevant very big step, so pray that it would weakness of God is stronger than these voluntary workers provided facts without putting an ‗edge‘ or a prove to be a success in every way, man and the foolishness of God is and how they won the heart of the ‗spin‘ in one particular direction. and that we would all have the wiser than men. millionaire. Earnest prayer is needed for time and energy to keep it going More than ever we thank you However, no mention whatever honest journalism without any during the school term. for your interest, prayers and was made of the fact that all of prejudice. The cause of Christ has Blythswood are not only material support. All of these are a these groups were operated by suffered down through the years continuing to support us in this huge encouragement to us, may Christians from Churches in through “evil report” . The apostle work, but increasing their support we always seek to evermore Dundee and operated from a Paul experienced this unfairness more generously than we would humbly serve God. Christian perspective. when he wrote “as servants of God have dared to imagine. The following words of W.R. A few days after the we commend ourselves in every Door to door work is always Featherstone (1846-73) have been programme our Editor had a way...in afflictions, hardships, calling and we are never getting a great blessing to me and I pray personal conversation with one of calamities...through honor and anywhere near as much done as they will be a blessing to you. the leaders of these groups, and he dishonor, through slander and we would like to, so pray that we Verses 3 and 6 are an appreciative said that despite referring to Jesus praise. We are treated as would get more done and that we present day addition. Christ as the motivation behind impostors, and yet are true” [2 would get help with it. Pray that .My Jesus, I love thee, I know the work around 15 times in the Cor 6:4-8]. we really do make the most of the thou art mine, numerous interviews , each The people of God today will be friendly greetings we get on the For Thee all the pleasures of sin reference to Jesus Christ was asked to suffer from evil report door steps and also the not so I resign; edited out of the programme. and misrepresentation, just as our friendly ones. My gracious Redeemer, my Further, it seems that the Saviour and the people of God We have to put on record that Saviour art Thou, media are now going to report on down through the ages suffered. Ω
The APC News No 135 [14] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [11] May/June 2009 The Righteous & the Wicked F WE DO NOT GRASP that the Old Testament commands a right- Congregational News eousness that is really possible by faith in future grace we will simply I not be able to make sense out of hundreds of texts. For example, ‗the righteous‘ are contrasted with ‗the wicked‘ again and again. And the as- HARRIS some unchurched people may sumption is that ‗the righteous‘ are real people who live differently from attend. The general downturn in the wicked. “The wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in The congregation enjoyed the the economy is now beginning to the assembly of the righteous. For the Lord knows the way of the preaching of Revd Wayne Pearce have an effect on the island, and righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” [Psalm 1:5-6]. “Better over the communion at the end of there are still one or two in the is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many wicked. For April and also that of the congregation who are still looking the arms of the wicked will be broken; but the Lord sustains the right- Leverburgh Free Church minister for employment and we would eous” [Psalm 37:16-17]. “All the horns of the wicked He will cut off, but Revd Rhuaridh Maclean. Please appreciate prayer that work may the horns of the righteous will be lifted up” Psalm 75:10]. continue to pray for the Harris be found on the island which The ‗righteous‘ are not sinless people. “There is no man who does not elder, Norman Macdonald in would prevent more young fathers sin” [2 Chro 6:36]. Rather as Psalm 32 shows, the ‗righteous‘ are those Bethesda Hospice in Stornoway. having to leave home and work on “whose sin is covered” and to whom the Lord “does not impute iniquity” Norman is receiving many visitors the mainland to provide an upkeep but “who trust in the Lord”, “confess [their] transgressions to the Lord”, and is relatively free of pain. The for their families. “offer prayer to God” , and yield to the Lord‘s commands. They hear Him situation in Harris needs much say, “Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, you righteous ones” [Psa 32]. prayer as it is an ageing It might be helpful to pause for a moment and let this sink in. When congregation and there are very EDINBURGH my sons do what I tell them to do—and do it with a spirit of gladness and few who profess Christ in the trust in my wisdom and care—I do not call their obedience “filthy rags” , congregation. The new Congrega- Pray for Jimmy MacKrell in the even if it is not perfect. Neither does God. All the more because He Him- tional Treasurer is Mr Finlay congregation, who received a very self “is working in us that which is pleasing in His sight” [Heb 13:21]. He Maclennan, 3 Seilabost, Isle of disappointing report from the does not call His own Spirit-wrought fruit, “rags”. But if my boys had Harris. Dr‘s. He was told that his cancer is cleaned their room—angry and pouting and slamming doors—I might call far more advanced than the Dr‘s that “filthy rags”. And so does God. External conformity without internal originally thought, although change brings down some of Jesus‘ harshest words (“whitewashed tombs” STORNOWAY previously they had done much Matthew 23:27). This difference should be a great encouragement that our investigation. Father in heaven is not impossible to please. In fact, like every person with The Fellowship Meetings on Lord's Very sadly, Jimmy is not fit to a very big heart and very high standards, He is easy to please and hard to Day evening continued throughout have any treatment and the Dr‘s satisfy. We would not want it otherwise. We want the smile of His happy the winter including several told him he has only a year to live. affection and the fierce sparkle in His eye that we can—and one day will Psalmody Practices and these are Pray for his wife Marion that she do, O so much better. .... helping to improve the standard of would know much of God‘s peace, It shouldn‘t be surprising then, that Hebrews 11 ascribes virtually all our praise. The congregation presence and comfort. May the the obedience of the Old Testament saints to the agency of faith in future hopes to have its May Communion whole family know God‘s help and grace. The author makes clear that faith is a future-oriented, promise- by the time this publication is blessing to the children‘s children. trusting assurance in God‘s care, when He says “Faith is the assurance of printed and also its Guest Service, On Sunday 29th March, there things hoped for” [v1], then He gives us examples to show that this faith in which, on this occasion, is entitled: was a very memorable service in future grace produced obedience. 'It's NOT the Economy, Stupid'. the shop, for the Commissioning John Piper in ‗Future Grace‘, page 152 This is advertised and we pray that of Louise Purdon a family support
The APC News No 135 [12] May/June 2009 The APC News No 135 [13] May/June 2009