IT IS OFTEN difficult to read news stories. The headlines are full of bad news and we quickly ape the world in how we react. Putting on rose-tinted spectacles, sticking our heads in the sand, or adopting a permanently gloomy outlook are not God-glorifying solutions. We must look at the news through the lens of the Gospel. This means recognising that mankind is more wicked than we could imagine but more loved by God than we could ever dream. The worst news should make us marvel that the perfect Son of God came to this broken world where he lived, died and rose again to redeem a people from amongst his enemies. Today he is alive, ruling and reigning for his glory and the good of his people. When the news breaks our hearts, we remember that he is coming back to bring perfect judgement. One of the aims of this magazine is to help you interact with news headlines in a God-glorifying way. At the start of the summer a young family from Trinity RPC made national headlines when Northern Ireland’s Equality Commission threatened their business with legal action for refusing to bake a gay marriage campaign cake. We’re grateful to Daniel and Amy McArthur for taking time to answer our questions. We hope you’ll draw encouragement from the positive, Christexalting attitude with which they’ve taken a biblical stand. When Muslims feature in headlines it is often in the context of Islamic fundamentalism but have you ever stopped to learn what your Muslim neighbour believes? In our cover article Raymond Blair introduces us to some basic principles of the Islamic faith and highlights their need to hear the good news of Christ’s certain salvation. Some of our readers will be starting University for the first time in the coming weeks. We hope you will particularly benefit from Richard McKelvey’s advice in this issue. There are also encouraging reports on Gartmore and Go Teams alongside the latest articles in the ‘Do Not Be Afraid’ and ‘Mental Health’ series. We hope you enjoy the issue.
The Messenger is the bi-monthly magazine of the Covenanter Youth, the young people’s association of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland. The subscription cost is £8/€10 per year (6 issues). Cheques made payable to the Messenger Magazine and sent to: Alistair Rolleston, 3 Hawthorn Close, Newtownards, BT23 8EU. Please visit our website for other payment and subscription options. You can contact the Messenger by email via subscriptions@messenger.rpc..org. All news items and articles must be with the committee by the first of the month prior to publication and be in accordance to the requested word count. Any reports of events, camps or go teams should be no longer than 350 words. The Editorial team reserve the right to alter the content and adjust the layout of all work submitted. S.D.G.
Abigail Nelson Alistair Rolleston Andrew Morrison Emma Dunwoody James McCullough Philip Aicken Stephen Steele
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When you meet someone for the first time there is usually a number of questions you ask. The most obvious of these are ‘What is your name?’, ‘What age are you?’ and ‘What do you do?’ When you ask the question ‘What do you do?’ we get a variety of responses. Some people are still at school; others are in further education at university or college; some are working in full-time or part-time jobs; others are unemployed, retired, or on maternity leave, a career break or sick leave from work. The reality is that the answer to the question ‘What do you do?’ provokes a variety of answers, answers that we shouldn’t be ashamed of or back down from giving. Jesus Christ has your life planned out for you from the beginning of time and this is where he wants you to be serving him at this point in your life. As the new academic year approaches and life returns to having some structure after the summer holidays, Paul’s words to the Colossians are important to remember, whatever sphere of work we are in: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving’. (Colossians 3 v 23-24). We can’t have a ‘whatever’ attitude towards our work because we are not serving earthly masters but a heavenly Master. We should be serving Christ in our work because what you do is for the Lord and the inheritance we will receive. Our work does not earn this inheritance but displays our gratitude to Jesus, who truly served his Father with all his heart and saved his people from their sins. Therefore, students, do your homework, coursework and assignments for the Lord. Full-time and part-time worker, do your work for the Lord. To the unemployed and retired individual – use this time to serve the Lord in the work you do in your home and especially in your church. Whatever task we do at home school or work or in the church, do it with all of your heart, remembering you are serving a heavenly Master.
How and when did Islam begin? Islam refers to the religion founded by Muhammed in Arabia in the 7th century. The word ‘Islam’ is derived from an Arabic verb meaning ‘to submit oneself’. A person who has submitted himself to the Islamic god is called a ‘Muslim’. Muslims claim to follow the true religion of all the prophets from Adam to Muhammed. Their founding prophet is held in the highest -
reverence by all devout Muslims; hence to speak against him is taken as a great offence. The sacred book of the Muslims is the Quran and is believed to have been revealed to Muhammed by the angel Gabriel during the last twentythree years of his life. As you will have heard no doubt from news reports, such is the reverence given to the Quran that to burn or otherwise ill-treat a copy of this
‘holy book’ is regarded as a great crime in Muslim countries. Are all Muslims the same? It is difficult to accurately summarise the beliefs of Muslims as there is quite a number of sects within Islam. It has two main divisions: Sunni and Shiah. Sunni Muslims are the global majority (almost 90%); Shiahs are in a majority only in Iran. The split into
Sunni and Shiah came about through a dispute over the leadership succession around twenty years after Muhammed’s death. In addition to this major split, the Shiahs themselves have divided into many different sects. There are also many Muslims who have wandered from a strict adherence to the religion whilst others have adopted a very extreme form of Islam. The latter tend to make the headlines but it is wrong to assume that all Muslims are religious extremists or potential terrorists. Responding to the Muslims you meet with a loving concern can make a big impact in a society in which they often meet only with coldness and suspicion. What do Muslims believe about salvation? Islam requires two main things of its followers. Firstly, there is ‘iman’ or faith. This involves confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart, ‘I believe that there is no Allah (god) but Allah and I testify that Mohammed is the Apostle of Allah.’ Secondly, there is ‘din’ or religion. The great majority of Muslims insist upon the fulfilment of five obligations, usually referred to as the five pillars of religion. These five pillars are confessing the faith, prayer, fasting, giving of alms and pilgrimage to Mecca. Great importance is attached to these duties by most Muslims for they believe that salvation is by ‘works’ such as these. Muslims are often filled with anxiety and fear about how well they are performing these works.
“ What do Muslims believe about Jesus? Though regarded as a holy prophet sent from Allah, the deity and atoning death of Jesus are firmly denied. Some interpreters of the Quran argue that Jesus did not die but that Allah allowed another man
to be crucified in his place. In common with most false religions, Islam has no time for a Saviour who dies on a cross in order to save sinners. Muslims believe that Jesus will come back to earth as a Muslim, will die and will then be buried near Muhammed. Some claim that at his second coming Jesus will kill all Jews, convert the Christians to Islam, and reign as the king over all Muslims.
How can I witness to a Muslim? Firstly, try to become better informed about Muslim beliefs. For a very good summary get your hands on ‘A Christian’s Pocket Guide to Islam’ by Patrick Sookhdeo. Alternatively, read some accounts of how Muslims have come to faith in
Jesus like the story of Bilquis Sheikh in ‘I Dared to Call Him Father.’ Secondly, try to encourage your Muslim friend to read the Bible (or at least one of the Gospels) for themselves so they will encounter the truth about Jesus. Pray that the Holy Spirit will thereby remove the veil from their eyes. Patrick Sookdheo asserts that most ‘are not won over by intellectual arguments which disprove the validity of Islam. Rather, they have a personal encounter with Christ’ in the New Testament. Thirdly, emphasise that salvation is by grace and not by works. Given that many Muslims feel anxious and oppressed by their vain efforts to achieve salvation by works, set before them the glorious liberty to be found in Christ. Muslims badly need to hear Jesus’ words to the religiously-oppressed Israelites, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11 v 28).
The Imam’s Daughter is written by Hannah Shah, a girl from a Muslim Pakistani family brought up in England. It is the story of her upbringing in our own nation, yet it is so far removed from any of the cultural norms that we are used to. If you want to gain better insight into the structure of a Muslim family and community in Britain, all written from the perspective of a girl who was brought up this way, this book is an excellent read. Her story is at times shocking, but also filled with God’s grace which ultimately leads to her to salvation through Jesus Christ. This girl risked death to escape from her home, her family and an arranged marriage and to proclaim her Christian faith, and it all happened right here, in the UK. Emma Dunwoody
Find out about churches and Christian Union (CU) before you go. Lots of CUs have pre-term activities in September before the term starts. This is a great chance to get to know other Christians at your campus and maybe even on your course. Prepare by taking time to think about your faith and be certain of what you believe. University life can pose many big questions and also opportunities to discuss these issues with curious friends. Class, clubs and societies and socialising can make for a hectic and irregular schedule, so it’s really important to make time alone with God a priority. There’s no substitute for a daily Quiet Time with God to focus your mind on him and help you to grow throughout your University years. Depending Depending on which University you go to you may stay involved in your home church or you may be looking for a new one, but find a gospel-centred church quickly -
and then get stuck in! Lots of young people fall into the trap of churchhopping, looking for the most vibrant worship, best programmes or most popular friends. Your time at University is a great opportunity to really serve in a church and give a lot of time to the people in your church family.
do this is to get involved in clubs and societies - there are loads to choose from! Sharing your passion for music, sport, computer games or even cheese may lead to opportunities to share your passion for Jesus Christ with people who may have no other exposure to the Gospel.
CU is a great opportunity for you to meet Christians from a diverse range of traditions and backgrounds. Go along, get to know people and approach discussions with an open mind - there are lots of things we can learn from our Christian brothers and sisters. Speaking personally I found small groups Bibles studies especially valuable as a way to meet other Christians, discuss God’s Word and serve together.
As much as the overall experience is important, the main reason you have gone to University is to work towards a degree. A common pitfall for Christian young people is to prioritise the endless opportunities for Christian service over their studies. However, good attendance and your best efforts for assignments are also part of your Christian witness. It’s a difficult balance to strike!
It can be easy, especially at some Universities, to spend all of your time with Christians. While it’s important to have strong Christian friendships, it also matters that we build relationships with those who don’t yet know Jesus. A great way to
Even though you’re away on a new adventure don’t forget those who are left at home. Make time to text or ring home, or maybe even visit occasionally! A quick update means the world. Don’t forget the friends you had from before
University either. After all, they are still the people who know you best. Lots of you will be moving into halls, and living with a diverse group of people who may never have met before. Take time to get to know these people and be part of this community rather than always having other plans with friends you
already have. Be real and honest about who you are and what you believe from the outset, and remember that your day-to-day life also speaks volumes about this. Be a considerate and generous housemate and people will take notice!
It’s perfectly normal to have ©Trulane University
MOST OF THE QUESTIONS we ask or answer carry little weight: ‘Who will win the league?’ ‘What do you want for breakfast?’ Occasionally questions may have lifeimpacting answers: “Do you want this job?’ ‘Will you marry me?’ Psalm 15’s headline is the biggest question of all, ‘O LORD, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill?’ In other words, ‘Who is going to Heaven?’ The popular religious answer is ‘Most of us, so long as we’re nice.’ The Universalist would smugly assert, ‘Sure we all are.’ David is listening to the one voice that matters God’s. Psalm 15 is like God’s checklist for us. Test yourself right now. Perfect perpetual devotion to God (v2a) Habitually doing what God wants (v2b) A heart in tune with God’s (v2c) Never gossiping (v3a) Always working for the good of others (v3b&c) Always hating wrong and loving what’s right (v4a&b) Never failing to keep your word (v4c) Utterly selfless (v5a&b)
times when you miss home, feel lonely, or just want to have a conversation that doesn’t begin with, ‘Hi, what’s your name?’ This is especially true in the first few months, until you establish friendships and routines.
It is comforting to know that regardless of the circumstances we face at University we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows us intimately and cares for us deeply. He is always with his people, and working for the good of those who love him. So commit your life to him, and in his hands your life at University can be a time of discovering new depths of your faith and reaching out to numerous people for him.
The list requires that you love God and other people perfectly and perpetually. Simply do that and you are in. If you are at all in your right mind your checklist above will have a lot of ‘X’s on it. Your record and mine is stamped FAIL in big bold letters. Who is going to Heaven? Nobody not one single person under their own steam. Thankfully, this psalm has someone more than you and me in mind. Take the checklist again and fill it in for the Lord Jesus Christ. Doesn’t it look very different? Not an ‘X’ in sight now, just a whole column of glorious ticks. He kept the Law perfectly and died offering up his life as a sacrifice for sinners like you and me. He now dwells in God’s holy hill. If you want to go Heaven the Bible says that you must be glued to him in saving faith. The Bible also says that anyone who is really glued to him has one passion - living to thank him for all that he accomplished in his life and death. Psalm 15 will show you how to build a life of thankfulness. Such a transformed life will show clearly that you are indeed glued to him and bound for glory.
THERE IS A STORY TOLD about a man who was afraid of the future, so he made an appointment to see a fortune-teller, only to find the following sign on the door: ‘Today’s clairvoyance meeting cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.’ Too bad he didn’t turn to God’s Word first, which reads, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Prov.27:1). It is precisely this uncertainty and ‘unknown-ness’ of tomorrow that fills many people – including sincere Christians – with fear. Jesus acknowledged the problem too, when he told his disciples, “Do not worry about tomorrow” (Matt.6:34) and, centuries earlier, his forerunner, Joshua, issued the same exhortation just before the conquest of Canaan. Please take a few moments to read Joshua 1:1-9. Fears of the Future Why did God have to tell the Israelites not to fear the future at this specific point in their history? For one thing, they faced an unhappy past. The Book of Joshua begins with a sense of déjà vu; this was now the second time they had stood at the border of the Promised Land, peering in. Back in Num.1314, the ten unfaithful spies had struck fear into their hearts with tales of walled cities and giants, whereas Joshua and Caleb had said, “Do not be afraid of the people of the land … their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us.” And now here they are again: same place, same task, same exhortation: “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you -
go!” (v9) The Israelites also faced an uncertain future. They knew they had to cross that river if they were to ultimately possess the “land flowing with milk and honey”, and that would certainly mean conflict with determined enemies. We too can recoil at the challenge of making progress in the march to the heavenly Canaan because we listen to the devil spinning tales of prospective giants. This, then, is the problem of fearing the future: allowing an unhappy past and an uncertain future to paralyze you from serving Christ in the present.
Commands for the Future With Moses’ passing, God now speaks to his people through a new mediator, Joshua (v1-2), who issues two marching orders: “Arise and go over this Jordan to the land which I am giving you!” (v2) The Christian is one who is persistently marching onward, into the future, towards the heavenly Canaan: “But now we desire a better, that is, a heavenly country” (Heb.11:16; cf. Ps.84:5-7). So there’s a sense in which you should hold loosely onto the future (for “… you know not what a day will bring forth”), but another sense in which you must cling tenaciously to it – the certain future of your heavenly
possession! “Be strong and of good courage!” (vs 6,7,9). The promise of our final inheritance at journey’s end is not an invitation to sit back and relax! There would be no possession if Israel failed to “arise and cross this Jordan” (v2), nor if they chickened out in the face of prospective challenges. Likewise, as a Christian soldier, you are charged to rally to the Lord’s banner and face an unknown future with strength and courage! (Look up 1Cor.15:58, 16:13; 1Tim.6:12.) But what gives you the impetus to cross the Jordan, to be strong and courageous, and not to fear the future? The answer is found in claiming God’s promises by faith. Promises for the Future The Promise of God’s Provision (v3-4, 6b). God assures his people, “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you!” (v3) Each new step across the threshold of the future is a fresh testimony of God’s faithfulness and blessing; every footprint we make is a promise fulfilled. To cement this point, God even gives a sort of ‘roadmap’ of the journey ahead in (v4): north, south, east and west – “wherever you go” (v9) – he commits himself to provide for his people. The Promise of God’s Protection (v5a). “No man shall be able to stand before you!” Here is a declaration that despite fierce opposition from enemies, they would ultimately triumph under the banner of their messianic captain, Joshua. Let us remember that these things “were written for our admonition” (1Cor.10:11); the same
promise of protection holds sure for all those who are enlisted with Jesus. Are you claiming it by faith? The Promise of God’s Presence (v5b). “I will not leave you nor forsake you!” God promises to be close by you to your journey’s end (cf. Matt.28:20; Heb.13:5-6). He has no children in foster care, showing love for a temporary season before returning them to the awful homes they were naturally born into; he only has adopted children: those he has chosen and loved and upon whom he has bestowed his name and inheritance. Supplies for the Future If the Christian should not fear the future, neither should he be unprepared for the future. In (v7-8) God supplies all you need in “this Book of the Law” – the Bible. So, if you would not fear the future: Obey the Book! God says, “Observe to do according to all the Law, that you may prosper wherever you go.” Let your obedience to the Word be diligent and comprehensive, that you may possess all the spiritual weaponry and armour necessary for the “good fight” ahead (1Tim.6:12; Eph.6:1020). Don’t Neglect the Book! God says, “This Book … shall not depart from your mouth.” You neglect the Bible when you give it a cursory glance instead of “meditating on it day and night” or when you so clutter your life with distractions that the good seed is quickly snatched away so it bears no fruit (Mark 4:4,15). Examine yourself; are you spiritually starved or amply supplied for your journey? Here are timely directions on how to face the unforeseen circumstances of the future. Which of them do you need to heed? May none of us be paralyzed in the present because we fear the days to come. Rather, let us eagerly anticipate our future inheritance, live by faith in the promises of God, and be daily supplied with all the provision God’s Word bestows.
The Go team started on Saturday 5th July with the journey from Senior Camp to Galway. On the Sabbath we joined the fellowship for their worship service and Bible study. The weekdays started with some very helpful studies on mission and how to engage with different groups, including Roman Catholics, Muslims and Atheists. Each day, after the study, the team distributed the 4you magazine. This magazine contained various evangelistic articles and an offer of free Christian literature . In the evenings the Go Team accompanied Billy Hamilton and Peter Jemphrey while they did sketch-board evangelism and openair preaching in the city centre. On Thursday night Paudge Mulvihill, a pastor from Westport, spoke at a public meeting entitled ‘The Guilt Complex – How a Catholic, then Atheist, finally found Freedom’. We were encouraged that a good number of non-Christians attended. The team spent Thursday and Friday afternoons in the city centre wearing T-shirts with the message ‘Have You Ever Read It?’ and doing questionnaires about the Bible with those on the street. A stand with free New Testaments, Scripture portions in various languages, and other free Christian literature was also set up. Quite a few people stopped to chat
about the Bible and took literature. Pray that the literature will be read and lives will be changed. On Friday evening we celebrated with the Fellowship with good news as Hannah, who had been forced to flee Pakistan due to her faith, had been given permission to stay in Ireland. There was also time to have fun during the week, including watching the World Cup and observing David Loughridge eat an extremely sour sweet dipped in extra hot sauce. Pray for Peter and Billy, their families and the rest of the Fellowship as they labour in Galway that they will be encouraged and built up in the faith. Pray for follow-up with those who responded to the offer of free literature in the 4you magazine and with those who came to the public talk. Give thanks that the Fellowship has been given the go-ahead to convert a building into a new place of worship. Pray for Ireland –the most unreached English-speaking country in the world. Team members: Robert McCaughan, Sarah McNeill, John McCullough, David Loughridge, Scott McCollum, ably assisted by Michael and Patrick Hamilton.
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God teaches us that all that makes up my life comes from the heart (Proverbs 4:23). The heart is a fountain of those things that make up good mental health. Jesus put it this way: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matthew 12:35). The point to take from these words is that truly good mental health depends on truly good spiritual health. So how can our hearts begin to produce the fruit of good mental health? Let’s come back to Samantha. Remember the story? With the
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school formal looming, she became acutely aware of her appearance and how she appeared in the eyes of others. She then got stuck in a tangle of fear, obsession, compulsion, guilt and shame. We recognised that some of her problems lay around identity and fear. Society today would call it selfesteem. But if you think about it, in tying up her identity with her appearance, Samantha was not seeing her true identity as made in God’s image; her identity in Christ. So this was an issue between her heart and God. Likewise, in beginning to fear what people would think of her, she was fearing men more than God - another issue between her heart and God. Sin was hijacking both what she believed
about herself and what she should fear. The result? Preoccupation with food, weight, size; restricting her intake, bingeing, emotional swings…feeling afraid, lonely and trapped. We will look at Tom’s story again in more detail next month, but he too felt trapped. He was feeling depressed following a relationship split and coping with that by escaping into pornography use. But the matter of where the heart takes refuge in times of trouble, of where the heart finds relief and comfort from pain, is again an issue between the heart and God. When Tom takes refuge in hours of viewing sordid images, he is not taking refuge in the living God. Do you see the point? Many of
the symptoms of mental health problems arise from the heart. And, because we are made in God’s image, the heart is made to relate to God. It is made to hear and believe God’s voice, to fear the Lord, take refuge in Him. If it isn’t – if the heart is believing other voices, fearing other things, taking refuge elsewhere, then bad fruit comes out.
So if a heart that is relating to God in the right way is central to all those elements of mental health, how can we find that? When all you’re plugged into is the problem in front of you, it can feel lonely and as if God is nowhere to be found. The Bible seems irrelevant. But God’s words to us give all we need for living and godliness (2 Peter 1:3-4). And God is there, in this problem, speaking his words to us. Scripture is full of reference to our true identity in Christ (Genesis 1:2628; John 1:12, 37; 1 Peter 2:9). This is the basis for our self-image. In relation to God we have a true purpose for living (2 Corinthians 5:9, 15; 1 Peter 2:9) and real hope (1 Peter 1). Healthy fear is to fear the Lord (Book of Proverbs) which drowns out all our lesser anxieties. Restful peace, pure joy and self-control are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5), brought forth as we walk in the Spirit through faith and obedience in His Word. The Bible is full of the ‘one anothers’ we need for helpful,
supportive community. We need to encourage Samantha to wake up to these realities and see them again.
Samantha can now identify the fear of man that brings a snare (Prov. 29:25). She can see her overeating as a desire to cope and feel good, that has gone wrong. She can see restricting her intake as a way of trying to deal with guilt. She can see her preoccupation with image as a false standard she has set up for herself, fed by misleading images around her of what beauty really is. She can see her sense of loneliness is also misleading – God will not leave her nor forsake her. Samantha is ready to own up to things as they really are.
Samantha needs mercy and help. She needs to know the freedom of forgiveness. She needs to turn to the only one who is full of grace towards her. Samantha can be encouraged to turn to one who was tempted in all points like we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4). In turning to God, she can also see a better way! She can know the freedom of her Christian identity, and the fear of the Lord. She can know the joy of life by faith.
How might it look for Samantha to live by faith? On the basis of who she is in God’s sight, she can be less concerned with appearance, with less checking in the mirror, less checking of her weight and less
comparing herself with glossy pictures in Vogue. She can see food less as a number of calories, and more as a gift of God to be eaten with gratitude and joy (1 Tim. 6:17). She can begin to experience pleasure in God’s goodness. Samantha is now fearing God.
When she is less concerned with how others may perceive her, Samantha can prepare for the formal with concern for others. What about that friend who is really shy and is saying she doesn’t want to go? Could Samantha now act as a faithful friend and agree to go with her? Samantha could now attend the formal, praying for opportunities to have productive, purposeful, gracegiving conversations (Eph. 4:29) that will be a blessing to others there.
We have identified that sin is ready at the door, waiting to pounce and hijack Samantha’s weakness, fear and distress. But she is struggling. Helping Samantha is not about condemning her, or merely confronting her sin. She needs comfort, encouragement, strengthening and restoration. Part of her struggle is also physical. But at the heart of her struggle is her heart before God. How do we hold these ideas together? Achieving good mental health requires wisdom. We will try and draw it all together when we return to Tom’s case next month.
©Simon Williams/Ekta Par
There are millions of people whom we might describe as living in remote areas and who are out of touch with the mainstream world. In the West we live in an interconnected world. Information, knowledge and ideas can spread internationally in the realms of fashion, design, politics, business, sports, media and, of course, religion. However, many people live beyond this bubble and know only of the traditions and beliefs that have been passed down from their forefathers. There are thousands of people groups in the world and many indigenous languages that most of us don’t know anything about, apart from an occasional TV clip. Take Papua New Guinea, for example. It is one of the most diverse countries in the world. It has a population of 5 million, yet it contains about 800 local languages but many of these people have not heard the Gospel in their own tongue? Is it really fair for them to be judged if they do not know? What does the Bible say about this? In Romans 1 Paul talks about the final outcome of all the people of the world, if they do not come to God in faith and repentance. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (v18). Men and women everywhere are unrighteous. Towns and cities may seem abundant in wickedness, but it is true that every person in the world is sinful and has turned away from God’s glory and his commands. This justly deserves God’s punishment. Isolated people groups and tribes in the outermost reaches of the world that have never heard the Gospel are under the same punishment if they do not follow God. How can this be? Paul goes on to say in verse 19 and 20, ‘For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.’ They know the truth about God! It has been clearly perceived since the foundation of the world. God has shown all of mankind his divine nature and his eternal -
power through the things that we see in the world. From the structure and form of the smallest insect to the largest animal, from the diversity and colour of life in the sea and on land, we see the marks of an intelligent design. It is plain that there must be a wise, good and gracious creator. Yet it is also clear that this world is not all that it should be. It is broken and we need a deliverer. It is indeed fair for a holy God to judge an unholy people, whether they have heard the Gospel or not, because they already know about God and about his attributes. Paul says, ‘They are without excuse.’ Is there any hope for them then? Enough is revealed in the created world to condemn the isolated tribesman but there is not enough to save him. There is hope. Christ has tasked the church with taking his Gospel to the ends of the earth. We know this mission will be successful as Psalm 22 v 27 reads, ‘All ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.’ The only hope of the unreached tribes is that missionaries will tell them about Jesus. Those who die before the Gospel reaches them are lost for all eternity. Our task is urgent. Pray, asking God to build his church and bring in his people from all lands, and pray that more people will be called to preach the Gospel in places where people do not as yet know about Jesus. Further answers: I would really recommend watching a video by the American preacher David Platt: What happens to Those Who Never Hear the Gospel. Search for it on YouTube.
SENIOR CAMP 2014... Where to begin? A week full of wisdom, banter and praise. For many, camp was a sort of oasis after another stressful term or semester, or even just in the midst of a hectic working life: a time to refocus on what matters most- Christ and His People. As Philip Moffett spoke to us about who we truly are and what it really means to live together as members of Christ’s church, identified with King Jesus Himself, he encouraged us to see the bigger picture of the church and to love Christ’s people more and more. Philip drew our attention to the humbling reality that Jesus identified himself with us. What a privilege we have to be His and to be gathered as a body of people loved by Him, to whom He has given authority as His representatives! Philip also reminded us of what worship truly is - we enter the very presence of our LORD as He delights to be brought the praises only He deserves. He purifies our worship, making it perfect before the Father as we come only through Jesus’ name. Philip challenged us to think more about the sacraments God has given to us and how they point to Christ while remembering the privilege and
responsibility we have because of these blessings. We were challenged further to be bold in our witnessing, beginning firstly within our own congregations. Towards the end of the week, Philip urged us to remember our Covenanter heritage as people living “for Christ’s Crown and Covenant” and what it means to give our all in living for Him. The final talk lifted our eyes to see the bigger picture, to overlook the distractions and to look forward to Christ’s return while we serve Him here. Through the talks, prayer times and psalm singing, we have had a foretaste of Heaven itself and God is to be praised for the refreshing words he brought to us through Philip. As for the rest of camp, well, things were looking a little different this year with Johnny and Carolyn Stewart taking on the role of being houseparents’ for the week, a job both seemed to take in their stride. An action-packed week of activities and trips kept everyone entertained. Monday brought McCollums' Madness and messy games, followed by an evening game show where the campers had a chance to demonstrate their football, Spanish dancing, acting and cheerleading
skills. Tuesday’s arrival welcomed a day trip to The Jungle with paintballing, Tarzan swings, Zorbing and rafts while the evening was a relaxed pamper night or (not so relaxed) football. Sports and crafts on Wednesday were followed by a relationships seminar by Jonathan and Andrea McKelvey. Thursday’s trip encountered noisy sea lions at the zoo and the view from the top of Cave Hill, while the famous camp concert followed with music, magic and some slick dance moves from our committee. Competitive sports commenced on Friday afternoon and by the time Friday evening’s party arrived, everyone seemed “high on life” as Johnny would say. Throughout the week, Stanley and Ruth Wilson’s band of cooks fed us once again, ensuring everyone was thoroughly satisfied. After another incredible camp, we can’t but give thanks for the friendships made and strengthened and for encouragement and refreshment we all enjoyed together. There’s not much else to say apart from... roll on Camp Reunion!
At the start of the summer Asher’s Bakery made national headlines when they refused to bake a gay marriage campaign cake. Managed by Daniel McArthur, a member of Trinity RPC, Asher’s were threatened with legal action by Northern Ireland’s Equality Commission. We’ve asked Daniel and Amy a few questions about their experience.
With the help of the Christian Institute we’ve sent back a response to the Equality Commission, outlining the reasons why we didn’t make the order. They have confirmed receipt of our letter and have promised a response in due course. Their response will decide whether the case moves forward to court proceedings or else dropped.
Our sales haven’t been affected at all, if anything we’ve gained new customers and some new business! As well as this, there is a really good atmosphere among the staff. The majority of our staff are not -
Christians and at the beginning of it they were unsure as to their future but thanks to a lot of people ringing up the shops and sending in letters they’ve seen there are a lot of Christians out there who support the stance we’ve taken. Pray that what they have seen and heard will be used by God to speak to them.
encouraging us and we know that God has used these people to strengthen us. We’ve also learned that our war is not against flesh and blood but against the forces of evil. Satan wants us to compromise in our obedience to Christ in order to destroy any effective witness we may have.
As a family, we have been strengthened spiritually through this trying time and God has been teaching us many lessons. We have learned that God uses circumstances we wouldn’t necessarily choose ourselves to bring glory to himself. In the middle of trials, his grace has been sufficient. In this situation, when the outcome was completely out of our hands, we stopped trying to trust in ourselves and truly started to depend upon God. We’ve experienced the love of God’s people in a way we have never experienced it before and we’ve really learned that God has given us our church family and other brothers and sisters in Christ to bear each other’s burdens. We are so thankful for everyone who has been praying and
Other Christians can learn that, due to the sinful world we live in, at some point we’re all going to be asked or be expected to do something that is against God’s Word. These are critical points in our Christian life when we need God’s help to resist Satan’s attack on our walk with God and ultimately on God’s Kingdom. It may be prudent to consider what potential confrontations you could face in your own life, whether at school, university or work. Pray for wisdom on how to respond and be prepared to take your stand, remembering that those who honour God, he will honour. We know that, no matter what the legal outcome of this situation, God has been and will be glorified.
Asher’s Baking Co. has been accused of breaking equality legislation after they refused to bake a pro-gay marriage campaign cake. Equality is commonly regarded as the right of all to be treated in the same manner and have the same opportunities, without facing discrimination and regardless of identity. Special protection from discrimination for different sexual orientations implies that homosexuality is an unchangeable identity deserving of celebration instead of condemnation. This equality is based on the assumption that everyone is equally right, apart from those who disagree with this premise. Understanding what the Bible says about equality will enable us to engage winsomely with others and share the Gospel. Equally Created All mankind is created in the image of God despite our differences (Genesis 1:27). As the crown of creation we uniquely displayed God’s likeness and are equally valuable. No one is more evolved or deserves greater respect due to their strength. As created beings we belong to God and we all owe him honour and obedience (Psalm 24:1). All Lost We are all flawed bearers of God’s image. Since the Fall the
picture has been marred and all creation groans under the curse (Romans 8:22). All our natures have been twisted and the world that nurtures us is in open rebellion against God. This renders the debate whether homosexuality is nature or nurture irrelevant in dictating morality. The Bible defines homosexuality as sinful but it is just one sin amidst Paul’s unrighteousness list (1 Corinthians 6:9). This is not the same as saying all sins are equal but all sin leads to death (John 19:11, James 1:15). All men and women are equally lost before a holy God. Same Saviour Paul’s damning list ends with glorious words of hope as he reminds the Corinthians, ‘And such
were some of you’ (1 Corinthians 6:11). The church was made up of former idolaters, drunkards, homosexuals, the greedy, and thieves; yet they had been washed, sanctified and justified by Jesus. We are all equally lost and dependent on Christ. He is the only way to be saved. If all are saved by grace alone rather than our goodness or our decision, we are truly equal. This equality ought to remove all harshness from our interaction with a sinful world and gives us the unique Christian message, ‘You’re wrong but you’re loved.’ One King Jesus is coming back and on that day everyone will recognise him as King and bow before him (Philippians 2:10). As Christians our desire is that people will come to know him as Saviour and Lord now. He is infinitely worthy of honour and it ought to break our hearts to see open rebellion against our King. We aren’t merely campaigning for Christians to be given an equal say to powerful LGBT lobby groups. All are equally obliged to obey the commands of King Jesus and give him the glory he deserves. We want our nation to repent and recognise him as King. True equality is built upon our equal creation, damnation and salvation. We want equality under King Jesus.
PREVIOUS INTERNATIONAL Family Conferences have been described as 'a little foretaste of Heaven' and I believe Gartmore 2014 was no different. From arrival on a wet Saturday afternoon, there was an atmosphere of warm fellowship as campers and dormers, old and young alike, pulled together to set up tents, lug heavy suitcases, unpack cars and all in time to be welcomed to our first meeting by traditional Scottish bagpipes. From this point on, we were blessed with ground-breaking RP Conference weather, experiencing wall-to-wall sunshine! Each afternoon keen volleyball players, footballers and sunbathers took full advantage. There were also opportunities to enjoy the beautiful surrounding towns and landscapes with afternoon bus trips. Many attended Wednesday’s historical trip to Edinburgh, which culminated in a Covenanter Conventicle at the Grassmarket. A humbling message was brought to us, reminding us of the suffering our ancestors endured so we might enjoy the freedom of worship we do today. A lot of effort also went into the evening activities such as the quiz, treasure hunt and concert, which lent themselves perfectly to mingling with and getting to know different people. Each evening there was a short time of family worship. It was great to see so many children gather at the front as Robert McCollum taught us about the church. -
Throughout the week I was struck by how many were ready and willing to serve in countless different ways: from the technical team to those who took seminars, led activities, looked after children, and did many, many other tasks. It was a real encouragement to see God's people working together like one body. A massive Thank You has to go to the committee, who put in a colossal amount of work to make sure over 400 people from all over the world had such an enjoyable week! We were pleased to have the minister from our Glasgow congregation, Kenneth Stewart, as our speaker. He had decided on the topic '40 Days from Resurrection to Ascension' for the main talk each day. Hearing Mr Stewart expand upon this part of our Saviour's time here on Earth was a challenge, as the truths of the Gospel were presented afresh. One thing I will particularly take with me from these talks is a
reminder of having humility and encouragement to walk closer with Christ. Despite the disciples' wavering faith as they couldn't comprehend the plan of God, Christ gently corrected them and kept them close in these final days. Despite their weaknesses he used them to be ministers of his Gospel. For those of you who missed out, the talks are all available on rpc.org – I highly recommend listening to them. The week flew by. Friday night provided a time in 'Conference Reflections' to consider just how richly we have been blessed. As people came up one by one to share their own encouragements from this Conference and Conferences past, it was amazing to see how God moves when two or three (or 400!) gather in his name. This evening brought to the forefront the fellowship that had been experienced by all that week. Another highlight was the worship. As we sang our Conference psalm in a room full of young and old, from far and wide, Psalm 117 took on a whole new and real meaning: 'From all that dwell below the skies, O let Jehovah's praise arise! And let his glorious name be sung in every land, by every tongue!'
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