The Record - December/January 2025 by Free Church of Scotland

THE

RECORD

BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND DECEMBER/JANUARY 2025 • £2.00

Interim Editor • Sarah Robinson The Editor, Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS editor@freechurch.org Copy Editor • Rebekah Macdonald Mission News • David Meredith Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS mission@freechurch.org WfM Editor • Fiona Macaskill 8 Campsie Drive, Glasgow, G61 3HY rfmacaskill@me.com Gaelic Editor • Janet MacPhail 24 North Bragar, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DA 01851 710354 Seminary News • William Mackenzie Edinburgh Theological Seminary, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LS offices@ets.ac.uk

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Cover: Photo by Greyson Joralemon on Unsplash

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CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE DECEMBER/JANUARY RECORD

elcome

the

latest

edition

the

SEARCHING FOR JESUS? Alex J Macdonald

FREE CHURCH NEWS

A CLOSER LOOK AT ANGELS Donald Mackay

WORLD NEWS Ireland, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan, Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan

AN INTRODUCTION TO BIBLICAL COUNSELLING Louise Macmillan

THIS IS MY STORY: BELOVED PHYSICIAN David J Randall

PAGES FROM ADAM'S DIARY: THE LORD WHO PROVIDES

DIGGING INTO GOD'S WORD Carrie Marlow

OBITUARIES: REV NEIL SHAW, REV MURDO MACLEOD, JOHN MURDO MACKENZIE

BOOK REVIEWS

MISSION MATTERS David Meredith

THOUGHTS ON PRAYER AND FASTING Callum Macleod

PRAYER DIARY

CHILDREN'S PAGE

POST TENEBRAS LUX Catriona Murray

record. As we approach Christmas, we

are reminded of how Jesus came to earth — fully God and fully man. When we look through the Gospels of the telling of Jesus’ birth, we are reminded that Jesus did not come to us with royal fanfare or grand displays of power but was born in a stable, cradled in a manger. His birth drew the attention of the most unlikely characters, of the shepherds and the Magi. In an editorial piece by Rev Alex Macdonald, he reminds us: ‘Often it is the most unlikely people who are seeking Jesus… Are we consciously expecting that unlikely people in our communities and churches may be searching for Jesus — maybe not the people we may think are the likely candidates for salvation?’ Jesus came for everyone, breaking down barriers of status, nationality, and background. There is much to pray for in our communities, our nation and our world. Do look out for a double page of prayer on these topics for December and January. You can also find a selection of news updates, features, and world news. This is also a good opportunity to keep you let you know of a change to the next edition of The Record. From the February/March edition, the cost of the magazine will be £3 per edition, following a review of outgoing costs. There will still be a wide selection of articles and features. You also have the opportunity to share updates with us. If you would like to send in your church news or letters, email editor@freechurch.org • Yours in Christ Sarah Robinson

That in all things he might have the pre-eminence Colossians 1:18 2025

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Searching for Jesus? BY REV ALEX J MACDONALD

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“

Are we consciously expecting that unlikely people in our communities and churches may be searching for Jesus – maybe not the people we may think are the likely candidates for salvation?

”

his is a magical time of the year . That reminds me of how someone once

Photo by Jonaton Pie on Unsplash

introduced me as a speaker, saying that one of their family said I was magic! How could I respond to that? I told the story of a Chinese man who, after speaking about gospel work in China, was accosted by a Glaswegian saying, ‘Haw, wee man, tha’s magic!’ he replied, ‘Ah no! Work of Holy Spirit!’ So I hope what I have to say here will be taken in that spirit (or Spirit). But it is a magical time of year, in the best sense of the word, the sense in which CS Lewis talked about “good magic”’ or “deep magic” in his Narnia children’s books. After all, there were magicians who became involved in the birth of Jesus. ‘After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem’ (Matthew 2:1, NIB). The Magi (wise men) were a combination of scientists and sorcerers; the same word is translated “sorcerer” in Acts 13:6,8 of Elymas. But whereas Elymas clearly leaned towards the sorcery side, the wise men leaned towards the scientific, specifically the astronomical. We cannot of course know for certain exactly what the star of Bethlehem was, although it was possibly a comet, as Colin R Nicholl argues quite comprehensively in his book The Great Christ Comet. But no doubt as the Magi looked up into the night sky, it was with a similar sense of wonder to that felt by those who observed the recent comet or the Northern Lights, or when you look up on a clear frosty night in a “dark sky” area at the myriads of stars and celestial bodies. However, the Magi looked up with a more particular sense of wonder, because the star (or comet) they saw to them had a special meaning. Now, again we don’t know exactly how it came to have that meaning, but it would undoubtedly be related to the fact they studied the movements of the heavenly bodies. They came from the East, possibly from Babylon where memories of Daniel’s prophecies may very well have been preserved. After all he had been a Magos or wise man (Daniel 2) under both the Babylonian and Persian kings, and he had prophesied that it would be during the last of the four kingdoms (Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman) that God would set up his everlasting Kingdom (Daniel 2:44). In addition, the prophet Balaam (at the time of Moses) who came from the region of the Euphrates had prophesied that, ‘A star will come out of Jacob; a sceptre will rise out of Israel’ (Numbers 24:17). The Magi may very well have been searching the heavens diligently to see a sign of this in their own science. This is why they came to Jerusalem with a question that rocked the city to its core: ‘Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ They were the most unlikely people you would think to be searching for Jesus to worship him. There were far more likely candidates. There were the chief priests and teachers of the law, for instance. They even knew where the Messiah was to be born — Bethlehem in Judea (Matthew 2:5). But they weren’t looking for Jesus to worship him. Instead it was these astrologers/astronomers from a distant country who were looking to worship Jesus. There were other unlikely people who came to worship Jesus — the shepherds. They were social outcasts of their day, yet it was God’s good pleasure to reveal the birth of Jesus to them first.

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“

”

Are we like the Magi who, although they knew themselves to be outsiders and had limited knowledge, bowed the knee before the infant Jesus and worshipped him?

Often it is the most unlikely people who are seeking Jesus. I have seen students from the ends of the earth seeking (and finding) Jesus, while others brought up in the Church were not. Jesus himself said, ‘People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last’ (Luke 13:29-30). Are we consciously expecting that unlikely people in our communities and churches may be searching for Jesus — maybe not the people we may think are the likely candidates for salvation? It’s instructive too that the Magi were led to seek Jesus from questions that had arisen in their own science or philosophy, just as many in the Greek world were led to Jesus by pointers that existed in their own culture, like the Athenians whom Paul directed to such signposts in their poetry (Acts 17:28). We ought to remember the wise words of John Calvin: ‘All truth is God’s truth’. The God who spoke to the wise men through the stars and to the Athenians through the poets, can still speak to lost people today through the lyrics of songs or film scenes, or science or politics, even if it is just to emphasise the futility of life without God. However, the Magi weren’t just wanting to know where the King of the Jews had been born. They came with the set purpose of worshipping him. It would appear that they had a greater understanding of who Jesus was than those who should have known better. King Herod only viewed him as a rival claimant to his throne. He rejected him and tried to kill him. The chief priests and teachers of the law, who ought to have known more about the prophecies of the Old Testament, were uninterested. They neglected Jesus. But the wise men, with the little they did know from their own research, respected and accepted Jesus as one worthy of worship. Only they actually saw Jesus and worshipped him. But it was dangerous for the Magi, because King Herod had embroiled them in his scheme to destroy Jesus. Only by the grace of God did they escape involvement. It can be dangerous too for people today to worship Jesus, not only in direct persecution as in several parts of the world, but in the more subtle opposition that Christians here can face whenever they raise their heads above the cultural parapet. So, as we contemplate the truly “magical” event at the heart of this magical time of year, who in this story do we resemble? Are we like Herod who, in his pride and love of power, refused to be dethroned by Jesus? Or are we like the priests and lawyers who, in their religious and intellectual pride, thought they knew everything, but in fact missed the essential thing? Or are we like the Magi who, although they knew themselves to be outsiders and had limited knowledge, bowed the knee before the infant Jesus and worshipped him? For the incarnation is one of the very few truly supernatural, “magical” events in the whole of history: the Word, the eternal Son of God, became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. And in that flesh he bore the sins of the world in the place of lost and guilty sinners.. • Rev Alex MacDonald has been a Free Church minister for over 50 years, over 40 of those in the pastoral ministry. He now supports the Gilmerton Church plant and Cornerstone in Edinburgh. He has written several books including 'Tell Me The Story' and 'The Forge'.

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FREE CHURCH NEWS MODERATOR DESIGNATE FOR 2025 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

he commission of assembly has announced rev alasdair macleod as the moderator designate for the 2025 general assembly of the free

church of scotland.

Alasdair said: ‘Sharing the living hope found in Jesus Christ with our nation defines us as a church. The General Assembly, gathering in Edinburgh each May, has a unique contribution to make to that mission. Therefore, to be nominated as Moderator of the 2025 General Assembly is an honour.’ Alasdair, who hails from the Hebrides, serves as Senior Minister of Smithton Church, Inverness where he has ministered since 2016. From 2004-2016 he Moderator Designate Rev Alasdair Macleod, wife Catriona served as minister of Lochbroom & Coigach Free and children Samuel, Lois and Benjamin Church, located in the beautiful West Coast villages of Ullapool and Achiltibuie. Before training at Edinburgh Theological Seminary (formerly the Free Church College), Alasdair worked as a civil engineer with a consultancy specialising in projects related to the water industry. Having been involved in the wider Free Church through central committees, Alasdair was the first Chairman of the newly formed Mission Board from 2015-17. He is married to Catriona, and they have three children, Lois, Samuel and Benjamin. •

THE CENTRE FOR RURAL MINISTRY LAUNCHED BY REV IVOR MACDONALD

from individual church members who share the vision. I am hugely privileged to be the first Director for Rural Ministry and will be working with Megan Gray (part-time administrator) and a development team of seven others – men and women from different parts of the country. This is a group of gifted and motivated people who are enthusiastic for Christ’s cause and the rural church. We had our first team meeting in Knox Free Church, Perth on Saturday 2nd November, where the aim was to share vision and agree on priorities under our threefold remit – reflect, resource and recruit. It’s fair to say that there was plenty of energy and creative thinking at work!

n 1st november an exciting new initiative to encourage and empower rural ministry within the free church of scotland was launched –

the centre for rural ministry.

From its conception the project has broken the mould. Firstly, it was birthed by a presbytery – Skye and Wester Ross – whilst having a national remit. Secondly the director works part-time in a rural parish (Duirinish in Skye). This roots the work in practical ministry and provides the opportunity for building a model of good practice. Thirdly it is based on a new funding model. The Mission Board has provided start-up funding and support has also come from the USA, but the bulk of the funding is expected to come via private subscription

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There is a clear need for a theology of rural ministry that corresponds to the theology of urban ministry and mission that has been centre stage for some time. We want to contribute to this through thoughtful articles, blogs and podcasts. The Centre will also be taking over the running of the very successful In a Big Country conference, which will move to a new date in November. Dingwall is a great venue, but it is out of reach for some of our congregations. The Centre would like to go on the road with the conference, so do get in touch if you would like to see something happen in your area. We have a vision to resource remote and rural churches through effective partnerships. There are already some good, innovative examples of this, and we are keen to be facilitators for many more. Again, we would like to hear from rural churches who would like to be connected in this way and discuss with them the kind of shape an effective partnership might take. I am also available to contribute to discussions on ministry development plans or other specific issues. Email ivormacdonald@centreforruralmnistry.org if I can help. We are aiming to build up a pool of specialists in areas such as building development, social media and finance who could also help. Recruitment is a pressing issue within the church at the moment – and not just in rural areas. In making our own contribution to this we are hosting two residential events called The Gathering on Skye. Participants will work together on a croft, have fun exploring the island and have a chance to discuss the question of call and what healthy rural ministry looks like. We are so grateful for the support that has been given by Free Church of Scotland people to allow us to launch. If you can help us reach our target of £20,000 that would make this work sustainable, please do get in touch. To make a donation go to https://freechurch. org/donate. Use the reference RURAL. Email us admin@centreforruralministry.org so we can keep you updated as the Centre progresses: •

(Back L to R) Rev Calum Iain Macleod, Rev Neil L Macdonald, Mr Alasdair Macnab (NFU Vice-President), Mr Simon Jackson (Dingwall Mart Chaplain), Rev Ivor Macdonald (Centre for Rural Ministry) (Front L to R) Shirley Hastings and Mairi Renwick Mackenzie (both from RSABI - Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution)

On the 3rd November, the Director for Rural Ministry, Rev Ivor MacDonald, participated in a Harvest Thanksgiving event in Dingwall organised by Rev Calum Iain Macleod in conjunction with Dingwall and Highland Marts. Two hundred, many from the farming community, attended. Calum Iain preached, guest speakers spoke on the theme of resilience in the farming community and the Highland Harvest Band led uplifting praise. Ivor said: ‘I am excited to think of what God may be pleased to do as we offer ourselves in the service of Christ’s rural church. The event in Dingwall highlights the encouragement that comes when church and community come together in this kind of way.’ •

NEW MINISTER INDUCTED INTO GOVAN FREE CHURCH BY JIM BOYD

the Groom and the beauty of the Bride in this Royal Wedding and related it to Christ and his Church. Rev David Meredith read out a narrative of events leading to this induction and Rev Ian Watson asked David the relevant questions prior to the signing of the Formula. David was prayed over and then received the right hand of fellowship from the members of Presbytery present and other Ministers associated. Rev Angus Lamont then addressed David and commented on their Peruvian links, and encouraged him to learn from his mistakes. Rev Jonathan de

he presbytery of glasgow and argyll met for the service of induction of rev david macpherson to be the new minister of govan free church.

Approximately 85 people, including family and friends, members of the Presbytery, a contingent from Greenock Free Church where David had ministered for the past few months, individuals from David’s previous congregation in Aberdeen, and other locals, gathered to give thanks to God. Rev Iain (Cheeks) Morrison conducted worship and preached on Psalm 45, highlighting the Majesty of

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Groot, now ex-Interim Moderator, followed with a charge to the Govan folks to: 1. Turn up. 2. Stick in. 3. Look around and 4. Reach out (Hebrews 10:24-25). Psalm 72 was an appropriate song of praise to conclude the formalities, followed by the Benediction. David Meredith had been asked to say a few words by David, and among other things, he told the story of the Govan Stones, which had been thrown away, with the lesson that ‘people don’t see the value of precious things’. Relating this to the Gospel, he said we have to persuade people of the value of the Gospel. David MacPherson then took over proceedings, and in addition to giving thanks to God and many others, he mentioned an email he had sent in the weeks prior to the induction where he said he couldn’t wait to get ‘stuck in’. The congregation then enjoyed refreshments before presentations were made; to Martha by Ann Jamison, to David by Ross McAddock and to Jonathan by Gemma McAddock. Govan Free Church is where it is today by the grace of God and through the pioneering work of Rev Norman Mackay and his wife, Alison. Norman worked tirelessly to build relationships in the area, to see a church grow and to seek to help those with addiction issues come to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Following Norman’s retiral in January 2022 the

Rev Ian Watson and Rev David MacPherson

light has continued to shine in Govan, and we are thankful to Jonathan our interim Moderator and Rev Phil Stogner for their support during this period. We see the coming of David and Martha as a new chapter where God will use their many gifts and experience to build up the believers and equip them for works of service, and see many men and women, boys and girls in Govan come to know the Saviour. We thank God for his faithfulness. •

NORTH UIST INDUCTION

good

crowd

gathered

witness

and

in the induction of rev david ferguson to the congregation of north uist, grimsay and berneray

in september.

The congregation had been declared vacant in June 2022, and Rev Mark Macleod appointed Interim moderator. In May this year, David made his first visit to preach in North Uist and was invited back within the month to preach again. A congregational meeting was called and was quickly followed with the signing and acceptance of the call. All necessary processes and procedures completed, the induction was duly appointed, and David, Catherine and Duncan moved to the manse at Carinish. With his text from Romans 1, Rev Iain Thomson, Moderator of Presbytery, preached a challenging sermon befitting the occasion. Edicts read and the formula signed, members of presbytery prayed over David, and it was good to see a former minister of the congregation, Rev Ronnie Morrison, join with Presbytery in this duty. Mr Thomson then addressed David, and Rev Mark Macleod addressed the congregation. Formalities over, the gathered group moved to the church hall, where a sumptuous buffet lunch was prepared. Presentations were made to David, Catherine and Duncan to welcome them to the congregation and a farewell gift was given to outgoing Interim moderator Mark Macleod. Gordon Macleod, Assessor Elder for the congregation and former colleague of David’s, gave a speech. We continue to pray for God’s blessing as David, Catherine and Duncan settle into North Uist, and David begins his ministry. •

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LIVINGSTON FREE CHURCH INDUCTION

The congregation gives thanks to the Lord who answered our prayers and blessed the time of vacancy with seekers and 19 new members. The Session ran two Christianity Explored courses and then Rev Dr Ben Castaneda held membership classes. Please pray for Phil and the leadership team as the work of discipleship continues. Over the past two years the congregation has become multi-national, with new participants from the US, South Africa, India and Nigeria. We are so thankful to have so many young families worshipping with us on Sundays and attending the other regular events. Please pray for Phil and Helen as they begin to serve in Livingston and for the congregation in this new exciting chapter. •

ev phil pickett has been inducted as minister in livingston free church. A congregation of 130

gathered to celebrate the end of a two-anda-half-year vacancy in Livingston. Friends (including a large group from his time training in St Andrews), family and supportive members of Presbytery joined the congregation with Phil, Helen and son Lachlan for an uplifting service followed by afternoon tea. The service was conducted by Rev Iver Martin, the Principal of Edinburgh Theological Seminary, and then Phil was addressed by Rev Hamish Sneddon, after which Rev Thomas Davis gave a short speech (Phil’s supervisor during his time training in Carloway). The guest of honour was Rev John Mackay, who was the first minister in Livingston and always keeps a prayerful interest and visits regularly. Messages were read from Rev Nigel Anderson (former minister) and from the pastor of Phil’s home church in Bridgend. Presentations were made by the children to Phil, Helen and Lachlan. Professor George M. Coghill gave a vote of thanks and presentation to Principal Iver Martin, who had acted as Interim Moderator in the second part of the vacancy. Thanks were also given to Rev David Randall, who served as Interim Moderator in the initial phase of the vacancy. Both Interim Moderators led the leadership team very enthusiastically and organised excellent preaching supply for Sundays. The Session would like to take this opportunity to thank every preacher who so willingly travelled to Livingston, provided pulpit supply, and encouraged the congregation at the Sunday services. After the service, a delicious and sumptuous afternoon tea was served in the hall. Many stayed to share a happy time of fellowship and pass on greetings to Phil and Helen as they began the new ministry.

INDUCTION TO GLENELG

ev james blackwell was inducted to the free church congregation of glenelg and arnisdale, lochalsh and

glenshiel. James was formerly a Pastoral Worker at Fort William Free Church and moved to the congregation of Glenelg and Inverinate following a 24-year vacancy there. The ceremony was attended by over 100 people who enjoyed the preaching from the Rev Donald G MacDonald and were privileged to witness the laying on of hands by other ministers of the area. After the service, lunch was served so that we could enjoy a time of fellowship and presentations were made to James and his family, to Rev Roddie Rankin who had faithfully served the congregation during the vacancy and to Rev Gordon Martin for his dedicated work as Interim Moderator.

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James and his wife Claire and children Thomas, Maryann and William moved into the Manse just in time for the start of Thomas’ first day of nursery, despite welcoming William to the world only two weeks before that! A busy time for all but it’s good to have them as part of our church family. On behalf of the congregation, Colin MacDonald said, ‘We are absolutely delighted to welcome James and family and look forward to his ministry to us and to serving our Lord and Saviour together and making him known in our community.’ James said: ‘My wife and I have always had a heart for rural ministry, so we were very pleased when God called us here to serve him in this beautiful part of Scotland. We will miss Fort William and the people there but are excited by this new challenge and seeing the wonderful transforming power of the gospel at work here in Glenelg and Inverinate (and beyond!)’ •

NEW MEMBERS AND BAPTISMS AT CHARLESTON

harleston community church welcomed six new members and celebrated the baptisms of iona dickson and stephanie kong. The service was especially poignant for one of the newest members, Tammy, who had

recently professed faith in Christ, having been connected to the church since its launch in 2017. Rev Andy Robertson, minister of Charleston Community Church, said: ‘Church membership is not about receiving special privileges or rewards, like VIP treatment or loyalty benefits. Instead, it is a formal commitment made before God to the people of the church. It involves being dedicated to Jesus and to one another within the church community.’ He said baptism symbolises the death of Jesus on the cross, which forgives sin and brings people into God’s family. ‘In the New Testament Church, baptism is a sign that points backwards to what Jesus accomplished rather than forward to something still to come. The use of water in baptism represents the cleansing of sin and the union with Jesus that all Christians experience. Baptism is a picture of God’s promise to cleanse, save, and restore us to him, but the act of baptism itself does not save. It’s not a magic ritual; there are baptised individuals who are not saved, and non-baptised individuals who are saved. Baptism is a sign, and signs point to what truly saves, which is living, saving faith in Jesus.’ Following the service, the congregation gathered for lunch to celebrate the day. •

BIBLES FOR BAIRNS

that reading to babies and young children helps them learn and grow. It helps them to feel safe and loved. It builds self-esteem, vocabulary, imagination and even improves sleeping patterns. What if the stories read to babies and young children at these crucial moments were stories from the Bible: stories that told children they were safe and loved by a God who made them, and who will always be with them as they learn and grow.’ Anyone can register a child, but you must have the permission of the parent or carer, and the child must have been born in Scotland. Registrations for 2024 babies are currently open. Registrations for babies born in 2025 will open later next year. Go to www.scottishbiblesociety.org/biblesforbairns for more information. •

o you know a baby who was born in scotland in 2024?

The Scottish Bible Society is encouraging families and friends to register these little ones to receive a free toddler Bible. Once a child has been signed up, they’ll receive the Share a Story Bible on their 1st birthday. On their 2nd, 3rd and 4th birthdays they will be sent birthday cards and Bible activity resources to encourage the whole family to keep engaging with the toddler Bible. On their 5th birthday, they’ll be given a children’s Bible to start to read themselves and to explore with the adults in the family. Jen Robertson, Youth and Children’s Resources Manager at the Scottish Bible Society, said: ‘We know

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FREE CHURCH YOUTH CAMPS UPDATE

big thank you to everyone who served over the summer to make free church youth camps happen ! We

are grateful to all of you who supported us in prayer, giving, baking, leading, driving, cooking, and lots of other ways, to make FCYC happen. Over 300 young people got the chance to have fun, eat great food, and to learn more about Jesus. We hope you enjoyed seeing the photos in the last edition of The Record. Already we are looking ahead to summer 2025 and getting organised for what looks to be another great year of camps. Alongside the camps we ran last year, excitingly we are starting a new camp in the Windmill Christian Centre in Arbroath! With plenty to do in Dundee, Aberdeen, and Fife, we are looking forward to giving more campers the chance to experience the fun of FCYC. Please pray for summer 2025 and the young people who will be coming along. Registrations for camp will open in early December; keep an eye out on our social media and website for more information when bookings go live. Allocations for all twelve camps will begin at the end of January. We would love to see you there! •

BIG FREE RALLY 2024

he annual big free rally for young people took place at smithton church in inverness in september.

Some of those at the Big Free Rally started the day very early, travelling from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Lewis, and Harris, as well as many other places all over Scotland. It was a great blessing to see so many young people coming together to learn more about Jesus and to share together in fellowship, fun and catching up with others. The feedback from those who were there was that it was a great day where they felt challenged and blessed to be with so many other young people with a focus on their faith. The main speakers this year were Rev Al MacInnes and Rev Thomas Davis, who reminded the young people that you can never be too young to take the call and claim of Jesus on our lives seriously. Rev Al MacInnes, of Dornoch Free Church, said: ‘The potential in the room was inspiring — so many young people gathered for worship, each with choices ahead that could bring harm if selfish or incredible good when shaped by Christ’s grace. It was thrilling to imagine what God could do with hearts like these, focused on him and ready to serve.’ Donald A Macleod, FCYC Supervisor, added: ‘We pray that those present would continue to reflect on what was shared and also remember the really positive atmosphere in the building with so many young people from across the church.’ Organisers said thanks goes to the many people who made the day possible. They worked really hard to make it happen. They are particularly indebted to the team that was mobilised in Smithton Church, who went beyond what we could expect with the preparations, catering and tidying up after the event. •

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REPORT FROM GENERATION VISION DAY BY SARAH JOHNSON

round 100 people gathered at hope city church in edinburgh for the latest generation vision

day. The aim of the event is to encourage and equip people in their walk with Jesus and bring Christians together for fellowship and worship. We were thrilled to have two friends from America with us, Michael Keller and Elliot Cherry, who led our teaching sessions. Michael led two workshops aimed at helping us navigate the challenges of sharing the Gospel in a post-Christian society. The sessions highlighted the importance of understanding our context, motivation, and message of the Gospel. We were reminded that Jesus’ love for each of us is the ultimate truth and that if the Gospel touches our hearts, we will be more willing to share it with others. If we feel distant from this truth, we were encouraged to go back to our Bibles and be reminded of the truth of the Gospel. We worked through two real-life examples with participants to help us understand mission work in different cultural contexts. Elliot used the parable of the feeding of the 5,000 to help us think through finding rest and trusting in the provision of Jesus when we are weary. We were encouraged to remember that Jesus wants us to rest, but we might not get rest in the way we think, expect, or want, and that real deep soul rest comes through dependence on Jesus. Jesus is our provider, and he will not let us go. In his second seminar, Elliot reminded us that though we are not all in formal ministry, God has called us all on mission with the Lord. Being on mission can be hard, and one of the areas that can be particularly hard is the internal war that goes on within us between God and Satan. Elliot used the time to help encourage us to be able to know the voice of the Shepherd in our thoughts. Many church planters and their families joined us on the day, and it was great to hear updates from several of them. We received news from Hope Church Leith with Rev Derek Lamont, Esk Valley with Rev Tom Muir, Galashiels with Rev Craig Anderson, and Bearsden with Nate Taylor. It was good to hear about the various stages of growth in their church plants, including their challenges and successes, their needs, and how we can support them through prayer. It’s encouraging to see the number of church planters growing each year. We are grateful to God for our church planters and their families, the progress of our church plants and for the love and support they receive from other churches.

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Rev Tom Muir said: ‘The Generation Vision conference was much appreciated. A mix of pastoral and practical gospel application, the focus was relevant to attendees from all kinds of contexts. ‘Elliot Cherry from Nashville helped us see how Jesus himself really is our ongoing need in the tiredness and seeming impossibility of ministry. Michael Keller from New York led us on a thoughtprovoking journey through applying the gospel in varying situations. ‘There was a great mix of people there, and we enjoyed a sense of shared fellowship and a common goal: to make Jesus known, and to see healthy gospel churches flourish.’ •

WORK UNDER WAY FOR NEW CHURCH IN TAIN

lans for a new church in tain have edged a step closer with the clearance of the site, in preparation for construction work. The congregation of Tain and Fearn purchased the site of the Old Health Centre, just

across the road from the current church, eight years ago. The initial intention was to retain part of that building and refurbish it, in conjunction with a new build. But due to the astronomical rise in construction costs since the Covid pandemic, it became more cost effective to demolish the entire structure. The church was delighted to secure a grant from Highland Council’s Community Regeneration Fund, which covered half the cost of demolition. This has now been completed and the tenders have been returned for the construction of a new purpose-built facility. Firms were asked to tender for the work in two phases: first to get the building up to wind- and water-tight stage and then another phase to complete it. These tenders are currently being assessed. Tain and Fearn minister, Rev Alasdair MacAulay said: ‘The longer we waited, the more this project seemed out of reach. So, we decided that we needed to look at doing it in stages. Stage one, which was the demolition, is now complete. Stage two, which is to get the building erected to wind- and water-tight, now looks to be achievable if we can raise just a little more cash. It would, however, require a step of faith to begin construction when we don’t have the means to complete the entire building. Please pray with us that God will give us wisdom to know how to proceed.’ He added: ‘Our current building has water leaks, damp, and a lack of suitable rooms, and is not suitable for all the different activities that the church is involved in. We have been encouraged in the last couple of years to see several young teenagers coming to faith and we have a thriving youth group. This, combined with regular assemblies in six primary schools and Tain Royal Academy, increases our desire to see a church building that will be fit for purpose for the generations coming after us.’ If anyone would like to donate to the project, they can contact the Tain and Fearn treasurer Mrs Anne Wilkie on tandffc.treasurer19@gmail.com •

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LOCHGILPHEAD AND TARBERT NEW ELDERS

unday

17th november was a very special day for the

congregation of lochgilphead and tarbert in the free presbytery of glasgow and argyll.

It is more than 30 years since either congregation had ordained a ruling elder, and some time since there had been any local elders, so there was a real sense of joy and thankfulness to God for his provision of two men to serve in the recently linked congregation. Colin Brailsford and Calum McPhail had been duly elected by the congregation and accepted the call to serve as ruling elders for both locations. The service of ordination and induction was held in Lochgilphead and was conducted by Dr Rodger Crooks. The hall was filled to capacity with worshippers from both locations plus family members of the new elders. A warm spirit of friendship was evident as lunch was served after the service and conversations flowed around the tables. Dr Crooks said: ‘Having these two men now serving as local ruling elders is a great encouragement. The congregation is growing and has a renewed hope for the future, with new members sharing the workload and taking on roles within the

Colin Brailsford, Dr Rodger Crooks, Calum McPhail

congregation. We are thankful to God for answered prayer and look to him to call a new minister to serve here in the not-too-distant future.’ •

LOOKING BACK TO 1973

This photo was taken by Rev George Thomson of the Free Church School of Theology at Carronvale in 1973. Back (L to R): James Fraser, George Dunnett (1973 was his Moderatorial year), Duncan Beaton, Hugh MacKay, Donald G Mackay (elder), APW Fraser, Angus MacLeod (elder), Donald Macleod, DK Macleod, John (Jack) Norman MacLeod, Fergus Macdonald, Tom MacLean (elder), Robert Christie, John (Jack) Morrison, Hector Cameron. Front (Lto R): Malcolm Macrae, Rowland Ward, Bryan Baxter, Archie Boyd, David Fraser, Ken Stone, Albert Sliep. Thanks goes to Sandy Sutherland for sending this photo in with details of those featured in the photo. •

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A CLOSER LOOK AT ANGELS

with his heavenly Father, by prayer and meditation. He experienced several visible testimonies to his Sonship — notably at his baptism and his transfiguration. But at none of these were angels present. However, in the garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus was overcome by the horror of what he was shortly to undergo, an angel appeared to him and gave him strength. Then came the climax of his ministry, when he was betrayed and delivered into the hands of sinners. Peter struck out in defence of his Master, but Jesus cut him short with the reproof ‘Put up your sword! Do you not realise that I could call on my Father, who would supply me instantly with twelve legions of angels?’ Finally, after Jesus’ burial, the women who came to the tomb were met by angels in shining clothing — a terrifying experience for the women and the men who had been sent to guard the tomb. An angel, evidently in human form, rolled back the stone and sat on it. He told the women the glad news: ‘Jesus is risen! Go and tell the other disciples!’ After Jesus’ ascension there were numerous appearances of angels to the apostles. John in particular was granted a series of visions in which angels figured prominently. So glorious did they appear to John that he was tempted to fall down in worship — but was instantly halted with the words: ‘Stop it! I am only your fellow servant. Worship God!’

BY DONALD MACKAY

ANGELS IN THE EXPERIENCE OF OUR LORD ON EARTH We need to establish at the outset what Scripture teaches about the nature of angels. They are spiritual beings, very numerous, and equipped with mighty powers. They fall into different categories — cherubim and seraphim are mentioned — and occupy different ranks. They are defined as holy, in distinction from a group which at some point in time revolted against God and are known as fallen angels. The role of the angels is to give glory to God by their praise and service. They are greatly superior to human beings in terms of moral character and intelligence, but nevertheless are appointed to serve mankind as “ministering spirits.” It is in this capacity that they feature in the gospels as supporting the incarnate Jesus.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ANGELS

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ANGELS IN THE GOSPELS

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The first service rendered to Jesus was by the angel (in all probability archangel) Gabriel, who had appeared to the prophet Daniel in Old Testament times. He was charged with two duties — to announce the coming of John the Baptist as our Lord’s forerunner, and to intimate to Mary the extraordinary news that she was to be the bearer of the Lord himself as a human being. This was duly carried out by Gabriel with the utmost delicacy, tact and power. Next, an angel was sent to Joseph instructing him to take Mary as his wife and to give her child the name Jesus in view of the work of salvation he was to accomplish. At the birth-event itself, along with an angelic message given to the shepherds, there was a huge outpouring of heavenly joy as the angels sang a hymn of praise to God. There followed a series of peremptory instructions given to Joseph by angelic visitation, all designed to safeguard the infant Jesus from the malice of king Herod. Thereafter, for thirty-three years of Jesus’ development and manhood, there is only one record of angelic input into his life. This was on the occasion, at the outset of his ministry, when he went into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. Afterwards, we are told, angels came and attended him. It is noteworthy that, during the temptation, when the Devil tried to persuade him to rely on angelic protection, Jesus forcefully rejected the suggestion. During his ministry Jesus was constantly in touch

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In the gospel drama, angels are supporting cast and not main characters. This is inevitable, since the story is not about them. But they still play a significant and honourable part. The burden of the story is about mankind — its marvellous creation, its desperate fall, and its stupendous redemption. Christ came for the salvation of mankind. He did not come to help angels (Hebrews 2:16 ESV) or in the nature of angels (Hebrews 2:16 AV). He took upon himself ‘the seed of Abraham’. Nor is it to angels that God has ‘subjected the world to come’ (Hebrews 2:5). For a time Jesus was made lower than the angels, but now, having taken on human nature, he has gone into the heavens, crowned with glory and honour. The humiliation of Jesus, and the salvation of mankind, continue to be something of a puzzle to the angels (I Peter 1:12). Perhaps the mystery will become clearer when he returns ‘with all his holy ones’ (I Thess. 3:13). •

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WORLD NEWS AMERICAS AFRICA EUROPE ASIA AUSTRALASIA

PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH NICARAGUA: This summer, Nicaragua saw a renewed crackdown on religious leaders and civil society in particular. Over 1,800 civil society organisations were forced to close in August, including scores of churches and two of the most historic denominations: the Moravian Church of Nicaragua and the Episcopal Church of Nicaragua. • SOMALIA: Church life in Somalia is non-existent, and in recent years the dangers facing Christians appear to have worsened, as Islamic militants have intensified their hunt for Christian leaders. Attempts to establish or re-open churches have been met with fierce resistance. • SUDAN: Against the backdrop of civil war, in which both sides are accused of war crimes including rape, loot and killings of civilians, persecution of Christians has increased sharply. There are longterm concerns that the conflict will give Islamic extremists a renewed foothold in the country, undoing the reforms made by the transitional civilian government which gave more freedom to Christians, including abolishing the apostasy law and removing Islam as the state religion. • NEPAL: Nepali Christians face the threat of being attacked by their families or even forced out of their homes for believing in Christ. The government also oppresses Christians through anti-conversion laws and the shuttering of churches. • NORTH KOREA: Although all religions are repressed in North Korea, Christianity is particularly targeted. Christians meet in secret “underground churches”, usually in very small groups in people’s homes, to avoid detection by the authorities. •

NIGERIAN CHURCH LEADERS FACING ‘EPIDEMIC OF KIDNAPPINGS’ Barnabas Fund/Christian Daily International-Morning Star News Church leaders in Nigeria are facing ‘an epidemic of Muslim-majority north and Middle Belt, kidnappings’, according to a senior church leader. where recent attacks in Benue state have Matthew Hassan Kukah made the comment killed 21 Christians. after the abduction of Emmanuel Azubuike, in the Paul Adetsav, a community leader in Ayilomo, southern state of Imo on 5th November. Emmanuel Benue, said residents can no longer tend to their was released on 11th November. farms because of the attacks. ‘The Fulani herdsmen Emmanuel’s kidnapping came a week after two other keep attacking us almost on a daily basis, killing church ministers in southern Nigeria were also kidnapped. Christians at will and igniting fire on our houses David Arinze Ajaefobi was abducted on 26th and places of worship,’ Adetsav told Christian Daily October in Anambra State at the entry gate to the International-Morning Star News. ‘Crops we planted church he pastors. He is still being held. on our farms have also been destroyed by the armed Thomas Oyode was kidnapped on Sunday 27th herdsmen. Hunger has become an epidemic, killing October in Edo State. He had offered himself as a us and our children since we have nothing to eat.’ hostage in the place of two church members the More than 400,000 members of the Benue kidnappers had intended taking instead. Thomas was community have been displaced as a result of finally released on 7th November. He is in hospital incessant attacks, Adetsav said. following his ordeal. Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe Nigeria’s Christians have been facing attacks herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in by Islamist militants for years, with kidnappings Nigeria’s Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to becoming increasingly common in recent years, forcefully take over Christians’ lands and impose especially among pastors and church ministers. Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them These events are more common in Nigeria’s to sustain their herds. •

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THOUSANDS PARTICIPATE IN FIRST EVER ‘MARCH FOR JESUS’ IN DUBLIN Christian Daily International 12,000 Christians, young, old, male and female, and of various ethnicities, walked through the centre of the city of Dublin in excited solidarity for the faith at the first ever ‘March for Jesus’. All Nations Church and Betania Church, both based in the city, organised the event on 26th October, supported by other churches in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. They gathered to affirm the Christian identity which has enfolded the peoples of Ireland since missionary St Patrick first arrived in the fifth century AD, according to organisers. Starting at the Garden of Remembrance, the crowds sang and prayed as they walked, holding wooden crosses, waving flags and placards saying, ‘March for Jesus’, ‘Jesus is the Way’, ‘Jesus is King’, ‘Jesus loves Ireland’, and more. A worship team on an elevated platform located upon one of the city streets led participants in singing popular songs and hymns, such as ‘Praise the Lord, Oh my soul’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’. Pastor John Ahern, of All Nations Church, read aloud from Jeremiah 1:10: ‘See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.’ The pastor then spoke out seemingly about political decisions and societal choices on the island, both north and south, which stood contrary to gospel values. ‘I want to pray for the family, I want to pray for our children. I think that it’s significant that in the providence of God, that God ordained that we would be here on this day. It was arranged

months ago but here God says before you were born I knew you. ‘We are here to bless our city, we are here to bless this island both north and south. But we’re not just here to bless because God will not and cannot bless everything. God will not bless the shedding of innocent blood. God will not bless euthanasia. God will not bless the sexualisation of children. God will not bless the erasure of women. And God will not bless churches that are so cowardly they refuse to call evil exactly what it is.’ Ahern then pleaded to God, ‘standing in the gap for this nation’, asking for blessing on Ireland and Northern Ireland, Great Britain, Europe and the wider world. Referring to Jesus as the light of the world, he pleaded in prayer for the Irish people to return to God: ‘that the Irish people are going to come back to you, to faith in you, to honouring you, to worshiping you, to declaring that you are Lord.’ Several other church and ministry leaders, both male and female, from across the island also spoke and prayed at the event. Nick Park, Executive Director of the Evangelical Alliance Ireland, expressed his hope for a future Irish Government which would return its focus on values that align with the Bible. ‘I pray for the next government for this nation to be one that you can use to roll back tides of darkness and bring in a restoration of truth and godliness in this nation.’ •

MUSLIM VIGILANTE GROUPS LURE CHRISTIANS INTO BLASPHEMY CHARGES Premier Christian News Muslim vigilante groups in Lahore, Pakistan are reportedly collaborating with federal authorities to entrap young people, particularly Christians and other religious minorities, in blasphemy charges via social media, according to a recent investigation by Pakistan’s National Commission for Human Rights. This year has seen a dramatic rise in blasphemy cases, with a threefold increase in accusations compared to the previous year. By 25th July, 767 people were accused of blasphemy and detained across Pakistan, up from 213 in 2023. The NCHR report reveals that many of these cases involve collusion between vigilante groups and the Federal Investigation Agency, especially within the Cybercrime Unit. The investigation highlighted tactics involving entrapment through false social media profiles, where vigilantes use female pseudonyms to lure individuals into sharing or engaging with content that could be deemed blasphemous.

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The NCHR reported that most of these cases come from Punjab Province, with hundreds of alleged offenders imprisoned under poor conditions. In one of the most significant cases, Shiraz Ahmad Farooqi and the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan have pursued over 300 cases, including the recent sentencing of 40-year-old Christian woman Shagufta Kiran to death in September. A report from Punjab’s Special Branch earlier this year uncovered a “blasphemy business,” an exploitative scheme where private vigilante groups, often led by lawyers, track potential offenders online to pressure them financially or legally. One such group was reportedly responsible for securing convictions for 27 people, resulting in life sentences or death penalties over the past three years. Pakistan is currently ranked seventh on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by Christians and other minorities in the region. •

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An introduction to Biblical Counselling BY LOUISE MACMILLAN

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iblical counselling, simply put, is the application of the details of scripture to

the details of our hearts and lives. How we live, how we see the world, how we treat others, how we view our problems and our suffering, and how we handle our emotions within our relationships are all significant parts of our daily lives that are not outside the scope of our faith but firmly at the centre. Biblical counselling is an invitation for us as believers to welcome God into this everyday wisdom. How do we navigate this complex and confusing world? The saving and sanctifying gospel of Jesus Christ offers us the wisdom to live out our lives in a way that continually gives him the glory. We are accustomed to hearing Scripture speak into the hardest times in our lives but how invested are we in allowing it to speak into every detail? Biblical Counselling asserts that Scriptural wisdom has much more to say about all the facets of our lives than we imagine; from our suicidal depression (see Psalm 88 giving us permission to be brutally honest with the Lord ) and our simmering anger (‘In your anger do not sin’ Ephesians 4:26) to how to be a gracious and good friend (‘Encourage one another and build each other up’ 1 Thessalonians 5:11). The Bible has something, often quite a lot, to say about all of these things. David Powlison puts it beautifully: ‘Your life too is lived (and re-scripted) in the details just like all the people in Scripture. Your Saviour and your shepherd meets you in the particulars of your need for saving and shepherding. He saves and sanctifies us in specifics not in theological generalities. Every person’s life is a little bit or even a whole lot different from other people, and God meets you right there with his gracious and sanctifying purposes.’ Now the Bible may not directly speak to our individual lived experience. Our 21st Century western world context is of course different to that of 1st Century Palestine, but whatever our situation looks like the Bible does speak to what is happening in our hearts beneath our experience. Do our circumstances mean that we are living out of fear or perhaps anxiety, sadness, grief, shame, rejection, oppression or people pleasing? Psalm 139:23-24 asks God to search us and know us, to reveal our hearts and lead us in the way everlasting. The heart is at the core of us as human beings living life before God. The heart is the wellspring of life — Proverbs 4:23. As we discern what drives us, we are able to run to Scripture for help. We run to Jesus for help. We are reminded that he is the shepherd who tenderly cares for his flock and is waiting for us with outstretched arms. He longs for us not to fear but to trust that he is our refuge and strength. Biblical Counselling is a very broad term that encapsulates anything from the incidental conversations we have after church, in our homes or over coffee, to the more formal conversations that resemble ‘talk therapy’. For me personally as I began to study Biblical counselling, I found my relationship with the Lord was transformed. I simultaneously learned that the Lord really meant it when he said he had begun a good work in me, and also that I had to take it seriously. I learned that it was not just my outer self he wanted to change but my deepest thoughts and motives. My impatience with my children was not justified. My desire for my own comfort, I discovered, was not a godly motive! I was profoundly challenged as God both revealed the depth of the sinfulness of my heart and also gave me a completely new appreciation of his forgiveness, love and mercy towards me through Jesus. As I began to truly engage with Scripture on this level, I started to see real growth in my life. •

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About Louise Macmillan: I am the co-founder of New Growth (newgrowthcounselling.org.uk) based in Edinburgh. We meet clients both online and in person from all over the country, seeking to serve our local churches. I also tutor for Biblical Counselling UK (bcuk.org), whose vision is for all people, whatever their struggle, to find wise, Biblical conversational ministry in their local church. They are the place to go for training and resources providing a range of programmes for individual members and also courses that churches can do in community to help deepen both skill and understanding.

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BELOVED PHYSICIAN In the This Is My Story devotional series, REV DAVID J RANDALL

Record: Dr Luke, we don’t seem to know very much about you. One thing we do know is that the apostle Paul valued you as a friend and co-worker. Were you also his doctor? Luke: Paul had a few health issues, and I was sometimes able to help, although there were other times when I couldn’t help. He suffered from his ‘thorn in the flesh’ and looked to a higher Physician than me for help. Record: And we understand that you were not only his physician but that you worked shoulder-toshoulder with him in gospel work in these early days.

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Luke: Yes, I was privileged to work with him in his mission to share the gospel and build up the church, and we became close friends in that task. Record: And yet you managed to remain almost anonymous in the two volumes that you wrote. Luke: That’s because I wasn’t writing about myself. In my first volume I wanted to tell of all that Jesus began to do and teach in his birth, life, death and resurrection, and then in the second volume to record the growth and expansion of his kingdom in ever widening circles. Record: From what you wrote, it seems that you did

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Guido Reni (1575–1642) St. Luke (1621)

imagines what it might be like if we could interview some Bible characters. Hebrews 11:4 says of one character, ‘though he died, he still speaks’; may these ‘interviews’ encourage us today in trusting, loving and serving the Lord Jesus Christ, the Character of the Bible.

extensive research before you took up your stylus. Luke: Yes, I wanted to consult eyewitnesses and put everything down in an orderly way so that people would have a firm foundation for their faith. Record: We sometimes hear it said that the followers of Jesus were simple, uneducated people, but you are an educated man, as was Paul. Luke: Jesus had (and has) time for all kinds of people: uneducated and educated, young and old, Jew and Gentile, male and female. The great thing is that all who believe are one in Christ Jesus. I’m a Gentile myself (actually the only Gentile writer in the New Testament), and it’s wonderful that in God’s Kingdom there are no racial, social or sexual barriers. As the Master said (our brother John recorded it), ‘whoever comes to me I will never cast out.’ Record: It’s also in John that we read John the Baptist’s statement about Jesus: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ That seems to have been your motto too. We really know so little about you. Luke: The important thing was, and is, that (as Paul wrote) in everything Christ might be pre-eminent. Record: By the way, who was the Theophilus whom you addressed at the beginning of both of your volumes? Luke: If you know your Greek, you’ll know that the name means “friend of God”. I know that some people have suggested it was a nickname for a highranking Roman official, and even that my Acts was a brief for Paul’s advocate in his eventual trial before Nero. Others think Theophilus was an actual friend to whom I wanted to give a well-researched account, but I was inspired to write these accounts to lead others to become a Theophilus – people who love, trust and serve the Lord Jesus. Record: It was near the end of his life that Paul spoke of you being the only one who was with him. But you had been with him on many other occasions, hadn’t you? Luke: You can trace these occasions through the “We passages” in Acts. I was glad to accompany Paul in some of his adventures for Christ. Record: And near the end of Acts you wrote, ‘And so we came to Rome.’ Luke: That was one of the most thrilling experiences. God had enabled Paul to spread the gospel in many parts of the Mediterranean world, and then when we reached the imperial capital – that seemed like a wonderful climax for my writing. I knew that after that the story would continue, according to Jesus’ own instruction to take the good news all over the world. Record: Yes, we’ve referred to your words about the things Jesus began to do and teach. Luke: And then I went on to record his resurrection appearances, his ascension and the gift of the Holy Spirit to empower the church to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Record: And your research led you to include many

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things that we wouldn’t know about otherwise. It’s only through you that we know the story of the good Samaritan and the Emmaus Road disciples. Only you recorded the chapter about the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost sons (prodigal or otherwise). Luke: These were all results of my extensive research, so that I could write my orderly account. I wanted people to know that the foundational events of Christianity were not the result of secret visions or obscure revelations. None of it was ‘done in a corner’. Record: But you weren’t an eyewitness like Matthew and John (and Peter who related many things to Mark), were you? Luke: No, but, with God’s help, I researched everything carefully. I wanted the Theophiluses of the world to have a firm foundation for their faith. Record: You record many miracles, like the stilling of the storm and the healing of the paralytic let down through the roof. So it seems that, although you’re a man of science, you had no difficulty in believing such things. Luke: Well, the basis of a truly scientific method is openness to wherever the evidence leads. Such an open mind is essential, rather than the closed mind of those who refuse to believe anything that goes beyond our own powers of explanation. Record: That brings us to ask about the nativity events recorded by you. There’s more information from you than from anyone else. You are the one who has informed us about the angel Gabriel coming to Mary and foretelling the birth of a miraculously conceived Baby whom they were to name Jesus. There’s a lot of detail about Mary, Elizabeth, John the Baptist; you recorded the Magnificat and then the actual birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. How did you acquire all that information? Luke: Well, I told you I researched everything, and that included hearing from Mary’s own lips many things that we wouldn’t have known if she hadn’t told me, and through me the world – all about the Infant being laid in a cattle trough because there was no room in the inn, and the revelation to the shepherds, and so on. I wrote, ‘Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart’ and I was privileged to hear so much from her lips that I could then record for posterity. Record: We are so thankful for all that you did to record so much for our instruction and guidance. Luke: Over and above all that has been said about my research, the Holy Spirit was guiding me (and the other Bible writers too) so that we have the holy Scriptures which are able to make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. • David J Randall retired from pastoral ministry in 2010 and is a member of the Free Church congregation in Broughty Ferry. He has served in a number of locumships, still preaches regularly, and has written several books.

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PAGES FROM ADAM’S DIARY The Lord who provides

was invited to speak at a mid-week prayer meeting

of the night, he was awakened and he felt the Lord instruct him to go to the bank in the morning and take out £200 and give it to the man who spoke earlier that evening in the church (me). In obedience, he had come to his bank, withdrew the money, and then stood in the lobby thinking to himself, ‘Dear God, I do not remember the name of this man. I do not know where he is staying or if he has already left the island. How do you expect me to find him and give him this money?’ And at that very moment, I collided with him in the lobby of the bank. In complete astonishment, he kept proclaiming loudly in the bank lobby, ‘Isn’t God good?! Isn’t God good?!’ There were several banks in the city centre. It “happened” that I walked into this bank at the very time he was there — apparent coincidences which I have learned are sovereignly orchestrated. •

on the isle of lewis. The next morning, I was

leaving to go elsewhere in Scotland, and I needed cash. I went to a bank in the city centre of Stornoway to exchange money. Because of some technicality, the bank teller could not do it. As I turned to leave the bank, I bumped into a gentleman in the lobby because he abruptly turned into my path. As we collided, he looked stunned to see me. Then he loudly exclaimed, ‘Isn’t God good?! God is so good!’ He took my hand, put a bundle of cash in it and held my hands in his. Tears streamed from his eyes. He asked if I remembered him. Apologetically, I responded that age was catching up with me and I needed him to refresh my memory. He said that he had been in the prayer meeting the night before. He explained that in the middle

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A brother, known to some of us as Dr Adam, has served the Lord among his suffering church for many years. Dr Adam has also ministered in various parts of the world among refugees. We have asked his permission to print some of the stories of his life and service for the encouragement of readers of The Record. For well understood reasons, the names of people and places have usually been changed or omitted.

Digging into God’s Word

BY CARRIE MARLOW

that’s sat beside a hospital bed, in a coffee shop or in someone’s living room, being able to point people to the riches and beauty we have in the Bible is such a joy. But my favourite part is spending time studying the Bible with other women within the church. Whether it’s a familiar epistle or a minor prophet (we’re currently studying Amos), I regularly get the privilege of seeing someone’s eyes opened to the wonder of God and then seeing them grow in trusting and following him, and doing this together brings such depth to my own understanding as well. We know God’s word is important; it is central to what we do when we gather as God’s people. Through his word God speaks into the joys, sorrows and mundane things of life. He brings comfort to the brokenhearted, challenge to the wayward, hope to the downcast. He has given us everything we need in his word. Yet often, we find ourselves quite content just paddling on the shore instead of diving deep into the scriptures. We rely on what other people have to tell us about the Bible rather than spending time trying to understand it for ourselves. What stops us digging into God’s word for ourselves? I’ve noticed a few different things; I’m sure you could add others. For some, maybe it’s a lack of confidence that they can understand what it says without someone else telling them, or a fear of getting it wrong so they’d rather just be told what the right answer is. Maybe we feel we don’t have enough time, or maybe we find it’s just too hard so why wouldn’t we just turn to what someone much wiser than us has to say. We’re used to sitting under God’s word as it is preached and taught, and this is a vital thing for us. I have nothing against devotionals and good books, but I wonder have we lost the desire to discover it for ourselves? I could tell you all about my best friend, what she looks like, what she’s good at, why she’s a good friend; you’d hopefully get an idea of what she’s like. But it would be so much richer for you to meet her, to see her, to experience what it’s like to be her friend. I think sometimes we hear a lot about God, what he’s like, what it means to follow him, but we forget that we are invited to know him for ourselves. Yes, we can learn about him as wise people share what they have learned, but we have the immense privilege of knowing him personally. As we come to the Bible we get to meet the living God who has made himself known. In his word God teaches us about himself, he shows us his character, he reveals his salvation plan for the world. As we see what God is like we start to understand what we are like, and what it looks like for us to live as his people. As Paul prays for the Ephesians, ‘I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better’ (Ephesians 1:17). Every Christian, as we come to God’s word, can know God better, through the power of the Spirit. How incredible is that! We recently ran a Bible Handling Workshop at church, designed to help people build confidence in understanding God’s word for themselves. We get rich teaching from God’s word regularly but I’m not sure many realise that they have the tools to be able to delve into scripture for themselves. This isn’t just something that those who are teaching the Bible to us need, it’s something we all need to have. So where do you start? Well, we come to God’s word humbly, trusting that he is able to reveal his truth to us. We come together — learning in community brings such richness to our understanding. We come eager and expectant that God speaks through his word. We will never exhaust the riches of his word. There are some great books that seek to give tools for us to dig into scripture more, like Dig Deeper (Nigel Beynon and Andrew Sach), Women of the Word (Jen Wilkin) or God’s Big Picture (Vaughan Roberts). • Carrie Marlow is the Women’s Pastoral Worker at Free North Church, Inverness

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ne of the great privileges of my role as a women’s worker is being able to open up god’s word with people. Whether

REV NEIL SHAW (1936-2024)

BY REV KENNETH FERGUSON

Neil’s first charge was the Free Church congregation of Lochbroom, from 1968. He then served in Kilmallie from 1971, before serving in Dingwall from 1979 and onto Callanish in Lewis, where he served the Lord from 1988 until his retirement in 1999. Having retired to Conon Bridge, Neil preached the glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ when invited to do so. This he did with his usual grace, not only from the pulpit, but also through the medium of Gaelic radio. Neil’s faithful preaching was Biblical, Christ-centred, clear, warm and winsome, and there were and still are, many who could testify to the Lord having blessed them through his ministry. As a Pastor among the people, he was held in high esteem, being much loved and respected by all who knew him. Having known him at meetings of Church courts, his contributions to the proceedings were invariably wise, constructive and gracious. He always presented the Biblical perspective. Neil was a man of peace who adorned his Office with a blameless and fragrant life. He ran his race with perseverance, ‘looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith.’ The Lord, we fully believe, has now called him home to glory, the place of eternal rest and security of the redeemed of God. The Church on earth is much poorer for Neil’s passing, and our prayer is that the Lord would raise up others to serve him and make known his glory to the present and rising generation. We convey our deepest sympathy to Dolina, Jayne and Norman with his wife Sarah, and pray they might be conscious of the Lord’s strength and comfort. •

t was with great sadness that the church heard of the passing of rev neil shaw at the age of 88. Having

lost an eye to ocular cancer in 2020, Mr Shaw’s health subsequently deteriorated. He was admitted to Raigmore Hospital Inverness on 30th April 2024, and two weeks later he passed to his eternal rest. Neil was born in Clydebank to Mary Ann and James Shaw. The family sadly lost their home and possessions during the Clydebank Blitz in 1941 however, they relocated and settled in Tolsta Chaolais, Isle of Lewis, in the safety and security of Mary Ann’s family home. Neil with sister Ina and brothers Calum and Iain were brought up in a quiet, secure and predominantly Gaelicspeaking community. Neil learned to speak Gaelic fluently and came to appreciate the Gaelic culture. He was blessed with a rich, melodious singing voice. He put these gifts to good use, to the glory of God in later life as a gifted Gaelic preacher and as a leader of Psalm singing in Gaelic and English. The family moved to Swordale, Point, Lewis, when Neil was about 10. After Primary education, he was educated at the Nicolson Institute, Stornoway and left school at 15, to be employed as a shop assistant. He commenced National Service in the Royal Air Force, being stationed in Wiltshire and Aird Uig, in Lewis. It was at a time of Revival in Point, during the ministry of Rev William Campbell, that Neil first showed an interest in the Gospel and was awakened to seek the Lord. He recorded a particular experience: ‘It was whilst attending communion services at Barvas Free Church in the spring of 1958 that Christ made himself known to me...as the great high priest of his people. My heart was filled with joy as I saw, at last, the Lord Jesus Christ as my own personal Saviour. He became my Lord and my God.’ It was not long after this that Neil felt called to serve the Lord in the Ministry of the Gospel. He studied at the Faculty of Arts at the University of Aberdeen and Theology at the Free Church College Edinburgh. He also worked in Highways and Byways Missions around Scotland during his student days. He married Dolina Macleod from Lower Bayble, Point, in 1965 and their union was blessed with the arrival of their children, Jayne and Norman. Jayne is a teacher in Inverness and Dr Norman is a lecturer in Art, based at the University of the Highlands and Islands.

REV MURDO MACLEOD (1934-2024) BY MURDO MACLEOD

days of his sojourn here, his most frequently uttered words, in both Gaelic and English, were ‘I know that my Redeemer lives.’ Rev Macleod was born and raised in the village Ranish on 6th October 1934 and was educated in Fidigarry Primary School and The Nicolson Institute

he members and adherents of lochs free church, along with the wider local community and his many friends far beyond, were deeply

saddened by the recent passing of rev murdo macleod.

For him, though, this was a translation to his keenly anticipated eternal rest. Indeed, during the last few

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Stornoway. He joined the RAF for his period of National Service. On returning to civilian life, he worked for Costain Construction and Civil Engineering Company. In 1962 Costain won a four-year contract to reconstruct and significantly extend the main runway at Stornoway Airport. The resultant move back home was an exceptionally happy period for Murdo as in 1964 he made public profession of his faith and became a member of Lochs Church. It was also during this time that he met Ishbell Ann, whom he married in October 1966. Following his work in Lewis, he left the island to continue his service with Costain, which lasted until he commenced his studies for the Free Church ministry. He and Ishbell Ann initially set up home in Helensburgh and then moved to Ayr. While there, he made a major contribution to the Free church Congregation in Ayr. The couple were blessed with two daughters, Mairi and Joan. Murdo commenced his studies at Glasgow University in 1973. During a five-year stay in Bearsden the family worshipped in Partick Highland Free Church. In 1978, following his course in the Free College, he was ordained and inducted to the Duirinish congregation, Skye where he was to spend his entire ministry, retiring in 2002. For a number of years thereafter he and Ishbel Ann lived in Kirriemuir and worshipped in the Dundee Free Church Congregation. However, the call back to Lewis, always strong, resulted in their move back to Ishbel Ann’s family home in Leurbost, where he passed away on 6th January 2024. Murdo Macleod’s ministry was characterised by a very strong pastoral commitment, underpinned of course by an ultra-winsome personality which resulted in him being held in great affection by all he came in contact with. Certainly, no one was left in any doubt as to what his greatest passion was. He served diligently as an Elder in Lochs Free

Church for over ten years and conducted services whenever and wherever asked to do so. While he is now gone from our midst, an almost tangible fragrance arising from his time with us seems to linger. His pastoral support in the congregation of Lochs is much missed and the community’s sympathy to Ishbell Ann, Mairi and Joan, and also to his beloved twin grandsons Angus and Murray, continues. •

JOHN MURDO MACKENZIE (1932-2023)

t was with great sadness that the kirk session and the congregation of poolewe and aultbea received the news of the death of john murdo mackenzie on sunday 26th march 2023.

John, always referred to as John Murdo, was born in Cove in 1932, the second child in a family of six. He went to school in Inverasdale, where he met his late wife Chrissie whom he married in 1964. They set up home in Cove where their four daughters were born. Sadly, their youngest daughter Hannah, died of Down’s syndrome. John served his National Service in the Royal Artillery, serving some of his time in Germany. On his return from the army, he served his time as a bricklayer and then worked for the Highland Council Roads Dept until he retired. John was in his 70s before he made a public confession of faith at the Aultbea communions in 2004. It was remarkable how quickly he matured into a wise and godly member of this church. He was ordained as an elder in June 2008. At meetings he provided a wise and gentle voice and always sought to come back to God’s priorities rather than man’s. At the centre of all that John did was his Christian faith. His faith was sincere, warm and non-judgemental. He had a good singing voice and would on occasion lead the praise at the Prayer meeting. Shortly after Chrissie died John was diagnosed with cancer. He bore his burden with great dignity and fortitude. Over the course of his last week he could be heard singing the psalms and often saying to visitors, ‘God bless us all.’ His brothers in the Kirk session mourn a loyal friend and a respected ambassador for the cause of Christ in this parish. We extend our sincere

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condolences to his surviving daughters Marina, Joan and Annetta and their respective families, in the loss of a diligent and loving father who was respected and admired both in this community and beyond. • “Dear in God’s sight is his saint’s death” Psalm 116:15

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BOOK REVIEWS For our 500th book review, we are delighted to spotlight another homegrown Free Church author: Dayspring MacLeod. Dayspring has written a compelling addition to CFP’s Hall of Faith series. We also have some other titles that are bound to captivate and challenge. HALL OF FAITH: DIETRICH BONHOEFFER’ DAYSPRING MACLEOD (2023) Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Theologian/Pastor and one of the heroes of World War II. He spoke against the evils of the Nazi regime and was found to be one of those in the Resistance movement who had plotted to assassinate Hitler; he was arrested and eventually martyred. This short story of his life is simply told in this little book, which is part of the Hall of Faith series by Christian Focus Publications. The author plots the story when Bonhoeffer was moved from the Buchenwald Concentration Camp to Schönberg where the political prisoners were held. She retells his story through the “conversations” he has with the other prisoners in his room. In these conversations we learn why he thinks the way he does, what has led him to be the man he is, and the things which have shaped his life. We see not only his faith in God shining through, but also his compassion for his fellow man, particularly those despised by society. We also see his struggle with pacificism, the evil of war, and the evil of man. A short easy read for anyone who just wants a little flavour of this Hero of Faith. • This book is available from www.christianfocus.com Fiona Talbot, Plockton & Kyle Free Church

SEEING THE UNSEEN GOD JOHN DAVIS (2023) This book explores the seeming contradiction between Scripture telling us that no-one can see God and live, and at the same time calling us to see him in all his glory. The author deftly examines the many strands of the subject found scattered throughout scripture and draws them together into a series of short chapters that create a clear and coherent narrative on a much-neglected area of Christian doctrine. There is a good emphasis in the latter chapters on how we see God, the need for discipline and hard work in the pursuit, and the rewards that come with it. All this is done in a conversational style that simultaneously delivers solid teaching, and which therefore makes this book suitable for Christians of all ages and stages. • This book is available from www.christianfocus.com Duncan MacPherson, North Harris Free Church

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FOLLOWING JESUS IN AN AGE OF QUITTERS JOHN D. GILLESPIE (2024) This book of devotions adopts the novel idea of using Jonathan Edwards’ 1722 set of seventy Resolutions as its framework. Following on from Edwards’ set of commitments, the book offers us meaningful challenges as Christians in our daily walk with Jesus. Gillespie’s justification for this approach is that Edwards’ Resolutions illustrate his ‘holiness of heart and life’ and applying these to the 21st century should prove transformational for the Christian reader. Initially, I found that I needed to overcome my reservations about whether the resolve and utmost dedication shown by the young (18 years old!) and great 18th century Edwards could speak to me and other readers in present day contexts as we seek to follow Jesus. My concerns, however, were unfounded as it soon became apparent that Gillespie was adept in bringing these Resolutions alive to a modern audience. I was constantly made aware of the all-sufficient grace and mercy of our Saviour and how much I needed to depend on it. The only jarring note was the way the author referred to Jonathan Edwards in overly familiar terms at times, such as Jonny. Nonetheless, this does not detract from the serious purpose of the book of presenting lessons from a committed and valuable servant of God. • This book is available from www.christianfocus.com Gari Lewis, Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Llwynhendy

CHRIST & CREED NATE PICKOWICZ (2023) Creeds and Confessions are important historic documents which provide a summary of vital theological beliefs. They help us understand what we believe and connect us to the wider church throughout the world and in history. And yet often they are neglected today and little understood. This is where Nate Pickowicz’s book Christ & Creed is such a helpful introduction to them. The book begins by asking the question ‘Why do we need Creeds?’ Pickowicz draws on Old Testament and New Testament examples of creeds and confessions to help us see the Biblical case for the use of Creeds. After introducing the need for creeds, the book then introduces the reader to four of the most important ecumenical creeds — the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Definition of Chalcedon and the Athanasian Creed. In each case the wording and meaning of the creed is explored and we are invited to delight in the truths clearly communicated. Finally, the book also introduces some of the longer Protestant Confessions, encouraging the reader to go and read these for themselves. The book concludes by looking at the use and benefits of creeds today — in particular for magnifying Christ, understanding the Holy Spirit and embracing the Trinity. This book is a short and succinct introduction to Creeds and Confessions which manages to cover a lot of ground and expose us to some of the riches of our Christian heritage. • This book is available from 10ofthose.com Stephen Allison, Kiltarlity Free Church

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MISSION MATTERS A monthly take on some of the mission work the Free Church is involved in by our Mission Director, DAVID MEREDITH

y relationship with jehovah ’ s witnesses

with that if the text is proof? Another great text is John 18:5 when the arresting soldiers told Jesus that they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth. He replies, ‘I am he’. The result? They drew back and fell to the ground. Certainly not a normal reaction. The conversation will then morph into me telling my story. I give an honest account of why and how I became a Christian. Although I’m not known to be the most smiley person in the world I ask them if they can beat my story. They offer a Christ who is less, a heaven which is smaller and a life with no birthday parties! My testimony is ordinary and yet extra-ordinary. I was a non-drinking, non-smoking good boy who was struck with a sense of sin and impending judgment before being drawn by the love of Christ. I found in him a resting place and he has made me glad. I tell my story and then leave. I don’t know if my witnessing has even been successful, but I do know that it has been faithful. Two things have changed my approach. The first is a recognition that my Jehovah’s Witness friend is a person made in the image of God. They are not the enemy but seekers after truth who have stumbled upon the poison cupboard instead of the medicine. My task is to bring some medicine to them, an antidote to the poison. The second is to realise that witnessing is both easy and powerful. There is no need to shout, no point in going on for hours. Just speak, stand back, and watch God do what God does. He gently opens hearts but at other times he tears down strongholds. Be gentle. Remember, if you bite off people’s noses they cannot smell the roses. •

has been mixed . My early engagement with

them is a great source of personal shame. As I reflect on my youthful enthusiasm, I think I viewed them as projects and not people. Winning arguments was more important than winning people. Let me be clear. I think they mislead people and have some of the marks of a cult. They do not honour the Lord Jesus as God in the flesh. Their view of the afterlife and the end times is bizarre. The New World Translation of the scriptures has rightly been described as ‘scholastically dishonest’. On a first meeting I usually win arguments on the Bible. As you would hopefully expect I know the Bible a little more than most people. The result is that my conversations are almost always escalated to more senior figures in the organisation. They are rather like the Glasgow subway, stuck on the same old track and unable to get out of the circle. Let me tell you what my approach is. The first surprise is that I always refer to God as Jehovah. Initially it throws them off because the narrative is that they only faithfully use his name. You always knew a traditional Free Church upbringing would pay dividends:

To God sing, to his name sing praise Extol him with your voice That rides on heav’n, by his name Jah Before his face rejoice. Psalm 68:4 It also reveals that we have some common and even friendly ground which is a great way to start. However, we move on very quickly to the person of Jesus. Jesus self-identifies that he is Jehovah. I love John 8:58 where Jesus says, ‘before Abraham was born, I am’. I often think that if people want to stone you for your views on Christ then you are getting pretty near the mark. Folk talk about the need to avoid “proof texting”. What’s the problem

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Thoughts on prayer and fasting BY REV CALLUM MACLEOD, MODERATOR OF THE 2024 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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agreement and affirmation in corporate prayer. God is glorified when his people are united in prayer. Corporate prayer in the Word of God is often accompanied by fasting. We live in the fast lane of life in this world – the world of work, the world of leisure, and even the world of the church. We need regular periods of fasting because too often the space that belongs to God in our lives is filled with other things. A fast is about humbling our hearts before God. It is about giving up the things in which we seek our satisfaction to rediscover our satisfaction in God. In the words of John Piper, ‘The birthplace of Christian fasting is homesickness for God.’ Our appetites dictate the direction of our lives. But fasting means more than giving up things. Fasting, according to the Bible, means to voluntarily reduce or eliminate your intake of food for the purpose of seeking a deeper, more intimate and fruitful relationship with God. We need food for our nourishment and survival. Fasting, abstaining from food for a period, shows that our appetite for God is of greater importance than our appetite for everything else, even for the food which is essential for our survival. If you have any medical conditions, do seek medical advice first to ensure you have an appropriate plan in place. For more details about prayer, go to: freechurch.org/ prayer •

rayer is direct conversation and communion with god, whether spoken or silent, planned

or spontaneous, individual or corporate. This conversation with God involves expressing gratitude, asking for grace or guidance, asking for help in our time of need, or seeking a renewed sense of fellowship with God as our heavenly Father. Personal prayer is the heartbeat of Christian experience. It is a mark of our devotion and intimacy with God. Our personal prayer life is rooted in our relationship with God as our Father. We pray because we are God’s children, through faith in the Lord Jesus as our Saviour, and with the Spirit of God in our hearts. An active prayer life arises from our sense of dependence upon God; the motivation for our prayer arises from the promises of God; and we pray with the expectation that God will answer our prayers. Corporate prayer is rooted in our relationship with other believers in Christ. It arises out of our understanding of the church as the body of Christ and our shared Christian experience. It is central to the life and worship of the church. Corporate prayer connects us around the common purpose of seeking God’s heart, seeking his blessing on his church as a body of believers, and crying out to him for his presence, his power, and his peace in our world. There is a special sense of unity, togetherness,

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DEC-JAN 2025 PRAYER DIARY ‘First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.’ 1 Timothy 2:1-4 A National Day of Prayer was recently held by the Free Church of Scotland. These prayer points can be used for your prayer times in December and into January.

Programmes from P5-S6, Teens Conference (S5 and 6) and Youth Conference (18-30) which aim to bring our young people together in the Word. The Camps programme will now have an additional kids’ camp (Arbroath Kids) due to high demand. Praise God for this provision and pray for the 12 summer camps going ahead in 2025. • There are currently 14 ministers in training across our denomination. Give thanks for this provision. To fill our vacancies and to plant new churches, we need around 70 new ministers in the next 10 years. Pray that the Lord raises up new leaders to serve the church. • According to recent church attendance statistics Scotland is an unreached country for the Gospel. Church planting is one area of the church’s mission to grow God’s community, spread the Gospel, and guide believers. The Free Church of Scotland has established multiple church plants across Scotland in recent years, including in the highlands, lowlands, cities, and rural areas. Pray for each church planter and their families. Ask that they feel God’s guidance and love in their homes and ministries. Also, pray for their financial stability. Ask for strength as they navigate the ups and downs of ministry.

PRAY FOR THE CHURCH

• Pray that the Lord strengthens his church to disciple one another. Pray the Lord equips men and women for acts of service in the church, and to share their faith earnestly with those in their lives. • Remember three of our “brown site” plans, Hope (Leith), Paisley and Wick. These are churches which have been intentionally closed but which we have plans to re-open. Pray for the Centre for Rural Ministry as it supports and encourages churches in rural areas. • Pray for ETS and training churches as they seek to help our Ministers-in-Training grow in character, conviction, and competence. • Pray for the provision of new applicants for ministry coming through our congregations. Pray for those in the process of applying for Free Church ministry. • Pray for the godliness and well-being of our ministers who serve across Scotland and beyond, proclaiming the Gospel faithfully in very difficult times, that the Lord would strengthen and uphold them. • Pray for all our church planters to stay refreshed and renewed by God’s grace. Pray for the latest church plants: Merchant City Church, led by Neil Longwe and David Trimble; Hope Church Leith, led by Derek Lamont; the Spanish-speaking congregation, led by Israel Guerrero; and Gilmerton, led by Colin Ross. • Thank God for two new church plants that became fully sanctioned charges this past year: Haddington Community Church and Esk Valley Church. Pray for their stability, for help in finding places to meet and for manses for their ministers, for ongoing spiritual and numerical growth among their members, and for many chances to reach out in their communities. • Give thanks to the Lord for many opportunities for teaching and gospel outreach from Camps

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PRAY FOR THE NATION

• Pray for our national leaders: The King, Prime Minister, First Minister, MPs, MSPs, Councillors. Where possible specifically pray for your own MPs, MSPs and Councillors by name. Pray that God would give them wisdom to make good laws in keeping with his Word. Pray specifically for Christian politicians that they would be salt and light. • Give thanks to the Lord for the work of the Free Church of Scotland’s Public Engagement Group (PEG) and other Christian churches and organisations in Scotland as they respond to consultations and seek to engage with politicians. Pray for wisdom as they look at what consultations to respond to and as they produce responses that are Biblical, informative, and impactful.

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• Pray

• Pray for the blessing of God on the preaching of the

against proposals at Holyrood and Westminster to ban so called “conversion practices”. Give thanks that the Scottish Government have shelved their plans but also pray that the UK Government would realise it is impossible to introduce a ban on conversion practices without undermining freedom of expression and belief. Pray for wisdom for those working to oppose a ban – especially the work of Let Us Pray (Rev Stephen Allison is an official supporter of this campaign) and the work of gender critical feminists. • Pray that our society would uphold the sanctity of life – particularly in relation to proposals to liberalise abortion and introduce assisted suicide. Give thanks for efforts to improve palliative care in Scotland. Pray that MSPs of all parties would work together to improve palliative care in Scotland and recognise the need for truly holistic care for body, mind and soul. • Pray for women and others caught up in prostitution in Scotland. Pray that proposals to help women escape prostitution would finally be given parliamentary time. Pray for all organisations that seek to help women find a way out.

gospel to stem the tide of secular humanism and to see the revival of Biblical Christianity in the UK. • Pray for the under-privileged, the poor, and those struggling with addictions. Pray for the drug pandemic in Scotland, particular the tragic number of drugs overdoses in Scotland. Pray for wisdom and creativity of legislators to find new solutions and proper support. Pray for all families • and friends affected by drug deaths. Pray for the providers of drug rehabilitation centres, especially those operating from a Christian perspective, that these would provide hope to the hopeless. • Pray that the Government will take steps to addressing poverty by an improved welfare system, making childcare more accessible and affordable to low-income parents, increasing benefits for children, such as child benefit and free school meals, and raising and protecting family income so that they can afford essentials.

PRAY FOR THE WORLD

• Give thanks for our mission partners who serve so faithfully across the nations. Pray for our gospel workers in the Middle East, Central Asia and areas where it is challenging to be a Christian. • Please pray for protection and provision for displaced people in Gaza, Lebanon and the region — for shelter, safety, and basic needs to be me, and for healing and comfort. Please pray for support and safety for churches and aid organisations working in challenging environments. • Give thanks for recent local missions with our partners, Operation Mobilisation (OM). Hope for the Hebrides missions were held in South Uist and Carloway. Pray that the planted seed will grow. • Muriel Macleod is working in Taveng, Cambodia with OMF. Pray for the ladies from Krung and Brao who recently benefitted from training in Phnom Penh to help with leading ladies’ meetings. • Give thanks for the Ishbel Mackenzie memorial scholarship fund for students at African Bible University Uganda. Pray that a new group of indigenous African leaders will be raised up. • Pray for those affected by recent flooding in Spain. Pray that those displaced would find comfort in the Lord, and that resources will be given as they look to rebuild. • Pray for the ongoing protection of mission partners and that the Lord would continue to show the light of the Gospel through them, in nations where there are so few opportunities to witness. Pray for those serving across the world, that the Lord would make his name known across the nations through the service of his people. •

PRAY FOR THE LIFE OF THE NATION

• Pray for education in our schools, for parents, children and teachers.

• Relationships, Sexual Health and Parenthood education (RSHP) is taught in primary and secondary schools. It forms part of the Health and Wellbeing area within the Curriculum for Excellence. RSHP is a broad subject covering topics like friendship, puberty and parenting, as well as intimate relationships, sexual health and abuse. RSHP must be appropriate to pupils’ age • and stage of development. Pray for the church and Christians engaging with secular humanism in the UK. • Pray that our nation will see that man is not the centre and the measure of all things but that in the Christian worldview God is the measure of all things, and that humanity has worth because it was made in God’s image. • Pray that Christians will grow in their faith and be equipped to engage with society in a secular age. • Pray for the Evangelical Alliance and the Christian Institute as they engage with MSPs and MPs in Holyrood and Westminster. • Pray for the crisis in the influence of Biblical Christianity in the UK. Pray that the identity crisis faced by so many of our young people will be resolved by a growing understanding of a Christian worldview, our identity as those who are created in the image of God, and who have a new identity by believing in Jesus.

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THE VISIT OF THE WISE MEN

The first people to visit the baby Jesus were shepherds from near Bethlehem and these Wise Men from a far-off land. God’s salvation is for all those who believe in him – whether humble or highly born, and no matter where they are from. These first visitors were a sign that the promised Messiah was not just for Israel but for all peoples.

We asked Iain Macdonald these three questions.

What is your role in the Free Church? I am a Deacon in Back Free Church What do you do in your role? As Deacons we are elected to serve the Lord by looking after the Church property and finances on behalf of the congregation. Most of these matters are dealt with at regular meetings called the Deacons’ Court, where we deal with the gathering and distributing of charitable funds and any other matters regarding the Church buildings. In this work we are called to serve as an example of humble and faithful service in Christ. Will you please share a Bible verse that means a lot to you? One of my favourite Bible verses is Proverbs 3: 5-6 ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight (direct) your paths.’

MEM

ORY V ER

He wi ll be g reat Most an High. And t d will be c thron he Lo alled e of h rd th is fat the h her D God will g e Son of th ouse avid, ive to of Jac e there a ob fo will b rever nd he will him the e n r o end , and . of his eign over kingd om Luke 1:32-3 3

God made this promise to Mary, through the Angel Gabriel, but it is also a promise for us. Jesus is our King and Saviour, and he will rule forever.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, ‘In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.”’ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.’ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

F JESUS O S E M A N E H T E T E COMPL Can you fill in these gaps to complete the four names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6?

…………………… Counsellor Mighty ……………………

Everlasting …………………… …………………… of Peace

ANSWERS NAMES OF JESUS – Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace WORD SCRAMBLE – Bethlehem, Manger, Donkey, Messiah, Gabriel, Saviour

THREE QUESTIONS

MATTHEW 2:1-12

CHRISTMAS STORY WORD SEARCH Can you find the words listed below?

JOSEPH MYRRH JESUS ANGEL

REJOICING FRANKINCENSE SALVATION SHEPHERDS

GOLD STAR MARY KING

ble? m a r c S Word

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Kydeon Elabri

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BY CATRIONA MURRAY

POST TENEBRAS LUX W

hen i was little , one of my most treasured

gold? The Bible is full of examples that bear out the truth of Psalm 30, that weeping endures but for a night and is followed in the morning by joy. Of course, what makes a difference in these circumstances is not that we are in the darkness, but who is in it with us. Pagan people did not have access to the comfort that we have as believing people: the knowledge that the hand which sustains us through our trials is the same one that separated the darkness from the light. He is the author of our lives, and knows how we will emerge from all these difficult situations. If we have faith and the wisdom that goes with it, we trust in his presence to be what ultimately leads us home. Of course, even the wisest and most faithful person can experience fear of the darkness. We cannot see what dangers might surround us; we cannot see far enough ahead to know where our feet may safely land. I know from experience that it is in those moments of fear that I have temporarily allowed myself to think that I have to deal with this myself, alone. It is the spiritual equivalent of Peter looking down at his own feet and beginning to sink in the water. In times of grief or worry — times I would describe as the darkest of my life — I was always safest when I put my whole trust in God. Not that long ago, I found myself in a situation where I knew I needed to speak out against wrongdoing. I further knew that I would face unanimous opposition and attempts to silence and even bully me. So, I did what all Christians should do in the dark: draw near to God and like the child that you are, put your hand in his and ask him to help. He did help. Not exactly as I expected or even hoped that he would — but perfectly and miraculously. Even now, when I think of it, the memory of his dealing is like a precious jewel that I can take out and marvel at when the darkness threatens to encroach once more. Travelling through darkness, we feel it will never end because it is all that we can see. We ought, therefore, to close our eyes against it and let ourselves be led by the same God who said ‘Let there be light’ and there was. There is. •

possessions was an ancient and battered copy of a child ’ s garden of verses by rl

Photo by Inna Safa on Unsplash

stevenson . A line that has remained with me from

one of the poems is, ‘In winter I get up at night and dress by yellow candlelight’, an image with which we are all familiar in Scotland at this time of year. Many people struggle with the change in daylight hours and even suffer seasonal affective disorder due to the shortness of those for months on end. Darkness is a negative metaphor in our culture, signifying ignorance, fear and evil. The Bible, indeed, speaks about the cosmic battle between the forces of darkness and light, offering the ultimate comfort that the darkness will not prevail. Our Celtic forefathers had a slightly different relationship with darkness, however. They regarded it as both necessary and nurturing. The dark months of winter represented a period of rest and renewal, both for mankind and for nature. Spring flowers, when they peep forth, have done much of their growing in the darkness under the earth; human beings need, equally, the enforced rest that shorter days and longer nights bring in their wake. I like the wisdom of this, accepting the cycle of nature as laid down by a loving and creative hand. In fact, rest features prominently in all the works of that hand. Needing no such thing himself, he nonetheless rested after creating the world, setting an example to mankind. One of our great tragedies is that we often, like overtired toddlers, insist that we do not need a nap, and carry on regardless. Our culture largely eschews sabbath rest, feeling that it is an imposition on our ‘freedom’ to live at the same breakneck speed every day of the week. The wisdom of God, therefore, and the wisdom of our ancestors were as one on this matter. It is not a question of imposition, but acceptance of the natural order. According to the Celts, light was born out of darkness. Human experience so often echoes this. How often do we see people going through a great trial, a fiery furnace, only to emerge like burnished

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DECEMBER/JANUARY