Edinburgh Theological Seminary, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LS offices@ets.ac.uk
Design & Layout • Fin Macrae @DUFI Art www.dufi-art.com
The Record • ISSN 2042-2970
Publisher • The Record is produced by
The Free Church of Scotland, Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS 0131 226 5286 offices@freechurch.org
Advertising • Anyone wishing to advertise in The Record should contact the editor.
New Subscriptions and Re-Subscribers • The subscription price for The Record for individuals is £30.60 per year. This covers the cost of six editions at £3 each, plus Postage and Packaging. Cheques should be payable to the Free Church of Scotland. Please contact the offices for overseas subscription costs.
Details of the church's activities, latest news and people to contact are all available on the church's website: www.freechurch.org
This QR Code will direct you to the digital version of the magazine on ISSUU. Available for 30 days for current print subscribers.
iPhone: Open your camera app and hold the lens above the QR Code, it will automatically detect the link which you can click on to open.
Android: Download QR Code Reader from Google Play Store and follow app directions.
The Free Church of Scotland is a registered charity SC012925 • Women for Mission is a registered charity SC03898
Cover:
Photo by Nicholas Bullett on Unsplash
WELCOME TO THE FEBRUARY/MARCH RECORD
Welcome to this edition of t he r ecord , W here our focus is on mission . Take a look at the editorial To sow and to shine — the mission of the local church by Rev Jerry Taylor, minister of Thurso and North Coast Free Church. He reminds us: ‘Mission isn’t about us doing our thing and God doing his thing. No, he has chosen to offer your communities and your family and friends life, righteousness, freedom, spiritual sight and total transformation through you, through me, through the local church!’
Be encouraged by updates about the Centre for Rural Ministry and the Merchant City Church plant as well as stories from organisations including Street Connect, Comfort International and Blythswood Care. Dr Alistair I Wilson recently attended the Fourth Lausanne Congress in South Korea. Do take a look at what God is doing both near and far.
The vision of the Free Church of Scotland is for ‘A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland’. In promoting the vision for 2025, we are going to focus on thanksgiving and prayer. Find out more in this edition.
Also, just a reminder that the cost of the magazine is now £3, following a review of outgoing costs. We continue to share a selection of news articles and features. If you would like to send in your church news or letters, email us at editor@freechurch.org •
Yours in Christ
Sarah Robinson
That in all things he might have the pre-eminence
Colossians 1:18
FREE CHURCH NEWS
FOCUS ON MISSION:
Partnering with Street Connect, Cetnre for Rural Ministry, Merchant City Church Plant. Comfort International, Empower - Women for Mission. The Fourth Lausanne Congress
WORLD NEWS
Ukraine, DR Congo, Egypt, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, Myanmar
I BELIEVE...REVISITING THE APOSTLE' S CREED
David J Randall
BOOK REVIEWS
MISSION MATTERS
David Meredith
HEALTHY GOSPEL CHURCH
THANKSGIVING & PRAYER 2025
Andrew Giffen
PRAYER DIARY
CHILDREN'S PAGE
POST TENEBRAS LUX
Catriona Murray
To sow and to shine – the mission of the local church
BY REV JERRY TAYLOR
We’re all about supply, about scattering as much as possible, in as many places as possible, with every faith in the power of the word sown because of who the Author of the word is.
Dl m oody , the a merican evangelist , Was once being harangued at length about his approach to reaching out W ith the good ne W s of j esus c hrist . Moody’s response?
‘It is clear you don’t like my way of doing evangelism. You raise some good points. Frankly, I sometimes do not like my way of doing evangelism. But I like my way of doing it better than your way of not doing it.’
In thirty years in the local church, I have far more regrets about not bringing Jesus into the conversation than about the times I have done –even when some of those were poorly timed, gear-crunchingly tangential to the theme or even downright tone-deaf. My greatest regrets are the conversations I’ve not had with my Mum and Dad.
How can members of a local congregation think about mission in a way that doesn’t paralyse us with guilt, stifle us into silence or reduce sharing the gospel to an agenda item for the Kirk Session? And how do we move mission in our mindset from pressure to privilege?
A MISSION STRATEGY FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH?
‘Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.’ (Matthew 13:18-23, ESV).
The difficulty with strategies is that they could become about success. If our local congregation has a strategy for mission, we expect results. We will be reticent to share the gospel if we think the “seed” of the words we sow is likely to harden our hearers (v.19), expose them as shallow (v. 20), or show them to be choked by worries and worldliness (v.22). That doesn’t sound like success to us. And so, we either get grumpy and earbash those who aren’t responding to the gospel (I’ve made that mistake with family too!) or — more likely — we simply stop sowing. But that’s not Jesus’ way… Jesus wasn’t so much focussed on success as on supply. There is good soil. We have good seed.
We need to be bold in scattering the good news of Jesus to all those around us. If this soil won’t hear, we sow on another, and another, and another. We sow into the next heart, and the next, and the next.
We’re all about supply, about scattering as much as possible, in as many places as possible, with every faith in the power of the word sown because of who the Author of the word is. The power of the word is in the word itself. The personal impact of the word can take time. So, scatter his word,
“
The God who is in himself light, life and love has given the local church the privilege of sharing in his own outgoingness towards others.
”
pray and wait for the harvest. Jesus’ word will work, automatically; and Jesus’ kingdom will grow, massively. Don’t take my word for it — read his! (Mark 4:26-32).
A MISSION LITURGY FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH?
A well-known evangelist speaking at one of the UK’s largest Christian conferences (over a thousand delegates, of which I was one) once insisted that every time he said ‘We preach Christ’, we were all to respond, ‘God opens blind eyes.’ He was speaking on 2 Corinthians 4 and his burden was to distinguish between God’s work and ours in mission. As liturgy goes it was catchy and compelling, and we dutifully chimed in.
But was it helpful? Certainly, we are to preach Christ, and we absolutely do depend on God to open blind eyes. I’m so thankful he opened mine! But was this evangelist’s liturgy the most helpful way to motivate a local church in mission? I think not. In 2 Corinthians 4:1, Paul says: ‘Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart.’
What ministry do we have? The ministry of the Spirit. That’s what chapter 3 is all about. There, Paul tells us it’s a ministry which brings life, righteousness, freedom, spiritual sight — in short, total transformation! And this is the ministry we have, that we’ve been given. We’re God’s fellow-workers. His work is not so much distinguished from our work — his work has become our work! Just as he has adopted us by his Spirit into his family, so also he has adopted us by his Spirit into this ministry, this mission. Mission isn’t about us doing our thing and God doing his thing. No, he has chosen to offer your communities and your family and friends life, righteousness, freedom, spiritual sight and total transformation through you, through me, through the local church!
The God who is in himself light, life and love has given the local church the privilege of sharing in his own outgoingness towards others.
When we divide the work of mission into God’s work and our work, we tend to underplay this privilege. Some of our translations don’t help. In 2 Corinthians 4:2 Paul tells us our work is to ‘set forth the truth plainly’ or ‘make an open statement of the truth’ . But the word there is the ‘Epiphany’ word, like in John 2:11 after Jesus had turned water into wine at a wedding: ‘He thus manifested his glory…’ It’s a word which really means to shine! To shine like Jesus, for Jesus! No wonder Jesus tells us ‘You are the light of the world’ (Matthew 5:14).
The verse goes on to say: ‘A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.’
We are made to shine. We don’t need a mission liturgy; we’re to be mission luminaries — our very lives driving out darkness and drawing people to the Father. The world is quite willing to offer us a bowl, a bushel, to hide under. But it’s our privilege — adopted into God’s work by the Spirit of Jesus — to sow and to shine. •
Rev Jerry Taylor is minister of Thurso and North Coast Free Church
FREE CHURCH NEWS
BUILDING CONNECTIONS OVER BREAKFAST
rev callum macleod, moderator, and rev stephen allison, public engagement coordinator, attended a scottish labour party interfaith breakfast in december at the invitation of anas sarWar, leader of the scottish labour party. The event was held in the Ferguson Room at the University of Glasgow on University Avenue. Representatives of all the faith communities across Scotland were in attendance.
Paul O’Kane, MSP, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Social Security and Equalities, welcomed everyone to the meeting, after which he introduced the main speakers, Anas Sarwar, Leader of the Scottish Labour Party, and Lord Khan of Burnley, Minister for Faith, Communities, and Resettlement in the UK Government.
Anas Sarwar spoke of the trend in recent times towards the view that the faith communities have nothing to contribute to the political process in Scotland. He stated that this perspective of the faith communities was wrong in his opinion, and that the purpose of the day’s meeting was to enter into dialogue with the faith communities as a reflection of the Scottish Labour Party’s commitment to engage with the faith communities and to establish an ongoing conversation through which the faith communities would be invited to contribute to the political process.
Lord Khan spoke in a similar vein from his experience as Minister for Faith, Communities, and Resettlement. Lord Khan spoke of his desire to see the work of Minister for Faith, Communities, and Resettlement
in the UK Government being replicated in Scotland and to see a network of engagement with the faith communities as set out by Anas Sarwar.
The addresses were followed by a question-andanswer time when both Mr Sarwar and Lord Khan responded to matters raised from the floor. The formal part of the meeting concluded with Mr Sarwar giving an assurance that the Scottish Labour Party will build on the day’s meeting by establishing a forum and protocols through which the voice of the faith communities is heard in the Party’s policy-making process. There was an opportunity at the close of the meeting to network and have conversation with representatives of the Scottish Labour Party and others.
All in all, the meeting was a time of encouragement, and we pray that the event was the first step in building a platform for the voice of the Church to be heard in the policy making at Holyrood. •
FREE CHURCH HISTORY SOCIETY
the free church history society Was formed in october 2024 by a feW like-minded members of the free church, for the sharing of interesting articles, photographs and information relating to our denomination’s history.
The Society, which initially began as a WhatsApp group, moved to a Facebook page a little while later and now sports over 100 members. If you are interested in the history of the Free Church, or the history of the Church in Scotland more generally, do consider joining the group and joining the conversation.
Moderator Rev Malcolm Macleod, Labour leader Anas Sarwar and Rev Stephen Allison
FREE CHURCH DONATES £8,000 TO THREE CAUSES
in december, the free church of scotland donated a combined of amount of £8,000 to three causes –in ukraine, spain and the middle east – through its disaster and relief fund.
In Spain, many families and churches in Valencia were affected by severe storms and flooding, with their homes and belongings suffering extensive damage. The Mission Board of the Free Church of Scotland has given £1,000 from the Disaster and Relief fund to support locals through a local church who are providing aid and support for those most affected. These funds will be used by local partners to provide essential food items, medicine, warm clothing and other vital resources to rebuild what has been damaged. Please join with us in prayer for the people affected by the flooding, that the Lord would protect them, and that they would have a sense of his presence and comfort.
In Ukraine and the Middle East, we recognise the significant impact on local people of long conflict, affecting their homes, livelihoods and families. Conflict
in these regions has devastated so many lives and millions have fled their homes in search of safety, with many still in urgent need of food, shelter and medical care. After a recent visit from Robbie Morrison, Tearfund Scotland, and Safa Hijazeen, Regional Director for Eurasia and North Africa (ENA) at Tearfund, to the Free Church of Scotland, Rev David Meredith said: ‘The devastation in Gaza is beyond human comprehension. The culture of darkness and death is pervasive. It’s difficult to get accurate numbers but on average 300 people die each day because of the conflict.’
Please join us in praying for those impacted, displaced and grieving due to these conflicts. Pray that the Lord would bring deep comfort to them, and that he would bring peace to these nations.
In order to support causes like this it is essential that we have a fund to enable donations to be made. If you would like to donate to the Disaster and Relief fund, go to the Donate section of the Free Church of Scotland website (freechurch.org) with the payment description ‘Disaster and Relief’. •
BLYTHSWOOD SHOE
BOX APPEAL TOPS 85,000
blythsWood care’s 2024 shoe box appeal has resulted in more than 85,000 boxes being sent to eight countries in eastern europe.
‘We’re encouraged that the total is slightly up on last year,’ says chief executive Jeremy Ross. ‘At a time when many families are struggling to pay the bills at home, it’s testimony to how generous people can be to those in greater need.’
This year, more than a third of Blythswood’s boxes went to Ukraine, with five lorry loads totalling over 31,000 boxes going to Ternopil, Kyiv, Uzhhorod and Odesa.
Jeremy said: ‘The village of Partyzans’ke was occupied by Russians for several months. Less than 40 miles from currently occupied territory, there were shells in the road and homes were destroyed. Russians could come again. We delivered shoeboxes to families who had returned. It’s hard to imagine what the children there feel when they walk through their bullet-holed gates.’
Boxes have also been sent to Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania and Serbia. Each box is gift-wrapped and typically contains sweets, toiletries, stationery and small items of clothing, including a woolly hat.
Boxes are donated from all parts of the United Kingdom, from Shetland to Cornwall and from Antrim to Norfolk. The appeal depends heavily on volunteers to gather and process boxes, making sure that each one complies with export regulations. Volunteers at Blythswood’s Ross-shire headquarters alone contributed 1,242 hours, with teams at nine other sorting stations around the country showing similar levels of commitment.
Jeremy said: ‘I want to thank everyone who filled a box and everyone who helped with the process. Your kindness really does make a difference to people living in hardship.’ •
ACHARACLE FREE CHURCH BUILDING REFURBISHED
BY REV EUAN DODDS
the 8th december Was a very joyful day in acharacle When the completely refurbished free church building Was opened again to the public. A thanksgiving service was held, followed by an open afternoon with hot drinks and home baking. Over 40 people attended the service with some having travelled significant distances to be there.
The Free Church in Ardnamurchan is perhaps most famous for its ‘floating church’ which was moored on Loch Sunart for some years. In time, though, stone church buildings were constructed in Strontian and Kilchoan. Some Christians on the peninsula were eager to see a further church building in Acharacle. One such individual was a Malcolm MacPherson was worked as the blacksmith and postmaster in Salen. He would often journey to conduct worship in homes around Acharacle and Gortenfern. Along with two elders — both called Mr Cameron — he fundraised for a new building which was completed in 1878. Malcolm MacPherson is the only person to be buried within its grounds.
The building has been well maintained during this period, but the congregation felt the time had come for a full renovation. We worked together with local firm DMD Construction who brought their enthusiasm and expertise to the project.
We wanted the building to be safe, accessible, energy-
efficient and flexible. Externally, a ramp was laid at the front door, and a fire exit created at the rear of the building. The whole interior was taken right back to the stone and timber. It was then insulated, re-wired and re-plastered. An accessible bathroom and a kitchenette were fitted. A modern heating system was then installed.
We received a number of grants from different individuals and charities. One of these enabled us to install an audio-visual system capable of livestreaming. This means services can be broadcast into the church building, or even from it – as was the case on the opening day.
The old pews were removed and the wood repurposed into the kitchen counter, the stage and a lectern. In their place there are now comfortable, upholstered chairs. These can be stacked if needed, allowing the main space to be used for a variety of purposes. Indeed, we hope the building will host a range of services and meetings for both the congregation and the local community.
As a united congregation in Kilmallie and Ardnamurchan Free Church, we give thanks to the Lord for his faithfulness to us, and his protection and provision during the project. We pray many will come into the building to learn of the Lord Jesus, and go out from there to serve and witness to him in this generation. •
...and after!!
Before renovations...
IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR MINISTERS
over 40 delegates from all over scotland attended the annual ministers’ in-service training at grace church leith in edinburgh.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘The Church of Christ’. Keynote speakers include Rev Alasdair Macleod ‘The Precious Church’, Rev Cory Brock ‘The Healthy Church’, Rev Thomas Davis ‘Catechesis for Preachers’, Rev David Meredith ‘Developing a Parish Mindset’ and Rev Paul Clarke ‘A Preaching focus’.
Rev Cory Brock reminded those present that the health of the church is rooted in the presence and power of God the Holy Spirit. Just as the Holy Spirit ordered and perfected God’s creative work in Genesis, so he establishes, empowers and nurtures the church of Christ today. As we pursue our vision for a healthy gospel church for every community in Scotland, the Bible’s rich theology of God the Holy Spirit is an essential part of that vision becoming a reality.
Rev Thomas Davis focussed on preaching and examined Larger Catechism Question 159, which explores how God’s word is to be preached. Thomas unpacked the catechism’s wonderful answer, that preachers must proclaim sound doctrine diligently, plainly, faithfully, wisely, zealously and sincerely.
The carousel sessions covered Rural Ministry, Church Planting and Complementarianism.
An innovation for this year was the ‘Preaching Labs’. Ministers were given the opportunity to share feedback on recordings of each other’s preaching. Rev Andy Longwe developed this workshop and noted that while this was a challenging new aspect to the In-service Training it was really beneficial and ministers found it a unique opportunity to gain insight into their own preaching.
Organisers were thankful to God for this excellent opportunity for ministers to meet together, pray, learn and have fellowship. The warm welcome from the team at Grace Church Leith also helped to make this a very positive and blessed experience. •
Rev Innes Macsween, Rev Iain 'Cheeks' Morrison and Rev Ali Sewell
Rev Thomas Davis addressing the delegates
Rev David Court and Rev Will Lind
WHAT’S ON IN 2025
ahost of events, organised by the free church of scotland, are held each year all around the country. take a look at the details beloW of some of the events in 2025.
MARCH
Free Church Youth Conference: Friday 14th March – Sunday 16th March
Rev Andy Pearson, minister of St Peter’s Free Church of Scotland, in Dundee, will speak on the topic of God’s Covenant at the upcoming youth conference. The conference, for those aged 18 to 30, will take place at Lendrick Muir. In addition to the talks, there will be times of worship, additional seminars, testimonies and other activities for attendees to enjoy. To book, go to: freechurch.org
MAY
Edinburgh Theological Seminary Annual Awards ceremony: Friday 9th May
This event takes place to celebrate the students’ hard work over this past year.
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the highest decision-making body in the Free Church of Scotland and meets for a week in Edinburgh every May to discuss church business and set policy.
JUNE/AUGUST
Free Church Youth Camps
We are running 12 camps next summer, with the addition of Arbroath Juniors. Camps are week-long holidays where young people can make friends, have fun, and, most importantly, learn more about God. They are open to everyone currently in P5-S6. freechurchyouthcamps.org
NEW DEACON'S ORDAINED AT DOWANVALE
five men have been ordained to the office of deacon at doWanvale free church
Rev Iain ‘Cheeks’ Morrison led the service, continuing in his evening sermon series exploring Exodus, and prayed for John Angus MacDonald, Struan MacAra, Fraser MacAra, Ian McKenzie and Michael Topple as they join six other Deacons in caring for the practical and financial elements of the Church’s ministry.
One other new Deacon, Ewan Bennett, was not ordained on the night because his wife had (earlier that day) given birth to their first child. He will be ordained at a later date. It is exciting to see the Lord working in his many and varied ways. •
Oswestry FCYC 2024
New deacons being ordained at Dowanvale
are you passionate about sharing the gospel and exploring hoW the church can engage With the World more effectively? Look no further than the Healthy Gospel Church podcast!
In these podcasts, we sit down with guests of different backgrounds to discuss mission, evangelism and other gospel issues in Scotland and further afield.
Each episode features interviews with those share their experiences and insights on a variety of mission-focused topics. Highlights include How Do You Reach the Community with the Gospel? by Tim Clemens, Sharing the Gospel in Rural Communities by Rev Ivor Macdonald, Mission in Contemporary Scotland by Liam Jerrold Fraser, and speakers from a host of organisations including Operation Mobilisation (OM), United for Mission (UFM), Solas and the Scottish Bible Society.
Don’t miss out! Each episode can also be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Podbean. Tune in to the Healthy Gospel Church podcast on your favourite platform today. •
DISCOVER THE HEALTHY GOSPEL CHURCH PODCAST MODERATOR ADDRESSES SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
free church moderator, rev callum macleod, recently addressed the scottish parliament during the time for reflection.
He said: ‘Presiding Office, Members of the Scottish Parliament, it is an honour for me to lead the Time of Reflection. Having served in the pastoral ministry for over 24 years, I discovered that the key to effective service is to acknowledge our own insufficiency for the task, and to reach beyond ourselves for the help that enables effective, life-changing service.’
‘Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, when he left his hometown of Springfield, Illinois, to take up Office, he said — ‘I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail.”
‘Abraham Lincoln recognised his need for help from the living God, and he proved in his time to be a political genius and an effective leader.
He said: ‘Solomon succeeded David as King over God’s covenant people in the Old Testament. Recognising the huge task ahead of him, he made the following request — ‘And now, O Lord my God…your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people…for who is able to govern this your great people?”
‘God gave King Solomon the wisdom he requested. He was famous as the King who established righteousness and justice in the land.
He added: ‘The Apostle Paul, the servant of Jesus Christ in the New Testament, wrote to the church in Corinth in AD55. Corinth was a busy, commercial city, divided in its allegiance to leadership, disoriented in its morality, and diverse in its understanding of the source of wisdom.
‘Paul offered a single unified answer — Jesus Christ is ‘the power of God and the wisdom of God.’ Paul had previously depended on his own resources. But he now wants to share with them what he discovered for himself — Jesus ‘became wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption’.
Callum concluded: ‘In the midst of the complex issues that you seek to address as a Parliament, I commend to you the wisdom from God that made Abraham Lincoln, King Solomon, and the Apostle Paul, life-changing servants of the people in their own time. Praying the Lord’s blessing on you in all your deliberations. Leis gach dùrachd agus beannachd dhuibh uile na’r seirbhis. Thank you.’ •
TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH CONNECTION: PARTNERING WITH STREET CONNECT
street connect is achristian charity that seeks to empoWer individuals to break free from addiction-related issues and begin a journey of recovery and transformation. We do this through equipping local churches to tackle addiction in their local community.
Founded in 2013 as an outreach of a local Glasgow church, Street Connect became its own charity in 2014. Over the past 10 years, it has grown in operating across Scotland and the UK, partnering with churches to deliver addiction outreach and support services in their communities. In 2024, Street Connect proudly celebrated a decade of transforming lives, marking countless stories of hope and renewal.
‘Before I came to Street Connect my life wasn’t bearable. Drugs were the main focus of my life and I had no hope of being free. I am happier now. My family have witnessed the change in me. Now I have found peace in recovery and hope for my future.’– Jason
HOW FREE CHURCHES CAN PARTNER
Street Connect believes the local church has a central role to play in tackling the addiction crisis, bringing lasting hope and healing to our communities. Partnering with churches, we help establish initiatives like dropin cafés and recovery support services.
‘We love Govan, and we believe that everybody in Govan needs to experience the liberating power of the gospel. It’s also in our DNA as a congregation to reach out to those in the grip of addiction to alcohol and drugs, but we’re conscious that the issues around addiction are complex and require experience and expertise. For that reason, we’re delighted to partner with Street Connect, an organisation that shares our commitment to Jesus, and can help provide the much-needed experience and expertise that we lack, while we, in turn, can provide a loving church family for those beginning to see their need of the help only God can provide.’ – Rev David MacPherson, Minister of Govan Free Church.
JOIN THE MISSION
As Street Connect celebrates 10 years of transforming lives, your church can be part of the next chapter. Do you see the need in your community and have a heart for this type of ministry?
You can book a church presentation or speak to one of our Partnership team about partnering with Street Connect to find out more. Together, we can bring hope, healing, and transformation to those in need. Visit www.streetconnect.co.uk or email info@streetconnect.co.uk •
CENTRE FOR RURAL MINISTRY FOCUS ON MISSION
BY REV IVOR MACDONALD
the lord jesus tells us that the fields of mission are ready for harvest. That is visibly the case in rural Scotland. The potential for a healthy gospel church in a rural setting to transform its community is enormous. The school roll may be small, but the church can often have most pupils enrol in the summer holiday club! Across our denomination we have small but vibrant congregations which have impacted their communities for good. In other places the local congregation just needs a little bit of help in order to thrive and release the gospel into their communities. We are blessed to have on the team of the Centre for Rural Ministry people who are passionate about our country districts being won for Christ. Please pray for us as we move into 2025.
In the coming year we will be bringing together rural church members for encouragement, vision building and resourcing in a rolling programme of regional conferences, with the Dingwall “In a Big Country” conference as the hub. Coming together in this kind of context-specific conference can be of inestimable value to Christians who in the nature of things are often isolated.
We will be working also at a congregational level to help God’s people in the rural church discern God’s purposes for them in their generation. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can be of great value in this regard. Already a number of congregations are in the diary for 2025. Typically, this will involve meeting with the eldership and then facilitating a congregational vision meeting to seek to be the kind of congregation that will glorify God in that context. Sometimes this will result in the production of a congregational development plan.
We are big fans of church partnership! In some larger churches people’s gifts lie unused whereas in many small rural congregations such gifts would be transformative. We would like to be a catalyst
for many healthy gospel partnerships. Already the partnership between the High Free Church in Stornoway and Duirinish Free Church in Skye is looking like a healthy model.
We are hoping to hold a couple of events on Skye called The Gathering. This is aimed at providing young people with an opportunity not just to have fellowship in a rural setting but to talk in a very informal way about the nature of a call to serve the rural church.
Our Facebook page regularly posts articles — mostly from our own ministers and workers — on the nature of rural ministry. Many of us are “blind” to some of the distinctives of the modern-day rural context and we want to highlight these unique features. We will also be showcasing some of our most vibrant rural congregations to show the huge opportunity that there is for a healthy church to be transformative in these settings.
Whilst our work at the Centre for Rural Ministry is focussed on empowering existing rural churches, we do have a burden to see the church extend its reach into the vast swathes of Scotland that are out of reach of a healthy gospel church. 97 percent of the Scottish land area is classified as rural (i.e. containing settlements of under 3,000 people). That means that if you live in an area like Dumfries and Galloway or Aberdeenshire you could be many miles from a church that is faithful to the gospel. Combine that with the fact that the rural community is less mobile and there is a clear priority to reach these areas with the gospel. Should we not aim to have 17 percent (the proportion of Scotland’s population classified as rural) of our 30 by 30 church plants situated in these communities? That would be six rural church plants. There is a real opportunity here for some of our larger congregations to take the lead in planting village churches. •
Photo by Gary Ellis on
FOCUS ON MISSION
MERCHANT CITY CHURCH PLANT
achurch plant in the merchant city area of glasgoW is embracing the historic motto of the city: ‘lord let glasgoW flourish by the preaching of your Word and the praising of thy name.’
Rev Neil Longwe and Rev David Trimble share a vision of building a church that engages Glasgow’s culture, reaching out to those in search of spiritual renewal in this dynamic city. They both have a heart for the city and its people.
Neil, who is married to Jillian and is dad to Naomi and Israel, said: ‘After studying in Glasgow, I began my career as a building surveyor in the Merchant City area, working for a subsidiary of Glasgow City Council, one of the city’s major employers. My work brought me into contact with countless historic buildings, many of which were former churches now repurposed as pubs, theatres, or residences. These transformations reflect the city’s changing spiritual landscape, and I carry a deep hope to see Glasgow’s people reached with the gospel.’
David, who is married to Ashton and dad to Eden, shares a similar journey: ‘My ministry training at Christ Church Glasgow gave me insight into church planting and the distinct challenges of starting a new church here. I developed a love for Glasgow and a vision for more missional churches in Scotland’s largest city. The city’s vibrant culture needs a church rooted in and responsive to its unique character while reaching out to a culture that has strayed from Jesus.’
The pair are living and working as missionaries while building a core team. They have ten passionate members focusing on core team development, including evangelism training and studying Tim Keller’s Center Church, while worshipping with their ‘mother church’, Christ Church Glasgow. Given Glasgow’s drug crisis, they are exploring partnerships with mercy ministries to bring hope to those struggling with addiction.
As way of getting to know people, Neil and David have desks in a shared workspace, “The Social Hub”, where they work alongside startups, students, artists, and creatives. The area has a large student population, including many international students, and they are engaging with Christian campus workers.
There is great need for people to hear the gospel in the city. Glasgow is the biggest city in Scotland and, according to the 2022 census, it is home to 620,700 people. Glasgow has many gospel churches; however, with a population this size and this dense, there is still an urgent need for more churches and missional communities where the gospel will be proclaimed.
Glasgow is an international city and so there is an international mission. The pair say that they would love to see a church in the Merchant City that reflects the international makeup of the city and seeks to serve people of every culture and background.
According to recent findings from the 2023 Glasgow Churches Research survey by St Silas and Harper Memorial, Glasgow has 144 “broadly evangelical” churches across the city. On an average Sunday, there are around 13,264 worshippers in these churches. This represents 2% of the population of Glasgow (this is reflective of the national average of evangelicals).
According to International Mission Board (IMB) if a country has less than 2% evangelical Christians it is deemed unreached. It is striking to see that Glasgow — and Scotland as a whole — is now teetering on the edge of being deemed unreached. Starting a church plant in the Merchant City area is an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with those in that community.
Neil and David concluded: ‘Our vision is a Christcentred Church that exists for the glory of God, the flourishing of Glasgow and reaching all nations. Our hope is for a city centre church that reflects this great truth and reaches out with the gospel of salvation to all the diverse peoples and communities in Glasgow. And, with God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, we hope that we might be able to establish a sustainable contemporary confessional church in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant city with a regular attendance of over 300 by 2029.’
For updates about the church plant and plans see the Free Church website www.freechurch.org •
Rev David Trimble and Rev Neil Longwe
COMFORT INTERNATIONAL FOCUS
amember of christ church in glasgoW has shared about the church’s partnership With a scottish christian charity that helps to rebuild lives devastated by poverty, genocide and conflict
Norris Thompson has spoken about what it means to support Comfort International, a charity that helps people in Rwanda, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Burundi. The charity works with local partners to find sustainable, longterm solutions for those that need it most.
For Norris and the congregation in Glasgow, the partnership has enabled them to walk alongside the charity in prayer. ‘Our partnership with Comfort has brought us closer to practical ways in which a church can support a local organisation in helping with needs in Africa,’ Norris added.
Comfort International was born in 1999, in the wake of the Genocide Against the Tutsis in Rwanda in 1994, and as a response to the call in Isaiah 40:1, to ‘Comfort, Comfort my people.’ During that year, Callum Henderson, who lived in North Lanarkshire at the time, visited Rwanda for the first time; a country still visibly devastated by the brutal killings of five years previous, where over one million people were killed in only 90 days.
He saw people facing deep trauma and a huge physical need, as the failure of the growing season was leading to starvation and death among vulnerable survivors. Moved by the poverty before him and by God’s heart of compassion, Callum mobilised supporters throughout churches in Scotland to
raise funds to send food for widows and orphans in desperate need. In that way, Comfort Rwanda, as it was then, came into existence.
In the 25 years since then, Comfort International has operated in much the same way. Working with a small team of staff and committed volunteers, founded on prayer and faith, the charity has grown hugely, but the mission, vision and values remain the same.
In conjunction with nine local partners, its work includes Street Kids Rescue and rehabilitation, care for vulnerable mums and babies, community housing and agriculture projects, start-ups for incomegenerating activities for women, vocational training for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, Comfort International Ministry School (accredited pastors’ training), providing healthcare via the Central Hospital in Rusayu, Congo, the construction and support of schools, feeding projects working against hunger, rescue and rehabilitation of ex-child soldiers, and support for survivors of sexual violence.
The charity has never moved from its original foundations, and continues to seek partnerships with churches who also wish to respond to God’s call to “comfort” — caring for the widow and orphan in their distress.
Norris said: ‘Our church has been partnering with Comfort International for over 10 years. I first heard of the charity’s work after the genocide, and I was impressed that a local man should have been called to help in the way he was doing. At the time, I was in Lenzie Union Church of Scotland and was the Convenor of the Mission and Discipleship Team which involved the Church in giving and support. When l moved home and started church membership at Christ Church Glasgow, commitment with Comfort began there with the support of the minister. I was particularly involved with the work in Rusayu Hospital and sought sponsors there. One of our Community Groups in Christ Church undertook sponsorship of the pharmacist at the hospital. Other members sponsor a nurse and the cleaner at Rusayu. The congregation prays for Comfort and is updated by newsletters. One of our members, Jean, visited the projects in Africa with Comfort recently and was very moved by the needs she saw.
‘Comfort supports great needs, both practically and spiritually in Africa. The large number of volunteers reduces administrative costs so that more can go towards these great needs. Supporting the projects has been a great focus for prayer for us. It has also been a huge blessing to see the involvement of a church member in visiting projects and her continuing encouragement for practical and spiritual support.’
You can get involved with the work Comfort International is doing in many ways. First of all, please pray for the work, for the team in Scotland and partners in Africa, and for God’s favour upon the charity. You can also come on a trip to visit their projects and see what it’s really like. Visit comfortinternational.org to find out more. •
Norris Thompson
Jean on her recent visit to Africa
Empower
Lifting women up & transforming futures
FUNDRAISING PROJECT 2024-25
WITH YOUR HELP, WE HOPE TO SUPPORT AND RAISE FUNDS FOR:
roofed shed.
‘LET THE CHURCH DECLARE AND DISPLAY CHRIST TOGETHER’:
The Fourth Lausanne Congress
amajor mission conference took place in 2024 to mark the 50th anniversary of the l ausanne m ovement . The Lausanne Movement encourages evangelicals to cooperate in global mission.
Dr Alistair I. Wilson, lecturer at Edinburgh Theological Seminary and Coordinator of the ETS Centre for Mission, travelled to Seoul-Incheon, South Korea in September for the latest — fourth — Congress.
He said: ‘The Fourth Lausanne Congress was a fascinating experience which included some aspects of an academic conference (including discussions of quite technical missiological issues) and some aspects of a more general Christian conference (biblical exposition, sung worship, testimony, prayer). I am very grateful for the opportunity to attend. I came away from the event having been both challenged and informed with respect to my thinking about mission, but also encouraged and moved through many encounters with Christian brothers and sisters.
‘The Free Church of Scotland has been involved in the Lausanne Movement for many years. Dr Fergus Macdonald was a former chair of the Lausanne Movement and, although he was unable to attend in person, his influence was still evident in various ways at the fourth Congress.’
Alistair said: ‘As was the case with the previous three congresses (Lausanne, Switzerland in 1974, Manila, the Philippines in 1989, Cape Town, South Africa in 2010), a theological and missional document was produced to coincide with the Congress. It was entitled the “Seoul Statement”.
The Lausanne Movement states that the four documents are to be viewed cumulatively and that previous statements continue to reflect the theological and missional priorities of the Lausanne Movement, even as new documents are drafted to reflect changing circumstances. All the documents are freely available in full and in multiple languages on the Lausanne Movement web site.
‘In addition to the Seoul Statement, a major study document was produced ahead of the Congress entitled The State of the Great Commission.
‘These documents will be indispensable in future missiological discussion. All who serve in ministry and mission should at least be aware of them and should ideally engage with them.’
Many of the sessions were recorded and are available on the Lausanne website.
He said: ‘There was an emphasis on thanksgiving for the Lausanne Movement at the Congress as well as looking at the current state of mission and the prospects for “world evangelisation” looking towards 2050.’
Alistair gave some reflections on the Congress: A snapshot of the global church: To gather with more than 5,000 believers in a huge hall for worship, reflection, and conversation is a remarkable and somewhat overwhelming experience.
An opportunity for Reformed voices to be heard: The fourth Congress was by no means a majorityReformed gathering. Nonetheless, a significant number of Reformed believers were in attendance, and two of those who gave significant expositions from the main platform were Reformed. The choice of two Reformed platform speakers suggests that the Lausanne Movement is ready to hear Reformed voices if we are prepared to continue to bring our voices to the conversation.
An opportunity to worship: The worship led by the Gettys was a particular highlight for me. What a blessing their biblically and theologically rich modern hymns, together with their enthusiasm for good traditional hymns and for the psalms, have been to the church. It was good to hear a portion of the Sing Psalms version of Psalm 130 being sung by the gathering of more than 5,000 people.
An opportunity for this Reformed person to listen: Prior to attending the Congress, I was already aware of the diversity of global evangelicalism. It was striking, nonetheless, to mingle with so many believers, most of whom represented different
theological traditions yet were committed to the evangelical theology found in the Lausanne statements. Conversations and times of prayer together highlighted how much evangelicals hold in common, even when they differ on certain significant issues.
An opportunity to grow friendships and connections: A highlight of the Congress was to meet so many Christian brothers and sisters. I met several people whom I knew from digital connections but had never met in person and met others with whom I discovered unexpected connection.
I am thankful to all who made my participation in the Congress possible. I hope that the Free Church and ETS will continue to engage with the Lausanne Movement in the future. •
WORLD NEWS
AMERICAS
AFRICA EUROPE ASIA AUSTRALASIA
PRAY FOR THE PERSECUTED CHURCH
UKRAINE: Religious persecution is more aggressive than in Russia itself and reflects Russia’s larger geopolitical goals. Churches and religious leaders not aligned with the ROC-MP (Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarch) are seen as a threat to Putin’s Russkiy Mir (Russian world, the sphere of Russian cultural and political influence) and Russia’s attempts to subsume Ukraine. The attacks on religious sites and Russia’s cruel treatment of Christians are integral to Putin’s overall strategy to repress both independent thought and hope for Russia’s defeat. Christian persecution will likely persist as part of a broader effort to destroy Ukrainian national identity and promote Russian hegemony. •
EGYPT: Centuries of animosity and government policies have relegated the Christian community in Egypt to second-class status. Christians face discrimination in education, legal limitations due to blasphemy laws, and violence from extremists. Christian converts are often forced to leave their families and give up their property. •
NIGERIA: According to research from Open Doors International, more Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria each year than in the rest of the world combined. Violence by Islamic extremist groups such as Fulani militants, Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State in West African Province) increased during the presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, putting Nigeria at the epicentre of targeted violence against the church. The government’s failure to protect Christians and punish perpetrators has only strengthened the militants’ influence. The implications of the new president, Bola Tinubu, are not yet clear. •
MYANMAR: After the military coup in 2021, an estimated 1 million Christians have been forcibly displaced from their homes, and thousands of their villages have been destroyed. Buddhism is the state religion of the country, deeply entwined in the national identity, and Christians are often treated as second-class citizens. •
RAPID SUPPORT FORCES ATTACKS CHURCH DURING CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE IN SUDAN
Christian Solidarity Worldwide
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) attacked a church belonging to the Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC) in Al Hasaheisa, Gezira State, during a Christmas prayer service on 30 December.
CSW sources report that RSF soldiers looted the church, then forced the 177 Christians who had gathered there to leave. At least 14 people, including women and children, were assaulted and injured during the attack, and the soldiers threatened to kill all Christians in the area.
Christians have not returned to the church since and are unsure of when they will be able to do so safely.
Christians in areas under RSF control have been subjected to widespread human rights violations since conflict broke out between the RSF and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) in April 2023. The RSF has repeatedly attacked churches and continues to pressure Christians to convert to Islam on a widespread and systematic basis.
The SAF has also attacked places of worship during the conflict. On 20 December at least 11 people, including eight children, were killed in an SAF airstrike on the Al Ezba Baptist Church, its nursery and residential buildings in Al Ezba, Khartoum North. On 4 December at least seven people were killed in an SAF airstrike on the Sheikh Elsidiq Mosque in Shambat, Khartoum North.
CSW’s Founder President Mervyn Thomas said: ‘CSW condemns the attack on the Sudanese Church of Christ in Al Hasaheisa, and we wish all those injured a swift and full recovery. We are particularly alarmed by the threat issued to all Christians in the area, who are a vulnerable minority community that has suffered abuses both historically and during this conflict. The targeting of places of worship violates both domestic and international law, and, in the context of conflict, international humanitarian law. We call on the international community, including the UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan, to document these attacks thoroughly with a view towards ensuring accountability. Once again, CSW calls on the warring parties to agree to an immediate ceasefire, and on the international community to increase efforts to ensure the protection of civilians in Sudan.’ •
SYRIAN CHRISTIANS ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT NEW REGIME
Christianity Today
For years, “Maria” (we’re using a pseudonym, given the political situation) thought little about her apparel or how to greet her colleagues.
A Christian and longtime Syrian government employee, she kept her head uncovered and wore Western business-casual attire. She greeted her coworkers with “sabah al-khayr,” which means “good morning” in Arabic.
But an alliance of rebel forces, some connected to jihadist groups, has now seized government power. The new leaders in Damascus repeatedly say Christians, some of whom had allied with the Assad regime, face neither persecution nor displacement. Yet small aspects of Maria’s work life have already begun to change.
Recently, a new boss for her department informed the office that coworkers would now greet each other with “salamu alaykum,” Arabic for “peace be upon you.” That’s the standard greeting between religious Muslims. Maria wonders if changes might be gradual, that next week, or next month, or next year, she will be required to wear a hijab.
Maybe the new greeting requirement is a good sign. Since many radical Muslims refuse to exchange peace greetings with nonbelievers, maybe this new boss is inviting Maria into the traditional religious exchange. The new regime might be Islamic, but it might also be welcoming. Maybe.
Some gestures may have big meanings. The new government declared December 25 and 26 national holidays. Roughly 125 miles north of Damascus, in the Christian-majority town of Suqaylabiyah, hooded figures dressed in black burned the community’s Christmas tree two days before the holiday. Within a day, the new authorities vowed to replace the tree’s charred remains.
In Damascus, the country’s capital, residents of the Christian neighbourhood of Bab Sharqi hung up a neon sign with “Merry Christmas” in cursive
lettering. As in years prior, they set out Christmas trees on the ‘street called Straight’ (Acts 9:11, ESV) a road which for centuries has commemorated the conversion of Paul.
But disturbed by Christmas tree arson, hundreds of Christians filled the Bab Sharqi streets on Christmas Eve, carrying crucifixes and Syrian flags. Some shouted, ‘We demand the rights of Christians.’
What are those rights? Pastor “Bassem,” who heads an evangelical church in Aleppo in northern Syria, watched a video of rebels entering a church in Latakia, a city on the Mediterranean coast that is also an Assad stronghold. They promised the Christians good treatment, but Bassem wonders how to interpret frequent declarations of religious tolerance.
Islamic law, Bassem noted, traditionally assures “people of the book” — Christians and Jews — of their place in a Muslim society. But for Bassem, behind such announcements rests an attitude of religious superiority: You are under our rules, but you will be okay. Maybe.
He reflects on how, as the rebels advanced in November and early December, the clash between the fighters and military could easily have been violent. As forces advanced to the outskirts of Aleppo, Bassem gathered around 150 people in his congregation for a prayer meeting. Other churches in his evangelical network met similarly throughout Syria to pray that ‘there be no bloodshed.’
The new Syrian government’s consistent rhetoric of tolerance has some analysts asking: Is the talk merely an attempt to assuage a nervous international audience? Following the initial weeks of relative calm, the US removed a $10 million bounty on the new leader Ahmed alSharaa, formerly with al-Qaeda. But it kept in place economic sanctions enacted against the previous regime, pending further developments. •
MORE THAN 100 CHRISTIANS KILLED BY ISLAMISTS IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Barnabas Aid
More than 100 Christians have been killed by Islamists in north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo since mid-October 2024.
The figures were recorded by the Terrorism Research and Analysis Consortium.
At least 107 killings were carried out by the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP, also known as the Allied Democratic Forces) in that period.
Fifty-three were slaughtered between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
This includes 31 killed in several attacks across Lubero Territory, North Kivu province, and 17
captured and killed in the village of Ofaye Otto Maber, Ituri province. Five others died in machine gun fire at another Ituri village, where the Islamists also burned down five houses.
Dozens have died at the hands of ISCAP in previous months, including more than 90 in July and August.
Analysis from BBC Monitoring shows that ISCAP is now the deadliest armed group in DRC, and that the overwhelming majority of its victims are civilians.
More than 5,000 Christians have been killed by ISCAP since October 2017. •
Re-visiting the Apostles’ Creed I Believe…
BY REV DAVID J RANDALL
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
One of today’s most famous atheists introduced one of his books by saying that if his book Worked as he intended, any religious readers Who opened it Would be atheists When they put it doWn! The Bible says exactly the opposite. Its whole intention is to lead people to faith – faith in the God who is revealed in the pages of Scripture and who calls for our response.
The apostle John explained that he had carefully selected from the many words and deeds of Jesus with one clear purpose: ‘that you may believe …’ (John 20:31). Whether that means encouraging faith in unbelievers or consolidating the faith of believers (perhaps John had both in mind), he clearly hoped that his readers would come to believe – and, as a result, would not put the book away at all!
The Apostles’ Creed is a summary of the Christian faith, and it points us to something much more substantial than any nominal or superficial ‘religion’, such as T. S. Mooney caricatured: ‘I believe in God the Father because I feel sure there must be a God of some kind. I believe that Jesus Christ lived a holy life which I ought to imitate. I have great reverence for the cross but I do not pretend to understand what it means. I am not quite sure whether I believe in life everlasting, but
if there is such a thing I believe everything will turn out all right for everybody; at any rate, I hope so, Amen’! Obviously, a better way is found in Scripture, where we read, ‘Should not a people inquire of their God? To the law and to the testimony.’ (Isaiah 8:19-20) And the Creed gives us a summary of the Bible’s message, the sweet sound of amazing grace, the truth expressed in the contemporary hymn: O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer, Greatest treasure of my longing soul, My God, like You there is no other, True delight is found in You alone. Your grace, a well too deep to fathom, Your love exceeds the heavens’ reach, Your truth, a fount of perfect wisdom, My highest good and my unending need.
The earliest Christian Creed was probably the simple affirmation, ‘Jesus is Lord’, a phrase found in Romans 10:9 which says, ‘If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord”, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.’ That means that he and no other is Lord – not chance, not possessions, not the state, not wokery, not other systems that may talk about belief in a God but that ‘deny the Son’ (1 John 2:23); Jesus is Lord.
As time went by, other biblical phrases were brought together, and, although the exact wording of the Creed as we know it comes from the seventh century, it had its roots in an older form developed by the third century. In many churches throughout the world, people stand week by week to declare together their faith, using the words of the Creed, and even in churches where such a practice is not part of the normal liturgy, the same Apostles’ Creed would be accepted as a summary of the faith they hold. (The word ‘Creed’ comes from the Latin ‘credo’ which means ‘I believe.’)
It is important also to note that the Creed does not encapsulate a theoretical or formal belief — belief that something is true. It is about trust and commitment — belief in something — or rather Someone. It gives us ‘A Faith to Live By’ (as Professor Macleod entitled his book on Christian doctrine), and, before coming in subsequent articles to the individual phrases of the Creed, we may consider certain things about the Christianity which is summarised in it.
The Apostles’ Creed gives us:
BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY
It is not as such in the Bible, but every part of it comes from the Bible. James Packer suggested a helpful way of regarding it: ‘If life is a cross-country journey, then the million-word-long Holy Bible is the large-scale map with everything in it, and the hundred–word-long Apostles’ Creed is the simplified roadmap, ignoring much but enabling you to see at a glance the main points of Christian belief.’
APOSTOLIC CHRISTIANITY
It is not that any one apostle wrote it as a statement of belief, but every part of it comes from the teaching of the apostles whom Jesus commissioned. He promised that the Holy Spirit would lead them (John 16:12) and bring to mind the things he had taught them (John 14:26).
In Acts 2:42 we are told that the Christians of the early church ‘devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching’; the Creed, with its phrases taken from the writings of these same apostles, enables us also to stand by ‘the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.’ (Jude 3)
TRINITARIAN CHRISTIANITY
It is generally set out in three paragraphs. The first begins, ‘I believe in God the Father’, the second, ‘And in Jesus Christ, His only Son’, and the third, ‘I believe in the Holy Ghost.’ The faith of the church is a Trinitarian faith — God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity. This may go beyond our understanding, but we must be concerned with the self-revelation that God has given us rather than any system that we can work out.
BASIC CHRISTIANITY
The Creed does not deal with areas on which there are differences of interpretation between different Christians or church denominations. For example, there is nothing in the Creed about baptism or any particular view that shouldbe taken of the last things. It sticks to what C. S. Lewis called ‘Mere Christianity’ (i.e.essential, basic). It is not about Presbyterian Christianity, Baptist Christianity, Brethren Christianity — it gives us mere Christianity, the basic thing.
Parts of the Creed may give answers to various elements of false teaching (for example, the phrase ‘was crucified, dead and buried’ involves the rejection of so-called ‘swoon’ theories which suggest that Jesus did not actually die on the cross but only came near to death and then revived later). But it emphasises the positive, the basic truths to be believed.
It is said that the best way to spot counterfeit money is not to study counterfeit coins or notes, but to study genuine currency and become so familiar with it that it becomes second nature to reject the counterfeit. The Creed trains us to know true Christianity.
SHARED CHRISTIANITY
Because it does not deal with disputed matters, it gives us a statement of the essential truths we share with other believers. Karl Barth entitled his book on it The Faith of the Church — that’s what it is. When we affirm the propositions of the Creed, we are reminded of the many people through the ages who have shared this faith. We are not the first people to be called to ‘Have faith in God’ (Mark 11:22), to ‘Repent and believe the gospel’ (Mark 1:15) and to ‘Be reconciled to God’ (2 Corinthians 5:20), and we will not be the last. The Apostles’ Creed is a summary of the faith of God’s people in all ages.
PERSONAL CHRISTIANITY
It begins with ‘I believe.’ True, it is a shared faith and we could equally well say, ‘We believe in God…’, but the Creed begins with this personal statement of belief. Many people have been taught and encouraged to say the words of the Apostles’ Creed even before it has become real in their own experience, but the great thing is that we all come to the point of declaring it with personal conviction.
Reciting it can be an empty ritual, but it need not be such. It can be a statement and affirmation that has the force of: this is my faith; it is my faith that looks up to that Lamb of Calvary; I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus. Christian commitment is a personal matter.
So it is that the Creed gives us biblical Christianity, apostolic Christianity, Trinitarian Christianity, basic Christianity, shared Christianity and personal Christianity. •
Rev David J Randall retired from pastoral ministry in 2010 and is a member of Broughty Ferry Free Church
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.
PAGES FROM ADAM’S DIARY
Lay not up treasures for yourselves on earth
The wisest strategy in this life is to invest your treasures in heaven, in those things which endure and will not perish. Invest in the things of God and those things which please him.
”
Last year While i Was in central asia, i Was invited to a Wedding. In such venues during the festivity (singing and dancing, etc.), by the order of the Islamic government, men and women are seated separately. I was placed around a circular table with eight other men. Most of them knew each other and they seemed to be real estate developers. Not long after we were seated and the waiters commenced serving tea and pastries, before the main meal, these men began to exchange ideas about their lucrative building projects. They were outdoing each other about who was the chief among them. One person was building high-rise condominiums, another was building a 50-storey hotel, someone else was building commercial real estate and office buildings, and yet another vast luxury vacation homes.
Finally, they noticed me and asked, ‘And what brings you here?’ I answered, ‘I am a friend of the parents of the bride.’ And in return I asked, ‘How about you?’ They said they were friends of the father of the groom who was also a real estate developer. Then they asked, ‘What do you do?’ I responded, ‘I am a builder, too.’ One of them asked, ‘What do you build? I replied, ‘Mostly mansions.’ He asked, ‘Where do you build? Here in the city?’ I answered, ‘No. I don’t live here.’ ‘Where do you live?’ he asked. I said, ‘I live in America.’ He responded, ‘So you build in the U.S.?’ I answered, ‘No. I neither build here nor in the U.S., or for that matter, anywhere else on earth. The ground is too insecure. It is not safe to build on sinking sand. I build homes in heaven because a very dear friend of mine many years ago advised me: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”’ (Matthew 6:19-21)
I continued, ‘Here, apart from the danger of thieves and decay, the greatest and most significant challenge is this: How do you take it with you? There is a building in Chicago’s city centre known as the Trump Tower. It is 98-storeys tall and 2.6 million square feet. It is one of the tallest buildings in the world. However, the dreadful truth for its owner, Mr Trump, is that in less than 1520 years from now, he has to leave this world. That building and the rest of his possessions will have to be left here. He can’t take it with him, just as you can’t take your possessions with you. In view of that fact, as my friend taught me, the wisest strategy in this life is to
invest your treasures in heaven, in those things which endure and will not perish. Invest in the things of God and those things which please him. Look around you — in whatever direction I look, I see poverty, misery and the suffering of human beings who have got the short end of the stick in this life. I have seen children as young as 10 years old on the streets here selling gum and candies to provide for a disabled mother or father. Invest in them. Help them and help their families from your abundance. Leave something of worth and enduring value behind you.’
They did not appreciate this perceived admonition. Disdain was all over their faces. They contemptuously scrutinised me with their eyes like spoiled children whose game someone had disrupted. If they could have, they would have grabbed me and dragged me out of the club where the wedding celebration was taking place. Instead, they gave me smug looks, turned to each other, rolled their eyes and carried on talking about their grand building projects. And for the rest of the evening, I was ignored.
However, afterward, as we were leaving, one of them, a young man in his early 40s, stopped me at the door of the club, and said, ‘I want to tell you that I am not of the same mind as this bunch with whom you had the misfortune of being seated. I know them because I am an architect and builder myself and work with them. But I don’t share their worldviews. May I ask you, what did you mean by what you said?’ I replied, ‘I am a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is that beloved friend of mine of whom I spoke. He has taught me so much about life. I look back to the days before I met him, and I tremble — how dark those days were! My young heart was about to implode from emptiness. I was overwhelmed by sadness and hopelessness. I tell my children how blessed they are that they know the Lord and that they were born in a home where their mum and dad know the Lord. How fortunate they are since they heard the Word of God, even when they were in the womb of their mother. I wish I had met the Lord Jesus when I was five years old! He brought light into my soul. He resurrected me from the dead. He has transformed my worldview. He has showed me the purpose and the meaning for my existence. He is the one who opened my eyes to see this world for what it is and counselled me not to build my life upon its sinking sand. He steered me away from laying up for myself treasures here, in this burglar-infested, crooked place where there are thousands of very clever thieves,
“ ”
Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with our Creator. This relationship has changed my life forever. The message of the Lord Jesus is called the gospel and it is the most beautiful message on the face of creation.
who will try their level best to steal even what little you may have — the banks, the insurance companies, the stock market, the dream sellers, the government and the tax man; you name it, they are scheming 24/7 to find a way to get to your treasure — and the greatest of all robbers, death, generally catches folks unexpectedly and unprepared. It was the Lord Jesus who directed me to put my treasures in him and where his heart is; there our treasures will be safe and will give dividends forever. When you give to God, he gives back far more, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over. He is the best place to put both your heart and your treasure!’ (Luke 6:38)
With tears streaming from his eyes, he said, ‘For some time, I have been contemplating ending my life. I have been praying to God to come to my aid. I feel empty and I cannot find purpose for living — what am I doing here? Where am I going? And what will be achieved once I get there? Nothing! It is vanity! I have been praying, “O God, help me. Give me light in this thick darkness in which I find myself.”’ He then asked, ‘Were you born a Christian?’ I responded, ‘No. I met the Lord Jesus 43 years ago; in fact, in Chicago where I was a university student. In those days, Trump had not yet built his tower there.’ He then inquired, ‘Is it not dangerous for you to be here?’ I answered, ‘Perhaps I am here in response to your prayers. I have brought with me the light for which you have asked. And, of course, it is always dangerous to take the Light (John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46; 1:4) into Satan’s kingdom of darkness, for darkness opposes the light and wants to extinguish it (John 1:5; 12:35-36). However, for those who know and love my Saviour, there is only one path in this life: to trust and obey. When the Lord says, “Go”, we obey and where he sends, we go. We don’t ask, “Is the place you are sending me dangerous? Are you able to protect me?” When he asks us to follow him, we follow and when he says go, we go.’ He was now weeping and asked, ‘Why did you become a Christian?’ I explained, ‘43 years ago, I was where you are now. I was attending a prestigious university, on a great future trajectory, but inside of me there was a black hole. I was imprisoned in the dungeon of despair when the Lord reached down and took my hand and pulled me out of that darkness and his Holy Spirit gave me light and life. You asked me if I was a religious man. Christianity is not a religion. It is a relationship with our Creator. This relationship has changed my life forever. The message of the Lord Jesus is called the gospel and it is the
most beautiful message on the face of creation. The gospel is a message of love in a world filled with hate; a message of life in a world obsessed with death and destruction; it is a message of forgiveness in a world where men go to great lengths to take revenge; it is a message of hope in a world drowning in the quagmire of gloom and hopelessness; it is a message of peace in a world in the grips of turmoil, war and violence; it is a liberating truth in a world filled with falsehood, prejudice and ignorance; it is a message of freedom from the bondage of sin and its fruits. This message has given meaning and purpose to my life. His Holy Spirit has filled that void in the centre of my being you spoke about. It has completely changed the course and orientation of my life. Everyday, walking with the Lord is a journey of learning and wonder. The Lord Jesus told his followers, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35) He has instructed us to love others, even our enemies.’ (Luke 6:27-36)
As we left the building and began to walk toward his car, he offered to take me home. When we arrived, he profusely thanked me and asked if I could meet him again and explain to him how he could become a Christian. I did. The following week, I went to his beautiful apartment on the 30th floor of a tall apartment building. Again, he repeatedly thanked me and noted that his despondency had been lifted. We talked for quite a while. I prayed with him; he made a profession of faith. I committed him to the Lord with the promise that I would baptise him on my next visit. I am excited to see what God has in store for him. I tell the men and women who come to faith that one of the greatest pleasures of my life has been to watch and see what the Lord will do with the seed of the gospel planted in their hearts. Among them I know of those whom our Father in heaven has used to “conquer kingdoms, enforce justice, obtain promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench the power of fire, escape the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, become mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight…Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated of whom the world [is] not worthy.” (Hebrews 11:33-38) •
DR ERIC MACKAY (1928-2024)
BY REV ALEX J MACDONALD
Eric mackay Was a highly respected doctor Who Worked as a gp from the beginning of the nhs. He believed wholeheartedly in its goals and initiated and participated in the GP trainee scheme, mentoring many young trainees.
Eric was the first-born son of William and Annie Mackay. His father was the famous ‘Captain Goodhope’ of The Instructor. Eric had seven siblings: Donald, William, Kenneth (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Marion, Isobel and Margaret.
Eric was brought up in Dundee where he attended Morgan Academy. After World War II, Eric studied medicine at St Andrew’s University. He became a very sharp diagnostician which stood him in good stead throughout his career.
While at university he was involved in the Christian Union, and that’s where he met Elisabeth, his wife-tobe. They got engaged in 1953, before Eric joined the RAF to do his national service as a medical officer in Egypt. The were married in 1956, and his first job was in Matlock, Derbyshire.
In 1960 Eric took up practice in Kirkintilloch. He was highly respected by his professional colleagues, and was part of a team of Christians where practice meetings always began with prayer. Eric worked very long hours in surgery and visited patients at home assiduously. Even on New Year’s Day, he would visit those who had lost a relative during the year to encourage them. He is remembered fondly by all his patients.
Eric and Elisabeth became members in Bishopbriggs Free Church in 1961. Eric was ordained an elder in September 1963 and he became Session Clerk in 1964. He retired as Session Clerk in 2016, after 52 years’ service, and as elder in 2019, after 56 years’ service (he was 91 years old at the time!)
Eric and Elisabeth were committed evangelists, visiting the area around the church, and they were still doing this into old age. In addition, their hospitality was legendary. They called their house in Lenzie ‘Rivendell’, described in The Lord of the Rings as the last homely house, and it certainly was that.
Through all the ups and downs of congregational life, Eric and Elisabeth’s commitment was constant. It is no exaggeration to say that without their commitment in all likelihood the church would have closed. We thank God for their faithful service over many years in Bishopbriggs.
Eric served the congregation as a Sunday school teacher, precentor, Bible study leader, and occasional preacher. He also loved to organise fellowship events for the congregation, such as hill walks. His long experience as a GP informed his knowledge of human nature and he was very active in pastoral care. He has been a spiritual father to many who held him in the highest regard as a Christian and as a church leader. He had a very firm grasp of Biblical and theological truth,
but was also flexible and adaptable to the changing circumstances of the contemporary scene.
Outside the congregation he contributed to many organisations — the General Medical Council, the County Council and others. For some years he was a medical referee for the Free Church Foreign Mission Board, and served as a member of the Board. He visited India as a delegate to the Free Church’s former medical mission work in Lakhnadon.
For many years he was involved in the Glasgow Presbytery. His views on contemporary ethical issues were always well considered and helpful. He edited the Presbytery newsletter where his editorials reflected a wide knowledge of society and the natural world (Eric had a hunger for knowledge and was an avid reader).
In Eric’s rare relaxed moments he loved photography and walking, but travelling became his passion. He would spend a month travelling Europe with the family. He was always prepared for any eventuality with a well-equipped toolbox, medicine bag, glues and adhesive!
Eric’s last 20 years, until he was 94, were spent caring for Elisabeth, who had Huntington’s disease, until they both went into a care home. Elisabeth departed this life in May 2024, and he followed in November, dying at the age of 96.
Eric and Elisabeth had six children: Donald (deceased), Margaret, Catherine, Allan (deceased), Grace and Kenneth, and they had 14 grandchildren and 11 greatgrandchildren. We commend them all, along with his brothers and sisters, to the grace of Jesus who said, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life’. As for Eric, he has departed to be with Christ, which is better by far. •
BOOK REVIEWS
BOOK OF THE MONTH
A FAMILY WE BELONG TO EVAN MACDONALD (2024)
Sometimes in the Free Church we can fall into the trap that we already know our history, that there is little more to learn. Evan Macdonald in A Family We Belong To shows clearly that we have so much more to discover. His history of Crow Road Free Church is meticulously researched and encompasses three histories: those of the original Gaelic congregation of 1824 stretching through Hope St, St Vincent St and on to Crow Road, then also the histories of Partick Free Church and Milton Free Church.
The book is full of interesting stories and uncovers details and insights of the people of these congregations and the remarkable impact they had not only on the city but across the globe. There are many photos dotted throughout, including some very impressive and serious sideburns!
This is a beautifully written history, and really sets the standard for others to be inspired by. It also should be an inspiration to each one of us, that we stand on the shoulders of giants who went before. Our predecessors faced all kinds of challenge and difficulty, and with their trust in the Lord’s leading, presented the gospel to a city that flourished through the faithful preaching of the Word.
This really is a remarkable volume, and I would encourage you to obtain a copy while they are still available. Crow Road Free Church has a remarkable history, but at its heart it is a family, one you will recognise as A Family We Belong To •
WHAT WAS THE TABERNACLE?
DANIKA COOLEY (2024)
Danika Cooley displays a real gift of writing for children in the series of Who? What? Why? This book on the Tabernacle surely must top the list. Few read about the tabernacle, even fewer understand it and rarely will it feature on a children’s reading list. The introduction is a whistlestop tour through the Bible, giving a solid foundation for understanding the reason Jesus had to die. Passages from Hebrews flesh out the necessity of blood sacrifices for the author is not afraid to address the more squeamish amongst us.
We are taken on a tour of the tabernacle, stopping off at each major area and given a wonderful explanation of the reason for its existence as well as a practical message for us today. Every single article or concept points to the Lord Jesus; powerful lessons for 8-12 year olds. Children are seen picking up manna and at the same time collecting gifts to make parts of the temple. This is community giving on a grand scale that culminates in the worship of an awesome God and over it all stands the very presence of God in a cloudy pillar. The picture images are in simple black and white but lend a sense of reality to the narrative that is childlike yet deeply moving.
There is an astonishingly simple yet profound explanation of atonement which has crossed the time zones, making
This book is available from the Evangelical Bookshop (formerly Mound Books), Stornoway Christian Bookshop and via laura@crowroadfreechurch.org
Neil DM MacLeod, St Columba’s Free Church
sense and meaning out of the complex concept of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. There has to be a call to make this real in the readers’ heart and you will not be disappointed. • This book is available from christianfocus.com Ruth Aird, Trinity Community Church, Penicuik
MISSION MATTERS
A monthly take on some of the mission work the Free Church is involved in by our Mission Director, DAVID MEREDITH
Who is church for? It’s a fundamental question but one which is barely asked. In my travels I attend churches which clearly do not expect any non-believers to be present. They are usually correct. Sadly, no-one gets saved; it’s been years since an adult has been baptised. Funerals outnumber admission of new members by profession of faith. If that’s the case, we have a problem.
The sermons in these churches are usually erudite, accurate, but totally in-house. There is no assumption that anyone in the room may be a sceptic. Clearly, the church has become a club for the already-convinced rather than a refuge for the lost. The whole ethos of the church is inward looking, it is taken for granted that everyone knows what’s going on. Jokes are seldom good ideas anyway but in-house banter screams ‘clique’.
What’s the argument for defending the indefensible? Usually, I’m taken to Ephesians 4 and told that the role of the teacher/pastor is to ‘equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.’ (Ephesians 4:12) The main function of the church is to provide a teaching ministry. An expert is employed to teach the Bible to the saints. We love experts, and the modern minister must be an expert who is able to rightly divide the word of truth. However, discipleship is a continuum which begins with evangelism. If the sceptic is never addressed, the spiritually hungry fed and the doubter challenged with apologetic arguments then that church is stagnant.
Honestly, we don’t know much about the detail of how churches in the New Testament conducted public worship. There is virtually nothing about how or what they sang. The liturgy is obscure. We do have some hints about the culture and expectations. Don’t you just love the Corinthian church? Totally dysfunctional but frighteningly normal. In 1 Corinthians 14 Paul encourages clarity in our public worship services. The chapter assumes that ‘unbelievers’ and ‘enquirers’ will be present. The church service had elements (tongues) for unbelievers and other features (prophecy) for believers. The gift of tongues has disappeared, and prophecy has morphed into relevant Bible teaching
so unambiguous, crystal clear relevant preaching must be a baseline for all churches today.
Take the greatest sermon of them all, the Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 5-7) Yes, it’s addressed to the believer, ‘You are the salt of the earth’. We also have one of the most solemn evangelistic closers ever, ‘Enter though the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.’ Jesus saw that both the fool and the wise were in the room.
The epistles were designed to be read in church. Famously, Romans touches the world of Greeks and non-Greeks — or Jew and Gentile, to use Paul’s favourite words. John’s epistles tease out the genuine from the wannabees in terms of possession of genuine faith and love.
Acknowledge that non-believers are in the room. Simply address the fact that not everyone will be on board with our beliefs. State that you understand where they are coming from. There was a time when we were that person. Speak of them and to them with grace; our agnostic friend is not our enemy.
Speak and listen to their world. You cannot go two pages in the Bible without a realisation that the authors and speakers were engaging with the world as it was in their day. There may be a reference to the lyrics of their songs, ‘even a prophet of their own said…’ (Titus 1:12) If you open a Spurgeon sermon, within a few sentences you will get a reference to the London of the 1880s. The sermon I read this morning mentioned London aldermen and the Hudson Bay Company, as well as a quote from The Lancet. Make it clear that there is a decision to be made. This edition of The Record has an emphasis on Mission. You will read of Lausanne and our new work in the Glasgow Merchant City. Different singers but one song: follow Jesus. (Matthew 28:18-20) Be fishers of men. Splashaway Bay in Ayr is reckoned to be Scotland’s largest water park. It’s fun, noisy but devoid of fish. No self-respecting fish would ever venture there because there’s nothing for them. Your church should be a well-stocked nutritious gospel reservoir. •
Healthy Gospel Church Thanksgiving & Prayer 2025
BY ANDREW GIFFEN, CEO
our vision as a denomination is of a healthy gospel church for every community in scotland.
Throughout the last year many of our congregations have been thinking about what characterises Healthy Christians and Healthy Churches. Individuals and leaders have been taking steps to grow in health in areas such as worship, mission, fellowship and discipleship.
And yet we acknowledge in humility and weakness that only the Lord can bring about this vision for a Healthy Gospel Church.
In promoting the Healthy Church vision in 2025, we are therefore going to focus on thanksgiving and prayer. Giving thanks to God for all that he has done among us in the last five years and praying for the next five years.
We will be sharing stories among our congregations of people who have come to faith, new outreach activities that have been started, exciting developments in our camps programme and work among young people. Stories of new elders benefiting from the video training material, and new ministers who have been inducted to congregations. There will be news about building projects that have been completed or are planned. We will also celebrate the ministers who have retired after years of faithful service. And give thanks for God’s presence with us in the good times and the difficult times.
In the last five to ten years we have planted around 15 churches. We can give thanks for that. But we are only going to reach our target of 30 new church plants by 2030 if God provides us with the ministers and leaders we need, and the resources and people, to start churches in new places. We also still need ministers for several vacant churches, and we need leaders and members who want to see our existing churches grow and develop.
Therefore there is lots to pray for: praying for our spiritual health as Christians, praying for each of our churches, praying for new ministers, praying for the effectiveness of our mission and discipleship. Praying for our Presbyteries, praying for ETS, and the Board of Ministry and the Mission Board, and the General Assembly. And praying most of all for God to be at work among us, and to move mightily in this nation, so that many people hear and respond to the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Will you join us in prayer in this coming year?
One of the things that people were positive about when we organised the Healthy Church Gatherings in 2023 was simply the opportunity to meet with others from different congregations. We are therefore going to organise a number of area prayer meetings in 2025 – prayer meetings focused around the Healthy Gospel Church Vision. We will be meeting in places like Dornoch, and Cumbernauld, North Harris, and Edinburgh, in Dundee and Aberdeen, Aultbea, and many other locations. Look out for the dates on the Free Church website and come and join us.
In prayer we express our complete dependence on God. We know we can’t produce Healthy Gospel Churches on our own. And so in 2025 we are going to focus on thanksgiving and prayer. Giving thanks to God for all that he has done among us in the last five years, and asking that he would be powerfully at work among us in the next five years and beyond. That we might indeed see A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 For more details about the area prayer meetings, go to: freechurch.org •
FEB-MAR 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
PRAY FOR LOCAL EVANGELISM EFFORTS
Pray for local congregations as they seek to share the good news of Jesus Christ in their communities. Ask God to open doors for meaningful conversations and to prepare hearts to receive the gospel. Pray for creativity, boldness, and wisdom for those involved in outreach activities, and that their efforts would bear much fruit for his Kingdom.
PRAY FOR CHURCH LEADERS AND ELDERS
Lift up the ministers, elders, and deacons across the denomination. Pray for God’s wisdom, discernment, and strength as they lead and shepherd their congregations. Ask God to bless their families and to sustain them in their work, ensuring they remain rooted in his Word and Spirit.
PRAY FOR CHURCH PLANTING INITIATIVES
Pray for the ongoing church planting efforts across Scotland and beyond. Ask God to guide and provide for those planting new congregations, raising up leaders, and reaching communities with little or no gospel witness. Pray for financial provision, faithful partnerships, and a clear sense of mission in these new ventures.
PRAY FOR FAMILIES IN THE FREE CHURCH
Pray for the families within the denomination, that they would grow in love for one another and for Christ. Ask God to strengthen parents as they raise their children in the knowledge of the Lord and to give young people a firm foundation in their faith. Pray for those experiencing challenges in their families, that they may find comfort and restoration through Christ.
PRAY FOR MISSION PARTNERS AROUND THE WORLD
Lift up the Free Church’s mission partners working in various parts of the world. Pray for their safety, health, and perseverance in their ministry. Ask God to open doors for the gospel, to build strong relationships in the communities they serve, and to provide all they need to carry out their work.
PRAY FOR THE CENTRE FOR RURAL MINISTRY
Pray for the newly launched Centre for Rural Ministry and its Director, Rev Ivor Macdonald. Ask God to bless this vital work as it seeks to support and equip rural churches and communities. Pray for wisdom and vision for Ivor as he leads this initiative, and for God’s provision of resources and partnerships to sustain the Centre’s mission. May the work of the Centre strengthen rural congregations, encourage pastors and leaders, and bring the hope of the gospel to even the most remote areas.
PRAY FOR THE FREE CHURCH YOUTH CONFERENCE (14 TH –16 TH MARCH)
Pray for the organising committee as they prepare for the Free Church Youth Conference, asking God to grant them wisdom, unity, and strength in their planning. Lift up the invited speakers, that God would guide them as they prepare to share his Word, giving them clarity, boldness, and a deep reliance on his Spirit. Pray for all the young people attending, that their hearts would be open to hear from God, their faith deepened, and their lives transformed. May this conference be a time of spiritual renewal, growth, and fellowship.
PRAY FOR REVIVAL ACROSS SCOTLAND
Ask God to pour out his Spirit across Scotland, bringing about a fresh wave of revival in the land. Pray that hearts would turn to Christ in repentance and faith and that churches would be filled with people hungry for God’s Word. Pray for unity among believers and a renewed commitment to prayer and evangelism as the Church seeks to bring glory to his name. •
The vision of the Free Church of Scotland is for A Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland. In promoting the Healthy Church vision in 2025, we are going to focus on thanksgiving and prayer. Giving thanks to God for all that he has done among us in the last five years and praying for the next five years.
CHiLDREN'S PAGE CHiLDREN'S PAGE
THREE QUESTIONS
We asked Carrie Marlowe these three questions
What is your role in the Free Church?
Women’s Pastoral Worker at the Free North Church, Inverness
What do you do in your role?
I care for, support and disciple the women in the congregation. This includes running bible studies, spending time with people who are struggling, equipping and training people in understanding God’s word, coordinating people who want to help others, running events to tell people about Jesus and much more. I'm also involved in Biblical Counselling which means people come and chat to me when they’re really struggling and I get to open God’s word with them and point them to how God helps us in all our struggles.
Will you please share a Bible verse that means a lot to you?
Psalm 62 is my favourite psalm because it reminds me that the only place of safety and refuge is God and nowhere or nothing else. I need this reminder all the time. I particularly love v8 which tells us we can trust in God at all times and tell him everything that is on our hearts because he is our refuge. Whether it’s good or bad we can come to God with everything that is going on and we can trust him. This is so comforting, particularly when life is hard and I often come back to this psalm. I love sharing it with other people too.
CREATION
The first two chapters of the Bible tell the story of how God created the universe. We can read about God’s mighty work of creation in other parts of the Bible too, like in Psalm 148, where the Psalmist calls on all things to praise the Lord:
PSALM 148
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts!
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.
Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children!
Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord!
Make words from the letters in the word
CREATION.
There are some answers at the bottom of the page but there are lots more words –how many can you find?!
Creation Match Up
Match the pictures to the day they were created by drawing a line between the picture and its correct day...we've done the first one for you!
GET CREATIVE!!
have fun colouring this picture!
BY CATRIONA MURRAY
POST TENEBRAS LUX
iam not a regular listener of bbc radio scotland. Perhaps I’m doing something wrong, but it always seemed that, over the years, every time I would tune in they were talking about football. There are few things in this world that I dislike more, except possibly if I were forced to actually attend a match. However, on a Saturday morning, my radio is set to come on at 6:30am, and is tuned to Radio nan Gàidheal, which does not begin broadcasting until very much later. So I have become an accidental listener to an eclectic programme which seems mainly to talk about the great outdoors and agriculture.
A few weeks ago, my attention was captured by a discussion on an incident portrayed in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped , which I freely admit never to have read and yet, somehow, manage to be reasonably familiar with. Alan Breck is musing with David Balfour how he will get a request for help to one of his kinsmen and decides on something akin to what he calls the “crosstarrie”, and what Gaelic-speakers familiar with clan history call a “crann-tara”. This is in the nature of a fiery cross, used as a signal to rally the clans to a given cause and immediately understood by those in the know. When Alan proposes this, David suggests that a note might be more immediately intelligible — and receives a tongue-in-cheek response:
‘It would certainly be much simpler for me to write to him but it would be a sore job for John Breck to read it. He would have to go to the school for two-three years; and it’s possible we might be wearied waiting on him’.
David Balfour has not understood the very important cultural context in which this conversation takes place. To him, the written word is the most efficient manner of conveying information. He does not stop to think that reading and writing are far from universal skills; and — though we are not told — it is possible that he thinks less of John Breck for being unlettered. Yet, it is evident that the clansmen have their own ingenuity, and that perhaps David Balfour, with his reliance on the written word, is the most disadvantaged in this situation.
I find that the Christian life can be a bit like that too. We think that the right, perhaps the only, way
to approach sharing the good news is to bombard people with words. If we’re not wearing the Lord’s ears out with our constant demands, we are harassing innocent people because we are meant to be “witnessing”.
In 2025, I am aiming to turn that concept on its head. I have long since mastered the very deep peace of silent prayer, meaning that I can converse with my Father anywhere and at any time. Sometimes, I don’t even think words; I just sit with him in silence. It can be a profound experience. However, I am planning to add to this in two wordless ways.
First of all, I am going to work on my urge to speak, to intervene, particularly in online “debates” about Sabbath observance. I have never believed that legalism did the cause any good, and forcing people to outwardly conform while their hearts remain cold and hard is potentially harmful. Am I happy if people stay out of the shops, but also remain ignorant of their need for Christ? Surely not.
Which leads me to my second point of improvement. I don’t necessarily want to be a witness who burbles on about her love for the Lord, or the Lord’s extraordinary goodness to me. That’s what I’ve been doing for nearly a decade, and I am honestly tired of my own words. So, I think I may try a different tack this year: let those watching me be the witnesses; let them be eyewitnesses who can testify to what they see happening in my life — not exhausted by the constant flow of protestations that God IS good because ‘listen to what he did for me’.
I’m not sure that anyone is moved by what I have to say, not because they’re inhuman, but because there’s a limit to how much you can feel of another person’s experience. However many times I repeat that God was with me in my darkest hours of loss and grief, I do not think that will testify as strongly as me living my life believing that God is at the helm, that God is in control, and that God is good.
To be a living ambassador for Christ, I think, requires conduct that speaks far more loudly than any words of mine ever could. •
