The Record - November 2018 by Free Church of Scotland

THE

RECORD

MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND NOVEMBER 2018 • £2.00

Editor • Rev. David A Robertson The Editor, The Record, St Peter’s Free Church, 4 St Peter Street, Dundee, DD1 4JJ 07825 748752 drobertson@freechurch.org Missions News • Mrs Sarah Johnson Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS sarah@freechurch.org WFM Editor • Sarah Cumming 31 Doune Park, Dalgety Bay, KY11 9LX sarah.cumming@hotmail.co.uk Gaelic Editor • Janet MacPhail 24 North Bragar, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DA 01851 710354 Seminary News • Rev. Thomas Davis St. Columba's Free Church, Johnston Terrace Edinburgh, EH1 2PW thomas@stcolumbas.freechurch.org Prayer Diary • Mrs Mairi Macdonald ian.macdonald57@btinternet.com

SASRA’s

100days

PRAYER EVENT August 8 – November 11

The Soldiers’and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association takes the gospel to the men and women of our Armed Forces and we need your prayer support. If you’d like to commit to joining our 100days prayer event, please visit:

www.sasra100days.org.uk

and tell us on which date during the event you’ll pray for SASRA and our work. We will send you free prayer materials. If you’d just like to enquire about the event you can call us on: 03000 301 306 or email 100days-capt@sasra.org.uk

SASRA, Havelock House, Barrack Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 3NP

Reg’d Charity No. 235708/SC039130

Copy Editor • Dayspring MacLeod Design & Layout • Fin Macrae @DUFI Art www.dufi-art.com The Record • ISSN 2042-2970

Details of the church's activities, latest news and people to contact are all available on the church's website: www.freechurch.org Advertising • Anyone wishing to advertise in The Record should contact the editor. For Subscriptions • The annual subscription price for The Record is £33. Cheques should be made payable to: Free Church of Scotland. Please contact the offices for overseas subscription costs.

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Published • 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

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER RECORD

PRAYER DIARY

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM

FREE CHURCH NEWS

ETS NEWS

A BIBLICAL MANDATE TO MOBILISE AGAINST ABORTION? Dave Brennan

TRADING SADNESS FOR JOY Nancy Guthrie

MY PERSONAL DEBT TO BILLY GRAHAM John S. Ross

TESTIMONY PAGE Mark Turner

WOMEN FOR MISSION AWAY DAY

GETTY SING! 2018 CONFERENCE Ann & Angus MacRae

ECCLESIASTES: OPPRESSION, ENVY AND CONTENTMENT

HALF BAKED LOGIC Andrew Roycroft

A FORETASTE OF HEAVEN Megan Paterson

POVERTY SAFARI Mez McConnell

THE BIBLE IS A LOAD OF RUBBISH Louis Chryssaphes

FREE CHURCH BOOKS INTERVIEW: REV. ANGUS MACRAE

BOOK REVIEWS

HOW GOD ANSWERED WHEN I DIDN'T PRAY Dayspring MacLeod

Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what he has done for me. (Ps 66:16 NIV)

GAELIC Janet MacPhail

Yours in Christ

FINANCES

The Editor

POETRY PAGE John Donne

POST TENEBRAS LUX Catriona Murray

t ’ s a strange providence that the

100th anniversary

of the signing of the armistice that ended the first world war should fall on a sunday

–

thus putting

remembrance sunday and armistice day together .

100 years ago on the 11th of the 11th the Armistice was signed. This edition of The Record commemorates that. The modern world is largely one that is ahistorical. Despite the fact that historical books are often bestsellers, there is a widespread ignorance of our history. In this social media-driven age we far too often rely on our feelings and opinions first, before then going on to Google ‘facts’ that agree with us. One of the things we are trying to do in The Record is bring a variety of views and news. We want to provoke you to think for yourself, based on the facts, rather than have someone do the thinking for you. Of course we have a ‘bias’, or as some would put it a ‘worldview’. We are Christians who seek to live and see the world through the perspective of Christ. That does not mean we are blind to uncomfortable facts, or things we do not like. Indeed, it means the opposite — we have to face these because the One we follow is The Truth and the one who opposes us is ‘the Father of Lies’. It is imperative for Christians to read the culture through the spectacles of Scripture, rather than read the Scripture through the spectacles of culture. In The Record we want to bring you news, views, reviews, opinions, theology, history and much more in order to help you make sense of the chaos that is engulfing our world. If you are a Christian, please read, pray, think and act. If you are not a Christian I would suggest you do the same! One of the things I hope we will feature every month is testimony. It is always good to see how the Lord has worked in other people’s lives. If you are aware of any one’s story you think would benefit others by being shared, then let us know.•

P.S. As ever please send me any comments, suggestions and news.

2018

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PRAYER DIARY NOV/DEC 2018

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people 1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV) Fri 16th Pray for the people of Central Sulawesi Province (Indonesia) who have survived the earthquake/ tsunami of 28th September. Remember medical and aid workers helping in the recovery. Sat 17th Praise God for the decision made by the Supreme Court in favour of Ashers Baking Co. Pray that their witness to the goodness of God will speak to many. Sun 18th Pray for all those who gather to worship in Kilmallie this morning. Remember them and the Rev Dr John Ross, their interim moderator, as they look to the Lord for guidance for a pastor. Mon 19th Today is World Toilet Day. Tearfund are holding an event in London drawing attention to the fact that one in three women in the world does not have a proper toilet. Pray that the Toilet Twinning initiative will improve this situation. Tues 20th Give thanks for the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkish prison. Pray for all those wrongfully imprisoned for the sake of the gospel. Wed 21st The congregation of Esk Valley give thanks for a new venue which suits their needs well at this stage. Pray for Curt and Gwen, a couple coming from the States for a year to support the work. Thurs 22nd Many soldiers have returned from summer leave and are preparing for the ‘next big thing’. Pray for safety in their jobs and opportunities for Roddy Macleod and other SASRA workers to interact with them. Fri 23rd Pray for the church-planting vision weekend starting tonight in St Columba’s in Edinburgh, especially for Rev. James Forsyth as he speaks and encourages those who gather. Sat 24th Pray that as Christians we will be willing to step out of our comfort zones (and traditions) to make time to get to know those who appear different from ourselves in order to be a witness in our communities. Sun 25th The vacant congregation of Kiltearn are scheduled to celebrate communion today. Pray that they and their interim moderator, Rev. Angus MacRae, will know God’s blessing as they witness in the community.

Mon 26th Continue to uphold Rev. Angus MacRae in his duties as Moderator of the church. Tues 27th Pray for Rev. Donnie G MacDonald, Moderate Designate for the 2019 General Assembly. Remember the Portree and Bracadale congregation as they work towards their new building. Wed 28th Pray for medical and nursing professionals in hospitals who are fighting to save the lives of seriously ill and injured patients. Pray for courage and skill and that they will know comfort from God, especially when a patient dies. Thurs 29th Pray that many lives would be changed by the joy of receiving a filled shoebox through the Blythswood Shoebox appeal. Fr 30th Today has been set aside as a National Day of Prayer. Let us be united in our desire to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ and to live in obedience to His Word. Sat 1st Give thanks for new interns in Cornerstone Church, Elijah Brook and his wife Jessie, and pray that they will have a fruitful time serving the church in Edinburgh. Pray for the bilingual services (English and Spanish) happening tomorrow. Sun 2nd Remember the vacant congregation of Urquhart and Resolis and their interim moderator, Rev. Sandy Sutherland, as they look to the Lord for guidance for their future ministry. Mon 3rd Some of the soldiers who studied John’s gospel with Roddy Macleod are moving on. Pray the Lord will bless to them the time spent in his Word. Tues 4th Pray for the students in the seminary as they begin their exams today. Wed 5th Pray for London City Presbyterian Church as they have a number of unbelieving people at their services – please ask that they would be saved.

Fri 7th The Leith congregation have a Friday lunch that brings in people who are unchurched and mainly homeless. Pray for them all, that good conversations would lead to conversions. Sat 8th A Christian counselling ministry based in a city in the south of Turkey provides support to people from across the Middle East. Pray for the work they do; for those who minister through it; and for those who come for counselling. Pray for a possible expansion of the ministry among Turkish-speaking people. Sun 9th This morning as we go to worship our Lord, remember the scattered congregation of Assynt and Eddrachillis and their interim moderator, Rev. Ian Allan. Pray for blessing at their service in Lochinver this afternoon. Mon 10th Pray that the Christian groups in each of our political parties would grow in influence. Give thanks for freedom to pray and worship together and pray for this to be protected. Tues 11th The Bible Society of Slovakia has started to produce Scriptures in large fonts for people with visual disabilities. Pray that these will help people to find hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, despite their hardships. Wed 12th As Christmas is celebrated in our schools, pray that pupils and teachers will be free to express Christian beliefs without being bullied or marginalised. Thurs 13th Give thanks that our government has agreed to cut the maximum stake on addictive gambling machines and pray it comes into effect quickly. Fri 14th Please pray for the ongoing political situation in Uganda. Opposition parties are in conflict with the current leader, and as so often is the case, children suffer most in these times – especially those living on the streets.

Thurs 6th Give thanks for the induction of Rev. Garry Brotherston to the Bishopbriggs congregation in September. Pray for blessing on the ministry and witness in Bishopbriggs.

Prayer requests to: ian.macdonald57@btinternet.com. Please take time to send requests for your congregation or ministry to be included in forthcoming Records. These prayer notes are prepared 5 weeks in advance of publication.

THE RECORD

NOVEMBER

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM BY THE EDITOR

there is a war memorial.

I remember as a teenager standing there and counting the names engraved on it. Between the First and Second World Wars there were dozens — the vast majority from the First World War. This is a village which barely has 200 people. The Highlands of Scotland were far more decimated by the trenches in WWI than they were by the Clearances. So why do we celebrate ‘Remembrance’ Sunday? We don’t. We mourn. We remember those who died in senseless slaughter. We remember those who fought for our freedom but we do not celebrate war. Sadly there were some within the Christian church who did — and sometimes I suspect there are those who still do. There is a contrast in attitudes. The leading Free Church elder, Hugh Miller had this perceptive insight in the middle of the 19th Century. “That dislike of war which good men have entertained in all ages is, we are happy to believe a fast spreading dislike…..And of course, the more the feeling grows in any country, which, like France, Britain, and America, possesses a representative Government, the less chance there will be of these nations entering rashly into war. France and the United States have always had their senseless war parties. It is of importance, therefore, that they should also possess their balancing peace parties, even though these be well-nigh as senseless as the others. Again in our own country, war is always the interest of a class largely represented in both Houses of Parliament. It is of great importance that they also should be kept in check, and their interest neutralised, by a party as hostile to war on principle as they are favourable to it from interest.”. Contrast this with the Anglican bishop of London, Arthur F Winnington who in 1915 stated that it was the nation’s duty to mobilise for ‘a holy war’. In one of his sermons he urged British soldiers to ‘kill Germans – do kill them; not for the sake of killing, but to save the world, to kill the good as well as the bad, to kill the young as well as the old, to kill those who have shown kindness to our wounded as well as those fiends… As I have said a thousand times, I look upon it as a war for purity, I look upon everyone who died in it as a martyr.’

2018

Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:8-10 NIV)

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These words are chilling, crass and anti-Christian. They show what happens when the Church gets caught up with and goes along with the spirit of the age. Anyone who visits the Somme or the vast graveyards of both World Wars can only shudder at the callousness of those remarks — said by a man who purported to be an under shepherd of Christ. A number of years ago we took a number of teenagers who were at the Free Church overseas camp in the North of France to visit one of these war graveyards. On the way the bus was filled with laughing, boisterous teenagers. On the way back to our residence there was almost utter silence. The young people sat in contemplation and a degree of reverence. That is a fitting approach to remembrance. It is also fitting to remember our history. In a postmodern, dumbed-downed, self-absorbed, culture such as ours, we both forget our history and we far too often end up believing a fake historical narrative — one that happens to suit our current feelings and views. Cambridge University students, supposedly the elite of our educational system, recently voted not to support the wearing of poppies and Remembrance day, because they ‘glorified war’. There are many things that glorify war, but remembering the Fallen in previous wars is not one of those things. Nor is it wrong to particularly remember the dead from your own country — they, after all, are the ones who died so that we can have the freedom we have today. We give thanks for those who died for our freedoms — we do remember them. But we also mourn and long for the day when war shall be more. •

n the centre of the village of fearn in easter ross

FREE CHURCH NEWS BIG FREE RALLY

n saturday,

29th september, three hundred young people got up before dawn to travel the length and breadth

of scotland to get to smithton church, inverness, for this year’s big free rally.

We are all so glad they did! What a phenomenal day! Everyone there will tell you that it was an amazing day with the most wonderful Spirit-filled atmosphere – and it was a privilege and a blessing to have been involved. There were games, quizzes, team challenges and dancing – all great fun! Peter Turnbull, of Burghead Free Church, delivered two perfectly pitched talks on ‘Being a part of God’s family’, and you could have heard a pin drop as everyone, from age ten upwards, listened carefully. Peter offered loving, practical and timeless advice on how to keep being a Christian – for kids and adults alike! (PDFs of talks available upon request.) The praise was amazing! There was a great selection of songs sung beautifully by hundreds of young voices (see Camps FCYC Facebook page for some examples). There was such a sense of unity as everyone met together and caught up with each other’s news since camp. Even those who haven’t yet been to camp are looking for dates and details about how to get involved next year – how exciting is that! All being well, the FCYC Brochure will be out before Christmas. It’s amazing to think that through this gathering of young people, God is planting seeds in their hearts and opening their minds ready to listen to the Gospel. Praise the Lord for continuing with us in the Camps ministry and in events such as the Big Free Rally, which will last long in the memories of the young people impacted by them. • [Laura MacAulay (Camps Administrator]

INDUCTION OF REV. CHRIS DAVIDSON AT FREE NORTH

wet

wednesday,

and the

windy

26th of

september, in inverness,

rev. chris davidson was inducted in the free north.

Chris has been appointed with special duties to plant a church in the Merkinch area of Inverness. The leadership of the Free North have sought a partnership with 20schemes, a church planting organisation in Scotland, through which Chris and his wife Katherine will gain valuable training. During the induction, Rev. Dr Malcolm Maclean from Greyfriars Free Church of Scotland led the service and preached from Judges 3:31, bringing to light the story of Shamgar, an ill-equipped outsider who saved Israel. Although little is written about Shamgar, he had a profound impact on the land. The address

THE RECORD

was profound and helpful for a young man who is trying to plant in a hard place in Scotland. Mr Davidson said, ‘We are excited by the vision of the Free North eldership and the previous minister, Rev. Colin Macleod, to plant a church in Merkinch. In a time where church closures seem to be the norm, it is great to see a body of believers excited about planting in a scheme of Scotland.’ Overall it was a lovely evening with the family of the Free North. Pray for the church planting efforts in Merkinch. •

NOVEMBER

THE NEW MODERATOR

Seminary. Whilst there he was hugely influenced by Prof. Douglas and Mary MacMillan. It was during his time in Edinburgh that he met and married his wife Debbie. They now have five children: Stuart, Catriona, Fiona, Mairi and Findlay. Responding to his acceptance, Mr MacDonald said, ‘It is very humbling to be asked to be Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland General Assembly for 2019. It is an honour to serve Jesus in any capacity and I will do my best to fulfil this responsibility simply but diligently.’ Mr MacDonald was ordained and inducted into Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church on 2nd Oct 1992 aged 24. He spent eleven years there before moving to Portree Free Church in 2003. In all, Mr MacDonald has served faithfully for the past 26 years. ‘I am very aware that to do so I will be dependent on the prayers and support of many people. It continues to be a challenging, yet exciting, time for the Free Church of Scotland. We are an ever-evolving denomination with a never-changing Gospel. The many Free Church congregations scattered throughout the country are working hard to bring that Gospel message to both the urban and rural settings of Scotland, revitalising the old and planting the new. We also remain committed to looking beyond our own borders to explore innovative ways of supporting mission work. ‘The need at home and abroad is great, and we have a lot of work to do, but I believe we have the heart to do it. I look forward to playing a part in facilitating the development of the vision and mission of the denomination in the coming year.’ •

he commission of assembly of the free church of scotland met on wednesday,

3rd october. They

were pleased to announce that Rev. Donnie G. MacDonald, minister of Portree Free Church in Skye, had accepted the nomination of Moderator Designate of the 2019 General Assembly. He succeeds Rev. Angus MacRae, of Dingwall and Strathpeffer Free Church in Ross-shire, who was appointed Moderator in May 2018. Callum Macdonald, Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church elder, said, ‘Donnie exhibits all the fruits of the Spirit as a pastor, preacher and carer for his people. To be in Donnie G’s presence is to just sense his love for all people, feel his joy, peace and to be aware of his overwhelming patience. The manse overflows with kindness and goodness — and have you tasted the scones?! ‘He is dedicated to the flock and serves them faithfully with gentleness and self-control. Donnie is a passionate preacher, bringing the gospel to all and especially to the young. There is always a special message for the children. He is loved by his congregations, past and present. ‘We pray that Donnie, Debbie and family are protected during the coming year and that he has opportunities to serve the Lord nationally and internationally as Moderator.’ Born in Fort William, Mr MacDonald attended Borrowdale Primary School and Portree High School, eventually moving to Glasgow to study Chemistry and Molecular Biology. It was here where he shared a flat with future Free Church Moderator Rev. Derek Lamont and Generation Training Director Rev. Neil MacMillan. Eventually responding to God’s leading, he attended the Free Church College, now Edinburgh Theological

2018

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FREE CHURCH DONATION TO TSUNAMI SURVIVORS

he free church of scotland announces a

partners is responding at this crucial time. Churches are distributing drinking water, dry-foods, rice, clothes and baby supplies — others have set up emergency shelters. Tearfund’s partners are deploying medical teams to the affected areas — including emergency doctors, nurses, surgeons and midwives. Children separated from their families are particularly vulnerable, and many people are without clean drinking water or electricity. Congregations and individuals are encouraged to pray for the people of Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, and to donate to the Disaster and Relief Fund, to enable us to continue to respond to such emergencies. • Donations at https://freechurch.org/donate/

£10,000

donation to help provide assistance to survivors

of the indonesia tsunami. A powerful earthquake struck Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia on Friday 28 September, leading to a six-metre-high tsunami hitting the city of Palu. Over 1,300 people are confirmed dead and 200,000 people are in urgent need of clean water, food, medical care and shelter. The donation will be made to Tearfund from the Free Church’s Disaster and Relief Fund — which congregations are encouraged to top-up. As the conditions for survivors deteriorate, Tearfund’s network of churches and Christian

PROF. JOHN L. MACKAY PASSES AWAY PEACEFULLY

t is with a deep sense of sadness that we announce that principal emeritus john l mackay passed away peacefully at his home on thursday

25 th october .

Originally ordained and inducted as minister of Rosskeen Free Church in 1980, he was thereafter appointed as Professor of Hebrew and Old Testament Studies at the Free Church College in 1983. He was appointed Principal in 2010. As well as his teaching role at the Free Church College, Prof. Mackay served the Free Church for many years as Senior Clerk of the General Assembly. A man of immense intellect, John L Mackay was a much sought after lecturer and the author of several Old Testament commentaries which have been highly valued by Bible students all over the world. We extend our deepest and prayerful sympathies to his wife, Mary, along with their two children: John and Fiona.A full tribute will appear later. •

WANTED - CHURCH WORKER

who senses a call to serve God in a busy congregation. We are looking for someone with a passion for supporting others as they develop a relationship with Jesus, particularly those under the age of thirty, including teenagers and children. In addition, there will be some other activities connected to evangelism. The work requires flexibility, initiative and a willingness to serve at irregular hours. It involves working under the guidance of the minister and elders, along with the existing church worker, as well as those in the congregation already involved in such work. The position is full-time. For further information, please send CV to Search Committee, Greyfriars Free Church, Balloan Road, Inverness, IV2 4PP. • reyfriars free church in inverness is looking for a church worker

THE RECORD

NOVEMBER

ETS NEWS BY REV. THOMAS DAVIS

5 BIG MOMENTS IN 500 YEARS The first-year students at ETS have spent the first few weeks of their course racing through the first five hundred years of Church History. As you can imagine, a huge amount happened during that period, but at the same time, it is an era of history that many of us today might not know that much about. So this month, we are giving you a snippet of what the first-year church history students have been learning: here are five key moments from the first five hundred years of the Christian Church. 70 – THE FALL OF JERUSALEM In the very early days of the Christian church, the rest of the world thought that this new movement was just another branch of the Jewish faith. They seemed to read the same Scriptures, believe in the same God and worship in a fairly similar way. All that changed with the Fall of Jerusalem. After four years of rebelling against their hated Roman rulers, the Jews were crushed by the imperial forces and their great city and temple were left in ruins. After that, Christians spread out among the nations more and more; and, without the temple, the Jews had no choice but to change the way they practiced their faith. As a result, the distinction between Jew and Christian became much clearer for the world to see. 155 – MARTYRDOM OF POLYCARP At various stages in its early history, the Christian Church came under attack. Many people suffered, and for some, their faith would cost them their life. One example was a man called Polycarp. He was a bishop in Smyrna, a city at the western end of Turkey (now called Izmir). It is believed that as a young man he knew the Apostle John and there are reports that throughout his life he often spoke about the things he had heard John say. Eventually he was arrested and threatened with death. But he was given one last chance; if he denied his Saviour, he would be set free. Polycarp’s reply was magnificent: ‘Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me any injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?’ Like with many other martyrs, Polycarp’s death did not deter the Christian Church. Rather it was a source of inspiration and encouragement. 312 – EMPEROR CONSTANTINE EMBRACES CHRISTIANITY For the first three hundred years of her history, the New Testament Church was always living in a world dominated by a pagan emperor in Rome. That meant that at best the Church was a strange inconvenience in an otherwise well-organised empire, or at worst, an illegal thorn that needed to be eradicated from the imperial flesh. But in 312 everything changed. The soon-to-be ruler of the whole empire, Constantine (who in 312 only ruled part of the West) was about to face his enemy in battle when he saw a vision of a Christian symbol in a dream. The next day he painted this symbol on the shields of his soldiers and went on to win a stunning victory. From that moment the Emperor Constantine no longer called himself a pagan, he called himself a Christian. That meant that the Church’s relationship with the Roman Empire was now very different indeed. 325 – THE COUNCIL OF NICAEA This is the council the Nicene Creed is named after, although the Nicene Creed most of us know today is not exactly the same one that came from this council (but that’s another story). This council was called by Constantine (he didn’t take long to use his position as emperor to get involved in Church affairs!). The issue at stake was the deity of Christ. A church leader called Arius had been teaching that Jesus was not truly God; rather, he was created by the Father, and therefore there must have been a moment when the Son was not. Other theologians totally disagreed, and argued that God the Son was truly God, with the same nature as the Father. The stakes were high, the debate was heated, and a lot of people ended up confused in the middle. In the end Arius’ views were rejected by the council and the full deity of God the Son was affirmed. However, it took many years for Arius’ influence to fade, and in certain sects, Arianism lives on today, albeit with different names. 410 – THE SACKING OF ROME From the days of the Apostles and throughout the Christian Church’s first four hundred years, the western world was dominated by one city: Rome. This was the focal point of power, culture, wealth and influence. This was the city that lay at the heart of the mighty Roman Empire. Its history was glorious, its status unrivalled and its future looked forever secure. It was ‘the Eternal City’. But in 410 the unthinkable happened — Rome was overrun by an invading tribe of barbarians. This stunned the Empire. For the Church, it also posed an immediate challenge. The pagan nobles of Rome quickly identified what they believed the cause of this disaster was — it had happened because the people had forasaken the gods of Rome and turned to Christianity. This was a powerful argument for abandoning Christianity and returning to the old Roman religion. The defence of Christianity was taken up by one of the greatest theologians of the early church, Augustine. He wrote a massive work called The City of God that defended Christianity and argued that the fate of an earthly city was ultimately irrelevant. What matters most is whether we are citizens of the heavenly city, the city that really will be eternal. •

2018

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A BIBLICAL MANDATE TO MOBILISE AGAINST ABORTION? THE RECORD

NOVEMBER

Illustration Â©liuzishan - stock.adobe.com

DAVE BRENNAN applies biblical history and principles to make the case for why Christians must make a stand now against the killing of the unborn.

s the

19th century draws to a close , english

The critical question is whether social justice and activism are an optional extra for the Christian, to be adopted or rejected on the perceived risks and benefits with reference to other aims and priorities, or whether loving our neighbour as ourselves is actually a command of God, a core and integral part of what it means to be a follower of Christ. If it is the latter, we are left with only two possible responses: obedience and disobedience. And to find out whether it is a command of God, we need only turn to the Bible.

missionaries in king leopold ii ’ s congo free

state face a heart - searching dilemma . The increasingly well-known systematic atrocities against the native people in the pursuit of lucrative rubber production include the cutting off of hands for the crime of failing to meet the quota. The population is even terrorised by brutal native soldiers weaponised against their own: they eat people, including children, in full view of their fellowvillagers as punishment for under-production. The decision faced by the missionaries — uniquely placed to provide evidence and expose this injustice — is whether or not to speak out publicly back in Europe, to apply international pressure on King Leopold for change.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF Whilst we are free from the condemnation of the Law and could never have been justified by it, Jesus is quick to clarify — and the rest of the New Testament follows him in this — that we are not excused from obeying it. This is especially true of its ‘more important matters — justice, mercy, faithfulness’ — and of the timeless summary that Jesus affirms more than once: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.’ Jesus helpfully illustrates what this looks like with his Parable of the Good Samaritan. The love shown by the Good Samaritan is not evangelism, but practical, sacrificial, risky help. And the application of the parable is ever so simple: ‘Go and do likewise.’ Whilst evangelism is a command of God, it is not the only command of God, not the only form of interaction we are to have with the world around us.

TO SPEAK OUT, OR NOT TO SPEAK OUT? The problem was that the Congo Balolo Mission and the Baptist Missionary Society — the two major English missionary societies then active in the Congo — felt that their work depended on keeping King Leopold sweet. The missionaries ‘naturally hesitate to say much, considering the precariousness of their situation,’ said one MP at the time. Grattan Guinness, director of the CBM at the time, summed it up succinctly: ‘The difficulty is to do good without doing harm.’ By putting Leopold’s nose out of joint, they could risk expulsion from the Congo Free State. How could they be sure it was worth it? A CONSCIENCE ISSUE? The notion that the missionaries’ course of action had to be weighed according to expedience and predicted outcome, rather than being a question of simply obeying God and doing the right thing whatever the result, is a premise worth scrutinising. The former construal would appear to be a thoroughly unchristian way of making decisions. Joseph, Moses, Esther, Jesus, the Early Church, and the Reformers stand as positive examples of the latter: men and women who risked and gave their lives in obedience to God without ever stopping to wonder whether it would be ‘worth it’.

2018

THE HEART OF GOD ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.’ Justice matters to the heart of God. The Mosaic Law is packed full of justice for the oppressed, and all too often it is Israel’s sins of omission — not ensuring justice for the downtrodden — that grieve God’s heart, and taking up their cause once again is part of the tangible repentance and real worship he repeatedly calls for. Nothing pierces God’s heart more in the Old Testament than the sacrifice of children to >>

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As for who our neighbour is today, it would be hard to think of a harassed people group more numerous, more vulnerable, and more unable to speak for themselves than unwanted babies in the womb.

<< Molech — and all the more so when his own people adopt the practice. This is perhaps unsurprising when we consider what a special place there is in God’s heart for children, and how much he hates injustice and idolatry. Child sacrifice is a meetingpoint for so much of what God detests. Notice that tolerance of child sacrifice — and not just child sacrifice itself — is a sin, and God holds his people corporately responsible. To go back to the Parable of the Good Samaritan, the people whose failure to be neighbours Jesus highlights the most are not the robbers, but the religious people, who saw the man but did nothing and ‘passed by on the other side’. As long as missionaries in the Congo held back from speaking out on behalf of the oppressed, there’s a sense in which, by their silence, they cooperated in the sacrifice of humans upon the altar of their mission. Certainly, whenever we allow God to back the success of our ministry but disallow him from speaking to us about other issues such as justice, we make God in our own image and engage in a form of idolatry.

Since the unborn is our neighbour, and since it is a command to love our neighbour as ourselves, can there be any doubt over the biblical mandate to defend the unborn and speak out against abortion? Loving the unborn is not the gospel and it’s not evangelism, but it is part of behaving as disciples of Jesus Christ because it is obeying what he taught. The fact that Christian leaders today can say that speaking out against abortion is somehow at odds with ‘gospel’ work only serves as evidence, if any were needed, that Gnosticism is very much alive and kicking. Thankfully, Guinness and the CBM did come out publicly against the Congo injustice in 1903, a year before the British Government’s Casement Report came back and turned the political tide, with the help of the newly invented Kodak. Sadly, the BMS only came out after that fact, once there was no real political risk in doing so. My prayer is that we will think and therefore act rather differently from our forebears. Guinness’s initial reticence sounds nuanced and wise and is echoed by many church leaders today with reference to abortion. But ‘difficulty’ should be utterly normal for cross-defined ministry rather than a metric that causes hesitation, and outcomes should be left up to God. The decision is not to take the course of action that we think is worth it, the decision is to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and simply follow Jesus, obeying his commands. But wasn’t that always the deal? •

GREAT OMISSION OR GREAT COMMISSION? A decision faces us today, not of weighing possible consequences against certain goals, but of obedience to one of the central commands of God: Will we be a neighbour? As for who our neighbour is today, it would be hard to think of a harassed people group more numerous, more vulnerable, and more unable to speak for themselves than unwanted babies in the womb. If anyone is in doubt as to whether the unborn really are our neighbours, the question can be settled quickly, scientifically and biblically. The videos freely available at ehd.org show remarkable footage of living, growing embryos and foetuses at all stages of development. The Bible is full of the humanity and personhood of the unborn, from David being sinful from the moment he was conceived, to John the Baptist leaping in the womb for joy. As for the nature and scale of abortion in the UK today, consult abort67.co.uk.

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After a degree in Theology at Oxford followed by two years working for Teach First in London, Dave Brennan was serving as full-time evangelist at St Mary’s Church East Molesey when, together with his wife Anandi. He received a call from God to establish Brephos, a new ministry to equip churches to speak out for the unborn, which launched January 2018 as a project of Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform UK. Dave longs to see the Church as passionate for the unborn as God is.

NOVEMBER

Trading Sadness for Joy BY NANCY GUTHRIE

ome things in this life are worth being sad about.

more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away’ (Rev. 21:4). What a beautiful picture — the God of the universe reaching out to wipe away the tears inherent to life in this sin-sick, curse-impacted world from the faces of those he loves. This will not be an impersonal ending to the sorrow of this life. Rather, the God who entered into the sorrows of this world in the person of Christ will do away with everything that has brought about the sorrow. On that day, the sorrow that has broken the hearts of those who have experienced the brokenness of this world will give way to joy. Joy will be the atmosphere we will live and breath in forever. And nothing will ever threaten that joy again. • What kinds of things do you find yourself ‘preaching’ to yourself in the midst of sorrow, and what truths from the scripture could you preach to yourself instead? • Do you sometimes find that your hope in God is limited to hoping for a resolution in your circumstances, or is it anchored in a more ultimate hope of salvation? • Tremendous sorrow and genuine joy can co-exist. What do you think it looks like for a Christian to experience both sorrow and joy? Father, there are times when I think the sorrows of this life will break my heart for good. How I need your Word to shape how I think and feel about the things that cause me pain. Won’t you, even now, allow me to experience some of the joy of the New Creation as I live in this world filled with sorrows? •

When we lose something or someone who is valuable to us, it makes sense that we would be sad — maybe for a good while. Sadness in itself does not reflect a lack of faith. But sometimes, in the midst of sadness we allow desperate thoughts and feelings to plunge us into despair. This means that we have to preach the truth of the scriptures to ourselves rather than simply listen to ourselves. This is what we witness the psalmist doing in Psalm 42. When the sorrows of life seemed to mock his dependence on God, the psalmist wrote: My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, ‘Where is your God?’ (Psalm 42:3) His agonized emotions were speaking to him, suggesting that God had abandoned him. So rather than believe that voice, he challenged it. He confronted what was being said to him, rather than allowing it to determine his outlook. The psalmist poured out his complaint to God, even as he intentionally spoke to his own soul. We can almost imagine him looking into a mirror and asking himself a question and then instructing himself. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. (Psalm 42:5)

Nancy Guthrie teaches the Bible through numerous Bible study books at her home church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Tennessee, as well as at conferences around the country and internationally. She offers companionship and biblical insight to the grieving through Respite Retreats that she and her husband, David, host for couples who have faced the death of child, through the GriefShare video series, and through books. Her newest book is Even Better Than Eden: Nine Ways the Bible’s Story Changes Everything About Your Story. She is also the host of the ‘Help Me Teach the Bible’ podcast at The Gospel Coalition. More info at www.nancyguthrie.com.

Rather than listening to his own desperate thoughts, he spoke truth to his thoughts. Rather than trusting his feelings, he challenged them. Rather than talking about the truth of the gospel as something out there for other people, he applied it to himself personally. Praying to God, he preached hope to himself. And his hope was centered in God’s promise of salvation, a salvation that would be rich in relationship with his God. He set his hope on a day when tears would be a thing of the past. John writes about that day, the day of ultimate and final salvation, the day when ‘God himself will be with them as their God.’ On that day, John writes, ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no

2018

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MY PERSONAL DEBT TO BILLY GRAHAM BY JOHN S ROSS

21st february, this year, billy graham died at his home in montreat,

north carolina.

THE CONTROVERSIAL BILLY GRAHAM Graham’s life was not, however, without controversy. Looking at his ministry from a confessional Presbyterian standpoint, there are three allegations I must take seriously. They are his use of the invitation system, with its inherent danger of false assurance; the accusation that he was recklessly ecumenical; and also that remarks he made imply that he didn’t believe that Jesus to be the only Saviour. With regard to the first, I follow the lead offered by Free Church fathers Andrew and Horatius Bonar, in their support of D. L. Moody’s 1873/74 visit to Scotland, controversial as it was at the time; and learn to tolerate for the greater good of God’s work what I cannot approve, in this case the invitation system. The two other charges are, I think, more serious. Graham’s ecumenism was seen in his choice of those who promoted and sponsored his Crusades; in his invitations to liberals to sit on his Crusade platforms; and by his willingness to send back his converts to Roman Catholic churches. Michael Beam’s 1978 article for McCall’s Magazine tells how Graham admitted he was more tolerant of Catholicism than he had been, adding naively, ‘We only differ on some matters of later church tradition.’ Likewise, his attitude to Protestant Modernists (theological liberals) shifted from an earlier aversion to a greater openness. But did this taint his message? We are not helped to find the answer by his sometimes pugnacious attempts to brave out the allegation of guilt by association. To a question from the Scottish press, he offhandedly responded, ‘I am neither a fundamentalist nor a modernist.’ Later he labelled his critics as extremists, defiantly declaring, ‘I intend to go anywhere, sponsored by anybody, to preach the Gospel of Christ, if there are no strings attached to my message.’

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He was ninety-nine years old. Born on 7th November 1918 into a Scots-Irish Presbyterian home, William Franklin (Billy Frank) Graham Jr. grew up to become an evangelist who personally preached to millions of people all over the world, reaching many more through TV, video, film, the internet and his books. Reviewing his eventful life, he told the crowd at his final Crusade in June 2005, in New York, that his theme throughout the years had been that ‘Jesus Christ came, he died on a cross, he rose again, and he asked us to repent of our sins and receive him by faith as Lord and Saviour, and if we do, we have forgiveness of all of our sins.’

Worst of all, Beam alleged that Graham, in denying that ‘pagans in far-off countries were lost if they did not have the Gospel of Jesus Christ preached to them’, was a universalist. Graham rarely commented on what he saw as misinformation, but on this occasion he hit back hard, saying that he held ‘without reservation the belief that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.’ Indeed, he was adamant that he had never changed his original doctrinal commitment. As he once said to David Frost, ‘my faith is grounded in a personal encounter with Christ and a daily experience with him. I know he lives…I know he is the embodiment of truth.’ He later added, ‘Since my earliest days, from about 1950 on up, I’ve never doubted…that the gospel is true, the Bible is true, and that what I’m preaching is true.’ Billy Graham was no liberal or universalist, but whilst he said nothing to exempt anyone from the necessity of faith in Christ, he could be reluctant to draw the necessary conclusion regarding the fate of unbelievers. As William Martin admitted, Graham could perplex even his most loyal supporters by ‘widening the circle of the saved’. A lesson I draw from all this is to be rigorous in assessing and expressing my own beliefs, words and methods, but to be graciously tolerant in evaluating the ministry of others who hold to the core of the Faith. As I listen to St Paul’s words, ‘Who are you to pass judgement on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls’ (Rom. 14:4), I am reminded of Robert Murray M’Cheyne’s reaction to the death of Edward Irving, the founder of the Catholic Apostolic Church and forerunner of the Charismatic Movement. M’Cheyne wrote: ‘I look back upon him with awe, as on the saints, and martyrs of old. A holy man, in spite of all his delusions and errors. He is now with his God and Saviour, whom he wronged so much, yet, I am persuaded, loved so sincerely.’ There is also wisdom in the words of the Jewish Christian, Joseph Wolff, who observed: ‘There is a great deal of vanity in trying to set everything right; and a person who acts thus does injury to his own spirit.’

or a minister was clarified and revitalised. I thank God for Billy Graham and the good I received through his ministry. In the years that followed I learned many other important lessons from him. BILLY GRAHAM’S EXAMPLE In an age when the Church has been ravaged by sexual impropriety and financial corruption, Billy Graham’s moral integrity and financial rectitude have stood as a beacon of godliness. It was during evangelistic meetings in Modesto, California, in 1948, that the Graham team entered into an agreement that proved extraordinarily farsighted given the later squalid reputation of many evangelists. They made it a principle never to travel, meet or eat alone with any woman other than their wives, and at the same time adopted a policy of financial accountability and transparency. I have also been greatly challenged by the passion which drove Graham’s ministry. Carl Henry observed that as Graham felt the mood of cultural doom hanging over his generation and its misappropriated light and spurned grace, he saw it as his urgent duty to meet people where they were and lead them promptly to Christ as Saviour. Then, there is Billy Graham’s world vision. By 2007 it was calculated that he had preached to approximately two hundred and fifteen million people, in over one hundred and eighty-five countries. But his world vision was by no means limited to his own ministry; it extended to the preparation of others to communicate the gospel. This came to fruition in the Lausanne movement, the result of the stimulus of his deep and long-lasting friendship with John Stott. The First International Congress on World Evangelization took place in Lausanne, Switzerland, in July 1974, and was recognised as ‘a formidable forum, possibly the widestranging meeting of Christians ever held’. Since then, Lausanne has kept the vision of world mission alive, and importantly, allowed the voices of evangelical leaders in the younger churches to be heard. Now Billy Graham has gone, who will reach those like the 30% of 18- to 34-year-olds in the UK who go more often to church than any other age group, because they perceive that the Church has lost its place in the Establishment and now stands where Christ himself stood, on the periphery of society, armed only with spiritual influence? I don’t think it will be an evangelist like Billy Graham, but there is an episode in his life which points us to the kind of people God uses. Graham once testified to a pivotal meeting with God by the eighteenth green of a golf course. Overawed, he knelt and said, ‘Lord, I’ll be what you want me to be, and I’ll do what you want me to do, and I’ll never change…’. For me, indebted as I am under God to Billy Graham, that is, I think, his true legacy. He forces me to ask if I am committed, without reserve, to be used by God whenever and wherever he chooses, in reaching our changeable world with the unchanging message of the Gospel. •

MY DEBT TO BILLY GRAHAM Under God, I owe a personal debt to Billy Graham. This is the story. One feature of the 1954 Harringay Crusade was the hiring of the General Post Office’s network of landlines to relay live broadcasts to regional centres, one of which was my home town of Shrewsbury. An elderly neighbour invited my mother to one of these meetings. She went and was converted, and over the next nights returned to be nurtured. She enthusiastically shared her experience with my father, who the following September was also converted. They became members of Claremont Baptist Church. In the following January, when I was seven, I also committed my life to Christ. Then, in 1961, Billy Graham returned to a Crusade at Maine Road stadium in Manchester, and I attended one of these meetings with a group from my church youth group. What I heard I cannot now recall. What I felt I have never forgotten. The vague impression that one day I would be a missionary

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TESTIMONY PAGE: MARK TURNER How did you wrestle with what life was about? I didn’t understand the point of life, which only served to make my depression and the self-destructive aspects of my existence worse. To me, being alive was a burden, and not one I was pleased to bear; I actively sought — on several occasions — to end my life. I didn’t really wrestle with life’s meaning, so much as I had concluded it was pointless, hopeless, and that I’d sooner be drunk or dead than face its unnecessary difficulties.

you should follow in his steps.’ I don’t have to go it alone either, because God is with me, as Isaiah 41:10 says: ‘So do not fear, for I am with you.’ But truly, the way that I believe I’ve changed the most is my heart. I am not the most outwardly expressive of people, and that unexcitable appearance was previously a perfect reflection of my cold and hard interior. But from that first moment that I opened His Word, where I was struck with awe and emotion and conviction, my heart has softened. I feel things now, in a way I never did before. I am able to love, I have joy, and critically, I know that there’s so much more at play than my happiness now. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says: ‘Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.’

How did you hear about God’s love for you in Jesus? At a particularly low ebb, in the summer of 2016, I cried out to nothing in particular, never expecting to be heard. It was an ultimatum: ‘I’ll give it to the end of the year — if nothing improves, I’m done.’ Our loving Father heard me. He delivered a woman to my place of work, and she introduced me to Jesus. The wise men had a star; this fool had a beautiful woman, who’s now my wonderful wife.

How would you now understand the point of life? Psalm 30:1 says: ‘I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths.’ That is the point of my life. Life itself, I think, can be summed up by the overarching story of the Bible. It is God’s unending desire and unceasing efforts to have us reconciled with him. And as 1 Peter 1:18-19 says, ‘…it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ…’ The Bible doesn’t end with Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary, though; it continues with people spreading the gospel, and reconciling more people to God.•

What are some of the ways this has changed your life? Well, it’s after ten and I haven’t started drinking, so that’s a significant improvement. I don’t get drunk, I have no suicidal thoughts… There are many ways in which I’ve changed and improved. Some of it has been through diligent effort, because I’ve read something in His Word and been compelled to eliminate something in my life that contradicts our Lord’s perfect example. But some of it has been entirely supernatural. To wake up one morning and have a tongue that doesn’t delight in profanity, for instance. I have direction now; Jesus Christ has gone before us and paved the way. 1 Peter 2:21 agrees: ‘To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that

THE RECORD

Mark Turner is a member of Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh and is married to Kirsty

NOVEMBER

‘Fabulous event.’ ‘The speakers were excellent, great stalls and good to hear about ongoing missions.’ ‘Speakers, message and praise wonderful — all a blessing!’ ‘Speakers were challenging, interesting and humbling. Music and singing — a taste of heaven.’

hese are just a few of the many feedback comments received at the end of women for

Megan Paterson talks about mission work in West Africa

mission ’ s away day . held in the drumossie

15 september . The event attracted almost two hundred women of all ages from across Scotland. Prayer was the theme of the day, and as well as sharing personal experience of prayer, Catriona Murray reminded us of the need to guard our hearts, the source of our truest prayer. Megan Patterson, an education consultant with SIM (Serving in Mission), spoke about both the challenges and encouragements of her work in West Africa, highlighting the importance of prayer. As part of this year’s fundraising project, Community Connections, WfM are raising funds to help Bear Necessities provide medical supplies in Bulgaria. It was a great privilege to hear from three of the women involved in this work. The Away Day was also an opportunity to welcome Janet Murchison as the new chair of WfM and to thank Rona Matheson, who has served as chair for the last four years. Janet, who lives in Drumnadrochit and is a member of the Glenurquhart & Fort Augustus Free Church, is married to Andrew and they have four children. A member of the committee for over two years, her infectious enthusiasm for mission and her obvious love for the Lord will serve her well in this role. • hotel in inverness on

2018

WfM Away Day delegates

Catriona Murray shares her own experiences of prayer

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GETTY SING! 2018 CONFERENCE BY ANN & ANGUS MACRAE

e know the psalms, and we need to share them

explored Psalms Ancient & Modern. In 2019, the third conference will explore Singing the Life of Christ. In 2020 the theme is Singing the Scriptures: Genesis to Revelation. The final conference, planned for 2021, will explore the best of rich hymnody — Singing Through The Ages. The 2018 conference featured outstanding teaching on the Psalms in worship from speakers such as Ligon Duncan, Alistair Begg, John Piper, Paul Tripp and John MacArthur. Musicians taking part included British hymn writers Stuart Townend and Matt Redman, American jazz bassist John Patitucci, violinist David Kim (concertmaster of Philadelphia Orchestra), singer-songwriter Sandra McCracken, guitarist Phil Keaggy, and the acoustic praise and worship duo Shane and Shane. Dr Ligon Duncan, Chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary, set the tone for the conference with a masterful and heartwarming overview of the Book of Psalms, calling on the slumbering giant of the evangelical church to wake up and recover a high view of God in worship. He believes a recovery of Psalm-singing is essential to achieve that goal. The Book of Psalms is the longest book in Scripture and the one most often quoted in the New Testament, yet many Christians hardly know it. John Piper

and teach others to use them well. but we

also need to be willing to learn from others. Keith and Kristyn Getty and their collaborators have blessed the church with many of the finest modern hymns and arrangements of the Psalms. In September 2018 they led almost eight thousand people in a three-day worship conference, Sing! 2018, at the Music City Centre in Nashville, Tennessee. Many of the teaching sessions were shared online with a huge global audience. Ann and Angus MacRae from Dingwall Free Church attended as delegates representing the Free Church of Scotland. The Conference theme in 2018 was ‘Psalms Ancient and Modern’. It was an incredible experience to sing the songs of scripture in the main conference venue and also at the historic Ryman venue, home of the Grand Old Opry and birthplace of bluegrass music, where the famous stage has been graced by the likes of Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and Mumford and Sons. Sing! 2018 is the second conference in a five-year programme with a vision to support worship in the global church. The Gettys are passionate for a church that sings rich biblical theology, using timeless artistry, memorable scriptural lyrics and great musicality. Year One celebrated Congregational Singing. Year Two

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NOVEMBER

explained how the Psalms help us express deep emotion in a way that is faithful to God, dependent, thankful, honest and full of reverence for his glory. The Godward-focus of the Psalms demonstrates we are here for the Lord, not the other way around. Piper challenged Bible teachers to worship over the Word in their study and preaching, learning from the spirituality of the Psalter. Paul Tripp showed how God invites us to approach him through his Son whatever our feelings or conflicting emotions, as he explored suffering and worship in Psalm 27. John MacArthur explored praise and thanksgiving from Psalm 103 and from the many hymns based on that Psalm. We attended breakout sessions on topics such as Twelve Hymns Every Family Should Know, Christ in the Psalms, Metrical Psalms: A Way Forward for Churches Today, The Psalms and Suffering, and we both enjoyed learning contemporary songs based on the Psalms from artists such as Wendell Kimbrough, Sandra McCracken and Shane and Shane.

creative ways that others use the Psalter. It will take more work and effort to keep developing Psalmsinging in our Scottish musical culture. 5) There is great value in attending a good conference! We can strengthen the local church by learning from others, and by seeing good practice. Sing! 2018 was a superbly well organised conference in a great venue. How can our denomination do more to enrich worship and to help the local church? When we organise similar events, we should focus on excellent teaching, quality production, skilled musicianship, and access to great resources. The Lord deserves our highest praise and the best that we can do. Would we go back to Sing! in the future? Of course. But next year we have several summer weddings to attend and so we will have to settle for the local Getty Sing Conference in Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Thursday, 20th June 2019. But if you can get to Nashville, go! Pray for the Gettys. They are serving God and helping to advance his Kingdom. They will be opposed and they deserve our thanks and a firm place in our love and prayers. They have done so much to help awaken the church to true doxology. To God be all the glory. •

After the conference, we’d like to share the following reflections with the Scottish Church: 1) To worship as we should we need a renewed vision of God — who he is, and what he has done. The Sing! 2018 conference themes and worship lifted our hearts, as we sang of his greatness with brothers and sisters from around the world — North and South Americans, Europeans, Indians, Australians. These themes are also captured in the widely available book, Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church, by Keith and Kristyn Getty. 2) Many of our Scottish churches are already in step with large sections of the global church. We sing many of the same great hymns and and Psalm versions, we share the same gospel, and rejoice in spiritual unity in diversity. It is beautiful to see a renewal of worship songs with rich content such as See What A Morning; You’re the Word of God the Father; May the Peoples Praise You; O Great God of Highest Heaven; Behold our God; He Will Hold Me Fast and Grace (introduced at the conference and composed by Australian group City Alight). 3) We need to keep learning the best of new hymnody from the global church, including songs inspired by Psalms. Recently composed songs worth learning include I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130); Magnificent, Marvellous, Matchless Love; My Dwelling Place (Psalm 91); Surely Goodness, Surely Mercy (Psalm 23, Shane and Shane); His Mercy is More & Come, Behold the Wondrous Mystery (Matt Boswell and Matt Papa); Oh, Rejoice in All Your Works (Psalm 104, Wendell Kimbrough). 4) Celebrate the Psalms. We in Scotland, and in the Free Church, have a rich heritage of Psalm singing. We have valuable things to share with the global church. We know the Psalms, and we need to share them and teach others to use them well. But we also need to be willing to learn from others and from the

2018

Ann and Angus MacRae LINKS: https://gettymusicworshipconference.com https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/getty-singconference-2018-individual-digital-pass-P005813741 https://www.gettymusic.com https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/22911/sing

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2. Pain and sorrow in the lives of innocent people. 3. The lack of comfort from those who could and should offer comfort. There was no one to stand with the oppressed and help them. The Kurds must feel betrayed. The West used them to defeat ISIS and now they are being attacked by the Turks — and not a finger is lifted to help them.

he controversial canadian psychologist jordan peterson was in scotland at the end of october. As

usual the tickets were quickly snapped up — by a generation that seems hungry for truth. His bestselling 12 Rules for Life is an unusual self-help book. It talks about sin and the fact that life actually is suffering. It doesn’t appear very cheerful — but it is realistic. Like this month’s Ecclesiastes passage. Chapter 4 v.1-6 moves on from chapter three’s consideration of the naked ape and eternity (this was in last month’s Record, and for online readers, it can be found at https://www. christiantoday.com/article/ecclesiastes-3-the-nakedape-and-eternal-life/124105.htm). Socrates tells us, ‘The unexamined life is not worth living.’ For us to examine our lives we need to use four books: the Bible, the book of our own heart, the book of nature and the book of humankind. As we look at the latter we can get the blues — because of the injustice in the world, because of the futility of work and because of loneliness. Firstly, the Preacher considers:

How do we face the reality of oppression? The Christian does not have the right to turn away from the suffering of the oppressed. The Bible emphasises this — high interest rates, corrupt weights and measures, and oppressive estate agents are all mentioned. In fact, the teacher feels it so much that he argues he would be better off dead than oppressed. Such despair is reflected elsewhere in the Bible: ‘May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, “A boy is born!” That day — may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine upon it. May darkness and deep shadow claim it once more; may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm its light.’ (Job 3:3-5, NIV) ‘Why did I ever come out of the womb to see trouble and sorrow and to end my days in shame?’ (Jeremiah 20:18, NIV) Interestingly, Buddhism accepts that it would have been better not to have been born than to experience oppression.

THE TEARS OF THE OPPRESSED (V.1-3) Oppression is a fact. We can see it. Solomon saw three things. 1. Oppression and exploitation in government and in the law courts. Might overcoming right. Today think of the people of in Syria, or the Rohinga in Myanmar, or Christians in North Korea.

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GOSPEL FOR TODAY’S SOCIETY ECCLESIASTES 4:1-6 THE RECORD

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THE MOTIVATION OF ENVY (v.4-6) Solomon now moves from the law courts to the workplace and the marketplace. And here he was surprised. He saw envy. This can be understood in two ways. Firstly, the man who worked hard was envied by his companions. He prospered and got on well and people were jealous. And secondly, that envy was a motivation to work. Solomon extolled the virtues of hard work but was astounded at the motivation. In a competitive society, the motivation for work is envy. Not the desire to produce something beautiful, not the desire to help people, but rather to compete and stay ahead of the game. Competition is everything. Oppression obviously damages relationships. So does envy, but more subtly. ‘A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones’ (Proverbs 14:30, NIV). Verse 4 is saying that a large amount of our effort stems from our envy of our neighbours. Keeping up with the Joneses. The application for our society is obvious. We live in a capitalist society where the government wants to reward risk-takers (those who take risks with other people’s money) and competition. Much advertising is based upon the creation and exploitation of envy. But what about the motivation for doing something because it is good, beautiful or helpful, rather than because it earns more money or keeps me ahead of my neighbours? Covetousness, competition and envy go together. Greed is not good.

Verse 5 is the opposite of verse 4. Instead of rivalry there is withdrawal. A refusal to engage with life and society. Here is laziness. Solomon is now studying the opposite of the hard worker. ‘A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man’ (Proverbs 6:10-11, NIV). What the teacher says about this is that it leads to self-cannibalism. He consumes his own flesh. The hard-working man was working for himself. The lazy man was living off others for pleasure. Is there no other way? Is it really the case that society demands oppression, competition, envy or laziness? No. The Christian solution is contentment. One handful is enough; two handfuls is more than we can cope with. It is possible to have too much. It leads to chasing after the wind, with the resultant futility and frustration. And where can we get contentment? Paul tells us. ‘I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength’ (Philippians 4:11-13). Let me end by returning to Peterson’s book. It’s brilliant. Full of great advice, deep analytical thinking and provocative challenges. But it is missing the one thing needful — Christ. Without him it all becomes moralistic, therapeutic deism. With him life and work have meaning, oppression is defeated and contentment is certain. •

ENVY AND

CONTENTMENT 2018

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OPPRESSION,

HALF-BAKED

LOGIC? Some Ramifications for Christians from the Ashers ‘Gay Cake’ Case. BY ANDREW ROYCROFT

‘ashers case ’, in which a christian - run

promotion of same-sex marriage, it also means that gay bakers cannot be compelled by law to decorate cakes with anti-gay marriage slogans.’ While the focus in this instance was that of Christian conscience and Christian freedom of speech, the wider issue of liberty and its vindication in the courts can be celebrated by those who are non-Christian, and even anti-Christian.

bakery refused to provide a cake because

message , The idea of a ‘gay cake’, the cultural context of Northern Ireland (known for its politicised Christianity), and the seeming inevitability of the McArthur family finding themselves declared guilty of discrimination have exercised a gravitational pull on the collective mind of the media. As the announcement was awaited from the Surpreme Court, there was a sense that the outcome would be something of a fait accompli, the final nail in the coffin of a case which has dragged on for so long. To the surprise of many, however, on 10th October 2018 the Supreme Court found unanimously in favour of the McArthur family, declaring them not guilty of discrimination. While the fallout of this dramatic announcement will undoubtedly take time to unfold in the realms of law, politics and popular opinion, there are some important (and corrective) lessons for evangelicals that follow from it. of

its

gay - marriage - affirming

has become a worldwide sensation .

THERE IS A DISTINCTION BETWEEN DISAGREEING WITH AN IDEOLOGY AND DISPARAGING AN INDIVIDUAL. In communicating the Surpreme Court verdict, Lady Hale stated that ‘it is deeply humiliating, and an affront to human dignity, to deny someone a service because of that person’s race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion of belief. But that is not what happened in this case.’ The issue facing the McArthurs was not their estimate of, or willingness to personally serve, Gareth Lee, but their right not to affirm and promote the message he was seeking to celebrate. This is crucially important, as it exposes a vital faultline which runs through much of the invective levelled against anyone who dissents from pro-gay-marriage arguments. An individual can hold a view diametrically opposed to another’s without disparaging them, denigrating them, or denying them their right to likewise disagree. The side impact of postmodern polemical ethics has lost this ability to see nuance between personally held principle and a mutual concern for respect and dignity. It would be a wonderful thing if this case ultimately showed the fallacy of such logic

THIS IS A VICTORY FOR FREE SPEECH, NOT A VINDICATION OF CHRISTIANITY Many Christians felt deeply aggrieved when the original verdict in the Ashers case was made known. There was much talk about suppression of religious liberty, about the thin end of a persecutory wedge, about the eclipse of the freedom of religion which we have so long enjoyed in the West. Consequently, the Supreme Court’s surprising verdict can seem like a vindication of Christian principle and perspective. While such logic is understandable, it is not borne out by the facts. What was at stake was wider than the concerns of Christians, and spoke right into the issue of freedom of speech, conscience and expression. Many people without a single shred of sympathy for the cause of Christ felt that a dangerous injustice had been served, a fact that was well articulated by Peter Tatchell, formerly of Stonewall: ‘This verdict is a victory for freedom of expression. As well as meaning that Ashers cannot be legally forced to aid the

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CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE HUMBLY THANKFUL, BUT NOT POLITICALLY TRIUMPHALIST. Many, if not all, conservative evangelicals will feel a sense of delight at the decision made in favour of the McArthur family. It is affirmative of the historic view of freedom of expression and freedom of conscience, and we ought also to be deeply glad to see our brother and sister in Christ vindicated in law. It is right for those of us who believe in the God who answers prayer and is concerned for his own glory to rejoice >>

NOVEMBER

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It takes nerve to speak when the world is contrary to us, but more than that it takes a bedrock faith.

2018

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It demands little by way of courage to speak up for those whom the law has vindicated; it requires considerably more to speak for those condemned by it.

<< in this judgement, but we must be careful not to be unwise in how we express that. Inclusive celebration of freedom of speech tells those who disagree with us (and especially those who closely follow our Facebook and Twitter feeds) that while we are joyful that our freedom of speech and conscience has been upheld, we are likewise concerned that they know this judgement is to their benefit also. We need to communicate the message that what we want is not verbal or judicial supremacy for our beliefs, but a space where we can clearly, intelligently and freely articulate them. We want a world where those who differ from us are not afraid to do so, in the most robust of terms, and we want that to be the context where the existential and ethical assertions of our faith are heard. Humble thanks are appropriate; seeing this as the outcome of praying imprecatory Psalms for the past number of months (and declaring it to be so in a public forum) is not only unhelpful, it is in fact erosive of the very virtues that we claim the Supreme Court has upheld. OUR CELEBRATION OF THE ASHERS RESULT MUST BE MATCHED BY A WILLINGNESS TO SPEAK OUT BEFORE THE LAW SAYS WE SHOULD. The Supreme Court announcement carried a huge degree of online celebration in its wake, with many Christians filling their social media with affirmations that justice had been served. This was to be expected and, where it was measured, humble and consistent, welcomed – but we must also be ruthlessly honest with ourselves. It demands little by way of courage to speak up for those whom the law has vindicated; it requires considerably more to speak for those condemned by it. It has been gratifying to see so many Christians contend for the McArthurs from the first moment their case appeared in the media, but there has also been a significant percentage who equivocated about the justice of the Ashers position with regard to Gareth Lee, and suspended their own judgement while that of the State seemed contrary to it. It is telling that some gay rights activists were more willing to speak in defence of the McArthurs than prominent churchmen with a national voice and media purchase were. No doubt we will now hear voices from those very quarters championing the rights to freedom of speech and conscience, but their impact is significantly reduced by previous silence. Part of this is because the only signals we often wish to send to our world are those which transmit carefully agreed virtues. The difficulty with the Ashers case was that it was explicitly evangelical in its expression, and meant that advocacy of the bakery’s stance was deeply counter-cultural. To hesitate to speak in such circumstances is shameful, and dangerous, and where that has been the case there

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ought to be repentance. Our ethical stance, our evangelical voice, is not determined by zeitgeist, or by agreed liberal norms, but according to truth. Imagine how vitiated the work of William Wilberforce would have been had he only spoken on socially accepted morals, or after the fact of abolition. It takes nerve to speak when the world is contrary to us, but more than that it takes a bedrock faith in what we believe — a faith which will overpower cowardice or reticence in us to raise our voices and tell the truth. •

Andrew Roycroft has been in pastoral ministry for 18 years, and has spent the past eight of those ministering in Millisle Baptist Church in Northern Ireland. He serves as a visiting lecturer in Biblical Theology and Apologetics at the Irish Baptist College, and is part of the organising committee of the Irish Men’s Convention.

NOVEMBER

FORETASTE of HEAVEN BY MEGAN PATTERSON

oatbridge really isn’t the destination that immediately springs to mind for the

place to spend a happy afternoon

Drive past the chip shop and the bookies, the barber’s hidden by metal shutters and the paper shop with its peeling paint, and you come to Coatbridge Community Orchard. What was once a piece of derelict land today boasts seventy fruit trees in neat rows. On 29th September 2018 there was festivity in the air as members of Hope Church, Coatbridge and members of the community chopped and pressed the apples and bottled the juice. Children sat for storytime under a tall sunflower which masqueraded as Jack’s beanstalk. Old and young competed for the longest piece of apple peel and licked toffee apples as they chatted excitedly about the success of the orchard. And success it is! The apple juice is quite definitely the best I have ever tasted, but there’s more: the hard work involved in transforming this piece of rough ground into a wheelchair-accessible place of beauty and productivity has helped the church members form deep friendships in the community. At the suggestion of the minister, Rev. Ivor MacDonald, whose brainchild the orchard is, the local schools have played their part too. First they had a competition to see in autumnal fresh air!

2018

who could design the best poster to make the orchard known. The two primary schools nearest to the orchard now each have a raised bed for outdoor learning activities. A bug hotel is envisaged in the near future as well as seats for quiet enjoyment of this beautiful place. On that autumn Saturday as I sipped the juice, Isaiah 35:1

came to mind: The wilderness will rejoice and blossom. And I heard the Lord say: ‘Well done, good and faithful servants in Hope Church, Coatbridge.’ I’m looking forward to visiting the orchard in the spring to admire the blossom. Meanwhile I’m thinking — how can I cultivate authentic friendships in my community? •

Rev. Ivor MacDonald on the press

A taste of heaven!

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POVERTY SAFARI: UNDERSTANDING THE ANGER OF BRITAIN’S UNDERCLASS by Darren McGarvey A series of articles by MEZ McCONNELL of 20schemes on this Orwell Prize winning book looking at the causes of poverty in Scotland

Part I: I’m Not Middle Class. I was Brought Up On a Council Estate!

These are the exact tactics I used with my abusive stepmother. Over the years I developed a technique to minimise the damage, but slyly enough that she wouldn’t notice and become further enraged. I always took a couple of punches to the head first, before falling to the floor. Sometimes I’d yelp a little bit to let her know she’d caught me. Once, when I was feeling particularly defiant, I just stood there while she punched me in the head about a dozen times. I was bleeding heavily and she began to tire, so I just smiled at her. The upshot was that she got a brush handle and beat me with that until I passed out — lesson learned there! The best place to fall (I learned this through painful experience) was with my back to a wall or door. This protected the kidneys. Curling into a ball helped protect my testicles and, if I was lucky, I only came away with sore shins and forearms. By the time I was in my early teens I didn’t feel the pain anymore and these beatings were as normal to me as having a bowl of cereal. Darren captures it well. ‘In a home where violence, or the threat of violence, is regular, you learn how to negotiate from a young age. You become adept at reading facial expressions and body language as well as scanning the tone in people’s voices to detect and deter possible threats. You become a skilful emotional manipulator, able to keep an abuser’s anger at bay by remaining intuitive to their needs and triggers and adjusting your behaviour accordingly.’ (p11) Frighteningly true, I am afraid, and for far too many children in the schemes and council estates of our land. Hardly surprising, then, when they are brought up on a diet of anger and violence, that they resort to such themselves as they enter into their teens and early adulthood. Chapter 4, entitled Gentlemen of the West, is equally enlightening. In it Darren describes the time he went to the city and saw people of different colours walking around. For him, as for me, the only time he’d seen people of colour was behind the counter in the local shop. Scottish schemes, unlike London and Birmingham council estates, were not bastions of multiculturalism in the 70s, 80s and 90s. They were predominantly white

was looking forward to reading this book after hearing so much about it.

I was hoping this was going to be the UK’s answer to the brilliant Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance. Written by Darren McGarvey, a native of Pollock, Glasgow, this book was everything I hoped it would be, yet with a sad finale (at least from my Christian perspective). Before we were even out of the preface, the book was pulling at my sympathies. ‘I know that sense of being cut off from the world, despite having such a wonderful view of it through a window in the sky; that feeling of isolation, despite being surrounded by hundreds of other people above, below and either side of you’ (pxix). This is a man well familiar with the designation ‘deprived’, and communities ‘where there is a pathological suspicion of outsiders and of the authorities; where there is a deeply ingrained belief that there is no point participating in the democratic process because the people in power do not care about the concerns of the “underclass”’ (pxix). This is a book written by a bloke who doesn’t write books and, from the off, it is a brutal five-round, full-contact, UFC heavyweight affair. This is a book that takes you to the mat and holds you in a chokehold just long enough to feel the life leave you, but never enough to fully extinguish the flame. This is Trainspotting for the millennial generation. This is the book I would have written had it not been for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Darren knows full well the ins and outs of scheme life, from ‘not grassing’ to being mocked for reading or showing any interest in learning at school. He also knows that for many of us in these communities our criminal life didn’t just appear in a vacuum. It was the result of physical and/or sexual abuse and neglect which often led us on a downward spiral to prison. His chapter on A History of Violence was particularly pertinent for me. Listen to what he says here: ‘The key to enduring a violent episode at the hands of someone you can’t evade or fight back against, is usually to submit and hope that you don’t sustain a serious injury’ (p11).

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and overwhelmingly racist (and often still are). Things are changing in my scheme but many of those coming in, far from being benefit scroungers, appear to be hardworking folk from Africa, Brazil and all over Europe. Very few would be categorised as underclass in the way many of our young white men and women are. Darren insightfully describes feeling dumbstruck by the lack of community he observed in more upmarket neighbourhoods (at least on superficial appearance). In contrast to the schemes, where people are always about in the street and smoking and chatting over the fence, these places were pristine but empty as everybody was out at work. Again, he captures middle-class people perfectly, at least my experience of them. 'Some ‘middle class’ people — despite being ‘middle class’ — don’t regard themselves as ‘middle class’, so they find it offensive when you call them ‘middle class’. They require a definition, not because they are especially interested in accuracy or specifics, but so they can exclude themselves from whatever type of ‘middle class’ people they think you’re going to criticise.' (p31) A Question of Loyalties is one of the shortest chapters, yet it packs a vicious punch. In it, Darren informs us that, ‘In poorer communities, there is a pervasive belief that things will never change: that those with power or authority are self-serving and not to be trusted’ (p48). A case in point on this was the Scottish referendum. It was the first time in years that I’d seen so many people taking an interest in national politics. There was a buzz in the air as the mainly nationalist scheme communities felt that they had a voice in changing and reshaping their nation. Of course, we lost the vote, and you could feel the collective air leave several million lungs. More than that, all it did was cement the ‘what’s the point’ mentality of our communities. Then, when the European referendum came around, the mainly Leave-voting scheme population just didn’t bother. After all, what was the point? They screwed us on the Scottish referendum, when we voted in our millions. Even though Brexit won, Scotland’s majority voted to remain. Why? I think that the low turnout from our disaffected constituents skewed the voting. What was even worse, so despairing were we after the referendum fiasco, the

2018

conservative party won a majority in Niddrie at the local council elections! (Although this also tells you something about how far gentrification has changed our community — more of this later) 'Whichever side of the tracks you come from, it is likely that you harbour unconscious beliefs and attitudes about the issue of class; about yourself and people across the way. For me it was the idea that middle-class people have it easy, are born with a silver spoon in their mouth and benefit from a plethora of unseen advantages that I do not. For you, maybe it’s a belief that people stay poor because they don’t work hard enough, or that the system is fair and people’s negative attitudes are holding them back…. The problem is, these false beliefs about each other, often based on stereotypes and hyperbole reinforced over generations on either side of the divide, make dialogue in the political domain extremely challenging.' (pp50-51) In A Tale of Two Cities, McGarvey discusses the modernday phenomenon of the numerous care and community professionals assigned to the neediest people in our communities. He tells us, ‘I had a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a cognitive behavioural therapist, two support workers and a neurolinguistics programmer’ (p71). The whole upshot of this was a lot of confusion and, very often, conflicting advice from well-meaning people trying to speak into his life. It’s a constant problem on the schemes. On the one hand, as Christians we don’t want to become another key worker in someone’s life, and on the other we run into all sorts of trouble with sometimes hostile key workers from other agencies. We diagnose their spiritual problems and a particular care worker violently disagrees and so sets some of our people back. So, for example, when we challenge people to accept responsibility for their behaviour and their sin — to hate their sin — many times they come back and tell us that their key worker told them that they needed to love themselves more and that their choices were culturally conditioned. And in scheme culture the easiest thing to believe is the thing that is easiest – and that isn’t taking responsibility for your sins and life choices! • In Part II we’ll look at the issues of gentrification and what it means to be among the poorest in Scotland.

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"This is Trainspotting for the millennial generation. This is the book I would have written had it not been for the gospel of Jesus Christ."

argument. Yet here was Jesus, merely declaring many things to be so, and without any personal knowledge or understanding of these things, I knew, simply KNEW, that what he was declaring was THE TRUTH and that he was not putting forward theories, conjectures or propositions. He was proclaiming unequivocal and unimpeachable Truth concerning matters which no mere human being could possibly know with certainty or have any personal experience of. At the time, I couldn’t explain how I suddenly knew that Jesus was the earthly incarnation of God, but in later years, as Christian theology asserts, I came to realise that the Holy Spirit had simply opened my mind to receive and accept these things, as He continues to do throughout the life of any follower of Christ. And I was greatly encouraged to read biblical passages that perfectly mirrored my own experience that day:

ave you ever noticed how the most strident and unequivocal of opinions on any given subject are so often enunciated by those

Thus it was that, over forty years ago, I was able to make the bold and confident claim that ‘the Bible is a load of rubbish! It’s an outdated book, written thousands of years ago, that has no relevance to modern life.’ Needless to say (in common with so many people who make that assertion today) I had never actually read it. I didn’t need to, did I? It just stands to reason, doesn’t it? Ancient tome... Modern world... The two stand poles apart. I’d made that claim in response to my best friend’s repeated and increasingly annoying attempts to get me to read it. He’d gone off to university, had somehow fallen in with the Christian Union there, and suddenly, when all his previous letters had referenced matters of common interest, they were now full of excited references to God, written with an uncharacteristic fervour that I found both bizarre and disconcerting. The more he tried to rope me into his newfound passion by urging me to read the Bible, the more resolutely I backed away, culminating in my knowledgeable and matchless critique of that crusty old tome recorded above. He wasn’t put off, however, so finally, resolving to put an end to his proselytising once and for all, I declared that I would read the four Gospels; but only in order to prove what I already knew — that the Bible was a load of old rubbish — so that we could return to discussing topics of mutual interest instead. The day before my friend was due to visit me, I finally sat down, with gritted teeth, to get it over with. Partway into Matthew’s Gospel, I saw and heard a solitary tear as it plopped onto the page, instantly wrinkling the thin paper. It was suddenly followed by several more, until I had to lift up my head and cover my eyes as I began to weep, and then to sob uncontrollably. I shall never forget that ‘watershed’ moment in my life, and what exactly had precipitated such an entirely unanticipated response to what I was so begrudgingly reading. As I read some of the words of Jesus, I suddenly recognised — beyond a shadow of a doubt — that he is exactly who he claims to be: God incarnate. I was familiar with the way that supposedly wise and knowledgeable scholars present their arguments and contend for the veracity of their claims. They try to persuade us through logic, an assertion of facts, and a mixture of eloquence and force of

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who know the least about that subject ?

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And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:28-29 (KJV) Likewise, I came to understand how someone can be so emphatically ignorant of and implacably resistant to the Truth one minute — as I had been — and yet so irrevocably, gloriously and joyously persuaded of it the next: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) And doesn’t God have a priceless sense of humour...? How often have I urged people to read that precious book since then, only to receive my own mocking words in response: ‘The Bible is a load of rubbish!’ • Louis Chryssaphes is a retired Scotland Yard Detective. He and his wife Ruth are members at St Peter’s Church, Dundee, to which God called them all the way from Norfolk. Louis has a passion for Truth, Logic and Reason and believes that a similar passion will lead anyone to Jesus Christ. He loves the power of the written and spoken word to edify and uplift and to expose falsehoods of every kind.

NOVEMBER

‘THE BIBLE IS A LOAD OF RUBBISH...’ BY LOUIS CHRYSSAPHES

2018

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Interview Part 2 with Rev. Angus MacRae, Moderator 2018 Rev Angus MacRae, minister of Dingwall & Strathpeffer Free Church, Chair of the Board of Ministry, and Moderator of the 2018 General Assembly, talks to Free Church Books about his life, ministry, and the books he has enjoyed along the way. In this second part, Angus talks about how books now impact his everyday life as husband, father and minister. As well as being a ‘professional Christian’, you are also a husband and a father. Do you and Ann, your wife, ever chat about the Christian books either of you are reading? Are there any books that Ann would particularly recommend? One of the most helpful books Ann and I have ever read was You Can Change, by Tim Chester. It deals with changing the heart, managing emotions and addressing sin in a biblical and challenging way. Anything that helps to build a regular rhythm of daily reading and worship is also helpful. We have enjoyed reading together Bible-based devotions by Alec Motyer (on Isaiah and Psalms) and daily readings by Tim and Kathy Keller (on the Psalms and on Proverbs). It is good to read biography, books on mission and the global church, and books that will help us to know God better. We have both benefited from The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller, and his book Prayer: Awe and Intimacy with God. Recently Ann has read (twice) Dayspring MacLeod’s book on Bonhoeffer, A Spoke in the Wheel, and she has just started working through John Piper’s huge biographical volume, 21 Servants of Sovereign Joy. We are both reading through Sing!, a little book on worship by Keith and Kristyn Getty. I have been reading You Can Pray, by Tim Chester, and on my list is also his Mission Matters.

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You’re now a busy minister. How big a part does reading play in your ministry, whether in preparing for sermons, guiding small groups or keeping up with the latest theological trends? Do you manage to find time to read as much as you would like? Ministry would be impossible without good books. I often give people books, and I try to cultivate reading in the church family. Preparing talks and sermons does require use of books and online resources. It is good to listen to the text of scripture first, and then go to the books. Much of the application and contemporary illustration will come from keeping up with a wide range of books, and sources of news and comment, including things on culture and politics. I do sometimes use e-books on my phone or tablet, but I don’t find that as enjoyable as using a proper book. Electronic books seem more forgettable! I like a printed volume that I can underline or mark-up with scribble, or some notes on the flyleaf. And finally — what was the last book you read, Christian or not? Paul: A Biography by Tom Wright.• You can find links to purchase all the books and authors Angus mentions on our website: https://thefree.church/books-amacrae.

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BOOK REVIEWS ALI MACDONALD reviews Andy McQuitty’s Notes from the Valley, which explores the difficult questions asked by those who are suffering from cancer and those who walk alongside loved ones on that journey.

beautifully on a card received from a young cancer sufferer: ‘GIRL, GOD’S GOT THIS’.

his is a great book for anyone who has cancer or

the

journey

with

someone

who

does . Notes from the Valley is an inspiring and powerful book based on the author’s journey through the valley of Cancerland as he battles with Stage IV colon cancer. It’s very real about the ups and downs of life with cancer and there is honest insight into the author’s own struggles, fears and frustrations, BUT it is also infused with humour, truth, grace and the hope we have in Jesus, no matter how far in the valley we are and whether or not our cancer is cured. There are simple, life-breathing, biblical teachings to guide us. For instance, knowing that our suffering is for our good and God’s glory and is one of God’s ‘choice tools for shaping our character and deepening our faith’. It helps answer many of the questions and doubts we may have, but the other perspective is that you don’t have to have cancer to enter the ‘valley’. There are many other difficulties and struggles in life that can lead us into the valley, and this book offers great insight and direction to handle the challenges. This book is a travel guide to spiritual depths I want to experience: to be filled with confident hope and prepared with fresh faith and joy to live for God today in view of eternity, longing to love him with all my heart, and to love others in spite of (‘nevertheless’) whatever is happening in my life. The author puts into words what is the greatest blessing in a believer’s journey through suffering:

Throwaway bottles, throwaway cans, Throwaway friendships, throwaway fans. Disposable nappies, disposable plates, Disposable people, disposable wastes. Plastic dishes, plastic laces, Plastic flowers, plastic faces. LORD of the living, transcending our lives, Infuse us with meaning. Recycle our lives. (Poem written by Joyce M Schutt, “Consumer’s Prayer” and published in Ann Landers’ column Feb 2, 1998)

‘I discovered under fire what I had always secretly hoped would be the case before the going got tough. And that is that following Jesus Christ is an adventure made more joyous, not less, by an increasingly difficult terrain.’ This is a GREAT read for all of us, because we all venture into the valley at some point or another in our lives. It is also a very helpful book to offer friends who are suffering and in need of a companion and guide to point them to the wonderful biblical truths that God is with us and God is for us. Be encouraged, be comforted and be challenged to focus not on the temporary and trivial but on the eternal and important. The theme of Notes from the Valley is summarised

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NOTES FROM THE VALLEY ANDY McQUITTY MOODY PUBLISHERS (2015) WWW.AMAZON.CO.UK £9.99

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BOOK REVIEWS Everyone’s tastes in food and movies are different, and the same is true of Christian books. In this month’s reviews, we have something for everyone. Take a look, have a read, pass it on! Ministry of the Word Wallace Benn (2018) 10ofThose excel in producing short books that cover a lot of ground and Ministry of the Word is a great example of this. In less than fifty pages Wallace Benn provides an introduction to the ministry of the Word in all forms – both the work of the preacher and the work of all Christians as we seek to share the Word with others. The book focuses on Paul’s final message to the Ephesian church leaders in Acts 20, and from that passage we are provided with the encouragement to focus on God’s Word in all areas of service. Benn reminds us that the ministry of the Word is not restricted to preaching on Sunday morning but should impact everything we do in the church. This book is a great read for anyone who is thinking about pursuing full-time ministry or for someone starting out in ministry. • Stephen Allison, Kiltarlity Free Church

Learning About the Old Testament Allan Harman (2017) Apart from some biographical accounts, historical incidents and favourite psalms and prophecies of Jesus, most Christians find the Old Testament difficult to understand, and many also find books written about the Old Testament to be beyond their grasp. There is an obvious need for a straightforward and short book that explains the major themes with clarity without reducing the obvious importance of what the Old Testament says as God’s inspired Word. Using mainly the theme of covenant, Allan Harman explains how God has related to his human creatures since his work of creation. Attention is given to the various types of persons that were prominent in Israel (judges, prophets, priests, kings and wise men). Historical details are also highlighted. Taken together, the author has provided a very useful introduction to the Old Testament. This is not surprising, given that he has taught Old Testament for many years and written several commentaries on some of its books. So if you want to begin discovering what the Old Testament’s purpose and concerns are, this would be a good book to choose. Malcolm Maclean, Greyfriars Free Church, Inverness

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NOVEMBER

First Wives’ Club Clare Heath-Whyte (2014) I found this book engaging, encouraging and challenging. It describes the lives of several extraordinary women in the turmoil of Reformation Europe. Amongst others, these include an escapee nun who married Martin Luther; a wife who helped her husband to mediate in doctrinal disputes and sheltered fleeing reformers; and a four-time widow, married in turn to three prominent reformers, who undertook two dangerous journeys from Strasbourg to England. All the women featured in this book managed huge routine workloads: supporting friends, family and husbands, caring for the sick and sheltering refugees. They lived through epidemics, religious wars and political upheaval while furthering the spread of biblical Christianity, persevering in personal faith and growing in their relationship with God. Their stories challenge us to do the same. Bea Rankin, St Columba’s Free Church, Edinburgh

You Can Really Grow John Hindley (2015) Cultivating an appetite for the things of God and growing spiritually in a world where it can be hard to even move against the flow can be difficult. This short book gives a fresh perspective on what ‘growing’ really means. We tend to see growth as an outcome of successful quiet times in prayer and in Bible study, and even regular church attendance; and stunted growth when those things are absent. Hindley shows us that we grow as part of a family, God’s family, with him as our Father. It’s not about knowing our Bible better or even serving in ministry. It’s about growing as brothers and sisters into the likeness of our Father. This perspective helps us approach our Bible, our prayers, our church, our life and ultimately God, in a new way. Annemarie Douglas, Bellevue Chapel, Edinburgh GET IN TOUCH: EMAIL: books@freechurch.org SHOP: https://thefree.church/shop

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QUOTATIONS JORDAN PETERSON Jordan Peterson visited Scotland at the end of October. Although he is not a professing Christian this Canadian psychologist has some valuable insights. These are from his 12 Rules for Life.

“

“ It means that Christ is forever he who determines to take personal responsibility for the full depth of human depravity It means that Christ is eternally He who is willing to confront and deeply consider and risk the temptation posed by the most malevolent elements of human nature. It means that Christ is always he who is willing to confront evil – consciously, fully and voluntarily – in the form that dwelt simultaneously within Him and in the world. This is nothing merely abstract (although it is abstract); nothing to be brushed over. It’s no merely intellectual matter.”

2018

”

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HOW WHEN I

was all set this month to write a clever, provocative,

The problem with that article was basically the same problem as with my prayer life — it was all about me. In prayer and in life, I have tunnel vision. I see what is in front of me: my problems, my tasks, my expectations of God. Yes, like the old song, he is always on my mind — but often my thinking is about things around God, not God himself. Church, theology, spiritual writing, behaviour. And yes, these are all important, and there is some real devotional thought mixed in there somewhere. But anyway, as I was thinking through my very clever article, I opened up my ‘verse of the day’ app on my phone, which is what I read when I have no time to read the Bible (when I even remember that). The verse of the day was 1 Chronicles 29:11. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. It was so arresting that I had to go back and read the entire chapter. You should, too — I wish I could copy it all down here. The context is that King David, right at the end of his life, is consecrating all the preparations for the great Temple: all the money he’s given, all that the people have given, and the builder, his son Solomon. Everything’s ready, and even though this job that he wanted hasn’t been given to him, he’s just amazed and grateful at the part he’s been able to play in it. So he stands there before the people and gives thanks to God, not even for anything in particular, simply for the fact of who God is. David is so excited about God that he makes me excited about his God. You just want him to introduce you. I imagine that’s a big reason why Israel gave so generously to the building work — their king’s love for God was infectious. Everything he did was based on who God was, and the only times he sinned badly in his life were when he took his eyes away from that. The Psalms are an overflow of his

screwtape-style article about prayer, particularly about all the people i should pray for but don’t,

because i really don’t want to.

These were to range from the local Big Issue seller who makes me feel guilty because I can’t support her every time she asks me to, to the despicable politician that I no longer want to succeed at even the policies I agree with, to the people I care about but whose lives are so messy I can’t think of how to articulate a prayer for them. And as for praying for the nation — who has the time, awareness or concentration to pray for a whole nation? I get tired just thinking about it. I was then going to fill a second page (if the editor let me) with all the things I do find the time, awareness and concentration to pray for, mostly my own finances, my family, my own spiritual fortitude and other things basically relating to me. Oh, and anyone I have a problem with — I’m quite good at praying for them. I know exactly how God needs to deal with their lives, so I am very faithful at urging him to get on with it.

Who has the time, awareness or concentration to pray for a whole nation? I get tired just thinking about it. Confession is good, of course, so confessing to several thousand people at the same time simultaneously must be great. And we all struggle with our prayer lives, so I’m sure I would have got a message or two from readers congratulating me on my confession because they could relate, and it makes us all feel better. Like the story of the disciples falling asleep in Gethsemane — we feel terrible for Jesus, but we know we would have been doing some al fresco snoring right next to them.

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GOD I

NOVEMBER

D ANSWERED DIDN’T PRAY Do you get bogged down in your prayer life and forget who you’re praying to? DAYSPRING MACLEOD talks about how God brought her back to himself in a time of barren prayer.

constant meditation on who God is. How do we get the same view of God that David had? Here are a few observations from the chapter. v15 — He knew who he was before God. David had the humility to state, ‘For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow…’. We often lose that sense of ourselves as strangers before God, particularly as Gentiles, the in-grafted branch. If we spend our lives taking God’s acceptance for granted, even feeling that God is obligated to us for our service — not only do we not know who God is, we don’t know who we are. v16 — He knew what God had done for him. ‘All this abundance that we have provided…comes from your hand and is all your own.’ David was thankful. Am I thankful? My ‘prayer list’ above shows the answer. These people felt overwhelmed at the privilege God had given them, that he would even accept their abundant gifts. When I give, it’s so often with the attitude of ‘Oh all right, here you go, but I don’t know where my next coffee is coming from.’ That’s when you know you have your eye on your gift rather than the One you’re giving to. v17 — He knew what was important to God. ‘I know, my God, that you test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. In the uprightness of my heart I have freely offered all these things, and now I have seen your people…offering freely and joyously to you.’ David is prophetic in his understanding of the message Jesus would bring – that God was looking for people to worship him in spirit and in truth. I mostly worship in grudging bouts of a few minutes at a time, when I am usually looking to receive, not to praise. v18-19 — He trusted God to bring his plans to fruition. ‘Keep forever such purposes and thoughts in the hearts of your people, and direct their hearts toward you. Grant to Solomon my son a whole heart…that he may build the palace for which I have made provision.’ Like Moses on Mount Nebo, David knew he was never going to see the fulfilment of this promise; but he also knew God

2018

was always good for his promises. He was one who would sow the seed but would not reap the harvest — and yet he was still filled with thankfulness. All he cared about was that God would be glorified through this Temple, and that the people would remain faithful to him. He knew that this future needs protection — not the promise, for once God promises, the thing is as good as done — but that both the people and the future king would know God’s own spiritual protection. Their love for God would redound to his glory more than any building ever could, no matter how wondrous. Contrast David’s trusting vision for his kingdom with the petty anxieties that so often consume our days. He trusted God much because he knew God so well. I hope this unexpected chapter reminds you, as it has

Sometimes his solution is not to point us to the answers we’re looking for, but to instead lift up our eyes. reminded me, to read widely and regularly in God’s Word because, no matter how much you have read it and how well you think you know it, God will still surprise you. He brings verses to us anew depending on the season we’re going through, and he directs us away from what we think we need to read to what he knows we need to read. He directs us not to the comfort or the strength or the guidance we’re looking for, but to him — always back to him, the giver of it all. Sometimes his solution is not to point us to the answers we’re looking for, but to instead lift up our eyes, off our problems and questions, to his own beauty. This is his way of not giving us just ‘enough’, but giving us abundance. And when we know him in abundance, like David and his people, we can give and we can praise in abundance. •

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Beanntan (Mountains)

LE JANET NICPHÀIL tha sinn air a bhith a’ coimhead ris an àite a th’aig ‘ beanntan’ anns a’ Bhìoball. Smaoinich sinn air Beinn Mhoriah, far an robh creideamh Abrahàim air a dhearbhadh gu mòr, agus bheachdaich sinn air Beinn Shinài, far an d’ fhuair Maois na deich àitheantan air dà chlàr cloiche bhon Tighearna. Bha iomradh air a dhèanamh cuideachd air Beinn a’ Chruth-Atharrachaidh, far a bheil Criosd a’ faighinn dearbhadh cinnteach bhon ghuth às an neul a bha ag ràdh, ‘Is e seo mo Mhac gràdhach, anns a bheil mo mhòrthlachd: èistibh Ris’. Nach e seo na dearbh fhacail a chualas an-dèidh a’ bhaistidh? Tha Maois agus Eliah a’ faighinn sealladh iongantach air Mac Dhè, a tha a-nis ann an cruth seirbheisich. Tha sinn a’ leughadh gun do dh’ atharraicheadh ìomhaigh agus A thrusgan aig an àm-sa. Chì sinn E an seo, agus ‘aghaidh a’ deàlradh mar a’ ghrian agus aodach geal mar an solas’. Nach e seo an sealladh a fhuair an t-Abstol Eòin anns an Taisbeanadh, ‘gu robh A ghnùis mar a’ ghrian a’deàlrachadh na làn neart’. Leughaidh sinn ann an Soisgeul Eòin gur e am bàs a bha Criosd a’ dol a choileanadh ann an Ierusalem cuspair a’ chòmhraidh a bh’eatorra. Tha Criosd gu bhith gnìomhach na bhàs, eu-coltach rinne. Nach eil e sgrìobhte, ‘gum b’iomchaidh Dha-san, airson a bheil na h-uile nithean,agus tro bheil na h-uile nithean, ann an tabhairt mòran mhac a-chum glòire, ceannard an slàinte a dhèanamh foirfe tro fhulangas’. Air Beinn a’ Chruth-Atharrachaidh, nuair a chuala na deisciobail an guth às an neul, ghabh iad eagal. Choimhead sinn cuideachd ri beinn ‘ro-àrd’ far an deach Iosa a threòrachadh don fhàsach leis an Spiorad, gus am biodh E air a bhuaireadh leis an Diabhal. Tha làn fhios aig Criosd gur e an Crann a th’ air thoiseach Air. Bha an sluagh a bha Criosd a’ dol a shaoradh air iomadh bliadhna a chur seachad anns an fhàsach, agus seo Esan a’ leantainn an ceumannan. B’e dearbhadh mòr a bha seo, agus an Nàmhaid le spàirn a’ fiachainn ri toil Chriosd a dhearbhadh. Cuiridh an dearbhadh-sa na briathran a labhair Iob nar cuimhne. ‘Nuair a dhearbhar mi, mar òr thig mi a-mach’. Tha

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an Diabhal, mar gum biodh, a’ toirt fa chomhair inntinn Chriosd nì-eigin coltach ris an nì a gheall Athair Dha; ‘gun toir a h-uile neach ùmhlachd agus gèill Dha’. Dh’ fheumadh Criosd a bhith a’ seasamh far na dh’ fhàilnich sinne. Is e na tha sinn nar cridhe a’ cheist mhòr. Nach math gur e ceannard buadhach a th’aig sluagh Dhè? Tha Esan a’ seasamh gu buadhach, agus a’ freagairt a’ Bhuaireadair leis na facail, ‘Imich uam a Shàtain: oir tha e sgrìobhte, ‘Bheir thu adhradh don Tighearna do Dhia, agus Dhàsan na aonar nì thu seirbheis’. Tha an t-Athair a’ duaiseachadh Chriosd agus ga bheannachadh le bhith a’ cur ainglean a fhrithealadh Dha. An-dèidh do Chriosd èirigh o na mairbh, tha E a’ cruinneachadh an t-aon deisciobail deug gu beinn a chaidh a shònrachadh dhaibh. Tha Ceannard an slàinte,a chaidh a dhèanamh foirfe tro fhulangas, ag innse gu soilleir gu bheil ‘gach uile chumhachd air nèamh agus air talamh Aige-san’, ’s air sgàth sin, gu bheil e air iarraidh orra falbh a-mach don t-saoghal leis an deagh sgeul-sa, agus gu cinnteach nach fhiach i a h-aithris? • (B’e an t-Urramach Calum Macleòid a bha a’ searmonachadh ’s tha sinn a’ toirt taing dha.) ’S Tusa Dia nam Beann ’s nan gleann is tha Thu timcheall air do chloinn mar tha na beanntan tric mun cuairt Ierusaleim: ’s Tu dìon do shluagh. Cumaidh Tus’ iad tèaraint’, glèidht’ ged bhios iad tric a’ sileadh dheur is eagal orr’ gu bheil do dhiomb riutha, an àite beannachd do ghnùis. Ma gheibh iad fagaisgeachd ort Fhèin nì seo aotrom an cas cheum ’s bidh do neart-sa a-staigh nan cridh’ gan cumail air adhart air slighe tha sgìth. Moladh dhut gu robh Thu shìos an saoghal naimhdeil dod bheath’ fhìor. Taing gu robh Thu buadhach ann Is bheir seo mòr earbs’ is neart dod chloinn.

chionn mìos no dhà,

NOVEMBER

CONGREGATIONAL REMITTANCES JANUARY-SEPTEMBER 2018 EDINBURGH & PERTH Aberdeen Broughty Ferry Dundee — St Peters Edinburgh — Buccleuch Edinburgh — St Columba Edinburgh — Christ Church Falkirk Kirkcaldy Dunfermline Edinburgh — Leith Edinburgh — Grace Church Livingston London City Perth & Pitlochry St Andrews GLASGOW & ARGYLL Arran Ayr & Kilwinning Bishopbriggs Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill Campbeltown Coatbridge Cumbernauld Dumbarton Dumfries Dunblane East Kilbride Glasgow — Dowanvale Glasgow — Govanhill Glasgow — Partick Glasgow — City Greenock Dunoon & Strachur Lennoxtown Lochgilphead & Tarbert Mull & Coll Newmilns Oban Stirling

2018

£75,689 £25,913 £65,799 £48,609 £125,252 £29,664 £28,098 £18,500 £28,400 £28,698 £23,033 £20,546 £39,264 £25,080 £17,947

2017

£60,388 £24,617 £34,742 £57,131 £88,898 £23,045 £26,100 £18,300 £25,100 £27,790 £25,350 £21,133 £51,519 £24,194 £20,600

£600,492

£528,906

£10,800 £26,291 £23,710 £24,810 £22,043 £30,861 £24,344 £108 £24,633 £0 £18,871 £64,818 £10,000 £28,465 £60,962 £968 £0 £18,500 £10,979 £2,467 £25,460 £24,803 £21,220

£10,000 £20,160 £20,494 £24,810 £6,395 £28,980 £23,235 £840 £10,025 £0 £20,000 £59,463 £10,000 £26,877 £52,674 £929 £0 £18,000 £12,912 £1,568 £25,960 £25,380 £21,300

£475,112

£420,002

INVERNESS, LOCHABER & ROSS Burghead £7,572 Dingwall & Strathpeffer £38,239 Gardenstown £26,321 Elgin & Forres £20,399 Fortrose £24,958 Fort William £3,937 Glenurquhart & Fort Augustus £13,500 Inverness — Free North £58,815 Inverness — West Church £4,683 Greyfriars Stratherrick £45,514 Kilmallie & Ardnamurchan £21,485 Kiltarlity & Kirkhill £23,533 Kiltearn £1,390 Badenoch £1,416 Knockbain £31,563 Maryburgh & Killearnan £21,600 Nairn £0 Urquhart & Resolis £33,850 Smithton-Culloden & Nairn £108,010 Urray & Strathconon £31,488 £518,273

£5,998 £47,188 £27,350 £20,900 £23,876 £12,559 £19,265 £57,726 £22,758 £46,275 £47,760 £18,400 £3,200 £1,260 £29,160 £20,600 £0 £39,650 £120,390 £30,225

2018

£594,541

NORTHERN Assynt & Eddrachillis Clyne Bonar Bridge/Lairg Dornoch Golspie Helmsdale & Kinbrace Lybster Castletown & Community Rogart Rosskeen Tain & Fearn Thurso & North Coast Wick & Keiss SKYE & WESTER ROSS Duirinish Gairloch, Kinlochewe & Torridon Lochalsh,Glenshiel & Glenelg Trotternish Lochbroom & Coigach Lochcarron & Applecross Plockton & Kyle Poolewe & Aultbea Portree Raasay Sleat & Strath WESTERN ISLES Western Isles Presbytery Back Barvas Callanish Carloway Cross Harris Kinloch Garrabost Lochs North Harris North Tolsta North Uist, Grimsay & Berneray Park Scalpay Shawbost South Uist & Benbecula Stornoway Stornoway High

REMITTANCE TOTAL Other Donations North America Ev. Presb. Church Donations — Individual Donations — Group/congregation Disaster&Relief/Youth Project

GRAND TOTAL

2018

2017

£990 £450 £19,100 £23,809 £14,373 £18,593 £850 £13,443 £5,000 £42,250 £43,380 £16,500 £900

£990 £3,850 £19,800 £22,050 £5,250 £18,195 £1,280 £15,909 £1,500 £26,633 £35,000 £14,700 £945

£199,637

£166,102

£21,920 £24,700 £900 £21,294 £26,970 £20,050 £26,613 £25,487 £48,293 £945 £19,800

£24,380 £23,775 £1,050 £23,650 £25,900 £10,801 £26,395 £28,655 £32,915 £945 £17,600

£236,972

£216,066

£7,406 £82,797 £32,709 £34,608 £37,613 £40,390 £26,380 £23,050 £60,806 £27,525 £27,525 £24,533 £26,063 £25,501 £21,600 £28,284 £11,310 £182,529 £27,525

£0 £86,985 £28,466 £32,600 £38,625 £50,570 £9,900 £26,350 £77,590 £43,700 £25,350 £25,350 £22,263 £24,976 £24,640 £28,164 £15,340 £182,014 £25,011

£762,279

£768,254

£2,792,765

£2,693,871

£0 £0 £81,132 £27,444 £2,195 £110,771

£0 £0 £37,786 £66,053 £11,155 £114,994

£2,903,536

£2,808,865

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POETRY PAGE IN FLANDERS FIELDS BY JOHN McCRAE In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

ÂŠValentinValkov - stock.adobe.com

Canadian army medic Dr. John McCrae is believed to have written the poem on May 3, 1915, the day after presiding over the funeral and burial of his friend Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, who had been killed during the Second Battle of Ypres. The poem was written as he sat upon the back of a medical field ambulance near an advance dressing post at Essex Farm, just north of Ypres. The poppy, which was a central feature of the poem, grew in great numbers in the spoiled earth of the battlefields and cemeteries of Flanders. John McCrae died from pneumonia on 28th January 1918 and was buried with full military honours in Wimereux Cemetary, Boulogne, France â&#x20AC;˘

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NOVEMBER

Planting seeds. Seeing fruit. Generation Church Planting Vision Weekend 23rd - 25th Nov

St Columbaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Free Church of Scotland Johnson Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2PW We want to see the Gospel flourish in your church and across Scotland. One way we want to help that happen is by planting at least 30 new churches. Join us as we lay out our vision for planting churches and recruiting and equipping future leaders. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be joined by Rev. James Forsyth, as well as leaders of recently planted churches from across Scotland. Further information: sarah@freechurch.org Register your place through Eventbrite

Free Church of Scotland (SC012925)

BY CATRIONA MURRAY

POST TENEBRAS LUX

years ago , a Scandinavian lifestyle trend ( fad ) made its way into the british consciousness . It’s called ‘hygge’ and centres around simple, cosy living. Think log fires, knitted blankets, scented candles and a snug pair of slippers. People were attracted by its laid-back, homegrown approach to relaxation – staying in is the new going out: hot chocolate is the new prosecco – you get the picture. Given the weather in the north, it was only a matter of time before Scotland tried to launch its own brand of hygge. Imagine the amusement of Leòdhasaich everywhere, then, on discovering that they’ve called it ‘coorie’. Yes, I realise that for speakers of the Scots dialect, the word means something like ‘cuddle in’ or ‘hunker down’ – very appropriate to convey the essence of a lifestyle based on slippers and blankets. For myself, though, and a few generations of islanders, ‘coorie’ was mainly used as an insult for Christians – ie, ‘she’s a fleekeeng coorie’. This requires a bit of explanation. ‘Cùram’ is a Gaelic word, meaning ‘care’ or ‘concern’, and it came to be applied almost exclusively to those who had come to be troubled by the state of their immortal souls. When they were settled and closed in with Christ, they were said to be ‘cùramach’, or to ‘have the cùram. In my own schooldays, this had been shortened to ‘coorie’ and was applied by those outside of Christ as a dismissive label to write off what could not be few

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understood. Why is she dressed likethat? She’s a coorie. How come he doesn’t want to come with us for a carry-out? He’s a coorie. Odd, out of step with the normal world. It must have been unspeakably difficult, at times, for young Christians. I did not embrace that particular lifestyle as a teenager, but I did flirt with it. Bursts of church-going, and bursts of Bible reading. It was toe in the water stuff, never a real commitment. My upbringing had taught me that to be coorie took real commitment, and so I knew that it was far beyond my reach. There were, nonetheless, many times when I yearned for the security it seemed to offer. The idea of it all being right between myself and the God who walked at my shoulder . . . well, that was beguiling. Yet, the idea of giving Him the reins of my life was a prospect which took me well out of my comfort zone. There was a word, you see, which put me off, and which I believe still keeps folk of all ages from embracing the original coorie as a lifestyle. The word, friends, is ‘perfect’. Deep down in our sin-fractured hearts we know that this is a word which has nothing – can have nothing – to do with us. Whatever aspirational trend comes along, however seductive the catalogue, we know that we will not live as the model in the photographs does. We may purchase the cashmere blanket, but spill coffee on it; we may locate the perfect homely scented candle, but it will doubtless set fire to the curtains.

A year or so ago, there was a furore in Stornoway (what’s new, eh?) about the planning consent for a building to house the High Free congregation, resulting in an online petition against it. One of the comments has lodged itself in my brain as potentially the biggest challenge Gospel witness can face in communities like ours. ‘They think’, one girl wrote, ‘they are so perfect and coorie’. There is a fallacy circulating, you see, that those who embrace Christ are supposed to be perfect. Of course, that’s impossible, and so Christians consistently fall short of what the onlooking world expects us to be. I wonder, then, whether the fault lies with ourselves? Are we giving the lifestyle more prominence than the life itself? Are we presentation over substance? I have reason to believe that my unbelieving friends and colleagues think that Christianity IS just another philosophy, or lifestyle that its proponents choose for themselves. But which of us would have ever chosen this? Unlike the lifestylemagazine ‘coorie’, the cùramach way does not offer slippers for your feet or a woolen cardi for your back: it provides you with armour, a sword and a shield. You are expected to endure slings and arrows, and the heat of battle. And then, when it’s done – but only then - you may lay down your weapons in the warmth of His embrace. Then, all will be perfect. Perfect means it is finished; to His standard, not ours. .•

NOVEMBER

The Record - November 2018

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