The Record - October/November 2022 by Free Church of Scotland

THE

RECORD

MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2022 • £2.00

Interim Editor • Sarah Robinson The Editor, Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS editor@freechurch.org

Mission News • David Meredith Free Church Offices, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LS mission@freechurch.org

Remember our military with SASRA’s 11days

WfM Editor • Fiona Macaskill 8 Campsie Drive, Glasgow, G61 3HY rfmacaskill@me.com Gaelic Editor • Janet MacPhail 24 North Bragar, Isle of Lewis, HS2 9DA 01851 710354 Seminary News • William Mackenzie Edinburgh Theological Seminary, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LS offices@ets.ac.uk

Find out more:

Prayer Diary • Shona McGuire seonaid1954@hotmail.co.uk

sasra.org.uk/remembrance

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

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Advertising • Anyone wishing to advertise in The Record should contact the editor.

CONTENTS

WELCOME TO THE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER RECORD

elcome to the latest edition of the record.

04 THE HEART OF A GREAT THEOLOGIAN Thomas Davies

This month’s edition contains insightful articles, the latest updates on church news, a look at world news, and includes feature pieces about the late Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away last month at the age of 96. Do look out for the editorial piece by Rev Thomas Davis, of Carloway Free Church. He explores what we can learn from the late Scottish theologian William Cunningham. Thomas has delved into thoughts around the importance of theology, saying: ‘Theology is cultivating a relationship with God, a relationship that is rooted in love towards God and delight in the truth that God has revealed in his word.’ The edition also features updates about the ordinations of Rev Geoff Murray and Rev Will Lind. Look out for details about upcoming events including the Generation Vision Day on Saturday 19th November and the Free Church of Scotland Day of Prayer on Wednesday 30th November. You may have noticed that this edition covers October and November. As we have still not been able to appoint an editor to take over the role, and I have taken it up on an interim basis, we will be running a joint October/November edition and a joint December/January edition. The situation will be reviewed in the New Year. For anyone who has taken out a subscription for The Record, it means that your subscription time will in effect be extended as the editions will be published over a longer period of time. Do pray and be on the lookout for a new editor for this role. The Record cannot continue without an editor in place, so do get in touch if you’re interested in the role or know someone who is. The Record has been an essential part of communications within the Free Church since 1843, and we would like it to continue to encourage the church and the wider community. If you would like to send in your church news or letters for the next edition, please do so by emailing editor@freechurch.org • Yours in Christ Sarah Robinson

That in all things he might have the pre-eminence Colossians 1:18 2022

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II & PAGES FROM THE ARCHIVES

FREE CHURCH NEWS

WORLD NEWS U.K., U.S.A., Mozambique, Cameroon, China

ETS- PROFESSOR ANDREW WALLS AND ‘THE EPHESIAN MOMENT’ Alistair I Wilson

TRAINING FOR MINISTRY IN THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Sarah Robinson

SIMON PETER Donald Mackay

A HEALTHY GOSPEL CHURCH... IS A NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH Callum Macleod

PAGES FROM ADAM'S DIARY: THE WEDDING GIFT

DONALD MACCRIMMON MACKAY: SCIENTIST, PHILOSOPHER, APOLOGIST (PART II) George M. Coghill

FOOD FOR FELLOWSHIP

WfM UPDATE Fiona Macaskill

OBITUARIES: IAN R MACLEOD, JOHN MACKENZIE

BOOK REVIEWS

MISSION MATTERS David Meredith

POETRY PAGE William Langland

PRAYER DIARY

COSAMHLACHD AN T`SIOLADAIR Duncan Macleod

40 POST TENEBRAS LUX Catriona Murray

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The Heart of a Great Theologian

REV THOMAS DAVIS, of Carloway Free Church, explores what we can learn from the late Scottish theologian William Cunningham.

hirty-two

years

ago,

march

1990, an editorial was published in this magazine entitled

‘scotland’s

name from Scottish Church history that was the brightest star among a galaxy of famous men. Who do you think it was? Was it John Knox, the great Reformer who fearlessly cried ‘Give me Scotland or I die!’? Maybe Samuel Rutherford, whose Letters have been read and loved all over the world? What about Thomas Boston, the ‘commonplace genius’ whose book, Human Nature in its Fourfold State, has been reprinted around 100 times? Or could it have been Thomas Chalmers, whose fame as a preacher in 19th Century Scotland was matched by no-one? It was none of these. According to this magazine, Scotland’s greatest theologian was William Cunningham. You will be forgiven if your immediate response was, ‘Who?!’ You are not alone. Most people have never heard of him. He lived from 1805-1861 and he was a Church of Scotland minister who became a Free Church Professor. Cunningham was a dominant figure in the Scottish Church, both before and after the formation of the Free Church of Scotland at the Disruption of 1843. Throughout it all, Cunningham was a staunch champion of the people’s right to elect their own minister, and his influence led many to recognise that government interference in the appointment of ministers was too high a price to pay for being part of the national Established Church. A phenomenal debater, Cunningham made

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National Galleries Scotland David Octavius Hill & Robert Adamson Rev. Dr William Cunningham, 1805-1861.

greatest theologian.’ The article suggested a

speeches, delivered lectures and wrote pamphlets The second great motivation that must lie in a to defend the rights of the Christian people. He was a theologian’s heart is a passion for the salvation of hugely influential figure in the controversies that led sinners. For Cunningham, theological study must always up to the dramatic events of 1843. And he was also an be useful, and often he was quite blunt (and amusing!) outstanding theologian. in dismissing intricate theological questions which, in Why? What made him such a good theologian? Well, his judgment, were frankly useless. For Cunningham, all there are lots of reasons. Back in 1990, the editorial theology has a practical tendency, has been revealed for highlighted Cunningham’s massive intellect (he was practical objects, and must be used for practical results. said to be like a walking encyclopaedia), his sense of In other words, theology that just stays in your head is theological proportion (the fact that he recognised completely missing the mark. Theology must always be some doctrines as more important than others and useful. And at the heart of being useful was pouring your didn’t get bogged down in things that didn’t actually energy into reaching lost sinners with the good news matter), and his awareness of the dangers of false of Jesus. For that to happen, there must be a constant teaching - especially anything that compromised on the recognition of how precious sinners are. Cunningham’s core truths about the authority of Scripture, the depravity whole life was profoundly shaped by his awareness of of humanity, the deity of Christ, and the substitutionary the spiritual needs of ordinary people. Their salvation atonement of Jesus on the cross. All these are absolutely and discipleship is the goal that a minister is striving true, and they are all marks of greatness. But alongside for. Their eternal welfare brought a profound weight of these, there is another reason why Cunningham was responsibility to the life of the theologian, their salvation great. He was great because he knew that the most should prompt a firm, unwearied determination to bring important qualification for greatness as a theologian is the unsearchable riches of Christ to the communities the state of your heart. that so desperately needed hope and peace. The last eighteen years of Cunningham’s life were Today, almost everyone has forgotten about devoted to training Cunningham. “Theology is cultivating a relationship with But the priorities men for pastoral ministry. Alongside God, a relationship that is rooted in love he recognised in taking these our approach to towards God and delight in the truth that students through learning theology eighteen centuries of must always be God has revealed in his word.” Historical Theology, remembered. Cunningham also pressed home to his students the Evangelism, where people come to know God, and importance of guarding their hearts. For him, seeking to discipleship, where people get to know him more and grow in theological knowledge simply as an intellectual more, were the key goals that must motivate the heart. exercise, for achieving fame or power, was sinful and For us today, our approach to theology can go offensive to God. The journey to become a theologian is wrong in two directions. For most people, it’s easy one that must begin with the right motives of the heart. to think that theology is just for the select few And central to that motivation must be two things. that it is a discipline reserved for ministers and The first is that the desire to know theology must be missionaries and seems out of reach for anyone grounded on a desire to know God. For Cunningham, ordinary. Cunningham reminds us that that is not that was the very definition of theology; it is not knowing true. Theology is simply knowing God. Knowing God about God, it is knowing God. In other words, theology is simply what it means to be a Christian. Theology, is cultivating a relationship with God, a relationship therefore, is for everyone. But at the other extreme that is rooted in love towards God and delight in the are those who do intentionally pursue theology, and truth that God has revealed in his word. The practical quite possibly excel in the thinking-talking-writing consequence of this is that, for Cunningham, prayer was part, but all the time they are at risk of neglecting the crucial in the life of any theologian. Our love for God heart. Cunningham provides a magnificent reminder should prompt a desire to know God, which should that that simply cannot be. Cunningham cares little prompt a prayer life that earnestly asks for God the Holy for who gets the best grades, who has read the most Spirit to help us know and understand God’s word more books, or who has been to the biggest conference. clearly. In fact, Cunningham gives the simultaneously For Cunningham, all of that is useless if it leaves you soul-inspiring and gut-wrenching challenge: ‘your forgetting about your heart. prayers are a test of your character and motives – plain It is probably for others to judge if Cunningham indications of the real desires that exist in your heart.’ was indeed Scotland’s greatest theologian (for me, Yet coupled to this emphasis was Cunningham’s firm it’s either Cunningham or the person who wrote the confidence that these prayers would be answered. The article in 1990). But one thing is absolutely certain; person who longs to know God more intimately can Cunningham knew what makes a theologian great. pray that that kind of growth really will come, and they Not grades, not reputation, not fame, not power. At can rest assured that God is willing, able and more than the heart of a great theologian is a heart devoted to ready to answer those prayers. God and passionate about people. •

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saying: 'We are all profoundly thankful for all the years and the health that the Lord has given to her. She has given stability to this nation and over the many decades that she has been in place, and particularly during the last two years.' Following her death, fourteen Church leaders, including Rev Iver Martin, who make up the Scottish Church Leaders’ Forum issued a statement on the death of Her Majesty the Queen. They said: 'We join with the Nation in offering our thanks to God for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and for her faithful service as Sovereign throughout these last 70 years. We give thanks for her evident Christian faith and recall that in her first Christmas broadcast as Queen in 1952 she asked us to pray for her ‘that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises that I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.’ In her faithful service of God and of the Nation she has surely fulfilled the promises that she made. 'We join with people of good faith everywhere in offering our prayers for His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family at this time.' As Her Majesty passed away at her home in Balmoral, she was transported to Edinburgh before being taken to London for the state funeral. Former Free Church of Scotland Moderator Rev Neil MacMillan was invited to the Service of Reflection in St Giles’ Cathedral. He offered his sincere condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and signed the book of condolence on behalf of the Church. The passing of the Queen has been marked in different ways by churches, including holding a minute’s silence, prayer and inviting people to come together to watch the Queen’s funeral in churches. See more in the Mission Matters piece on page36. •

ributes have been paid to the late queen elizabeth ii for her 'faithful service' following her death at the age of 96.

A number of tributes and acts of remembrance have been carried out by those in the Free Church of Scotland to pay their respects to Her Majesty the Queen, who was the UK’s longest-serving monarch. Free Church Moderator Rev Iver Martin has given thanks to God for Her Majesty and has reflected on her life of public service, saying: 'Her Majesty’s 70-year reign has been characterised by continuous and wholehearted commitment to what she believed was her God-given position as sovereign over the United Kingdom. 'We are deeply thankful for her many years of service and the important principles she stood for, most notably her personal faith in Jesus Christ, which was made evident in her consistent conduct and regular broadcasts. 'The Free Church wishes to extend its deepest and prayerful sympathy to the Royal Family: His Majesty King Charles III, their Royal Highnesses Anne, Andrew and Edward, together with their spouses, children and grandchildren.' Her Majesty the Queen was committed to the relationship between Church and State. Her first visit to the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland was in 1969 when she visited with her husband Prince Philip. Each year since she has appointed a Lord High Commissioner as her representative. These have included senior Royals such as His Majesty King Charles III, Princess Anne and Prince William. During the visit by the Lord High Commissioner, The Right Honourable Lord (Patrick) Hodge, to the General Assembly this year, Free Church Moderator Rev Iver Martin spoke about Her Majesty, the Queen,

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Photo by Alessia Pierdomenico on Shutterstock

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II 1926-2022

FROM THE ARCHIVES

THE RECORD JUNE 1969

standing ovation given to Her Majesty at the close of the address could have left her in no doubt as to the place she occupies in Free Church hearts. Little Alison Urquhart, who represented the Assembly in presenting the Queen with a bouquet of flowers, did her part gracefully and naturally, and, indeed, for a few moments, completely stole the show!

THE QUEEN’S VISIT The visit of Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh on the last day of the Assembly was a much appreciated event and the Assembly Hall was packed to the rafters for the occasion. The Secretary of State for Scotland, Mr William Ross, accompanied them as Purse-Bearer. We reproduce the Queen’s address and the Moderator’s reply in full in this issue, together with one or two pictures which may help our readers to catch something of the spirit of the event. The

2022

THE ROYAL VISIT There was an Order of the Day at 11 o’clock to receive Her Majesty the Queen, who was accompanied by her consort, H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Welcoming Her Majesty, the Moderator said:

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May it please Your Majesty: I have the privilege of expressing to Your Majesty the intense joy and sense of honour of the ministers and elders and indeed of the whole Free Church of Scotland on the unique occasion of the visit of Your Majesty to the General Assembly. It has been the invariable custom of our General Assembly, since first they met under the present denominational name 126 years ago, to give high priority in the order of business to the transmission of a Loyal and Dutiful Address to the Sovereign and it makes a very pleasant change for the Assembly to present their loyal duty directly and personally to Your Majesty as they do now. Your Majesty is doubly welcome to this General Assembly. First, on account of our religious conviction. As a Church which proclaims the inviolable authority of Holy Scripture, we recognise the Divine appointment of civil government and endeavour to fulfil with affection the apostolic injunction to honour the Sovereign. Though in 1843 our predecessors severed their official connection with the State to inaugurate the Free Church of Scotland they did not renounce but engrossed in the Constitution of the Church, the Establishment Principle in terms of which we still labour to realise the ideals of a Christian State and we are happy to think that Your Majesty sympathises entirely with these ideals. Your Majesty is most welcome too on account of the admiration and affection which all the members of the Assembly and Church bear to Your Majesty’s person. In the past, the Sovereign was separated as by a great gulf from the mass of the people, seen only by the favoured few and by them at a distance. Now, television brings Your Majesty into the homes of the people and informs them of your extensive travels throughout the world. Now also Your Majesty, and in no small measure His Royal Highness Prince Philip, whom we are happy to welcome with Your Majesty today, have largely broken down the barriers of traditional protocol. The consequence is that Your Majesty’s subjects are now informed as never before, in regard to the ceaseless labours, and the unremitting toil, and the contradictory pressures which are the constant lot of the Sovereign. In the climate of understanding which has developed, devotion to the person of Your Majesty is intelligent as well as fervent. We, of this Church, share fully in that devotion and record our gratitude for the high sense of duty which Your Majesty constantly displays and it is our constant prayer that Your Majesty may be renewed in strength day by day by the Spirit of God to inspire our people by the example of piety and dedication. It is in this spirit of affection informed by religious conviction that I have the honour to request that it please Your Majesty to address the General Assembly.

Every year my personal representative, the Lord High Commissioner, brings me the loyal and dutiful address which you have entrusted to him, and tells me about his visit to your Assembly. This year it is a great pleasure for me to visit this Assembly personally, particularly as it is the first time the Sovereign has attended a meeting of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland. This visit also gives me the opportunity to say how much I appreciate the prayers for the Crown which I know are offered regularly in all your congregations. Reverend Moderator, you referred with sympathy and understanding to the contradictory pressures which surround the Crown. They are indeed none other than the difficulties which confront countless people in their search for a Christian way of life in the present day environment, but perhaps they are more obvious. The principles of Christian living, as none know better than the Free Church of Scotland, have not changed over the years but the old conditions of life changed, so we must always be looking for new ways to put these principles into practice. This is where we need the daily renewal of strength, wisdom and compassion, so that God’s Will may be done. It is, of course, right and proper that we should meet here in the Capital, but I cannot prevent my thoughts turning to the Highlands and Islands where I have seen so many of your churches and members. I have certainly not forgotten my memorable visit to the charming and ancient town of Tain, one of whose ministers is presiding over this gathering today. In these distant churches, you serve a people whose steadfastness and loyalty have given them a very special distinction for many generations. I have the good fortune to spend a part of each year among them, and I know what a deep and abiding influence the Christian Church has upon the characteristic way of life in the Highlands and Islands. I pray that the deliberations of this Assembly both on Highland affairs and on the work of your Church throughout Scotland will be blessed by Almighty God.” The Queen was given a standing ovation at the end of her speech, and was thanked by the Moderator, who said: “The General Assembly have been deeply touched by Your Majesty’s gracious words. The memory of this visit will long remain with us, and will stimulate our prayers for Your Majesty’s person, for His Royal Highness Prince Philip, and all the members of Your Majesty’s family. We shall pray especially for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales as the time for his investiture draws near. “And now, Your Majesty, as a token of our gratitude and a symbol of the fragrance your Presence has brought to this Assembly, we ask you to accept a bouquet of flowers which a young lady is to present to you.” The bouquet was gracefully presented by little Alison Urquhart, the granddaughter of a well-known Free Church elder, Mr J.M. Urquhart of Kingussie and daughter of Mr and Mrs Ian Urquhart of BuccleuchGreyfriars Church. •

Addressing the Assembly, Her Majesty said: “Reverend Moderator, I am sincerely grateful for your kind words of welcome, and for the warmth with which your welcome has been endorsed by your General Assembly.

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FREE CHURCH NEWS 30X30 REFLECTIONS

cross scotland , new churches are being

Each speaker brought their own invaluable experience and input and great discussions and questions followed each session. Across the varying contexts and work, it was great to hear the same vision; to see those who do not yet know Christ, to hear of his saving work and accept him as their own Lord and Saviour, and to continue growing healthy, gospel focused churches across Scotland. Hearing how the Lord is at work through his people and within communities across Scotland is a testament to God’s faithfulness to his people. It was an opportunity to encourage one another, to spur one another on in the faith, and to continue praying for the work amongst current and future church plants. Please continue praying for the church planters and workers, and for God to provide opportunities and workers to further his kingdom and continue sharing the gospel across Scotland. •

established to bring the gospel to every

community . The Free Church of Scotland’s vision of 30 churches planted by 2030 is one rooted in seeing new, healthy churches being planted in communities in which there is no previously established gospel church. This vision is no easy feat, and requires much prayer and petition to the Lord, and diligent workers to go out to the harvest field. In September these workers involved in church plants, supporting church workers, and elders all gathered in Cumbernauld to pray with one another, encourage one another, and be encouraged in God’s word as they continue working for the Gospel. It was encouraging hearing updates and stories from current growing church plants, and hearing news of future plants in the pipeline. It was also a time to reflect and pray about the hardships and challenges church planters can face, the need for new workers and resources, and the trials which different contexts bring. Some highlights of the conference included sessions on Being a Happy Mother Church by Derek Lamont, Being an Elder in a Church Plant, given by Laird Ross, a Q&A session about Scheme Ministry with Chris Davidson, and discussions about Contrasts with Urban and Rural Planting led by Peter Turnbull.

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY:DAY OF PRAYER

together as a church. It is about asking people to think how God’s church can be more effective in making and growing disciples. The day of prayer, organised by the Free Church Mission Board, gives many the opportunity to gather together in the privilege of prayer across the entire nation. Prayer points are set to include: revitalising churches, planting new churches, supporting church leaders, recruiting and training ministers among a number of other aspects. Resources will be available on the Free Church website in coming weeks: freechurch.org •

ou are invited to join a day of prayer on wednesday 30th november 2022.

This year, prayer points will focus on the Free Church’s vision for a Healthy Gospel Church for Every Community in Scotland. This vision is not something that can be achieved by a central organisation. This is about all of us working together, to see God’s church become increasingly healthy right across Scotland and beyond. It is an invitation to every congregation, minister, member and adherent to recommit themselves to grow healthy in their own Christian lives and in their life

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WALK WITH ME DAILY DEVOTIONALS BOOK

he popular walk with me daily devotionals, written by bill graham, are being made available in a book.

Walk with Me, A year’s worth of reflections on the Scriptures have been printed in time for the New Year. They have been written by Bill, an elder at St Columba’s Free Church in Edinburgh and former missionary in South Africa. The venture is being organised by the Church Equipping committee, which is part of the Free Church of Scotland’s Mission Board. The committee say that the devotionals, which have been online for the past few years, have been such an encouragement that they wanted to collate them into a book for people’s ease. Ali MacDonald, of the Church Equipping Committee, said: ‘Walk With Me by Bill Graham, is a helpful and user-friendly book, suitable for young people, adults and families. There is a year’s worth of reflections on the Scriptures focussing on a short verse with a helpful devotion. The devotions are simple, yet profound and full of Christ-centred hope written in a warm, faithful and engaging style.’ Bill has previously reflected on the devotionals, saying: ‘First of all I hope that those who use them will be blessed and encouraged by them as they go on with Christ day by day. Also, I would be so thankful if someone was encouraged to seek the Lord and find him as their Saviour. Most of all I just pray that, simple as these short messages are, they may be used by God to help you, not just to walk with me, but to walk

through the year with God to a fresh realisation of the tremendous privileges which we have in our Lord Jesus Christ.’ The devotionals cost £8 plus postage and packaging and will be available from the Free Church offices. The books can be ordered individually or in bulk from the office. •

FREE CHURCH MAKES DONATIONS TO EMERGENCY APPEALS BY RHIANNON MACKINTOSH, MISSION CO-ORDINATOR

s russia’s invasion of ukraine continues, out-of-control food and fuel prices are driving vulnerable people globally into deep deprivation and starvation.

In Pakistan, the situation is desperate and the devastation is growing as we see in our newspapers and on our screens devastating monsoons and floods. Millions of homes, livestock and land has been destroyed and there is an urgent need for food, shelter, and safe drinking water. In East Africa, four successive seasons of failed rains have left more than 18 million people desperately short of food, worsened by the impact of the war in Europe. Many Ukrainians are still displaced and seeking refuge after leaving their homes, jobs, and security in the search for safety. As a church, we bring these countries before the Lord in prayer and we are grateful to those offering aid and support on the frontline.

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The Free Church of Scotland is grateful to God for the work of Tearfund, who are working to enable local partners to offer aid and shelter from the floods in Pakistan, and for their provision of emergency food relief, the building of wells, and training for farmers to teach new techniques to adapt to changing weather conditions in East Africa. We thank God also for United for Mission (UFM) who, through their partners on the Ukraine border, have provided over 3000 refugees with food, accommodation, and aid within Ukraine. The Free Church of Scotland, through its Disaster and Relief Fund, is sending £6,000 to Tearfund for their appeal in Pakistan, £5,000 to Tearfund towards their work in alleviating suffering due to the food crisis in East Africa, and £4,000 to facilitate the work of UFM partners within Ukraine and Ukrainian Refugees. The Mission Board want to encourage churches in Scotland to continue to pray for these countries in desperate need, for God’s protection and comfort to be known by believers across the global church. Please pray that these organisations would be guided continually by the Lord throughout these appeals and their relief efforts, and that their work would ultimately bring glory to God’s name across the nations. Donations from the Free Church of Scotland’s Disaster and Relief Fund are dependent on donations made towards the fund. If you would like to make a donation to the fund, you can do so at: freechurch.org/donate • If you would like to find out more about the appeals from Tearfund and UFM, please visit: Pakistan Floods Appeal: www.tearfund.org/campaigns/pakistan-floods-appeal East Africa Hunger Crisis: www.tearfund.org/campaigns/east-africa-hunger-crisis-appeal Ukraine Crisis: www.ufm.org.uk/support/ukraine-crisis/

NATIONAL COVENANT SENT FOR RESTORATION

copy of the national covenant, bequeathed by the 11th earl of dalhousie in 1874 and housed in the free church of scotland’s presbytery

hall, is on its way for vital restoration.

The Conservation Studio in Edinburgh’s South Queensferry has taken on the task of restoring the historical document. After many years on display, it has slipped from its position resulting in wrinkles in the parchment. The conservationists plan to clean the frame and the gilding, clean the glass, and reframe the document for display. The National Covenant of 1638 is a document signed in Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh by Free Church Operations Manager Robert Wilson (L) helps to remove the National Covenant many Scottish nobles and ministers. It opposed the innovations of Charles I’s Laudian Prayer Book (1637), which had imposed an Anglican prayer book on all churches in Scotland. The event was a key step in the political events which led to the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and ultimately the creation of Great Britain as a British state.

GENERATION CONFERENCE

director and tutor in culture, religion, and public theology at Oak Hill College, London. Dan is a member of Hope Community Church, Gateshead, UK, which is part of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). He is also Vice President of The Southgate Fellowship and a contributing editor for Themelios. We plan to have a number of seminars including ‘Evangelism to plant churches’, ‘Making your church a beautiful place’, and ‘Keep going. Keep growing.’ More details will be released in the coming weeks on our website. •

he generation vision conference is taking place next month with speaker dr dan strange.

The conference, which is being held on Saturday 19th November, is a great opportunity to celebrate what God is doing within the Church, to enjoy great teaching and fellowship together, and to hear about future plans. Everyone is welcome to attend the conference which is being held in Edinburgh. Speaker Dr Dan Strange is director of Crosslands Forum, a centre for cultural engagement and missional innovation. Formerly he was college

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MINISTER SETS SIGHTS ON LEVENMOUTH BY REV DAVID MEREDITH

ev geoff murray was recently ordained at a service in cornerstone free church, edinburgh.

Five years ago, Geoff and Maddie Murray arrived at Cornerstone Free Church with the hope of planting a church one day. On Saturday 22nd August 2022, we were able to celebrate Geoff’s ordination into Free Church ministry and the Murrays’ next step of the journey. Geoff will be working alongside John Johnstone in Kirkaldy while doing preparatory work for a plant in Levenmouth. This will hopefully strengthen Kirkaldy Free Church, while allowing a new plant to be formed. Geoff grew up in the East Neuk of Fife. Though not from a Christian family, he was introduced to and transformed by the gospel as a teenager. Maddie is originally from Sweden and has spent the last five years working for Safe Families in Edinburgh. Their son, Alasdair, was born during their time in Edinburgh and was a treasured part of the Cornerstone church community. During their five years in Edinburgh, the Murrays made a huge and invaluable contribution to the life of Cornerstone and we hope and pray that God will use them to be an even greater blessing to the work of the gospel in Fife. •

WILL LIND’S ORDINATION

he congregation of st peter’s free church, dundee was delighted to witness the ordination of will lind and his induction to the role of assistant

minister on the morning of sunday 4th september.

The service was conducted by the minister at St Peter’s, Rev. Andy Pearson, who is also currently Moderator of the Presbytery of Edinburgh and Perth. As part of the service, Andy preached a sermon from Ecclesiastes in which he encouraged Will to preach Christ, and the congregation to regularly be in prayer for the weekly sermon preparation. Roddy Macleod, Clerk of Presbytery, ensured all the paperwork was in order before members of presbytery and visiting ministers were invited to lay hands on Will. One of the visiting ordained men, Will’s father, took this opportunity to give his son a hug! Andy prayed for the new Assistant Minister and then offered him the right hand of fellowship. After the service the congregation enjoyed tea and coffee and slices of a rather large cake that had been presented to Will earlier. They gathered together again that evening and Rev. Lind began a new sermon series in the book of Daniel. Please pray for Will, his wife Marianne and their boys Jonathan and Michael as they continue to settle in at St Peter’s. •

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YOUTH TRAINING FOR WESTERN ISLES PRESBYTERY

arlier this summer, the sun shone on the north

However, as we say in Gaelic ‘cha b’e ruith ach leum’, when the invitation to meet together in Tarbert arrived. In keeping with the very current nature of the programme, the Healthy Gospel Church vision provided the framework for the discussion, reflecting on what our growth in health might look like individually, as teams and as congregations, and importantly, what support might be needed to see such growth. The monthly online meetings and teaching continues, supporting this small army of workers who are now back out and about, faithfully and prayerfully serving young people and doing their bit to realise the Healthy Gospel Church where they are. •

harris free church building inside and out,

as people involved in youth work from churches across the Western Isles had their first in-person meeting since the beginning of the pandemic. They were part of a group which had been meeting monthly on Zoom in a training programme run by Gordon Macleod, the Youth & Discipleship Support Worker of the Western Isles Presbytery. The programme provided stimulating and challenging Biblical teaching and discussion of real-world issues facing young people. It uniquely enabled colleagues from across the whole area to meet regularly without the challenges of ferry timetables, weather and lengthy road journeys.

RSHP PROJECT LEADER

A spokesperson for CVE Scotland said: “We are delighted to announce that Kirsteen Moffat has been appointed as our new RSHP Project Leader. The project, starting next month, will implement an essential review of Relationships, Sexual Health & Parenthood (RSHP) resources and materials and produce additional material from a Christian worldview.” “We will keep you updated with relevant news and progress. Please email cve@cve-scotland.org.uk or visit cve-scotland.org.uk if you have any questions or would like to get in touch with Kirsteen about the RSHP work.” •

n may the free church of scotland general assembly endorsed a partnership with christian values in education scotland

(cve

and the associated

project plan for delivering suitable alternative resources based on a christian worldview.

CVE is a Scottish charity that provides resources, advice, networking and training for teachers and for others who support schools (school workers, parents, chaplains and churches). The new partnership has led to the creation of a relationships, sexual health and parenthood (RSHP) Project Leader post which has recently been filled by Kirsteen Moffat.

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WORLD NEWS

AMERICAS AFRICA EUROPE ASIA AUSTRALASIA SCHOOL CHAPLAIN DEFENDS ‘COMPETING IDEOLOGIES’ SERMON AT TRIBUNAL Christian Concern/BBC News Rev Dr Bernard Randall was made redundant from his role as school chaplain of Trent College, Derbyshire, in 2021, following a sermon that caused offence amongst staff and students. A recent employment tribunal in Nottingham has heard Dr Randall defend both his sermon and his opposition to the school’s implementation of an LGBT+ inclusive teaching programme. Once the programme, provided by LGBT+ charity Educate and Celebrate, had been delivered at the Church of England school, Randall was asked by a student, ‘how come we are told we have to accept all this LGBT stuff in a Christian school?’ Dr Randall responded in a sermon titled ‘competing ideologies,’ where he told staff and students, ‘you are not obliged to accept someone else’s ideology. You are perfectly at liberty to hear ideas out and then think “no, not for me.”’ Before the programme was delivered to students, staff received their own training session. Dr Randall regarded much of what was taught by the charity’s founder, Dr (h.c.) Elly Barnes as ‘impossible to reconcile with Christian principles, and therefore with the stated objects of the school.’ He took issue particularly with ‘the notion that “love is love” without further definition’ and Dr (h.c.) Barnes’ ‘selective’ use of statistics regarding sexual development. After voicing concerns to the Headteacher, Dr Randall was assured that the programme would not be presented in full to students but that the school ‘would make selective use of whatever fitted with the Trent ethos.’ He later discovered the school’s decision to implement the entire programme in a bid to earn the charity’s gold award. Dr Randall had been excluded from the conversation. Following his sermon, Dr Randall faced disciplinary action that ultimately resulted in his suspension and a referral to the government’s counter-terrorism watchdog, Prevent. As of the time of writing, the tribunal is ongoing at East Midlands Employment Tribunal. •

US EVANGELIST FRANKLIN GRAHAM REFLECTS ON HIS FATHER’S FRIENDSHIP WITH HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN Premier Christian News Following the death of Her Majesty the Queen, Franklin Graham has shared further details of the friendship shared between his father, Billy Graham, and the late monarch. Graham told Premier Christian News that the Queen would often seek advice from his father, particularly relating to questions she had about her own Bible reading. ‘She wanted my father’s opinion, “what did he think about that particular passage?” And sometimes they had a Bible study together.’ Following their first meeting in 1955, Billy Graham met with Her Majesty many times after, including the several times he preached for the royal family at Windsor and Sandringham. In 2001, Billy Graham was awarded with an honorary British knighthood – the first clergyman outside the Commonwealth. Franklin Graham recalls the reason for the honour as being ‘for the proclamation of the gospel.’ ‘That’s what she gave it to him for. For carrying out the Great Commission. And I think that meant so much to my father that she recognised his role and his carrying out ©1989 BGEA. Used with permission. All rights reserved. the Great Commission.’ •

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CRACKDOWN ON CHINESE CHURCHES INTENSIFIES Release International On August 21, the Sunday service of Sunshine Reformed Church in Changchun, Jilin Province, was raided by local police, resulting in the pastor, his wife and seven others being removed in police cars. ChinaAid reported that as members of the church attempted to leave the building, they were beaten by police, causing two women to lose consciousness. Reports also state that police threatened a man who was filming the incident, and forced a woman who challenged police into a nearby police car. Similar incidents have been reported in Beijing, Shaanxi and Sichuan in recent weeks. The raids have occurred amidst a wave of tighter regulations on religion being passed by President Xi Jinping in recent years, requiring all churches to join the government-controlled Three-Self Church. Those churches refusing the mandate face being condemned as cults, being evicted from their buildings, and their pastors being arrested. Paul Robinson, CEO of Release International says “It’s all about control. What the party cannot dominate and control it seeks to eliminate. And it’s getting worse. Our partners tell us that churches in China are facing the toughest persecution since the Cultural Revolution.’ •

PERSECUTION CONTINUES IN NORTHERN MOZAMBIQUE Open Doors/Christianity Today Several people have been killed in the Nampula and Cabo Delgado regions of Mozambique in attacks carried out by Islamic militants. In early September, militants launched an attack on a mission organisation in Chipene, Nampula Province, killing Italian nun, Sister Maria De Coppi. At 84 years old, Sister Maria had served in Mozambique since 1963. Many buildings belonging to the mission were also destroyed, including the church, the hospital, and schools. In a statement, IS revealed themselves as the attackers, saying that its militants ‘killed four Christians, including an Italian nun.’ Attacks of this nature are not rare in northern Mozambique. However, until recently, they primarily occurred in the Cabo Delgado Province. Analysts tracking the violence have noticed it spreading further south and whole communities are fleeing their homes in fear. Open Doors UK is urging people to pray as ‘violent attacks in the region continue to rise.’ A spokesperson for the region said, ‘The insecurity has caused massive disruption of the private and church lives of Christians in this region. The displaced are not only struggling to make ends meet daily, but they do so while struggling to come to terms with the brutal violence they have had to witness. Our brothers and sisters affected by these harrowing realities need fervent prayer to remain firm in the faith.’ David Curry of Open Doors USA added, ‘this isn’t one or two different attacks – this is a series of attacks and it’s all around. It’s complicated... but the gist of it is that Christians are really in the danger zone because the Islamic State group there has an Bridge to Cabo-Delgado Province, by FH Mira on Flickr ideology which justifies these attacks.’ •

GUNMEN ATTACK CHURCH IN CAMEROON Catholic News Agency Attackers set fire to a church in western Cameroon on September 16 – the latest violence in a civil war that has been ongoing since 2017. As part of the attack, gunmen also kidnapped five priests, a nun and two church members from St Mary’s Catholic Church in Nchang, Mamfe Diocese. A statement from the bishops of the Bamenda Ecclesiastical Province was released, stating that ‘the act was completely unprecedented and, as of now, no concrete reason has been given for this heinous act against the house of God and the messengers of God.’ They pleaded with the attackers to release those who were kidnapped, saying ‘we appeal to those who have taken the priests, the nun and the Christians in Nchang to release them without further delay.’ The attacks are part of the civil war in Cameroon known as the ‘Anglophone Crisis’ which has killed an estimated 4,000 civilians and displaced as many as 1 million since fighting began.’ •

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ETS NEWS PROFESSOR ANDREW WALLS AND ‘THE EPHESIAN MOMENT’ BY ALISTAIR I WILSON

little more than a year ago, on 12th august 2021,

the University of Aberdeen, he consistently highlighted the changing face of Christianity. In particular, the impact which his experience of Christianity in Africa had made upon him was evident: [I]f you want to know something about Christianity, you must know something about Africa. The outstanding feature of twentieth-century religion is the southward swing of the Christian center of gravity which has made Christianity more a non-Western than a Western religion, as it has lost its hold on Europe and spread rapidly in Africa and the other southern continents. Andrew F. Walls, ‘Of Ivory Towers and Ashrams: Some Reflections on Theological Scholarship in Africa’, Journal of African Christian Thought 3.1 (2000), 1. Cited in Allison Howell and Maureen Iheanacho, ‘Andrew F. Walls as Teacher in Africa’ in in William R. Burrows, Mark R. Gornik, and Janice A. MacLean (eds), Understanding World Christianity (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2009), 18. Walls was based in Scotland from 1966, but his influence was felt around the world through his frequent teaching and speaking trips to various parts of the world and through the many postgraduate students from many different countries who carried out research under his supervision and went on to teaching positions all over the globe. Several of my friends and colleagues have spoken of the impact of his teaching on their lives. Walls was a fresh and creative thinker yet remained rooted in Scripture. While we might discuss many aspects of his thought, one distinctive idea is what he called ‘the Ephesian moment’. Drawing on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Walls highlights how Paul addresses a vital moment in the history of the church as people belonging to two main cultures, Jew and Gentile, must come to terms with their common status in Christ: The Ephesian moment—the social coming together of people of two cultures to experience Christ — was quite brief. Circumstances — the destruction of the Jewish state in 70 C.E., the scattering of the Jewish church, the sheer success of the mission to the Gentiles — soon made the church monocultural again; and in the eastern Mediterranean the Christian movement became as overwhelmingly Hellenistic as it had once been overwhelmingly Jewish. But in our own day the Ephesian moment has come again, and come in a richer mode than has ever happened since the first century.

professor andrew f. walls passed away at the age

of ninety-three. Professor Walls’s name may be unknown to many readers of The Record, but a considerable number of members and friends of the Free Church of Scotland (including the present writer) have been influenced by him and his ideas over the course of his long teaching career at the University of Aberdeen and then at the University of Edinburgh and into ‘retirement’. Though unassuming in manner, Andrew Walls is widely recognized as one of the most significant figures in the recent history of the study of mission. I write this short article in the hope that it will introduce Walls’s work to some new readers and so will help to stimulate careful thinking about mission in our time. I will first provide a brief introduction to Andrew Walls and then offer some reflections on one of his key ideas. According to a tribute written by Walls’s friend and colleague, Professor Brian Stanley, Andrew Walls was born on 21st April 1928 in Hampshire, England, to Scottish parents. He received his higher education at the University of Oxford where he demonstrated ability as an historian of the early church. After some time working as librarian at Tyndale House, Cambridge, Walls was appointed to academic positions, first in Sierra Leone (1957–1962) and then in Nigeria (1962–1966). Those years spent in Africa were to shape the remainder of Walls’s long life and career. In his own words, I still remember the force with which one day the realization struck me that I, while happily pontificating on that patchwork quilt of diverse fragments that constitutes second-century Christian literature, was actually living in a second-century church. The life, worship and understanding of a community in its second century of Christian allegiance was going on all around me. Why did I not stop pontificating and observe what was going on? … The experience changed this academic for life; instead of trying to extrapolate from that ancient corpus of literature and apply it, I began to understand the second-century material in the light of all the religious events going on around me. Andrew F. Walls, ‘Introduction’ in The Missionary Movement in Christian History (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1996), xiii. From 1966, when Walls returned to the UK to teach at

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Andrew F. Walls, ‘The Ephesian Moment’ in The CrossCultural Process in Christian History (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2002), 78. In the modern world, Walls explains, Christians (and particularly ‘Western’ Christians, who have amassed significant resources and status over centuries of Christian history) must again consider how they will relate to Christians who are coming to faith in Jesus Christ in a very different context. Developments over several centuries, reaching a climax in the twentieth, mean that we no longer have two, but innumerable, major cultures in the church. Like the old Jerusalem Christians, Western Christians had long grown used to the idea that they were guardians of a “standard” Christianity; also like them, they find themselves in the presence of new expressions of Christianity, and new Christian lifestyles that have developed or are developing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to display Christ under the conditions of African, Indian, Chinese, Korean, and Latin American life. And most of the world’s Christians are now Africans, Asians, or Latin Americans. Andrew F. Walls, ‘The Ephesian Moment’ in The CrossCultural Process in Christian History (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2002), 78. This new situation requires careful reflection so that the church in all parts of the world can continue to listen carefully to the voice of Scripture as the Spirit brings illumination and local applications. But Andrew

Walls, along with others, has helpfully challenged all Christians everywhere to recognise that we now belong to a global family in which no single cultural expression should impose itself on believers in other parts of the world if their own cultural expressions of Christian faith are not contrary to Scripture. And believers in all parts of the world should subject their own cultures (both local cultures and church cultures) to the scrutiny of God’s Word time and time again. God’s purpose in Jesus Christ, as expressed in Ephesians 2:15-18 is "... to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit." I am grateful to Professor Andrew Walls for bringing the implications of this purpose for today’s church to my own mind in a fresh way. I hope that others will also read his work and learn from it so that, ultimately, we might value and serve the Lord’s people more effectively and appropriately and we might worship the Lord who has created one new people for himself in Christ. • Readers who would like to hear more about Professor Andrew Walls may be interested in a recording of a presentation by the current author, available here: www.acts29.com/arch

ETS FIRST ANNUAL CONFERENCE

dinburgh theological seminary recently held its first annual conference on the theme knowing christ.

Over 160 attendees from across the UK (and even the Atlantic Ocean) joined special guests Rev Dr Sinclair Ferguson and Rev Jonty Rhodes, and ETS faculty for the event held at Stockbridge Parish Church on Saturday, 10th September 2022. Speakers explored various facets of doctrine and life as they touched upon ‘the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord’ (Phil. 3:8). No theme better describes the purpose of the new event, which exists to encourage the church, the seminary, and the broader public community in its reflection on theology, piety, and practice. ETS Principal Rev Iver Martin opened the day with prayer for the nation in light of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the day before. Six talks then followed on the conference theme. Rev Daniel Sladek, ETS Lecturer in Hebrew and Old Testament, spoke about ‘The Shepherd’s Shepherd’, or how the Psalter both points us to Christ and in places reveals to us Christ’s shepherd, namely God the Father. Rev Dr Ben Castaneda, ETS Lecturer in Greek and New Testament at ETS, discussed the special concerns of the four Gospels and how each addressed the gospel, that is, the announcement of the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. Dr Zachary Purvis, ETS Lecturer in Church History and Theology, spoke about how Christ is and ought to be at the centre of the worship of the church. Rev Jonty Rhodes, minister at Christ Church Leeds, a congregation of the International Presbyterian Church (IPC), examined the great significance of Christ’s threefold office of prophet, priest, and king— both for Christian doctrine and everyday experience. Rev Dr Cory Brock, part-time ETS Lecturer and a minister at St Columba’s (Free Church of Scotland), explored the nature of the kingdom of Christ. Finally, Rev Dr Sinclair Ferguson, the well-known theologian and pastor, discussed what the Apostle Paul meant in Philippians 3 through his encounter as Saul of Tarsus with Stephen, and so too what it means for us to know Christ, His Gospel, and His Church. Principal Martin said: ‘This is the first annual conference that we have held. It was encouraging to see many people at the conference. Some have attended previous ETS courses, others are current ETS students, and many attendees are from churches across Scotland.’ It was a beautiful, sunny day filled with great discussion, food, and fellowship, and capped with stirring singing of Psalm 16 and Psalm 121. Special thanks go out to student and family volunteers for helping make the day a great success. We are looking forward already to next year. Stay tuned for the 2023 Annual Conference details! Watch and listen to the whole playlist or to each individual recorded session at ETS Lectures Online, the Seminary’s YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/c/etslecturesonline. •

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TRAINING FOR MINISTRY IN THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Our vision is for a healthy gospel church for every community in Scotland. A key aspect of that vision is training candidates for ministry. SARAH ROBINSON, Communications Manager, Free Church of Scotland, has spoken to three candidates, about their experiences of the Ministers-in-Training programme.

G aim

rowing

character

while gaining experience in

ministry

programme,

life

the

ministers-in-training run

the

free

church of scotland.

Thirteen candidates are taking part in the programme, which is coordinated by the Board of Ministry in partnership with Edinburgh Theological Seminary (ETS). The venture means that candidates can be taught at ETS and get on-the-job training in churches across Scotland. Phil Pickett, Minister-in-Training

Rev Thomas Davis, Carloway Free Church

Rev Thomas Davis, of Carloway Free Church, is involved in the Student Team within the Board of Ministry. He said: ‘We work with local churches and presbyteries to help potential candidates for ministry through the application process. Alongside this, we oversee the development of suitable training schemes in local churches, and work with ETS to ensure that the theological education provided will equip candidates for ministry.’ Three candidates, who are serving in different areas around Scotland, have shared their experiences of the programme.

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Phil Pickett, Minister-inTraining, began the Ministersin-Training programme at St Andrew’s Free Church and moved to Carloway Free Church earlier this year. Phil, who is now in his fifth year out of six, has spoken about his experiences on the programme, highlighting the importance of discipleship within his own journey. He said: ‘The church wants people to be disciples making disciples, to be fishers of men, and to equip them to do this.’ ‘I am where I am because of the investment of others through one-to-one discipleship and mentoring. If we want to raise up gospel workers it is vital that we invest in discipleship at every stage in the Christian life, not just once people become ministers in training.’ Phil says this view of discipleship come from the experiences he has had growing up and growing in faith. He has shared his testimony saying: ‘I grew up in a Christian

home, knowing Jesus as my Lord. As I got older, I learned more of what it meant to follow him.’ ‘At school, being a Christian was about defending why God exists. At University, (St Andrew’s) I saw the effect of the gospel in transforming people lives. This grew my desire to be engaged in full time gospel ministry.’ Following university, Phil completed a two-year training programme with Cornhill while working for St Andrew’s Free Church. He then joined Edinburgh Theological Seminary part time and began as Minister in Training at St Andrew’s, where he stayed for three and a half years. In January, he moved to the Isle of Lewis, with his wife, to be Minister in Training at Carloway Free Church. He explained the benefit of the Minister in Training programme for him, saying: ‘It gave me time to grow in life experience and Christian maturity while I learned. It gave me time to experience ministry life. It gave me time to experience ecclesiastical life, to find out the ways of Free Church life — Kirk Sessions, Presbytery and General Assembly etc.’ During these experiences, ‘the principles of ministry are being laid down. It’s wonderful to learn these skills,’ he said. Phil reflected that he has had to balance time between immediate pastoral ministry and ETS. He said that the opportunity to move to a different demographic has given him a broader ministry experience.

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Angus Macleod, Minister-in-Training

Davi de Paula, Minister-in-Training

For Angus Macleod, Ministerin-Training at Haddington Community Church, the programme has been an opportunity for him to grow in his ministry, to learn from others and to be part of a close-knit church family. He said: ‘Ali Sewell, the minister, has helped the church to feel part of my training. The congregation has been able to see my progress. They have given me feedback which has been useful. They are really encouraging and supportive. I’ve learnt from others within the church, and there is a real sense of us being a family.’ Angus, who is in his final year of the Ministers-in-Training programme, has been training at Haddington for the past couple of years. This is alongside studying at ETS. Angus, who is from Lewis, worked as an electrician before becoming a Christian. He first attended the Church of Scotland before joining High Free Church in Stornoway. He has since completed training at Cornhill in Glasgow, Stirling Free Church and Chalmers Church in Edinburgh. He says he has benefitted from the Ministers-in-Training programme and encourages others to join too. ‘There are a lot of people — those in church and ETS — supporting me to become a minister. I’d encourage other people to go for it too. People come from all over the country to study and take part in the training. There are training opportunities everywhere.’

Davi de Paula who is a Ministerin-Training at Burghead Free Church has shared his testimony and his experiences of the being part of the programme. He grew up in a Christian home. His father Alberto de Paula is the minister at Broughty Ferry Presbyterian Church. As a teenager, Davi went to Glasgow Caledonian University to study audio and electronics. He said: ‘I was quite involved in the CU, so I went on to work as a relay worker with UCCF. Through conversation with Craig Anderson (who was at UCCF at the time and is now church planting in Galashiels), I looked at what long term ministry would look like.’ Following his time at UCCF, Davi spent two years at Chalmers

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Church in Edinburgh and completed training with Cornhill. ‘After that, full time ministry was still on the cards for me,’ he said. He and his wife Emma moved north to join Burghead Free Church. ‘These small places are unique in their make up,’ he said. ‘Burghead is used to newcomers. There is an air base and army base nearby. You just need to get stuck into the community.’ ‘Burghead has been a good fit for me. Having a mentor (Rev Peter Turnbull) who is willing to show me different aspects of ministry has been helpful. For example, meeting grieving families, planning and being part of various aspects of ministry have all been beneficial.’ Davi has also become an elder at Burghead Free Church which has been important in getting to grips with being involved in the church. ‘It’s been a really good experience — both in the Free Church and being up in the north.’ He added, ‘I’d encourage churches, ministers, smaller congregations and larger congregations to take on a minister in training.’ •

ABOUT THE MINISTERS-IN-TRAINING PROGRAMME Ministers-in-Training can be taken on in congregations that have a minister. This is to ensure they are supported in their training, both in the practical side and through learning at ETS. How can churches help the Ministers-in-Training programme? • Pray for candidates, ETS, Board of Ministry and Training Churches • Support the programme financially, either through partnering with individual candidates or training churches, or by increased donation to central funds. • Considering having a minister in training in your own congregation. For more details, go to: freechurch.org/apply-for-ministry Rev Thomas Davis said: ‘The work of ministry is always done in God’s strength and for his glory. We have a huge mission field on our doorstep so we need to continue to pray as Jesus commands us for workers to be sent out into the harvest field. We would encourage individuals to prayerfully consider whether this might be God’s calling on their life. We also encourage churches to prayerfully recognise, encourage, and guide those with the gifts and abilities the Bible requires for pastor-teachers. And may we all pray with urgency but also great confidence, knowing that God will raise up those he has equipped for his work, for his glory, and to fulfil his purposes.' •

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SIMON PETER imon, son of john and brother of andrew, was

Simon’s life was changed. He was one of the band of Jesus’ disciples, travelling where he travelled, drinking in his teaching, witnessing his mighty works of healing and mastery over nature, even going out himself to teach and to heal. He found himself one of a privileged group of three who were drawn into closer fellowship with the Master. Was it this perhaps that set up the petty jealousies and strivings for position which disfigured the fellowship, and gave rise to the insistent teaching of Jesus that the constant aim of the disciple should be to seek out the lowliest place? But the ebullient Simon was always to the fore in professions of loyalty and devotion – which were sincerely meant but founded on a woeful ignorance of his own heart. He was given privileges of an exceptional kind: invited to walk on water, promised the keys of the kingdom of heaven, given a vision of the transfigured Jesus – and in each case he stumbled. Like the rest of the disciples, he could not accept that the path to glory led through the cross; and, like them, at the critical moment he forsook his Lord and fled. But, worst of all, he disowned him – three times over. What was to be done for a renegade like Simon? In despair, after his threefold denial, he suffered even deeper trauma after the news of his Master’s death sank in. Then came the breathless Mary Magdalene, with a garbled tale of an empty tomb. Simon rushed to look, along with his younger cousin John, went into the tomb, saw the scattered graveclothes, but could make nothing of it. It took the appearance of the risen Christ to convince Simon that it had really happened, and a personal visit by the Lord to convince him that he was

one of jesus’ first disciples.

He was a fisherman, a native of Bethsaida, a town on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee and adjacent to Capernaum. But he first met Jesus near the Dead Sea, where John the Baptist had gathered a group of disciples, among whom was Andrew. Andrew introduced him to Jesus, who at once conferred on him the title of Cephas, meaning a rock (petros in Greek). Back in Galilee, Simon and Andrew were washing their nets after a fruitless nights’ fishing on the lake. Jesus was there too, talking to the bystanders who were crowding around him. He called to Simon: ‘Will you lend me your boat for a while, so I can stand offshore and speak to the people?’ Simon was only too willing, and the teaching went ahead. But he was not prepared for the next question: ‘Simon, will you put out into deep water and try for a catch?’ Simon was an experienced fisherman, and knew that if there was no catch during the night there was no point in trying again in the morning. ‘But, Master’, he said, ‘since you say so, I will let down my nets.’ He did so, and now the nets were full to bursting, so that it took all the strength of the two brothers and their partners, the sons of Zebedee, to get them ashore. Simon’s reaction to the event was dramatic. Far from clapping his hands with joy, he fell to his knees at Jesus’ feet, conscious not only of the Master’s awesome power but of his awesome holiness, showing up Simon’s own ugly imperfection. This response was typical of the man: immediate, passionate, extreme. Obviously, it delighted the heart of Jesus. This was the kind of follower he was looking for.

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"Saint Peter", c. 1616/1618, Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640), National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.

BY DONALD MACKAY

forgiven. That, he wrote later, was for him a new birth from the dead. Once more in Galilee, at the Lord’s command, Simon and the others were at a loss what to do and decided to go fishing. They caught nothing and were on the point of landing when they heard a voice call out from the shore: ‘Let down your nets on the other side of the boat, and you’ll get something.’ They complied, and Simon instinctively knew who was speaking. He jumped out of the boat and rushed to meet Jesus. Meanwhile, the others were labouring to haul the nets ashore, laden with 153 fish. Jesus already had breakfast ready for them. During breakfast, Jesus asked three times: ‘Simon, do you love me?’ Simon was deeply wounded by the question, but was able to answer: ‘Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus then ordered him: ‘Feed my sheep.’ He went on to tell Simon that he was destined, like his Master, to be crucified. After Jesus’ ascension the disciples were gathered together in Jerusalem, in prayer for direction as to their future. Simon (now adopting his soubriquet Peter) took charge of the meeting and arranged for an election to fill the vacancy among the twelve apostles caused by Judas’ defection and death. They continued in prayer until the day of Pentecost, when in spectacular fashion the Holy Spirit descended on the gathering, causing them to testify to the resurrection in a variety of languages. This drew a crowd - some curious, some mocking, most simply baffled. Peter, now a new man filled with the Spirit, stood up and addressed the mob in a masterly review of the prophetic scriptures, culminating in the resounding words: ‘Let all Israel know that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!’ At this, the crowd were, as Luke tells us, ‘cut to the heart’, and 3,000 responded to Peter’s appeal for repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. This was the beginning of the Christian church - a movement marked by intense spiritual energy, signs and wonders, and a display of Christian communism. The movement gathered strength after Peter performed a miracle, the healing of a cripple who had been a familiar sight begging at the temple gate. His ecstatic dance after his cure attracted another big crowd, whom Peter addressed with another Gospel exposition of the Old Testament scriptures. The number of those adhering to the new faith now rose to over 5,000. At this point the authorities closed in, arrested Peter and John, brought them before the high priest, and questioned them closely. The eloquence of Peter in reply – in their eyes a country bumpkin and an ignoramus – knocked them back. And because the formerly crippled man was standing beside the apostles, there was no denying the miracle that had been wrought. Released without charge, but against a background of threats if they ever again dared to preach the resurrection of Jesus, Peter returned to the group of disciples. They raised their voice in prayer and received a fresh visitation of the Spirit. They shared their

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possessions and, from time to time, a member of the group would sell property so that the needs of the most impoverished would be met. But a couple who did this concealed the fact that they were holding back some of the sale proceeds for themselves. Peter, informed by the Spirit, denounced them publicly and they both fell dead, inducing great awe among the company. Persecution resumed, and Peter was hauled before the Sanhedrin and flogged. Later, Herod Antipas, hoping to gain favour with the Jews, had James executed and seized Peter with a view to putting him on public trial. However, after an angelic visitation, Peter was miraculously released. Peter now appears as a superintending elder, travelling through Palestine and encouraging the brethren. He witnessed revivals in Samaria and Lydda, and at Jaffa he restored a dead woman to life, occasioning a revival there. While in Jaffa, he was urgently called to Caesarea at the behest of a Roman centurion who was a God-fearer. While there, Peter had a vision designed to show him that the Gospel was for Gentiles as well as Jews. To confirm this the Spirit, along with the gift of tongues, was conferred upon a group of Gentiles, who were at once baptised as believers. This event, and others like it, caused consternation in the Jerusalem church, which had considered that the only basis on which a non-Jew could become a believer was as a circumcised proselyte. An assembly of the church was called, at which Peter gave testimony to his experience at Caesarea and his conviction that the grace of Jesus Christ was for all peoples. And so, the church opened its doors to the Gentiles. That, however, was not quite the end of the story so far as Peter was concerned. Consciousness of racial privilege died hard in the Jewish psyche. In Antioch, Peter had cast aside his Jewish distinctiveness and was willing to live like a Gentile, and share meals with Gentiles. But, when some Judais ers came from Jerusalem, he took fright and crawled back into his Jewish shell, infecting others as well. So, Paul tells us in his letter to the Galatians, he had to rebuke Peter publicly to make him come to his senses. As a working arrangement, nevertheless, it was agreed between them that Paul would evangelise the Gentiles, while Peter’s ministry should focus on the Jewish diaspora. And what a ministry it was! Paul well remembered the command of his Master to feed the lambs and to strengthen the brethren. He appears to have travelled the length of Asia Minor, mainly on foot, and according to tradition he ended up in Rome, a victim of Nero on a martyr’s cross. His letters are full of warm encouragement and hope, especially for those enduring persecution for the faith. And it is clear that his devotion to the Master had declined not a whit since he made his first commitment on the shore of Galilee. • Donald Mackay is a member of Knox Free Church, Perth.

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A Healthy Gospel Church... is a New Testament Church BY REV CALLUM MACLEOD

he success of any organisation is dependent on the composition of its workforce and how they are arranged within the structure of the

organisation. One of the key New Testament metaphors for the Church of Christ is that of many members together in one body (Romans 12:4-5) with Jesus Christ as the Head (Ephesians 4:16). This is helpful when we come to consider the healthy gospel church. The World Health Organization defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Health refers to a state where the physical body is free from disease, while wellness refers to an overall balance of a person’s physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, environmental, and occupational well-being. Creating a culture of health and wellness in the workplace boosts and maintains employee morale, improves the lives of employees, and helps drive an organisation’s overall success through the contribution of employees who are performing at the optimum level. The healthy gospel church is filled with members who perform at the optimum level in serving the Lord and the gospel of Jesus Christ. They understand their relationship with their Lord. They understand their relationship with each other. This overall healthy wellness ensures that the church “grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (Eph. 4:15–16).

COMMITTED The healthy gospel church is committed to the Word of God. The Word of God is the single most important aspect of the life of the Church. The healthy gospel church embraces the whole counsel of God as he has revealed himself in his Word. The Word is what defines us – it is the foundation on which we build; it is what shapes our thinking; it is what determines what we say; and it is what normalises the way that we live. The Word of God is God’s only appointed means for the nourishment, spiritual health, development, and maturity of his children. Paul reminds us of its key characteristics – the Word has its source in God; it is sufficient for all our needs; and it is the only means by which success and development is guaranteed (2 Timothy 3:16-17). “The Word of God is the single most important aspect of the life of the Church.” The healthy gospel church strives to achieve excellence in its commitment to the Word of God with the help of the preacher who is competent in the study, proclamation, and application of the Word of God, by ensuring the Biblical model of servant is embraced and practised by its leadership, and that biblical discipleship is understood and practised by all its members.

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CONFORMED The healthy gospel church will be characterised by a lifestyle that conforms to the teachings of the Word of God. The people will be lights in the world and distinct from the culture in which they live; they will live their lives within the boundaries of the Law of God. This conformity to the Word of God arises from the Christian’s separation from the world to life in Christ by the grace of God, and is observable in daily living which is consistent with the teaching and example of Jesus. The Bible itself reminds us that ‘righteousness and lawlessness’ are incompatible, and ‘light and darkness’ have nothing in common (2 Corinthians 6:14). The spiritual health of the healthy gospel church is compromised when conformity to the law of God is lost, and when what is incompatible with Christian living becomes part of the mix. We are called to be holy because God is holy (1 Peter 1:15). This separation, or holiness, is a characteristic of genuine discipleship. It is all a prerequisite for effective witness in the world (1 Peter 2:9).

CONNECTED The healthy gospel church is a church that is well connected. There is the vertical aspect of this connectedness – we have communion with God (1 John 1:3). The church is defined by the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the agent through whom God makes himself known to us and through whom we have “fellowship” with God (2 Corinthians 13:14). This connectedness with God is ‘walking with God;’ it is ‘listening to God;’ and it is ‘talking to God.’ This is where the ongoing spiritual health of the people of God is nourished and maintained. This is where we derive the wisdom and the wherewith-all to be the healthy gospel church and to grow the healthy gospel church. “The church is defined by the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit.” There is also the horizontal aspect of this connectedness – the people of the healthy gospel church have communion and fellowship with each other. This horizontal aspect of the connectedness is the product of the vertical aspect of communion with God (1 John 1:7). The healthy gospel church is characterised by the “unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace” (Ephesians 3:3). According to Jesus, this evident unity of their commitment to each other in the service of Christ is an essential prerequisite to effective evangelism.

COMPELLED The healthy gospel church is compelled by the love of Jesus Christ to be the growing church. The healthy gospel church will cross boundaries, will build bridges, and will communicate the gospel to the people of the surrounding communities, towns, and cities. The Great Commission of Jesus in Matthew 28 is the command. The immeasurably great love of Jesus is the inspiration (John 15:13). The urgent need of those without faith in the Lord Jesus is the motivation (2 Cor.5:14). The well-connected church becomes the connecting church, and the lost world is touched by the truths of the gospel and by the practical expression of the spirit of the gospel in the life of the people of God to compel others to repent and be converted (Luke 14:23).

CONDITIONAL The healthy gospel church is persuaded that kingdom growth is ultimately conditional on the blessing of the God whose Church it is, and on the Holy Spirit who alone can give life and bring about the harvest of ‘A Healthy Gospel Church in Every Community in Scotland.’ We must do all that we can in our commitment to the Gospel. But ultimately, we trust in the God who alone will build his Church and will establish it on the one and only foundation, which is the person and work of his Son and our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. • Rev Callum Macleod is the minister at Shawbost Free Church

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PAGES FROM ADAM’S DIARY, PART 3: The Wedding Gift A brother, known to some of us as Dr Adam, has served the Lord among his suffering church for many years. Dr Adam has also ministered in various parts of the world among refugees. We have asked his permission to print some of the stories of his life and service for the encouragement of readers of The Record. For well understood reasons, the names of people and places have usually been changed or omitted. This piece was first published in October 2020, during the pandemic. It is being re-printed as we want to ensure that Dr Adam’s stories reach as many people as possible.

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I was caught in a dreadful quandary. I tried to find a way out of attending the wedding — it did not work.

everal years ago, in one of my ministry visits to central asia, i was confronted by an unusual dilemma.

Photo by Susan Brown (A Wedding in Samarkand)

I received an invitation to a wedding as a guest of honour. To be a guest of honour in that culture means you are expected to give a ‘gift of honour’, a substantial gift. In the minds of many people in the world, westerners are loaded with money. I was coming from the west and so I was perceived as being ‘loaded’ as well. I had money with me, but every penny of it was carefully saved for the needs of the suffering Christians, for various church-related projects, and also for the orphans and destitute families I had been assisting. I was expected to give a big gift when I could not afford to give even a small gift! In an honour-based culture like this, one of the worst things a person can do is to cause someone to lose face. To be invited as an esteemed guest and to not give a significant gift would bring disgrace to the bride’s family, as they had extended the invitation to me. I was caught in a dreadful quandary. I tried to find a way out of attending the wedding — it did not work. As the date of the ceremony drew closer, my stress and anxiety exponentially worsened. Then one morning, a couple of days before the wedding, the Lord put a thought into my mind. It was probably what he had planned all along but I did not know. It was perfect! I took several hundred pounds and converted them into the national currency — I ended up with a stack of bills ten centimeters high! I put it into a beautiful gift box. Then I wrote a letter for the bride and the groom in which I said how flattered I was to be their special guest and how I yearned to bring a blessing from God into their marriage at the commencement of their lives together. I explained that in the enclosed box was a gift, but this gift was not for them. Rather, the blessing of what I wanted them to do with these funds was my actual gift for them. I clarified that I wished for them to go with me as I distributed, on their behalf, the money in the box among destitute families and two orphanages. The blessing which was to come into their lives as a result of this action was my true gift for them. I noted that it has been said that, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’. I concluded the letter by saying that when I was about their age, I met a wise person who was now my very best and closest friend. Early on in my friendship with this person He taught me, ‘Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’ I folded the letter, placed it in an envelope and taped it to the gift box. I thanked the Lord for delivering me from an impasse and breathed a sigh of relief. On the wedding day, a few hundred guests had gathered. Halfway through the festivities, after the wedding cake was cut, the father of the groom came forward and stood before the guests to receive the gifts on behalf of the bride and groom. The guests came forward one by one and presented their gifts, which were then described to all who were present. After the elders of the family had presented their gifts, eventually it was my turn. Quietly I went forward, handed over the gift and quickly returned to my seat. The father of the groom opened the gift box with the stack of bills, announced it and showed it amid many cheers. I was pleased that the hosts and their guests seemed impressed and honoured. But then he noticed, ‘Oh, there is a letter with this gift!’ He turned to me and asked, ‘May I read it?’ and before I could say no, he opened the letter and proceeded to read it. I had written the letter for the private reading of the young couple in their own home, not for the hearing of hundreds of people. As I mumbled that the letter was private, the father of the groom began reading it aloud. A few sentences into the letter, he broke down and sobbed as he read it to the end. When he finished, he paused to collect himself, lifted up his head, looked at the guests — some of whom were also in tears — pointed to the letter and remarked, ‘I have lived for 67 years. All my treasures are laid up here on earth. I have nothing in heaven.

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How often in this journey to the city of God we fret over matters for which our Father in heaven has already made provision! He was in tears again, but composed himself, turned to me and said, ‘Today, you have given a beautiful gift to my children, but you have given the greatest gift to me — and I hope, to my guests. I feel as though this has been my own wedding night. My life will never be the same!’ The wedding moved on. I thought that was the end of it, but it was not. The following day, I received an urgent message that he needed to see me. Late in the evening, he came to where I was staying, once again profusely thanked me and reiterated how deeply he had been touched. Then he asked, ‘In your letter you said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on the earth”…that was profound! Did you say that?’ I said, ‘No, I did not.’ He asked, ‘Who said it?’ I said, ‘Jesus Christ said that.’ He asked, ‘Is that “the best, intimate friend” to whom you referred in your letter?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He was tearful again. He then asked, ‘Where did he say that?’ ‘In the Enjil (the New Testament),’ I replied. ‘Where can I find a copy?’ was the next question. I went into my room and brought a copy to him. He took it, embraced me and disappeared. A week later, once again I received a message that he needed to see me. When I met him, he exclaimed, ‘I have never read such things. Everyone must read this book! I have three brothers who are as chained to this world as I have been. They need to read this book too. Where can I find three more copies?’ I gave him three more copies. In a few days, he came back. This time he asked for ten more copies to give to some of his friends and workers in his factory. By the time I left Central Asia, he had asked for and received at least seventy or eighty copies of the New Testament. On the evening I was due to leave, he came to the airport at 2:00 a.m. once again in tears, saying his life would never be the same. On several occasions he, rather than the bride or the groom, came with me to distribute the money among some of the orphanages. As time went on, whenever he came to ask for Bibles, in order not to appear too demanding, he would say, ‘Do you remember you had asked X amount to go to this orphanage house or to this or that family? I went back and I gave three times more from my own resources.’ While I had agonized on the horns of a dilemma, the Lord in his wisdom and magnificent creativity had already planned the whole event and worked out the details to accomplish his purposes, not only to multiply the material assistance to those in need, but also to bring an immeasurably greater gift to many — the gift of salvation. With one act, all objectives were achieved and more. The parents of the bride and the groom were honoured by a considerable gift. The orphans and needy families received all the aid the Lord had intended for them and many times more. An invaluable lesson was taught to a young couple at the outset of their lives together in a materialistic world. The guests had an experience they would not forget. The Lord touched the hearts of many of them. The father of the groom came to know the Lord. The seeds of the Gospel were scattered supernaturally in ways I could have never anticipated nor imagined. Judging from my past experiences, I am convinced God has continued to bring about waves of spiritual harvest from one person to another which may persist until the coming of our Lord. During these years of serving our Saviour in his fields, this story, among many others I could tell you, has been one of the enduring, happy memories in my mind. Looking back, I am certain the idea that finally delivered me from my dilemma was put into my head by the Lord. In his incredible sense of humour and infinite creativity, our Lord always has a plan but often he does not disclose it to us. We are expected to trust him and walk by faith in obedience to him. How often in this journey to the city of God (Hebrews 11:10) we fret over matters for which our Father in heaven has already made provision! How often he already has the answer and the solution for circumstances which we find so trying, so discouraging and seemingly impossible — solutions to be revealed in his timing, for our benefit, and for the advancement of his kingdom and to the glory of his holy name! •

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DONALD MACCRIMMON MACKAY (1922 – 1987) Scientist, Philosopher, Apologist (Part II) BY GEORGE M. COGHILL

onald mackay was, in professional life, first and foremost a scientist.

Those contributions he made to Philosophy and the relation between Theology and Science arose from his reflections on his scientific work. In this article I will give an outline (which is no more than an executive summary) of his philosophical ideas as they relate to Christianity. There are two main ideas that MacKay developed and defended over a period of forty years: he called them “Complementarity” (which he later named “Comprehensive Real- sim”) and “Logical Indeterminism”. The key word that underpins all these is standpoint; that is, the correctness of what one says depends fundamentally on the standpoint from which one says it. Historically, Complementarity came before Logical Indeterminism, and the latter makes use of the former; therefore, I shall present them in that order here.

COMPLEMENTARITY While working at ARE on high frequency electronics MacKay noted that certain physical quantities always appeared together in what appeared to be complementary relations, similar to that of ‘waves’ and ‘particles’ then in vogue in quantum mechanics. Noting that there are in fact several such complementary relations in physics caused him to reflect on complementary relations more generally MacKay’s basic idea is that two descriptions are complementary “if they refer to the same object, each is in principle exhaustive, yet they make different assertions because the context of the concepts used are mutually exclusive, so that significant aspects referred to in one are necessarily omitted from the other”. MacKay would often illustrate this by reference to a neon sign displaying a message, which, for example might be something like: “Bloggs coffee is best”. In order to be visible several physical and chemical features need to be operational so that the neon will glow. An engineer could give a complete, exhaustive description of the operation of the system in terms of its chemistry and physics without making any reference to the message the sign conveys, because to a large extent that is irrelevant to the physical operation. Conversely, the information in the sign, while embodied in the physical features, is independent of them for meaning; and a linguist, for example, could give an exhaustive analysis of the meaning of the statement without any reference to the physical aspects of the message. Over time he applied this idea of complementarity to Information Theory, Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience. There is a view, which is still prevalent, that human beings can be accounted for purely as material objects: that the mind is simply (or nothing but) the operations of the brain. This position MacKay referred to as “nothing buttery”, and saw that it is clearly undermined by complementarity. It is not brains that think, but persons! In assessing the relation between mind and body, complementarity means that the physical and mental aspects of humans are correlated but not identical. He did not consider dualism as incoherent, just unnecessary. This he referred to as “duality without dualism” and related it to the unity of man as described in Genesis 1 and 2. As

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such there is a hierarchy in the complementary relations: the thinking person is higher than the brain activity. MacKay had a strong reformed view of God’s sovereignty. The reason that he rejected a “God-of-the-gaps” approach was because God is active in every moment “upholding all things by the word of his power”. For God a miracle is no harder, or different in principle, from his normal operation moment by moment. Some miracles could have a plausible scientific account (e.g. the parting of the Red Sea, which some see as a miracle of timing) whereas others could not (the main one being the resurrection of Jesus). MacKay illustrated this point with reference to a TV screen on which one could view a cricket match that had been brought into being by an artist. Assuming that the sequence of events was in a rational order one would be able to discern the laws of motion of the scene (e.g. the ball as struck by the cricket bat). Yet everything in the scene is upheld by and owes its existence to the artist. Thus it is with our world; we can describe the laws of motion of objects in it, but this is only possible because all is upheld by God. In applying complementarity to this relation between Theology and Science, the hierarchy still applies: Theology is higher than Science. MacKay did not say very much about the relation between creation and evolution, but he did state that could see no biblical reason for the rejection of the scientific theory of evolution. This was, at least in part, because of how he saw the relation of the Genesis account and scientific description. As he put it: “In discussion of the Genesis narrative it is often insufficiently recognised that God’s last creative act is recorded not in chapters 1 and 2 but is chapter 3. ‘And God said ... “Cursed is the ground because of you ... ” ’. In short, we are told that the created order as we know it is a revised version.” That is, from our post-fall standpoint what we see are the results of a “rewrite” by Godas-Author. We have no access to the pre-fall world; for us it is not a once was, but a might have been. He did, however, caution against tying one’s view of this relation to any particular scientific theory of evolution, because scientific theories are subject to change; and it makes no difference to the veracity of Christianity whether or not the current theories of evolution turn out to be true or not.

LOGICAL INDETERMINISM At one of the meetings of the Ratio Club, Donald presented a paradox that he had come across. He had devised a thought experiment in which he considered a scenario where one might try to get a picture of a person’s brain by means of what he called a “cerebroscope”. From his deliberations on this thought experiment he concluded that it would be possible for an outside observer, a “super-scientist” say, to gain a complete picture of the state of the brain, but, paradoxically, it would not be possible for the person themselves to utilise the cerebroscope and get such a picture. This is because one’s brain cannot be in a particular state at a particular time and be simultaneously observed by oneself to be in that state: in trying to observe it one would continuously change it. An illustration of this sort of thing is placing a microphone in front of the speaker to which it is connected: there is a squeal of increasing volume heard. No stable state can be reached. As MacKay put it: “there does not exist a complete specification of a person’s brain state that they would be correct to believe and incorrect to disbelieve.” He wrote about this in the middle of the twentieth century, a time when a kind of fatalism had taken hold: “It’s not my fault, it’s my genes.” Donald reflected on whether it really was the case that if the world was fully deterministic this would mean that a person was not free and responsible. His conclusion that it did not mean that followed from his cerebroscope experiment. In a fully deterministic world the superscientist mentioned above can observe every feature of a person’s brain, and correctly predict what that person was going to do in the immediate future. He then asked the question: “Would the prediction be inevitable?” And his answer was “No!” The reason is that while the prediction has a claim to the assent of nearly everyone there is one person for whom it is not true, and that is the person who is being observed. If that person were told the prediction, it would immediately become out of date because communicating the prediction would change the brain state that was the basis for the prediction. For them the future remains open until they make the decision. Here again, whether a particular proposition is true for a person depends on the standpoint

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of that person. So the claim that one couldn’t help it because it was determined is false. MacKay also saw this openness as having theological implications for the debate between Calvinism and Arminianism. Another theological implication of this arises from the recognition that two agents/ persons in dialogue effectively form a single system. This puts that system in the same situation as a single person with regard to what either person can know about the system as a whole. That is, there is no complete specification of the system that either agent would be correct to believe and incorrect to disbelieve. This would apply to any persons in dialogue, including God (on pain of contradiction). So, the person in communication with (or incarnate in) the creation, God-in-Dialogue as MacKay terms him, cannot be the same person as God-as-Author. This is a significant apologetic position: whilst it is not presented as a proof that there is a God, it identifies that the God who is must be multi-personal.

CONCLUDING COMMENTS Not long before Mackay’s death, his brother-in-law, Hector Cameron, told me that one thing that had disappointed Donald was no one in the Free Church had shown much interest in his research topics. He was talking then about neuroscience, but since his death the same could be said of his philosophical-theological work. He was in many ways ahead of his time with respect to these ideas. Within philosophy of science there is a growing interest in the idea that perspective is important in the development of scientific theories. The issue of Free Will is a very active area of discussion; in fact, there has probably been more written on the subject in the past four decades than in the previous four centuries. And I am sure that everyone is aware of the current burgeoning interest in AI. There has even been a philosophical presentation of concepts very similar to Donald’s ideas on Creation and Science. Yet Donald MacKay’s contributions are hardly ever mentioned, so now, the centenary of his birth, seems like a good time to revisit his contributions and take the work forward.. • Acknowledgements I would like to thank Dr Valerie MacKay (Donald MacKay’s widow), Rev Bill Graham, and Prof Malcolm Jeeves for their very informative discussions about Donald MacKay, and their helpful comments on a draft of these articles. Further Reading For those interested in finding out more about Donald MacKay’s ideas, the following books will serve as a good starting point. (Unfortunately, all Donald MacKay’s books on Science and Religion are out of print; however, several are available second hand through Amazon and other online bookstores.) The Clockwork Image (IVP). (This is MacKay’s best-known work and the best place to start.) The Open Mind and other essays: A scientist in God’s world (Ed. Melvin Tinker, IVP). [A very good collection of MacKay’s writings on Science and Religion, including some papers referred to in The Clockwork Image.] Behind the Eye (Blackwell). [The book of his Gifford Lectures: the most comprehensive presentation of his ideas, including some neuroscience. He followed Lord Gifford’s brief, so is more ‘’Natural Theology’’.] Prof. George M. Coghill is an Emeritus Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Aberdeen and is currently undertaking an MTh on the ideas of Donald M. MacKay at ETS. He is an elder in Livingston Free Church.

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FOOD FOR FELLOWSHIP Tell us about yourself My name is Ivanna Yap and I was born in Malaysia. I came to Scotland in 2014 to study Dentistry at the University of Dundee, and I graduated in 2019. I now work as an associate dentist in Aberdeen and have settled into the church family at Bon Accord Free Church. What’s your favourite recipe and why? I would say I don’t really have a favourite recipe as I generally do love food! However, I chose to write this chicken recipe for a Women for Mission fundraising event that we had in church. This is a good one as it is one that is easy to follow, simple, healthy and tasty! Also, it was one of the few favourite foods that my brothers and I loved eating when we were growing up. It is still today a comfort food that I will crave every now and again. I wrote and personalised this recipe exclusively for our Bon Accord Cook-A-Long Fundraiser, held on 27th March 2021 over lockdown (a great fundraising idea!) What I normally do with food is consult at least two or three recipes online, and then start amending it to my own convenience. It was the same for this chicken and rice recipe. I consulted at least two recipes on the internet; search ‘Hainanese Chicken Rice by Tasty’ and ‘Singapore Chicken Rice by Allrecipes’ and you will find another version of this. There are lots of options! How does food play into fellowship in your church? I would say it is essential! Be it just small tray bakes, sweet treats, or main meals, food is very important to us as believers in fellowship. Fellowship often happens so naturally over food! To name a few off an unending list: teas and coffee after church, student lunches, eating out together as a church social event, or meeting in people’s homes. I can’t imagine fellowship without food. It’s such an amazing and easy way to get to know new people and other brothers and sisters in Christ.

What kind of things has being in fellowship taught you about the Lord? That we are one body united in Christ. We break bread and eat together at the Lord’s table. Also, in the book of Acts, in the early days, believers gathered frequently, broke bread and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Praise God for food, fellowship and His saving grace! •

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Ingredients: • Chicken Thighs or breasts (approx 1 per person) • Ginger • Garlic • Sesame oil • Rice, long grain or basmati (1 cup per person) • Salt and pepper • Chicken stock (1 cup per person + 1/2 a cup) • Soy sauce • Sugar

Homemade Chilli Sauce Shopping List • 1 tbsp of lime juice • 2 tbsp of chicken stock • 2 tbsp of sugar • 4 tbsp of sriracha chilli sauce • 1 tbsp/ 4 cloves of garlic • 1 tbsp/ i inch of ginger Instructions • Mince/chop the garlic and ginger. • Mix all ingredients together and combine.

Optional Ingredients: • Coriander/cilantro leaves or cucumber (for garnish) • Sriracha sauce (or homemade chilli sauce) • A lime or lime juice (for the chilli sauce) • Side vegetables Prepare the chicken Season the chicken with 2 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of black pepper, 1 tsp of soy sauce and 2 tsp of sesame oil in a bowl. Leave to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge. Prepare your rice (15 minutes before) • Place the rice in a large bowl and fill with water. • Use your hands to move the water around till the water turns cloudy. Then tilt the bowl and drain the water. • Repeat 2-3 times till the water becomes less cloudy. • Drain and set aside. Cook the chicken • Place a large, deep pan over a medium heat. • Add a splash of cooking oil and add the chicken (skin side down if using thighs) • Allow the chicken to brown for 5-7 minutes on its side, until deep golden brown. • Carefully turn over and cook for another 5 minutes. • Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Cook the rice • In the same pan, heat 2tbsp of cooking oil over a medium-high heat. • Add 3 cloves of minced/chopped garlic and an inch/1 tbsp of chopped ginger and fry until aromatic. • Add in the drained rice and stir to coat with the oil, ginger and garlic. • Allow it to cook for a minute whilst adding 1/2 tsp of sesame oil and mixing. • Add in your chicken stock and bring to the boil. • Once boiled, turn the heat down to low. (If you are using brown rice, add an extra 1/2 cup of chicken stock.) • Place the chicken on top of the rice and cover the pot. • Simmer for 15 minutes or until the water has been absorbed by the rice and the chicken is fully cooked. • Then remove from the heat and let sit (with the cover on) for 5-10 minutes. To Serve Scoop a helping of cooked rice onto a plate. Place cooked chicken on top. Garnish the plate with ingredients of your choice (e.g. cucumber, coriander/cilantro). Serve with your sauce (great for dipping on the side).Enjoy!

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WfM UPDATE BY FIONA MACASKILL

the other volunteers fast become my friends. And on holidays and weekends some assortment of us would go on trips to explore Peru. Hiking through the jungle, canoeing down tiny brown rivers, swimming in thermal springs, walking through the streets of some of the poorest areas in Lima and visiting the local towns helped me to praise God more fully for his creation and also to mourn more fully the brokenness of our world. It was very special to see how God used me during my time away. Who would have thought that playing the flute would have been the most useful skill in the jungle of Latin America? Knowledge which I have acquired through hours of music lessons, orchestra rehearsals and biology lessons were suddenly in demand, and it was great to be able to share those. Six weeks is long enough to build relationships, and I pray that through these I was able to show and share something of the love of Jesus to these kids. Thank you to the Women For Mission for supporting me!

very year it is such a blessing to support many of our young people through our support a volunteer

fund. Last month Sophie Macaskill shared with us about her time working with IPC Savannah. This month Emily Giffen shares with us about her time in Moyabamba, Peru, where she helped out with the work there, putting her talents as musician to good use.

This summer I spent six weeks in Peru, staying in Moyobamba with David and Martha MacPherson. In the mornings I taught nutrition at Annie Soper Christian School. It is a beautiful school with so much to get involved with and so many welcoming staff and pupils. I really enjoyed my time at the school. As a medical student teaching nutrition was totally up my street and I loved using the creative part of my brain to plan lessons; however, it wasn’t without challenges. The simple teaching plan I was given at the start quickly grew many arms and legs and I was constantly trying to re-establish realistic expectations of what I could do. I was also expected to communicate and teach in Spanish, which was a challenge due to my lack of knowledge of the language. However, I got by with lots of preparation work, my slow learning and the help of some senior students who spoke some English. In the afternoons I taught music with an organisation called San Lucas. San Lucas primarily provides medical care for the community, including cleft lip and palate surgeries for children. After surgery these children are offered woodwind music lessons to help rehabilitate them. Over the last few years, however, this music program has developed to include a wider range of instruments, as well as to include local children. Over the six weeks I taught individual flute classes, group classes and musicality masterclasses. I also played in their little orchestra with them! I couldn’t have asked for better hosts than the MacPhersons! Them, their family and friends and

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By the time this is printed we will have enjoyed our conference in Inverness and we are praying that it will be a real blessing to those who attend. As we head into the Autumn and start to look towards Christmas we would ask you to consider how you can continue to fundraise for this year’s project: Refuge and Strength. Are you selling crafts or baking? Why not consider selling at a fair and giving some of the proceeds to supporting Sparkle Sisters, Bethany Christian Trust and MISIUR through the project. Or maybe you could organise a quiz night or a coffee and cake evening. Whatever your idea we would love to hear about it and share to inspire others. Keep an eye on our website for details about how to order the revised all in one Favourite Recipes cookbook. We hope they will be available for Christmas presents this year so watch this space. •

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

IAN R MACLEOD (1940-2021) BY REV NIGEL ANDERSON

n thursday the 7th of january 2021, the congregation of trotternish were deeply saddened to learn of the death of mr

ian r macleod. Ian was in residential care for a period of two years prior to his death. “Jock”, as he was affectionately known, was at the time of his death the longest serving elder in the congregation. Although eighty years of age he enjoyed a remarkable rapport with young people. That was evidenced by the years in which he served as Sunday School teacher in Staffin. Ian was born on the 19th February 1940 and was the oldest member of a family of four. Like his father before him, he was a self-employed fencing contractor. He made fencing look easy. He was also involved with sheep and cattle rearing. Hard work and Jock were virtually synonymous terms. He was married to Joan Gillies and they were blessed with a family of three sons and three daughters. In addition, they took on the upbringing of a nephew. Joan, his like-minded wife, predeceased Ian by several years. Ian professed faith during the ministry of the late Rev Alasdair Smith in the 1970s. He was ordained to the office of elder circa 1984 and, whilst his interest was especially in young people, the older generation were by no means neglected. He frequently led the praise on Sabbath and in the prayer meeting. Although small of stature physically, he possessed tremendous strength. His smallness hid a very large heart. He was generous to a fault. A one-time university student recollects that the first time he saw a £50 note was as a gift from Jock when the student was leaving home for the first time. Jock was always extra supportive of any he considered to be an underdog. He was first and foremost a man of God. His joy knew no bounds when his late wife Joan professed faith in September 1997. He had a burden for the prosperity of the cause of Christ within the community of Trotternish, but also throughout Skye and wider afield.

He served as Presbytery elder at times of difficulty within the denomination and was a valued member locally of the Kirk Session. Fragrant and fresh in public prayer, his passing leaves a void in the congregation. Our prayer is that the Lord would raise up others who would follow in the footsteps of our late departed friend. To his sorrowing family and their extended families, we trust that they too come to know the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. •

JOHN MACKENZIE (1940-2021) BY REV NIGEL ANDERSON

n thursday 20th september 2021 the congregation of trotternish learnt of the death of a second elder.

Although into his late 80s, John was blessed with remarkable health until the last months of his life. He was married to Mary Ann and they have one very devoted daughter, Kenina. John spent much of his working life in the employment of Highland Council. He was also very involved with the local Coastguard group. In the summer months he like nothing more than to take his boat out fishing. John was relatively late in life before making public profession of faith in September 2001. He was subsequently elected and ordained to the office of elder in 18th September 2005 and adorned the office for a period of fifteen years. He was forthright in his views and never afraid to express them. John possessed a retentive memory and had a good grasp of scripture, as evidenced in public prayer. It is our prayer that his sorrowing like-minded widow Mary Ann continue to be upheld by her Lord and Saviour. We are also mindful of daughter, Kenina, not forgetting grandson, John. •

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BOOK REVIEWS Who are you? Who is our Saviour? What do you believe? Our books this month point you to the answers to these fundamental questions. BOOK OF THE MONTH ARE YOU 100% SURE YOU WANT TO BE AN AGNOSTIC? ANDREW SACH & JON GEMMELL (2022: 10PUBLISHING) While it is a little odd to be reading a book written specifically for agnostics as a Christian, there are distinct advantages. For one thing, it reminds us that to be a Christian is the only truth that exists in this world. The stark illustration on the front cover says everything that the book goes onto explain. Being an agnostic means sitting on the fence with a consequent binary coloured world. Sach and Gemmell give a convincing biblical argument that would leave no one sitting on the fence. They do this with a deep knowledge of the Word of God, but also with that kindness, humour, graciousness, and love which the Apostle Paul tells us to season our conversation when telling the Good News of Jesus Christ. The feisty dialogue, which the two authors engage in, ensure the participation of the reader because you cannot help becoming a third-party conversationalist, agreeing or otherwise. However, the short story at the close of the book reminds us that it is only when someone has confronted death that the reality of life becomes stark naked. This is a necessary addition to anyone’s library who is serious about engaging with others who are seeking a place which is more comfortable than squatting on a pointed wooden fence. • This book is available from 10ofthose.com Ruth Aird, Bruntsfield Evangelical Church, Edinburgh

THIS WORLD IS NOT MY HOME MARK G. JOHNSTON (2022: BANNER OF TRUTH) With their genesis as monthly articles on an online resource of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, the thirty stand-alone chapters of this book offer substantial chunks of meat to chew on. Grouped thematically, the first section ‘From Eden to the New Jerusalem’ briefly surveys redemption history, the last section ‘Rejoicing in Hope and Heading for Home’ centres round the fullness of joy that awaits, while further sections relating to Christology, the Church and Christian Life are presented in between. Johnston’s stated aim is to help the Christian reader ‘perhaps struggling with … often unexpected twists and turns of the life of faith.’ Notably, he then gives most space to the section on Christ’s church, acknowledging that ‘many have lost sight of the fact that to be a Christian means being part of God’s redeemed community.’ Although this collection, subtitled ‘Reflections for Pilgrims on the Way’, is primarily written to Christians, it may benefit any reader seeking an accessible theological engagement with the Christian story. • This book is available to purchase from Banner of Truth Gayle Maynard, Reformed Christian Fellowship, Barbados (previously ETS student)

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OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

IRON SHARPENS IRON MICHAEL A.G. HAYKIN (2022: UNION PUBLISHING) Professor Haykin is a prolific author and contributor and a wellknown name in the Reformed community. His recent book, ‘Iron Sharpens Iron’, is a fascinating study on the important but often neglected topic of Christian friendship. It is written from a historical perspective, detailing how Christians cultivated friendships in a preinternet age, where face to face meetings and letter writing were their main means of communication. The book’s focus is on the friendship of Andrew Fuller and John Ryland Jr, from its beginnings as young men, struggling in the theological debates of the period (e.g., Hypercalvinism) through nearly 40 years of letter writing, meetings to pray and talk and ending with Fuller's death in 1815. What cemented their friendship was a shared ‘concern for the causes of Christ at home and abroad.’ Even the differences that both men shared, with respect to communion (Fuller and Ryland held to closed and open communion, respectively) was not enough to permanently damage their friendship. The book also describes their friendships with other prominent figures including the hymn writer and former slave trader, John Newton. Haykin uses their stories to detail different aspects of friendship and does not shy away from describing friendships that faced challenges due to political and religious differences. Overall, a very fascinating and useful book. While it does not provide guidance on how to build up Christian friendships, it does teach us 3 important lessons: 1) Christians do not live as little islands by themselves. We need Christian friends to sharpen us; 2) Constant communication is key to any relationship, especially friendship, and; 3) We must have a high regard for our Christian friends despite our differences. On the death of Ryland Jr, his friend and fellow minister Robert Hall summed up Christian friendship this way, ‘It is a treasure possessed, when it is not employed; a reserve of strength, ready to be called into action when most needed; a fountain of sweets, to which we may continually repair, whose waters are inexhaustible.’ • This book is available from 10ofthose.com Jenson Lim, Dunblane Free Church

RICH WOUNDS DAVID MATHIS (2022: THE GOOD BOOK COMPANY) David Mathis has set out to give us a devotional book to help us admire and delight in the Lord Jesus, and that mission is most certainly accomplished. In 30 short chapters, we are led to consider the glory of Christ in his redemptive plan for his people in his life, death and resurrection. Each chapter is clear, concise and thoroughly Christ-exalting, with wonderful truth in every page to make your heart sing. This is a book that will help you to appreciate the saving significance of Holy Week with accessible, theologically-rich meditations, followed by a reflective prayer and further Scripture reading for each day. This pattern for each chapter is one of the many strengths of the book as it allows and encourages time for meditation and reflection. Whilst in many ways an ideal devotional for Easter, this book would be of benefit at any time of the year. In slowing us down to consider the amazing nature of God’s love displayed at the cross and the full significance of God’s power on display at the resurrection, our sense of worship and wonder at the gospel is increased. In walking us through the days of Holy Week from his Triumphal Entry to the Empty Tomb we are led to see Jesus as a king unlike any other. Inspired in part by the great hymn “Crown him with many crowns” (the title ‘rich wounds’ is drawn from it), this book will inspire you to give glory and worship to the Lamb upon the throne, the one “who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.” • This book is available from The Good Book Company James Ross, Buccleuch Free Church, Edinburgh

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

he second elizabethan age has ended.

The death of our dear Queen is without a doubt epochal. Hundreds of thousands of people queued for hours to pay their respects to Her Majesty as she lay in state. No one can doubt the palpable sense of grief which united our nation. The day of her funeral witnessed the nation paused in reverent silence. For a few days it seems that we were united. Politics became sane and our political leaders showed that they were capable of statehood. In terms of the advancement of the Kingdom people are making great claims. One national Christian leader claimed that the state funeral was the greatest ever opportunity for a gospel presentation. Others are excitedly claiming that the Queen’s death could open up a new frontier in evangelism. What is going on? If recent major events are anything to go by then the death of the beloved monarch will have very little lasting effect. One recent study on the effect of World War One, specifically on the Free Church of Scotland, concluded that it did not result in any ‘accelerated belief of a spiritual awakening’. The same is true of the Second World War, 9/11 and the more recent COVID-19 epidemic. National events, whether small or large, have very little effect on our collective spiritual consciousness. Revivals are unpredictable and are rarely triggered by events. Great awakenings are sovereign acts of God. There are, however, a number of positives. As we witnessed unprecedented engagement with the funeral rituals surrounding the monarch it clearly demonstrates that the British public is desperate for an experience of significance and even transcendence. Nesrine Malik, a liberal Muslim public intellectual suggests that the fixation on the Queen is our current manifestation of a spiritual force. She writes, ‘Whether it is one spiritual god, or several animist ones, humans need to impose a sense of logic and higher purpose on their otherwise squalid existence. The near-deification of the Queen intensified as the country pulled further apart.’ Of course, she makes a good point but fails to see that the sense of God does not come from

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within but has been given to us by our Creator. This is what Calvin called the sensus divinitatis. Each person presupposes that God exists because God has placed that longing for him within us all. As mourning crosses that line from grief to worship it encourages us to deal with people, not as machines but as men and women for whom God is not far. As we speak of Jesus we point them to the only one who can fill that gap. As the Queen is eulogised her faith is placed in central position. Those whose bar for saving faith is quite high were disappointed with the Queen. Thankfully, we do not have to appear before the court of human judgment on the last day. Faith justifies. The high points of her public faith were her early BBC Christmas broadcasts, especially in 1957 when she quoted Bunyan’s famous passage on the death of Pilgrim, ‘My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me that I have fought His battles who now will be my rewarder.’... So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.’ In 2016 she unashamedly said that she was a follower of Christ. She acknowledged the presence of other faith traditions but never gave them equality with Christianity. Although I am wary of celebrity testimonies, the centrality of the Queen’s faith gives us a talking point. Most of the tributes stop short of extolling Christ. I think Her Majesty would be disappointed with that. Mourning is a strange process. It is long and rarely follows a set timeline. One common feature is a sense of loss which brings insecurity. Things will never be the same again. As Christians we can display trust that God is in control. The world as we know it will not fall apart because one person, however regal or important, has died. It was in the year that King Uzziah died that Isaiah saw the Lord. He saw a monarch who shook the temple, who filled not just that massive temple but the whole earth with his glory. A monarch who atoned for sin. Our dear Queen is no more in this world but The Throne is not empty. In Psalm 2 the Psalmist tells Kings to be wise, to serve the Lord with fear, to celebrate his rule and to ‘Kiss his son.’ God save our King. •

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

POETRY PAGE FROM PIERS PLOWMAN BY WILLIAM LANGLAND TRANSLATED BY RONALD TAMPLIN Love in Action Truth proclaims it: love the wonder healer — No blemish left, if that herb is used. As God wished, the world was shaped in love. Revealed to Moses, it was the best of things, Heaven’s image, priceless, the plant of peace. But heaven could not contain the weight of love, Till, here on earth, it fed to the full, took Flesh and blood. After that, no leaf there was On tree so light as love, mobile in air, plunging As a needle point, no steel could stop it, Nor castle wall. So, on earth as in heaven, Love leads God’s people, like a mayor, Agent between the commons and the king. Love Directs all, frames law, fixes fines For the people’s crimes. Know it for sure, Love come surging from the power of God, Its source, its mountain spring, the human heart.

Photo by Eric Marty on Unsplash

Piers Plowman, an allegorical poem from the 14th century, is considered one of the great works of English literature. The poem is told in a series of visions where William, a personification of the Will, searches for true Christianity. Love in Action is from the first vision, Passus 1, where Holy Church comes down from the "castle on the hill" (symbolising heaven) begins teaching William the importance of Truth. •

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OCT-NOV 2022 PRAYER DIARY ‘Prayer is a sacred and appointed means to obtain all the blessings that we want, whether they relate to this life or the life to come. Shall we not know how to use the means God has appointed for our happiness. Shall so glorious a privilege lie unused through our own neglect.’ Isaac Watts SHONA MCGUIRE reflects on the theme of time and looks at prayer points. Please send any comments or topic requests to seonaid1954@hotmail.co.uk October week 1 How do we spend our time? Do we plan our days carefully utilising every minute or do we let time trickle through our hands without even noticing. The theologian John Wesley was apparently asked if tomorrow was his last day on earth what he would do. He went into his pocket and checked his diary and said he would do exactly what he had planned. Pray for a mind that allows us to play our part in God’s plan. October week 2 How long do we have? Fortunately, we are not told. Some have only a few short years while others live to a ripe old age. Perhaps because we were made for immortality, we just let time slip away. We still struggle to make good use of the threescore years and ten. Let us give thanks for whatever time we have remaining and use it well. October week 3 How do we see time? CS Lewis suggests that if you picture time as a straight line which we have to travel, then you must picture God as the whole page on which the line is drawn. We think about the past, act in the present and plan for the future, but we can’t go back or forward however much we wish we could. Imagine the chaos we could cause if it was possible. Give thanks for today and pray that we would touch the lives of others in a positive way. October week 4 How does God see time? CS Lewis imagines it as follows; ‘Almost certainly God is not in Time. His life does not consist of moments following one another. If a million people are praying to him at ten-thirty tonight. He does not need to listen to them in that one little snippet we call ten-thirty. Ten-thirty and every other moment from the beginning of the world is always present for Him’, (Mere Christianity). Pray for help in understanding what we read and how we share it with others.

November week 1 Philip Yancey in his book Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? suggests, ’We inform God what we think should be done on Earth and in the process God reminds us of our role in doing it.’ Pray for the time to listen for the answers to prayer. November week 2 Healthy Gospel Church: Pray that God will spur on prospective leaders into Christian ministry. The Free Church is looking to recruit and train 70 new ministers in the next 10 years. Pray that God will raise up leaders for these roles. Discipleship is a key part of our walk with God. We pray that we will be purposeful about discipleship to help develop a healthy church. November week 3 ‘Man’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed’. Job 14: 5. The western world spends fortunes on trying to live longer with ‘self-help groups’ available for almost everything but perhaps time would be better spent living for the moment. Live for the bit in the middle...the present... the now. Thank God for our current health and strength whatever that may be and pray for those who are in pain whether physically or mentally. November week 4 ‘In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.’ Thank God for sending his Son through time to do what we are incapable of doing. Jesus was there before time began, is with us in Spirit now and will be in the future. Help us to grasp to the supernatural power of God, what he has done for us in the past and what he is doing for us now..•

‘In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.’ Psalm 139:16t THE RECORD

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

Cosamhlachd an t`Sioladair (The Parable of the Sower) Criomagan à searmoin leis an URR DONNCHADH MACLEÒID

Droighinn Seo an fheadhainn a tha leigeal le nithean eile an slugadh suas – gnothaichean pearsanta no saoghalta a `faighinn làmh an uachdair s mar sin chan eil cothrom fàs aig an t`siol. Chan eil càil ceàrr air saoibhreas dheth fhèin ach tha Criosd a` dèanamh soilleir cho meallta sa tha e agus mar a tha ana-miannan nithean an t`saoghail a` tachdadh miannan math as dèidh nithean nèamhaidh s a bhiodh air toradh math a ghiùlan nar beatha mur a biomaid air ar cridhe shocrachadh air nithean nach fiùgh. Se cheist càite bheil ar cridhe? Far a bheil ar nìonmhas san a bhios ar cridhe. Feumaidh sinn a bhith air ar faiceall. Tha e cho furasda dhuinn bhith air ar beò-ghlacadh le nithean na beatha seo. Thubhairt Sàtan ri Iosa gun tugadh e an saoghal dha nan cromadh e sios `s nan dèanadh e adhradh dha. “Ciod e an toirbhe do dhuine ged a chosnadh e an saoghal gu hìomlan agus anam a chall? No ciod a bheir duine ann an èirig anam?” Chan urrainn dhuinn seirbhis a dhèanamh do dha mhaighstir. An cuir sinne dhinn gach cudthrom a tha cuir bacadh air toradh spioradail nar beatha? A bheil an aon ni feumail a dhùireasbhaidh oirnn no bheil an aon ni feumail againn nach bi gu bràth air thoirt uainn? Tha talamh math agus torach ann cuideachd `s nach math gu bheil! Se toradh an Spiorad gràdh, aoibhneas, sìth, fad-fhulangas, caomhalachd, maitheas, creidimh, macantas, stuaim. Tha Dia ag ullachadh an talamh-sa. Tha còir againn a bhith ag iarraidh gum biodh seo fìor dhar taobh-ne – gum biodh esan a`fosgladh ar cridhe ach am bi sinn sinne mar a bha Lidia a toirt aire do na nithean a labhras Dia ruinn. Gum biodh e soillseachadh ar nìnntinnean ann an eòlas air fhèin `s ag ath-nuadhachadh ar toile s gar dèanamh dèonach agus toileach a bhith a`gabhail ris. Se cheist mhòr a-rèiste dè seòrsa talamh air a bheil siol na rioghachd a`tuiteam nar beatha-ne? •

ha e soilleir bhon mhìneachadh a tha criosd a`dèanamh air a`chosamhlachd seo gu bheil an dòigh sam beil sinn ag èisdeachd ri facal dhè

cho do-labhairt cudthromach.

Taobh an rathaid Bha luchd-èisdeachd eòlach air a bhith faicinn sìol a` tuiteam air na frith-rathaidean beaga a bha ruith eadar na feannagan. Chan ann idir a`faighinn coire dhan fhear-cuir a tha Iosa. Sann a tha e dèanamh dealbh air mar tha cridheachan chuid; tha siol a` laighe air an uachdar gun a bhith dol nas doimhne na sin. Tha Sàtan ga thogail air falbh sa bhad. Tha e dol a-steach air aona chluais `s a-mach air a` chluais eile. Tha `n staid spioradail seo a`coimhead cho eu-dòchasach ach s` urrainn Dha-san atharrachadh a thoirt mu chuairt. Fearann creagach A rithist bha seòrsa talamh seo cumanta ann am Palestin. Tha Criosd a`labhairt air an deifir a th`eadar fìor obair gràis agus rud a dh`fhaodadh a bhith coimhead coltach ris. Dìreach mar tha ghrian gu ìre co-dhiù math son bhith toirt air lusan fàs – faodaidh buairidhean a bhith air an cleachdadh a chum maith sluagh Dhè – `s gu dearbh tha sin air a ghealltainn dhuinn - ach far a bheil fìor obair Dhè bi freumhan ann `s chan eil sin idir ann an seo. Chan eil Criosd idir ag ràdh gu bheil càil ceàrr mu sinn a bhith air ur gluasad fon fhacal neo eadhon air grad fhàs agus aideachadh mar a thachair mar eisimpleir ann an eachdraidh caillteanach Etiopia. Tha e math a bhith tighinn dhan fhollais ach mur eil ann ach sin chan eil sin gu leòr. Far a bheil fìor chreidimh bi e air a dhearbhadh ach far an tòisich esan leis an deagh obair coileanaidh e i gu là Iosa Criosd. Far nach tòisich thèid sinn air ais `s cha lean sinn e nas motha. Faodaidh searmoin, freasdal, fianais chàich buaidh a toirt oirnn ` s faodaidh sinn a bhith mar a dhùilicheadh daoine on leth a muigh car ùine co-dhiù ach `s èiginn cridhe nuadh a bhith againn- mur beirear duine rìthist chan urrainn e rioghachd Dhè fhaicinn. Bheil sinn deònach a bhith gar ceusnachadh fhìn ann an solas nan earrainnean seo? S iomadh buaireadh a bhios ann ach sann don tì a bhuanaicheas a bheir esan comas suidhe maille ris air a rìgh-chathair. Air sgàth maith sìorraidh ar n`anam na leigeamaid le trioblaid neo geur-leanmhainn airson an fhacail bho dhuine sam bi toirt oirnne oilbheum a ghabhail.

2022

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BY CATRIONA MURRAY

POST TENEBRAS LUX

Photo by Dorothea Witter-Rieder on Wikipedia Commons

depths of wickedness. At times, I have found it hard to believe that a God so holy that he cannot look on sin would see me as anything other than I am — a sin-ravaged wretch. But, as the song says, he has made a wretch his treasure. How, though? Well, in the same way that October sun transforms the mundane into the magical. God looks at me through the filter of his Son’s sacrifice. Like seasonal light, this purifies and elevates. My sin is covered and his perfection is highlighted, imputed to me through nothing I have ever done except acknowledging my need of this Saviour. Like so many other things the mysteries and complexities of the redemptive plan are made simple in the natural world. In the Lews Castle Grounds, we have a planted woodland, laid down by human hands and designed to please Victorian sensibilities. Yet, it is elevated in beauty when God shines his light upon it. Creation accepts his light and is beautified by it. It occurs to me often how much we have complicated the message of salvation: doctrine, denomination and dogma obscuring the simple, beautiful truth that God so loves the world that he gave his only begotten Son that we should not die but have everlasting life. When I think of my own road to assurance, I wince at the number of obstacles I placed before myself. Did I have the tools to finish the job? Would this be yet another thing I began, but couldn’t finish? Was I really ready to profess faith ahead of that person, and this one, and those people? I don’t doubt that doctrine is necessary — but it seems to become a greater imperative the more we try to complicate the central message of Christ’s free offer. If we didn’t make his simple, beautiful sacrifice obscure and unattainable with so many words and rules and man-made add-ons, perhaps doctrine would not have to work so hard. The unsaved have questions and doubts; they think that something this wonderful is highly improbable. That being the case, those of us who have walked the path before them, suffused in his marvellous light, must let them see that, actually, it is very straightforward indeed: God is not willing that any should perish, and he has given us the means to make it so. •

eason of mists and mellow fruitfulness it may well be elsewhere, but in the hebrides, autumn

has a tendency to be wet and windy. Our general dearth of trees means that we are largely lacking in the multi-hued beauty of a Highland woodland, so beloved of tourist brochures at this time of the year. There is, however, one place that I can go to experience fall and that is the Lews Castle Grounds. If you’re not familiar with the place, it is a planted Victorian woodland, in the environs of a 19th century hunting lodge (somewhat ostentatiously referred to as ‘Lews Castle’), built by the then proprietor of Lewis, Sir James Matheson. These pretty acres have been under community ownership since 1923 and are beloved by local people who go there to walk with dogs, pushchairs and even sometimes just their thoughts. Thanks to the many trees and shrubs growing there, the Castle Grounds are a joy for the senses at any time, but a positive symphony of colour and scent as the days shorten. Light has a particular quality as it filters through the canopy of leaves, rendering everything somehow magical. Walking there with my own dog, it is hard to resist taking photographs of everything I see whenever he stops to sniff insistently at the ground (which is often). A quite ordinary boulder, half-covered with moss becomes an objet d’ art in the October sun; a mouldering pile of leaves is suddenly glowing and golden; the river Creed bubbles melodically over stones and discarded branches. Everything is transformed under an autumn sky. I am fortunate enough to work on the Outer Hebrides campus of UHI, which is situated in these very grounds. Two minutes beyond my office window is a road which runs along the back of the college, lined with bramble bushes and picturesque trees. Recently, I took a stroll there and listened to the mellifluous tones of David Suchet, reading from Corinthians and in particular, ‘He made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in him’. It’s certainly not that I doubt this in any way, but I found that the idea of substitution made more sense in a place I have seen transformed by seasonal light. I know my own heart, though even I can’t fathom its

THE RECORD

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER

The Record - October/November 2022

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POST TENEBRAS LUX