Another step along the road of the great apostasy!

BBC News - Church of Scotland General Assembly votes to allow gay ministers

BBC News - Gay marriage: Deal to allow bill to proceed in Parliament

The Church of Scotland's ruling General Assembly has voted to allow active sodomites to become church ministers. This, along with David Cameron striking a deal with Labour to push through sodomite marriage, marks another milestone along the road of the great apostasy that is to take place prior to the Saviour's return, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3: Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.

A return to the days of Lot in Sodom was prophesied by the Saviour Himself, Luke 17:28-30: Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. Those days are upon us.

It is little wonder that the Word of God depicts true believers as yearning for that day when Christ will return and bring to an end this reign of wickedness, Revelation 22:20: He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Creationists at heart!

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have supposedly broken through a symbolic mark in recent days. Daily measurements of carbon dioxide levels recorded at an United States government agency laboratory on the island of Hawaii have topped 400 parts per million for the first time in the modern age.

The claim is made that the last time carbon dioxide levels were regularly above 400 parts per million was 3-5 million years ago. In the evolutionary scheme of things this is supposed to be before modern humans existed.

BBC News - Carbon dioxide passes symbolic mark

CNN - CO2 levels hit new peak at key observatory

Free Presbyterian Position on Ecclesiastical Separation

Statement from the Free Presbyterian Church in Ulster General Presbytery

This statement has been published and distributed to Free Presbyterian congregations

Our Stand on Separation

The Scriptures lay before Christ’s Church the will of God pertaining to the doctrine of separation. With regard to this doctrine the following points are made clear in God’s Word. (It is important to underline that the points outlined below that present the Biblical teaching on separation, constitute a summary of what the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster has stated, believed and preached during its entire history).

1. The holiness of God is the undeniable root of separation at both a personal and an ecclesiastical level. God’s holiness is the essence of His very being, thus He is “glorious in holiness”, (Exodus 15: 11); and He is transcendently holy, so that “There is none holy as the Lord”, (1 Samuel 2: 2).

2. On the basis of His own holiness the Lord commands His people to be holy, “Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy”, (Leviticus 19: 2), (1 Peter 1: 16).

Stats for April

When is death destroyed?

This question arises from the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28:
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 

When is the 'last enemy' death destroyed? The answer is found in observing the order set forth in these verses:

Call to impose sodomite marriage on Northern Ireland through the courts

The Christian Institute reports that: Legal action could be used to force same-sex marriage on Northern Ireland, according to two groups that back gay marriage. Last year the Northern Ireland Assembly voted against a motion to support same-sex marriage, with a minister saying there were many other issues it should be debating. But Amnesty International and a gay lobby group in the Province say a legal challenge could be made if marriage is not redefined in Northern Ireland, but is in the rest of the UK.

To read the rest of the article click here for a link to the Christian Institute website. 

Some other relevant links:

The Guardian - Northern Ireland's ban on gay marriage to be challenged by Amnesty in court

The Purpose and Success of Evangelism as the Return of Christ Draws Nearer

This topic is suggested by the different tone that we find in two types of Scripture verses. On one hand there are verses which speak of the spread of the knowledge of Christ. On the other hand there are verses which speak of the end time apostasy developing and only a remnant testimony being found in the earth when Christ returns. These types of verses would seem to be, and in reality are, incompatible with one another.

How on one hand can the Scriptures teach that: For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts, Malachi 1:11; and yet at the same time the Scriptures teach that a great apostasy will be taking place; the love of many will wax cold; professing Christendom will be like a field mixed with worthless tares; multiple false prophets will be deceiving many; evil men will wax worse and worse; there will no ear for sound doctrine, rather a believing of fables; scoffers will abound; all of professing Christianity slumbers and sleeps and the Saviour laments whether there will be faith on the earth when He returns? These verses are simply not compatible!

The onward march of anti-semitism

The rise of anti-semitism in Europe, and beyond, took a step forward this past week with the actions of the Congress of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI). This report states that:

At its Annual Congress on Thursday 4th April 2013, the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) became the first academic union in Europe to endorse the Palestinian call for an academic boycott of Israel. The motion, which refers to Israel as an “apartheid state”, calls for “all members to cease all cultural and academic collaboration with Israel, including the exchange of scientists, students and academic personalities, as well as all cooperation in research programmes” was passed by a unanimous vote during today’s morning session.

The motion further calls on the Irish Congress of Trade Unions to “step up its campaign for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against the apartheid state of Israel until it lifts its illegal siege of Gaza and its illegal occupation of the West Bank, and agrees to abide by International law and all UN Resolutions against it”, and on the TUI to conduct an awareness campaign amongst members on the need for BDS. The motion was a composite motion proposed by the TUI Executive Committee and TUI Dublin Colleges Branch. It was presented by Jim Roche, a lecturer in the DIT School of Architecture and member of the TUI Dublin Colleges Union branch, and seconded by Gerry Quinn, Vice President of the TUI.

Stats for March

What is the point of this?????

This season of the year is marked, in numerous places across the world, by those who foolishly seek to re-enact the crucifixion of Christ to some degree.

Over a dozen reasons why the argument for Exclusive Psalmody doesn't stand up, Part 17

17. An Exclusive Psalmist can never sing the name of 'Jesus'

John Newton penned the words of that exquisite hymn, How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds.* The name 'Jesus' means 'Saviour' in Greek. The Hebrew equivalent is the name 'Joshua' or 'Jehoshua', cf. Numbers 13:16 & 1 Chronicles 7:27. These two names are interchanged in Hebrews 4:8: For if Jesus [ie Joshua] had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. The name of 'Jesus' appears well over 900 times in the New Testament.

There is something very special about the Saviour's name. This name was given to Him by His Father. The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph to instruct him that this was the name by which he was to call the offspring of the Virgin, Matthew 1:20,21: But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

The Blasphemy of the Pope

Here is a reminder, with the election of a new Pope, of the blasphemous beliefs of Romanism about the Pope

History is replete with the statements made by different Popes or else made by other Romanists about the Papacy. They have never been shy in stating their claims. Rome might be a little embarrassed in modern times about the antics of her priests, bishops and Popes but these claims have never been denied or disowned.

For example:
Cardinal Manning in a sermon in the Pro Cathedral, Kensington, and reported in the Tablet [weekly Catholic newspaper] 9th October 1864 said: [speaking in the name of the Pope]
I acknowledge no civil superior, I am the subject of no prince, and I claim more than this, I claim to be the supreme judge on earth and director of the consciences of men, I am the last supreme judge of what is right and wrong.

Peter's message to the new Pope

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot, 1 Peter 1:18,19. 

The Church of Rome falsely claims that Peter was the first Pope. She has built the whole system of the Papacy supposedly upon certain words that the Saviour spoke to Peter making him the head of the Apostles and giving him special authority on earth over the Church of Christ.

Peter is not the rock upon which the Church is built. Neither was he given any special place above the other apostles in the Church. Furthermore there is no evidence in the Bible that Peter was ever bishop of Rome as Popery claims. The only time that Peter was ever in Rome is the claim from Church history that he was taken there and martyred for the faith.

Spiritualising Scripture - A warning from J C Ryle

The following quotation is taken from J C Ryle's commentary on John's Gospel, chapter 12, verses 12-19:

We learn, for another thing, in these verses, how minutely the PROPHECIES concerning Christ's first coming were fulfilled. The riding into Jerusalem on an donkey, which is here recorded, might seem at first sight a simple action, and in no way remarkable. But when we turn to the Old Testament, we find that this very thing had been predicted by the Prophet Zechariah five hundred years before. (Zech. 9:9.) We find that the coming of a Redeemer some day was not the only thing which the Holy Spirit had revealed to the Fathers, but that even the least particulars of His earthly career were predicted and written down with precise accuracy.

Stats for February

Biblical Separation and “Platform fellowship”

“Platform fellowship’ is a phrase coined to describe the artificial distinction some see in the relationship, or fellowship, experienced among participants in a conference situation. Sometimes this conference scenario primarily involves preaching, while in others it is primarily academic in nature. However, when a conference is theological or involves handling the truth of God in any form, it cannot simply be regarded as academic, whether it involves preachers or seminarians.

The concept of ‘platform fellowship’, as defined by many conservative evangelicals, allows them to justify in their own minds the freedom to associate with, worship with, preach with and lecture with those that, on a strictly Biblical basis, they should distance themselves from. It is in many ways an attempt to find a way for men to bring together what God has put asunder! …

Click here to read the rest of the article on the Stand Still A While Blog site by Rev Andrew Foster. 

C H Spurgeon on the 'Family'

My wife drew my attention to these words about the Family [I am presently preaching a series on the Family in Newtownabbey FPC] which she read in a sermon preached by C. H. Spurgeon, entitled: 'Comfort from the Future'.

The words come from No. 2676 in Volume 46 of his sermons. It was preached at the Metropolitan Tabernacle on Lord's day evening 30th January 1881, upon the text in Job 11:16: Thou shalt forget thy misery, and remember it as waters that pass away.

The truth escapes every now and then!

Despite many concerted attempts to suppress the truth, thankfully every now and then it manages to burst forth into the 'public square'.

The Welsh secretary in the United Kingdom, Westminster Government, Mr David Jones, has said that sodomite couples 'clearly' cannot provide a 'warm and safe environment in which to raise children. His exact words are:
I regard marriage as an institution that has developed over many centuries, essentially for the provision of a warm and safe environment for the upbringing of children, which is clearly something that two same-sex partners can't do.

Mr Jones voted against the re-definition of marriage when it was debated and voted upon recently in the British House of Commons. He was one of only two cabinets ministers to do so.

Over a dozen reasons why the argument for Exclusive Psalmody doesn't stand up, Part 16

16. A number of the Psalms could not have been sung in public worship as they contained instructions forbidden in public worship. 

The Lord laid down strict instructions as to what musical instruments were to be employed in public worship in the Temple. These instructions relate to four musical instruments, namely: the trumpet, harp, psaltery and cymbals.

The use of the trumpet was present from the very beginning of the Mosaic economy. The silver trumpets were to be blown at set times, cf. Numbers 10:2-.

J. C. Ryle on Marriage

In no relation is so much earthly happiness to be found, if it be entered upon discreetly, advisedly and in the fear of God. In none is so much misery seen to follow, if it be taken in hand unadvisedly, lightly, wantonly and without thought.

New website - well worth visiting!

Believers Alerted to New Ageism & Secular Humanism

Click on the icon above for the link to the new website

Days of Noah & Lot to return

In Luke 17:26-30 the Saviour spoke of certain characteristics that would mark the days prior to His second coming:
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.
They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.
Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.

Stats for January

Over a dozen reasons why the argument for Exclusive Psalmody doesn't stand up, Part 15

15. Singing Psalms which make mention of musical instruments

It would be very insteresting to know whether exclusive Psalmist sing all the 150 psalms of the Psalter? This question is asked in the light of the numerous places in the Psalter where mention is made of singing accompanied by musical instrument, either in the title, which is part of the inspired record or in the Psalm itself.

The metrical version of the Psalms omits the inclusion of the inspired titles of the Psalms and yet makes the claim that the metrical version is a faithful translation of the original. How can the metrical version be described as a faithful translation when it omits the inspired titles of many of the Psalms? In many cases where an inspired title is given to the Psalm it forms verse 1. There is actually one verse more in the Hebrew Bible than in the Authorised Version or the metrical version. At least the Authorised Version includes the title separately, whereas the metrical version omits it altogether!

Would this omisison have anything to do with the fact that in a number of these inspired titles there are specific commands given to sing the Psalm with the accompaniment of musical instruments?

Over a dozen reasons why the argument for Exclusive Psalmody doesn't stand up, Part 14

14. The metrical translation of the Psalms is not an accurate translation. 

The 150 Psalms of Scripture are Hebrew poetry. There are written in prose and not in metre. For the Psalms to be sung in congregational worship today they have to be changed to metrical rhythm. In doing so there are many changes that take place. 

Numerous additional words are added to suit the particular metre to which the Psalm is set. A very obvious example of this can easily be referenced. The longest of all the Psalms in the Bible is Psalm 119.  If you paste the words of the English translation from the Authorised Version into a word processing document and do a simple word count, it will tell you that there are 2,621 words in the English translation of this particular Psalm. Do the same with the Scottish metrical version of Psalm 119 and the word count is 3,090. The Scottish metrical version of Psalm 119 has an incredible 1,279 extra words! Amazingly, over a third of the metrical version is made up of additional words as compared with the Authorised Version!