The Latimer Syndrome Spreads

David Latimer seems to be enjoying his celebrity status as Martin McGuinness' 'presbyterian chaplain' but he is doing it, and gaining these 'honours', by dancing on the graves of the people that McGuinness & Co sent to their deaths, including my youngest brother, Kenneth. 

His denomination, at both national and local levels, has been deafeningly silent about Dr Latimer's activities, in contradistinction to the way Rev Mervyn Gibson was brought before church authorities for walking down the Newtownards Road to the music of a hymn.  Is it a case that the Presbyterian Church in Ireland supports provo-lovers, but despises members of the orange order?  This seems to be the case, in the light of his church's recent activities.  It is very distressing for members of PCI to see their denomination applauding, by its silence, the very public support given by one of its ministers to a notorious terrorist leader, yet is prepared to take action against another minister who seeks to stand for Gospel principles. 

Indeed, the Moderator of that church is strangely quiet at present - does he also support what McGuinness has done to his own fellow members?  If not, then let him come out and say so.

Innocent victims of the IRA's terrorist campaign are especially hurt by Latimer's bare-faced support for a terrorist leader, and for a man whose organisation sent many Presbyterians et al to their untimely graves.  Whilst quite clearly there are Presbyterians who will support their church at all costs, and will go on supporting it regardless, others are much more discerning, and will now be re-assessing their position within that religious denomination.  But in all likelihood, such re-assessment will issue in no change, whatever hold a church has on its members.

But David Latimer ought to be thoroughly ashamed of himself, as ought his church.  But there again, "shame demands grace," and where there is "no grace" there will be "no shame." 

I am also wondering what Dr Lesley Carroll thinks of this - my suspicion is that she thinks that all such activity is excellent, and to pot with the innocent victims of the IRA.  She also demonstrates by her actions that every action that can be taken against Gospel ministers within PCI, ought to be done without undue delay. The very presence of these ministers is an annoyance that they could do well without.

PCI's deafening silence about this matter demonstrates that, as a church, it does not know much about true reconciliation, even at the horizontal level!

Mr Walter Mitty, Church Elder

Some church elders seem to be Walter Mitty characters - having exaggerated ideas of their own importance.  They see themselves as the 'authorities' within the church/congregation. Their rule runs!  They say what is done and what is not done.  They determine who preaches in their pulpit, not the minister.

It never seems to appear to them that the only authority within the Christian and reformed church is the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments,  which are the alone supreme authority against which everything is to be judged.  Of course, this is an utter irrelevance in many churches that have ruling elders.  In my experience, many of them are not Christians, therefore do not know Christ or His Word.  So it is pointless a minister trying to assess spiritual issues in the light of God's Word.  Ignorant elders providing spiritual leadership - what a sick joke!  Indeed, I spoke to an elder a few years ago who did not even know the Westminster Confession of Faith - the very document that he said was what he believed at the moment of his ordination to this biblical office, and to which he signed his name. 

I have heard of a situation where an elder tried to blackmail his minister by refusing to provide an essential piece of equipment until he stopped condemning the practice of co-habitation.  The minister refused, all credit to him.  That elder obviously does not know the Scriptural teaching about marriage, or, if he does, has decided to ignore it.  How such a man can be retained as an elder of as professing Christian church is utterly amazing; but there it is.

The days at college were not the most inspirational in my life; but I do remember an old professor telling us that the authority of the elders stops at the bottom of the pulpit steps.  That meant that no elder, within the reformed churches at any rate, has the right to tell a minister what to preach on, or what version of the Bible to read from, or how he is to conduct his ministry.  Of course, a wise and mature minster will listen to his elders, especially if they are mature Christian men, and consider what they are saying, in a bid to try to bring improvements, according to the teaching of the Scriptures, to the overall spiritual development of the congregation.  But a good reformed minister will not allow himself to be told who will preach in his pulpit, and who will not!  He has the right and the responsibility to refuse to follow those instructions. And given the fact that so many elders are not only unregenerate, but in some infamous cases, are ungodly men (and now women), the conscientious minister will oppose any move on the part of his elders who wish to push him down an unbiblical and unChristian road.  It is one thing for a minister not to want certain ministers in his pulpit, it is an altogether different matter for any elder to demand that certain ministers are not to preach in his pulpit.  If the preacher is a liberal and unbiblical ecumenist, then hooray for the elder who has the courage of his convictions.  But if, as it most likely the case, the 'banned' minister is an evangelical, Gospel preacher, then that elder is way out of line and must be told so in no uncertain terms.

But these are indeed strange times we're living in.  Of this day it can also be said, "The Word of God (is) rare in these days."

Let us Read the Word of God!

If you are interested in having a Bible on your computer, may I graciously refer you to this link.
This will give you a digital version of the King James Version that can be downloaded to your computer in five (5) minutes; it is also downloadable to your iPhone, if you have one.

This means that when you want to read a portion of God's Word, you have it convenient to you - on your computer.  And in addition, if you are on the move, and own an iPhone, you can read the Scriptures by this means. You will have the complete OT and NT, as well as a number of bonuses that will help you in your Christian walk.

Think how easy it will be to check passages and texts, and how convenient it will be to prepare Bible studies and to cross reference what it is you want to say.

When you hear your minister say next Sunday, "Let us read the Word of God," you will know that you can do that at anytime, and in digital format.

Visit the website at this link and have this, still loved, version of the Holy Scriptures.
 

Courage Under The Cross

Have you got your copy of the author's book of the above name?  It's a treat to read, and is full of very practical help for the Christian who just might be finding life a bit tough.  Each sermon is based on an exposition of the Scriptures, which involves both explanation and application of the message.

To get your copy, send a cheque, postal order or cash for £5.00 (p&p included) to: Really Living, 23 Parkmore Close, MAGHERAFELT, Co. Londonderry, BT45 6PL, Northern Ireland, UK. Please make cheques and postal orders payable to Dr J. E. Hazlett Lynch. Orders will be fulfilled within 10 working days. Cash orders will be dispatched immediately.

Or, you can pay for it using PayPal by clicking the BUY NOW button below.  PayPal is the safest, easiest, simplest, fastest and most secure method of  paying for your book.

 If you pay by this method, it will be despatched within two working days.

Of their father!

People who swear and blaspheme the precious Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who take God's holy Name in vain, cannot be trusted, and are not people who love truth or are truthful.  Why?  because everyone who speaks in these ways directs their verbal onslaughts against the God, against His Son Jesus Christ, Who is the Truth. Such people's word, or their oath, cannot be trusted. And no matter what they say is saturated with anti-truth sentiments.  They are given to exaggeration, sometimes wild and gross exaggeration, and to wild flights of fancy.  What they tell you must not be believed without independent corroboration.  These people are led astray themselves, and lead others astray.  Their immoral disposition precludes their being lovers of truth and honesty, however they might protest to the contrary.  Their habitual language reveals a character and disposition that causes them to be most self-righteous, seeing themselves as paragons of virtue.  In particular company, they are most plausible, but when their guard is down, you see them for what they really are.

Where does all this come from?  Well, they get it from "their father."  They exhibit their father's traits and characteristics, and there can be no doubting just who their father really is.  They send much time with him - because they do not spend time with Christ - and he feeds them their attitudes, what to say, ow to say it, and to whom.  He has them very well schooled indeed.

Who is their father?  Well, the Bible tells us that it is the devil himself. He is the "father of lies" and has been "a liar from the very beginning."  And when you listen to these people, many of whom are church people, church members, church office-bearers and youth leaders, you know very quickly whose family that belong to.  They are so true to their father that being unable to distinguish them from those who do not belong to their family just never arises.  They are totally consistent with their father's nature. 

You know, you can know for sure who your father is by observing the language you use when you speak. Do you curse, do you swear, do you blaspheme, do you take God's name in vain?  If you do, these are the family traits that mark you off as a member of the devil's family - he is your father.  When you pray, do you just throw in the Lord's Name as a kind of 'filler,' to give you time to think what next to say; oh, be very careful, for you are taking God's name in vain, you are blaspheming as you pray! 

Repent, turn to God in Christ, and seek His forgiveness immediately.  Turn to Him with your whole heart.  Confess your sins, and ask for pardon.  And do it now!

Denney Sermon 1911

In 1911, the greatly loved and respected Rev Prin. James Denney, DD, published a book of sermons entitled, The Way Everlasting, (Hodder and Stoughton, London, 1911).  One of that collection was entitled Knowledge not mystery, the basis of religion (1911:26-37).  Basing his remarks of Deut.29:29, Denney said that “the secret things spoken of in this verse are in the first instance the destiny of the Jewish people.,” (p.26)   He preached about the law as being what God has revealed to His people, and through them to the world. 

He continues by making reference to “the fortune or destiny of the nations” being “always an interesting subject for speculation,” (27).  Mentioning such nations/empires as Babylon, Egypt, Tyre, Carthage, Rome, and Venice, as examples of the outworking of this great principle, Denney applies this to the UK of that time.  He says, “It verifies the word of God which speaks to us in this chapter; it shows us in a thousand ways that vice is the worm at the root of a nation’s strength, and that righteousness alone makes nations great.”  How true this is!  Proverbs teaches us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” (14:34).  That vice is a worm at the root of every nation’s strength, is a given; but that this is recognised by the leaders of nations is not so well recognised.

Denney proceeds, “Often we meet with speculations on the future of our own country or of its contemporaries and rivals.  We are invited to see a greater Britain grow continually greater, until a federation of English-speaking peoples controls the affairs of the world, with a pleasing consciousness of having only obtained their due; or to see the worn-out British race, stripped of its ships, its colonies and its commerce, sinking to an inglorious end. These speculations are precisely what is meant here when we read, the secret things belong unto the Lord our God: as far as we concerned, the book of the future is sealed with seven seals.” 

However, as Deut.29:29 so clearly teaches, while we cannot tell the fortunes of the nation in advance, we are told on what it is they depend.  On obedience to God’s revealed will.  So when a nation, or society, or family or individual operates and lives in open or secret defiance of God’s revealed will in Scripture, it has nothing but the judgement of God to look forward to.  They knew what God required, but they said in their hearts that they knew better than God, and went and did their own thing.  They defied and rebelled against God. 

Is Britain still Great Britain?  Wherein does her greatness lie?  At one time it lay in her adherence to the Bible, the Word of God.  But dare anyone make that claim about Britain today?  Is Britain still a God-fearing, Bible-believing country?  Are her laws compliant with God’s revealed will in Scripture?  Are moral standards being upheld in our nation?  Are the norms of decency being enforced, or are they being flouted – with government approval?  Is it safe for our young people to walk the streets of our towns and cities, without fear of molestation or other form of attack?  Is our nation rigorous in its compliance with God’s Word?  Is there vice being exposed in today’s world?  Have the authorities taken steps to curb the practices of vice?  The answer is a decided NO.

The same applies to the church of Jesus Christ on earth.  Is the professing church religious in its adherence to the Word of God?  Is she more concerned about Confessional correctness than about obeying the Scriptures?  Does she take holiness within her bounds seriously?  Is righteousness so important to her that it is not only practiced but seen to be practiced?  Does she preach the Gospel faithfully?  Are the biblical requirements for church membership adhered to strictly?  Is she involved in all sorts of ‘cover-up’ of scandals in order to protect her own ‘blue-eyed boys’?  Does she seek and experience the power of God in her services?  Is God present by His Holy Spirit in a way that is unmistakable?  Is He present in power in the worship of the people?  Again, the monotonous answer must be NO.

What is the certain result of all this?  Disaster and ruin of what is essentially the church, and the preservation of what is the mere outward manifestation of organised religion.  The outworking of God’s “secret things” is happening even though we cannot always see it.  The worm of vice is working continually at the ‘strength’ of the nation, the church, the family, and the individual, but its work is hidden.  Only in time will the full fruits of its secret activity be seen; but then it will be too late. 

Are you feeding the worm of vice in your life?  Is the worm of vice active in your family, church and community?  Is it being fed with the wickedness it needs for survival?  Are you feeding it?  Do you know you are feeding it?  Are you even concerned?

Proverbs teaches us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” (14:34).  Our nation is a reproach because it not only tolerates but facilitates open sin and wickedness.  She thinks she is great, but her greatness is fast disappearing.  Allow me to rephrase that same text and apply it thus:  “Righteousness exalts a church, but sin is a reproach to any congregation.”  Does true righteousness, not a false righteousness or a wicked self-righteousness, exalt your church, or has it to be said that the sinful practices and attitudes and beliefs that you cherish are making your church a reproach amongst the people of the world?

Or making it even more personal: “Righteousness exalts a people, but sin is a reproach to any individual.”  Is there a sense in which it can be said of you that you are being exalted because of the genuineness of your righteousness?  Or is the sad truth rather that you are despised and a reproach because of your sin?

These are searching questions, are they not?  So, consider your ways!

New HYMN for SONGS OF PRAISE Celebrations

Yes, for many, 'Songs of Praise' has provided a glimmer of spiritual cheer for fifty years.

However, no period has known a greater degree of religious decline and Christian apostasy.

No section of the professing Christian Church stands untarnished.

Ecumenism has led to an increase of papal-inspired authoritarianism and ritualism. Rome's priesthood is corrupted with paedophilia.

The Anglican Church has disintegrated through Liberalism, poisoned by feminism and homosexuality.

'Happy clappy' and 'charismanic' Evangelicalism has produced a superficial and trivial spirituality, perverted by fleshly worship styles and sentimental music.

Reformed Calvinists have produced much dead orthodoxy, hypercalvinism and antinomianism.

IT IS TIME FOR REPENTANCE!   TIME TO PRAY FOR REFORMATION AND REVIVAL!

The following 'Hymn for Revival' is a humble contribution to this end [see attachment for tune]:

HYMN FOR REVIVAL

(Psalm 85; Habakkuk. 3: 2)

Tune:

Llanllyfni DSM

(John Jones Talsarn, 1796-1857)

　
O GOD, exalt your name,
Revive your prostrate cause;
The honours of your Son proclaim
And vindicate His laws;
Our lethargy we mourn,
The unresponsive heart,
We long to taste the liberty
Your Spirit can impart. 　                                  2 Reveal the sight of Him
                                    For whom we feebly strive;
                                    Our vision of your truth is dim,
                                    We scarcely seem alive;
                                    Our sins His heart have pained,
                                    Our shame we cannot hide,
                                    Are we the church, by blood redeemed,
                                    For whom the Saviour died? 　                                                                      

                            3      Lord, come with sovereign power,
                                    Purge our hypocrisy,
                                    Come in this late, this needy hour
                                    And grant us sanctity;
                                    Oh banish from our minds
                                    Sin’s least suggestive thought,
                                    Fulfil the purpose of your wounds,
                                    Implant what you have wrought. 　                                      

                                 4 Inspire our hearts to feel
                                    The truth we have declared;
                                    O God, the world has quenched our zeal,
                                    By fear we are ensnared;
                                    Free us from bondage, Lord,
                                    Revive your work once more,
                                    Then all the earth shall hear your word,
                                    All shall your grace adore!

　

Dr Alan C. Clifford

　(Used with the author's express and gracious permission)