FANNY JONES

Fanny Jones (1805-77) was the equally-amazing wife of the amazing Welsh preacher, John Jones, Talsarn (1796-1857).

'As Welsh people we are under a great debt to this woman, ...we can never measure the work she did in being an instrument to give ‘the People’s Preacher’ to the people...In her self denial, Wales heard a message from Heaven - her efforts facilitated the way for Wales to be drenched by the irresistible eloquence of the ‘hero from Talysarn’ (O. Llew. Owain of Talysarn, Cofiant Mrs Fanny Jones, tr. Marian G. Clifford).

Fanny's story is not only touchingly-inspirational. She remains a challenge to women of all ages and eras. She is also a Christian rebuke to modern feminist ideas of womanhood. She would even have taught Margaret Thatcher a few things! Between them, John & Fanny Jones provide wonderful role models. They are a glorious antidote to apostate institutional religion and the bankrupt warring political factions of our secular times.

As the attached extract (from an ongoing project on her life*) shows, Fanny Jones helps us to live life and also to face death. 

There's much more about her to come...  WATCH THIS SPACE!

Yours faithfully,

Dr Alan C. Clifford

* included in a forthcoming biography on her husband.

Church of Scotland faces exodus over gay clergy

Church of Scotland leaders are set to make a decision over the appointment of openly gay ministers. Picture: Getty

By CRAIG BROWN
Published on Sunday 21 April 2013 00:09

UP TO 50 congregations may leave the Church of Scotland if the General Assembly votes next month to allow the ordination of openly gay ministers.

Two congregations and a number of ministers have already left over the issue.
Now the Kirk is braced for a potential haemorrhage of evangelical members if the proposal is passed, in protest at what they consider is a breach with biblical teachings.
Sources within the more fundamentalist Free Kirk have revealed that representatives of 50 congregations around Scotland have held initial discussions about splitting from the Church of Scotland in advance of the debate and vote on gay ordination in May.
Although the Church of Scotland has more than 1,400 congregations, such an exodus would represent the biggest split in its ranks since the 19th-century schism which led to the Free Kirk’s formation.
If such an exodus were to go ahead, the Free Kirk would almost double in size. The source said: “Representatives from the Free Church have spoken to many different ministers, elders and members in the Church of Scotland who are mulling over their options – amounting to some 50 congregations.
“Obviously, a lot hinges on what happens at the General Assembly, and the current vibe is that it does not look good at all for the evangelical ­position.”
The debate was sparked by the Rev Scott Rennie, an openly gay minister who was appointed to Queen’s Cross Church in Aberdeen in 2009. Two years ago the General Assembly put off a formal decision on the issue by setting up a Theological Commission. Although the seven-strong commission, drawn from both traditionalist and revisionist sides of the debate, reported last week, it declined to put forward a recommended option in its 92-page report on Same-sex Relationships and the Ministry.
Instead it offered contrasting interpretations by both sides and guidelines depending on how the General ­Assembly might vote.
The report goes on to recognise that a new schism is possible if the ordination of gay ministers is allowed. “If the revisionist trajectory is upheld,” it warns, “many Christians will feel that the Church has called ‘good’ what the Bible calls ‘sin’ and will feel the need to leave the Church.”
The congregation of St George’s Tron in Glasgow elected to leave the Kirk in December, followed in February by Gilcomston South Church in Aberdeen.
The Rev Paul Gibson, min­ister of Perth Free Church, who joined the Free Kirk last October, said: “I think evan­gelicals will feel the report simply demonstrates what has been known for a long time – ­namely that within the Kirk are not two Christian ­perspectives but, in fact, two distinct religions, both of which are incompatible with the other. One is called Christianity and submits to the Bible as the word of God and the other is called ‘liberalism’ and does not.”
A Free Church of Scotland spokesman said “It is our hope and prayer that if there are those brothers and sisters who feel they cannot stay in the Church of Scotland, that, ­rather than form yet another Presbyterian church in Scotland, they will join with those of us who have every sympathy with them and support their stance. A working group from the Free Church has spoken to a range of parties and our aim is to work with fellow Christians wherever we find them.”
A Church of Scotland spokesman said: “We regret and are saddened that any ministers or individuals feel they are obliged to, or feel the need to, leave over this issue but no-one knows how the General Assembly will vote or what it will decide until the day of the debate.”
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I think the really important point here is that within the larger theologically mixed denominations there is not one religion but two (at least); one is biblical Christianity and the other is theological liberalism.  We must be clear that liberalism is a totally different religion from Christianity and these are incompatible within the same church structure, and liberalism ought never to be accorded any descriptor that aligns it in any way with the Christian faith.
The sister churches of the Church of Scotland are the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the United Reformed Church  the Presbyterian Church of Wales, and many others within the ecumenical movement world-wide.  If these churches have not as yet proceeded down this road, because they tolerate liberalism as a valid expression of biblical faith, they are on the same road that will lead many to perdition.

Philip Doddridge of Northampton - Alan C. Clifford

The Good Doctor: Philip Doddridge of Northampton A Tercentenary Tribute 319pp pbk £9.95 ISBN 0 9526716 3 8 Alan C. Clifford As a pastor, preacher, theologian, educator, author, hymn writer, philanthropist and patriot, Philip Doddridge (1702-51) was a remarkable English Christian by any standard. His faithful, fragrant and far-reaching testimony to Christ made him unique in his day. This tribute introduces us to an attractive personality whose remarkable achievements merit renewed attention. At a time of confusion and uncertainty in church and society, the author believes that a rediscovery of Doddridge’s contribution is long overdue. REVIEW EXTRACTS ‘A deeply interesting work about a fascinating Christian. ... the book is excellently presented, lavishly illustrated and good value for money’ (English Churchman). ‘Among other biographers ... Alan Clifford’s book is now clearly indispensable. It is also warm, readable and challenging’ (News of Hymnody). ‘Lovers of Doddridge, Northampton, hymns, revival and the history of English Dissent, cannot afford to ignore this book’ (Evangelicals Now). Dr Clifford has ... done us a real service with the publication of his book in the 300th anniversary of Doddridge’s birth. The book is well written and attractively produced. The narrative is interesting and informative’ (The Banner of Truth). ‘Doddridge’s life and ministry are set out in a very readable way, and Dr Clifford’s enthusiasm for his subject comes through on every page. ... [a] most valuable and stimulating tribute to one of the greatest stars in the Congregational firmament’ (Congregational Concern). ‘A scholarly and well presented book ... comprising a very useful appendix ... This book will make a valuable addition to any library and comes highly recommended’ (Our Inheritance). ‘[In] this enlightening biography ... our hearts warm to a man whose consuming desire was to win souls for Christ and whose strength and life were devoted to the glorifying of God’ (Peace & Truth).

This book is available from me at £9.95 plus P & P.  Please make cheque payable to J E Hazlett Lynch.  Please order via email:  jehlynch [at] gmail.com

Ministers - Get Your Priorities Right!

When a minister is very tired, his work can be the means of stirring up their soul. For me, there were three activities – writing the updates on my wife's condition, preparing the conference paper for the Amyraldian Association Annual Conference 2013, and the sermon for the following Sunday morning. What a profound joy it is to dwell in the presence of God! What an indescribable privilege it is to enter into communion with the living and true God. Oh, how many God-given years I’ve squandered instead of seeking deep personal communion with God. How seldom I had as a priority to seek to meet with God. God had called me and set me apart to the Christian ministry and to the Gospel. This requires a man to live close to Christ, and forsaking every other occupation.   

While I sought to have this as a priority, far too much of my time was taken up with nonsense, with dealing with trivialities, with denominational responsibilities that did nothing to forward the Kingdom of God. It almost seems that the purpose of the church is to keep ministers off their knees before God. Sadly, all too many ministers just adore being on this church committee and that committee. They covet being ‘big men’ within their own church structures. They love the position, the power, and the prestige being a minister gives.  

These men (and now, women!) have to concentrate upon being good churchmen rather than being Gospel men. Being a good churchman in any denomination is the greatest safeguard against being thrown out of the church, because for these men the priority is to keep the church before their eyes, knowing only too well that if they become Gospel men first and foremost, they are in great danger of being removed from the Christian ministry.  

God has mercifully delivered me from all that, and has brought both my wife and me into “a closer walk with God.” If Christians and ministers are not entering into such a closer walk with the Lord, they are very ineffective witnesses to Christ. Oh, to be assured in our hearts that God really does love us, even us. To be assured that we really are the adopted children of God is beyond price.  

How true it is to be a Christian than a minister. Why? Because a minister can go to hell, but a Christian never.

My dear praying friends, strive for this above all else. Strive to be conformed to the image of Christ. Strive to be more and more like Christ. Stay close to the Saviour Who died to take away your sins and the sins of the whole world. Abandon yourself to our beautiful Saviour. See in Him the altogether lovely One, and give yourself to Him completely.

“Therefore We Do Not Lose Heart.”

When people ask me how Margaret is, I would usually respond by saying that she is in good form, though her body is weak.  That just about sums it up for many suffering believers.  “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Cor.4:16).

Do you notice something I drew to your attention in an earlier post - the “although” and the “yet” of Christian experience?  This is so true to normal Christian experience.  “Although” bad things are happening to the outward man, “yet” very good things are being done to the inward man.  On the one hand there is decay, perishing, running down – all negative things; on the other, there is renewal, restoration, regeneration, a kind of rebirth – all positive things. 

“Therefore we do not lose heart.”  There is no cause why we should lose heart, given that the end of it all is infinitely better than our best times here.  The outward man is perishing, but the inward man is being renewed on a daily basis.  What we leave behind when we die – our bodies - will return to the dust from which they came, and will rest in their graves until the resurrection.  What we take with us into eternity is itself eternal.  And one day these will be reunited and made fit to dwell in “the new heaven and the new earth.”  To be made fit for this new environment, we have to leave one part behind in order for it to be rejoined later to the other part.  We will be changed and fitted for the new dwelling on the new earth.  

Gospel Minister Sacked by His Denomination

The utterly disgraceful 'sacking' of Rev. Stephen Dickinson this week from his congregations of Cairnalbana and Glenarm Presbyterian churches in Northern Ireland, is the latest incident to blight that denomination's already chequered history. The church's powerful Judicial Commission was acting true to form with its repugnance towards evangelical Christianity. Mr Dickinson's dismissal came as no surprise to me, as one who was treated in the same despicable way 20 years ago in March by that 'Christian' church. The Dickinsons are devastated by the church's decision, and understandably so, a decision from which there is no appeal, .

The persecution of evangelicals by the church is endemic. Dozens of ministers are off work because of stress-related situations. Bullying of ministers by colleagues and other elders is notorious within the churches.  Perhaps the biggest offenders are those who 'stand by' and allow such situations to go on without challenge.

Mr Dickinson cannot expect any pastoral care or support from the church, despite their granting him leave to live in the Manse for up to 18 months, with a salary promise of the same time period. Since churches have their own 'dirty tricks departments,' Mr Dickinson cannot expect to have any colleagues remain friendly with him - that would be much too dangerous for the colleagues. He will be ostracised and left to his own devices.  Any attempt to find another church will find prospective congregations against him having been poisoned by 'the faceless men in grey suits' wearing or not wearing clerical collars. It will not be easy for him or his dear wife, Sharon, and the family.

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland's (PCI) track record of removing ministers from their charge has this very interesting fact - they only remove evangelicals. That theologically liberal and ecumenical denomination has at no time taken the same extreme measures against liberal ministers, and certainly not against the ecumenicals that are in its ministry. Such men will never be removed from their churches because the churches they serve are themselves liberal and ecumenical churches. I do not know of one liberal and ecumenical minister who was ever removed from their congregations in that denomination, but I could name a growing number of Evangelicals, that is, Gospel preaching ministers who have had the treatment from this menacing Commission.

Again, it is factually true that Presbyterian ministers can have Roman priests in their church and taking part in church services and no action will be taken against them. In fact, this also guarantees longevity of ministry within that religious organisation.

But if a minister is a Gospel man, and his message upsets some of "the people that count" (which every congregation has), then his actions will have taken a step towards his removal. You can be a womanising church elder, yet be protected by the church authorities; but if you preach a strong and clear Gospel of grace, your time is limited. An elder can promote same sex marriages and sodomy, and be kept on; the church will not remove him; the most she will do in such situations is to ask them to stand down temporarily; but if an elder (teaching or ruling) dares to take a strong Gospel stand in the church, his card is marked.

What makes it even more disappointing is that, as in days of old, the church's Judicial Commission usually has a token few evangelicals serving on it; so it is today.  But the reality is that those token evangelicals are powerless to do anything to defend their Evangelical colleagues; thus, when the evangelical cause is being 'judged' at this liberal and ecumenical Commission, the outcome is a foregone conclusion. Evangelicals just cannot win when their case goes to that body. It seems that evangelicals who serve on this body are eventually neutered so that they cannot be effective members of this evangelical-destroying commission. It's remit seems to be to rid PCI of all clear-cut evangelical ministers, so that it remains an ineffective church in our country.

It is surely wrong for any church body to deal in such a scurrilous way with Gospel ministers. This action of the Judicial Commission of PCI will have the desired effect of pulling those Gospel ministers who want to be faithful to Christ into line, and effectively neutering them. PCI has not been known as a Gospel church for many decades and it will not become such any time soon. Other denominations are following the example set by PCI, and removing Gospel ministers so that congregations can be "at peace in Zion."

In the meantime, those Gospel ministers who serve Christ first, and the church only, and at best, second, will have to watch their steps if they wish to retain their ministries. Long gone are the days when ministers of principle occupied the church's pulpits, men who put their devotion to Christ and His Gospel before anything the church might say, men who were prepared to pay the price of faithfulness to the Saviour. Instead, today the church has many "wicked pragmatists," (Dr Al N. Martin's memorable phrase), men who can tell which way the wind is blowing, and follow its leading. They are sure to keep in with the right people in senior management positions within the churches because they have "the power of life and death" over Gospel ministries.

The church has degenerated into an institution, and as such, has departed from the biblical Gospel it is called upon to proclaim. Sadly, for many ministers, it would appear, such a calling is just too costly. Turkeys still do not vote for Christmas! 

Levered From This World.

Sometimes you think, don’t you?  And sometimes you think it’s necessary in God’s plan that we are levered away from our dependence and attachment to this world.  You’d think that God has to make us decay physically in order to get us to focus our minds and hearts on things eternal.  It is true that the Lord has to take away from us the things we have been engrossed in that we could then give our efforts to meditating on the future life.  He has to take us away from that which is perishing and which will perish so that we concentrate our hearts on that which can never spoil or fade (1 Pet.1:4,5).  He has given to us a living hope by Christ’s resurrection, and has brought us to “an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.”

The very mention of an inheritance suggests that it is concrete, real, actual, something tangible.  Is this the “new earth” wherein righteousness dwells?  Is that our inheritance?  Or is it God Himself?  Perhaps it’s both.  Perhaps our inheritance is God the King of the new earth.  But whichever it is, the tent we live in on this earth will be dissolved and we will be clothed with immortality.

A Christian can be in good form, yet the body decaying.  Isn’t that simply amazing?  A Christian’s spirit can be rejoicing, yet their body shutting down gradually.  A believer can glory in the Lord, yet be wracked with pain. 

Puritan Richard Baxter’s (1615-1691) words ring true:

Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet
Thy blessed face to see;
For if Thy work on earth be sweet,
What will Thy glory be?

These are the great truths that believers hold on to. Or to put it in another way, these are the great truths that hold on to the believer!  These hold us like a buckler, a belt that holds everything else in place.  They give us stability in our lives.  They are the sheet anchor of our souls when the gales blow and the waves engulf us.  These are God’s provision for us as believers.  Oh, “how good is the God we adore!”