tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14948793034115640362024-03-13T14:52:41.378+00:00The Sound of an AlarmThe personal blog of Rev Brian McClung,
Minister of Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church &
Administrator of Newtownabbey Independent Christian School.Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.comBlogger775125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-28804172300798311892021-05-23T23:26:00.002+01:002021-05-23T23:26:50.608+01:00Gay Conversion Therapy or God's Conversion Truth<iframe frameborder="0" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://embed.sermonaudio.com/player/a/51721182643827/" style="min-width: 150px;" tabindex="-1" width="100%"></iframe>Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-39181371819225210432019-10-24T12:44:00.000+01:002019-10-24T12:46:16.530+01:00The Darkest of Dark Weeks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In July 2019 this excuse for an United Kingdom Parliament passed the <b>Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2019</b>, which received Royal Assent on 24th July 2019. The premise for its introduction was to give more time for the Northern Ireland political parties to agree to return to government and establish the Northern Ireland Executive.</div>
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However the legislation was hijacked by the liberal opponents of decency and morality. Amendments were tabled and adopted which required two pieces of wicked legislation to be foisted upon Northern Ireland if the Northern Ireland Executive was not restored by 21st October 2019. </div>
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The Act required that the following regulations be introduced:<br />
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<li><i><span style="color: blue;">To extend same sex marriage and opposite sex civil partnerships to Northern Ireland by 13 January 2020 (s8);</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">To give effect to recommendations set out in the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) report in respect of lawful access to abortion services by 31 March 2020 (s9);</span></i></li>
<li><i><span style="color: blue;">To introduce a system of victims payments (a “victims pension”) in Northern Ireland made by the end of January 2020 to be in force by the end of May 2020 (s10)</span></i></li>
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<b>Abortion</b></div>
With immediate changes from 22nd October 2019 sections 58 and 59 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 have been repealed. This means that no criminal charges can be brought under that Act against women who terminate the life of an unborn child or against health care professionals, or others, who provide and assist in terminating the life of an unborn child. Any investigations or prosecutions under this law that were underway have been stopped. Guidance for healthcare workers was published on 7th October 2019.<br />
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Abortion services are not yet available in Northern Ireland. Until the end of March 2020 those wishing to slay the unborn will have to continue to travel to England or Scotland to avail of abortion services. </div>
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The provision of abortion services in Northern Ireland will take place on 1st April 2020. Presently a consultation is taking place and the Department of Health for Northern Ireland is working to establish procedures to deliver information and medical services in line with the rest of the United Kingdom by April 2020.</div>
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<b>Sodomite 'Marriage'</b></div>
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This wicked legislation also caused the United Kingdom Government to facilitate sodomite marriage. This will become lawful in Northern Ireland from 13th January 2020. The delay in introducing this immoral legislation is to give space for a consultation on sodomite marriage taking place in churches.</div>
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The United Kingdom Government has provided the following web link for information on these changes - <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-law-in-northern-ireland-updated">Changes to the law in Northern Ireland</a></div>
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<b>What saith the Scriptures?</b></div>
<i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Romans-Chapter-1/">Romans 1:20-32</a></span></i> is an appropriate place to start in considering these wicked and immoral changes to the law in Northern Ireland.<br />
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The following points are worthy of notice:<br />
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<b>I. Sin has no 'rights'</b></div>
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No one has a right to sin. No one has a right to murder the unborn in the womb. No one has a right to corrupt the biblical ordinance of marriage. On both accounts God says Thou shalt not! </div>
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No one has a right to sin. Those who wish to engage in these wicked practices and Human Rights groups may lobby and legislators and Parliaments may legalise these abominable practices but that does not take away the command of God. </div>
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There is a higher court and a greater Judge to whom each one will have to answer. The Bible warns that: <span style="color: #660000;"><i>It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God, Hebrews 10:31</i></span>.<br />
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<b>II These two wicked practices are among the worst of sins </b></div>
<b>The sin of sodomy can be classed as the worst of sins.</b> This is so when we consider how the Word of God describes this sin:</div>
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<u>1) It is morally repugnant.</u> This sin is described as being <span style="color: #660000;"><i>'against </i></span><i><span style="color: #660000;">nature', Romans 1:26; 'unclean', v24; 'vile', v26;</span></i> and<i><span style="color: #660000;"> 'unseemly', v27</span></i>; <br />
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<u>2) It is the mark of apostasy in a nation</u>. Notice then this sin appeared in the nation of Israel, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Kings-Chapter-14/#24">1 Kings 14:24</a>; <a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Kings-Chapter-15/#12">15:12</a>; <a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/1-Kings-Chapter-22/#46">22:46</a>; <a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Kings-Chapter-23/#7">2 Kings 23:7</a></span></i>. <br />
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<u>3) It is the mark of a reprobate nation</u>, cf. <span style="color: #660000;"><i>God gave them over/up</i></span>, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Romans 24,26,28</span></i>. <br />
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<b>To slay the unborn, the most defenceless, is a vile crime</b>. The heinousness of slaying the unborn is highlighted in the Bible as the most wicked of actions that a person can engage in. When describing the wickedness of the enemies of Israel in history the destruction of the unborn child was mentioned, cf. <span style="color: #660000;"><i><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Kings-Chapter-8/#12">2 Kings 8:12</a>; <a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Kings-Chapter-15/#16">15:16</a>; <a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Hosea-Chapter-13/#16">Hosea 13:16</a> & <a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Amos-Chapter-1/#13">Amos 1:13</a></i></span>. <br />
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<b>III. These two wicked practices are marked out as sins of the end times </b></div>
<b>Abortion</b> - Twice we are told that the end times will be marked by a lack of natural affection, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Romans 1:31: Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful</span></i>.<br />
<i><span style="color: #660000;">2 Timothy 3:3: Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good</span></i>.<br />
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Another feature of the end times will be a love of pleasure, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">2 Timothy 3:2,4: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God</span></i>. </div>
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Put these two characteristics together and you will have the perfect scenario for abortion. <br />
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There was a total of 218,581 abortions in the UK during 2018. Less than 1% of 2018 abortions were performed to save the life of the mother. <br />
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In all, 98% abortions were performed because it was deemed that the<i><span style="color: blue;"> continuance of the pregnancy would involve risk, greater than if the pregnancy were terminated, of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman (section 1(1)(a)).</span></i> <br />
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This cause has become the de-facto reason of elective abortion. An elective abortion is the ending of a pregnancy for reasons other than maternal health or fetal abnormality. <br />
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Abortion is an ungodly world’s attempt to deal with the consequences of sinful living. It is often a form of contraception to hide, conceal or eliminate the consequences of loose moral living.<br />
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<b>'Sodomite Marriage'</b> - There are two characteristics which the Bible says will mark the end times that are connected with the sin of sodomy. <br />
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The days of Noah and Lot are to return to the earth, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Luke-Chapter-17/#26">Luke 17:26-31</a></span></i>. Marriage was the issue under attack in the days of Noah, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">v27: 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</span></i>. </div>
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The sin of sodomy marked Lot’s days. The eating and drinking, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>v18</i></span>, in Sodom is closely connected in Ezekiel with their wicked abomination practiced in Sodom, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Ezekiel-Chapter-16/#50">Ezekiel 16:49,50</a></span></i>. <br />
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These sins collate together today to give the pursuit of 'sodomite marriage' in modern society.</div>
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The legislating for these wicked and immoral and abominable practices/sins in Northern Ireland are but indicators of the coming of the Lord Jesus in power and glory. It behoves everyone to be ready for His coming, <i><span style="color: #660000;">Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not, Luke 12:40 & Matthew 24:44</span></i>.</div>
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</style>Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-14393907453339444802019-10-24T11:40:00.001+01:002019-10-24T11:40:18.510+01:00Christian School Prize Giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-45370848848188188952019-10-01T00:15:00.001+01:002019-10-01T00:15:08.041+01:00Stats for September<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-20940332689503076022019-09-07T10:45:00.000+01:002019-09-07T10:46:51.795+01:0030th Anniversary of Opening of Church BuildingThe 2nd September marked 30 years since the opening of the present church building. This is the recording of the opening service that Saturday afternoon.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://embed.sermonaudio.com/player/a/9619187341424/" style="min-width: 150px;" tabindex="-1" width="100%"></iframe>Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-20731890799673531452019-09-02T12:20:00.000+01:002019-09-02T12:20:19.528+01:00Stats for August<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-43213456198048724262019-08-31T10:16:00.000+01:002019-08-31T10:16:20.711+01:0030th Anniversary Services<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-82766367126295862322019-08-03T10:11:00.001+01:002019-08-03T10:12:27.340+01:00Quotable Quote - Augustine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: blue;">If open punishment were now inflicted for every sin it would be supposed that nothing would be reserved till the last judgment.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Again, if God now did not openly punish any sin it would be presumed that there was no divine providence.</span></i>Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-2463866794830375212019-08-01T09:43:00.000+01:002019-08-01T09:43:09.124+01:00Stats for July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-33309789228142163842019-07-25T23:36:00.001+01:002019-07-25T23:36:16.254+01:00Quotable Quote from John Calvin on wicked rulers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-87860439517471043102019-07-01T12:49:00.001+01:002019-07-01T12:49:28.216+01:00Stats for June<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-75185583269920737452019-06-29T22:24:00.003+01:002019-06-29T22:25:14.784+01:00What is it about Sodomy & 'Pride'?The month of June has been designated by the sodomite movement as 'Pride Month'. June is supposedly chosen to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred at the end of June 1969. As a result, many 'pride' events are held during this month to promote and further the sodomite agenda. <br />
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<b>However, what is it about Sodomy & 'Pride'?</b> The two terms are well placed side by side. Interestingly the Word of God, which is ever up-to-date, informs us that the sin of pride was prevalent among the sodomites in Sodom, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Ezekiel 16:49&56: Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, <u>pride</u>, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy; For thy sister Sodom was not mentioned by thy mouth in the day of thy <u>pride</u></span></i>.</div>
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<b>The Bible has the following to say about 'Pride':</b></div>
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<b>1. 'Pride' is the mark of having no thought of God</b>, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Psalm 10:4: The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts</span></i>.</div>
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<b>2. 'Pride' in the heart is deceiving</b>, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Obadiah verse 3: The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?</span></i><br />
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<b>3. 'Pride' leads to a downfall</b>, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Proverbs 16:18: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall</span></i>.<br />
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<b>4. 'Pride' is not of God</b>, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">1 John 2:16: For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world</span></i>.<br />
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<b>5. We are commanded to hate all sin including the sin of 'pride'</b>, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Proverbs 8:13: The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate</span></i>.<br />
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Talk about being condemned out of your own mouth!!!</div>
Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-70016407797112062832019-06-13T14:27:00.000+01:002019-06-18T00:40:22.351+01:00John Piper in Belfast - Beware of his false teaching on Justification by Faith Alone! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This coming Friday & Saturday, 14th & 15th June 2019, there is a Conference and Concert taking place at Assembly Buildings, Belfast. It seems to be sponsored by 'New Irish Arts' and 'Getty Music'.<br />
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The Special Guest announced for this event is John Piper. According to his own bio on his website John Piper is <i><span style="color: blue;">founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is author of more than 50 books, including Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist and most recently Why I Love the Apostle Paul: 30 Reasons</span></i>.<br />
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John Piper is also known for Scriptural and doctrinal views that anyone who loves the truth of the Bible should be concerned about, especially the great Reformation doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone.<br />
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<b>1. John Piper believes in a mangled version of the Gap Theory</b>. He believes in a version of creationism known as "Historical Creationism". He references a book by John Sailhamer entitled 'Genesis Unbound' to explain his view.<br />
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"Historical creationism" believes that God created the universe, planet Earth, and many creatures and things within Earth itself over the course of an indefinite time period before the first day of the week of Genesis 1, and that the days of the creation week were God changing a desolate piece of land into the blessed region of Eden, where God would bring Adam and Eve into existence and place them within it on the sixth day.<br />
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Piper teaches that <i><span style="color: blue;">man had his beginning not millions of years ago but within the scope of the biblical genealogies. Those genealogies are tight at about 6,000 years and loose at maybe 10 or 15,000. So I think we should honour those genealogies and not say that you can play fast and loose with the origin of man.</span></i><br />
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However he also believes that the earth can be billions of years old. Referring to <i><span style="color: #660000;">Genesis 1:1</span></i> John Piper says: <i><span style="color: blue;">"In the beginning he made the heavens and the earth," he makes everything. And then you go day by day and he's preparing the land. He's not bringing new things into existence; he's preparing the land and causing things to grow and separating out water and earth. And then, when it's all set and prepared, he creates and puts man there.<br /><br />So that has the advantage of saying that the earth is billions of years old if it wants to be—whatever science says it is, it is—but man is young, and he was good and he sinned. He was a real historical person, because Romans 5 says so, and so does the rest of the Bible</span></i>.<br />
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<b>2. John Piper believes in a mangled version of the Continuation of Charismatic Gifts</b>. He believes that the supernatural gifts such as prophecy, miracles, healings, and speaking in tongues have not ceased and should be sought by the church. They should be sought in particular with regard to missions and evangelism.<br />
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He nuances what he believes by saying that the office of Apostle has ceased; that the gift of prophecy in the church is not the same as the inspiration of the inspired Scriptures; that while God's supernatural revelation in the New Testament gift of prophecy is without error the prophet's perception, understanding and delivery of that revelation is imperfect and fallible, thus modern prophecies within the church should be sifted.<br />
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In essence he seeks to have the best of both worlds. He believes in the continuation of the gifts but qualifies his acceptance of this belief by mixing in a little doubt about the trustworthiness of the use of the gift.<br />
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<b>3. John Piper believes in a mangled version of the Doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone</b>. This is his most serious error. Martin Luther was of the view that the doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone was the article by which a church stands or falls. He said of Justification by Faith Alone: <span style="color: blue;"><i>This doctrine is the head and the cornerstone. It alone begets, nourishes, builds, preserves, and defends the church of God and without it the church of God cannot exist for one hour. </i></span>Likewise John Calvin declared that <span style="color: blue;"><i>Justification by faith is the hinge on which all true religion turns</i></span>.<br />
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John Piper's teaching on this vital doctrine is suspect at best and full of grievous error at worse.<br />
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John Piper believes in and teaches what is called 'Final Salvation'. This gravely and seriously impinges upon the doctrine of Justification by Faith Alone.<br />
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As far back as 1993 he stated: <i><span style="color: blue;">Our deeds will be the public evidence brought forth in Christ’s courtroom to demonstrate that our faith is real. And our deeds will be the public evidence brought forth to demonstrate the varying measures of our obedience of faith (cf. Romans 12:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:11). In other words, salvation is by faith, and rewards are by faith, but the evidence of invisible faith in the judgment hall of Christ will be a transformed life. Our deeds are not the basis of our salvation, they are the evidence of our salvation. They are not foundation, they are demonstration</span></i>.<br />
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This statement undermines the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers and every legal status the believer has in relation to God. It teaches that something more than imputed righteousness is needed to be the evidence that we are justified.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not saved by faith alone</span></b></div>
As recently as 25th September 2017, as the 500th anniversary of the Reformation approached, Piper wrote an article entitled '<i><span style="color: blue;">Does God Really Save Us by Faith Alone?</span></i>' In that article he stated that we are not saved by faith alone.<br />
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Quotes from John Piper's article entitled '<i><span style="color: blue;">Does God Really Save Us by Faith Alone?</span></i>' and related articles: [Emphasis mine]<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i>"In final salvation at the last judgment, faith is confirmed by the sanctifying fruit it has borne, </i><u style="font-style: italic;">and we are saved through that fruit and that faith</u><i>."</i><br /><br /><i><u>"These works of faith, and this obedience of faith, these fruits of the Spirit that come by faith, are necessary for our final salvation</u>. No holiness, no heaven (Hebrews 12:14). <u>So, we should not speak of getting to heaven by faith alone in the same way we are justified by faith alone."</u><br /><br />"Essential to the Christian life and <u>necessary for final salvation is the killing of sin</u> (Romans 8:13) <u>and the pursuit of holiness</u> (Hebrews 12:14)."</i></span></div>
<i><br /><span style="color: blue;">"We are not justified through sanctification. Let me say it again: we are not justified through sanctification. <u>But we are finally saved through sanctification</u> — that is, through a real change in our hearts and minds and lives without which we will not see the Lord."</span></i><span style="color: blue;"><i><br /><br />Such faith always “works by love” and produces the “obedience of faith.” And that obedience— imperfect as it is till the day we die—is not the “basis of justification, but . . . a necessary evidence and fruit of justification.” </i><u style="font-style: italic;">In this sense, love and obedience—inherent righteousness—is “required of believers, but not for justification”—that is, required for heaven, not for entering a right-standing with God</u><i>."</i></span><br />
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These statements are more akin to Rome's version of justification by faith than the Biblical, Reformed view of the subject. Rome teaches that a person needs imputed righteousness and inherent righteousness for salvation. John Piper is doing exactly the same. His version of 'final salvation' is similar to that defined by the Council of Trent:<br />
<i><span style="color: blue;">CANON 9. If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema. <br /><br />CANON 11. If any one saith, that men are justified, either by the sole imputation of the justice of Christ, or by the sole remission of sins, to the exclusion of the grace and the charity which is poured forth in their hearts by the Holy Ghost, and is inherent in them; or even that the grace, whereby we are justified, is only the favour of God; let him be anathema.<br /><br />CANON 32. If any one saith, that the good works of one that is justified are in such manner the gifts of God, as that they are not also the good merits of him that is justified; or, that the said justified, by the good works which he performs through the grace of God and the merit of Jesus Christ, whose living member he is, does not truly merit increase of grace, eternal life, and the attainment of that eternal life,--if so be, however, that he depart in grace,--and also an increase of glory; let him be anathema</span></i>.<br />
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For these reasons it is best to avoid John Piper and his teaching.Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-66662021689660482842019-06-08T23:36:00.001+01:002019-06-08T23:36:23.471+01:00Reaffirmation of the General Presbytery's Position on Marriage in light of the increasing abandonment of Biblical teaching on the matter.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As apostasy from God and His Word deepens in our nation, all kinds of immorality abound throughout society. The consequence of every aspect of this increasing immorality is that God’s institution of marriage is constantly treated with scorn as a sinful people give vent to their corrupt lusts. </div>
<br />Sadly, in a relatively short period of time, there has been an alarming abandonment of the teaching of Scripture on marriage as ordained by God. This contempt for Biblical marriage includes, not only the abandonment of it as a divine institution, but also direct attack upon it in the promotion and acceptance of so-called same-sex marriage. <br /><br />Legislation to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales was passed by the Parliament of the UK, July 2013. In Scotland the legislation of same-sex marriage was passed by the Scottish Parliament, February 2014. <br /><br />Currently there is an increasing lobby for its legislation in Northern Ireland. Those who spearhead this lobby do so in defiance of God’s moral law and with arrogant contempt toward those who wish to honour the Lord’s revealed will for marriage. <br /><a name='more'></a><br /><div>
Moreover, this attack upon the divine institution of marriage, through favour and acceptance being shown toward same-sex marriage, is witnessed in varying degrees among visible bodies within professing ‘Christendom’ in the UK. <br /><br />In such a day it is the duty of every section of Christ’s Church to remain faithful to Scripture on the subject of marriage and to reaffirm in a public manner a clear, Biblically-based position on this issue. That is the purpose of this position paper as formulated by the Officers of the General Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster. <br /><br />We believe that this reaffirmation is in keeping with the ordination vow taken by all ministers and ruling elders in which they promise before God to believe “<i><span style="color: blue;">…the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments not merely to contain but to be the verbally inspired Word of the Living God, the only infallible rule of faith and practice</span></i>.” <br /><br />This vow in relation to Scripture binds our consciences on what God has revealed about the institution of marriage.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GOD’S INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE </b></div>
In <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Genesis 1:27</i></span> Moses writes – “<span style="color: #660000;"><i>So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He him; male and female created He them</i></span>.” This is a general statement of the creation of man in God’s image but stressing distinction of gender. In <i><span style="color: #660000;">Genesis 2 </span></i>the Holy Spirit gives us some of the finer details, not only of human creation but of the institution of marriage also. The account of the two events melt into one as is especially seen in the record of the creation of Eve. <br /><br />The striking fact is that while Eve was taken from Adam in her creation, she was then joined to him again by the act of marriage. This is the import of Adam’s words in <span style="color: #660000;"><i>v.23 – “And Adam said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh</i></span>.” Adam’s words indicate that the beautiful creature brought to him by God was of the same species and nature as he possessed; a human being like him. Yet at the same time he knew that there was a difference, indicated by his next words – “<i><span style="color: #660000;">…she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man</span></i>.” <br /><br />In our English translation, but even more especially in the Hebrew original, it is seen that the man and the woman, while the same in nature, were different in gender. The Hebrew word for ‘man’ is ISH – one sense of the word being that it signifies husband. But the Hebrew word for ‘woman’ is ISHA – indicating one who is designed by God to be a wife. <br /><br />The clear message is that the creation of Eve paved the way for the divine institution of marriage. God’s intention for marriage was that marriage would be constituted by two human beings coming together; but two people of different genders – male and female, as the Hebrew words ISH and ISHA signify. This fact is then reinforced by the divine comment in <span style="color: #660000;"><i>v.24 – “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh</i></span>.” Again, the word for man in this verse is ISH. The word for ‘wife’ is the same Hebrew word as for ‘woman’ in <span style="color: #660000;"><i>v.23</i></span>. <br /><br />So, the verse could be read – “<span style="color: #660000;"><i>…a husband shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his woman and they shall be one flesh</i></span>.” The <i><span style="color: #660000;">Genesis 2</span></i> record of the divine institution of marriage is fundamental to a Biblical view of marriage. It undergirds all that the rest of Scripture has to say on the subject. It contains the implicit warning that any attempt to erode God’s revealed will for marriage – such as is inherent within same-sex marriage – will bring His just displeasure. <br /><br />In addition, <i><span style="color: #660000;">Genesis 2</span></i> makes it incumbent upon Christ’s Church to be the voice for God’s institution of marriage when that institution is under virulent attack by the same-sex marriage agenda. <br /><div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>CHRIST’S PROPHETIC WARNING ABOUT THE LAST DAYS </b></div>
</b>The Lord Jesus Christ, the only Head of the Church, in <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Luke 17:28-30</i></span> delivers teaching that shows that the sin of same-sex or sodomite practices will mark the last days. In these verses the Lord draws a parallel between the days of Lot and the time of His Second Advent. <br /><br />In the course of what He teaches, the Lord specifically verifies the historicity of the destruction of Sodom. He declares – “<span style="color: #660000;"><i>…the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all</i></span>.” <br /><br />Certainly the focus of Christ in <span style="color: #990000;"><i>Luke 17</i></span> is on the sudden destruction that will come on sinners at His coming just as sudden destruction came on the people of Sodom. However, other Scriptures such as <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Genesis 19</i></span> make it exceedingly clear that the sin for which the people of Sodom and its partner cities were destroyed was the sin of same-sex alliances. <br /><br />Therefore, in the parallel that Christ draws in <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Luke 17</i></span>, there is surely the inference at least that the sin that brought God’s wrath on Sodom will characterise the times that precede His coming again. In the light of the global acceptance of same-sex or sodomite behaviour, Christ’s Church would do well to heed His prophetic warning in <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Luke 17</i></span>. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>GOD’S ABHORRENCE OF SAME-SEX SIN ABOVE OTHER SINS </b></div>
Our Shorter Catechism teaches that while every sin deserves God’s wrath and curse, yet there are some sins that are more heinous than others. Scripture leaves us in no doubt that same-sex partnerships at any level constitute sin that is heinous in the sight of God and is utterly abhorrent to Him. <br /><br />It is a sin that God specifically abominates, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Leviticus 18:22; 20:13</i></span>. The language used plainly speaks of a sexual alliance between men; and declares that “<i><span style="color: #660000;">…they have committed an abomination</span></i>.” <br /><br />In <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Romans 1:24-28</i></span> Paul describes the state of the Gentile world of the 1st century. His description plainly refers to same-sex sin on the part of men with men and women with women, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>vs.26-27</i></span>. His exposure of this sin reveals that when nations and peoples are overrun by such sin it is a sign that they have been abandoned or given up by God. <br /><br />In <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Jude v.7</i></span> the sinners of Sodom and its associated cities “<i><span style="color: #660000;">…are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire</span></i>.” It is very striking that while the Spirit could have presented other Old Testament examples of sinners enduring such suffering, He chooses Sodom and its allies. His choice underlines the divine abhorrence of same-sex sin.<div>
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<b>FORGIVENESS FOR ALL WHO REPENT OF SAME-SEX ALLIANCES </b></div>
While Almighty God abhors the sin of sodomy and will judge all who refuse to repent of this sin, yet He is merciful to those who turn from it and seek forgiveness through Christ’s one atoning sacrifice. This is the clear teaching of the Spirit of God in <span style="color: #660000;"><i>1 Corinthians 6:9-11</i></span>. The sin of sodomy is in view in the particular sins that Paul highlights. <br /><br />In <i><span style="color: #660000;">v.9</span></i> the Apostle includes those who are “<i><span style="color: #990000;">…effeminate,” and “…abusers of themselves with mankind</span></i>.” These terms refer to both passive and active participants in same-sex relationships; thus debarring those who are guilty from entering the kingdom of God. However, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>v.11</i></span> gives the assurance that where there is repentance from such sin, for the penitent one there is cleansing from this sin, to be set apart to live a holy life through Christ, accepted and declared righteous by God in justification. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b>CONCLUDING AFFIRMATION </b></div>
In the light of these Scriptures this Presbytery affirms: </div>
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<li>That marriage between one man and one woman was ordained of God and is therefore a divine institution;</li>
<li>That since civil government is to base its laws on marriage upon divine law, the law of the land should uphold the divine institution of marriage. It follows -</li>
<li>That while marriage is also a civil contract, no civil government has the right to change the divine institution of marriage;</li>
<li>That the introduction and legislation of so-called same-sex partnerships or marriages by the state is a violation of God’s moral law in relation to marriage and is abhorrent to Him;</li>
<li>That all ministers and elders of the General Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, who at ordination subscribed the Westminster Confession of Faith, which in Ch.24, Section 1 states that “Marriage is to be between one man and one woman,” are thereby before God bound by that ordination oath not only to uphold the divine institution of marriage between male and female but are also required not to condone or endorse any same-sex or sodomite alliance. It follows, therefore -</li>
<li>That as ministers and elders of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, being bound by our adherence to the infallible Scriptures and by our ordination vow to defend the truths of the said Scriptures; we hereby re-affirm our adherence to its unchanging and unchangeable teaching on the divine and sacred institution of marriage and our opposition to acceptance and promotion of same-sex alliances.</li>
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<b><br />June Presbytery 2019</b><br /><div>
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Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-86461240943626903742019-06-01T00:54:00.000+01:002019-06-01T00:54:58.612+01:00Letter sent to Newtownabbey Times regarding the selection of a sodomite candidate to stand in the local electionsDear Editor<br />
Now that the dust has settled on the recent elections, and on what appears to be the DUP’s attempt to test the waters, it is important to restate that sexuality is always a matter of choice according to the inclination of the human heart. Sinful choices, therefore, consequently flow from a sinful heart. To argue ‘I was born this way’ is in reality an admission of sinful depravity. <br />
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Sadly, the human heart is <i><span style="color: #990000;">“deceitful above all things and desperately wicked,”</span></i> cf. <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Jeremiah 17:9</i></span>. The sin of sodomy is one of those sins which flows from a deceitful and desperately wicked heart. <br />
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This same sin is further described in Holy Scripture as an <i><span style="color: #660000;">‘abomination’</span></i>, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Leviticus 18:22</span></i>; '<i><span style="color: #660000;">uncleanness’</span></i>, ‘<i><span style="color: #660000;">dishonourable</span></i>’ ‘<i><span style="color: #660000;">vile affections</span></i>’, ‘<i><span style="color: #660000;">against nature</span></i>’ and ‘<i><span style="color: #660000;">unseemly</span></i>’, cf. <i><span style="color: #660000;">Romans 1:24,26,27</span></i>. The Bible uses the strongest of language against this sin.<br />
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Immoral choices always have a private and public consequence. Such choices most definitely unfit a person for positions of responsibility, such as elected office. They disable a person from upholding that which is Biblically required from those who hold positions of authority and influence. <br />
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Public representatives have a God-given duty to uphold the moral law of God in all their conduct and to encourage and exhort others to do the same. Otherwise “<i><span style="color: #660000;">evil communications corrupt good manners</span></i>”, so states the Word of God. This is the very basis of a civilised society. <br />
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Furthermore, the endorsement of any candidate, who practises what the Bible declares to be an immoral choice, by whomever, calls into question the moral and spiritual integrity of those who give that endorsement. Whether it is an elected representative, or party officer, their fitness to govern is also called into question. Do they think they are exempt from compliance with God’s moral law? God’s moral law most certainly applies to every aspect of life and not just within church doors. <br />
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Who encouraged and endorsed the inclusion of Alison Bennington as a candidate? and who subsequently revealed her sinful lifestyle to the media? are questions worth knowing an answer to. Those who did know, or who acquiesced in the decision, will have to answer for their part at a higher bar than the court of public opinion. <br />
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There has been already a gloating, by supporters of sodomy, over the election of Alison Bennington. Her election is being hailed, in some quarters, as a weakening of opposition to the sin of sodomy and so-called ‘gay marriage’, and furthermore is being used as a lever for increased promotion of the ‘gay rights agenda’ in this society. <br />
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Bible-believing Christians, and there is no other sort of Christian, will view with complete dismay this development in the most recent local elections. We do so from the standpoint of the teaching of the Word of God, “<i><span style="color: #660000;">Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34</span></i>. <br />
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It is our prayer that in this year which marks the 160th anniversary of the ‘59 Revival’, “The Year of Grace” as it became known, that the God of heaven would again graciously visit this land and bring about a turning unto Himself. “<i><span style="color: #660000;">It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.” Psalm 119:126</span></i>. This is our hope and earnest prayer. <br />
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Before that breath of revival from God will come the broken reed of unionist representative politics will have to be unmasked. <br />
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Rev Brian McClung <br />
Minister, Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church</div>
Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-73422192792690385852019-06-01T00:47:00.002+01:002019-06-01T00:47:47.362+01:00Stats for May<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-64127325430036046672019-06-01T00:43:00.003+01:002019-06-01T00:43:50.122+01:00Stats for April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-46379051724393557392019-04-28T22:39:00.001+01:002019-04-28T22:39:31.420+01:00Free Presbyterian Church Statement on Traditional Marriage <div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><b>A STATEMENT BY THE PRESBYTERY OFFICERS ON OUR CHURCH’S </b></span></i><i><span style="color: blue;"><b>POSITION ON MARRIAGE </b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br />The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster unreservedly subscribes to the fundamental principle that God’s infallible Word is the final authority on all matters of faith and practice. Accordingly, the Free Presbyterian Church publicly re-emphasises its purpose to uphold the clear revelation of Scripture that marriage is a covenant and conjugal union between a man and a woman, (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-5). </span></i><div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">As Christ’s teaching in this Matthew 19 passage reveals, this divine injunction of marriage between male and female is binding upon all of mankind throughout all time. The injunction is designed to provide the only framework within which stable family life can exist. Consequently, the pathway to the improvement of society is found in adherence to the Biblical principle of marriage. “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,” (Proverbs 14:34). <br /><br />In keeping with this clear Biblical teaching and authority, the Free Presbyterian Church underlines its opposition to all marital and sexual relationships outside the covenant of Biblical marriage. Scripture clearly reveals that such marital and sexual relationships are sinful and will prohibit entrance into the Kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators…nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind…shall inherit the kingdom of God.” <br /><br />Therefore, as a Church we are saddened by the attempts of political parties to normalise and promote marital and sexual relationships that are in contravention of the clear teaching of Scripture. We would remind political leaders that they are subject to God’s moral law and should endeavour to honour it, keeping in mind that one day all men will give an account of themselves to God (Romans 14:12). </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">We would also put on record the Biblical reminder that only through repentance from such sin and by faith in Christ alone will forgiveness and acceptance with God be obtained (1 Corinthians 6:11).</span></i></div>
Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-8447381201920529572019-04-01T13:52:00.000+01:002019-04-01T13:52:12.408+01:00Stats for March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-62343579538464111972019-03-30T20:26:00.000+00:002019-03-30T20:26:05.546+00:00March of Witness Around Rathcoole Estate - Film Clip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-85000726725290014242019-03-30T20:17:00.000+00:002019-03-30T20:17:55.403+00:00Open-air & March of Witness around Rathcoole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>First Open-air near to the Diamond and Dunnaney Centre</b></div>
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<b>Second Open-air opposite Rathcoole Primary School</b></div>
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-4500353395825080512019-03-30T20:13:00.001+00:002019-03-30T20:14:22.481+00:00Gospel Mission in Rathcoole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-89304197680522695552019-03-15T21:33:00.000+00:002019-03-15T21:38:47.303+00:00Footage of FPC Protest against Jesus Christ Superstar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-70908802077633611972019-03-15T21:30:00.000+00:002019-03-15T21:31:32.126+00:00Free Presbyterian Protest against "Jesus Christ Superstar” at Newry Town Hall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A Free Presbyterian protest took place last night in Newry against the blasphemous musical "Jesus Christ Superstar". The following account is given by Rev Paul Hanna, minister of Mount Merrion FPC, one of the ministers who organised the protest.<i> [Film footage of the protest is included at the end of this report.]</i><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Around 6:30pm on the cold, brisk evening of Thursday 14th March 2019, a crowd of concerned Free Presbyterians started to gather outside the front of Newry Town Hall. </span></i><br />
<a name='more'></a><i><span style="color: blue;"><br />The planned production of the blasphemous Rock Opera, ‘Jesus Christ – Superstar’ had been running in the 19th Century picturesque Town Hall (situated in the centre of the Newry – and actually built on top of Newry River) since Tuesday 12th, and was scheduled to run until Friday 15th March. <br /><br />Around 45 - 50 Free Presbyterians of all ages, including four ministers from local Churches, gathered on the footpath opposite the main entrance where we mounted our hour-long vigil. <br /><br />Specially prepared Gospel tracts (along with other relevant materials) were distributed to patrons as they entered the building. Many commented on our presence and many of those actually thanked us for the printed material as well as the conversations we were able to enter into. Some who took the Gospel tracts, entered the building and actually came back outside to thank us for the information given to them. <br /><br />Surprisingly – only one of those to whom we spoke to were openly antagonistic towards our protest – most notably, one of the principal actors from this blasphemous production (Judas from the ‘show’) made a point in engaging with us and attempted to defend the production by saying (among other things) that it was ‘...run by kids, for kids...’ <br /><br />This is of course, a very sad reflection on the state of our land today – so often the sin and reproach of a nation causes the young and the elderly to suffer first and the most – this fact is clear from what was said in an attempt to defend holding such offensive productions in our land today. </span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue;">Our crowd of concerned protesters were, however, despite the cold air, in fine voice! Led by Rev. Daniel Henderson of Moneyslane FPC, we sang hymn after hymn, but rather than voices weakening, the volume actually seemed to get stronger and stronger as we raised our voices towards Heaven. <br /><br />One comment was heard by the protesters relating how clearly our singing could be heard from within the theatre – our presence was clearly noted! <br /><br />We started off by singing the well-known hymn, ‘I’m not ashamed to own my LORD, or to defend His cause...’, and then finished (some 45 minutes later) with, ‘There is power in the Blood of the LAMB.’ <br /><br />On the whole, the protest was held in a very positive light, and was well received by the vast majority of those who passed us by; to the extent that the theatre staff (upon completion of our protest) actually thanked us for such a peaceful presence. <br /><br />‘To God be the glory – great things HE hath done.’ <br /><br />Matthew 22:42 “What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He?”</span></i></div>
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Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1494879303411564036.post-81018087501364513042019-03-06T19:12:00.000+00:002019-03-06T19:14:46.872+00:00Re-Post: The Unscripturalness of Observing Lent<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plpd3rSEHqs/XIAbVYGPDVI/AAAAAAAACOY/NzQL_K_ya9MepG0gP6B2zAdKMm6SBRikgCLcBGAs/s1600/Lent1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="660" height="124" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-plpd3rSEHqs/XIAbVYGPDVI/AAAAAAAACOY/NzQL_K_ya9MepG0gP6B2zAdKMm6SBRikgCLcBGAs/s200/Lent1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><i>Titus 3 v 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. </i></span></div>
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Today is the beginning of Lent. Much reference is made to this observance. Sadly many Protestants are more and more being taken up with this religion of works.<br />
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<b>I. The Definition of Lent.</b> </div>
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Lent is the 40 day period before Easter, excluding Sundays, it begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. This year, 2019, Lent begins on 6th March and will end on 20th April.<br />
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Sundays are excluded because this is the day on which Christ arose from the dead, making it an inappropriate day to supposedly fast and mourn over sin. On Sunday we must celebrate Christ's resurrection for our salvation. It is Friday on which we commemorate His death for our sins. The Sundays of the year are days of celebration and the Fridays of the year are days of penance.<br />
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There are 40 days in Lent because 40 is the traditional number of discipline, devotion, and preparation in the Bible. Thus Moses stayed on the mount of God for 40 days, the spies were in the land for 40 days, Elijah travelled 40 days before he reached the cave where he had his vision, Nineveh was given 40 days to repent, and most importantly, prior to undertaking His ministry, Jesus Christ spent 40 days in wilderness praying and fasting, <span style="color: #660000;"><i>Matthew 4:2</i></span>.<br />
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Since Lent is a period of prayer and fasting, it is supposedly fitting for Christians to imitate their Lord with a similar 40 day period of penance. Christ used this 40 day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for His ministry, which culminated in His death and resurrection, and thus it is supposedly fitting for Christians to imitate Him with a 40 day period of prayer and fasting to prepare for the celebration of His ministry's climax, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. </div>
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<b>II. The Purpose of Lent. </b></div>
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Lent is observed as part of the system of Romanism that believes that salvation is obtained by human effort through the sacraments of the Church. They speak of imitating Christ. It is the old falsehood of penance, showing sufficient sorrow for sin to merit the favour of God. </div>
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The key to understanding the meaning of Lent is simple: </div>
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<span style="color: blue;"><i>Preparation for Baptism and for renewing baptismal commitment lies at the heart of the season. Lent is about conversion, turning our lives more completely over to Christ and his way of life. That always involves giving up sin in some form. The goal is not just to abstain from sin for the duration of Lent but to root sin out of our lives forever. Conversion means leaving behind an old way of living and acting in order to embrace new life in Christ. Lent is the primary time for celebrating the Sacrament of Penance, because Lent is the season for baptismal preparation and baptismal renewal</i>.</span> </div>
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During Lent a person is apply ashes to show association with sorrow for sin. </div>
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<b>III. The Unscripturalness of Lent.</b> </div>
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Search the Scriptures diligently, from Old Testament to New, and you will find no mention of Jews or Christians observing an annual period of 40 days of fasting and abstinence preceding the festival of the Passover, yet today most of the Christian world observes a 40 day period called Lent. Christ fasted forty days before His earthly ministry began not before His death. </div>
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It is actually the mark of apostate religion to command to abstain from meats, <i><span style="color: #660000;">1 Timothy 4:1-3</span></i>.<br />
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Roman Catholicism states that the reasons for celebrating her major feasts, when they do, are many and varied. However:</div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">In general it is true that many of them have at least an indirect connection with the pre-Christian [pagan] feasts celebrated about the same time of year, such as Christmas and Easter</span></i>. </div>
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They also acknowledge that no observance of Lent is found in the early Church.<br />
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Where did the concept of Lent come from then? The 40 days abstinence of Lent was directly borrowed from the worshippers of the Babylonian goddess and her son. This is also where the '<i>mother and child</i>' idea comes from.<br />
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Numerous examples have been found in history of the old pagans observing a period to mark the birth of spring. The Babylonians, Egyptians, and others among them. It was usually preceded by a feast called a 'carnival'.<br />
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Lent is part of the concept of salvation by works and sacraments. However, salvation and peace with God are not obtained in this way. That which the Lord Jesus would have us to do is come and confess our sins to Christ and be saved from them for ever. </div>
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In this text of Scripture we are simply taught the way of salvation. There is no great mystery about it, yet it is becomes the hardest thing for men and women to discover because of the pride of the human heart.<br />
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<b>1. Salvation is not by human effort. </b>Paul rules out works of righteousness which we have done as a means of obtaining salvation.<br />
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It is in our fallen nature to want to do every thing for ourselves. It is a basic lesson every child has to learn as they grow up, namely that they cannot do everything by themselves. They may want to, they may push away the help that is offered but they will have to learn that help is required.<br />
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The same mentality is applied to the matter of salvation. Sinners want to play at least a part in their salvation. They are happy for God to do a part and they also want to do a part. Not so. It is not by works.<br />
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It is not even by works of righteousness. People in general have their own definition of good works. It varies from one person to another. In doing so these people are convinced that God will be pleased and His favour obtained. Not so according to this text of Scripture. Surely Lent falls into that category.<br />
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<b>2. Salvation comes from God’s mercy.</b> Man cannot merit or earn salvation. Neither does he deserve it.<br />
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There is nothing is us that would attract God’s blessing. The only thing we deserve is to be cast away from Him as an unclean thing. Nothing that we do will ever bring us to the place where God will find us worthy of His favour.<br />
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Therefore we should stop trying and have done with all that is associated with this false way of salvation.<br />
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Salvation is by free grace. Salvation is the free gift of God. It flows from God’s infinite mercy, love and grace. We cannot earn it but we can receive it as a free gift. God out of the abundance of His mercy has provided salvation. He moved first towards fallen mankind. Man does not merit it, God freely bestows it.<br />
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Sinners need to fall upon God’s mercy and obtain salvation in this way, <i><span style="color: #660000;">Micah 7:18</span></i>.<br />
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<b>3. Conversion is by the Holy Spirit.</b> You do not grow into conversion as Rome claims.<br />
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Salvation is by the renewing of the Holy Ghost. It is the Spirit of God that makes dead sinners alive. He renews that spiritual life which died in Adam when he sinned. Spiritual life is brought into our hearts once more by the Spirit.<br />
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Conversion is not a process but an act. Conversion takes place in an instant. A sinner is either dead or alive. He/she is not in between somewhere. He/she is not half alive or half dead.<br />
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Salvation is by the washing of regeneration. Regenerating grace is here meant. We need to be born of the grace and power of the Spirit. It is comparable to washing with water for its purity and cleansing virtue, hence all who are regenerated and sanctified, are said to be washed and cleansed, having their hearts purified by faith, and their consciences purged from sin by the blood of Christ.<br />
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It is the washing of regeneration we need to save us from our sins not the washing of water. It is only the blood of Jesus Christ that will cleanse from sin. </div>
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<i><span style="color: #660000;">Titus 3:5</span></i> teaches a different ay of salvation as compared to what lies begin the concept of Lent. </div>
Rev Brian McClunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03440585427738798222noreply@blogger.com0