Dr Paisley on who was the 'rock' upon which the Church was built

This quote is taken from Dr Paisley's Concise Guide to Bible Christianity and Romanism. It was in the form of questions and answers:

Question 27: What text in Matthew's Gospel does the Church of Rome use to support her claims for St. Peter being the first Pope?

Answer - Matthew chapter 16 and verse 18: 'And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.' The meaning of this text is obvious. Jesus having heard from the disciples the various notions which were entertained of Him, asked them: 'But whom say ye that I am?' and Peter, always more forward than the rest, replied: 'Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.' 

The Church Fathers didn't even all believe that Peter was the 'rock', but The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible does!

The Church of Rome has a major problem with the claim that the words of Matthew 16:18, teach Peter to be the rock upon which the Church is built: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

It is a fundamental tenet of Roman Catholic Bible interpretation that you cannot interpret any passage of Scripture but by the "unanimous consent of the Church Fathers". That Roman Catholic principle of Bible interpretation immediately creates a dilemma for Romanism and leaves Romanism totally unable to substantiate her own interpretation of this passage of Scripture. 

As someone once said: the only thing that the Church Fathers were unanimous about, was that they continually disagreed. The "unanimous consent of the Church Fathers" is a myth. It is impossible to find any difficult passage to explain where they were in complete agreement with one another. It is most certainly a myth in respect to Peter being the rock upon which the church is built.

Peter is the Rock upon which the Church is built. So teaches The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible!

Strange to observe that the "Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible" teaches in its footnotes that Peter is the Rock upon which the church is built, in Matthew 16:18: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The "Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible" notes at the foot of the page against this verse read:

Peter. Jesus makes a play on Peter's name, which literally means "rock." The rock that Jesus builds His Church upon is most naturally understood as Peter, together with the other apostles in their Spirit-given testimony of Him (Eph. 2:20; Rev 21:14).

The Cruel Mercies of the Wicked

Richard Dawkins has been in the news again in recent days. This time being challenged about comments he made last year [August 2014] about children with Down Syndrome.

Dawkins became embroiled in Twitter row, when responding to another user who said she would be faced with "a real ethical dilemma" if she became pregnant and learned that the baby would be born with Down Syndrome.

Dawkins tweeted in response: "Abort it and try again. It would be immoral to bring it into the world if you have the choice." A strange sense of morality indeed!

Mistaken and Misguided Priorities

Two stories on the BBC illustrate the mistaken and misguided priorities of the days in which we live

BBC - Science 'squeezed out of primary schools'

BBC - Government plans sex consent lessons for 11-year-olds

No more hardly needs to be said about the present day lunacy that is abroad among those who are responsible for raising the next generation.

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The Stupidity of Railing Against God - An Answer to Stephen Fry

Filthy Dreamers!!!

The subject of sex education for children, even in primary school has resurfaced again in recent days.

A committee of MPs have called for compulsory teaching of the subject in all primary and secondary schools, with sufficient curriculum time devoted to the subject and specialist training for teachers. The Westminster Education Committee chairman Mr Graham Stuart MP said: young people have a right to information that will keep them safe. As if this is all that is entailed in this subject.

A former school principal in Northern Ireland has called on the Stormont Executive to consider introducing sex and relationship education as a compulsory subject, for those even in primary schools.

The Bible has an apt description for those who would seek to foist such folly upon children, even young children in primary school. The Book of Jude v8 speaks of 'filthy dreamers'. They want to corrupt the minds of children by encouraging an inordinate interest in that which is best left alone altogether or to older years and primarily to parents. It is another example of the liberal mindset that is abroad seeking to foist their immoral ideological standards upon the rest of society, even children.

Protest Against Jesus Christ Superstar

 Last night [Monday 16th February 2015] a Free Presbyterian protest was held against Jesus Christ Superstar, which opened at the Grand Opera House, Belfast. A specially prepared F.P.C. leaflet [click here for an online version] highlighting the slanderous attack upon the person and work of Jesus Christ, contained in this 'rock opera', was distributed to people attending the first performance.

After the leaflets were distributed the group sang the hymn: I am not ashamed to own my Lord or to defend His cause and Rev. Raymond Robinson (Kesh FPC & Convenor of the FPC Government & Morals Committee) led in prayer. 

The Stupidity of Stephen Fry

The "comedian, actor, writer, presenter, and activist" Stephen Fry has been much in the news this past week, railing against a 'God' that doesn't exist. A video clip has been released from a Southern Irish Television show, entitled: The Meaning of Life, which will be broadcast on RTE 1 at 10.30pm on Sunday night [8th February 2015].

This video clip shows Stephen Fry delivering a tirade, when asked what he would supposedly say to God at the gates of heaven. Fry, who claims to be an atheist, denounces this God of his own imagination as being "utterly evil, capricious and monstrous". He continues: "How dare you create a world in which there is such misery that is not our fault? It’s not right. …"It’s utterly, utterly evil. Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid God who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?"

Stats for January

Response to Proposed Abortion Change

The Department of Justice in the Northern Ireland Assembly is proposing to change the abortion law in Northern Ireland. Thankfully at present, the law here is different to that in mainland United Kingdom, where abortion on demand has been the creed since 1967.

There are two areas where changes are being considered that have been put out to consultation in Northern Ireland. The first of these changes is in regard to what the consultation document calls 'Lethal foetal abnormality'. The Department of Justice is proposing the give the right to parents and doctors to terminate a pregnancy where this is believed to be the condition of the unborn child. 

Stats since January 2009

The turn of the year marks the anniversary of the commencement of this Blog. Here are the stats since January 2009. 

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Stats for November

Pope visiting the European Parliament

Pope Francis has today visited the European Parliament. His four hour visit to Strasbourg, the shortest made by any Pope abroad, has displeased some, who accused him of neglecting Europe. Many of Strasbourg's Roman Catholics were also upset that the Pope would not meet them or visit the city's cathedral. See here

Sadly there wasn't an Ian Paisley present today to remind him of his blasphemous claims as happened in 1998. Click on the image to view film footage of that event.

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The wrongs of Integrated Education for Bible Believers

Adapted from 'The Quiver', the e-newsletter of Newtownabbey Independent Christian School

A number of state schools in Northern Ireland are moving to 'Integrated' status. For some it is purely a mechanism to remain open and it is not that there is a strong conviction about the principles that underpin integrated eduction. A state primary with the Newtownabbey area is planning to move to be an integrated school in September 2015 for the sole reason of remaining open.

It is worth remembering that there are serious issues with integrated schools for Bible believing Christians:

1. These schools are profoundly ecumenical in character and ethos. They may profess to be 'Christian' in character, however, in reality, they are ecumenical schools.

The Staying of the Plague

Stats for September

Presbytery Statement on the death of Dr Ian R K Paisley

STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF DR. IAN R. K. PAISLEY 

FORMER MODERATOR OF THE GENERAL PRESBYTERY OF THE FREE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ULSTER 

It is with deep sadness and regret that we have learned of the passing of Dr. Paisley, retired minister of our denomination and former moderator of the General Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster.

We pay tribute to the many, many years of faithful Gospel ministry that Dr. Paisley exercised both in Northern Ireland and also farther afield. Under the hand of God, Dr. Paisley was mightily used of the Lord in the conversion of many to Jesus Christ. Throughout the Free Presbyterian Church at home and abroad and in various other Christian churches there are large numbers of people who recognise Dr. Paisley as the instrument God used to bring them to the Saviour.

We remember also the huge contribution that Dr. Paisley made to the foundation and formation of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster; and we salute his gifted leadership in his role as moderator of Presbytery over many decades.

We are grateful that through Dr. Paisley’s faithful and anointed preaching of God’s Word and the stand he took for Christ’s cause, the Spirit of God raised a Biblical witness against apostasy from Christ. And we thank the Lord that this witness for truth continues under the blessing of God to this day.

We publicly extend to his wife and family our sincere Christian sympathy on the home-going of their dear loved one. In their time of deepest loss, when their hearts are broken and grief-stricken, we assure them of our prayerful support. “…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isaiah 43:1-2.

On behalf of the General Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster:
Rev. John Greer, Moderator 

Rev. Thomas Murray, Deputy-Moderator
Rev. Ian Brown, Clerk

Dr Ian R K Paisley

Dr Ian R K Paisley passed away on Friday 12th September 2014. No better tribute can be paid to him than to remember the power of his preaching.

Here is a link to a Youtube file that contains a recording of Dr Paisley preaching 45 years ago on the subject of Fundamentalism versus Apostasy

Stats for August

Matthew Henry's Six Principles of Bible Interpretation

This year [2014] marks the 300th anniversary of the death of Matthew Henry. He is most well known for his devotional Bible commentary. The first volume appeared in October 1706 while he was minister in Chester. In the preface to that first volume he wrote the following about the Word of God outlining six principles which governed him in all he endeavoured to write by way of exposition:

Though it is most my concern, that I be able to give a good account to God and my own conscience, yet, perhaps, it will be expected that I give the world also some account of this bold undertaking; which I shall endeavour to do with all plainness, and as one who believes, that if men must be reckoned with in the great day, for every vain and idle word they speak, much more for every vain and idle line they write. And it may be of use, in the first place, to lay down those great and sacred principles which I go upon, and am governed by, in this endeavour to explain and improve these portions of holy writ; which endeavour I humbly offer to the service of those (and to those only I expect it will be acceptable) who agree with me in these six principles:

Church History Anniversaries

On Lord's day evenings during August DV a special series of messages will be preached marking Church history anniversaries during 2014

10th August 

1950th anniversary of the commencement of Emperor Nero's persecution against 1st century Christians. [AD64] 

17th August

300th anniversary of the death of Matthew Henry. [June 1714] 

24th August

300th anniversary of the birth of George Whitefield. [December 1714] 

31st August

100th anniversary of the ordination of Gresham Machen, the defender of orthodoxy at Princeton Seminary. [June 1914]

Stats for July

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 15

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part one
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking
Study 7 - The Error of Faith Healing - Part one
Study 8 - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part two
Study 9 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part one
Study 10 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part two
Study 11 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part three
Study 12 - The Error of Claiming the Gift of Prophecy
Study 13 - The Errors of Claiming 'Words of Wisdom' and 'Words of Knowledge'
Study 14 - The Errors of Claiming the gifts of Discerning Spirits & Interpreting Tongues

Study Fifteen - The Errors of Claiming the gifts of Working Miracles

In bringing to a conclusion our consideration of the errors of the Charismatic Movement we are coming to dwell upon the claimed gift of working miracles. There are four aspects to the working of miracles:Casting out of devils
Taking up serpents
Able to drink poison
Raising the dead

These four aspects of working miracles were given in the New Testament church, cf. Mark 16:17,18: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover; Acts 9:40: But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

As we have already dealt with the errors of demon possession we are coming to consider the remaining three.

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 14

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part one
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking
Study 7 - The Error of Faith Healing - Part one
Study 8 - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part two
Study 9 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part one
Study 10 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part two
Study 11 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part three
Study 12 - The Error of Claiming the Gift of Prophecy
Study 13 - The Errors of Claiming 'Words of Wisdom' and 'Words of Knowledge'

Study Fourteen - The Errors of Claiming the gifts of Discerning Spirits & Interpreting Tongues

1. The Errors of claiming the gift of Discerning Spirits. This gift is the claimed capability to distinguish whether it is God's Spirit, man's spirit or an evil spirit that is speaking through someone. An example of an evil spirit speaking through someone is said to be Peter when he was rebuked by the Saviour for suggesting that He should not go to the cross. The Lord Jesus said: Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men, Matt 16:23.

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 13

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part one
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking
Study 7 - The Error of Faith Healing - Part one
Study 8 - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part two
Study 9 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part one
Study 10 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part two
Study 11 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part three
Study 12 - The Error of Claiming the Gift of Prophecy

Study Thirteen - The Errors of Claiming 'Words of Wisdom' and 'Words of Knowledge'

Summary to date
There are nine gifts listed in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and these are sometimes divided into three classes with three in each class:
1. The Gifts of the Mind or Revelation:
• The word of wisdom.
• The word of knowledge.
• The discernment of the spirits.

2. The Gifts of Action or Power:
• The gifts of healing.
• The working of miracles.
• The gift of faith, that faith that moves mountains.

3. The Gifts of the Tongue:
• Prophecy.
• Speaking in tongues.
• Interpretation of tongues.

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 12

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part one
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking
Study 7 - The Error of Faith Healing - Part one
Study 8 - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part two
Study 9 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part one
Study 10 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part two
Study 11 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part three

Study Twelve - The Errors of Claiming the Gift of Prophecy

A chief feature of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement is their claim that the gift of prophecy can be known today. Some would even go so far as to say that the reason the church has failed to carry out the Great Commission is because it neglected these supernatural gifts. They cite evidence showing rapid church growth wherever all the gifts of the Spirit are operational. One of these is prophecy.

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 11

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part one
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking
Study 7 - The Error of Faith Healing - Part one
Study 8 - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part two
Study 9 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part one
Study 10 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part two

Study Eleven - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part Three

In perusing this subject of 'Demon Possession' one more time we want to consider one further aspect, namely, the reasons why demon possession is greatly reduced today and why therefore we should not expect this type of activity to be as prevalent as in the days when the Saviour and the Apostles were on the earth.

This concept of the reduced activity of the devil in this way of possession is one that is evidently contrary to the prevailing opinion among many Charismatics today. They very much reject this viewpoint. However, as ever we must ask: what saith the Scriptures?

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 10

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part one
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking
Study 7 - The Error of Faith Healing - Part one
Study 8 - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part two
Study 9 - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part one

Study Ten - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part Two

1. The belief in Demon Possession is sadly an ever increasing phenomena among many Charismatics. They base their belief upon misapplied and misinterpreted passages of Scripture. For example:
[1] The commissioning of the disciples, Matthew 10:1,8: And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease; Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 9

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part One
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part Two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking
Study 7 - The Error of Faith Healing - Part One
Study 8 - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part Two

Study Nine - The Errors of Demon Possession - Part One

The next area of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement that needs to be considered is that of 'Demon Possession'. It is the belief of some within the Charismatic Movement that there are numbers of people who are possessed by demons. In making this type of claim these Charismatics will state that demon possession happens:
1. Both among the unconverted and the converted;
2. On a sliding scale, with some greatly possessed, while others are only slightly possessed;
3. Without people being aware that they are possessed by demons.

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 8

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part One
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part Two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking
Study 7 - The Error of Faith Healing - Part One

Study Eight - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part Two

Having considered the teaching of the Scriptures about the procedure that it lays down for present day healing there are some other important issues to consider around this subject:

1. Should a Christian ever be sick? There are some Charismatics who believe that sickness is not according to the will of God. They attribute sickness to two sources:
[1] It is the work of the devil generally, and the work of demons residing within us in particular. [We will deal with demon possession within Charismatic circles separately].
[2] It arises from sin in a believer's life. They make a strong connection between sickness and disobedience to God and argue that sickness is really a testimony that the sick person is knowingly engaging in some sin, that they need to repent off, if they are to see the sickness lifted.

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 7

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part one
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part two
Study 6 - The Errors of Tongue Speaking

Study Seven - The Errors of Faith Healing - Part One

This seventh study brings us to the second major aspect of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement. Next to tongue speaking is the subject of faith healing. Does God heal people today from their physical sicknesses and illnesses by the means of a faith healer? Should the Church of Jesus Christ today expect and exercise a faith healing ministry?

The New Testament does speak of the gift of healing: To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 1 Corinthians 12:9,30. The Apostles and their immediate successors did have the power to heal people from physical sickness, even to raise people from the dead. Some examples:

1. Peter & John and the man at the Beautiful Gate, Acts 3:1-11;

2. The shadow of Peter passing by, Acts 5:12-16;

3. Peter healing Æneas and raising Dorcas from the dead, Acts 9:32-43;

4. Paul healing the crippled man at Lystra, Acts 14:8-10;

5. Paul and the handkerchiefs that were taken to the sick, Acts 19:11,12;

6. Paul healing the father of Publius and others, Acts 28:8-9.

Errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement Part 6

These posts stem from a series of fifteen studies conducted, in our Youth Fellowship meetings, at the request of the young people who attend, dealing with the errors of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement

Study 1 - Introduction

Study 2 - The Infilling of the Spirit

Study 3 - The Purpose of New Testament Supernatural Gifts

Study 4 - The Cessation of New Testament Supernatural Gifts - Part One
Study 5 - The Cessation of New Testament supernatural gifts - Part Two

Study Six - The Errors of Tongue Speaking

In this study we begin to consider specific aspects of the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement. We will commence with Speaking in Tongues. 

Tongue speaking is often looked upon as the sign of all sign gifts. Among many Charismatics, unless you speak with tongues you are not walking with the Lord nor filled with the Holy Spirit. Some may even go as far as to question whether you are a child of God if you do not speak in tongues. This puts intolerable pressure upon people within the Charismatic/Pentecostal Movement. 

We must always keep before us the Scriptural truth that tongue speaking is not the primary sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit. [See Study Two] Anyone who argues thus is simply ignorant of the teaching of the New Testament. Power to witness for Christ is the New Testament sign of being filled with the Spirit.

Stats for June