Remembering Dr Henry Cooke, Part two - His battle for a truly 'Christian', 'Bible based' education system

Not so well known but nevertheless as important, is Dr Henry Cooke's battle for a thoroughly Christian, Bible based education for the children of Protestants.

Again, as in the battle for Trinitarianism Henry Cooke stepped forward and led from the front. He believed in the righteousness of his cause and would not accept anything less than that which honoured the Lord, His truth and that which would adequately safeguard the spiritual wellbeing of Protestant children.

Dr Henry Cooke’s Contending for a 'Bible based' education system

In 1824 when Henry Cooke was moderator of the Synod Sir Robert Peel instigated the setting up of a Royal Commission on Education, and the subsequent Select Committees of the Lords and Commons to: inquire into the nature and extent of the instruction afforded by the several institutions established for the purposes of education, and to report as to the measures which can be adopted for extending generally to all classes of the people the benefits of education.

Special Meetings 30th December 2018

Sermon - Remembering Dr Henry Cooke's battle for Trinitarianism against Arianism

Remembering Dr Henry Cooke, Part one - His Battle for Trinitarianism against Arianism

The day following the death of Dr Henry Cooke the Belfast Newsletter announced that ‘A Prince of the church had fallen’ and carried an obituary which extended over four and a half columns. Henry Cooke was indeed a 'prince' in the church of Jesus Christ. He unashamedly was a Protestant, a Presbyterian and a Protagonist.

Dr Henry Cooke's greatest battle for truth and righteousness was fought on the issue of the person of Jesus Christ. There can never be a more important issue which relates to the Gospel than the person of Jesus Christ.  

Henry Cooke’s Contending for Trinitarianism 

Henry Cooke is probably best known for the part he played in ridding the Synod of Ulster of the Arians. As a result of his stand for Trinitarianism the Arians were forced to leave and set up an alternative Synod, known as the 'Remonstance Synod' and latter still known as the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Special Meeting marking 150th anniversary of the death of Dr Henry Cooke

Remembering Dr Henry Cooke

Today, 13th December 2018, marks the 150th anniversary of the death of Dr Henry Cooke. Dr Cooke was the great Protestant, Presbyterian Protagonist in this part of Ireland for half a century.

It has been said of Dr Henry Cooke that for half a century his life was a large portion of the religious and public history of Ireland.

During his days of public ministry for the cause of Jesus Christ he stood against the Arians and defended the doctrine of the Trinity; he argued for a thoroughly Christian education to be provided the schools of his day and he was unapologetically a Protestant and a unionist.

Special Missionary Deputation Meeting

Special Missionary Deputation meeting with Miss Noreen McAfee, missionary to Uganda Wednesday 12th December 2018 in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church at 8.00 pm.

Miss McAfee will speak and a film will be shown of her work in Uganda 

Stats for November

Special Meetings in Newtownabbey FPC this weekend

Special Missionary Deputation meeting by Miss Joanne Greer, missionary in Liberia
Sunday morning 24th November at 11.30 am
Joanne works with the Free Presbyterian Mission Church of Liberia, which is managed by the Mission Board of the Free Presbyterian Church of North America.

There are three small congregations, and she is also involved in women's and children's work with the two churches near Monrovia (Paynesville and Balla Creek).

Education Board Graduation Service

Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony Anniversary Meeting

We Will Remember Them

Coincidentally Remembrance Sunday this year will exactly mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. It was at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, that the armistice came into effect across the western front.

In a railway carriage, away from preying eyes, in a forest near the French city of Compiègne, north-east of Paris,  French, British, and German leaders had met and signed the armistice that officially ended the four year bloody conflict that claimed the lives of more than 16 million people.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Fear God, Honour the King

At this time of the year when the sacrifice of those who fought and died, in the struggle against Fascism, Nazism and tyranny, is remembered J. Sidlow Baxter has some interesting and thought provoking comments to make upon the later part of 1 Peter 2:17. The whole verse reads: Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

J. Sidlow Baxter highlights the fact that honouring the civil power must always go alongside fearing God. When patriotism is separated from the fear of God evils such as Fascism and Nazism result.

Conference

Stats for October

Halloween - Its Pagan Origin and Connection with Ireland

This is a re-post of a previous article on this Blog regarding Halloween which appeared in 2012. 

This is the outline of a sermon preached on the Pagan Origin of Halloween on 30th October 2005 in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church. 

When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations, 
Deuteronomy 18:9. 

We are all aware of the type of celebration that goes on at this time of the year. People dress up in the most hideous clothes and masks, they have their lanterns, they go tricking and treating, they talk of ghosts, haunted houses and supernatural happenings and all things spooky.

Have we ever asked ourselves the question: where did this all come from?

An insight in the origin of halloween can easily be discovered when we remember that this festival is one of foremost important to the old pagan religion that sadly is still practised in society today. The Druids and those involved in witchcraft look upon the festival of Halloween as being of great importance.

Quotable Quote - R A Torrey

Men hope by the denial of God's existence to shield themselves from the discomfort of His acknowledged presence.

Reuben Archer Torrey was born in January 1856 and died in October 1928. He was an American evangelist, pastor, educator, and writer.

In 1889 R A Torrey joined D L Moody in his evangelistic work in Chicago and became superintendent of the Bible Institute of the Chicago Evangelisation Society.

Five years later, he became pastor of the Chicago Avenue Church in 1894.

The Unequal Conduct of the Equality Commission

The conduct of The Equality Commission for Northern Ireland has rightly been called into question in the wake of the victory at the Supreme Court for the Ashers Baking Co.

A number of unionist politicians have called for a review of the actions of The Equality Commission in the light of spending a vast amount of taxpayers' money on what was a wasted prosecution. See below.

Belfast Telegraph - Ashers: Call for review of Equality Commission funding - Foster praises McArthurs for 'grace and perseverance'

The unequal conduct of The Equality Commission has been highlighted in the ruling of two different courts in this case. Both the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court have both seen fit to make comment on the unequal conduct of The Equality Commission when ruling on the Ashers case. 

Response from The Christian Institute on Ashers Baking Company Victory

Click on image above to read the response of The Christian Institute to the landmark victory for the Ashers Baking Company at the UK's Supreme Court.

A Good Day for Truth and Righteousness!

 

Click on image to read article in Belfast Newsletter

The Ashers Baking Company have today learned that they have won their case at the United Kingdom's Supreme Court. This is a good day for truth and righteousness!

The McArthur family, who run the Bakery, had won their case in the court of public opinion a long time ago when they were first taken to court by the iniquitous Equality Commission in Northern Ireland. Now they have legally won their case in the highest court of the land. The five justices on the Supreme Court were unanimous in their judgement.

It is no surprise to hear the liberals in the media and elsewhere whine and complain about the ruling. This is a set back for their intolerant agenda and they are not happy. In their utopian world everyone would be compelled to express support for that which God says is wicked and contrary to nature.

Quotable Quote - C H Spurgeon on Secondary Separation

In a sermon entitled "NO COMPROMISE" preached, 130 years ago, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle on Lord's day morning 7th October 1888, C. H. Spurgeon stated the following about his own practice of 'secondary separation':

"That I might not stultify my testimony I have cut myself clear of those who err from the faith, and even from those who associate with them." 

Spurgeon's text that morning was the words of Genesis 24:5-8: And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again. The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again.

Harvest Thanksgiving Services

Stats for September

Special Meetings in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church

Church History Anniversaries - 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Amy Carmichael

Amy Carmichael was born on 16th December 1867 in Millisle, Co-Down, Northern Ireland. She is best known for her labours in Belfast and also for her missionary endeavours, particularly in Dohnavur, southern India, which included an orphanage.

She served the Lord on various mission fields for 55 years without any furlough time at home. She died, aged 83, on 18th January 1951 in Dohnavur, India, where she had laboured for over 40 of those 55 years.

For the last 20 years, of that missionary service, she was an invalid, confined to her room in the orphanage she was instrumental in seeing built 30 years earlier (1901). It was in 1931 that she suffered what seemed a fairly minor accident. However, this accident ended up crippling her. Confined to her room for those 20 years she was not inactive. From bed of sickness she organised, counselled and wrote numerous books. She wrote between 30 to 40 books during her lifetime.

Here is the link to other church history anniversaries that have been commemorated over recent years. Sermonaudio - Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church - Church history anniversaries

Those who disagree with Transgender procedures within the Girl Guides are sacked

In a letter published today in the Belfast Newsletter Mr Callum Webster, the Northern Ireland officer for the Christian Institute, has outlined the fallout for those who disagree with the new transgender procedures recently adopted by the Girl Guides association. Those who disagree have been sacked!

This display of liberal intolerance is no surprise. Everyone must show tolerance towards all the perversions of the day and make accommodations for them. But when a Christian or someone else objects to these sinful practices then the real spirit among the socially liberal is displayed. It is a spirit of intolerance.

Helen Watts is one of the expelled volunteers. Her story was featured on the BBC News website recently - Girlguiding says girls not at risk from trans inclusion

In his letter Mr Webster responds to the claims of the Girl Guides leaders.

The lesson for girl guides? Shut up about transgender concerns 

Last year Girlguiding UK opted to let men can join as leaders – if they feel they have been born in the ‘wrong’ body. Likewise, boys who say they are girls could use female toilets, changing rooms, tents and showers. If this were not enough, in both instances the organisation advised leaders not to tell parents if their daughters would be affected. 

Youth Service in Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church

Church History Anniversaries - 150th Anniversary of the death of William Chalmers Burns

The third church history anniversary commemorated was that of William Chalmers Burns. This year, 2018, marks the 150th anniversary of his death.

'Willie' Burns was saved from a careless life as a youth and devoted himself to the service of the Lord. He wrote: From the first moment of this wonderful experience [ie. his conversion] I had the inspiring hope of being saved by a sovereign and infinitely gracious God; and in the same instant almost, I felt that I must leave my present occupation and devote myself to Jesus in the ministry of the glorious gospel by which I had been saved.

He endured much in the land of China for the sake of his Lord and Master. The story is told how that on one occasion he was arrested and told to bow before the chief magistrate. His response was: Your Excellency, I will render to you the same obeisance as I would to my Sovereign Queen Victoria, humbly on a bended knee, but I will only kneel on both knees to God, the King of Kings.

Here is the link to other church history anniversaries that have been commemorated over recent years. Sermonaudio - Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church - Church history anniversaries

Church History Anniversaries - 300th Anniversary of the birth of David Brainerd

The second church history anniversary commemorated was that of David Brainerd. This year, 2018, marks the 300th anniversary of his birth.

David Brainerd was the missionary who took the Gospel to the Native Americans. He wrote in his diary: Here am I, Lord, send me. Send me to the ends of the earth. Send me to the rough, the savage pagans of the wilderness. Send from all that is called comfort in earth or earthly comfort. Send even to death itself if it is be in Thy service and to promote Thy kingdom. I care not where I go, or how I live, or what I endure so that I may save souls. When I sleep I dream of them; when I awake they are first in my thoughts.

It was his love for Jesus Christ that constrained him to labour as he did. Again he wrote: If I had a thousand lives, my soul should gladly have laid them all down at once to have been with Christ.

Here is the link to other church history anniversaries that have been commemorated over recent years. Sermonaudio - Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church - Church history anniversaries

Church History Anniversaries - 400th Anniversary of the Synod of Dort

Every August, as the Lord leads, relevant church history anniversaries are commemorated. It is important to remember the mercies of the Lord towards past generations. Events which took place that advanced the caused of Jesus Christ are worthy of remembrance. The raising up men and women of God who served the Lord with distinction is again something that ought to interest every child of God. We can say with the Psalmist: The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage, Psalm 16:6.

This year the following church history anniversaries were marked:
1. 400th anniversary of the commencement of the Synod of Dort
2. 300th anniversary of the birth of David Brainerd
3. 150th anniversary of the death of William Chalmers Burns
4. 150th anniversary of the birth of Amy Carmichael

Here is the consideration of the first of those anniversaries to be marked - 400th anniversary of the commencement of the Synod of Dort. One historian said of the Synod of Dort: The convocation and proceedings of the Synod of Dordt may be considered among the most interesting events of the seventeenth century. The Westminster Assembly was indeed more immediately interesting to British and American Presbyterians, yet the Synod of Dordt had a species of importance peculiar to itself and altogether pre-eminent. It was not merely a meeting of select divines of a single nation, but a convention of the Calvinistic world, to bear testimony against a rising and obtrusive error; to settle a question in which all the Reformed churches of Europe had an immediate and deep interest.


Here is the link to other church history anniversaries that have been commemorated over recent years. Sermonaudio - Newtownabbey Free Presbyterian Church - Church history anniversaries

Stats for August

Primark - the Fire and Support of the Sodomite Belfast Pride

… for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness, Isaiah 26:9.

Yesterday a serious fire broke out in the Primark building in the centre of Belfast. It is five-storey listed building which has stood in the centre of the city since 1785.

The building was undergoing a major refurbishment costing an estimated £30m. The building has been extensively damaged by the fire and at present the Fire Service is not able to say if the structure is safe. There are "grave concerns" that Bank Buildings could collapse, the fire service has told the BBC. See here

The 'bank building' as it has been known was originally erected by Waddell Cunningham in 1785. It survived the Troubles when three bombs exploded in the building in 1975. In 1979, the Bank Buildings were taken over by the present occupier, Primark.

Thankfully no one was injured and the building was safely evacuated before the fire spread. Although one person who was in the store has reported that when the fire alarm went off an announcement was made that it was just a routine alarm and that the shoppers would be allowed back in shortly. Parents left buggies and prams behind, as they were directed out of the shop, only to discover outside that the roof of the building was on fire and they were unable to re-enter the shop to claim their belongings.

Primark's Support of Belfast Pride

Primark was one of the most prominent sponsors of the sodomite Belfast Pride parade which took place in the city recently. A window display in the shop contained rainbow-draped mannequins and loudly proclaimed the store's links to Stonewall, the sodomite lobby group.

Romish Cardinal has to cancel trip to join Pope in Ireland because of child abuse report

The Pope's top adviser on clergy sexual abuse has had to cancel his planned trip to Ireland because he has to investigate sexual misconduct in his own Seminary in North America.

Cardinal Sean O’Malley has backed out of a key speaking engagement in Dublin at the World Meeting of Families so that he might devote his time and attention to the unfolding scandal at St. John’s Seminary in Brighton.

The World Meeting of Families Conference is taking place in Dublin 21st - 26th August. The Pope is to attend the closing stages of the Conference. 

Cardinal O’Malley is chairman of Pope Francis’ Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children. He was expected to chair a panel discussion at the World Meeting of Families Conference titled 'Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults.' The panel includes Dublin abuse survivor Marie Collins, who resigned from the Commission for the Protection of Minors last year in protest at the frustration of its work by Vatican officials.

Free Presbyterian Statement regarding Presbyterian moderator's intention to meet the Pope

Love for Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and concern for the eternal souls of men will prevent any Bible believer from union or communion with a Roman Catholic Church that remains as contrary to Holy Scripture today as it ever has been.

As long as it proclaims its leader as the supreme head of the church on earth, denigrates the work that Christ completed on Calvary by the pretentious teachings central to its mass, refuses the scriptural way of salvation that justification is by faith alone in Christ alone, fleeces its adherents by means of an imaginary purgatory, and offers indulgences with as much aplomb as Tetzel managed in Martin Luther’s day, no true Christian should engage in fellowship with this system, never mind travel to welcome its Pope.

Special Church History Anniversary meetings

Free Presbyterian Open Air Witness against Belfast Pride

Today the annual open air witness against the iniquitous Belfast Pride took place.

Rev Gordon Dane, moderator elect of the Presbytery, preached from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Stats for July