Issuu

THE

RECORD

MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF THE FREE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND NOVEMBER 2018 • £2.00

PRAYER DIARY NOV/DEC 2018

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people 1 Timothy 2:1 (NIV) Fri 16th Pray for the people of Central Sulawesi Province (Indonesia) who have survived the earthquake/ tsunami of 28th September. Remember medical and aid workers helping in the recovery. Sat 17th Praise God for the decision made by the Supreme Court in favour of Ashers Baking Co. Pray that their witness to the goodness of God will speak to many. Sun 18th Pray for all those who gather to worship in Kilmallie this morning. Remember them and the Rev Dr John Ross, their interim moderator, as they look to the Lord for guidance for a pastor. Mon 19th Today is World Toilet Day. Tearfund are holding an event in London drawing attention to the fact that one in three women in the world does not have a proper toilet. Pray that the Toilet Twinning initiative will improve this situation. Tues 20th Give thanks for the release of Pastor Andrew Brunson from Turkish prison. Pray for all those wrongfully imprisoned for the sake of the gospel. Wed 21st The congregation of Esk Valley give thanks for a new venue which suits their needs well at this stage. Pray for Curt and Gwen, a couple coming from the States for a year to support the work. Thurs 22nd Many soldiers have returned from summer leave and are preparing for the ‘next big thing’. Pray for safety in their jobs and opportunities for Roddy Macleod and other SASRA workers to interact with them. Fri 23rd Pray for the church-planting vision weekend starting tonight in St Columba’s in Edinburgh, especially for Rev. James Forsyth as he speaks and encourages those who gather. Sat 24th Pray that as Christians we will be willing to step out of our comfort zones (and traditions) to make time to get to know those who appear different from ourselves in order to be a witness in our communities. Sun 25th The vacant congregation of Kiltearn are scheduled to celebrate communion today. Pray that they and their interim moderator, Rev. Angus MacRae, will know God’s blessing as they witness in the community.

Mon 26th Continue to uphold Rev. Angus MacRae in his duties as Moderator of the church. Tues 27th Pray for Rev. Donnie G MacDonald, Moderate Designate for the 2019 General Assembly. Remember the Portree and Bracadale congregation as they work towards their new building. Wed 28th Pray for medical and nursing professionals in hospitals who are fighting to save the lives of seriously ill and injured patients. Pray for courage and skill and that they will know comfort from God, especially when a patient dies. Thurs 29th Pray that many lives would be changed by the joy of receiving a filled shoebox through the Blythswood Shoebox appeal. Fr 30th Today has been set aside as a National Day of Prayer. Let us be united in our desire to proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ and to live in obedience to His Word. Sat 1st Give thanks for new interns in Cornerstone Church, Elijah Brook and his wife Jessie, and pray that they will have a fruitful time serving the church in Edinburgh. Pray for the bilingual services (English and Spanish) happening tomorrow. Sun 2nd Remember the vacant congregation of Urquhart and Resolis and their interim moderator, Rev. Sandy Sutherland, as they look to the Lord for guidance for their future ministry. Mon 3rd Some of the soldiers who studied John’s gospel with Roddy Macleod are moving on. Pray the Lord will bless to them the time spent in his Word. Tues 4th Pray for the students in the seminary as they begin their exams today. Wed 5th Pray for London City Presbyterian Church as they have a number of unbelieving people at their services – please ask that they would be saved.

Fri 7th The Leith congregation have a Friday lunch that brings in people who are unchurched and mainly homeless. Pray for them all, that good conversations would lead to conversions. Sat 8th A Christian counselling ministry based in a city in the south of Turkey provides support to people from across the Middle East. Pray for the work they do; for those who minister through it; and for those who come for counselling. Pray for a possible expansion of the ministry among Turkish-speaking people. Sun 9th This morning as we go to worship our Lord, remember the scattered congregation of Assynt and Eddrachillis and their interim moderator, Rev. Ian Allan. Pray for blessing at their service in Lochinver this afternoon. Mon 10th Pray that the Christian groups in each of our political parties would grow in influence. Give thanks for freedom to pray and worship together and pray for this to be protected. Tues 11th The Bible Society of Slovakia has started to produce Scriptures in large fonts for people with visual disabilities. Pray that these will help people to find hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, despite their hardships. Wed 12th As Christmas is celebrated in our schools, pray that pupils and teachers will be free to express Christian beliefs without being bullied or marginalised. Thurs 13th Give thanks that our government has agreed to cut the maximum stake on addictive gambling machines and pray it comes into effect quickly. Fri 14th Please pray for the ongoing political situation in Uganda. Opposition parties are in conflict with the current leader, and as so often is the case, children suffer most in these times – especially those living on the streets.

Thurs 6th Give thanks for the induction of Rev. Garry Brotherston to the Bishopbriggs congregation in September. Pray for blessing on the ministry and witness in Bishopbriggs.

Prayer requests to: ian.macdonald57@btinternet.com. Please take time to send requests for your congregation or ministry to be included in forthcoming Records. These prayer notes are prepared 5 weeks in advance of publication.

THE RECORD

NOVEMBER

WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM BY THE EDITOR

there is a war memorial.

I remember as a teenager standing there and counting the names engraved on it. Between the First and Second World Wars there were dozens — the vast majority from the First World War. This is a village which barely has 200 people. The Highlands of Scotland were far more decimated by the trenches in WWI than they were by the Clearances. So why do we celebrate ‘Remembrance’ Sunday? We don’t. We mourn. We remember those who died in senseless slaughter. We remember those who fought for our freedom but we do not celebrate war. Sadly there were some within the Christian church who did — and sometimes I suspect there are those who still do. There is a contrast in attitudes. The leading Free Church elder, Hugh Miller had this perceptive insight in the middle of the 19th Century. “That dislike of war which good men have entertained in all ages is, we are happy to believe a fast spreading dislike…..And of course, the more the feeling grows in any country, which, like France, Britain, and America, possesses a representative Government, the less chance there will be of these nations entering rashly into war. France and the United States have always had their senseless war parties. It is of importance, therefore, that they should also possess their balancing peace parties, even though these be well-nigh as senseless as the others. Again in our own country, war is always the interest of a class largely represented in both Houses of Parliament. It is of great importance that they also should be kept in check, and their interest neutralised, by a party as hostile to war on principle as they are favourable to it from interest.”. Contrast this with the Anglican bishop of London, Arthur F Winnington who in 1915 stated that it was the nation’s duty to mobilise for ‘a holy war’. In one of his sermons he urged British soldiers to ‘kill Germans – do kill them; not for the sake of killing, but to save the world, to kill the good as well as the bad, to kill the young as well as the old, to kill those who have shown kindness to our wounded as well as those fiends… As I have said a thousand times, I look upon it as a war for purity, I look upon everyone who died in it as a martyr.’

2018

Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:8-10 NIV)

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These words are chilling, crass and anti-Christian. They show what happens when the Church gets caught up with and goes along with the spirit of the age. Anyone who visits the Somme or the vast graveyards of both World Wars can only shudder at the callousness of those remarks — said by a man who purported to be an under shepherd of Christ. A number of years ago we took a number of teenagers who were at the Free Church overseas camp in the North of France to visit one of these war graveyards. On the way the bus was filled with laughing, boisterous teenagers. On the way back to our residence there was almost utter silence. The young people sat in contemplation and a degree of reverence. That is a fitting approach to remembrance. It is also fitting to remember our history. In a postmodern, dumbed-downed, self-absorbed, culture such as ours, we both forget our history and we far too often end up believing a fake historical narrative — one that happens to suit our current feelings and views. Cambridge University students, supposedly the elite of our educational system, recently voted not to support the wearing of poppies and Remembrance day, because they ‘glorified war’. There are many things that glorify war, but remembering the Fallen in previous wars is not one of those things. Nor is it wrong to particularly remember the dead from your own country — they, after all, are the ones who died so that we can have the freedom we have today. We give thanks for those who died for our freedoms — we do remember them. But we also mourn and long for the day when war shall be more. •

n the centre of the village of fearn in easter ross

FREE CHURCH NEWS BIG FREE RALLY

n saturday,

29th september, three hundred young people got up before dawn to travel the length and breadth

of scotland to get to smithton church, inverness, for this year’s big free rally.

We are all so glad they did! What a phenomenal day! Everyone there will tell you that it was an amazing day with the most wonderful Spirit-filled atmosphere – and it was a privilege and a blessing to have been involved. There were games, quizzes, team challenges and dancing – all great fun! Peter Turnbull, of Burghead Free Church, delivered two perfectly pitched talks on ‘Being a part of God’s family’, and you could have heard a pin drop as everyone, from age ten upwards, listened carefully. Peter offered loving, practical and timeless advice on how to keep being a Christian – for kids and adults alike! (PDFs of talks available upon request.) The praise was amazing! There was a great selection of songs sung beautifully by hundreds of young voices (see Camps FCYC Facebook page for some examples). There was such a sense of unity as everyone met together and caught up with each other’s news since camp. Even those who haven’t yet been to camp are looking for dates and details about how to get involved next year – how exciting is that! All being well, the FCYC Brochure will be out before Christmas. It’s amazing to think that through this gathering of young people, God is planting seeds in their hearts and opening their minds ready to listen to the Gospel. Praise the Lord for continuing with us in the Camps ministry and in events such as the Big Free Rally, which will last long in the memories of the young people impacted by them. • [Laura MacAulay (Camps Administrator]

INDUCTION OF REV. CHRIS DAVIDSON AT FREE NORTH

wet

wednesday,

and the

windy

26th of

september, in inverness,

rev. chris davidson was inducted in the free north.

Chris has been appointed with special duties to plant a church in the Merkinch area of Inverness. The leadership of the Free North have sought a partnership with 20schemes, a church planting organisation in Scotland, through which Chris and his wife Katherine will gain valuable training. During the induction, Rev. Dr Malcolm Maclean from Greyfriars Free Church of Scotland led the service and preached from Judges 3:31, bringing to light the story of Shamgar, an ill-equipped outsider who saved Israel. Although little is written about Shamgar, he had a profound impact on the land. The address

THE RECORD

was profound and helpful for a young man who is trying to plant in a hard place in Scotland. Mr Davidson said, ‘We are excited by the vision of the Free North eldership and the previous minister, Rev. Colin Macleod, to plant a church in Merkinch. In a time where church closures seem to be the norm, it is great to see a body of believers excited about planting in a scheme of Scotland.’ Overall it was a lovely evening with the family of the Free North. Pray for the church planting efforts in Merkinch. •

NOVEMBER

THE NEW MODERATOR

Seminary. Whilst there he was hugely influenced by Prof. Douglas and Mary MacMillan. It was during his time in Edinburgh that he met and married his wife Debbie. They now have five children: Stuart, Catriona, Fiona, Mairi and Findlay. Responding to his acceptance, Mr MacDonald said, ‘It is very humbling to be asked to be Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland General Assembly for 2019. It is an honour to serve Jesus in any capacity and I will do my best to fulfil this responsibility simply but diligently.’ Mr MacDonald was ordained and inducted into Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church on 2nd Oct 1992 aged 24. He spent eleven years there before moving to Portree Free Church in 2003. In all, Mr MacDonald has served faithfully for the past 26 years. ‘I am very aware that to do so I will be dependent on the prayers and support of many people. It continues to be a challenging, yet exciting, time for the Free Church of Scotland. We are an ever-evolving denomination with a never-changing Gospel. The many Free Church congregations scattered throughout the country are working hard to bring that Gospel message to both the urban and rural settings of Scotland, revitalising the old and planting the new. We also remain committed to looking beyond our own borders to explore innovative ways of supporting mission work. ‘The need at home and abroad is great, and we have a lot of work to do, but I believe we have the heart to do it. I look forward to playing a part in facilitating the development of the vision and mission of the denomination in the coming year.’ •

he commission of assembly of the free church of scotland met on wednesday,

3rd october. They

were pleased to announce that Rev. Donnie G. MacDonald, minister of Portree Free Church in Skye, had accepted the nomination of Moderator Designate of the 2019 General Assembly. He succeeds Rev. Angus MacRae, of Dingwall and Strathpeffer Free Church in Ross-shire, who was appointed Moderator in May 2018. Callum Macdonald, Ferintosh and Resolis Free Church elder, said, ‘Donnie exhibits all the fruits of the Spirit as a pastor, preacher and carer for his people. To be in Donnie G’s presence is to just sense his love for all people, feel his joy, peace and to be aware of his overwhelming patience. The manse overflows with kindness and goodness — and have you tasted the scones?! ‘He is dedicated to the flock and serves them faithfully with gentleness and self-control. Donnie is a passionate preacher, bringing the gospel to all and especially to the young. There is always a special message for the children. He is loved by his congregations, past and present. ‘We pray that Donnie, Debbie and family are protected during the coming year and that he has opportunities to serve the Lord nationally and internationally as Moderator.’ Born in Fort William, Mr MacDonald attended Borrowdale Primary School and Portree High School, eventually moving to Glasgow to study Chemistry and Molecular Biology. It was here where he shared a flat with future Free Church Moderator Rev. Derek Lamont and Generation Training Director Rev. Neil MacMillan. Eventually responding to God’s leading, he attended the Free Church College, now Edinburgh Theological

2018

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A BIBLICAL MANDATE TO MOBILISE AGAINST ABORTION? THE RECORD

NOVEMBER

DAVE BRENNAN applies biblical history and principles to make the case for why Christians must make a stand now against the killing of the unborn.

s the

19th century draws to a close , english

The critical question is whether social justice and activism are an optional extra for the Christian, to be adopted or rejected on the perceived risks and benefits with reference to other aims and priorities, or whether loving our neighbour as ourselves is actually a command of God, a core and integral part of what it means to be a follower of Christ. If it is the latter, we are left with only two possible responses: obedience and disobedience. And to find out whether it is a command of God, we need only turn to the Bible.

missionaries in king leopold ii ’ s congo free

state face a heart - searching dilemma . The increasingly well-known systematic atrocities against the native people in the pursuit of lucrative rubber production include the cutting off of hands for the crime of failing to meet the quota. The population is even terrorised by brutal native soldiers weaponised against their own: they eat people, including children, in full view of their fellowvillagers as punishment for under-production. The decision faced by the missionaries — uniquely placed to provide evidence and expose this injustice — is whether or not to speak out publicly back in Europe, to apply international pressure on King Leopold for change.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF Whilst we are free from the condemnation of the Law and could never have been justified by it, Jesus is quick to clarify — and the rest of the New Testament follows him in this — that we are not excused from obeying it. This is especially true of its ‘more important matters — justice, mercy, faithfulness’ — and of the timeless summary that Jesus affirms more than once: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.’ Jesus helpfully illustrates what this looks like with his Parable of the Good Samaritan. The love shown by the Good Samaritan is not evangelism, but practical, sacrificial, risky help. And the application of the parable is ever so simple: ‘Go and do likewise.’ Whilst evangelism is a command of God, it is not the only command of God, not the only form of interaction we are to have with the world around us.

TO SPEAK OUT, OR NOT TO SPEAK OUT? The problem was that the Congo Balolo Mission and the Baptist Missionary Society — the two major English missionary societies then active in the Congo — felt that their work depended on keeping King Leopold sweet. The missionaries ‘naturally hesitate to say much, considering the precariousness of their situation,’ said one MP at the time. Grattan Guinness, director of the CBM at the time, summed it up succinctly: ‘The difficulty is to do good without doing harm.’ By putting Leopold’s nose out of joint, they could risk expulsion from the Congo Free State. How could they be sure it was worth it? A CONSCIENCE ISSUE? The notion that the missionaries’ course of action had to be weighed according to expedience and predicted outcome, rather than being a question of simply obeying God and doing the right thing whatever the result, is a premise worth scrutinising. The former construal would appear to be a thoroughly unchristian way of making decisions. Joseph, Moses, Esther, Jesus, the Early Church, and the Reformers stand as positive examples of the latter: men and women who risked and gave their lives in obedience to God without ever stopping to wonder whether it would be ‘worth it’.

2018

THE HEART OF GOD ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.’ Justice matters to the heart of God. The Mosaic Law is packed full of justice for the oppressed, and all too often it is Israel’s sins of omission — not ensuring justice for the downtrodden — that grieve God’s heart, and taking up their cause once again is part of the tangible repentance and real worship he repeatedly calls for. Nothing pierces God’s heart more in the Old Testament than the sacrifice of children to >>