2014/03 Distinctives Features of Free Presbyterianism THE PRAYER MEETING   The surroundings were less than luxurious: an old portable building, the usual combination of forms and the obligatory stacking chairs, well-worn carpet, and a make-shift pulpit. Known affectionately as ‘the hut’, the structure served as kitchen, venue for weekly children’s and youth meetings, and as

2016/07 Witnessing to Muslims All Christians will have a desire to share the gospel of Christ with people they meet. As we rub shoulders with others in this world we discover that they have their own faiths and world-views.  As such it is helpful to understand what they might think or believe in order to

2014/05 Apostasy - Investigating the Issues Now the spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. (1Timothy 4:1) Paul’s solemn warning anticipates a series of awful departures from the faith. Certainly, in the life-time of the apostles, there was such

2016/09 The Somme The 1st of July is embossed on Ulster calendars on account of two historic events.  It was the original date of the Battle of the Boyne (before the Gregorian calendar was adopted, moving the date to the 12th) – and it was the opening day of the Battle of the Somme. The

2014/05 Distinctives Features of Free Presbyterianism THE PRACTICE OF PROTEST At the beginning of the year members of our congregation convened a protest outside the Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey. We were there, with others, to register opposition to the staging of a production that mocked the Bible and belittled its message. When the honour

2016/09 Witnessing to Jehovah's Witnesses For many Christians today, the idea of sharing the gospel with a Jehovah’s Witness is a daunting prospect. It seems like they are an unreachable, unbreakable group of people who doggedly defend and cling to their beliefs. They seem to have an answer for every argument a Christian may throw

2014/07 ISLAM Late spring in N Ireland was enlivened not just by the hullaballoo of an election campaign but by controversy occasioned by a single sermon. The message was delivered by one of the province’s best-known Evangelical pastors, and its theme was Islam. By all accounts, the preacher presented a forthright denunciation of the world’s

2014/07 Distinctives Features of Free Presbyterianism PREACHING THE WORD The year was 1960. It was a Sunday morning and I was, as usual, in Mount Merrion church. I was not in my accustomed place, but was seated right at the front, with no one between the pulpit and me. The preacher was Rev. Bert Cooke

The Prime Minister, a vociferous campaigner for the change, saw a majority of Conservatives – eighteen members of government included – withhold their support.

2014/09 Distinctives Features of Free Presbyterianism EVANGELICAL AND EVANGELISTIC There was no one there. The lepers ventured into the Syrian camp realizing that death was likely no matter what they did. They went from tent to tent, found food and drink, silver, gold and clothing, but there was no one there!  They feasted and they