CHANGE OF BLOG

Don't Make Friends With Salad is departing the interweb but do not panic as it is replaced by www.anotherking.com. Please check out the new blog.

Glenmanus GO Team

Hello Faithful Readers and True Believers! I think one word can describe my posting efforts.......late. As raging as James probably is currently. I'll try and fill you all in on the ins and outs of the Glenmanus GO Team this year.

The team headed up to the North Coast soon after the end of the CY Outing. We were greeted at the manse and had a rough plan of the weeks work along with prayer. Soon after, we jetted off to our 5-Star Accomodation at Norman and Nancys where all the team was staying. You could imagine it would be stressful, but truthfully the only bad thing about it was the queue for the shower!

After our day of rest on Sabbath, our work began on Monday, giving out 3000 copies of the Anchor, with the title "Do you have a Credit Crisis?" along with smaller pamphlets on "Points to Ponder" for Portrush. God provided great answer to prayer with this as the weather always seemed to clear up as we were heading out.

Another ministry we carried out was visitation, we met with a number of older people from the congregations aswell as various Nursing Homes in which we sang psalms, gave out the Points to Ponder phamplets and enjoyed the fellowship with the older people. The Team really appreciated this as we saw the joy we were bringing to the generations that have taught us so much. One particular visit will stick in my mind for a long time, as we went to Mr Ernest Lloyds house, where he spent time talking to us and praying with us. I still struggle to find words to describe it, lets leave it at "it was some thing else".

Our other ministry was the Holiday Bible Club, being held in a local school as Glenmanus R.P is undergoing renovations. This was a blessing in disguise, the school provided a lot more space for games and the different groups as well as seperate classrooms where the children felt comfortable. We were studying "Elisha:God's Miracle Maker". So we were able to tell the 60-odd Children that came every night about how God was able to make many incredible things happen through his servant after people had faith in him.

On Thursday was our day at the Giants Causeway. We travelled down to the Causeway and sang Psalms and gave out leaflets on how the Causeway was really formed. God provided great weather for this and the team found it challenging aswell. In our Psalms we chose ones that praised God for his beautiful creation and we hoped and prayed that people passing would spend time listening.

Our work finshed on Friday morning so the team decided to hang about for abit, we visited Mr. Chips for lunch and a review of the week, then we attended Barrys, did the usual favourites, including Freak Out twice! The team then decided to go to Carrick-a-Rede Ropebridge, my first time there, we enjoyed some incredible sights and after crossing the bridge, we found a place overlooking the sea where we spent time in praise and prayer which was an amazing experience as we saw His vast expanse before our eyes as we worshipped.

I hope you've enjoyed my brief outline of the week. My first GO Team was a hectic and tiring, yet challenging and hugely enjoyable experience. Please remember the Glenmanus Congrecation in your prayers in their follow up work that they carry out.

Photos: (coming soon, some things up with the uploader thing at the minute)

Also, please leave a comment, I was struggling at times on the team to either be saying Portrush or Glenmanus Congregation?! Any help with that one?

Alastair

July Quote for the Month

"Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?" Malachi 2:10

"Wickedly violating the unity of the church will stifle God's blessing... The New Testament picture of the church as a body helps us to understand this. If one organ severs itself from the rest of the body it dies... Local churches can go dead through needlessly cutting themselves off from fellowship with other Chritians. Wrong attitudes towards other true Christians who see things a little differently from us can dreadfully damage our feelowship with God: People lose contact with God through sinful attitudes towards others of God's people." John Benton

June Quote of the Month

Better late than never and all that...

For this month's quote, I have chosen a verse from Luke's Gospel

"Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more."

Luke 12:48 (ESV)

A very challenging verse, and one which everyone needs to act on.

Viva La Vida Review

Dear readers (if there are still any of you out there),

I want to apologise for the lack of posts on the blog lately. Last minute cramming for the exams has been distracting us from our more important job of blogging! I promise that you will have plenty of posts over the summer, especially in the next few weeks as posts which have languished as ideas in the back of our minds as we've tried to revise will arrive online. Now for something a little different to normal on DMFWS, an album review of Coldplay's latest work by friend of the blog Alistiar Rolleston. Glad to see he's recovered from his slagging because of his hairdryer in the Nantes Report!

Don't Make Friends With Salad

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"Since Coldplay’s last album, X&Y, the Voyager 2 Space probe has travelled 1,481,020,200 kilometres. But since I promised James I wouldn’t fill this article with completely useless information, I’ll start focusing on their new album, the oddly titled "Viva La Vida or Death and all his Friends".

Coldplay fans of old will not be disappointed with this latest outing from the quartet of Chris Martin, Will Champion, Guy Berryman and John Buckland. Fans of the soaring piano melodies of A Rush of Blood to the Head are especially in for a treat, with Chris busily hammering out some new tunes on the piano. "Cemeteries of London" certainly has these aspects of the "old" Coldplay, starting out sounding like a old folk tune, before transforming into something more pop-like with electric guitar and plenty of drums.


But where the album really shines is where Coldplay venture into new, unfamiliar territory. Chris has been reported as saying that there would be a lot of Hispanic influence on this new album, but for me the source of inspiration seems to come straight from Japan, with this new sound no more evident in the song "Lovers in Japan" (funnily enough), a personal favourite of mine, along with its sister track, "Reign of Love", and appearing also in "Lost?" and "Strawberry Swing" (another favourite). The opening track, "life in Technicolor", is a very well written hype track, completely devoid of any form of complex lyrics, and it’s good to hear that the band can still rely on proper musical ability should Chris ever develop laryngitis.



The singles on this album are easy to pick out, but that’s not to say the rest are just plain old fillers. The first single, "Violet Hill", must be commended on its sheer catchiness. The track is vaguely religious in a secular kind of way, and some of the lyrics seem to be pointing to the way money has become the God of this world. The title track, "Viva La Vida" also shows this vaguely religious aspect, with the lines "I hear Jerusalem’s bells are ringing" and "I know Saint Peter will call my name". But the star of that song is the drummer, Will Champion, playing not the usual kit, but only a floor tom, with a kettle drum (timp for those in the know), and what can only be assumed to be a very, very large bell. The inspired use of strings at the start of the track will certainly make it stand out on the radio and get people listening.

Chris Martin’s lyrics are as usual something that can be easily sung along to, and I guarantee that within hours of buying this album you’ll be singing along to your personal favourites like the songs themselves are old friends.

With the future of EMI basically pinned on the success of this hour of music, Coldplay really had to produce something exceptional. It’s not quite up there with the epics of "The Joshua tree" or "Absolution", but I think it’s safe to say that that’s not out of Coldplay’s grasp in the future.

Watch this space people. Watch this space."

Alistair Rolleston



Coldplay's gig at BBC

Exams

Perhaps you too are sitting exams at the minute. If you're stressed take 10min and watch this video. Your exam can't go this badly!

Mr Bean- The Exam

More Important Than Spuds

BBC News has suggested that Genetically Modified (GM) foods could be the answer to the global food crisis. In Britain, whilst GM crops are not illegal, "the regulations mean it is a hostile environment for the agri-business brigade". This creates the absurd situation that in the United Kingdom people are discouraged from experimenting on potatoes but the government has passed legislation allowing scientists to create human embryos for research. Human beings are being created to experiment on and recently our nation has plunged further down this research path by allowing the creation of "hybrid human-animal embryos after MPs overwhelmingly voted in favour of radical stem cell research" (Telegraph). Our nation allows humans to be experimented on without their permission before destroying these unborn children after just 14 days of life. I don't know alot regarding the GM Food debate but surely this means that the people of Britain now value spuds over babies.

Part of the reason GM foods are deemed unacceptable is the effective work of pressure groups such as Greenpeace and well co-ordinated protests designed to place the issue on the agenda. Some of the most obvious examples are when some eco-protestors "chained themselves to the dairy aisle in a Sainsbury's supermarket" in 2004 (BBC) and in 2001 when "Eight people were arrested and one injured during a protest against Wales's only remaining GM crop trial. " (BBC)

Is there not lessons that can be learned in the fight against abortion?

Why are people willing to take such action over fields of maize and there's no-one picketing outside Downing Street 24-7 against the murder of unborn children?

I'm not calling for the extreme and immoral actions as seen in America as protestors blow up abortion clinics and murder doctors. These actions are wrong and they weaken the Pro-life case. But surely we should be taking some form of direct action, gaining media attention and placing the issue on the public agenda. If abortion is murder why does it not seem to bother us much? There is a genocide of the unborn in our own land and we are doing so little to stop it. Maybe GM Foods is an important issue but there can be no doubt abortion is infinitely more important. What are you doing about it?

23 week old baby inside the womb, one week under the legal limit for abortion in Britain

Do Muslims need converted?

A row has eurrupted in the Church of England over the campaign of a trainee-priest, Paul Eddy, "for the Church of England to work explicitly to convert Muslims to Christianity"(BBC News). The motion will be debated at the upcoming General Synod in York and has provoked angry reactions not only from Muslims but from within the Anglican church itself.

Bishop of Urban Life and Faith Stephen Lowe has said that the motion shows "no sensitivity to the need for good inter-faith relations. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs are learning to respect one another's paths to God and to live in harmony. This demand for the evangelisation of people of other faiths contributes nothing to our communities."(Telegraph)

Rt Rev Stephen Lowe, the former Bishop of Hulme and the newly appointed Bishop of Urban Life and Faith

Lowe's Bible (if he owns such an wildly insensitive book!) must be missing a few verses.

John 14:6

"Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"

Unless I'm reading incorrectly the verse says "the way" not "a way" and "No one" rather than "Everyone". Lowe's talk of "one another's paths to God" is heresy. The Bible clearly teaches there is only one way for sinful man to be reconcilled to God, through Christ's death on the cross. Not through Islam and not through our own efforts to get right with God.

Matthew 28:19

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

Matthew 10:34-36

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn

" 'a man against his father,

a daughter against her mother,

a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law -

man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'"

Doesn't sound like Jesus was asking us to focus on building "good inter-faith relations" instead we've been given a life saving message to spread. Our message is offensive as it tells people they are sinners and need a Saviour and Jesus has warned us that this will bring division and hostility. However ultamitely living in harmony with God and our fellow man is only possible through the Gospel which and nothing can be more beneficial for a community than the conversion of sinners.

It's really sad when professing Christians send out such mixed messages to the world. We have a responsibility and a priviledge to share the Gospel with the world and we should be making special efforts to tell the Good News to those under the delusion of Islam and not being afraid of offending people. In the past missionaries went out from Britain across the world, now the world is coming to Britain and we have a mutli-racial mission field on our doorsteps. Maybe it would help to think of it this way, if you saw someone drowning you wouldn't hold back a life ring incase of embarrassing and angering a non-swimmer, would you?

May Quote of the Month

Yes, your eyes do not decieve you, its me..........Alastair! Sorry faithful readers and true believers, my commitment to the DMFWS cause has been lacking of late as exams are on at the minute but i'm here with this months quote (I resisted to change quote of the month to picture after James last post!)

After Answers in Genesis were recently at the Waterfront, Lorna came home with a DVD on Noahs Ark and after watching I came across a quote which after the latest appeal for GO Team members should gear you up for action this summer!

God has no fans.......we are all players........get in the game!! Dr. Charles Ware

P.S Ryan Giggs told interviewers this week the Champions League Trophy was quite like a Chocolate Orange..........."its not Terrys, its mine......."

John Terry

Careers and Empty Dreams

Every Thursday I have two periods of school for "Careers" lessons. Recently we were told the principle reason for going to university was those with degrees tend to earn more money, our teacher pointed to this article from the Guardian as evidence. Don't get me wrong, I hope to go to university too but money isn't the motivation. We can swallow the world's philosophy so easily.

Here's what the Writer to the Hebrews said of Moses:

"He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of
Egypt, for he was looking to the reward." Hebrews 11:26

I don't think Moses would have chosen a career based on money, he was looking to the reward beyond this life. Don't buy into the world's empty dreams.

A Tragedy In The Making

Major on the Minors

This is the fifth part of the series "How to be a Completely Ineffective Church Member" by Rev.McCullough which have previously appeared in the Messenger.

Communication from the dark side states that we do not need much counsel on this line of pursuit of ineffectiveness, it seems to come so naturally to us. There are several strands of thought that you simply must never pursue lest your slip sliding away into the vague mists of ineffectiveness come to an abrupt end: namely the glory of God in all you do, growing in Christian maturity, reaching the lost with the gospel and developing church life so that the world is aware what grace can do in people’s lives.

It is much more beneficial to give your time, thought and energies to dwelling on the minors of life. On a personal level when you read your Bible major on the minors: who the author of Hebrews is, was behemoth a dinosaur, did Adam and Eve have a belly button! On no account start any in depth Bible study with a good reading note or devotional commentary. Do not make any effort to get to grips with the central doctrines of who God is, who man is, what propitiation, justification and sanctification are, or grapple with the work of the Holy Spirit, or what the Bible says about heaven and hell. Stick to the focussing on the minors: should we use shortbread or pan loaf for communion; did the disciples drink alcoholic wine at the Lord’s supper or just grape juice; how far west did Paul actually journey. With regard to your minister major on his minors: he doesn’t wear a collar, he has a rather strange way of pronouncing certain words and of course that strange eye catching twitch. Don’t think about his faithfulness and compassion as he preaches the Word or his attentiveness to your great aunt Sally when she was dying in the nursing home.

In CY you want to ensure that your whole programme is based round minors and not majors. Each year have a good smattering of topics like: should we call it Sabbath or Sunday; should minister’s wear clerical collars or not; should Christians tithe their gross or net salary; should jeans be allowed in church; should God only be addressed by Thee and Thou. After a few years of such debates your young people will be ready for majoring on the minors in the wider congregational level. At a congregational level it is vital that whenever you get the opportunity drop in the Bible version debate. This discussion is excellent for clogging up the wheels of progress and even usually adds in a few grains of gravely disharmony. You want also to give a good deal of your time to considering the wording of the New Psalter. Spend hours pouring over each of the carefully translated psalms comparing them with the words you know from your past. Try and engage as many others as you can on these matters.

Whenever opportunity arises for discussion on the way forward for your congregation, again the minors are best for ineffectiveness. Stick to things like: should the psalm tunes be up on the board for visitors; what colour of paint will send out the best message to passers by. Avoid like the plague any discussion regarding how to enhance the spiritual life of the members, what could be done to foster family worship or how to help the elders in their Christ given task of oversight.
Try and help those in leadership to see that they should be focussing much of their thinking and energy on whether we should or shouldn’t use communion tokens, what dress style is appropriate for worship. If you hear of any straying unto topics like addressing the life threatening seeping away of our young people, helping ministers be better preacher and pastors; in service training for elders, plans for revitalising weak congregations and stimulating growth or even days of prayer, beware for all your efforts at ineffectiveness will come to naught.

Bible Bit to avoid: II Peter 1:3-11

Rev.David McCullough

Dromore RPC

Abortion Petition

"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy"
Proverbs 31:8-9

"to attack the human being in the womb and kill him or her is to assault God. God is making the child. God is weaving a unique image of his divine glory with the purpose of imaging forth that glory in the world. Killing the child is an attack on God's glory and is treason against the Ruler of the universe."
John Piper on Abortion

"Since 1967 there have been almost 7 million abortions, now 200,000 a year, with one in four pregnancies ending in abortion. The 1967 Abortion Act is open to amendment during the passage of the current HFE Bill, so there is now a genuine opportunity to reduce abortion numbers. We must be alert as well to the agenda of the pro-choice activists, abortion providers and some MPs who will push for further liberalisation of the law."
Alive and Kicking Alliance

Please sign the petition.

Incase You Missed It...

If you chose to go to something organised by the Ulster-Scots or BannerNI instead of Dromore last Friday Night, Dr.Collin's talk is now available to download from the church website. The related guest service is also available.

Suicide- The Signs to Watch For, The Hope to Find
Dr. Andrew Collins

Hope in a Hopeless World
Rev.David McCullough

The Practice of Godliness

The Practice of Godliness

Jerry Bridges

Navpress

Available from Amazon for £6.34!

Often the best Christian books are the ones which are easy to understand but hard to put into practice. It can definately be said of this book. If you've read Bridges' "Pursuit of Holiness", this is the "how to" sequel to that best-seller and is full of practical advice on living a godly life and growing in Christian character. According to the author "This book should be more studied than read" and having read through it I understand what he means. It has been firmly placed on my "Books to read again" list and I intend to not merely read through it again but study it as Bridges suggests. I would recommend this book to all Christians and I think it would be especially helpful to read it with someone else so that you can discuss how to apply it in your life and encourage each other as you work through the practical message which Bridges brings.

"For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." 1 Timothy 4:8

What a Weekend!

Ever wish that you could be in more than one place at once?

Suicide -The Signs to Watch For - The Hope to Find
Friday 18th April
7:30pm
Dr Andrew Collins
Venue: Dromore Reformed Presbyterian Church



Who are the Covenanters? - From the Killing times to the 21st Century
Friday 18th April
7.30pm
Includes Presentation by Professor E.Donnelly
Venue: Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church, Newtonabbey



BNI Conference - Take my life and let it be...
Friday 18th April
Liam Goligher (Duke Street, Richmond)
John Woodside (Drogheda Presbyterian Church)
Venue: Stranmillis College, Belfast Register Online



Hope in a Hopeless World
Sunday 20th April
7pm
Rev. David McCullough
Venue: Dromore Reformed Presbyterian Church

April Quote of the Month

"men usually out of extreme hatred of one error embrace another"
Thomas Manton

Just a bit of food for thought.

Moving Pews

A relatively unknown Japanese inventor, Sfo Ollirpa, has created a system that could revolutionise churches across the world. Imagine being the first to arrive at church on Sabbath morning and finding an empty building but for one solitary pew along the back wall. Having sat on this pew, the pew will begin to move slowly forward before grinding to a halt at the front of the building whilst another pew appears at the back ready for the next person who enters. This process repeats itself until everybody has arrived and is seated at the front of the building. In one interview the inventor claimed that the Pewmover2000 is the solution "to a problem facing many traditional churches". He spoke of visiting churches where people had "family pews" or sat as far away from the preacher as possible "without sitting in the porch".

There has already been some opposition voiced to this new technology. The high carbon emmissions could lead to some churches rejecting the technology to protect the environment although strong speculation remains that a Green Pewmover2001 will soon be available for those who prefer a solar-powered system. The fiercist oppostition comes from those who claim such technology is inerrantly evil, such as Rev. J. King of the AFJ church of Atlanta, who issued a statement saying "If stationary pews were good enough for Paul, they are good enough for me."

I believe if the trials, currently ongoing in America, prove Ollirpa's claims that the Pewmover2000 will lead to greater church unity surely we should be considering investing in this new technology? This piece equipment whilst costly could prove to be beneficial in our church buildings and moving pews would make seating for the elderly considerably easier. Onwards and Upwards with the Pewmover2000!

Installation Day at one American Church

Nantes Go Team 2008

Sorry for the delay in getting this post up. For a brief moment I feared the Messenger report would be out first! My computer is deadly slow at uploading pictures so more will be added in the future, consider this a working in progress.

A few years ago I visited Nantes with my family during our summer holidays and expecting similar 30 degree heat I boldly packed my flowery shorts for the week of the Go Team this Easter. Despite really enjoying the week the weather failed to provide an oppertunity for an Easter tan so that is the last time I will choose a Go Team for the climate!

We all arrived in Nantes on Saturday 15th March despite Alistiar Rolleston's problems getting through security at Belfast International due to the hairdryer in his hand luggage, understandable I suppose that a guy with short hair carrying a hairdryer would raise suspicions. We flew via Standsted and arrived on schedule around Saturday tea time and upon arrival Erin excitedly informed the other team members that on the flight to Nantes she had been chatting with "A magician... he plays the harp for a living".

Mark, Belfast International Aeroport- Awake, Alive, Alert, Enthuasiastic

On Sabbath we worshipped with the fellowship in Nantes and enjoyed a meal with the congregation during which we made conversation through a combination of French, English and charades. During the afternoon our team leader Andy McKelvey (aka P10) lead our first Bible Study of the week, each one was based upon a different Bible character. There was also great laughter at the news of a marriage proposal to one of the team members by someone from the fellowship, we'll refer to him as "James McC" to hide his identity.

Our work began in earnest on Monday morning as we started our principal task of distributing "Reflexions", a leaflet containing the gospel message, to as many homes as possible. The part I found to be the greatest challenge was not the miles of walking but my stumbling attempts to convince people that they wanted to open the front door of their apartment blocks to allow me to put Reflexions "dans des boites au lettres" however by the end of the week we had succeeded in distributing a colossal 28,000 leaflets, making the area of Nantes which we covered over10 times the size of Dromore. Noticing all the different names on each of the thousands of letterboxes I was struck by how important this work is and how we need to pray that God will change the lives of those people who would open their letterbox to find this leaflet. Pray that people will respond to these leaflets and that God will grant Malcom wisdom as he deals with responses.

Beaucoup des Reflexions

Mark in Action

Andy Tackles An Apartment







On Tuesday evening we organised the "Soiree", an evening's entertainment for the people of the fellowship to invite their friends to, we held a table quiz with a musical interlude (starring Andy, Charlotte and Catherine Ball), an epilogue by Malcom Ball and refreshments afterwards. The evening was quite successful and there many non-Christians present, pray that God will use the message to bring them to a saving faith in Christ Jesus.

Malcom warms up the crowd with a rendition of Robbie William's "Angels"

As leaflet distribution continued I was given a different task on Wednesday afternoon, mentally exhausting rather than physically, leaving Mark to walk the streets of Nantes alone. Malcom had arranged for me to spend the afternoon with a fourteen-year old french boy named Julian with whom Malcom has been helping with occassional English classes. I found the afternoon very rewarding and thoroughly enjoyed it as we talked about school, holidays, music etc. Pray that God will use this simple, practical help and expression of Christian love to break into Julian's life and that he may be saved.

We also spent an evening with a few teenagers connected to the fellowship and Andrew McKelvey impressively succeeded in explaining "Ah-Saw-Ohh" in French. We played games together, had supper and then they asked us questions about our faith and what it was like to be a young Christian in Northern Ireland.


On our afternoon off we ventured into the centre of Nantes with Denise Ball as our tour guide. We saw the sights of Nantes including: a theater, a strange elephant, a fountain, a cathedral and a castle. My favourite sight however was the delicious crepes which enjoyed for tea! I definately preferred the crepes to the snails which we tried for a starter on the second on Sunday of our team.

Apparently quite a similar design to the new Cullybackey building

Nantes Go Team Eat Snails

We returned to Northern Ireland on Monday 24th after 9 days abroad. I was quite relieved to be able to understand what people around me were saying and being able to read some English again. I really enjoyed the week in Nantes and it has helped me as we remember the mission work in prayer to see the difficulties facing our missionaries. Nantes is a team which involves a lot of practical work so french isn't essential and I think every young preson should take the oppertunity to go to Nantes at least once to encourage the people there and to help you to pray more specifically for the work. If you are any good at French I would go further and say it is your duty to use your gift at languages to help the church in Nantes. Remember to water the seed sown during this week of outreach through your prayers as God's blessing is essential, we are entirely dependant upon him.

"Unless the LORD builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain"
Psalm 127v1a

March Quote of the Month

Well folks, just in case your wondering, I resisted the temptation to completely change the face of the blog while James was away in Nantes, you know, change colour scheme, remove all his controversial posts and change the blog password so he can't get on any more.......but then realising you would all be left with my dulcid tones, ratings might drop so James will be back leaving his "Pearls of Wisdom" again after he returns.

Any way, back to this months quote, it comes from John Newton himself, if you ever get past the first verse of his hymn "Amazing Grace" you'll find these verses:

"'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace those fears releieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has bought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home"


Apparently Newton wrote this hymn for a particular sermon of his from 1 Chronicles 17 vs. 16-17 that was preached on New Years Morning in 1773 and it really inspired me reading this. What an encouraging message for a New Years Morning, "and grace will lead me home", i'm sure the people of the congrecation left the church feeling truely uplifted and praising God for His Amazing Grace towards them.
And I think its time we started to realise the same grace that is there for us and we should thank God at all possible moments for it, praising Him in thought, word and action.

A close second in Marches Quote of the Month was a remark by England cricket legend Geoff Boycott after England 2nd Test match against N.Zealand,

"They could've batted better with a stick of rhubarb."
Geoff Boycott on England's poor batting on day one in Napier.

Alastair

Prepare For Worry

Perhaps you can feel it creeping up too. The long-dreaded exams are slowly approaching kind of like the shark in Jaws or a Dentist wielding a drill. Perhaps you don't have exams to worry about soon but we all face circumstances which cause us to worry. In Matthew 6:23 Christ has commanded us "Do not worry" and therefore worry is a sin. Worry is much more than concern, it is when our sinful nature mutates righteous concern into a destructive force which chokes us and often feels like it is ripping us apart. But how can we avoid worrying? We can't excuse it by "It's just my personality" because of Jesus' command and is something we must consider as it is a sin many of us struggle with. As Christians we battle continually with our sin and as in any battle the key is preparation, to defeat worry we must be ready.

To be victorious in this battle worry we must look beyond the individual causes of our worry to the root problem. All worry is caused by our pride. We worry because we cannot control the future and cannot determine whether our preferable version of events will occur. This is undeniably sinful pride raising its head because when we worry we are saying to God "I know what should happen and I know better than you". The only way we can deal with worry is to put our pride to death. When writing about humility Paul points us to Christ's example who "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians ch2:7-8) When we humble ourselves our worries fade away as we realise we cannot control everything but leave the future safely in God's hands, relying on the promises he has given us.

""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."" Jeremiah 29:11

Ulster or God?

Rev. Ian Paisely the First Minister of Northern Ireland and the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party today announced that he is stepping down from both these roles in May. There already has been much reaction to the 81 year old's decision, the leader of the Alliance Party, David Ford, said "History will judge whether Ian Paisley will be remembered for 40 years of saying no or one year of saying probably." Personally I will remember him for his dramatic U-turn from "Never, Never, Never" to "Possibly, Ok, How you doing Martin?".

In the interview with BBC Newsline he identified the two main pillars behind all of his decisions, including the decision to form a government with Sinn Fein, as his Christian faith and the people's best interests. This is where I strongly disagree with Paisley. Surely these are not two seperate cornerstones rather what God says is what is best for the people of Northern Ireland. Deuteronomy 16:20 reads "Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Paisley did not follow the path of justice when he went into government with unrepentant terrorists such as Deputy First Minister McGuiness. He chose the path of power and to placed what he believed to be the best interests of Northern Ireland over God's command. Being a politician involves tough decisions but in this instance "Big Ian" made the wrong one. Even if God's way seems harder we must follow it and trust him for the consequnces. Christ must be acknowledged as King in the daily situations we face and the governing of Northern Ireland. Pray that as in times past our country may be ruled in accordance to God's word.

The man who loved Ulster more than God?

Loose Slings

"It is not good to brand things with the name of error till we have proved them to be so... Loose slings will do no good... Oh! then, that in this age we would practice this: Be less in passion and more in arguement. That we would condemn things by reasoning rather than miscalling."

Thomas Manton, The Epistle of James

This month's quote comes from Puritan writer Thomas Manton and is one I personally find very challenging especially when dealing with the issues of abortion and the Kingship of Christ. As Christian we have a duty to speak out on such emotive topics and can easily find our anger justly roused over the state of our nation yet such anger is destructive towards our arguement. Equally we can find ourselves involved in over-heated debates regarding minor theological points with other Christians where sinful pride and presumption can easily creep in. Manton is not saying don't speak out rather to "condemn things by reasoning rather than miscalling".

Extra Day and Other News

This Friday will be the 29th February. Do something useful with your extra day this year.




Leading Christian lawyers will be speaking at this meeting due to take place on Friday and will be held at Trinity RPC, 8:00pm- 10:00pm.

Other News

Dromore RPC's church website has been redone by Dromore's Short Term Service Worker , Stephen Steele. Sermons are available to download and listen. Click here to check it out.

There will be leaflet distribution in Enniskillen on Saturday 8th March. Volunteers welcome.

Prayer Request: The Year 13 Bible Study starts up again tomorrow in School. Pray that we will all learn more as we study Daniel and that God will use it to equip the Christians in Friends School Lisburn to be better witnesses for him through it.

Light Shining Out Of Darkness

Just because I don't believe we should sing hymns as part of worship doesn't mean we can't appreciate them as great poetry. In fact I think this is possibly one of the greatest pieces of poetry I've ever come across. Enjoy.

Light Shining Out Of Darkness

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the LORD by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding ev'ry hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow'r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
GOD is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

William Cowper

"Funny As" KJV Video

"Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone." (1 Kings 14:10, KJV)

If only Dad would preach more like this!

Tested By Fire

Tested By Fire

John Piper

Inter-Varsity Press

£7.99



In this book Piper gives brief biographies of John Bunyan, William Cowper and David Brainerd and the fruit of the afflictions which they suffered. This book with three brief biographies is about more than gaining knowledge about the lives of other christians or reading an intriguing story. It is easily read and presents real challenges and lessons to be applied in our own lives. Suitable for all christians as it is simple to read and reinforces the crucial lesson of the link between trials and grace.

"Let go of what holds you back from full and radical service" John Piper

Available online from Amazon and Inter-Varsity Press.


P.S. Interestingly if you click on the Amazon link and scroll down, under "Product Description" it quotes from an RP minister in a certain modern, colourful publication.

P.P.S. Check out this clip from TV series ER. "I want a real chaplain who believes in a real God and a real hell!" Watch the clip on Between Two Worlds.

February Quote of the Month

Sorry I have taken ages getting this quote of the Month sorted, my intellectual capabillites arent quite as good as my partner in crime here so have been searching around for one untill last Sabbath night when Uncle Robert came out with a beast quote from John Calvin during his sermon.

The sermon was based upon Jeremiah 23 vs. 28-29, The Power of Gods Word (feel free to listen online any time at http://www.lisburn.rpc.org/) and from the passage, Uncle Robert had explained how Gods word is like 3 different things, Wheat, Fire and a Hammer. When explaining about the Hammer he said how Gods word is used to:

"subdue the depraved affections of the flesh...even in the elect; but it does not break the elect, for they suffer themselves to be subdued." John Calvin

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from Don't Make Friends With Salad!

While considering writing a post regarding Valentine's Day I pondered condemning it as a Papist Holy Day which we should avoid or perhaps as another example of our materialistic culture. Having thought about it further the first option would just have made me seem lonely whilst any blogging hippy could have written the second!

Apparently Valentine's Day is all about love. A day to spend with that special someone or maybe a day to spend wishing that you had a special someone to spend it with. The world often teaches that relationships are the key to happiness, this is a lie. The happiness that you experience with another person will not last forever, it will not make you truly happy and complete. The Bible teaches that there is a relationship much more important than any guy or girl.

If you are not a Christian your most important relationship of all is hopelessly broken. Everyone is born a sinner and is thus seperated from God as he is holy and cannot turn a blind eye to sin. No amount of flowers or chocolate will patch up this relationship. We can only be reconcilled through trusting in the completed work of Christ upon the cross. Your relationship with God is the only relationship which will last forever and bring true joy into your life. You need to sort this relationship out today.

If you are a Christian maybe you should consider spending part of this Valentine's Day reflecting not merely on another individual but on Christ's love for you. Your relationship with him is far more important. It should be our continual prayer that we fall more and more in love with our sweet Saviour everyday.

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."(John 15:13).

James McCullough

M, 17, GSOH,

Enjoys long walks on beaches

New chat up line?

Blog Facelift

Hope you enjoy the new blog facelift. We'd appreciate your feedback about it.



I would also like to clarify despite the blog's new look there is no truth in the current rumours that the name will shortly be changed to "Don't Make Friends With Methodists". ;)

Enjoy reading the new look blog!

Reaping What You Sow

The Conservative Party Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, Chris Grayling (pictured right), today warned of a generation of young men who have little chance of gaining employment (STS?) with many turning to crime which he describes as a "Jeremy Kyle generation". He accurately identified one of the causes: "Family break-up often means that there is no father figure in childhood". After decades of the government undermining the family through various legislation this is the inevitable consequence. The family is God's building block of society. When it is undermined society crumbles. However I'm definately not saying "Vote Tory" because Grayling can merely see the symptom in society, not the cause nor the underlying problem, our nation's rejection of Christ the King.

Cadbury Gorilla Spoof

The legendary Cadbury Gorilla Advert Northern Ireland Style!

EP Volleyball Competition

Aside from the EP Weekend, this is one of the highlights of the Eastern Presbytery's year. (that one was just for you Peter!)

11 Teams entered B.R.A Sports Hall for what was sure to be another tightly fought contest.........................where either Dromore, Ards or Trinity would probably win it as has been the pattern in recent years.

Any ways, you know how it works, 3 groups, winners go to Semi's and then a Final. I suppose I should give a mention to Dromore who reached the semi's because James would most likely rip my head off if I didn't!

It was a great final, Ards vs. (Surprise of the Tournament) Ballyclare, I dont need to describe much, just that Mark spiked the ball into one unfortunate mans face and that pretty much set the tone for the final! So ends another Volleyball Competition, Lisburn will have to get a few more practises in for next year, and maybe a few tactical signings.............

Praise God for these great times we have to have fellowship as young people in the church. Also a big shout out to Dromore who have now got Elders, fantastic to see God's growth at work there.

Finally, a big shout out to Hannah Drennan, who was the real winner of the Volleyball Competition with "Nerd of the Year". She actually brought a French Revision file to the event........nuff said............

Claire prepares for a slam as Dromore defeat Lisburn

Harry on how many times taller James McCavery is than him

"Trinity Legends" in action

The traditional half-time activity

2008 Champions in Action (Bun Spot!)

Heath Ledger

Check this out: Heath Ledger Death: Baptist Group To Protest At Memorial

The group mentioned in the article above have a history of crazy protests and this latest one is just one in a long line. Clearly the way they are going about what they are doing is very wrong, and yet they seem to think that by what they are doing they are bringing glory to God.

This story is all over the internet, and everywhere these people are described as a Christian group. What a bad message to be sending out to non-Christians, that this is the way we behave.

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us" 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)

Guest Writer: Andy Morrison

Satis House

One of the key buildings of the Charles Dickens novel "Great Expectations" is Miss Havisham's home "Satis House". Any Latin scholars amongst you will realise the name of this building is immensely ironic as "Satis" is Latin for "enough" yet throughout this book "Enough House" does not prove enough or satisfactory for any of the characters. We may scoff at the idea of a building being enough to satisfy us but is this not what modern materialistic culture teaches? Is that not what bombards us from our tv screens? "You'll be happy, successful and good looking if you use this product, drive this car or go to this destination on holidays" is the picture presented by the adverts. Our society is searching for happiness in the wrong place. True satisfaction will only be found in Christ "who brings good news of happiness" (Isaiah 52:7).

Satis House

Yet even Christians can feel unsatisfied. Why is this so? Because even as Christians we can search for happiness in the wrong places. We can begin to think that contentment will be found in wealth, ability or relationships. These things may bring happiness for a time but if this is what you are finding happiness in your peace will not last. Paul writes in Philippians "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content"(Phil 4:11). This kind of satisfaction will only be found in Christ, the satisfaction which remains even when our plans fall to pieces and we face disappointments, which can only be obtained through the humilty to place ourselves fully in Christ's pierced hands not chasing our Satis House.

A copy less dog-eared than my own!

Prosperity Gospel and John Piper

Below is a video which I found on John Piper's blog Desiring God in which he expresses his view about the properity gospel. I reckon this is possibly one of the most powerful pieces of video on the internet. Normally I don't go in for words of preachers with music and pictures in the background but I'm making an exception in this case. I think the pictures and seeing the words written reinforces the important message and helps us to take note of what he is saying. But don't just take my word for it. Watch it below.


As always your comments are welcome.

Happy New Year!

"I believe it ought to be our continual aim and desire to go forward, and our watchword on every returning birthday and at the begining of every year, should be 'more and more' (1Thess 4:1): more knowledge, more faith, more obedience, more love."
J.C. Ryle, Holiness

Welcome to 2008 from Don't Make Friends' With Salad.

This year we plan to bring you a quote to ponder on at the start of each month, such as the one above from J.C.Ryle from his book entitled "Holiness". A book well worth spending that money on which you received inside a Christmas card from some distant relative.

In the coming year we hope you'll continue to read the blog as we plan to bring you more articles, more events (including the 2008 Nantes Go Team and Castlewellan) and more guest writers. Also in the next few days we will hopefully be moving to a snazzy dot com address.

Thank you for reading and Happy New Year

P.S. Rumour has it the the blog of Rev.David McCullough (Dad!) has been ressurrected with a post concerning the debate over women ministers in the Presbyterian Church currently raging in Portadown. Click here.