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.