by Rev. Donald Campbell, M.A.
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Neither of these is attained by man’s own efforts but both are attainable by the grace of God and to be desired above rubies. In sending this message of good will to our people at home and abroad we ask all to seek this “Gain” at a time when ungodliness has reached alarming proportions and discontentment is rife throughout the world. It is the duty of us all to seek grace that we may “live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.” Titus 2:12.
The year 1974 has been a most eventful one not only in our history but in that of the whole world. Leaders, whose positions of power seemed impregnable, disappeared, some most unceremoniously. Others reasserted their power much to the detriment of God’s Kingdom in the world. Infidel governments showed no sign of crumbling, while the Lord’s people continued to suffer for righteousness sake.
At a time like this it is good to reflect and also look forward with the desire for better times. When we review the past year, we all agree that it was an eventful one. Let us consider our own share of and involvement in these events. Those who had bereavements will regard the year as marking the end of an era in their lives; the closing of a chapter; happy marriages ended; parents bereaved of their offspring and children of their parents. Added to the poignancy caused by death is the callous and brutal form in which it comes to some. I refer to the victims of violent death by terrorists and the fatal consequences of famine. Our sympathy is with all who have had bereavements during the year. May they be enabled to say “The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Job 1:24.
The past year will also remain outstanding in our history for its political and economic crises. The Conservative government fell as a result of industrial action. We had two General Elections and the return of a Labour government. Associated with these developments, the country found itself in the grip of inflation caused by a steep rise in the price of oil. The end result of all this could have been disastrous but hitherto has the Lord helped us. One distressing aspect of our national condition is the unwillingness of both government and people to regard our misfortunes as a rebuke for our sins. Equally depressing is our failure to trace to the Lord’s mercies the fact that we are not consumed. Yet notwithstanding the trials and difficulties of 1974 the year was crowned with God’s goodness.
The dishonour done to God and His Anointed by unscriptural legislation alarms and grieves us. What recently was regarded a criminal offence is now deemed lawful. Sins which brought divine judgments on others are condoned in this country. Immorality and non-attendance on the means of grace are only a few symptoms of our national decay. Also in the midst of affluence much poverty is reported. Sport has become the god of the many who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. 2 Tim 3:4.
The life of the nation is no longer influenced by the Gospel because few hear it and where it is still proclaimed it is not accompanied by the Holy Spirit; at least not in the measure in which it was once in our land. The perilous times are upon us but in midst of them the Lord has a remnant. To those within our church and beyond, we say, “gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and hope to the end.” 1 Peter 1:13. The Lord is not slow concerning His promise and to Him let us look for the preservation and revival of our Christian heritage.
As our people are a cross section of the national spectrum, the church has an opportunity of conveying to those without the doctrine of God’s Word. Every member should be a missionary in his or her own vocation. None should be ashamed of the Gospel but should project Christianity in the factory, in the office, in the classroom and everywhere.
Every true branch of the Christian church is set for the defence and proclamation of the Gospel. The Free Presbyterian Church, having these roles to play, is aware of its duty to both its own people and the whole world. Consequently its ministers and missionaries are spread across the globe bringing with them the glorious Gospel of Christ. Far and near ministers and people are united in their desire to share with others the benefits of the testimony inherited from the fathers. For the loyalty of our people, reflected in their witness and generosity, we thank God. As we address ourselves to our people at home and abroad, our heart’s desire is that they might be saved. As we think of the aged, the infirm, the lonely and others for whom life is not easy, our best advice is the Lord’s own invitation, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. To our ministers and all who labour in word and doctrine we say, “Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Gal. 6:9. For the Lord’s people remains the assurance, “Thou, with thy counsel, while I live, wilt me conduct and guide; and to thy glory afterward, receive me to abide.” Psalm 73:24.
Let the unconverted among us remember the words of the prophet, “Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live.” Is. 38:1.
As the Church is committed to the preaching of the Gospel in its purity, we appeal to all our people not “to neglect the assembling of themselves together” but to attend the services on Sabbath and weekday meetings. On such occasions when the Gospel is preached and prayer is offered the blessing may be expected. The impotent man waited for 38 years but in the end the Lord appeared and he was healed. “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:9. The time factor is subject to the sovereign will of Him who invites us to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Moses’ advice to his father-in-law expresses our desire for all who have not yet cast in their lot with us. “We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel.” Numbers 10:29.
May the year 1975 bring the Lord’s rich blessing to all our people and see the end of ungodliness throughout the World. The God of peace be with you.
Retirement gives an opportunity for meditation and communion with God; even they who are called to the most active life, must yet have their contemplative hours, and must find time to be alone with God.
Matthew Henry.
The virtue of abstinence is rarely exercised where there is an abundance of provisions.
John Calvin.