Modern Translations of the Bible
It is interesting to note that the Moderator of the Church of Scotland acknowledges that there is a deeply felt need for the Authorised Version of the Bible and that modern versions are failing to stand the tests of regular public reading or of private devotion. Samuel Bagster have just published a revised Authorised Version. The Moderator commends this new revised version as does also Professor T.F. Torrence. While we await an assessment of the new version from a more reliable source, it is a matter of thankfulness that the new versions, so widely popularised in recent times, are failing to stand up to the test of time.
The Northern Ireland Situation
The holding of elections in Northern Ireland seemed to spark off further terrible atrocities. The murderous attacks by the I.R.A. on civilians and the forces of law and order has continued and at times provokes retaliatory attacks by the Protestant para-military forces. While the Protestant forces are warranted to use every means for their defence, they gain little when some few of their number try to emulate the I.R.A. in their murderous work. The election of five Sinn Fein members to the new Assembly shows how strongly entrenched is support for the I.R.A. in the Roman Catholic community. Politicians press on with scheme after scheme hoping to obtain a lasting political solution, oblivious of the fact that what Northern Ireland needs — and even more so Southern Ireland — is a genuine Spirit-sent religious awakening and revival. It is the conversion of multitudes of souls to true Christianity north and south of the border that will lead not only to a united Northern Ireland but to a united Northern and Southern Ireland living in true harmony and peace. Where will Romanism be then? It will lie buried in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. May that time be hastened and that troubled land experience the peace so long wrested from her through the intrigue and subtlety of the Church of Rome.
Sodomy Bill
What a reflection is cast upon the British House of Commons in view of the fact that when police officers were dying and civilians were being mutilated and murdered in Northern Ireland, our Parliament was engaged in giving approval to the Homosexual Offence (Northern Ireland) Order, the main purpose of which was to ‘legalise’ homosexual acts in private between two consenting adults over 21 years old. This was passed in the Commons by 168 to 21.
We have placed the word “legalise” in inverted commas because no Government has power conferred on it to legalise what God has forbidden. The attempt to legalise such conduct is a gross affront to the God of heaven who, by his destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with fire and brimstone from heaven, showed His signal displeasure against this abominable sin. What moral bankruptcy appeared in the Government in being so engaged at such a time. What could be more fitted to continue the troubles of Northern Ireland than this blatant condoning of unnatural vice?
Crime Figures Reach Record Levels
The crime figures for England and Wales during 1981 show an increase of 10 per cent over the previous year. Firearms were used in 8000 crimes, 1,900 of these being robberies. Burglary, theft and handling stolen goods accounted for 80 per cent of the crimes. These figures are alarming and reflect the continuing moral decline in the nation. Young, old or middle aged can no longer walk the streets of our towns and cities secure from being molested. The police continue their unenviable task of seeking to protect innocent citizens in this violent age. The Government, on their part, through their failure to pass sufficiently stringent laws, do not give the police the support they deserve. Consequently we can only expect an increasingly more violent society until the requirements of the Word of God are honoured.
Christmas Madness
During December the Popish and pagan festival of Christmas gets much publicity. Persons who, during the rest of the year, show no interest in the person and work of God’s Beloved Son, suddenly become very interested in His incarnation, or rather in the antics that are supposed to commemorate that event. What can the incarnation of Christ mean to those who have no interest in His sufferings and death on Calvary? What folly to think that God can be glorified in the vain worship that is offered at such a time. How much better if men began to commemorate the rising again from the dead of the Son of Man by honouring the Sabbath day — the day He has appointed to commemorate that event. May poor sinners eyes be opened to see that the idolatrous worship so frequently practised at Christmas is abomination in the eyes of an infinitely holy God. May our own land be delivered in God’s mercy from this senseless and unacceptable service and ritual and be brought to serve the Lord in a way that would be to His glory.