It Is Written
“Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength. By Me kings reign, and princes decree justice” (Prov 8:14,15). The Bible unequivocally teaches that all men need God. This is true of ourselves, and it is true of all our fellow men. It is true of all the rulers and governors of the world. Man, however, is not honest with himself. He knows in the depths of his being that he needs God; but like Adam in the Garden of Eden, Adam’s children in each generation flee from the one good, true and living God, saying in their hearts, “There is no God” (Ps 14:1). This is effectively what we all do and say by nature.
Our rulers and governors each need God, as do all who serve under them. Like ourselves, they need God for themselves and in every area of their lives. They need God to fulfill their solemn responsibilities of ruling and governing the United Kingdom. They face many perplexing difficulties every day and hence need much wisdom. If they were honest with themselves, they would each acknowledge this to be true. Although all political parties have their proposals for how to deal with the enormous social, political and economic difficulties (national and international) they face, no one (either in government or opposition) truly knows how best to tackle them. The Bible is clear: God alone is infinite in His wisdom, understanding and strength. Therefore all rulers and governors need God; without God, not only will they never overcome the significant problems they face but will prove ultimately that all attempts undertaken without reliance upon God will be unsuccessful.
Rulers may take some pride and satisfaction in referring to a country such as the United Kingdom as a liberal, multicultural, multi-ethnic, or anti-racial
society. The reality, however, is quite different. We have become a very anti-Christian land and are in rebellion against God. It is no longer true that our previously treasured Christian distinctions are being weakened: they are today scornfully dismissed (except on tourist-attracting ceremonial occasions) and replaced with worldviews that are distinctively anti-Christian, humanistic and atheistic.
Whilst the swift pace of this solemn declension is most disturbing, we ought not to be unduly alarmed. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps 46:1). Our confidence and trust must be in the Almighty God, who is ever advancing His cause and kingdom even in the darkest of hours: even when His providences appear so strange and mysterious. May we imitate the people of God in Psalm 83, who wrestled in prayer with God in times of similar conflict.
Notwithstanding all that man, individually or corporately, may think, say, or do, Almighty God has spoken: His Word is His Law; it is the divine Creator’s mandate to mankind. As such, it demands the subjection of all peoples to God’s righteous claims. His Word alone is good and has been given for our good.
The law of God is not to be culturally interpreted, nor are its contents to be the theme of debate or negotiation. It is not to be altered, added to, or subtracted from. There is no room for any compromise or pragmatic re-interpretation. All sophisticated and devious philosophical argumentation is abhorrent that might be used to twist its meaning in an attempt to prove white is black and error is truth. God gave His Word to man, to all men, using the natural definition of words. The result is that man, even in the use of his fallen reason, may read and be aware of his Creator’s righteous claims and the unbounded obligations that he, man, has to God, His Creator.
The Shorter Catechism reminds us, “The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man”. Whilst the duties specify our obligations to God, our rebellious unwillingness and inability to fulfil them do but stress man’s indispensable need to seek grace to believe in God’s provision of a Saviour.
The rebellious and unspiritual state of our land can be partially assessed by considering the divine claims of the Holy Scriptures against the diverse religious affiliations of those governing our people, which is a partial reflection of the spiritually adulterous population of the United Kingdom. His Majesty King Charles III indeed professes to be a Christian, but the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is a practising Hindu; the First Minister of Scotland identifies himself as a Muslim, and the First Minister of Wales declares himself an “atheist”. (Northern Ireland is currently without a First
Minister.) Sadly, there are but few in any of our parliaments who profess biblical Christianity.
Our King, the Prime Minister and the First Ministers of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have, under God, the solemn responsibility to reign and govern the nations of the United Kingdom by the wholly distinctive principles of the Holy Scriptures. But this they are both unable and unwilling to do. The Bible tolerates no false religion or perverse forms of Christianity. Therefore they stand solemnly at war with Almighty God.
How then is the United Kingdom to be ruled and governed? Is it to be by the Bible’s comprehensive claims of truth, or are we to accept quietly the imposition of a medley of man-centred, anti-Christian theories? There is no middle way. Either man seeks the glory of God, or he does not!
To remain in office, party leaders may aim at the lowest common denominator to achieve something palatable to the pressure groups with vested interests that are today so dominant. But sadly it will not be righteous governance according to the Word of God. Solemnly, it will be a gross offence to God which will lead to continued judgements hanging over our land.
Our nations, and especially our rulers, need our prayers. We are commanded to pray for them so that “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Tim 2: 2). May they be made subjects of the convicting and converting work of God! Then, and only then, when humbled in repentance and faith before the King of kings and Lord of lords at the throne of grace, will they be able to rejoice in God their Saviour, and in His fear, lovingly, and for His glory, attend to their solemn responsibilities. May it please the Lord to hasten such a day, when “men may know that Thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, art the most high over all the earth” (Ps 83:18)? DPR
Church Information
Removed by Death
Sadly, we have to report the passing away of Rev Alasdair B MacLean on October 9 after a long illness. Most of his ministry was spent in Ingwenya, Zimbabwe, but he had to return to the UK because of ill health. Latterly he was able to become pastor of the Perth congregation. We are again reminded of the need to pray that the Lord would send out other men to go as ambassadors for Christ, to labour in various parts of the world.
The next day, Mr Alick John Morrison, long an elder in the South Harris congregation, died. We need also to pray that God would raise up others to serve Him as elders. We express our sympathy to these men’s families.
Day of Humiliation and Prayer
On the motion of Rev D A Ross, the Synod in May 2023 appointed a Day of Humiliation and Prayer to be observed throughout the Church on Wednesday, 6 December 2023, as follows:
We as a Church have always recognised the need to appoint a Day of Humiliation and Prayer. But at this particular time in our history as nations, with the ongoing wickedness of the people in rejecting Christ the King of kings, righteous judgements keep multiplying. One essential response on our part to such dreadful national rejection of God and consequent judgements is to pray more earnestly. We believe this to be the most important and urgent response. Of course, we are to continue using all Biblical means to spread the Word of God; and we are to contend more earnestly for the faith. Indeed, with regard to every other gospel activity, there is no place for indifference, but let our leading activity be prayer. There is always a danger that the Lord’s people may be less prayerful than they once were. May the Lord enable us to resist that; prayer is to be the beginning to all our gospel activities.
The Saviour directed the Church to engage in prayer ceaselessly, and reminds us that prayer is one of the distinguishing marks of His Church when He calls His house, “My house of prayer” (Is 56:7). He repeats this in the Gospels; “My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer” (Mk 11:17), and deplores the Church being used for some carnal worldly pursuit: “But ye have made it a den of thieves.”
This is woefully true in our day. Indeed, such is the low state of true religion and the rise of false, that unimaginable vile practices have free rein. There is an ever-growing flood of forms of uncleanness and murder of babes in the womb who are not permitted to see the light of day. Such outrageous acts of wickedness, in some cases condoned by the professing Church, leave us afraid that more severe judgements will come upon us. For Israel, in Jeremiah’s day, a time of fearful judgement was on the wing, hence the solemn directive to him, “Pray not for this people for their good” (Jer 14:11). Fearful judgements did indeed come upon Israel. We need as a nation to be greatly afraid of worse judgements than that of two world wars. Therefore there is all the more need for a day of humiliation and prayer to be observed throughout the Church. The sinful king of Nineveh, an exceedingly wicked city ripe for judgement, directed his people to “cry mightily unto God”, and to turn from their evil ways, with the hope of staying predicted judgement. Though the king feared the worst, yet he told his people: “Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from His fierce anger, that we perish not?” (Jnh 3:9).
Let us likewise humble ourselves before God and cry mightily to Him. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Ps 103:8).
(Rev) Keith M Watkins, Clerk of Synod
Meetings of Presbytery (DV)
Southern: At Glasgow, on Tuesday, December 12, at 3 pm.
Asia Pacific: At Auckland, on Tuesday, December 19, at 10.30 am.
Education Adviser
The Education Committee seeks to appoint an Adviser (part-time) to help those parents who desire to educate their children outwith the state system. Applicants are sought who have a background in education and a strong sympathy for Christian education consistent with Free Presbyterian principles and practice. The role entails engaging with parents to help them plan and implement their child’s education. It will involve an assessment of available resources, working with the parents to identify those most suitable for the child; helping to facilitate links with other like-minded families to share resources and experience, and investigating possible financial assistance for outlays such as textbooks and paid-for courses. It is expected that a small grant pool will be available from the Committee, and the Adviser will assist the Committee with this and other financial and regulatory matters.
It is envisaged that the work will be for 20 hours per week for two years, after which the post will be reviewed. The salary will be up to £20 000 per annum depending on qualifications and experience. Applications (a CV with a covering letter), or requests for further information, should be sent to the Committee Convener, Mr Frank Daubney; email: f.daubney@ntlworld.com.
Outreach Fund
By appointment of Synod, the special collection on behalf of the Outreach Fund, is due to be taken in congregations during November.
W Campbell, General Treasurer
Acknowledgement of Donations
The General Treasurer acknowledges with sincere thanks the following donations:
Eastern Europe Fund: Pilgrims Covenant Church, for Odessa F P Mission Station, £226.21.
Congregational Treasurers acknowledge with sincere thanks the following donations:
Glasgow: Anon, Ps 60:4, £100, £270; Anon, £30. Eastern Europe Fund: Anon, £80, £80, £80, £80, £80, £80, £80, £80, £80, £80. Jewish & Foreign Missions Fund: Anon, £100. Outreach Fund: Anon, £15, £10, £10, £10.
Halkirk: N Pearce, £140.
North Harris: 1 Westland, USA, £20.
North Tolsta: Anon, “In memory of my family, late of Lochside”, £100; Anon, £100. Communion Expenses: Anon, £100. Door Collection: Anon, £80, £50, £20, £40, £3.60. TBS: Anon, £200.
FREE PRESBYTERIAN PLACES OF WORSHIP
Scotland
Aberdeen: 2 Alford Place, AB10 1YD, Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Tues, 7.15 pm. Rev D W B Somerset BSc DPhil, 18 Carlton Place, Aberdeen, AB15 4BQ; tel: 01224 645250.
Bracadale Duirinish-Strath: Struan: Sabbath 12 noon. Glendale and Vatten: Sabbath 6pm, alternately. Thurs 7 pm, rotating between Struan, Vatten and Glendale. Contact Rev I D MacDonald; tel: 01478 612110.
Dingwall: Church, Hill Street, IV15 9JP: Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wed 7.30 pm. Beauty (Balblair): Sabbath 6.30 pm, Thurs 7.30 pm. Rev A W MacColl MA PhD, 10 Achany Road, Dingwall, IV15 9JB; tel: 01349 866546.
Dornoch: Sabbath 11.30 am. Bonar: Sabbath 6 pm. Wed 7.30 pm (alternately in Dornoch and Bonar). Laig: Church and Manse; Sabbath 3.30 pm as intimated. Rev J A Morrison BA, 2 Cherry Grove, Bonar Bridge, IV24 3ER. Tel: 01863 766157.
Edinburgh: 63 Gilmore Place, EH3 9NU, Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Thurs 7.30 pm. Rev D Campbell MA, 35B Barnton Avenue West, Edinburgh EH4 6DF; tel: 0131 312 8227, e-mail: dcampbell1560@gmail.com.
Farr (by Daviot): Sabbath 12 noon. Tomatin: Sabbath 12 noon. Stratherrick: Sabbath 12 noon. (Each as intimated). Contact Mr M J Schouten; tel: 01463 221776.
Fort William: Monzie Square, Sabbath 11 am, 5 pm, as intimated. Manse: 15 Perth Place, PH33 6UL; tel: 01397 708553. Contact Mr D A McKinnon. Tel: 01397 702597.
Gairloch (Ross-shire): Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm. Prayer meeting in Strath, Thurs 7.30 pm. Manse tel: 01445 712118. Contact Rev D A Ross; tel: 01445 731340.
Glasgow: St Jude’s Church, 137 Woodlands Road, G3 6LE; Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wed 7.30 pm. Rev R MacLeod BA, 4 Laurel Park Close, Glasgow, G13 1RD; tel: 0141 954 3759.
Greenock: Sabbath 2.30 pm, held in Free Church of Scotland hall, 14 Jamaica Street, PA15 1XX. Contact Rev R MacLeod; tel: 0141 954 3759.
Halkirk: Bridge Street; Sabbath 11.30 am, 5.30 pm, second, fourth and fifth Sabbaths of month; Thurs 7 pm. Rev W A Weale, F P Manse, Bridge Street, KW12 6YG; tel: 01847 831758. Thurso: Duncan Street; Sabbath 3 pm; Strathy: 6 pm, first and third Sabbaths of month.
Harris (North): Tarbert: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm. Tarbert and Stockinish: Wed 7 pm, alternately. Rev J B Jardine BD, F P Manse, Tarbert, Isle of Harris, HS3 3DF; tel: 01859 502253, e-mail: northharris.fpc@btopenworld.com.
Harris (South): Leverburgh: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wed 7 pm. Sheilebost: as intimated. Rev K M Watkins BA, F P Manse, Ferry Road, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, HS5 3UA; tel: 01859 520271.
Inverness: Chapel Street, IV1 1NA; Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wed 7.30 pm. Rev KD Macleod BSc, 11 Auldcastle Road, Inverness, IV2 3PZ; tel: 01463 712872.
Kinlochbervie: Sabbath 6 pm; Scourie: Sabbath 11:30 am, Tues 7 pm (as intimated). Contact Dr A Ross; tel 01971 502099.
Kyle of Lochalsh: Sabbath 6 pm. Manse tel: 01599 534933. Contact Rev D A Ross; tel: 01445 731340.
Laide (Ross-shire): Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wed 7.30 pm. Rev D A Ross. F P Manse, Laide, IV22 2NB; tel: 01445 731340.
Lochcarron: Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wed 7 pm. Manse.
Lochinver: Church. No F P services at present.
Ness: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wed 7 pm. Manse tel: 01851 810228. Contact Rev K M Watkins; tel: 01859 520271.
North Tolsta: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Thurs 7.30 pm. Manse tel: 01851 890325. Contact Rev J R Tallach; tel: 01851 702501.
North Uist: Bayhead; Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Thurs 7.30 pm. Manse tel: 01876 510233. Contact: Rev J B Jardine; tel: 01859 502253.
Oban: Church. No F P services at present.
Perth: Pomarium, off Leonard Street. Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wed 7.30 pm. Rev A B MacLean, 5 Main Road, Luncarty, PH1 3EP; tel: 01738 828762.
Portree: Sabbath 12 noon, 6.30 pm; Wed 7 pm.. Rev I D MacDonald BA, F P Manse, Achachork, Portree, IV51 9HT; tel: 01478 612110.
Raasay: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm. Contact Rev I D MacDonald; tel: 01478 612110.
Shieldaig: Sabbath 12 noon; Applecross: Sabbath 6pm. Tues 7 pm (alternately in Shieldaig and Applecross, as intimated). Shieldaig manse tel: 01520 755259, Applecross manse tel: 01520 744411. Contact Rev D A Ross; tel: 01445 731340.
Staffin: Sabbath 12 noon, 5 pm; Tues 7.30 pm. Manse: Clachan, Staffin, IV51 9HT. Contact Rev J B Jardine; tel: 01859 502253.
Stornoway: Matheson Road, Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Thurs 7.30 pm. Achmore: Sabbath 12 noon; Tues 7 pm. Rev J R Tallach MB ChB, 2 Fleming Place, Stornoway, HS1 2NH; tel: 01851 702501.
Uig (Lewis) Miavaig: Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wed 12 noon. Manse tel: 01851 672251. Contact Rev K M Watkins; tel: 01859 520271.
Ullapool: Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wed 7.30 pm. Manse: Quay Street, IV26 2UE; tel: 01854 612449. Contact Rev D A Ross; tel: 01445 731340.
England
Barnoldswick: Kelbrook Road, Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wed 7.30 pm; South Manchester: Sabbath 6.00 pm, in Upper Room (second floor), 11 Wilmslow Road, Cheadle SK8 1DW; (entrance is from the car park at the back of the building); Wed 8 pm, alternately in Sandbach and Gatley. Contact Mr R Middleton, 2 Emerald Drive, Sandbach, CW11 4ND; tel: 01270 761673.
Broadstairs: Sabbath 11 am, 5 pm at Portland Centre, Hopeville Ave, St Peter’s; Tues 7 pm at Friends’ Meeting House, St Peter’s Park Rd. Contact Dr T Martin; tel: 01843 866369.
London: Zoar Chapel, Varden St, E1 2AW. Sabbath 10.30 am, 5.30 pm; Wednesday 7.15 pm. Manse. Contact Mr Hugh Campbell; tel: 01923 442497.
Canada
Chesley, Ontario: Church and Manse, 40 Fourth Street SW. Sabbath 11 am, 7.30 pm; Wednesday 8 pm. Contact: Mr David Kuiper; tel: 519 363 0367. Manse tel: 519 363 2502.
USA
Santa Fe, Texas: Church and Manse, 4031 Jackson St 77517. Sabbath 10.30 am, 5 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Contact Mr Joseph Smith; tel: 409 927 1564.
Australia
Grafton, NSW: 172 Fitzroy Street. Sabbath 11 am, 6.30 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev G G Hutton BA PhD, 3 Martin Crescent, Junction Hill, NSW 2460; tel: (02) 6644 6174; e-mail: grafton@internode.on.net.
Sydney, NSW: Corner of Oxford and Regent Streets, Riverstone. Sabbath 10.30 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev G B Macdonald BSc, 60 Hamilton St, Riverstone, NSW 2765; tel: (02) 9627 3408; e-mail: sydneyfpchurch@protonmail.com.
New Zealand
Auckland: 45 Church Street, Otahuhu. Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev J D Smith, 9 Pedlar Place, Conifer Grove, Auckland; tel: 09 282 4195.
Carterton: 124 High Street North, Carterton. Sabbath 11 am, 4 pm; Wednesday 7 pm. Contact: Mr Hank Optland, P O Box 150, Carterton, 5743; tel: 02 7432 5625.
Gisborne: 463a Childers Road. Sabbath 11 am, 6 pm; Wednesday 7.30 pm. Rev C Hembl, 5 Goldsmith St, Elgin, Gisborne 4010; tel: 06 863 3140; mobile: 022 409 1336.
Tauranga: For services, contact Rev J D Smith; tel: 09 282 4195.
Singapore
Singapore: 33 Ubi Avenue 3, Vertex Tower A, #05-60, Singapore 408868. Sabbath: 9.30 am and 5.30 pm; Wednesday: 7.30 pm. Contact: Mr Bernard Yong, tel: (65) 9639 3040, e-mail: byong1@singnet.com.sg.
Ukraine
Odessa: F P Mission Station, 3 Pestelya Street, 65031. Sabbath 12 noon, 6 pm; Wednesday 6 pm. Rev D Levtyksyi; tel: 00 38 048 785 19 24; e-mail: dlevtyksyi@gmail.com; or contact Mr I Zadorozhnyi, P O Box 100, Odessa-91, 65091; e-mail: antipa@eurocom.od.ua.
Zimbabwe
Bulawayo: Lobengula Township, PO Magwegwe, Bulawayo. Rev S Khumalo, F P Manse, Stand No 56004, Mazwi Road, Lobengula, PO Magwegwe, Bulawayo; tel: 00263 9407131, e-mail: skhumalo.byo@gmail.com.
Ingwenya: Church and Secondary School. Postal Address: Ingwenya Mission, Private Bag T5445, Bulawayo.
Mbuma: Church and Hospital. Postal Address: Mbuma Mission Hospital, Private Bag T5406, Bulawayo.
New Canaan: Church. Rev T Mwedzi.
Zenka: Church.