24 September 2014

"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." [Ezekiel 33:6]

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  [Ephesians 6:12] 

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Scotland Rejects Independence in a 55-45 Percent Vote

[2] Scottish Independence Campaign Unlikely to Go Away – Described as a Jacobin (French Revolution) Movement

[3] Highland Park Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) Pays US$7.8 Million to Leave Denomination

[4] Highland Park Presbyterian Church Cave on Property Battle May Hurt Other Congregations Considering Leaving PCUSA

[5] Reformed Theological Seminary, Redeemer City to City Announce Strategic Partnership

---

[1] Scotland Rejects Independence in a 55-45 Percent Vote

A 19 September 2014 The Christian Post article by Stoyan Zaimov titled “Scotland Rejects Independence in a 55-45 Vote; PM Cameron 'Delighted' Scotland Will Remain Part of United Kingdom” reports that Scottish voters on 18 September 2014 rejected independence from Great Britain fifty-five percent to forty-five percent. 84.6 percent of an electorate of 4.2 million cast their ballots with 2,001,926 people voting "No" to independence and 1,617,989 voting "Yes."

The Church of Scotland, which had remained neutral on the question of independence, had called for reconciliation and unity regardless of the results.


+ The Christian Post, National Press Building, 529 14th Street Northwest, Suite 420, Washington DC 20045, 202-347-7734, info@christianpost.com

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722


[2] Scottish Independence Campaign Unlikely to Go Away – Described as a Jacobin (French Revolution) Movement

A 17 September 2014 blog article by Paul Mason of Channel 4 titled “Yes or No, This Social Movement Is Unlikely to Go Away” commented on concerns about what may have happened if the Scottish independence referendum had passed, and said that in defeat if the “Yes” votes were in the high forties percentile: “Westminster’s mandate to govern Scotland [would be] highly questionable.”

In Mason’s interview of Robin McAlpine, director of Common Weal, McAlpine is quoted as saying: “The Scottish working class has broken with the union. All the key issues – poverty, Trident [nuclear missiles], the [National Health Service] – are irrevocably aligned to the idea of independence.”

Mason additionally addressed McAlpine about the emotional reactions to the independence vote among the Scottish working class by asking: “Don’t you fear this Jacobin-style movement on the streets getting out of control?”

McAlpine responded: “Oh please, please give me an uncontrollable movement from the streets. Nothing in history has been achieved without them.”

[Editor’s Emphasis]


+ Channel 4, 124 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2TX, England, 0207-396-4444, Contact Page

+ Common Weal, katie@allofusfirst.org


[3] Highland Park Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) Pays US$7.8 Million to Leave Denomination

A 17 September 2014 LifeSiteNews article by Dustin Siggins titled “Presbyterian Church Pays $7.8m To Leave Denomination That Backs Abortion, Gay ‘Marriage’” reports that Highland Park Presbyterian Church (HPPC) of Dallas, Texas has agreed to pay US$7.8 million to Grace Presbytery in order to leave the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), retain HPPC property, and join the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians.


+ LifeSiteNews.com, Incorporated, 4 Family Life Lane, Front Royal, Virginia 22630, 888-678-6008, Contact Page

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005

+ Grace Presbytery, 6100 Colwell Boulevard, Suite 100, Irving, Texas 75039, 214-630-4502, Fax: 214-637-6324, jan@gracepresbytery.org

+ Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, 8134 New LaGrange Road, Suite 227, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, 502-425-4630, email@fellowship-pres.org


[4] Highland Park Presbyterian Church Cave on Property Battle May Hurt Other Congregations Considering Leaving PCUSA

A 19 September 2014 The Christian Post article by Michael Gryboski titled “Texas Megachurch's Cave on Property Battle May Hurt Other Congregations Considering Leaving PCUSA” reports that Highland Park Presbyterian Church (HPPC)’s decision to pay Grace Presbytery US$7.8 million in order to leave the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), retain HPPC property, and join the Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, may cause problems for other PCUSA churches seeking to leave the denomination.

In October 2013, HPPC voted overwhelmingly to seek dismissal from PCUSA in order to join the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians. As HPPC concluded their process of seeking dismissal, HPPC also filed a lawsuit against Grace Presbytery seeking a court order clarifying that the Dallas church property was theirs.

Grace Presbytery contended that because of the PCUSA’s Trust Clause, the presbytery held all HPPC property in trust for the PCUSA. HPPC had received an initial injunction against Grace Presbytery and had a court date in October 2014 for a hearing, but decided instead to settle with the presbytery.

Alan F.H. Wisdom, adjunct fellow with the Institute on Religion and Democracy, was quoted as saying the trust clause "is a factor that dissuades congregations from leaving the PCUSA." Wisdom additionally noted that "Presbyteries and national church leaders have a strong interest in maintaining the clause. The numbers of those who oppose the clause are going down as many of them depart the denomination."


+ The Christian Post, National Press Building, 529 14th Street Northwest, Suite 420, Washington DC 20045, 202-347-7734, info@christianpost.com

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005

+ Grace Presbytery, 6100 Colwell Boulevard, Suite 100, Irving, Texas 75039, 214-630-4502, Fax: 214-637-6324, jan@gracepresbytery.org

+ Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians, 8134 New LaGrange Road, Suite 227, Louisville, Kentucky 40222, 502-425-4630, email@fellowship-pres.org

+ Institute on Religion and Democracy, 1023 15th Street Northwest, Suite 601, Washington DC 20005-2601, 202-682-4131, Fax: 202-682-4136, info@theird.org


[5] Reformed Theological Seminary, Redeemer City to City Announce Strategic Partnership

Contact: Lyn Perez, RTS Chief Communications Officer, Reformed Theological Seminary, 407-366-9493, lperez@rts.edu

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Redeemer City to City (CTC) and Reformed Theological Seminary (RTS) are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to provide a seminary education in New York City. This advances the vision of RTS to provide graduate theological education globally and that of Redeemer Presbyterian Church and its founding pastor, Dr. Timothy Keller, who started CTC to prepare ministry leaders, pastors and church planters for New York and cities internationally.

"The Bible calls us to take the gospel to the nations, but the nations of the world are pouring into the cities on a history-changing scale," says Dr. Keller. "This massive migration is both a significant opportunity and challenge. Even in parts of the world where Christianity is growing rapidly, the national churches have difficulty reaching their own greatest urban areas. We are thankful for this new partnership with RTS, through which we hope to prepare leaders for ministry in New York and the other great global cities of the world."

CTC will work with RTS to provide a seminary program in New York City that will prepare ministry leaders "in the city for the city." This Redeemer City Ministry program will involve RTS providing a two-year Master of Arts (Biblical Studies) at a newly approved extension campus in New York City, complemented by a subsequent year of practical training provided by CTC.
"RTS is thrilled to collaborate with Redeemer City to City and with Tim Keller to prepare a new generation of ministry leaders and establish an RTS extension in New York," says Dr. Ligon Duncan, chancellor & CEO of RTS. "I have known and admired Dr. Keller for many years. I count him as a friend and I am deeply grateful for his ministry and vision for planting churches in New York and in other major metropolitan centers around the world. The board of RTS and I are pleased to partner with CTC to offer a rigorous program of graduate theological study in NYC."

You can obtain more information on the Redeemer City Ministry from RTS at rts.edu/seminary/redeemercontactus.aspx and CTCwww.redeemercitytocity.com.  Links are available on both websites to receive more information.  Applications for the program will be received by RTS beginning November 1, 2014.  The program startup is scheduled for early fall 2015 in New York City.

Redeemer City to City was started in 2001 by Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan and has helped start over 300 churches in 45 cities. The President of Redeemer City to City is Dr. John Hutchinson.

Reformed Theological Seminary was founded in 1966 and is one of the largest seminaries in the country, with campuses in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Jackson, Memphis, Orlando and Washington D.C., in addition to RTS Global Education which offers three 100% online MA degrees.


+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Reformed Theological Seminary, 2101 Carmel Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28226, 704-366-5066, Fax: 704-366-9295

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org

17 September 2014

"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." [Ezekiel 33:6]

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  [Ephesians 6:12] 

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Scottish Independence Vote “Yes” and “No” Leaders Urged to Pray Day Before 18 September 2014 Plebiscite

[2] A Nation and Nations Divided

[3] Scottish Roman Catholics May Swing Independence Vote to “Yes”

[4] Ian Paisley Dead: One-Time Fiery Preacher, Turned Northern Ireland's Former First Minister, Passes Away at 88

[5] YouTube Video: Ian Paisley and the Meaning of Life with Gay Byrne

[6] Remembrance of Ian Paisley

---

[1] Scottish Independence Vote “Yes” and “No” Leaders Urged to Pray Day Before 18 September 2014 Plebiscite

The Evangelical Alliance and Free Church of Scotland have invited First Minister Alex Salmond and Better Together leader Alistair Darling to join with Christians in praying for the future of Scotland on 17 September 2014, the day before the independence referendum.

The invitation follows a joint call from Scotland's main denominations for churches to have two separate days of prayer before the vote, during Sunday 14 September 2014 services and a national day of prayer and fasting on Wednesday 17 September 2014.


+ Free Church of Scotland, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2LS, 0131-226-5286, Fax: 0131-220-0597, catherine@freechurchofscotland.org.uk

+ Evangelical Alliance, Whitefield House, 186 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4BT England, 020 7207 2100, Fax: 020-7207-2150, info@eauk.org

+ Better Together, 5 Blythswood Square, Glasgow G2 4AD, Scotland, 0141-332-4634, Contact Page

+ Pray for Scotland, C/O 67 Murray Place, Stirling FK8 1AU, Scotland, 07910-982513, admin@prayforscotland.org.uk


[2] A Nation and Nations Divided

^“If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned.

And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

'This is what the Lord says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions.' But they will reply, 'It's no use. We will continue with our own plans; each of us will follow the stubbornness of his evil heart.'” (Jeremiah18:7-11)

So begins the 15 September 2014 article by the editor of Christians Together in the Highlands and Islands where he discusses why “Scotland needs to be broken.”

http://www.christianstogether.net/Articles/415271/Christians_Together_in/Christian_Life/Christians_and_Politics/A_nation_and.aspx


+ Christians Together in the Highlands and Islands, 05600-932-672, editor@christianstogether.net


[3] Scottish Roman Catholics May Swing Independence Vote to “Yes”

A 12 September 2014 Christian Today article by Lucinda Borkett-Jones titled “Scottish Independence: Catholics May Have the Deciding Vote” reports that a study by Professor Sir Tom Devine, the Sir William Fraser Professor Emeritus of Scottish History and Palaeography at the University of Edinburgh, points out that practicing and “cultural” Roman Catholics make up about one-quarter of Scottish voters, and thirty percent of these voters favor independence for Scotland.

Devine additionally cites the fact that Scottish churches in general have seen attendance fall off, while Roman Catholic churches have retained members in their twenties and thirties who are more likely to vote for Scottish independence.

Devine concludes that these factors along with several others described in the article place Scottish Roman Catholics in a strategic position to possibly swing the independence vote to “yes”.


+ Christian Today, 200 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4YB, England, 020-7378-5705

+ The Vatican, Città del Vaticano, Rome, Italy, 39-6-69-88-35-11, Fax: 39-6-69-88-54-47, Contact Page


[4] Ian Paisley Dead: One-Time Fiery Preacher, Turned Northern Ireland's Former First Minister, Passes Away at 88

By Dan Wooding
Founder of ASSIST Ministries

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND (ANS) -- Dr. Ian Paisley, Northern Ireland’s one-time firebrand preacher, who was famous for his thunder, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2014, at the age of 88, in Belfast.

He was known to his supporters as "the big man" whose most reported words were "no," "never," "no surrender," and "not an inch."

He spent much of his life railing against Roman Catholics, and once attacked Pope John Paul II while the pontiff was about to deliver a speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg back in October 1988.

Holding up a series of posters reading "Pope John Paul II ANTICHRIST," the then Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader shouted: "I refuse you as Christ's enemy and Antichrist with all your false doctrine," before he was bundled out of the chamber by scandalized colleagues.

But later in life, after a career that spanned nearly forty years, he had an extraordinary transformation, and was likened to South Africa's Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk, the Soviet Union's Mikhail Gorbachev, and Sinn Féin's Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness, and after this occurred, he led his people to a better place.

The BBC said, "In a political career that spanned nearly 40 years, he went from throwing snowballs at one Irish prime minister to embracing another one; from political 'never man to Northern Ireland's first minister.

"He ended up leading a power-sharing executive at Stormont - although he had supported the strike to bring one down 30 years earlier.

"His biggest turnaround came when, as the leader of hardline unionism, he sat down with Gerry Adams - his former bitter enemy, the leader of militant republicanism - as the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin decided to work together in an executive.

Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness. The two men got on so well that they were nicknamed the "Chuckle Brothers"

"It seemed unimaginable to supporters who had followed him through years of protests that as Northern Ireland's first minister he would enjoy an easy relationship with his deputy first minister, Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, so much so that they became known as the 'Chuckle Brothers.'"

Paisley was a powerful preacher before he became involved in politics, and with his thunderous rhetoric and his bull-like voice, Ian Paisley was always the epitome of an American Deep South preacher.

He was born in 1926 in Armagh, the county town of County Armagh. His father was a Baptist minister and his mother a preacher. He grew up in Ballymena, which was to become his political powerbase.

"But before politics, he was a preacher, delivering his first sermon aged 16 in a mission hall in County Tyrone," the BBC went on to say. "He was just 25 years old when he founded the Free Presbyterian Church.

"His early reputation as a Protestant extremist was forged in the 1960s. He once produced a Roman Catholic Eucharist wafer during a televised speech to the Oxford Union mocking it and those who believed it sacred.

"When Irish Prime Minister Sean Lemass was invited to Belfast in 1965 by NI Prime Minister Terence O'Neill, Paisley was furious and led 1,000 loyalists to Stormont to demonstrate. Two years later, he famously threw snowballs at another Irish Prime Minister, Jack Lynch, when he visited Northern Ireland.

"He often took to the streets. He was sent to prison for six weeks for unlawful assembly when he organized a demonstration on November 30, 1968 and forced civil rights marchers to cut short their parade in the city of Armagh."

His critics labelled Paisley as a "bullyboy," but thousands of his supporters protested at his imprisonment, the membership of his church doubled and, on his release, he was greeted as a martyr.

He stood as a Protestant unionist and was elected to the Stormont Parliament in 1970. Two months later he took the North Antrim seat in Westminster, the British Parliament.

"It was said his maiden speech in the House of Commons could be heard in the Lords as well, and was received in almost complete silence. By 1971, he had founded the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and he began a long battle with the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) for the trust of the unionist electorate," added the BBC.

"He opposed the formation of a power-sharing executive at Stormont in 1973 and became involved in the Ulster Workers Council strike that brought Northern Ireland to a standstill and led to the executive's collapse.

"In 1979, in his first European election, he topped the poll. He may have been anti-European but won a reputation as a hardworking Member of the European Parliament (MEP), who lobbied for all his constituents, regardless of their religion."

Those who knew him, said that he was a kindly and amusing figure in private, but to his enemies and critics, Ian Paisley was a sinister figure, a bigot and a dangerous presence.

"They pointed to his involvement in Ulster Resistance. In 1981, he organized a demonstration of 500 men who paraded late at night on a County Antrim hillside, brandishing gun licenses," stated the BBC story.

"The signing of the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985 saw him join forces with the then Ulster Unionist leader James Molyneaux. Thousands attended a protest meeting under the banner 'Ulster Says No' in Belfast city center.

"Together the two leaders adopted a policy of non-co-operation, resigned their Westminster seats and forced by-elections which they later contested and won."

Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley and then Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern visited the historic site of the Battle of the Boyne in 2007. Mr. Paisley also presented him with a musket which dates back to 1685, used in both the Battle of the Boyne and the siege of Derry, also known as Londonderry

However, the move was not a universal success from the unionist viewpoint, as they lost the Newry and Armagh seat to the SDLP [Social Democratic and Labour Party].

But then came the Good Friday Agreement, and ultimately the Molyneaux/Paisley relationship turned sour when it became clear the Ulster Unionists were willing to go to Dublin to talk to the Irish government while the DUP was not.

Paisley famously called Molyneaux a "Judas Iscariot," a slight that hurt Molyneaux deeply.

"He was totally opposed to the 1993 Downing Street Declaration between the British and Irish governments, and one meeting with John Major ended abruptly with the DUP being asked to leave," the BBC went on to say.

"The party was convinced a secret deal had been done to secure the 1994 IRA ceasefire. Paisley opposed the peace process from the beginning. He agreed to attend talks at Stormont in 1996, but when Sinn Féin was allowed in the following year, he walked out.

"He came back on the night before Good Friday 1998 to register his disgust. The Good Friday Agreement brought Dr. Paisley into a battle for votes with Molyneaux's successor as Ulster Unionist leader, David Trimble.

"Three years earlier they had staged a triumphal march at Drumcree, leading Orangemen down the Garvaghy Road. Now they were facing up to each other.

"The Yes camp won and, in a new assembly, the DUP was in the same political arena as Sinn Féin, even if they did not sit around a cabinet table together. Ian Paisley never hid his hatred of republicanism, but he did nominate two DUP ministers to a new executive.

When it was suspended and a new election loomed, the DUP overtook the Ulster Unionists at the polls."

Paisley's hardline stance of "no surrender" and "not an inch" seemed gradually less sure in his final years as other parties inched towards accommodation, and he decided not to stand again for the European Parliament in 2004.

The election in the following year saw the DUP become the largest unionist party in Northern Ireland, displacing the Ul ster Unionists who had dominated the unionist vote since partition.

Despite his strong anti-Catholic stance, later astounded his critics by meeting the Irish Catholic Primate Sean Brady at Stormont [the Northern Ireland Parliament] in 2006.

Then came the shock of his lifetime, when in May 2007, Ian Paisley became first minister of Northern Ireland with Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness as the deputy first minister.

A year later, he stepped down from that role, handing over the reins to Peter Robinson, who also succeeded him as leader of the DUP. Paisley would subsequently claim that he was forced out by the party, blaming Mr. Robinson and DUP MP Nigel Dodds for ousting him. Both men denied this.

He leaves a wife, Eileen, who is a baroness, and five children. Eileen was never far from his side and his favorite slogan at election time was: "Vote for my wife's husband."

In a statement announcing his death, she said, "My beloved husband, Ian, entered his eternal rest this morning. Although ours is the grand hope of reunion, naturally as a family we are heartbroken.

"We loved him and he adored us, and our earthly lives are forever changed. According to Ian's wishes his funeral will be private and attended only by the immediate family, as will be his burial.

"As a family we appreciate that there will be an expectation by those who admired him to express their gratitude for his life and their sorrow at his passing.

"To that end we will in due course publish details of a public memorial service which, will be scheduled later in the year."

The BBC concluded by saying that "Despite poor health and advancing years, he never lost his thunder," adding that, while speaking about death during one of his sermons, he said: "If you hear in the press that Ian Paisley is dead, don't believe a word of it. I'll be more alive than ever. I'll be singing as I sang never before."


+ Assist USA, Post Office Box 609, Lake Forest, California 92609, 949-380-1558, danjuma1@aol.com

+ Free Presbyterian Church in Ulster, info@freepres.org

+ BBC, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS, England, Fax: 020-8008-2398


[5] YouTube Video: Ian Paisley and the Meaning of Life with Gay Byrne

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e38N1m77iw8


+ YouTube, LLC, 901 Cherry Avenue, San Bruno, California 94066, 650-253-0000, Fax: 650-253-0001, press@youtube.com

+ Free Presbyterian Church in Ulster, info@freepres.org


[6] Remembrance of Ian Paisley

"I stayed in Dr. Paisley's home for two nights in September of 1987, and traveled with him wherever he went for three days. He was an open book. But what I remember most was his spontaneous prayer throughout the day. He would break into prayer in mid-sentence. The first morning, Mrs. Paisley introduced me to a breakfast dish called an "Ulster Fry," essentially a heart attack on a plate. Dr. Paisley walked in and without pause read a Psalm, and then broke into prayer for Mrs. Paisley, his family and most of the ministers of the Free Presbyterian Presbytery. After a hearty breakfast, he went out and Mrs. Paisley said, "He was up all night in prayer -- I'm not sure why." She mentioned that that happened frequently. He gave no sign of fatigue throughout the day. When we got in his car, there were two British versions of the Secret Service in the front seat. As Dr. Paisley climbed into the back seat, they automatically bowed their heads. “Lord, we thank thee for this new day!" he boomed. [He gave their names] "are doing a good job -- please keep them safe and alert throughout the day and watch over their families. If anything happens to me, I know where I'm going, but please give them the same assurance through the finished work of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen!" And off we went, and so it went, all day long. He would burst into a hymn in pure joy, and he never spoke an unkind or angry word in three days of meetings and worship services. I have never had such a sense of the Lord's presence!"

Glenn Rogers

Glenn Rogers is a Missions Council Member of the Presbyterian Missionary Union.


+ Presbyterian Missionary Union, 1650 Love Road, Grand Island, New York 14072, 716-775-0442, office@presbyterianmissions.org

+ Bible Presbyterian Church, statedclerk@bpc.org

10 September 2014

"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand." [Ezekiel 33:6]

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  [Ephesians 6:12] 

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Scotland’s Independence Vote “Yes” Campaign Leaves Out the King of Kings

[2] Relationships Scotland Says Marriages at Stake over Independence Referendum; Church of Scotland Schedules Reconciliation Service at Edinburgh's St. Giles' Cathedral

[3] Queen Elizabeth II “Horrified” at Scottish Independence Possibility in Part Due to Monarch’s Oath to Preserve Church of Scotland

[4] Two Church of Scotland Ministers Quit to Free Church of Scotland Leaving One Kirk Minister to Cover West Highlands and Islands

[5] Free Church of Scotland Minister Criticizes Royal Mail Decision to Open 100 Delivery Offices on Sundays

[6] Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa Fires Minister with Ties to the African National Congress

[7] Woman Killed in front of Second Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Chicago, Illinois by Falling Piece of Gargoyle

[8] Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible Available for Preorder Discount

[9] Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Associate Professor of World Mission and Evangelism Johannes ("Jannie") Swart Dies Suddenly on 9 September 2014

[10] News from the Deepest Recesses of Hell

[11] The Thinning Blue Line

[12] Raging Heathen and Vain Imagining

[13] The Religion of Peace

---

[1] Scotland’s Independence Vote “Yes” Campaign Leaves Out the King of Kings

A correspondent brought to the editor’s attention a book being widely circulated in Scotland arguing in favour of a “yes” vote on independence from Great Britain in the upcoming plebiscite. The book, titled “The Wee Blue Book” can be accessed here:

http://wingsoverscotland.com/WeeBlueBookDesktopEdition.pdf

The correspondent remarked:

“Out of interest, I did a quick word search. No mention of ‘Christian’, ‘God’, ‘Presbyterian’, ‘Catholic’; no mention even of ‘religion’. Apparently such things have no part in the voting decision.

“How sad for the Land of the Covenant. I believe Scotland is still a nation under the Solemn League and Covenant (1643). Alas, for the insult given to the King of Kings.”


+ Christian Observer, Post Office Box 1371, Lexington, Virginia 24450, christianobserver@christianobserver.org


[2] Relationships Scotland Says Marriages at Stake over Independence Referendum; Church of Scotland Schedules Reconciliation Service at Edinburgh's St. Giles' Cathedral

A 6 September 2014 The Herald article titled “Counsellor Warns Marriages at Stake as Couples Row over Referendum” reports that Stuart Valentine, chief executive of Relationships Scotland, Scotland’s leading advice service for divorcing and separating partners, is warning that marriage and family splits can potentially occur among spouses or family members disagreeing about the upcoming Scottish independence vote.

The Church of Scotland has scheduled a reconciliation service at Edinburgh’s St. Giles’ Cathedral for 21 September 2014 with the aim of healing divisions remaining after the 18 September 2014 vote.


+ The Herald, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, Scotland G2 3QB, 0141- 302-7000, Fax: 0141-302-7117, On-lineEditor@theherald.co.uk

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722


[3] Queen Elizabeth II “Horrified” at Scottish Independence Possibility in Part Due to Monarch’s Oath to Preserve Church of Scotland

A 7 September 2014 The Australian article by Tim Shipman and Kate Mansey of The Times reports that Queen Elizabeth II and her household are “horrified” at the prospect of an independent Scotland, in part because of the monarch’s oath to preserve the Church of Scotland.

In May 2014, the Queen spoke of her desire to see the Kirk “healing divisions” and called on people of faith to “work together for the social good of Scotland whatever the outcome of the independence referendum”.


+ The Australian, 2 Holt Street, Surry Hills, New South Wales 2010, Australia, 02-9288-3000, Fax: 02-9288-2250, letters@theaustralian.com.au

+ The Times, Times House, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1TT, England, 44-0-20-7782-5971, pressoffice@thetimes.co.uk

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722


[4] Two Church of Scotland Ministers Quit to Free Church of Scotland Leaving One Kirk Minister to Cover West Highlands and Islands

A 5 September 2014 West Highland Free Press article by Lisa Falconer titled “Kirk in Crisis as Ministers Quit” reports that two Wester Ross Church of Scotland ministers, the Rev. David Macleod from Lochcarron and the Rev. Roddy MacRae from Glenelg and Kintail have announced that they are joining the Free Church of Scotland, which leaves only one Kirk minister, the Rev. Sandor Fazakas to cover Wester Ross, Skye, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Harris and Assynt, an area the size of Wales, by himself.

Announcing his resignation 31 August 2014, the Rev. David Macleod said:

“Over the past few years I have found myself to be theologically less and less aligned with the Church of Scotland. I find myself now to have more in common with other denominations.

“The decision to demit has not been a decision I have rushed or taken lightly. I say this with a heavy heart and with much grief but I do not believe that I can continue in the context in which I find myself.”

Also announcing his resignation 31 August 2014, the Rev. Roddy MacRae said:

“The Church of Scotland often says it is a ‘broad church’, but it has become clear to me that it is not broad enough for Bible-believing Christians.

“I have been wrestling with this in prayer for quite some time now, and although I have a heavy heart, it makes sense to join a denomination with like-minded people where I can be fully supported.”


+ West Highland Free Press, Unit 1B, Pairc nan Craobh, Broadford, Isle of Skye IV49 9AP, 01471-822464, Fax: 01471-822694, admin@whfp.co.uk

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 4YN, Scotland, 0131-225-5722

+ Free Church of Scotland, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2LS, 0131-226-5286, Fax: 0131-220-0597, catherine@freechurchofscotland.org.uk


[5] Free Church of Scotland Minister Criticizes Royal Mail Decision to Open 100 Delivery Offices on Sundays

A 6 September 2014 The Courier article titled “Church Minister against Royal Mail’s Sunday Working” reports that Free Church of Scotland minister the Rev. David Robertson responded to the Royal Mail announcement that 100 delivery offices will now be open on Sundays by saying that the money could be better used to lower the price of stamps and improve customer service. Robertson additionally complained that large sections of rural Scotland are left out of the Sunday opening initiative.


+ The Courier, 80 Kingsway East, Dundee DD4 8SL, Scotland, 01382 223131, courier@dcthomson.co.uk

+ Free Church of Scotland, 15 North Bank Street, The Mound, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2LS, 0131-226-5286, Fax: 0131-220-0597, catherine@freechurchofscotland.org.uk


[6] Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa Fires Minister with Ties to the African National Congress

A 5 September 2014 News24 article “Church Fires Priest over Ties to ANC” reports that Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa pastor the Rev. Timothy Xaba was fired as minister of the Polokwane central congregation in the Limpopo province of South Africa for his ties to the African National Congress (ANC).

Mr. Xaba was appointed chaplain of the ANC after helping to lead the Polokwane communities in prayer for the then ill former president Nelson Mandela.


+ News24, Post Office Box 2271, Cape Town 8000, South Africa , 27-21-468-8000, Fax: 27-1-468-8200

+ Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa, 021-975-2721, Fax: 021- 975-2721, mapvanhuffel@sun.ac.za

+ African National Congress, 54 Sauer Street, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa, 011-376-1000, Fax: 011-376-1100, Contact Page


[7] Woman Killed in front of Second Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Chicago, Illinois by Falling Piece of Gargoyle

A 5 September 2014 Chicagoist article titled “Woman Killed By Falling Stone From Second Presbyterian Church” reports that Sarah Bean was killed 4 September 2014 while walking in front of Second Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church (PCUSA)) in Chicago, Illinois when a piece of one of the Gothic Revival building’s gargoyles fell, hitting Ms. Bean in the head.

+ Chicagoist, tips@chicagoist.com

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[8] Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible Available for Preorder Discount

After more than two years of intense work, the hardbound Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible has been sent to the printer and is available for preorder for shipping in October 2014 at US$10 off the list price of US$40:

http://www.heritagebooks.org/kjvstudybible/hardcover


+ Reformation Heritage Books, 2965 Leonard Street Northeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, 616-977-0599, orders@heritagebooks.org


[9] Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Associate Professor of World Mission and Evangelism Johannes ("Jannie") Swart Dies Suddenly on 9 September 2014

Writing on his Facebook page on 9 September 2014, Professor Robert A.J. Gagnon reported that Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Associate Professor of World Mission Johannes (“Jannie”) Swart died suddenly on 9 September 2014 while play Frisbee with a group of students. Swart leaves his wife and two high school age children.

Dr. Gagnon wrote of Swart:

“A devastating loss for the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary family….I served on the search committee that appointed Jannie and I was glad for his appointment. I knew him to be a good and faithful man of God. I grieve his loss. As Paul noted in Phil 1 it was better by far for he (Paul) to go and be with the Lord. So too with Jannie. But we here who remain feel his loss deeply.”

Another friend of Prof. Swart wrote:

“[He] had a remarkable spirit, wonderful sense of humor and a kind word for everyone. My heart breaks with the rest of our community. Rest in peace, dear friend. There is no doubt Jesus is waiting with open arms saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant."


+ Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206, 412-362-5610, Fax: 412-363-3260

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[10] News from the Deepest Recesses of Hell

-- Medicare May Cover End-of-Life 'Death Panel' Talks


+ American Vision, 3150-A Florenc e Road, Suite 2, Powder Springs, Georgia 30127, 800-628-9460, Fax: 770-222-7269, Comments@AmericanVision.org


[11] The Thinning Blue Line

-- U.S. Federal Government Gave 12,000 Bayonets to Local Police Departments

-- Man ‘Assaulted,’ Arrested by Gresham, Oregon Police for Recording Militarized Neighborhood Raid

-- NYPD Brutally Beats Innocent Man for Asking Why He Was Searched

-- Davis, California Orders Police to Remove Armored Vehicle


+ Tea Party Economist

+ Bizpac Review, Contact Page

+ Western Center for Journalism, 42104 North Venture Drive, Suite B-122, Anthem, Arizona 85086, 202-370-6366, Contact Page

+ Ben Swann, Contact Page


[12] Raging Heathen and Vain Imagining

Articles from the past week regarding kings and rulers setting themselves against the LORD and against his anointed:

-- Obama to Force United Nations Climate Change Agreement without Ratification from Congress

-- Pastor Who Fought China's Christian Crackdown Faces Ten Years in Prison

-- More than 100 teens Swarm Memphis Plaza, 'Knocking Out' Shoppers

-- U.S. Centers for Disease Control Whistleblower Admits Suppressing Information Regarding Vaccines and Autism

-- Climate Change Hoax Again Exposed as Polar Ice Cap Increases by Forty-Three Percent


+ Now the End Begins, Contact Page

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005

+ THV11.com, 720 Izard Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, Contact Page

+ Ben Swann, Contact Page


[13] The Religion of Peace

Articles from the past week about the religion of peace:

-- ISIS Confirmed In Mexico and Ready to Cross Border into United States

-- 14 Million Refugees Make the Levant Unmanageable

-- Top Ten Verses of the Quran, that Proves ISIS is the TRUE ISLAM

-- Home Depot Embraces Sharia Law with Forced ‘Muslim Sensitivity Training’

-- ISIS Jihadis Using Captured Arms and Troop Carriers From US and Saudis

-- United Nations Envoy: Up to 700 Children in Iraq Killed, Hurt

-- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry: Anti-Islamic State Coalition Means “Demolishing the Distortion of One of the World’s Great Peaceful Religions”

-- Al Qaeda Has the Eleven Missing Libya Jetliners

-- Islamic State Children Play with Severed Heads and Enjoy Crucifixions

-- Young Non-Muslim Girl Reveals Horrifying Crimes of Islamic State – Kidnap, Gang-Rape and Slavery

-- ISIS Taunts Obama As Second America Journalist Steven Sotloff Is Publicly Beheaded

-- Information Found on ISIS Laptop Shows They Are Plotting to Kill Millions

-- Saudi King Warns America And The West To Stop ISIS Before It’s Too Late

-- 1400 Children Raped and Trafficked in British Town by Men of Pakistani Muslim Heritage

-- British Child Sex Abuse Whistleblower Sent To Diversity Training


+ Now the End Begins, Contact Page

+ Middle East Forum, 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 1050, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, info@meforum.org

+ Right Side News

+ Assyrian International News Agency (Nineveh Software Corporation, 2317 West Farwell, Chicago, Illinois 60645, 773-575-5863, Fax: 773-761-8534)

+ Jihad Watch and Dhimmi Watch

+ Atlas Shrugs, writeatlas@aol.com

+ Western Center for Journalism, 42104 North Venture Drive, Suite B-122, Anthem, Arizona 85086, 202-370-6366, Contact Page

+ Assist USA, Post Office Box 609, Lake Forest, California 92609, 949-380-1558, danjuma1@aol.com

3 September 2014

The editor is ill, and, D.V., hopes to publish again on 10 September 2014.