Judges14:7 'And he went down and talked with the woman;'
Samson was a Nazarite unto God; his life was one of separation from worldly association and a life of uncompromising loyalty unto the LORD. In the last blog I made the connection between Samson and the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster with respect to their falling away from the doctrine of separation.
Chapter fourteen of Judges plots Samson's departure from the path of separation to one of sharing with the Philistines. He turned away from his once cherished principles and values of separation unto the LORD and took the downward path to Timnath. This was to fulfill a longing that had arisen in his wayward heart; soon the longing changed to looking; 'And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timanth of the daughters of the Philistines.'
Samson's longing and looking suddenly turned into lusting; nothing would do but he must enter into marriage with the Philistines. Despite the objections of his parents, Samson was determined to have his way; being the big man, the strong man, Samson led the way and his family followed. 'Then went Samson down, and his father and mother, to Timnath, and came to the vineyards of Timnath: and a young lion roared against him.'
In order for the development of a healthy, sharing and lasting relationship, Samson entered into talks with the Philistines. 'And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased him well.' Not even a lion could turn the strong man from his departure from the LORD; he was determined to have his own way and was intent on taking the family with him.
Samson's departure from his position of separation to one of sharing with the Philistines depicts perfectly the departure of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster from its separatist principles to one of support for the aspirations of the political power sharing executive at Stormont. It was the 'big man' that longed for political power; it was the 'big man' that looked upon the potential partnership with Sinn Fein; it was the 'big man' that lusted after the unequal yoke with unbelievers; it was the 'big man' that engaged in talks with unrepentant terrorists; it was the 'big man' that led the Free Presbyterian Church family down the path from separation to sharing.
Just as Samson was intent on a shared future with the Philistines where cohesion, sharing and integration would be his desired goal; so the Free Presbyterian Church has departed from the principles of evangelical Protestantism and is intent on pursuing a shared future where secularism is the objective.
In the next blog we will consider the deception that prevailed as Samson pushed forward the agenda for a shared future.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 5 June 2011
Sunday 15 May 2011
From Separation to Sharing
‘For the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb:’ (Judges 13:5)
The reference here is to Samson, the first born of Manoah and his wife of the tribe of Dan from Zorah. Samson was to live a life of separation from conformity to this world; he was to live, by God’s rich grace, a life of obedience unto God’s word separated unto the LORD. Separation, in this context, marks the child of God as striving to live in this corrupt world, separated from sin and separated unto God.
The doctrine of separation or sanctification is manifest throughout the entire canon of scripture; it is incumbent upon every believer, saved by God’s grace, to live a life of holiness unto God. The Levitical priesthood were sanctified unto God; the priesthood of believers are also sanctified or separated unto the Lord. ‘This is the will of God, even your sanctification, (1Thess 4:3)
When a church is made up of God’s redeemed people that live sanctified lives, then their collective testimony exhibits a church witness that is separated unto Almighty God. Sometimes, a mere profession of sanctification is no guarantee of actual possession; it is wrong to criticise others for apparent lack of holiness, when there is little evidence of sanctification in our own lives. The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster attempted to use the doctrine of separation as a means of discrediting other denominations which it deemed apostate, so as to claim the moral high ground.
As always, any claim to religious separation, any claim to separation from sin unto God, brings a tremendous weight of responsibility. When the Free Presbyterian Church claimed to be a separatist testimony outside the camp of religious apostasy and ecumenical compromise, this brought the spotlight of evangelical Protestant attention into focus. Many saved people were drawn to consider the truth of God’s word in this regard and evidently supported the denominational testimony.
However, there was an entirely different outcome when Free Presbyterian ministers and office bearers introduced the concept of separation into the political arena. The result was to prove disastrous for evangelical Protestantism in Ulster; it has discredited the scriptural doctrine of separation and destroyed the very foundation upon which the Reformed Faith stands.
Next time we will move on from the ‘Description’ of separation, to the ‘Departure’ from separation.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb 13:6)
The reference here is to Samson, the first born of Manoah and his wife of the tribe of Dan from Zorah. Samson was to live a life of separation from conformity to this world; he was to live, by God’s rich grace, a life of obedience unto God’s word separated unto the LORD. Separation, in this context, marks the child of God as striving to live in this corrupt world, separated from sin and separated unto God.
The doctrine of separation or sanctification is manifest throughout the entire canon of scripture; it is incumbent upon every believer, saved by God’s grace, to live a life of holiness unto God. The Levitical priesthood were sanctified unto God; the priesthood of believers are also sanctified or separated unto the Lord. ‘This is the will of God, even your sanctification, (1Thess 4:3)
When a church is made up of God’s redeemed people that live sanctified lives, then their collective testimony exhibits a church witness that is separated unto Almighty God. Sometimes, a mere profession of sanctification is no guarantee of actual possession; it is wrong to criticise others for apparent lack of holiness, when there is little evidence of sanctification in our own lives. The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster attempted to use the doctrine of separation as a means of discrediting other denominations which it deemed apostate, so as to claim the moral high ground.
As always, any claim to religious separation, any claim to separation from sin unto God, brings a tremendous weight of responsibility. When the Free Presbyterian Church claimed to be a separatist testimony outside the camp of religious apostasy and ecumenical compromise, this brought the spotlight of evangelical Protestant attention into focus. Many saved people were drawn to consider the truth of God’s word in this regard and evidently supported the denominational testimony.
However, there was an entirely different outcome when Free Presbyterian ministers and office bearers introduced the concept of separation into the political arena. The result was to prove disastrous for evangelical Protestantism in Ulster; it has discredited the scriptural doctrine of separation and destroyed the very foundation upon which the Reformed Faith stands.
Next time we will move on from the ‘Description’ of separation, to the ‘Departure’ from separation.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb 13:6)
Sunday 17 April 2011
Paisley Left Speechless
- Paisley Left Speechless
- A few years ago the voice of Rev Ian Paisley roared against whatever he considered to be contrary to Free Presbyterian separatist principles and values; today things are very much different.
- Some time ago, Rev Ian Paisley objected very strongly when the UUP’s Harry West attended a Nationalist’s funeral; he actually demanded that Mr West be thrown out of the Orange Order for attending the mass. Here was Mr Paisley calling for the Orange Order to discipline Mr West, even though Mr Paisley was not himself a member. Presently, when his party leader, Mr Robinson goes to mass, he quietly acquiesces; when his church welcomes Mr McGuinness and disciplines TUV supporters, his voice is inaudible.
- In the past, Ian Paisley gave his unequivocal support to the establishment and maintenance of independent Christian schools; now when, Free Presbyterian DUP MLA, Mervyn Storey advocates integrated education in a pluralist society, there is not a sound of censor from the once vigilant defender of the faith.
- Silence is often taken for consent; should this be the case, then God will raise up another voice, another testimony. (Esther4:14) ‘For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise ….. from another place;’ Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
A Divided Church
- A Divided Church ‘If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.’ (Mrk3:25) Once the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster was identified by the doctrine of separation; the pulpits and pews were occupied exclusively by those sympathetic to this cause. All this was to change dramatically after Rev Ian Paisley decided to share power with unrepentant terrorists in government.
- Suddenly another voice was raised amongst the Free Presbyterian ranks, that of traditional unionism; now the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster has to accommodate two separate political movements. On the one hand the followers of the forward looking, mass going, pluralist and integrationist DUP are demanding votes; while on the other, the persecuted, rejected, dissenting and faithful voices of the TUV ask for electoral support.
- This once separatist church has capitulated to sharing in the past; where its ministers and office bearers support DUP partnership with IRA Sinn Fein and is perfectly complicit with mass going by association. Now, the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster has discovered the voice of opposition from within its own political ranks as TUV members have taken up the torch.
- ‘If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand’; these are words of wisdom and warning from the Son of God. When Free Presbyterianism relocated to the political site, this has proved to be the place where compromise and sharing took root; now the irony is that this church has to accommodate two separate political opinions within its walls.
- The church that distinguished itself by separation is now distinguished by division; in the past, Free Presbyterians were united in their opposition to ecumenical compromise and political union with Rome. Things are very different now; the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster is distinguished by division from within; where the TUV are rightly opposing the treachery and duplicity of the DUP IRA Sinn Fein partnership. This is the price to be paid by rejecting separation and embracing sharing.
Sunday 10 April 2011
How long halt ye between two opinions
‘How long halt ye between two opinions’ At home here in Ulster, we are preparing to make choice with regard to the forth coming elections on May 5th. Every choice we make in life has its consequences; some, we get right, others are to be regretted. As an evangelical Protestant, I am persuaded that the choice of sharing power with unrepentant terrorists, a few years back, was a poor one; however, that is what democracy demanded and that is what we have to deal with. Democracy here in the past was always associated with Biblical standards and precepts; whether Roman Catholic or Protestant, Nationalist or Unionist, there was identification with Christianity. From St Andrews, the situation is very much different; Biblical principles and values have been exchanged for Secularist philosophy. The ‘shared future advocates’ are seeking to amalgamate Nationalist and Unionist, Roman Catholic and Protestant traditions into one Secularist entity. Amazingly, the DUP, supported by the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, have been actively engaged in this process; they are compromising the principles of the Reformed Faith at such speed and determination, that if unchecked, they will transform Ulster from a cradle of Biblical Protestantism into a caldron of Secularism. Presently they have turned from ‘Separation’ to ‘Sharing’; they have turned from Christ the only Mediator to the Celebration of the Mass; they have cast out those with Christian principle and welcomed the Secularist scoundrel. It is time for those within the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster to consider their position; how can a person oppose the capitulation and treachery of the DUP and remain in the Free Presbyterian Church. These two organisations are joined at the hip; the Free Presbyterian Church supports its ministers and office bearers while they hold position and membership in the DUP. When the DUP is represented at the Roman Catholic mass, then so is the Free Presbyterian Church; when the DUP sanctions public money to support homosexuality, then so does the Free Presbyterian Church. When the children of Israel were gathered unto Elijah on mount Carmel in the days of Ahab’s apostasy and compromise, they were confronted with the question; ‘how long halt ye between two opinions’ (1Kings18:21) Now in these days of apostasy and compromise within the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, it is time for God’s redeemed people to seriously consider their position and to respond to this great question, ‘how long halt ye between two opinions’. Attendance will always be viewed as participation; no one can sit in a Free Presbyterian congregation without being identified with the DUP. Rev Mervyn Cotton
Choose you this day
‘Choose you this day’ With the elections of May 5th coming ever closer, the concept of choice is uppermost on the mind of the electorate; while the choice for some will be based upon tradition or habit, for others, it will be a matter of conviction or conscience. From an evangelical Protestant prospective, I want to highlight a situation that is sweeping through Ulster like an odourless poisonous gas. For generations, the diverse political establishment here, has been associated with Christianity; irrespective, as to what end of the political spectrum may be considered, the one dominant factor was that, the moral and ethical outlook was predicated to the Word of God. Ever since the St Andrews Agreement, the subtle wind of change has been blowing through the electorate; little by little the focus has been turning away from once held Christian values and principles, towards Secularism. While this phenomenon is evident on a global scale, it becomes more apparent at home here because of our strong religious heritage; whether that is Protestant or Roman Catholic. Nowhere is that change more remarkable than in the Protestant and Unionist tradition; there appears to be a greater impetus in compromising or even rejecting Biblical Christian principles and values so as to guarantee political progress. The Reformed Faith position is being discredited and destroyed by some Unionist politicians, just for political expediency; they appear to have no difficulty in abandoning Christian principles in order to choose Secularist ones. Remarkably, the front runners in this situation are the DUP, backed by the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster; they have chosen the path of ‘Sharing’ as an alternative to that of ‘Separation’. Now it is time for the people to ‘chose’; in the days of Joshua, the people had to consciously choose whether they should be identified with the Lord God of heaven, or be identified with the Secularism of their day. ‘And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve ….. but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.’ Rev Mervyn Cotton
Wednesday 16 March 2011
Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 3
Evidence of Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 3
Some sixty years ago on the 17th of March, Rev Ian Paisley founded the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster at Crossgar; sadly, much has changed since then. Rev Paisley was swift to condemn the main line Protestant churches in Ulster and abroad, as apostate and ecumenical; at every opportunity he attacked what he considered to be their compromise with the Church of Rome. Sixty years on and there is real error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster; compromise and rebellion are well established in the ranks, so much so that people are leaving and going back into the main line Protestant denominations from whence they came.
Yet another real error was manifest when Free Presbyterian ministers and office bearers accepted the terms of the St Andrews Agreement, the error of ‘falling away’ or apostasy. It was Rev Ian Paisley, prior to signing the Agreement, which asked a question of Mr Blair; I want to quote Mr Blair’s words, ‘he (Ian Paisley) asked me whether I thought God wanted him to make the deal that would seal the peace process. I wanted to say yes, but I hesitated; though I was sure God would want peace, God is not a negotiator. I felt it would be wrong, manipulative, to say yes, and so I said I couldn't answer that question, that only he could and I hoped he would let God guide him.’ (Tony Blair ... A Journey p195-196) this reveals the Free Presbyterian moderator seeking guidance from an unsaved Prime Minister; he didn’t ask his presbytery for council or help, nor did he call for a day of prayer and fasting as at other times.
In signing up to the St Andrews Agreement, Rev Ian Paisley together with his Free Presbyterian ministerial and oversight colleagues signed up to the introduction of Secular Humanism in Ulster. In signing up to Secularist principles these Free Presbyterians are now implementing Equality Legislation which is being used successfully against believing Christians; they are driving God’s Word out of society by stealth, while at the same time encouraging apostasy. Rather than standing against and condemning the dreadful apostasy that is spreading like a global plague, the Free Presbyterian Church is complicit.
For generations the Free Presbyterian Church described denominational backsliding as apostasy, (a falling away); however an apostate is a person that has come close to and perhaps has even accepted the principles of Biblical Christianity, but then has turned fully and finally away into atheism. (Heb6:4-6) ‘For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God, afresh, and put him to an open shame.’ Secular Humanism is the engine that propels the vehicle of apostasy, and atheism is the fuel that keeps it running. Free Presbyterians such as Mervyn Storey are fully persuaded that the Secularist policies which ultimately are designed to spread apostasy are advantageous to a forward looking, inclusive and integrated society.
The real error of apostasy is being promoted by Free Presbyterianism as it implements the Secularist principles of cohesion, sharing and integration; this is such a far step away from separation and a leap towards Secularism. Now, when the DUP leader wants to go to Mass, the Free Presbyterian Church condemns the Mass but not its own ministers and office bearers that support their political leader. There appears to be a persecuting zeal within Free Presbyterianism against disaffected DUP members and a purging out of any that have fallen foul of the church system; it is not uncommon for believers to be denied the right hand of fellowship as they attend public worship.
The three errors that are apparent in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster are, Compromise, Rebellion and Apostasy; where such real error is manifest, then the clear message from God’s Word is to Separate, to come out of.
‘Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ (Rev18:4)
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Some sixty years ago on the 17th of March, Rev Ian Paisley founded the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster at Crossgar; sadly, much has changed since then. Rev Paisley was swift to condemn the main line Protestant churches in Ulster and abroad, as apostate and ecumenical; at every opportunity he attacked what he considered to be their compromise with the Church of Rome. Sixty years on and there is real error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster; compromise and rebellion are well established in the ranks, so much so that people are leaving and going back into the main line Protestant denominations from whence they came.
Yet another real error was manifest when Free Presbyterian ministers and office bearers accepted the terms of the St Andrews Agreement, the error of ‘falling away’ or apostasy. It was Rev Ian Paisley, prior to signing the Agreement, which asked a question of Mr Blair; I want to quote Mr Blair’s words, ‘he (Ian Paisley) asked me whether I thought God wanted him to make the deal that would seal the peace process. I wanted to say yes, but I hesitated; though I was sure God would want peace, God is not a negotiator. I felt it would be wrong, manipulative, to say yes, and so I said I couldn't answer that question, that only he could and I hoped he would let God guide him.’ (Tony Blair ... A Journey p195-196) this reveals the Free Presbyterian moderator seeking guidance from an unsaved Prime Minister; he didn’t ask his presbytery for council or help, nor did he call for a day of prayer and fasting as at other times.
In signing up to the St Andrews Agreement, Rev Ian Paisley together with his Free Presbyterian ministerial and oversight colleagues signed up to the introduction of Secular Humanism in Ulster. In signing up to Secularist principles these Free Presbyterians are now implementing Equality Legislation which is being used successfully against believing Christians; they are driving God’s Word out of society by stealth, while at the same time encouraging apostasy. Rather than standing against and condemning the dreadful apostasy that is spreading like a global plague, the Free Presbyterian Church is complicit.
For generations the Free Presbyterian Church described denominational backsliding as apostasy, (a falling away); however an apostate is a person that has come close to and perhaps has even accepted the principles of Biblical Christianity, but then has turned fully and finally away into atheism. (Heb6:4-6) ‘For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God, afresh, and put him to an open shame.’ Secular Humanism is the engine that propels the vehicle of apostasy, and atheism is the fuel that keeps it running. Free Presbyterians such as Mervyn Storey are fully persuaded that the Secularist policies which ultimately are designed to spread apostasy are advantageous to a forward looking, inclusive and integrated society.
The real error of apostasy is being promoted by Free Presbyterianism as it implements the Secularist principles of cohesion, sharing and integration; this is such a far step away from separation and a leap towards Secularism. Now, when the DUP leader wants to go to Mass, the Free Presbyterian Church condemns the Mass but not its own ministers and office bearers that support their political leader. There appears to be a persecuting zeal within Free Presbyterianism against disaffected DUP members and a purging out of any that have fallen foul of the church system; it is not uncommon for believers to be denied the right hand of fellowship as they attend public worship.
The three errors that are apparent in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster are, Compromise, Rebellion and Apostasy; where such real error is manifest, then the clear message from God’s Word is to Separate, to come out of.
‘Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ (Rev18:4)
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 13 March 2011
Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 2
Evidence of Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 2
For decades the Free Presbyterian Church claimed the moral high ground by protesting against Sunday trading, Sunday sports and the laxed drinking and gambling laws. The irony was that, while the Free Presbyterians protested against the lowering of social and moral standards, the DUP were becoming much more liberal in their outlook; DUP led councils were opening their leisure facilities on the Lord’s Day, shopping centres were open for business on the Sabbath. What really defied logic was the fact that the leader of the DUP and the moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church was the same person, Rev Ian Paisley; here was an enigma in the making, preaching against immorality while at the same time tolerating it.
It must be remembered that ministers and office bearers in the Free Presbyterian Church also hold high profile positions within the DUP and now in the power sharing executive. These same people, together with their colleagues in the ministry and their congregations, signed a solemn covenant before Almighty God, to love the things that Christ loves and to hate the things that Christ hates. The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster entered into this very solemn covenant with Almighty God; if such a covenant was honoured, God’s blessings would continue and abound: however, if the covenant was to be broken, then the displeasure and rebuke of the Lord would be assured.
So with the way of blessing through obedience and the way of cursing through disobedience before them, the Free Presbyterian Church choose out the path which they desired to tread. After protesting against homosexuality and denouncing it as abomination before the Lord, the Free Presbyterian Church supported its ministers and office bearers in the power sharing administration as they handed out public money to advance the Gay Rights Campaign. The error evidenced here is that of Spiritual rebellion against the Word of God; they knew the way that God would have them to follow but they rejected the Commandment of Almighty God, they smashed their solemn covenant with the Lord.
When a Co Antrim Free Presbyterian minister was challenged regarding support being given to the Gay Pride incident; he refused to publicly condemn the action, saying that he had spent his entire ministry fighting apostasy, and now at sixty years of age, he was not getting involved with this matter.
It was the error of rebellion that destroyed the house of Saul in the O.T; Saul depended upon political expediency and rebelled against the Word of God in sparing the Amalekites. Samuel’s reproof against the house of Saul is still appropriate for the modern-day ‘House of Saul’ today; (1Sam15:22-23) ‘And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.’
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
For decades the Free Presbyterian Church claimed the moral high ground by protesting against Sunday trading, Sunday sports and the laxed drinking and gambling laws. The irony was that, while the Free Presbyterians protested against the lowering of social and moral standards, the DUP were becoming much more liberal in their outlook; DUP led councils were opening their leisure facilities on the Lord’s Day, shopping centres were open for business on the Sabbath. What really defied logic was the fact that the leader of the DUP and the moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church was the same person, Rev Ian Paisley; here was an enigma in the making, preaching against immorality while at the same time tolerating it.
It must be remembered that ministers and office bearers in the Free Presbyterian Church also hold high profile positions within the DUP and now in the power sharing executive. These same people, together with their colleagues in the ministry and their congregations, signed a solemn covenant before Almighty God, to love the things that Christ loves and to hate the things that Christ hates. The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster entered into this very solemn covenant with Almighty God; if such a covenant was honoured, God’s blessings would continue and abound: however, if the covenant was to be broken, then the displeasure and rebuke of the Lord would be assured.
So with the way of blessing through obedience and the way of cursing through disobedience before them, the Free Presbyterian Church choose out the path which they desired to tread. After protesting against homosexuality and denouncing it as abomination before the Lord, the Free Presbyterian Church supported its ministers and office bearers in the power sharing administration as they handed out public money to advance the Gay Rights Campaign. The error evidenced here is that of Spiritual rebellion against the Word of God; they knew the way that God would have them to follow but they rejected the Commandment of Almighty God, they smashed their solemn covenant with the Lord.
When a Co Antrim Free Presbyterian minister was challenged regarding support being given to the Gay Pride incident; he refused to publicly condemn the action, saying that he had spent his entire ministry fighting apostasy, and now at sixty years of age, he was not getting involved with this matter.
It was the error of rebellion that destroyed the house of Saul in the O.T; Saul depended upon political expediency and rebelled against the Word of God in sparing the Amalekites. Samuel’s reproof against the house of Saul is still appropriate for the modern-day ‘House of Saul’ today; (1Sam15:22-23) ‘And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.’
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 6 March 2011
Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 1
Evidence of Real Error in the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster 1
This denomination, founded by Rev Ian Paisley was established to champion the cause of evangelical Protestantism against a backdrop of ecclesiastical, backsliding, compromise, ecumenism and apostasy. The Biblical doctrine of ‘separation’ or holiness, which is considered to be; separation from sin and error on the one hand, and separation unto God and truth on the other; this was a pivotal aspect of Free Presbyterianism.
Such texts as the following were frequently used; ‘Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,’ (2Cor6:17) ‘Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?’ (2Cor6:14) ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ (Rev18:4)
The preaching of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, called people out of what it called ‘apostasy’ and ecumenism; it warned against unequal partnerships and relationships in every walk of life: it warned against political association with what it called Dublin rule and castigated Unionist and Alliance politicians for selling Ulster Protestantism down the river. It was common knowledge that Free Presbyterian pulpits were sometimes used as political platforms to voice DUP principles and values; after all the same man was leader of the Church and the DUP.
Prayer meetings were held in Free Presbyterian churches in support of DUP enterprise; in fact days of prayer and fasting were observed to ‘smash the Anglo Irish Agreement’. Then suddenly everything changed; Rev Ian Paisley and his colleagues entered into secret dialogue with IRA Sinn Fein to explore power sharing; he also, eventually went into dialogue with the Roman Catholic leadership. The outcome was that he signed up to political power sharing, with unrepentant convicted terrorists, at St Andrews.
As moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, Rev Ian Paisley sat down with, and fellowshipped with unrepentant terrorists; this is something that he condemned others for doing: this is the very thing that Free Presbyterians called ‘apostasy’. To this day the Free Presbyterian Church has yet to throw this man out of his pulpit and to discipline his supporters for bringing the real error of ‘Compromise’ into the Church.
The first real error found in the Free Presbyterian Church is that of ‘Compromise’; to accommodate this heresy, Free Presbyterians had to tread the Word of God, that they formerly preached under foot. So then, ‘Anonymous’ let the debate begin; I will cite two more examples of real error within Free Presbyterianism shortly, which, no doubt you will have to reflect upon.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
This denomination, founded by Rev Ian Paisley was established to champion the cause of evangelical Protestantism against a backdrop of ecclesiastical, backsliding, compromise, ecumenism and apostasy. The Biblical doctrine of ‘separation’ or holiness, which is considered to be; separation from sin and error on the one hand, and separation unto God and truth on the other; this was a pivotal aspect of Free Presbyterianism.
Such texts as the following were frequently used; ‘Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,’ (2Cor6:17) ‘Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?’ (2Cor6:14) ‘Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ (Rev18:4)
The preaching of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, called people out of what it called ‘apostasy’ and ecumenism; it warned against unequal partnerships and relationships in every walk of life: it warned against political association with what it called Dublin rule and castigated Unionist and Alliance politicians for selling Ulster Protestantism down the river. It was common knowledge that Free Presbyterian pulpits were sometimes used as political platforms to voice DUP principles and values; after all the same man was leader of the Church and the DUP.
Prayer meetings were held in Free Presbyterian churches in support of DUP enterprise; in fact days of prayer and fasting were observed to ‘smash the Anglo Irish Agreement’. Then suddenly everything changed; Rev Ian Paisley and his colleagues entered into secret dialogue with IRA Sinn Fein to explore power sharing; he also, eventually went into dialogue with the Roman Catholic leadership. The outcome was that he signed up to political power sharing, with unrepentant convicted terrorists, at St Andrews.
As moderator of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, Rev Ian Paisley sat down with, and fellowshipped with unrepentant terrorists; this is something that he condemned others for doing: this is the very thing that Free Presbyterians called ‘apostasy’. To this day the Free Presbyterian Church has yet to throw this man out of his pulpit and to discipline his supporters for bringing the real error of ‘Compromise’ into the Church.
The first real error found in the Free Presbyterian Church is that of ‘Compromise’; to accommodate this heresy, Free Presbyterians had to tread the Word of God, that they formerly preached under foot. So then, ‘Anonymous’ let the debate begin; I will cite two more examples of real error within Free Presbyterianism shortly, which, no doubt you will have to reflect upon.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Sunday 20 February 2011
Homosexual Christians?
Homosexual Christians?
The term ‘Christian Homosexual’ or ‘Christian Gay’ is frequently used today; the question must be asked, can a practicing homosexual be a Christian?
Firstly, a Christian is a sinner that has been convinced of their sin and guilt by the operation of the Holy Spirit of God through the Word of God; recognising their sin and its awful consequence they turn from that sin and seek Salvation through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. So a Christian then, is a believer, one that has repented of their sin and believed with all their heart that, ‘Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures’ (1Cor15:3)
A Christian is a sinner saved by the grace of God; one that has turned their back upon sin and is found to be in Christ. ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2Cor5:17)
Secondly, there are those that take to themselves the name Christian; they are Christian in name only but not in practice. These nominal Christians are what Christ called ‘hypocrites’; they take the name Christian while living a life of sin and immorality.
Homosexuality is condemned in the Word of God as sin; Romans 1:24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
However, the Scriptures do teach that homosexuals can be saved and cleansed from their sin through the full and final sacrifice that Christ offered at Calvary. This truth is revealed in this passage of God’s Word; (1Corinthians6) 9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
So while homosexuals can be saved by the grace of Almighty God, they no longer participate in that sin; they have become Christians. In conclusion, homosexuals are not Christian in the Biblical context of the term; they may well be nominal Christians but that is all.
Rev Mervyn Cotton
The term ‘Christian Homosexual’ or ‘Christian Gay’ is frequently used today; the question must be asked, can a practicing homosexual be a Christian?
Firstly, a Christian is a sinner that has been convinced of their sin and guilt by the operation of the Holy Spirit of God through the Word of God; recognising their sin and its awful consequence they turn from that sin and seek Salvation through the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. So a Christian then, is a believer, one that has repented of their sin and believed with all their heart that, ‘Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures’ (1Cor15:3)
A Christian is a sinner saved by the grace of God; one that has turned their back upon sin and is found to be in Christ. ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’ (2Cor5:17)
Secondly, there are those that take to themselves the name Christian; they are Christian in name only but not in practice. These nominal Christians are what Christ called ‘hypocrites’; they take the name Christian while living a life of sin and immorality.
Homosexuality is condemned in the Word of God as sin; Romans 1:24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
However, the Scriptures do teach that homosexuals can be saved and cleansed from their sin through the full and final sacrifice that Christ offered at Calvary. This truth is revealed in this passage of God’s Word; (1Corinthians6) 9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
So while homosexuals can be saved by the grace of Almighty God, they no longer participate in that sin; they have become Christians. In conclusion, homosexuals are not Christian in the Biblical context of the term; they may well be nominal Christians but that is all.
Rev Mervyn Cotton
Sunday 6 February 2011
Paisleyism - 'A New Era'
Paisleyism – ‘A New Era’
For years Paisleyism thundered against Popery at every opportunity; then the St Andrews Agreement introduced the subtle wind of change. From this point on, Paisleyism entered into power sharing with Irish Republicanism, selling this move to the public, as an historic step in the pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Paisleyism quickly forgot their once espoused Christian principles and values on the doctrine of separation; they learned, instead, the secularist principles of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, which belong to the doctrine of multiculturalism.
Now, according to their political superintendent, Mr Robinson, they have entered yet another new era; they find themselves in the brotherhood of multiculturalism. The DUP leader’s comments were recorded as he made a guest appearance at the opening of St Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church.
What is remarkable about all of this is that the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster even to this day denounces the papacy as heretical and apostate; it describes various Protestant Denominations as apostate and ecumenical, while its own ministers and office bearers publicly support Secularism and multiculturalism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton
For years Paisleyism thundered against Popery at every opportunity; then the St Andrews Agreement introduced the subtle wind of change. From this point on, Paisleyism entered into power sharing with Irish Republicanism, selling this move to the public, as an historic step in the pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Paisleyism quickly forgot their once espoused Christian principles and values on the doctrine of separation; they learned, instead, the secularist principles of Cohesion, Sharing and Integration, which belong to the doctrine of multiculturalism.
Now, according to their political superintendent, Mr Robinson, they have entered yet another new era; they find themselves in the brotherhood of multiculturalism. The DUP leader’s comments were recorded as he made a guest appearance at the opening of St Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church.
What is remarkable about all of this is that the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster even to this day denounces the papacy as heretical and apostate; it describes various Protestant Denominations as apostate and ecumenical, while its own ministers and office bearers publicly support Secularism and multiculturalism.
Rev Mervyn Cotton
Sunday 30 January 2011
Ulster - Part of a Christian country or of a Secular state.
Ulster – Part of a Christian country or of a Secular state?
Sometimes it is good for society to pause and reflect on its direction and attitude; no more so than now. The national audit office concludes that ours is a Christian country, as does our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth 2nd; our government and laws are predicated to the Word of God; as a nation, our moral values and principles are paralleled to the Moral Law comprehended in the Ten Commandments. In general, as a Christian country, our ethics reflect Motive, Standard and Purpose; all of these serve to reflect the glory of Almighty God.
However, there is a determined effort being made to secularise our nation and to remove the principles, values and morals of Biblical Christianity. Christian values are being discredited and derided; Christian practices are being challenged to the detriment of our civil and religious liberty. The existence of God is openly and publicly denied; Creationism is disdained and discriminated against. The time has come for careful reflection as to our position on whether we consider Ulster to be Christian or Secular.
Rev Mervyn Cotton.
Sometimes it is good for society to pause and reflect on its direction and attitude; no more so than now. The national audit office concludes that ours is a Christian country, as does our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth 2nd; our government and laws are predicated to the Word of God; as a nation, our moral values and principles are paralleled to the Moral Law comprehended in the Ten Commandments. In general, as a Christian country, our ethics reflect Motive, Standard and Purpose; all of these serve to reflect the glory of Almighty God.
However, there is a determined effort being made to secularise our nation and to remove the principles, values and morals of Biblical Christianity. Christian values are being discredited and derided; Christian practices are being challenged to the detriment of our civil and religious liberty. The existence of God is openly and publicly denied; Creationism is disdained and discriminated against. The time has come for careful reflection as to our position on whether we consider Ulster to be Christian or Secular.
Rev Mervyn Cotton.
Saturday 1 January 2011
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 3
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 3
Jerm 12:10-11
‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.’
As we have followed the text here in Jeremiah 12, the situation of God’s people then was little different to what we find ourselves in today. Frequently, Jeremiah is referred to as the weeping prophet; he was greatly distressed at the situation in Judah, backsliding, idolatry and secularism had left God’s vineyard desolate.
‘and being desolate it mourneth unto me’ There were others besides Jeremiah that were heart broken at the state of God’s vineyard. The voice of mirth had been replaced by the voice of mourning as the Distressed in heart and soul poured out their Supplications unto Almighty God. When some of God’s people recognized the error of their ways, when they came to understand how that God’s great name was cast down, it tore their hearts asunder. Here was a rending of the heart and not the garment; here is an example of God’s people lifting their hearts unto God and mourning over their great sin of backsliding. There was the spirit of humility and deep brokenness in Judah as prayer was offered unto God. What about our circumstances just now; Biblical Christianity is in a deep crisis, God’s name is cast down, His work has been discredited, His people are held in derision. This is indeed the time when the hearts of God’s redeemed people should break in pieces as we survey the desolation all around. Do we have that distress of heart that we are compelled to supplicate God’s throne of heavenly grace. ‘If my people, that are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’
‘the whole land is made desolate’ The land that flowed with milk and honey was found a desolation through sin and backsliding of God’s people; the pastors had thrown down the walls and the vineyard was destroyed; in turn the destruction spread over all of the land. This is exactly what happens when the vineyard of God becomes Discredited, and then Shame covers the land. As in the days of Jeremiah; so too in our own day and generation; once our nation was exalted through Biblical Christianity, now it is covered with deep shame. When secular humanism is allowed to cast the Word of God from society, then national shame and folly follows.
‘because no man layeth it to heart’ In Jeremiah’s day there was a small remnant that cared enough to pray; there were some that took the spoiling of God’s vineyard to heart. Yes the people of the land did go into Babylonian captivity as the chastening stroke of God fell; but because there were those that took it to heart, there was mercy mixed in the chastening. After the exile the people returned and the Temple was rebuilt. Will you be one of the few that will lay it to heart today?
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Jerm 12:10-11
‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.’
As we have followed the text here in Jeremiah 12, the situation of God’s people then was little different to what we find ourselves in today. Frequently, Jeremiah is referred to as the weeping prophet; he was greatly distressed at the situation in Judah, backsliding, idolatry and secularism had left God’s vineyard desolate.
‘and being desolate it mourneth unto me’ There were others besides Jeremiah that were heart broken at the state of God’s vineyard. The voice of mirth had been replaced by the voice of mourning as the Distressed in heart and soul poured out their Supplications unto Almighty God. When some of God’s people recognized the error of their ways, when they came to understand how that God’s great name was cast down, it tore their hearts asunder. Here was a rending of the heart and not the garment; here is an example of God’s people lifting their hearts unto God and mourning over their great sin of backsliding. There was the spirit of humility and deep brokenness in Judah as prayer was offered unto God. What about our circumstances just now; Biblical Christianity is in a deep crisis, God’s name is cast down, His work has been discredited, His people are held in derision. This is indeed the time when the hearts of God’s redeemed people should break in pieces as we survey the desolation all around. Do we have that distress of heart that we are compelled to supplicate God’s throne of heavenly grace. ‘If my people, that are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.’
‘the whole land is made desolate’ The land that flowed with milk and honey was found a desolation through sin and backsliding of God’s people; the pastors had thrown down the walls and the vineyard was destroyed; in turn the destruction spread over all of the land. This is exactly what happens when the vineyard of God becomes Discredited, and then Shame covers the land. As in the days of Jeremiah; so too in our own day and generation; once our nation was exalted through Biblical Christianity, now it is covered with deep shame. When secular humanism is allowed to cast the Word of God from society, then national shame and folly follows.
‘because no man layeth it to heart’ In Jeremiah’s day there was a small remnant that cared enough to pray; there were some that took the spoiling of God’s vineyard to heart. Yes the people of the land did go into Babylonian captivity as the chastening stroke of God fell; but because there were those that took it to heart, there was mercy mixed in the chastening. After the exile the people returned and the Temple was rebuilt. Will you be one of the few that will lay it to heart today?
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 2
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 2
Jerm 12:10-11
‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.’
Last time we looked at the two opening clauses of our text and considered how that today, ministers and pastors are Dismantling the wall of Separation and how they show willful Disregard for the vines. Such disgraceful behavior by the pastors in Jeremiah’s day preceded the judgment of God which removed the testimony into Babylonian exile; and such deplorable circumstance in Biblical Christianity will hardly go unnoticed by Almighty God.
‘They have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.’ Sometimes we need to be reminded that Biblical Christianity does in fact belong to the Lord; it belongs to the Almighty, He it is that allows His people to labour in His vineyard. It is entirely wrong to imagine co-ownership here, the work is God’s. To turn the pleasant portion of God’s vineyard into a desolate wilderness, ministers and pastors have Discarded Christian principles and precepts over the wall and have supplanted the chaos of secular humanism. Rather than preaching the Word of God, there are certain ministers today that give a glory slot to someone in the congregation. By majoring on some human virtue, the preacher inflates the ego of his listeners, the flesh is exalted and the people are encouraged to come back again in anticipation that they too might get a mention. What about the fruit of the Spirit, ‘love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance’; these are what makes God’s vineyard a pleasant portion. The ministers of today actively encourage such Christian virtues to be supplanted by the base values of humanism. Secular humanist values turn a good Christian fellowship into a desolate unspiritual wilderness.
‘They have made it desolate’ When the testimony of Biblical Christianity is Destroyed; it then becomes a Spectacle of derision. Politicians as ministers and oversight members have made a mockery of Biblical Christianity; on the one hand they aspire to Biblical teaching, while on the other they support immorality of every type; they have no problem in using Christianity as a cloak, so that their political image is enhanced. Then there are the women ministers and elders; they advertise equal opportunities while disgracing the office of eldership. The unsaved have sneaked their way into pulpits and have left a trail of desolation behind; bringing the work of God into disrepute. Homosexuals and child molesters have caused Biblical Christianity to get a bad name. So called healing ministries, give to get, faith prosperity, the emerging church, neo Pentecostalism, charismania, Roman Catholicism, ecumenism, new age, secularism and humanism have all worked tirelessly to discredit Biblical Christianity and to turn it into a Spectacle of disdain.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Jerm 12:10-11
‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.’
Last time we looked at the two opening clauses of our text and considered how that today, ministers and pastors are Dismantling the wall of Separation and how they show willful Disregard for the vines. Such disgraceful behavior by the pastors in Jeremiah’s day preceded the judgment of God which removed the testimony into Babylonian exile; and such deplorable circumstance in Biblical Christianity will hardly go unnoticed by Almighty God.
‘They have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.’ Sometimes we need to be reminded that Biblical Christianity does in fact belong to the Lord; it belongs to the Almighty, He it is that allows His people to labour in His vineyard. It is entirely wrong to imagine co-ownership here, the work is God’s. To turn the pleasant portion of God’s vineyard into a desolate wilderness, ministers and pastors have Discarded Christian principles and precepts over the wall and have supplanted the chaos of secular humanism. Rather than preaching the Word of God, there are certain ministers today that give a glory slot to someone in the congregation. By majoring on some human virtue, the preacher inflates the ego of his listeners, the flesh is exalted and the people are encouraged to come back again in anticipation that they too might get a mention. What about the fruit of the Spirit, ‘love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance’; these are what makes God’s vineyard a pleasant portion. The ministers of today actively encourage such Christian virtues to be supplanted by the base values of humanism. Secular humanist values turn a good Christian fellowship into a desolate unspiritual wilderness.
‘They have made it desolate’ When the testimony of Biblical Christianity is Destroyed; it then becomes a Spectacle of derision. Politicians as ministers and oversight members have made a mockery of Biblical Christianity; on the one hand they aspire to Biblical teaching, while on the other they support immorality of every type; they have no problem in using Christianity as a cloak, so that their political image is enhanced. Then there are the women ministers and elders; they advertise equal opportunities while disgracing the office of eldership. The unsaved have sneaked their way into pulpits and have left a trail of desolation behind; bringing the work of God into disrepute. Homosexuals and child molesters have caused Biblical Christianity to get a bad name. So called healing ministries, give to get, faith prosperity, the emerging church, neo Pentecostalism, charismania, Roman Catholicism, ecumenism, new age, secularism and humanism have all worked tirelessly to discredit Biblical Christianity and to turn it into a Spectacle of disdain.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 1
Biblical Christianity in Crisis 1
Jerm 12:10-11
‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.’
The days of Jeremiah the prophet were characterised by backsliding among God’s redeemed people, and by a wilful disregard of God’s Word in the land. People in Judah at that time had grown wayward regarding the things of God; there was restlessness in the land, while some were questioning the authority of God’s Word, others had already rejected it and had turned aside to idolatry.
Spiritual corruption was rife and the Word of God was being disregarded and systematically removed from society. (Jer2:8) ‘The priests said not, Where is the LORD? And they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.’ These terrible circumstances in Jeremiah’s day were a prelude to exile in Babylon; they are also a fitting parallel to the Crisis in Biblical Christianity today.
‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard,’ Those that have the responsibility of feeding the flock and tending the vines have turned their attention to Dismantling the wall of Separation. Many church pastors and ministers are actively engaged in Dismantling the walls of doctrine and church discipline in order to make way for error in the church; the way is opened up for:- marriage of the unequal yoke, ecumenism, worldly entertainment, civil partnerships, homosexuality, ordination of women, removal of ladies head covering, secular editions of the Scriptures, political correctness, equality legislation, the social gospel, charismania, evolution, equal opportunities, politics, secular humanism, hypocrisy, cheating; not to mention a plethora of subtle doctrinal errors. Pastors and ministers are to be ‘watchmen’ ‘standing in the gap and making up the hedge’ around the work of God; they are not to be leading a demolition squad against the walls of separation which protect the Lord’s vineyard.
‘they have trodden my portion under foot’ Within the walls of the fellowship of believers are the tender vines; these must be protected from the winds of secularism and wickedness. This is the responsibility of the church oversight; they are to care for and support these tender vines. Today many pastors and ministers are Disregarding the vines of God’s people; rather than supporting them with the powerful Word of God, they are treading upon them by Superimposing the rules and values of men. Many of God’s people today are finding themselves under the boot of church discipline which is being interpreted by human values and prejudices. Ministers and elders are supposed to support and help God’s people, this is their high calling; it is morally wrong for them to walk over believers just to prove a point or to gain the upper hand. ‘they have trodden my portion under foot’ what an indictment this is against those that are found in church office and are guilty of superimposing the rules and values of men above the Word of God.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Jerm 12:10-11
‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.’
The days of Jeremiah the prophet were characterised by backsliding among God’s redeemed people, and by a wilful disregard of God’s Word in the land. People in Judah at that time had grown wayward regarding the things of God; there was restlessness in the land, while some were questioning the authority of God’s Word, others had already rejected it and had turned aside to idolatry.
Spiritual corruption was rife and the Word of God was being disregarded and systematically removed from society. (Jer2:8) ‘The priests said not, Where is the LORD? And they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.’ These terrible circumstances in Jeremiah’s day were a prelude to exile in Babylon; they are also a fitting parallel to the Crisis in Biblical Christianity today.
‘Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard,’ Those that have the responsibility of feeding the flock and tending the vines have turned their attention to Dismantling the wall of Separation. Many church pastors and ministers are actively engaged in Dismantling the walls of doctrine and church discipline in order to make way for error in the church; the way is opened up for:- marriage of the unequal yoke, ecumenism, worldly entertainment, civil partnerships, homosexuality, ordination of women, removal of ladies head covering, secular editions of the Scriptures, political correctness, equality legislation, the social gospel, charismania, evolution, equal opportunities, politics, secular humanism, hypocrisy, cheating; not to mention a plethora of subtle doctrinal errors. Pastors and ministers are to be ‘watchmen’ ‘standing in the gap and making up the hedge’ around the work of God; they are not to be leading a demolition squad against the walls of separation which protect the Lord’s vineyard.
‘they have trodden my portion under foot’ Within the walls of the fellowship of believers are the tender vines; these must be protected from the winds of secularism and wickedness. This is the responsibility of the church oversight; they are to care for and support these tender vines. Today many pastors and ministers are Disregarding the vines of God’s people; rather than supporting them with the powerful Word of God, they are treading upon them by Superimposing the rules and values of men. Many of God’s people today are finding themselves under the boot of church discipline which is being interpreted by human values and prejudices. Ministers and elders are supposed to support and help God’s people, this is their high calling; it is morally wrong for them to walk over believers just to prove a point or to gain the upper hand. ‘they have trodden my portion under foot’ what an indictment this is against those that are found in church office and are guilty of superimposing the rules and values of men above the Word of God.
Rev Mervyn Cotton (Heb13:6)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)