July 2024
Audio sermons
Click here to listen to all the sermons on this website!
KICS assembly talks. Current series: “KICS Studies – Faith, Mighty Faith”
- School is out for the summer, so no new talks will be posted until school resumes.
- See all the talks in this series here.
- See all the KICS assembly talks listed here.
Recently Featured Sermons
Soldiering in the Spirit #1preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Feb 15, 2004
featured on Sun Jul 14, 2024
Instructions for masters
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Feb 8, 2004
featured on Sun Jul 7, 2024
Instructions for servants Pt 3
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Feb 1, 2004
featured on Sun Jun 30, 2024
Instructions for servants Pt 2
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Jan 25, 2004
featured on Sun Jun 23, 2024
Click here to view previous featured sermons
Recently Preached Sermons
Funeral tribute to Mrs. Ann Fosterpreached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Mon Jun 10, 2024
The righteousness of faith
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Fri May 24, 2024
A glorious light at the end of a long dark tunnel! Pt 2
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun May 12, 2024
View all recently preached sermons
Older Sermons Recently Added
Funeral service for Miss Edna Weirpreached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Mon May 12, 2003
Rev. Ivan Foster - My Testimony
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Tue Nov 11, 2008
The day when it is God's turn to answer
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Jan 15, 1995
View all recently added sermons
Watch Kilskeery Free Presbyterian services live online here
Britain has elected the most godless parliament in its history
Never was there a truer headline printed in a newspaper than the one reproduced below from ‘The Times’ newspaper, sent to me by a friend!
We cannot agree with every comment, especially the one claiming that Tony Blair is a ‘Christian’ when he, is in fact, a convert to Romanism!
There is just cause for thinking that such a headline should have been used of recent Stormont Assemblies but there is no newspaper here of a mind to see Stormont as such or courage to print an article as this even if they did!
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster
Britain has elected the most godless parliament in its history
Half the cabinet, including Sir Keir Starmer, chose the non-religious option to profess allegiance to the King
July 05 2024, 11.00am
When Alastair Campbell said “we don’t do God”, it was because he knew that Tony Blair very much did. But as Sir Keir Starmer becomes the first atheist prime minister for decades, Britain has elected the most irreligious parliament in history.
There were 14 Muslim MPs, who swore on the Quran, and Rishi Sunak was one of three MPs to swear on the Bhagavad Gita, the Hindu holy book. There are also likely to be a handful of religious MPs, including Tim Farron, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats and a Christian, who affirmed because their beliefs prohibit oaths.
The big jump in irreligious MPs was the result of the Labour landslide in which Starmer’s party won 412 MPs. Almost half of Labour MPs — 47 per cent — affirmed, compared with only 9 per cent of Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats, who won a record 72 seats, also had 47 per cent of their MPs make an affirmation. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-07-13 a 6:19 pm
The only answer to a distressing situation
I send out this article, centred upon a text which is most suitable when Ulster is marking that day when God in His mercy granted a victory to the forces of William of Orange which providentially, secured for Ulster Protestants the freedom to worship in accordance with the Word of God.
I have to say that sadly, the day will be marked by many Orangemen crowding into public houses, many of which are owned by Irish republicans, in total ignorance of what it was happened on July 12th 1690 or the true significance of that event! They will have carried banners with Scripture texts and some lodges are even led by one of its members carrying a copy of the Bible as they march in the procession.
But grievingly such symbolism is meaningless to so many Orangemen!
We have surely witnessed the the foundations of our gospel heritage being eroded and destroyed by a departure within the main Protestant denominations
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster
The only answer to a distressing situation
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Psalm 11:3.
The circumstances in which “the foundations” of true religion are deemed to be destroyed in a land is set forth in the Psalm.
1. When the believer is as a helpless bird being hunted, as was David in the days of this Psalm. In a day of apostasy the Christian is counted of little value, afforded little honour and deemed an easy target. David’s words to Saul as the king hunted him, are worth repeating. “Now therefore, let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the LORD: for the king of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one doth hunt a partridge in the mountains,” 1 Samuel 26:20.
Nothing is more despised than is the witness of the gospel today. It is for this reason political organisations such as the Democratic Unionist Party seek to cast off the cloak of ‘the old-time religion’ it once was happy to wear because it is now deemed a liability and costing them votes!
2. When the wicked feel that they are free to target the upright. “For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart,” verse 2.
Sadly it is not just the wicked but foolish and blinded professing Christians who ‘shoot’ lies and false criticisms at those who are ‘correct’ in their denunciations of the sins of this age. They whisper and seek to conceal their false and defamatory statements from those they target for they know in their hearts that there is no substance to their allegations!
It is in such circumstances that it may be seen that the ‘foundation, support, stay’ (Hebrew) of true and holy religion has come under attack and ‘been pulled down’.
Is that not the state of affairs today? Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-07-12 a 8:00 am
Eastwood's empty oath & Translink and anti-Protestant discrimination
The SDLP leader, Colum Eastwood, underscores how empty and worthless are his solemn, sincere and faithful promises as he makes a mockery of his oath to the king in order to obtain his MP’s salary.
His actions are but a public display of what Roman Catholics believe is morally acceptable – ‘Mental Reservation’.
It is defined thus: “Mental reservation (or mental equivocation) is an ethical theory and a doctrine in moral theology which recognizes the “lie of necessity”, and holds that when there is a conflict between justice and telling the truth, it is justice that should prevail. The doctrine is a special branch of casuistry (case-based reasoning) developed in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance and associated with the Jesuits.”
See this article: MP oath to King an empty formula, says SDLP leader
Also for your reading is this article by Dr Edward Cooke of Queens University, Belfast.
Is Translink a company that increasingly discriminates against Protestants and Unionists within Northern Ireland in its policy of mutual cultural recognition?
This question arises when you consider that on the 12th, 13th and 14 July 2024, Translink (according to the latest timetable) run eight, eight and five trains respectively from Portadown to Dublin, when on the 13th and 14 July there are three all-Ireland, semi-final GAA matches being played at Croke Park in Dublin and when on the 13 July, Translink run only two trains from Portadown to Scarva (at 6.07pm and 11.07pm) after the Royal Black Scarva pageant has finished?! Why the disparity, considering the potential for Translink to generate revenues on the 13th July when some 100,000 spectators travel (by private transport) to watch the Scarva pageant?
Scarva increasing is a victim of its own success. Difficulty, and the increasing cost of accessing the limited amount of car-parking and the inequalities in relying on private transport with an exclusionary public transportation policy, asks equality questions of the operations management at Translink! Moreover, Translink appear to provide none of the regular public bus services from Banbridge and Portadown to Scarva, and in doing so, this policy clearly disadvantages elderly and economically disadvantaged Protestants and unionists who have no private means from spectating at one of the cultural delights within Northern Ireland. It a[pears on the face of it, Translink have omitted to consider the S.75 equality screening implications of its operating decisions around the provision of public transportation to Dublin and Scarva!
With these disadvantages in mind, it is little wonder that increasingly more NI unionists are continuing the 12th July holiday period with a rail visit to Bangor on the 13th July to watch the Bangor and Lurgan Black Preceptory parade, a parade that paradoxically deserves to be better supported by the NI unionist population.
If Translink have taken a conscious policy decision to abandon the 13 July Scarva parade, it then falls on the parade organisers of the Scarva pageant to better inform (and improve) public accessibility to Scarva for all in order to ensure that the elderly and economically disadvantaged unionist community are provided with information and a means to watch the Scarva pageant.
Dr Edward Cooke
Posted on 2024-07-10 a 9:14 pm
Why the Muslim Vote campaign is a glimpse into a horrifying future
This article from ‘The Telegraph’ of London makes interesting reading.
We may not agree with every sentence and sentiment but the core of the article is all about the input of the alien cultural ambitions of some Muslim activists that has had an impact upon the recent election and will have a great impact in the future!!
What is happening in England is something that I mentioned long ago! I recall that I wrote that the back-stabbing by the Westminster governments of the loyalist people of Northern Ireland in the treacherously deceitful way that the terrorism of the IRA was used by governments to wear down and force compromise after compromise from foolish Unionist politicians, would come back upon their heads one day!
One wonders if the Muslim ‘campaign (which) is a glimpse into a horrifying future’ referred to in this article, might take on an even greater likeness to Sinn Fein/IRA’s end game of murderous terrorism?
Sincere regards,
Ivan Foster
Why the Muslim Vote campaign is a glimpse into a horrifying future
Group’s sectarian insurgency over Gaza succeeded in making a dent to Labour’s majority
Jake Wallis Simons
When the circus finally arrived, it offered the usual attractions. The old rituals were a comfort. John Curtice, the swing-o-meter, Laura Kuenssberg and Jeremy Vine performed the familiar motions, not to mention the irrepressible Count Binface.
(Count Binface is a satirical perennial candidate created by the British comedian Jonathan David — The BB Editor)
But while the Labour celebrations and the Tory misery felt routine – even after we had grown used to them in opposite roles – under cover of darkness, a shocking new act crept into the tent.
An insurgent force has entered British politics. The Muslim Vote had no rosette and advanced no meaningful manifesto beyond a set of deeply sectarian principles. It stood candidates tactically, and owed their allegiances purely to religious and ethnic interests.
It had a single set of demands, all related to Gaza. This was a non-party. Yet in numbers, its victory was equal to Reform.
On the day of the election, Jeremy Corbyn proclaimed: “Today, Palestine is on the ballot.” If victorious in Islington North, he added, he would “stand up for the people of Gaza” and campaign tirelessly for “an end to the occupation of Palestine”. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-07-10 a 5:31 pm
WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS - The differing views of men and the Lord!
SOME OF THE WORDS OF GOD.
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving,” 1 Timothy 4:1-4.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation,” 2 Peter 3:1-4.
AN EXAMPLE OF THE CONTRARY WORDS OF MEN.
“We must build a better future for our people, those we agree with and those we disagree with.”
(Gregory Campbell, Democratic Unionist Party MP, just elected ahead of the Sinn Fein candidate by 179 votes)
When illness overtakes a loved one, amongst their friends there is the hope and prayer that a recovery will take place and a healing wrought by the mercy of the Lord. But as deterioration continues, it becomes evident that recovery is becoming less likely for, in the providence of God, life’s ‘allotted span’ is coming to an end.
For the child of God of course there is the glorious hope of being carried into the immediate presence of the Lord and the end of all of earth’s woes, trials and sorrows.
It is not so for those who must face death in their sin. For them it is as was the case with the rich man in the Saviour’s account of his death. “The rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments,” Luke 16:22-23. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-07-06 a 7:56 pm
BACKSLIDING - The Blight of Today Amongst God’s People!
HOW DID IT GO FROM THIS:
“And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, and the meat of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel; his cupbearers also, and their apparel; and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the LORD; there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the king, It was a true report which I heard in mine own land of thine acts, and of thy wisdom: howbeit I believed not their words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it: and, behold, the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou exceedest the fame that I heard. Happy are thy men, and happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the LORD thy God, which delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be king for the LORD thy God: because thy God loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore made he thee king over them, to do judgment and justice,” 2 Chronicles 9:3-8.
TO THIS???
“And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the LORD commanded. Wherefore the LORD said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant.”
1 Kings 11:9-11.
Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived for his wisdom was given him of God.
“In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee; and thou hast kept for him this great kindness, that thou hast given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people? And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee,” 1 Kings 3:5-12.
Yet Solomon ended his days as a fool! He had acted most foolishly indeed in his latter years. In truth, when we consider the mighty blessings and exceeding great privileges he enjoyed from God’s hand, Solomon became the most foolish man that ever lived! His epitaph, as recorded in 2 Chronicles 9:29, divides his life into two sections — first and last! Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-07-05 a 10:41 pm
A time of seeing!
“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see,” Revelation 6:1.
The word ‘see’ features large in this chapter.
When this ‘seeing’ takes place is at the ‘opening of the book’ mentioned in the previous chapter.
“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon,” Revelation 5:1-3.
The “book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals” is the full record of God’s purpose for His covenant people Israel and also of the fate of their enemies who are confederate against them in the ages past, but who will band together as never before in the closing years of this age. Its fulfilment has long been anticipated by the people of God for it has been the subject of the visions of all the prophets which they shared with God’s people.
It is “written within and on the backside” for it is the ‘full’ details of God’s eternally determined intention for His people and His land.
The Lord has fully resolved that there will be an overthrowing of man’s evil rebellion against Him and an enthroning of His Son as KING, even as it is stated in Psalm 2.
“Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel,” verses 6-9.
The future vain attempt by depraved and foolish men is set forth in the opening of the Psalm 2. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-07-01 a 6:00 am
June 2024
Audio sermons
Click here to listen to all the sermons on this website!
KICS assembly talks. Current series: “KICS Studies – Faith, Mighty Faith”
- Part 24, Part 25, Part 26, Part 27
- See all the talks in this series here.
- See all the KICS assembly talks listed here.
Recently Featured Sermons
Soldiering in the Spirit #1preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Feb 15, 2004
featured on Sun Jul 14, 2024
Instructions for masters
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Feb 8, 2004
featured on Sun Jul 7, 2024
Instructions for servants Pt 3
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Feb 1, 2004
featured on Sun Jun 30, 2024
Instructions for servants Pt 2
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Jan 25, 2004
featured on Sun Jun 23, 2024
Click here to view previous featured sermons
Recently Preached Sermons
Funeral tribute to Mrs. Ann Fosterpreached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Mon Jun 10, 2024
The righteousness of faith
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Fri May 24, 2024
A glorious light at the end of a long dark tunnel! Pt 2
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun May 12, 2024
View all recently preached sermons
Older Sermons Recently Added
Funeral service for Miss Edna Weirpreached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Mon May 12, 2003
Rev. Ivan Foster - My Testimony
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Tue Nov 11, 2008
The day when it is God's turn to answer
preached by Rev. Ivan Foster on Sun Jan 15, 1995
View all recently added sermons
Watch Kilskeery Free Presbyterian services live online here
Thank you all for your kind acts of sympathy!
I have already begun to receive quite a few ‘sympathy’ cards. It is not possible for me to reply to each one.
I have likewise received a large number of emails, which I have striven to respond to.
However, it is getting a little beyond my capabilities to reply individually to each kind message.
Please accept this statement as the sincere thanks of myself and my family for the messages from those who out of kindness have communicated their sympathies to us on the passing of our loved one, Mrs Ann Foster.
Rev. Ivan Foster (Rtd)
Posted on 2024-06-27 a 4:18 pm
An ancient warning of the evils besetting Israel in the last days
AN ANCIENT WARNING OF THE EVILS BESETTING ISRAEL IN THE LAST DAYS AND THE CONSEQUENCES THEY WILL EXPERIENCE FOR THEIR DISOBEDIENCE
The Lord has long and repeatedly revealed the events involving the people of Israel at the close of this age. Today, in one of my daily readings, I came across such a warning. It was uttered by Moses at the close of his life even as he was handing over the leadership of the nation to Joshua just prior to their crossing over the Jordan and going in to possess the ‘promised land’.
Here are his words on this matter:
“For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands,” Deuteronomy 31:29.
There was a warning regarding their behaviour after his death and also in the ‘latter days’. Sadly, Israel had a history of unfaithfulness and disobedience of the Lord no matter what mercies they enjoyed at His hands.
As Christians we must never forget that we have fared no better! That must ever be understood. We can read of the repeated rebellions of God’s ancient people and be critical of them but they were in truth no worse than believers in this age of the Gentiles. A brief consideration of the New Testament will illustrate this truth.
From the failure of the immediate disciples and apostles to remain faithful to the Lord during His earthly ministry to the various churches formed in the Gentile world we see displayed this continued failure to remain stedfast and obedient.
The book, ‘The Acts of the Apostles’, details the erring ways of the early believers as do the various epistles of the apostles, all of which were caused by error and sin entering the ranks of God’s people. The Saviour’s epistles to the seven churches of Asia at the close of the Canon of Scripture, reveals the ongoing deviation from the path of obedience that was evidenced in the first century of this age and which has marked every age since in greater or lesser measures. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-06-26 a 4:40 pm
A lie to deceive parents
“Transgender guidance scrapped for NI primary schools”
So ran the recent headline on the BBC Northern Ireland news webpage. It may appear to be a welcome decision by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA). However, it is no such thing.
The thinking behind this decision is out of the same pit that brought about the decision to include the vile notion in the curriculum in the first place.
The report states: “In a statement to BBC News NI, CCEA said that the content ‘was removed as it referenced research which is over 10 years old’.”
The basis of this new notion is ‘new research’ by the same ‘ejits’ who came up with the notion that has now been set aside but not utterly repudiated!
The Holy Scriptures alone are the moral authority for all mankind.
The Shorter Catechism in Question 2 asks: ‘What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?’
The answer given is the orthodox and correct view. ‘The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.’
The decision by the CCEA is not a rethinking and rejecting of the perverted notion it originally espoused but a mere tactic in response to objections by many parents to what was first proposed as part of the teaching of recent ‘Relationship and Sex Education’ (RSE) resources . The previous guidance for primary schools stated that it aimed to support “transgender or gender-questioning children”. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-06-21 a 5:09 pm
You are invited!
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Moneyslane Youtube Page
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Posted on 2024-06-17 a 4:25 pm
Some thoughts on the opening verses of the book of The Revelation, Part Two
I issued the first part of this article from the bedside of my wife Ann, after she was admitted to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen two weeks ago.
One week later she was welcomed into heaven by her beloved Redeemer. And now, a further week later, I send out the second part of the article.
She and I loved to study and discuss those things related to the Saviour’s return and watch world events in the light of Holy Scripture. What a knowledge she must have now! Yet she has learned nothing upon going to heaven that was not set forth in the Bible.
Dear Christian, God would have us understand what lies ahead that we might be assured that the devil and his allies will be utterly defeated and that the Saviour will have the victory.
“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh,” Revelation 19:19-21.
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE OPENING VERSES OF THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION
(Part Two)
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand,” Revelation 1:1-3.
THE PROMISED BLESSING THAT COMES FROM A PROPER OBSERVANCE OF WHAT THE BOOK SAYS.
We will be concentrating our thoughts on verse three.
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”
I. THE BLESSING PROMISED TO THE STUDENT.
“Blessed is he that readeth.”
1. Here is a blessing promised to any individual who ‘reads’ this book. The Bible was written to be read. It was not intended that it gather dust on a shelf somewhere. Rather, the purpose of giving the books of the Bible was that we might read. The Book of the Revelation was very obviously meant to be read, given its title – ‘Revelation’ – and the blessing here promised to the reader. What a contradiction in terms this would all be if, as all too many ministers have told their flock, it is a book to be avoided since it is very complicated!
This a blatant falsehood. If we read it, taking what is obviously figurative as such and what is literal as literal, it is indeed a “Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass”! Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-06-15 a 8:00 am
Ann's funeral and Kilskeery Independent Christian School talk
Last Monday, we as a family had the funeral of Ann, my wife and their mother.
It was a precious time with the Lord’s presence in a most wonderful way.
We had a chance to meet with many who remember Ann with love, and that was a great comfort and the cause of further praise to her Saviour.
Below are links to the video of Ann’s funeral service and also an audio recording of the tribute I sought to pay during the service to the grace of God displayed in Ann’s life.
View a video of the entire service below:
Also, below is Tuesday’s study with the children in Kilskeery Independent Christian School.
May you find all a blessing.
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster
Posted on 2024-06-12 a 11:09 pm
My wife Ann went to heaven this morning
1946-2024
Mrs Elizabeth Ann Foster BA
27th October 1946 — 8th June 2024
(Devoted wife of Rev Ivan Foster for 56 years)
Many of you will know that Ann, my beloved wife of 56 years and three months, was taken into the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, on Friday 31st of May. There she was kindly cared for, and our family was likewise helped in every way as we kept watch at her bedside.
We will ever be grateful to the nursing staff in Accident & Emergency and Wards 1 and 7.
This morning at 4.08, my Ann went to be with Christ, which is far better.
Those of you who knew of her illness were praying for her and me and our family.
We thank you for that most sincerely.
She was my sweetheart and fellow-soldier, unfailing in her support and encouragement in the work of the Lord over the years. Many of those years were turbulent and dangerous, but Ann never once complained, wavered or drew back.
She has entered in to her reward, and I will journey on now lacking her sweet counsel and company, but I will join her one day.
What a blessing to be saved and to have the hope of ever being with the Lord amidst our redeemed loved ones.
The Lord bless you all richly,
Ivan Foster
Posted on 2024-06-08 a 7:54 pm
Thoughts on the opening verses of the book of The Revelation, Part 1
I prepared this little study some day ago and I send it forth from the hospital bedside of my dear wife Ann whose life is ebbing away.
I have been prompted to send this out at this traumatic time by the memory of her unfailing faithfulness to the cause of the Lord Jesus Christ.
She let nothing stand in her way of service to the Saviour!
As a Christian she was faithful in prayer and witness to the Saviour’s glory; as a mother she raised six children who now in this dark hour “arise up, and call her blessed,” (Proverbs 31:28).
As a pioneering Christian school teacher, she sacrificed herself for the care of the pupils under her charge.
As a wife and companion, she was unfailingly courageous in her love and prayerful support of this poor servant of God during traumatic and perilous times here in Ulster.
According to my Bible reading in Isaiah this morning, she will soon “see the king in his beauty”: and “shall behold the land that is very far off,” Isaiah 33:17.
Praise God, I and our children, shall join her in glory to bless the merciful God Who has planned it all in grace and love.
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE OPENING VERSES OF THE BOOK OF THE REVELATION
(Part One)
“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand,” Revelation 1:1-3.
According to the great chronologist, James Ussher, Archbishop of Armagh and sympathiser with Ulster’s persecuted Presbyterians, the Book of the Revelation was written 100 years after the birth of the Saviour. If that is so, it went forth from John’s pen some sixty seven years into the age of the New Testament Church. Given that the age has endured now for some 2024 years, it was given in the very early formative years of the Gentile Church. There is in that a noteworthy consideration!
The Lord would have His people acquainted with the truth concerning the last days and the second advent of Christ from the earliest days of their pilgrimage. Sadly, that is not the state of affairs amongst His people today, nor has it been so in recent history!
The book was written in a time of great persecution under the Roman Caesar, Domitian, (AD 81-96). John suffered in that time of affliction. “I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ,” verse 9. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-06-01 a 6:30 pm
May 2024
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FORGETFULNESS — the opening of the door to evil ‘Creepers’!
“I will therefore put you in remembrance,” Jude 1:5.
I was made aware of the freshness and the inexhaustible nature of the Word of God as I read Jude’s epistle today (29.5.24) as part of my daily devotion.
The word ‘remembrance’ in verse 5 prompted me to consider something which I had never really considered before. I realised that the word suggested something about the believers to whom Jude was writing that I had not given thought to before.
CRAFTY CREEPERS CAN ONLY GAIN ENTRANCE AMONGST A CHRISTIAN PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY HAVE GROWN CARELESS AND FORGETFUL
1. Jude found it needful to write this epistle. That need was born of more than just the invasion by “certain men” bent on “turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ,” verses 4-5.
But he found it necessary to write this warning and exhortation to action because it was obvious that carelessness, born of a spirit of forgetfulness, dominated the churches involved. That how the ‘creepers’ were able to get in. This ‘amnesiac’ spirit had bred negligence whereby the enemy was able to penetrate their ranks. Physically, we all know that as the years go by we are ever more prone to forgetfulness. Well, this is also true of our souls as the years go past. Long ago, Moses warned Israel: “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;” Deuteronomy 4:9. Forgetfulness has ever been a threat to the wellbeing of God’s people. It breeds carelessness which is exploited by the devil! Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-30 a 4:58 pm
A nurse identifies with terror and murder????!!!!
This article requires a simple but very pertinent question to be asked.
HOW CAN A NURSE SUPPORT AND IDENTIFY WITH AN ORGANISATION GUILTY OF INDISCRIMINATE MURDER AND TERROR, AS SHE DOES WHEN SHE STANDS FOR SINN FEIN, THE POLITICAL WING OF THE IRA, AND THAT IN AN AREA WHICH SUFFERED WELL OVER 100 VICTIMS OF TERRORIST MURDER?
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster.
Ex-nursing chief set to be Sinn Fein’s Fermanagh-South Tyrone Westminster candidate
Former nursing chief Pat Cullen is set to stand for Sinn Féin in Fermanagh-South Tyrone in the General Election.
The former general secretary and chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is seeking the nomination for the Westminster election.
Sinn Fein has held the seat since 2017 – it was won by just 57 votes in 2019 and is the most marginal in the whole of the UK.
The current MP, Michelle Gildernew, is not seeking re-election, instead seeking election to the European Parliament in the Republic’s Midlands-North West constituency.
Ms Cullen previously held roles in the Public Health Agency and as an adviser for the Department of Health.
It is understood Ms Cullen contacted the RCN on Wednesday morning to inform them of her decision and has stood down with immediate effect.
She said she owed the organisation’s members a “great deal of gratitude”.
“I have been in contact with my employers at the Royal College of Nursing to inform them that I have allowed my name to go forward to a selection convention being held in the constituency this week,” she said.
“This was the hardest decision to make, and we have achieved so much in three very different and difficult years.
“I hope my legacy here will be to have helped the nursing profession use its voice and campaign for change, for ourselves and patients.
“It has been the honour of my life to have served in the RCN and to provide leadership every day to hundreds of thousands of hardworking nurses and healthcare staff who always prioritise the delivery of high-quality care to patients.
“After much consideration, I have decided that now is the right time for me to step forward in to the political arena to champion the issues and opportunities for the community I love, and that is what I am fully determined to do.
“This election is an opportunity to vote for a new and better future,” she added.
Chair of the RCN Council Paul Vaughan said Ms Cullen had been a “tremendous leader” for the profession.
“She has been fearless in rooting out longstanding cultural issues internally and speaking truth to power in the health service and politics alike,” he said.
Ms Cullen was due to appear as keynote speaker at the organisation’s annual congress in Newport, Wales next week.
She has been replaced on an interim basis by Professor Nicola Ranger, who said Ms Cullen had “progressed the profession in so many ways”.
Posted on 2024-05-29 a 10:41 pm
‘Just how much is too much’?
The odious system of Romanism is set forth in this report, sent to me by a friend.
One question springs to mind suggested by the Pope’s remark. It is : ‘Just how much is too much’?
His words clearly indicate that there is within the Roman Catholic ‘Church’ an acceptable level of sodomy’!
That is utterly opposed to the mind and will of God and indicates that Rome is in truth, a system of ‘antichristianity’!
Everyone guilty of that lifestyle is deemed in God’s eyes as ‘an abomination’. “Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination,” Leviticus 18:22.
Paul list this evil as a block to heaven, I Corinthians 6:9-11. It ought to be noted that Paul indicates that such a sin can be pardoned and the guilty delivered by the grace of God.
Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster
Pope Francis ‘shocks bishops with remark about gay trainee priests’
The pontiff is alleged to have said there was too much ‘frociaggine’, which translates as ‘faggotry’, among those training for the priesthood
‘The Times’ — Monday May 27 2024, 10.15pm,
Corriere della Sera, Italy’s bestselling daily, confirmed the report, citing bishops who said the Pope’s comment was met with incredulity by the audience. They claimed, however, that it was clear that the Pope, who is Argentinian and was speaking in Italian, was unaware of how offensive the word was in Italian.
The question from bishops about homosexual men entering seminaries followed debate on the subject at a meeting of bishops in November in Assisi, where it was agreed to change the rules, La Repubblica reported. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-28 a 6:55 pm
One of the many brave Ulstermen
IRA ambush survivor Glen Espie – I share my story in memory of murdered UDR comrades
(‘Belfast Newsletter’ — Published 27th May 2024)
Shot and wounded in separate murder attempts while an off-duty member of the UDR, Glen Espie is a man with an incredible story to tell and it’s one he feels a responsibility to share.
To date, he has given 33 talks on his experiences of returning fire in gun battles with IRA terrorists intent on taking his life, pointing out that during the 22-year history of the UDR, 197 soldiers were murdered as active members and 62 after they had left the regiment.
“I trust in telling my story that I can bring to the audience what many of my murdered comrades experienced,” he said.“I am trying to tell the young people of today what service in the regiment was about and the daily threat these members were exposed to in serving their country and holding the line to stop Northern Ireland exploding into all out civil war.”
Glen is a long-serving member of East Tyrone Royal Black District Chapter No 5. He joined Gravesend RBP 65 in 1972 – “upholding a family tradition of my father and grandfather (both named Brice) and uncles being members” – and is immensely proud of the institution’s tradition and culture.Glen, 67, is married to Marion – “my rock” – and has a son, Glen, and daughter, Sharon.
He set out the background to the first attempt on his life, in March 1978.
He was 21, with a day job as a plumber with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and serving in the UDR’s Cookstown-based ‘G’ Company, after joining in January 1975.
Although serving part-time, it was “a 24/7 total commitment”, said Glen.
“You were never off duty as far as the terrorist was concerned, and you were an easy target for them to ambush at home.
“You had to be aware that they would know of your route and timings; they would know when you started and when you finished.” Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-27 a 7:08 pm
Telling it as it is!!
Though few in power wish to listen.
A Dutch politician speaks out on the growing menace of indiscriminate immigration in Europe and in so doing underlines the growing lawlessness which is but the fulfillment of prophecy.
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away,”
2 Timothy 3:1-5.
Eva Vlaardingerbrock
Posted on 2024-05-27 a 7:00 pm
SGAT Meeting - "The righteousness of Faith"
Last Friday evening, 24 May 2024, Rev. Ivan Foster (rtd) addressed the monthly meeting of the Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony.
His subject was “The Righteousness of Faith.”
Read sermon notes here
View a video of this sermon:
Posted on 2024-05-26 a 10:24 pm
“The Infected Blood Inquiry” — What was not explained in the Report!
The following is a summary of a BBC article on the publishing of the report of ‘The Infected Blood Inquiry’.
* The infected blood scandal inquiry has published its final report – concluding that the treatment disaster could and should have been largely avoided
* The report says that patients were knowingly exposed to “unacceptable risks”
* The five-year investigation also accuses doctors, the government and NHS of trying to cover-up what happened
* “Now the country knows, and the world knows, there was a deliberate attempt to lie and conceal”, campaigner Clive Smith says at a media briefing
* More than 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from 1970 to 1991 by contaminated blood products and transfusions – about 3,000 have since died
* Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to issue an apology later on today.
Under the headline:
NHS AND GOVERNMENT COVERED UP INFECTED BLOOD SCANDAL
the BBC coverage of the scandal contained these words:
“Authorities covered up the infected blood scandal after knowingly exposing victims to unacceptable risks, a long-awaited report, external says.
The five-year investigation accused doctors, government and the NHS of letting patients catch HIV and hepatitis.
More than 30,000 people were infected from 1970 to 1991 by contaminated blood products and transfusions.
About 3,000 have since died and more deaths will follow.
The Infected Blood Inquiry said victims had been failed “not once but repeatedly” by doctors, the NHS, government and others responsible for their safety. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-24 a 11:11 pm
The DUP's less than honourable blindness to what everyone can see
Two articles from the ‘Belfast Newsletter of Monday, 20th May. 2024.
The following two articles reminded me of the famous response of Lord Nelson to the signal from his commander in chief, Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, to ‘disengage’ during the battle of Copenhagen. Nelson’s response was to say to his flag captain, who had reported the Admiral’s signal, ’You know, Foley, having only one eye it’s my right to be blind sometimes.’ Then he put his telescope to his blind right eye, said, ‘I really do not see the signal,’ and carried on fighting with his own signal, ‘Engage the enemy more closely flying.
His deliberate act of ‘blind disobedience’ to a coward signal, resulted in a most admirable victory.
The present ‘self-inflicted blindness’ of the DUP to that which is plain to everyone else, friend and for — that their arrangement with the British Government to end the Irish Sea border has always been a sham and they have been taken for fools by London! No admirable victory will come of this ‘blindness’. The next election in Ulster I feel may well prove this to be so!
Read the two articles carefully.
Owen Polley: The DUP’s interpretation of the deal over the Irish Sea border is being shown up repeatedly in the most embarrassing ways
It was a week of contrasts last week for the DUP.
Writing in today’s News Letter, DUP deputy leader Gavin Robinson says his party’s agreement with the government ‘goes further than ever before to undo the damage of the NI Protocol’. He adds: ‘The arrangements we have secured not only restore but safeguard Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom and its internal market’ Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-21 a 9:23 pm
The future of Northern Ireland, and will there be a "united Ireland"?
“The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant,” Psalm 25:14.
“Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: and he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: he revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him,” Daniel 2:20-22.
There has been something of a controversy of late in the columns of the ‘Belfast Newsletter’ regarding the future of Northern Ireland as part of a united Ireland. It was sparked by the comments of one, Mr Wallace Thompson, a retired civil servant and who it is said was a foundation member of the DUP. Mr Thompson is a professing Christian who terms himself a staunch witness to the truth of God.
He has, on a number of occasions, put forth the view that there will be a united Ireland in the not too distant future. For saying this he claims he has been called a ‘Lundy’, a reference to a well known figure, who during the time of the Siege of Derry (1689), was the first Governor of the City (during the siege) but who sought its surrender to the forces of the Romanist King James II. He was expelled by the citizens and the cause of King William III prevailed.
To be termed a ‘Lundy’ is the basest sobriquet that can be directed toward a Protestant here in Ulster. Mr Wallace Thompson rejects such a name as a slander. He says of himself: ‘I supported Terence O’Neill for a period in the mid-1960’s but, once the civil rights movement began, I feared the worst. Ian Paisley was giving voice to my concerns and fears, and I became a Paisley man, both in political and spiritual terms. I remain so to this day.’ ‘In relation to allegations of some people that I am a Lundy . . . some of those denouncing me now said the very same things when I supported the DUP decision to share power with Sinn Fein in 2007.’
There can be no doubt that a majority of Unionists will reject what Wallace Thompson says on the subject of a ‘united Ireland’ but how many of them know anything about what the Bible teaches regarding the future of these islands?
I think it fair to say that Mr Thompson argues that a united Ireland is drawing on when one reads the direction that local political developments are taking and also the very obvious evidence of London ‘abandoning’ the cause of the Unionists of Northern Ireland.
I personally would find little to object to in such a surmising!
However, I take issue with Mr Thompson’s proposition for the simple reason that as a professing Christian he leaves God and His Word out of the case he presents. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-21 a 9:15 pm
Cowardly Stormont . . . .
This is a most welcome ‘Belfast Newsletter’ Editorial on the subject of the shift in ‘Abortion’ law here in Northern Ireland.
Stormont is rightly termed ‘cowardly’ for superintending such changes. Those who profess faith in Christ are to be particularly censured for their failure to mount a protest against such evil.
Political status and wages come before standing for the sanctity of life it would appear. Surely such remaining part of the legislative body which legalises the murder of the unborn make those who do so share in the guilt of that heinous crime!
Ivan Foster.
Editorial: Cowardly Stormont goes from an almost total ban on abortion to making it legal on demand, then placing sweeping restrictions on protests against such terminations
By Editorial
Published 17th May 2024, 00:15 BST
When same-sex marriage came into Northern Ireland, we were assured that churches would not be forced to bless such relationships.
While that principle remains largely intact, it has already been challenged and undermined within a few years of such marriages becoming legal so as to suggest that such a religious exemption is by no means guaranteed in the medium term (although radical activists who would merrily force Christian institutions to endorse such relationships would not dare to do the same with Islam).
When it comes to the horror of abortion, things are moving similarly quickly. Remember how only a few years ago we were told that legal reform was all about facilitating terminations in cases of fatal foetal abnormality and other exceptionally rare situations? Then in no time abortion on demand was on the statute books in Northern Ireland, a position that is legally far slacker than England and Wales, where there are stricter (albeit largely theoretical) rules before a pregnancy can be carried out.
Not only have we moved to abortion on demand in the first third of a pregnancy, we have made it hard to so much as protest outside a clinic where such a revolting procedure is taking place. Two people have just been in court for such protests in Coleraine.
These anti protest laws demand such long distances between protest and clinic as to render almost useless the right of the demonstrator to make a point that might in fact be heard.
Intimidation of people entering clinics should of course be prohibited. But it is cowardly of Stormont to go from being a parliament where there was a big majority against any liberalisation of abortion laws at all to one that won’t even let people make public the reasonable view that terminating a pregnancy is the calculated snuffing out of an emerging human being.
Posted on 2024-05-17 a 5:27 pm
Free Presbyterian protest against the obscene display in a Banbridge hotel
On Saturday, 11th May, 2024 at 8pm around 40 believers assembled outside the Bannville Hotel in Banbridge to oppose the flagrant violation of God’s law that was due to take place by the so-called “Pleasure Boys” group from England.
There was a large media presence to capture footage of our witness and we endeavoured to exalt Jesus Christ and expose the vices of darkness with the Spirit’s help.
A section of the supporters who gathered with Rev Henderson to protest at the lewd show that so many were happy to brazenly be seen entering the hotel where it took place.
This photograph appeared in the ‘Belfast Telegraph’ but I have edited it for the newspaper superimposed some of the ‘lewd fellows of the baser sort’ (Acts 17:5) upon it.
We had a tremendous evening of gospel opportunity with even the proprietor of the Hotel coming outside and having a very keen ear for the gospel and all that we had to say about the event itself. Please pray for the many souls that were genuinely interested in what was said.
We were also asked for an interview with a local podcast that has a studio in a different area of the Bannville Hotel to comment on why we were protesting. Revs. Henderson and Smith spoke on the podcast for 30 or so minutes against the event that was taking place, the sanctity of marriage and the gospel of saving grace. Please pray that these means of sharing the gospel would be blessed by the Holy Spirit of God.
On Monday morning, we were encouraged to learn that an article in the Northern Ireland World published the story that the Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Council stepped in and said that “no nudity” was permitted. This was a tremendous victory as the sin-loving attendees had only come and paid for such obscenity and were reportedly left “disappointed”.
We count this as a victory to encourage our souls. We are told by the Saviour to be salt and light in this world. By the stand we make for Christ, we can see things done for God.
Rev. Daniel I. Henderson
I will only add that those “disappointed” by the restriction place upon the scandalous exhibition will find that an eternal disappointment awaits them when the stand before God to give an account of their open, shameless support for what amounted to an outrageous attack upon public decency.
What dreadful changes have come into Ulster with the decline of gospel knowledge and the fear of the Lord that ecumenical apostasy has brought upon us.
Here is a link to a video taken during the protest.
Video of Free Presbyterian protest
Post script:
The Lord frustrates the enemy as they seek to mock the gospel witness protest but end up simply advertising the very thing they sought to ridicule. Apparently some 127,000 have viewed this video and it has been forwarded on to others some 4000 time!
The Editor
Monday, 13th May, 2024
Posted on 2024-05-13 a 11:38 pm
A glorious light at the end of a long dark tunnel!
These two sermons were preached yesterday in Coragarry Free Presbyterian Church, Co. Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland.
“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Matthew 24:3.
The subject of both were “A glorious light at the end of a long dark tunnel!”
Read sermon notes here
Read sermon notes here
Posted on 2024-05-13 a 10:51 pm
NI Unionist political party differences and the diminishing credibility of power-sharing at Stormont
Dr.Edward Cooke
Master of Philosophy, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics
One policy area that differentiates the UUP and DUP sitting in the NI Executive at Stormont from the TUV (sitting in ‘opposition’ in the NI Assembly) is their respective positions on the funding, monitoring and regulation of NI third-level education sector. An examination of how the DUP and UUP administer the third-education sector, not only indicates differences between them as unionist parties sitting in government for two decades from the TUV, it also highlights (as a case study) a growing credibility problem that incrementally, year-after-year, impacts on the declining number of NI unionist voters, voting in Stormont Assembly elections. Essentially, if a political administration and system of government loses credibility, people cannot be enticed to vote for it. If the political representatives elected are incapable of satisfying the philosophical foundations and long-established principles of representative government, the democratic system will collapse. This historical fact is something that all NI political parties appear to have forgotten. Our inept NI unionist politicians ever dutiful to their party political leaders put at risk what remains of our liberal democracy.
Within GB over the last year, all the political partes have acknowledged that there are existential funding and sustainability problems in the GB university sectors. The dilemma for all the political parties is how best to tackle historical problems given the political importance of the sector and the rising cost of third-level education. As yet, no political party is publicly prepared to admit that the UK university sector has grown too-large and needs to be culled in order to allow for public investment in the (badly neglected) UK further education sector. The recent UK media disclosures of ‘back-door entry routes’, (or in other words, structured discrimination) into UK universities has galvanised Westminster, but not Stormont, into action. Stormont’s intransigence, or cowardice, to act in this policy matter, is similar to Stormont’s indecision during the 2020 Covid-19 crisis when NI lockdown policy was decided on only after Westminster had acted! Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-11 a 11:26 pm
The death of a nation
So ran the headline in a national daily newspaper today. The ugly grimace of the ‘Green Councillor’ at the centre of this controversy was pictured snarling out the Islamic catchphrase, so often used by terrorists with the intention of intimidation, ‘Allahu Akbar’. The words mean ‘god is the greatest’. The god referred to is the Islamic idol, known as ‘Allah’ and not the God of the Bible, Jehovah.
We have thus the situation developing in the nation of those who come to the United Kingdom for reasons of bettering themselves from under the privations of an Islamic state but with the real agenda of destroying what remains of the Protestant heritage which has been enjoyed for centuries in this land.
In the early days of the New Testament Church, the enemies of righteousness were compelled to disguise themselves and their intentions and this is made plain by the warning of Jude in his epistle. “There are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ,” Jude 1:4.
However, those bent on destroying the remnants of gospel liberty left us in the United Kingdom, be they political or religious activists, need no disguise. They can come in with ‘trumpets blaring’, as do the Islamic councillors recently elected in England and who make no secret of their intention of imposing their perverted religious and political views on the nation.
These individuals care nothing for the culture or heritage of the land to which they have come. They are intent upon changing this nation, destroying this nation by imposing their own heathen notions upon it and reducing it to the impoverished state of the land from which they sought to escape.
What blindness and idiocy this indicates! Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-10 a 9:23 pm
Desolation and deliverance!
AJITH S on Unsplash.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE SAVIOUR’S RETURN FOR THE WORLD AND FOR THE NATION OF ISRAEL
Please read Psalms 46 and 47.
Upon reading these two Psalms on May 3rd, as part of my daily devotional Bible readings, my heart rejoiced afresh to read of God’s revelation of events that will take place at the end of the age when the Saviour returns.
Many commentators have attempted to apply these two Psalms to events in Israel’s past. That is not so. C H Spurgeon, in his ‘Treasury of David’ commentary has the following comment on verse 7 of Psalm 47:
‘For God is the King of all the earth’. The Jews of our Saviour’s time resented this truth, but had their hearts been right they would have rejoiced in it. They would have kept their God to themselves, and not even have allowed the Gentile dogs to eat the crumbs from under his table. Alas! how selfishness turns honey into wormwood. Jehovah is not the God of the Jews only, all the nations of the earth are, through the Messiah, yet to own him Lord.’ (The Treasury of David). He obviously saw a reference to the ‘future’ in these Psalms.
Three verses
Three verses in particular indicate that it is future events that are spoken of here.
“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth,”Psalm 46:10.
“For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth,” Psalm 47:2.
“For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding,” Psalm 47:7.
These verses refer to that event set forth in Revelation 11:15.
“And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.”
It may be argued that the Lord is presently ‘King’ over all the earth. That is correct in a sense but it pleases God in His wisdom to ALLOW sinful man to live in defiance of His rule. BUT there is a day coming when the Lord will take to Himself the power and authority that are His and bring mankind UNDER His rule!
I. THE TIME OF THE EVENTS HERE REVEALED
There is a number of indications of when the events spoken of take place!
This is set down very clearly.
1. It is at a time of great and unusual terrestrial and celestial occurrences. The Psalm 46 particularly refers to most unusual occurrences in the natural world.
“Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah,” Psalm 46:2-3.
The saviour referred to such phenomena as taking place just prior to His return in glory and great power. Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-08 a 4:57 pm
Please join us
Posted on 2024-05-05 a 11:34 pm
SGAT Meeting Announcement - updated information
Posted on 2024-05-05 a 2:10 am
Passing of a dear friend
It was with great sadness we heard of the sudden home-call of Mrs Linda Ovadal, wife of Pastor Ralph Ovadal of Pilgrims Covenant Church, Monroe, Wisconsin, USA and mother of Gregory, Janet, Joy, and Thomas — and a grandmother to many grandchildren.
We offer our sincere sympathy for we have been close friends with the Ovadal family for many years and admire their uncompromising stand for the Lord Jesus Christ in these evil days.
We have experienced and enjoyed the kindness and Christian grace of Mrs Ovadal on our visits to their home.
May the Lord comfort all the family circle in this time of deep sorrow.
“For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord,” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.
Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd) and the Foster family circle in Kilskeery, Co. Tyrone, Northern Ireland.
Posted on 2024-05-03 a 6:20 pm
The blessings that follow patient waiting on God
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD,” Psalm 40:1-3.
The word ‘patiently’ in the verse is one that refers to a ‘looking with expectancy and a lying quietly waiting’. Prayer often entails a ‘waiting’. Over against that, we must remember that the Lord has said: “before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear,” Isaiah 65:24. The commentator, John Gill has rightly said of these words: “That is, their desires shall be anticipated, God will see their needs, and He will impart to them the blessings which they need. He will not wait to be applied to for the blessing. How many such blessings do all His people receive at the hand of God! How ready is He to anticipate our needs! How watchful is He of our necessities; and how rich His benevolence in providing for us!”
General Rule
I think that we can say that such speedy answers are the exception to the general rule. “Waiting” is a time of preparation for the believer. Their desire for God’s blessing is heightened during the waiting. An awareness of their need is pressed in upon those praying and they are made to recognise their own helplessness and utter dependence on God’s mercy.
Swift answers come to those who are in a right state of heart and mind to receive mercy.
This is illustrated in the account of the death and resurrection of Lazarus, John 13:3-7. “Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judaea again.”
That two day wait was for a purpose. There was a readying of Martha and Mary.
The verses I have quoted from Isaiah 65 come from a passage which relates to the future changes that God will bring about amongst His ancient people, Israel. At the end of this age, the remnant of Israel, humbled, broken and distressed by the events they endured during the ‘great tribulation’, will be visited by the grace of God and in a miraculous manner, they will be converted.
“And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn,” Zechariah 12:10.
And again, “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children,” Isaiah 66:8.
It is in this context that prayer is so swiftly answered. Those seeking the Lord’s blessing are so brought into union with the Lord and at one with God that they are thinking as one mind!
As the thought of a request is formed the answer to it is on its way.
Peter
I think the events featuring Peter walking on the stormy sea illustrates this. “But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matthew 14:30-31. Peter’s sinking down into the sea instantly brought him to a place of the awareness of his helplessness and danger and he cried with an unusual urgency and ‘immediately’ the Lord answered his prayer.
But to return to our subject: the blessings of patiently waiting on God.
I. THE LORD INCLINES TOWARD THE ONE PRAYING
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me . . .”.
The word means the Lord stretches out and bows down to hear the prayers of His people.
1. How faint and feeble are our prayers. The Lord underscores this by inclining toward us in order to hear our weak cries. As the approach of death robs a person of a strong voice so sin strangles our ability to ‘cry aloud’ in prayer. Sometimes our prayers are reduced to mere groanings. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered,” Romans 8:26. So weak are we that it is only by the help of the Holy Spirit that we are able even to groan!
2. The Lord is most attentive to hear our prayers. It is said of Samuel that “The LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground,” 1 Samuel 3:19. That is a reference to Samuel’s preaching. I believe that in like manner the Lord will not allow one word of our poor prayers to fall to the ground and lie unheard!
3. How precious to the Lord is even the weakest cry of the saint. Can we not see an eager response by the Lord and a reaching down so as not to miss one word of His child’s cry for help! In another place David prayed: “Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy,” Psalm 86:1. How often the Lord shows His love to us by hearing our feeblest cry!
II. THE LORD HEARS OUR PRAYERS
“He inclined unto me and heard my cry.” Click to read more…
Posted on 2024-05-01 a 1:00 am