BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
214th Edition – October 27, 2024
ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?
What is a Christian? A Christian is a person rightly related to God through Jesus Christ, one whose sinful guilt has been removed by the merits of Christ’s sacrificial blood. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin” [1 John 1:7].
How do you become a Christian? Not by baptism [1 Peter 3:21], or by good works ]Titus 3: 5], but by Christ alone. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved” [Acts 4:12].
Thus, you can become a Christian by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”. [Acts 16:31].
How should a Christian live? 1)In faithfulness to God’s Word. “They continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” [Acts 2:42].
2)In holiness. “Be ye holy; for I am holy” [I Peter 1:16]. 3)In love, peace and joy. “The kingdom of God is …righteousness, and peace, and joy” [Romans 14:17]. 4)In separation from all forms of wickedness, both religious and secular. “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them” [Ephesians 5:11].
Call on Christ for salvation today. “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” [Romans 10:13].
CALGARY INSTALLATION
On Tuesday October 15, the Rev. Nathan McVeigh was installed as minister of Calgary Free Presbyterian Church. A well filled congregation was on hand to welcome the new pastor and his family. The presbytery Moderator, Dr. Larry Saunders, was present to participate in this important step forward for the Calgary congregation.
The Rev. McVeigh was ordained and served in Dunmurry (Belfast) Free Presbyterian Church before accepting the
call to Canada. Please pray for the McVeighs as they settle in their new home and ministry.
AUTHORISED VERSION PREFERABLE
Upon the Authorised Version of the Bible the Lord has manifestly set the seal of His approval in imparting the blessing of eternal life through both the reading and preaching of it. The Lord, in His mercy, deliver us, and the rising generation, from the wolves in sheep’s clothing who would rob us of this priceless heritage, and who by their carnal and unwholesome views foul the pure waters of divine revelation.
“From such” it is written, “withdraw thyself” [1 Timothy 6:5]. Instead of listening to the ‘perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth” let us rather give heed to what the Faithful and True witnesses say, “I will also keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth” [Revelation 3:10].
From an article by Dr. Ian Paisley.
GIVE YOURSELF TO READING
Toronto Free Presbyterian Church will be coming up to its Fiftieth Anniversary in 2026, and some people ask about the earlier days. The church library has been wonderfully refurbished by Nagwa Mounir, and it contains many books that are well worth perusing. It is to be hoped that many will make use of the facilities there.
In the library are seven bound volumes of the “Canadian Revivalist” that give much information about those early days. The magazine started in 1978 and continued until 2011, when it was discontinued to make way for the joint Canadian/US “Current.”
These volumes make for interesting reading and are available for loan. Just don’t keep them too long as others may want to use them.
“Till I come, give thyself to reading” [1 Timothy 4:13]
PUNS TO MAKE YOU GROAN
Atheism is a non-prophet organisation.
No matter how much you push the envelope, it will still be stationery.
Then there was the man who sent ten puns to his friend to make him laugh, but no pun in ten did.
