BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views compiled by Frank McClelland for the Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
249th Edition – June 29, 2025
HUGH FRASER
It is with genuine sorrow that we record the death of Hugh Fraser in Vancouver. Hugh was the oldest brother of Toronto elder, James, and also of John, Donald, Neil and David. Hugh suffered especially in his last few months from ALS, but he bore his serious infirmity with Christian fortitude. He was 68 and is survived by his wife Kathie and two daughters, Kyla and Hannah. To them we extend our heartfelt sympathy and to all the Fraser family at this difficult time.
Our sympathy also goes out to Pina D’Addurno, whose sister Manuelo passed away this week. Pina is the wife of Barrie FPC Pastor, Tony. Please keep the D’Addurnos in prayer. Please also pray for the family of Christie Monteith whose wife, Juliana, died recently. Christie is a brother of Beulah Goligher. We commend these mourners to the Lord, the God of all comfort.
HOW BIG IS YOUR GOD?
God reveals Himself to mankind in basically two ways. There is the book of nature which records the enormity and creative ability of God. Nature however does not tell us what God is like, but for this He has given His Word which transmits to us what we need to know about the Creator and Redeemer of mankind. Sadly, for millions of them the Bible is a closed book, which is why so many of them die with God.
Conversely the book of nature is more open today than ever. New telescopes and cameras bring the heavens into focus with a detail unknown to our ancestors.
A new telescope, and digital camera, named the Vera C Rubin, has recently begun operating from a Chilean mountaintop. The pictures it first sent back from space show a large cluster of galaxies ‘One hundred billion times the size of our Milky Way.’
Remember, God is the One who made us, this Earth, and this Universe [Genesis 1:1, Psalm 121:1,2, Psalm 121 :2]. As the thing created can’t be greater than its creator the immensity of the heavens points to the infinity of God.
Conversely, our world is miniscule when compared to the Universe. Where does that leave us? We are but microscopic specks of dust in the ocean of space. Away then with all the boasting of men that has them wanting to exalt themselves in riches, property or power. Everyone needs to remember that “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” [Hebrews 9:27]. This judgment will be conducted by the infinitely holy, all-powerful God of earth and heaven.
The prophet Amos [4:12] gives us all a timely warning, “Prepare to meet thy God.”
THE BOOK OF JOB
Our readers who are using the church’s daily reading calendar will have entered Job.
Many find this a difficult book mostly because of the ‘advice’ that Job’s friends gave him. There is however an abundance of good teaching in Job. Where would you find so sublime a passage as Job 19:23-27?
Timewise, Job belongs to the post-flood era [22:16] probably around the time of Jacob. Job’s age is similarly post-flood {Job 42:16]. Being subsequent to Noah, Job makes no mention of the Exodus miracles.
Job has been a blessing to innumerable suffering saints. The book starts with Job, a righteous man losing his property, his family and his health. The book ends with Job persevering through his afflictions and coming out with a double blessing [Job 42].
Everyone should face the same questions that God gave Job [Job 38 – 41] and answer them honestly. This would get their perspective right on God and man. Don’t give up on the study of Job. Read the comments of the literary giants in their day.
“The greatest poem, whether of ancient or modern literature.”
[Alfred Lord Tennyson, Poet and former member of the UK House of Lords].
“More magnificent and sublime than any other book of Scripture”
[Martin Luther, Protestant Reformer. 1483 – 1546].
“I call that book one of the grandest ever written with pen”
[Thomas Carlyle. Scottish essayist and philosopher. 1795 -1891]
