BITS and PIECES
A random collection of news and views
compiled by Frank McClelland for the
Toronto Free Presbyterian Church.
259th Edition – September 7, 2025
ESTHER DILELLO
We are extremely saddened to record that Esther Dilello died suddenly. Just recently we heard of her serious health issue and our congregation began to pray urgently for her. She had brain surgery this past week and we were hopeful it would yield a good result.
Esther was the only child of Steve and Carol Kelly, who were long-time members of the Toronto church until age dictated a move to Vancouver where their daughter could care for them. It was therefore a tremendous shock to hear that she died on Tuesday. We had hoped for a miracle but the Lord obviously said to her “come up higher” [Revelation 4:1]. Esther was in her early fifties.
Our deepest heart-felt sympathy goes out to her husband Chris, daughter Sarah and son Nicholas. We share also the grief of Steve and Carol who have lost their only precious child, who was a lovely person.
KOREAN CHURCH CONSTITUTION
Most Free Presbyterian Churches begin as missions and when they stabilize their growth they become fully constituted as churches. On September 14 the church in Korea will celebrate this happy milestone.
Dr. Larry Saunders will go to Korea to represent the Presbytery, accompanied by Stephen Lee, founder of Sermon/Audio, and Toronto members, Chris and Hannah Kim.
The Rev. Seongkyu Lee will be installed as the pastor of the church. Please pray for the minister and congregation that they may have a godly impact in Korea.
JEHOVAH ROPHEKA [Exodus 15:26]
5) MAN NEEDS A HEALER
There is considerable debate between the Dichotomist and the Trichotomist. The former believes that man consists of body and soul, while the latter believes in body, soul and spirit. Scripture seems to favour the latter [Hebrews 4:12].
Both agree at least in body and soul. Our bodies are marvels of God’s creative abilities, and mostly they serve us well. But all of us, sooner or later, will have health problems. It is then that we can gratefully turn to Jehovah Ropheka – “I am the LORD that healeth thee.”
We also have a soul. Unfortunately, the soul is polluted by the leprosy of sin – it suffers from a severe case of blood poisoning. The only hope it has is by the divine intervention of Jehovah Ropheka. He is the LORD that alone saves the soul.
JEHOVAH MEQUADDESKEM [Exodus 31:13].
6) MAN NEEDS A SANCTIFIER
Redeemed man needs a change from the old sinful ways. Paul instructs us that, when we are converted to Christ, we are to put off “the old man” and “put on the new man” [Ephesians 4:22].
The natural man cannot change himself. The word ‘sanctify’ means to set apart or make holy. Left to ourselves we would return to the beggarly elements of the world. But we are blessed because the Lord tells us “I am the LORD that doth sanctify you” and we are “kept by the power of God” [I Peter 1:5].
Without an observable change in the life there is reason to question the reality of one’s saving experience. When God chose Israel, He put a difference between His people and the ungodly. [Exodus 11:7]. That same difference exists today.
The child of God has the law of God written on his heart. That difference will be seen in his behaviour. He will be sanctified.
A BLAST FROM THE PAST
Sunday school resumes today after the summer break in July and August. Please remember to pray for every young person that they may learn to follow Jesus. Pray also for the teaching staff that they may be encouraged as they faithfully spend time each week spreading the Gospel among the precious young people. Our Sunday school has a lengthy history, going back almost fifty years, and during that time has engaged in several promotions.
In the spring of 1986 we had a “Higher Plane Contest” when each child released an air-filled balloon with their name, address and John 3:16 text. The finders were encouraged to contact the sender. One was returned from as far away as Cape Cod, and another from Boston. It was a novel way of getting the Gospel out and was greatly enjoyed by all the Sunday school children.
