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“For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us,” Isaiah 33:22.

I first read this verse on 5th January 1965. It was my first day as a student for the gospel ministry of the Free Presbyterian Church. Dr Paisley was conducting class. He had however an appointment elsewhere and so he flicked through a Bible and chose this verse and said: “Give me an introduction, three points and a conclusion. I will be back shortly and I will see what you produced.”

There were three other students there that day. James McClelland was in his third and final year. James Beggs and William Beattie had been attending evening classes. All were therefore somewhat acquainted with the requirements of sermon preparation and immediately got down to examining the verse.

I looked at the verse in utter consternation for in truth, being only nine months a Christian, I had no idea what the verse was referring to. I had little or no understanding of the ministry of Isaiah or the character of the days he preached in or the message he was charged with delivering to Judah.

I really cannot recall what I put down on paper by way of ‘an introduction, three points and a conclusion’. I do know that it was not worth remembering. Dr Paisley returned in about an hour and as ‘fate’ would have it, he first asked me for my ‘production’. I will not tell you what his response was but I will say that I felt as never before my ignorance of God’s Word.

James McClelland, being James, jumped in to my defence and none too gently reminded Dr Paisley that it was my first day etc, and that he was being too hard on me. I will not give you a ‘word for word’ account of James’ intervention, though it is engraved in my memory, but it did have an impact on Dr Paisley. There was revealed to me for the first time that his bark was worse than his bite. He took up my scribbles again and said: ‘That’s not too bad at all. You could develop that alright!’

I am not ashamed to say that my lip was trembling most ominously but Dr Paisley’s latter response cheered me up somewhat!

So began a lifetime of learning God’s Word. Today, I am returning to this verse for the first time since that day long ago. I never did feel inclined to preach this verse, but today (Thursday, 1st June) in my daily I read it yet again, accompanied by the memories of that ‘dramatic’ start to my studies. I immediately felt that I would like to set down something of what I now understand the verse to mean. As I do so, I am very aware of the journey the Lord has led me on and the ‘tutors’ who helped on that journey and under God’s merciful blessing, were to me as Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:24-26), not least of which was my wife, Ann, in my early days, aye, and still so today.

Let me examine now that old verse which sits like a milestone in my memory. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-02 a 7:59 pm

Mary Ann Chaplin (1844-1922) a Strict Baptist lady, a member of ‘Ebenezer Chapel’, in Chelmsford, where I have preached in the past, was a strong Protestant. She was of Huguenot descent, one of eleven children.

The Lord began His work of grace in her heart early in life, and she was baptized at the age of fourteen. She wrote her first published piece of poetry when only eleven. She continued to write all her life, and herein is a sample of her gracious, wise and timely words, copied from one of her publications: “CHIMES FOR THE TIMES”, published in 1891.

M J Tryon, a Strict Baptist pastor in Stamford, in his preface to the second edition of “CHIMES FOR THE TIMES”, sent forth in 1907, said this: “Mrs Chaplin writes out of the abundance of her heart; believing deeply ‘Chimes’ ring forth no uncertain sound; thus they delight and cheer the heart of her fellow-pilgrims, who, though not possessing her gift of expression, can and do appreciate her grace and her gifts.”

Her reference, in the third verse, to the  ‘Throne’ and its ‘kowtowing’ to popery in Queen Victoria’s day, is even more relevant today!

Surely, “the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.”

It came upon the Spanish fleet
Three hundred years ago,
As tangible a blessing as
A despot could bestow;
It took the form of cannonade,
Of thumbscrew, whip, and priest,
By which the Bible reading ones
Identified the Beast;
But this was England’s safety then,
And this was England’s hope, —
God’s curse has ever rested on
The blessing of the Pope.

Thumbscrew, and cannonade, and whip,
With all the flower of Spain,
Came cursing on to England, and
Went cursing back again;
They “raised the wind” by fraud or force,
Her liberties to smother,
But God — in answer to her cries—
In justice raised another.
Billow and fire and sturdy aim,
And English tact had scope,
When Heaven’s thunder laughed to scorn
The blessing of the Pope.

To-day the curse is in his heart,
The while with lips he blesses;
Infidel, Godless England, sees
No harm in his caresses;
The maudlin men of' “modern thought”
Can grip no standard truth;
And Jesuits in the English Church
Have Romanised our youth;
The very Throne has bent itself
To Leo’s trampling feet;
Can God do otherwise than let
Such sin with sorrow meet ?

We beckon on this blessing Pope!!
Who holds Victoria vile;
And fain would give her “moonlight” fare
As in the Sister Isle;
“No faith with Heretics” is still
The Papal undertone,
And Englishmen are fools who think
That Rome is kinder grown ;
“Kill, kill,” she says; let Manning’s words
Our sad attention win,
For life and liberty go out
When Leo’s power comes in.

He has learned wisdom (of a sort)
From signalised defeat;
So those who shrived the “moonlight” hordes
Are ordered to repeat —
How the “good Father” has a wish,
For English law to reign,
Lest boycotting and murder spoil
The plan of their campaign!
And though all history pours its light
On the deceptive wile,
Our fascinated Senators
Bow gratefully and smile.

Ah, here is England's danger now,
In spite of every hope, —
God’s curse has ever rested on
The blessing of the Pope;
The old Armada fought with Him,
But crumbled at His touch;
And England, if she bends to Rome,
Deserves His wrath as much.
Oh, for a prayer of th’ olden time,
One strong, low, gushing cry;
For error's crescent sweeps our sea,
And who can pass it by?

The battle is the Lord’s, my friends,
The battle is the Lord’s;
We are with Him whatever meed
The earthly state accords;
His grace, His truth, His promise, stand
As in the olden days,
He can afford to wait, though we
With indignation blaze;
But for our children, for ourselves,
For England’s common sense,
God drive conviction’s fire-ships through
This squadron of pretence!

Posted on 2023-06-01 a 12:01 am

Audio sermons

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KICS assembly talks. Current series: “KICS Studies – The Golden Rule – Brief Studies in the Ten Commandments”

• Part 7, Part 8, Part 9, Part 10, Part 11, Part 12
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The ‘Irish News’ carried the following headline in today’s (31st May) edition.

Sinn Féin’s John Finucane accused of ‘glorifying terrorists’ over plans to attend republican commemoration event

The advertised event is due to take place next month

The ‘Irish News’ report includes the following statements.

“SINN Féin’s John Finucane has been accused of ‘glorifying terrorists’ by plans to attend a republican commemoration event in Co Armagh next month.

He is listed as the main speaker at the South Armagh Volunteers Commemoration, which is due to be held at the Mullaghbawn Community Centre on June 11.

An advert for the event is featured beside a ‘Roll of Honour – South Armagh Brigade’, which lists more than 20 names.

But former DUP leader Arlene Foster, who shared the image of the advert for the event on social media, has criticised Mr Finucane’s plans to attend. ‘For all those fawning over Sinn Fein, here is one of their MPs glorifying terrorists and making it sound like a fun day out for all the family.’ She said the Sinn Féin MP would be ‘glorifying terrorists’ by speaking at the event.”

Part of the Terrorism Act, 2006 says this:

(3) For the purposes of this section, the statements that are likely to be understood by [a reasonable person] as indirectly encouraging the commission or preparation of acts of terrorism or Convention offences include every statement which—

(a) glorifies the commission or preparation (whether in the past, in the future or generally) of such acts or offences;

and

(b) is a statement from which members of the public could reasonably be expected to infer that what is being glorified is being glorified as conduct that should be emulated by them in existing circumstances.

The event which is planned for June 11th in South Armagh and at which the Sinn Fein MP is advertised as the main speaker is most assuredly an event which glorifies the IRA terrorists of the ‘South Armagh Brigade’, whose murderous ’exploits’ they are ‘honouring’! Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-31 a 5:21 pm

“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. Wherefore comfort one another with these words,” 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18.

The first epistle of Paul to the church of the Thessalonians is one full of references to the return of Christ to this earth.

Each chapter ends with a reference to that wonderful event.

“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come,” 1:10.

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 2:19.

“To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints,” 3:13.

Then we have the verses at the end of chapter 4 which we will consider.

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 5:23.

Such constant referring to the Saviour’s return suggests:

1. Paul’s great interest in this wonderful subject. We owe much of our knowledge of the end times and the second advent of Christ to the writings of Paul. Peter acknowledged this. He refers to the return of Christ and events at the end of this age and goes on to say: “Even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction,” 2 Peter 3:15-16.

2. Paul’s desire to acquaint the saints of God with details of the return of Christ. His frequent references to this blessed event in this letter surely shows that he was most anxious to impart knowledge of the subject. Indeed, Paul’s desire is but a reflection of God’s desire to have His people instructed in events surrounding the glorious return of Christ. The Saviour’s willingness to fully respond to the disciples’ questions: “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, likewise demonstrates this truth. Chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew contain the fullest of details regarding that longed for return of the Saviour.

3. I believe that Paul’s fulsome instruction in this epistle indicates not only the need for such instruction but also the readiness of the Thessalonians to receive instruction! “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. . . . Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? . . . And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,” 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3-5, 8-9. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-29 a 6:10 pm

A letter I submitted to the ‘Belfast Newsletter’ on Friday 26th May

and which has been published in today’s edition

Further to Tom Ferguson’s letter: “Unionist unity is not possible without a shared political objective”, may I add a comment in support of what he says.

Unionist unity is attractive but if there is an incorporating of the unscriptural policies that both the DUP and the UUP presently adhere to, what would such unity be in the eyes of God?

Nothing but the old rebellion renamed!

Disunity is not the problem. It is but one of the consequences of the problem. The problem is an offended God!

Until that matter is addressed, no matter what ‘repair jobs’ are carried out, the advance of the enemy will continue!

In truth, I cannot see a return from the apostasy that has been embraced by Ulster and that repeatedly. The DUP voting pattern shows a total disregard for the standards that the party once espoused. It is clear that the DUP is increasingly repudiating the truth of God in its search for votes – all to no avail of course! Even professing Christians have joined in the casting off of ’the old paths’!

This old Bible text holds the answer for us.

“Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein,” Jeremiah 6:16.

The DUP and Protestantism generally, echoes the reply of the rebels in the days of Jeremiah.

Sincere regards,

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)

Kilskeery, 26th May 2023.

Posted on 2023-05-29 a 6:04 pm

Clive Staples Lewis (1898-1963) was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He is extremely popular with many evangelicals today and considered as a foremost Christian thinker and philosopher. Though Lewis died in 1963, sales of his books have risen to two million a year.

In an article commemorating the 100th anniversary of Lewis’s birth, J I Packer (a man who has abandoned orthodoxy for ecumenism) called him “our patron saint.” Leading US publication, Christianity Today said Lewis “has come to be the Aquinas, the Augustine, and the Aesop of contemporary Evangelicalism” (Sept. 7, 1998). In its April 23, 2001 issue, Christianity Today again praised Lewis. It said that he has been called “the 20th century’s greatest Christian apologist.”

It went on to say that he wrote several mythical works, such as The Chronicles of Narnia, which the magazine recommended, saying “Christ came not to put an end to myth but to take all that is most essential in the myth up into himself and make it real.” Such a statement from a so-called Christian magazine is be condemned as arrant nonsense. In his Chronicles, Lewis depicts the Lord Jesus Christ as a lion named Aslan who is slain on a stone table. Of this depiction, Christianity Today says, “In Aslan, Christ is made tangible, knowable, real.”

Can such a claim by this publication be justified? Is there a setting forth of true Biblical Christianity in C S Lewis’s writings?

We say “NO” to both questions and that for the simple reason that C S Lewis was a denier of many cardinal doctrines of the teaching of the Lord Jesus Christ and a setter forth of error.

Christianity Today significantly stated of him that he was “a man whose theology had decidedly unevangelical elements”. A Christianity which “in parts” is evangelical, is not evangelical Christianity!

Had he lived a little longer, it is likely that Lewis would have converted to Roman Catholicism. He believed in prayers for the dead and purgatory and confessed his sins regularly to a priest. He received the Roman Catholic sacrament of last rites on July 16, 1963.

Lewis also rejected the doctrine of bodily resurrection and believed there is salvation in pagan religions.

Read More …

Posted on 2023-05-25 a 5:41 pm

And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness, 1 John 5:19.

The whole world is truly referred to in this text. It refers first of all to the people of God. And we know that we are of God. It then refers to the rest of the world in the remainder of the verse. And the whole world lieth in wickedness. That is all this world consists of — those who are in Christ and those who are not; those who are of God and those who are of the devil.

Let me first of all say a word to Christians.

I. HERE IS A DELIGHTFUL ASSERTION.

This verse speaks of two truths concerning the child Of God.

1. We are of God. What does that mean?

a). It means, first of all, that we are born of God. Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him , verse 1. Wherever you find faith in Christ, victorious opposition to the world and holiness (for these three go together and are inseparable) there you have one born of God. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith, 1 John 5:4. We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not , 1 John 5:18. How glorious it is to be a partaker of the divine nature; to be part of the family of God! The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God, Romans 8:16.

Read more…

Posted on 2023-05-25 a 5:29 pm

The following headline, one of many of the same ilk, appeared in ‘The Daily Telegraph’ earlier this month: “Scientists witness what the end of the Earth could look like”. These ‘educated ejits’ (to quote the late W P Nicholson) state that “In five billion years it will likely be engulfed by our own Sun”.

Like so many blind and bumptious declarations by ungodly men, this baseless prediction, that the earth will be swallowed up by the sun in 5 billion years, is utter nonsense. They who cannot tell with any degree of accuracy what tomorrow’s weather will be like, rise up on their hind legs to pompously forecast what will happen 5 billion years from now!

These men utterly and blindly reject the record in the rocks of the earth and what is infinitely more clearly recorded in the Word of God, about what happened some 6000 years ago when the earth was brought forth ‘ex nihilo’, out of nothing, And in a further display of their blindness they would dare to pontificate regarding, as far as man is concerned, the utterly unknowable future!

The Bible tells us about all of our ‘tomorrows’, “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil,” James 4:13-16.

Tomorrow is utterly hidden from the eyes of men and they have no means of predicting what GOD WILL DO WITH HIS CREATION! For that information we must utilise God’s own revelation on that matter.

I read today what God has to say about the future existence of the earth, “ . . . the earth which he hath established for ever,” Psalm 78:69. The word ‘established’ literally means ‘to found, fix, establish, lay foundation’.

What these foolish self-opinionated men say of the earth’s future is revealed as most foolish and flies in the face of what its CREATOR says of His own divine handiwork.

Let us consider just what the Lord tells us in His Word of His unalterable purpose for the earth. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-25 a 5:02 pm

The follow BBC news report, one of hundreds such reports over recent years, makes one exclaim in distress of heart:

HOW CAN POPERY HOLD UP ITS HEAD AND WHY DO ITS ADHERENTS CONTINUE IN THEIR SUPPORT AND HOW CAN OTHER CHURCHES, THE MEDIA AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CONTINUE TO TREAT THIS ABOMINABLE SYSTEM OF THE DEVIL WITH SUCH SUBSERVIENT REGARD?

The report reminds me of what I read in Bible on the Lord’s Day morning past.

“The dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty,” Psalm 74:20.

But Rome’s blatant and brazen hypocrisy reminds me of the words of those against whom the Psalmist David prayed:

“They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.

The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things: who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us? For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the LORD; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him,” Psalm 12:2-5.

I take comfort in the truth that God has set a day when He will judge Popery and all her evil minions for the corruption and cruelty with which she has inflicted millions.

Pray Christian for your Roman Catholic neighbours that in these latter times there may yet be an awakening of them to the true character of the hateful system which lords it over them.

The purpose for which the Lord Jesus saved Paul and sent him forth to preach the gospel, is one that we might make the basis of our prayerful pleadings for our neighbours.

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me,” Acts 26:18.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

Christian Brothers accused of engaging in ‘slave trade’

BBC News

A 74-year-old County Limerick victim of child sex abuse by Christian Brothers has accused the congregation of having been engaged in the “slave trade”.

Tom Wall was just three when he was sent by court order to an industrial school in the village of Glin after his unmarried mother left a mother-and-baby home in nearby Newcastle West.

Industrial schools were established in the mid-19th Century and often run by religious orders to care for neglected, orphaned or abandoned children.

The Christian Brothers opened their first school in 1802 to provide education and help the poor.

In 2009, they issued an apology, following a damning public inquiry into child abuse in Catholic-run institutions in the Republic of Ireland. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-22 a 9:23 pm

The article quotes one Satanist, Dex Desjardins, explaining that their “Opening ceremony did have the ripping up of a Bible as a symbol of oppression, especially oppression of LGBTQ folk and women, and also the BIPOC community, and pretty much anybody who’s grown up with religious trauma, which is a tremendous number of our members.”

When I read those words I couldn’t help but recall the incident in Jeremiah 36, when king Jehoiakim was sent a message from the Lord by Jeremiah the prophet and written out by Jeremiah’s friend, Baruch. The king’s reaction was but a precursor of today’s Satanist.

The Lord had instructed Jeremiah to “Take thee a roll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken unto thee against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spake unto thee, from the days of Josiah, even unto this day. It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin,” verses 2-3.

Like the Bible in general, it was a message warning of God’s wrath against sin and the offer of mercy and forgiveness to the repentant. That is, in essence, the summary of the Bible’s contents.

Jeremiah, being in prison because of his faithful preaching of God’s Word, said to his fellow-labourer, Baruch, “Therefore go thou, and read in the roll, which thou hast written from my mouth, the words of the LORD in the ears of the people in the LORD’S house upon the fasting day: and also thou shalt read them in the ears of all Judah that come out of their cities. It may be they will present their supplication before the LORD, and will return every one from his evil way: for great is the anger and the fury that the LORD hath pronounced against this people,” verses 6-7.

It is clear that the desire of the prophet was the well-being of his nation by setting before them the warning of wrath and the merciful offer of the Lord.

The reading of God’s Word reaches the ears of the princes, verse 10-15, and eventually it came to the notice of the king, verses 19-22. What the king heard angered him greatly and he reacted to God’s word in a most evil fashion. “And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the roll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth,” Jeremiah 36:23.

It is to be noted that he did not listen to all of God’s message. Giving a fair hearing to God’s Word is not the habit of the worldling. Rather, they reject it with only a slight, if any, understanding of what it is they are rejecting! The BBC news story indicates that men and women today would still seek to destroy God’s Word, foolishly thinking that to rend it in pieces and to burn it to ashes, as did king Jehoiakim, effectively silences it and nullifies what God has said! Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-20 a 9:09 pm

“Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty,” 2 Peter 1:12-16.

“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.

I read these verses this morning (Friday, May 19th) as part of my Bible reading and they came home to my heart with special power. They remind me of what the essential character of a minister of the gospel is ever to be. He is a ‘remembrancer’ to the people of God.

I. PLEASE NOTE WHAT IT IS HE IS EVER TO REMIND THE CHRISTIAN OF.

“These things”, that is the “exceeding great and precious promises” by which we “might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” verse 4. The preacher’s agenda is set down plainly for him to follow and never to deviate from.

1. God’s Word largely comprises ‘promises’. Among the very first words God spoke to Adam was the ‘implied promise of life’. “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die,” Genesis 2:15-17. It is clearly implied in these words that life was promised to Adam as long as he was obedient and did not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

The Lord again speaks in the gracious terms of a promise to fallen Adam. The promise is found in the words spoken directly to the devil but doubtlessly heard by Adam. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel,” Genesis 3:15. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-20 a 5:54 am

Here is a report from today’s ‘Belfast Newsletter’ that will shame every Christian who recognises just where our politicians, even those who profess to be Christians, are leading our land.

Councillor Alison Bennington is, as this reports states, an ‘openly-gay politician’, though I prefer the more accurate statement that she belongs to that section of today’s society which flies in the face of God and His Word and who, as the Bible says are given up of God “unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature,” Romans 1:26.

Councillor Alison Bennington identifies with the citizens of Sodom whose fate is recorded as a dire warning to those who would follow in their perverted footsteps. “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire,” Jude 1:7.

Paul Girvan, in an act of blatant denial of his Christian testimony, happily (he was smiling broadly) happily rejoices in this abandoning of public righteousness and endorses all that this woman stands for by embracing her as he does.

I can only say utter shame on Paul Girvan and all who support him and vote for him and the party he represents.

The DUP is leading Ulster down the path of destruction by their sanctioning of that which God abominates above all of man’s wickedness. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-19 a 8:01 pm

The following news story will likely attract only the interest of some in the political and business world. Its details of ‘money laundering’, the machinations of which are so complex that it leaves even the ‘experts’ baffled and will leave the average reader unable to follow the meandering path of the money involved. The ramifications of such a crime is lost on the most of us.

This story will however generate an interest above the normal because of the involvement of the Conservative Party. It does serve to highlight the increasing link between the ‘political world’ and the ‘criminal/business world’!

What will not be recognised by many is that here we have a reminder of that matter of which the Bible makes much! The Lord has given us extensive information on the moral atmosphere which will develop and reach a fulness in the last days of this age. Like a cancer which has been held in ‘remission’ by various medical treatments but which makes many attempts at a comeback only to be curbed, but which finally overwhelms the medication and brings the life of the victim to an end, so the Word of God tells us of the workings of what is called ‘the mystery of iniquity’ (2 Thessalonians 2:7) which will follow just such a path.

The term, ‘mystery of iniquity’, may be explained as meaning ‘the hidden wicked spirit engaged in an ongoing defiance of God’s Law’. Paul says it was at work in his day and it has been at work really since the fall of man. Furthermore the apostle tells us that it has been held in check by the Lord throughout ages. “‭O‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭nly‭ he who now‭ letteth‭‭ ‭will let‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ (hold back, detain)‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭, until‭ he be taken‭‭ out of‭ the way‭.‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

This latter phrase may be explained as meaning ‘that the spirit of rebellion is held in check by God, but the restraint will one day be taken out of the way and the spirit of rebellion will be allow to have its way’. That will happen in the day God has appointed. “‭And‭ now‭ ye know‭‭ what withholdeth‭‭ that‭ he‭ might be revealed‭‭ in‭ his‭ time‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ 2 Thessalonians 2:6.

The identity of the agency used to restrain this evil thing is much debated, but I will suggest to you that as James and Peter tell us, “‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭God‭ resisteth‭‭ the proud‭, but‭ giveth‭‭ grace‭ unto the humble‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5, so it is God Himself Who restrains this spirit of apostasy. After all, it is a direct attack upon Him, His Word and His Kingdom, so it is not surprising that He directly interposes in the matter. We are reminded of this fact in Romans 13:1-2. “‭Let every‭ soul‭ be subject‭‭ unto the higher‭‭ powers‭. For‭ there is‭‭ no‭ power‭ but‭ of‭ God‭:‭ the powers‭ that be‭‭ are‭‭ ordained‭‭ of‭ God‭.‭ ‭Whosoever therefore‭ resisteth‭‭ the power‭, resisteth‭‭ the ordinance‭ of God‭: and‭ they that resist‭‭ shall receive‭‭ to themselves‭ damnation‭.‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ There we are taught that resistance of the ordinance of God will bring down God’s damnation.

This a solemn truth to be pondered in these lawless days! Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-17 a 5:38 pm

I would like to share a picture of a visitor to our garden on Friday 12th.

Here she is!

The ‘lady’ in question is a female ‘great spotted woodpecker’. I have been told that this is the furthest west in Northern Ireland one has been spotted.

Apparently, Ireland had an introduction of woodpeckers after the birds multiplied in Wales to a degree that fresh territory was needed and thus the short  flight across from Wales to southern Ireland took place.

Ornithologists inform us that such a migration took place not that long ago after these beautiful birds became extinct here in the 17th and 18th century.

We are looking forward to her returning in the near future (she was there this morning at 8.20am) and perhaps bringing some fledglings along with her.

Sincerely,

Ivan Foster

Posted on 2023-05-15 a 4:45 pm

This letter has been published in today’s (16/5/23) edition of the ‘Belfast Newsletter’

I just had to respond to the sacrilegious article by John Coulter published yesterday in the ‘Belfast Newsletter’!

I deem it to be blasphemous because of the stupid and irreverent title given by him to his article.

It is reprehensible of Coulter, a promoter of unwholesome and fraudulent so-called ‘gospel music, to seek to encourage others to embrace this aping of the world.

Well did John the apostle write:  “For many deceivers are entered into the world,” 2 John 1:7.

May the article be seen as a work of deception!

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

Sir,

I have not read the article “Sir Cliff Richard is right, why should the devil have all the good music?” by John Coulter.

The title tells me enough about the nonsense that it will contain.

The title is an endorsement by Mr Coulter of the puerile statement by Cliff Richard and that tells where the article is heading!

One question immediately occurs to me. Just when did the devil ever do anything or endorse anything that was truly ‘good’?

The Lord said of him: “He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it,” John 8:44.

It is further stated of the devil in the Bible that, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil,” 1 John 3:8.

That makes it obvious that the ‘devil’s music’ is not admired by the Lord. I go with the Lord’s opinion of the devil and utterly reject the folly of Cliff Richard and John Coulter.

The devil is obviously not the source of anything good, musical or otherwise and to say that he is, flies in the face of God’s Word!

Regards,

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)

Kilskeery, Co. Tyrone

Posted on 2023-05-13 a 5:00 am

I am embarrassed for my many friends in America who have to bear with the innumerable foolish, embarrassing, and tactless utterances of their President, the so-called leader of the ‘Free World’! The man was always a fool but now his folly is compounded by the failings that come with ‘old age’!

Biden has English ancestors. The surname Biden was first found in Hampshire and later in Gloucestershire and Somerset. Wikipedia says of him: “Biden’s family is mostly descended of the British Isles, with most of their ancestors coming from Ireland and England, whilst also claiming descent from the French.”

However, ‘Oul Joe’ likes to make much of his links with Ireland and displays, whenever he can, his inherited Irish prejudices and hatred of all things British. He is a pseudo Roman Catholic, loudly proclaiming his adherence to that false religion while promoting policies such as abortion which is supposedly rejected by Roman Catholicism.

On his recent visit to Northern Ireland, it was noticed that his official car did not fly the flag of our country, the ‘Union Jack’. This despising of our national flag is in keeping with the practice of his Sinn Fein/IRA friends and associates.

He is pictured above with Gerry Adams and IRA fugitive, the late Rita O’Hare, wanted for the attempted murder of British Army Warrant Officer Frazer Paton in Belfast in October 1971.

As soon as Biden was across the border into the Irish Republic, the Irish ‘tricolour’ was immediately hoisted on his car.

The failure to fly the ‘Union Jack’ was contrary to ‘diplomatic protocol’ but then that would mean nothing to this antiquated imbecile who cannot open his mouth without attempting to put both feet into it. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-11 a 5:22 pm

There is something grossly wrong when a publicly funded organisation, the main function and responsibility of which is to provide impartial public service broadcasting in the UK and the world, takes upon itself the role of the ‘standard-bearer’ for that ubiquitous movement, promoting the perverted activities of that commonly, called the ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender’— a tiny section of society.

I am referring to “The British Broadcasting Corporation”.

One of the articles on BBC Northern Ireland’s website illustrates its taking up this self-appointed role.

The headlines read: ‘Blood on the Dancefloor: The gay police officer murder which shocked NI’.

The article is all the more offensive in that it uses the immoral activities of a policeman murdered in a’ sodomite establishment’ back in 1997.

The murder was carried out by Irish Republicans. To take the man’s life was wrong and it is to be condemned.

But also to be condemned is this specious and feignedly ‘compassionate’ decrying of the crime.

The tears are ‘crocodile’ and the motive is utterly ulterior. Under the guise of sorrowing at the murder is the promotion of the abominable wickedness of sodomy and its allied perversions.

It is wrong that the BBC should engage in this and surely is contrary to the role it is funded to perform. The BBC ought not to be a platform for the cursed wretchedness of a re-emergence of that shame which damned Sodom and Gomorrah!

The citizen is utterly powerless to do anything about such abuse of the BBC’s role and it would appear that few in the realm of the governance of the State, appear in the least interested in using their power to do something!

Perhaps that is because they depend upon the BBC for a promoting of their interests amongst the electorate. There will therefore be no ‘biting of the hand’ that holds a microphone up for their efforts in self-promotion!

Posted on 2023-05-09 a 4:44 pm

“‭But‭ of‭ that‭ day‭ and‭ hour‭ knoweth‭‭ no‭ ‭man‭, no, not‭ the angels‭ of heaven‭, but‭ my‭ Father‭ only‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Matthew 24:36.

Do these words mean that the Lord Jesus was unaware of the time of His return? Many would say that is so and because of that it is futile to speak of the revelation in Holy Scripture by Christ of signs that foretell the approach of that day since He did not know the ‘‭‭‭‭day‭ and‭ hour‭’. Therefore He could not speak of that which indicates the approach of the ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‘‭‭‭‭day‭ and‭ hour‭’.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

But is that what this verse is saying. I think not!

The context indicates that the Saviour DID know the ‘‭‭‭‭day‭ and‭ hour‬‬‬‬‬‬’‭‭‭‭‭‭‭.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Please remember in this chapter we have Christ answering two questions, one of which is, “‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭What‭ ‭shall be‭ the sign‭ of thy‭ coming‭, and‭ of the end‭ of the world‭?‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ verse 3.

I put it to you that the Saviour could not reveal what the ‘sign’ of His coming was if He did not know ‘‭‭‭‭day‭ and‭ hour‭’ when His return would take place!‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

If it is true that the Saviour was ignorant of the ‘‭‭‭‭day‭ and‭ hour‭’ then He would have told His disciples that He could not answer their question. But He did not respond ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬with a declaration of ignorance but rather began to answer their question in great detail.

His answer is most explicit indeed. The word ‘shall’ is ever linked to the expression of a strong determination to do something. It is most assertive. That word appears many times in this chapter. If my counting is correct it appears some 53 times in the chapter in our Authorised Version.

That would tell us Christ was speaking very authoritatively and forcefully. There was nothing tentative or hesitating about the Saviour’s response that might suggest a lack of a full knowledge of the answer to the question, ‘when shall you return’!

The detailed information imparted by the Lord indicates He HAD full knowledge of that day. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-08 a 4:50 pm

Football for all… but not if you’re an evangelical Christian says former Irish league player and coach — (Belfast Newsletter, 3rd May 2023)

The Sunday marathon is a sober reminder that we live in days of increasing spiritual weakness and confusion — (Belfast Newsletter, 5th May 2023)

Irish Cup final: Former IFA boss says ‘Christians can still go to Sunday matches – it won’t matter in the afterlife’ — (Belfast Newsletter, 5th May 2023)

The first two headlines relate to concerns about the increasing desecration of the Lord’s Day and the third provides an explanation for the increase!

The third headline is taken from the comments of an attender at Greenisland Methodist Church. For him to go public in this manner surely indicates that his church minister and oversight are happy with his views and behaviour. If they are not then doubtless a public statement will be made disowning his behaviour!

The assertion of Jim Boyce is quite contrary to the traditional teaching of Methodism and more importantly, the Word of God.

We quote:

“The General Rules of the Methodist Church requires ‘attending upon all the ordinances of God’ including ‘the public worship of God’ , (he Oxford Handbook of Methodist Studies).

The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, stated ‘This ‘handwriting of ordinances’ our Lord did blot out, take away, and nail to His cross (Col. 2:14). But the moral law contained in the Ten Commandments, and enforced by the prophets, He did not take away …. The moral law stands on an entirely different foundation from the ceremonial or ritual law …. Every part of this law must remain in force upon all mankind and in all ages.’ (‘Sermons on Several Occasions,’ 2-Vol. Edition, Vol. I, pages 221, 222). Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-06 a 7:00 pm

My attention was drawn to this article by Mr Jim Allister, KC, the leader of the Tradition Unionist Voice political party, 29th April.

I made it my business to contact the author of it, Dr Edward Cooke, Doctor of Philosophy, School of History, Anthropology, Philosophy and Politics at Queens University, Belfast.

In his initial reply to my email Dr Cooke said:

Dear Rev Foster

I have been trying for over a year to bring this matter to the attention of different political parties and media outlets within NI and the UK and in 2023 I have approached the mainstream UK churches who also appear ‘disinterested’ in these issues. I would be most grateful if you used any social media platform to bring these matters to the attention of your congregation and the wider public. I enclose for you two reports on how the university sector within NI and the UK has evolved and how Unionists within NI and Christians within the UK have been marginalised in a key employment sector.

Many thanks

Edward Cooke

Accordingly, I am publishing the article as a pdf file because of its size.However, please take the time to download the article and read carefully this document exposé of what I would call the the attempt to ‘secularise’ UK universities, to the exclusion of all religious influence, especially that of Bible Christianity.

Recent Demographic Changes in the NI university sector – Feb 2022

The sad fact is that Dr Cooke says that he has “ . . been trying for over a year to bring this matter to the attention of different political parties and media outlets within NI and the UK and in 2023 I have approached the mainstream UK churches who also appear ‘disinterested’ in these issues.”

We have but a further demonstration that the political ‘watch men’ and ‘watchdogs’ representing us in the two main Unionist parties are as those of whom Isaiah the prophet complained long ago: “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber,” Isaiah 56:10.

We trust that by this effort to highlight Dr Cooke’s research we may do something to stir up those who are paid handsomely to represent the interests of the Unionist and Protestant people here in Ulster.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

2nd May, 2023

Posted on 2023-05-03 a 4:00 am

The depth to which our nation is sinking is acutely set forth in the forthcoming coronation of ‘Charles and Camilla’ in Westminster Abbey, a place linked to the translation of the incomparable Authorised Version of the Holy Scriptures and the compilation of the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Of course the Abbey has long been the scene of desecration at the hand of the Romanising clerics of the Church of England.

Saturday, 6th May will see that desecration reach new depths.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

CELEBRATE THE CORONATION OF AN ADULTERER AND AN ADULTERESS??  . . . . . I THINK NOT!

 “And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence,” Esther 3:2.

There is an honour that is due to “kings, and for all that are in authority”, (1 Timothy 2:2) but it does not entail such an honouring of sin by showing endorsement of their immorality.

Paul the apostle in speaking to Felix, showed due deference. “Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself,”  Acts 24:10.

Nevertheless, when opportunity was given him later to witness to Felix, Paul did not hesitate to deal with the very matters about which the wicked Felix needed to hear. “And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee,”  Acts 24:24-25. “Righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come” were the very subjects that Felix need to consider. He was in an adulterous marriage with a woman notorious for her libidinous ways.

Due honour does not mean turning a ‘blind eye’ to sin.

1. Mordecai would not bow and reverence Haman for he was a hater of the Jews and a Gentile who came from a very evil ancestry, being of the lineage of Agag, an Amalekite. “After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him,” Esther 3:1. He was of that nation which God had obliged the Israelites to abhor and oppose from generation to generation; and therefore he did not show outward respect to a man whom he did and ought inwardly to contemn. “Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation,” Exodus 17:16.

There has come to the throne in our nation a couple who are united in an unholy marriage. The details of the adulterous lifestyle of Charles and Camilla have been publicly disclosed in the national press for years past for all who wished to read it! Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-05-01 a 5:06 pm

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There is an article in today’s ‘Belfast Newsletter’ that repeats many of the old lies and deceits against Dr Paisley and the 1966 Free Presbyterian protest against the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

I have written the following letter and submitted it to the Editor for publication.

Please pray that it will be published.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster.

Sir,

It is quite amazing that a man, writing an article to counter what he says are falsehoods linked to the early witness of Ian Paisley, should go about employing the most blatant falsehoods himself! Mr Patrick Speight is a former BBC Radio presenter so perhaps we ought not to be surprised at such a tactic.

I was part of that Free Presbyterian protest procession in June 1966 he fulminates against, so I know first hand what took place.

Patrick Speight was a ‘cub’ of some 12 years of age at the time, so he is relying on hearsay, news reports and ecumenical propaganda for his information!

I will highlight some of his deceits regarding the parade which Mr Speight is keen to blacken. I will let whoever will answer his challenging of other elements of the BBC documentary he is so offended by.

I must say that it is always amusing to witness the ‘kettle calling the pot black’! Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-28 a 6:06 pm

Individuals from the political echelons of the United States of America have continually offered condemnation of the lot of Irish republicans at the hands of the British Government and criticised the Protestant and Unionist people of Northern Ireland as being guilty of this wrong-doing.

I believe that it may honestly be said that of all the nations that have directed their anti-British ire toward us, the USA has less room to talk than any!

This article was prompted by the playing of a very stirring ‘Negro Spiritual’ a few minutes ago on a US Christian radio station that I tune into constantly. It was the very well known and much loved, ‘Deep River’. Such is the pathos aroused in my heart by the words and the tune that I have never listened to it without thinking of the dreadful treatment many black people suffered during the centuries of slavery enforced upon them within the USA.

We may learn from various sources that ‘Deep River’ is a traditional African American spiritual which Henry Burleigh arranged along with many others in his collection of Jubilee Songs of the USA of 1916.

Deep River,
My home is over Jordan.
Deep River, Lord.
I want to cross over into campground.
Deep River,
my home is over Jordan.
River, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.
Oh, don’t you want to go,
To the Gospel feast;
That Promised Land,
Where all is peace?
Oh, deep River, Lord,
I want to cross over into campground.

As I listened to the song, I envisaged the longing of the converted slave for the rest and peace of heaven over on the other side of the deep river of death. Heaven was symbolised I believe by the campground of a revival gospel gathering which often times the slaves were allowed to attend. The rest from the forced labour, that was their life, must have been ‘heaven like’ for those that were allowed to join in the singing and worship. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-27 a 5:20 pm

I am copying an article from the ‘Daily Mirror’ dated 21st April, which centres on the subject of the ‘end of this age’ as predicted by Sir Isaac Newton (4 January 1643 – 31 March 1727).

One would naturally be slow to contradict anything that the man, considered to be ‘one of the most renowned scientists in history’ and more importantly, a true christian has said. However, as Paul contradicted Peter when he acted wrongly (Galatians 2:11-14) so we, on the authority of God’s Word, dare to contradict any man’s false predictions regarding the date of the Saviour’s return and the end of this age.

The Lord Jesus said: “‭Watch‭‭ therefore‭: for‭ ye know‭‭ not‭ what‭ hour‭ your‭ Lord‭ doth come‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Matthew 24:42. “‭Watch‭‭ therefore‭, for‭ ye know‭‭ neither‭ the day‭ nor‭ the hour‭ wherein‭‭ the Son‭ of man‭ cometh‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Matthew 25:13. “‭When‭ they therefore‭ were come together‭‭, they asked‭‭ of him‭, saying‭‭, Lord‭,‭ wilt thou‭‭ at‭ this‭ time‭ restore again‭‭ the kingdom‭ to Israel‭?‭ ‭And‭ he said‭‭ unto‭ them‭, It is‭‭ not‭ for you‭ to know‭‭ the times‭ or‭ the seasons‭, which‭ the Father‭ hath put‭‭ in‭ his own‭ power‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Acts 1:6-7.

The article contains much silliness, from various sources, about the return of the Lord but Sir Isaac Newton’s theory is not in agreement with what the Bible teaches.

While we CANNOT KNOW ‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‘the day‭ nor‭ the hour‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬’ of the Saviour’s return, we DO HAVE CLEAR INFORMATION on the events that will indicate that the day is drawing very near.

1. A general and increasing apostasy from the truth of God revealed to us in the Bible‭‭‭‭‭ will tak‬‬‬‬‬e‭‭‭‭‭ place ‬‬‬‬‬near to the Saviour’s return. The Saviour likened it unto the return of the moral conditions that characterised the earth before the judgment of the flood in Noah’s day and the fiery judgment that befell Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot. “‭And‭ as‭ it was‭‭ in‭ the days‭ of Noe‭, so‭ shall it be‭‭ also‭ in‭ the days‭ of the Son‭ of man‭.‭ ‭They did eat‭‭, they drank‭‭, they married wives‭‭, they were given in marriage‭‭, until‭ the day‭ that‭ Noe‭ entered‭‭ into‭ the ark‭, and‭ the flood‭ came‭‭, and‭ destroyed‭‭ them all‭.‭ ‭Likewise‭ also‭ as‭ it was‭‭ in‭ the days‭ of Lot‭; they did eat‭‭, they drank‭‭, they bought‭‭, they sold‭‭, they planted‭‭, they builded‭‭;‭ ‭but‭‭ the same day‭ that Lot‭ went‭‭ out of‭ Sodom‭ it rained‭‭ fire‭ and‭ brimstone‭ from‭ heaven‭, and‭ destroyed‭‭ ‭them‭ all‭.‭ ‭Even‭ thus‭ shall it be‭‭ in the day‭‭ when the Son‭ of man‭ is revealed‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Luke 17:26-30. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-22 a 7:47 pm

“‭Having‭‭ therefore‭ obtained‭‭ help‭ of‭ God‭, I continue‭‭ unto‭ this‭ day‭, witnessing‭‭ both‭ to small‭ and‭ great‭, ‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭saying‭‭ none other things‭ than‭ those which‭‭ the prophets‭ and‭ Moses‭ did say‭‭ should‭‭ come‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Acts 26:22.

Today, I look back to this date in 1968. It was a Saturday and I was ordained to the Christian ministry by the Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster and installed as minister of Lisbellaw Free Presbyterian Church (later to become Bethel FPC) in the tin hut in Lisbellaw which had served the fledgling congregation as a meeting house since February 1967.

The congregation had been constituted in March 1967, a little over a month after the first meeting in the hall.

By August 1972, a site had been purchased in the the county town, Enniskillen, just four miles away, and a new church building opened.

By that date, a congregation has been formed in the Clogher Valley, just east of Fivemiletown and another across the border in the Republic of Ireland, in Coragarry, Co Monaghan. The beginnings of the witness in Kilskeery, County Tyrone, some ten miles from Enniskillen.

They were busy times for there was an ear for the gospel and souls were being saved.

I can but humbly thank the Lord for being allowed to have a small part in those blessed days.

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Posted on 2023-04-20 a 4:46 pm

“‭Draw me not away‭‭ with the wicked‭, and with the workers‭‭ of iniquity‭, which speak‭‭ peace‭ to their neighbours‭, ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭but mischief‭ ‭is‭ in their hearts‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Psalm 28:3.

Nothing informs better us of the character of an enterprise or an individual than the persona of those who support them and press the claims of either upon the public.

On that basis the character of the ‘Good Friday Agreement’ is most corrupt indeed. Consider those who are its chief ‘cheer leaders’!

We will start with Joe Biden, the most unfitted President that the United States of America has ever had! The apostle Paul said: “‭Some‭ men’s‭ sins‭ are‭‭ open beforehand‭, going before‭‭ to‭ judgment‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ 1 Timothy 5:24. John Gill says of these words: “Some men are such open and notorious sinners, that there is no need of any inquiry about them, or any examination of them; or any witnesses to be called to their character, in order to pass judgment concerning them.”

Is that not the case with Joe Biden. There are millions in the USA who would shout out, ‘Amen’ to that summary of the character of their President.

He is a supporter of abortion, sodomy, transgenderism and all its affiliated perversions and a professing ‘faithful’ Roman Catholic! He openly rejoices in the company of IRA terrorists who have been part of a murderous plague on Protestants and Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland and in the Irish Republic, which is the effective base of its operations.

A man, who if ‘halos’ could be awarded by men, would have been given one by the besotted devotees of the ‘GFA’, is former US Senator, George J. Mitchell. He was, amongst other things, the chairman of The Walt Disney Company from March 2004 until January 2007. However, being an expert on ‘Mickey Mouse’ and ‘Goofy’ was not his only claim to fame, though I feel he has made ‘goofs’ of quite a few Unionists here!

Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the accuser of Prince Andrew, is a woman who has long claimed that disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein forced her to have sexual relations with powerful men, and named Mitchell as one of them in documents unsealed on August 9, 2019 (a day before Epstein’s death) by a Federal court in the Southern District of New York. The papers included affidavits and depositions of key witnesses in a 2015 lawsuit that Giuffre filed against Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre accused the two individuals of sex-trafficking her to high-profile individuals, including George Mitchell, in the early 2000s while she was underage. Mitchell denied ever having met or spoken with Giuffre, and stated that he became aware of Epstein’s criminal prosecution only through the media. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-19 a 4:43 pm

On the 11th April, I received an email from a reporter working for ‘The Impartial Reporter’, a newspaper which circulates in Fermanagh and South Tyrone. Part of the email reads: “We are doing a series in the paper regarding the Belfast Agreement and wondered if you would be interested in contributing a short comment piece.”

Since I had received a similar request 25 years ago when the ‘the Belfast Agreement’, also known as ‘the good Friday agreement’, was first signed, I was happy to give my opinion on this ‘sham peace’ agreement, much lauded by the deceitful politicians and ecumenical ‘wolves in sheep’s clothing’ over the last twenty-five years .

Here is the article.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

The ‘Good Friday Agreement’

(Rev Ivan Foster)

In the summer of 1998, I along with fellow Free Presbyterian ministers in Co. Tyrone, issued a statement in the wake of the Omagh bomb, which resulted in 28 men, women and children brutally murdered as well as many more seriously injured, commiserating with the families so wickedly bereaved.

Part of that statement read: “We accuse our Government and in particular the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Mo Mowlam, of pursuing a policy in Northern Ireland that has encouraged this atrocity and the many others that have gone before, by seeking to placate terrorism through immoral concessions such as the present early release of convicted terrorists. Yesterday’s murderous monsters have become today’s ministers-in-waiting! We have already heard words of condemnation from the lips of those politicians, who favour the release of convicted murderers and bombers, that are but an echo of the words employed to condemn the actions of those terrorists they are now determined to release. . . .  The politicians who have supported the present policy of appeasement that underwrites the “Peace Agreement” cannot escape having blood on their hands after today’s evil. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-15 a 10:45 pm

A dear brother in Romania sent me an email this morning which encouraged this old preacher’s heart.

He said: “This message was a great comfort for my soul yesterday and today, while I listened to it.” 

That prompted me to have a listen and I hope you understand me when I say that I could listen to what I said 30 years ago as someone simply listening to a preacher. 

I was humbly blessed and so very thankful at the honour bestowed upon me to speak so of Christ.

I send it out with the hope that you too will benefit from the message, preached in Faith FPC, Greenville, SC, USA in October 1993.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,
Ivan Foster

Posted on 2023-04-14 a 6:37 pm

The phrase ‘keep company with’ refers to marriage, religious affiliations, social associations and business partnerships.

It is important to the Lord just what impression the Christian’s ‘crowd’ sets forth.

I recall my maternal grandmother being quoted as having said on this matter: “Show me your company and I will tell you who you are!’

I suppose that very well known adage: ‘Birds of a feather flock together’ states the same basic truth. Who you are drawn to and with whose company you are content and happy to be in, tells an observer what your views and affections are.

It is for this reason that the Lord, like any father, shows concern about the crowd we identify with and the Holy Scriptures contain many directives on this matter.

MARRIAGE.

Whom a Christian marries is not a matter of indifference to the Lord, any more than it is to caring earthly parents. Thus we find Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, urging this maxim upon Corinthian Christians. “‭The wife‭ is bound‭‭ by the law‭‭ as long‭ as‭ her‭ husband‭ liveth‭‭; but‭ if‭ her‭ husband‭ be dead‭‭, she is‭‭ at liberty‭ to be married‭‭ to whom‭ she will‭‭; only‭ in‭ the Lord‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ 1 Corinthians 7:39. The choice of the woman as to who it is she marries is limited by this rule. She is at entire liberty to marry, or not to marry, and to marry whom she pleases. That is not forbidden by the laws of God. But she is limited by the ‘spiritual’ character of the man she would marry. The marriage union must be ‘in the Lord’!

The word ‘only’ clearly indicates that she is limited to one category of men from which she would choose her husband. He ‘must’ be a Christian, he must be one of the Lord’s people.

My fifty plus years of pastoral labours have brought me into contact with many households, both within my own flock and outside it. I have noted on many occasions the unhappy price paid by a man or a woman who ignored this injunction and instead allowed their own feelings and emotions to overrule God! I saw that it invariably brought unhappiness to the disobedient Christian, to the one they married and to the children born of the union. Irrespective of the circumstance of how the unscriptural union was formed — often as a result of an unsaved person making a false profession of faith in Christ in order to find acceptance with the Christian whose hand in marriage they desired — without exception it had a grievous impact upon the family unit thus formed. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-13 a 5:01 pm

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn,” Proverbs 29:2.

Today, Joe Biden arrives in Northern Ireland for what is thankfully a very short visit before moving on to the Irish Republic.

Joe Biden is very much pro-abortion, (to the embarrassment of many of his fellow Roman Catholics in the USA and Ireland, north and south) pro-sodomite, pro-transgenderism, pro-Sinn Fein/IRA and utterly anti-Protestant and anti-British!

We pity those who love righteousness in the United States who have had to suffer his presidency and the embarrassment that this aged ‘ejit’ (he will doubtless rejoice in having such an Irish disparagement directed at him) has brought to his nation.

Sadly, their distress will have been heightened of late with his announcement that he is to run again for the presidency!!

It would be an exercise in blatant and abject humiliation for any Unionist to be present at any function he will engage in during his brief stay. David shaking hands with Goliath and embracing him would not adequately illustrate the ignominy of a representative of the Unionist people welcoming this political nincompoop to Ulster.

He comes to join with those who are celebrating the signing of the treacherous ‘Good Friday Agreement’ 25 years ago. It is one of the greatest and most bare-faced dissimulations since Judas kissed the cheek of the Saviour!

As Jim Allister, TUV leader said recently:

“In swimming against the tide of hysteria about Joe Biden’s visit, let me be clear that this President is an avowed nationalist partisan who in his past, when the IRA’s murder campaign was in full swing, joined with other meddling US politicians to seek to prevent extradition of wanted IRA terrorists (eg IRA escapee Joe Doherty), who more recently (Feb 2022) likened the struggle of the Palestinian people to Britain’s treatment of Irish Catholics for over 400 years, and who has championed the Union-dismantling Protocol.

“Little wonder he wants to celebrate the terrorism-rewarding Belfast Agreement and try further pressure on unionists to operate the Protocol’s dismantling of the Union and partitioning of the United Kingdom.

“I find nothing to celebrate in the mass release of murderers, the ushering of terrorists into government and the imposition of an unworkable system at Stormont – all the handiwork of the Belfast Agreement. But from the perspective of an avid all-Irelander like Biden a milestone of achievement.”

Ulster is caught up in a hysterical storm of lies and deceit and blatant propaganda regarding the ‘GFA’. The newspaper columns and pulpits of the ecumenical advocates have vainly sought to have the people of Ulster swallow that which is all too obviously a deceit. The ‘GFA’ did not bring peace. It saw hundreds of murderers released early from jail, the perpetrators of a terror campaign elevated and politically ‘fumigated’ and foisted upon those in Ulster they had sought to eradicate by murder. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-11 a 10:44 pm

“‭And‭ as they‭ thus‭ spake‭‭, Jesus‭ himself‭ stood‭‭ in‭ the midst‭ of them‭, and‭ saith‭‭ unto them‭, Peace‭ ‭be‭ unto you‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Luke 24:36.

Yesterday morning, in the morning meeting of Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church, Rev Paul Hanna preached a very profitable and stirring message from the verse 6 of Luke 24. “‭He is‭‭ not‭ here‭, but‭ is risen‭‭: remember‭‭ how‭ he spake‭‭ unto you‭ when he was‭‭ yet‭ in‭ Galilee‭.‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ I would commend the message to all. The service may be watched at here. I trust you will view the message.

While Rev Hanna read from Luke 24, my eyes were drawn to verse 36, which heads this article. The words are familiar to me yet they came with freshness to my soul and I determined that after the meeting I would look more closely at them.

I particularly noticed the opening words of the verse. “‭And‭ as they‭ thus‭ spake‭‭, Jesus‭ himself‭ stood‭‭ in‭ the midst‭ of them‬‬‬‬‬‬”. ‬‬‬‬As I contemplated this statement it occurred to me that here we have: ‬‬

I. WHAT IT IS THAT DRAWS THE SAVIOUR INTO THE MIDST OF HIS PEOPLE

The giving witness to His resurrection drew the Saviour into the midst of the little gathering.

1. The smallness of the gathering of disciples does not deter the Saviour coming amongst His people. There were only “‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭eleven‭ gathered together‭‭, and‭ them that were with‭ them‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ verse 33, when they were joined by the two who had seen the Saviour. Many throughout the world can empathise with such numbers!

This is a comfort to us in Kilskeery and to many, many like gatherings across the world in these evil times when the cause of Christ is despised and ridiculed as it has not been in living memory.

Smallness is always a cause of concern for the believer who wishes ever that more of their neighbours and friends, indeed enemies, would come in under the sounds of the Word of God. However that distresses the Christian, it is clear from the text that it does not in the least deter the Saviour from coming amongst such a small gathering. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-10 a 6:11 pm

Posted on 2023-04-09 a 12:01 am

Here are some thoughts which arose from the reading my Psalm for today, Psalm 12.

May you find profit for your soul in the article.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

A PART OF THE HIGH PRICE ULSTER IS PAYING FOR THE DUP’S POWER-SHARING AGREEMENT WITH SINN FEIN/IRA

“‭The wicked‭ walk‭‭ on every side‭, when the vilest‭ men‭‭ are exalted‭‭.‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Psalm 12:8.

Christians look on the violating of our streets by those who flaunt and rejoice in their perverted iniquity with grief and heartache. The vexing of Lot was slight in comparison to that which a lover of God and Truth experience as they view the parading of the evils of Sodom throughout the world in these latter days.

As we have often said, the Lord Jesus indicated that that which precipitated the fiery destruction of the cities of Sodom‭ and Gomorrah‬ (Genesis 19:28-2; Jude 1:7), would mark the final days of this age as mankind in its rebellion against the Lord would repudiate all that is revealed in God’s Word and plunge back into the swamp of immorality, from which nations were wondrously delivered to a great measure during the gospel era.

“‭Likewise‭ also‭ as‭ it was‭‭ in‭ the days‭ of Lot‭; they did eat‭‭, they drank‭‭, they bought‭‭, they sold‭‭, they planted‭‭, they builded‭‭;‭ ‭but‭‭ the same day‭ that Lot‭ went‭‭ out of‭ Sodom‭ it rained‭‭ fire‭ and‭ brimstone‭ from‭ heaven‭, and‭ destroyed‭‭ ‭them‭ all‭.‭ ‭Even‭ thus‭ shall it be‭‭ in the day‭‭ when the Son‭ of man‭ is revealed‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Luke 17:28-30. That evil night has begun to descend upon the nations, our own being no exception. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-07 a 5:15 pm

April is always a special month for me.

I was converted on 5th April, 1964 and on 20th April 1968 I was ordained as a gospel minister and installed as pastor of the congregation where I had been preaching as a student from the beginnings of the witness in February 1967 — Lisbellaw Free Presbyterian Church.

The congregation moved to its newly opened church building in Enniskillen in August 1972 and changed its name to Bethel Free Presbyterian Church.

I moved to Kilskeery as pastor in February 1978. That congregation was one of four which sprang from the Lisbellaw witness.

I retired as a pastor in November 2008. I was asked that month to give a word of testimony in Mullaglass Free Presbyterian Church in South Armagh.

Here is a recording of that testimony.

Ivan Foster

Posted on 2023-04-05 a 12:01 am

My original letter was a comment on the first of the three BBC episodes. The Editor of the ‘Belfast Newsletter’ wished to hold it back from publication until after the last episode was aired. That will take place this evening but I have already viewed it online and have added a line or two to my original letter to deal more comprehensible with the contents of the whole programme.

The length of my letter is a bit more than is suitable for publishing in the ‘Letters Page’ in the printed edition of the Belfast Newsletter so I have submitted a abbreviated copy with the understanding that the full letter will appear on their web page.

Here is a copy of the full length letter published on-line by the ‘Belfast Newsletter’.

Dear Sir,

Although I was reminded by the BBC only days ago that the first of their programmes entitled: “The House of Paisley”, to which I was invited to partake some months ago, was to be broadcast last night, I entirely forgot to watch it. It was only when I was reminded yet again that it had been aired last night (Monday 3rd April) that I sought out a copy of it on the BBC site and then also watched the two other programmes in the series.

Having watched them with very mixed feelings indeed, I have to liken the ‘documentary’ to the publishing of an assessment of the Lord Jesus Christ by the devil!

It was lacking in an honest evaluation of the man in his earlier years of prominence and it was given over to the opinions of those who hate all that he stood for and desire only the dishonouring of his witness in the 1960s and 1970s.

I knew the man personally and was closely associated with him in many of those tumultuous days. My views are not those of someone who relies on videos, news reports and garbled accounts. I was with the man in pulpits, prayer meetings, protests and prison. Those were days which cannot properly be understood via television documentaries, no matter what objectivity they may claim, which is something these broadcasts lacked entirely. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-04 a 10:36 pm

I sent this email to Mr Fletcher whose video is mounted on the BB webpage.

Dear Sir,

My name is Ivan Foster. I am a retired minister of the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster, having completed some 43 years as a pastor and being still engaged in a little preaching, though retired now some 15 years.

The video of your speech was shared with me and I have mounted it upon my website, mentioned below.

I sincerely want to thank you for the witness you bore to Christ and His Word and the benefits that this nation of ours has enjoyed for many generations.

It was sad to observe so few in attendance at the debate and I am saddened that those from Ulster, who would profess faith in Christ, do not seem to be in attendance.

Having thanked you, I did mention in my introduction to the video on my website, the anomaly of you, a member of the Conservative Party, criticising practices which your party has been chief in promoting, even legitimising that which God condemns such as abortion, sodomy and the ludicrous notion of transgenderism.

You surely cannot be happy in such an environment! Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-04-04 a 10:32 pm

The speaker in this video of a parliamentary debate is Nick Fletcher, MP for the Don Valley in Yorkshire.

He is a professing Christian. He resides in Bawtry and is married to Gail. They have two children, James and Lucy.

In this video he shares his faith in Jesus Christ with fellow MPs in a debate about the importance of Christianity to society.

Such a witness amongst members of the UK Parliament is welcome. I know very little about the man. I do not know which church he attends and, with no desire to be ungracious, would I necessarily endorse all he says. He is a member of the Conservative Party and thus he is part of a very corrupt and treacherous political organisation, the policies of which have done much harm here in Ulster and in the rest of the UK. Indeed, it is a chief participant in the evils Mr Fletcher condemns in his speech.

However, I do thank him for his witness in ‘Caesar’s Court’, and I sincerely trust that it will encourage other believers to speak out in the midst of this evil Christ blaspheming age!

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

Posted on 2023-04-03 a 5:03 pm