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The state of the true church when Christ returns

“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”  Matthew 25:5-6.

This chapter begins with the word ‘Then’. We must ever remember that the Bible was written without chapter divisions. They were added and are very helpful in finding our way through it but sometimes they tend to divide that which should be seen and read and understood as a continuing discourse.

Depiction of the Parable of the Ten Virgins

Chapter 24 and 25 of Matthew is just such a case.

Olivet discourse

Chapter 25 is a record of the Saviour continuing His ‘Olivet’ discourse in answer to the disciples’ questions: “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 (age)?” Matthew 24:3.

So, in Matthew 25:1, we are given the state of the ‘ kingdom of heaven’ here on earth, just before the Saviour returns. “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto . . .”

I. IN THE FIRST CENTURY, THE REDEEMED ARE SEEN TO BE WAITING TO GREET THE SAVIOUR ON HIS RETURN.

1. This is made clear in the epistles of Paul.

“And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body,” Romans 8:23.

Paul said of the believers in Corinth: “Ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 1:7.

“For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; 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 Thessalonians 1:9-10.

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 3:5.

2. This is not to be understood as the first generation Christians expecting the Saviour to return in their day.

I can say that because Paul corrects some who were mistaken about this matter. (more…)

Very sad news from Uganda

Master Kobill Jude, teacher at the Emmanuel Christian School, Uganda

This dear brother, Kobill Jude, was known to some from Kilskeery who visited Uganda a little while ago and his faithfulness and godliness was spoken of warmly.

The prayerful sympathies of Christians here in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church are sincerely offered at this sad time to his whole family and circle of fellow labourers for the Lord.

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them,” Revelation 14:13.

The following statement has been issued by the Free Presbyterian Mission Board.

UGANDA – It is with great sadness that we inform you of the sudden death of Master Kobill Jude, one of our dedicated teachers at the Emmanuel Christian School, Uganda. He was killed on Sunday afternoon in a motorbike accident, at just thirty-nine years of age.

Master Jude had taught RE in the Primary School for thirteen years, and was the P7 Class teacher. He was also a very able translator at School assemblies.

There was a very large attendance at his funeral service on Monday including the staff and P7 pupils of the Emmanuel School. Rev Carscadden was one of the speakers at the service. As a mark of respect, the Emmanuel School was closed for the day.

Master Jude was also a part time Pastor, and he was killed as he returned from preaching at a Church service where he had spoken of ‘running the race and passing on the baton’.

His wife Madam Sylvia is also one of our Primary teachers and their four children are all pupils at the school.

We extend to them all our deepest sympathy.

Please pray for Master Jude’s family, the school and our missionaries at this very sad and difficult time.

Here are a few pictures of Mr. Jude’s funeral service:

 

 

Was the late George McConnell’s letter of resignation read out in full in the Presbytery? If not, why not?

Mr George McConnell, ‘Missionary George’ as he was affectionately known by many, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday evening 29th June, after a long illness.

I have been informed that the late Mr George McConnell, long time faithful supporter of the Free Presbyterian Church missionary outreaches, sent in a letter of resignation to Presbytery at the beginning of this year (2025), explaining that he could no longer serve in the position he had occupied for many years because of its treatment of Rev David DiCanio.

Mr McConnell had a very high regard for Mr DiCanio and felt that his treatment by the Free Presbyterian Church, resulting in his expulsion as a missionary, was disgraceful.

However, I understand that his letter was not read out in full and the impression was left with the members of Presbytery that he had resigned because of ill-health.

That was not the reason but it likely suited the officers of Presbytery for the members of Presbytery to go away with that impression.

Mr McConnell was held in high regard by all within the Free Presbyterian Church and his views regarding the treatment of Rev David DiCanio would have alarmed many people and, doubtless, embarrassing questions would have been asked of the Presbytery officers.

If I am mistakenly informed about this issue, the Presbytery can easily set the matter straight by publishing Mr McConnell’s letter of resignation and I will certainly inform the readers of ‘The Burning Bush’ of the true facts.

It is important that the name and honour of a faithful man be upheld and that the reason for his resignation not be disgracefully concealed and misrepresented by a withholding of the truth on this matter.

Perhaps some member of Presbytery, on reading this, will ask for the letter to be read out in full to Presbytery, for I feel that, as is the usual case, there will be no response to what I publish!

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)