We are told in a news report that an asteroid is on a possible collision course with the earth.  Here is a link to the article:

Asteroid update issued as ‘city-destroying’ space rock continues towards Earth 

I thought upon another ‘star’, and its devastating collision with the earth, when I read this report.

“And the third angel sounded, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, and it fell upon the third part of the rivers, and upon the fountains of waters; And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter,” Revelation 8:10-11.

The news article reports that scientists, who are following the course of this asteroid, estimate the date of a possible, and that word is to be emphasised, collision with the earth, in 2032. Were it to hit the earth, it is again estimated by the scientists that the impact would be 500 times more destructive than the explosion at Hiroshima in 1945, when the Americans dropped an atom bomb upon the Japanese city, in order to force the Japanese to surrender.

Illustration

This news item is most illustrative of the glorious event of the second coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Few are aware of the approach of this asteroid. Indeed, this article might be the first you have heard of it! In like manner, few, even amongst Christians, are aware of the signs of the nearing of the Saviour’s return. This is a time of ‘slumbering and sleeping’ (Matthew 25:5) instead of watching and waiting (1 Thessalonians 5:6)!

However, as 2032 looms nearer, I am sure that virtually all mankind will be aware of this event and, depending upon what further news the scientists tracking this asteroid publish, might well be filled with trepidation and fear.

This is how it will be as the second advent draws near and signs of that event become more obvious to those who have been indifferent and careless about eternal matters. Hear what the Saviour says.

“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory,” Luke 21:25-27.

Bible

The Bible says that at the close of this age, when the Lord causes the third of seven trumpets to sound, a ‘great star’, a celestial body, will strike the earth with most serious consequences. (more…)

A book has been recently published in the USA entitled:

The Scandal of Schism

The author is Chris Anderson, who has been a pastor, church planter, and a missions catalyst around the world. He is the president of Church Works Media, an author, and a hymn-writer of well over 50 hymns.

The publishers’ ‘blurb’ on this book reads:

A Journey from Sinful Division to Biblical Fidelity

‘Is Christian unity a lost cause in today’s polarized world?

What if the greatest threat to Christianity comes from within?

The Scandal of Schism addresses these questions head-on, providing a balanced view of when separation is necessary and when it is sinful. In this book, Chris Anderson guides readers through the delicate task of maintaining church unity without compromising on truth. This book emphasizes the importance of separating from those who promote error, cooperating with those who uphold the truth, and avoiding schisms that distort the gospel. Anderson’s narrative is both a memoir and a theological exploration, making a compelling case for a renewed commitment to biblical fidelity and loving unity. With personal insights and biblical wisdom, Anderson lays out a roadmap for Christians seeking to respond to division or difference with humility. Readers will find guidance and hope for fostering harmony in their own hearts as well as in their local churches.’

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Now what does this quote taken from the above statement mean?

‘This book emphasizes the importance of separating from those who promote error, cooperating with those who uphold the truth, and avoiding schisms that distort the gospel.’

Well, we get an answer to that question from one whose name heads the list of endorsements — Dr Mike Barrett.

Here is his endorsement.

“This book is long overdue. I wholeheartedly recommend it—as an encouragement to recovering sectarians and an exhortation to those who will likely disagree. Anderson exposes his heart as he chronicles his journey from rigid separatism to a more balanced interpretation and application of biblical separation. Happily, there are many—myself included—that have taken the same journey. I have never considered myself to be a radical sectarian, but in the providence of God, I was born, raised, educated, and involved in ministering within extreme fundamentalist environments. Ironically and thankfully, it was in those places that I became thoroughly convinced of Calvinism and covenant/reformed theology. Consequently, I was suspect to some in fundamentalism and a token novelty to others. I serve now in a wider, yet conservative, evangelical environment without a guilty conscience and still believe in biblical separation. This book is not about my journey, but I so resonated with its message. In reading this book, you may find yourself either agreeing with Anderson or perhaps beginning a similar journey for yourself.”

—Michael Barrett, Senior Research Professor, Biblical Studies, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

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Please note this statement in Dr Barrett’s endorsement :—

‘Anderson exposes his heart as he chronicles his journey from rigid separatism to a more balanced interpretation and application of biblical separation. Happily, there are many —myself included—that have taken the same journey.’

The ‘rigid separatism’ from which Chris Anderson and Dr Barrett have journeyed, to take up a position of a ‘more balanced interpretation and application of biblical separation’, is that separation taught in the Word of God and which the Free Presbyterian Church here in Ulster has sought to adhere to since our founding in 1951. (more…)