June 2023

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A mirror of this age - Part 3

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun,” Ecclesiastes 1:9.

This is the final part of a three-part study in which we are seeking to discover the parallels between what it was the Saviour encountered during His ministry on earth and how those events mirrored what it is the child of God may expect to face in this age that has followed His ascension.


IN THE MIDST OF THE EVIL AND TREACHEROUS ATMOSPHERE THERE WAS A FAITHFUL REMNANT

1. The Lord warned His servants many times of what was going to happen. I have already quoted Matthew 16:21. In Mark 8:31 we read: “And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” That warning brought forth the outrageously arrogant response of Peter. “And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him,”verse 32. What Peter said was of the devil for the Lord referred to him as Satan in those infamous words: “Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.”

 Despite this most foolish reluctance to believe the warnings of Christ about how things would end for Him, He repeated the warning again in chapter 17, verses 22-23 and again in chapter 20, verses 18-19. On the eve of His betrayal He still warned of the coming treachery. “And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified,” Matthew 26:1-2.

UNBELIEF

So almost from the beginning of His ministry until almost the last days of it, the Saviour clearly foretold of the danger ahead but a dreadful spirit of ignorance and blindness and unbelief stopped the disciples from benefitting from His warnings.

Is that not mirrored in the very same spirit found amongst God’s people today? Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-30 a 9:34 pm


Largely empty response . . .

THE LARGELY EMPTY RESPONSE BY ALL TOO MANY CHRISTIANS TO THE GOVERNMENT’S LATEST ATTACK UPON OUR CHILDREN!

The following news article has been mounted on the BBC news site.

Welsh Tory quits UK government over sex education law

Robin Millar is the Conservative MP for Aberconwy

The man in question is Robin Millar is the Conservative MP for Aberconwy. It is refreshing to see such a conscience amongst a parliament which appears to have little or no conscience!

Would that there was more of such amongst Christians here in Ulster!

He was one of 20 Conservative MPs who voted against the issue on Wednesday.

The rules brought in by the Tory government will make it compulsory for all post-primary schools in Northern Ireland to teach pupils about access to abortion and prevention of early pregnancy.

There have been many comments on this issue here in Ulster from parents with calls for actions of all kinds in response to this evil plan of the government.

All kinds except the ONE action that the Lord would approve of, namely the removing of children from under such instruction and placing them in a school governed by the Bible ALONE!

However, for me the reactions display a mixture of ignorance, apathy and continued carelessness. One Baptist pastor, in a letter to a local newspaper, tells us how he has instructed his children to withdraw from under such instruction. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-29 a 10:55 pm


A mirror of this age - part 2

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun,” Ecclesiastes 1:9.

This is the second part of a three-part study in which we are seeking to discover the parallels between what it was the Saviour encountered during His ministry on earth and how those events mirrored what it is the child of God may expect to face in this age that has followed His ascension.


THE EARLY TIMES OF SUCCESS SEEN IN THE SAVIOUR’S MINISTRY

We see further evidence of the parallel between the experiences of the Saviour and those of His people in the ages subsequent to His ascension.

1. At the first, multitudes gathered to hear Him. “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. . . . . And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about,” Luke 4:14-15; 33-37.

That was how it was at the first but that attitude did not last! “Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? . . . . From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him,” John 6:60, 66. Soon enthusiastic hearing of Christ was ended and a very different frame of mind had developed. “ After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him,” John 7:1.

In like manner, the earlier welcome given to the gospel preached by the apostles waned. Great success marked the beginning of the apostles’ witness. This was the case following the preaching on the day of Pentecost. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need,” Acts 2:41-45. This continued for a time. “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved,” Acts 2:47. “And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one,” Acts 5:14-16.

However, this success stirred the opposition of wicked men just as it was with the Saviour. Of Him we read: “The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him,” John 12:17-19. This His enemies could not tolerate. The Saviour was aware of this. “For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day,”Mark 9:31.

2. Despite the growing of opposition of wicked men, there was wonderful good wrought amongst the people. John wrote those wonderful statements which summarised the fruitfulness of Christ’s ministry. “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. . . . And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen,” John 20:30-31; 21:25. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-27 a 5:30 pm


Wars and rumours of war

A ‘watchman’, in the Biblical sense, is one who watches for significant events and who reports these to the citizens whose interests he is seeking to guard.

There are significant events taking place in the world in these times which need the attention of the people of God directed to them.

That is the duty of the occupant of the pulpit. While I do not have a pulpit, I do have a pen and I am pressed in my heart to issue a comment on these events, while I can.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster


WARS AND RUMOURS OF WAR

“And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet,” Matthew 24:6.

There are reports of many tragic events filling the news bulletins of late. We cannot avoid ‘hearing’ of such things. Hearts have been broken, families bereaved and that often times as a result of human folly, pride and outright depravity.

The murder of little ones, often by their own mothers and fathers, is distressingly common. It is impossible to comprehend such wickedness and cruelty to helpless little ones. Such crimes are inexplicable except when seen as but clear examples of the Biblical truth, that mankind, having chosen not “to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them,” Romans 1:28-32.

Two headlines this morning illustrate yet again the relevance of God’s Word and the omniscience of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-24 a 7:04 pm


Carscadden family start for Uganda

This report appeared in yesterday’s (23/6/23) ‘Belfast Newsletter’ and I know it will be of interest to many and the family will be remembered in prayer as they embark on their journey.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster


Northern Ireland minister and his family on a mission to Uganda to spread God’s word

A Northern Ireland minister has answered God’s call and is on his way to Uganda with his family to lead a local mission there.

Rev Ray Carscadden, who has been the minister of Coragarry Free Presbyterian Church in Co Monaghan since October 2017, is to begin a new life at the Emmanuel Mission Station, approximately 80 miles south of the Ugandan capital Kampala.

The mission station consists of the Emmanuel Church, of which Rev Carscadden will become minister, and the Emmanuel Christian School, whose principal is Noreen McAfee from Ballymoney Free Presbyterian Church, a missionary in Africa for more than 20 years.

Before travelling to Uganda, Rev Carscadden, his wife Rhonda and their children John, Isla-Grace and George were the subject of a Sending Forth Service in Dungannon Free Presbyterian Church which was attended by nearly 300 people.

Rev Carscadden, his wife Rhonda and their children John, Isla-Grace and George

Rev Carscadden, a former Science and Technology teacher at Clogher Valley Independent Christian School, was a member of Kesh Free Presbyterian Church before being called into the ministry.

Having completed four years of study at the Whitefield College of the Bible, he became minister at Coragarry Free Presbyterian Church in 2017. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-24 a 6:18 pm


National madness reaches new heights -- or is it new depths??

Photo by Jae Park on Unsplash

As a means of setting the many outlandish events of today in context, I often ask myself: ‘Just what would my father and mother have thought of this?’

I cannot conceive of what they would make of the unspeakably ludicrous happenings in some schools today!

Children are allowed, aye, encouraged, by ‘half-witted’ teachers, to identify themselves as various animals.

Of course, sin makes ‘beasts’ of all who surrender to its lusts. Jude makes this point. “‭But‭ these‭ speak evil‭‭ of those things which‭‭ they know‭‭ not‭: but‭ what‭ they know‭‭ naturally‭, as‭ brute‭ beasts‭, in‭ those things‭ they corrupt themselves‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Jude verse 10.

But this evil, deviant and bizarre phenomenon was never heard of before.

A teacher in Belfast recently called on parents to resist the proposed educational cut-backs.

School budgets: Belfast headteacher urges parents to fight cuts

But surely there is a greater threat facing children. This utterly freakish and alien craze that has broken forth amongst the young, parents should rise up and fight it!

In truth, this depraved folly has its origins in the lawlessness that a departure from God and His Word brings upon any people guilty of such a thing. The fruit of apostasy is seen in its fulness amongst the offspring of those guilty of rebellion from God. Rebellion against God in parents brings forth rebellion by their children against them. Paul stated that one of the marks of the final apostasy was this very thing. “Disobedient‭ to parents‬” (2 Timothy 3:2) is one of the many ills that spring from a defiance of God.

It is very obvious to a candid observer of today’s society that parenting has lost its way because it has cast away the final authority on the subject — the Word of God. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-23 a 4:06 pm


A mirror of this age - part 1

The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun,” Ecclesiastes 1:9.

This is the first part of a three-part study in which we are seeking to discover the parallels between what it was the Saviour encountered during His ministry on earth and how those events mirrored what it is the child of God may expect to face in this age that has followed His ascension.


The details of the life of the Saviour, as it is recorded for us in the New Testament, is thus given to us as a ‘pattern’ of that which we may expect to face individually and collectively as those who follow in His steps.

His words to His disciples as recorded in John 15:18-19, surely make that clear. “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

Generation after generation sees a repeat, in principle and spirit, of that which has gone before. This has been so since the fall of Adam. Thus we may see, in the events of history, pictures and types of what this world has yet to face.

Truly, there is no new thing under the sun!

The simple reason for this is, the three main characters in the proceedings and occurrences of this world are unchangeable by nature.

First of all, God is unchanging. “For I am the LORD, I change not,” Malachi 3:6.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever,” Hebrews 13:8.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning,” James 1:17.

The Westminster Confession of Faith, in chapter 2 says this of God: I. “There is but one only living and true God, Who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body parts, or passions, immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory; most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him; and withal most just and terrible in his judgments; hating all sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty.” Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-22 a 4:22 pm


Letter to the 'Belfast Newsletter’

I have just sent this letter to the ‘Belfast Newsletter’.It is a swift reply to the latest article by John Coulter, headed by this title: ‘Women ministers are dedicated and professional – so what’s the problem lads?’

It is written in his usual casual, trivialising style which, along with the garbage in the article, further belittles God and His truth.

It is to the shame of the ‘Belfast Newsletter’ that it publishes this offensive drivel. Doubtless there will be those who welcome it, especially amongst the ranks of apostate ‘Irish Presbyterians’!

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster


Dear Editor,

Poor John Coulter! He really does make a career of displaying his ignorance of God’s mind and will and revealed purpose.He heads up his latest nonsensical article, for which the ‘Belfast Newsletter’ doubtless pays him and aids him in his propagation of error, with the question: “Women ministers are dedicated and professional – so what’s the problem lads?”

Those who oppose woman ordained as ministers are simply following the apostolic instructions laid down for the early church in its formative years.

“‭This ‭is‭ a true‭ saying‭, If a man‭ desire‭‭ the office of a bishop‭, (interchangeable with the terms ‘elder’ or ‘presbyter’) he desireth‭‭ a good‭ work‭.‭ ‭A bishop‭ then‭ must‭‭ be‭‭ blameless‭, the husband‭ of one‭ wife‭, vigilant‭, sober‭, of good behaviour‭, given to hospitality‭, apt to teach‭;‭ ‭not‭ given to wine‭, no‭ striker‭, not‭ greedy of filthy lucre‭; but‭ patient‭, not a brawler‭, not covetous‭;‭ ‭one that ruleth‭‭ well‭ his own‭ house‭, having‭‭ his children‭ in‭ subjection‭ with‭ all‭ gravity‭;‭ ‭(For‭ if a man‭ know‭‭ not‭ how‭‭ to rule‭‭ his own‭ house‭, how‭ shall he take care of‭‭ the church‭ of God‭?)‭ ‭Not‭ a novice‭, lest‭ being lifted up with pride‭‭ he fall‭‭ into‭ the condemnation‭ of the devil‭.‭ ‭Moreover‭‭ he‭ must‭‭ have‭‭ a good‭ report‭ of‭ them which are without‭; lest‭ he fall‭‭ into‭ reproach‭ and‭ the snare‭ of the devil‭,” 1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Now it would appear that Mr Coulter has no problem casting aside the divinely inspired words of Paul and accepting and arguing for that which is utterly opposed to the will of God.

Mr Coulter, continue on in this frame of mind and one day the Lord will tell you plainly what the problem is!

Sincerely,

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)

Kilskeery

19th June 2023

Posted on 2023-06-19 a 11:56 pm


The day Babylon's sins reach God in Heaven!

Click here to see the full book!

Yesterday I was greatly refreshed in my mind and soul as I read Revelation chapter 18.
It is a chapter which carries us into the future, to the time of the Saviour’s return in great power and of His judgment of that embodiment of rebellion and anti-God idolatry – Babylonianism!

Babylon, religious, mercantile and political is brought down most unexpectedly, decisively and conclusively.

“‭And‭ a‭ mighty‭ angel‭ took up‭‭ a stone‭ like‭ a great‭ millstone‭, and‭ cast‭‭ ‭it‭ into‭ the sea‭, saying‭‭, Thus‭ with violence‭ shall‭‭ that great‭ city‭ Babylon‭ be thrown down‭‭, and‭ shall be found‭‭ no more‭ at all‭,” Revelation 18:21.

Amidst the growing manifestation of Babylonianism all around us, in churches, parliament and commerce, it is so good to read God’s ‘epitaph’ for this evil system which He will most surely bring to an end!

I trust you benefit from the comments we made some 27 years ago on this chapter.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

“For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities,” Revelation 18:5.

(The following is an extract from the book ‘Shadow of The Antichrist’ by Rev Ivan Foster, first published in 1996)

A PDF file of the whole book is available for reading or downloading HERE!


GRIEF AND GLADNESS – Exposition of Revelation Chapter 18.

There is a distinction between the Babylon of chapter 17 and the Babylon of chapter 18. In chapter 17 we have the system of Babylon which had been at work amongst the nations of men, virtually since the beginning of time.

That system of wickedness will be centred in the city of Babylon, first in the incorporated union of false religions that is symbolised by the Great Whore and then, when she is destroyed by the Antichrist, residing in him.

The Babylon of chapter 18 is the great city of Babylon, which rebellious man left off to build (Genesis 11:8), but which will be built to become the capital of Antichrist and antichristianity. It is here that the spirit of iniquity, or lawlessness and wickedness, will be given a base. “This is wickedness. And he cast it into the midst of the ephah; and he cast the weight of lead upon the mouth thereof. Then lifted I up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings; for they had wings like the wings of a stork: and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heaven. Then said I to the angel that talked with me, Whither do these bear the ephah? And he said unto me, To build it an house in the land of Shinar: and it shall be established, and set there upon her own base,” Zechariah 5:8-11.

In this chapter we have the judgment of God falling on and destroying the base upon which this wickedness has been established. Again, let it be noted that there is an emphasis upon the destruction of this evil city which will appear so glorious in the eyes of wicked men. This same emphasis was seen in the vision of the great Harlot in chapter 17. God would have His people ever to bear in mind the end of these things. He who can see the evil maggot in the core of the apple will not be persuaded to bite the fruit, no matter how red and luscious its skin may appear. So it is with the magnificence that will pervade the world, particularly the Roman or prophetic earth, in the final days of this age. In its heart is an evil that will bring down God’s wrath upon it. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-17 a 6:00 am


Unrestrained man . . . .

UNRESTRAINED MAN WILL DARINGLY PUT FORTH HIS HAND TO THAT WHICH IS TRULY BEYOND HIS DOMAIN

Tower of Babel, by Lucas van Valckenborch, 1594

“And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city,” Genesis 11:6-8.

The news today has been filled with the details of the report into the behaviour of Boris Johnson during the Covid 19 crisis. Unsurprisingly, it indicated that he lied repeatedly to the nation and to Parliament. While it appears that it is acceptable for politicians to lie, and that repeatedly, to their constituents, it is a ‘no, no’ to be caught lying to Parliament.

Consequently, Boris was called a ‘liar’, and he, understanding what was in the pipeline, jumped before he was pushed.

And true to form, he has issued a smoke-cloud of deceits, fabrications and fairy tales!

However, something even more serious was in the news today which highlights another mark of man’s depravity, a much more serious facet of fallen man.

Man was never prepared to remain within the territory assigned him by the Lord. But like a recalcitrant animal, he has stalked up and down the boundary line looking for a means to escape the limitations that the Lord has placed upon him — for his own good and safety — and enter upon territories forbidden of God.

In the text at the head of this article we are reminded of the occasion, just after the flood, when sinful man manifests his failure to learn anything from the display of judgment against sin which wiped out all of humanity, save the eight members of Noah’s family.

The will of God for the family of Noah and their descendants is set forth in God’s command to Noah after the flood waters had completely dissipated from the earth. “And God spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with thee. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him,” Genesis 8:15-18.

The earth was to be replenished with a new race of humans and animals, springing from those borne to safety in the Ark. But, as our text shows, postdiluvian man was as stubbornly opposed to doing God’s will as was antediluvian man! Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-16 a 4:22 pm


Further evidence of just where the DUP is going!

The following letter was published in today’s ‘Belfast Newsletter’. It states more clearly and that beyond dispute, the direction the DUP is taking! The writer of the letter is a self-confessed supporter of the amalgam of perverts that goes under the acronym LGBT, an initialism that stands for ‘lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender.’

Now the alleged ‘engagement’ that Gavin Robinson had with the ‘the LGBT community’ while Lord Mayor of Belfast, he can deny, though I feel that as a lawyer he would know that there is too much by way of circumstantial evidence to make a denial ineffective.

The direction of the DUP regarding sodomy and its correlated companions in wickedness, has been very plain for some time now and became undeniable in the repeated endorsement of a candidate in local council elections who openly acknowledges her perversion.

This being the case, the obvious question that must be asked is — ‘How can any Christian be a member of this party which has utterly abandoned its once professed position of support for Bible morality and how can any Christian support the party financially or at the polls?’

Various attempts at an answer may be contrived from mangled ‘political’ reasoning, but none will be produced based upon the Word of God!

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster


Letter: The new deputy leader of the DUP is a good choice for unionism

A letter from Michael Palmer:

Published 14th Jun 2023, 08:11 BST

I congratulate Gavin Robinson on being elected as the new deputy leader of the DUP (June 9, see link below).This is brilliant news for the DUP and unionism.

I remember attending Belfast Pride’s Pride Talks Back in 2012 when Gavin Robinson was Lord Mayor of Belfast and was on the panel. I was impressed with his engagement with the LGBT community back then. Gavin is moderate in views and tone and is effective in communicating the DUP message.

I wish him the best of luck. I also note Sir Jeffrey Donaldson’s statement upon re-election as DUP leader that “the way forward for unionism must mean less hunting for heretics and more encouragement for converts”. I agree with this statement and I hope to see the DUP broaden unionism’s support.

Michael Palmer,

Newtownards, LGBT unionist

Posted on 2023-06-14 a 4:22 pm


How are the mighty fallen?

Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 2014 to 2023.

“‭How are the mighty‭ fallen‭‭, and the weapons‭ of war‭ perished‭‭!‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬  2 Samuel 1:27.

A headline in one of the national ‘dailies’, commenting on the ‘fall from grace’ by Nicola Sturgeon, former leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party, expresses the startling and sobering character of recent events in Scotland’s politics.

The humiliating eight-year fall from grace of the woman who could not imagine being wrong… Nicola Sturgeon was once the most popular leader in the Western world. Now she stands amid the ruins of her career. How DID it come to this?”

How indeed?

The most important element of the many-sided answer to this question is the solemn Biblical truth: “‭Be‭‭ not‭ deceived‭‭; God‭ is‭‭ not‭ mocked‭‭: for‭ whatsoever‭‭ a man‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ ‭‭‭‭‭(or woman)‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭ soweth‭‭, that‭ shall he‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ (or she)‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭ also‭ reap‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ (Galatians 6:7) and that God “‭‭will render‭‭ to every man‭ (or woman) according‭ to his‬‬‬‬‬‬ (or her)‭‭‭‭‭‭‭ deeds‭,‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬”‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬(Romans 2:6).

Nicola Sturgeon, a woman it would be easy to consider as atheistic in her outlook, since her political policies have largely been marked by an anti-Bible characteristic, has felt at least something of the fate that awaits those who believe that they are greater than the Lord and can victoriously defy His truth and triumph over Him.

From being, as the columnist claims, ‘once the most popular leader in the Western world’ she has descended to a police cell and questioned regarding the financial scandal surrounding SNP funds.

I believe that few will fail to see the connection between her support for sodomite/transexualism, manifested in the case of male rapist, Adam Graham, who demanded that he be called female and be housed in a woman’s prison. She finally said of Graham in February of this year that he was ‘almost certainly’ faking that he was ‘transexual’!

That was a stating of the obvious since every such claim is a FAKE! Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-13 a 8:55 pm


Abominable ‘Pharaoh-like’ scheme

A BBC ARTICLE THAT INDICATES THAT WICKED REPROBATES IN A POSITION OF AUTHORITY WITHIN THE STATE EDUCATION SYSTEM ARE DETERMINED TO DEFY GOD AND DEFILE THE MINDS AND THE HEARTS OF THE RISING GENERATION AND THUS BRING GOD’S JUDGMENT UPON OUR CHILDREN!


This BBC article show this to be so!

Sex education: Some schools tell pupils homosexuality is wrong, says report

How can a Christian parent, with children attending a state school, allow this situation to continue and not take steps to remove their offspring from under this abominable ‘Pharaoh-like’ scheme to destroy the sons and daughters of the people of God?

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

Posted on 2023-06-12 a 5:07 pm


Loving the Lord and hating evil

“‭Ye that love‭‭ the LORD‭, hate‭‭ evil‭,‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Psalm 97:10.

Much has been said and written about these two emotions of the heart and mind and which produce corresponding fruit in the life and govern the actions of mankind. And much of what has been said and written is totally erroneous.

That there is a close relationship between these very dissimilar passions is very evident from the verse at the head of this article. A person is either allied to the LORD or to EVIL

1. A LOVE FOR THE LORD IS UTTERLY INCOMPATIBLE WITH ANY SIN

It is entirely wrong to say that the Bible does not teach ‘hatred’. What it most definitely teaches is that we are not to ‘hate our neighbour’. The Saviour’s response to a question by a lawyer is central to the teaching of God’s Word.

“‭Master‭, which‭ ‭is‭ the great‭ commandment‭ in‭ the law‭?‭ ‭ Jesus‭ said‭‭ unto him‭, Thou shalt love‭‭ the Lord‭ thy‭ God‭ with‭ all‭ thy‭ heart‭, and‭ with‭ all‭ thy‭ soul‭, and‭ with‭ all‭ thy‭ mind‭.‭ ‭This‭ is‭‭ the first‭ and‭ great‭ commandment‭.‭ ‭And‭ the second‭ ‭is‭ like‭ unto it‭, Thou shalt love‭‭ thy‭ neighbour‭ as‭ thyself‭.‭ ‭On‭ these‭ two‭ commandments‭ hang‭‭ all‭ the law‭ and‭ the prophets‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Matthew 22:36-40.

Love for the Lord prompts and instigates obedience to all that the Lord has revealed to us regarding His mind and will for our behaviour. “‭If‭ ye love‭‭ me‭, keep‭‭ my‭ commandments‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ John 14:15. We cannot claim to love the Lord and live in disobedience to ANY of His commandments.

There are many today who would claim to be Christians and yet make the contradictory claim that there are things the Saviour commands which they don’t feel they have to obey! They explain away what is revealed to us in the Word, about which the Saviour said: “‭Heaven‭ and‭ earth‭ shall pass away‭‭, but‭ my‭ words‭ shall‭‭ not‭ pass away‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Matthew 24:35, by asserting that such things as they reject were born out of ‘customs and fashions of yesteryear!

However, it is entirely contrary to the teaching of the Bible to look on any of its direct charges as something that belongs only to a certain time or era. It is true that the Levitical Laws have, to a large degree been superseded by New Testament commands, but we have the direct instructions from the Lord and His apostles for such changes. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-10 a 6:57 pm


Gavin Robinson, new DUP deputy leader

East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson has been elected as DUP deputy leader

I must respond to the latest news about the DUP.

DUP: Gavin Robinson elected as DUP deputy leader

This is but further evidence of the DUP’s liberalising trend. Gavin Robinson is far away from the views and beliefs that formed the basis of the DUP at its beginning!

He most certainly would not agree with the old slogan of the party: “Save Ulster from Sodomy”.

As it is the DUP needs saving from that perversion. It has become more and more tolerant of the abominable practice until it can be honestly said that the majority of its members would be, at best, indifferent to the direction the party is going in.

This is seen in that the majority involved in the vote for a Deputy Leader, cast their vote for the liberal candidate, Gavin Robinson.

Here are some articles I have written on the matter in the past.

Mrs Lindsey Robinson’s Blasphemy – May 1, 2021

God is still speaking – June 21, 2021



Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

Posted on 2023-06-09 a 10:08 pm


Beware: Half lies

The following brief devotional study was sent to me by one of our readers and I thought it good to share it with you all.

Today is a day of ‘half truths’, which of course is not the truth for any deviation or deletion from the truth and it is no longer TRUE!

Preachers are required to proclaim, as did Paul, “all the counsel of God,” Acts 20:27. There is a strong temptation today to leave out that which might offend some. Sadly, it is a temptation all too many yield to!

Read and heed this exhortation and timely warning, please.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster


Beware: Half lies

(B. McCausland)

This world, being mastered by the prince of lies, has always functioned on the verge of truth, either economically, educationally, socially or politically at its best.

Such a trend regularly manifests itself in Christian thinking through half-lies we base our judgement upon, making us miss sanctifying grace in our Christian walk.

For instance, we take in the half-lie that the government’s duty is to ‘protect’ and even ‘care’ for the people at all cost, providing all sort of benefits, housing, education, and tailored support. With that we welcome massive protocols, amoral taxation, and unnecessary regulations that not only dictate personal choice but often impair freedoms. In reality, governments are set only to punish evil and with that, ‘protect’, not everybody, but honest citizens.

Then we have the half-lie about public education. We maintain that the state schools are ok because they might have ‘Christian teachers’, ignoring how helpless the teachers are when the state’s measures, curriculum and agendas are imposed with no chance to be opposed. The same applies when we underestimate the peer pressure our children face from the ungodly or from other children belonging to unseparated Christian homes. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-08 a 11:28 pm


Plan to impose a new “sex and relationships” curriculum on NI

Mr Steve Baker, MP, Minister of State for Northern Ireland.

I am sharing this Belfast Newsletter article because it contains researched details about the ongoing evil campaign mounted by Westminster which is designed to undermine and destroy in Ulster our historic Bible Christianity and the moral standards that arise from such. This is done in order to promote the wickedness that springs from the ‘New Morality’, adopted by Ecumenical churches long ago and fanatically supported by various women’s groups and shamefully by the NSPCC NI and of course, by Sinn Fein.

It is a sad comment on today’s ‘Christianity’ that this wickedness by the Secretary of State is aided by Mr Steve Baker, MP, Minister of State for Northern Ireland. Mr Baker would claim to be a Christian and a member of a Baptist Church in England. See his profile here.

Such betrayal of God’s truth and attacks upon His witness and testimony here in Ulster will not go unnoticed by Heaven!

The State School system has become the chief means of destroying the next generation by directing them away from God and His Word.

Christian, is your child under such satanic instruction?

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

7th June 2023


Unionists voice dismay as Tory Northern Ireland Secretary says he will impose new ‘sex and relationships’ education on the Province from London – including teaching pupils they have a right to abortion Unionists have voiced dismay at the Northern Ireland Secretary’s plan to impose a new “sex and relationships” curriculum on the Province, including teaching pupils about their right to abortion.

 

By Adam Kula

Belfast Newsletter

Chris Heaton-Harris’ Northern Ireland Office announced the move on Tuesday afternoon, prompting the DUP to wonder why he was prioritising changes to the curriculum over shoring up the funding for schools.

Meanwhile the TUV accused him of imposing “left-wing ideology” onto pupils, and advised parents to opt-out of having their children sit through such classes.

It comes against a backdrop of DUP displeasure with Mr Heaton-Harris over his ongoing calls for the party to drop its boycott of Stormont over the Irish Sea border. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-07 a 10:22 pm


The spirit of the Egyptian bondage re-emerges!

I have just obtained a copy from a friend of a news briefing sent out by one ‘Niamh Burns’ of the ‘Communications Team’ which is a statement issued on behalf of the The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, the Right Honourable Chris Heaton-Harris today, June 6th..

Israel in Egypt (1867), by Edward Poynter

The statement is headed:

New — requirements for Relationship and Sexuality Education curriculum in Northern Ireland

I quote some of the words of the statement with my emphasis added.

The UK Government is updating the requirements for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) curriculum in Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris has announced today (Tuesday 6 June).

The Regulations will amend the Education (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, and the Education (Curriculum Minimum Content) Order (Northern Ireland) 2007 in relation to Key Stage 3 and 4.

They will make age-appropriate, comprehensive and scientifically accurate education on sexual and reproductive health and rights, covering prevention of early pregnancy and access to abortion, a compulsory component of curriculum for adolescents.

They will also place a duty on the Department of Education to issue guidance on the content and delivery of the education to be provided by 1 January 2024. 

The Department will also be under a statutory duty to make Regulations about the circumstances in which at the request of a parent, a pupil may be excused from receiving that education, or specified elements of that education. 

Consultation with parents on Relationship and Sexuality Education is already common practice in Northern Ireland and we expect the Department of Education to ensure schools afford parents the opportunity to review relevant materials.

The Regulations, in practice, will result in educating adolescents on issues such as how to prevent a pregnancy, the legal right to an abortion in Northern Ireland, and how relevant services may be accessed. Click to read more…

Posted on 2023-06-06 a 6:07 pm


An old acquaintance visited after 58 years!

“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


A timely testimony from 130 years ago

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.”


THE POPE’S BLESSING

A Protestant Sigh

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