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Why He is coming! Pt 2

This Lord’s Day evening at Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church, Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd) preached on the subject, “Why He is Coming!” This is the second part to the sermon preached last Lord’s Day.

This message was a part of the Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony Autumn Meeting on the subject “Behold He Cometh!”



Read sermon notes here

 

Watch a video of this sermon below:


Posted on 2025-09-29 a 12:26 am


Studies in Ezekiel 28 - Part 1

First study — verses 1-10

A FORESHADOWING OF THE ANTICHRIST

The Bible was written “for‭ our‭ learning‬‬,” (Romans 15:4). One of the subjects the Lord would have us instructed in is the iniquitous events of the last days.

Time and time again, from the very early days of this world, the Lord has set forth warnings about the ‘last days’. Thus we find Jacob on his deathbed, speaking to his sons of the “last days”.

“‭And Jacob‭ called‭‭ unto his sons‭, and said‭‭, Gather yourselves together‭‭, that I may tell‭‭ you ‭that‭ which shall befall‭‭ you in the last‭ days‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Genesis 49:1.

Even further back, we are told by Jude that Enoch, in the dawn of time, spoke of the rebellion of men just before the Saviour’s return, Jude 14-15.

Here in this chapter of Ezekiel, we are given information on three features that will be prominent at the close of this age. This is but one of many such foreshadowings. The repeating of these details indicates that the Lord would have us to be well informed and warned, for the last days will be days of great deception and many, even the true people of God, will be deceived and will require God’s intervention to deliver them from the deceptions and entanglements of the devil.

Remember, the Saviour said: “‭Likewise‭ also‭ as‭ it was‭‭ in‭ the days‭ of Lot‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ . . . ‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭Even‭ thus‭ shall it be‭‭ in the day‭‭ when the Son‭ of man‭ is revealed‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Luke 17:28-30.

Lot was deceived and deluded and carried away with the wickedness of Sodom and had to be forcibly removed by the angels the Lord sent to warn him. “‭And while he lingered‭‭, the men‭ laid hold‭‭ upon his hand‭, and upon the hand‭ of his wife‭, and upon the hand‭ of his two‭ daughters‭; the LORD‭ being merciful‭ unto him: and they brought him forth‭‭, and set him‭‭ without‭ the city‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Genesis 19:16.

One of the most difficult tasks given to the servants of God to accomplish, is to successfully warn and convince straying Christians of their error and the harvest they will reap if they do not obey God!

In the first ten verses of this chapter, the Lord gives us a prophetic picture of a personage the Lord would have His people, destined to live in the last days, recognise and understand clearly. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-26 a 6:00 am


The faithful sigh while the foolish smile!!! Part 2

“Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes,” Ezekiel 21:6.

“For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season,” 2 Corinthians 7:8.

In my first study of these two verses, I looked at the message and ministry of Ezekiel the prophet.

I believe it true to say that few believed the message of Ezekiel and the judgment he spoke of fell on the nation.

I turn to the second chapter I read that day, 18th September inst, — 2 Corinthians 7.

It begins with a reference to the cleansing power of the Word of God.

“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” verse 1.

St Paul Preaching at Athens, painting by Raphael

The Saviour spoke to His disciples of the sanctifying power of His Word. “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you,” John 15:3. He also prayed to His Heavenly Father that He might cleanse His people by that Word.

“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth,” John 17:15-17.

The preaching of the Word of God and obedience of it, is the means, used by God ,whereby Christians, while in this world, are kept from its evil influences.

Where a people, professing faith in Christ, show a conformity to this world, then it is because God’s Word is not being preached or it is not being obeyed or both! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-24 a 6:00 am


Let true Bible-believers be aware that Charlie Kirk was of the same spirit as Billy Graham!

Charlie Kirk speaking with attendees at the 2025 Student Action Summit at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida.
13 July 2025 by Gage Skidmore

Without question, the murder of Charlie Kirk was a very grave crime.

However, the sympathy and horror arising from that wickedness must not blind the Christian to the fact that Charlie Kirk was not a Bible-believing Christian.

Proof of that may be seen in that he married a woman who is a Roman Catholic. Furthermore, he has attended the Roman Catholic Mass, something the Thirty Nine Articles of the historic Church of England taught was a blasphemous fable!

The Offering of Christ once made is that perfect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction, for all the sins of the whole world, both original and actual; and there is none other satisfaction for sin, but that alone.

Wherefore the sacrifices of Masses, in the which it was commonly said, that the Priest did offer Christ for the quick and the dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, were blasphemous fables, and dangerous deceits, Article 31.”

On a website, entitled: Charlie Kirk’s Wife: What We Know About Erika Kirk’s Catholic Faith, there is very interesting information on the unbiblical beliefs of Charlie Kirk!

There are links on that site to other articles which tell a very different story from the one the devil would have the true Christian believe!

“During a July 16 episode of “The Charlie Kirk Show” on “Real America’s Voice,” Kirk explained that he believes Protestants do not venerate or talk about Mary enough. He said she “is the solution” to “toxic feminism in America.” —

Mary is the solution to toxic feminism in America we don’t talk about Mary enough’

It was reported on The National Catholic Register website that Donald Trump made the following comments at the funeral of Charlie Kirk:

What was even more important to Charlie than politics and service was the choice he made in the fifth grade — which he called the most important decision of his life — to become a Christian and a follower of his Savior Jesus Christ,”Trump, a self-identified nondenominational Christian.”

Trump, a ‘self-identified nondenominational Christian’ whatever that is, is an evil joke! His ‘endorsement’ is in truth a condemnation of the religion of Charlie Kirk!

Trump is an immoral, foul-mouthed deceiver, who will ultimately bring divine judgment on America for embracing him!

The whole charade that was the Charlie Kirk funeral, is but a display of a religion against which the Lord warns us in His Word.

“‭This‭ know‭‭ also‭, that‭ in‭ the last‭ days‭ perilous‭ times‭ shall come‭‭.‭ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬For‭ men‭ shall be‬‬‬ lovers of their own selves‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭ . . . ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬having‭‭ a form‭ of godliness‭, but‭ denying‭‭ the power‭ thereof‭: from‭ such‭ turn away‭‭,‭”‬ 2 Timothy 3:1-2, 5.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

CHRISTIAN, BE WARNED!!

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
Monday 22nd September 2025

Posted on 2025-09-22 a 5:58 pm


Why He is coming!

This Lord’s Day morning at Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church, Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd) preached on the subject, “Why He is Coming!”

This message was a part of the Sovereign Grace Advent Testimony Autumn Meeting on the subject “Behold He Cometh!”



Read sermon notes here

 

Watch a video of this sermon below:


Posted on 2025-09-21 a 4:55 pm


The faithful sigh while the foolish smile!!! Part 1

“Sigh therefore, thou son of man, with the breaking of thy loins; and with bitterness sigh before their eyes,” Ezekiel 21:6.

“For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season,” 2 Corinthians 7:8.

I was greatly encouraged by two chapters which were part of my daily reading on the morning of Thursday, 19th September.

The first was Ezekiel chapter 21 and the other was 2 Corinthians chapter 7.

The atmosphere amongst the people of God in 2025 is very different from that which I encountered as a new convert to Christ in 1964!

Back then I was brought, by the wonderful mercy of God, under the preaching of one who was a man filled with the Holy Spirit and preaching forth God’s Word in faithfulness and with power — he was Ian Paisley!

Joel chapter 2

Shortly after I started attending Ravenhill Free Presbyterian Church, Dr Paisley began a series of message from Joel chapter 2. It was all about the preparation necessary in order to pray effectually for revival.

I can still recall those meetings, especially his dealing with the verses 15-25.

“Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things. Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the fats shall overflow with wine and oil. And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.”

Even now as I read those words, I sense again something of the joyous anticipation of God’s answering of prayer. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-20 a 6:00 am


Are you a 'Lot' like him??

And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds),” 2 Peter 2:6-8.

We could be forgiven for believing that Lot was not a saved man were we only to have the accounts of him recorded in the book of Genesis.

He was not called by the Lord to go forth from Babylon to the land promised to Abraham. He merely tagged along with his uncle!

Lot Fleeing from Sodom, oil on panel, 1810 by Benjamin West (American, 1738-1820)

“Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran,” Genesis 12:1-4.

I have no doubt that Abraham would have shared the contents of the Lord’s promise with his family members, including Lot, and I would be of the opinion that it was the prospect of future ‘material’ benefits that were to be bestowed upon his uncle, and which he could share in, that moved Lot to go with Abraham to the land promised of God.

This is not just an opinion based upon mere prejudice on my part, but rather on the information given us about Lot in the divine record.

In the many references to Abraham building altars and calling upon the Lord, there is no mention of Lot sharing in these times of worship!

Quarrel

In the incident involving strife between the herdsmen of the two men, I believe we can see a kindly, accommodating spirit manifested by Abraham. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-19 a 6:00 am


My reply to a brother in Christ who belongs to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland on matters which some Free Presbyterian Ministers are mistaken about !!

Just recently I received an email most courteously written by a brother in Christ, who is a member of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

He felt that as a Christian he could maintain his walk with the Lord in that denomination and hope that the Free Presbyterian Church and his could work together to further the cause of Christ.

I attempted to reply in the manner in which his email was written but I did have strong things to unavoidably say and in a bid to be faithful to the Word of God sought not to ‘water down’ Holy Scripture.

The Lord’s command to Jeremiah clearly indicates that there is the temptation to couch God’s Word in what appears less extreme or forceful terms than the Lord employs, so that those to whom we are sent to speak His Word, will accept it.

“Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them,” Jeremiah 1:17.

There is a lot of that folly about today. The ‘old fashioned’ terms of the Bible give offence to a world bent on rejecting Christ and all that is of Him. The objections of the ’sodomite lobby’ to the Bible’s references to their perversion and the inevitable damnation that such iniquity will bring, has provoked court action and public disorder by these perverts!

Sadly, even ministers of the gospel feel that they can set forth the Gospel in terms better than its Author, and are stupid and arrogant enough to engage in such folly and adopt the world’s terminology in place of God’s words!

For the sake of younger believers, who may be carried away with this folly, I am reproducing the answer I gave to the Christian brother who wrote to me. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-17 a 6:00 am


Yet another appeal to Christian parents!

Family attending church

Moreover thou hast taken thy sons and thy daughters, whom thou hast borne unto me, and these hast thou sacrificed unto them to be devoured. Is this of thy whoredoms a small matter?” Ezekiel 16:20.

As Paul the Apostle acknowledged, confronting Christians with their backsliding and disobedience of the Lord is not an easy matter.

It causes much heartache to the one required of the Lord to do it!

The apostle wrote to the Corinthian church, which he had to rebuke very sharply for their departure from the truth of God: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you,” 2 Corinthians 2:4.

If there is anything of the Father’s love and concern for His children in the heart of a faithful minister, then he will act in a manner like that of the Father!

 

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby,” Hebrews 12:5-11.

The passage in Ezekiel from which we have chosen our  verse, begins with the record of the Lord’s past mercies to Israel and ends with the oft repeated promise of future blessings.

In between is the sad account of Israel’s sins as seen by the Lord.

Stark Language

The language and descriptive terms the Lord uses when dealing with the sins of His covenant people, indicates that to the Lord the ‘backsliding’ and ‘rebellion’ in which His people were engaged at that time, was far more abhorrent and offensive to Him than the offenders could possible understand!

Backsliding dims our view of sin and it becomes ‘less sinful’ and more excusable than it is otherwise perceived to be by sanctified eyes! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-15 a 6:00 am


Letter from Dr Ian Brown is a ‘whitewash’!!!

Rev Ian Brown, Free Presbyterian minister

Free Presbyterians: Paul Givan’s decision to withdraw trans guidance is consistent with scriptural truth’

Letter published in the ‘Belfast Newsletter’ – 11th Sep 2025.

“The Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster welcomes the news of the withdrawal of the current transgender guidance to schools by Stormont’s education minister (‘Paul Givan: I have ordered the immediate removal of trans guidance for schools in NI,’ Sept 8).

We trust that this decision, which is consistent with both scriptural truth and scientific fact, will help our society to honour God and His Word, celebrate the beauty of His creative design and offer a pathway of hope to those who have become mired in the falsehood and misery of transgender ideology.

We still of course are campaigning for the removal of RSE from the schools curriculum.”

Rev Ian Brown
Free Presbyterian Church


Dr Brown makes no reference to the shameful fact that the ‘Guidelines’ on transgenderism and other perversions were administered by the ‘Education Authority’ which was chaired by a Free Presbyterian elder, Mr Mervyn Storey!

Mr Storey was, and is, in complete defiance of ‘Scriptural Truth’ by occupying and remaining in such a post, since there is no evidence, on the part of the body he chairs, of repentance and rejection of the wicked advice and counsel it administered to schoolchildren.

Free Presbyterian elders swear an oath at their ordination to ‘Be zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in working for the purity and peace of the church, whatever persecution or opposition may arise unto you on that account.’

They also swear to ‘Maintain with all the strength God shall give you the position on Biblical separation from apostasy as taken by the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster in 1951 at the time of its secession from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.’

Chairing a body which administered the perverted guidelines promoting the evil perversions of today, falls far short of being ‘zealous and faithful in maintaining the truths of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ’ and maintaining ‘the position on Biblical separation from apostasy as taken by the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster in 1951 at the time of its secession from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.’

Furthermore, the removal most certainly is not consistent with ‘scriptural truth’. The removal is not complete nor is the essence of the ‘Guidelines’ removed as they still exist in printed form and also in the minds of those teachers who were most happy to press them upon their pupils.

The removal of the ‘Guidelines’ from a website is mere ‘window dressing’ and Dr Brown ought not to give the impression that something scriptural and substantial has been accomplished for it has not! Mr Storey and any other Christians on the ‘Education Authority’ are still within ’touching distance’ of the corruption promoted by that body!

Dr Brown’s hailing this ‘sham’ as a great victory for truth on behalf of ‘all Free Presbyterians’ is a misrepresenting of the views of many and indicates either his gullibility or the view that he holds of the gullibility of the average faithful Free Presbyterian!

This is the Bible’s position on withdrawal from sin.

“‭Be ye‭‭ not‭ unequally yoked together‭‭ with unbelievers‭: for‭ what‭ fellowship‭ hath righteousness‭ with‭ unrighteousness‭? and‭ what‭ communion‭ hath light‭ with‭ darkness‭?‭ . . . ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬Wherefore‭ come out‭‭ from‭ among‭ them‭, and‭ be ye separate‭‭, saith‭‭ the Lord‭, and‭ touch‭‭ not‭ (a very slight contact) the unclean‭ ‭thing‭; and‭ I will receive‭‭ you‭,‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬”2 Corinthians 6:14, 17.

Anything short of this is not to be rejoiced in or proclaimed as a blessing or seen as being ‘consistent with scriptural truth’!

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
12th September 2025

Posted on 2025-09-12 a 4:56 pm


A dreadful message in a day of defiance - Part 2

“And thou, son of man, be not afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns be with thee, and thou dost dwell among scorpions: be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious. But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.

And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe,” Ezekiel 2:6-10.

On the morning of 30th August, I read the second chapter of Ezekiel and I also read from 1 Corinthians, chapter 4, as part of my daily Bible reading.

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God,” verses 1-5.

Some 650 years separate the writing of these two portions of Holy Scripture but it is immediately seen that the prophet and the apostle were called upon to serve the Lord amidst opposition to their witness by a rebellious people and they were judged to be anything but what they truly were, the servants of God seeking to deliver God’s message to those whose hearts were set on defiance of God.

Both Ezekiel and Paul were sadly deemed to be purveyors of anything other than God’s Word by many believers!

In this the second and concluding part of our study, I come to a sad conclusion.

I. EZEKIEL OBEYED THE LORD BUT THERE WAS NO HEEDING OF HIS WARNINGS!

“Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them. For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel; Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee. But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted,” Ezekiel 3:1-7.

Ezekiel was made a ‘watchman’ by the Lord. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-11 a 6:00 am


Transgender guidance withdrawn by Education Authority

DUP Education Minister Paul Givan

The differences that the withdrawal WILL NOT MAKE!!!

Below is a copy of an article which appeared today (8/9/25) in the ‘Belfast Newsletter’.

The change has come about as a result of the very adverse publicity surrounding the chairman of the Education Authority, which up to now had administered guidance on ‘Transgenderism’ to school pupils and teachers.

The publicity I refer to is that aroused by the rather robust confrontation of Mr Mervyn Storey, DUP member and elder in Ballymoney Free Presbyterian Church, by two members of the Burke family, Mrs Burke and a son, Josiah, outside Ballymoney Free Presbyterian Church. That confrontation was followed by  articles in the ‘Burning Bush’, in which there was a repeating of our ‘oft-repeated’ opposition to the two-facedness of Mr Storey. He has a history of putting ‘policy’ before Christ in his public life.

(See — ‘One Final Word . . . . .’)

This response by DUP Education Minister, Paul Givan, is part of the cover-up of the ongoing sell-out by the DUP to trends within society which are increasingly overthrowing the Holy Law of God.

The outcome of Givan’s belated decision will be nil in one instance and very detrimental in another.

It may well appear to get Storey off his self-impalement, but only his public repentance and repudiation of his past behaviour and resignation from the DUP, will do that!

1. It will not make any difference with the schools where teachers’ guidelines on ‘Transgenderism’ have been part of the curriculum and is embodied in the mind-set of teaching staff who are in agreement with such immoral thinking.

The rationalising of the ungodly perversions which took place until now will continue. There is no law to prevent teachers continuing to present the corruptions set forth in the guidelines now withdrawn from the Education Authority website. They remain in their minds and are still part of the ungodly agenda many school teachers live and teach by.

The statement issued by the Education Authority following Givan’s decision shows this to be so.

‘Support and advice remain available to schools on this matter from EA support services in accordance with DE policy.’

There were very few teachers who publicly voiced their opposition to the guidelines while they were in force and we must conclude from that there are many teachers who agree with this wickedness and therefore the ‘guidelines’ will still be pursued in state schools! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-08 a 6:38 pm


Those for whom it would be better had they never heard the gospel!

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee,” Matthew 11:23-24.

“‭For‭ if‭ after they have escaped‭‭ the pollutions‭ of the world‭ through‭ the knowledge‭ of the Lord‭ and‭ Saviour‭ Jesus‭ Christ‭, they are‭‭ again‭ entangled‭‭ therein‭, and‭ overcome‭‭‭‭, the latter end‭ is worse‭ with them‭ than the beginning‭.‭ ‭For‭ it had been‭‭ better‭ for them‭ not‭ to have known‭‭ the way‭ of righteousness‭, than‭, after they have known‭‭ ‭it‭, to turn‭‭ from‭ the holy‭ commandment‭ delivered‭‭ unto them‭.‭ ‭But‭ it is happened‭‭ unto them‭ according to‭ the true‭ proverb‭, The dog‭ ‭is‭ turned‭‭ to‭ his own‭ vomit‭ again‭‭; and‭ the sow‭ that was washed‭‭ to‭ her wallowing‭ in the mire‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ 2 Peter 2:20-22.

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (1852) by John Martin.

It is hard to conceive of anyone being made worse off by hearing the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ but it is undoubtedly so, for those who hear but reject or those who hear and make a sham profession of faith, are like unto the seed sown on the ‘stony ground’ in the Saviour’s parable of “The Sower”, in Mathew 13.

“‭Some‭‭ fell‭‭ upon‭ stony places‭, where‭ they had‭‭ not‭ much‭ earth‭: and‭ forthwith‭ they sprung up‭‭, because‭ they had‭‭ no‭ deepness‭ of earth‭:‭ ‭And‭ when the sun‭ was up‭‭, they were scorched‭‭; and‭ because‭ they had‭‭ no‭ root‭, they withered away‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ verses 5-6.

Explanation

The Lord Jesus explains to His disciples what He means by this analogy.

“‭But‭ he that received the seed‭‭ into‭ stony places‭, the same‭ is‭‭ he that heareth‭‭ the word‭, and‭ anon‭ with‭ joy‭ receiveth‭‭ it‭;‭ ‭Yet‭ hath he‭‭ not‭ root‭ in‭ himself‭, but‭ dureth‭‭ for a while‭: for‭ when tribulation‭ or‭ persecution‭ ariseth‭‭ because‭ of the word‭, by and by‭ he is offended‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ verses 20-21.

There is terrible judgment awaiting those who reject the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and perhaps worse still for those who make a pretence of obeying the gospel only to cast it aside later.

Sodomites

The judgment that awaits the sodomite is explicitly spelt out by Jude.

“‭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.

They suffered the “‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭vengeance‭ of eternal‭ fire‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬”! It is true that “‭The LORD‭ rained‭‭ upon Sodom‭ and upon Gomorrah‭ brimstone‭ and fire‭ . . . ‭out of heaven‭;‭ ‭and he overthrew‭‭ those‭ cities‭, and all the plain‭, and all the inhabitants‭‭ of the cities‭, and that which grew‭ upon the ground‭.‭ ‭But his wife‭ looked back‭‭ from behind him‭, and she became a pillar‭ of salt‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Genesis 19:24-26.

Destroyed

However, that fire only destroyed “Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them” in a physical sense. The inhabitants of these cities DIED under that judgment. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-08 a 6:00 am


Preparation for worship

This Lord’s Day morning at Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church, Rev Samuel Fitton preached a profitable message that all of us need to hear.

His text was Exodus 19:10-11, which reads:

“And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.”



Watch a video of this sermon below:


Posted on 2025-09-07 a 10:13 pm


Christians protest against the Enniskillen sodomite march

Those sodomites in open, defiant rebellion against the Lord marched in Enniskillen today (Saturday 6th), to wickedly celebrate that which the Lord abominates.

Christians were there to protest and to proclaim God’s Word and expose the dreadful errors of these foolish and benighted people.

Rev James Porter leading the protest

The sum of Heaven’s view of the lifestyle of the sodomites and their ilk is given us in Jude’s epistle.

“‭And‭ the angels‭ which kept‭‭ not‭ their‭ first estate‭, but‭ left‭‭ their own‭ habitation‭, he hath reserved‭‭ in everlasting‭ chains‭ under‭ darkness‭ unto‭ the judgment‭ of the great‭ day‭.‭ ‭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,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ verses 6-7.

The apostle Peter stated the same truth.

“‭For‭ if‭ God‭ spared‭‭ not‭ the angels‭ that sinned‭‭, but‭ cast ‭them‭ down to hell‭‭, and delivered‭‭ ‭them‭ into chains‭ of darkness‭, to be reserved‭‭ unto‭ judgment‭;‭ ‭and‭ spared‭‭ not‭ the old‭ world‭, but‭ saved‭‭ Noah‭ the eighth‭ ‭person‭, a preacher‭ of righteousness‭, bringing in‭‭ the flood‭ upon the world‭ of the ungodly‭;‭ ‭and‭ turning‭‭ the cities‭ of Sodom‭ and‭ Gomorrha‭ into ashes‭‭ condemned‭‭ ‭them‭ with an overthrow‭, making‭‭ ‭them‭ an ensample‭ unto those that after should‭‭ live ungodly‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ 2 Peter 2:4-6. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-06 a 10:57 pm


A dreadful message in a day of defiance - Part 1

And thou, son‭ of man‭, be not afraid‭‭ of them, neither be afraid‭‭ of their words‭, though briers‭ and thorns‭ ‭be‭ with thee, and thou dost dwell‭‭ among scorpions‭: be not afraid‭‭ of their words‭, nor be dismayed‭‭ at their looks‭, though they ‭be‭ a rebellious‭ house‭.‭ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭And thou shalt speak‭‭ my words‭ unto them, whether they will hear‭‭, or whether they will forbear‭‭: for they ‭are‭ most rebellious‭.‭ ‭But thou, son‭ of man‭, hear‭‭ what I say‭‭ unto thee; Be not‭‭ thou rebellious‭ like that rebellious‭ house‭: open‭‭ thy mouth‭, and eat‭‭ that I give‭‭ thee.‭ ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭And when I looked‭‭, behold, an hand‭ ‭was‭ sent‭‭ unto me; and, lo, a roll‭ of a book‭ ‭was‭ therein;‭ ‭And he spread‭‭ it before‭ me; and it ‭was‭ written‭‭ within‭ and without‭: and ‭there was‭ written‭‭ therein lamentations‭, and mourning‭, and woe‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Ezekiel 2:6-10.

The prophet Ezekiel, by Giovanni-Battista Tiepolo

On the morning of 30th August, I read the second chapter of Ezekiel and I also read from 1 Corinthians, chapter 4, as part of my daily Bible reading.

“‭Let‭‭ a man‭ so‭ account‭‭ of us‭, as‭ of the ministers‭ of Christ‭, and‭ stewards‭ of the mysteries‭ of God‭.‭ ‭‭ Moreover‭ it is required‭‭ in‭ stewards‭, that‭ a man‭ be found‭‭ faithful‭.‭ ‭But‭ with me‭ it is‭‭ a very small thing‭‭ that‭ I should be judged‭‭ of‭ you‭, or‭ of‭ man’s‭ judgment‭: yea‭, I judge‭‭ not‭ mine own self‭.‭ ‭For‭ I know‭‭ nothing‭ by myself‭; yet‭ am I‭‭ not‭ hereby‭‭ justified‭‭: but‭ he that judgeth‭‭ me‭ is‭‭ the Lord‭.‭ ‭Therefore‭ judge‭‭ nothing‭‭ before‭ the time‭, until‭‭ the Lord‭ come‭‭, who‭ both‭ will bring to light‭‭ the hidden things‭ of darkness‭, and‭ will make manifest‭‭ the counsels‭ of the hearts‭: and‭ then‭ shall every man‭ have‭‭ praise‭ of‭ God‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ verses 1-5.

Some 650 years separate the writing of these two portions of Holy Scripture but it is immediately seen that the prophet and the apostle were called upon to serve the Lord amidst opposition to their witness by a rebellious people and they were judged to be anything but what they truly were, the servants of God seeking to deliver God’s message to those whose hearts were set on defiance of God.

Both Ezekiel and Paul were sadly deemed to be purveyors of anything other than God’s Word by many believers!

Ezekiel

Ezekiel was required to minister to a rebellious people professing to be the ‘people of God’, but who acted toward the servant of God as enemies.

“‭And thou, son‭ of man‭, be not afraid‭‭ of them, neither be afraid‭‭ of their words‭, though briers‭ and thorns‭ ‭be‭ with thee, and thou dost dwell‭‭ among scorpions‭: be not afraid‭‭ of their words‭, nor be dismayed‭‭ at their looks‭, though they ‭be‭ a rebellious‭ house‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Ezekiel 2:6.

Paul

Paul was esteemed by the world and sadly, by many amongst the professing people of God, as a deceiver, as he states in verse 13 “‭Being defamed‭‭, we intreat‭‭: we are made‭‭ as‭ the filth‭ of the world‭, ‭and are‭ the offscouring‭ of all things‭ unto‭ this day‭.‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

So it has ever been. Was not the Lord Jesus perceived to be a ‘liar’, devil-possessed’ and a ‘deceiver’? (John 8:55, 10:20, Matthew 27:63).

As it was with the Saviour, so it will be with those who seek to serve Him in this world.

“‭The disciple‭ is‭‭ not‭ above‭ ‭his‭ master‭, nor‭ the servant‭ above‭ his‭ lord‭.‭ ‭It is enough‭ for the disciple‭ that‭ he be‭‭ as‭ his‭ master‭, and‭ the servant‭ as‭ his‭ lord‭. If‭ they have called‭‭ the master of the house‭ Beelzebub‭, how much‭ more‭ ‭shall they call‭ them of his‭ household‭?‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Matthew 10:24-25.

Message

The word that Ezekiel was required to deliver was a word to “captives”! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-04 a 6:00 am


The Saviour’s call for worship

Last Lord’s Day morning at Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church, Rev Samuel Fitton preached a profitable message that all of us need to hear.

His text was John 4:23-24, which reads:

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”



View a video of this sermon below:


Posted on 2025-09-03 a 10:05 pm


Starting a new KICS talks topic - "Analysing Acts"

As I begin a new study with the girls and boys of Kilskeery Independent Christian School, I have many fond memories of our first day back in 1979, when my wife, Ann, undertook the work of pioneering the first such school.

They are chiefly memories of God’s great kindness and mercy, whereby He has maintained the school.

First day back, rain or not rain, some of the boys had to get the football out!!

Please remember the pupils, staff and parents in your prayers.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster



Posted on 2025-09-02 a 5:41 pm


A few thoughts on a national crisis

St George’s flag flying on Leeds Town Hall in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. Taken on the 9th May 2009, by Mtaylor848

“. . . if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law,” Romans 13:9-10.

The crisis I refer to is the tens of thousands of illegal immigrants that seem to be able to freely enter the United Kingdom, there to be feted with what can only be called outlandish benefits heaped upon them, and that in a time of national austerity endured by lawful citizens!

They are referred to as those crossing the English Channel from France in ‘small boats’!

In truth, I have seen all too many Royal Navy vessels and RBNI boats unloading ‘cargos of illegals’!

Text

By and large, those thus ‘invading’ our shores are met by either hatred or a ‘hypocritical love’.

Our text is very plain and easily understood. The whole law of God is encompassed by the command, “Love thy neighbour as thyself.”

To ‘love’ our neighbour is ‘to feel and exhibit esteem and goodwill to a person.’ In truth, only a person who has been redeemed by the grace of God is capable of such.

Paul tells us that, “The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us,” Romans 5:5.

Without that experience, which is one of the effects of the “New Birth” whereby, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17, no such love is possible.

Being thus renewed by the grace of God, such true love is achievable, where before it was not.

Natural Man

Natural man, unconverted, unregenerate man, has only a perverted love, which entails being a lover of his own self . . . without natural affection . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, 2 Timothy 3:2-4.

Much of the animosity demonstrated of late, regarding illegal immigrants, is born of self-interest and a sense of being deprived of that which is our due, by those who have no such right!

Core

Now, it must be acknowledged that there is a core of truth in such a reaction, especially when it may well be true that the benefits bestowed on these illegals appear to surpass the welfare benefits that may be claimed lawfully, by true citizens.

Such a situation will naturally engender hostility!

However, there has been manifested an attitude that really has no justification in any feeling of being ill-done by others. Rather it is xenophobic!

Hypocrisy

I said that here was another response manifested toward the illegal immigrants, ‘hypocritical love’!

I refer to those so-called ‘liberals’ who argue in favour of a welcoming and embracing of those who come here illegally and in truth ‘demand’ that their needs, indeed ‘greeds’, be met!

It has been widely reported in the news media that asylum seekers receive free NHS benefits, bus passes, new mobile phones and a weekly allowance as well as other free benefits denied to citizens. This is upheld and rationalised by those who, generally speaking, show a despising of all things British.

Flags removed

The tearing down of the flag of England and the erecting of the flag of Palestinian terrorists, by various councils in the UK, is evidence of this!

Patriotic flag raisers attacked with ‘petrol bombs’ after hanging St George’s crosses in community but they say ‘it won’t stop us’

No, the professed love for the immigrants by such is utterly hypocritical. It is but taking advantage of the crisis, and under the cover of love and concern, pushing the left-wing agenda! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-09-01 a 6:00 am

August 2025

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A question that has set many on the road to heaven!

“‭‭‭‭‭‭‭‭Sirs‭, what‭ must‭‭ I‭ do‭‭ to‭ be saved‭‭?‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Acts 16:30.

Acts 16:31 is very likely one of the most preached on verses in the Bible.

It is an answer to a question that will only be asked by one whose heart and mind has been wrought upon in mercy by the Lord Himself!

Paul and Silas leaving the prison in Philippi. 1665-66, by Nicolas de Plattemontagne (French, 1631 – 1706)

It is a question that reveals three simple facts that I would like every reader to consider and, if you have never asked this question, then by the grace of God may you be made to ponder and ask this question.

I. WE DO NEED TO BE SAVED.

Despite this being universally true, there are very few who ever become aware of this truth.

The intervention of God is require for this question to be asked!

1. In the case of the jailor there was a most marvellous intervention! “‭And‭ suddenly‭ there was‭‭ a great‭ earthquake‭, so that‭ the foundations‭ of the prison‭ were shaken‭‭: and‭ immediately‭ all‭ the doors‭ were opened‭‭, and‭ every one’s‭ bands‭ were loosed‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ verse 26.

Now, it is true to say such an intervention is not the usual way that the Lord employs in awakening and arousing a sinner.

In fact, I would say that the chief purpose in the earthquake which shook the prison was not the salvation of this jailer and his family but rather the vindication of His servants, Paul and Silas, both of whom had been treated must unjustly by the magistrates who had them beaten (verses 22-23), and most harshly, by the jailor (verse 24).

The Lord takes note of such treatment of His servants and will in His sovereignty make known His anger at the cruel actions of men.

I believe that the account give us here indicates why the earthquake truck the jail. “‭And‭ at‭ midnight‭ Paul‭ and‭ Silas‭ prayed‭‭, and sang praises‭‭ unto God‭: and‭ the prisoners‭ heard‭‭ them‭.‭ ‭AND‭ suddenly‭ there was‭‭ a great‭ earthquake‭, so that‭ the foundations‭ of the prison‭ were shaken‭‭: and‭ immediately‭ all‭ the doors‭ were opened‭‭, and‭ every one’s‭ bands‭ were loosed‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ verse 25-26.

The pitiless treatment Paul and Silas and their praying, doubtless for the Lord’s help, brought about this wonderful display of God’s irresistible power!

However, while the chief purpose of this act by God was the honouring of His servants and answering their prayers, the Lord was pleased to work a subsidiary consequence of His action, namely, the awakening of the jailer to his lost spiritual state!

I think the word “must” indicates that the jailor was aware of the absolute necessity of salvation and the urgency with which he must attend to this matter. Many who have the beginning of a concern about the eternal safety of their soul are deceived by the devil and their own love for the ways of the world, into believing that they do not need to show haste in obeying the gospel.

That is most dangerous for we must not “‭Boast‭‭ . . . of to morrow‭‭; for thou knowest‭‭ not what a day‭ may bring forth‭‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Proverbs 27:1. The Lord counsels us: “‭Wherefore‭ (as‭ the Holy‭ Ghost‭ saith‭‭, To day‭ if‭ ye will hear‭‭ his‭ voice‭,‭ ‭Harden‭‭ not‭ your‭ hearts‭, as‭ in‭ the provocation‭, in‭ the day‭ of temptation‭ in‭ the wilderness‭ . . . ‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬Wherefore‭ I was grieved‭‭ with that‭ generation‭, and‭ said‭‭, They do‭‭ alway‭ err‭‭ in ‭their‭ heart‭; and‭ they‭ have‭‭ not‭ known‭‭ my‭ ways‭.‭ ‭So‭ I sware‭‭ in‭ my‭ wrath‭, They shall‭‭ not‭ enter‭‭ into‭ my‭ rest‭,‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Hebrews 3:7-8, 10-11.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

Dear reader, ‘There is danger and death in delay’! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-29 a 5:08 pm


A heartening message at the mid-week prayer meeting

The Minister, Rev Samuel Fitton, preached at the Wednesday evening prayer meeting in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church on the text:

“‭The fear‭ of man‭ bringeth‭‭ a snare‭: but whoso putteth his trust‭‭ in the LORD‭ shall be safe‭‭,”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ Proverbs 29:25.

It was a joy to listen to the message and hear an emphasis placed upon truths with which I was familiar in my early years as a Christian.

I would like you all to have an opportunity to listen to this message and be blessed by it as I was.

Please try and find the time to go aside and listen to the message.



The Lord bless you all richly,

Ivan Foster.
Thursday 28th August, 2025

Watch a video of this sermon below:


Posted on 2025-08-28 a 4:52 pm


Even a good man may raise bad sons! Part 2

“‭And it came to pass, when Samuel‭ was old‭‭, that he made‭‭ his sons‭ judges‭‭ over Israel‭,”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬  1 Samuel 8:1.

We have considered how in the chapters 7 and 8 of 1st Samuel we are introduced to a dark time in Israel’s history. Yes, it was during the time of a most godly prophet, Samuel, but darkness nevertheless invaded the land and prevailed for it was a day of disorder in God’s house!

But though there was a wonderful and merciful intervention by the Lord, Israel soon drifted away again for such a time of victory soon decays because of the backsliding amongst God’s people. Even the great prophet Samuel has sanctioned evil amongst his own sons as our text states.

Having considered these points, I come now to that foreshadowed in these chapters.


I. THIS PORTION OF GOD’S WORD HAS A PROPHETIC APPLICATION.

It must be remembered that these events were all taking place as a prelude to the coming to the throne of Israel, God’s king — David!

David anointed by Samuel, Raphael, 1515

I recall the happy day when I was a student in conversation with the one who would soon be my brother in law, John Douglas, when he pointed out to me how that David’s revelation as the champion of Israel and the slayer of Goliath, took place at his SECOND visit to the camp of Israel!

I learned that day how such prophetic ‘gems’ are sometimes concealed and hidden from our first glance at a passage!

There is a ‘quiet’ mention of David’s first visit to the camp of Israel in 1Samuel 17:15.

“‭But David‭ went‭‭ and returned‭‭ from Saul‭ to feed‭‭ his father’s‭ sheep‭ at Bethlehem‭.‭”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

His second visit was not so ‘quiet’! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-27 a 6:00 am


Is this how the Apostles honoured the Lord and set forth the Gospel?

March for Jesus gallery: Catching the atmosphere at the March for Jesus in Belfast city centre

I THINK NOT!

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance (hold one’s self off from, refrain from) of evil. 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, 1 Thessalonians 5:21-23.

Scenes as recorded in the Belfast Newsletter video.

HOW DOES THIS DIFFER IN APPEARANCE FROM A WORLDLY ROCK CONCERT?

The ‘March for Jesus stage!
The ‘March for Jesus’ stage

Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-25 a 6:30 pm


Even a good man may raise bad sons! Pt 1

And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel,” 1 Samuel 8:1.

Chapter 8 of 1st Samuel was the reading for today (16.8.25). As is ever the case with Holy Scripture, the occurrences of the past, as recorded by divine inspiration, contain a foreshadowing of future events.

That is implied in Paul’s words in Romans 15. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope,” verse 5.

The past actions of sinful men are but a pattern for the future actions of sinful men. Sin is ever the breaking of the Law of God!

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law,” 1 John 3:4.

God’s Law is unchanging and unchangeable. Therefore man’s transgressing of God’s Law is ever the same in essence. “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 what makes the Bible ever relevant! Man’s cures become outdated and ineffective. The ‘vaccines’ produced to deal with the recent Covid virus are not as effective against the new strains of that virus. BUT the Bible, and the gospel message it sets forth, is ever effective, no matter how man thinks he has outgrown his need of salvation by the blood of Christ crucified.

In this chapter 8 of 1st Samuel we are introduced to a dark time in Israel’s history. Yes, it was during the time of a most godly prophet, Samuel, but darkness nevertheless invaded the land and prevailed.

I. IT WAS A DAY OF DISORDER IN GOD’S HOUSE!

“And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjathjearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after the LORD,” 1 Samuel 7:1-2.

The ‘Ark of God’ whereon was the mercy seat, was the means by which prayer was offered to the Lord and it being out of the inner sanctuary, the holy place within the vail, in the Tabernacle, it could not have been approached by the high priest annually and the blood of the sacrificial lamb sprinkled upon it, and thus communion with the Lord maintained.

1. This breach in Israel’s relationship with the Lord was ‘long’ and resulted in Israel ‘lamenting’ after the Lord! A spirit of mourning prevailed amongst the devout Israelites. They desired to see a reinstatement of things as God had ordained. A people living under such spiritual conditions are not a happy, rejoicing, victorious people!

2. The answer to their sorrow was set forth by Samuel. “And Samuel spake unto all the house of Israel, saying, If ye do return unto the LORD with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the LORD, and serve him only: and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines,” 1 Samuel 7:3.

That is the purpose and calling that God’s prophets should have! They should show the way by which a right relationship with God is to be restored and maintained.

Woe unto any people who have not such instruction but rather have ‘careless’ shepherds, who make no efforts to promote repentance and return amongst the straying sheep!

3.There was an evil response to the people acknowledging their sin. “And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, We have sinned against the LORD. And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh,” verse 6.

That spirit of repentance was noted by the enemy and, as is ever the case, they instantly moved to attack resurgent godliness!

The sacrifice of Samuel at Mizpeh and the flight of the Philistines, Gérard Jollain, 1650, engraving, France

“And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. And the children of Israel said to Samuel, Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And Samuel took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a burnt offering wholly unto the LORD: and Samuel cried unto the LORD for Israel; and the LORD heard him. And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel,” 1 Samuel 7:7-10. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-22 a 12:48 pm


You are Invited ...

All are welcome to the services or to join in via Facebook

Posted on 2025-08-21 a 11:11 pm


Marching for 'Jesus'!

A flyer for the event in Belfast this Saturday.

On the wrong road, going in the wrong direction and led by deceivers!

The following is a report taken from ‘The Belfast Newsletter’, 21st August, 2025.

There are concerns expressed, and rightly so, regarding this ‘March’ because of both its ecumenical connections and its associations with those denominations which embrace liberal ‘Christianity’ with its adherence to every form of unscriptural doctrine and practice. Roman Catholicism is also one of those which has indicated that it both endorses the march and plans to participate in it.

The Bible’s revelation of Who Jesus Christ is, is rejected by modernistic ‘Protestantism’ and blasphemous Romanism.

Any ‘assurances’ given by the March organisers regarding the ecumenical character of this march should be rejected for evidence of the true nature of this affair is all too plain.

The true person of the Lord Jesus Christ is set forth for us in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

“The Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, being very and  eternal God, of one substance, and equal with the Father, did, when the fullness of time was come take upon him man’s nature, with all the essential properties and common infirmities thereof, yet without sin: being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, of her substance. So that two whole, perfect, and distinct natures, the Godhead and the manhood, were inseparably joined together in one person, without conversion, composition, or confusion. Which person is very God and very man, yet one Christ the only Mediator between God and man,” (Chapter VIII, paragraph 2).

That will not be the universal view of those in the ‘March’!

It is therefore not a place where a true believer in Christ and one who seeks to obey the Bible will want to be seen. It would be wrong to give any form of endorsement to this amalgam of modern day ‘Babylonianism’!

The Bible clearly teaches the position of separation from all that is out of step with the Word of God that is to be observed by the Christian. Any true believers who do participate are deceived and acting contrary to the warnings of Holy Scripture! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-21 a 10:54 pm


Some thoughts on Daniel chapters 7 and 8 - Part 5 (final study)

In this our final study, I want us to particularly consider chapter 8, verses 10 to 27.

I will be seeking to bring together other prophecies from different parts of Holy Scripture, which are parallel to that recorded by Daniel, and I hope to be able to do that with some degree of clarity and cohesion.

At the close of our last study we noted what chapter 8, verse 9 says. “And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.”

I suggested that these geographical directions indicated that the “little horn”, the Antichrist, will approach the land of Israel from the north west. I further suggested that to travel from the land of Turkey to Israel would require just such a direction to be taken.

I. THE ANTICHRIST WILL BE AN INTELLIGENT MAN, SPEAKING GREAT THINGS!

This we are told in chapter 7, verse 8. “In this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.” The eyes and the mouth suggest human intelligence.

The Devil whispers to the Antichrist; detail from Deeds of the Antichrist, circa 1501 by Luca Signorelli (1450–1523)

We are further told in 8:10-11. “And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, . . .”

This is explained for us, leaving us without cause to guess and theorise as to what is meant.

“And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end,” verses 25-26.

The phrase “a time and times and the dividing of time” is explained in out last study and is that three and half year period of the ‘great tribulation’ for the Jewish people that will only end when Christ returns.

1. A chief feature of the Antichrist is his blaspheming of the Lord. The “great things” he will speak are great blasphemies against God! This will take place during the ‘great tribulation’. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-19 a 4:45 pm


51st Anniversary of the opening of Kilskeery FP Hall, 17th August 1974

Yesterday, Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church marked its 51st anniversary since the opening of the hall which now forms the auditorium of the church building

Here are two pictures of that event. It is soul-stirring to look upon so many who laboured on the building of the hall who are now in glory.

One by one their seats were empty,
One by one they went away.’

We are thankful to the Lord that He has maintained the witness of the hall, which in 1977 was constituted as a Free Presbyterian Church congregation.

In February 1978 I became the pastor of the small flock.

The following year, Kilskeery Independent Christian School was commenced under the principalship of Mrs Ann Foster BA, now too in glory since June 8th, 2024.

 

Mrs Foster when I first met her in a Young People’s Fellowship meeting in Ravenhill Free Presbyterian Church, September 11th 1964 — soon to be 61 years ago.

 

The crowd that attended the opening service

 

The men involved in the start of the witness.
(L to R) Mr George Somerville, the late Mr Robert Edwards, who gifted the site, the late Mr Hugh Gallagher, Mr Ivan Morrison [holding a book], Mr Jackie Neville, the late Mr George Morrison.
Here are yesterday’s ‘Anniversary Messages’, preached by Rev Samuel Fitton:



View a video of this sermon below:





View a video of this sermon below:


 

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

Posted on 2025-08-18 a 6:00 am


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. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-15 a 6:00 am


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:

 

 

Posted on 2025-08-13 a 6:03 pm


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)

Posted on 2025-08-13 a 6:00 am


The other face of Mervyn Storey!

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God,” 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.

The following was posted by Roy Wilson on his Facebook page at around 11 pm on 12 August 2025.


When i was a DUP councillor in Ballymoney council, 2005 – 2009 new legislation was brought in to allow same sex marriage to be legalised in the borough. Mervyn was a sitting councillor as well at that time and was the DUP group leader. We always had group meetings before the monthly council meeting, but on the particular day that this law was to passed, I wasn’t told that the group meeting was changed to the middle of the day. The rest of the group decided that at the council meeting a statement would be read out saying how the DUP didn’t agree with it, but allowing it to pass.

As a born again Christian, I knew this went against everything I was taught and I also knew it would offend my saviour and Lord. The new law was going against everything God’s word proclaimed. 

So I spoke up at the council meeting, making a proposal that ” the council would not allow civil partnership marriages to take place in any government buildings nor within the borough of Ballymoney. My motion was seconded by my colleague councillor Audrey Patterson. It went to a vote and all my other DUP colleagues abstained from the vote, including Mervyn Storey.

But the unbelievable happened after the meeting when Mervyn pulled Audrey and myself aside and threatened us with the party whip, to not do anything like that again.

I made it very clear to Mervyn, I serve my master Jesus Christ first, then the party.

All this that has come out now about Mervyn doesn’t surprise me, he showed his true side to Audrey and myself. And since then the DUP has only went down a slippery slope when it comes to God’s laws

Shortly after this I resigned from bring a councillor and the party. I couldn’t stay in an organisation that sang about God on a Sunday to please people, but during the week stuck their fingers in God’s eye’s.

Peter Robinson rang me shortly after I resigned and I told him ” I wouldn’t tell the media my reason for leaving” it was simply put down as personal reasons. 

So there you have it, my real reason for leaving. And in my view, Mervyn needs to choose who he wants to serve. God or man. And Ballymoney free Presbyterian church should definitely be asking him this question. 

The country can do without Mervyn Storey, but it definitely can’t do without God, the one true God Jehovah. And He can definitely work without any politician.

Amen


The link to the post is here:

Roy Wilson 12 August 2025 Facebook post

Posted on 2025-08-13 a 2:25 am


Letter appearing in today's 'Belfast Newsletter'

Sir,

Mr Mervyn Storey only digs the hole he is in even deeper with his attempt defence of the indefensible!!!

It is reported in your newspaper, at 6.26pm on Friday 8th August, that Mr Storey had issued a statement defending his role as chair the board of the Education Authority (EA) which in its ‘Guidance for Schools on Supporting Transgender Young People’, promotes respect for ‘a young person’s wishes and use their preferred name/pronoun in everyday interactions’, and that ‘staff should give a transgender pupil access to toilets which match their gender identity, unless there is a good reason not to do so’.

In his statement he said:—‘The suggestion that I am, or have ever been, engaged in promoting transgenderism is without any foundation in fact…’

‘For further accuracy, I would point out that the guidance referred to intended to support transgender pupils in schools was developed [in] 2019, prior to my appointment as chairperson of the board of the EA in January of this year.’

Mr Storey simply puts his foot in his mouth by that statement!

He tells us that the perverted guidance issued by the Education Authority, which aids and abets transgenderism, was in place when he accepted the position of chairman of the Board. He obviously knew then that he was taking on the leading role in a body that openly sided with transgenderism. How can he now say that there is no foundation in the criticism that he helps promote this ungodly and utterly unscriptural and unnatural notion?

One cannot hold the position of chairman of an organisation which promotes transgenderism and claim that one is not a participant in the promotion of this evil!

Mr Storey should study the allegation that the Lord levelled against the Edomites who watched the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, though took no part. “In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them,” Obadiah 1:11.

Mr Storey’s pathetic excuse will not cover or conceal his wrongdoing!!

When Mr Storey was running away and refusing to answer, he was showing a little more wisdom than he is now in offering this moronic defence!!

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
Kilskeery
8th August 2025

Posted on 2025-08-12 a 6:26 pm


One Final Word . . . . .

The Crossroad, photo by Vladislav Babienko on Unsplash

The whole issue of Mr Mervyn Storey and his chairing of the Education Authority while that body issues evil guidelines to the state school system in Northern Ireland regarding ‘transgenderism’ and other vices such as sodomy and abortion, and its calling for a recognition of the legitimacy of that which God calls “vile affections” (Romans 1:26), and its seeking to promote such amongst school children, has been brought before the Free Presbyterian Church in a most definite and dramatic manner.

Mr Storey has long been involved in that which is quite opposed to the holy standards of God’s Word.

The Corrymeela Community

He was involved in heaping praise upon a most ungodly organisation, ‘The Corrymeela Community’ and wished the then chairman, Pádraig Ó Tuama, a Romanist and sodomite, in 2015 ‘well for 50th anniversary celebrations’, (Northern Ireland Executive website).

Money for Sodomites

He was also involved in the funding of ‘sodomite’ organisations in 2015. I quote from a ‘Burning Bush’ article published in January 2015.

‘Here is what was disclosed in an article in the Belfast Newsletter in its report of the Department of Social Development’s reply to Mr. Allister. “The answers received revealed that amongst the spend: £1,064,546.17 was spent on GAA clubs, with £273,000 spent on one club alone in Strabane, Strabane Sigerson’s Club; £1,134,100.33 was spent on Irish language groups; £138,997.78 was spent on a republican ex-prisoners group, Tar Anall; £83,176.18 was spent on the Bloody Sunday Trust; £259,087.93 was spent on Carrick Hill Residents Association; and £231,681.00 was spent on LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transexual) projects, including £170,000 to support the Strabane & Lifford LGBT group alone, and annual subventions to Belfast Pride.” (See a full news report here) We want to emphasise the fact that “£231,681.00 was spent on LGBT projects, including £170,000 to support the Strabane & Lifford LGBT group alone, and annual subventions to Belfast Pride.” While Free Presbyterians denounce and protest against the “Belfast Gay Pride” parade, Mr Storey, a Free Presbyterian elder, is engaged through his Department in funding the same wickedness!’

Mervyn Storey’s chairing of the Education Authority and thus linking himself to the Guidance for Schools, EOTAS Centres and Youth Service on supporting transgender young people is in keeping with his unscriptural stance in the past!

There has never been any action taken by his church, Ballymoney Free Presbyterian Church, where he is an elder, nor has any action ever been taken by the officers of Presbytery. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-11 a 5:07 pm


The Lord is answering prayer!

I believe that the Lord is answering the prayers of a faithful remnant of Free Presbyterians who have been praying for many years now that the sham and shame of the DUP’s hypocritical ‘double standards’ and continued deceiving of Christians, regarding its abandoning of Biblical standards, might be exposed for the sinful fraud that it is.

Here is a press article that does just that!

Party links make DUP outrage over drag event hard to defend

Poor Mervyn Storey is dropped further into the mire of hypocrisy by this exposure of the DUP links to the wickedness he claims to be against!!!!!

Of course, his denial is highly flawed, to say the least, since he willing took up a role in an education institution which pushed the ’transgenderism’ agenda amongst schoolchildren.

Furthermore, his links to Ballymoney Free Presbyterian Church leaves that church and its membership in a situation that involves them in this scandal, except action is taken to rightly separate themselves from it!

The DUP had claimed that they would change the ‘pro-transgenderism’ guidance of the Education Authority back in 2022, so Mervyn Storey, as a prominent and active DUP member, HAD to be aware of it.

Yesterday’s ‘Belfast Newsletter’ reported:

“In 2022, the then-education minister, DUP MLA Michelle McIlveen, told the News Letter ‘it is my intention to review the guidance’, but it still remains in effect today.”

“Behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out,” Numbers 32:23.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster
9th August 2025

Posted on 2025-08-09 a 6:12 pm


Mervyn Storey digs the hole he is in even deeper!!

Mervyn Storey

It is reported in the ‘Belfast Newsletter’, at 6.26pm on Friday 8th August, that Mr Storey had issued a statement defending his role as chair the board of the Education Authority (EA) which in its ‘Guidance for Schools on Supporting Transgender Young People’, promotes respect for ‘a young person’s wishes and use their preferred name/pronoun in everyday interactions’, and that ‘staff should give a transgender pupil access to toilets which match their gender identity, unless there is a good reason not to do so’.

In his statement he said:—

‘The suggestion that I am, or have ever been, engaged in promoting transgenderism is without any foundation in fact…’

‘For further accuracy, I would point out that the guidance referred to intended to support transgender pupils in schools was developed [in] 2019, prior to my appointment as chairperson of the board of the EA in January of this year.’

Mr Storey simply puts his foot in his mouth by that statement!

He tells us that the perverted guidance issued by the Education Authority, which aids and abets transgenderism, was in place when he accepted the position of chairman of the Board. He knew that he was taking on the leading role in a body that openly sided with transgenderism. How can he now say that there is no foundation in the criticism that he helps promote this ungodly and utterly unscriptural and unnatural notion?

One cannot hold the position of chairman of an organisation which promotes transgenderism and claim that one is not a participant in the promotion of this evil!

Mr Storey should study the allegation that the Lord levelled against the Edomites who watched the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, though took no part, “In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them,” Obadiah 1:11.

Mr Storey’s pathetic excuse will not cover or conceal his wrong doing!!

When Mr Storey was running away and refusing to answer, he was showing a little more wisdom than he is now in offering this moronic defence!!

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
8th August 2025

Posted on 2025-08-08 a 11:59 pm


Email to the Clerk of Presbytery

This email was sent by me today to the Clerk of Presbytery, Rev John Greer.

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)


Dear John,

May I enquire if the officers of Presbytery will act in the case of the very public exposure of Mervyn Storey’s continued violation of the teaching of the Word of God, the Standards of the Free Presbyterian Church and his ordination oath, with the same alacrity as they acted against Rev David DiCanio, who faithfully exposed the sinful use of ‘hymns’ of which the Free Presbyterian Church has stated it opposed?

Irrespective of the manner in which Mervyn Story’s hypocrisy was highlighted, his running away and his unwillingness and inability to answer speaks volumes.

I will add that I intend publishing this email for others to read for there is a broken-hearted desire amongst Free Presbyterians for action to be taken against the downgrade of which the incident involving Mervyn Story is but the latest shameful example!

Sincere regards,

Ivan Foster

Posted on 2025-08-08 a 5:08 pm


Statement from the Session of Hebron Free Presbyterian Church

Hebron Free Presbyterian Church, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland

The following statement was issued today by the Free Presbyterian Church in Ballymoney in response to a protest mounted by members of the Burke family against Mr Mervyn Storey, an elder in the Ballymoney Church.

The protest was about the hypocrisy of Mr Storey occupying the chair of the Board of the Education Authority (EA), which is charged with administering advice to pupils entitled ‘Guidance for Schools on Supporting Transgender Young People’. The ‘guidance’, we are told in the document is issued to, ‘represent emerging good practice regarding the support of transgender young people and should be considered carefully.’

It basically entails an endorsement of the perversion of today and encourages support for any pupils that desire to embrace them!

Mervyn Storey was appointed by his friend, Education Minister Paul Givan, with effect from 1 January 2025.

The following statement from Hebron Session has much to say about the manner of the Burke protest and I am sure there will be those who share, at least to some measure, misgivings about what happened during the protest.

However, there seems to a losing sight of the hypocrisy of Mr Storey, one of the members of the Session which issued the statement. He is neither defended nor criticised. There is total silence regarding him!

As I have highlighted again in my article :—

Mervyn Storey challenged – why no answer?’

This is not the first time that Mr Storey has acted in a fashion contrary to his ordination oath as an elder.

Why has the Session of Hebron church made no mention of the wrong-doing of Mervyn Storey?

Silence and smoke-screens are not part of a faithful Christian witness.

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)
8th August 2025


Statement from the Session of Hebron Free Presbyterian Church

8 August 2025

On Sunday night 3rd August 2025 our congregation in Hebron Free Presbyterian Church, Ballymoney, suffered an unseemly attack by some members of the Burke family from Co. Mayo. They entered our church property not to worship but create havoc, filmed without permission, and engaged in shouting and heckling, harassing those who had gathered to worship God. After a blessed day of Christian fellowship and gospel preaching, such behaviour on the part of the Burke’s was totally out of order. Their reprehensible conduct caused great annoyance to the entire congregation, especially to young children and some elderly who had to be evacuated through a side door to avoid their confrontational conduct. Their acclaimed purpose? To call into question our church’s integrity regarding its stance on the issue of transgenderism. Therefore, lest anyone should not be aware of the Burke’s methodology in placing doubt where it doesn’t belong, the Kirk Session of Hebron Free Presbyterian Church reaffirms unanimously our belief and acceptance of the Bible’s teaching on moral values.  Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-08 a 5:05 pm


A warning from a reader

“Mr. Foster, your recent emails are going into the Junk Folder and could be easily missed—maybe alert your other supporters.”

Maybe any reader who has not been receiving my emails of late should check their ‘junk/spam’ folders.

In fact, it’s always a good idea to review your spam folder / junk mail folder on a weekly basis to see whether there are any legitimate emails that you would want to read. Don’t allow them to pile up!

This is the second reader who has had this problem in very recent days!

HERE IS ONE CURE!

1. Open your spam or junk email folder.

2. Review the contents of that folder to locate the misdirected email.

3. Open the email and look for an option like “Not junk,” “Not spam,” or “Move to inbox”.

4. This action not only moves the email to your inbox, but also signals to your email provider that the sender is legitimate.  Particularly if you are using Gmail, it will modify its spam filter to properly deliver emails from that sender to your inbox in the future.

Sincerely in Christ’s name,

Ivan Foster

Posted on 2025-08-07 a 5:16 pm


“What can we do?”

That question has been asked of me quite a number of times since the video depicting two members of the Burke family challenging Mervyn Storey regarding his position on  ‘transgender ideology’.

(Mervyn Storey challenged — why no answer ????)

The ‘Belfast Telegraph’ report, which I quoted from in my article on the matter, states: ‘The pair accused Mr Storey of “enforcing transgender ideology” through his role as Chair of the Education Authority (EA) board. The ex-MLA was appointed to the role by Education Minister Paul Givan in 2024.The Burkes’ claims relate to an EA document entitled ‘Guidance for Schools on Supporting Transgender Young People’, a document first published in 2019.’

I understand that ‘The Chairperson role requires a three days-a-week commitment, with annual remuneration between £50,000 and £60,000 (subject to negotiation within this range). Travel and subsistence expenses will also be reimbursed for costs incurred while carrying out EA duties.’ (Education Authority website).

However, such remuneration will not compensate one who violates a solemn oath made to the Lord and who proves unfaithful to the Lord they profess to obey and follow on that ‘great day’!

The video and the newspaper report on the confrontation has caused quite a stir amongst Free Presbyterians.

In truth, it should come as no surprise since the two-facedness of Mervyn Storey has been known to Free Presbyterians for quite sometime.

I have highlighted his hypocrisy in the ‘Burning Bush’ on quite a number of occasions and have drawn Presbytery’s attention to his repeated violation of his ordination oath as an elder of Ballymoney Free Presbyterian Church. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-07 a 4:59 pm


Mervyn Storey challenged -- why no answer ????

The following is taken from a report in the Belfast Telegraph of 5th August 2025.

Mervyn Storey has been the subject of many articles in the Burning Bush in which his hypocrisy and his acting contrary to the teaching of the Bible and the oath he took when ordained as an elder in Ballymoney Free Presbyterian Church have been highlighted.

Here are two of the articles. Double click on the pdf image and scroll down to see all of the articles.

Principles abandoned – God’s Truth Betrayed!

Mervyn Storey tried to distance himself from funding of sodomites


The controversy aroused by this video ought to embarrass the Free Presbyterian Church in Ballymoney. But it ought to do more than that. There needs to be a recognising that one day “‭God shall judge the secrets of men,”‬ Romans 2:16. The exposing of the hypocrisy of Mervyn Storey and his running away rather than answering the questions put to him in this video are but a foretaste of that great day!

If they were false accusations that were being made, WHY DID HE NOT SAY SO?

Did not his running away speak volumes?

The minister and elders of the church have been told of Storey’s unscriptural conduct but nothing has ever been done. Now they too are silent!

How far from the stand of 1951 and the brave stand of Ballymoney’s founder, Sandy McAuley, have some in the Free Presbyterian Church fallen!

Here are extracts from the ‘BELFAST TELEGRAPH’ article.

Rev Ivan Foster (Rtd)

6th August 2025.


DUP councillor cornered by Burke family over education body’s transgender guidance

A DUP councillor has been targeted by members of the controversial evangelical Burke family over an Education Authority document issuing guidance to assist schools in Northern Ireland in dealing with issues relating to transgender students.

The Burkes confronted Mr Storey outside Hebron Free Presbyterian Church in Ballymoney

The 17-minute video was posted yesterday evening to the X account of Enoch Burke, who was suspended from his role as a teacher at Wilson’s Hospital School, Co Westmeath, after a dispute over his refusal to recognise a transgender student’s identity in 2022. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-06 a 4:18 pm


The real criminals in the 'illegal immigrants' crisis

The constant reporting on the news channels of just how many illegals are being ferried into the UK by criminal gangs, has reached the stage of ‘ad nauseam’! This is one of today’s examples:

Violent Channel smuggling gang’s French and UK network exposed by undercover BBC investigation

The absolute flood of channel crossings virtually every day and the hapless French police standing by, indeed often assisting the illegals; the pathetic and utterly ineffective measures proposed, applied and scrapped as useless by our Westminster government; the hand-flapping fulminations from the sidelines by politicians who, in the past, have proved themselves to be equally inadequate – (but who expect the general public to be so stupid as to forget their failures), the ludicrously insane housing in top class hotels, feeding and putting extravagant sums of money into the pockets of these ‘outlaws’ — can only be explained as the workings of some sort of virus that has ‘unhinged’ the rulers of our nation!

In the light of how these ‘invaders’ are treated we can expect it to be law soon that if we catch a burglar in our home and stealing our property, we must not apprehend them and call the police, but rather we must give them the best room in our home, clothe and feed him and put our money at his disposal!

Migrants in Hungary near the Serbian border, 24 August 2015 by Gémes Sándor/SzomSzed

To do otherwise will be deemed unlawful and contrary to the human rights of the outlaw!

In truth, the assembly of maniacs in Luxembourg City, called the ‘The Court of Justice’ of the European Union (CJEU), formerly known as the European Court of Justice (ECJ), is the judicial institution of the European Union. It ensures that EU law is interpreted and applied correctly across all member states. It has laid down just how these miscreants are to be treated! It is at the centre of a web of a judicial system that dictates how all within the grasp of the European Union should live and act and think.

The United Kingdom left the EU in January 2020 but because of the mind-boggling jiggery-pokery of Westminster’s deceivers and liars, we are still under the influence of this evil foreign body! Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-06 a 6:00 am


Journeying through life clutching our own destruction

Rev. Ivan Foster

I have a few pulpit engagements here in Kilskeery during the minister’s holidays.

As the Lord helps me, I hope to speak on subjects that I have felt vitally important during my time of preaching, now in its 60th year.

Here is Sunday evening’s message:



Read sermon notes here

 

View a video of this sermon below:


Posted on 2025-08-03 a 9:32 pm


Dire consequences of a false profession

Rev. Ivan Foster

I have a few pulpit engagements here in Kilskeery during the minister’s holidays.

As the Lord helps me, I hope to speak on subjects that I have felt vitally important during my time of preaching, now in its 60th year.

Here is Sunday morning’s message:



Read sermon notes here

 

View a video of this sermon below:


Posted on 2025-08-03 a 3:53 pm


The Gospel Comes to Europe!

The Preaching of St Paul at Ephesus — Eustache Le Sueur, 1649, oil on canvas

“And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; there stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them,” Acts 16:9-10.

Acts chapter 16 is filled with the glories of the wondrous grace of God toward sinners. It is famous for the record of the conversion of a hardened sinner, the jailer of Philippi.

Is it not most amazing the lengths to which the Lord will go to awaken a lost soul?

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed,” Acts 16:25-26.

Folly

This wonderful event is quickly followed by a display of sinful man’s utterly foolish notion of what is the best thing to do in a time of crisis!

“And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled,” verse 27.

Paul’s response to the most unwise action of the jailer embodies the core of the purpose of the gospel. Click to read more…

Posted on 2025-08-01 a 6:00 am