The following two newspaper articles, both from a Republic of Ireland newspaper, indicate the corruption, deceit and downright iniquity of the Sinn Fein/IRA party and its leaders. There is no lie, no act of hypocrisy and no deed too despicable or treacherous for them to use to further their evil cause.
Chief amongst their victims have been their own Roman Catholic community. They have used them, abused them, robbed them and murdered them all in the name of ‘defending’ them!
Just when will the Roman Catholic supporters of Sinn Fein waken up??
Just ten months after her supreme triumph, Arlene Foster is at voters’ mercy
It is just three months ago that Mrs Arlene Foster and the DUP supported and encouraged the decision in the Northern Ireland Assembly to grant a posthumous pardon to sodomites of violations of the law in the past (See articles in our December 2016 edition). There is a price to be paid for defying God and His Law. No greater insult could be directed toward the Lord than for public representatives to pass a motion declaring God’s view of sodomy as wrong!
That is THE explanation for the difficulties that have befallen the DUP!
Murdered Garda’s son calls for ‘arms collusion’ inquiry
It is refreshing and gratifying to see the efforts of this man to expose the wicked complicity of the Dublin government, long denied and hushed up, in the arming of the IRA early in the ‘Troubles’ which led to the murder of his own policeman father.
Church of England’s rejection of gay marriage report welcomed
Truly, we are seeing the ‘days of Sodom’ re-emerging throughout ‘Christendom’ as governments, institutions and churches embrace and legalise the evil philosophy that damned Sodom.
Christian, take note of the warnings of Scripture and obey them!
Luke 17:26-32; 2 Peter 2:3-22; Jude 5-7; 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 4:1-4.
DUP MP meets campaigners on same-sex marriage… but party remains opposed to any change in law
The DUP continues to seek to strengthen its links with sodomy as this “Valentine’s Day” picture and exchange between DUP MP, Gavin Robinson and “same-sex marriage campaigners” illustrates.
SHAME ON THE DUP – Just when will Christians in the DUP obey God and separate from what has become an ungodly and compromising political organisation?
Failure to do so can only result in the judgment of God. Does the record of Sodom’s destruction in Genesis 19 and Jude 7 and the Saviour’s words in Luke 17:28-30 mean nothing to Christians any more?
Report of the special service in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church marking the 50th anniversary of the first Free Presbyterian services in Lisbellaw on 12th February 1967.
On the past Lord’s Day, February 12th, the church building in Kilskeery was filled with an overflow into the school assembly hall.
Rev Larry Power, former minister of Coragarry Free Presbyterian Church welcomed everyone to the meeting before handing the conducting of the service over to Rev. Ivan Foster. Rev Power is the minister in charge of Kilskeery congregation which is presently vacant.
Rev Foster was in charge of the congregation while it met in Lisbellaw and later at Chanterhill, Enniskillen, until he left to become the minister in charge of the fledgling congregations in Kilskeery and Kesh at the end of 1976. Read more…or listen to a recording using the player below.
Right or wrong, it is interesting to note the LACK of uproar over Ireland’s actions in comparison to that which followed the USA ban!!
Ireland last year refused entry to 226 individuals from the predominantly Muslim countries that are the subject of President Donald Trump’s executive order banning entry to the US to individuals from those countries. Read more…
The devilishly crafty scheme that Sinn Fein and its allies in government is pursuing with its pursuit of prosecutions of security force members.
On a trip to Lebanon a lovely lady who runs a local NGO told me of Hezbollah’s 100-year strategy to take over the place. They have no real interest in making the nation work until this happens and are quite open about it.
There is no rush. They have milestones. This loosely mirrors Sinn Féin’s strategy. Read more…
The moral malaise has its roots in ecumenism.
In a letter to the Editor of the Belfast Newsletter, Rev Foster points to the source of the “moral collapse” in Northern Ireland! He wrote:
I enjoyed Ben Lowry’s article ‘There has been a moral collapse – there is no will to confront IRA terror, past or present (February 4)’.
I totally agree with the analysis set forth.
The question that remains is: “Why has there been a moral collapse?” Read more…
Anger on peace nomination for SF’s McGuinness
Here is abundant evidence of the ‘moral collapse’ referred to in the previous article! – Editor
There has been widespread anger after former deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness was nominated for an international Peace Prize which has previously been given to Nelson Mandela. The former Sinn Fein chief negotiator joins five other contenders for the 2016 Tipperary International Peace Award, including human rights lawyer Amal Clooney, who has represented WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Egyptian-Canadian journalist Mohamed Fahmy.
There has been a moral collapse – there is no will to confront IRA terror, past or present
This article from the Belfast Newsletter touches upon the harvest our country has reaped from the witness and influence of modernistic and ecumenical theology taking over the pulpits of the so-called Protestant denominations. The article does not give this explanation for the moral collapse, more’s the pity, but it does touch upon the evidences of the dreadful decline in standards! – Editor
An appeal by alleged former IRA “chief of staff”, Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy, against his jail term for tax evasion has been dismissed.
Murphy was sentenced to 18 months for tax evasion last February after he was convicted of nine charges at the Republic of Ireland’s non-jury Special Criminal Court. – Editor
An appeal by alleged former IRA “chief of staff”, Thomas ‘Slab’ Murphy, against his jail term for tax evasion has been dismissed.
Murphy was sentenced to 18 months for tax evasion last February after he was convicted of nine charges at the Republic of Ireland’s non-jury Special Criminal Court.
The 67-year-old had denied the charges.
He launched a legal challenge at the Court of Appeal to overturn the verdict in November.
Murphy, who has an address at Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, County Louth, was prosecuted after a Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) investigation. Read more…
Sammy Wilson: The BBC suddenly loses interest in RHI when SF have questions to answer
Very often at football matches when the game turns against a team its supporters go silent and the opponents supporters burst into a song of “Oh its all gone quiet over there”. It is a song which could be directed at the BBC.
The following article, published in the Belfast Telegraph is not without fault but it does highlight aspects of the Sinn Fein/IRA – Dissident IRA scene that needs to be noted.
Nationalists complain of lack of respect in Northern Ireland
Seamus Mallon
Sinn Fein is making much of the allegation that little respect is paid to them and their culture in Northern Ireland. That, like most of their utterances, is a lie.
They have received support for their propaganda from the former deputy leader of the SDLP, Seamus Mallon. He is quoted in the Irish News of 21st January 2017.
“Martin McGuinness is not the only nationalist deputy first minister to have experienced a lack of respect from their unionist counterpart in office, as Seamus Mallon can testify. Mallon, who went into the first partnership devolved government with former Ulster Unionist Party leader David Trimble in July 1998 as DFM, says he received almost daily snubs from the then first minister and his office.”
Respect works both ways! The Bible says: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly,” Proverbs 18:24. A commentator said of these words: “Friendship ought to be mutual and reciprocal, as between David and Jonathan; a man that receives friendship ought to return it, or otherwise he is guilty of great ingratitude.” Read more…
The Retirement of Martin McGuinness
A chance to re-write history and white-wash a villain!
It has long been the ambition and the goal of Sinn Fein/IRA to rewrite the history of Northern Ireland as far as the activities of the IRA are concerned.
They have ever tried to exonerate themselves by seeking to justify their terrorist war by alleging that such was the treatment of Roman Catholics in the years between 1921 and the beginning of their terrorism in 1968, that Irish Republicans had no option but to engage in the war of terror that they inflicted on the people of Northern Ireland, Protestant and Roman Catholic.
Unfortunately for them, the majority of Roman Catholics did not see things their way. It was only after they ceased their overt terrorism that political support for Sinn Fein grew and they nudged out the more democratic Nationalist party that is the Social Democratic and Labour Party, from being the biggest nationalist party. Read more…
No answers on Teebane 25 years on
Vandalized Teebane memorial
(An article which appeared in “The Belfast Newsletter”, January 16th, 2017)
In introducing the ‘Newsletter’ article let me state some truths I have often set forth over the last 40-odd years.
The party constantly calling for inquiries into the shooting of IRA men by the army and police is itself most guilty of covering up multiple murders and other acts of terrorism in which its members were involved.
One of those acts is the Teebane massacre of eight Protestant workmen at a crossroads on the main Omagh to Cookstown road. It happened 25 years ago on 17th January 1992.
No one has ever been prosecuted for the crime and yet without a shadow of a doubt Sinn Fein leaders know who was involved and equally without a doubt is that those involved in the murders were Sinn Fein party members!
Yet the party screaming for “justice” for IRA men shot while engaged in terrorism remain resolutely tight-lipped about those involved in this massacre from within their own membership! Read more…
Family’s fury that Conor Murphy may replace McGuinness
The anger of the parents of a young Roman Catholic from the IRA stronghold of Cullyhanna in South Armagh is understandable.
But so too should be the anger of the many Unionists who have had loved ones murdered by the IRA, during the many years of that evil organisation’s terrorist campaign at the prospect of ANY MEMBER OF SINN FEIN HOLDING HIGH OFFICE IN OUR PROVINCE!
Sympathy is rightly shown to this one family, but there is less of a hearing given to the many hundreds of families who have to suffer the same shameful exacerbation of their grief by having to listen to the almost daily pontifications of representatives of the organisation which has the blood of their loved one on its garments. The Quinn family complain justifiably about Sinn Fein’s Conor Murphy “not doing more to help identify their son’s killers.” What of those whose complaint is that the Sinn Fein spokesman IS THEIR LOVED ONE’S KILLER!!!
There is TRUE comfort for the Christian in the doctrine of the judgment of God. In a comment on the Third Commandment, the Shorter Catechism states: “However the breakers of this commandment may escape punishment from men, yet the Lord our God will not suffer them to escape His righteous judgment.” That is true of all breaches of God’s commandments, especially the 6th which says: “Thou shalt not kill.” (Exodus 20).
There really is no hope of the many murders, irrespective of who committed them, ever being addressed here in Ulster.
But those who believe the Bible know with assurance that they will be addressed and that most terribly in that day “of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries,” Hebrews 10:27! Read more…
It’s now time to confront the lies told for years about RUC’s intrepid Special Branch
The following article from “The Belfast telegraph” makes interesting reading for anyone seeking an understanding of the evil terrorist war waged by the IRA and the brave men, much maligned, who confronted the terorists and provided our society with security in the midst of the years of murder and mayhem.
– The Editor.
Brilliant propagandists demonised the true heroes of the Troubles, writes Ruth Dudley Edwards
I’ve just finished reading Secret Victory: the Intelligence War that Beat the IRA, a fascinating book that left me very angry. Not that I haven’t frequently been angry about the appalling treatment of the RUC, but Dr William Matchett’s account of the exceptional contribution of Special Branch throughout “an irregular war” to saving lives, defeating the IRA and making a political settlement possible brought so much back to the forefront of my memory. Read more…
A WALK DOWN THE PATH OF DUP BETRAYAL
The following article, taken from the “Belfast Newsletter” of 3rd January 2017, headlined: “SF man shut out in 1990 would become key part of the NI establishment”, highlights the reversal of the political standing of Irish Republicans from 1990 to the present date.
The key to this elevating, this ‘bringing in from the cold’ of those deemed enemies of the State within a short period is of course the DUP’s acceptance of Power-sharing with the terrorist-murder-supporting Sinn Fein! Read more…
A very happy 2017 to all our readers.
As has already been announced, “The Burning Bush” website is being reformatted with fewer new articles being added from now on.
Up until now, the site was updated daily with news links, audio sermons and articles but that will cease.
The archive articles will remain for readers to search but new material will be added only occasionally as circumstances demand.
We would like to thank all our readers for their faithful support and trust that all will know God’s richest blessing in the incoming year.
The following is a report of an incident which took place while our brother, Pastor David Carson was recently preaching in the open-air in Chester, England.
It highlights not only the ongoing opposition to the gospel that we may expect from men but also the growing readiness of the State to side with the ungodly and use its powers to hinder God’s Word.
This illustrates the gathering storm clouds in a land where once the gospel sunshine brightly shown.
Christian take heed! Prayer for bother Carson and all who endeavour to preach God’s truth in the highways of the United Kingdom.
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:2-5.
– Ivan Foster.
Pastor Carson and friends preaching in the open air
“I was preaching in Chester city centre on Saturday on the subject of the rich young ruler who approached Christ asking what good thing should he do to inherit eternal life. I was coming near the end of my address, urging all to trust in Christ as He is the only Saviour, when I saw a Young Jew approaching with an angry look on his face. He stood for a while reading the banner and then he moved to his left and stood in front of me.
I continued preaching and said that Christ was the Messiah who came to save his people from their sin, though I doubt this young man, looking at the Jew would agree. With that he started shouting that I was an antisemite. I said since Jesus was a Jew and he was my Messiah, how could I be anti-semitic? Anyway, to cut a long story short, he complained to the police who, after abour ten minutes, came over to me and said that there had been a complaint and he was issuing me with a dispersal order. I asked by what authority. He said by a law passed in 2014. He wrote out a form banning me from the city centre for forty eight hours under the heading “Racially aggravated public order”.
He never asked me what had occured. In other words this was a clearly biased decision. It was only when I got home I realised the area I was banned from included the church, which ban I ignored.
I said to the police sgt, “Are you telling me that you have the right to deny me my civil and religious liberties.” He said that he did.
I don’t know where this will go as to whether I well be charged or not. I went to the police station this morning and made an official complaint about the behaviour of the police Sgt concerning the fact that he had not asked me for my side of the story which showed that he was biased against me. I will demand an apology for describing preaching the Gospel as anti social behaviour. The fact is that that policemen hadn’t heard me preaching so he didn’t know what I had said.
The Jew concerned was not dressed in the Orthodox garb but he was a nasty piece of work. The Pharisee is still around. The way it happened makes me think it was a put up job. I certainly did not expect it from that quarter.
Anyway, I will fight this tooth and nail and well not rest until I get an apology for the bias displayed and for daring to describe Gospel preaching as anti-social behaviour. Last year, when we witnessed at the satanic Winter Watch Parade the councillor responsible for the city centre described our witness as anti-social behaviour. He was given short shrift in the letters section of the following week’s edition but it does show the attitude of those in authority.
Please pray that this will turn out for the furtherance of the Gospel.
We have decided to bring our online publication – “The Burning Bush” to a close – well almost!
“The Burning Bush” first appeared in March 1970, though it had been preceded by other publications which I periodically produced in order to warn of the dangers of the ecumenical apostasy.
It was delineated as “A witness of protest in a day of apostasy”, because ‘protest’ was born in my soul as a result of my joining Dr Ian Paisley’s congregation on the Ravenhill Road in Belfast, within a short time of beginning to attend his church the Sabbath after my conversion, April 12th, 1964.
Dr. Paisley was a master at setting forth God’s protest in the Bible and I can still recall the first time I heard him defend his own ministry of protest from Jeremiah 11:7: “For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.”
Newspaper columns were closed in those days (as they are to a large degree still) to any Bible-based admonitions about the spiritually deviant paths upon which the mainline churches were leading their people. The only alternative was to print the warnings and seek to distribute them as best one could. In truth, such a course of action was born of the burden of heart that God’s servants felt regarding the betrayal of the truth of the gospel back then. Read more…
I read the following article and was much impressed by the clear exposition of the errors of Rome regarding Mary, mother of our Lord Jesus, and also by the setting forth of the Bible’s teaching about this blessed and dear saint of God.
I always remember the words of a young Roman Catholic with whom I worked in the woodwork shop while in jail in 1966. I had the joyful privilege of witnessing to him and his companion for three months and I often spoke of Mary and what the Bible said about her, knowing he would listen to any kind and admiring comments made about her. As I was ending the last day of my sentence he came over to me just before we were all marched back to our cells and said how surprised he was that I had spoken in such loving terms about Mary as he had understood that all Protestants hated Mary. How dreadful that such an impression should be made on our Roman Catholic neighbours!
Be it known: none loves the Mary of the Bible like those who are true Protestants. We honour her to the full extent of the honour given her of God in the Scriptures.
This article will set forth very clearly just what that honour is. Read more…
THE SAD AND SINFUL UTTERANCES OF A FOOL OR A KNAVE!
In keeping with his anti-Bible predilection, ‘Belfast Telegraph’ scribbler and Irish Presbyterian Church elder, Alf McCreary, launched an attack upon the Free Presbyterian Church in response to those within our ranks who voiced opposition to the Pope’s proposed visit to Northern Ireland.
Under the headline: “How news of Papal visit to Northern Ireland sees rise of religious intolerance again” he criticised the stand and witness of the Free Presbyterian Church. His article may be read here.
He makes two statements within his article which I particularly wish to comment on briefly.
The Lord’s question for those Christians in Stormont who assisted in the approving of posthumous pardons for those guilty of sodomy in the past.
Yesterday, as I sat amongst the congregation listening to the preaching of God’s Word, the minister turned us to Job chapter 40. My eye fell upon verses 6-8.
“Then answered the LORD unto Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Gird up thy loins now like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?”
The book of Job deals with the trial of Job by Satan which was permitted by the Lord for His glory, and the reactions of Job to those trials and his responses to the harsh criticisms of his friends who totally misunderstood what was happening. They believed Job to be guilty of some sin for which he was now being punished.
Job, though he bore the initial trials most patiently (Job 1 & 2) gave way to impatience and some anger with his accusers and even challenged God’s justice. Read more…
Jim Allister’s speech and lonely stand against pardon for sodomites
The two videos below show Mr Jim Allister, MLA’s speech in the debate in the Stormont Assembly on Monday 28th November on the legislative consent motion brought forward by the Northern Ireland Justice Minister to grant a posthumous pardon to sodomites of violations of the law in the past. Mr Jim Allister moved an amendment removing the reference to a pardon for sodomy and the videos show him speaking in support of his amendment.
Then the Assembly moved to what should have been a vote. The only person to support the amendment was its proposer, Mr Allister. He was left on his own at the front of the Assembly. Opportunity was given by the Speaker for a second person to come forward and oppose the pardon but none was forthcoming so Mr Allister’s amendment was rejected.
A Free Presbyterian seated in the public gallery was able to observe Free Presbyterian DUP MLAs Edwin Poots, Carla Lockhart and Gordon Dunne stay rooted to their seats. The Free Presbyterian also noted that MLA members of the Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church, Mervyn Storey, Lord Morrow and Thomas Buchanan, were not in the chamber.
It is tragic that there has not been the reaction one would expect from God’s people following such an outrageous betrayal of the gospel. Even the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, deemed apostate by the Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church, acted against former Alliance Party leader, David Ford, when he publicly supported sodomite marriage. He was removed as a ruling elder by his church.
“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. – The Editor.
Near the beginning of this article I stated: “In the past he has shared platforms with pro-sodomite speakers and sold books extolling the sodomite life-style.”
I was challenged regarding the very last phrase of this statement. It was pointed out that the internet link I gave in support of this statement revealed that in the library of Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary there was a book by Wesley Hill, a man who would term himself a “Christian Gay”!!!
Of course, theological libraries contain books by authors that it may not endorse.
That was the wrong link for me to use to show that Dr Beeke endorses sodomy-promoting writers. It was said that this ‘error’ detracted from the effectiveness of my article.
However, that mistake on my part does not invalidate my allegation regarding Dr Beeke’s endorsement of pro-sodomite writers.
This I will demonstrate by asking readers to check out this link. Read more…
This will be the final mounting of news articles of interest to Christians in Ulster in particular and of course to believers generally.
There will be occasions in the future when attention will be drawn to some event which we believe that Christians should note but this will not be done on a regular basis.
Peers approve ‘Turing’s Law’ gay pardons for NI – (DUP MLAs must bear responsibility for this vile bill becoming law: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin,” James 4:17!!!)
An examination of Galatians 1:4 conducted over four Sabbath mornings in Tavistock Free Presbyterian Church by visiting preacher, Rev Ivan Foster (Retired)
“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father,” Galatians 1:4.
There is only one Gospel and it is that taught by the Saviour to His apostles and that which they preached to the world. It is fully revealed to us in the Bible, especially in the New Testament.
It is a gospel ever under attack from the one Paul refers to in 2 Cor 4:4. “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
That attack in ongoing today; indeed, we are told by the Lord that it will intensify in the days before the Saviour’s return. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils,” 1 Tim 4:1.
The diligence shown by the devil is seen in that the Galatian churches have come under attack from him very shortly after their formation. Note verse 6. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel.” I believe that I can say with certainty that the work in Galatia was no more than 10 years old!
Read more…or listen to the recorded messages using the players below.
DUP ENDORSES THE VALIDATION OF HOMOSEXUALITY AS ‘NORMAL SEXUAL ACTIVITY’!
Traditional Unionist Voice MLA, Jim Allister received no support whatever from any professing Christian in the Assembly and therefore his amendment to the Bill fell.
I read with dismay the reports of the debate in Stormont on the Bill brought forward by the Executive to posthumously pardon sodomites convicted of violations of the law in the past.
I was particularly saddened that it would appear that Jim Allister, the Traditional Unionist Voice leader, was the only voice raised in opposition to this iniquitous proposal. The failure of Christians to stand with Mr Allister, and I am thinking of Free Presbyterians in particular, is heart-breaking for one who recalls the various statements and protests that the Presbytery of the Free Presbyterian Church issued in the past and of the witness borne within our Province and much wider afield to the condemnation of God upon this wickedness and the warnings of the dire consequences on any people or nation which embraced and endorsed this evil.
Through the efforts of the DUP in Stormont, that which God has repeatedly condemned and manifested His wrath against, has been legitimised and validated. Sodomy is now accepted by the DUP and all its members, including Free Presbyterians, through this decision which validates sodomy, thereby shaking a fist in God’s face and wickedly defying Him and His holy Law.
When I issued the first edition of “The Burning Bush” back in 1970, I would never have believed the day would come when I should have to write such words!
“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Isaiah 5:20. Read more…
Dutch pastor insists he was right to ‘come out of the closet’.
Insight into the Dutch denomination Dr Joel Beeke is anxious to promote closer links with!!!
A minister in the Restored Reformed Church (HHK is the acronym from the Dutch form of the denominational name) Dustin Burggraaf, recently gave an interview to the Reformed Daily newspaper in the Netherlands. It was published on November 12th, 2016. He also published a fuller form of the interview on his own website. There follows below a translation of the version of the interview he has on his website rather than the version which appeared in print.
This matter is of great interest simply because Dustin Burggraaf came out as a homosexual in April 2014. He announced that decision in the same newspaper and the original report of that event is also posted on his website.Read more…
Sodomites welcomed to the Lord’s Supper by many Dutch Protestant Churches
The following articles are translations of reports on Dutch websites detailing a recent survey of views in several Dutch reformed denominations on the subject of homosexuality. The reports give an insight in the general state of mainline Reformed Churches in Holland, and even of some that would claim to be more conservative. The reports give alarming evidence of the rapid advance of the sodomite agenda within the ranks of professing Christianity. This is evidence of the great apostasy at work that the Saviour warns of, Luke 17:28-30.
The Timeless Relevance of the Protestant Reformation
“And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt,” Isaiah 10:26.
The final message in a series commemorating the glorious Protestant Reformation, preached 20 years ago, on November 3rd, 1996, in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church by the then minister, Rev Ivan Foster.
In our text, there is a demonstration of the unchanging nature of God and of His mode of operation. This is a prophecy of the destruction of the Antichrist, given by the Lord through Isaiah some 750 years before the birth of Christ. The Lord states that He shall act against the Antichrist as He acted against the Midianites, some 1250 years before Isaiah’s day, and as He acted against the Egyptians some 250 years prior to that. Three thousand two hundred and fifty years and three thousand five hundred years respectively have passed since the two incidents mentioned in our text and yet more years will pass before the prophecy is fulfilled, but when God acts in fulfillment of this prophecy, it will be in a display of very, very old-fashioned power. The lesson that we draw from this is that God has not changed nor will He ever change. As He acted in the days of Pharaoh, in the days of Gideon, so He will act in the end of this age when He puts down Antichrist and his minions.
This being so, the Bible’s record of God’s words and dealings with men is of unique and timeless relevance. The record of His dealings with mankind that is contained in the uninspired writings of men, while not to be trusted and obeyed unquestioningly, nevertheless provides us with a record from which we may learn much about heaven’s purpose for this world. Read more…or listen using the player below.
I have heard it said that the incident in Ruth 3:3 has been used to justify a woman attempting to make herself beautiful by the means of makeup!
Before coming to the text, it appears to me that any woman who sets out to ‘improve her appearance’ from its normal state, is acknowledging something rather astonishing! It surely must mean that she is conceding she is in need of improvement!
Brave indeed would be the man who makes that suggestion to his wife. It would give the impression that he is having second thoughts on the wisdom of the choice he made when he asked her to marry him!
I recall hearing it said that Dr Bob Jones, the founder of Bob Jones University, once offered some advice on the subject of make-up to female students in the University. “If the barn door needs painting, then paint it!!”
Such a course of action it would appear was being offered to those females who felt that they had a face like an unpainted barn door. Read more…
DUP members give a lead in defying God and His law!!!
Justice Minister Claire Sugden has announced in Stormont that “she has secured approval of fellow Executive ministers in the DUP/Sinn Fein-led administration to extend to Northern Ireland the provision for pardons in the Government’s Policing and Crime Bill.” (Belfast Telegraph, 8/11/16).
The DUP denied its involvement in the funding of sodomites for the first year or so of the ‘Power-sharing’ executive’s life. It berated anyone who dared to state the truth as a ‘liar’!Then it was finally acknowledged by Peter Robinson that funding had taken place. That funding has continued with DUP former minister Mervyn Storey, in a statement at the beginning of 2015, acknowledging that his department had given money to sodomite organisations. (See Mervyn Storey, Minister for Social Development in the Northern Ireland Executive, tried to distance himself from funding of sodomites)
This latest decision takes the matter much further, for this is something that the DUP in conjunction with Sinn Fein have initiated. When the DUP in 2007, through the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister, took over the funding of sodomites, they were continuing a scheme which had been initiated by the last Secretary of State before power-sharing, Peter Hain.
They cannot hide behind the skirts of a Westminster politician this time and blame him for the shameful enterprise.
This the DUP are fully implicated in from its inception. Read more…
It is strange how that a turning of the back upon God brings about a reversing of a person’s moral values!
News reports claimed that the DUP leader, Mrs Arlene Foster, had recently stated in a BBC report on 28th October 2016 that “Gays are welcome in DUP” – (Read the report here).
Sadly, as far as I know, there was no protest by members of the DUP to that announcement. There may well have been and I sincerely hope there was but I never saw any reports of any objections from within the ranks of the DUP where there are many who profess to be Christians.
In 1977, Dr Ian Paisley, the founder of the party, launched a campaign aimed at stopping the decriminalising of sodomy in Ulster. It was called: “Save Ulster from Sodomy.” Read more…
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage, Galatians 5:1.
The third of four messages preached 20 years ago, in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church by the then minister, Rev Ivan Foster, to commemorate the glorious Protestant Reformation
Nearly 500 years have passed since the beginning of that remarkable occurrence we call the Protestant Reformation. Such a distance in time permits us to examine thoroughly the effect of that great spiritual and social upheaval.
The sacred record of the gospel’s impact upon the city of Samaria (Acts 8:5-8) ends with a wonderfully expressive statement. And there was great joy in that city. That was the legacy that was left behind after a time of spiritual blessing. What was left behind in Europe after the Reformation had taken place? To answer such a question fully would require volumes of historical data and comment. To answer it in the course of a sermon requires us to concentrate upon one central aspect of the effects of the Reformation. Read more…or listen using the player below.
Editor’s correspondence with ‘Father’ Patrick McCafferty, Part 10
Refo500’s ecumenical, pro-Rome agenda!!
It is promoting a Jesuit conference in Nairobi in July 2017 on the subject of the relationship between Catholics and Protestants on African soil in African history. Since the Jesuits came into existence to destroy the Protestant Reformation we have little doubt as to the objectives of this conference!!
Encounters between Catholics and Protestants in Africa July 11-14 2017, the Jesuit Historical Institute in Africa (JHIA) will host a conference in Nairobi on the subject of the relationship between Catholics and Protestants on African soil in African history. The sixteenth century events and the historical and theological novelty that they set in motion might easily pass uncelebrated in Africa. Read more…
(Synopsis of the message preached by Rev Ivan Foster at the ‘Welcome Home’ rally 50 years ago today, Oct 23-16)
“Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took him out: and the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, Is there any word from the LORD? And Jeremiah said, There is: for, said he, thou shalt be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon,” Jeremiah 37:17.
This is the text I preached upon 50 years ago on Oct 23rd, 1966, at the ‘Welcome Home’ rally at Dundonald on the fringes of Belfast. It was organised by the Free Presbyterian Church after the release of Dr Paisley, Rev John Wylie and myself from the Crumlin Road Prison on the previous Wednesday and Thursday. Dr Paisley was arrested a day earlier than John and myself so he was released a day earlier. The meeting was chaired by Rev S B Cooke who was Deputy Moderator.
There is an brief account of the gathering and the opposition it encountered given in “The Revivalist” back then and reproduced on pages 31-32 of “A time to be Remembered”.
I only wish I had some record of the messages preached that day by Dr Paisley, Rev John Wylie or Dr Bob Jones Jr for they would make much better reading than do the words of my brief address. Read more…
UNESCO Denies the Bible’s Record of Israel’s Claim to the Temple Mount!!
The executive committee of UNESCO has ratified a decision to erase Jewish history on the Temple Mount.
It is now the official position to ignore Judaism’s 3,000 year history at the site.
Early this morning, October 19th, the executive committee of UNESCO ratified the decision to erase Jewish history on the Temple Mount. It is now the official position to ignore Judaism’s 3,000 year history at the site.
A dangerous precedent has been set – a UN body is calling Israel “the occupying power” at the Western Wall and essentially denying the historical facts that tie Israel to Jerusalem. It could have serious implications on Israel’s future.
It is time to fight fire with fire. More than 23,000 people have signed our petition demanding the UN explicitly recognize Judaism’s history on the Temple Mount and Western Wall – will you join them?
Click here to add your name and demand the UN explicitly recognize Judaism’s history on the Temple Mount and Western Wall
UNESCO didn’t just erase Jewish history, they erased Christian history at the holy site as well. Scripture says Jesus prayed at the Temple. There’s evidence that Byzantine Christians used the Temple Mount before the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem. But in UNESCO’s resolution, all history – other than Islamic history – was erased.
If we don’t act now, Judaism could lose its place at its most sacred site and Israel’s international standing could be in danger. In the face of this travesty, we must stand up for Israel.
41 US Senators, Representatives and more than 23,000 signers to our petition oppose UNESCO’s anti-Israel resolution. Will you, your friends and your family join them?
Demand the UN recognize Judaism’s historical connection to the Temple Mount and Western Wall
“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you,”1 Corinthians 11:19.
(A message preached at Kilskeery Free Presbyterian weekly prayer meeting, 17th October 2016, by Rev Ivan Foster)
The word ‘heresy’ is derived from the storming of a city and the taking over of it. Divisions come about when the mind and heart has been taken captive by a falsehood, an error. The word ‘division’ verse 18, means “a rent or a tear”, Matt 9:16.
The Unquenchable Power of the Protestant Reformation
“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him,” Isaiah 59:19.
The Second of four messages preached 20 years ago, in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church by the then minister, Rev Ivan Foster, to commemorate the glorious Protestant Reformation
Looking back upon history is unfashionable in these ecumenical days. It is nevertheless wise and in keeping with the Word of God. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope, Romans 15:4. The enemy referred to in our text may be identified from Genesis 3:15. And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. The spirit of the enemy of all that is of God is found in the devil and his agents. He is the great adversary of the good and the godly. As the enemy, he has sought the utter destruction of God’s people and the witness to Him and His glory that they bear. He wishes not merely to oppose or hinder but to destroy utterly. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it, John 8:44. To that end he comes in like a flood. Read more…or listen using the player below.
My sermon on Dr Beeke’s errors removed from SermonAudio
I have been informed by Mr Steven Lee of SermonAudio that the sermon I preached on Lord’s Day evening 9th October in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church has been removed from his site.
The sermon was entitled:
“WHAT NOW FOR THE FRIENDS OF JOEL BEEKE?” Which path will the Free Presbyterian Church choose? Disowning Dr. Joel Beeke’s compromises or Displeasing the Lord of Glory? “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them,” Ephesians 5:11.
Some time ago, a recording by Pastor Ralph Ovadal in which he exposed the errors and compromises of Dr Joel Beeke was also removed.
The reasons given for the removal of my sermon were as follows Read more…
Listen to the removed sermon using the player below.
Dr Joel Beeke has gained a reputation amongst many as an upholder of the “Old Time Religion”! In the eyes of his admirers, he is “Mr Puritan”, “Mr Orthodoxy”, “Mr Reformation” or, if I might borrow the title given by the great John Bunyan to another of his characters in “Pilgrim’s Progress, he is deemed to be “Mr Valiant for the Truth”!
Such a view of Dr Joel Beeke is far removed from the truth concerning this man. He is more deserving of the title “Dr Facing-Both-Ways.” Read more…
In my sermon: “WHAT NOW FOR THE FRIENDS OF JOEL BEEKE?” I made mention of an email exchange I had with Dr Beeke in January and February 2013 ( I mistakenly referred to 2014 in my sermon).
I am remounting that exchange from the March 2013 edition of “The Burning Bush” for I believe it to be very relevant to the present controversy regarding Dr Beeke.
The email exchange shows that Dr Beeke was faithfully warned on a number of occasions about the crowd he was running with and he chose to ignore the warnings. The issues were set down in great detail but Dr Beeke made no attempt whatever to deal with them, but, it may be said, simply ran away from them.
It has to be also said that Dr Beeke’s friends likewise chose to ignore the attempts that were made by Pastor Ralph Ovadal and myself to speak to him as a brother.
They put their head in the sand and took no notice of the damning evidence we produced and the very unscriptural attitude adopted by Dr Beeke. Indeed, so supportive were they of him in his folly, they accompanied him in his “turning a blind eye and a deaf ear” to the clear evidence set forth.
Whatever the outcome of this battle for the truth of God and the maintenance of a separated witness in these times of increasing apostasy, none will be able to say that the errors of Dr Joel Beeke were not confronted. Those who sided with him did so despite the truth of God being shone upon his and their folly.
Which path will the Free Presbyterian Church choose? Disowning Dr. Joel Beeke’s compromises or Displeasing the Lord of Glory?
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them,” Ephesians 5:11.
Throughout my ministry I have preached to the best of my ability the Word of God and applied it to those who were caught up in the errors of the ecumenical denominations, in order that they might be aware of what God would have them do in the face of the deceptions and delusions propagated by the devil and his agents. That is the duty of a servant of God.
Now, at the close of my pulpit ministry, I find myself addressing my fellow Free Presbyterians and that with a trembling heart. Read more…
The audio recording of this message was removed from Sermonaudio. You can listen to the message using the player below:
“Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing,” 2 Tim 4:8.
The phrase, “there is laid up” appears in Colossians 1:5. We can see its exact meaning there. “For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,” Colossians 1:5.
That for which the child of God hopes is the “crown if righteousness” to which Paul refers in our text.
The child of God is an “overcomer” despite our many falls and set-backs and defeats.
Our life of victory began at our conversion. 1 John 2:12-15, 4:4-6.
Our overcoming is due to Christ’s victory, John 16:33.
Thus we are enabled to overcome sin, Romans 12:21.
Even when we appear to suffer defeat, we remain overcomers through Christ. Compare Revelation 13:7 and 15:2
The finale of our overcoming is that moment when we receive the winner’s garland from the hand of the Saviour.
A shameful betrayal of Gospel Truth by Presbyterian minister and Assistant Grand Master of the Orange Order, Rev Mervyn Gibson
He says that Orange Order Orange Order members ‘should be allowed to attend Mass’!
Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster’s Talkback on Wednesday 5th October, 2016, senior Orangeman Mervyn Gibson said he, personally, would like to see the rule which bans members of the Orange Order from attending the Roman Catholic Mass changed.
It is a shameful betrayal of the teaching of the Bible and the whole witness of the Protestant Reformation and the honoured martyrs who died to uphold the truth that the Mass was a blasphemy.
Gibson’s argument for supporting the removal of the rule is stupid and utterly unscriptural. Read more…
The Essential Character of the Protestant Reformation
“I have found the book of the law in the house of the LORD,” 2 Chronicles 34:15.
♦ The first of four messages preached 20 years ago, in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church by the then minister, Rev Ivan Foster, to commemorate the glorious Protestant Reformation ♦
In this, the first of a planned series of messages commemorating the 16th century Protestant Reformation, I wish to speak upon the character of that great movement which embraced all of Europe and which, to this day, still exercises a profound impact upon the life of our nation.
When I think of that great time of blessing, I am deeply ashamed of the image that Protestantism has today in our land and throughout the world. Much of what is considered Protestantism would be utterly repudiated by the Reformers.
The murder campaign waged by loyalist gunmen here in Ulster is, in the eyes of many, the action of Protestants. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The mindless hatred that is so often featured as an expression of Protestant views is likewise far from being in any way representative of the spirit of Protestantism.
The time-serving politicians of Ulster are seen by many as representatives of the thinking of true Protestants. How saddening that is for any with an understanding of and love for the doctrines of the Reformation.Read more…
Joel Beeke preaches for and publicly seeks closer links with sodomy-endorsing Dutch denomination!
♦ His departure cannot get much worse and leaves his supporters with a stark choice.
♦ How long are some ministers going to continue attempting to whitewash this man?
♦ God’s warning stands sure: “Behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out,” Numbers 32:23.
Most of our readers should be aware of the controversy surrounding Dr Joel Beeke and his links with those whose standing should not be acceptable to the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster. In the past he has shared platforms with pro-sodomite speakers and sold books extolling the sodomite life-style. This can be checked out in Pastor Ralph Ovadal’s article: “The Downward Spiral of Dr. Joel Beeke’s Ministries Continues”.
However, as is the inevitable outcome of compromise, he has gone even further. On a preaching visit to Holland, he preached in pulpits which are occupied by sodomite-supporting ministers. But, not content with such a violation of God’s Word, Dr Beeke used the occasion to express a desire for his church, Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation, to have formal links with the Restored Reformed Church denomination which has endorsed the dreadful doctrine that a sodomite can be a true believer and even a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. Read more…
Editor’s correspondence with ‘Father’ Patrick McCafferty
Pastor James McConnell and the RC priest Patrick McCafferty with whom he is most friendly
Back in 2002, I entered into a correspondence in the pages of “The Burning Bush” with a Roman Catholic priest from Belfast. The correspondence arose after I wrote a letter in reply to an article by the priest in “The Belfast Telegraph” of August 24th, 2002.
I was grieved at such a platform being given to the errors and deceptions of Rome and commented on the priest’s article in a letter to “The Belfast Telegraph.”
It will be noted how our two replies to the priest were edited by the ‘Letters Editor’ of “The Belfast Telegraph” before they quickly closed the exchange after two exchanges.
The Word of God was not liked by that ecumenical newspaper back then and it is still the case. Every effort was made to shield and protect the priest of Rome from the rebuke of God’s Word.
We are republishing the correspondence, which continued for eight exchanges, and appeared in “The Burning Bush” from October 2002 until May 2003, because of the publicity given to the ‘warm relationship’ that was manifested between this priest and Pastor James McConnell during the recent trial occasioned by Pastor McConnell’s pulpit statements about Islam. Pastor McConnell asked ‘Father’ Patrick McCafferty to speak on his behalf during the trial.
All this “ecumenical camaraderie” between the pastor and the priest may appear to some to give endorsement of the teachings of Rome and it is for this reason we highlight again the errors this priest, like all Roman Catholic clerics, propagates.
Needless to say, it also highlights the folly of James McConnell!
Comment: If the Ashers gay cake appeal is lost, freedom of religion has been banished – (That has long been on the horizon but few have taken any notice!!!)
Orange Order in Mass U-turn call – (It is being proclaimed as an ‘official’ Orange Order call. What says FPC members of the Order??)
Orangeman ‘will not attend’ cathedral service involving new Catholic canon – (Here is the hypocrisy found amongst evangelical Orangemen. The RC canon makes little difference the to pro-Rome atmosphere, existing for decades in the Church of Ireland. Can it be worse that attending an RC Mass-house with which he is happy??!!!)
It is just three months ago that Mrs Arlene Foster and the DUP supported and encouraged the decision in the Northern Ireland Assembly to grant a posthumous pardon to sodomites of violations of the law in the past (See articles in our December 2016 edition).
Truly, we are seeing the ‘days of Sodom’ re-emerging throughout ‘Christendom’ as governments, institutions and churches embrace and legalise the evil philosophy that damned Sodom.
The DUP continues to seek to strengthen its links with sodomy as this “Valentine’s Day” picture and exchange between DUP MP, Gavin Robinson and “same-sex marriage campaigners” illustrates.
Report of the special service in Kilskeery Free Presbyterian Church marking the 50th anniversary of the first Free Presbyterian services in Lisbellaw on 12th February 1967.
In a letter to the Editor of the Belfast Newsletter, Rev Foster points to the source of the “moral collapse” in Northern Ireland! He wrote:
Here is abundant evidence of the ‘moral collapse’ referred to in the previous article! – Editor
This article from the Belfast Newsletter touches upon the harvest our country has reaped from the witness and influence of modernistic and ecumenical theology taking over the pulpits of the so-called Protestant denominations. The article does not give this explanation for the moral collapse, more’s the pity, but it does touch upon the evidences of the dreadful decline in standards! – Editor
Murphy was sentenced to 18 months for tax evasion last February after he was convicted of nine charges at the Republic of Ireland’s non-jury Special Criminal Court. – Editor
A chance to re-write history and white-wash a villain!
The anger of the parents of a young Roman Catholic from the IRA stronghold of Cullyhanna in South Armagh is understandable.
The following article from “The Belfast telegraph” makes interesting reading for anyone seeking an understanding of the evil terrorist war waged by the IRA and the brave men, much maligned, who confronted the terorists and provided our society with security in the midst of the years of murder and mayhem.
We have decided to bring our online publication – “The Burning Bush” to a close – well almost!
In keeping with his anti-Bible predilection, ‘Belfast Telegraph’ scribbler and Irish Presbyterian Church elder, Alf McCreary, launched an attack upon the Free Presbyterian Church in response to those within our ranks who voiced opposition to the Pope’s proposed visit to Northern Ireland.
Yesterday, as I sat amongst the congregation listening to the preaching of God’s Word, the minister turned us to Job chapter 40. My eye fell upon verses 6-8.
An examination of Galatians 1:4 conducted over four Sabbath mornings in Tavistock Free Presbyterian Church by visiting preacher, Rev Ivan Foster (Retired)
Traditional Unionist Voice MLA, Jim Allister received no support whatever from any professing Christian in the Assembly and therefore his amendment to the Bill fell.
“And the LORD of hosts shall stir up a scourge for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb: and as his rod was upon the sea, so shall he lift it up after the manner of Egypt,” Isaiah 10:26.
I have heard it said that the incident in Ruth 3:3 has been used to justify a woman attempting to make herself beautiful by the means of makeup!
It is strange how that a turning of the back upon God brings about a reversing of a person’s moral values!
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage, Galatians 5:1.
It is promoting a Jesuit conference in Nairobi in July 2017 on the subject of the relationship between Catholics and Protestants on African soil in African history. Since the Jesuits came into existence to destroy the Protestant Reformation we have little doubt as to the objectives of this conference!!
(Synopsis of the message preached by Rev Ivan Foster at the ‘Welcome Home’ rally 50 years ago today, Oct 23-16)
“For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you,”1 Corinthians 11:19.
“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him,” Isaiah 59:19.
He says that Orange Order Orange Order members ‘should be allowed to attend Mass’!
♦ His departure cannot get much worse and leaves his supporters with a stark choice.