leaving my denomination

[Berean]

Could someone please explain what the "continuing" refers to in Free Church of Scotland Continuing? Thanks.

 

[Montanablue]

Praying... Are there nonconformist churches in Scotland? When I lived in London, I attended an Anglican church that was low church and Bible-believing, but I also visited several nonconformist Baptist churches while traveling. I heard some excellent preaching in these churches and some of them were quite reformed although they took some exceptions to the WCF. This might be something worth looking into if transportation becomes an issue - I understand about the price of petrol! I think one reason we Americans are willing to drive so far for church is because our gas so so so cheap here - I can see why it would be a concern for you.

 

[Peairtach]

In Scotland these smaller Presbyterian churches, apart from the CofS don't call themselves or look upon themselves as non-conforming. They are for the most part (the United Free Church of Scotland is a mixed denom like the Cofs) closer to the original model of Knox's CofS in that they are evangelical and Reformed and Liberal Theology is not allowed as it is in the national church.

The Church of Scotland was very thoroughly reformed in the 16th Century, much more than the English national church, and again against encroachments by the state and Episcopalianism etc in the 17th Century - sometimes called the Second Reformation and the period of the persecution of the Covenanters and the writing of the WCF.

Liberal Theology entered the CofS in the middle of the 19th Century. Before that there was "Moderatism" (associated with the Enlightenment) in the 18th Century and early 19th Century. With sometimes encouraging revivals here and there its been downhill ever since with an acceleration since the 1950s.

Texas is 8 1/2 times the size of Scotland. People in Scotland are not used to travelling the kind of distances people in America do in a day and back, partly because we live in a smaller country.

 

[21st Century Calvinist]

Lee,
Glad you made it to the Free Church. I am sure by now you've discovered that there is not a dress code. You are probably also aware that Free Church people do smile, have a sense of humor and are generally welcoming. They will also do mundane things on a Sunday like cook dinner!
I take it you were at Paisley FC. I think that they may be joining with Dowanvale FC. I believe that they are planning to continue services in Paisley and appoint an assistant pastor for Paisley in the hope of doing outreach work.
Blessings to you and prayers for you. Any Q's re the FC don't hesitate to ask me.

-----Added 6/21/2009 at 08:53:25 EST-----

Texas is 8 1/2 times the size of Scotland. People in Scotland are not used to travelling the kind of distances people in America do in a day and back, partly because we live in a smaller country.

Also the roads are better in Texas!

 

[kceaster]

Praise GOD

He's absolutely guided me in his sovereignty today. Like I said I had issue over women ministers in this mornings service, decided then on a whim to go to the free church of Scotland service in the afternoon. I just came back

The preacher came having only a weeks notice, he was originally scheduled for elsewhere and he was originally going to preach something else but something in acts caught him in his sermon prep. His whole sermon was literally jumping into my heart - the topic - the call to preach and God's sovereignty in raising up ministers. It was about acts and the call to preach the gospel and that verse about the Holy Spirit turning one of the apostles away from a town and sending him elsewhere(my vague memory). I mean the entire thing confirmed to me 2 things

1) God is calling me to preach/minister.
2) I'm called out of the Church of Scotland for sure. << this came up in the sermon too.

It was like that sermon and situation was custom built for me....

It was suuuch a relief to finally know and have it confirmed after today. I felt the Holy Spirit move strongly in my heart during the sermon and afterwords when I went up to talk to the preacher literally the presence of the Holy Spirit was just overcoming me I almost came to tears for some reason.


Just waiting on what to do next, whilst attending the free church.

yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
w000000000t

such a relief and joy.

I am glad for you. Can we not rejoice in His care of us? "He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; he will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."

In Christ,

KC

 

[Prufrock]

Could someone please explain what the "continuing" refers to in Free Church of Scotland Continuing? Thanks.

In 2000, there was a split regarding the carrying out (or lack thereof) of judicial investigation of a member of the Free Church. In accordance with their ordination vows, several ministers declared that their consciences could not be bound to courts acting against the constitution of the Free Church; thus, they broke off, considering themselves to be the "true continuation" of the original protest, and thus the true, "continuing" Free Church of Scotland.

 

[Berean]

Could someone please explain what the "continuing" refers to in Free Church of Scotland Continuing? Thanks.

In 2000, there was a split regarding the carrying out (or lack thereof) of judicial investigation of a member of the Free Church. In accordance with their ordination vows, several ministers declared that their consciences could not be bound to courts acting against the constitution of the Free Church; thus, they broke off, considering themselves to be the "true continuation" of the original protest, and thus the true, "continuing" Free Church of Scotland.

Thanks, Paul, for taking the time to explain the term and its history.

 

[Glenn Ferrell]

One will not find much difference between the FCoS and FcoS-C. They share the same history, confession and constitution, both claiming to be the same denomination as existed pre-2000. The Continuing group is smaller. The groups have many ties through interrelated families.

As an American, I have do part in the fight. I pray for healing of the division, and a unified evangelical and Presbyterian witness in Scotland.

I’ve personally never worshiped with the FCoS; but have with the FCoS-C in both Scotland and the US, and have preached for them. My wife was a member of a FCoS-C congregation when we met and married six years ago in Glasgow. So, we know a number of people in the continuing group; fewer in the majority body.

 

[LeeJUk]

yeah your right 21st century calvinist about whats happening with the associate pastor etc... how'd you know lol.

Yeah they're friendly people, and no dress code. though they're numbers are very small the spiritual maturity there is refreshing and the sound preaching filled with scripture.

anyway, take care.


Lee

 

[Peairtach]

There are six or seven smaller Presbyterian denoms in Scotland

Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland (founded by Covenanters who didn't accept the Glorious Revolution Settlement of 1690). Evangelical and Reformed. The Reformed Presbyterian College is in Belfast.

Free Church of Scotland (founded 1843). Evangelical and Reformed. The Free Church College is in Edinburgh.

Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland (founded 1893). Evangelical and Reformed.

United Free Church of Scotland (founded 1900 and reconstituted in 1929). Mixed denomination.

Associated Presbyterian Churches (founded 1989). Evangelical and Reformed.

Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (founded 2000). Evangelical and Reformed. The Free Church Seminary is in Inverness.

I also believe that the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster (Ian Paisley's) has a few congregations in Scotland. They are Evangelical and Reformed.

If you're interested check the websites.

 

[Glenn Ferrell]

Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) (founded 2000).

The Free Church of Scotland Continuing would give the Disruption of 1843 as their beginning also. After all, they are "continuing."

I don't know if either the FCoS or the FCoS-C would regard 1843 as a founding date, as they saw themselves as a continuation of the true CoS, without the Erastian intrusion of the civil government, or the unbelief of the so called “Moderate” wing of the CoS. They were recovering ground lost in the 1688 Settlement, which allowed compromised clergy to continue in office by paying lip service to a confession they did not believe, and the 1712 Act of Parliament taking away from congregations the right to choose their own pastors, giving that right to patrons.

The Free Church of Scotland continued to affirm the principle of Establishment found in the WCF XXIII:3, while giving up its benefits if it meant compromising the church.

-----Added 6/22/2009 at 02:05:24 EST-----

I also believe that the Free Presbyterian Church of Ulster (Ian Paisley's) has a few congregations in Scotland. They are Evangelical and Reformed.

I appreciate the passionate preaching of the Ulster Free Presbyterians; but, are they “Presbyterian”?

 

[LeeJUk]

"I appreciate the passionate preaching of the Ulster Free Presbyterians; but, are they “Presbyterian”? " - Glenn

Yeah they have that form of government and they hold to the Westminster confessions and catechisms.

 

[MAV]

ARP plant in Scotland

With the multitude of presbyterian denominations in Scotland the last thing we need is another one. We are, however, a mission field.

 

[Glenn Ferrell]

"I appreciate the passionate preaching of the Ulster Free Presbyterians; but, are they “Presbyterian”? " - Glenn

Yeah they have that form of government and they hold to the Westminster confessions and catechisms.

And, what's their practice and belief regarding baptism?

Some of their congregations in North America are denying paedobaptism has any validity.

And, what's their position on the Regulative Principle of Worship?

 

[JonathanHunt]

"I appreciate the passionate preaching of the Ulster Free Presbyterians; but, are they “Presbyterian”? " - Glenn

Yeah they have that form of government and they hold to the Westminster confessions and catechisms.

From their website:

The Stand of the Free Presbyterian Church

There are many churches and denominations in the world. How is the Free Presbyterian similar to, or different from other churches? The Free Presbyterian Church is:

Fundamental in Doctrine, believing in the divine authority and verbal inspiration of the Bible, and the great fundamental doctrines of grace it contains. The Scriptures alone are the supreme authority in matters of faith and practice. The Free Presbyterian Church uses only the Authorized Version (KJV) of the Bible.

Evangelical in Outreach, in obedience to the great commission of Christ to "go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel". A virile program of Gospel preaching, missionary endeavour and radio ministry is actively pursued with the great objective of leading people of every class, colour and creed to an experimental knowledge of Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.

Sanctified in Behaviour, encouraging its members to lead godly lives in obedience to God’s Word, that will be testimonies of holiness and righteousness, in a world increasingly plagued by lowering moral values.

Presbyterian in Government, being ruled by elders and deacons chosen from the people, by the people, to serve the people. The Free Presbyterian Church stands for a born-again membership and the ministers, elders and deacons are men genuinely born-again by the Spirit of God, and dedicated to the extension of the Kingdom of Christ.

Protestant in Conviction, gladly taking its stand alongside the great Christian leaders of the Protestant Reformation. The twin pillars of Protestantism, namely a positive witness for Christ, and a protest against error, are cherished and defended.

Separatist in Practice, believing and practicing the doctrine of Biblical separatism. In accordance with this, the Free Presbyterian Church has no association with the modern Ecumenical or Charismatic movements, nor will it fellowship with any church which has departed from the fundamental doctrines of the Word of God.

********
Make of that what you will. By the way, is the expression 'ruled by elders and deacons' a good one? Elders rule, deacons don't.

 

[Glenn Ferrell]

With the multitude of presbyterian denominations in Scotland the last thing we need is another one. We are, however, a mission field.

Would seem wiser to work with an existing church in such places as Scotland, especially when there are sound groups there. England would be even more of a mission field. The Evangelical Presbyterian Church of England and Wales would be a good group to partner with there. Help them plant new churches, do evangelism, fill existing pulpits.

 

[toddpedlar]

"I appreciate the passionate preaching of the Ulster Free Presbyterians; but, are they “Presbyterian”? " - Glenn

Yeah they have that form of government and they hold to the Westminster confessions and catechisms.

And, what's their practice and belief regarding baptism?

Some of their congregations in North America are denying paedobaptism has any validity.

And, what's their position on the Regulative Principle of Worship?

Whatever these are, we do know what their stance is on the identify of the AntiChrist

 

[MrMerlin777]

 

[Glenn Ferrell]

Whatever these are, we do know what their stance is on the identify of the AntiChrist

With which the WCF and I agree.

 

[jambo]

you mean go live there? if i was to move to northern ireland i'd certainly go all out free-pres. though i dont know how my family would like that

i love they're preaching and they are very successful.
they've also helped me through email and stuff and they're sermons are powerful.

The Free-Ps are usually powerful gospel preahers when they are preaching the gospel. Unfortunately they have poisoned the gospel by dressing it in a Union Jack.

 

[Peairtach]

Quote from Glenn Ferrell
The Free Church of Scotland Continuing would give the Disruption of 1843 as their beginning also. After all, they are "continuing."

That's fine. I mean the split between the FCoS and FCoSC happened in 2000.

Quote from Glenn Ferrell
I don't know if either the FCoS or the FCoSC would regard 1843 as a founding date, as they saw themselves as a continuation of the true CoS, without the Erastian intrusion of the civil government, or the unbelief of the so called “Moderate” wing of the CoS.

That would mean both the FCoS and FCoSC were founded in 1560 when the CoS was founded.

 

[Glenn Ferrell]

That would mean both the FCoS and FCoSC were founded in 1560 when the CoS was founded.

How about 563 when Columba founded Iona and brought the gospel to the Picts. The Reformation in 1560 was the resurgence of the Celtic church previously assimilated by Rome.

 

[LeeJUk]

Currently getting in contact with the ministry committee of the Free Church to find out more about the full time ministry there. I'm obviously not making any commitments for a while but could you pray for me ?

thanks a lot, take care guys. its been great and thanks for all your support and prayers everyone who read this/replied.

 

[Berean]

Praying for you, Lee

 

[Peairtach]

Quote from Glenn
How about 563 when Columba founded Iona and brought the gospel to the Picts. The Reformation in 1560 was the resurgence of the Celtic church previously assimilated by Rome.

The Associated Presbyterian Churches have a church - the Kingsview Centre - on the hill in Inverness where Columba took the Gospel to King Brude and the Picts, Craig Phadric.

 

[MAV]

Identity of the Antichrist is actually an open question with the FPCU as many are premillennial.