I was really saddened this week by the news of Pastor Clive Johnston’s conviction. This 78-year-old retired pastor was fined and given a criminal record for simply holding a short open-air service near a hospital in Northern Ireland.
He opened the Bible and shared John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (NKJV).
No placards, no protests, no mention of abortion – the clinic was even closed that day. Yet the court still found him guilty under the buffer zone law.
Folks, this is a sad day for gospel freedom in our land. It reminds us of the early church in the Book of Acts. The apostles were told to stop preaching in the name of Jesus, but they answered with simple boldness, “We ought to obey God rather than men” Acts 5:29). We are praying for Pastor Clive and his wife as they consider an appeal.
God Has Done It Before
In times like these, my heart goes back to the great 1859 Ulster Revival. It didn’t start with big crowds or famous preachers. It started with four ordinary young men who met in a little schoolhouse in Kells/Connor. They just prayed together and studied the Bible. They loved the Lord and cried out to Him in simplicity. And God answered in a wonderful way. Over 100,000 souls came to Christ. The power of sin was broken in many towns and villages.
I also think of the Lewis Revival and dear Duncan Campbell. He used to say that revival is not something we can organise ~ it is God sovereignly breaking through when His people get right with Him and pray with hungry hearts.
We see a lot of darkness and depravity in our own day, just as they did back then. But I want to say to you today: the same God who moved in 1859 and in Lewis is still on the throne. He has not changed.
Feeling Lonely in the Work
I have a real burden to see a simple Calvary Chapel-type fellowship here in Helensburgh or in Glasgow, I just teaching through the Word, being Bible strong with verse by verse from the Bible, lifting up the Lord Jesus, and reaching the lost with the gospel.
I have tried to plant such a work, but sadly some local churches were not open to it. They prefer a more ecumenical approach. At times it feels lonely. Many of you know what that’s like; it seems everyone is doing their own thing.
But listen, beloved. The Lord Jesus gave us a wonderful promise:
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
Even if it is only me and the Lord right now, He is enough. I will keep teaching on this little website and trust Him to bring others as He sees fit.
Let Us Keep Looking to Jesus
If you are feeling lonely or discouraged where you live, I want to encourage you. The God who used four young men, James McQuilkin, Jeremiah Meneely (or McNeilly), Robert Carlisle, and John Wallace in a schoolhouse. He can still do a fresh work in Scotland and across the UK.
Please be praying for:
∙ Pastor Clive Johnston and his coming appeal.
∙ For a fresh revival and outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
∙ A boldness to preach the gospel even when it costs.
∙ Bible strong faithful fellowships that will teach the whole counsel of God.
“Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Psalm 85:6
If you are a born-again believer in the Helensburgh area or beyond, and you love simple Bible teaching that exalts Jesus Christ, please feel free to get in touch through this website.
Let’s pray and see what the Lord might do.
The Lord bless you and keep you,
Peter
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