Gwent Castles 03

Usk Castle/Castell Bryn Buga

(More here)

Old Evangelical Library

This is how Chiltern Street was looking when I last visited. The shelves themselves have gone since then.

Shoes I

I thought I might be difficult at first but inline skates (AKA rollerblades) is fine as is Ice skates.

Jewel Hands

You may enjoy this.

Black Beauty

Here's another of my youtube Focus videos. Gina Lollobrigida, featured here in this travesty of the biblical story, was always my father's favourite actress.

Shoes H

For 'H' one thinks of hush puppies and high heels but probably Hiking boots wold be best and quite fair.

Gwent Castles 02

White Castle/Castell Gwyn

I must confess I don't recall ever seeing White Castle (Castell Gwyn).

It's somewhere up Abergavenny way. Looks quite good. (More here)

Gwent Castles 01

Skenfrith

What set me off on this was that someone mentioned how Wales is full of castles. I then remembered that in school our houses were named after castles in Gwent. What happened was that the Grammar School I passed for had four houses named after Gwent rivers and the Secondary School it merged with had four houses named after Gwent castles. After the merger, it became eight houses all named after Gwent castles but retaining some connection with the original river names (which must have been Ebbw, Severn, Usk and Wye). Ebbw and Usk Castles exist but there is no Severn or Wye Castle so they were renamed after Skenfrith (Ynysgynwraidd) and White. I was in Skenfrith - inevitably tagged "Scumfilth" by members of other houses. Skenfrith is a bit of the beaten track and there's not much to look at but I did manage to drag my parents off there one day to at least see it. it looks more impressive inth epicture than I remember it all those years ago. (More here).

Lesser known soccer fact 02

The other lesser known fact to catch my eye is that the only team never to have lost to No 1 soccer team Brazil is lowly Norway (currently around fiftieth place). The teams have met four times. Norway have won two and drawn two. (In 1997 it was 4-2 [in a friendly], in June 1998 it was 2-1 [in the World cup], in August 2008 [ina friendly] it was 1-1. Not sure of the other fixture).

Before the world cup game Olvind Ekeland, a 28-year-old Norwegian, married 29-year-old Brazilian Rosangela de Souza on the pitch before the game. After his "da" and her "sim," fans of both teams joined in a chorus of "Stand By Me" in English.

Lesser known soccer fact 01

I'm reading a book about soccer at the moment (more another time). En passant I've noticed one or two little known soccer facts.

#1 Did you know that Ryan Giggs dad is a black man? Danny Wilson, a Welsh man with West African (?) roots, was a rugby league player.

It's also worth noting that Giggs has played in every Premier League season so far, scoring at least once in each season but fior the present (which is still fairly young). See more here. I notice there is a shotof him playing for England schoolboys - what was that all about?

JC 52 No 39

This comment (on Psalm 105:8) is again prompted by Joel Beeke.

As Abraham was the first who was called when he was mingled with idolaters, the prophet begins with him. He, however, afterwards declares that the covenant was also confirmed in the hand of his son and his son's son. God then deposited his covenant with Abraham and by solemn oath engaged to be the God of Abraham's seed. To give greater assurance of the truth of his promise, he was graciously pleased to renew it with Isaac and Jacob. The effect of extending it in this way is that his faithfulness takes deeper hold on the hearts of people. Also, his grace, when it is thus testified to on frequent recurring occasions, becomes better known and more illustrious among men. Accordingly, it is here declared by gradation how steadfast and immoveable this covenant is; for what is affirmed concerning each of the patriarchs belongs equally to them all.

It is said that God swore to Isaac. But had he not sworn to Abraham before? Undoubtedly he had. It is also said that it was established to Jacob for a law, and for an everlasting covenant. Does this mean that the covenant was previously only temporal and transitory, and that then it had changed its nature? Such an idea is altogether at variance with the meaning of the sacred writer. By these different forms of expression he asserts that the covenant was fully and perfectly confirmed, so that, if perhaps the calling was obscure in one man, it might be more evident, by God's having transmitted the testimony of it to posterity; for by this means the truth of it was the better manifested. Here again we must remember that God with great kindness considers our weakness when, both by his oath, and by frequently repeating his word, he ratifies what he has once promised to us. Our ingratitude then appears the fouler in disbelieving him when he not only speaks but also swears.

52 JC No 38

We have got rather behind with our Calvin but we hope to catch up. This is Calvin on humility from his comment on Genesis 47:3 (as spotted by Joel Beeke)

This passage also teaches us, how much better it is to possess a remote corner in the courts of the Lord, than to dwell in the midst of palaces, beyond the precincts of the Church. Therefore, let us not think it grievous to secure a sacred union with the sons of God, by enduring the contempt and reproaches of the world; even as Joseph preferred this union to all the luxuries of Egypt. But if any one thinks that he cannot otherwise serve God in purity, than by rendering himself disgusting to the world; away with all this folly! The design of God was this, to keep the sons of Jacob in a degraded position, until he should restore them to the land of Canaan: for the purpose, then, of preserving themselves in unity till the promised deliverance should take place, they did not conceal the fact that they were shepherds.

We must beware, therefore, lest the desire of empty honour should elate us: whereas the Lord reveals no other way of salvation, than that of bringing us under discipline. Wherefore let us willingly be without honour, for a time, that, hereafter, angels may receive us to a participation of their eternal glory. By this example also, they who are brought up in humble employments, are taught that they have no need to be ashamed of their lot. It ought to be enough, and more than enough, for them, that the mode of living which they pursue is lawful, and acceptable to God.

The remaining confession of the brethren (Ge 47:4) was not unattended with a sense of shame; in which they say, that they had come to sojourn there, compelled by hunger; but hence arose advantage not to be despised. For as they came down few, and perishing with hunger, and so branded with infamy that scarcely any one would deign to speak with them; the glory of God afterwards shone so much the more illustriously out of this darkness, when, in the third century from that time, he wonderfully led them forth, a mighty nation.

Good news from Iran

I haven't really followed this story but I read here

The news that we have been waiting for for so long has now come. What an answer to prayer!

Maryam and Marzieh have been released from prison in Tehran. The conditions of release are not yet fully known but I expect we will hear more soon. These two young women refused to deny God, despite this meaning they could have faced a death sentence. Their story has impacted Christians across the globe and brought a new level of boldness and determination as we share the gospel.

This is just the beginning of another episode. Both Maryam and Marzieh have suffered physically and have incurred enormous legal costs. I expect the cost of defending themselves will have been high, and as both Maryam and Marzieh have suffered physically they will probably need expensive expert medical help over the coming months. I expect various organisations will launch appeals soon to allow Christians to give.

Katherine Hankey Repeat

Someone commented recently on this post from 2007 and I thought it might be worth reposting.

We sang the famous hymn Tell me the old old story recently by the Clapham set poetess Arabella Katherine Hankey (1836-1911) and it struck me that what she says there ought to be in the mind of every faithful preacher as he preaches.

1. Stick to the main thing - Tell me the old, old story of unseen things above Of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love

We want it to be fresh and relevant but not new and not earthbound - just the good old gospel and how to get to heaven. Tell them about Jesus - that's what they need to hear.

2. Keep it simple, stupid - Tell me the story simply, as to a little child, For I am weak and weary and helpless and defiled.

Don't try to be clever or expect too much. You're dealing with weak and weary and wanderers who need help.

3. Easy does it - Tell me the story slowly, that I may take it in, That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.

Don't be in a rush and don't assume things. Patiently explain it all - the whole plan of redemption and how sinners are saved.

4. Let's go through that again - Tell me the story often, for I forget so soon; The early dew of morning has passed away at noon.

Be subtle but don't be afraid of repetition. You'd be surprised how quickly people forget things. And don't be afraid of repetition. It's amazing how quickly people forget things!

5. This is serious - Tell me the story softly, with earnest tones and grave; Remember I’m the sinner whom Jesus came to save.

Don't be flippant or uncaring. There is seldom need to shout. Seek to be filled with compassion. Be earnest. Love them. Take it seriously.

6. What they really need - Tell me the story always, if you would really be, In any time of trouble, a comforter to me.

Never forget that what they need more than anything else is not your pop psychology or the latest cliches but the gospel. Whatever their particular trouble, the answer is found ultimately in the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.

7. The ministry of warning - Tell me the old story when you have cause to fear That this world’s empty glory is costing me too dear.

A warning note needs to be sounded for some. A gospel call implies a call to leave the world and its supposed charms. Don't be afraid to be negative where necessary.

8. With an eye on the goal ahead - Yes, and when that world’s glory is dawning on my soul, Tell me the old, old story: “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”

Death is fearful thing even for the Christian and the people you are speaking to will all have to face it one day, some sooner than others. In death, as much as in life, what they really need to face the final enemy is the same gospel that they needed in life. Preach conscious of that fact.

Shoes G

Ghillies are those dancing shoes for Scottish or Irish dancing.

Shoes F

Known as Jandals (Japanese sandals), thongs and chappals elsewhere, I've always called them flip flops, which is a great name. When I looked the word up on Wikipedia some joker had managed to insert the idea that they were invented by Phillipe Phillope!

Hebrew Noah

Spent a brilliant day at the John Owen Centre today looking at Genesis 6-9 with eight others (mostly recent ex-LTS) under the expert guidance of David Green. Previous days have been well attended but this was something of a test as we had to pay for the privilege this time. I think everyone would have agreed that it was money well spent. Once again it struck me that there are many things in the Hebrew text almosty impossible to detect by any other means. David works incredibly hard to prepare these days. By riding on his tails as we do a great deal of time is saved as although at a push I could possibly do the work myself I guess it would take me most of the week. The next one (on Abraham) is on March 16. Nice to have fellowship with the other men, all of whom I know to some extent. Ben Midgeley had a wonderful story of a recent conversion which I had only heard a slightly garbled account of.

Visiting Dad 18

So while I was in Bounds Green yesterday (Monday) helping Ian Densham to lay cable for the computer system in the new library and receiving the books as they came up from Chiltern Street I had a phone call saying that my dad had taken a turn for the worse and that my sister had been called from work to the hospital. So I drove down to Pontypool and spent the rest of the day there.

I didn't rush there so I must have arrived in Panteg around 3 pm (I came via the Membury services [where there was a fire alarm just as I was leaving] and the old bridge once again - the wind was quite strong). When I arrived my sister Gail was at my dad's bed with her daughter Vikki. He certainly did look worse and Gail said that the night before they had thought he was gone. My dad slept for most of the time I was there but did stir a little between six and seven and we managed to get some blackcurrant squash into him. My dad's brother, my Uncle John had arrived about an hour before that (yes, John from Penperlleni). He's always a breath of fresh air so we chatted about everything and everything for while and he tried to rouse my dad. one of the things that came up that I'd forgotten and that I should have mentioned when I did that post about the old Severn Bridge was how when it first opened my grandad arranged with the local bookmaker (Derek Pugh) a coach trip to see it. He also moaned about how noisy people are and the way that people swear in public, etc. There was also a story of being in school in the fifties and being told that people in the northern hemisphere were all bigger and superior. When he had noted that Zulus were hardly small people he got a good clouting.

So I headed back this way. My dad has spent much of the day with dad today too and if anything he's rallied a little. We need to be patient again then.

New Evangelical Library

It was my great joy to be present as the first books were placed on the shelves of the newly sited Evangelical Library. The books were brought by lorry from Chiltern Street and carefully put onto the waiting shelves at the new site - Gateway Mews near Bounds Green.

Flagle's Law etc

I have been noticing recently how incredibly tangled headphone wires become when you put them in a pocket. It strikes me as a clear warning against believing what evolution teaches. it's probably realted to what someone recently described to me as the perversity of inanimate objects, also known as Flagle's law.

Flagle's Law of the Perversity of Inanimate Objects
Any inanimate object may be expected at any time to behave in a manner that is entirely unexpected and totally unpredictable for reasons which are completely unknown or thoroughly obscure.

More laws here.