"Holiness to the Lord Exodus 39 v 30." Whenever God does a work, He operates according to His pattern for that work. The wilderness tabernacle and the temple that succeeded it were both raised according to the divine design. The same principle applies to the local church, and more specifically to the people who make up the congregation. “Holiness unto the Lord” is the fundamental emphasis revealed in the Word of God. It is worth noting that few phrases in Scripture appear in the upper case (bold capitals), yet “HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD” comes into this category. Biblically Revealed Dr Jesse T Peck’s outstanding presentation on holiness carries the title, “The Central Idea of Christianity.” He says, “Holiness is the centre of our system. The mission which we have accepted at the hands of God is ‘to spread scriptural holiness over these lands’ and we cannot allow the doctrine a secondary or inoperative place in the faith of the church… What one doctrine of the gospel is of any use, or of any significance, if holiness be excluded from the system? As well might you tear out the heart, and then attempt to give value to the veins and arteries and blood, as to reject holiness, and still hope to save the gospel scheme.” There are numerous organisations for the improvement of society; the production of wealth; the gratification of ambition; the relief of suffering. But there is only one movement for the promotion of holiness. Do you know of any other that professes to purify the heart? Constantly Emphasised It was Dr R S Taylor’s conviction that the message of full salvation be regularly and boldly declared. He said, “To tolerate holiness amiably is to undermine it; the secret of its preservation lies in its vigorous promotion.” Is this why it has become such a rare message today? So few preachers boldly declare the message. Is this the root cause that few believers have any clear perception or experience of heart holiness in present day evangelical circles? Dr Tozer said, “It is not denial only that makes a truth void; failure to emphasise it, will in the long run be equally damaging. This puts us in the odd position of holding a truth theoretically, whilst we make it of no effect by neglecting it in practice. Unused truth becomes as useless as an unused muscle.” The founding members of our church were not interested in planting another church in Coleraine. Their desire was to be part of a work, which in doctrine and conviction would stand for the message of holiness by faith in Jesus Christ. This is the distinctive emphasis God has entrusted to us. We neglect it to our peril! Personally Experienced What God commands, He can make possible. He provides the means by which His people can be cleansed from all unrighteousness. It was at highest cost to Him, and His only begotten Son, that sin, in all its hideous totality, could be purged from the heart. Let us never belittle the depths of Calvary’s redemptive power. He knew our greatest need. He provided for our greatest well-being. What is it? The happy possession of moral holiness, which is actually the only kind of holiness the New Testament knows. The experience is critical to spiritual vitality and well-being. It is closely related to physical, emotional and mental harmony. Dr Shelly Corbett called it “The harmonising experience.” Holiness is so perfectly in unison with heaven and all who dwell there. Who will bear the fair mitre, “HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD?” . If you would like spiritual counsel and feel you would like to talk to our pastor then click HERE to e-mail him directly. Written for the annual reports by Rev. Stewart. Due to be updated: end March Archived Messages. 25/11/06 The Bridegroom is coming. 14/06/06 The Border Land of Fulness. 10/04/06 Worship or Waste? 22/10/05 A harvest romance. 11/09/05 An effective evangelist. 08/05/05 A Day of Trouble. 01/03/05 A Growing Church. 24/12/04 Christmas Message. 18/09/04 The Three-fold Inheritance. 23/05/04 Christ Our Life. 30/01/04 Being Faithful. 27/12/03 Advent Prediction. 11/10/03 Watchman - Guilty or Guiltless? 14/05/03 An epoch making day. 20/04/03 All hail the risen Lord. 22/03/03 Heart Cry for Revival. 02/01/03 The Church of the Open Door. 02/12/02 The River of Blessing. 01/09/02 The Revelation of the River. 04/05/02 The Greatest Watershed in History. 29/01/02 Knowing and doing the Will of God. 22/11/01 Things Which Cannot Be Shaken. 07/07/01 The Soulwinner's conflict 24/04/01 The Divine Dividend 17/03/01 The Move That Made The Difference 10/01/01 Marching On In The Will of God 15/12/00 Christmas Message 07/10/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (2) 15/09/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (1) 28/07/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (4) 15/06/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (3) 07/05/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (2) 09/04/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (1) 22/04/00 Easter Message