After a serious accident on a USA farm in the year of 1858, The Rev. Dudley Tyng, on his deathbed, told those witnessing his passing, “Let us all stand up for Jesus”. His close friend, Rev. George Duffield preached at the funeral and quoted the words of a hymn he had written in memory of his colleague. This hymn today is known as “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus”. That is exactly what some from the Free Presbyterian Church were doing on Saturday morning, 27th July. They were standing together to witness for the honour of the Lord Jesus Chirst and His Gospel message against the so-called “Pride” March in Belfast.
Like in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024, some of the worst of our iniquitous society was also on display in Belfast, a few of which were shouting abuse from passing cars. This year, the Rev. David McLaughlin led the service on behalf of the Government and Morals Committee of the Free Presbyterian Church and thanked those present for attending. His opening remarks stated that it was an honour to stand and to witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel in this end time age of apostasy. Around 40 people attended the open air and were encouraged to pray fervently for a mighty revival of true Bible believing religion for Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.
The PSNI were present to record the service, which began at 10:45am with the singing of the favourite Gospel Hymn, “Redeemed how I love to proclaim it”. After Rev. Garth Wilson opened in prayer, Rev. Thomas Martin read the Scriptures from John chapter three. This was followed by a short testimony by one of our young people, Mr. David Rea from Newtownabbey.
Quite a number present took part in sharing their favourite scripture texts. Rev. McLaughlin called this the Gospel Shots section, believing in the power of the living Word of God. After another hymn was sung entitled, “Jesus the name High over all”, Rev. McLaughlin then preached the Gospel message from 1 Timothy 1:15 on the theme of this being the Greatest Saying in the Whole World.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
1 Timothy 1:15
The service concluded around 11:30am with the singing of the boundless love of the Lord Jesus towards all sorts of sinners and Rev. David Brown from the Larne congregation closed in prayer. We pray for the LORD to use this Gospel Witness for His glory.
