Former minister of 3rd Portglenone Presbyterian, Rev. Stephen Neilly, applied to become a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland at Synod earlier this month. It was decided that he would be available for a call from next January. Rev. Neilly preached in Dromore recently and I thought some of you might be interested to see who he is and watch his two sermons from Luke 9.
“Now a word to you that are young, who are full of health and strength and who are chasing after some beloved ambition or some beloved pleasure. Stop and consider. What are all your beloveds compared to Christ the true beloved? What satisfaction and happiness have your beloveds brought you? Show us the peace, quietness and assurance of everlasting blessedness that they have brought you. Their paths are crooked. Whoever walks in them shall not know peace. So look and see that these is a fit object for your highest love, one in whom you will find nothing to grieve or trouble you to eternity. Behold, he stands at the door of your soul and knocks. Do not reject him, lest you seek for him and do not find him. Why do you spend your precious time in idleness and foolishness, wasting your precious time?”
John Owen, Communion with God (Abridged and made easy to read by R.J.K. Law)
I’m sure perhaps most of you have heard of, read about or even seen the latest Robin Hood movie starring the acting talents of Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Differing from previous movies and series about the legendary outlaw from Nottingham, this movie attempts to show the birth of the legend and how he ends up roaming freely in Sherwood Forest, ‘robbing the rich, to feed the poor’, along with his Merry Men.
Not quite the look that Russell Crowe went for in the end...
I myself found it to be an interesting take on the myth and it was an enjoyable movie to sit through. However, just in case you’re wanting to click away from this post, it isn’t the start of a monthly Movie Review series on Another King, I only wanted to share with you some thing that I picked up on in the film.
The story follows that Robin Longstride (Russell Crowe), soon to be Robin of the Hood, was part of England’s crusade to the Holy Lands and on the way back, they seek a quick exit across the Channel after their lion-hearted King Richard dies in battle from a stray arrow shot by the French castle’s Cook (some historical facts have been tweaked here for theatrical purposes I presume).Whilst making their way to the Channel, they witness the sight of an ambush, it is here that the story really begins, as Robin and his men unlawfully become Knights and take the Crown back to London. However, Robin is in the company of one of these Knights in his dying moments, and he makes a promise to return his sword to his Father in Nottingham.
No green tights were seen...
So, i’m a big fan of Russell Crowe movies and generally find him inspiring in the roles he plays (A Beautiful Mind, The Gladiator etc.) but i’m not generally a big fan of inspirational lines from movies, especially the ones that come off so very corny. However, the odd line does come across quite well, and grips me, and one such line was given in this Robin Hood film. Upon checking out this sword given to him, Robin discovers a motto that was engraved upon the hilt, (later in the film we find out that it was Robin’s father who introduced it to him), and it reads like this ‘Rise, and rise again, until lambs become lions’.
The message given here, is one of never giving up, and Robin then uses this to go on to, unify England, defeat traitors and invading Frenchmen whilst getting the girl in the end.
As soon as I got a realisation of what this motto meant in the film, it got me thinking, not about joining a group of bandits and heading for the richest of the rich in Northern Ireland! But about what potential message this has for the Christian in life. I couldn’t help but think back to passages such as Isaiah 65:25 where it says ‘The wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like the ox.’ and Isaiah 11:6, ‘The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat.’ This explaining, how when Christ Jesus returns to Earth, the New Heavens and the New Earth will be brought and sin will be no-where to be seen and every thing shall dwell in harmony.
Perhaps in hindsight Robin Hood isn’t the best example to be using but during the film, it made me come up with a new slogan, ‘Rise, and rise again, untill lambs lie with lions’. As Christians, we too should never give up in our pursuit of righteousness and honouring God, we must strive to keep on going, untill Christ returns and we reap the true benefits of his death on the cross for us.
I'd like to say that I drew up this illustration to back up my cleverly designed slogan...but...
Thanks for reading folks!
We should join a local church for the sake of reaching the lost. When we work together we can better spread the Gospel at home and overseas. A local church which is Biblical is a lighthouse to the world. When we take on membership we back up the missionary endeavours of the church. Together in the church we can reach our towns and community and combine our efforts to further the gospel across the world.
4. To Reach the Lost World
5. To Bring God Glory
Rev. Andrew Kerr’s address questions why have Reformed Christians fled the centres of population and calls for us to change our thinking. May we have the same compassion Christ showed for Jerusalem for our cities.
Download: The City and Mission
A short clip from the sermon “The LORD is my Shepherd” preached by Rev. David McCullough at our Precommunion service last Friday. You can also download the sermon mp3.
Last time I posted a link I claimed that you could now subscribe to a feed of Dromore’s sermon Mp3’s though it might not have worked. Now I think I’ve resolved the issues and you should be able to receive the latest sermons via iTunes or other Podcast receiving software.
Group G
Brazil
There has been a huge fuss made in the build-up to the tournament about how negative Dunga’s Brazil are, but don’t believe a word of it. They may not play “samba” football, but this is one of the quickest and most ruthless counter-attacking sides ever seen. For the first time the five-time winners have a world-class keeper in Julio “Loughridge” Cesar. Ramires and Felipe Melo, both criminally underrated, make up an energetic midfield.
Info for non-fans: Professing Christians Kaká and Lúcio are both in the squad, but FIFA has issued a ban on “religious messages” this time round, so there’ll be no cool t-shirts.
Ben’s one to watch: Ronaldinho’s been looking good in the Nike ads…
Prediction: A mix of skill, pace and resilience makes this Brazil squad very strong contenders. If Kaká and Luís Fabiano are on form, they’ll be difficult to stop. Winners.
Cote d’Ivoire
The Elephants will have been dying to get their tusks into this tournament, that is until they herd that a tough draw had placed them in the group of death. Like most of the other African sides, they changed their coach after the African Cup of Nations, appointing mercenary Sven-Goran Eriksson. At time of writing, major doubts remain over Didier Drogba’s participation.
Info for non-fans: Manager Sven-Goran Eriksson is being payed a reported £2million to manage the Backwards Irish at the World Cup.
Ben’s one to watch: Salomon Kalou will be looking to pick up where he left off after nearly scoring in the FA Cup Final.
Prediction: Eriksson wasn’t able to pick Theo Walcott, which was a blow. The potential loss of Drogba, around whom they based their entire system, could be fatal. Group stage.
North Korea
We know very little about the Axis Of Evil members, except that they play a highly defensive system and will aim to frustrate their opponents. The People’s Rooney, Jong Tae-Se, will be relied upon for goals. Tried to name a forward as a third goalkeeper to get around FIFA rules, but their bluff was called, and number 7 Kim Myong-Won is now only allowed to play in goal.
Info for non-fans: North Korea is the Asian Northern Ireland. They have a squad of almost complete unknowns, and rely on one semi-decent striker for their firepower. With a more serene and civilised neighbour to the south, no-one really knows why they bother having their own separate football team. But they do have a great song.
Ben’s one to watch: Park Ji-Sung
Prediction: Could possibly have caused a shock or two in a weaker group, but it’s hard to see them holding out for 9o minutes against their three group opponents. Group stage.
Portugal
After courting disaster in qualification, the Portu-geezers scraped through with a narrow playoff victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Cristiano Ronaldo has not scored in a competitive match for his national side since Euro 2008, and this will need to change if they are to progress.
Info for non-fans: Expect to see plenty of spooferism, chancerism and peacockery from the boy Ronaldo.
A Ben’s one to watch: The evergreen Nuno Gomes will supply the goals once again.
Prediction: Goalscoring may be a problem, but should make it out of the group unscathed. But finish second, and an Iberian derby with Spain may lie in wait in the last 16. Second Round.
Group H
Chile
A young side playing attractive, attacking football, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are at their first World Cup in 12 years. With Matías Fernández playing as a classic number 10, and Humberto Suazo looking to add to his 10 qualifying goals, Chile will be hoping to catch their opposition cold.
Info for non-fans: “Well Clive, Chile are the world’s fifth largest exporter of wine, but it’s been far from a vintage performance tonight, they’ve really bottled it.”
Ben’s one to watch: Mark González – played for Liverpool, so he must be good.
Prediction: Second only to Brazil in qualifying, Chile’s brand of attacking play will certainly bring goals. Seem well-equipped to progress behind Spain. Second round.
Honduras
This will be Honduras’ first World Cup in since 1982, and they are not there to be whipping boys. A strong, combative and resilient side, they will rely heavily on a midfield core of Wilson Palacios and Hendry Thomas.
Info for non-fans: Hondurans take their football seriously. After losing a playoff to El Salvador in qualification for the 1970 World Cup, a war broke out between the neighbouring states. Striker Carlos Pavón was recently declared the most popular footballer in the world, after a FIFA online poll.
Ben’s one to watch: Maynor Figueroa has proved my view that you should always shoot, no matter what.
Prediction: Their qualifying campaign suggests plenty of guts and a never-say-die attitude, and Honduras will be tough to beat. But constructiveness going forward will also be needed if they are to progress. Group stage.
Spain
The Spaniards arrive at the finals heavily fancied, with a squad packed full of top-class talent, and plenty of confidence after their triumph at Euro 2008. In Torres and Villa, they have two of the world’s best attackers. Daily Mail favourite Xavi’s metronomic but incisive passing provides ammunition for their fearsome forward line. There are worries in defence, with Carlos Puyol never quite inspiring confidence, but so adept are they at keeping the ball that it may not be a problem.
Info for non-fans: Lookers abound in the Spanish team, with beautiful men Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres both near the top of the list.
Ben’s one to watch: Albert Riera
Prediction: With the primate removed from their collective lumber region, Spain have all the necessary components to shine once again this summer. But, as their defeat to USA at the Confeds last year proved, they are not invincible. Runners-up.
Switzerland
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Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld’s sides are traditionally built on a strong defence, and this Swiss outfit will be set up along the same lines, although any back-line containing Philippe Senderos will be prone to error. Veteran forward and captain Alexander Frei will be relied upon to supply the goals.
Info for non-fans: As the spiritual home of the wristwatch, expect Clive Tyldesely to make plenty of references to timely interceptions and running down the clock.
Ben’s one to watch: Reto Ziegler is a left-back in the John Arne Riise/Ben Hanna mould.
Prediction: Unless young starlets Derdiyok and Shaqiri can find form, the Swiss look too lightweight going forward to pose a major threat. This is compounded by defensive worries. Group stage.
That concludes the AK.com World Cup preview. Thanks to Ben for the tips, and for being a good sport. Don’t forget to sign up for the Fantasy Football league, details are available if you scroll down the page.
Time for a caption competition.
You can now subscribe to Dromore RPC’s sermon podcast to automatically receive the latest sermons preached.
Group E
Cameroon
Paul Le Guen rescued them from a potentially disastrous qualification campaign, but a weak African Nations brought defensive worries to fore once more. Not helping matters, Samuel Eto’o threatened to quit the tournament recently after criticism from hero of 1990, Roger Milla.
Info for pun fans: Rigobert Song is well-versed in World Cup proceedings, while his namesake Alex Song may prove to be instrumental. 1990 hero Roger Milla will be hoping the team bread in well to their surroundings, but is a cereal offender when it comes to making a fool of himself.
Ben’s one to watch: Anfield legend Rigobert Song will roll back the years.
Prediction: Plenty of talent on show here, but little to suggest that the team can perform well as unit, especially when up against well-drilled opponents like Denmark and Japan. Group stage.
Denmark
Unfancied by many, the Danish have built an organised unit which breezed through their tough qualifying group. A mix of old heads and new faces, expect a tight defence built on the centre-half pairing of Agger and Kjaer. Christian Eriksen is being touted as the next Michael Laudrup.
Info for non-fans: Denmark’s happy-go-lucky fans have dubbed themselves the Roligans, meaning calm, as a response to hooliganism. Expect to see plenty of Viking helmets with pigtails hanging off them.
Ben’s one to watch: Niclas Bendtner – his self-confidence is admirable. Will soon talk himself into winning the Ballon d’Or.
Predictions: With old heads like Sorensen, Tomasson and Poulsen among their ranks, the Danes have plenty of experience, and a canny coach in Morten Olsen. Could surprise a few people. Quarter-finalists.
Japan
Pardon the stereotype, but this Japanese side is extremely hard-working. Technical ability is not lacking either. Came close to beating England recently, before considerately donating two own-goals to prevent this, therefore allowing for the English campaign of self-delusion to continue.
Info for non-fans: Wikipedia specifies their imaginative nickname as the “Japanese Representatives (of soccer)”.
Ben’s one to watch: Shunsuke Nakamura – left the Dark Side and now uses the Force only for good.
Predictions: Plenty of work ethic, but perhaps not enough about them to progress. Group stage.
Holland
The Netherlands, as usual, arrive with a squad packed full of naturally-gifted players. A magic attacking quartet of Robben, Sneijeder, van der Vaart and van Persie would cause any defence problems. Sailed through a straightforward qualifying group.
Info for non-fans: You will probably able to see the Dutch fans in South Africa from here, without the aid of a television. Inventors of Total Voetball, the Dutch are perennial under-achievers, with an uncanny ability to press the self-destruct button.
Ben’s one to watch: In Nigel de Jong, Holland have a rare commodity – a defensive midfielder.
Prediction: Will stroll through the group, playing beautiful football in the process, before soiling themselves in the Quarter Finals. As usual.
Group F
Italy
Marcelo Lippi’s main selection criteria for his squad seems to have been “also present in 2006”. Having been let off the hook by Ireland in qualifying, the four years since they lifted the trophy have not been kind to Italy. Still, they possess a strong midfield of Pirlo, De Rossi, and Gattuso.
Info for non-fans: The current holders, Italy are the Covenanter Flats of international football.
Ben’s one to watch: Fabio Cannavaro can only get better with age.
Prediction: A weak group means they will probably be able to afford the luxury of a slow start, but an aging back-line will struggle to cope with pace. Hopes of retaining the trophy are pastry product in the sky. Second round.
New Zealand
After more or less qualifying automatically, New Zealand can look forward to their first world cup…with fear and trepidation. They looked utterly hopeless in the Confederations Cup last year, but a recent win over Serbia has lifted spirits somewhat.
Info for pun fans: The metallurgy-themed strike partnership of Smeltz and Killen is almost too good be true. Expect them to be in red-hot form.
Ben’s one to watch: Jonah Lomu
Prediction: They can’t possibly be as bad as they were last summer, but the All-Whites may still be found to be well out of their depth at this level. Group stage.
Paraguay
The nation that brought us Jose Luiz Chilavert are a somewhat unknown quantity. However, the strikeforce of Roque Santa Cruz and Oscar Cardozo promises much, with Cristian Riveros in behind pulling the strings. Have made the second round every time they’ve qualified.
Info for non-fans: Paraguay will be without forward Salvador Cabanas, who was ruled out of the tournament with a gunshot wound to the head. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Ben’s one to watch: Aureliano Torres – good name, good player.
Prediction: Have enough attacking talent to maintain their record of always getting through the groups, but a decent defensive side could stifle them. Second round.
Slovakia
Not to be confused with near namesakes Slovenia. Slovakia qualified as winners of Northern Ireland’s group, and as fans of the Occupied Six will attest, the debutants are a pretty decent side. However, recent friendly results have been uninspiring. The form of captain Marek Hamsik will be key.
Info for non-fans: Coach Vladimir Weiss has picked his son in the squad, also named Vladimir. Hottie-spotters will notice defender Martin Skrtel.
Ben’s one to watch: Martin Skrtel
Prediction: In their first World Cup, the Slovakians will be keen to impress. Sadly for them, Paraguay and Italy look stronger. Group stage.
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