Saturday 14 November 2015

Paris - City of Darkness


A French soldier stands guard under the Eiffel Tower
        Paris, France, was once called the City of Light.  That is not the case anymore.  Across the city late last night, in cafes, a stadium, and a music hall, over 125 people were killed by eight Muslim extremists carrying Kalashnikov assault weapons and wearing explosive belts which they then detonated.  After French police and soldiers stormed the buildings and killed the terrorists, the final number of casualties* was determined to stand at over 450.  The French President François Hollande has declared a state of emergency across the country and mobilized over 1,500 troops to guard the city.  Paris is now a city of darkness. But the darkness comes not just from
                                                                                       deadly attacks.  It also comes from forgetting                                                                                                        the Gospel.

        Over 500 years ago Paris was the place where men like John Calvin and Martin Bucer studied the great doctrines of the Gospel.  It truly was a place which could be called the City of Light - but that light, the light of the Gospel, has been forgotten.  And it has been hidden for too long.  France, as a nation, has forgotten the Cross.  The Islamic State says - indeed, as it has said since times long past - that it will continue to attack the Cross.  But what they miss is the fact that the Cross has been forgotten.  This then is the place where we will stand or fall.

        We must remember the Cross - the Gospel - both now and in the future.  As current and past situations seem to indicate, things will not become better.  This may well be God showing us what happens when we forget Him who gave each of us life.  When are we going to wake up and truly see the desperate need of each individual person who has not trusted in the saving work of Christ?  We know God remains sovereign in the affairs of men, but He has also given us a responsibility to share the Gospel with those who do not know Him.  We must remember that.

        Paris, like everyone who does not know the name of Jesus Christ, is in darkness.  The only thing which can and will utterly destroy the darkness is the light of the Gospel.  The Crescent may seek to attack the Cross, but in the end Christ will triumph.  Pray for those who are affected by the Paris attacks.  Pray for the salvation of souls.  Remember, by the grace of God, I have nothing to fear about where I am going when I die.  What about you?  Can you say the same?  And for you who can, will you seek to share the light of the Gospel with those living in the shadow of fear and death?


Posted and Written by William A. Moore

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* 'Casualties' meaning those both killed and wounded.

Wednesday 11 November 2015

'Seas of Red' - Remembrance Day Poem


        Many years ago, after the First World War, a piece of paper came to light.   On it were some hastily scribbled words: “The blood swept lands and seas of red, where angels fear to tread.”
        A young man, from the English county of Derbyshire, had written them down in his will as he, along with many other men, were lying wounded and dying in the fields around Flanders, France.  I recently found them, and using them I wrote a poem for Remembrance Day.
        This year is actually the 100th Anniversary of the writing of "In Flanders Fields" by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrea, and therefore I thought it fitting to remember that timeless piece of poetry with one of my own composition.  I hope it only adds to the depth of feeling and respect elicited by "In Flanders Fields."


'Seas of Red'

Through blood-swept lands and seas of red
Where the angels feared to tread,
Across the sea to mountainside
To the place where many died.

One Hundred years, so long ago
A hundred places, to fight the foe,
Countless men, then standing firm
While those at home, for them yearn.

Fighting for freedom against cruel tyranny
Those heroes died – both for you and me,
Never forget (or let slip away)
The history of those fateful days.

Few men returned, yet those who did
Had only done as they were bid;
The rest now lie in peaceful fields
Their soul to their Maker they did yield.

And as I walk through rows of crosses
Step through the poppies, tread on the mosses,
I always remember – and with bared head – 
The courage of the honoured dead.

Lest We Forget


Written and posted by William A Moore

Tuesday 20 October 2015

The Result of the Canadian Federal Elections


        Yesterday was Election Day. The Canadian Federal Elections where we choose our government for the next four years. And as I was listening to a classical music radio station which was giving updates on the polls late last night, the announcement came in that Canadians have now elected a Liberal majority government. (For Americans, this would be similar to having lived with Reagan for three terms, and then voting in [name retracted - rather, in hindsight, either of the two candidates remaining - Ed.] with a majority vote.) This does not bode well for Christians and for what remains of the moral capital we have left.

        Abortion, euthanasia, legal drugs – all of these are supported in some way or another by our new government. While former Prime Minister Steven Harper and his Conservatives were not perfect, at least they did not drive our country exceedingly fast on the road toward an utter disregard for ethical freedoms, moral failure, and economic decline. This is what I anticipate will happen with our new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberals. However, that is not what I fear.

        After the last political update on the radio, a piece of music started playing. That piece was the Halleluiah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. The words, taken straight from Scripture, say this: “Halleluiah! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! And he shall reign forever and ever.*” I do not fear a new government. I fear the One who reigns over Canada, and all its petty political squabbles. I do not fear a government which can enact almost anything it wants. I fear the One who controls all things in light of His sovereign plan.

        What happens in the next four years is not out of God’s jurisdiction. However, he may be warning us, as nation, of what will happen when we do not abide by His laws. It says in Deuteronomy 28 that “if you do not obey the Lord your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you...until you are destroyed and come to sudden ruin because of the evil you have done in forsaking him.” Christians and non-Christians alike must suffer God’s judgement for sin. Christians, though, have the hope of future glory, when Christ will come again and make all things new. But for those who do not know the Gospel there will only be death.

        Now, more than ever before, we need to seek the Lord in prayer, asking Him to bring about change in our hearts, first of all, and then in those who need His grace, forgiveness, and love. We cannot change the moral compass of a nation by voting in a ‘better’ government. A government cannot make a Christian nation. We can, on the other hand, seek to preach the Gospel. It alone changes people’s hearts and makes them want to serve the One who rules over all. So, in light of this Canadian Federal election, my takeaway is this: Seek the Lord, preach the Gospel, and live in light of the Truth.

Written and Posted by William A. Moore
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*Revelation 19:6

Friday 25 September 2015

Is God Anti-Gay?


An open letter to Christians who struggle with their sexual identity.

        Friend, you may have asked if God is against homosexuality.  Here is my answer.
        God? Anti-gay? Of course he is. He hates sin, doesn’t he? So that would make him hate homo-sexuality, right? Well, indeed God hates sin, and insofar as the Bible says homosexuality is a sin, then yes, he is anti-gay. But he is not against you. My friend, God is not anti-you. In fact, if you are a true Christian, then God is absolutely and fully for you: he wants you to trust fully and only Christ’s saving work on the cross. He wants you to find your identity in him, not in your sexual orientation. He wants you to trust him – with your whole life.
        Now, that doesn’t mean God overlooks the sin of homosexuality. For it is indeed a sin, condemned by God. Romans 1:26-27 says “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” This shows that God counts homosexuality as a sin – but sin can be forgiven.
        And that’s the amazing thing about the Gospel. It shows us that we are sinners. But it also shows us that we can be made new. We will still struggle with sin until we die, but by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power, we can begin to overcome the power of sin in our lives. We have been set free from the penalty of sin; we are being set free from the power of sin; we will be set free from the presence of sin in glory.
        You need to see that even though you feel you have a homosexual tendency, God is for you. He will help you conquer that feeling, and be full of love for Him. You will struggle with this sin, but it has been paid for by Christ. Now, as a Christian, you must live in light of the fact that the Gospel is what sets us free. In so doing you will find the greatest freedom of all - freedom in Christ.

Written by William A Moore

Tuesday 22 September 2015

Recollections of War: Operation Market Garden Reprise


        Last year was the 70th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden, the heroic yet disastrous attempt to end WWII in one stroke by striking deep into German held territory in Holland.  I posted a couple articles commemorating that event in September 2014, and share them with you again on the anniversary of the ill-fated operation.

British troops marching toward an objective in Holland

              An essay explaining the major points of the operation and how and why it failed.

              A post focusing on the airborne troops with a short clip from the movie 'A Bridge Too Far'.


Reposted and Written by William A Moore

Tuesday 15 September 2015

Recollections of War: The Battle of Britain: Part Two

Part of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

        Today is Battle of Britain Day.  Across Britain, Poland, France, Germany, Canada, America, and elsewhere, services of remembrance and commemoration are being held as many remember the bravery, heroism, and sacrifice of those who participated in the Battle of Britain.  It is has been seventy-five years since the climax of a battle in the skies which decided to a great degree the outcome of WWII.
        This was the day when, 75 years ago, the Royal Air Force defeated two major attacks by German Luftwaffe bombers and fighters on England and London.  61 Luftwaffe planes were destroyed at a cost of only 31 aircraft for the RAF.  These were the most severe losses that the Germans had suffered in the past month.  Over the next few days, the German High Command gradually stopped large daylight raids on Britain, and the Battle of Britain, while not completely over, was virtually won.
        Britain had survived - but only just.  Another week, and the tide might have turned the other way.  But that was not what happened.  In God's providence, the RAF defeated the Luftwaffe and ended the threat of invasion of Britain by the Germans.  Fighting would continue for another four years, but in one of the most heroic and desperate battles ever fought in the air, history was made and courage exemplified.
        At the end of the Battle, almost 1500 airmen from thirteen countries had given their lives in defense of Britain - and freedom. Following is a list, by country, of those who fought and died during the official period of the Battle of Britain: July 10 - October 31, 1940.

           Pilots                Nation             Killed in Action*
1878          United Kingdom            448
21                  Australia                     14
73               New Zealand                 11
88                  Canada                       20
21                South Africa                    9
2               South Rhodesia                 0
8                     Ireland                         0
7                United States                   1
141                Poland                        29
86            Czechoslovakia                 8
26                  Belgium                        6
13                   France                        0
1                      Israel                         0
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German Losses During the Battle of Britain

     Bomber Crews:            2621
     Fighter-Bomber Crews:            297               
     Fighter Pilots:            171
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May we never forget those who fought on both sides.

~ William A Moore

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*Many more died of wounds received in the battle later on.

Saturday 5 September 2015

Recollections of War: The Battle of Britain: Part One

Dedicated to those of the Royal Canadian Air Force who did not return.

        September 5th signals the 75th Anniversary of the end of the hardest fought week of the Battle of Britain.  By the end of this week, the German Luftwaffe had launched over 1500 separate attacks on Britain.  During the last week of August and first week of September, the German Air Force made a determined effort to erase and defeat the RAF airfields and aircraft.  By September 4th, the RAF lost 112 pilots and 256 planes, and were close to defeat.
        But the Royal Air Force had responded with so many sorties against the enemy that the head of the Luftwaffe, Hermann Goering, became frustrated with his raids being met by seemingly endless numbers of RAF aircraft, and made the decision to leave off attempting to destroy the RAF.  With the pressure relieved, the Royal Air Force was able to regroup and rebuild their strength, and prepare to meet the final major German offensive that would come soon.
        Below, presented as a short photo-journal, are some remarkable pictures taken during the Battle of Britain of Royal Canadian Air Force aircrew and ground-crew as they fought alongside Britain in its hour of need.

RCAF pilots run towards their waiting Hurricanes in this
incredible photograph taken during the height of the Battle.

Ground crew replace the port wheel on a Hurricane.  These often forgotten,
yet vital members of the RCAF, played an important role throughout the war

A pilot of No.1 Squadron climbs out of his plane after a sortie knowing full
well that he will be fighting in the skies again before the day is out.

A rare colour photograph of a Hurricane of 
No.1 Squadron RCAF over the south of England
Remembering 75 years ago,
William A Moore
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Part Two commemorates all those who fought in the Battle of Britain with a insightful look at the period of WWII history between July and October 1940.

Friday 7 August 2015

On the Doctrine of Biblical Inerrancy


        The Doctrine of Inerrancy, despite being hotly contested and debated by scholars and others both in the church and outside of it, is all more important to us since it relates to our understanding of who God is, what he has done, and what he requires. Biblical inerrancy is defined as the fact that “Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything that is contrary to fact,” and moreover, that the Bible “is without error or fault in all its teaching,” as the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy says. This means that, despite something in what may be termed secular history appearing to disprove the Bible, the Bible remains without error. It may be that history has been misinterpreted, or that a chronology is wrong, as has often happened in both cases, but the Bible’s facts are fair and true. This has played out in two particular ways.

        First, many have said that archaeology disproves the Bible, but the contrary could not be truer. There are many historical events, people, and places, which have been confirmed through archaeology. One of the best examples is from the Old Testament. The Bible says a lot about Egypt – and we know a fair amount about Egyptian history outside of the Bible as well. This has led many scholars to doubt the veracity of the Bible because traditional Egyptian chronology and the Biblical timeline have apparently not matched up. But when the Egyptian lists of Kings were interpreted in a new and more precise way, all of a sudden the Biblical accounts of the Exodus, Egyptian invasions of Israel, and even the visit of the Queen of Sheba lined up much more closely with Egyptian chronology. While the findings are still not completely accurate, they provide good evidence and conformation of the Biblical accounts.

        The second way in which the Bible can be confirmed as accurate is through eye-witness accounts. Something to keep in mind is the fact that the earliest manuscripts of Plato’s writings were dated to 1250 years after he died. Yet hardly anyone doubts that Plato was not a real character in history. By contrast, the Gospel of Matthew was written within the first 70 years after Jesus’ life and ministry, and moreover, was put on paper by an eye-witness. Also, much of what the Gospel of Luke records, such as place names and terms, have been confirmed through archaeology.

        To sum it up, if we do not take the Bible as the true and inerrant word of God, we would have to make up our own 'truth' to fill that gap, resulting in a man centered teaching which would lead people away from the Gospel. If this happened, essentially there would only be a group of people attempting to solve huge problems for which only the Bible can give us the answers. Therefore, believing the Bible to be true and inerrant is not only a good idea, but it is the only way we can be sure and certain of what is right and true. The Bible itself says in 2 Timothy 3 that “All Scripture is breathed out by God, and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

Written by William A Moore

Friday 31 July 2015

Pragmatism: Conflict with Christianity?


                What is Pragmatism?1 Why is it important? What relationship does it have with the Christian? Despite sounding complex and confusing, pragmatism is very essential for the Christian to learn about as it has been and continues to be very influential in the world in which we live. The concept and meaning of pragmatism is actually quite easy to understand – but the problems come when pragmatics becomes a system of belief and way of life.

                So what is Pragmatism? Many people think that pragmatism is simply being practical. To a degree that is true, but pragmatism simply means the spirit of problem solving. In other words, when there is a problem, what is the solution – what brings results? Pragmatism came out of a growing skepticism of theology, more precisely, a worldview which believed that we cannot know ultimate truth. And if ultimate truth cannot be known, we fall into a spirit of pragmatism as we try figure out what works for us – a solution to our problems. 

                On the one hand, pragmatism is a good thing. Being able to solve problems quickly and readily, and having the ability in our work to come up with decisions in important choices, that is where a pragmatic approach, used appropriately in everyday life, is a good thing. However, the problems begin to come thick and fast when we mix up pragmatics and practicality in seeking to understand the meta-physical: the eternal and divine. Pragmatism tends to focus on short term solutions and consequences, not on eternal and ultimate results.

                The conflict between Christianity and Pragmatism is the conflict between what is right and true, and what is expedient. If we decide what is true by what works for us, then ultimate truth is decided by ourselves, leading to great subjectivism and disregard for ultimate authority. On the other hand, if we understand that truth is that which works, but that which works must still be determined by the eternal statutes of God, then we have a firm grounding in that which counts eternally.

                A pragmatic approach to life will not change our eternal destiny. It is true that life has problems, and we must understand that we cannot fix them ourselves. Is God worthy of consideration or not? The impact of that choice is huge. "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.2" Either our lives are determined by the unchanging and pure commands and laws of God, or we choose what seems right and works for us. "Choose this day whom you will serve,3" say the Scriptures. We must either choose to serve ourselves and solve our life problems now, or we will look to the One who alone can save us from eternal death, and who gives us strength to carry on with the hope of future glory.

Written by William A Moore

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1 Much of the material in this essay is based upon notes taken during a lecture by R.C. Sproul entitled, ‘Pragmatism’.
2 Proverbs 14:12, ESV.
3 Joshua 24:15, ESV.

Tuesday 14 July 2015

Reformation Tour Overview: Rome to Geneva 2015


        Friends, I'm back from Europe - and with plenty of pictures, stories, and history to share with you.
        Having traveled overseas twice now, I can say that each time, while being so different, has been incredible.  The fellowship with friends, wonderful teaching by Douglas Bond, and, of course, excellent food, have contributed to a trip which I would, without hesitation, repeat again.  (That is, if my bank account could handle it!)
        I have been asked what was one thing which stood out to me from the tour, and to answer that question I must say that traveling through real places where God used real men to help bring His Word back to the center of our lives was truly remarkable.  Learning about the Huguenots in the south of France and their trials and triumphs was something which also stood out to me very much.  We also learned about a man by the name of Girolamo Savonarola who was instrumental in the Italian Reformation - but more of that later...
        Meanwhile, here are some photographs from places we visited while in Europe, with more to follow.  I hope you enjoy them.













        Also do stay tuned for a special video from this tour - coming soon!

I Gogoniant Crist,
William Moore

Monday 15 June 2015

Return to the Reformation: Part Two

        As was mentioned in an earlier post, I and my family are traveling to Europe in two days(on June 17th).  I also wrote that I would tell you where I was going, but more importantly, why.  As I learned during the last trip I was on in Europe, there are two questions which were being asked in the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, and which are still being asked today.  These two questions are very important ones, and ones which each of us must answer.  They are as follows: Can sinful man be reconciled and justified before a holy and righteous God; and, if so, how is that made possible?
        The Roman Catholic church, beginning in the Medieval Ages, had slipped away from the pure Gospel of salvation by grace, and faith in Christ alone, so that by the time of the late 15th century, there was a period of spiritual darkness across Europe.  The Church taught that in order to be freed from your sin, you had to do many different things to pay for your wrongdoing - things such as doing penance or paying money for an indulgence.*  Also, they did not read or allow the Bible to be read in the language of the people, which lead to a hiding of the Gospel so that the average person did not know, and to a degree, could not find out for himself the truth of the Gospel.
        The Reformers, on the other hand, spoke against this, saying that nothing we can do makes us acceptable to God, and therefore we must place our hope for salvation from sin only and fully in Christ.  They also realized the importance of having copies of the Bible in the language of the people so they could read and learn for themselves the truths contained in Scripture.  Men like John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, and Martin Luther made great effort to translate the Bible into English and German, and other men did the same in other languages.
        The result of this was that, unlike the Roman Catholic Church, which answered the two questions with a "Yes, but . . ." ". . . you must work hard to be acceptable to God", the Reformers answered the questions with a, "Yes, because . . ." ". . . of the atonement that Christ made on the cross for your sins, you can be fully justified before God."  It is not by anything we can do that we are made righteous before God - it is upon the saving work of Christ we trust and thereby believing, we may have life in his name.
     So why are we going to Europe?  To trace the Reformation of the Church through the lives of men whom God called to preach the Gospel of Grace; to see how God works his plan of salvation throughout history; and to learn that nothing we do can save us from hell, but that God sent Jesus Christ to die once and for all who have faith in Him, and that when he comes again, if we trust in his work, and not our own, we will live with him in eternal happiness, for his praise and glory.

I will write again when I return - in a few weeks,

I Gogoniant Crist,
William A Moore


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* An 'Indulgence' was a supposed remission of sin granted by a church official.

Tuesday 2 June 2015

In Remembrance of William Benjamin Moore ~ 1919 - 2015


        As my readers will know, I take great interest in the history of the world's military conflicts, in particular, World War II.  I gained this interest in part from my grandfather, who served with the Canadian Army in WWII.  He told many stories about his time overseas, showed our family many pictures and some films that he had collected, and was very pleased to speak to us about that part of history in which he was involved.  But on February 3rd of this year, at the age of 95, and after a short decline in health due to age, my grandfather died, and passed into eternity.  As it is now the 70th Anniversary of Victory in Europe this year, and today is what would have been my grandfather's 96 birthday, this is my short tribute to his life and his service in the Canadian Army.

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        William Benjamin Miller Moore was born on June 2nd, 1919*, in the town of Portage-la-Prairie, Manitoba, Canada.  He lived there with his family and brother Jack until the beginning of the Great Depression when they moved to Toronto between 1932-33.  He and his family were nominal Anglicans and attended services occasionally.  Growing up he enjoyed building working models and mechanical devices out of Meccano.  This interest was later transferred to working on full-size vehicles when he was part of the Engineers with the Canadian Army.  He also corresponded with a pen-pal whom he had met through the Meccano Club who lived in South Africa.  Many of the pictures and letters sent and received are still kept in an old box.
        Bill, as William was known, began university studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Toronto in 1938.  War with Germany soon loomed on the horizon, but Bill graduated with a B.A.Sc.** in 1942.  One of his cousins was in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and provided security for the King and Queen when they came on their tour of Canada in 1939.
        Then, in April 1942, Bill Moore signed up for the Canadian Officers Training Corps at the University of Toronto. Over the summer he and his fellow comrades were trained as officers until September ‘42, when, having been commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, Bill embarked on the Queen Elizabeth which was docked at Halifax harbour and arrived five days later in Scotland. He was placed with 6th Infantry Brigade Workshop, Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps(RCOC) and was stationed at the RCOC's Headquarters at Petworth in the south of England.
        Bill was promoted to the rank of Captain in the middle of 1943 just before 6th Brigade Workshop moved to Bekesbourne, Kent. The hangers at the aerodrome in Bekesbourne were requisitioned by the RCOC for space needed to waterproof vehicles for the Normandy Invasion and install special equipment, such as flame-throwers, on vehicles, and convert open lorries into senior officers mobile command posts by installing plywood boxes on the backs of the lorries to provide shelter – these converted vehicles were known as caravans.
        One of the many stories that he told was how, when overseeing the building of the caravans, he allowed 10% extra material on the order of wood for waste.  Then the adjutant managing the supplies told him he had added 10% as well.  Then the officer ordering the construction of the vehicles mentioned he had done the same.  So with the extra 30% of material there was enough for the junior officers, including Bill, to get caravans too.  Then just before the Invasion of Normandy, the name of the RCOC was changed to Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) on the 15th of May, 1944.
        D-Day, with the assault of the Canadian 3rd Division on Juno Beach, came and went, and a month later Bill sailed from Portsmouth with the 2nd Canadian Division across to Normandy - landing in France on Juno Beach, near Bernieres-sur-Mer, on July 7, 1944.  One of the stories he often told was how, during the landing, he could have waded through the water onto the shore and told others he did so, or kept dry by standing on the running board of the truck.  He chose to keep his boots dry!
        Bill and his RCEME unit were soon in action moving up the Falaise road in the campaign to defeat the Germans and prevent them from escaping from Normandy. After these actions, the 6th Infantry Brigade Workshop, RCEME, followed the main body of the British and Canadian Armies south through Falaise, and then north and east up through France, through Holland and finally into Germany. On 8 May, 1945, when Victory in Europe was declared, Bill was in Nijmegen, Holland, and celebrated with his brother officers at an “It’s All Over!” dinner.
        Captain Bill Moore returned to England in October 1945 and boarded the "Queen Elizabeth" ocean liner home to arrive in New York on December 7th, Pearl Harbour Day, in time for Christmas at home back with his family. In 1951, when Bill moved to Quebec with his wife Gwen, he was promoted to Major just before he helped start 25 Tech Squadron, Reserve Army.  For four years he worked with the Reserve Army in Quebec, leaving it and Quebec in 1955 to take a job in Toronto, Ontario.
        A few years after returning home from the war, Bill met and married my grandmother, Gwen Elizabeth (nee Owen).  After living in Quebec for the first few years of their marriage, they purchased a home in a beautiful part of Toronto known as Guildwood, where my father and his sisters grew up; and where my grandmother still lives.  In 1966, Bill purchased a 1/2 acre of land two hours north of Toronto on a beautiful lake in the County of Haliburton, and built a summer cottage there which he and his family visited for much of the summer each year.  Bill worked for a bulk materials company handling coal and iron ore known as Valley Camp from 1959 until he retired in 1984.  He spent his time reading, working on his scale models of trains, and visiting the cottage in Haliburton.  He found joy and comfort in those things, but they were not things that last forever.
        As time went on, Bill's knees began to give him pain, enough that he could not get to his basement to work with his models.  A few years later, he wasn't able to travel up to the cottage very much, and made his last visit there three years ago.  I believe it was then he began to realize that these things do not give pleasure indefinitely.  He still took joy in telling his grandchildren stories about his early life and service in WWII, and I greatly appreciated his telling of them.  My sister and I used to play music for my grandparents whenever we went over to their home, and that is something which they greatly enjoyed.
        My sister and I were also each able to speak to our grandfather about everlasting things once during this time, but he would speak only with reserve to us about them.  Then in the fall of 2013, my Dad asked my grandfather what he found comfort in, in both life and death.  My grandfather had a hard time answering that question, and there were not opportunities to speak to my grandfather again until after Christmas 2014.
        In early January 2015, we believe my grandfather suffered a minor stroke. and was not able to get out of bed.  It was at this time that we began to realize that he was dying.  My grandfather wondered what was going on - why was he not able to get out of bed?  And when would this illness be over?  My grandmother asked my dad to speak to my grandfather and tell him that he was indeed dying.  My dad did so and said to him, "Dad, you're dying.  But Jesus saves."  My grandfather then began to recite John 11:25: "I am the resurrection, and the life, he that believeth in me, though he die, yet shall he live," which he had learned a long time ago as a young man.  My dad then asked him if that gave him comfort, to which my grandfather replied, "Wonderful comfort."
        Over the next couple of days, some things which we had never heard before about my grandfather, he told us himself - such as when a young officer in the Canadian Army overseas, he knew he needed a Bible, so he went to a little shop in England and purchased one in 1943, which we still have; how he and a fellow officer, when on leave in England, went to Westminster Abbey and had tea with the Dean; and how verses such as "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" memorized a long time ago, were what gave my grandfather comfort in his last days.
        My sister and I were also able to, for the last time, play some of my grandfather's favourite music while he rested in his bed - Be Thou My Vision, and Highland Cathedral, which are very special pieces of music to me now.  We all had the great privilege of being able to pray with my grandfather quite a few times over the next few weeks, knowing now that even though my grandfather was dying, from the evidence that he gave, he had the hope and comfort of eternal life.
        Finally, in his home, with my grandmother beside him, on February 3rd of this year, William Benjamin Miller Moore passed from this life to the next - knowing where he was going, and that he had nothing to fear.  His funeral and memorial service was held on the 14th of February and my brother and I had the privilege of being two of the pall-bearers chosen to serve my grandfather one last time.  I will conclude with some Scripture that my grandfather had chosen to be read at his funeral:
        "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death...
        ...Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
                                      “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
                                      “O death, where is your victory?
                                      “O death, where is your sting?”
        The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God,who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.***"
        
Major (Rtr'd) William 'Bill' Benjamin Miller Moore will not be forgotten.


Written and Posted By William A. Moore

__________________________
* 96 years ago today, June 2
**Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Engineering
***1 Corinthians 15:20-26; 51-58.

Friday 8 May 2015

Recollections of War: VE Day in Pictures


        For this celebration of Victory in Europe Day, I thought I would bring together a selection of photographs taken around the world on VE Day, May 8th 1945, 70 years ago today.  While not completely over yet, the relief felt, thanksgiving offered, and celebrations held to commemorate the ending of a major part of World War II was immense. These are just some of the pictures which bring those feelings to life as we remember those brave men and women of 70 years ago.

LONDON, ENGLAND

Crowds cheer outside Buckingham Palace as the King
and the Royal Family make their appearance.
A young man holds aloft a Union flag amidst the crowds gathered in Whitehall

PARIS, FRANCE

French civilians march down the Champs-Élysées under the Arc de Triomphe.
A group of military staff reading the news of VE Day at headquarters in Paris

TORONTO, CANADA

Bay Street, Downtown Toronto, 8th May 1945
Victory Ceremonies at the Military Cenotaph


NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Huge crowds gather in the streets of New York.
The celebration continues in Times Square.
        And the times of commemoration ought to continue as long as we remember this era of history that should never be forgotten.

Collected and Posted by William A Moore

Wednesday 6 May 2015

Recollections of War: Victory in Europe!


Britain's Daily Mail newspaper of May 8th
        As I continue writing and remembering the major events of World War II, one thing I have been impressed with of late is the need to never forget the important and world-changing series of events between the years 1939 and 1945.  Unfortunately during the end of March I was unable to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the Crossing of the Rhine River, and the advance into Germany, nor was I able to comment upon the Ardennes campaign in the winter of 1944-45 - but both those events will, Lord Willing, be posted on my blog on their 75th Anniversary in 2019 - 2020.
        However, Friday of this week is the 70th Anniversary of VE Day, meaning 'Victory in Europe Day', May 8th, 1945.  German forces surrendered on May 5th and war on the European front officially ceased on May 8th.  The war was not yet over - in the Pacific, conflict with Japan still raged - but the Nazi threat in Europe had finally been defeated.  British, Canadian, American, and other Allied forces rejoiced that the conflict which had brought so much destruction and death to the world was over.  
Victory Celebrations in Toronto, Canada

                In some places troops who had been fighting up to the previous day were too exhausted and relieved to do anything other than rest and quietly celebrate victory on the ground they had sacrificed for the previous day.  On the other hand, civilians filled the streets cheering and thanksgiving ceremonies were held in cities and towns from London, England, and Paris, France, to Toronto, Canada, and New York, United States.
        On this 70th Anniversary of VE-Day the celebrations will be no less.  In Britain, a Memorial Service at the Military Cenotaph on May 8th will be followed by a concert on Saturday remembering the events nearly 70 years ago.  While I cannot speak for anyone but myself, I hope that you too will at the very least remember the sacrifices of those who gave their lives so we can now live in a time of comparative peace and freedom.

        "I say that in the long years to come not only will the people of this island but of the world, wherever the bird of freedom chirps in human hearts, look back to what [has been] done and they will say "do not despair, do not yield to violence and tyranny, march straightforward and die if need be - unconquered." ~ Winston Churchill

Written and Posted by William A Moore

Saturday 11 April 2015

Whatever You Call It, Is it Legal?


I do not have time to delve deep into all the issues and surrounding discussions regarding Euathanasia,
however, what I have posted below I hope will serve as a concise and helpful introduction to the topic.

        The proposed legality and right of Assisted Suicide has been hotly debated by many in the past months. Even though the current argument for Assisted Suicide, known also as Euthanasia and Physician Assisted Death (PAD), is centered upon the policy of being publicly safe, the main argument, which has been overlooked, is based upon the inviolability of the human life. The main argument is this: If human life is inviolable, then it is not an option for people to consciously end life; in other words, ending a life even with the consent of the person and/or their advocate is the same as murdering someone.
        So why are many governments considering passing laws that makes PAD legal? Why is human life considered so trivial? It is because we have lost the understanding of the value, importance, and inviolability of life: life is inherently sacred. If we have lost the understanding that destroying life is definitely wrong, then we will end up questioning whether or not it is actually much better to have the option of killing those we no longer want or need.
        We have begun discussing that question already in many countries, states, and provinces, and by opening the door to such sentiments, we have unwittingly allowed Euthanasia to gain more than a foothold of acceptance in our society. The outcome is, unfortunately, almost certain.

Written and Posted by William A. Moore

Monday 30 March 2015

Return to the Reformation: Part One


        It is my great pleasure to let readers of this blog know that, as in 2013, I will be again traveling overseas to Europe this June.  Following author Douglas Bond, my family and I will be tracing the history of the Italian Reformation from Rome, Italy, to Geneva, Switzerland.  Recalling my previous trip, I thought it might be of interest for some to see a few photographs from France, Germany, and Switzerland.  So below is pictured an extremely fast trip across Europe and back!

The 'Place de Maubert' in Paris, where in the late 1400's the first Huguenots were martyred for their faith.

Notre Dame, Paris - we learned why a Reformation was so desperately needed: not to make a new church, but to bring people back to the truth of the Scriptures.

Noyon, France - the birthplace of John Calvin.  You can still see shell damage to this church from the First World War.

Strasbourg, France - the city wherein Martin Bucer ministered for many years, and where the invention of the printing press allowed the Gospel to advance rapidly.

 Eisleben, Germany - the birth and death place of Martin Luther, where he is commemorated with a statue picturing his life in the town square.
  
Heidelburg, Germany - We visited the Palatinate (Heidelburg Castle) on the 450th anniversary of the writing of the Heidelburg Catechism

The Wartburg Castle, Germany, where Luther hid from his enemies, and translated the entire New Testament from Greek into German.

Zurich, Switzerland - though it was a dreary day, we remembered the life-giving Gospel preaching of Heinrich Bullinger and Ulrich Zwingli. 

The Reformation Wall, Geneva, Switzerland.  A great many Heroes of the Reformation are remembered here on this wall.  The main inscription reads, "Post Tenebras Lux" - "After Darkness, Light."

BONUS: Juno Beach, Normandy, France.  I traveled for one day to the place where, despite the peaceful setting, the greatest invasion during World War Two happened.

So goes a quick overview of Reformation places in Europe; Part Two will outline where I go, but more importantly, why.  

For Christ's Glory,
William A Moore

Wednesday 11 March 2015

A Scottish Evangelist: Henry Drummond


Henry Drummond, 1851 - 1897
        As I was on my email account yesterday, along the top of the page where ads sometimes appear was this Quote of the Day: "Strength of character may be learned at work, but beauty of character is learned at home."  It was said by Henry Drummond, a Scottish Evangelist who lived from August 17 1851 to March 11 1897: today is his 164th birthday.
        Henry Drummond was born in Scotland, quite close to Stirling Castle, and attended Edinburgh's New College where he studied Science, Mathematics, and Divinity. He believed he was gifted by God to preach the Gospel, however he did not feel called to pastor a church. But there soon came a change. At this point in the scientific world, Charles Darwin's book, "On the Origin of the Species" was being widely read and discussed in scientific and Christian circles. Drummond believed that his call was to point out to Christians and others that "every step of Science discloses the attributes of the Almighty with a growing magnificence. Certain it is that the Christian view and the scientific view together frame a conception of the object of worship, such as the world in its highest inspiration has never reached before."
        But it is not clear whether or not he took the Creation account in Genesis literally, only pointing out: "Look for a moment at the magnificence and sublimity of Christianity from the standpoint of evolution. Look at the size - illimitable. Look at the beauty. Could anything be more perfect than the greatest thing in the world; any force so irresistible as the greatest evolutionary power Love? All this fits in perfectly with science. A Christian is a man who furthers the evolution of the world according to the purpose of Jesus Christ."  However, whatever his thoughts were on Genesis, he still was a man who sought to bring Science into harmony with the Bible.
        Drummond was also a man who been given great wisdom and compassion by God.  He once said in a lecture to students at New College that, "Once in my own life I came to a cross-roads. I did not know in which direction God wanted me to help His Kingdom, and I started to read the New Testament to find out what the ideal life was. I knew I had only one life and I didn't want to miss it. I found out that the only thing worth doing in the world was to do the Will of God. Whether that was done in the pulpit or in the slums, whether done in the college class-room or in the street didn't matter at all."  He was convinced that the only answer to the brokenness of this fallen world was the powerful love and salvation of Christ alone, and to that end he sought to bring reform to the poverty stricken areas of Scotland first, and worked with men such as D.L. Moody throughout the United States.  He even traveled to Africa, following in the steps of David Livingston, to preach the gospel to those who had never heard of Christ.
        Drummond had bone cancer in the later part of his life, and died assured of his salvation in Christ.  Words that he had spoken at the funeral of a friend earlier are a fitting memorial to the life of service to Christ from this Scottish Evangelist:
        "The end of life is simply to do God's will, whether that be working or waiting, winning or losing, or suffering or recovering, or living or dying. Death can only be gain when to have lived was Christ. There are two ways in which a workman regards his work as his own, or as his Master's. If it is his own, then to leave it in his prime is a catastrophe, if not a cruel and unfathomable wrong. But if it is his Master's one looks not backwards but before, putting by the well-worn tools without a sigh and expecting elsewhere better work to do."

"To become Christ-like is the only thing in the whole world worth caring for, the thing before which every ambition of man is folly and all lower achievement vain."
                                                                       ~ Henry Drummond


Written and Posted by William A Moore