Evangelism Back to Basics May 08, 2021 Sometimes I wonder if we have not complicated church life more than we ought - there is a flurry of activity, but focus is obscured and fruitfulness is absent. PrioritiesAnd when it was
Diaspora Jews Desperation of Diaspora? May 01, 2021 Introductory MusingsI've just been thinking a little about the dispersion and return of the Jews to and from Babylon. I couldn't help notice, too, that the Jews were not the only tribe to
pastoral ministry Brokenness & Usefulness April 17, 2021 A number of things of late have prompted me to write this piece - the latest was meeting a friend who I hadn't seen for some time, to whom I had to offer
The Blood of Christ The Glory of Blood March 20, 2021 In recent days I've been thinking lots on blood - the oxygen-carriage method in the stupendous, miraculous, circulatory system is a fearful wonder of the Creator. I could write for hours on platelets
typology Another of the Same? March 13, 2021 DiscussionsListening to the last episode of "Barry and the Boys," or 3GT as it is slightly less-informally called, was like putting a cup of golden nectar to my lips and sipping the draft
Perseverance of the saints Wayfarer Watcher - Psalm 121 February 21, 2021 Yahweh is the Guardian & Keeper of His People in many ways: He is our STRONG Keeper - Hill-Founder He is our STEP Keeper - Slip-Stopper He is our STRIKE Keeper - Sun-Shader
Soul-Winning-Welcome in Isaiah Mourning for Moabites on Lyres of Love? February 18, 2021 I've just read Isaiah's second oracle to the nations (15:1-16:14): what hit home like a thunderbolt is Yahweh's sorrow for sinners, who in 3 years will be slaughtered. The prophetic-vision drone
Personal Evangelism Andrew Attitude February 13, 2021 Andrew was the apostle known for bringing people to Christ - at several points in the Scriptures, he is a key link in the chain. The first time that this trait is noted
Gospel Preaching & Predestination in the Old Testament Heshbon's Hard Heart January 31, 2021 I was reading from Deuteronomy 2 in family worship on Lord's Day last - and was caused to reflect on the stiffening of stubborn Sihon, the royal Giant Gileadite. I was recounting to
Godly Womanhood - Proverbs 31 More on Ideal Wives: Proverbs 31 January 30, 2021 IntroductionI've just finished preparing a lecture for my students which goes by the rather riveting title "OT Exegesis X - The Hebrew Verb": I can tell you are fascinated!!! RecognitionJust before you nod
Jesus our Great High Priest Isn't He Beautiful? January 24, 2021 Isn't he just beautiful? And Yahweh did it all FOR US? That comes pretty close, I imagine, to the sort of thing that Israelites must have said when they saw Aaron dressed for
Assurance - Exodus 3:12 How will I know? January 19, 2021 Moses said, "But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve
Society Psalm 11 Society Shaken January 09, 2021 By any fair reckoning, this last year has been abnormal - yet the current covid-19 crisis was eclipsed momentarily, earlier this week, by constitutional chaos in D.C. It is not necessary to
Salvation Hope Hard-Pressed Hope-Helmets December 19, 2020 The model Thessalonian church had been born amidst great storms (Acts 17:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 & 3:3-5). Winds of persecution were so fierce believers stared down both barrels at death.
Christ in the Old Testament Explanations & Ephods November 28, 2020 Some words, in English, like "synod" are hard to understand. Another strange Hebrew word "ephod" has an air of obscure incomprehensibility about it. I doubt, however, if this is just a case of
guide Be Thou My Guide! November 18, 2020 My greatest passion in life (from a secular point of view) is to ski deep powder off-piste, in crystalline shimmering sunlight, while cutting new, fresh, tracks. Sadly thinning cartilages in my knees, not
The LORD's Day Remember! November 15, 2020 Remember to adore the LORD who gave man the Sabbath as a sacred precious gift. Remember to confess each bored or careless breach - those before or after church. Remember to give thanks
Pardon and Forgiveness A Presidential Pardon? October 24, 2020 Some quarters of the Media have expressed outrage at the rumour that has emerged - that the current incumbent in the White House, should he lose the forthcoming Presidential election, plans to resign
spiritual warfare Standing Firm October 10, 2020 During our summer, UK, staycation, we revisited Beachy Head, on the chalky Sussex coast. After taking selfies with the lighthouse in the background, lit up by the azure seascape, we headed off in-land,
Marriage of the Lamb Wedding Preparations September 19, 2020 This morning we rose early with a growing sense of excitement. After breakfast we headed out with our daughter and fiance to sort their wedding reception out. We visited an hotel and checked-out
Grief Blessed Are Those Who Mourn - Applications for Lacrimations September 05, 2020 These are just some brief thoughts about how to read and use the often-neglected book of Lamentations with pastoral profit. IntroductionHow valuable this book is - in this world of tears it is
Preparing for Public Worship Praying for Preaching August 08, 2020 Turning Psalm 119:33-40 into prayer is a good way to get ready to preach, prepare, or proceed with reading the Word. These 5th portion petitions humbly cry for help: Lord, please take
worry Rejoice... Always! July 18, 2020 IntroductionI'm on vacation in England so I'm going to make this brief - in the few words that follow I hope to stimulate & encourage you by some thoughts drawn from John Gwyn-Thomas'
Doubting & Believing Capacity to Cope? July 12, 2020 Below are my sermon notes from our first Covid-19 public worship service in Knockbracken, Belfast, today, 12 July 2020. If you are interested in a link to the pre-recorded version of the message,
Judas Iscariot Judas, John & Jesus June 27, 2020 IntroductionOf all the characters in Scripture, the most tragic is surely Judas. He is the One described by Jesus as the "son of destruction". Gospel Number 4 explains Judas in some depth. To
