What is Whiter than Snow? December 08, 2017 Walking in a Winter Wonderland! Just arrived back from a walk with our dog. It has been unseasonably cold in Belfast this week. We woke this morning to a blanket of snow. So
Appointments in Airports December 02, 2017 I was flying home from a conference with two of the army 'scripture readers.' The older man opposite was grimacing in some pain. O.K., so we shouldn't have
Jesus knows! Yes He really does know! December 02, 2017 As I reflected in my daily devotions on how much Jesus knew about the woman with the 'issue of blood', I was truly blown away by the details of His omniscience.
How Much Do You Love Your Local Church? November 27, 2017 [https://gentlereformation.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Church.jpg]A Painful Question Are you cold, indifferent, angry, frustrated, intolerant, castigating or hostile towards your local church? Or are you warm, concerned, involved, sympathetic,
The Double Groan of the Gospel November 18, 2017 Introduction It would be ridiculous to deny that Christian are drenched with countless blessing both material and spiritual. Yet it would not be overstating the case to recognize that every Christian personally, and
Why do you read about heaven to people dying with cancer? November 12, 2017 Not presumably because you were taught to do that in your pastoral theology class! Nor because that's what you saw an elder doing when one of your relatives was sick! Nor
Christ in the Psalms Frustrated with a Friend November 11, 2017 Introduction Having an interest in Hebrew and Old Testament studies in particular there are few people to whom I am more indebted than the scholar Mark Futato. His language courses are brilliant and
Strangers in Saunas 4 November 03, 2017 Just back from the gym! It's been a rather hectic week - well behind on preparation. Yet, it has also been the best personal witnessing week for a few months. Had
An Old Christian Model For New Church Growth October 30, 2017 Chat in Corinth 'Have you heard about the latest Church Growth Model in Corinth? The latest preachers in Acro Creek think they've nailed success! O.K., it's a
The Importance of Practical Religion October 28, 2017 'The Gospel is at stake! You must not budge an inch! Peter, brothers, Barnabas, you've got to change your practice!' Is that how it happened in Antioch, with Paul&
Is The Lid About To Come Off? October 16, 2017 The last week has seen a progressively deepening crisis in Hollywood on both sides of the Atlantic. Celebrities, stars and Oscar Nominations Committees have disowned Harvey Weinstein with an air of disbelief and
Christian Competence October 14, 2017 Time is pressing on in sermon preparation, so on this Saturday afternoon I thought I'd share my morning thoughts. Introduction Perhaps your feeling tired or jaded in the work. Maybe you
Violence in Vegas - When false gods let us down October 05, 2017 Stunned, saddened, sickened & silenced - that captures something of my reaction to the news of the terrifying, tragic, carnage in Las Vegas last night. Perhaps some who read this post will have
Comfort for Christians September 23, 2017 Introduction A number of years ago, I came across a beautifully written, pastorally helpful, spiritually enriching and heart-consoling, little volume by Arthur. W. Pink, published by Baker Books, entitled 'Comfort for Christians&
God is all you need September 09, 2017 Introduction This morning as we speak the Caribbean territories and the 'pan-handle' state is caught in the grip of a hurricane, which, if predictions are correct, will result in dire need.
What Pleases Parents Most August 17, 2017 What is it about a child that pleases parents? What is it about a son that gladdens the heart of a father? What is the greatest compliment a dad could ever pay to
Addendum on Resisting Redefinition July 27, 2017 I've been thinking a little more on the need to guard against the casual adoption of the language of the PC establishment. What I have found really helpful in thinking about
Resisting Redefinition July 26, 2017 I wonder have you noticed a whole new vocabulary has been adopted and spread within our culture by the media and political elite. 'Same-sex marriage' is an oxymoron if ever there
A Plea For Concerted Prayer Against Political Correctness July 22, 2017 Yesterday in the UK a story hit the headlines - a leading high street pharmaceutical company, Boots, became the center of a political storm and a media feeding frenzy. In brief the story
What Matters Most - Seeking God's Glory July 22, 2017 Over the last week or two, I've been taking some time out to study John's Gospel in more depth. My particular concern and focus has been to get a
Some Encouragments To Frequent Prayer July 18, 2017 Out walking our beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog this evening on a lovely summer's evening. Here are some thoughts from a conversation that I had with my wife, on the stroll, as
Comfort for Cross-Bearing. Calvin on the Intercession of the Spirit - A Few Notes On Romans 8.26-27 July 10, 2017 1. Activity - the Spirit Himself does not actually intercede for us: this rather is Paul’s way of expressing that God, by His Spirit, moves us to prayer. 2. Reason - this
A Call To Closeness July 08, 2017 O Soul Are You Weary And Troubled Perhaps like me, at this time in the year, you're getting rather jaded. Rest and relaxation is usually 'what the doctor ordered'
Holy Hatred of Sin June 25, 2017 I've been reflecting a little recently on a question that is generated by Q.87 in the Westminster Shorter Catechism on 'Repentance unto life': what is it that produces
Prayer that Cheers June 24, 2017 Introduction Do you feel down in the dumps? Do you struggle with yourself? Does life ever overwhelm you? Has your faith become a drudgery? Are the storms of life upsetting? Is your service