Calgary Free Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
The sermon examines Jonah's immediate and wholehearted obedience to God's command in Jonah chapter 3, contrasting it with his previous disobedience. It highlights three key marks of true dedication: promptness in responding without delay, industriousness in enduring difficult tasks, and selflessness by denying personal desires for God's glory. The preacher urges believers to live according to the Word of God rather than seeking popularity or comfort, emphasizing that genuine faith requires humble action. Additionally, the message calls unsaved listeners to respond urgently to the gospel with the same earnestness and simplicity found in Jonah's proclamation. Ultimately, the text challenges the audience to commit their lives fully to serving Christ and sharing the truth of salvation.
The sermon examines the account of Jonah to illustrate the believer's duty to obey God's directives regardless of personal comfort or understanding. It highlights how repentance opens the door for God to restore and use His people, emphasizing that service often involves pain, unfamiliar places, and puzzling circumstances. The preacher argues that believers must faithfully proclaim the gospel, trusting in God's sovereign plan even when the task seems contrary to human logic. Ultimately, the message calls Christians to surrender their wills and remain steadfast in witnessing to others through the power of the preached Word.
The sermon centers on the vital distinction between worldly knowledge and spiritual wisdom, emphasizing that while human growth in understanding is natural and God-given, true fulfillment comes only through a deep, reverent relationship with God. It warns against the spiritual danger of prioritizing secular learning and worldly pursuits over the pursuit of divine truth, highlighting Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 as the ultimate conclusion: the whole duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments. The message calls believers to prioritize Scripture as the sole reliable source of spiritual knowledge, cultivating a holy fear of God that results in faithful obedience, while also confronting the unsaved with the reality of a final, impartial judgment where every secret deed will be examined. Ultimately, the sermon urges a life of intentional spiritual growth, rooted in reverence for God and lived out in daily obedience, as the only true purpose and fulfillment for humanity.
The sermon centers on the urgent, personal, and non-negotiable call of Christ to respond to the gospel, illustrated through His question to the disciples, 'Will ye also go away?' It emphasizes that the gospel demands a compulsory, Christ-centered, and certain response—rejecting the world's distractions and embracing Jesus as the only source of eternal life, the bread of life, and the Son of the living God. Drawing from John 6, it contrasts the unbelief and departure of the crowd, who rejected Christ's divine claims due to pride and temporal focus, with Peter's confident affirmation of faith, rooted in the certainty that Christ alone holds the words of eternal life. The message challenges both believers and unbelievers to examine their hearts: will they follow the crowd in rejection, or will they, like Peter, stand firm in faith, trusting Christ alone for salvation with unwavering assurance? Ultimately, it calls for a decisive, humble, and certain surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior, grounded in the unshakable promise that He will never cast out anyone who comes to Him.
In this passage, Jesus confronts a crowd drawn to Him not for spiritual truth but for the physical satisfaction of the miraculous feeding, revealing His divine discernment of human motives and calling them to prioritize eternal spiritual nourishment over perishable, temporal concerns. He decrees that they must labor not for food that perishes, but for the enduring sustenance of everlasting life, which only He can provide, thereby redirecting their focus from bodily needs to the soul's ultimate salvation. The sermon emphasizes that the true work of God is not in external religious performance, but in faith in the one whom God has sent—Jesus Christ, the divine Savior who alone satisfies the soul's deepest need. Through this encounter, Christ's infinite wisdom is displayed, exposing the futility of worldly pursuits and calling both believers and unbelievers to repent, believe, and fix their eyes on Him as the only source of eternal life. The message is a sobering yet hopeful exhortation to seek Christ not for temporal gain, but for the eternal good of the soul, trusting in His sacrifice and divine provision.
This sermon centers on the profound comfort found in Romans 8:28, affirming that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Grounded in the unshakable promise of God—inspired, certain, and eternal—it offers hope not to the world at large, but specifically to believers, who are set apart by divine election and purpose. The message unfolds through five key truths: God's promise is trustworthy because He is unchanging; His people are uniquely privileged; His purpose is to conform believers to the image of Christ; His work is actively ongoing, even when unseen; and His ultimate aim is the believer's lasting good and spiritual prosperity. Far from a denial of suffering, the sermon reframes trials as instruments in God's sovereign plan, transforming burdens into pathways of growth, and darkness into the assurance of a divine path out, just as a skilled artist always includes an exit in a painting. This truth, rooted in Scripture and applied with pastoral care, invites weary souls to rest in God's faithful orchestration of every circumstance.
This sermon centers on the assurance of salvation found in John 5:24, emphasizing that eternal life is not based on human emotion, effort, or religious performance, but on hearing Christ's words and believing in Him and the Father who sent Him. The preacher underscores the reality of salvation as a divine, objective truth rooted in Christ's authority, divine promise, and completed work on the cross, which delivers believers from the dual realities of divine condemnation and spiritual death. The message highlights that salvation is received by faith alone—through hearing God's Word and trusting in Christ's substitutionary sacrifice—resulting in a definitive transition from death to life, eternal life, and reconciliation with God. The sermon calls both believers and unbelievers to respond in repentance and faith, affirming that Christ's promise is trustworthy, unchanging, and sufficient for eternal redemption.
This sermon, drawn from John 4, presents a profound revelation of Christ's saving work through the encounter at Jacob's well, emphasizing four essential truths: Christ has a divine desire and compulsion to save, rooted in His covenant with the Father; He is willing to save all who come to Him, regardless of their past, as demonstrated in His gracious interaction with the Samaritan woman; He possesses the sovereign power to save, offering living water that satisfies eternally and transforms the soul; and He holds the ultimate authority to save, declaring Himself the Messiah, the promised Redeemer, and the only one with divine commission to grant eternal life. The message underscores the gospel's transformative power, assuring every listener—especially the lost—that Christ's desire, willingness, power, and authority are fully available to all who come in faith, inviting personal encounter and eternal redemption.
The sermon centers on the enduring truth that God remains constant and faithful amid life's uncertainties, especially at the threshold of a new year, drawing from Psalm 73:24–28 to affirm that God's guidance and greatness are the foundation of hope. It confronts the common human tendency to become discouraged when observing the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, but reveals that true clarity comes only through entering God's presence—through worship, Scripture, and prayer—where the soul is restored and redirected. The message emphasizes that God not only guides believers moment by moment with His counsel but also leads them ultimately to eternal glory, calling for a life of singular devotion to Him alone, where He is both the all-sufficient supply and the sole object of desire. This truth is both a comfort for personal struggles and a challenge to the church to remain anchored in divine purpose, rejecting worldly distractions and placing full trust in God's sovereign plan for this year and beyond.
The sermon centers on John 3:36, emphasizing that belief in Jesus Christ—the Son of God—is the sole means of obtaining everlasting life, while unbelief results in enduring God's wrath. It underscores the stark dichotomy in God's eyes: not based on race, religion, or works, but on a personal, heartfelt faith in Christ alone, who uniquely satisfies divine justice through His sacrificial death. True belief involves both repentance from sin and a trusting surrender to Christ, not mere intellectual assent, and produces the eternal reality of everlasting life—spiritual renewal, forgiveness, and eternal fellowship with God. The sermon warns that rejecting Christ carries eternal consequences, as the wrath of God abides on the unbeliever, making the decision to believe both urgent and decisive. Ultimately, it calls all listeners to respond with repentance and faith, trusting in Christ alone for salvation, and to find assurance in the unchanging truth of God's Word.
The sermon draws from Paul's athletic metaphor in Philippians 3:13–14 to illustrate the Christian life as a race with a divine purpose: not salvation, which is by grace alone, but Christlikeness as the ultimate goal. The believer's race is not about earning salvation, but about pressing forward in sanctification, motivated by the eternal prize of being fully conformed to Christ in glory. The practice of this race involves a singular priority—seeking Christ above all else—disciplined focus on the future rather than being burdened by the past, and a relentless, Spirit-empowered effort to grow in holiness. The prize, described as the 'high calling of God in Christ Jesus,' is the eternal reward of glorification, which fuels perseverance through trials and distractions, calling believers to fix their eyes on Christ and run with endurance for His glory.
The sermon unfolds the dual significance of Jesus' actions in John 2—first, the miracle at Cana, which reveals Christ as the source of true spiritual satisfaction, fulfilling the deep longing of the human soul that worldly pursuits cannot fill; and second, His cleansing of the temple, which exposes the danger of outward religious activity devoid of genuine worship, highlighting how God judges the heart, not mere appearances. The passage underscores Christ's identity as the true temple, whose resurrection fulfills His claim to conquer death and establish a redeemed, purified church. The sermon calls believers to worship with reverence, guard against spiritual compromise, and trust in Christ alone as the only Savior whose promises are certain and whose victory over sin and death secures eternal life for all who believe. It concludes with a solemn yet hopeful appeal to the unconverted: only through faith in Christ, not religious performance, can one find salvation and eternal peace.
This sermon centers on the healing of the woman with a chronic issue of blood in Luke 8:43–48, using her story to illustrate the gospel's core truth: salvation is not found in human effort, words, or rituals, but in faith alone in Jesus Christ. The woman's condition—diseased, destitute, and desperate—serves as a powerful metaphor for the sinner's spiritual state: isolated by sin, bankrupt in resources, and hopeless apart from divine intervention. Her act of touching Christ's garment, though silent and unorthodox, reveals the essence of saving faith—trusting in Christ's person and power, not in one's own works or prayers. The sermon emphasizes that true healing comes instantly and completely through faith in Christ, who offers immediate peace, restoration, and adoption into God's family. It calls all who are spiritually broken to abandon self-reliance, repent, and reach out in faith to Jesus, the only remedy for the soul's deepest ailment.
The Biblical answers the Synod of Dort in 1618-19 gave to each point of the Arminians came to be called the Canons of Dort, otherwise known as the 5-points of Calvinism, or the Doctrines of Grace, also known by the acronym, TULIP. These Doctrines of Grace are not FIVE obscure theological points of debate, but are to be found at the very HEART of the Biblical Gospel--1. Total Depravity-2. Unconditional Election-3. Limited Atonement-4. Irresistible Grace-5. Perseverance of the Saints
This psalm consists of a deeply mournful protest against David's enemies. --He complains that he does not deserve to be persecuted with such harshness and cruelty. Especially as they have no cause to be against him. Therefore, David pleads with God to protect him and to deliver him because of his innocence.--1. The Plea Of A Broken Man--2. The Hope He Holds To--3. The Strength He Seeks--4. Petitions Of Faith--5. The Cry For Swift And Effective Action
The Westminster Confession of Faith is a formalised theological statement of Reformed Christianity. It declares what was accepted by the Presbyterians, the Reformed Anglicans, and the Congregationalists of 17th Century Britain. Such confessions are very useful declarations of faith, and very useful teaching tools. Indeed, upon ordination, those that subscribe fully to such a confession, are to subscribe to it as a confession of their own faith. But, on a less formal level, the confession of faith, and the experience of faith are two intertwined truths of every born-again believer- --1. The Word Preached--2. The Word Confessed--3. The Word Believed--4. The Word Promised
There is one thing to come to saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, but it is another thing to have full assurance of faith. This assurance is a deepening and a strengthening of faith in Christ. For some believers, it can take time and periods of spiritual challenges before they learn to rest in Jesus, and obtain assurance of faith. So much so, that the Westminster Confession of Faith spent the whole of chapter 18 of the confession on this very topic - Of the Assurance of Grace and Salvation. The Apostle Peter touches upon this in the first chapter of his second epistle- --1. The Wherefore--2. The Brethren together--3. The Better Way--4. The Due Diligence--5. The Assurance Given--6. The Immovability Promised
The Tenth Commandment is futher examined in question 81, from the point of view of what is forbidden in it. In so doing, the sinful and inordinate lusts of fallen mankind are exposed---1. Greed Is At Its Heart--2. Spite Is Its Companion--3. Lust Is Its Power
We continue with the second half of this Golden Psalm of David. --1. God's Golden Wisdom--2. God's Golden Presence--3. God's Golden Gladness--4. God's Golden Mercy--5. God's Golden Streets
When we think of Jesus Christ, our minds often take us back to Roman-occupied Judaea, and the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. But, in truth, the person of Jesus Christ has a greater history than that. In fact, Jesus of Nazareth is preceded by His being the Eternal Son of God, and following His resurrection and ascension, succeeded in His being the Eternal King of Glory. So, we see a great humiliation bringing the Son down to earth, and eventually to the cross and the grave, and then we see His glorious exaltation back to heaven, and Him taking His humanity with Him---1. The Divine Christ--2. The Saving Christ --3. The Exalted Christ
In the Reformed understanding of the Lord's Table, and indeed of the sacrament of Baptism, the two important words that are used are- Sign and Seal. They are a sign of spiritual truths, and they constitute a seal or a pledge of the covenanted grace of God revealed in the sacrament. This morning, we will briefly and simply examine the basic truths of the symbolism to be found in the Lord's Supper---1. It Is A Symbolical Representation Of The Lord's Death--2. It Symbolizes The Believer's Participation In The Crucified Christ.--3. It Represents The Effect Of This Act Of Faith--4. It Represents The The Union Of Believers
Covetousness although being treated lastly, as the Tenth Commandment, is far from a minor sin. As we shall see, at its heart, it is the sin of ingratitude for what the Lord has granted us, and the sin of desiring to possess that which the Lord has granted someone else---1. Catholic Confusion--2. Contentment--3. Charitability
This Psalm is entitled a Michtam of David. One way of translating this is - A Golden Psalm of David. Elsewhere in the Scriptures, we find words of the similar Hebrew root translating fine and pure gold, and then often in the context of wisdom and obedience. Then surely this is a Psalm rich in wisdom---1. The Prayer of Faith--2. The Evidence of True Faith --3. The Contrast of False Faith--4. The Inheritance by Faith
Paul has reminded the children of the congregation to be attentive in keeping the Fifth Commandment. He gave two encouragements to the children- Firstly, because it is righteous to obey their parents - both in the sense of being a just act, but we may also understand it as being a fruit of true faith. Secondly, because it is the first commandment with promise and God will bless them for obeying their Dad and Mom. However, the Apostle sees a further obstacle to the obedience of the child - their fathers---1- Godly Instruction--2- Biblical Punishment--3- Merciful Restraint
The days of dedication and feasting for the Temple are now over, and Solomon has sent the people back home, but the Lord appears to him that very night. God indicates that He will bring testings and rebukes upon His people. This is doubtless very applicable to our own days, where we have suffered the direct and indirect effects of the Coronavirus pestilence, we are still suffering a great spiritual drought, and the financial locusts in government and elsewhere are looking to eat us out of house and home. These and many other matters are evidence of God's wrath against the Church, and against Society in general. Habakkuk's prayer -3-2- includes the plea for mercy in the time of God's wrath, and in our verse -vs 14- helps us to understand how we may do our part to encourage God to remember such mercy---1- The Days of Dark Providence--2- Their Exalted Position Under God--3- Their Haughty Behaviour by Sin--4- The Powerful Promise by Repentance
In coming to consider our motto text for this year, namely--2 Chronicles 7-14, this vision and speech made to King Solomon has a clear context. It was given at the very end of the days of dedication and feasting when the very first Temple was built. This Temple was a permanent sign of God's permanent presence with His people - specifically upon the basis of sin constantly to be dealt with by blood sacrifice. Let us observe some of the wonderful and supernatural truths that took place at its dedication---1- The Preparations Completed--2- Solomon's Prayer of Initiation--3- The Consuming Fire--4- The Days of Joyful Worship
In the previous commandments we have considered, briefly stated---The God Whom We Worship, in the First Commandment, then The Manner Of Worshipping, in the Second Commandment, then The Glory Due To His Worshipful Name in the Third Commandment. And now in the Fourth Commandment, we could summarize it as The Time We Owe To God In Worship---1- The Divine Prescription--2- The Divine Principle--3- The Divine Position
Live long and prosper is a saying used in a Science Fiction series. And yet it also the Lord's will, and every parent's will towards their children- That they would live long, and prosper in life, and in the Lord. This is at the heart of the exhortation given to Christian children in our text, this evening---1- The Continuing Theme--2- The Apostle's Exhortation--3- The Commandment's Duty--4- The Law's Promise
The hyper-religious Scribes and Pharisees found fault in Christ's disciples, and therefore in Christ Himself, when they observed that they did not observe their rules and rituals. The Lord Christ did not suffer their self-righteous attack, and exposed their false piety for what it was - blasphemy - Man's Tradition at the expense of God's Word- --1- Their Sanctimonious Attack--2- Christ's Scriptural Answer--3- The Lord's Searching Admonishment
In society these days, the value of life has cheapened, thanks to widespread murder, abortion, and euthanasia. However, in our text, this morning, we are confronted with a completely different understanding of life- God's View.--The view of the Source and Sustainer of life. Which is the only view we must know and follow. Because the Creator sets the standards, and--the Creator judges our breaking of His standards. All of which is because the Divine image in man is precious in God's sight---1- The Blessings of Life--2- The Blood of Life--3- The Body of Law
We have already seen in the previous commandments, that the Lord adds reasons and-or explanations to the commands of the First Table, and now we come to finish our examination of the Third Commandment, we see that here a very solemn reason is annexed to this commandment---1- The Reason Annexed--2- The Inconistency of Human Punishment--3- The Certainty of Divine Vengeance
The Ark has fulfilled its function, Noah and his family are safe and sound on the other side of the flood. The animals and birds are also safe, and can now go and replenish the earth. We see that the Covenant that the Lord made with Noah and his family has been absolutely fulfilled---1- Preservation--2- Propitiation--3- Promise
The extent of the third commandment is not limited to the misuse of God's Names or Titles, it certainly includes this, but goes much, much further---1- The Profaning--2- The Abusing--3- The Extent
In all these verses that seek to exhort the husband to Christlike behaviour, we have seen Christ's example given again and again. We now come to verse 30, which rounds off the nourishing and cherishing example of the husband to the wife, as Christ the church, which then opens up more about the spiritual and prophetical depth of marriage---1- The Mystical Body--2- The Mysterious Words--3- The Mystery Revealed--4- The Marriage Restored
In the traditional Scottish Communion Season, which is only held once or twice a year, a series of meetings is held leading up to the observance of the Lord's Table, and a few more after that. The final service, on the Monday evening, has rightly the theme of thanksgiving to complete the Season. As we have been privileged to enjoy the Lord's Supper at this morning's Service, let us take the words of Psalm 95 to consider our own act of thanksgiving to Him that loved us and gave Himself for us---1- A Song of Joy--2- A Psalm of Thanksgiving--3- A Doctrine of Truth
In coming to the Lord's Table, and partaking of physical elements, and rejecting the blasphemy of the Catholic mass, we must not go so far as to consider the elements as merely physically received. On the contrary, the Scriptures and the Confession make it clear that there is a strong spiritual and inward aspect to the taking of the elements by faith. Hence the need to be a worthy partaker, lest we eat and drink a judgment upon ourselves---1- The Sacramental Types--2- The Sober Warnings--3- The Spiritual Realities
In considering the Third Commandment, not to take the Lord's Name in vain, what is the deeper significance of the Hebrew words behind the English, the LORD GOD- Jehovah Elohim- Moreover, why do many modern scholars and preachers use the name Yahweh, instead of Jehovah- Is that a breaking of the Third Commandment---1- Triune and Eternal--2- Triune and Mighty--3- Further Application
As we close chapter 6 of Mark, we see the importance of the exercise of faith. Once people recognized Christ, and their need of Him, they, in faith, laid hold upon Him. Whereby, they found healing for their bodies and souls.- --1- They Recognized Christ--2- They Besought Christ--3- They Touched Christ
We now find ourselves in a water-covered world, the flood waters of which are quietly and gradually draining away. Noah desires to check how far the flood waters have receded---1- The Church's Prospects--2- Noah's Prudence--3- God's Planning
Closely connected with the right and commanded worship of God, is the right and commanded use of His Name, in the Third Commandment---1- God's Being--2- God's Identity--3- God's Honour
We often see the Twelve Disciples making varying mistakes and blunders, and might have the arrogance or immaturity to think that, if we were in their shoes, we would have acted differently- Such mistakes and weaknesses and sins, however, are reflected and repeated in every believer's life - its just not usually as publicly recorded as it is here in the Gospel accounts- --1- Christ Sees Them Afar Off In Their Struggle--2- Christ Visits Them In Their Struggles--3- Christ Joins Them In The Ship--4- Christ Exposes Their Sin
Every man and beast outside of the ark has been utterly destroyed by the magnificent forces of nature - the rain, the water jets, the landslides and mudslides, the suffocating waters, the crushing tsunamis driving the detritus of the forests onto the last exposed heights of the earth. Except for those fish and aquatic creatures that survived the turmoil, and except for those creatures in the Ark with Noah and his family, who alone live to breathe God's fresh air- It is at this point in the flood, that we see the full satisfaction of Divine wrath---1- The Remembrance--2- The Restraint--3- The Return--4- The Rest
Why would the Lord even have a Moral Command regarding His own worship- This shorter catechism question and answer shows us from the Scriptures three important answers to this question---1- God's Rights of Sovereignty--2- God's Rights of Ownership--3- God's Righteous Zeal
As we continue Paul's exhortations to Christian husbands regarding their wives, we have already seen Paul comparing the husband to Christ - especially as regards to the type of love is to be offered, from the one to the other. As Christ is towards His Bride, the Church, so the husband is to be to his wife. Now Paul, in verses 28-29, continues this comparison, but brings it further home, to the husband- To his very own body.--1- Marital Union--2- Mutual Possession--3- Material Love
1- We must understand that the Old Paths is the Good way--2- We must desire and walk in the Old Paths--3- We must experience the rest is in the Old Paths--4- We musty not reject the Old Paths
1- If you love Christ, you love Him because he first loved you--2- If you love Christ, your sincerity will be displayed by your life--3- If you do not love Christ, then you will be condemned at the coming of Christ
A continuation of an examination of George Swinnock's work -The Christian Man's Calling-.
This selfless and sacrificial love that Christ has towards His Bride bears wonderful and grace-filled fruits in the life of the Church---1- Christ's Higher Love--2- Christ's Higher Purpose
Man is a covenant-breaker. In the Garden of Eden, Adam, and all mankind in him, broke the covenant of works. So, a new covenant and a new covenant head had to be established. Which also had to be ratified by blood, because of man's sinful state. All of which is foreshadowed under the sacrificial laws of Moses, but ultimately fulfilled in the Sacrifice of Christ upon the cross---1- The Sealing Blood--2- The Purging Blood--3- The True Blood--4- The Saving Blood
The past two years has seen enormous changes in the relationship of the various levels of government and the citizens. Some have put their trust in the politicians, the media, and the medical industry. Others have put it in the alternative purveyors of news and opinion. And now, with the milder variant of Covid immunizing more naturally and more effectively than any jab, and its effect dying down quite quickly, we see the draconian and restrictive measures barely being lifted. Hence why the Truckers' Freedom Convoy. However, is the believer to put their hope in them---1- Our Hope is in His Answer--2- Our Hope is in His Help--3- Our Hope is in the Lord--4- Our Hope is in His Victory
God alone knows what worship pleases Him, and that is what we should give that worship to Him. Hence, the truth that God's Word should regulate EVERY aspect of worship. This is called the Regulative Principle of Worship. And that is that which is morally expressed in this Second Commandment---1- Idolatry--2- Will Worship
Having spent some time looking at the wife's submission to her covenantal head, her husband. And then comparing that relationship of the Church as Christ's bride to her heavenly Bridegroom, Christ. Paul continues this same doctrine by applying it to the husband---1- Christ's Higher Love--2- Christ's Higher Purpose
In Luke 11, the disciples observed as the Lord Jesus prayed. They didn't disturb Him, but waited until He stopped. And immediately, they besought Him to teach them to pray. We have no record in the Gospels of the disciples ever asking the Lord to teach them how to heal, to cast out demons, or even to preach- But there was something so special about the Lord at prayer, it moved them to ask it for themselves- --1- A Pattern For Prayer--2- Persistence In Prayer--3- His Persuasion Unto Prayer--4- A Parallel Of Prayer
In Luke 11, the disciples observed as the Lord Jesus prayed. They didn't disturb Him, but waited until He stopped. And immediately, they besought Him to teach them to pray. We have no record in the Gospels of the disciples ever asking the Lord to teach them how to heal, to cast out demons, or even to preach- But there was something so special about the Lord at prayer, it moved them to ask it for themselves- --1- A Pattern For Prayer--2- Persistence In Prayer--3- His Persuasion Unto Prayer--4- A Parallel Of Prayer
The right worship of the right God is at the very heart of the Second Commandment, following on from the First Commandment which commands the essential belief in Jehovah God as the one true and living God---1- Divine Appointment--2- Humble Acceptation--3- Faithful Participation--4- Zealous Preserving
We now commence on seriously practical applications of the theological truths we have already learned in the previous verse, and indeed from the previous chapters. Paul now commences to consider the relationships of husband to wife, and gives first place to the ladies---1- The Equivalent Relationship--2- The Comparable Relationship
We now commence on seriously practical applications of the theological truths we have already learned in the previous verse, and indeed from the previous chapters. Paul now commences to consider the relationships of husband to wife, and gives first place to the ladies---1- The Equivalent Relationship--2- The Comparable Relationship
The apostles and the multitudes have now had their time of teaching and of being fed by Christ. But now it is Christ's turn to be alone with His God. He desires time apart to commune with His Father in prayer- --1- Christ Compels them to depart--2- Christ's Motivation for sending everyone away--3- Christ Removes Himself
But a rest from wickedness is granted to the earth for a period of time, the waters of God's wrath must yet come to wash away the wicked. But before the waters come, the Lord seals Noah, and his family, and the birds and animals into the Ark---1- The Hand of God--2- The Judgement of God--3- The Grace of God
There is clearly an important lesson to be learned and understood by God's use of those two words BEFORE ME, He put at the end of the First Commandment---1- God Is Omnivident--2- God Is Omniscient--3- God Hates Idolatry
This is the third of the three means of grace revealed in verses 19-20, in order to obtain a fresh infilling with Christ's Spirit--1- Summoned Together--2- Subject To Each Other--3- Scriptural Fear Of God
Being desirous of a time of rest with their Lord, and He with them, they are unable to recover their strength because of the crowds coming to hear the Word of Christ. They are spiritually hungry, and Christ fulfils their need. Soon they are also physically hungry, Christ too feeds their needs- --1- Their Time of Rest Thwarted--2- The Disciples' Reaction--3- The Lord's Miracle of Multiplication
The First Commandment forbids fundamental aspects of the creature's relationship to its Creator---1- It Forbids the Denial of God--2- It Forbids the Denying Him Worship--3- It Forbids the Disowning Him as Our God--4- It Forbids Our Devotion To Anything Else
Noah's preaching-ministry and his ark-building ministry are at an end, and the global flood will commence in a few days. By God's command- The ark is completed, it is stocked with food - This is all of God's provision. Now that His longsuffering has come to an end, and all His plans of preparation have been carried out, now we come to the final step of this plan - the actual saving of life---1- The Lives Preserved For A New Earth--2- The Global Catastrophe on the Old Earth--3- The Effectual Call of God Into the Ark--4- The Gospel Foreshadowings Revealed
Continuing on from Ephesians 5-18, on how we are to be filled with the Spirit, we will see in verse 20 that prayer, and specifically humble gratitude for all of God's Providential ways, expressed in prayer, is an important means of grace, together with the use of the Psalms as we have already seen, and humble Christian fellowship in the following verse---1- Being Grateful unto God--2- Being Grateful At All Times--3- Being Grateful For All Things--4- Being Grateful In the Name of Christ
Time has now passed, since the disciples received their commission. They had doubtless experienced much on the road and in the ministry. They would be tired but excited. You can imagine 12 voices all trying to get the Lord's attention, and to get His approval. But the Lord's primary reaction that we see in these verses is one of love and compassion. He sees that they need some rest from the ministry. Yes, they need time off, but not from Him, but rather time off WITH HIM.- --1- The Occupation of Gospel Ministry--2- The Call unto a Gospel Retreat--3- The Withdrawal for Christ-filled Solitude
What we see in the chapter 21 of Revelation, is the Consummation of all things. And as regards the Church of Christ, that is all the believers on earth or in glory, this endpoint is called The Consummation of Redemption. In other words, Christ will bring everything to an end, but not bring everything to a halt - for Christ is shown here about to commence on a New Work of Creation---1- He Calls To Us--2- He Commands Our Attention--3- He Communicates His Work--4- He Confirms His Word
The Shorter Catechism now commences its examination of the first commandment. This commandment, in commanding all people not have any other gods than the one true and living Jehovah God, requires three fundamental responses---1- Knowledge--2- Acknowledgement--3- Application
The imprisonment and death of John the Baptist, and the bizarre circumstances surrounding his actual death, are a clear example of how the Lord's own precious servants can be treated as the offscouring of the earth, and yet are very precious in the Lord's sight- --1- Who This Precious Saint Was--2- What Caused His Imprisonment--3- What Lead To His Precious Death---4- The Aftermath Of His Death
Verse 7 declares that while it is rare for anyone to die for a righteous man, it might be possible that someone would day for a good man. An interesting comparison, but verse 8 shows us where the actual comparison is to be made- Christ, the Eternal Son of God become Man dies for undeserving and worthless sinners- This is not a mere man dying for a good man or a righteous man. NO. This is the Perfect and Holy God-Man dying for bad and unrighteous men and women, and boys and girls. Therefore, the Cross shows God's love to His people in a way that nothing else can---1- A Commended Love--2- A Gracious Love--3- A Redeeming Love--4- A Personal Love
This verse helps us to understand how we are to be filled with the Spirit of God, and although at at first glance it appears to have nothing to do with the exhortation to be filled with the Spirit, it actually does. For, we are to make the Psalms a means of grace, in order to know the abundant infilling of the Spirit, in three ways---1- Speaking--2- Singing--3- Salutation
Often, a parable is told to all hearers, but this parable is specifically addressed to a particular group- they trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. But would prayers from such people be pleasing to God---1- The Persons That Prayed--2- The Positions They Took In Prayer--3- The Product Of Their Prayers
The lessons and the promises that are contained in this parable are so rich and encouraging as regards patient and persistent prayer. Especially so, for it contains a wonderful promise to the praying believer---1- The Relationships In This Parable--2- The Reason For This Parable--3- The Restrictions Surrounding This Parable
The Apostle continues with a further exhortation, composed of two imperatives- One to flee from, and the other to seek after - seeking to encourage a fresh infilling of the Spirit of Christ within every believer---1. Flee From Intoxication--2. Seek After Infilling
The Lord Christ is actively concerned with turning His disciples into power-filled preaching Apostles. They are here, as it were, being given practical work experience, preparing them for the time when Christ would be taken from them, and He would continue His Church building from heaven, through His Apostles, and thereafter through His Church- --1- Christ's Homeland Missionaries--2- Christ's Regal Ambassadors--3- Christ's Gospel Preachers
There are one hundred years between the command given to build the Ark, and its completion at the beginning of chapter seven. It would appear that the Scriptures are silent concerning this large period of time. And yet, the Scriptures do reveal more information about this period of building the Ark- Notably, in the New Testament---1- The Power of Christ's Resurrection--2- The Preaching of Repentance--3- The Penalty of Rejection
In prefacing the Ten Commandments, the Lord introduces Himself in a number of ways, whereby He establishes His various relationships to and over His people---1- His Renown - Jehovah--2- His Rights - Our God--3- His Relationship - Redeemer--4- Our Responsibility - the Redeemed
This exhortation to redeem the time continues with the context that the times we live in are evil. So, walking precisely as wise Christians, and not as foolish Christians, making good and godly use of our time, we are to further our wisdom by understanding God's will to carry it out at ALL TIMES of day, and at ALL SEASONS of life - for this has an defensive and a combative result---3. The Need for such a Redeeming--4. The Measure of this Redemption
There are a number of miracles revealed to us in the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament which amaze us with their display of God's power, as well as their display of God's compassionate mercy. There is one miracle, which deserves to be called the miracle of miracles- Where God, the infinite, eternal, almighty Jehovah takes on human flesh and becomes a man- For what reason such an exceptional miracle---1- To Taste Death For Us--2- To Be The Captain Of Our Salvation--3- To Call Us His Brethren
-There is no God-, many would say today, and have said throughout the ages. But God's reply to this is- The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. The All-Wise, and All-righteous God calls the atheist, A FOOL- He says more besides in Psalm 14---1- He Sees Your Godlessness--2- He Sees Your Ignorance--3- He Sees Your Works--4- He Sees Your Prayerlessness--5- He Sees Your Condition--6- He Sees Your Need Of Comfort
The Shorter Catechism, before it goes into the details of each of the Ten Commandments, now takes time to reveal what the Sum, or the Summary of the 10 Commandments is. For both tables point to our need to love God with our all, and to love our neighbour the same as we love ourselves---1. Love Instead of Hate--2. Love God With Everything--3. Love Everyone Alike
This exhortation to redeem the time follows immediately from, and is an application, of the prior exhortation to walk circumspectly, or to live precisely conform to God's Word. Seeing, then, that the term WALK points to our life and times, then it is these are to be redeemed back from foolish and pagan ways unto faithful and fruitful use, pleasing to our God and Saviour---1. The Exhortation to Redeem--2. The Object of this Redemption
The sufferings and humiliation of Christ were not just experienced and seen in His time in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the further events that lead to His sacrificial death, but throughout His entire life, He was despised. Isaiah 53-3 in speaking of the suffering servant, prophesies of Christ by saying -He is despised and rejected of men-He was despised, and we esteemed him not.- Such despising is revealed to us in this passage---1- Where Christ Is Found On The Lord's Day--2- How Christ's Glories Are Revealed--3- When His People's Hardness Is Exposed
If you are found outside of Christ at death, then God's wrath will rain down heavily upon you unto everlasting death and destruction.--So, as regards salvation from wrath, Noah's Ark is really Christ's Ark- For the Ark itself is a very picture of Christ, of His Covenant of Grace, of His work of salvation, and of His Divine Wisdom---1- The Extent Of The Sentence--2- The Greatness Of The Structure--3- The Richness Of The Salvation--4- The Completeness Of His Submission
Because sin entered into the world at the fall, and everyone's moral compass has become damaged and the conscience is seared to a greater or lesser degree, how is the compass to be recalibrated- Where does one recover true knowledge of true morality- This is where Special Revelation comes in - the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, specifically, in the moral law as Divinely revealed in the Ten Commandments---1. The Summary of the Commandments--2. The Form of the Commandments--3. The Depth of the Commandments
Verse 8 speaks of walking as children of light, and now the Apostle begins to apply more specifically this exhortation in verses 15-17. Because verse 16 has so much to say, especially in the realm of application, we will spend our time laying the foundation for it by looking to understand more deeply verse 15.--Description---1. Its Premise--2. Its Properties--3. Its Precision--4. Its Purpose
Christ was neither stressed by the MANY calls upon His attention, not irritated by yet another needy person. See how He takes take to deal with everyone - whether it be the prestigious Leader of the Synagogue, or this impoverished woman. For Christ is above all, and is no respecter of persons- --1- This Woman's Great Shame--2- The Saviour's Grand Sovereignty--3- Christ's Glorious Sympathy
Person holiness is the conscious fleeing from sin. The heartfelt desire to be as unlike the world, with its pride, sin, and lying hypocrisy, as much as possible. Now this holiness must not become a legalist's attainment of more personal trophies, but a desire for more of Christ- That is the spectrum that every Christian is on- On one end is worldliness, and on the other end is Christ---1- God-Pleasing Rebellion--2- God-Performed Renewal--3- God-Proving Reality
How do we know how to perform our duty towards God- Besides the Supernatural Revelation of the Scriptures, God built into every human being a standard by which to live. A moral God created within His moral creature, the moral law---1- It was a Natural Revelation--2- It was Before the Fall--3- It was a Binding Rule
The ultimate truth of being called the children of light, is that they have risen from the darkness of spiritual death, unto the light of the Gospel. But also, bearing that light, we are to be Gospel beacons---1. The Source of this Saying--2. The Slumber Pointed To--3. The Sun That Is To Shine
1- Our Motivation is the Glory of God--2- Our Mission is to Evangelize for Christ--3- Our Might comes from the Spirit of God
On Remembrance Sunday, we give praise and thanks as we remember God's Protection and God's Providence. Besides this passive remembrance of others' sacrificial deeds, the Preacher Solomon teaches that there is also an active remembrance to be undertaken for matters that have not yet taken place in your own life. For on a day of remembrance, there is yet another day to come, which should not be ignored or forgotten---1- The Great Comfort--2- The Great Leveller--3- The Great Forgetting
The Shorter Catechism is split into two main sections, as revealed in question 3 - what we are to believe, and what we are bound to do. Question 39 commences this second section by considering the basis of our duty---1. Our Christian Duty--2. The Source of this Duty--3. The Expression of this Duty
In verse 10, we were to prove what is acceptable to the Lord, and then we were to reprove that which is unacceptable to the Lord. We continue this understanding of reproof by now considering what it is that does the manifesting---1- The Things Reproved - Evil--2- The Things Revealed - Exposure--3- The Things Rectified - Enlightenment
Throughout the life of Christ, He suffered many things, before His public and overt sufferings began. We see His deep grief revealed in the garden of Gethsemane, which was immediately followed by His betrayal and arrest. This betrayal by Judas doubtless added to His grief, and itself caused a grievous, but temporary desertion by the rest of His disciples. But prior to all of this, and in stark contrast to desertion, we see Christ together with His disciples, eating the Passover meal. A highpoint of fellowship together, as they sit with Christ at the table. Let us learn some lessons from these historical occurrences, as we come to the Lord's Table--1- The Self-Awareness of the Disciple of Christ-2- The Self-Denial of the Disciple of Christ-3- The Self-Preparation of the Disciple of Christ
In the previous question we considered what happens to the believer at death- that the soul would go immediately to be in glory with Christ, and that the body would rest in the grave until the resurrection. This question continues the personal eschatology of the believer. In this case, we come now to what we call The Consummation of Redemption---1. Our Resurrection--2. Our Glorification--3. Our Acknowledgment--4. Our Acquittal--5. Our Beatification
Description- We now come to the Christian's duty towards God, in relation to the darkness of the world. Again there are two commands given- To have no fellowship, and, To reprove them. These are both clearly ACTIVE positions that the Christian is to hold in regards to the world. We are to live differently by living a holy life, but we are also to shine differently than the world and towards the world--1. The Canon Of Wickedness-2. The Communion To Avoid-3. The Castigation Of Darkness
When Jeroboam is made King of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and splits the Kingdom inherited by Solomon's son, Rehoboam, he also consciously breaks with God, by imposing his own idolatrous form of worship upon his people. To all intents and purpose a mere copy of the Temple worship in Jerusalem, but deeply displeasing to God Himself---1. God Is To Be Worshipped--2. God Ordains His Worship--3. God Is Displeased by False Worship--4. God-Pleasing Worship
The Scriptures available in one's own language is a precious possession- to be read, studied, obeyed, and loved. It is God's own revelation of Himself and therefore of the Gospel. One of the first matters to be dealt with when reforming the Church of the 16th century, was to obtain a faithful translation of the Scriptures in the language of the people--1. It's Purity-2. Its Inspiration-3. It's Preservation-4. It's Sufficiency-5. It's Reformed Heritage
In 1645, the Scottish Parliament ratified the Directory of Publick Worship. A document intending to make Public Worship in the British Isles to be conformed to the Scriptures. This Directory is one of the many outstanding documents that came out of the Westminster Assembly of 1643-1649---1. What is it---2. Its Background--3. Its Contents--4. Its Influence
On the basis of the light of the Gospel arising in the heart, and the fruit of the Spirit being formed there, the believer is then able to do that which vs 10 speaks of- to prove that which is acceptable unto the Lord. Life that is governed by doing all that is pleasing to God, is a perfect description of a child of light---1- The Testing Times--2- The Fitting Finish
We approach a solemn number of truths with these verses- the corrupting power of sin- the personal responsibility for our sins- and God shall judge every sin. The sinner who is not the object of God's loving grace, and left to rot in their own sin, must face--1- The Pollution of Sinfulness--2- The Responsibility of Sinners--3- God's Judgement Upon Sin
Our focus now shifts very clearly upon one man - Noah. We are now commencing a new period in the history of mankind, and more especially, in the History of Redemption. In these, and the following verses, we are confronted with the opposite ends of the spectrum of humanity- A sinner saved by grace and a world of sinners corrupted by their sin. And what makes the difference- Noah's piety and good deeds- NO. Only God's Grace---1- The Grace Noah Found--2- The Grace Noah Displayed--3- The Grace Noah Lived
What happens to the soul and the body of a true Christian when he or she dies- Question 37 answers this with wonderful and comforting truths---1. Perfection of the Soul--2. Prompt Glorification--3. Persistent Bodily Union--4. Prospective Bodily Resurrection
Paul now continues to explain more fully why Christians are not to be partakers of disobedience. He does so in verses 8-14, which together form one unit, and helps us to identify what it means to be CHILDREN OF LIGHT. Specifically, having contrasted what we were in sin, to what we are in Christ, and now being possessed of the Spirit of Christ---1- The Light Has Dawned--2- The Spirit Bears Fruit
The previous verses showed the corruption of the Church on earth by intermarriage with the godless. Therefore, the salt and light of God's people has less and less effect upon the world. Which leads to a great increase in sin and violence upon the earth, and calling down God's righteous judgement---1- God's Discernment--2- God's Disappointment--3- God's Decree--4- God's Deferment
We see in this new chapter, the expansion of the human race. Mankind fills the earth - not only with people, but also with wickedness. Specifically, we see God's people unequally yoking themselves with the ungodly, and bringing compromise and corruption into the professing Church of God---1- Man's Increase In Number--2- Man's Increase In Apostasy
We are continuing our examination of the further rich benefits that Christ's redemption grants to believers. Specifically, the last two of the five mentioned---1- Assurance of God's love--2- Peace of conscience--3- Joy in the Holy Ghost--4- Increase of grace--5- Perseverance therein to the end
Brief report on the preaching at the Week of Prayer, and some news, especially the Mission Board, given at the Presbytery meetings.
During the Apostle Paul's first missionary journey, on the outward leg of the journey, he preached the Gospel and churches were formed, but now on the return leg he has come to disciple them---1- The Necessary Confirmation--2- The Heartfelt Exhortation--3- The Coming Tribulation
On this Thanksgiving weekend, we quite naturally come to our next passage in Scripture, which points to the words of thanksgiving that a new father utters over the birth of his firsborn son. Lamech, at the relatively young age of 182, welcomes his first child into the world, and yet in his naming and description of Noah, Lamech prophesies aspects about Noah, and of the Seed of Promise yet to come---1- Christ in Noah's Forefathers--2- Hope In Noah's Designation--3- Consolation In Promised Rest
The Puritans were once openly despised, and nowadays are still a byword for killjoys and prudes. The truth, however, is far removed from this stereotype. Essentially, the Puritans desired Purity of life and worship. They desired to follow Christ in ALL matters---1. The Defilement to Avoid--2. The Dire Truth to Accept--3. The Deceivers to Evade
As Christ now commences the portion of the Passover meal that He now consecrates and institutes henceforth as the Lord's Table, Christ reveals a number of sacred truths about our feasting with Him---1- A Fellowship Meal--2- A Remembrance Meal--3- A Covenant Meal
It is very clear when we consider this genealogy, is how much it points to Christ. Yes, in an obvious way, because this family of Seth is part of Christ's earthly lineage, but also in more subtle ways, we see Christ foreshadowed and pointed to---1- The Passing On Of The Likeness--2- The Propagation of the Lineage--3- The Prominent Lives
Besides the main blessed benefits of Salvation, we've previously examined, specifically- Justification, Adoption, and Sanctification, we are now introduced to further rich benefits that Christ's redemption grants to believers---1- Assurance of God's love--2- Peace of conscience--3- Joy in the Holy Ghost--4- Increase of grace--5- Perseverance therein to the end
The third part of Psalm 19 moves on from the Testimony of Creation, through the Testimony of the Law, through to the experiential application of these testimonies in the soul of the believer---1. Personal Implementation--2. Prayerful Application--3. Closing Petition
The proud Pharisee, the Christian-hunter, Saul of Tarsus, with arrest warrants galore, is now on the road to the Syrian capital city, to further his glorious career. However, we see that Saul has a meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ, and is humbled---1- Saul's Aggression--2- Saul's Abasement--3- Saul's Appeals
In Christ's earthly ministry, He toiled unceasingly for the souls of His people. But now that He is exalted in heaven, we learn that prays unceasingly for the souls of His people---1- Appointed to Pray--2- Able to Pray--3- Apt to Pray
We saw last time that while the Testimony of Creation, or Natural Revelation as it is also called, while it reveals the Glory of God, it does not reveal the Grace of God - for it was created before the fall, before sin, before the very need of redemption. Therefore, another revelation is needed, which contains the way for fallen man to be saved and once again be friends with God. This is called Supernatural Revelation, or the Testimony of the Law. We will briefly examine the ways mentioned in the middle of Psalm 19, of how this Supernatural Word of God is the Revelation of God and Salvation that we all need---1. Spiritual Conversion--2. Spiritual Education--3. Spiritual Rejoicing--4. Spiritual Vision--5. Spiritual Fear--6. Spiritual Judgement--7. Spiritual Desire
A respected Jewish leader is brought his knees, when his 12-year old daughter is close to death, and he has to ask the Prophet of Nazareth to heal her. In all the busy and crowded city, the Lord is delayed by another healing, and the news reaches the father's ears, that his daughter is dead. Christ exhorts the man not to collapse into defeat and unbelief, and says, Be not afraid, only believe- --1- A Distressed Father's Prayer--2- A Disappointing Report--3- A Determined Saviour--4- A Daughter Restored
In the seventh letter to the Churches, specifically to Laodicea, Christ rebukes, warns, and promises this lukewarm church to be zealous and repent of their backslidden and lukewarm condition---1- Christ's Description Of The Lukewarm Churchgoer-2- Christ's Judgement Upon the Lukewarm Churchgoer-3- Christ's Counsel To The Lukewarm Churchgoer-4- Christ's Promise To The Repentant Churchgoer
Almost 1500 years after the Exodus, and the tenth plague against Egypt -the death of the firstborn-, Christ celebrates the Memorial Meal of the Passover for the last time. While He celebrates it with His disciples, He changes the feast into the New Testament Memorial of the Lord's Supper---1- The Death of the Firstborn-2- The Memorial Feast-3- The True Fulfilment
We have seen already how Christ with a word is able to rebuke the devil and deliver people possessed by him. Christ's Word of power to destroy the prince of darkness is evident to all, as we read and study the Scriptures. In todays' text, we see again the power of Christ against not just one devil, but against many. A legion of devils---1- The Devil's Cruelty--2- The Deliverer's Compassion--3- A Damnable Call--4- The Determined Clemency
In the previous verse, Ephesians 4-32, we were directed to be Kind, Tenderhearted, and Forgiving. We noticed how these were also traits we noticed in the character of Christ. And that is how the Apostle now continues in chapter 5, because the Putting On of the New Man, is the putting on of Christ---1. What is this Following of God---2. The Reason for Such Imitation.--3. The Details of this Childlike Imitation
Cain, the firstborn of Adam, has become a murderer, a liar, and an apostate. He has turned away from God and from his parent's upbringing. He has the blood of his own brother on his hands. And so, he flees from God and his family, he goes eastwards and settles with his wife in a place of relative safety, and starts a family, and a city---1- Cain's Flight--2- Cain's Foundation--3- Cain's Family--4- Cain's Future
Again we consider the exhortation of vs 32, but this time try to see the rebuking side of these words. We are to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, and yet are more often unkind, hard-hearted, and unforgiving. Christ, elsewhere in the Scriptures describes Himself as meek and lowly in heart, let that be the key to understanding and applying this verse to our lives.--1- A Humble Head--2- A Humble Heart--3- Humble Hands
On the basis of His Mediatorial authority, which He declares in vs 27, Christ goes on to issue a most winning call to the sinner to find rest and peace in approacing Christ and being yoked to Him, forever---1- Christ's Commands Spoken--2- Christ's Character Shown--3- Christ Calls Specific Persons--4- Christ's Covenantal Seal
We saw Paul beginning to round of this chapter in versses 30 and 31, in considering The God Offended, Who is the indwelling Holy Spirit, and the The Godless Offences which still issue forth from the corrupt flesh. The final verse is in some ways the highpoint of the previous verses when applying the doctrines of the old man and the new man, and completes the thought of these final three verses by giving The Godly Option.