He rules over the nations

Husbands love your wives - thank you Francis.

2012-01-19T19:48:00.005Z

With horror and sadness over the past week we have witnessed the sinking of the mighty Costa Concordia. While it would be easy to focus on the cowardice of the captain who somehow "fell" into a life boat another man caught my eye and is worthy of praise, 71 year old Francis Servel. While he and his wife prepared to jump he gave his lifejacket to his wife. She survived and he was drowned. She said no doubt with tears, "I owe my life to him." I don't know of the late Francis knew anything of Ephesians 5 but he certainly lived it. Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. I guess most of us husbands would like to think that we would do likewise for our darling wives even if we knew that death awaited.

How amazing to think then of the love of Jesus Christ for His bride. His bride wasn't very lovely, very undeserving, but so willingly He gave His life knowing that he would face not the horrors of the salty water but the horrific drowning in the waves of the Holy wrath of God. And He did it because He loved us.

The words hardly seem adequate, I owe my life to Him.

When will my life not suck, Ramon Presson

2012-01-09T09:04:00.003Z

This is a 2011 production from the New Growth Press stable. The book consists of thirteen chapters of well written comment on how many sadly approach life. The author does a good job in bringing some answers to the malady of our messy world by directing the readers thoughts to portions of Scripture from the life of Paul. The writer's style will either excite and draw you to read and read or annoy the life out of you. This is a helpful book for those who are dealing with people whose lives are broken with disappointment and crises. There is much here also by way of practical help as the writer is counsellor of some experience. Useful book for illustrations for the preacher. Useful book to read with someone who is in the depths. The chapter on contentment is particularly helpful.

Ministers are dying men

2012-01-06T09:02:00.003Z

Came across this cracker of a quote in Matthew Henry when doing some reading for preaching on Zechariah.

"Ministers are dying men and live not forever in this world. They are to look upon themselves as such and to preach accordingly, as those that must be silenced shortly, and know not which sermon may be the last. People are to look upon them as such, and to hear accordingly, as those that yet a little while have the light with them, that they may walk and work while they have the light. Oh that this weighty consideration had its due weight given it, that we are dying ministers dealing with dying people about the concerns of immortal souls and an awful eternity, which both they and we are standing upon the brink of."

Matthew Henry, Volume 4 p1402, MacDonald

A Bassa Heart, Gbile Akanni & Noel Davidson

2011-12-27T11:21:00.003Z

A Bassa Heart is a biography of Robert Hyslop who left Northern Ireland to go to work amongst the Bassa people of central Nigeria. Having had the privilege of being in Kogi state to minister to some Bassa pastors in May 2011 I was naturally fascinated by this account of how the Lord used one man for the blessing of many. If you are after a literary masterpiece you will be frustrated by this volume. If you are wanting to witness how God works amidst the imperfections of His people then this will encourage you. There was much in this account of an independent missionary that I simply couldn't square with the Scripture - praying for raising from the dead, independency, tongue speaking. However there was much in this biography that warmed and stirred the heart. Robert Hyslop had what any servant of God needs, a heart for the people and a passion for the honour of the Lord. If you have interest in mission in Nigeria this will stir you and inform you. I had that sense in reading that this man was a giant in the faith, sold out on serving Jesus Christ. On reading this book I couldn't help but think of what McCheyne said, that it was great likeness to Christ that the Lord blesses. Mr. Hyslop displayed that likeness in sacrifice, service and faith.

Planting, watering, growing, Edt Hyde & Lems

2011-12-20T07:33:00.003Z

At the start of 2011 I set out to read as many church planting books as I could. This has definitely been the best. It was the sub title that caught my attention: Planting confessionally reformed churches in the 21st century. The book is a collection of papers, twenty one in all covering every aspect of church planting. There are four main parts to this book: The foundation of church planting; The methods of church planting; The work of church planting and The context of church planting. Michael Horton is the best known of the contributors. Any one interested in church planting needs to read this book. It is scholarly enough to be part of a college course and readable enough for benefit to all. A good book to study with a fellow church planter. Fuel for the fire.

Publisher: Reformation heritage books. £14.00

The Masculine Mandate, Richard Philips, Reformation Trust

2011-11-30T12:27:00.003Z

Sadly many men have lost their way - some become arrogant and abusive others effeminate and weak - and that is just in the church. This book is a tool for making real men. Real books have hard backs and a dust cover - so this book was off to a good start. The content is first class. Unlike many books for men this one is rooted in the Scripture. The writer takes the principles of Genesis and presses them in to all the avenues of a man's life. There are 13 chapters with good discussion questions at the end. The book is comprised of two parts: Understanding our mandate (1-5) and Living our mandate(6-13). Chapters 1-5 cover the basics of the principle of keeper king. Chapters 6-8 work this out in marriage, 9&10 in the family, 11 in friendship amongst men, 12 in the church and 13 finishes off with a general chapter on servants of the Lord.

Every wife or prospective wife should buy this for her man. Every man who loves his wife or is looking for one should read this book and inwardly digest by the grace of God.

Ideal for a men's fellowship or reading through with another man on a one to one.

My father used to have a saying about a real man - "he had hairs on his chest like shot leaks!" This will put some spiritual hair on your chest.

The Message of the Resurrection, Paul Beasley-Murray

2011-11-17T09:17:00.004Z

This is the last in the series of my reading on the resurrection for this year. This book is part of the IVP Bible Themes Series. The writer takes each of the main NT references on the resurrection and gives a short commentary. This is a very helpful study with good insights from the original language. The sound exegesis is matched by warm application. One or two areas in which I would disagree with the writer especially in a few side references to baptism. This is a well worthwhile read, informing the mind and touching the heart. There is an accompanying study guide at the end which would be fruitful of itself.

Preaching Resources on Esther

2011-11-16T10:04:00.003Z

Just finished a series on Esther. Had hoped to get through in about 4 sermons but became 7. Some resources that I found useful.

Commentaries

The NIV Application Commentary, Karen Jobes. Helpful and a must for preachers.

Esther & Ruth, Reformed Expository Commentary, Iain Duguid. Useful preaching ideas.

The Gospel in Esther, Stephen Sykes. A bit fanciful in places but thought provoking.

Unspoken Lessons about the Unseen God, Derek Prime. Typical Welwyn. Not great deal of depth, useful for devotions.

God Behind the Scenes, Luter & Davis, Expositor's guide to Historical books. I didn't like this at the start but it sort of grew on me. Helpful for some study on Hebrew words and some interesting reflections.

Esther, Joyce Baldwin, Tyndale. Helpful.

Lectures on the book of Esther, Thomas M'Crie. Very helpful solid insights. Reprinted

Sermons

Tim Keller (Redeemer Central)

Ian Hamilton (Cambridge Presbyterian)

Christopher Ash (Gospel Coalition)

Geoff Thomas (Gospel Coalition)

Andy McCracken (Sermon Audio)

Unspoken Lessons about the Unseen God, Prime

2011-11-15T09:38:00.003Z

This is one of the Welwyn devotional commentaries which I read while preaching through Esther. Nothing deep here, mainly Bible reading note level. Some of the links to Christ are a bit simplistic. Having said that this is a useful devotional commentary for a daily devotions. Not much by way of assistance for preaching.

Planting New Churches, Ed Stetzer

2011-11-14T17:13:00.003Z

This is supposed to be the A-Z on church planting from one of the leading church planting gurus. It is a substantial volume of over 30 chapters with a mountain of references. Stetzer has obviously done quite a bit of research for this volume but sadly his field of planters seems rather limited with not a hint of a confessional or presbyterian planters in view . While there was much that was interesting in this volume I had some major criticisms. The writer's comment that the reformation church was not a mission church is simply not true. That got under my skin early on in the volume. I did find his section on what makes a church planter and the section on understanding the culture helpful. However the lists of nuts and bolts on planting was rather tedious and a tad American. I am glad that I persevered to the end and found some helpful points to reflect on. Generally a useful read.

QI - not!

2011-11-14T17:08:00.003Z

Stephen’ Fry’s “Quite Interesting” was far from that on Saturday 12^th November when Mr. Fry launched an assault on the teaching of the Bible. Stephen Fry, a well-known and outspoken atheist simply couldn’t help himself spread his bad news, that there is no God.

In jocular manner he stated that there never was a worldwide census as mentioned in Luke 2 and that there was simply no truth in the fact that people had to return to their birthplace under Roman census. Mr. Fry said that Luke’s record was a fabricated idea to make it look that this was a fulfillment of the Old Testament Scripture.

As the merriment of bashing the Bible continued Jesus birth was referred to as something like getting Santa to Lapland.

One would expect a Cambridge graduate and someone of Mr. Fry’s ability to have studied a little deeper before he made such remarks.

For anyone caught off guard by Mr. Fry’s remarks here is something to chew over. Mr. Fry’s remarks are old hat. As far back as 1890 in Schurer’s History of the Jewish people in the time of Jesus, the worldwide census and the return to a home place was questioned. But these objections are so easily answered.

Firstly with regard to Mr. Fry’s remarks that there never was an empire wide census. His statement is simply not true. Augustus was known in history as a very methodical man. It is widely recognized today that Augustus instituted three censuses in this period. (Tacitus Annals 1.11; Dio Cassius 53.30.2). Also other census taking cycles are now known to have been in place from this time. (Buried History 9:113-132). When Luke writes all the world he is not speaking of all the world as we know it but the Roman world and especially the area in an around Palestine. And again it is recognized that regular census taking took place in Syria, Gaul and Spain.

Secondly with regard Mr. Fry’s comment – even if there was a census which there wasn’t they were not allowed to go to home towns. Again – Mr. Fry is obviously not a scholar. The Romans allowed the Jews to keep all sorts of customs even tax exemption every seventh year (Antiquities 14.10.20). And allowing the Jews to go home for census was no big deal and something that they were willing to do to keep the peace.

I can’t help but feel sorry for Mr. Fry. How foolish he looks to be making comments before the nation that are based on outdated and well answered 100 year information.

I am looking forward to the episode when Mr Fry and his friends do the Koran bashing bit.

Losing our Virtue, David Wells

2011-10-10T08:48:00.003+01:00

Listen to the preaching in many churches today and you will find something is up! It sounds like the gospel but it is a twisted version to scratch where post moderns are itching. Jesus is that friend who will help you find yourself. Jesus is that guide who will steer your life to productivity and meaning. The God of self is clamouring for attention in churches today and many are falling down to worship. Listen to the worship that is happening and you will find it is more like a concert that adoration of the living God. This book will open your eyes and help you stay on track.

Wells has that wonderful way of helping the reader see into the emptiness of the thinking of our post modern world. In this volume he analyses the moral mess of the American culture and how this has impacted on the life of the church. In this volume he is seeking to help us see where society's views of self are rooted and how these values have impinged on the message of the church. Wells cracks open the therapeutic gospel preached in so many places today and illuminates how this approach is no gospel at all and a help therefore to no one.

Though David Wells writes for culture across the pond his comments are spot on for us too. Any pastor preacher seeking to help the people of God in a way that will last should read and take in this wise analysis. This volume is like a massive breaking system on a runaway train - so climb aboard.

Steve Jobs' handbreadths

2011-10-06T14:29:00.004+01:00

In a speech in 2005 the late Steve Jobs said, Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life........ your time is limited.

That was good counsel.

But this wasn't, Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Don't settle.

The message of the Bible is that the only way that we will be satisfied in is knowing Jesus Christ and if you haven't found Him yet keep looking. Don't settle for satisfaction in an iPhone, iPod, or macbook. It is found in being rescued from the guilt and power of sin by Jesus Christ's life death and resurrection. Once you know Him, like any good relationship it just gets better and better as the years roll on. Once you know Him any work will be great work for it can be done for Him

Like Steve Jobs - you and I will be dead soon. Just a few handbreadths. Now is the time to trust in Jesus Christ. Now is the time to raise yourself from the slumber of life and do something for Him. Don't settle for anything less.

The Secret of Communion with God

2011-09-23T12:06:00.002+01:00

This is Matthew Henry at his very best. The book consists of three sections: How to begin the day with God, How to spend the day with God, and How to close the day with God. These were originally sermons that he preached and some friends encouraged him to publish as a book. It is wonderfully heart warming and encouraging. If you are looking for a book to stir up your daily devotions then don't look for the modern rubbish of 10 ways to improve your quiet time. Spend some time listening to Matthew Henry and you will find your mind informed and heart transformed. By version was published by Kregel

The Resurrection: The Unopened Gift, Gerard Crispin

2011-09-01T07:48:00.002+01:00

This little Day One publication book on the resurrection has been on my shelf unread for years. This year I am trying to read whatever I can get on the resurrection and this is a little gem. Each of the 12 chapters are filled with Bible, good exegesis and clear heart stirring application. I have been reading a chapter at the start of my daily devotions each morning and found it a good primer. The opening chapter dealing with the fraud and swooning theories is particularly well written. While there is much here to stir and encourage the Christian this would also be a suitable book to give to the inquirer.

Respectable Sins, Jerry Bridges

2011-08-19T09:51:00.002+01:00

Jerry Bridges has that wonderful knack of clearly and simply pressing home the Scriptures deep into your heart. This volume is not for the faint hearted. Not that there is anything intellectually difficult in any of it, but it gets to you as he confronts the sins that we so easily tolerate. Before the author get to the heart blows he warms and instructs the heart on the basis of the gospel. This is thoroughly Biblical and practical and will benefit everyone who reads it and is ready to go to their knees in confession and repentance. There is also an accompanying study guide that would be useful for any small group to consider.

We can fix it - No you can't

2011-08-16T09:40:00.004+01:00

Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
Your words are filled with good intention when you say to the nation we will fix this broken society but they are arrogant words and words that will add further pain to a society longing to be fixed. Just look at the past - have you or your previous PMs made even the slightest dint on the breakages of our nation. Please look and acknowledge - some of the laws that your government has passed has added to the pain of our fractured land. Acknowledge - as human beings we don't have all the answers, in fact we have very few. But the God of the Bible not only has all the answers but all the power to turn back and really fix our broken land. If your cabinet would sit down with a Bible and read and listen then maybe you would be given the privilege to lead a turning around of the nation that will be noted in history. God does tell us why there is all this mess going on and how it really can be fixed. Your longing for stronger families and community and society is good to hear. And you will be glad to know that God has lots to say on each of those. In fact the whole message of the Bible is God's plan for a new community where the diverse and different live side by side as family. The Bible's message is that Jesus Christ can mend our hearts and bind us together. What our nations needs is not a list of rules and reform but repentance, a humbling of itself before God.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. Psalm 33v12a
Praying for you and the others at No.10

Responding to the Riots

2011-08-16T09:12:00.005+01:00

The whole nation and beyond were shocked at the recent riots in London and in other locations throughout the UK. We weep with those who have lost loved ones, their homes or livelihoods.
The response to these events has been interesting. Many of the people of these areas broke out in understandable rage, others resorted to the blame game and the government began its chant of we can fix it. Amidst all the voices that were heard responding to the events - not one voice rose up to communicate what God says about such matters. I guess that is part and parcel of the problem - that so very few in our land have even the slightest notion what the living God says about anything.
So here are a few Biblical directions to guide our thinking:
1. The Bible is true. We didn't need the sinful activities of opportunist and scheming looters to tell us that but their actions confirm what God has said. II Timothy 3 v1ff But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God....
The looters love for self was apparent in every shop front smashed and every item stolen - I love me and I will get for me whatever I like and whatever it might mean for anyone else. A young woman defiantly said - we want to show that we can do what we want - I think that falls in the arrogant category. As we watched the young oversees student be picked up and then robbed - one word echoed in our minds - heartless.
So these sad events don't loosen our faith - they confirm it.
I can't help wondering if such lawlessness is not also a measure of the handing over of God of our nation. A nation that wants to live without God may be merciful shown - this is what it would be like to live without God.
2. What's the sin under the sin. It is obvious that stealing, arson, murder is wrong - the Bible says so. But what is fueling such mayhem. Yes no doubt the economic and social climate does have a bearing on such events. But that is not the root reason that so many would stoop to such atrocities. The root sin is connect to the first commandment - no other gods before Me. The god of sinful man is self - I must have, this will make me happy, if I had that item I would be acceptable. The "must have" pangs of our society is a God shaped thing. And when it is not filled with God sinful man will do anything to fill that aching gap. If only men and women could see - we weren't made for things - iphones, designer labels - but for the living God.
When we get to the sin under the sin - it puts us all on a similar footing with the looters. We are sinners needing the emptiness of our lives filled.
3. Pray for the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible calls us to pray for those in government. How they need our prayers. Pray that they would be humble to see that they can't fix it. Pray that someone will bring them the wisdom of the Word of God and the leaders of our nation would lead the nation in repentance.
And we shouldn't be despondent about the angry mobs. Prior to the revival of the 1700s the nation was in a similar low with regard to crime, violence and morality. Maybe the day is not far off when the transforming power of God will come again to our land.
The looters are not scum, feral, or morons - but human beings, created in the image of God, they have worth and value. We should weep that God is not glorified as He should be and that so many are heading for a lost eternity and cry to God to save many.
And in case any are feeling a little smug thinking - I am better than they are, I am no looter? Really? So you have never grabbed the good name of someone else in a morsel of gossip? So you have never burnt down someone's character by not standing up for them in a conversation when you knew what others was saying was wrong?

This Momentary Marriage, John Piper

2011-08-03T11:30:00.004+01:00

Every now and then you find a book on marriage that is different from all the many others that have been published on this subject - and this is one of them. Of course you wouldn't expect anything else from John Piper. This book like all his books comes from the anvil where he has hammered out what the Word of God says. Even when you don't necessarily agree with his conclusions you can't help but honour a man who so honours the word with deep reflective study.
The basic thesis of this book is that marriage has its ultimate point in something much greater, that it is a parable of something of everlasting permanence,i.e. the love of Christ for His people.
The book comprises 15 chapters dealing with all the usual matters concerned with marriage. The chapters always have some practical insights that many readers will not have previously considered.
While I really enjoyed and hopefully benefited from this book there were several areas where I was not in agreement with the author. The author argues for example that there are never any grounds for divorce and that a marriage can end whenever we find that Jesus love for His church has ended. While not agreeing with Mr Piper's conclusion I think that his arguments should help us hate divorce and should stir up couples to do all that is possible to flee from something that God says He hates.
Being a Baptist pastor the writer fails to see the dimension of God's covenant when it comes to the comments concerning raising children. If this matter, which I believe is of vital importance, can be remembered by the reader then there is much that will be of help in this book.
This book definitely goes on my list of books for people taking marriage preparation or marriage recovery classes.

Towards Spiritual Maturity, William Still

2011-07-30T08:26:00.004+01:00

An old proverb says that good things come in small packages. This 6o page book by the late William Still proves the case. The book comprises seven short chapters covering the work of Christ and growing in the Christian life. As it says on the recommendations on the back page it is one of those books to be read and reread. There is help here for the young Christian and the maturer believer. It is classic Still, cross centred, God honouring, heart warming and life changing. The chapter on the armour of God is especial helpful.
If you find them cheap on the internet or a box lurking on a bookshop floor and can get them for a good price buy and give away. It is published by Christian Focus.
Here is a quote to whet your appetite, God is the only worker, for all that we do in Him is by His power. Those who seem to serve Him and fight for Him must be morally, intellectually and emotionally convinced that all the glory is His, and that the uncreated God will never share His sole prerogative with His creatures. What He shares are His blessings, and the man in Christ can have His fill of them - certainly more than He seeks. p55
Loads available on Amazon or for those with a Kindle http://www.monergismbooks.com/Towards-Spiritual-Maturity-Overcoming-Evil-in-the-Christian-Life-eBook-p-19675.html

Lament for a son, Nicholas Wolterstorff

2011-07-11T18:11:00.003+01:00

This little gem published by Eerdmans is simple and honest expression of the grief of a father for his son who died in a climbing incident. Each page has the outpouring of a grief stricken father. These personal accounts of one man's wrestling with God will help any who grieve to articulate the agony of their own heart. These are brave and thought provoking musings of a father who obviously loved his son very deeply. There is an obvious progression in the book as the father moves from the dark reality of loss to the hope of the resurrection.
There is one area that gives concern in the writings of this father. In several places he would appear to over state the suffering of God as he speaks of God's pain and the anguish of God. While there is no doubt that the God of the Bible understands us perfectly and the God man on the throne of heaven has experienced all that we face we need to take great care not to attribute to God dimensions of our character that may not be the same for one who never changes. I wonder if the writer is straying towards the error of patripassianism. With this significant caveat this book will be of help to any in the midst of grief.

Wisdom from Bridges on The Christian Ministry

2011-07-06T09:07:00.002+01:00

There is as much benefit in the right choice of books, with which we should be most familiar, as there is in the election of other friends or acquaintances, with whom we may most profitably converse. No man can read everything, nor would our real store be increased by the capacity to do so. The digestive powers would be overloaded for want of time to act, and uncontrollable confusion would reign within. It is far more easier to furnish our library than our understanding. p46

Invictus, John Carlin

2011-07-04T20:53:00.003+01:00

This is certainly a case of the book being better than the film. A fascinating read of how Mandela steered and planned his way to the top to lead a nation out of the horror of apartheid. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Language a bit strong for my liking in a few places but it was in the setting of quoted rugby player conversation. As far as lessons. Probably the example of Mandela in the effort that he took to understand people that he might lead the to a better understanding.

The Blind Side, Michael Lewis

2011-07-04T20:45:00.003+01:00

A light holiday read. Not very often can someone say that the film is better than the book - but that is my assessment of this book. Don't waste your money on buying this - the film is much better. The storyline of this true story is fascinating - rich Christian American family take in a a poor black teenager who they love and shape to become a leading NFL hero.

Cry the Beloved Country, Alan Paton

2011-07-04T20:34:00.002+01:00

David Powlinson of CCEF fame somewhere recommends this volume. I bought this last year and only got round to reading it on holidays this summer. Of the hundreds of books I have read over the years this is the best written by a long shot. It is a novel following the heartache of a black South African pastor searching for his rebellious son. Many key features of life are illustrated in this wonderful book. While many see it as a classic that traces the racial tensions of South Africa there is much more here by way of Biblical lessons. On every page we are reminded how broken this world really is. The reader is also reminded of the root of all trouble - sin.

Song of the Nighingale, Helen Berhane

2011-07-04T20:24:00.002+01:00

This is a short and not very well written book that is absolutely fascinating. It recounts the details of the life of a woman imprisoned in the most appalling conditions in Eritrea. Her crime was sharing her faith in Jesus Christ. While there was a lot of theological head scratching at some things in this little volume one cannot help but be impressed by the desire that this woman has to share the faith. I couldn't help think - would I stand firm in the faith under such conditions?

The Legacy of Sovereign Joy, John Piper

2011-07-04T20:18:00.002+01:00

I read this a few years back and read it again on holidays as I ran out of Sabbath day reading and turned to my wife's collection. This is Piper at his best in biographical analysis. This volume covers Luther, Augustine and Calvin. Each biography covers the basics of the life of the individual and then Piper's wonderfully penned applications and challenges from the life of. Much here to challege the pastor who is called to feed the people of God.

I Can Plod, John Appleby

2011-07-04T20:11:00.003+01:00

This is a biography of the founder of modern mission, William Carey. It is not wonderfully written but the the power of Carey's life shines through all the same. It is one of those biographies that you will need to read with a pen and paper - the lessons just pour forth. Appleby has a great grasp not only of the life and work of Carey but also provides a thoughtful assessment of the times in which Carey laboured. One thought keeps striking me when I read this book - where are the Carey's of today? Where are the men and women with a passion for reaching the unreached? The lessons from the life of Carey are legion:
1. the Lord blesses hard work.
2. Persistence is vital in the work of the kingdom.
3. To reach the lost great effort will be required.
4. To mission effectively in a different culture a well integrated team is required.
The writer makes a mistake on page 198 - he says in a footnote the word for baptise always means immerse - that is very much disputed.

Taming the Tiger, Tony Anthony

2011-07-04T20:03:00.002+01:00

Someone gave me this book as a freebie and like all freebies it sat in my desk for a while, after a few months was put on a shelf and then on a tidy up nearly got dumped. For some reason having put it in the waste paper basket I retrieved it and thought - I will give this a read. And what a read! It is the biography of Tony Anthony, three times world king fu champion. Not the sort of biography I usually go for. I was struck by the mercy and power of God to save and to keep those for whom Christ died. I was reminded that as believers we have a great deal of growing to do and God is faithful even when we fall. I was struck by the grip of grace that God has on His children. I was struck as to how the Lord delights to use his people in bringing others to faith.
Well worth the read. Authentic publisher.

Sermons to the Spiritual Man WGT Shedd

2011-07-04T19:54:00.003+01:00

I read the counterpart to this volume (Sermons to the Natural Man) a few years back and found it very beneficial. This volume is exactly what it says in the title - sermons to the spiritual man - 26 of them to be exact. Each sermon has that typical Shedd approach - intensely thorough and imaginatively illustrated. I used this volume as a warm up for my daily devotions. Each sermon contains enough to inform the mind with new insights on the passage or text and stirring application to strike the heart.
My volume was hard back and published by Banner

The Cross Centred Life - CJ Mahaney

2011-05-04T11:32:00.003+01:00

For 17 years as a minister of the gospel I have exhorted myself and the people of God to live only one sort of life - a life where the cross is in our constant gaze. This little gem by CJ Mahaney is a clear and concise call to the church to focus on the work of the Lord Jesus on the cross. This says Mahaney is THE MAIN THING. The book comprises just 85 pages but each one is dripping with thought provoking and practical statement. This little giant consists of seven stimulating sections of compact comment on the cross showing how the cross rescues us from ourselves, performance Christianity and condemnation.
The book is a useful primer to serious life long reflection on the cross. If you read it don't stop at the last page but go on to the Scriptures seeking Him while He may be found. Go on to F.S. Leahy's classic trilogy on Christ and His cross.

Resources on the Lord's Prayer

2011-04-19T15:44:00.004+01:00

Just finished preparation on the last sermon in a series on the Lord's prayer. In my preparation I have been making use of the following five books:
Reaching the Ear of God, Wayne Mack, P&R
When Grace comes Alive, Terry Johnson, Christian Focus
The Lord's Prayer for Today, Derek Prime, Day One
The Lord's Prayer, RT Kendall, Chosen
When You Pray, Philip Ryken, P&R
All five are worthy of a place on the bookshelf with Ryken, Johnson and Kendall being the most helpful. If you are into listening to the sermons of others Stuart Olyott is the key one to download.

Celebrating the Saving Work of God, J.I. Packer

2011-04-11T08:31:00.002+01:00

Not my usual area of reading but picked up this four volume set over a year ago. Decided it was time it was read. This volume is a collection of 18 theological papers given at various conferences or written up in journals and brought together in this first in the series of Shorter Writings. The whole range of theological study is on offer: the Trinity, Covenant theology, person and work of Christ, justification, universalism, and an extended section on the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. It is unlikely that a Covenanter minister would agree with all that an Anglican brother would write and that is the case for me too. Packer is a master with words and has a head for difficult doctrines and the ability to communicate what he wants to say. By and large I was with him in most things with the odd exception. In one or two places he is a bit more generous to Rome than I liked. But apart from that there is much of benefit in these papers.

The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges, Daily quote

2011-04-08T17:13:00.002+01:00

It is well to have a book for every spare hour to improve the parenthesis or interludes of time. p44

Bridges says that skimming books is a "most injurious habit"

The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges, Daily quote

2011-03-29T09:16:00.002+01:00

Bridges quoting from Scott's Life, "With all my discouragements and sinful despondency; in my better moments, I can think of no work worth doing compared to this. Had I a thousand lives, I would willingly spend them in it: and had I as many sons, I should gladly devote them to it." p23

The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges, Daily quote

2011-03-21T20:35:00.003Z

Those who will faithfully discharge their duty as ministers of the gospel shall have need to be prepared for sufferings.....Except we realise a high estimation of the Church, the constraining influence of the Saviour's love, and the upholding prop of Almighty grace, what is there to preserve us from sinking in to despondency? p12&13

The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges, Daily quote

2011-03-19T09:04:00.003Z

Speaking of the Christian ministry.......

"This therefore is the ordained means of conversion, and of subsequent establishment in every stage of the Christian life; and its necessity must continue, while there is a single sinner to be brought into the family of God, or a single grace in the heart of the saint to advance to perfection." p10

How different the view that ministers and the church has by and large of the ministry today. How many men see their ministry in this Biblical light? How many congregations view the ministry in their midst is this light?

The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges, Daily quote

2011-03-18T10:28:00.003Z

"For surely it is the highest dignity if not the greatest happiness that human nature is capable of here in this vale below, to have the soul so far enlightened as to become the mirror, or conduit or conveyor of God's truth to others."
p6

The Christian Ministry, Charles Bridges, Daily quote

2011-03-17T15:39:00.003Z

It has been about 20 years since I read this book and after picking up a copy from the library of the late FS Leahy I decided to read again. Bridges was an Anglican minister from the 1800s. I reckon a chapter a day will do the trick. One chapter one quote.

"Who hath skill and strength proportionate? Who has a mind and temper to direct and sustain so vast a work? If our Great Master had not Himself answered these appalling questions by His promise - My grace is sufficient for Thee, and if the experience of faith did not demonstrably prove that our sufficiency is of God; who with an enlightened apprehension, could enter upon such an awful service, or if entered, continue in it?" p5

Singing the Songs of Jesus, Michael LeFebvre

2011-03-17T14:49:00.004Z

Anyone who loves the psalms needs to read this book so that you will love them even more. Though just some 160 pages this is no airy fairy light weight ditty. Every line of this gem is carefully thought through and as a book punches well above its weight. The author has a different angle on psalm singing that is both thought provoking and worship empowering.
With psalm singing growing in popularity world wide this is a book just right for the times. The author is keen for the reader to see psalm singing as singing not simply words about Christ and breathed out by the Spirit of Christ but singing with Christ.
Although the writer makes it clear that this book is not a defense for exclusive psalm singing the reader is left with one concluding thought - why would anyone ever want to sing anything else.
Every psalm singing church should press this book into members hands so that they will be filled with encouragement to keep on singing the psalms. Every young person or not so young person looking out into the church and thinking - you know we really need to abandon these psalms for something more popular - needs to take up and read.
Food here not only for your mind but joy for the heart.

The Case for Covenantal Infant Baptism

2011-03-02T08:43:00.002Z

With the blessing of having a number of baptisms to administer in the life of the congregation I have been preaching a series on baptism, adding a new sermon when there is a baptism. To help in preparation I have been reading and studying up on baptism. I have had this volume on my to read shelf for at least a year and now have finally been through it. It is a collection of papers on the subject of covenantal infant baptism edited by Gregg Strawbridge. It has a good range of pastoral, historical and theological studies. Each chapter stands on its own and can be read without connection to the others. Gregg Strawbridge has managed to enlist some heavy weight reformed writers including Joel Beeke, Joseph Pipa, Richard Pratt and Daniel Doriani. Of the fifteen chapters only the penultimate one by Douglas Wilson gave me cause for concern. If I read him correctly he seemed to be favouring children partaking of the Lord's Supper. Having said that he did have some worthwhile comments to make on how we raise our children.
Anyone who is wanting to seriously study the whole issue of baptism must read this book.
It is published by P&R.

First Steps for Planting Missional Churches

2011-02-18T08:36:00.004Z

This is a manual for church planting written by Gary Rohrmayer. It is superfically baptistic (ie has statements that my deep thinking baptist friends wouldn't say), congregational, Arminian, in one place quotes one of the Emergent Church gurus and has a liberal dose of church growth guff. One of those five things are usually enough to make me stop reading and look for something better. But in an attempt to do some research on Church planting I persevered with this manual and I was glad that I did for there were many things to glean and twist to my setting. Added to that this man has planted more churches than my denomination has in 200 years so if I can't learn something then there is something seriously wrong with the size of my head!
Obviously in a manual on church planting that is congregational in ecclesiology there is not going to be the realism of the work of a supporting denomination and so the writer has only part of the picture when he writes, "New churches are the most effective means of evangelism......older churches tend to become so burdened with budgets, buildings and pastor and people problems that they have no longer the energy for outreach." While there may be truth in this, and I think I have seen it first hand the other side is - the church planting of my own denomination would simply not have happened without the support of the older churches.
This manual covers the whole spectrum of planting - foundations, gathering a group, building a launch team, designing worship services and ministry strategies, establishing new communities and ministries. While many of the practical application is a bit American there is often something that would carry over to our UK setting. His ideas on preaching were particularly thought prevoking - relying on the help of the Holy Spirit, excelling in preaching, have your preaching evaluated regularly, planning in preaching, answer the questions that are in people's minds, hope should fill every sermon and preach short series.
Anyone interested in church planting I would recommend reading this and drawing out what you can use in your situation. Beware of the theological undercurrents that are simply not Biblical.

The Meaning and Mode of Baptism

2011-02-02T12:31:00.004Z

Doing some reading these days around the subject of baptism as preparation for a series of sermons on baptism. A friend guided me to Jay E Adam's wee booklet, "The meaning and mode of baptism." It is just 56 pages in length so doesn't really count as a book. But this booklet will help anyone who is interested in working out what the Bible says about the how to of baptism. His basic thesis is simple - immersion is not the Biblical mode of baptism and it should be by sprinkling or pouring. Adams leaves no stone unturned in this study and presents his material in a gracious manner. A vital read for anyone serious about understanding what the Bible says about baptism. The booklet is published by P&R.

Generous Justice

2011-01-31T10:07:00.005Z

Got this book from a good friend at Christmas. He has always the knack of picking something that illuminates the mind and stirs up the heart......
Every now and then you read a book and realize - the contents of this book could seriously change my life. This is one of those books. Tim Keller is setting out the Biblical reasoning why Christians and Churches should have a passion for justice at a local and global scale. It is a small book in size, containing just 8 chapters making up about 190 pages. It is a book that punches way above its weight and size. In the usual masterful manner the author draws together the teaching of Scripture and brings it right in under your radar and then detonates. The impact could not only be life changing but church changing. His thesis is simple - for too long the church has abandon the call of God to minister to those in need. For too long reformed Christians have been deformed Christians by leaving this call of God to those outside the Kingdom. The author is clear - this call is for the church.
Too many Christians say Don't get involved with the poor - sure they bring it on themselves! Keller is dynamite on this and blows this away with a quote from Edwards, "Such a faculty (ie being able to manage your affairs) is a gift that God bestows on some and not on others. And it is not owing to themselves.....This (ie helping them) is as reasonable as that he to whom Providence has imparted sight should be willing to help him to whom sight is denied, and that he should have the benefit of the sight of others, who has none of own."
Basically that means if you know someone who is not good at handling their affairs - then that is no reason for not reaching out in rich generosity.
I would advise any elder and deacon in the church to read this and see where and how you can minister to the needy and have the blessing of God come down on you and the society you live in. Perhaps if we got out of our comfort zones and unlocked the 100s of 1000s of pounds lurking in church bank accounts we could minister as Christ calls us to and have endless opportunity for sharing the gospel which has stirred us to be so generous.
Thanks Dave for another cracker book......

Raised with Christ, Adrian Warnock

2011-01-15T10:18:00.005Z

This is the next volume on my reading on the resurrection. Raised with Christ comes with two opening pages of recommendation. And I am glad to say that it does live up to all the words of commendation. It is a well written 19 chapter book that seeks to explain that the resurrection changes everything. The opening chapters cover the details of the resurrection and the rest tease out this life transforming doctrine in to every day life. If you like footnotes instead of annoying end notes you will enjoy the way that the publisher has set out this volume. This is a thoroughly heart warming and informative read. I didn't agree with everything that the author said especially in his comments regarding the work of the Holy Spirit and also revival. He seems to take MLJ's angle on the working of the Holy Spirit. All in all an excellently written and helpful study on the doctrine of the resurrection and a must for anyone wanting to delve in to this glorious truth.

Living the Resurrection, Eugene Peterson, Navpress

2010-12-27T21:46:00.002Z

Eugene Peterson's writing always has that surprise factor. This volume on living in light of the resurrection is no exception. This is a short volume - just three chapters and then a long appendix on the text from the Message on the resurrection passages. The three chapters each have that usual Peterson twist and each page has that ability to make you stop and read a paragraph again because you simply never thought of it like that before. This is not a major study on the resurrection by any means but a useful thought provoking angle on familiar topics and tying them in to the resurrection eg. work, Sabbath keeping, Lord's Supper and baptism.
Worth a read if you are doing some thinking about the significance of the resurrection but not that valuable if your book shelf on the resurrection is to be limited to one or two volumes.

Lifted - Experiencing the Resurrection, Sam Allberry

2010-12-20T11:34:00.003Z

Well yes I was - lifted. Decided to do a bit of reading around the resurrection over the past few months. Nothing too heavy at the start - just wanted my heart warmed and my soul stirred to deeper devotion for the Lord Jesus. And that is exactly what I found when reading and pondering this excellent book on the resurrection by Sam Allberry.
This 142 page book punches well above its weight. After a short introduction on the facts surrounding the resurrection the writer has four chapters: Assurance, transformation, hope and mission. Each chapter includes a well thought out exposition and application of one or several portions of Scripture. The writer has some wonderful turns of phrase. It is heart warming, soul satisfying and stirring. He is keen that the doctrine of the resurrection does what God intended it to do - ignite our lives. My favourite chapter was the third one entitled - Hope. In this chapter he deals with the physical resurrection of our bodies. Anyone wishing to raise their spiritual temperature a few degrees would do well to read this little gem. Here is a super paragraph to whet your appetite.
"The resurrection demonstrates who Jesus is. It is not meant to be just some mega-miracle, or trump card for the existence of God. It speaks powerfully of the identity of Jesus. We can be assured that he is exactly who he claimed to be. And because of that same resurrection, we can also be assured that he achieved in his death exactly what he said he would--we can be assured of our salvation." pg. 34

Scandalous, D.A. Carson

2010-12-08T08:44:00.002Z

This recent publication by IVP comprises of five addresses that the writer gave at a Resurgence conference at Mars Hill, Seattle. They focus on the cross and the resurrection:
1. The ironies of the Cross (Matthew 27v27-51a
2. The whole centre of the Bible (Romans 3v21-26)
3. The strange triumph of a slaughtered lamb (Revelation 12)
4. A miracle full of surprises (John 11)
5. Doubting the resurrection (John 20v24-31)
Each of these chapters is clearly subdivided, presumably with the headings that the writer used in his preaching. Each chapter contains the usual exegetical depth that one is used to with Dr. Carson. Each chapter is a wonderful blend of sound detailed explanation of the text with warm hearted stirring application.
This volume would make a useful help for daily devotions and at the same time provide good help for those preaching on any of these passages.

A Shelter in the time of Storm, Paul Tripp

2010-11-24T12:33:00.002Z

Every now and then you come across a book and you think - everyone needs to read and inwardly digest. This is one of those books. It is a series of 52 meditations on Psalm 27. A few of the reflections are poems - but don't let that put you off - they are super and prise open the thoughts. Each of the short chapters can be read in a new minutes but the outworking will take the rest of your life. Each chapter is filled with Paul Tripp's inimitable heart revealing style. As always he gets to the sin under the sin and it looks as if he is reading your mind.
If you are looking for presents for someone for the weeks ahead and you really love them - by them this book. Not only is it filled with nuggets of wisdom on psalm 27 - it will also in a by the way sort of manner teach you how to ponder the Scripture and let it seep into your life.
Cracker book to use as part of your personal devotions, family worship or a study with someone.
I have been raving about this book to family and friends. My raving went off the raving scale when I read chapter 50 this morning, "What gives the psalms their meaning and depth? The thing that the psalms point to again and again isn't a thing at all. No it is a person, and His name is Jesus. It is not as if some of the psalms are Messianic; all of the psalms point to the person and work of the Saviour in some way! Psalm 27 is a powerful example."
That reason alone is sufficient for me to say - there is only one thing that I want to sing on this earth - the songs of Zion and as I sing to pray - LORD - rivet this truth deep into my soul that I may know day in and day out shelter in the time of storm.
Dear Mr Tripp - I doubt that you will ever read this blog - but if you do - please please make it the work of the rest of your days to do the same for all the rest of the psalms.

Church Planter, Darrin Patrick

2010-11-22T09:36:00.002Z

I have to confess it was the online movie type trailer that made me buy this book on church planting. And like all movies - the book is better. Darrin Patrick is vice president of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network and the founding pastor of The Journey Church in St. Louis. Although you will find nothing particularly new in this volume it is draws together many aspects of planting into one volume. I agree with Tim Keller (I am sure he is glad about that!) "Church planters should all read this."
The book is divided into three main areas - the man, the message and the mission. The book commences with a rivetting preface in which he calls men to be real men and not "bans". That is Patrick's way of speaking of men who never grow up and are still playing about with games consoles and not being real men. The second chapter on call to ministry is well worth buying the book for. He says that any man interested in being a church planter should be willing to take hits in decision making. I would take that further - any man considering the ministry in any shape or form - if you are not up for the tough time, the slog, the plod, the pain, the tears, the heartbreak - then forget it - be a postman - at least you will only get bitten by dogs. Other chapters in section one include - qualifications for ministry, what it means to be skilled in ministry and what it is to shepherd the people of God. Chapter 7 on being a determined man is a super chapter filled with Biblical reasoning on why to keep on in the ministry and how to.
In the second section - chapters 8-12 (The Message) you can see that this guy really does know his stuff and has gleaned amongst the "Big boys" for his theology. His chapter on Salvation Accomplishing is John Murray's classic Redemption Accomplished and Applied in jeans and t shirt. In Chapter 10 it is clear that Patrick knows the things to beware of out there - moralism, relativism etc. and once more has some cracker footnotes. In dealing with exposing sin he quotes the Shorter Catechism and John Knox and that in itself gains him kudos. His chapter on Idol Shattering is classic Keller - calling preachers to expose the sin under the sin.
In the final section - chapter 13-17 the writer deals with mission. Chapter 13 did concern me somewhat when he quotes Theresa of Avila and Hans Kung. But don't let that put you off the book. Chapter 14 on the church and mission lacks a covenantal approach, but his classification on types of churches is helpful and challenging. Chapter 15 on contextualisation will no doubt raise a few eyebrows for some but there is much here that is very thought provoking about reaching the masses with the gospel. Patrick does well in keeping away from the dangerous edges of contextualisation. The final few chapters on care and city transformation conclude the book.
All in all - a good read. You will not agree with everything and strongly disagree with some things (E.g. his comments on the Sabbath). But this is well worth the read. Why not team up with a few others to read and discuss.

Sad Day for Scotland

2010-11-20T16:27:00.005Z

Many mornings I feel like weeping when I tune in the to BBC4 news and so was the case today. I woke to hear that the Free Church of Scotland is changing their position on worship. According to the highest court of their church each session is now at liberty to use materials other than the psalms for use in worship and also allowed to use instruments in public worship if they so wish. Why would the BBC cover such information? Like many across the land they think that this is a nice movement with the times. Personally I would be very afraid if the BBC commented with even the slightest tone of favour of anything that I did. What the public wants seems to have won again - after all one of the arguments of the men for change was that somehow singing psalms was keeping people away.
When the church develops a loose approach to what should happen in public worship history seems to show that this is the beginning of times of decline. I trust and pray that this is not the case for the Free Church, but only time will tell.
So very quickly changing to letting a session chose for itself could become a total abandoning of the book of praise (no matter what is presently placed in church order) that Christ has commanded for the exclusive use of His church. Soon the people of God may not know these words that Christ Himself sang knowing that they were filled with Him. Soon the people of God may not know the joy of having these words embedded in their minds for the day of trouble.
What a sad day for Scotland. Thank God some still hold to the Biblical teaching of non accompanied exclusive psalmody. And those who do stand firm - don't ever feel ashamed or that somehow Christ is limited by the singing of psalms - you stand with the vast majority of the history of the church of Jesus Christ.

This little church had none - Gary Gilley

2010-11-05T09:41:00.005Z

This is the third in a series of books by Gary Gilley. And you have guessed it the two previous ones were called "This little church went to market" and "This little church stayed at home." These classic books are no fairy tale laughing matter - but serious truth that the church must grasp. The author has a wonderful gift of putting his finger right on the trouble spot in the modern church. He has a knack of not only identifying what is going on in the church by way of being influenced by the world, but also how to get out of the mess. The present volume divides into three parts: Obstacles to the truth; The way back and Evangelism. In the first section 6 present day threats to evangelical church life are described: Seeker sensitive adjustment, The Emergent church goes ancient, Invasion of paganism, The prosperity gospel goes mainstream, The challenge of pragmatism, and The new atheism. In the second main section the writer describes how only a renewed confidence in the Word of God and pastoring with open eyes are the way back from the mess that the church is in in many places. The final section is a cracker on apologetic evangelism and a must for anyone interested in reaching the lost. Three of the final 4 chapters are written by co author Jay Wegter.
If you are involved in ministry in any form you need to read this book and the two previous volumes. If you are a young person who imagines that your church is fuddy duddy and why can't we do what other churches are doing - YOU NEED TO READ THIS and be thankful to God for what you have. Every pastor preacher needs to read these and be aware of the threats that are out there and can so easily creep into the church.
This book is a wonderful gift to the church for inoculation or recovery. Switch off the TV, log off the computer and read!

The Reformed Pastor - Richard Baxter

2010-10-18T19:52:00.003+01:00

Each year after the RP minister's conference I try to make a list of things that need seeing to in my life and ministry. One of the points on this year's list was to read again this classic.
I first read this abridged version of the Reformed Pastor nearly twenty years ago when training for the ministry. It is 125 pages of absolute gold dust. It is Baxter's exposition of Acts 20v28 "Take heed therefore unto yourselves." The book has three main sections: oversight of ourselves; oversight of the flock and a third section of pure application. The first two sections each have three subsections: nature, manner and motives re oversight. Every page is littered with sentences worthy of the highlighter pen. Obviously it is primarily for the pastor but since Baxter took time to include a preface for the "lay reader" it is a book designed to be a blessing to all of the people of God. If the Lord spares me to labour on in the ministry for 20 more years I hope to have read this 20 more times. Any man training for the ministry must track this down and read it and reread it until it becomes the warp and woof of your life.
Ps - on the look out for one of these trendy preaching caps and trying to work on the facial hair!

Depression - the stubborn Darkness Ed. Welch

2010-10-05T07:41:00.002+01:00

Whether you are someone who suffers from depression, has someone in your family under this dark cloud or are involved in counselling and pastoring, this classic of Ed Welch's is a must. The book is set out in four parts: Depression is suffering; Listening to depression; Other help and advice and Thinking God's thoughts. Welch's approach is Biblical and therefore balanced. As a counsellor of many years the author is obviously drawing on a host of experiences to flesh out the theory. As a teacher committed to the Scripture the writer is making it clear that the answer is not in the pills alone, but much deeper, in having the Word of God shape every corner of the mind.
This book will not only help someone trapped in the spiral of depression and those helping others but will also serve as an inoculation against this debilitating condition.

God's passion for His Glory - John Piper

2010-10-02T08:58:00.003+01:00

This book has the appropriate sub title, "living the vision of Jonathan Edwards." In this book Piper is introducing the reader to Edward's classic "The end for which God created the world." This book is really Piper explaining why he thinks the way that he does regarding the glory of God and the joy we all need.
The book divides neatly into two - the first half is Piper's summary of Edward's book with lots of helpful hints on how to read the latter half of the book with profit. The second half is Edward's masterpiece itself. Piper does a super job in breaking up the text of Edward's book into short readable sections and also inserts some explanations to assist the reader getting in to the groove of Edwards style. Most readers will have no difficulty reading Piper's half of the book, and there is much there to glean. The second half, i.e. Edwards book, is much more of a challenge. The first half of "The end for which God created the world" is quite philosophical and I have to confess that much went over my wee head. But the second part of Edward's book is by and large quotations from the Scripture which I hope went into me head. If you read it and grasp it all be sure to send me a summary. As I struggled with the paragraphs I plodded on remembering what Piper says early in the book - if you are just reading books that you understand you will never learn anything. To learn and grow it is better to be grappling with things just out of reach.
Any young men out there thinking of the ministry who haven't read any Edwards - it is time that you did. If I could wind the clock back 30 years I would give myself to reading Edwards day and daily. All his works are now available online. If you don't want squinty eyes the Yale volumes are now available in paperback. Though there does seem to me something a bit odd about reading such a heavy weight in paperback.

Pope's visit - blessing or tragedy?

2010-09-21T15:08:00.011+01:00

While many are rejoicing that the pope has visited the UK - all right thinking believers should weep. The system that the pope represents is utterly opposed to the gospel. It robs Jesus Christ of His glory at every turn. Nowhere is that robbery seen more clearly in how sinners are saved. Roman Catholicism boils down to a top up religion. It is quite happy to speak of Jesus Christ dying for sinners. But in Roman Catholicism what He did on the cross just wasn’t enough. It needs topped up at every turn with masses, prayers of the saints, intercession of Mary, penance, indulgences, baptism, anointing with oil. These additions make Roman Catholicism no gospel at all. It is a religion of works that denies the power of the life and death of Jesus Christ. The message of the Bible is so very different from the message of Rome. The Bible says that sinners are declared right with God through faith alone in Christ alone. It was that key Biblical truth that the Reformation brought again to the fore and delivered many from the darkness of the works religion of Roman Catholicism.

Below are ten ways (mainly gleaned from an Evangelicals Now article) that Roman Catholicism differs from the gospel:

1. The Bible - Roman Catholicism has a different Bible. Along with the books of the Bible that we find in ours they add 15 other books. These are called the Apocrypha. The Lord Jesus never referred to these and when the apostles made note of some verses it was only to refute false teachers. Roman Catholicism also puts church tradition on the same level as the Bible. A Roman Catholic Catechism states “Sacred tradition and Sacred Scripture make up a single sacred deposit of the Word of God.” Catechism of the Catholic Church This is against what the Bible says in II Timothy 3v16&17.

2. The Pope - Roman Catholicism believes that the pope is in the place of Jesus Christ. They refer to him as the “Vicar of Christ.” Vatican I claimed supreme authority and infallibility for the pope and though this was somewhat modified by Vatican II papal infallibility is still part of Roman Catholic teaching. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is the true vicar of Christ. The pope is often seen as receiving homage from his cardinals and the people. The pope fits the bill for the Anti Christ II Thessalonians 2v4.

3. Priests - At a Roman Catholic’s priest’s ordination he is said to receive special grace which he can communicate to others E.g. he can hear confession and forgive sins. The Bible makes it clear that there is one mediator between God and man I Timothy 2v5

4. Transubstantiation - Roman Catholicism believers that the bread and wine turn into the physical body and blood of Christ. This is a perversion of Matthew 26v26. The reason that Roman Catholics only receive the bread is in case the cup is spilt and the blood of Christ is therefore spilt.

5. The Mass - This is the key part of Roman Catholic worship. In it the priest offers the bread, the body, as a sacrifice to God. But the Bible says that the sacrifice of Christ on the cross never needs to be repeated.

6. Baptism - Roman Catholicism teaches that baptism make the person a Christian. Their Catechism states, “Through baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God.” The Bible says that personal faith in Christ is the way to be saved Acts 16v31.

7. Penance - Roman Catholicism teaches that the priest has the power to forgive sin and impose some task to test if the person is really sorry and make some satisfaction to God for the sin. The Bible is clear that we have nothing to offer to God to try and satisfy Him.

8. Purgatory - Roman Catholicism teaches that really good Christians go straight to heaven but that the rest go to purgatory to work their passage. Again this is directly opposed to the gospel. In Luke 23v43 the Lord Jesus promised the thief that he would be in heaven in an instant.

9. Indulgences - Rome teaches that because of unused merit built up through Jesus death and the good lives of saints they are able to offer special deals for money given to the Roman Catholic Church. In exchange for money or favours the time in Purgatory can be reduced. It was this wicked practice that Martin Luther spoke out against and kick started the Reformation.

10. Mary - Roman Catholicism claims that Mary was a perpetual virgin, that she was free from sin, was taken body and soul to heaven where she now prays for her church. Again this is contrary to the Bible. Mark 6v3 shows that she had other children. Luke 1v47 shows she was a sinner declaring Jesus as Saviour.

Roman Catholicism is a wicked and anti Christian system - at every point seeking to take glory from the Lord Jesus and His finished work. What makes it particularly dangerous is that it often uses Biblical terms, though with a different meaning.

No doubt there are true believers within the system. We would recognise also that Rome is clearer on some matters than many evangelicals, E.g. abortion and homosexuality. But in the end it is not the gospel that we find in our Bibles and is taking many people to a lost eternity.

As a denomination we hold to the Westminster Confession of Faith’s position on the pope and the system he represents, "There is no other head of the Church but the Lord Jesus Christ; nor can the Pope of Rome in any sense be head thereof; but is that antichrist, that man of sin, and son of perdition, that exalteth himself in the Church against Christ, and all that is called God."

The majority of the people of this island have been laid astray by this deadly error. Our hearts should break at the thought of so many without God and without hope. May the prayer of Paul be our prayer, Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. Romans 10v1

Remember most of our so called Protestant neighbours are Roman Catholics at heart - believing that somehow their religious activities will gain God’s favour.

When we are witnessing to our Roman Catholic friends there are some key things to remember:

1. Roman Catholic people have often a reverence for the things of God that nominal Protestants do not. They will be willing to speak of the things of God - so do so.

2. Don’t launch in to sorting out every error in their theology immediately. Their greatest need is to see the sufficiency of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Encourage them to read and study the Bible with you. As you do this - they will be able to see from the pages of the Bible why the Lord Jesus is all that is needed.

4. Though most may be suspicious of coming to a meeting - they may well be open to reading a tract.

5. Tell them that you are opposed to organisations like the Orange Order and that being a Protestant Is not equivalent to being a unionist.

6. Speak to them about your own testimony and what it means for you to know the Lord Jesus in a personal way.

7. Speak to them about heaven and why you are sure that you are going there.

8. Love and care for them as you word anyone. Take time to get to know them having them to your home and with your family.

9. Ask if there are things in their lives that you could pray for.

10. Remember that once they are converted there will be many battles ahead for them. Give assurance of the love and support of you and your church.

Counterfeit gods Tim Keller

2010-08-28T07:36:00.004+01:00

This is another cracker little hard back book from the preaching and teaching of Tim Keller. It has the apt sub title, When the empty promises of love, money and power let you down. Anyone interested in preaching in a 21st century relevant style should read Keller's stuff. This is super stuff for fueling apologetic preaching with a bite. In this volume Keller covers: love, money, success, power and a most challenging chapter on hidden idols. What makes this book so helpful is that he not only uncovers the idol factory of our hearts but shows the remedy - devotion for Jesus Christ. Not sure if this is available in paperback yet - but if it is - then why not order five and give away to some thinking non Christian friends. It will stimulate some cracking conversation.

Ministries of Mercy Tim Keller

2010-08-28T07:27:00.003+01:00

This book has been around since 1989 and only now am I getting to read it. In typical Keller style the parable of the Good Samaritan is unpacked in a way that no one else could. His basic thesis is that as believers we are called individually and together to mercy ministry. This is a call for us to open our eyes and see the wounded and dying all around and to minister to them in the name of Jesus Christ. The book is divided into two main parts - principles and practice. I have to admit I started to read this in the camp of thinking - "don't get caught up in mercy ministry it will lead you away from gospel proclamation." Having read this through once I am now in the camp of thinking, "one reason why we have so little success in gospel proclamation is that we are so little involved in mercy ministry." This is a book I plan to reread and work the principles out into my life and the lives of those around me. This is a book for every deacon to read and inwardly digest. It is a book for every church member to read in order to get involved and spearhead mercy ministry in the church.

FACEBOOK Stop wasting your life!

2010-08-05T12:43:00.009+01:00

This is a call to all RP young people, and perhaps not so young people, who are obsessed with social networking sites.
GET OFF FACEBOOK. I could be more balanced and say - limit your time - but I reckon that for many it is gobbling up your time and there is only one option - flee.
Work it out - how many hours are you spending a week - chatting to friends and acquaintances about absolutely nothing - where you have been, where you are going, what you are wearing? Does it really matter! Is there not something more beneficial that to you could be obsessed with. Why not finish that Christian book that you started three months ago and ought really to have been finished in three days, or visit that elderly person who is so lonely in your neighbourhood.
If you want to use face book -go ahead - but fill it with what matters - not your latest holiday snaps, your latest gadget or clothing - fill if with what you are learning about King Jesus and the things you have been discovering about Him. Fill up your pages with - how can I reach my friends and family?
And you guys who read this - if you are frittering away your time on face book - catch yourself on - isn't there something more manly that you could be doing. Isn't there someone you could disciple?
You see Facebook and every other thing like it is the world's empty shell of the privilege that God gives us to be really involved in other people's lives. We are not to be peeping from a distance - but right up close and personal pressing the life changing word of Jesus Christ into one another's lives. Think of the millions of Christians who must be on face book - hour after hour. Think of the work of the kingdom that could be done if it was invested in making disciples.
Before you sign off take a look and listen to this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ-8OvGn9yA&feature=channel

CrossTalk Michael Emlet

2010-07-31T21:22:00.003+01:00

Yet another from the CCEF stable. The book is subtitled "Where life and Scripture Meet." And that is really what it is about - how to take the Word and rightly apply it to the lives of men and women that we counsel. The book is hammering out the historical redemptive approach to the Scripture. The author is keen that we don't just use the usual familiar texts but that we learn how to use the narrative portions as well. The eleven chapters are well peppered with practical examples, if not templates showing how to press the Word into people's lives in a life changing way.
Once more this an excellent book not only to have on your counselling bookshelf but to have read and taken in. To help on the intake - each chapter ends with a good selection of questions which a well thought out. I found the book helpful in applying the Scripture to my own life and how to apply it to others - both in preaching and counselling.

The Trellis and the Vine, Marshall & Payne

2010-07-31T21:04:00.003+01:00

I had read some rave reviews of this book and so when I spotted it at the International Conference I decided to lighten Tom's van for the return journey home. The book lived up to the publicity hype. At the start I thought - not much new here - but the author's have that way of sucking you in and then wham I was caught. So much so that I sat engrossed in it for the entire two hour journey back on the boat last night. It is about ministry in the church. The basic premise is that if we do one man ministry in the church the wheels will come off or the church simply won't grow as she should. It is really down to a II Timothy 2v2 approach - training others to make disciples How I wish I had read this 20 years ago when training for the ministry. I kept thinking that this book could have so many provocative sub titles - why Go teams produce so little fruit, why RP church plants struggle, why RP congregations plateau out at 60 people, why reformed churches have ministerial casualties, why we are not getting the men we need in the ministry, why established congregations spend so much energy on keeping the structures of the past in place. If any of these sub title strike a chord - read and buy. You will not agree with all that these guys say - but you certainly will be challenged, perhaps humbled and hopefully changed

The Holiness of God R.C. Sproul

2010-07-31T20:54:00.002+01:00

I had been keeping this for my holiday read. I wanted something to prime the pump of my daily devotions, something to stir me when I was tired and weary. This little classic didn't let me down. Eleven chapters of clear and concise Biblical teaching on the holiness of God and how this touches down in our lives. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this was to read. Each chapter carefully crafted and climaxing in a corker of a chapter on holy space and holy time. It is one of those books that deserves a second read with a highlighter pen just to really take in some of Sproul's mind capturing one liners.
Each chapter concludes with 5 or 6 appropriately stimulating questions which would be useful not only for person study but also for group discussion.
I was glad to find that this book was so good because I bought a box full on the recommendation of a friend. If you would like a copy - I am happy to pass one (a book and not a box) on to you the next time we meet - just ask.

God in the Wasteland - David Wells

2010-07-14T15:36:00.003+01:00

If you have a head on your shoulders at all you will realize that the church in many places is in big trouble. One committed Christian man said to me recently about his church, which is packed to over flowing each week - "it is a mile wide and an inch deep." David Wells would not be long in explaining why to my friend.
The author is in a league of his own when assessing where the church is at today. With intricate and careful research David Wells pieces together the factors that have shaped and honed the church of today. Granted that he is primarily speaking of the situation in the US. But it is not too difficult to transplant his thesis to the church this side of the shuck.
This book was assigned reading at RTC back in the early 90s. Having revisited it 20 years on I benefited even more this time round. Well's desire is the the church be what God intended her to be. "I want the church to be an alternative to post modern culture, not a mere echo of it."
In a day and age when the church is losing her way big time pastors need to sit up and read this book if they are to be God's men for reform.
Just another quote to whet your appetite "Churches imagine that the less they ask or expect of believers, the more popular they will become and the more contented the worshippers will be. The reverse is true."
It is not a read for the sun or a bedtime browse. But if you can hide away the warnings and grapple with some of the diagnosis - you may well be God's agent of reform in your church, or at least a plug in a crumbling wall.

Seeing with New Eyes David Polinson

2010-07-03T20:30:00.003+01:00

Another classic from the CCEF stable. This masterpiece by leading CCEF counselor David Powlinson does what it says on the page - seeing with new eyes. His book divides into two basic sections. The first ties 6 chapters together under the theme "Scripture opens Blind Eyes." A number of these are basic exegesis and application of Scripture passages. The latter section of the book, comprises 9 chapters under the theme of "reinterpreting life." In this section Powlinson deals with many of the unbiblical counseling ideas that many Christians have imbibed.
Any one wishing to develop more pastoral counseling into their preaching should read the first section and anyone wishing to help people out of the fog of much modern day counseling should read the second section. That means it's a must for anyone in pastoral ministry.

The Fruitful Life Jerry Bridges

2010-06-04T17:14:00.002+01:00

Anything by Jerry Bridges is well worth the read. This one comes in the style of the Pursuit of Holiness. If you want to slip along challenge free in the Christian life then I recommend that you don't read this book or indeed any book of Bridges. On the other hand if you are desiring to grow in grace and deal with the sin that remains within - then take up and read. the book comprises 12 simple chapters covering - yes you guessed it - the fruit of the Spirit. Each chapter takes about 10-15 minutes to read and a lifetime to learn. The author takes each of the fruit of the Spirit in turn and unpacks the meaning with the help of other Scripture. At the end of each chapter there are helpful study questions that get the truth driven in deep. This is a most helpful book to use as part of a daily devotions or study for a small group.

Speaking Truth in Love David Powlison

2010-05-13T08:38:00.002+01:00

For any minister, student for the ministry or church member who desires to speak the truth of God's Word into people's lives this book is a must read. It is another volume from the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation stable. The book consists of two main sections: Part 1 Speaking Truth in Love and Part 2 We Grow Up Together. In the first section the writer deals with many of the practicalities of counseling - preparation, what questions to ask, how to illustrate your counseling and how to help people who have been to every other counseling avenue under the sun. The second part deals mainly with the role of the church in counseling and the vital topic of how to get more training in the field.
As with every CCEF book I have read I ended this one with the realization - I need to read that again with a pen and paper in hand. I think I have said it before - if you are serious in speaking the truth of God's Word in to people's lives in preaching and pastoring - then buy and read every book that these guys print. I wish I had these books when I was at theological college - perhaps I would have seen more people's lives changed by the Word than I have over these past 16 years.
If I am spared by God to minister for another 16 years I will be making the wise pastoral counsel of CCEF materials the core of my ministering of the Word of Christ from home to home.

Marathon Completed

2010-05-04T11:27:00.002+01:00

Yesterday in superb weather conditions James and I plotted our way round the 26 odd miles of the Belfast marathon. Just under two weeks ago I developed a nasty foot injury in the last stages of training and honestly thought I was going to have to pull out. But with daily treatment and no running except for two very short slow jogs at the end of last week we lined up in front of the city hall yesterday morning. Within half a mile my foot was sore. By mile 12 the pain was getting close to the unbearable level - but hobbled on not wanting to go back to all those kind people who sponsored me and said I didn't make it. By mile 17 the pain seemed to lessen, or was simply masked a little with the escalating pain in my right knee and thigh. By this stage I was noticing that James was looking like the proverbial ghost and my attention shifted to keeping him going. By mile 19 I knew that apart from my foot breaking I was going to finish.
And after 4 hours 19 minutes and 57 seconds we crossed the finish line.
So what kept a nearly 48 year old man going for that length of time? On many occasions during the run, as I battled with the pain in my foot and leg, I thought of those for whom facing another day with prostate cancer is a much more challenging marathon and could I not cope with a few hours? The voices of the people along the way was most helpful too with their kind words of encouragement to keep going. But most especially the words that one of the church members gave me on Sabbath evening to him who has no might he increases strength. We repeated it often in the course of the 26 and a bit miles and by His grace we made it.
Thank you to all who sponsored us for The Prostate Cancer Charity. Not to late to donate yet. James and I are now hoping to make the £1000 mark over the next few days.
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/mcculloughbelfastmarathon

Marathon Challenge

2010-04-13T07:36:00.002+01:00

My son James and I are planning DV to run the Belfast marathon at the start of May. We are in the final weeks of training and so far no major injuries. A few weeks back we decided that we should put our pain to some good use, i.e. raise some money for charity. The charity that we are running for is The Cancer Prostate Charity. At present I have one family member and one friend coping with various stages of this common cancer. The stats for the UK are pretty alarming: one man dies every hour from prostate cancer, 35,000 men are diagnosed with this each year.

The deal is easy. James and I take the pain of training for a running the marathon – and YOU kindly donate – and men and their families throughout the UK benefit. We are hoping to raise £500 between us so your generosity will be most appreciated. You can sponsor us in one of two ways: follow the link below and donate on line or the next time you see either of us sign up on our form. All donations gratefully received.

Sponsor Us

Broken Down House - Paul Tripp Book Note

2010-04-08T09:14:00.002+01:00

This is a must read for anyone really interested in living for Christ in a world gone mad. The author uses a vivid illustration throughout of the broken down house. This picture ties all 16 chapters together. The picture is simple - the world is not how God created it in the beginning - it is broken by sin. But thank God through the finished work of Jesus Christ a restoration work has commenced that will one day reach its conclusion.
The author teases out many life applications of living in the now and not yet. What I found particularly helpful was relearning that the church is not perfect yet - it is a work in process. My experience of the ministry is that problems arise in the church because God's people forget that the work isn't finished yet.
Having read through this book once I am now planning to go through it a second time with a notebook and perhaps produce some sort of study guide.
I wish I could afford to by a box of these and give them to all my friends.

Blame it on the Brain? - Book Note

2010-02-25T16:49:00.003Z

If you are interested in any way in counseling yourself or others this is a must read. The author is Edward Welch from the CCEF stable. After three chapters on Biblical foundations there are three other sections covering Alzheimers, head Injury, Depression, ADD, homosexuality, and alcoholism. The basic thesis of the book states - we have to be careful that we are not blaming things on the brain that are just sinful patterns. To that end the author covers things that can be blamed on t he brain, matters that the brain may be blamed for and aspects of life that the brain didn't do. To work out which is which you will have to read the book.
The thing about these books from CCEF is that they are full of Bible and not man made wisdom. Anyone interested in counseling or giving any pastoral counsel should buy and read anything that CCEF publish.

When I Don't Desire God - John Piper - Book Comment

2010-02-02T08:54:00.002Z

What a way to kick off the reading for 2010. This is the best Piper book that I have read to date. The title is exactly what the book is about. Each of the 12 chapters has several really quality gems for the warming of the heart. Like all Piper's books it is dripping with his Christian hedonism thoughts. His aim in this book is to stir readers to find all their joy in Christ and what to do when that joy is dimmed in our hearts. For several chapters he discusses fighting for joy and how to do that through the great truths of the Christian faith. The chapters on fighting for joy through the Word, world and prayer I found particularly helpful. The last chapter, When the darkness does not lift, would be of particular help to anyone who struggles with depression. They are many lessons throughout this book for those who are called to pastor God's people not least the quotes in the final chapter from John Newton as he sought to help the struggling Cowper.

Real Men Find Church too Girly

2010-01-30T20:51:00.006Z

The title is from an interesting article from the Times on 27th January. Apparently church services are now 70% female and only 30% male. The article suggested that girly love songs were the turn off for men along with men wearing frocks. Think of the torture a man would have to go through to sing song 912 in Mission Praise, Oh I was made for this to know your tender kiss...my feet were made to dance...or 943 There is none like you none else can touch my heart like you...or 980 Draw me close to you...never let me go....to feel your warm embrace. What man in his right mind would sing that even if he wasn't an exclusive psalm singer!
So what will bring men back to church? Obviously only the renewing power of the Spirit of God will make men and women willing to bow before King Jesus. Yet alongside of this God uses means like proper preaching, robust Biblical worship, and Biblical leadership. I don't imagine that the apostles were men with manicured nails, soft voices and all proper. The Lord called rough fishermen to be his instruments for taking the gospel to the world. I can't imagine any of them swinging along in a church service repeating I love Jesus over and over in a mindless manner. No those real men sang real songs, warrior songs, actions songs, battle songs, songs that spoke of heroism, sacrifice and commitment. And the good news is - we still have them - the PSALMS!
And as for preaching. The preaching of the Lord Jesus Christ drew men to be fishers of men. His call was to follow, give up all, go, leave everything, there is a world to reach, sinners to save, no turning back, be radical, fall before His Kingly power. When the preaching of pulpits rings with His Word and His Spirit moves the hearts of men - the pews will fill with men wanting to be the real men that only the gospel will make them.
I am so thankful that as I look round my congregation that it teems with real men.

2010-01-08T08:58:00.001Z

Anthony Selvaggio's short devotional commentary on Proverbs is well worth the buy. It is published by Shepherd Press and retails for around £8.00. It is not in any way a deep commentary on the passage but a study of various themes in Proverbs. Just short of 200 pages this book would be helpful for anyone wishing to get a handle on Proverbs. There are six parts to the book: An opening section called Foundations where the author has some helpful introductory comments on the book. His section on seeing Jesus in Proverbs is first class and that alone is a good reason for buying the book. The second section is on the theme of work, the third on wealth, the fourth on friends, the fifth on marriage and the sixth on children.
Anyone wanting to preach on this book will find help here especially for the latter half of Proverbs. It is an excellent book for personal devotions also.

Institutes Finish Line

2009-12-29T08:31:00.003Z

2009 - big year - ran the Newry Marathon and read Calvin's Institutes. I know which one was most painful and which one will have done me most good. This was my second time through Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion. Last time was back in the early 90s at RTC. If I can run a marathon and read the Institutes there is no excuse for anyone else. Not sure if I will run a marathon in 2010 but I have my eye on another readathon - not decided yet if it will be Johathan Edwards or BB Warfield.

How to be Successful

2009-12-02T15:19:00.007Z

After 47 years of life I have just unearthed the recipe for the ultimately successful life - Proverbs 2 - read it and ask God to let it flow deep into your life. Planning to preach on this on Sabbath 20th December. Here is what Charles Bridges says on this chapter.

And now, what serious reader of this chapter can fail to estimate above all price the privilege of being early enlisted under the banner of the cross; early taught in the ways, and disciplined in the school, of the Bible; and early led to hide that blessed book in the heart, as the rule of life, the principle of holiness, the guide to heaven! Parents, sponsors, teachers of youth; ponder your deep responsibility with unceasing prayer for special grace and wisdom. Beware of glossing over sins with amiable or palliating terms. Let young people be always led to look upon vicious; habits with horror, as the most appalling evil. Discipline their vehemence of feeling, and all illregulated excitement. Keep out of sight,

as far as may be, books calculated to inflame the imagination. To give an impulse to the glowing passion may stimulate the rising corruption to the most malignant fruitfulness. Oh! what wisdom is needed to guide, to repress, to bring forth, develope safely, and to improve fully, the mind, energies, and sensibilities of youth! Young man! beware! Do not flatter thyself for a moment, that God will ever wink at your sinful passions; that he will allow for them, as slips and foibles of youth. They are the "cords of your own sins," which, if the power of God's grace break them not in time, will "hold" you for eternity. (Chap. v. 22.) Shun then the society of sin, as the infection of the plague. Keep thy distance from it, as from the pit of destruction. Store thy mind with the preservative of heavenly wisdom. Cultivate the taste for purer pleasures. Listen to the fatherly, pleading remonstrance, inviting thee to thy rest---"'Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, ‘My Father! thou art the guide of my youth?’" (Jer. iii. 4.)

You can view the book on line at http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted_Hildebrandt/OTeSources/20-Proverbs/Text/Books/Bridges-ProverbsCommentary/Bridges-Proverbs.pdf or better still buy a hard back copy. Sell all your silly paperback books just to get this.

The Prophets Speak of Him - A. Selvaggio

2009-11-26T08:55:00.004Z

A 200 page masterpiece summary of the minor prophets. Anyone wishing to get an overview of these books of the Scripture will find Anthony Selvaggio's comments illuminating and heart warming. The historical setting and book outlines are set out in a readable format. But what makes this book well worth the £9.00 is that the author gets to who these books are about - the Lord Jesus Christ. Just flicking through the pages with your thumb will enable you to see that many of the chapter subheadings include the Lord Jesus' name. Any preacher considering preaching on the minor prophets will find this a useful devotional primer. When Anthony Selvaggio titles his book - The Prophets Speak of Him - that is exactly what he shows you. One constant thought echoed in my mind as I read this book - how do we preach these books? Was wondering are many of them really one sermon books - getting to who they are all about.

Well worth a place on your OT bookshelf.

How to Read Proverbs Tremper Longman III

2009-11-19T18:25:00.002Z

This is a piece of sheer genius as regards to getting a handle on Proverbs. It is published by IVP and comes in at around £10.00. Proverbs is not the easiest book in the Bible to get your head round. There are so many pitfalls that a reader or preacher can fall into. Tremper Longman's book will help you to avoid these. The 174 page book consists of some 12 chapters and two apendices. The 12 chapters are divided into three sections: Understanding Proverbs, Reading Proverbs in Context and Following the themes of Proverbs. This book is really the distilled version of the writer's fuller work in the Baker Old Testament Commentary series which should be on the shelf of any preacher considering feeding the flock from this wonderful book of Scripture. (Though it will knock you back some £25.00)

This How to Read volume is a good first step in getting to grips with Proverbs. Any reader will find great value and benefit.

From the Mind of God to the Mind of Man

2009-10-31T21:02:00.002Z

Not the sort of book I usually go for. Published by Ambassador and edited by James Williams. The book is some 230 pages of readable and balanced essays on Bible translation. As the subtitle puts it - a layman's view to how we got our Bible. Given that this book is from the stables of some who would be strongly KJV only this makes for a very interesting read.

Any who are struggling with getting their heads around the versions debate this is a calm and reliable read. It was the gracious tone and the scholarly methods that particularly struck me.

Well worth the £7.00

Book Note John Calvin A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine & Doxology

2009-09-10T08:55:00.003+01:00

This is a cracker book published by Reformation Trust. It's hard back for a start - which is always a winner. It is a compellation of 19 essays summarising the life and teaching of John Calvin. Contributors include Sinclair Ferguson, Derek Thomas, Eric Alexander, Jay Adams, Michael Horton, Jerry Bridges, Joel Beeke - it is an amazing line up of scholars. The chapters are fairly short and easily read at one sitting. With the variety of authors this book keeps freshness throughout. Every detail of the teaching of the great reformer are covered. Some chapters are absolutely outstanding with the best left to the very end, The Communion of Men with God by Joel Beeke. The five points of Calvinism are covered, Calvin's teaching on the doctrine of the church, union of Christ, the work of the preacher and much more. If you are wanting a summary of Calvin this is the book for you. If you are wanting a primer for getting in to the writings of Calvin - this will help you see the way in.

Any young person not to sure of what Calvin and Calvinism is about must read this.

One word of caution - just because you have read one summary book on Calvin will not make you a Calvin scholar. Anyhow the man himself wouldn't have wanted anyone to become a Calvin scholar. His goal was pointing sinners to Jesus Christ.

Book Comment Total Church Chester & Timmis

2009-08-25T09:42:00.004+01:00

The book has the subtitle "a radical reshaping around gospel and community." The writers are part of the Crowded house way of "doing church." While you may not agree with all that these guys have to say you will find this read challenging and stimulating. In the 13 chapters many topics are covered including evangelism, church planting, discipleship, pastoral care, apologetics. The book is dotted throughout with real life examples of people whose lives have been transformed by this focus on community. In no way do the writers dum down the gospel in their attempt to reshape the life of the church around community. These guys definitely have something to say and the book is well worth the read. It is a little weak on applying the principles they outline re life in the church. But maybe that is not a bad thing as each are then allowed to work out the principles for their own situation. As I read the book I couldn't help think that these chaps were simply redoscovering something that the Reformed Presbyterian Church had survived on for a generation - the people of God living together in closely knit lives proclaiming the good news of Christ crucified. Only thing was the Covenanters called their way of doing church, Society meetings.

Book Comment - War of Words Paul Tripp

2009-08-25T09:34:00.004+01:00

Another super rescource from the pen of Paul Tripp. As the title suggests this book is dealing with the words that we use. This book deals with the struggles that we face in our communication. The writer sets out the Biblical view on communication. he shows us what lies at the heart of communication breakdown and how struggles are to be sorted out Biblically. As with all Paul Tripp's books there is no superficial DIY answers but a thorough and God centred approach to watching how we speak with one another. This would be a super resource to use as part of a midweek series to help the people of God learn how to communicate in a more Christ honouring manner. This is a vital read for any pastor wanting to help the people of God in their home and church life.

Scribbling on the Bible

2009-07-29T12:08:00.008+01:00

An exhibit at the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow has been making the headlines recently. The exhibit is entitled "Untitled 2009" and is part of the "Made in God's Image" exhibition. The item that is presently causing a bit of a stir was suggested by the Metropolitan Community Church in Glasgow and the main thrust of this group is to state that being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) is not a sin. Rev. Jane Clarke from MCC Glasgow commenting on the idea behind the exhibit stated, "Many people will tell you there are no LGBT people in the Bible so we invited visitors to the exhibition to write their names in a Bible to show that there are." This invitation led to a host of people writing some rather obscene comments on the Bible, which I will spare you. Another part of the exhibition had a woman ripping pages from the Bible and stuffing them into her underwear.

Many have rightly stated that it is hard to imagine the Koran being treated in this way. So how should we respond to this sad piece of so called "art"? Firstly on the Bible being treated in this way. We should be filled with sorrow that men and women would abuse the Word of God rather than listen to it. We should be driven to our knees to pray that God would open the eyes of the blind that they would see the glories of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We should be like the psalmist with streams of water running down our faces that our fellow human beings would seek to rewrite and therefore reject the message of God.

And as for those who feel that they are left out of the Bible - there is good news. No one is left out of the message of the Bible. All are included - all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God....there is no one righteous not even one. All by nature are enemies of the living God. But the good news is that God so loved the world that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

That little word whosoever is so inclusive. It includes all sorts of sinners. Jesus Christ alone can turn away the wrath of God that rests on men and women because of their sin - whatever form that sin takes. That whosoever means that Jesus can transform any life, He can make new creations. So if you are reading this please don't feel left out. God speaks about you in his Word - you are a sinner and His Son Jesus Christ is able to save sinners. There is wonderful good news that corrupt and sinful lives can be left behind and the image of God can be remade in you day by day. Paul wrote to believers in Corinth Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. I Corinthians 6v9-11

We should pray that as men and women look at this exhibit they will be overcome with the thought that to seek to rewrite what God has said is utter folly and to listen to the Word of the God, who will not be silenced, is the wise option. We should pray that no matter what brand of sin is ruining people's lives that rather than try to find excuse for it that they will flee to Jesus Christ, repent and find the transforming power of the gospel to leave lives of sin behind.

12000 cubic metres of Soil & Noah

2009-07-24T13:06:00.005+01:00

The BBC news is carrying some interesting footage of a field in Durham in which 12,000 cubic metres of soil (15000 tonnes of earth) were washed away in a matter of minutes as a river rerouted across a harvest field. A deep canyon like gash gouged out across the land to the amazement of locals. Not that I need any help to believe in the Flood of Genesis but this catastrophic event in a Durham field shows what can happen so quickly. Why do do the scientists not look at these sudden cataclysmic events rather than driving students mad with the millions of years nonsense and uniformitarianism? I guess the god of this age has indeed blinded the minds of unbelievers, and the Bible is right afterall!

Band of Brothers

2009-07-20T18:03:00.003+01:00

So what will you do with all that time at uni? Improve your snooker skills, watch Sky sports? What about something that will prepare you for serving Jesus Christ in a way that even your course won't. Sinclair Ferguson writing on the life of John Calvin says that the sharp mind of Calvin and his abilty to get to the heart of what a Scripture text was saying was founded in an "underground fellowship of like minded men." It was this Scripture focussed fellowship that the Lord used to shape his mind and transform his life. Ferguson writes, "Such brotherhoods are the God's chief instruments in stimulating holy living and advancing the gospel."
Wouldn't it be fantastic that if you left not only with a few more letters after your name but really useful for King Jesus? So why not plan for founding your little band of brothers. Your curriculum is simple - study and memorise the Word, learn the basics of NT Greek and read Calvin's Institutes. Who knows - perhaps from your brotherhoods God will raise up some men with something of the devotion and mind of Calvin.

Brothers we are not Professionals, John Piper

2009-07-13T12:45:00.004+01:00

30 short punchy chapters to sort out slipping pastors. Took this on holidays this year and was challenged in every chapter. The chapters cover the full spectum of who we are as men, husbands and preachers. It covers what we should preach and how we should preach. Like all of Piper's writings this gets right under the radar and hits where it hurts. Every man thinking of the ministry or in the ministry should read this book yearly. You will not agree with all that John Piper says. He would not expect you too as long as you have a good biblical reason. The chapters that I found most challenging were the ones on prayer, our giving and keeping my languages up to date. In reality every chapter was a gold mine of helpful thoughts. This is a book to read on your knees, praying for forgiveness and grace to be the pastors that the Chief Shepherd wants us to be.

The Leagacy of Sovereign Joy, John Piper

2009-07-03T07:38:00.002+01:00

This is another outstanding book in Piper's biography series, The Swans are not Silent. This volume of 155 pages covers the lives of Augustine, Luther and Calvin. Though available as free audio downloads from Desiring God, there is something about having the words in front of you to ponder and reread. The introduction alone on learning from flawed saints is worth the £8.99. If you want to learn about these three great men of the faith and how to read biographies and distill them then this series by John Piper is a must.

The 24/7 Christian, Anthony Selvaggio

2009-07-03T07:29:00.003+01:00

This 175 page devotional commentary on James published by Evangelical Press is a super little study and useful for any Christian. The scattering of Greek throughout and the well marked footnotes of the 14 chapters is evidence that the writer has studied the passages in detail. Though not every paragraph of James is covered in this little book, most passages are referred to at some level. Any commentary on James ought obviously to have application so that faith can be seen at work, and this helpful commentary has plenty of teased out application. It is worth a place on any bookshelf.

Couldn't Find a Bible

2009-01-26T11:36:00.006Z

Anyone who has had to take a vow or promise in public can surely sympathise with John Roberts the Supreme Court Chief Justice after his faux pas with the swearing in of President Obama. When the powers that be in Washington decided to do a rerun of the inauguration vows one TV news station reported that a Bible couldn't be found. Surely someone somewhere in the ranks of the many who work in the White House had a Bible and could have hurried it to the Whitehouse Map Room.

Not that I am particularly in favour of taking vows on the Bible but I can't help but think that this was a startling illustration of the tragic state of our world today - the Bible is no where to be found. The one book that has the answers for the US and UK and every other nation on earth is pushed to the sidelines. But again this is no great surprise, it is just what the same Word predicted would happen over and over again, “Behold, the days are coming,” declares the Lord God,“when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water,but of hearing the words of the Lord. Amos 8v11

When the nations of the earth have the Word of God at the centre of all that happens in their nations there will be blessings untold. Let's hope that President Obama finds a Bible or we are in serious trouble.

Which Are You?

2009-01-17T20:53:00.005Z

Came across this clipping which I unearthed some time ago from a March 1967 issue of the Covenanter (yes you have guessed how I while away the winter evenings - not!) The poem sounds a bit naff but if you like this sort of thing it punches well above its weight. If you feel the thumps do something about it.

The poem is entitled, Which are You?

Are you and active member, the kind that would be missed?
Or are you just contented that your name is on the list?
Do you attend the meetings and mingle with the flock?
Or do you stay at home and criticise and knock?
Do you take an active part to help the work along.
Or are you satisfied to be the kind that "just belong"?
Do you ever go to visit a member who is sick,
Or leave the work to just a few and talk about the clique?
There is quite a programme schedule that I am sure you've heard about,
And we'll appreciate if you, too, will come and help us out.
So come to the meetings often and help with hand and heart,
Don't just be a member, but take an active part.
Think this over member, you know right from wrong.
Are you and active member, or do you just belong?

Disclaimer: The publisher of this post has no one particularly in mind at the time of posting, but if the hat fits get rid of it.

When People are Big and God is Small, Edward T. Welch

2009-01-08T09:09:00.006Z

Edward Welch is a lecturer and counsellor with the Christian Counselling and Educational Foundation in Glenside, Pennsylvania. In this book the writer deals with overcoming peer pressure, codependency and the fear of man. The book comprises some 239 pages and divides in to two main sections. In section one the writer deals with how and why we fear others. In the second half of the book, the main section, overcoming the fear of others is the focus. Welch deals well with the Biblical theme "the fear of the Lord." He has that uncanny knack of prising the lid off our lives to show the factory of idols that lie within. The main argument that Welch unpacks is that we need people for our own sakes rather than loving them for God's glory. The writer's intent is to bring us to the point where we need people less and love them more. This is a book for every Christian to read. It will bring you to your knees in repentance. It is also a helpful volume for anyone wishing to build up a good resource library for counselling. The conclusion to the book is simply wonderful - fear God and keep His commandments.

New Year's Eve with David

2008-12-31T21:53:00.003Z

Took some counsel for the new year from the godly David Brainerd. While I was pondering some personal plans and goals for 2009 he being dead spoke to this David.

When I really enjoy God, I feel my desires for Him the more insatiable, and my thirstings after holiness the more unquenchable...Oh, for holiness!

Oh for more of God in my soul! Oh this pleasing pain! It makes my soul press after God...

Oh, that I may feel this continual hunger, and not be retarded, but rather animated by every "cluster from Canaan", to reach forward in the narrow way, for the full enjoyment and possession of the heavenly inheritance.

Oh that I might never loiter on my heavenly journey.

If you are looking for a new year's resolution here are two:

never loiter

read Brainerd's diary

Tested By Fire, John Piper

2008-12-31T21:35:00.008Z

Having read Piper's "The Roots of Endurance" I simply had to read "Tested By Fire" that I found on my eldest sons bookshelf. This book contains three more of Piper's excellent biographical sketches. In this volume Bunyan, Cowper and Brainerd get the Piper treatment. You always know if you have read a good biographical sketch when the writer makes you Amazon every biography that there has ever been written on the character. Such is the way with this marvellous book. One of the things that I love about these Piper biographies, apart from the helpful and practical way that they are written, is the way that they are set out - nice clear print, short digestable sections and cleverly crafted conclusions.

I am off now to Amazon the third volume in the series.

President Ahmadinejad's "alternative" Christmas Message

2008-12-31T17:12:00.017Z

While the Queen was doing her usual Christmas party piece on the BBC, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was doing his on Channel 4. Having looked at both transcripts there are obvious differences but also some measure of marked similarity. Both obviously make mention of Jesus Christ coming in to the world and both urge us to look to him as an example. Both have points to make that you can say - yes that is true, but both have deadly error.

The Iranian president makes much as the Queen does of these difficult days that we are living in. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's answer - The solution to these crises is to follow the Prophets - they were sent by the Almighty for the good of humanity.

Which is not that all that different from what the Queen was saying, We can surely be grateful that, two thousand years after the birth of Jesus, so many of us are able to draw inspiration from his life and message, and to find in him a source of strength and courage.

Please do not misunderstand the point of this post. I am not saying that these are two people that are equally admirable and who I would equally like to have round for dinner. The point is that so many miss the whole reason that Jesus Christ came into the world. He took the form of a man not to be an example, though He was that, and not to be a teacher, although He was the best of all. He came to die. Sent to die the most horrible death of all. Willing to endure hell in the place of others like you and me.

Of ourselves we simply can't follow the ultimate prophet. We are so sinful, so bent on doing wrong. Left to our own devices the only one that we want to follow is ourselves. It is for that rebelliousness we deserve eternal death, hell. What we need is a radical change to happen inside us, a change that only the Lord Himself can bring about so that we willingly turn from our sinful ways, trust in Christ's work on the cross to deal with the guilt of our sin and follow Christ.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad makes a repeating statement in his speech, If Christ were on earth today. The president repeats this line seeming to seek to score up international political points and in doing so reveals his complete misunderstanding of the reason that Jesus came to earth. Never once did Jesus Christ make politcal side swipes, never once did He portray Himself as some political freedom fighter. His freedom fighting was much deeper, striking at the root of all sin.

The president is right in saying that Christ is going to return but He will have no earthly accomplices as Ahmadinejad claims. The Bible says that He will come in all His glory. Every eye will see Him. All will be overwhelmed at His awesome majesty. Every mouth will be silenced. Many will call upon the mountains to fall on them and cover them. He will be on earth one day and all that will matter is what you have done with this Christ. Cooing at Him in a manger simply won't do. Giving Him a passing nod as some useful moral idealist wont do. Holding Him up as a useful political role model won't cut any ice. Only one thing will matter when He appears - that you know Him as your Saviour, Lord, Master and Friend. And that is exactly what God offers in the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ. That is an offer too good to refuse.

...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.

2 Thessalonians 1:7b-10

The Roots of Endurance, John Piper

2008-12-27T20:00:00.003Z

A very kind friend prompted by the providence of God bought me this Piper book for Christmas. Basically it is three of Piper's famous biographical sketches in print, namely Newton, Simeon and Wilberforce. My friend didn't know it at the time but the opening of his present was the last thing that I did before heading to bed with the flu for the next three days. The first two days were completely horizontal with only radio 4 for stimulation. As day three dawned my brain could for little spells do a little reading - and what a read. It was just what the Great Physician ordered for a flu weary and tired pastor.
Piper is a master at these biograhical sketches. With expertise he opens up their lives weaving the dominant themes into relevant practical application.
The lives of these giants of the faith could so easily be soul destroying for lesser mortals, mere five eighth men like me. But Piper's way of writing and the work of the Holy Spirit has helped revive this sickly minister.
I am keeping the final chapter on Wilberforce as tomorrow's treat.
So if your pastor has got the flu or out of action in any way buy him this fantastic book. It will warm his heart, revive his soul, and perhaps inject a renewed focus for the glory of the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
ps thanks for the book Dave

Hallelujah

2008-12-27T19:32:00.003Z

All around the nation they are singing Hallelujah which means "praise the Lord." In kitchens, at the bus stop, in the night clubs the word rings out, Hallelujah. Yes it this year's Christmas number one sung by X factor winner Alexandra Burke. In fact Jeff Buckley's version is in number two spot also. If you want to hear the orginal 1984 Leonard Cohen version you can find it on the web. In fact it is his own song. I suppose it is not surprising that someone with a name like Cohen knows some Hebrew and some details of King David and Samson who appear in the song. Apparantly he wrote some 80 verses before settling on the ones he published.

No one in their right mind would say that they know what Cohen is getting at in the song, it seems such a mixture, confusion and searching. Cohen writes, again showing some Biblical knowledge, "you said I took the name in vain, I didn't even know the name." In these lines Cohen is spot on - he has taken the name in vain and millions with him.

Praise the Lord. What a statement. It is what we were designed for - to bring the Lord of heaven and earth praise. Sadly we have all messed up, we don't praise him, we don't acknowledge Him, we have rebelled. For this rebellion God said there would be death, separation from Him, the only one who can make us whole to be what we were meant to be. The message of the Bible is that God sent His unique Son to die, as a substitute for many. That is exactly what happened, Jesus died on a cross, separated from His Father for a little while. On Him the holy wrath of God burnt itself out. And the wonderful good news is that as we turn from our sin and trust in Christ finished work, the Lord is praised and we can truly say Hallelujah.

Sorry if the article is a little incoherent. Been in bed with the Brisbane flu for the past three days and write this with laptop propped up on knees in bed.

Assisted Suicide - is there another way?

2008-12-10T19:00:00.006Z

The whole of the civilised world knows what happens at the Dignitas clinic in Zurich. Whether it is Prof. Craig Ewart or Daniel James - it is so tragic to learn of their death's. Their lives suddenly and decisively by their own choice brought to an abrupt end. It is hard to read the newspaper details without tears in one's eyes. Whether it is a bright agile minded professor or a once strong and fit rugby player for them both the thought of life draining away was too much. Is there an alternative to such sorrow? Is there really a way to die with dignity? Is there a way when life is draining away through a rampant disease or the effects of a serious accident to really be who were were designed to be?
The answer of the Bible is a sure and certain yes. Almost stated matter of fact like in John 21v19 the Lord Jesus makes the life and death transforming statement, This He said to show what kind of death he was to glorify God. These are the words of Jesus Christ concerning the apostle Peter. Jesus had just predicted that Peter's final days in this world would be ones of great suffering, no longer in control of things himself - when you are old you will stretch out your hands and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go. (John 21v18)
The tradition is that Peter was killed by crucifixion. But whatever way it was, Jesus said that in his dying that would be the way that Peter would bring glory to God. Death for Peter was simply another opporunity for him to be a God glorifier. So how did he glorifiy God? By trusting in God to see him through the darkest hour. By relying on God for grace to cope with the pain and the anguish. By committing himself into God's hands when he himself had no control. In dying Peter was being who he was designed to be - a God glorifier.
The process of our dying can be the time of our greatest work for God. Trusting Him for our last months, weeks, days and breath. Trusting that He knows better than we do. So assisted suicide is not the answer. It is to defy God. It is to break His commandment.
Trusting in Christ to deal with our sins is the answer and relying on Him right to God's appointed time for us to leave this earth.
What a wonderful thing to be a Christian. So that even when our body is weak and powerless we can be doing what we were designed to do - glorify God.
That is the way to die with real dignity - being who were were designed to be.
Things are never what they seem to be. A man or woman lying in a hospital bed, life supported with tubes and wires. Every basic detail seen to by others. No strength to do anything for self. But inwardly looking to God and relying on Him. That is the way to die.

How to be an Ineffective Church Member VI Have No Vision

2008-12-09T08:30:00.004Z

Church members striving for ineffectiveness have one favourite text, where there is no vision the people perish. That’s the stuff – perish – sounds a nice slow easing off into insipidity like that old apple left in the fruit basket – that is the sort of thing we are after.
So how do we go about this lack of vision stuff then? Well if truth be told, and we don’t want too much of that do we, those of us who have been endowed with melancholic pessimistic thought patterns are off to a flying start here. There is a whole soup of phrases out there simmering away in cauldron of the R.P. church that we need to keep stirring and dredging up to the surface of or own lives and indeed the lives of others: But we’ve always done it this way… it will do me my day…. we can’t have new works when we don’t have enough ministers as it is….bring all the missionaries home to fill the local pulpits….I’ve sat in this pew for 40 years….people are saying……some people don’t like…..where would we get the resources from……you’ve bitten off more than you can chew. A good regular dose of these will inoculate against the vision virus that some are catching in the RPC.
It is important that you work at establishing a good foundation for lack of vision. It all begins when you read your Bible. Never look for that mighty strong right arm of God delivering and providing for every need of His people. Remember distant disinterested deity is your god.
Vital in stemming any change in your own visionless thought patterns for church life and indeed changing the visionless thought patterns of others is being really negative. “Let’s be realistic, it will never work” is a good response to any new venture that the elders are trying to introduce to enhance congregational life. And don’t stay away from the new whatever, you simply must be there with your “Lurgan spade face” and your constant, “Woe, Woe, Woe” comments.
People who have vision for the extension of Christ’s Kingdom should be avoided at all costs. Their godly expectations and enthusiasm has been known to rub off. You’ve been warned. Stay clear. Avoid especially any of their gatherings. They tend to congregate to nurture their big ideas at CY conferences, Mission Training Days, Go Rallies and the like. You’ll recognise them immediately they open their mouths. Their wacky ideas seem to have been nurtured through some Rebuilding the Broken Walls propaganda. They talk insistently about revitalisation programmes, church planting and shedding baggage. They seem to imagine that there is a future for the RPC. Of course we would agree that the RPC has a future. It is just that we like to see it as a quaint historical society offering trips back in time. Certainly not the God centred, gospel driven, people focussed organism that the visionaries pray and plan for. Our calling, fellow “doom and gloomers” is to don our black suits and show the world that the crowned rights of King Jesus is a distant echo of the past and has little relevance for our world today. Ours is a noble calling. This denomination that has survived through centuries proclaiming the Kingship of Jesus Christ must be allowed to slip off into the oblivion of the annals of church history in a gracious dignified manner.
Bible Bits to Avoid: Isaiah 54, Psalm 22

A Quest for More Paul David Tripp, New Growth Press

2008-12-09T08:16:00.002Z

As far as I can see this is the latest book published in connection with the CCEF (Christian Counselling Education Foundation) stable. The purpose of the book is to help the reader see that so often we are living for something smaller than what we were designed to live for, namely the Kingdom of God. The book comprises some 18 chapters looking at the theme from different angles. It is written in Tripp's usual Biblically based style and dotted with real life examples from his own walk with God and his own ministry. If you are interested in being unshackled from your little kingdoms and really wanting to live then this book will be on immense help. For those involved in counselling it is a must. Each chapter is started with a one line abstract that shines a bright light into the chapter that follows. Towards the close of the book there are four very helpful chapters on real struggles: forgiveness, loneliness, sacrifice, anger and hope. In each of these the writer exposes the underlying problems in our hearts annd brings gospel light to bear on them. A definite addition for any minister's library - pastoral theology section.

The Train Tracks

2008-11-24T19:37:00.007Z

The thundering train had already shunted out of the station. The timetable was set in stone. At the appointed time it would arrive. Everyone knew so well it was coming but for some strange reason the children seemed to have wiped the inevitable from their minds. The tracks were so inviting. There was the thrill of the rebellion, playing where they knew they shouldn't. It was just one or two at first. They imagined themselves so brave as they sat between the glistening rails. Not for a moment did the danger enter their heads. The sun was shining, the birds singing in the trees, all seemed well with the world. As the weeks passed the evening gatherings on the tracks didn't seem as brave any more as more and more slowly joined them. They even spoke openly now about who was going down. The distant memory of being told that it was dangerous was fading fast.
What made it worse was some adults were simply watching. There wasn't a hint of nervousness amongst them, afterall the young ones were just expressing themselves. Any hint of uneasiness about the railway track game had faded from their minds too. Even the old men who tutted, we wouldn't have dreamed of that in our day, no longer stopped to wave their walking sticks.
A few new arrivals in the village were alarmed at the antics of the youngsters. But they didn't want to make a fuss, after all - what right had they, they weren't their children. And any way the least said the better if the locals were going to accept them.
Then it happened. They weren't even looking so engrossed were they in their deadly game. They were laughing, having a good time. The jokes were flying. They didn't even hear it amidst the boisterous banter. It was instant death.
The driver never even saw them as he came full speed round the bend. He was running according to the timetable.
If only they had listened to the oldies. If only they had paid attention to the signs. If only the voice of the few hadn't faded. If only they had stopped listening to each other.
What sorrow. No more laughter. Just tears.
But miraculously some had been saved. John and Samantha who were usually down on the tracks didn't go that last time. On their way there they had been stopped by the village loner, an old man that most thought odd. He had pleaded with them to come to their senses and turn from their foolish ways. Something strange had happened as they listened. Was it the tears in his eyes as he spoke or the tenderness in his pleading?
As they wept for their friends they shook their heads overwhelmed with thankfulness that they for some reason unknown to themselves had listened to the lone voice.

You Need the Church

2008-11-18T17:47:00.006Z

We live in a day and age where sadly many see commitment to the local church as something that is not for them. Many are so engrossed in work or family or leisure that the thought of being with the people of God is right down the scale of their thinking. Of course for some there are legitimate reasons why their involvement in the life of the church is not what they would desire it to be - problems of ill health, works of mercy and necessity.

In Hebrews 12v28 the writer speaks of offering to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe. It is interesting what the writer then launches in to in unpacking acceptable worship - life in the church - loving the brothers, showing hospitality obeying the leaders. Sadly the imposed chapter break tends to hide the connection a little.

You will not grow in the faith as Christ intends you to do unless you are deeply involved in the life of your local church. God has designed the church to be the arena of our growth in grace. You cannot live the Christian life as Christ intends you to live without active involvement in the local church. So what does active involvement look like? It means being with the church when it meets for worship, for prayer, for outreach. It means using your gifts and talents for the benefit of others in the fellowship. To stay away without due cause is to sin against God, harm yourself and weaken others.

When the people of God stay away from the life and witness of the church they rob themselves and others of opportunity for growth in grace. In the togetherness of the church we see more and more our own sin, our short-comings, our impatience and are thus thrown more on Christ. In the gatherings of the church we learn how to be more sensitive to the needs of others and therefore more like Christ. It is among the people of God that we learn to behold more and more of the glory of Jesus Christ. C.S. Lewis describes this so wonderfully in his book "The Four Loves." In an essay entitled Friendship he writes, "In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can bring out. By myself I am not large enough to call the whole man into activity." CS Lewis is stating that it takes a community to know the individual. We will only get to know more of Jesus in the church where the people of God are seeking to resemble, serve and love the Lord Jesus Christ.
So come in, belong, commit yourself wholeheartedly, be there. You will find that amongst His people and under His Word He will change you. Won't that be worth it?