Comments by the leader of the Scottish Christian Party on the secular, scientific, political and ecclesiastical scene and the application of Christianity to personal and public life.
Intelligent listeners will notice differences in teaching between preachers even in the same denomination, as well as between denominations. The right of private judgment is permitted to Christians, but the continuous and unchallenged preaching of different doctrines only leads to confusion in congregations - and God is not the author of confusion 1Cor 14:33. So …
Continue reading What do we do about confusion in congregational preaching?
Christians claim to be submissive to the Word of God. They acknowledge that they are not 'the finished article'. So when did the Bible last change your thinking or behaviour? The development of one's Christian character is effected by the Holy Spirit applying the Word of God to one's thinking, speech and behaviour. It is …
Continue reading When did the Bible last change your thinking or behaviour?
At a conference of Christian political party leaders in Leissigen, Switzerland, in 2013, I heard the following observations made by Valeriu Ghiletchi, a member of the Parliament of Moldova and a former President of the European Baptist Federation. He drew attention to four stages of the apostle Paul's life and ministry, to show his changing …
Some bullet points on sermon preparation. 1. Have an interesting introduction. In Lectures to My Students, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 'the prince of 19th-century preachers', says that every notice should have the word “Attention!” at the top; and so every sermon should call attention to the topic of the sermon. It should be composed last, when …
1Cor 14:34-35: "Let your women keep silence in the churches: and let them ask their husbands at home." Application: this is not so much a restriction on the wife, as a requirement on the husband to study. John Knox on asking questions after sermons: “Everie week once, the Congregation assemble to heare som place of the …
The wise king Solomon's advice on preaching: Ecc 12:10“the preacher sought”: a good preacher studies how to put across his teaching in an acceptable and memorable manner. “acceptable words”: to speak in a manner which will be well received by his hearers. This does not mean pleasing words, which will not upset people, but it …
In his first epistle to the Corinthians Paul deals with some congregational issues and in 1Cor 14:35 he says about wives: "if they will learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home, because it is a shame for women to speak in the church." This strongly suggests that husbands were asking questions in congregations …
Continue reading Questions and answers in church and congregational life
It is very common to hear people speak about church courts. However Kirk Sessions, Presbyteries, Synods and General Assemblies become church courts for specific cases. This legal terminology is now so common that people fail to see that ecclesiastical assemblies are for the mutual support and oversight of the people of God. It is no …
There is a difference between the sin against the Holy Ghost and lying to the Holy Ghost. The former has no forgiveness Mat 12:31, but the latter is also very serious. Peter mentions it in Acts 5:3,9 and solemn consequences followed. When ministers take ordination vows they are making promises to the Lord as well …
Faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour is not the same as faith in Jesus Christ as my Saviour, nor are these the same as believing that I am saved. The latter is assurance of salvation. Saving faith says: "I believe in Jesus Christ for the salvation of my soul." Assurance of salvation says: "I believe …
Donald's Thoughts 