The Semper Reformata Podcast

DiscernmentText: 1 John 3:24b – 4:6John draws a series of stark contrasts, to draw the believer's mind to the great differences that pertain between Christians and unbelievers. Let's just see some of those sharply clear contrasts…Different ConstraintsDifferent ConfessionsDifferent CitizenshipsDifferent CaricaturesRead the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Raising of Lazarus - Part 4John 11:28-37When we are broken-hearted, Jesus knows and cares.This sermon was preached and recorded at Templepatrick reformed Church and is reproduced here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Assurance Before the Lord1st John 3:19-23Reading through this passage will remind you that there are perhaps some very special times in your Christian life, when your conscience may convict you more than any other time. It is when we come before the Lord to pray and to read his word. Whether at Church or in the prayer meeting or in the quiet place…. something deeply spiritual is happening when we commune with God. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lazarus - Part 3.John 11:17-24Jesus and His disciples have left the safety of Galilee and gone to Bethany, and the narrative now moves on to the arrival of the travellers at Bethany. What will they find when they get there?Read the NOTES HEREThis message was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church and is used here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love's Amen!Text. 1st John 3:16-18 Our love for others is the outworking in our lives, of his love for us… it is our response, – our practical Amen to what Christ has already done for us. So, let's get things in the correct order, Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Raising of Lazarus, (Part 2)Where Jesus Calls His Disciples to Witness God's Glory at WorkText: John 11:11These verses show the tenderness in Christ's heart for his disciples. He speaks with great affection about Lazarus, and words of comfort for Hs disciples, but they misunderstand, ...Recorded at Ballymacashon - apologies for the poor sound quality.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love is a Task and a Test.Text. 1 John 3:11-15 (OT Text: Gen 4:1-16)Is there any hatred, down inside us? Do we love our brothers and sisters as we ought? Only by serious self-examination in the light of God's word, can we know that there has been a work of grace done in our hearts.read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Story of Lazarus, Part 1.The one where Jesus loves Lazarus so much that he waits two days!Text: John 11:1-10In this short series, we are looking at an incident from the earthly ministry of Jesus, one that brought great glory to God, so amazing was it.Click this link to read the notes.This sermon was preached at Ballymacashon, and at Templepatrick Reformed Church, was recorded at TRC, and is used here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this PurposeText: 1 John 3:4-10The key to understanding this passage is to grasp the meaning of two verses, verse five and verse eight. And those verses are specifically about PURPOSE. But when John talks about purpose here, he doesn't talk about himself, or me or you, he talks about Jesus! What was HIS purpose?Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Piece of Metal that Floated?REPRISE - First broadcast in 2013.Recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and used here with their kind permission, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian Ethics in a benefits SocietyExploring the Biblical Doctrine of WorkIn this talk, we attempt to establish a biblical basis for Christians to examine the important issue of work, and the place of work in our society. It's about the ethics of work, and the biblical doctrine of work, and about attitudes to work in our our nation. And that's where we start, for Christians are to live in a manner that is contrary to the prevailing culture in every respect. That includes our attitude to employment and to the current benefits culture.This episode was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Christian's Parentage, Potential and PurityText: 1 John 3:1-3. We turn the page in our study of 1st John, and we come to chapter 3, and John talks about what we already are, as Christians, – what we will be, and what we ought to be.read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seeking the Lord?Isaiah 55:6-7We are all to be seekers…. but who will search for God?This sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Survive the Last Days. Text. 1 John 2:26 -29. John has already declared that we are living in the last days – that long period between the ascension of The Lord Jesus into Heaven after his resurrection, and before he returns in glory to judge the world. The period when there would be antichrists, inside the church and without, and Christians need to be wary. In this passage he gives those Christians some really practical teaching to help them to persevere in these days.Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arthur Guinness – An Irishman and a ChristianGalatians 6:9-10 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.I'm wondering have you ever seen a bottle of Guinness? There's a signature on that bottle, or can, ARTHUR GUINNESS. The Guinness company have been promoting that in recent years with their ‘Arthur's day' advert, every September, when we are all invited to raise a glass of Guinness ‘To Arthur.' I would venture to suggest that Arthur Guinness would be turning in his grave at that! So, who was Arthur Guinness? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ONLY Way to HeavenJohn 14:1-6This sermon was preached at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The REAL St PatrickMany Roman Catholic people hold Patrick in such esteem that they will accept little or nothing about him which runs counter to their perceived opinion. Many Protestants have, traditionally, been so apathetic about Patrick that they have bee content to ignore him, and leave it to their Roman Catholic friends to celebrate his life in whatever way they have chosen. This podcast seeks to challenge both positions and to encourage us, in this modern age, to consider our soul's welfare, as Patrick did in bygone days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Antichrists in the Church. Text: 1 John 2:18-27.John turns from Christian behaviour, in the earlier verses of the chapter, to Christian BELIEF in these verses, and the first point he makes is a warning against false teachers in the church – he speaks of The antichrist. What exactly does the Bible say about the antichrist in this passage?we examine this passage under three headings:The Age for AntichristsThe Appearance of these AntichristsThe Antidote to Antichrist's Activities in the Church.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian ConcernText: Ephesians 6:21-24. (Cf Colossians 4:7-9)Here we have Paul's final words, in his letter to the Christians in Ephesus, as he brings his epistle to a close and in closing he brings them a word of consolation, a word of commendation, and a word of blessing. It is an expression of Christian fellowship and love.This sermon was recorded live at Ballymacashon, - please excuse the sound quality.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do Not Love The WorldText: 1 John 2:15 Christians must be wary, for the present world holds much attraction, and they will be tempted to take of its goods and trust in its promises, but it is a false hope, for this world and everything in it is passing away. Don't be beguiled by its empty promises and false hopes...Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Paul's Prayer Request.Text: Ephesians 6:19-20 – 2 Corinthians 12:9ffThe Christian has a ‘prayerful lifestyle' – a basic disposition to prayer, a heart that will turn to God for help in whatever circumstances, seeking His guidance and help, whatever might come our way. And we are to pray for others. So, having made that point, Paul now puts them to work, – admitting HE needs prayer and asking them to pray for him, in the difficult situation in which he finds himself. Read the NOTES HERE.This message was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who We Are and What We Have in Christ. Text: 1 John 2:12-14This is a ‘greeting' of sorts, perhaps a hymn – or even a ‘transition' – like between the slides on a powerpoint! Certainly it's an exhortation to the Christians to show them who they are, and what they have in Christ.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Fundamentals of PrayerText: Ephesians 6:18 In our last study we saw how important it was that every Christian should read and meditate upon the Bible, God's infallible word, and so submit to the work of God the Holy Spirit, in applying God's Word to our lives (Ephesians 5:25-26). Just as the armour of God is a defence against satanic attacks, so prayer is our greatest weapon against the enemy. In one single sentence Paul gives us the Bible's most comprehensive advice on how to pray. Read the NOTES HERE.This sermon was recorded live at Templepatrick Reformed Church and is used here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How's That LOVE Thing Going For You?In the podcast we look at 1st John 2:7-11, and note that John is teaching us that to be loving, - to be predisposed to love others, is a reflection of Christlikeness in us, and that we can use our assessment of our love for others, - our 'love quotient' as a means to know if we have really experienced God's grace in our lives.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Sword of the Spirit. (Extract)Text: Ephesians 6:17 The warrior now lifts his final piece of equipment, – his sword. It will be used in defence, to ward off the onslaught of the enemy, but also in attack, to inflict mortal blows upon the adversary of the soul, for after all, sometimes attack is the best form of defence. The Sword of the Spirit is a dual purpose weapon. Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can We KNOW that We are Saved?Text.1 John 2:3-6 John, in this passage, four times uses the word KNOW. We can KNOW that we KNOW Him. we can see here how we will recognise, looking inwardly, that we are saved – the EVIDENCE that conversion has been effected in our lives by a divine work of God the Holy Spirit. READ THE NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Helmet of SalvationEphesians 6:17Why do we need this protection? A head wound or a bang to the head is a serious matter indeed. That's why motor cyclists and bikers wear helmets. Brain injury is a very great danger.So it is for us, for it is in the brain, where all of our thought-life occurs – the mind. It is in the mind that the devil often strikes, This sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Atoning SacrificeText: 1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.John brings us back to the historic event of the Cross, where certain things happened – things that could be achieved by no other, things that had profound effects in heaven and earth, things that had eternal consequences, including our forgiveness from sin, and John can't leave this subject without focussing on what made it all possible. Every sermon must return to the Cross. Here's three great facts simply stated…1. The Exclusivity of the Sacrifice. HE is the propitiation for our sins:2. The Effectiveness of the Sacrifice. He is the PROPITIATION for our sins.3. The Extent of the Sacrifice. and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Shield of FaithEphesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.The soldier Paul had been watching and using as an illustration of our heavenly protection now rises, and lifts his shield. Paul likens it to the shield of faith! This sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Brother in Heaven.Text 1st John 2:1 Do you see the tenderness in John's voice here? He addresses the readers (and us!) as ‘My little children.' John was in nature a very tender hearted man. He loved The Lord and was one of His closest companions. In his Gospel, John reminds us of his close friendship with Jesus, John 13:23 He's not being egotistical, he's just reminding us that he's someone who has experienced the wonderful love of Jesus, and he wants these believers to walk in fellowship with The Lord, and with the church and his motivation is sheer love.READ THE NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian FootwearEphesians 6:14 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; READ ALSO: John 13:3-10We are soldiers in a battle, and it is the fiercest battle of all, and we must ‘put on' our personal protective equipment, – our armour, that God has provided for us. To help us understand this exhortation, Paul used an illustration, something that was very familiar to him, as he languished in Roman custody. To prepare for active service the Roman soldier would put his armour on, piece by piece, and Paul likens each piece of armour to one of the spiritual defences that we can use against the devil. Now the soldier lifts another piece of armour. It is his shoes!Read the NOTES HERE.This sermon was recorded live at Ballymacashon - please excuse the poor sound quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Theosophy and the New World OrderA special address given at Templepatrick Reformed Church on Friday 17th January 2025.Theosophy - What is this ancient heresy and how might it be influencing global affairs today? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Confession of Sin and ForgivenessText. 1 John 1:8-10. John is not holding back. He is telling us that WE are sinful. He is speaking to Christians, and saying that we act sinfully because we are sinners by nature. It's the way we are, it's the way we are born, its the what separates us from God, who is sinless, whose primary characteristic is HOLINESS, – as John has already told us… God is LIGHT. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.Now the problem with sin today, is that so many of us either ignore it, or just deny its existence.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Breastplate of RighteousnessText: Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; READ Romans 5:1-6We need spiritual protection for the heart, and Paul calls it, ‘the Breastplate of Righteousness.' So, we need to learn what this breastplate is, and how we employ it in our defence. But first, let's ask what he means by ‘righteousness.'The sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church and is reproduced here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DARKNESS AND LIGHT1st John 1:5-7The first thing John wants us to learn about God is that he is LIGHT. That he is HOLY – morally pure, – so pure that we could never hope to come anywhere near him – God's nature and character affects the relationship that we have with him for our sin affects our fellowship with a holy God.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Belt of TruthText: Ephesians 6:14 We have an enemy, – a deadly foe, one who attacks us with subtle tactics. This enemy is spiritual, it is Satan himself. So we must put on the whole armour of God. So Paul writes, in Ephesians 6:12 1. Divinely Ordained PPE. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. … 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, Twice Paul exhorts us to ‘put on the whole armour of God. cf Romans 13:12 and 2 Corinthians 6:7. Before we look at the individual pieces of armour mentions here, let's make some general observations about this ‘armour of God.' Paul uses his Roman guards as a kind of visual aid to illustrate how we must defend ourselves against our spiritual foe, for he introduces us to the pieces of armour in the order in which a Roman soldier would have put them on. Read the NOTES HEREThis sermon was recorded live at ballymacashon Church Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introduction to 1st JohnText 1 John 1:1-4. We begin our work on 1st John by looking at the first four verses.Like John's Gospel it begins with a prologue, a natural introduction. So that's where we start…Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

These Terrible Times2 Timothy 3:1-5A New Year message from Ballymacashon We are living in the last days. Having said that, it is also clear that as these last days progress toward the end times, things on this ungodly earth will get significantly worse, both in the world and in the visible church. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition...Now, as we have just passed from 2024, to 2025, it might just be time to look at this world in which we live, and look back over some of the events of the last year, and then look ahead, and try to discern what the future might hold for generations to come. What were the significant events of 2024, and what might the immediate future hold? When Paul warned Timothy about the terrible times, – he gave him a long list, a description of the lowest qualities of mankind, to sum up the kind of age in which we would be living. Surely that list would be an accurate description of the society in which we live today? Read the NOTES HEREThis sermon was recorded live at Ballymacashon. Please excuse the poor sound quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dark Side of 'Christmas.'Revelation 12 and Matthew 2:13 -22 Christmas is considered to be a happy time. Not for everyone of course. But for most people, it's a time of happiness. It is after all, ‘the most wonderful time of the year.' It's great to have families together, to have a meal together, to hear the laughter of the children... For those of us who still remember that Christmas has a spiritual dimension, a Christian message, there is happiness even when we are in sorrow, for Christ the Saviour is born. That's certainly reflected in the biblical narrative of the birth of Jesus. It's a time of great rejoicing, and rightfully so. But not everyone rejoiced and it is to those tragic events we turn in this message.Read NOTES HERERecorded at Ballymacashon - please excuse the poor sound quality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wiles of the DevilText. Ephesians 6:11, 2 Cor. 2:9-11. Satan is a subtle enemy, and uses many types of subterfuge to deceive us; and we should not be ignorant of his schemes and plans. We too must be aware of the wiles of the devil. So what are Satan's devices? Of course we saw one of these last time, when we were reminded that Satan often allows us, in our foolishness, to trivialise him, – depict him as a harmless, silly red elf, or a Halloween monster… That's a deliberate tactic, to prevent us from realising the true danger. But what direct methods does he use to destroy souls? What are ‘the wiles of the devil?” This sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church and is reproduced here with their kind permission.READ THE NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Know Your EnemyText. Ephesians 6:12 Paul, in Ephesians gives us valuable instructions on how to recognise our enemies, – and so to take precautions to protect ourselves from them, for how can we defend ourselves from an enemy we cannot recognise? In this passage we are taught both who our enemy is NOT, and who is IS.Read the NOTES HERE.This sermon as recorded at Ballymacashon - please excuse the poor sound quality - it is an old building! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behold the Lamb of GodJohn 1:291. Christ Coming to John. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God2. Christ Coming to Save. 3. Christ Coming to UsRead the notes HEREThis sermon as preached at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Band Aid for the Soul?Bob's Christmas Day meditation for 2024. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Glory of the Incarnate Christ.John 1:14Three great biblical truths from John 1:14,His IncarnationOur RedemptionGod' Revelation to mankindThis sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Taking a StandEphesians 6:120-14AThere's a battle taking place. It's a battle against evil, and it is becoming clearer to all those who want to see. Conditions in this world are not getting better, they are getting worse as time moves on towards the end of this present age. We must prepare, spiritually for what lies ahead of us and that will involve Christians taking a stand for God, for Christ, for His Word. for Truth and for what is good and moral. It will also involve taking a stand AGAINST...Read the NOTES HERE.This sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally Brethren...Text: Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.In Ephesians, we have seen how basic gospel principles can be practically applied to everyday situations in which we will all find ourselves. Marriage, child-rearing and work are only examples of how Christian ethics work. Now, Paul comes to the final section in this book…Read the NOTES HERE.This sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who's the Boss?Christian Management StrategiesText: Ephesians 6:9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with himPaul is always balanced when he brings us these very practical examples of Christian doctrine and Christian faith being worked out in real life human situations. The ‘masters' to whom he is referring here are slave-masters who would want to get the most productivity from their human assets, the slaves that they have paid for and have to feed and clothe. The usual way of doing this was to beat them, punish them severely, torture them, threaten them. But what if the person who owned those slaves was a Christian?Read the NOTES HERE.This sermon was recorded at. Ballymacashon - and is therefore a bit ‘echoey.' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Work as VocationEphesians 6:5-9, Deuteronomy 15:12-18Because we are called by God, in our daily labours, to be agents of his providence and sustaining grace, we are primarily answerable to him. And because work is a calling from God, it earns us a reward! As Christians we are ‘slaves of Christ.' In 1 Corinthians 7:22-23 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. (Slave) 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. We are servants (slaves) of Christ, – not by coercion, but because we love him, – because he first loved us, and we want to serve him, to acknowledge his complete Lordship over us. Read the NOTES HERE.This sermon was recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, Carnage Road, Templepatrick, Co.Antrim, and used here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Do We Change the World?Text: Ephesians 6:5-9, Philemonread the NOTES HERE.The doctrine and theology of work is a complicated issue, raising lots of ethical and moral issues for the Christian believer. In this study we must address a very serious topic… Did Paul Endorse and Support Slavery? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Servants, Masters, and WorkText: Ephesians 6:5 There is a Christian ethic of work. Paul is writing here to believers. We should not be surprised at that. For our experience of redemption reaches into every area of our lives. Certainly our Christian experience and our obedience to God extends well beyond an hour's commitment on a Sunday morning. And our faith in God does not mean that we should withdraw from the world.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introduction to the Theology of WORK (Labour)Text: Ephesians 6:5-9, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13Christians are live differently from the unconverted world. Ephesians 4:17. There is one area of the Christian life, upon which Paul has not yet touched, but where there are huge challenges for us. That is in our employment, our everyday work and labour where we must be careful not to sully our testimony. We begin this section of Ephesians with a simple biblical overview of work, as a divine command, to lay the groundwork before we examine the text of Ephesians 6:5-9.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.