The Semper Reformata Podcast

The Internal Witness1 John 5:9-12 V10 He that believed; on the Son of God hath the witness in himself…For this week's Bible Study I've reprised an episode from October 2024, recorded at TRC. No point recording the same thing again!Do you know for sure that you are saved and forgiven, through repentance and faith in Christ, and that because of his atoning death on the cross you have forgiveness of all your sins and a certain home in heaven? The record is there for us! The testimony is available for all to see! Changed lives, the Word of God, all the objective tests. But to be saved and have eternal life, we must know the Lord Jesus Christ personally!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.

Polycarp the MartyrIn this episode were going to be thinking about the persecution of the early church, and focusing in on the martyrdom of Polycarp, the pastor of the church at Smyrna, in what is now called Turkey. Polycarp's testimony for Jesus Christ led to his arrest and to his death in the city of Rome in the 2nd century AD. May his perseverance and steadfast determination to follow Jesus whatever the cost be an inspiration to us also, in these days, when many Christian throughout the world still face persecution for the faith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ministering in Word and SacramentMatthew 10:5-8Christ's were being trained in the school of the master, and they were to go forth as ambassadors, and missionaries, sent out to represent Christ in their words and acts. Now we see a little more detail about that commission…The margins of their ministry. To LOST SHEEP.The message of their ministry. The KINGDOM is at hand!The method of their ministry. To minister in WORD and SACRAMENT.Apologies for the sound quality of this recording. this sermon was recorded live at Ballymacashon, and there is some echo and extraneous noise.READ THE NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Water and the Blood1st John 5:6-8What does John mean by ‘ Water and Blood?' There are four possibilities:The Wounded Side of Christ.The SacramentsA Witness to the Historicity of Christ's Baptism and Death - as an answer to gnosticism.The Application of the Cleansing Power of Christ to the believer.We look at these four possibilities - all of them views held by reformed evangelical commentators.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Day of PentecostActs 2:1-4We look at the account of how God poured out his Holy Spirit upon the first Christian disciples, and its effects and results.This sermon was recorded live at Ballymacashon Congregational Church, and contains some extraneous noise and echo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Overcomers1st John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?We know that we are Christians because we have overcome the world, and we are overcoming the world! This is John's next point. So, what is the WORLD that we have overcome, how have we overcome it, and when did that happen?Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can We Die Before Our Time?Here's some seemingly opposed and contradictory texts:Ecclesiastes 7:17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy timeHebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: Psalm 31:15 My times are in thy hand:Which statement is right? Or are both? Let's unravel the mystery of Ecclesiastes 7:17! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Victory1 Corinthians 15:50-58 It is only because Jesus rose from the dead, that we too will also rise – on that final day of this earth's history, when the trumpet of God shall sound, and the Lord Jesus will return to judge this world. The Apostle Paul turns his attention to the events and results of that last day.Bob's sermon for Easter Sunday morning, 2025.Recorded at Ballymacashon - so please excuse the echo.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christian ObedienceText. 1 John 5:2-4a Is there an objective test for brotherly love? John suggests that there is. It is obedience. We will know that we love God's people, when we love God, and obey him. So we need to examine these verses and see what John is speaking about:The Legal Background to Christian Obedience.The Light Burden of Christian Obedience.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

REPARATIONS - Britain, the Bible, and the Slave Trade.You can't have missed the increasing demands for the British government to pay ‘reparations' for its part in the slave trade. It was an issue that confronted me when we were studying Ephesians, working our way through the book, verse by verse in an expository manner. When we came to chapter five, we were confronted by these verses, Ephesians 6:5-8 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Here's the issue, - when Paul wrote to servants (KJV), he was in fact writing to SLAVES! Slaves who mostly had horrendous working conditions, and who had no rights whatsoever of their own. So, in this lecture, delivered at Templepatrick Reformed Church (and reproduced here with their kind permission) we look at the issues surrounding this important subject and seek a biblical response to the demands for financial compensation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Love Is… Text: 1 John 4:19-5:5 John has been spending much time and ink on the importance of love. God's love for us, and our love for God, and the resulting love that we have for each other. He tells us that:Love is a REACTION (To Christ's love for us)Love is a REVERSAL (Of the opinions and values of the world)Love is a RESPONSIBILITY (To obey the commandment even by Jesus)Love is a REINFORCEMENT (of sound doctrine)Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disciples in the School of Christ.Text. Matthew 10:1-4In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus begins to prepare his disciples for ministry. Before we see his particular instructions to them, his teaching on their ministry, lets see how he chooses and calls them…Read the NOTES HERE,APOLOGIES - THIS RECORDING WAS MADE LIVE AT BALLYMACASHON AND CONTAINS ECHO AND BACKGROUND NOISE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John's Sermon on 4:12Text. 1 John 4:12-21John preaches a sermon, for the next few verses, v13-21 are actually a commentary and expansion on what he has taught in verse 12. Now, the biblical authors did not preach to amuse you or to tickle your ears – John is going to talk about the Christian's confidence in the day of judgement. That will require some explanation, – and it won't be casual listening. Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lazarus – Come Forth!Text: John 11:38-45In this last piece of the story there is a wonderful illustration of the Gospel – and that is exactly what we would expect. John 20:30-31, …but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. Let's look for the Gospel, so that we too may believe in Him, and have eternal life…This message was preached at Ballymacashon Congregational Church and Templepatrick Reformed Church, and was recorded at TRC. It is used here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

God's Love, Its Source, Satisfaction and StrategyText. 1 John 4:7-12According to James Montgomery Boice, John has applied three tests, by which a person may know that they are a child of God: The moral test – RIGHTEOUSNESS, the social test -LOVE, the doctrinal test – TRUTH, which is belief in the Lord Jesus Christ as God incarnate. For John, the greatest of these tests is the test of love. So, John does that now. In these next few passages, he goes on to draw practical conclusions from his teachings on the importance of God's love.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.