The Semper Reformata Podcast

Human Brokenness - Lesson 12Does God Permit Same-Sex Marriage?Read Romans 1:18-27One of the more recent developments in the human sexuality debate, is the issue of ‘same sex marriage.' As someone said on another podcast stream, even the mobile phone predates same sex marriage, - you really can't get much more contemporary than that. So what stance should Christian believers take on that matter? Well, our first guiding principal in every debate and in every ethical issue, is the Bible, the Word of God which is our only rule of faith and conduct. So that's where we start - with Romans 1:18-27Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lessons from Paul's Prayer1st Thessalonians 3: 11-13Our prayer lives continually need to be encouraged, and we CAN encourage one another by HOW we pray, as well as by what we pray for. In this passage, Paul demonstrates a distinctive ‘teaching element' in prayer very clearly when he prays for the Thessalonian Christians. This address was given and recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is used here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Divorce.Welcome back to our series of lessons on Human Brokenness, and in this lesson, we shall ask whether divorce is ever an option for Christians. Before we begin, pause the recording and look up Matthew 19:1-9 and Deuteronomy 24:1-4 in your Bible. Then when you've read those two passages, start the recording again. Matthew 19:1-9 and Deuteronomy 24:1-4Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trials and Temptations, Trust and Triumph.1st Thessalonians 3:1-5The real instigator of hostility against the people of God is Satan, the enemy of the soul. In this study we'll return to the subject of the trials and temptations which Christians will often face. 1. The Inescapable Presence of Trials. 1 Thes. 3:3-52. The Indispensable Power of Trust. 1 Thes 3:2-5.3. The Indisputable Promise of Triumph. 1 Thess 1-10The Thessalonians were to EXPECT hostility from the world. The very fact that there is a being called Satan, should always remind us that we are being opposed. But Satan's power is limited, and in God's Word we have been given the encouragement and the help that we need to be ‘overcomers.' Let us therefore stand fast in the gospel. Hebrews 11:24-26Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tale of Two Cities (Tower of Babel, Part 2)Genesis 11:1-9We have learned about the rebellion at Babel, in the plain of Shinar. The descendants of Noah's children had gathered there, determined to stay together for their own protection. That was contrary to God's plan, for he had commanded that they were to populate the whole earth. But the rebellion was worse than that. Not only were they disobeying God's command, but they were turning their backs on God, and rejecting his way of salvation. They wanted to approach God their way, not his. They wanted to get to the heavens, by way of their own works, and they did it so that they would get all the glory for themselves. That's where we left them last time, in rebellion against God, like every man or woman born since has been ever since. And that's exactly where we begin our study today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Brokenness Lesson 10Why get married when we can just live together?We have looked at marriage, the lifelong union of one man and one woman, to the exclusion of all others, - which we saw was God's intended plan for all of humanity, for the mutual help and comfort of husband and wife, and for the preservation of the human race, and then in our last lesson, we discovered what it means to say that marriage is a covenant, a relationship reflects, albeit imperfectly, the relationship between Christ and his church - a relationship that is unbreakable, based upon his love for and forgiveness of his bride. But why get married at all? - Surely a loving, faithful union between a man and a woman, doesn't need all those vows and promises? And do we really need a piece of paper to certify our love? Why can't we just simply move in together, and live as what used to be called ‘common law husband and wife?' So, that's our topic for today. Why get married, why have a formal wedding?Read the NOTES HERE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 Remembrance Service from BallymacashonJoin us at Ballymacashon Congregational church, Killinchy, Co.Down, for our annual Service of Remembrance.This episode includes praise, act of remembrance and address.Recorded live at Ballymacashon.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noah Lesson 6 – God's Covenant with CreationGenesis 8:20-9:17.What is a covenant? It is a binding, legal agreement between two parties, sometimes as the result of a negotiation, but frequently imposed by a stronger power on a weaker state or entity.Historians like to compare the Biblical covenants with the Hittite Treaties, – but there is a vast difference, in that God created us, he owns us, we are his, and he can do with us as he determines – but in GRACE – out of love and pity for fallen rebellious humanity, he enters into a relationship with us, brings us into his kingdom, and provides us with blessings and benefits. Like the other covenants, he promises blessings and rewards for obedience and punishment for those who disobey. Read the Notes HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noah Lesson 5 – Re-CreationText: Genesis 8:1-20Now we come to chapter 8, and there is actually no break in the narrative between chapters 7 and 8. And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that was with him in the ark.Ho=ad God forgotten Noah? NO!Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

De-Creation.Text: Genesis 7Genesis 7 is a factual account of the flood. The day of God's judgment is come, and the probation of mankind upon the earth is at an end. Like a judge sitting on the bench, professionally and precisely weighing up the evidence in his summing up, without emotion he passes sentence and decrees punishment. Judgment must happen and justice will follow and everyone will be able to say they get what they deserve. read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TableTalk 11th November 2025Building A Stairway to Heaven?Genesis 11:1-9In our digital mid-week meting, we're moving on to another one of those pivotal moments in Genesis, as the beginnings of human history are revealed to us, the strange incident of the Tower of Babel. The narrative is found in Genesis 11:1-9. We'll deal with this in two episodes.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Brokenness - Lesson 9Marriage is a CovenantWhat does it mean to affirm that 'Marriage is lifelong, monogamous and covenantal? It's all wrapped up in he meaning of the word 'Covenant!' Open your Bible at Ephesians 5:22-33. read the passage and note how our married relationships reflect the unbreakable, exclusive relationship between Christ and his church. Then play the podcast episode!Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

REPRISE: Noah – Lesson 2. Who was Noah?Text: Genesis 6:9ffLearn about:-Noah's Walk. Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah:Noah's Work.Noah's WarrantyNoah's Willingness. James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Noah – Lesson 1.Text: Genesis 6:1-8Introduction: The story of Noah begins with a description of the times. There was much disobedience, much sinfulness, much rebellion against God. Why is it important for us to understand these times? Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.We too are to be discerners of the times, for we too live in a wicked age, when abject ungodliness is the norm. It is in such times that the Son of Man will unexpectedly return. So what was it like in the days of Noah? And what is meant by, "My spirit shall not always strive with man?"Read the NOTES HERE:This address was given at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They Were Hindered by Satan.1st Thessalonians 2:18-19The first disciples were hindered in their work by Satan. Who is 'Satan?' and how does he hinder the Lord's work? What is his ultimate end. when judgment day comes?This sermon was recoded in Ballymacashon Old Reformed Church (Congregational).Notes are available at www.Semper-Reformata.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Brokenness Lesson 8The Origin and Purpose of MarriageMarriage is a serious subject. At a wedding service, God is present, and is our witness. Not just the minister, or the civic registrar, or some humanist celebrant. God has a part in every real marriage ceremony, whether we like it or not. Why is that?The reason is found in the book of Genesis. so in this lesson you'll need to have your Bible open at Genesis chapter 2.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SASRA REPORT.A SASRA report by ASR Paul Somerville. Paul is one of the Army Scripture Readers working among the men and women of the armed forces here in Northern Ireland. On Sunday 2nd November, Paul visited Ballymacashon Church to talk about his work, and the work of SASRA, the Soldiers and Aviators Scripture Readers Association. With his permission I recorded his report, and I want to share some of it, just an extract, with you today. Have a listen, and please make time in your prayers to pray for these faithful evangelists…Find out more about the work of SASRA HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They Were Saved.1st Thessalonians 2:13-20 Paul has declared that they were BOLD IN THE GOSPEL. They were REAL in their ministry, for unlike the travelling professional philosophers and preachers of their day, they truly loved their people, they longed for their people, they lived for their people, they laboured for the people and they lead the people. See what a dramatic effect that consistent, steady ministry leading by example and faithfully preaching the Word, had upon the people who lived at Thessalonica. They were Saved. They were saved:-By the WORD of God Alone.By the GRACE of God Alone.For the GLORY of God Alone.Our whole lives, our leisure, our career, our church life our family life… Everything should bring GLORY to God. Do we live our lives Soli Deo Gloria? Can we truly say that what delights God delights in us?READ THE NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HB7 Can a Person Change Sex?To 'change sex' – let's call it ‘transgenderism' – requires a complete denial of human biology – and last time I checked biology was still a science. So, since we have already established that the biblical belief is that God made us as we are, male or female, man or woman, let's just do some science. Let's think about some of the branches of science where transsexualism conflicts… Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday Extra - 27th October 2025That BAPTISM ThingTalking to some friends on Thursday 23rd October, the subject of Baptism arose, - again - and it reminded me of a sermon I had preached in 2022 - in a church that is by its constitution, Reformed Baptist - subscribing to the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith. Part of the sermon addressed the subject of Baptism, and I extracted that section for a podcast episode in 2022. I have reprised that episode here, as a bonus 'Monday Extra' - because it is an important issue. Baptism should UNITE Christians, not divide them. Listen to find out why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They Were Real1st Thessalonians 2:5-12 Amos 7Paul has been verbally attacked by some of his enemies in Thessalonica. To those accusations Paul insisted that they were BOLD in the Gospel. He had also been accused of being deceitful. To prove the point that he was not a charlatan, he embarks on a series of distinctions, to differentiate between a professional philosopher and a passionate pastor.This message was recorded live at Ballymacashon Congregational church.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Gent With The Godly Gait.Read Genesis 5:18-23, Hebrews 11:5-6, Jude 14-15.Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him” Enoch had a godly walk, in communion and fellowship with God, and as someone once said, - he was so much in the company of God, that at the end of his life, he didn't die, he just walked straight into heaven! That's Enoch's claim to fame, and that is what makes him an person of interest to us, as Christians, seeking to live in the presence of God also. Let's try to learn just a little about this remarkable Old Testament man. Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Brokenness - Lesson 6. Sex and Gender - Are They The Same Thing?Before we begin, please read Psalm 100, and spend a few minutes meditating on verse 3, where the psalmist writes, Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Find the notes at www.Semper-Reformata.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They Were Bold1st Thessalonians 2:1-4These first believers prayed for boldness, right from their earliest days… Acts 4:29-31 When Paul and Silas preached at Thessalonica, they preached with great boldness. One of our great needs in the visible church today, is BOLDNESS IN THE GOSPEL.Recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TableTalk, 14th Oct 2025Read Genesis 3:13-21.Welcome to this week's digital version of TableTalk. The Reading is from Genesis 3:13-21 In our last TableTalk I left you with a puzzle of sorts; a bit of a teaser, - the question, “Will we meet Adam in heaven?” Is there any hope in eternity for Adam? How could such a man ever be in heaven? And of course, we have a similar situation with Eve, his wife, and the one who was initially tempted by the serpent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Brokenness - Lesson 5How Do Christians Relate to People with Gender Issues?New Ref. Catechism on Human Sexuality? 4. Q. What does God require of us in making us in his image?A. God requires that we love him as he created us, male or female, with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbour as ourselves. In the Bible Christians are told, over and over again, that they are to love others, as Christ has loved us, and given himself for us. As far back as Leviticus we read, Leviticus 19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. In the NT, Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.So, we are to love our neighbour as ourselves - and do good to our neighbour, and seek to rescue our neighbour from a lost eternity, but what if the neighbour in question is a gender confused man, dressed as a woman? Human Brokenness, Part 5How Do Christians Relate to People with Gender Issues? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monday ExtraThis week my motivation for putting pen to paper, and switching on the recording equipment has been different and a bit unusual. I was listening to an audiobook - a reading of a novel! I had been driving down to Belfast in the car, listening to a book, when one of the characters mentioned a particular artist, Tom Waite, and it brought back memories of a song that the artist had performed, back in the 1990s. It was a song called' “Jesus Blood Never Failed Me Yet” and it has an interesting story, and if you give me a few minutes. I'd like to share the story with you this morning… The song went:-Jesus' blood never failed me yetJesus' blood never failed me yetFor this one thing I know,That He loves me so.Jesus' blood never failed me yetListen to the podcast for the story, and you can find the song on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/57emjrt5Or search on YouTubeRead a full transcript with links HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We Would See JesusJohn 12:20-26This is set in the very last week in the earthly ministry of Jesus – just before He went to Calvary, and just after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It is the feast of the Passover, and this passage is just at the start of John's account of Jesus' last days on earth with His disciples, a week which takes up about 8 chapters of John's gospel. Sermon from Ballymacashon, Harvest Morning Service, 5th October 2025.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How Many Genders?Read Genesis Chapters 1 & 2 please!In today's post-truth western world, identity is no longer a matter predetermined by God, but something YOU get to decide, usually based on your feelings, rather than on physical reality. And of course, gender is no longer a case of man and woman. In modern society, just how many genders are there? A simple internet search revealed that “There are many genders beyond just male and female, with some sources listing over 70 different gender identities. Gender is understood as a spectrum, allowing individuals to identify in various ways that may not align with traditional binary classifications.” In the New Reformation Catechism on Human Sexuality, the author, Christopher Gordon asks, in Q3. How many sexes did God make at creation? "in the image of God, he created them, male and female, he created them.'Q4. What does God require of us in making us in his image? A. God requires that we love him as he created us, male or female, with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbour as ourselves.It's that phrase ‘love him as he created us, male or female' that is important and relevant to the Christian view on gender identity, for you cannot be a true Christian believer and live a lie… Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harvest Reflections - The Great ThirstJohn 7:37-39. Cf Isaiah 12:3. Jesus is at the feast of Tabernacles, appointed to begin on the 15th day of the 7th month, and lasting 7 or perhaps 8 days. This was the harvest festival, and one of the ceremonies of the feast was connected with water. Jesus used that unusual ritual as an illustration, - to show that He is the Well of Salvation, that nothing in this world can satisfy the thirst of the soul, yet when brought to understand our need, we can find hope in Him alone.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Repentance1st Thessalonians 1:9-10, Acts 14:8-15Something drastic had happened within these Thessalonians believers. They had been saved by grace, converted to Christ. Now Paul explains another part of that process of conversion, in 1 Thess. 1:9-10 He is speaking of something which is an essential part of every true conversion, and that is REPENTANCE! In this sermon, preached and recorded at Ballymacashon, we see:The PROCESS of Repentance.The RESULTS of Repentance.(Recorded live - please excuse the background noise) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human BrokennessOur Identity in Christ Christian Identity is.Being made all over again, to be in the image of Christ! Only because of God's graceJesus has delivered us from Satan's lie in Eden. And now, Christ protects us! Before you listen, read John 8:44, and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Digital ID - A Biblical Warning and ResponseRevelation 13:17,A warning to the sleeping church - wake up, for the tyranny of digital ID's is drawing ever closer...This message was preached at Templepatrick Reformed Church and is used here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Echoes of Grace1st Thessalonians 1:6-10The Thessalonians had RECEIVED the Word of God – not just listened to it, or heard it, but had actively accepted it into their hearts and lives, through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for ‘having received' is based on the root amen. They had heard the word, and in their hearts they had said AMEN. So be it Lord, and what a marvellous effect that great spiritual amen had in the lives of those Thssalonian believers.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Brokenness - Identity - Creation and Fall.Laying the groundwork for who we are, in God's eyes.Before you play this episode, please read Colossians 1:16, Psalm 100:3, Revelation 4:11, Psalm 8:3-6 and Psalm 139:13-16.We're starting with a short introduction to 'Identity' - considering the basics, who made us, how he made us and why, and bringing that right down to the individual level, learning that it is God who shapes us in the womb, who weaves us, intricately and skilfully forms us, and who knows and predetermines the composition of our body parts, who thus assigns us our gender before we are born. He makes us what we are physically meant to be.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gospel Preaching1st Thessalonians 1:4-5Paul is writing to remind his readers of the events of Acts chapter 17.He reminds them of the events of their conversion, in 1 Thessalonians 1:6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: how he had preached the Gospel, and they had been saved. His words give us a glimpse into his practice of evangelistic homeletics – his preaching and teaching ministry…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.

TableTalk, 16th Sept 2025. - Facing Up To Our Shame Read Genesis 2:7-8 and Genesis 3:9-12.Adam is hiding in the Garden. It was customary, in the cool of the evening for God to come down into this garden paradise, and to walk in fellowship with Adam. But why was Adam so ashamed? What had Adam squandered when he surrendered to sin? Has Adam's shame brought shame upon all of us, and how can that shame be dealt with?Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Human Brokenness, Healed, redeemed and ForgivenIn this season, running throughout Autumn and winter 2025-26, we're going back to our studies in Biblical Ethics, with short weekly lessons, as the Lord permits, on Human Sexuality. The series title will beHuman Brokenness - Healed, Redeemed & Forgiven.In each lesson, which will be shorter than before, maybe just 10 or 12 minutes, in the hope that perhaps we can attract a teenage audience, as well as the regular listeners, - we will be looking at Human Sexuality through the prism of a biblical worldview. We will deal with edgy topics, with ethical dilemmas that will certainly confront us in this modern age, and maybe even more so in the future. Join me, Bob McEvoy, for Human Brokenness, Healed, Redeemed & Forgiven, every Tuesday, as the Lord wills, at 1pm UK time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Prayer, Practice and Predestination.1st Thessalonians 1:2-4In this passage of Scripture, we can learn three valuable lessons.A Lesson in Christian Devotion.A Lesson in Christian Demeanour.A Lesson in Christian DoctrinePaul teaches the Thessalonians about Prayer, Practice and Predestination.This sermon was recorded live in Ballymacashon - Please forgive the poor sound quality.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TableTalk - An On-Line Mid Week MeetingBeing aware of Satan's TacticsGenesis 3:1-8As Christians we need to be aware of the tactics of the devil, who would try to distract us from the straight and narrow way, to divert us into by-paths and cause us to stumble. The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthian Christians, in 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 We should not be ignorant of Satan's devices. And he is aggressively pursuing the Christian believer. 1 Peter 5:8.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is a Church?ist Thessalonians 1:1When Paul greeted the congregation at Thessalonica, he began the letter with a recognition that he was writing to a really good church. We cannot attain perfection, but Paul's letter to the Thessalonians can help our local assembly to be a great church too! A church that is singleminded in pursuing its goal, to love and serve the Lord. In Paul's greeting we see four simple observations:-A church is a Partnership of Ministry.A church is a local assembly, in the place where God has placed it.The church is a congregation of God's people.The church has a particular declaration.Any local assembly of believers can be as great in God's sight as the Thessalonians obviously were, if we make sure that the work of the church is done on the basis of PARTNERSHIP, that we are in the PLACE that God wants us to be, both geographically and spiritually, BUILDING ourselves up in the Lord, and making sure that every activity in the church has the common purpose of boldly and loudly PROCLAIMING the grace and peace of God to sinners.Read the NOTES here.The sermon was recorded live at Ballymacashon, - apologies for the background noise and echo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Disciples' Authority and SupportMatthew 10:40-42We have been working our way through Matthew chapter 10, where we find the names of the twelve disciples, and where Jesus commissions them and trains them to go out into the world to serve him, as his ambassadors, his representatives. Let's see how Jesus concludes this lesson by giving them AUTHORITY and SUPPORT.Recorded live at Ballymacashon.Read the NOTES HERE, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Plain Unvarnished Truth about Jesus and UsMatthew 10v34-38 as Jesus speaks to his disciples, he never sugar-coats his words, or plays down the difficulties or promises them that life as a Christian will be easy. He's not the ‘gentle Jesus meek and mild' person some people think him to be. Jesus said: ‘…he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.' How different! According to Jesus, the Christian Life is a:-CONFLICTCOMMITMENTthis sermon was recorded at Ballymacashon, - so it has some echo and background noise.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Idolatry1st John 5:21Little children, keep yourselves from idols. AmenAs we come to the very last phrase in John's first letter, we are driven back to the most basic premise of the Christian faith. That there is only one, True, Holy, God who will not tolerate the worship of any other god that we might invent. John warns us to guard our lives from idols. There is a deep pastoral concern that the believers watch their lives, be so careful, for idolatry can present itself in so many forms, and can draw us away from faithfully following the Lord.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clarity, Conviction and Confidence.Matthew 10:26-30The disciples are being sent into a world that contains great dangers for them. They will be hated by everyone in the world. Yet despite all of that, they are being tasked to preach the Gospel despite the fact that doing so will inflame and antagonise the world even more! Surely a better approach would be for the disciples to keep their heads down, preach behind closed doors, don't offend anyone. Jesus certainly didn't envisage that His disciples would do anything of the sort. Here he tells them to stand up and shout!Recorded live at Ballymacashon - Apologies for echo, poor sound quality and extraneous noise.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three Things that the World Needs but Hasn't GotText. 1 John 5:18-20.John is going to remind Christians of three things we know, three blessings of the Christian life and they are all found in Christ alone. They are freedom from sin, victory over the world and a new perspective on life and death, AND these are what every person in the world really needs! I know they won't admit it, for what they THINK they need is greatly different from what they REALLY NEED, but, you see, what we think people need, and even what they think they need, is nowhere near as important as what THE BIBLE says they need! Look again at the blessings we have in Christ, blessings that everyone needs to have, and which we should be telling them about...read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seek the Lord.Text . Isaiah 55:6-7. Luke 19:1. Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.We are all to be seekers…. but who will search for God?recorded live at Ballymacashon Congregational church.Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PRAYER - A CASE STUDYText: 1 John 5:16-17.John has been speaking about prayer, and how we may have confidence in prayer, and then he adds this next verse, perhaps as a case-study for what he has just taught us; praying for sinners! What does John mean when he says that there is a sin not unto death, and a sin unto death?Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living in a Hostile WorldMatthew 10:16-22Christians are living in a hostile culture But it's NEVER been any different, and it never will, until Jesus returns. In Matthew's account of the ministry of Jesus, he records the words of the Saviour as he sends his disciples out to witness for him. Let's see how he prepares them for the hostile environment they will be living and working in…This message was delivered at Ballymacashon - please excuse the sound quality, extraneous sounds and echo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fearfully and WonderfullyPsalm 139:14-16In this special bonus episode, we look briefly at these very important verses from Psalm 139, verses 14-16, – to make a prophetic statement on events that have occurred over the past few days in our sovereign UK parliament, when MPs voted in strength for an amendment which will in certain circumstances, make legal the abortion of babies up to the moment of birth. In such times as these, we would want to raise a standard, publicly, for biblical truth and Christian ethics. Read the NOTES HERE.Recorded live at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and reproduced here with their kind permission. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to Pray with Confidence.1 John 5:14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 15And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.Prayer is an essential part of the Christian life, so as soon as John has established that we KNOW that we are eternally saved, with a heavenly destiny, through faith in Christ, he moves on to prayer… and that same confidence that we have in our eternal salvation applies to our prayers. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will... Listen for more!Read the NOTES HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.