The Semper Reformata Podcast
By Bob McEvoy
Find out more at saltyscrivener.uk/podcast/
Telegram: https://t.me/SRPodcast
The Semper Reformata PodcastJun 02, 2021
Acts-In-Replay: A New Era. Acts 20:1-6
Acts-In-Replay: A New Era. Acts 20:1-6
This section of text encompasses a period of well over a year, an eventful and fruitful year. It’s here to remind us that the Holy Spirit, who inspired Luke to write this history, has not chosen to reveal every event in the early church’s history. That does not mean that major events are not taking place. This is a whole new chapter in Paul’s ministry, for now he turns from a purely pioneer missionary, to a pastoral theologian, as he visits and cares for the new churches he had previously formed. Luke’s record changes too, for he records less pure history, and more of Paul’s words, his farewell to the Ephesian elders, his defence before the various secular courts, his account of his conversion. He will be arrested and imprisoned. This passage seems insignificant, but it is a transitional period in the history of the first church.
Recorded live at Templepatrick Reformed Church
To read the NOTES CLICK THIS LINK.
Monday PrayerCast 11th April 2022
Monday PrayerCast 11th April 2022
The regular news and prayer update from NI, - with a Christian worldview.
This week we look at
* Abortion - and how Belfast Trust 'Misled' the Stormont Assembly on 'protests.'
* Belfast Bible College - announcing a new Principal - but is it a positive move for evangelicalism?
* Transgenderism and the proposed Conversion TherapyBan - and we discover some post-Christian clerics, weighing in on the debate.
* The Northern Ireland Assembly Elections and the 'Universal Basic Income' experiment. Is it communism by another name?
Acts-In-Replay: A Case for SERIOUS Christianity
Acts-In-Replay: A Case for SERIOUS Christianity
Acts 19:23-41
This is a case study – a example of the need for serious Christianity. In this pagan age, mere nominal faith, or emotionally driven Christian experiences, simply won’t do. Real, serious Christianity is all that will prevail. I’ve been predicting this. There’s going to be a riot at Ephesus. Here in Ephesus, the riot is not instigated by the Jews as elsewhere, but by prominent members of the local Chamber of Commerce!
Read the NOTES HERE.
Catechism Class: LD 18C Q49, Benefits of the Ascension
Now we come to the application of the ascension of Christ, - the benefits that accrue to us, because of the ascension, and in Q49, we find that there are three of them.
Q49. How does Christ's ascension into heaven benefit us? A. First, he is our Advocate in heaven before his Father. Second, we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that he, our Head, will also take us, his members, up to himself. Third, he sends us his Spirit as a counter-pledge, by whose power we seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God, and not the things that are on earth.
To read the NOTES, CLICK HERE.
Music licensed from www.NeoSounds.com
Monday PrayerCast 4th April 2022
Monday PrayerCast 4th April 2022
This week we talk about:
- The Oscars! And a bit o' hamely gumption frae Willie Drennan.
- Ukraine, where persecution of the evangelical churches has begun with the arrest of a pastor in Mariupol by the Russian Army.
- Abortion, and the move by the Precious Life organisation to seek judicial review of the 'Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill' under human rights provisions.
- LGBT Influence at Westminister, and the constant drip feed of LGBT propaganda on the Disney channels.
- The 'Don't Have Kids' movement, - a Malthusian cult, evangelising in cities across the USA - coming soon to a street near you.
Find links for all the stories HERE.
Don't forget to visit www.GraceGems.org
Acts-In-Replay: A Tale of Two Visits. Acts 19:21-22
Acts-In-Replay: A Tale of Two Visits. Acts 19:21-22
Rome, Jerusalem, and Congregational Churches!
Text: Acts 19:21-22, 2 Corinthians 9. Here’s a little passage of text that I almost missed! It seem that while Paul was ministering to the local church in the city of Ephesus, his mind and heart were brimming with pastoral concern for the Body of Christ throughout the world.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Catechism Class: LD18B, Q47-48, Where is Jesus Now?
Catechism Class: LD18, Q47-48, Where is Jesus Now?
The fact that Jesus ascended into heaven may prompt some to ask, “Where is Jesus, right now? Our catechist deals with this important question in Q47. Is Christ, then, not with us until the end of the world, as he has promised us? A. Christ is true man and true God. With respect to his human nature he is no longer on earth, but with respect to his divinity, majesty, grace, and Spirit he is never absent from us.
You can understand why our instructor puts this question to us, for Jesus promised his disciples that he would never leave them, never forsake them, that he would actually stay with them, not just for a few short years, but right until this present age ends. Yet he certainly did leave them, that day when he ascended onto heaven. Compare Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. with Matthew 26:11 For ye have the poor always with you; but me ye have not always.
So, is Jesus not with us to the end of the world? If he is, in what sense?
Read the NOTES HERE.
Music on the podcast licensed from www.Neosounds.com
Monday PrayerCast 28th March 2022
Monday PrayerCast 28th March 2022
Take 10 minutes to pray for Northern Ireland and more. This week we look at:-
The passing of the 'Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill in the NI Assembly.
See how YOUR MLA VOTED HERE.
Sec of State, Brandon Lewis wants to extend abortion provision in NI.
Remembering 'Baby Carrie' - murdered 20 years ago.
Punishment Beatings in Ukraine.
Find inspirational quotes from the puritans etc on www.GraceGems/org
Acts-In-Replay: Darkness Defeated. Acts 19:13-20
Paul is at Ephesus, and his ministry has been greatly blessed. Acts 19:11 But in Ephesus, FALSE RELIGION was big business!
To illustrate that, Luke now tells us about the strange incident of the Seven Sons of Sceva.
Read the NOTES HERE.
What’s Beneath the Surface? Population Alarmism and Cultural/Moral Changes
What’s Beneath the Surface?
Malthusianism, Population Alarmism and Cultural/Moral Changes
Welcome to this special episode of the podcast. It was recorded live at Templepatrick Reformed Church on Friday 18th March 2022, so there may be a few ‘umms’ and ‘ahhhhs’ throughout it!
For a while I’ve been intrigued and alarmed by the pace of change in our world. I’m sure others too, are finding it hard to keep up with some of the strange things that are happening - things that were never heard of, just a decade or so ago. I’ve been wondering where there might be a dominant philosophy driving the agendas for change, and after some simple research I came across something called Malthusianism - We might call it Population Alarmism. It’s that philosophy that I’m introducing in this address, and looking also at the biblical response. Sit back, make yourself comfortable, grab a coffee, wear comfy slippers - this talk lasts around an hour!
I’ve called it, “What’s Beneath the Surface” and I think YOU might just find it interesting!
Read the NOTES HERE:
Catechism Class: LD18A Q46 The Ascension
Catechism Class: LD18A Q46 The Ascension
"What do you confess when you say, he ascended into heaven? That Christ, before the eyes of his disciples, was taken up from the earth into heaven, and that he is there for our benefit until he comes again to judge the living and the dead."
Our objective in this episode is to introduce the doctrine of the ascension of Christ. Then, in our next two lessons, we will go further, and see the theology of the ascension, and look at its implications for modern believers - the application.
Read the NOTES HERE
Psalm 24 sung to "St George's Edinburgh" - courtesy of www.ThePsalmsSung.org
SRP Theme, "In Another Time" licensed from www.NeoSounds.com
Monday PrayerCast 21st March 2022
The short Monday News and Prayer Update from Northern Ireland,
This week we're talking about:
Ukraine,
The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) Bill in the NI Assembly
The House of Lords, Assisted Suicide Amendment
The USA, where Joe Biden insulted the Irish for St Patrick's Day, and where a man has won a national women's swimming competition.
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Check out the NOTES HERE
And find more devotionals on www.GraceGems.org
Acts-In-Replay: Separation and Dedication, Acts 19:8-9
When Luke records Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, he does so in four vignettes of conflict. Those 12 disciples comprised the first of those cameos, – Paul’s conflict with error, and now we have the second of those, his conflict with the synagogue. The third is a conflict with pagan necromancers, and the fourth with those who made a living from false religion. Let’s return now to conflict two, that eventual and inevitable move from the synagogue to the lecture hall.
A sermon preached at Templepatrick Reformed Church
St Patrick's Day Reprise
St Patrick's Day Reprise
It's Wednesday 16th March, and tomorrow is St Patrick's Day, when the world turns green for 'Oirland'. Meanwhile, those of us who actually live on this island look on with bemusement!
Last year, I published two podcast episodes around Sat Patrick's Day, one looking at Patrick himself, and one looking at another famous Irishman, Arthur Guinness. This year, I've combined them into one 'Replay' podcast, for you to listen, as you celebrate all things Irish, wherever you are in the world.
Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Catechism Class: LD17E Q45 The Benefits of Christ's Resurrection
LD17E Q45 The Benefits of Christ's Resurrection
In this podcast, we want to complete out studies on the Resurrection of Christ, in LD17, Q45. Lord's Day 17 How does Christ's resurrection benefit us? A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he could make us share in the righteousness which he had obtained for us by his death. Second, by his power we too are raised up to a new life. Third, Christ's resurrection is to us a sure pledge of our glorious resurrection.
We have been very careful to stress the historicity of the resurrection event. It happened, on a particular day in a certain place, and was witnessed by many many people. It was an event that changed lives. Those early disciples who witnessed the empty tomb, and who met the risen Saviour, and who touched his hands and his side, were transformed into apostles, ambassadors for Christ who spread the good news that He is Risen, and changed the world. That generation of first believers has long gone, but the message of the gospel is still being preached, and the resurrection of Jesus still matters, for it is still having an effect on our lives today. It is an objective HISTORICAL EVENT, that has subjective, PERSONAL EFFECTS in the lives of believers today.
To read the NOTES CLICK THIS LINK.
Monday News/Prayer Update 14th March 2022
Monday News/Prayer Update 14th March 2022
This week please pray for:
1. The NI Assembly, as they debate the Abortion Services (Safe Spaces) Bill which will criminalise Christians offering help and prayer to pregnant mothers outside abortion clinics.
2. Parliament in Westminister, debating the 'Online Safety Bill' which will have the effect of censoring biblical beliefs and worldview.
3. Ukraine, for those who are fleeing the conflict, for aid to be properly directed, for peace.
Listen to the end for some announcements!
Read the TRANSCRIPT HERE.
Acts-In-Replay: Oneness Pentecostalism. Acts 19:1-7
Preaching at TRC, Bob goes off on a whole tirade about 'Oneness Pentecostalism' and, uncharacteristically, even actually ends up making some reasonably relevant points! He includes a section on why he would NOT rebaptise Catholics who had come to Christ, but yet he WOULD rebaptise people who have been baptised, "In the Beautiful Name of Jesus..." Don't miss this one - listen and make up your own mind!
Recorded live at Templepatrick Reformed Church, Co.Antrim.
Catechism Class: LD17D, Q.45. WHY did Jesus Rise?
Catechism Class. Lord’s Day 17D, Q.45.
The Reasons for the Resurrection
We are still examining the important doctrine, that is the historic resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we have considered the extent of that importance, why we cannot neglect this important belief, we have rehearsed the classic proofs of the resurrection; we have seen how Christ rose, and why he rose on the third day. Now Ursinus himself, in his commentary on the catechism, wants us to think about the PURPOSE of his resurrection, to ask WHY? Why did he rise again?
In the catechism, our instructor simply deals with the blessings that accrue to us from the resurrection of Jesus, when he asks in Q17 How does Christ's resurrection benefit us? A. First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, so that he could make us share in the righteousness which he had obtained for us by his death. Second, by his power we too are raised up to a new life. Third, Christ's resurrection is to us a sure pledge of our glorious resurrection. Now, we will get there - in our next lesson, but first let’s look at the underlying reasons, and ask, "WHY did Christ rise from the dead?"
To read the NOTES, CLICK HERE.
Music on license from www.NeoSounds.com
Urgent Appeal for Help for Refugees
In Eastern Europe, right now, hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing from the conflict in Ukraine. Tell Romania, the ministry of Dr and Mrs Hamilton Moore have been co-ordinating funds to directly help those who are waiting at the border crossings to Romania, with the help of local Christians, providing food, medicine, clothes and bedding.
Can you help? Any amount, large or small will help. Please go to Facebook and search for TELL ROMANIA, and get in touch - leave a message - or contact me at Bob@BobMcEvoy.co.uk.
Thank you for giving and praying for those in need.
Acts-In-Replay: Leaving – Corinth, Ephesus and Antioch
Paul has been in Corinth now for around 18 months. And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while. But the time has come for him to leave. and then took his leave of the brethren. He leaves behind him a thriving church! With his departure from Corinth, and his journey back to Antioch, Paul’s second missionary journey will come to an end, and a new, third trip will begin.
Read the NOTES HERE.
TableTalk: Lies, Lying and Liars
TableTalk: Lies, Lying and Liars
Lying is a common vice, and sadly most people think little of it. Yet the Ninth Commandment strictly forbids lying. Exodus 20:16 “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour. People may think a lie is of no consequence, but God takes lies seriously, for lying is an indication of our human sinfulness. How seriously? God must punish unrepentant sinners. Revelation 21:8 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
So, it must be important for us to look at the subject of lies, liars and lying!
Read the NOTES HERE
Catechism Class: LD17C Q45 The Manner of Christ's Resurrection
Catechism Class: LD17C Q45 The Manner of Christ's Resurrection
We are learning about the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead, a vitally important Christian doctrine. In this class we shall briefly consider the MANNER of his resurrection, under four headings:-
1. That when he rose, his body and soul were reunited.
2. That he rose as the same person, as he had been before his death.
3. That he raised himself from the dead (a point stressed by Zacharius Ursinus in his own commentary on the catechism), thus demonstrating the unity in purpose and work, of the triune Godhead,
4. That he rose on the third day for two reasons, firstly, so that prophecy would be perfectly fulfilled, and so that his body would not see corruption. Thus his messiahship is confirmed and endorsed by the Father, in the resurrection.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Podcast music, licensed from www.Neosounds.com
SRP Theme "In Another Time" by Roland Rudzitis
"Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" Instrumental by David Flavin
Acts-In-Replay: God Keeps His Promises Acts 18:9–23
God Keeps His Promises
Text: Acts 18:9–23
Paul is in Corinth and what happens next teaches us a very simple but important lesson. That God always keeps his promises, sometimes does so through the most unexpected agencies, and always to bring about His glory, and His will.
Sermon, preached live at Templepatrick Reformed Church.
To read the notes CLICK HERE.
https://saltyscrivener.uk/2021/04/06/god-keeps-his-promises-acts-189ff/
LECTURE - Covid Fear Vs Christian Faith
LECTURE - Covid Fear Vs Christian Faith
This talk is about fear - and perhaps, for Christians, about ‘fearlessness.’ We begin with some very wise words - from the One who created mankind, and who holds all our lives in his hands. Our Creator and the only Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke 12:4-7 4 And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
For two years, whole nations have been paralysed with fear - fear of illness and death. But if our lives are in God's hands, what have we to fear? In this podcast, a live address given at Templepatrick Reformed Church, on 18th February 2022, we take a retrospective look at the Covid Pandemic, and the UK Government's response, the tactics used to control the population, and their effects. We suggest that we should not fear an illness, or a government's threats, - they can only hurt us in this life. We should fear the Lord, the One who can cast both body and soul into Hell, - FOREVER.
Read the TRANSCRIPT HERE.
Podcast episode audio with thanks to Templepatrick Reformed Church.
Catechism Class: LD17B Q45 Many Infallible Proofs
Catechism Class: LD17B Q45 Many Infallible Proofs
In this class, we continue to prepare ourselves to consider question 45 in the Heidelberg Catechism. In his commentary on this Lord’s Day, Ursinus chooses to spend time establishing the historical factuality of the Resurrection of Jesus, before taking up the points made in the catechism itself, dealing with how the resurrection affects, impacts and blesses the believer. The catechism assumes we will already be assured of the importance and historicity of the event itself. We are following his example. In our last podcast, we looked at why a firm and confident belief in the Risen Saviour is essential, for our proclamation of the gospel, for our personal religion and for our eternal hope. So we need proof. We need to know that Jesus rose from the dead - for sure. Without any doubt. So let’s spend this episode reminding ourselves of the classic proofs of the resurrection. It’s a longer than usual episode, for I want to bring you as much biblical text as I can in a short podcast, and because of that, I’m splitting it into two parts. The online podcast will have a musical interlude.
So let’s see what Luke means in Acts 1:3, when he wrote, to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs…
What WERE those infallible proofs?
Read the NOTES HERE.
Music: Psalm 13 courtesy of and with thanks to www.ThePsalmsSung.org
SRP Theme: "In Another Time" licensed from www.NeoSounds.com
Acts-In-Replay: State of Mind Vs Peace of Mind. Acts 18:1-12
Acts-In-Replay: State of Mind Vs Peace of Mind. Acts 18:1-12
In this sermon, recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and used with permission, we will think about Paul's ministry and do an assessment of his Christian work so far. We will look at Paul’s own situation, from a human level, then see how God intervened to help, in times of need, in oder to help us to remember God’s lovingkindness for us too, when our own lives seem fraught with difficulties.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Lecture: "If Christ Died for Me, Why Must I Also Die?"
Lecture: "If Christ Died for Me, Why Must I Also Die?"
This podcast is a LECTURE, given at Templepatrick Reformed Church in January 2022, and reproduced here with the permission of the church. Based on Lord's Day 16 of the Heidelberg Catechism, it discusses the Death of Christ on the Cross and contrasts the death of an unbeliever with that of a Christian.
This lecture will compliment the Catechism Classes on Lord's Day 16.
To Read Notes on this Topic CLICK THIS LINK.
Catechism Class: LD17A, Q.45. The Importance of the Resurrection
Catechism Class. Lord’s Day 17A, Q45. The Importance of the Resurrection
READ: 1st Corinthians 15:13-20
In this podcast we are asking the question, - “Why is belief in a historical, factual bodily resurrection of Christ such an indispensable part of our Christian faith and life?” In that passage from 1st Corinthians, Paul gets right to the core of the issue. You cannot be a Christian, without a firm and convinced belief that we have a risen Saviour, who lives, eternally, and is seated in heavenly places. Paul begins his corrective teaching for the Corinthians, who misunderstood the nature of resurrection, by establishing the factual reality of the actual and bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The Corinthians (or some of them) had denied the bodily resurrection of the dead at the last day, and in doing so (perhaps unwittingly) they in effect denied the literal resurrection of Christ, which they professed to believe. To do so, as we see in this passage will lead to terrible error.
So, let's look at some of the results of this foolish acceptance of false belief:-
To Read the NOTES CLICK HERE.
Psalm 16:8-11
8 Before me constantly
I set the LORD alone.
Because he is at my right hand
I’ll not be overthrown.
9 Therefore my heart is glad;
my tongue with joy will sing.
My body too will rest secure
in hope unwavering.
10 For you will not allow
my soul in death to stay,
Nor will you leave your Holy One
to see the tomb’s decay.
11 You have made known to me
the path of life divine.
Bliss shall I know at your right hand;
joy from your face will shine.
(Psalm courtesy of www.ThePsalmsSung.org)
Podcast Music: www.neosounds.com
Acts-In-Replay: Mars Hill #3, The Call to Repent.
Paul’s Address on Mars Hill #3 THE CALL TO REPENT
Text: Acts 17:29-34Paul has been preaching to the learned men of the Areopagus in Athens. Paul’s mission, of course is not to excite their interest with some new philosophy, it is to win them for Christ, and he must make a gospel application.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Catechism Class: LD16 Q44 'He Descended Into Hell?'
Catechism Class: LD16 Q44 'He Descended Into Hell?'
In this episode we will be looking at Lord’s Day 16, Q44, where our instructor is still dealing with the Christological clauses and statements of the Apostle’s Creed. He asks us, in Q.44 Why is there added: He descended into hell? The answer we must give is, “In my greatest sorrows and temptations I may be assured and comforted that my Lord Jesus Christ, by his unspeakable anguish, pain, terror, and agony, which he endured throughout all his sufferings but especially on the cross, has delivered me from the anguish and torment of hell.”
Jesus has suffered my hell for me, both in his life, and especially when upon the cross. At the cross, as God poured out upon Him, my deserved punishment, and the punishment for the sins of the whole world, he descended into the depths of hell, for me! That’s what we are going to consider.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Podcast Music: Psalm 22 courtesy of "www.ThePsalmsSung.org"
SRP Theme - "In Another Time."
Acts-In-Replay: Mars Hill #2 The Doctrine of Man
Acts-In-Replay: Mars Hill #2 The Doctrine of Man
Having taught the Athenian philosophers the doctrine of God, he teaches about the doctrine of man. We are all the children of one single set of parents, we are all related, we are all equal before God – sinners who need salvation.
Read the NOTES HERE.
This podcast contains a sermon., delivered at Templepatrick reformed Church, and released on this platform with permission.
Catechism Class: LD16, Q.42. To Die is Gain!
Lord’s Day 16, Q.42. To Die is Gain!
Q42. “Since, then, Christ died for us, why must we also die?” The answer we must give is, “Our death is not a satisfaction for our sin, but only a dying to sin and an entering into eternal life.”
Our instructor wants to know why, if Christ has taken our death, Christians themselves must also physically die. It's a logical and completely fair question. After all, Jesus himself told us in: John 11:25-26 … he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.
Paul gives us another angle on this in Philippians, where he gives the Christian’s death a PURPOSE all of its own. He tells us that TO DIE IS GAIN! How can this be? In this double length episode, we explore the issue.
Contains Psalm 23 and Psalm 17, from ’Sing Psalms’
Psalm 17:8 & 15.
8 In shadow of your wings hide me in times of strife; And as the apple of your eye preserve and guard my life.
15 But I in righteousness your face will surely see; And with your likeness, when I wake, I satisfied will be.
Find the NOTES here.
Podcast Music.
Psalm extracts- Thanks to Conor Quigley, www.ThePsalmsSung.Org
Podcast Music on license from www.NeoSounds.com
SRP Theme, “In Another Time” by Roland Rudzitis
Acts-In-Replay: Mars Hill #1 The Doctrine of God
Acts-In-Replay: Paul’s Address on Mars Hill #1 THE DOCTRINE OF GOD
Text: Acts 17:24-25 and Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 9
Paul’s sermon to the Athenians continues, Paul begins to address their condition, and to explain in detail about the God whom the Athenians don’t know…
(Sermon preached at Templepatrick Reformed Church)
READ THE NOTES HERE.
Catechism Class: LD16C, Q43. For me to live is Christ!
Lords Day 16C, Q43. For me to live is Christ!
We have been looking at Lord’s Day 16, in the Heidelberg Catechism. Let’s move on now to think about how we, as believers, face the inevitable, the end of this physical life, and the certainty that one day we will die. It’s the situation that Paul was in when he wrote his letter to the Philippians, and declared, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” In this podcast we concentrate on the first clause - “For me to live…” What will you be thinking about on YOUR death bed? Will your thoughts be occupied with Christ, or regrets that the life you enjoyed will soon be over? Our catechist asks, Q.43. What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of Christ on the cross? The answer is: That by His power our old man is with Him crucified, slain, and buried; so that the evil lusts of the flesh may no more reign in us, but that we may offer ourselves unto Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving.
We call that ‘sanctification’ - living for Jesus, as long as this life lasts, prepared at any time to leave this earth, and go to be with him forever.
To READ THE NOTES CLICK THIS LINK.
Podcast Music.
Psalm extracts- Thanks to Conor Quigley, www.ThePsalmsSung.Org
Podcast Music on license from www.NeoSounds.com
SRP Theme, “In Another Time” by Roland Rudzitis
Acts-In-Replay: The Unknown God. Acts 17:14-21
Acts-In-Replay: The Unknown God. Acts 17:14-21
The Greeks at Athens had heard Paul speaking about Jesus and the Resurrection. We know that everywhere he went Paul preached about the Cross, about Jesus who died and rose again from the dead for all our sins. His message never varied. Read, 1 Corinthians 1:23-25, 1 Corinthians 2:2 So now he is standing in front of the most exclusive court in the ancient world. Let’s look at his opening remarks, his assessment of the religious disposition of the people of Athens. This is an important step in coming to an understanding of the masterful and uncompromising, and yet carefully contextualised gospel message that Paul will preach to these high ranking citizens.
Read the NOTES HERE.
TableTalk: Personhood, Abortion and the Human Right to Life
TableTalk: Personhood, Abortion and the Human Right to Life
When does PERSONHOOD begin? When can we say that what is growing in a woman's womb is a human person? At conception? At birth? At 20 weeks gestation? It’s important because a ‘PERSON’ has certain inalienable rights, including the right to life. Being a PERSON is very important indeed. So, when does ‘PERSONHOOD’ begin in the Biblical, Christian worldview? Can a woman who has had an abortion ever be forgiven?
What does the Bible say?
Click this LINK TO READ THE NOTES.
Music on license from www.NeoSounds.com
Catechism Class: LD16B Q40-41 Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
Catechism Class: Lord's Day 16B Q40-41 Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
In our last catechism class, we began to look at Lord’s Day 16, Q40 which asks us why it was necessary for Christ to suffer death. Heidelberg Catechism Q.40. Why was it necessary for Christ to suffer "death?" Because the justice and truth of God required that satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God. In the believer, the attitude that the world has about death and dying is turned on its head. Jesus has changed everything, in his atoning death for us on the cross.
In this episode we will explore why God's perfect righteousness could not be satisfied in any other way, and then we'll look at the proofs that Jesus actually physically died on the cross.
To read the NOTES CLICK HERE.
Psalm 13 - Thanks to Conor Quigley, www.ThePsalmsSung.Org
Podcast Music on license from www.NeoSounds.com
SRP Theme, “In Another Time” by Roland Rudzitis
Acts-In-Replay: Paul at Athens
Acts In Replay: Paul at Athens.
Text: Acts 17:14-21
Paul is now at Athens, alone. What will he find there? Athens was a haughty city, with a hopeless confusion of Greek paganism and immorality. While waiting for the rest of his party to arrive from Berea, Paul wanders through the city and sees some of the 10,000 or so pagan idols. he goes into the Agora, and begins to talk about Jesus, and soon is invited to address the really clever people - the members of the Areopagus. What will they think, when he tells them about Jesus and the resurrection?
Read the NOTES HERE.
This recording is a sermon, preached live at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and used on this platform, with their permission.
Podcast music on licence from www.Neosounds.com
Theme Music "In Another Place."
Govt. Authoritarianism & The Church in Scotland 1662-1679
Govt. Authoritarianism & The Church in Scotland 1662-1679
Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
It's a history podcast - with lessons for today. It's about the progress of history in Scotland from 1662 to 1679, but it has faint echoes today, and it may have great relevance in the future. In March 2021 a group of church leaders in Scotland legally challenged the Scottish government in the Court of Session, claiming that the Covid restrictions that had been imposed on churches were a breach of their freedom of religion. Churches had been ordered to close, to space out their seating areas, to restrict their numbers, to stop singing, to meet outdoors, to make their people hide their faces behind masks… But government interference in the affairs of God’s kingdom in the British Isles, ordering churches to deliberately disobey the precepts set out in God’s Word is not entirely unprecedented. In this history podcast we are travelling back in time to the seventeenth century, when the government expelled from the churches, all those ministers who would not conform to their punitive decrees, and began a quarter century of persecution for the Lord's people...
To read the TRANSCRIPT, CLICK HERE.
Music on licence from www.NeoSounds.com SRP Theme: "In Another Time"
Podcast theme: 'Scotland'
Psalm 124, with thanks to Conor Quigley www.ThePsalmsSung.org
Catechism Class: LD16A Q40, The Burial of Death
Catechism Class: LD16A Q40, The Burial of Death
We’re back after our short winter break, and our catechism class today begins a section that is the culmination of all that we learned in Lord’s Day 15, when we talked about the suffering of Christ. We learned then about the extent of the suffering of Christ and about the duration, the length of that suffering. We explored the issue of whether Christ died in both natures, - that is, whether God died on the Cross, and we looked a little at the man called Pontius Pilate, the cowardly judge who condemned Christ to die, and finally we saw that on the cross Jesus died to bear the curse of our sin. With all that said, our catechist remains on the subject of the death of Christ in Q40. He asks, Q40. Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself even unto death? Because of the justice and truth of God satisfaction for our sins could be made in no other way than by the death of the Son of God.
So, why DID Jesus have to DIE? Would it not have been enough for the eternal Son of God to just have come into this world and set us a really good example of how God expects us to live? Why must he die? After all, it’s lovely to think about a baby in a manger, but who wants to think about that same child, 33 years later, dying an agonising death on a cross, never mind think that it was my fault it happened. So, let’s begin our look at LD16 by setting the scene, looking at some current attitudes to dying and death. Let’s call it, “Mankind’s Burial of Death.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Psalm extracts- Thanks to Conor Quigley, www.ThePsalmsSung.Org
Podcast Music on license from www.NeoSounds.com
SRP Theme, “In Another Time” by Roland Rudzitis
Acts-In-Replay: Being a Berean!
Acts-In-Replay: Being a Berean!
The Berean Christians are famous for the fact that when Paul preached, they searched the scriptures to find out whether the matters that he was teaching were actually in accordance with what is clearly taught in the Scriptures. Perhaps this is why:- 11 ‘These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica.‘ We are often told that we too should be like the Bereans, that we should not take for granted that what a preacher in church is saying, but that we should go over his sermons, look up all the references and check everything out. So how do we do that in a society where Bible knowledge generally is at a very low ebb in society, and, I think, in large sections of the visible church. Do we not need to copy the preaching methods of the early church? Of Paul himself?
Read the NOTES HERE.
Psalm 119 Part 13 (Tune: Contemplation) With thanks to Conor Quigley, www.ThePsalmsSung.org
The Prism: Should a Christian be a Member of a Church?
The Prism: Should a Christian be a Member of a Church?
Most evangelicals believe that membership of a local church is a proper course of action for eery believer, so that we are part of a local congregation. We should subject ourselves under the leadership of local elders to be watched over and cared for by them, as a part of a local, organic body. Similarly, most evangelicals will argue that the Bible knows nothing of solitary Christians – they are a contradiction, for becoming a Christian brings us into the body of Christ, which is expressed in the union of local bodies of believers. But is this essential?
In this lecture, delivered at Templepatrick Reformed Church in February 2020, we look at the arguments for and against church membership, and ask the really important question, "What if I don't fit in?"
Read the TRANSCRIPT HERE.
Sermon: "Mary - The Lord's Handmaiden"
Sermon: "Mary - The Lord's Handmaiden"
A sermon preached at Templepatrick Reformed Church on Lord's Day 26th December 2021.
Read the notes HERE.
SRP Theme: "In Another Time." Music licensed from www.NeoSounds.com
The Gift!
The Gift!
Luke roots the birth of Jesus in history, when he tells us exactly when it happened, ‘And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)’ Luke 2:1-4. So while we don’t have any church Christmas Tree, or candles or any of the worldly trappings of the season - and, as you probably already know, we certainly don’t have a Santa - we do have something really important to celebrate, - the fact with when Jesus came into this world he came to bring us LIFE!
Please give me just 15 minutes of your time on this busy, happy family day - to remember that THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE!
Happy Christmas from The Semper Reformata Podcast!
Read the TRANSCRIPT HERE.
Podcast Music licensed from www.Neosounds.com
"O Little Town of Bethlehem" by Jonathan Geer.
Table Talk: Talking HONESTLY about SANTA
Table Talk: Talking HONESTLY about SANTA.
Santa is an amalgam. A flux of personalities and legends, from church history, from pagan religions and maybe even from clever marketing strategies, and from the fertile mind of an American poet, – ’Twas the night before Christmas” was published in a book by CC Moore in 1844. But, if it’s only a myth, what’s the harm? What harm will it do to give the kids a little bit of magic and sparkle once a year? After all, we tell them fairy stories about Hansel and Gretel, the ‘Cow Jumped Over the Moon’ etc etc.
But Santa is an insidious and evil myth. There’s two reasons why; firstly, that Santa the Myth presents himself as a counterfeit of God, and secondly, that what we teach our kids about Santa is suspiciously like a religion.
Listen to the Podcast, and let's think HONESTLY about what we are telling our children.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Music: "Attention Shoppers" by Jonathan Geer Licensed from www.NeoSounds.com
TableTalk: What Does the Bible Say About Eating and Food?
In this episode of Table-Talk we are going to get to the very heart of what a table is for! FOOD! How good would it be if our table today was covered in the finest of cuisine, and we were all invited to tuck in! But why would we be interested in getting some biblical perspective on food, and eating?
Whatever we do, we must do it to the glory of God.
To Read the NOTES, CLICK THIS LINK.
https://saltyscrivener.uk/2021/12/16/the-christian-and-food/
Music:
Psalm 65 with thanks to www.ThePsalmsSung.org
Other music under license from www.Neosounds.com
Acts-In-Replay: Thessalonica Upside Down!
Acts 17:1-9 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews
Paul and Silas and Timothy are at Thessalonica. They have been to the Synagogue, three Sabbaths in a row, and they have been teaching from the Scriptures at Sabbath worship, and when Paul speaks he aways points to Christ, the Messiah, who died and rose again. So effective was his reasoning, his explaining and demonstrating, so persuasive was his passion for the gospel, that some of the Jews were converted, a lot of the Gentile God-fearers who came to the Jewish services, and quite a few of the aristocratic women. But no matter where Paul preaches, his message is divides people into two different groups. The gospel is always thus, for it divides society down the middle, into the saved and the lost, the only two types of people that there are. Jesus warned about this. Matthew 10:34 In Thessalonica the divide is not only obvious, but it is violent.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Catechism Class: LD15 Q39 The Curse of Sin
Catechism Class: LD15 Q39 The Curse of Sin
We have been looking at Lord’s Day 15, Q39, and we have been dwelling upon this Lord’s Day for quite a few weeks. But there’s a reason for that. It’s concerned with the suffering of Christ - and all our Christian faith and doctrine and our hope for eternity centres of that suffering and death. Jesus died for sinners, and specifically, he died on a cross. That’s what this lesson is about. Why a cross, and not some other, less brutal means of execution? The Catechism will explain this for us, and it talks about the cross assures us that the great curse of sin has been taken from us by Christ.
Read the NOTES HERE.
Psalm 32, courtesy of www.The PsalmsSung.org
Podcast Music on license from www.NeoSounds.com
SRP Theme, “In Another Time” by Roland Rudzitis
Acts-In-Replay: Paul’s Mission at Thessalonica Acts 17:1-4
Paul’s Mission at Thessalonica Begins
Paul and Silas and Timothy have left Philippi following the shameful events there, in which Paul and Silas were arrested, humiliated, beaten and imprisoned without trial, and they have travelled down through Macedonia to the town of Thessalonica. He later recalls this in 1st Thessalonians 2:1-2 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
He is still BOLD in God to bring the message of the gospel.
Catechism Class: LD15, Q38 - Pontius Pilate - the Cowardly Judge
LORD'S DAY 15, Q38 Pontius Pilate - the Cowardly Judge
We have been looking at Lord’s Day 15, and now we arrive at Q38, - Q.38 Why did he suffer under Pontius Pilate as judge? Though innocent, Christ was condemned by an earthly judge, and so he freed us from the severe judgment of God that was to fall on us.
Our instructor is leading us to the cross. In our last lesson I tried to impress upon you that the cross of Christ was THE singular most important event in the history of mankind, - for at the Cross, God the creator gave his only begotten Son, to die - to take upon himself all the guilt, sin, punishment and wrath that was due to us - God’s rebellious creatures. He died willingly, and without hesitation. Every sin, ever committed by a sinner was paid for, at the cross. His death is enough. Nothing needs to be added to that perfect sacrifice.
But now we are confronted with a question that might almost seem, at first glance, like a distraction. We are asked, “Why did he suffer UNDER PONTIUS PILATE?” Why indeed! And why is it so important for us to know the reason?
Psalm extracts- Thanks to Conor Quigley, www.ThePsalmsSung.Org
Podcast Music on license from www.NeoSounds.com
SRP Theme, “In Another Time” by Roland Rudzitis