Introduction The last time we were studying this letter, we spent our time on verses 2 to 4 of chapter 1 and on what James wrote to us about trials. And what a surprising message he had for us, because whereas most people want to avoid trials, whereas most people complain about the trials and … Continue reading James 1(05–08)
Month: Nov 2020
James 1(02–04)
Introduction We began to study the book of James a few weeks ago. At that time I explained that the James who wrote this book was probably the James who was the Lord's half-brother and who became a prominent figure in the early New Testament church. And he was writing this book, or this letter, … Continue reading James 1(02–04)
James 1(01)
Introduction We're beginning a new series of sermons on the book of James. It's quite a short book: only five chapters. So, you should be able to sit down and read through all of it in a very short time. And perhaps you might think of doing that this afternoon or this evening before you … Continue reading James 1(01)
What The Resurrection Means (2016)
Introduction In the readings from John's gospel we were reminded of how the Lord was crucified at Golgotha, outside Jerusalem. The sign on the cross said 'Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews'. And John tells us how the chief priests protested because of this sign and wanted it changed. But Pilate wouldn't budge: … Continue reading What The Resurrection Means (2016)
Three Resurrections (2015)
Introduction Good Friday is about the Lord's death on the cross to pay for our sins. Easter Sunday is about the resurrection and Roland preached this morning from Luke's account of the resurrection. This evening I want us to think about three resurrections. Or three kinds of resurrection. Christ's resurrection First of all, I want … Continue reading Three Resurrections (2015)
Public Worship (2018)
From time to time people ask me questions about our services of worship and why we worship the Lord the way we do in Immanuel. Back in 2013 I wrote about public worship, but I thought it would be helpful to write about this subject once again. There are five main principles which should control … Continue reading Public Worship (2018)
Solus Christus
Because 2017 was the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, my letters in 2017 have been about the five great ‘solas' of the Reformation. Sola is the Latin word for ‘alone' and theologians speak of sola scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), solus Christus (Christ alone) and soli … Continue reading Solus Christus
Sola Scriptura
I began the last letter by saying that 2017 is the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation when Martin Luther and others set about reforming the church according to God's word. To mark the anniversary I said I might write on some of the great doctrines of the Reformation in my letters this … Continue reading Sola Scriptura
Sola Gratia
This year (2017) is the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, when Martin Luther and others set about reforming the church according to God's word. To mark the anniversary, I decided to write about some of the great doctrines of the Reformation. In my first letter this year I wrote about how sinners … Continue reading Sola Gratia
Sola Fide
This year (2017) is the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation when Martin Luther and the other reformers set about reforming the church according to God's word. To mark the beginning of the Reformation, I thought I might write on some of the great doctrines of the Reformation in my letters this year, … Continue reading Sola Fide
Sermons and Stuff 