Psalm 053

Introduction This psalm may be familiar to us because it's almost identical to Psalm 14 which we studied together last November; and Paul the Apostle quotes lines from these two psalms in Romans 3 to make the point that Jews and Gentiles alike are sinners in the sight of God. And while it's true that … Continue reading Psalm 053 →

Psalm 052

Introduction The title to today's psalm refers to that time in David's life when he had to flee for his life because Saul wanted to kill him. And we read in 1 Samuel 21 that Samuel went to a place called Nob, where he asked the priest for food. The priest replied that the only … Continue reading Psalm 052 →

Matthew 15(01–20)

Verses 1 to 9 Today's passage begins with Matthew telling us that Pharisees and teachers of the law came from Jerusalem. The Pharisees were the 'separated ones'. They were Jews who tried to separate themselves from everything which was unclean and which might defile them. And that meant staying away from 'sinners' and performing ceremonial … Continue reading Matthew 15(01–20) →

Matthew 13(53)–14(36)

Introduction We've been working our way through Matthew's gospel since January with a break over the summer. In the opening two chapters we had the story of the Saviour's birth and all the events surrounding it including the flight to Egypt to escape from Herod; and the return from Egypt after Herod's death. And then, … Continue reading Matthew 13(53)–14(36) →

WSC 039 Our duty

Introduction In previous weeks I've used one particular image or illustration to help us as we've been working our way through the church's Shorter Catechism. I've suggested that we can think of the Catechism as a house. You go into a house and immediately you come into the hallway where there's a choice to make. … Continue reading WSC 039 Our duty →

WSC Conclusion

Introduction We've spent 56 weeks studying our church's Shorter Catechism together. 56 weeks and 107 questions and answers. And today we'll spend our time summarising what we're learned. Now, you might recall that I've often used the image of a house to help us as we've worked our way through the Catechism. Think about a … Continue reading WSC Conclusion →

WSC 107 Seventh request

Introduction This evening we've reached the end of the Lord's Prayer. And we've also reached the end of the Catechism. What I intend to do next Sunday is to review the Catechism and all that we've learned. And this evening, we'll spend our time thinking about the conclusion to the Lord's Prayer which is: For … Continue reading WSC 107 Seventh request →

WSC 106 Sixth request

Introduction We're almost at the end of the Lord's Prayer. So far we're learned that when we pray, we should pray with others and for others. And we should direct our prayers to our loving, heavenly Father. Since he is loving, we should be confident that he will hear our prayers and help us. And … Continue reading WSC 106 Sixth request →

1 John 2(28)–3(10)

Introduction If you're reading from the NIV you'll see that the publishers have given today's passage the title, 'Children of God'. And that's appropriate because the passage is about the difference between the children of God on one hand and the children of the devil on the other. In fact, take a look at the … Continue reading 1 John 2(28)–3(10) →

WSC 105 Fifth request

Introduction We're working our way through the Lord's Prayer, this prayer which the Lord Jesus taught his disciples after they asked him how to pray. And so far, we've seen that the words 'Our Father in heaven' teach us that we're to pray with and for others; and we can pray with confidence because we're … Continue reading WSC 105 Fifth request →