Psalm 140

Introduction I mentioned last time that there's a small group of Davidic psalms right at the end of the psalter from Psalm 138 to Psalm 145. And they were a reminder to God's people after the Babylonian exile that the Lord had not forgotten his promise to raise up a new and greater king than … Continue reading Psalm 140 →

Ezekiel 20(45)–21(32)

Introduction It's been about a month since we last studied the book of Ezekiel together. And so, let me refresh your memory of it by reminding you of the historical background. God had settled his people in the Promised Land in the days of Joshua. When they asked for a king, he gave them first … Continue reading Ezekiel 20(45)–21(32) →

Acts 08(26–40)

Introduction At the beginning of the book of Acts, Luke recorded how the Lord Jesus said to the apostles that they will be his witnesses in Jerusalem and in Judea and in Samaria and to the ends of the earth. And when we studied that verse several months ago now, I explained that those words … Continue reading Acts 08(26–40) →

Ezekiel 19(01)–20(44)

Introduction I've been pointing out the pattern which we see in these chapters of Ezekiel, because while these chapters contain a message of judgment from the Lord, they also contain a message of hope and salvation. So, in chapters 13 to 15, the Lord condemned the false prophets among his people and he condemned the … Continue reading Ezekiel 19(01)–20(44) →

Psalm 138

Introduction Back in Psalm 72, which marks the end of Book 2 of the psalms, we were told that the psalms of David were concluded. However, there were three more psalms of David in Books 3 and 4 and there were a few more near the beginning of Book 5. And now, we have several … Continue reading Psalm 138 →

Acts 08(01–25)

Introduction Last week we spent our time on Stephen's arrest and his trial and his speech to the Sanhedrin and his death by stoning. And as he died, he was enabled by the Spirit to see into heaven where he saw the glory of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, standing at the right hand … Continue reading Acts 08(01–25) →

John 11(01–44) (2025)

Preached in West Kirk Presbyterian Church, Belfast on Easter Sunday 2025. Introduction This is perhaps an unusual passage to study on Easter Sunday evening, because it's not really about the Lord's resurrection from the dead. And that's what Easter Sunday is all about, isn't it? On Good Friday we remember and give thanks that our … Continue reading John 11(01–44) (2025) →

Psalm 137

Introduction Today we come to Psalm 137, which is a psalm that has made it into the pop charts when Boney M released it as a single in 1978 with 'Brown Girl in the Ring' as the B-side. The Boney M version was a cover of a song recorded by The Melodians in 1970. Other … Continue reading Psalm 137 →

Psalm 136

Introduction At the last pre-communion service, we were studying Psalm 119, which is the longest psalm. Since that time, we've gone through the Songs of Ascents which are Psalms 120 to 134. These were psalms for God's people as they made their way up to Jerusalem for one of the annual religious festivals, when God's … Continue reading Psalm 136 →

Ezekiel 18

Introduction Last week I mentioned the pattern which we see in these chapters of Ezekiel, because in these chapters the Lord not only speaks of judgment, but he also speaks of hope and salvation. Last week, we had the strange story of the vine which turned away from the eagle which planted it and it … Continue reading Ezekiel 18 →