One of the questions that I get asked a lot is “how on earth do you read so much?” That question is usually followed up with “do you speed read?” The answer is that due to ill health I get very little sleep, which means I have more hours than most to read. But theContinue reading “How to read more books, seven thoughts…”
Category Archives: Blog
Expository preaching, what it is and what is is not (or should not be)…
There are different styles of preaching and different ways that certain preachers might approach a passage of Scripture, or a topic, as they consider standing before a congregation and preaching. Over the years I’ve become convinced of the need for and benefit of expository preaching. Expository preaching is when a preacher takes the main pointContinue reading “Expository preaching, what it is and what is is not (or should not be)…”
Interview; Exposit the Word
One of the things that I’ve been convinced of over the last number of years is the benefit and necessity for expository preaching, preaching consecutively through books of the Bible and letting the text shape your sermon. One of the ministries that I’ve come to know in the past few months is Exposit the Word.Continue reading “Interview; Exposit the Word”
Context keeps you right… or at least it should!
One of the blessings of being a native English speaker is that I have the Bible, God’s Word, in my own language and in so many different translations. This is a privilege that many people can take for granted. I worry that many Christians today have become numb to the joy and honour that itContinue reading “Context keeps you right… or at least it should!”
Dear Pastor, Theologian & Author, simple is generally better!
I read tons of books of all kinds; some academic, some study books, some theological books for the ‘average Joe’ and some general Christian life books. I listen to lots of sermons; some conference addresses, some seminary graduation addresses, but the majority probably in the church service context. So often I hear pastors, theologians andContinue reading “Dear Pastor, Theologian & Author, simple is generally better!”
Holiness, a list of ‘do-nots’ or a divinely enabled life?
Holiness, that’s probably a word you hear about a fair wee bit in church. Many of our songs speak about God’s holiness. Preachers describe God as holy, and rightly so. But how often do we talk about, sing about or preach about our own holiness? Maybe you’re part of a generation that saw holiness inContinue reading “Holiness, a list of ‘do-nots’ or a divinely enabled life?”
Reactionary theology isn’t helpful
Situations change, life circumstances can be thrown outside of what we would consider ‘normal’ at any given point. The question is, how do we react in those times? If it’s something relatively small we just fix the problem, change a behaviour, address any fall out and we’re good to go right? But what do weContinue reading “Reactionary theology isn’t helpful”
Pastors, get training!
I currently live and pastor in Scotland, a country that has a strong spiritual history, but sadly that is not the case anymore. The percentage of the population that would consider themselves Christian is unbelievably low and an increasing amount of churches are compromising on the gospel. Some people are taking the view that thisContinue reading “Pastors, get training!”
Does your view of Israel diminish the work of the Cross?
In the UK we have just recently celebrated Easter, the wonderful celebration and time of the year that Christians remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. Easter is not the only time of the year that we should remember and celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus, this should be celebrated as a local bodyContinue reading “Does your view of Israel diminish the work of the Cross?”
Don’t waste your isolation!
How many times in prayer meetings, or discussions with brothers and sisters in Christ, have we said “I just wish I had more time!”? We’re surrounded by constant distractions and things that pull on our time. Prayer time is shortened, Bible reading is all but gone except for a wee quick verse in the morningContinue reading “Don’t waste your isolation!”
Chalmers' Blog 