'Love So Amazing, So Divine, Demands My Soul, My Life, My All' Considering Romans 12:1-2

After 11 chapters of doctrine telling us what to believe, we now turn (perhaps with a measure of relief?) to the practical application — how we should live. This is a pattern Paul follows in many of his epistles. This article is an exposition of Romans 12:1-2. It shows the grounds for Christian commitment; its demand, its working, and its goal. 

'Let Us Go to the House of the Lord' Psalm 122: A Song of Ascents

This is another psalm used by the pilgrims as they were ‘going up’ to Jerusalem. It’s a meditation on ‘Jerusalem’ — which was a very im­portant place for the ancient pil­grims. It was the centre of Israel’s life: it was where they went up to give thanks to the Lord (4); it was where judgements were made and where justice was dispensed (5); it was where the annual festivals were observed; it was where God had made a home — in his holy Temple. This article is an exposition of Psalm 122

My Help Comes From the Lord Psalm 121: A Song of Ascents

This is the best known of the psalms for ascent — which the pil­grims probably sang as they made their way over the rough tracks leading up to Jerusalem to attend the great annual feasts. These words have over the years brought much comfort and help to believers in time of need. It’s often called ‘the travellers psalm’ or ‘the pilgrim’s psalm’. This article is an exposition of Psalm 121

'The Lord Surrounds His People' Psalm 125: A Song of Ascents

This is another psalm sung by the pilgrims on their journey up to Jeru­salem. As they did so it didn’t es­cape their attention that the city was ringed by mountains. Jerusalem was strategically situated. Derek Kidner paints the picture for us, ‘The hills and the holy city, much in view and much in mind to the pilgrims, make their presence felt again; and once more the thoughts they arouse are searching and fundamental, piercing to the realities behind these impressive sights’. This article is an exposition of Psalm 125

How to be a Good Member in the Church Considering Romans 12:3-8

The apostle Paul now applies this radical new way of living to our lives together in the church. Paul re­minds us of the importance of using our minds in the church. We are not to leave our minds outside the church door. The head, as Tozer reminds us, is not just a place to hang a hat on! As members of the church then, how are we to think — and behave? This article is an exposition of Romans 12:3-8. It shows how Christians must think about themselves and the church. 

'A Tale of Two Men: The Basis of Justification' Considering Romans 5:12-21

‘No passage is more diffi­cult for a modern mind to understand, and no passage of the NT has had such an influence on theology as this.’ You will need to put your thinking caps on; you will need to ‘gird up the loins of your mind.’ If you snooze — you lose. This passage could seriously enhance your understanding. It could change your life. It could alter the way you see yourself as a Christian and change your whole outlook.

A Work In Progress Considering Romans 12:9-21

Paul is writing to Christians; to people who have received mercy from God (12:1). Don’t think for a moment that by doing these instructions you are working for your salvation. No! Rather, if you obey these instructions you are work­ing out your salvation. It’s often been said that while we are saved by faith alone — it’s by a faith that is not alone. These instructions are marks of the ‘new life’ in all who have been born again. This article is an exposition of Romans 12:9-21. It gives the essentials of biblical love. 

Justified By Faith - A Case History Considering Romans 4

Paul has introduced us to the doctrine of justification by faith in chapter 3 of Romans. This may have been new to some people — it may even be new to you? People are often a little sceptical and wary of new ideas. That’s why Paul here in chapter 4 takes up the case of Abraham (and to a lesser ex­tent David). These men were two giants of the OT and superheroes of the Jews. The Jews all agreed there was none quite like Abraham or David. How were they made right with God?

Stop Arguing, Face the Facts and Shut Your Mouth Considering Romans 3:1-20

Paul says everyone needs this righteousness. The unbelieving Gentile needs it (1:18-32). The morally respect­able needs it (2:1-16). The religious, self righteous Jew needs it; as do Pat the Presbyterian; Arnold the Anglican; Billy the Baptist; Connie the Catholic and Uel the Uniting (2:17-29)! All of us — no matter who we are — need this righteousness from God. This article is an exposition of Romans 3:1-20

The Great Exchange - My Sin For His Righteousness Considering Romans 3:21-31

The scene is a courtroom. The judge has just delivered His ver­dict. The accused is found ‘GUILTY’. The charge is that he has broken every law in the book!  The Judge proceeds to make an unprece­dented announcement. He states, ‘But now, a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known...’ (v.21). There’s a gasp in the chamber. Everyone is stunned. Gobsmacked! Flabbergasted! Can a guilty man now be set free? Can a guilty man be right with God? This article is an exposition of Romans 3:21-31

We Died to Sin Considering Romans 6:1-14

The apostle has been telling us in these opening chapters of Romans that we need to get right with God because ‘there is none righteous, not even one.’ He tells us how God has devised a way by which guilty unrighteous sinners might be made right with God. This article is an exposition of Romans 6:1-14 which shows that as a result of our union with Christ, the believer has died to sin.