The Semper Reformata Podcast

Paul is Far from PerfectText: Acts 21:1-16Paul was a sinner, like us.1 Tim 1:15.So we don’t put Paul on any pedestal – even a little one – and the Bible never glorifies any man, even the great Apostle Paul.In this study, is Paul DISOBEYING THE WILL OF GOD?

Catechism Class. Lord’s Day 19C, Q.51Our DefenceWelcome to our catechism class. In Lord’s Day 19, Q51, our catechist teaches us that we, as individual Christian believers, as members of the body of which Jesus is the head, benefit personally from the exaltation of Jesus at the Father’s right hand. We have already looked at the first of these, the benefit of spiritual gifts, and the second of these blessings is the protection we receive by his kingly might and power.Our instructor teaches us in Lord’s Day 19 Q.51, How does the glory of Christ, our Head, benefit us? A. First, by his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly gifts upon us, his members. Second, by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies.Read the NOTES HEREMusic on license from www.NeoSounds.comPsalmody with thanks to www.ThePsalmsSung.org

Monday News and Prayer Update.It’s Monday morning, 9thMay 2022, and this week we’ve got a kind of a special edition, it's FOOD!There’s two major food issues, present day logistics - in other words transportation costs and the availability of transport, that causing price-rises, - and future global and local food policies. So, let’s let’s take some time this morning to think about food, glorious food...The Government's Farm Retirement Scheme.Planned reduction in livestock herds in NI to meet Climate Targets.Worldwide food production and logistics problems.Is there a coming famine, and if so, who should be planning for it? Is there a biblical precedent?As this podcast is being recorded, votes are being counted in the local NI elections. More on that next week, DV.Check out all these stories for yourself, on THIS LINK.

Paul’s Charge to the Ephesian EldersText: Acts 20:13-38 1 Timothy 3:1ff , 1Paul is leaving Ephesus, never to return, and the elders will be responsible for the local church, and will answer to God for their stewardship of the people. So, who and what were these ‘elders’ and what was Paul saying to them about their role in the church?Recorded live at Templepatrick Reformed Church.Click this link to read the notes

Catechism Class: Lord’s Day 19B, Q.51 Spiritual GiftsIn Lord’s Day 19A, Q50 we looked at the meaning of Jesus being seated at the right hand of God the Father, glorified and exalted. In this heavenly position he represents us, as our Head - an assurance of our own heavenly inheritance, and he intercedes for us. But in Q51, our catechist teaches us that we, as individual Christian believers, as members of the body of which Jesus is the head, benefit personally from the exaltation of Jesus at the Father’s right hand. He specifically mentions two great blessings, the blessing and benefit of spiritual gifts, and secondly the blessing of his power and protection.Both of these blessings are controversial in the contemporary visible church; spiritual gifts and spiritual warfare. And because of the controversy surrounding these blessings, and because it is so important that we understand what these blessings really are, we will deal with them in two separate lessons.Here’s the words of our instructor in Lord’s Day Q.51, How does the glory of Christ, our Head, benefit us? A. First, by his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly gifts upon us, his members. Second, by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies.Find the NOTES HERE.Music on license from www.NeoSounds.comPsalm 139 with thanks to www.ThePsalmsSung.org

Monday PrayerCast 2nd May, 2022.Our regular look at the news, from a Christian standpoint. This week we look atCatholic priests in NI speaking out about abortion.The Belfast marathonThe 'Family sex Show' - Update.This episode features a conversation with Rev Philip Campbell, Secretary of the Caleb Foundation, discussing the Belfast marathon, and Sunday Sports events in general.Click this link to find out more!