The Semper Reformata Podcast

Desperation, Depravity and DenunciationGenesis 38:12-30, 2 Samuel 12:In our last session of TableTalk, we wondered if we could get an idea of what was happening back in Canaan, while Joseph was trusting God, suffering enslavement, false accusations and imprisonment in Egypt, all the while knowing that God’s plan would ultimately be worked out in his life. READ Romans 8:28 Remember that principle that we learned last time – that sin NEVER gets better – the nature of man is such that sin is degenerative; it always gets worse, and this family situation is about to go completely down the drain…Apologies for the 'Echoey' sound quality - this recording was made in a hurry, at a desk in a room! But, as a bonus, it contains some rare (and ahem... 'authentic' psalm singing from Ballymacashon). - ENJOY! Read the NOTES HERE.

Isaiah’s Vision of the Last Days.Isaiah 2:1-5The prophet Isaiah describes for us, what God’s (future?) kingdom is like, in Isaiah 40:2-4. He foresees a coming Golden Age, a period of…ExaltationEnlargementEducationEnd of Enmity Let’s live as those who are already members of his kingdom, letting our light shine in the darkness of this world, calling upon our loved ones, our friends and our neighbours to come with us to heaven and so let us labour for the Master until we reunite in that wonderful golden city of God. 

Cultural Protestantism in UlsterJoshua 24Bob McEvoy's sermon on Lord's Day 12th July 2026, from Ballymacashon Congregational Church. In light of the annual '12th July Celebrations' he offers an assessment of the nominal protestantism that prevails in the province at present, calling upon people to reject the gods of secular culture and serve the Lord, and Him alone.Recorded LIVE at Ballymacashon Church.

Paul's Salutation and Signature2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 These last few verses of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians are a benediction, – a heartfelt prayer that God would bless the church. It falls into three sections, neatly divided into the three verses. There’s a prayer for peace, a guarantee of the authenticity of the letter, and a final blessing. Recorded live at Ballymacashon Congregational church, Saintfield Road, Killinchy, NEWTOWNARDS, Co.Down BT23 6RNRead the NOTES HERE.

A Boy Named Shelah?What was happening to the other eleven sons of Jacob, while Joseph was in Egypt? Were THEY trusting God, leading lives of integrity, walking faithfully with Him as Joseph was? To find out we need to go back to Genesis chapter 38, to see an incident set in Canaan while Joseph is in Egypt.So before we begin, read GENESIS 38:1-11 and  Deuteronomy 25:5-10. Read the NOTES HERE.

Difficulties in DisciplineText: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13Paul has finished his teaching on the end times, but there is one more matter, the practical issue of those who are practising deliberate idleness, to be dealt with, and it will require the application of discipline in the local church, and that’s always a problem area, no less so nowadays. Let’s get a concise working definition of sorts. Let’s say that “…church discipline is the biblically mandated process by which a local church, under the authority of Christ and guided by Scripture, lovingly corrects unrepentant sin among its professing members.” Let’s see how Paul tackles that issue here, in Thessalonica.APOLOGIES FOR THE SOUND QUALITY ON THIS RECORDING - OUR USUAL EQUIPMENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE ON THIS OCCASION. Read the NOTES HERE.

How to Survive the Last Days -Final Thoughts2nd Thessalonians 3:1-5Christians are certainly to prepare for the last days, – SPIRITUALLY, and now Paul helps them to do that. What will WE stockpile?Read the NOTES HERE.

The ApprenticeGenesis 39:20-23 and Genesis 40.Joseph’s determination not to betray his earthly master and his heavenly king led to his being thrown in prison – and that is where we find him now. But perhaps God is using all these miserable life experiences to prepare Joseph for his vital role in God's redemptive plan. Are slavery and prison Joseph's apprenticeship?Read the NOTES HERE.'Amazing Grace' played by  Anastasia Chubarova from Pixabay All rights reserved.

Paul’s Didactic Prayer Method.2nd Thessalonians 2:13-17Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians are a master-class in dealing with issues in the local church, blending solid doctrinal teaching with comfort and encouragement for the saints in their double distress, directing them to the scriptures alone for their help. And that is the correct model for all who would claim to be leaders and pastors in Christ’s church.Recorded LIVE at Ballymacashon Congregational Church, 78 Saintfield Road, Killinchy, NEWTOWNARDS, Co.Down BT23 6RN