The Semper Reformata Podcast

Harvest Service at BallymacashonRev Jackie Brown, the Chairman of the Congregationl Union of Ireland, preaches on Proverbs 30:24-28.Recorded live at Ballymacashon Church, 78 Saintfield Road, Killinchy, Co.Down.

Abigail's Advice1 Samuel 25 and 2 Timothy 4:2 The Christian must speak the truth in love even when it costs us, even when it means confronting power, because Scripture alone is the final authority, Christ alone is Lord, and God’s glory alone is our only purpose.There is a marvellous illustration of this in the life of King David, and we find it in 1st Samuel 25. It’s that period in history when the young David is being hunted by King Saul, and David has been driven to live the life of an outlaw. This time the rebuke came from a woman called Abigail, whose husband Nabal had refused sustenance to David's men, and had insulted David himself. Should David enact revenge upon the scoundrel Nabal, or should he wait for God's timing, for, "Vengeance is mine says the Lord, I will repay..." Romans 12:19 That's where Abigail intervenes.Recorded LIVE at Ballymacashon Church, 78 Saintfield Road, Killinchy, Co.Down BT23 6RNRead the NOTES HERE.

When Believers Doubt. Psalm 73:23-28 Asaph (who wrote this psalm) was having a crisis – a huge spiritual problem. His feet had almost slipped. I wonder how many Christians have had the same experience, when life seems unfair, and when earthly, temporal desires tempt us? For us, when we find ourselves lacking in faith, and tempted to stumble, these verses in Psalm 73:23-28 are the remedy.Recorded live at Templepatrick Reformed Church and used here with their kind permission.Read the NOTES HERE.

TableTalk: Joseph Can't - but GOD can!Genesis 41:1-40 Esp. Verses 16 and 27The story of Joseph’s encounter with Pharaoh is well known. In this LIVE episode of TableTalk, recorded at Ballymacashon Church, we return to the story of Joseph, and not his humility and his willingness to believe for God to bless Pharaoh, and to to give God alone all the glory.Sorry about the poor sound quality - it's not easy recording in a church kitchen! We will get it right - eventually!Read the NOTES HERE.

Forgiveness and the Unpardonable SinMark 3:28-30The Scribes, (Law enforcers) from Jerusalem are back, and they are on the attack, and they make a blasphemous accusation, in verse Mark 3:22, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.” They are, in effect attributing the work of God, to Satan. Verses 28-30 are Jesus’ response to their accusations. Let’s see what his reply, his defence is. He states:-The Wideness of God's Mercy.A Warning about Rejecting God's Mercy.We should WELCOME the mercy of God, when the Holy Spirit awakens us to our sin and need of the Saviour, our response should be humble repentance and trust, resting in the finished work of Christ on the cross.Read the NOTES HERE.

Trinitarian Bible Society ReportRev Craig Dennison at Ballymacashon - preaching from Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, and outlining the need for Bible translation to meet the worldwide famine of God's Word.Find out more about TBS HERE.

“What Does the LORD Your God Require of You?”Text: Deuteronomy 10:12–16, Micah 6:8, Jeremiah 31:31-33There is a very fine line between obligation, legislation and outward hypocrisy? In this passage, Moses reminds us that there are certain obligations, that God places upon his redeemed people, and he tells God’s people what these obligations are, why we would wholeheartedly want to fulfil those obligations, and reminds us that outward attempted obedience to God’s laws, is not enough – we need a new heart – new life in Christ.This episode was recorded live at Templepatrick Reformed Church, and is reproduced here with their kind permission. Read the NOTES HERE.

Summer Reprise - 5 August Sermons on Acts, from 2021, Recorded at Templepatrick Reformed Church and reproduced here with their kind permission.Always Ready to Give AccountText: Acts 25:13-27 This study is mostly history and background that we will need to understand what’s happening later, in Acts 26. Festus has a problem!Read the NOTES HERE.