Part of a Series on Preaching click HERE for the complete series

Graeme Goldsworthy presents a lecture on biblical theology as the study of how the entire Bible centers on Jesus Christ, advocating a gospel-centered method that starts with Christ as the unifying high point of revelation. He critiques historical approaches (e.g., Geerhardus Vos, Brevard Childs) and emphasizes the New Testament's structure—from Abraham's promises through David's kingship and Solomon's temple, to prophetic hopes of restoration—all fulfilled in Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and ongoing presence by the Spirit. Goldsworthy urges preachers to integrate synchronic (close reading) and diachronic (big-picture progression) analysis to avoid moralism, using the kingdom of God framework (people, place, king) to link Old Testament narratives to Christ rather than mere imitation. He illustrates with diagrams of biblical epochs, affirming Jesus and the apostles as model biblical theologians who interpreted all Scripture (Torah, Prophets, Psalms) as pointing to him.

Part one of a nine part Series on Preaching, click HERE for the complete series

This sermon by Graeme Goldsworthy, a noted biblical theologian, delivering an interactive teaching session on preaching and teaching from the Old Testament with a gospel-centered approach. He argues that the entire Bible forms one unified story—the one word of the one God about the one way of salvation through Christ—challenging preachers who treat texts as disconnected fragments. Drawing from Romans 1:1-4, Goldsworthy unpacks the gospel as God's promised fulfillment in Jesus (the true Son of God, descended from David, declared by resurrection), urging listeners to link every Old Testament passage legitimately to Christ's person and work rather than moralistic imitation. He shares anecdotes from his books like Gospel and Kingdom and ministry at Moore College, emphasizing that mature Christianity grows "with the gospel," not "beyond" it.

This sermon transcript, delivered by Rev. Donald MacMillan during a visit to Australia (likely at a conference), expounds on 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7 to present biblical evangelism as the church's core duty, empowered by the Holy Spirit. MacMillan emphasizes that the gospel—defined as God's good news centered on Christ crucified—comes not merely in words but with divine power, producing genuine conversions and new life in believers. He urges local churches to prioritize evangelism through prayer, planning, home outreach, and practical initiatives like coffee mornings or community events, critiquing para-church organizations and sharing examples of Reformed churches in the UK (e.g., Pontefract and Cardiff) that grew dramatically through faithful witness. The message concludes with a call to recognize God's elect among the lost and warns that churches must evangelize or fossilize.

This sermon by J. G. Vos titled “Authority and the Word,” arguing that the Bible is the only infallible, objective authority for faith and life in a modern world that rejects absolute truth. Vos critiques contemporary philosophies and movements—including Enlightenment thought, pragmatism, rationalism, mysticism, liberal theology, neo-orthodoxy, and the Amsterdam/Toronto (Dooyeweerdian) philosophy—for making human reason, feelings, or cultural analysis the final standard instead of Scripture. He contrasts these “subjective” authorities with the historic Reformed view that Scripture is God-breathed, unchanging, self-interpreting, and sufficient, insisting that once biblical authority is surrendered, the church becomes an empty shell and Christianity itself is imperiled.

The podcast is a detailed exposition of Romans chapter 8, focusing on the message of Christian life empowered by the Spirit, as explained by J. I. Packer in "Confident Hope Part 2." The key points include:

- The purpose of Christ’s sacrifice is to enable believers to live a new holy life characterized by righteousness and obedience to God’s law.

- Walking according to the Spirit means setting one's mind on spiritual things rather than worldly, fleshly desires. This mindset brings life and peace.

- Christians, though still facing physical death, have spirits alive to God because of righteousness and possess the hope of resurrection and eternal life.

- Mortifying sin involves renouncing bad habits, vigilant watchfulness against temptation, prayer for strength, and standing firm in reliance on the Lord.

- Those led by the Spirit are children of God, having received the spirit of sonship that prompts believers to call God "Abba, Father," signifying intimate trust and confidence in God’s love.

- The experience of assurance varies, with moments of strong confidence and also times of anxiety and doubt, but the Spirit continually bears witness to the believer’s adoption and inheritance as God’s child.

- Present sufferings are not comparable to the future glory that awaits believers, including the glorification with Christ.

- Pastoral care involves helping believers maintain assurance during times of struggle, with recognition of mental health conditions needing medical help.

Overall, the message encourages believers to live by the Spirit with confident hope in God’s promises, empowered to overcome sin, assured of their sonship, and looking forward to eternal glory through faith in Christ.

Confident Hope By J. I. Packer Part 1

A detailed study and exposition of Romans chapter 8, focusing on three main thematic sermons:

1. Christian, Know Your Salvation (Verses 1-14)

- Salvation from sin's guilt, power, and eventually its presence.

- Assurance that Christians are no longer condemned or separated from God.

2. Christian, Know Your Sonship (Verses 15-25)

- The reality of adoption by God as His children and heirs.

- Encouragement to patiently wait for the redemption and glorification of our bodies.

- Contrast between the spirit of slavery (fear) and the spirit of sonship (confidence and assurance).

3. Christian, Know Your Security (Verses 26-39)

- The Holy Spirit helps believers in their weaknesses, especially in prayer.

- Assurance that believers are chosen, called, justified, and glorified as part of God's plan.

- Four triumphant conclusions: no opposition can succeed, no good thing withheld, no accusation can triumph, and nothing can separate believers from God's love.

The message emphasizes the deep assurance and hope Christians can have based on God's promises, adoption into His family, and ultimate glorification, despite present suffering and challenges. It also highlights the cosmic and creation-wide implications of this hope, with nature itself awaiting the revealing of God's children.

This exposition seeks to help Christians understand the full richness of the gospel in Romans 8 and to live with confident hope rooted in God's unchanging purpose and love.

"The Puritan Identity By J. I. Packer," focusing on clarifying misconceptions and presenting the true Puritan spirit:

- The Puritans have long been misrepresented as legalistic, joyless, sectarian, and rigid. Packer argues these are misunderstandings and tarnished stereotypes.

- Historically, Puritans loved God's creation, beauty, and life’s pleasures but opposed worldly-mindedness and superficial religiosity.

- Puritans saw themselves as pilgrims and warriors for Christ, living in conflict because this world is not their true home; they lived with a strong heavenly vision.

- Their spirituality was biblically grounded, personal, and communal, emphasizing individual godliness as the key contribution to church and society.

- Puritans sought to reform the Church of England for greater godliness but faced resistance and persecution, especially under Elizabeth I and the Stuart monarchs.

- They valued competent, faithful ministry and rigorous spiritual discipline but rejected the formalism and superstition they saw in church practices they opposed.

- Despite hardships, Puritans endured as a vibrant evangelical movement, deeply committed to living out their faith practically and publicly.

- Packer emphasizes the dramatic, inner spiritual warfare life of Puritans and their sincere pursuit of holiness motivated by love for God, not external show.

Overall, the message recaptures the Puritan legacy as one of rich spirituality, biblical seriousness, cultural engagement, and heartfelt love for God, rather than the caricatures of legalism and gloom.

Series: Martin Luther 500 Years Later

First lecture: Luther a Man for Today By Dr. S. P. Hebert

Second lecture: Luther A Man for the Gospel By Dr. P.D. Pahl

The podcast "Christ the Coming King" by Don Fortner focuses on the glorious and literal second coming of Jesus Christ, urging believers to live in constant expectation and anticipation of this event. It highlights the temporary nature of earthly things contrasted with the eternal reign of Christ, who will return in power and glory to judge the world, bring justice, and establish His eternal kingdom. The message emphasizes the necessity of repentance and faith in Christ, encouraging listeners to live righteously and watch for His return with hopeful and steadfast hearts, finding comfort amidst trials in the promise of His coming (see the generated image above).

"What does God do in the lives of His elect?" explores the sovereign work of God in salvation. Using John chapter 11 as the foundation, the message examines the reactions of different groups to Jesus' miracles, particularly the raising of Lazarus. It highlights the contrast between superficial belief aimed at worldly benefits and true faith rooted in trust in Christ alone. The message emphasizes God's control over all things, even through wicked actions, underscoring the doctrine of substitutionary atonement—that Jesus died for God's elect to satisfy divine justice and gather His people from all nations. Ultimately, it reassures believers of God's sovereign purpose and the certainty of salvation for His elect. This powerful teaching calls listeners to understand and trust the deep truths of God's grace and sovereignty in the lives of His chosen ones.