Reformation on SermonAudio

His career as a preacher began in 1544 where he first preached in Ross, and then in Dundee, where, with great admiration of all that heard him he expounded Paul's epistle to the Romans. At the instigation of the Cardinal, a certain man named Robert Mill tried to stop his preaching. He said to Wishart, in a public place, that he should not trouble their town any longer, that he would not suffer it to continue. Wishart thought about this for a little with his eyes raised up to heaven, and then looking sorrowfully upon the speaker and people, he said – God is my witness that I never intended your trouble, but your comfort; your trouble is more dolorous to me than it is to yourselves; but I am assured that, to refuse God's word, and to chase me from you, his messenger, shall not preserve you from trouble, but shall bring you into it: for God shall send you ministers that shall neither fear burning or banishment. I have offered you the word of salvation; with the hazard of my life I have remained among you: now ye yourselves refuse me, and I must leave my innocency to be declared by my God. If it be long prosperous with you, then I am not led by the spirit of truth; but if unlooked for trouble comes upon you, acknowledge the cause, and turn to God, who is gracious and merciful; but if you turn not at the first warning, he will visit you with fire and sword."

Illustrated by the conversion of French Reformer Theodore Beza

This sermon explores the theological contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion as presented in Hebrews 12, illustrating the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old. The exposition highlights how the Old Covenant was characterized by physical barriers, sensory intensity, and the terrifying awareness of God's holiness, whereas the New Covenant offers direct access to God through Jesus Christ, the mediator of the new covenant. The text emphasizes that believers have entered a spiritual assembly with angels and perfected saints, secured by the blood of Christ which speaks of mercy rather than vengeance. A sobering warning is issued regarding the greater judgment that awaits those who reject the voice of God from heaven compared to those who rejected Him on earth. The sermon concludes by calling for a life of reverent service and godly fear, acknowledging that while God is a consuming fire, He has established a kingdom that cannot be moved.

This episode examines Chapter 4:1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith, emphasizing that God created the world ex nihilo for the manifestation of His glory, power, and goodness. The speaker argues that the biblical account of creation in six 24-hour days is a non-negotiable tenet of Reformed orthodoxy, citing the Fourth Commandment and the plain meaning of Scripture to refute evolutionary interpretations. The discourse connects the doctrine of creation to the necessity of faithful church leadership and the avoidance of idolatry, urging believers to view nature as a revelation of God's attributes. By grounding the discussion in the Westminster standards, the message calls for a robust, confessional commitment to the historic Christian view of literal 6 day creation week.

How he Loves How he Lives How he Dies

The sermon examines the genealogical records in Genesis 25 to demonstrate that God's sovereign plan consistently bypasses human custom and natural expectation to preserve the covenant line of promise. By analyzing the birth of Esau and Jacob, the message argues that divine election is not based on foreseen faith or human merit, but is a sovereign act that stands independent of works, as affirmed in Romans 9. The preacher challenges the church to abandon traditions that contradict Scripture and to find assurance not in religious pedigree or personal effort, but in the unchanging purpose of God. This theological framework is presented as a source of profound humility and comfort, assuring believers that their salvation rests entirely on God's grace and His ability to complete the work He began in Christ.