Teaching for today

This lecture covers the theme of divine immanence in creation, relating it to Eden, the land promised in the Old Testament, the city of Jerusalem, the Tabernacle and the Temple, and how all these move forward to culminate in Christ.The lecture helps to provide an understanding of how God dwells with his people, and the work of the Holy Spirit. It also sheds light on contemporary issues such as the health and wealth gospel.

With so many challenges coming from science, education, politics, and popular culture, there is a danger that some Christians may get swept along by the cultural drift. What do we say to Christians who start to doubt what the Bible says on essential truths? How can the faithful believer retain confidence in what the Scriptures say on these issues? If we are saved through faith, does the presence of doubt imperil our very salvation?

Whatever the Bible declares is true, whether people believe in it or not. While Christians need to realistically assess the level of opposition that they will encounter in the public arena, they also need to remember the utter reliability and truthfulness of God's Word, in whatever area it addresses, as well as God's common grace to all mankind and the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. We have every reason to be confident and not to lose heart.

Christian believers are often puzzled and distressed when they see the apparent triumph of evil over good. We wonder what God is doing when the ungodly prosper. This is a recurrent theme addressed in the Bible. This talk will look at the right approach for faithful believers to take. Satan wishes us to be depressed and discouraged but we must look to God and be strong.

Though we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone, faith is never alone. As James says faith without works is dead. We have to work out our salvation with fear and trembling in whatever sphere of service in every sphere of life – in our jobs, family and society. That includes thinking Christianly about the ethical issues which face us and acting accordingly. Putting our faith into action will be costly but in so doing we will be bringing glory to Christ and having a disproportionate influence for good on those around us.

Whether we own much or little, what we have is ours to steward and is not to be stolen, so violating the God-given right to private propoerty. Stealing also reveals covetousness, which is idolatry.

Whether we own much or little, what we have is ours to steward and is not to be stolen, so violating the God-given right to private property. Stealing also reveals covetousness, which is idolatry.

The sanctity of human life as made in the image of God is protected by the sixth commandment. To murder a person is to desecrate the image of God and mock God himself. Murder, manslaughter, abortion, euthanasia and suicide are all outlawed by this commandment. How is life valued in today's society? The Lord Jesus Christ taught that this commandment also prohibits unrighteous anger and insulting behaviour.

This commandment teaches that the only context for shared sexual intimacy is within the marriage bond of one man with one woman. What steps should Christians take to ensure they are faithful to this commandment in today's sex-saturated culture?

Today, parents' authority is being undermined by public policy and popular culture. A breakdown in respect for the authority of parents leads to all manner of negative consequences. What does it mean for Christians to keep this commandment today?