Teaching for today

Israel in the Old Testament was called to be a nation set apart from the world, with clear rules about separation of the clean from the unclean. Jesus shocked the Jewish leaders of his time by sharing meals with sinners, and touching unclean lepers. Instead of Jesus being "contaminated", his purity transformed their lives. He announces a New Covenant age of spiritual power where believers are called to be salt and light which reaches every part of society. The Gospel drives back spiritual darkness and brings hope to all the nations of the world.

1 Corinthians 7:23-24 says: "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to." Professor Donnelly challenges the Christian's view of God's general and personal call on their life.

The Covenant of Grace is the common cord that runs through all of Scripture. It is an expression of the Covenant of Redemption, entered into by the Godhead in eternity. The Covenant of Grace was administered differently before the coming of Christ (Old Testament/Covenant) from after the coming of Christ (New Testament/Covenant). The Hebrew Christians were in danger of going back to 'Old Covenant' rites and ceremonies. The writer to the Hebrews points out, especially in chapter 8, how vastly superior (better) the 'New Covenant' is, as it is fulfilled in Christ, the mediator of the Covenant.

In his concluding lecture, Harry Blamires seeks to offer his encouragement to Christians as they respond and oppose secularist thinking. He especially focuses on the increasingly liberal approach to academia. At the end of this lecture he answers questions and comments on the series as a whole.

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.

Harry Blamires continues the series, now looking at the effect in modern culture of abandoning God's rule.

Harry Blamires has been involved for decades in what he calls the "double campaign" of Christian apologetics: (1) expounding & defending the Christian faith and (2) demythologising contemporary secularism. In this opening lecture of a series of three, he explains that Christianity and Secularism are fundamentally opposed.

In a fallen world, how is it that unbelieving men and women are capable of great acts of kindness, can experience a measure of joy and happiness, and possess wonderful skills and talents? Why does God cause “his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous” (Matthew 5:45)? The doctrine of common grace powerfully explains the world we live in and how we should act towards unbelievers.

Does the Bible only concern itself with personal piety? Or does its authority extend across other areas, such as work, entertainment or even the life of our nation? The Psalmist says that “The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). To heed the words of scripture in all that we do is not only obedient but also wise. In this lecture, Gareth Burke will help us to see more clearly the application of God's wisdom to the whole of life.

History shows that Christians have long had an influence for good on the world around them. In this lecture, Ranald Macaulay will explain how the Christian faith has had a profound impact upon the moral and intellectual foundations of British society. Christians have pioneered advancements in civil liberty, education, health care and democracy. The past should help and encourage us as we look to the future.