Teaching for today

One of the most influential Christians of recent times, Francis Schaeffer pioneered modern apologetics. Converted from agnosticism, Schaeffer went on to study at Westminster Theological Seminary under Cornelius Van Til. Throughout his life Schaeffer countered the philosophy of relativism by defending the existence of absolute truth. In his biography Colin Duriez describes Schaeffer's teaching as being able to "deeply and personally influence people of every age and position… in a way that few others have."

In this lecture Dr Nick Needham explores the relevance of the early Christian church to us today. To this end he highlights a number of key figures and events in the first 500 years of the church.

Hermeneutics is concerned with how we read and understand the Bible. In the last lecture of the series, Professor Mackay challenges us to be objective in our interpretation of scripture.

How similar is the text we read in our Bibles to that of the original documents? Which of the many available 'texts' should Bibles be translated from, and how should they be translated? John Mackay carefully answers these important questions.

Professor Mackay talks about how and why the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament are in our Bible today. Including why certain books, such as those in the Apocrypha, should not be regarded as the Word of God.

In this lecture Robert McCollum unlocks what it means to apply the Christian faith to all of life. He helpfully outlines the 'robust theology' that will lead believers to applying a consistent worldview to their lives.

Christians have to contend with the flesh, the world and the Devil. God's resources are available to help us fight all three. As well as putting off the old nature and putting on the new we must contend for truth and righteousness in the world in which we live.

Men and women, made in the image of God, were created to work. We should therefore view our work, whatever type of work it is, as a means by which we can serve and glorify God.

In Romans 12 the apostle Paul talks about the importance of renewing our minds. Christians must seek to understand what the Bible teaches not just about 'religious matters' but about all aspects of life.

God in His grace has provided the means to restrain evil and to enable human life to flourish. This 'common grace' is necessary for both Christian and non-Christians alike. Our society rejects God's common grace at its peril.