Weakness within and trials without. A constant battle against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil. This is the common lot of Christian believers in this life. This is the sober reality which ought to push us, each day, to apply for new supplies of the Holy Spirit's power for perseverance.

The life of the gospel minister fits this pattern, too, and if anything, the intensity of the battle is greater. Satan has a particular loathing for all members of Christ's body, but especially for its leaders.

This week we read two articles on different aspects of perseverance in ministry. They call us all—especially those of us in church office—to fresh vigilance and new earnestness, confident of the Lord's power and willingness to sustain us.

Featured Resources:

– Andrew Swanson, 'Causes and Cure of Spiritual Decline in the Minister's Life', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 391 (April 1996).

– David N. Jones, 'Maintaining the Earnestness of our Ministry', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 239–240 (August–September 1983).

– Interview snippets with Gerard Hemmings and Keith Berry recorded at the UK Ministers' Conference 2025 ('A Lifetime in the Ministry')

Note: the dates for this year's US West Coast Ministers' Conference are October 21–23, 2025, and those for next year's UK Ministers' Conference are April 20–23, 2026. For more information, go to https://conferences.banneroftruth.org/

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We had the joy of sitting down with Paul Levy who pastors International Presbyterian Church in Ealing, a thriving district of West London. Paul spoke to us about a range of topics, including the joys and challenges of church growth and how he prays for the children of his church to have a ‘boring testimony’, and he also recommends a couple of the Banner’s more obscure publications. We trust you’ll enjoy the conversation.

Further reading:

The Pastor-Scholar (article by Paul Yeullett, which originally appeared in the January 2012 issue of the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 580).

Banner Books Mentioned:

Bakker, Frans, Praying Always

Cuyler, Theodore, God's Light on Dark Clouds

Through the Year With William Still

Letters of William Still

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This week we consider the Christian's relationship to revolution. In the first reading, we ask how the Christian is to relate to the 'spirit of Revolution' embodied in the French Revolution (a movement that is still with us, bearing fruit in our own politics and society). Towards the end of the episode we consider Francis Schaeffer and Samuel Rutherford in their arguments for civil resistance to ungodly authority. Is it right to oppose the humanistic revolutionary spirit, if necessary, by force? These and other questions are given attention in this episode of the Magazine Podcast.

Featured Resources:

– Jan Freeke, 'The Life and Work of Groen van Prinsterer', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 430 (July 1999).

– D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 'The Christian and the State in Revolutionary Times', The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1987, 2024), pages 393–396.

– John Legg, 'The Christian and Revolution', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 247 (April 1984).

Further Reading:

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Christian and the State in Revolutionary Times

A helpful, sustained treatment of issues around Church and State, the Christian and the State, civil disobedience, and other related subjects (including capital punishment, revolution, and pacifism) can be found in Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones' treatment of Romans 13:1–7. This is published by the Trust in the Lloyd-Jones series as Volume 13: Life in Two Kingdoms and is also available freely in audio format from MLJ Trust.

About the Contributors:

Jan Freeke is a member of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland congregation in Glasgow.

D. M. Lloyd-Jones was the minister of Westminster Chapel, London, for 25 years and a noted evangelist and teacher. D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones author page.

John David Legg (1936–2023) ministered in North Yorkshire (Reeth Congregational Church and Northallerton Evangelical Church) and in Shropshire (Shrewsbury Evangelical Church). Read John's obituary here.

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John Murray was one of the outstanding Reformed theologians of the 1900s. Earnest and serious, he was also deeply affectionate and much beloved of his students and colleagues. On the 50th anniversary of his death in 1975 we take time to consider his life, theology, and legacy to us today.

Featured Resources:

– Excerpt from Iain Murray, 'John Murray: A Memorial with Tributes' in Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 143–4 (August/September 1975), Chapter 4, 'Glimpses of Work in the War Years', p. 45–49. N.B. Iain Murray's Life of John Murray (v. i.) represents an enlargement of this memorial with additional information. 

– Tribute to Professor Murray by Geoffrey Thomas, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 143–4 (August/September 1975), p. 75–80.

– Murray, John, 'The Death of Christ' in The Collected Writings of John Murray: Volume 1, The Claims of Truth (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1976, 2024), p. 36–40.

Note:

Professor Murray's response to Geoff Thomas' question about whether the New Testament teaches that every Christian should witness for his Saviour:

'Later in the week he came to me after a lecture and gave me a piece of paper with these textual references written upon it: Acts 8:4; 18:26; 1 Cor. 1:5, 17; 1 Cor. 2:1–5; 1 Cor. 4:15; 1 Cor. 11:4, 5; 2 Cor. 3:8–12; compared with 1 Cor. 4:13; 2 Cor. 5:12, 18, 19; 2 Cor. 8:7; Eph. 4:15, 29; Eph. 5:11; Eph. 6:17; Phil. 1:14–18; 1 Thess. 1:8; Titus 2:3, 4; 1 Peter 3:15.'  

Cover art: juxtaposition of a view of Loch Migdale, looking east towards Badbea (pron. 'Bad-bay'), and a picture of Professor Murray taken at a Banner of Truth ministers' conference in Leicester, c. 1965.

Further Reading:

Murray, Iain H., The Life of John Murray (Paperback, 240 pages)

Murray, John, Collected Writings of John Murray (4-volume clothbound set, 1224 pages)

— Volume 1: The Claims of Truth (Clothbound, 388 pages)

— Volume 2: Systematic Theology (Clothbound, 428 pages)

— Volume 3: Life, Sermons, Reviews (Clothbound, 404 pages)

— Volume 4: Studies in Theology (Clothbound, 400 pages)

Murray, John, The Free Offer of the Gospel (Booklet, 32 pages)

Murray, John, Redemption Accomplished and Applied (Paperback, 200 pages)

Digging Deeper:

Listen to Dr. Donald John Maclean's lecture on The Theological Method of John Murray (at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary).

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Robert Murray M'Cheyne died at the age of 29. Yet his life continues to inspire the servants of Christ today, and his passion for holiness, and sincere godliness, stand as a testament to the grace of God made effective in an otherwise weak man. 

This week we look at M'Cheyne from three angles, taking in the shape of his life, the character of his labours, and finally the special love he had for the Jewish people.

Featured Resources:

– David Campbell, 'Robert Murray M'Cheyne: The Beauty of Holiness', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 700 (January 2022).

– Keith Walker, 'Robert Murray M'Cheyne: Saint and Preacher (2)', Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 247 (April 1984).

– Excerpt from Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1844; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2024), 'To Rev. R. Macdonald of Blairgowrie', from page 268.

Further Reading:

Andrew Bonar, Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne (1844; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2024). Clothbound, 664 pages.

Andrew Bonar, Robert Murray M'Cheyne (paperback edition of Bonar's Memoir as it appears in Memoir and Remains of Robert Murray M'Cheyne. Paperback, 192 pages.

Sermons of Robert Murray M'Cheyne. Paperback, 196 pages.

Old Testament Sermons of Robert Murray M'Cheyne. Clothbound, 183 pages.

New Testament Sermons of Robert Murray M'Cheyne. Clothbound, 321 pages.

Sermons on Hebrews, Robert Murray M'Cheyne. Clothbound, 198 pages. 

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Christian believers will be tempted to sin. How are we to understand what goes on in temptation? Where is God when we are tempted? How do we lay hold of the resources to resist and come through these times of agony?

Featured Resources:

– 'Lead Us Not Into Temptation', Sinclair B. Ferguson, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 145 (October 1975).

– Excerpt from William Bridge, A Lifting Up for the Downcast (1649; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2024), Chapter 7, 'A Lifting Up in the Case of Temptation', p. 214–220. 

Further Reading:

Bridge, William, A Lifting Up for the Downcast

Gurnall, William, The Christian in Complete Armour (single volume or abridged in three paperback volumes)

Owen, John, Temptation Resisted and Repulsed (abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing)

Owen, John, The Mortification of Sin (abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing)

Owen, John, Works, Volume 6: Sin and Temptation (includes full text of On the Mortification of Sin in Believers, Of Temptation, Indwelling Sin, and A Practical Exposition of Psalm 130)

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Described as 'perhaps the greatest British theologian of all time', John Owen was far more than a theoretician. As a pastor-scholar, Owen showed that his great concern was to promote holiness in his hearers and readers, to the glory of God and their lasting joy. This week's episode constitutes an introduction to Owen and many of his chief works which, it is hoped, will be of help to those new to him, as well as to confirmed and seasoned appreciators of this humble, profound Christian teacher.

Featured Resources:

– 'John Owen: A Defeated Puritan?', Ian Hamilton, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 711 (December 2022).

– 'John Owen on Spiritual-Mindedness', J. I. Packer, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 620 (May 2015).

– 'Some Thoughts on Reading the Works of John Owen', Sinclair B. Ferguson, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 152 (May 1976).

– Three testimonies about reading John Owen, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 57 (June 1968).

From the Pen of Owen: 

The Works of John Owen (Goold edition, 16 volumes). Please note each volume can be purchased separately.

Owen's Exposition of Hebrews (Goold edition, 7 volumes). Please note each volume can be purchased separately.

Apostasy from the Gospel: Nature and Causes (Puritan Paperback, 176 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law)

Communion with God (Puritan Paperback, 224 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law)

The Death of Death in the Death of Christ (Large paperback, 440 pages, introduction and analysis by J. I. Packer)

Duties of Christian Fellowship (Puritan Paperback, 96 pages, modernized)

The Glory of Christ (Puritan Paperback, 184 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law)

Gospel Life (Puritan Paperback, 256 pages, modernized)

Gospel Ministry (Puritan Paperback, 208 pages, modernized)

The Holy Spirit (Puritan Paperback, 216 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law)

Indwelling Sin in Believers (Puritan Paperback, 176 pages, abridged and made easy to read)

The Mortification of Sin (Puritan Paperback, 144 pages, abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing)

Searching Our Hearts in Difficult Times (Puritan Paperback, 160 pages, abridged and made easy to read)

The Spirit and the Church (Puritan Paperback, 208 pages, abridged and made easy to read by R. J. K. Law)

Temptation Resisted and Repulsed (Puritan Paperback, 128 pages, abridged and made easy to read by Richard Rushing)

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We caught up with Geoff Thomas at the recent Banner Ministers' Conference in Staffordshire. Geoff, who ministered at Alfred Place Baptist Church for over fifty years, has been a faithful friend of the Banner of Truth Trust. It was a joy to talk with him about his varied associations with the Banner, his friendship with Iain Murray, preaching through Romans, and pastoral visitation, among other topics. 

Geoff Thomas' Sermon Archive

Geoff's new book: Letters to my Grandson: On First Reading and Hearing Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones (Day One)

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David Dickson (1583–1663) was a living testimony to the grace of God in Christ. In bearing suffering (he was deprived of his living and exiled for a time), in counselling convicted sinners, in preaching, and in writing he demonstrated the gifts and graces of a true under-shepherd of Christ's flock. This week we explore some of the details of his life, and hear a contemporary appreciation of his value as a Christ-centred commentator on the Psalms from Christopher Ash.

Featured Resources:

– Excerpt from Faith Cook, Samuel Rutherford and His Friends (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1992), pp. 73–81 in the 2013 reprint.

– 'A Personal Appreciation of David Dickson's Psalms Commentary (illustrated from Psalm 47)', Christopher Ash, Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 691 (April 2021).

– 'David's Antidote to Fear', David Dickson, from his commentary on the Psalms, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issue 614 (November 2014).

Further Reading:

Ash, Christopher, The Psalms: A Christ-Centred Commentary (Wheaton: Crossway, 2024). 4 Volumes.

Dickson, David, Psalms (1655; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 1959). 

Dickson, David, Truth's Victory Over Error: A Commentary on the Westminster Confession of Faith (1684; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2007). 

David Dickson's Therapeutica Sacra, his guide to ministering to those with troubled consciences and questions concerning their standing with God, has been republished by Monergism Books in paperback and free epub versions.

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The practice of pastoral visitation in homes has fallen on hard times. For many of our forefathers in the faith, however, it was deemed an essential part of ministry, enabling effective oversight of the souls of the people of God.

This week, we 'revisit' the area of pastoral visitation, although for many of us, it may be the first time we've considered the nature and benefits of this practice for ourselves and those we may serve in the church.

Featured Resources:

– 'Pastoral Visitation—A Needed Revival', James Howard Lynch, featured in the Banner of Truth Magazine, Issues 731–732 (August & September 2024).

– Excerpts from Charles Bridges, The Christian Ministry, with an Inquiry into the Causes of its Inefficiency (1850; repr. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2018), pp. 344–360.

– Ian Hamilton audio taken from Pastoral Visitation

– Excerpts from 'The Directory for the Public Worship of God' in The Westminster Confession, with Associated Historical Documents (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2023), pp. 562, 574.

The artwork featured with this week's episode is Richard Norris Brooke's 'A Pastoral Visit' (1881, Public Domain, now at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, D. C.)

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