Yearly Archives: 2011

Although John Newton is best remembered as a hymn writer, many believe that his greatest gift was as a letter writer. This wonderful book strengthens that point of view. It consists of 83 letters written to Pastor John Ryland Jr. between 1771 and 1803. The editor, Grant Gordon, has not only unearthed dozens of letters which had […]

REFORMATION AND LIBERATION: REDISCOVERING THE LEGACY OF THE REFORMERS Reformation Day celebrations have a fairly established place in the life of Reformed Churches in the USA (despite the fact, as one observer quipped, ‘I thought the Reformation took place to abolish events like these!’) So, given that such events are part of the church calendar […]

On All Hallows’ Eve 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 Theses or Statements to the door of the parish church in Wittenberg. Luther had little idea at the time of how incendiary these Theses were to become. But in God’s sovereign providence the Theses ignited a movement of protest that became the Protestant Reformation, and the […]

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3) Are you straying from the strong, church-going lifestyle instilled in you by your parents? Perhaps you slowly drifted away from Christianity as you married, had children, and got into the fast-paced life of work, rearing children, and being part of your community. […]

Not many people get the opportunity to attend seminary. In an amazing way I have attended two. The first was training for the Roman Catholic priestÂhood in Ireland and the second at a conservative Evangelical seminary in England. Raised a Catholic . . . but not knowing God Like most boys in the Republic of […]

These are some notes of what was said on a tour which took place during a Free Presbyterian Youth Conference in Edinburgh, on Wednesday 13 April 2011. 1. John Knox’s House and Trunk’s Close. John Knox’s house is one of the oldest surviving houses in Edinburgh. It is not definite that Knox lived in the […]

The Banner of Truth has published The Select Practical Writings of John Knox1. We have had a spate of writings by or about John Calvin, and now new books are beginning to appear about John Knox (the 450th anniversary of the Reformation in Scotland and the approaching 500th anniversary of Knox’s birth). We welcome this. […]

Jakob Herman did not have an easy childhood. Born into a Reformed family, he lost his father while still a child. Adopted by the family Pastor, young Jakob was sent to school, but when he was fourteen the Pastor died, and his mother was tragically killed just a year later. Befriended by Rudy Snell, a […]

By Brian Ellis, Manila, Philippines. What do I mean? I must start with some personal testimony so that I can explain. My interest in religion began when I was in the 6th form at Grammar School and I began to attend the Student Christian Movement meetings each week. There we discussed all manner of matters […]

QUESTION. Is it appropriate to applaud during the church service? Some believe that the worshippers are not given the opportunity to offer thanks for something they feel needs applause. But is it always directed to God, or is it directed to the person or persons who spoke or sang? Applause is often understood as an […]

My father was taken as a prisoner of war. He was assumed dead, so it was a shock for my mother when he returned home. I was one of the results of his homecoming! I was born at home in Finsbury Park in north London, on 23 September 1946. That was just over 65 years […]

In John 15 the Lord Jesus Christ explains to us that Christians are united to him in a spiritual union. Our Lord uses the illustration of a vine and its branches. The Lord supplies to all believers the grace of his Holy Spirit. This, like the sap, is the source of all the ‘fruit’ which […]

Do you struggle with what to say in your prayers? Do you find that you use the same phrases over and over again? Would you like to pray more in line with scripture? Then this wonderful book is for you. Originally published in 1710, it was written by Matthew Henry, who is best known for […]

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). In our pluralistic, post-modern, western world few things irk people more than the gospel message of exclusivity. After all, absolute truth statements have caused major […]

‘And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me’ (Psa. 50:15). The following account is a true incident in ‘the Battle of the Java Sea’ (27th February to 1st March 1942) in the experiences of Victor Hannaford, of Plymouth, England. ‘Abandon Ship!’ – the Captain issued […]