The Sermon on the Mount, in its primary application, gives neither the privilege nor the duty of the Church -these are found in the Epistles. Under the law of the Kingdom, no one may hope for forgiveness who has not first forgiven…but under grace the Christian is exhorted to forgive because he is already forgiven (Eph 4:30-32). Nevertheless, there is a beautiful moral application to the Christian in this compilation of truth…It always remains true that the poor in spirit, rather than the proud, are blessed; that those who mourn in consciousness of their sins, will hunger and thirst after righteousness and in hungering will be filled. The merciful are blessed and the pure in heart do see God", quoted from the Scofield Study Bible. This series, covering Matthew 5:1-7:29, looks at this admittedly difficult passage in its correct context.
​Note: The audio of several messages are muffled due to age.

It is generally agreed that Peter was the eyewitness behind Mark's Gospel. There is something in the crisp, straightforward manner in which Mark writes, that bears witness of Peter, the impetuous fisherman. Philippians 2:6-8 captures the heart of this Gospel, focusing upon the Divine Servant, who emptied Himself in order to serve.

The Gospel of John is probably the best loved book in the Bible, bringing eternal realities to a personal level. The eternal Word of God, a member of the divine Trinity, took on the flesh of man, yet without sin. John’s Gospel reveals how Jesus desires relationship and intimacy with anyone who will respond to Him; desiring to lavish upon each one, an unconditional love, regardless of our past, or any sense of unworthiness. There is no rival to this account of the life of Christ, told by "the disciple whom Jesus loved”.

The book of Acts, begins where the Gospel of Luke ends. The two together make a single, wonderful history of Christianity. The telling of the early church is one of courage, faith and willingness to risk all, for the proclamation of the Gospel. From the pen of Luke, an eyewitness to many of the scenes described, the story unfolds…from the ascension of Christ to the death of Paul. It’s worth noting that Luke was written originally for the salvation of one soul, because salvation is always in the singular. When you receive Him as your Savior, you do so as an individual, sharply in focus and quite distinct from everyone else around you.

The book of Romans is well worth taking the time to unpack. Early in it’s pages, the Apostle Paul focuses upon the believer’s personal and corporate identity in the Lord Jesus Christ. A grasp of one's identity is a vital factor in the mental and spiritual health of every human being. Without it, we do not know who or what we are or where we fit on this earth. Our identity gives us a foundation, perspective and purpose. Many believers have failed to see that their victory is not a prize to be won but a position to be claimed. God has already done the work and it is now ours to stand upon, by faith.

I Corinthians contrasts the flawed thinking of man, left to himself, with the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Scripture often takes our value system of 'success' and paradoxically turns it upside down. The Apostle Paul addresses several major themes throughout the book -of unity, wisdom, spirituality, worship, love, gifting and eternal life. Three quarters of the way into I Corinthians, these insights are crowned with Chapter 13, the love chapter. Verse by verse, this devotional series follows a letter of deep themes and significance to the practical needs of our daily lives.

A working knowledge of Galatians is important for a balanced understanding of law and grace. In his letter to Galatia, Paul identifies an error that strikes at the heart of the Christian faith; because it moves an individual’s trust away from Christ and back to themselves. In contrast we are called to stand in freedom and allow Christ, through His Holy Spirit, to live through us, exhibiting characteristics and qualities that are not our own, but His...

The book of Ephesians gives us a peak into the unfathomable riches we have, in the heavenlies, in Christ Jesus. It reveals a beautiful blend of eternal mystery, present manifestation and practical mastery. This series looks into how receiving God's mercy and love by faith, practically fleshes out in our daily lives and equips us to face whatever may come our way.

The Church at Philippi was meeting in a house. It was a small, intimate gathering and it struggled in a society that was antagonistic to its beliefs. Paul and Silas had suffered for these people, and there was a mutual love between them. Paul was no different from anybody else in that body, just a sinner saved by grace. There is no hierarchy in the body of Christ, no ranks. We all began in the same place… lost, without hope and servants of sin. When individual souls place their trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary, God takes them positionally out of this world and places them aside for himself. We were all purchased by the same blood at Calvary and therefore we are all equal before God. In that process of saving your soul and setting you apart for himself, God makes you a saint. Over the centuries, the world has erroneously been given the notion that ‘the Church makes people into saints’…as a kind of reward for some special service, but that's unbiblical! In Philippians 1:6 Paul clarifies that it’s His work to transform us… “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”. Churches don't make saints, God does!

Paul’s letter to the ancient Colossians is as fresh today as it was when it was written. It sets forth Christ as the source and fountainhead of all knowledge, wisdom and truth. Legalism and human philosophy permeated the Church at Colossae, just as they threaten to undermine the faith of Christians today. What makes them so insidious, is that they substitute human effort or wisdom for the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Both systems glorify man, place the focus upon human sufficiency and rob the believer of their grasp of a personal position, privilege and responsibility in Christ!

When taken chronologically, I & II Thessalonians are thought to be the first of Paul's Epistles. In the first letter, 1:10, Paul commended them for how they were waiting, through much persecution, “for God’s Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, Who has delivered us from the wrath to come”. Subsequently, the theme of Christ's return, and rapture of those whose hearts are His, has been “the blessed hope” of Christians throughout the centuries. In our busy practical world, the thought of Christ snatching believers physically from this earth may seem distant and out of context; yet it runs throughout these two letters as an undeniable theme. Moreover, by comparing scriptures, we interpret the "day of the Lord" to be a separate sequence of events, following the rapture of the Church.

Paul was in prison when he wrote these two letters to the young pastor, Timothy; who found himself leading the influential church in Ephesus. There is a wealth of practical information here for church leaders; but also for those of us who are seeking to grow in our faith and navigate the errors that crop up in the maze of public opinion. In a society which is departing from God’s Word and where churches are watering down its teaching in their attempt to gain numbers, our responsibility is to remain true to it. Paul urged Timothy to “hold firmly to sound words…in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13

The letter to the Hebrews is one of the deeper books of the New Testament. It promises rich dividends to those who listen and allow its truths to mold their lives. It contains the great themes of Christ’s divine supremacy over all created beings, His eternal priesthood, the free access of the Believer into God's presence and the necessity of faith as a rule of life. W. R. Newell writes,"the fundamental truth set forth in Hebrews is that Christ Himself is no mere 'teacher' but the eternal gift of God and His personal voice to us!…”

The Epistle of James, one of the earliest New Testament books written, has a distinctly Jewish flavor. The setting is one of suffering for the Jerusalem Church under the heavy persecution of Saul of Tarsus. This is a book of endurance in the face of tribulation and suffering. James emphasizes that “faith without works is dead”. It presses the danger of our walk and witness becoming imbalanced. The manifestation of the invisible in our lives, simply reveals what is already there; it’s a proof of our faith’s authenticity! James' writing challenges believers to demonstrate our new life in what we do and say!

In spite of Peter’s early mistakes and blunders, as he learned firsthand who Jesus was and what that relationship would mean to him, the epistles of I & II Peter reveal his growth in faith and love for his Savior. Within these letters, Peter's recurring theme is one of preparation for suffering -not “if” it comes but “when” it comes into each of our lives. Living as we are, in a world of so much uncertainty, this material addresses the liberating way in which believers are equipped to face life's uncertainties, practical challenges, inevitable trials and suffering. This can only strengthen our faith in God's sovereign will.

The Apostle John experienced Jesus first hand. He knew Him intimately, walked and talked with Him, watched Him die and was later inspired to write the book of Revelation. In this letter, John reveals how Christ’s promise of abundance is available to every Christian, regardless of earthly setting or circumstance. He explains how in sharing Jesus’ life, mediocre experience is changed into satisfaction and fullness. By delving into the glory and wonder of the Lord Jesus, the divine invitation is laid before all believers, to experience fellowship with the triune God. Note: Some of the audio is muffled, as this series was recorded almost 40 yrs ago!

No book of the Bible is more relevant to the present day than the book of Revelation. Although it is known as “the Revelation of John”, it could more accurately be called “the Revelation of Jesus Christ”; because, it is He who personally unfolds the drama of the final days of this age. In Hebrews 1:3, the Lord Jesus is described as being “the brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things by the word of His power and when He had by Himself purged our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” As the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ draws near, let’s seek a working knowledge of this material. In Revelation 1:3, a blessing is promised to all who take the time to read and hear this important book.