Short Articles

What's the Big Deal about Easter?

The Bible itself tells us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is critical to the Christian message.

John Wray

Regeneration

New birth is not an end in itself; the new life must be nurtured and allowed to grow.

Jonathan Steeds

Scotland and Sacred Stones

Is there anything in our UK society that could be counted as "sacred"?

A Word from the Bard, Robert Burns

In Scotland, the 25th of January is known for the celebration of all things to do with the Scottish poet.

Daniel Hinshelwood

What does the Bible teach about Magic?

Today, the market for so-called spirituality is booming. Vast sums of money are spent on New Age therapies and books which promote the practice of magic.

Jonathan Steeds

The Big Bang

The Big Bang theory leaves many questions unanswered, scientific ones and everyday ones.

Refusing Jesus

This Christmas receive Jesus.

Justin Pratt

The first Christmas

The first Christmas tells a story which can bring joy to us all.

Musing on Monarchy

The Queen proved herself consistent in character, but what next?

The Queen's Faith

What has anchored her throughout the course of her life?

Alasdair MacPherson

Queen Elizabeth II has died

For seventy years the Queen has served her God and her country as Sovereign.

Unbreakable Love

How far is too far? Where are the boundaries of God’s love? What would cause the Father in heaven to say to one of His children, “I don’t love you anymore, it’s over”?

Unappreciated love

Perhaps you wonder whether God really does love you.

Unsurpassed love

“And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Unending love

When does God’s love start and how long does God’s love last?

Unselfish Love

God did not wait for us to become lovable, but loved us and sent His Son to die for us while we were enemies of His kingdom and rebels against His rule.

Unquenchable love

If we want to find a love that is truly unquenchable and unending we will need to turn our eyes from human love, even at its best, to the love of God in Christ Jesus

Undeserved Love

Who clothes the naked, feeds the hungry, and forgives the penitent prodigal, celebrating his return? Only God, the heavenly Father, loves like this.

Saving The Lake

The greatest salvation story is not a place of great beauty being saved from destruction.

Only God Can Judge Me

We all stand condemned, for God’s righteousness demands that our sins be punished, or God is not God.

God Made Us

The Bible begins by introducing us to a living creator God. He is there at the beginning of everything; eternal, unmade and supremely glorious.

“The Truth Will Set Us Free”

Why bother about the truth? Am I not a free agent? As long as I get what I want, who cares?

Where Will It All End? The Final Judgement

While many people think that the whole world will continue on as it has done indefinitely, the signs do not look promising.

Everything is Broken – Even Me

We are broken and only God can fix us.

Second Life

How would you like to have a second life where all of your inadequacies melt away with the click of a button?

'Veritas numquam perit' – Truth never perishes

So said Johnny Depp when he won his defamation case against Amber Heard.

70 Years Serving God and Country

For seventy years the Queen has served her God and her country as Sovereign.

Do You Think He Doesn’t Notice?

An occasional nod in God’s direction, with no genuine intention to turn from our sin to Him, is nothing but offensive.

Psalm 107: Consider the Steadfast Love of the Lord

One of the problems that has perplexed Christians for centuries has been the problem of evil.

Aaron Shutt

The Billionaires’ Space Race

Maybe one day space travel will become normal. More amazing than that is the fact that reaching heaven is already possible.

Josh Kaye

The Time Has Come

More time is not promised to any of us and there will come a moment when life on this earth is over.

Nazanin Is Free, But How Much Did Her Freedom Cost?

Every Christian can relate to this story. They were once bound and broken by sin, but now they are free.

Andrew Williamson

"Don't Look Up" and the Power of Soothing Lies

“Don’t look up” is the chant of those with their heads planted firmly in the sand, unwilling to face the truth and instead believing a false narrative presented to them by those in denial.

Richard Burditt

Beauty and Brokenness in Ukraine

This beauty and brokenness, so evident in wartime, is part of the make-up of every single human being. That is the assessment of the Bible.

Andrew Williamson

“Neither shall they learn war any more”

We long for deliverance from conflicts, to live in a world without fear of violence and bloodshed.

What Set You Free?

We are all bound by something, and we envy those who appear footloose and fancy-free.

Enough As I Am?

Only when you realise that you are not enough can you appreciate that He is.

Home Clear-out Unearths £2m Diamond

Many people say that they are seeking God but they treat him more like a twenty pence piece, “nice to have back, but it won’t change my life”, rather than the infinite treasure that He really is.

Desmond Tutu – The Man and His Message

Desmond Tutu, the Anglican priest, human rights activist, Nobel prize winner and moral voice to the world, has died at the age of 90.

Ebenezer Scrooge and Christmas

I believe we are all more like Scrooge than we’d care to admit.

Heaven-sent Satisfaction?

The first Christmas was intended to bring lasting satisfaction.

Heaven-sent Life-giver

There is something that we all need, and God sent His Son so that we could have it – life.

Paul McCauley

Heaven-sent King

When God gave us the gift of Christmas, He looked at a world dominated by disappointment, conflict and oppression, and gave us a King.

Justin Pratt

Heaven-sent Saviour

At Christmastime we can remember, and respond to, the fact that God has given a gift to this world, that excludes no one, is beyond price and meets everyone’s greatest need.

Heaven-sent Redeemer

"Then why should men on earth be sad, since our Redeemer made us glad: when from our sin He set us free, all for to gain our liberty."

“I am Sorry”

In recent days these words have been on the lips of a cricketer, a politician, a supermarket chain, various media celebrities, an Archbishop and others. Everybody seems to be apologising.

“Nobody Loves Me”

If God exists, how could He let this little boy suffer?

Alasdair MacPherson

No Time to Die

The West is trying to avoid its appointment with death. Technology generates our desires and celebrities embody them – we have no time to die.

Huw Rees

The Last Chance to Save the World

Although many people think and speak as if this world is out of control I can tell you, on the authority of God’s Word, that it is not. God is perfectly in control.

If Jesus Christ be God and Died for Me . . .

Researching the life of the 19th century cricketer C. T. (Charlie) Studd, I was reminded of one of his most famous statements.

COP26 And The World’s Greatest Crisis

Life is fragile and fleeting. We downplay our personal sin crisis to our peril.

I Don’t Need to be Fixed!

God is waiting to do this heart-transforming work in each of our lives. We need it more than anything else. But we will never experience it if we do not first admit our problem.

When No One Else Can Help, Jesus Can

Whatever your circumstance, He is able to meet you there and to bring you real hope – in this life and for eternity. He is the answer.

Can Jordan Peterson’s Rules Save Us?

Peterson seeks to present his audience with good advice while the gospel is, by definition, good news.

Richard Burditt

Her Majesty's Rock

Today, my thoughts and prayers are with the whole Royal family, but particularly with the Queen who has lost a beloved husband of 73 years – one she has described as her "rock".

The Breaking Of An Iron Will

Thomas wasn’t there but when the disciples told him that they had seen the risen Lord he was deeply sceptical and told them, “Unless I see . . . I will not believe”.

Blair Martin

Freedom from the Fetters of Fear

“Groupthink” is very much a feature of our day. There is nothing new to this phenomenon. Returning to the Easter story, we see groupthink very much at work.

Pilate's Missed Opportunity

“Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”

My Chains are Gone

When Jesus rose from the dead, He showed that He was not bound by any power.

It is Finished

I imagine many victims of crucifixion just before they died would have gasped, “It is finished”. They had tried to overthrow Rome, but their efforts were in vain.

Paul McCauley

Father, Into Your Hands

This seventh saying of Christ on the cross is one that expresses a sense of security as to the future. Faced with certain death, as we all are, do you have such serenity?

Jesus’ Crucial Question

“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22:1).

Today You Will Be With Me in Paradise

The salvation of the dying thief proves that the Lord is willing and able to save all who come to Him.

Father, Forgive Them

Good Friday may seem to be a very strange title for the day that is supposed to be the anniversary of the Lord Jesus Christ’s crucifixion.

Reconciliation to God

Reconciliation to God is an impossible feat for every one of us. Yet the Bible reveals that the death of Jesus Christ has made this very thing possible. How?

Facing Death Without Fear

Rather than letting the fact of our mortality paralyse us with fear, God wants it to prompt us to come to Christ for salvation. Then we shall know true peace, even in the face of death.

Paid In Full

We are in debt to God; we have an obligation to Him that we cannot meet on our own.

Blair Martin

Good News for Sinners

Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, the lives of countless sinners have been changed as they have put their trust in Him.

2020 Doesn’t Have to be a Write-Off

In our rush to reach 2021 there is a danger that we could overlook important lessons we ought to be learning along the way.

Reunited at Christmas

For Christians, Christmas is about more than being reunited with our families.

Give A Little Love

The John Lewis Christmas advert encourages us to “give a little love”, the operative word being “little”, but there is nothing little about Jesus Christ’s love for us.

What Next?

Our world is changing rapidly. While change is a fact of life, when it happens unexpectedly, it often brings unwelcome uncertainty.

Divided States of America

As I write, it seems certain that Joe Biden will be the 46th President of the United States.

God – Loving Father or Holy Judge?

She is the first mother of school age children to sit on the Supreme Court. To US citizens she is known as Justice Barrett, but her children call her “Mam”.

Huw Rees

Choose For Yourselves This Day

It has been one of their most bitter and vicious political contests in recent memory.

Looking Into The Distance

A walk in the Malvern Hills reminded me of the importance of being prudent.

Wash And Be Clean

Prime ministers, presidents and medical experts from across the different fields of practice are all repeating the simple phrase, ‘wash your hands’.

Lloyd Stock

Thou Who Changest Not, Abide With Me

“Abide With me” is a prayer for the Lord to remain present throughout the trials of life and death.

Blair Martin

I Can’t Do Anything …

Unprecedented times. Draconian measures. Controls such as these make us feel suffocated, helpless, useless.

Caring for Others in a Crisis

Coronavirus-stricken Italy and Spain gave us one of the few positive news items of the past week.

Light In The Darkness

On the last Tuesday of January every year, Shetlanders celebrate their heritage – as well as the gradual lightening of the year – at the Up Helly Aa festival.

Alasdair MacPherson

Can Light Drive Out The Darkness?

In 1957, Martin Luther King said these words: 'Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’

Is Life Really Like a Box of Chocolates?

Most of us have heard the famous words of Forrest Gump: “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get”. But is it true?

Josh Kaye

Education – Does It Have Power To Change The World?

Nelson Mandela believed that the only way to change people’s actions was to change their thinking and beliefs, and he was sure that this would also transform their lives.

Can Humanity Be Trusted?

‘You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.’ – Mahatma Ghandi

Huw Rees

Football – A Matter of Life and Death?

Famous Liverpool manager Bill Shankly once said: "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death ... I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”

So Much Owed By So Many To So Few

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” The very existence of Western democracy was at stake.

Imagine

John Lennon invites us to imagine what it would be like if there were no heaven or hell. Let’s do just that.

Paul McCauley

A Cautionary Tale

Receiving Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord is life-changing. Sins are forgiven and fellowship with God becomes possible. Values are altered and the needs of others become important.

What Riches Cannot Do

Our bodies matter, but they are mortal. Our souls are for ever and they matter much more. What can you do to save someone’s soul? Precisely nothing!

The Deceitfulness of Riches

If something is deceitful it will let you down when you need it most; it will not fulfil its promise. How can riches be like that? Are they not meant to be a safeguard when things go wrong?

When Riches Get In The Way

The crunch had come when Jesus said to him, “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

If You Are Rich

It is wrong to look down on others or despise those who, for whatever reason, seem beneath you in status or importance. In God’s sight all people are equal, made in His image.

If You Want to Be Rich

Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare.

Riches Or Poverty

If we had the choice, we would almost certainly choose not to be poor. But many men, women and children do not have the choice.

Love's Resilience

‘Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.’ (Song of Solomon 8:7, ESV)

Love is the Antidote to Fear

‘There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.’ (1 John 4:18)

Is Love Really 'All You Need'?

Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind ... and ... You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”’ (Matthew 22:37-39)

The Ultimate Evidence of Love

‘the Son of God . . . loved me and gave Himself for me.’ (Galatians 2:20)

Love of a Different Kind

‘See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.’ (1 John 3:1, ESV)

Love Demonstrated

‘God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ (Romans 5:8)

Love Defined

‘Love never ends.’ (1 Corinthians 13:8a, ESV)

Does Faith in Jesus Christ Bring Peace or Conflict?

‘[Jesus said] “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”’ (Matthew 10:34)

Where is True Peace Found?

‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace’ (Mark 5:34).

Is it Possible for True Justice and Peace to Co-Exist?

‘Steadfast love and faithfulness meet: righteousness and peace kiss each other.’ (Psalm 85:10)

Peace at Last

‘The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.’ (Romans 16:20)

Peace Comes as a Result of Suffering

"Making peace by the blood of his cross."

Does 'Authentic Personal Peace’ in a Crisis-Ridden World Appeal?

‘Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Romans 5:1)

Peace for the Anxious

Anxiety is not a new phenomenon; it’s one that Jesus saw in His closest followers 2,000 years ago.

Believing And Receiving

“As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12)

Belief Or Unbelief

“They could not enter in because of unbelief” (Hebrews 3:19)

Belief in Creation

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.” (Hebrews 11:2)

Seeing And Believing

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29)

Believing About Christ Or Believing On Christ?

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31)

Who Do You Believe In

“You believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1)

Believing What We Hear

“Who has believed our report?” (Isaiah 53:1)

The Parent's Role - What to Teach

In a world where resources for children are so plentiful, we need to make sure we do not neglect the book of books, the Bible.

The Parent's Role - How to Teach

The Bible highlights one of our greatest responsibilities as parents – to diligently teach our children about God.

The Bible - The Ultimate Textbook

When it comes to the issues of life, there are many books to which people turn for advice.

The Danger of Education

It is possible to spend the whole of life studying without ever coming to know God's truth.

Learning from Creation

The more we study nature the more we will see God’s fingerprints in everything around us.

The Key to Education

The fear of the Lord is the bedrock on which all instruction and truth rests.

Aiming at Nothing

“My goal is to be a godly man.” This was what I blurted out in response to the facilitator’s questioning.

Motivation for Millennials

These millennial man-boys are meandering through their prime years without purpose.

Living in Light of Eternity

Whether we realise it or not, our daily choices help to compose our memorial.

Preaching the Gospel

I distinctly remember thinking to myself, “What on earth am I here for?” The question may be put another way: “What am I here on earth for?”

Perfected to Christlikeness

Diseased or decrepit; creaking, cracking or cancer-ridden; balding or bewildered or broken – nothing is more inevitable than the ravages of time on the human body.

Pleasure in God

How mind-blowing is the thought that specks of cosmic dust in the vast expanse of the created universe can be noticed by God and delight His heart!

Pleasing God

The scramble for survival and success in the proverbial rat race of humanity leaves many dissatisfied, disenfranchised, unsure and unfulfilled.

Life Secured

A true believer in Christ is absolutely secure forever.

Live for Ever

On that wonderful day, the bodies of dead Christian believers will be raised while all living Christians will be taken to heaven without dying.

Christ = Life

It’s life of a different quality, involving a personal relationship with the living God.

Abundant Life

This is the only real life: life enjoyed in fellowship with God, truly abundant life.

The Key to Life

Only by believing on Him will his readers become possessors of true life, elsewhere described as eternal life and abundant life.

Eternal Life - Are You Serious?

If Jesus of Nazareth truly is God in human form, the Life-giver and Judge, anything He says commencing with the words ‘truly, truly’ must be of striking significance.

Life is Short

But remember, there is only ‘a little time’.

The Most Important Perspective

Our perspective on who Jesus Christ is will therefore be the most important issue we ever consider.

Perspective in Suffering

What we believe about God will strongly influence our perspective in suffering and the way we will respond.

Changed Perspective - Changed Life

A true perspective of the identity of Jesus Christ changes people.

Perspective on Priorities

It seems as though there are continually overwhelming demands on our time as well as relentless distractions.

Perspective on Life

Whatever stage of life you are at, it is time to stop and remember your Creator.

God's Perspective

God sees His entire creation in its place in the universe: His perspective is unbounded by time or place.

The Importance of Education

Education is vitally important. We would all do well to consider what we are learning, as well as our responsibility to teach the upcoming generation.

Perspective

Jesus was teaching that the way you see things isn’t just important, it is critical.