Robert Traill (1642-1716) was a Puritan pastor whose works were re-issued by the Banner of Trust Trust in 1975. They include a series of six sermons on
Galatians 2:21: ‘I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.’
The six sermons are also available in their entirety here, and are highly recommended. What follows is a very abbreviated precis of the first two sermons:-
1.…
Continuing this series of posts on questions about the Holy Spirit.
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is both a free gift, 1 Thess 4:8, and a solemn responsibility, Eph 5:18. There are certain attitudes which open the way to the blessing of the Spirit. We are to ask, Lk 11:13, to thirst and drink, Jn 7:37, to repent, Acts 2:38, to obey, Acts 5:32, to have faith, Jn 7:39; Gal 3:1-5,14. On the other hand, certain negative attitudes can oppose the work of the Spirit.…
1. Fire, Lk 3:16; Acts 2:3; 1 Thess 5:19. Warms, energises, purifies, illuminates, consumes, spreads.
2. Wind, Jn 3:8; Acts 2:2. Empowers, refreshes, independent, invisible.
3. Oil, Lk 4:18. Consecrates, comforts, heals.
4. Water, Jn 7:38. Cleansing, reviving, satisfying, fertilising, freeness, abundance.
1. the definitive revelation of Christ to and through the New Testament writers.
2.…
I’d like to sketch an answer to this question under two headings:-
(a) His personality
This becomes clear in the NT, as in Jesus’ promise of ‘another Counsellor’, Jn 14:16, and the fact that the Spirit:-
1. Speaks, Acts 1:16; 8:29; 10:19; 11:12; 13:2; 28:25.
2. Teaches, Jn 14:26.
3. Witnesses, Jn 15:26.
4. Searches, 1 Cor 2:11.
5. Determines, 1 Cor 12:11.
6. Intercedes, Rom 8:26f.
7. Is lied to, Acts 5:3.
8. Can be grieved, Eph 4:30.…
This is another question about the Holy Spirit which has recently been posed to me. Once again, I am reluctant to discuss such a ‘shy sovereign’, who is more to be experienced than analysed. Nevertheless, I offer a few thoughts:-
The Bible does teach a certain order in the operations and activities of the members of the Trinity. For example, according to Jn 14:26, the Holy Spirit is sent by the Father in the name of the Son.…
In earliest times, people spoke the same language. This unified language was used in rebellion against God in the building of the tower of Babel, Gen 11:1ff. God quelled this rebellion by confusing the people’s language and by scattering them over the face of the earth, Gen 11:9. In the future life, the unity of language will be restored in the praise and service of God, Rev 7:9-12; cf Zeph 3:9; 1 Cor 13:8. Some foretaste of this is found in the NT church in the miraculous gift of tongues at Pentecost, Acts 2:4,11.…
The New Testament has various lists of ‘charismata’ (spiritual gifts):-
|
Romans 12:6-8 |
1 Cor. 12:8-10 |
1 Cor. 12:28-30 |
Eph. 4:11 |
1 Peter 4:9-11 |
| Prophecy | Word of Wisdom | Apostleship | Apostleship | Speaking |
| Serving | Word of Knowledge | Prophecy | Prophecy | Serving |
| Teaching | Faith | Teaching | Evangelism | |
| Exhortation | Healings | Miracles | Pastor/Teacher | |
| Giving | Miracles | Healing | ||
| Leading | Prophecy | Helping | ||
| Showing Mercy | Discerning of Spirits | Administrating | ||
| Tongues | Tongues | |||
| Interpretation of Tongues | Interpretation of Tongues |
Nelson’s complete book of Bible maps & charts : Old and New Testaments.…
It’s been a long time since Christmas. 30 years, in fact. The angels have long since returned to heaven. The Wise Men have gone back to the East, from whence they came. The shepherds have retired to a cottage by the sea. Simeon and Anna, who greeted the baby Jesus in the Temple, have gone the way of all flesh. Joseph, too, seems to have died at a relatively early age. That flurry of Messianic fervour seems a long time ago now. …
The miracles are flowing so thick and fast at this stage in Jesus’ ministry that there now follows an account of two intertwined healing miracles. The contrast between the two people who asked Jesus for help is notable. One lesson arising from this is the essential equality of all before God: none are exempt from the ravages wrought by disease and death; and none are beyond the compassionate help of the Lord.
A man named Jairus – It must have been very hard for him to come to Jesus. …
The most common type of employment throughout the Roman Empire was slavery. Slaves – especially in the East of the empire – were often treated quite well. Some were farm workers or labourers. Others became architects, physicians, administrators, philosophers, writers and teachers. Household slaves had many rights. They could marry and earn money. They were virtually members of the extended families of their owners. But they were still slaves, and would have been tempted to be untrustworthy, dishonest and disloyal.…
