Teaching for today

Institute Deputy Director Simon Calvert and Be Reasonable spokeswoman and mother-of-two Penny Lewis feature in this month’s longer listen, discussing a proposal to ban smacking in Scotland.

What is no-fault divorce? Where has the recent push come from? And why would it be detrimental to children, families and society? Find out in our new podcast.

Throughout scripture, beginning with the Fall, there is a conflict between good and evil. Today, Christians are in a battle against "the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12). Far from hindering the gospel, there are times when God uses conflict to further his redemptive purposes.

"To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." (Ephesians 1:6)"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)

"Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3)"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

"God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords." (1 Timothy 6:15)"To the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore!" (Jude 1:25)

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16)"You alone are holy." (Revelation 15:4)

"... in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Christians are not immune from discouragement and frustration in their lives. In a society where people expect to be able to obtain everything instantly Christians must live with an eternal perspective, and thereby find the strength to persevere. They must 'keep on keeping on'.

The world is always trying to squeeze us into its mould. Before a watching world we are to live with integrity. This means applying God's Word consistently to the circumstances of our lives.

We all have routines of eating, sleeping, work and leisure, yet many Christians neglect personal discipline in their spiritual lives. Godly habits become the means that God uses to work His grace in our lives.

Prayer sustains and nourishes the Christian. It is a litmus test of our relationship with God. It is the means whereby we can bring all our anxieties and needs before the Lord. Failure in our prayer lives inevitably leads to weaknesses in other areas.

This, the final lecture of the series, looks at teaching for the church today and the promises of what is to come when Christ returns. David Jackman focuses in particular on the book of Hebrews, the Pastorals (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus) and Revelation.

In this penultimate lecture, David Jackman covers the Acts of the Apostles, setting the context for the ministry and letters of the Apostle Paul. Concluding with a focus on Paul's teaching on the person, life and results of Jesus Christ.

This lecture speaks of the fullfilment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. It looks at the distinctive qualities of the four Gospels and the central concept of the Kingdom.

Tracking the highs and lows of Israel's monarchial reign, including the division of kingdoms. Starting with Solomon, the lecture goes through the books of 1 & 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles, finishing by focusing on the task and message of the Prophets.

The third in this series of lectures looks at the occupying of the Promised land - from its conquest, to the rule of judges and then the demand for a king.

The third in this series of lectures looks at the occupying of the Promised land - from it's conquest, to the rule of judges and then the demand for a king.

Looking at the start of God's answer to the universal problem of sin. Shown through the establishment of Israel and covenant relationships. Lecture notesThe Covenant Community: Genesis 12 - Deut. 34The Covenant Community: Genesis 12 - Deut. 34. 15 September 1994

This first lecture in the series gives a brief overview of the Old Testament and then looks at the first eleven chapters of the Bible. Particular focus is given to Creation, the Fall, the Flood and the Scattering.

Ian Cooper talks and leads a discussion based around three questions: What is the role of the church and state? How far can the law be 'Christian'? And finally, how far should the state be 'Christian'?

This workshop has a particular focus on the sanctity of life. It looks, in part, at our society's increasingly humanistic basis for ethics, which gives a very low value to human life.

Ranald Macaulay criticises an introverted mentality amongst Christians. He says Christians must focus on absolute truth and evangelism that penetrates into society.

Is there a crisis in the evangelicalism today? How did the church find itself in this state? What can be done about it now? Ranald Macaulay provokes answers to these pressing questions.

In this workshop Ranald Macaulay challenges us to not just look upon our sanctification as a passive thing but to also actively work at it.