The God Who Speaks: 18s-30s Conference
Remember way back when GRUK started and we vowed never to do a conference… then we did? But, that was lockdown and we were online. But, we’d never go “3D” for real… now we are.
18th November at the Welsh Chapel in Cockfosters, London, we are doing a conference for 18s-30s “The God Who Speaks”. Speakers are: Steve Hayhow (Emmanuel Cockfosters), David Thomas (Christ Church Romford, IPC) and Darren Moore (Chelmsford Presbyterian & GRUK), with music from Songs of the Folk.
Booking, timetable and directions can be found here. And below is a short podcast on who, why and what to expect.
Episode 59: The Authority of the Church
Andy, Jim and Josh discuss Matthew 16, the Keys of the Kingdom and the broader topic of the authority of the church.
For additional background we suggest you listen to Simon Arscott’s sermon from Catalyst in 2017.
https://ipc.church/project/catalyst-2017-sermon-1-finding-the-church-the-lost-keys/
Episode 58: Do Buildings Matter?
We often, rightly, emphasis that the Church is the people not the building. God does not dwell in temples built by human hands! (Acts 7:48). However, Churches need somewhere to meet! (especially in the UK’s unpredictable climate). Newer Churches don’t have historic buildings, listen to Darren and Andy talk about the challenges plants and young churches face. There is also some interesting good news on that front from Oxford.
Episode 57: Deep Dive on Ruth 1:1-6
GRUKology continues its Deep Dive on Ruth series looking at Ruth 1:1-6.
Four Act Structure (or prologue, epilogue, with 4 acts)
Act 1: Prologue and Problem (Chapter 1)
Scene 1: Prologue: Setting and Problem
Scene 2: Emptiness Compounded
Scene 3: Emptiness Expressed
Act 2: In the Fields of Bethlehem (Chapter 2)
Scene 1: Ruth Gleans
Scene 2: Ruth and Boaz Meet
Scene 3: Naomi Evaluates the Meeting
Act 3: At the Threshing Floor (Chapter 3)
Scene 1: Naomi’s plan
Scene 2: Ruth carries it out
Scene 3: Naomi Evaluates
Act 4: Redemption and Epilogue (Chapter 4)
Scene 1: Boaz acts
Scene 2: A Son is born
Scene 2: Epilogue: The Descendants*
Taken from various commentaries.
Episode 56: When Churches Close
Darren and Andy talk with Mark Johnson a trustee for the Banner of Truth Trust and the minister of Groomsport Evangelical Presbyterian Church.
Mark helpfully discusses some of his experiences planting and pastoring thriving churches, but also what it is like to close a church as that ministry comes to an end.
Episode 55: A Deep Dive on Ruth (An Introduction)
This is an introduction to a new series of podcasts we’re doing over the next several weeks. We’ll take a deep dive into Ruth with different men involved in each episode.
Here are some useful resources if your interested in studying the book of Ruth. You’ll find these books and sermons very beneficial!
Ruth & Esther: There is a Redeemer and Sudden Reversals, by David Strain
Faithful God: An Exposition of the Book of Ruth, by Sinclair Ferguson
Unceasing Kindness: A Biblical Theology of Ruth, by Peter Lau and Gregory Goswell
Episode 54: Beyond the Big C, with Jeremy Marshall
During the Pandemic Darren interviewed Jeremy Marshall on the topic of his book, Beyond the Big C at Chelmsford Presbyterian Church. They discussed life with cancer and beyond. We are posting the interview here because we believe it will be of real benefit to you!
Beyond the Big C, by Jeremy Marshall
Hope in the Face of Suffering, by Jeremy Marshall
Jeremy Marshall 2-pack, at a reduced cost
Episode 53: 10 Ways to Conquer Exam Stress
A Sympathetic Guide for Young Christians
John McCabe and Leah Williams talk about exam stress and handling it with a biblical worldview.
Episode 51: Why Presbyterianism Matters (Part 1)
A few months ago Jim, Josh and Andy found themselves all together (in person!) at the Presbyterian Church of America’s General Assembly. Of course they couldn’t resist recording a podcast or two on ‘Why Presbyterianism Matters’! This is the first part … the next will be out shortly. Enjoy!
Episode 47: Part 2 - Reflections on the War in Ukraine
Andy, Darren, and Jim return to finish their reflections on the War in Ukraine. For a list of the organizations for charitable giving to Ukraine, see Darren’s recent blog post.
Episode 46: Why Celebrate Easter?
Darren, Phil and, Andy discuss the Biblical basis for Easter. They also muse on the significance and pastoral use of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why not give it a listen?
Episode 45: Reflections on the War in Ukraine
In this Episode, Jim, Darren, and Andy discuss the War in Ukraine and specific biblical categories that are helpful in understanding a Christian response.
Episode 44: Reflections on the Mars Hill Podcast
In this episode Josh and Andy discuss the recent hit podcast, the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.
Episode 42: Why Celebrate Christmas?
This is a more common question than you might expect in the English speaking church, historically.
Andy, Darren, and Josh discuss some of the biblical and historical reasons a Christian should celebrate Christmas
Augustine - Why Celebrate Christmas? (Abridged sermon 185 - https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/media/articles/why-celebrate-christmas/)
Augustine unabridged sermon 185 and other Christmas sermons (https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=r3fYAAAAMAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false)
Episode 41: Reformed Missiology & Contextualisation
Show Notes (and more resources you need to check out)
To learn more about the Southgate Fellowship: https://thesouthgatefellowship.org/
Articles by Flavien in Themelios publication of the Affirmations and Denials (link)
Flavien’s book, Paul Against the Idols: A Contextual Reading of the Areopagus Speech (available in paperback and kindle): Buy UK and US (Amazon)
Flavien’s academic publications on the topic (link)
Dan’s book we discussed Their Rock is not as our Rock. Buy UK and US (Amazon)
Also you should check out Plugged In and Making Faith Magnetic (new!)