John Stott's prayer before preaching was a concise and powerful expression of dependence on God and a desire for God's glory to be revealed. He would typically pray: Heavenly Father, we bow in your presence. May your word be our rule, Your Spirit our teacher, and your greater glory our supreme concern. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Image source: …
The Doctrine of Election
John Calvin, The Doctrine of Election (trans. from the French by Robert White; Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2022). 224pp + indexes. ISBN 9781800402652 Reviewed by Dr Rod Benson The biblical doctrine of election is fraught with controversy. The reasons for this are not hard to discover: there is, firstly, an apparent tension between determinism …
Peacemaking through preaching
By Rod Benson Good preaching positively unsettles us. It inspires wonder in God’s character and ways. It draws adoring worship from bruised, parched and self-absorbed souls. It encourages new thoughts. Good preaching is a light in the dark. It challenges the status quo, instills vision and prompts reform. It uncovers common ground and builds bridges. …
The purpose of Christian preaching
A sermon by Rod Benson 1 Timothy 1:1-7 Some years ago in Brisbane, I shared a taxi with an Indian businessman. As the car pulled away from the kerb we introduced ourselves, and I said I was a pastor. He looked at me with a puzzled expression, unfamiliar with the term. Searching for a synonym, …
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