GRUKology

Phil recently made the change from minister to a new day job outside of pastoral ministry. Darren and Michael sit down with him to hear what precipitated this change.

But in John 19, what do we see as Jesus ascends to the cross? John paints for us more a picture of king ascending his throne than a hapless victim.

We go through the entire gamut of languages, translations, and teaching philosophy

Sitting with with Andreas Repp, the minister of Villingen-Schwenningen Presbyterian church in the Black Forest of Germany, we discuss his (and his church's) journey.

Is there a biblical mandate to sing psalms? And is there a joy associated with it, even if it can be hard?

The big divide between Protestant and Catholics is how do we understand what the Bible says.

Darren and Michael sit down to chat on what the year was for us and what we can expect for 2026.

Josh and Darren sit down and talk to Jonty Rhodes (Minister of Christ Church Central, Leeds, IPC) about worship. What is distinct about Reformed Worship, what’s meant by the regulative principle and such like. Jonty has written a helpful little book called Reformed Worship, which we recommend.

In the final talk of the conference, Darren Moore (of GRUK & Chelmsford Presbyterian) thinks about how we, the Church, speak for God into the world. He draws on the previous two talks, and shows from 1 Peter 2:1-12, that to have anything to say to the world we need to know (and keep knowing) that the Lord is good and be responding to him. This episode is from the 18's–30's Conference on 18 November 2023.

Here, David Thomas from Christ Church takes about “How God speaks to us”, what God has said he is saying and how the Bible is consistently relevant. This episode is from the 18's-30's Conference on 18 Novemeber 2023.

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 ProblemScene 2: Emptiness CompoundedScene 3: Emptiness ExpressedAct 2: In the Fields of Bethlehem (Chapter 2)Scene 1: Ruth GleansScene 2: Ruth and Boaz MeetScene 3: Naomi Evaluates the MeetingAct 3: At the Threshing Floor (Chapter 3)Scene 1: Naomi’s planScene 2: Ruth carries it outScene 3: Naomi EvaluatesAct 4: Redemption and Epilogue (Chapter 4)Scene 1: Boaz actsScene 2: A Son is bornScene 2: Epilogue: The Descendants*Taken from various commentaries.

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.

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 StrainFaithful God: An Exposition of the Book of Ruth, by Sinclair FergusonUnceasing Kindness: A Biblical Theology of Ruth, by Peter Lau and Gregory GoswellSinclair Ferguson Sermon Series on RuthChrist the Center Podcast on Ruth

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 (https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/25500/beyond-the-big-c)Hope in the Face of Suffering, by Jeremy Marshall (https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/27164/hope-in-the-face-of)Jeremy Marshall two-pack at a reduced cost (https://www.10ofthose.com/uk/products/27259/jeremy-marshall-2-pack)

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?

In this Episode, Jim, Darren, and Andy discuss the War in Ukraine and specific biblical categories that are helpful in understanding a Christian response.

In this Episode, Josh and Andy discuss the recent hit podcast, the Rise and Fall of Mars Hill.

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 ChristmasAugustine - 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)

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!)

Andy, Darren, Phil and Michael discuss coming out of pandemic restrictions. Is coming out of lockdown more complex than going into lockdown was? How do we navigate all the changes in church culture?

This week Michael, Andy, and Darren begin an apologetic discussion. The first question they tack is Why Doesn’t God make himself more obvious? We hope you’ll find this discussion helpful and it will whet your appetite for more.

This week we are pleased to be joined by Dr Donald John MacLean, the author of a new book, All Things are Ready: Understanding the Gospel in its Fullness and Freeness, released just this past month, by Christian Focus. Donald John, an elder at Cambridge Presbyterian Church, addresses the topic of the Free offer of the gospel from an incredibly pastoral perspective, defending this biblical mandate, but at the same time encouraging all believers to speak to others about Christ. We hope you’ll find this helpful and stimulating.

This week we are pleased to be joined by Revd Dr Mark Garcia of the Greystone Institute. Mark, a new professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, has worked with Phil Haines in providing educational opportunities through the Greystone Institute in Cardiff the last few years. Phil, Andy, and Mark sit down to discuss theology. What it is, why we need it, and how it’s useful to the church.

This is a special Easter episode. This Sunday churches all over the world will celebrate Easter and speak to the world about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the significance of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ? One problem with our Easter celebrations is that sometimes we emphasise the cross, but neglect, or forget to emphasise the resurrection.Does the Resurrection matter? … Why does it matter?The Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is a factual certainty. It is verifiable. And because of His resurrection, ours is also assured. Does this excite you? Do you want to share it? Darren Moore and Andy Young discuss the significance of the resurrection here. Listen for your own growth and encouragement, but also, pass this on to others.Jesus and Other Religions with Dr. Rohinton ModyPaul Levy’s blogpost on Eddie Izzard