What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

"God’s Design for the Churches" Series

Episode 111 - 24/10/26

Led by Graeme McPherson

What is the gospel, and why must it remain at the centre of everything the church believes and does? In this What the Bible Says study, we continue our series, “God’s Design for the Churches,” by exploring the centrality of the gospel in church life and practice. Together, we consider how easily religious routines, human methods, good works and even worthwhile causes can displace the message of Jesus Christ.

We begin by considering the good news itself: the eternal Son of God became man, lived a righteous life, died for our sins, was buried and rose again. Having ascended to the Father, Jesus intercedes for His people, gives us His Holy Spirit and will come again. The gospel directs our faith away from our own achievements and towards Christ and His completed work, reminding us that our hope rests entirely in Him.

Turning to Romans 1:16-17 and 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, we examine why the gospel must be central to evangelism. Salvation depends upon the power of God, rather than our eloquence, programmes or ability to persuade. This gives ordinary believers confidence to speak about Jesus, prayerfully trusting the Holy Spirit to work through the message of Christ crucified, without watering down the reality of sin or our need for a Saviour.

The gospel is also essential to perseverance. Through Colossians 1:21-29, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 and 1 John 2:24-25, we consider the call to remain steadfast in the truth we first received. Christians never graduate beyond the gospel: it is the message in which we stand and the hope to which we must hold fast. Our discussion explores repentance, continuing faith and the danger of drifting away from dependence upon Christ.

We then consider how the gospel shapes sanctification—our growth in holiness and likeness to Jesus. Reading from 1 John 1-2, we explore the relationship between obedience, confession and the assurance that Jesus Christ is our advocate with the Father. Growing maturity brings a deeper awareness of our sin alongside a deeper appreciation of His grace, teaching us to pursue holiness through dependence upon Him.

Our conversation also explores how the gospel shapes forgiveness, love and unity within the church. Remembering how much Christ has forgiven us changes the way we treat one another, leaving no room for spiritual pride or looking down on fellow believers. We discuss our constant need to remember the gospel through preaching, fellowship, worship and the Lord’s Supper, keeping Christ and His sacrifice central whenever we gather.

Finally, 1 Peter 1:10-12 and Ephesians 1:7-10 lift our eyes to the wonder of God’s eternal purpose: the salvation foretold by the prophets, into which angels long to look, and the gathering of all things together in Christ. Join us as we open Scripture and consider the good news that saves us, sustains us and shapes our life together. Is the gospel truly at the centre of your life and your church?

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

"God’s Design for the Churches" Series

Episode 110 - 09/10/26

Led by Martin Rogers

What we believe shapes how we live-but how can we know whether our beliefs are sound? In this What the Bible Says study, we continue our “God’s Design for the Churches” series by exploring sound doctrine: what it means, why it matters, and how biblical teaching should shape both our individual lives and our life together as the body of Christ.

Beginning in Ephesians 4, we consider the calling to walk worthy of Christ, bear with one another in love, and grow towards spiritual maturity. Sound doctrine has practical consequences: it teaches us to serve, forgive, encourage, and speak the truth in love. As each member contributes to the building up of the church, our understanding of God’s truth should increasingly be reflected in our character and conduct.

At the foundation of sound doctrine stands the authority of Scripture. Looking at 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we explore why the whole Bible must shape our beliefs, correct our errors, and equip us for every good work. Rather than selecting only the passages that support our existing opinions, we are challenged to approach God’s Word with humility, allowing it to examine and change us.

We also consider what biblical doctrine reveals about God’s eternal nature, righteousness, holiness, and the way of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 10:9-10 direct us to salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than confidence in our own achievements. These truths give us a foundation for worship, obedience, and lives that honour the Lord who has redeemed us.

Turning to Titus 2 and the instructions given to the church, we explore how sound teaching is passed from one generation to another through faithful instruction and godly example. We also examine the serious responsibility of church leaders to care for the flock and teach the whole counsel of God. Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 reminds us that shepherding God’s people requires vigilance, courage, and faithfulness to the truth.

Scripture warns that false teaching can arise both outside and within the church. From Ephesians 4 to Galatians 1, we consider the danger of being carried along by every wind of doctrine, replacing God’s commands with human traditions, or accepting a distorted gospel. The Bereans in Acts 17:11 provide an example for every believer: receive teaching attentively and examine the Scriptures to see whether it is true.

This study encourages us to become diligent students of God’s Word, growing in discernment while remaining humble, teachable, and loving towards one another. With 2 Timothy 2:15 as our closing challenge, we are urged to handle the word of truth faithfully and put what we learn into practice. Join us as we explore how sound doctrine strengthens the church, guards the gospel, and helps us live more faithfully for Jesus Christ.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

"God’s Design for the Churches" Series

Episode 109 - 25/09/26

Led by Akin George

In this second study on preaching, we ask: who should preach, and how can the truth of God be proclaimed effectively? Building on the previous discussion, we are reminded that biblical preaching must remain centred upon Jesus Christ - who He is, what He has accomplished through His death and resurrection, and the salvation found in Him.

Paul’s charge to Timothy was clear: “Preach the word… in season and out of season” and “do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:1–5). Although God calls and equips particular people for recognised ministries within the church, every Christian has a responsibility to make Christ known wherever God has placed them.

Preaching is not confined to a pulpit or a Sunday service. Jesus commanded His disciples to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was at hand and to preach the gospel throughout the world (Matthew 10:5–7; Mark 16:15). A conversation at work, at school or with a neighbour may become an opportunity to declare what Christ has done.

Academic qualifications are valuable, but they cannot replace knowing Christ. Peter and John were recognised as ordinary, untrained men, yet their opponents could see that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). We may begin by simply sharing what we know, but we must not remain spiritually immature: believers are called to grow in Scripture, sound doctrine and discernment.

Ephesians 4:11-16 explains that Christ gives apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers to equip the saints for ministry and build up the whole body. These gifts are not given to create Christian celebrities, but to bring believers towards maturity, unity and stability in Christ. Every member has a part to play, and we should recognise, encourage and develop the gifts God has placed in one another.

The power of preaching does not rest in human eloquence, personality or clever arguments. Paul preached the gospel without depending upon “wisdom of words,” lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power (1 Corinthians 1:17). The preacher must speak with conviction and humility, trusting the Holy Spirit to apply God’s truth to the hearer’s heart.

Effective witness begins with genuine fellowship with God. Like John, we declare what we have seen, heard and experienced of the Word of Life (1 John 1:1-4), remembering that ministry is received through God’s mercy rather than earned by our ability. This study challenges us to know Christ more deeply, remain dependent upon Him and allow Him to speak and work through us for His glory.