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.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

"God’s Design for the Churches" Series

Episode 108 - 11/09/26

Led by Akin George

What does the Bible actually mean by “preaching”? Is it simply delivering a sermon from a pulpit, or is it something in which every Christian has a part to play?

In this first study on preaching, we explore Romans 10 and consider God’s chosen means of bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to those who have not yet believed: “How will they hear without a preacher?”

Drawing upon the ministries of John the Baptist, Jesus and the apostle Paul, we examine the difference between preaching and teaching - and why the Church needs both. Preaching declares God’s truth and calls for a response, while teaching helps believers understand that truth and live as disciples of Christ.

We also consider what makes Christian preaching distinctive. It is not the sharing of personal opinions or an attempt to entertain an audience; it is the faithful proclamation of God’s Word, centred upon Christ, His cross and the call to repentance and faith.

But is preaching only the responsibility of pastors and recognised ministers? This discussion challenges us to see that the gospel can be proclaimed publicly, in small groups and through personal conversations with neighbours, friends, relatives and colleagues.

Why has God chosen something that the world often regards as foolish? Because “the message of the cross” is the power of God to those who are being saved. The power does not lie in the personality or cleverness of the preacher, but in the gospel itself and in the work of the Holy Spirit.

Join us for this opening study in our new series, *God’s Design for the Churches*, as we ask whether we truly believe the gospel, whether our lives support what we proclaim, and whether love for God and our neighbour is compelling us to make Christ known.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 107 - 28/08/26

Led by Tim Clark

The Trinity is one of the central doctrines of the Christian faith - yet the word itself never appears in the Bible. So where does the doctrine come from, and does Scripture really teach that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

In this study we begin by looking at some of the alternative views that have appeared throughout Christian history, including Arianism, Unitarianism, Modalism, Binitarianism and Tritheism. Each handles the biblical evidence differently, and each raises important questions about who God really is.

We then turn to Scripture itself. The Bible is absolutely clear that there is only one God, yet it also speaks of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in ways that cannot simply be reduced to three different names for the same person.

Is Jesus truly God, or is He a created being? Is the Holy Spirit a divine person, or simply God's power at work? And were the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all present before the creation of the world?

Looking across both the Old and New Testaments, we explore the passages that describe the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as divine, eternal and distinct - while at the same time maintaining the Bible's uncompromising declaration that God is one.

Rather than trying to prove the doctrine from one isolated verse, the aim is to bring the whole testimony of Scripture together and ask which understanding best accounts for everything the Bible says about the nature of God.

Join us for this week's *What the Bible Says* as we examine the biblical evidence for the Trinity and consider why understanding who God has revealed Himself to be matters for our faith, our worship and our relationship with Him.

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 106 - 14/08/26

Led by Tim Clark

In this concluding part of our study on *Rebellion in the Wilderness* , we follow Israel through three more significant episodes that expose the danger of unbelief, disobedience and taking God’s provision for granted.

We begin with the twelve spies returning from Canaan. Although they had seen that the land was everything God had promised, fear overwhelmed faith. Ten spies saw enemies too powerful to defeat; Joshua and Caleb saw a God who was powerful enough to keep His word. Israel’s refusal to trust God ultimately cost that generation entrance into the Promised Land.

We then turn to *Moses at the rock* . After decades of faithfully leading a difficult and rebellious people, Moses allowed anger and frustration to shape his actions. Rather than speaking to the rock as God commanded, he struck it. What can this teach us about obedience, leadership, acting in our own strength, and the danger of assuming that what God used yesterday is necessarily what He is commanding us to do today?

The New Testament also gives the rock a remarkable significance: *“that Rock was Christ”* (1 Corinthians 10:4). We consider the connection between the rock struck in the wilderness, Christ crucified once for sin, and the living water that He gives.

Finally, we come to the **bronze serpent** in Numbers 21. Israel rebels once again, but this time something changes: the people recognise their sin. God provides a means of rescue, and centuries later Jesus Himself uses this event to explain His own death: *“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up”* (John 3:14).

These wilderness accounts are not simply ancient history. Paul tells us that *“these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition”* (1 Corinthians 10:11). Their unbelief, grumbling, self-will and idolatry remain warnings for believers today — and their need for God’s grace points us ultimately to Christ.

*Key Scriptures:* Numbers 13:25–33; Numbers 14:1–24, 39–45; Hebrews 3:16–19; Numbers 20:2–13; Numbers 27:12–14; Psalm 106:32–33; Exodus 17:5–6; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13; Numbers 21:4–9; John 3:14–16; 2 Kings 18:3–4.

#WhatTheBibleSays #BibleStudy #RebellionInTheWilderness #Numbers #Moses #Joshua #Caleb #BronzeSerpent #JesusChrist #ChristianTeaching #BibleTeaching

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 105 - 31/07/26

Led by Tim Clark

In this second part of *What the Bible Says About Rebellion in the Wilderness*, we continue through the book of Numbers and examine two serious challenges to the leadership God had established among His people.

We begin in *Numbers 12*, where Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses. What begins with criticism concerning Moses’ wife soon exposes a deeper problem: jealousy, comparison and pride. Their question — *“Has the LORD indeed spoken only through Moses?”* — reveals the danger of looking at another person’s calling and becoming dissatisfied with the place God has given us.

The passage also gives us a striking contrast. While Miriam and Aaron compare themselves with Moses, Scripture describes Moses as exceptionally humble. The discussion considers how envy can arise even among believers engaged in ministry, and why comparing ourselves with others rather than measuring ourselves before God can so quickly lead to pride and division.

We then turn to *Numbers 16* and the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram. Korah and his followers had already been set apart for significant service to God, yet they began to regard their own calling as a small thing and coveted the position given to Moses and Aaron. Their rebellion ultimately was not simply against human leaders, but against the God who had appointed them.

The study asks an important question for Christians today: *Do we recognise the privilege of whatever service God has given us, or do we become preoccupied with what He has given somebody else?* Christian ministry is not about position, recognition or personal advancement. We are servants and vessels, and whatever usefulness we have comes from what God places within us.

Finally, we consider the dramatic conclusion of Numbers 16. As judgment falls upon Israel, Aaron runs into the congregation with the censer and *“stood between the dead and the living; so the plague was stopped.”* This provides a powerful picture of mediation and atonement and points us ultimately toward Christ, the One who stands between sinful humanity and the judgment we deserve.

*Key passages:* Numbers 12:1–16; Numbers 16; 2 Corinthians 10:12–13; Philippians 2:14; James 3:14–17.

#WhatTheBibleSays #BibleStudy #BookOfNumbers #Rebellion #Korah #Moses #ChristianTeaching #BibleTeaching #JesusChrist #Gospel

What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 104 - 17/07/26

Led by Graeme McPherson

In this episode of What the Bible Says, we begin exploring Israel’s rebellions in the wilderness and ask what these events reveal about the human heart, the holiness of God, and our continuing need for grace. Israel had witnessed extraordinary acts of God, yet repeatedly struggled to trust His word and wait for His provision.

Beginning at the bitter waters of Marah in Exodus 15, the discussion considers how grumbling can reveal a lack of trust. God patiently provided for His people, turning the bitter water sweet, while beginning to teach Israel that life and blessing are found in listening to His voice and walking in obedience.

The study then turns to the golden calf in Exodus 32. When Moses appeared to delay, the people became impatient and created a manageable god of their own making. Aaron’s failure demonstrates the danger of leaders listening to the demands of the people rather than remaining faithful to the commands of God.

Moses’ intercession for Israel points forward to Jesus Christ, our greater and perfect Mediator. Moses pleaded for the people, but Christ gave His life for sinners and now intercedes for those who belong to Him. Our hope is not found in our own faithfulness, but in the completed work of Jesus.

Nadab and Abihu’s offering of unauthorised fire in Leviticus 10 reminds us that God must be approached as He has commanded. Worship is not merely singing, nor is sincerity enough. True worship must arise from reverence, obedience, truth and dependence upon the Holy Spirit rather than human invention.

These passages challenge both churches and individual believers to examine themselves. Are we patiently trusting God, or trying to make things happen in our own strength? Are our ministry, worship and witness directed by Scripture, or shaped by personal preference, popular opinion and seemingly good ideas?

The warning of Hebrews remains urgent: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Experiences alone will not keep us faithful; we must continue in God’s Word, encourage one another daily and approach the Father through Jesus Christ, serving Him acceptably with reverence and godly fear.

#BibleStudy #WhatTheBibleSays #IsraelInTheWilderness #Rebellion #GoldenCalf #NadabAndAbihu #Worship #HolinessOfGod #JesusChrist #BiblicalTeaching