Author: a Servant of Christ

  • The Work of the Pastor is to Feed the Sheep

    Here follows the first chapter of the book “The Work of the Pastor” written by William Still. This chapter is also freely available on the Internet as an advertisement to buy the book. Well it is worth buying the book for the rest of the chapters (just google it). I ordered my copies through Christian…

  • The Surpassing Love of Christ

    Perhaps nothing is more surprising in all creation than the love of Christ to his people. Our familiarity with the many passages of Scripture which refer to it sometimes makes us insensitive to the amazing magnitude of it. Words are strangely double-edged things. The more frequently we read them the less power over us they…

  • Refuse to Look at Second Causes

    This extract from ‘The man Who Believed God’ – a biography by Marshall Broomhall of Hudson Taylor, the great missionary to China – offers great solace to those Christians who may find it hard to accept, without resentment, the trials and tribulations of life. The secret of his (Hudson Taylor’s) rest of heart, amid such…

  • A wicked rich man and a Godly poor man

    I place this exerpt from Mathew Henry’s commentary on the Bible here, as it is such a stern warning from God to us all.It is a commentary on Luke 16:19-31 – A wicked rich man and a godly poor man (The Rich man and Lazarus). As the parable of the prodigal son set before us…

  • God’s inexplicable dealings with His people

    – from the Letters of Samuel Rutherford ( 1600-1661) The godly Scottish preacher Rutherford was forbidden to preach and banished from his home church Anwoth to Aberdeen in Scotland in 1636 by his enemies. Although he did suffer from periods of depression and a feeling of uselessness during this time, above all it was what…

  • Alone with God

    The importance of a daily time alone with God By Martin Holdt Is there a Biblical basis for private devotions? Is it not enough to be fed with truth from a sound pulpit ministry? If there is public praying, does there need to be private praying?

  • He died for me – Part 1 (Atonement)

    Transcript of a sermon about atonement preached by Dr. Martin HoldtBased on: Isaiah 53; and 1 Peter chapter 3, verse 8 – 22. Well beloved, on this glorious theme of the cross of Christ, may God give me the grace to share with you something that will elevate your soul and move you to worship…

  • Substitute in My Place (He died for me – Part II)

    Give Me a Body (Substitute) (Part II of a transcript of a sermon about atonement by Dr. Martin Holdt) Heb 10:3-12 “ in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year.  For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. When Christ came into the world, he…

  • Christ’s Humility (The cross and all my life Part 1)

    A transcription of a sermon on humility preached by Rev. Martin Holdt. THE CROSS AND ALL MY LIFE Part 1Read Philippians 2: 5 – 11 Read part II of this series here: Part II A call to imitate the humility of Christ It happens to be one of the greatest Christological statements in the New…

  • Having the mind of Christ (The cross and all of life – Part II)

    “Have this mind among  yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus”-Phil 2:5 A transcription of a sermon on humility preached by Rev. Martin Holdt.Read Part 1 of this series here: PART I Read Philippians 2: 5 – 11 The Mind of Christ We read in Phil 2:4  “complete my joy by being of the same…

  • Ligon Duncan on Hope Holiness and Perseverence

    Did you pray for years for revival but it did not come, or preached your heart out with little fruit, or as a lay christian you see your church dying while you laboured and prayed for change that did not come. Well there is hope, Elijah had a similar experience. Although God revealed himself in…

  • True Preaching – by J.C. Ryle

    The instrumentality by which the spiritual reforms of the eighteenth century carried on their operations, was of the simplest description. It was neither more nor less than the old apostolic weapon of preaching. The sword which the apostle Paul wielded with such mighty effect, when he assaulted the strongholds of heathenism eighteen hundred years ago—was…

  • Jelly-Fish Christianity and Affection for the Flock

    Jelly-Fish Christianity and Affection for the Flock

    Quotes from JC Ryle Jelly-fish Christianity There is a jelly-fish Christianity in the land; that is a Christianity without bone or muscle or power…of which the leading principle is “no dogma, no distinct tenets, no positive doctrine”. We have hundreds of jelly-fish clergymen, who seem not to have a single bone in their body of…

  • The False Reality of Social Media

    “We live in a world of false realities. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest all offer an alternate view of who we are as individuals. We can tweet spiritual tweets and show off our immaculate houses or perfectly cooked food on Instagram. We can either judge or feel judged as we scan our Facebook timelines, and…

  • It’s winter in my soul

    Do you experience gloomy winter times when the presence of Jesus seems far off and His voice seems bitter ? Oh may Jesus lift up your soul and encourage you through this hymn/poem of John Newton.

  • Ministers who make it

    by the late Dr Martin Holdt It is required of a steward to be found faithful. Faithfulness is basic to the Christian ministry. Jesus Christ was absolutely faithful to the end. The apostle Paul was faithful throughout his ministry. All of God’s great servants were loyal and trustworthy throughout the period of their service in…

  • Introduction to The work of the pastor

    Sinclair Ferguson once said “Every pastor should read this book at least once a year” If you wonder why, then read what Thabiti Anyabwile have to say about his experience below. In this post I will post the introduction to this book written by William Still, and in the next post, the First chapter of…

  • Gay Marriage – what is it all about?

    Insights on this issue excerpt from a blogpost of David Murray http://headhearthand.org/blog/2015/06/08/gay-marriage-is-not-about-gay-marriage-2/ “Gay marriage is not primarily about gay marriage; it’s mainly about silencing gay consciences. Why is this state-sanctioned validation, empathy, acceptance, acknowledgment and approval so important to gay marriage campaigners? Why is it far more important than actually being allowed to marry?

  • The cross and the world – what is the Gospel?

    Author: Martin HoldtThis is the second part of the sermon, which is transcribed, delivered by Rev Martin Holdt, entitled, The cross and the world. What is the gospel? It is what God has done in Christ. It is called by the apostle Paul “justification”. Just so that you can understand where we are at, because…

  • The cross and the world

    Author: Dr Martin HoldtThis is the first part of a sermon transcribed, in the series, The Cross, by Dr Martin Holdt, entitled: The cross and the world.Galatians 6: 1 – 8 “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be…

  • Glorying in the cross of Jesus Christ – Part 1

    Author: Rev. Martin HoldtThese are transcriptions of sermons preached by Rev. Martin Holdt, a series on “The cross”. This is the Part 1 of the message, “Glorying in the cross of Jesus Christ.”Scripture reading: Galatians 6: 1 – 18Galatians 6 verse 14: Far be it from me, said the apostle Paul, to boast except in…

  • Good teaching on a Call to the Ministry

    If you are in Ministry of the Word of God or aspire to be, and want to be really blessed and helped by excellent teaching please follow the links below to a series by pastor Albert N Martin You will not regret it! A Call to the ministry 1 of 5 Six Wrong Reasons to…

  • The call to the ministry – The ultimate test

    By the late Rev. Martin Holdt The ministry is beyond doubt the highest and holiest calling in the world. It is hard and exacting. It calls for great sacrifice and is demanding to the extreme. Many men are willing to accept the challenge of such a work and many give up their well-earned security to…

  • Glorying in the cross of Jesus Christ – Part 2

    Author: Martin HoldtThis is a continuation of a series of sermons, transcribed, preached by Martin Holdt, “The Cross”. Read further, for part 2 of the message “Glorying in the cross of Jesus Christ”. There is nowhere else where you will so see the love of God as in the cross. No wonder Paul finds glory…

  • Makes you think: The effect of Television on homes

    “The Stranger”A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small Tennessee town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a…

  • Great Sermons of Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones

    One of the most gifted preachers of our times was Dr Mrtyn Lloyd-Jones. The following links are to some of this great series. The recordings was done in the fifties and sixties so the quality is not always so good yet can be followed and in most cases are well restored. Especially relevant is his…

  • Not corrupting the word

    by JC Ryle borrowed from: http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2006/03/word-from-late-bishop-of-liverpool.html J. C. Ryle’s book Warnings to the Churches contains a sermon preached in August of 1858, titled “Not Corrupting the Word.” The following excerpt from that sermon was published exactly ninety-nine years later, in the August 1957 issue of The Banner of Truth. That issue of the magazine is…

  • Parting Sermons of Dr Albert N Martin

      For over forty years, Pastor Albert N. Martin faithfully served the Lord and His people as an elder of Trinity Baptist Church of Montville, New Jersey. Due to increasing and persistent health problems, he stepped down as one of their pastors, and in June, 2008, Pastor Martin and his wife, Dorothy, relocated to Michigan,…

  • Gospel or Legal Mortification?

    by Rev. Ralph Erskine (1685 – 1752) Presbyterian pastor in the Church of Scotland “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”Romans 8:13 (KJV) There is a woeful tenderness that we have of ourselves that keeps us…

  • A Call to Prayer

    J.C. Ryle, 1878 “Men ought always to pray.” Luke 18:1 “I will that men pray everywhere.” 1 Timothy 2:1 I have a question to offer you. It is contained in three words, DO YOU PRAY? The question is one that none but you can answer. Whether you attend public worship or not — your minister knows.…

  • Foundations of faith No. 1 – Historical Christian Faith

    Historic Christian Faith Nico van der Walt Jude 1v3 It’s a very telling and interesting verse this. One has the impression that Judas was planning to write to them about, as the King James Version put it, “our common salvation”, i.e. about the wonders of their salvation, but then he went ahead and said: “I…

  • Test of Abraham (father of believers’) faith

    Nuggets from “Faith like Abraham”-series No_2 The test of Abraham’s faithSermon by Don Theobald.   Scripture reading: Gen 12v1-20 * What is the most precious commodity in all the world? Faith.  Without faith we’re lost.  It is crucial that faith is tried and tested.  Our faith is not perfect, the impurities must be taken out.  Our…

  • Reformed Pastor – Part 1- Take Heed of Yourself

    extracts from the work of Richard Baxter – The Reformed Pastor   CHAPTER I – THE OVERSIGHT OF OURSELVES SECTION 1 THE NATURE OF THIS OVERSIGHT Let us consider, What it is to take heed to ourselves. 1. See that the work of saving grace be thoroughly wrought in your own souls. Take heed to…

  • Brakel on Repentance and Faith

    An analysis of Brakel’s method  in calling sinners torepentance and faith Article by Jonathan Holdt  April 2011 Introduction Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the 19th century Baptist preacher said “Soul-winning is the chief business of the Christian minister, indeed, it should be the main pursuit of every true believer.”   [1] In 2 Timothy 4:5 the Apostle Paul…

  • Liberalism or Christianity

    by J. Gresham Machen An address delivered, in substance, in the Wayne Presbyterian Church, Wayne, Pennsylvania, November 3, 1921, before the Twenty-Eighth Annual Convention of the Ruling Elders’ Association of Chester Presbytery, on the subject, “The Present Attack against the Fundamentals of our Christian Faith, from the Point of View of Colleges and Seminaries.” Originally…

  • Emerging church and old liberalism

    by John MacArthur borrowed from: http://teampyro.blogspot.com/2006/03/been-there-done-that.htmlalso available from the new Shepherds’ Fellowship blog, Pulpit Live. John MacArthur now blogs there weekly along with several staff and lay pastors of Grace Community Church, Sun Valley, CA. The Shepherds’ Fellowship is a resource primarily designed to extend the benefits of Grace Church’s annual Shepherds’ Conference to pastors…

  • The Pelagian Captivity of the Church

    by: R. C. Sproul. (borrowed from an article that was once available on www.modernreformation.org). Shortly after the Reformation began, in the first few years after Martin Luther posted the Ninety-Five Theses on the church door at Wittenberg, he issued some short booklets on a variety of subjects. One of the most provocative was titled The…

  • Pelagianism and the modern church

    By Dr RC Sproul. The rivals of the early church Augustine and Pelagius began the debate over the depravity of man. “It is Augustine who gave us the Reformation.” So wrote B. B. Warfield in his assessment of the influence of Augustine on church history. It is not only that Luther was an Augustinian monk,…

  • What’s wrong with evangelism today – introduction

    This is an introduction to a book that has been very helpful. It is called: “Today’s Gospel authentic or synthetic?” by Walter J. Chantry. Available from good bookshops. WHAT’S WRONG WITH EVANGELISM TODAY? Truth and unity Evangelicals know that all is not well in their churches and missions. Behind the facade of glowing missionary reports…

  • Giving ground to the world is a bad missional strategy

    by Charles Spurgeon (The Following excerpt is taken from “The Broad Wall,” a Sermon of Charles Spurgeon first published in 1911, preached on some unspecified earlier date at least 20 years earlier at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London.)Satan will tell you that, if you bend a little; and come near to the ungodly, then they also…

  • Oorkom Depressie – Deel 1

    OORKOM DEPRESSIE Skrywer – Wyle Dr. MARTIN HOLDT Inleiding Dr. I.L. de Villiers, ‘n bekende Nederduits Gereformeerde predikant, het depressie “Die siekte van ons tyd” genoem. Dit is so en te oordeel aan heersende gemoedstoestande, die groeiende behoefte aan berading en sielkundige behandeling, en die toename in die selfmoordsyfer, het depressie byna ‘n epidemie geword.…

  • Oorkom Depressie Deel 2

    Depressie – deel 2 Skrywer: Wyle Ds Martin Holdt Korrekte denke Die apostel Paulus het besef hoe noodsaaklik korrekte denke was. Hy sê in Fillipense 4 vers 8 dat ons moet dink aan alles wat waar, edel, reg, rein, mooi en lofwaardig is. Hy dring daarop aan dat ons ons gedagtes daarop rig. Daarby bedoel…

  • Bewaak jou hart resensie (Bewaak Jou Hart – Deel 1)

    Onlangs het vriende van ons die boekie in ons hand geplaas wat ons geweldig aangespreek het . Dis ‘n juweel omdat dit so prakties is en dit handel oor ‘n saak waar ek dink meeste van ons Christene vasval. Die boekie is in Engels en uitgegee deur Focus Publications met die Titel “Keeping the Heart…

  • Stryd van Binne en Buite (Meer as oorwinnaars Deel 1A)

    Die eerste deel (deel 1A) van ‘n transkripsie van die eerste boodskap uit ‘n reeks getiteld “Meer as Oorwinnaars” deur Nico van der Walt.

  • Vlees of Ou Natuur (Meer as Oorwinnaars Deel 1B)

    Die tweede deel (deel 1B) van ‘n transkripsie van die eerste boodskap uit ‘n reeks getiteld “Meer as Oorwinnaars” deur Nico van der Walt.

  • Beklee jou met die Here Jesus Christus (Meer as oorwinnaars Deel 2A)

    Die eerste deel (deel 2A) van ‘n transkripsie van die tweede boodskap uit ‘n reeks getiteld “Meer as Oorwinnaars” deur Nico van der Walt.

  • Gebed (Deel 1)

    ‘n vertaling, verwerking en opsomming van ‘n skrywe van JC Ryle oor gebed “n mens moet gedurig bid” – Lukas 18:1“Ek wil dan hê dat die manne op elke plek moet bid” – 1 Timotheus 2:8

  • Gebed (Deel 2) – Raad vir die wat bid en wie nie bid nie.

    vertaal en verkort uit ‘n skrywe van JC Ryle (1816-1900) 1. Aan die wat nie bid nie Vriend is jy iemand wat glad nie bid nie ?. Indien wel dan moet ek jou ongelukkig waarsku met al die erns waartoe ek beskik. Jy is in ernstige gevaar. As jy in hierdie toestand sterwe is jy…

  • Moderne Fariseërs en Sadduseërs Deel 1

    Wat volg is hoofsaaklig my opsommende vry vertaling van ‘n hoofstuk uit die boek van J.C. Ryle “Churches Beware” met so hier en daar my eie byvoegings en voorbeelde uit ons eie land se situasie. JC Ryle skryf : Wanneer die hoof van die Kerk, die Opperherder praat dan moet ons regop sit en aandag…

  • Moderne Sadduseërs en Fariseërs Deel2

    In die vorige artikel het ons begin kyk na hierdie eeue oue verskynsel in die kerk van Jesus Christus na aanleiding van ‘n hoofstuk in die boek van JC Ryle “Churches Beware!” In hierdie artikel fokus ons op sekere voorsorg maatreels en teenmiddels  teen die suurdeeg van die Fariseërs en die Sadduseërs wat elkeen van…

  • Christen jou Vyand is nie ‘n Lam nie maar ‘n Leeu

    Thomas Brooks skryf in 1659 (vry vertaal uit “The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod” of “The silent Soul with Sovereign Antidates”) na aanleiding van 1 Petrus 5:8 Die duiwel is nie ‘n lam nie – maar ‘n leeu.Nie ‘n slapende leeu nie – maar ‘n brullende leeu. Nie ‘n stilstaande leeu nie – maar…

  • Waarom Geen Bekerings

    Waarom geen Bekerings verskyn in 1898  uit die pen van Andrew Murray. Dit is 38 jaar na die herlewing in die Kaap en teen die tyd was daar weer algemene vervlakking in die gesondheid van die Kerke. Hier is my baie kort opsomming van hierdie boekie met die bede dat die Here dit mag gebruik…

  • Die vrou se verantwoordelikheid in die huwelik – Deel 1

    Skrywer: Nico van der Walt Preek transkripsie:  Die vrou se antwoordelikheid in die huwelik. Deel 1.uit reeks: Man en vrou in die gemeente van die Here Lees Deel II hier: Deel II Skriflesing: Efesiërs 5v21-24 (Nuwe Vertaling) “Wees uit eerbied vir Christus aan mekaar onderdanig. Vrouens, wees aan julle mans onderdanig, net soos julle aan…

  • Die vrou se verantwoordelikheid in die huwelik – Deel 2

    Preek Transkripsie: die rol van die vrou in die huwelik Deel 2Uit Reeks: Die man en vrou in die gemeente van die Here.Prediker: Nico van der Waltsien hier vir Deel 1: DEEL I “Mans en vrouens is verskillend in hul gedrag, hul gerigtheid, hul samestelling, hul vermoëns, hul prioriteite, hul temperamente en hulle anatomieë. Die…

  • Die huwelik – die historiese Christelike geloofsiening

    Hier volg die vervolg van die transkripsie van die preek van Nico van der Walt, oor die beeld van God in die verhouding tussen man en vrou in die huwelik. Skrywer: Nico van der WaltKom ons kyk nou na God se beeld in ons geslagtelikheid. Ons weet almal baie goed dat die lewende God wat…

  • Die beeld van God in die huwelik tussen man en vrou – Deel 1

    Hier volg ‘n transkripsie van boodskappe van Nico van der Walt oor die huwelik en in hierdie artikel behandel hy inleidend die beeld van God in die man en vrou in die huwelik.Gen 1v 26 en 27 – Toe het God gesê: “Kom Ons maak die mens as ons verteenwoordiger, Ons beeld, sodat hy kan…

  • Die man se verantwoordelikheid in die huwelik – Deel 1

    Die man en vrou in die huwelik-reeks Nr. 2. Skrywer: Nico van der Walt Die man se verantwoordelikheid in die huwelik Deel 1 (Hierdie is transkripsies van preke deur Nico van der Walt)Teksverwysings: 1 Kor. 11: 3,7 (3)“Ek wil egter hê julle moet weet dat Christus die hoof is van elke man, en ‘n man…

  • Die man se verantwoordelikheid in die huwelik – Deel 2

    Skrywer: Nico van der WaltHier vervolg die transkripsie van die preek, gelewer deur Nico van der Walt, rakende “Die verantwoordelikheid van die man in die huwelik.” Deel 2. Kom ons praat bietjie oor die dade: Dit is interessant dat die apostel Paulus vir ons ‘n klompie riglyne gee as ons versigtig deur die teks lees.…

  • Mr Eternity – “Mnr Ewigheid”

    Hy het sy beperkte gawes voluit gebruik. Hy was getrou en volhardend daarin. Hy het die tyd uitgekoop. En hy het miljoene op sy manier ge-evangeliseer.

  • Karaktereienskappe van God

    DIE KARAKTEREIENSKAPPE VAN GODDie alwetendheid van God:Daar word ‘n fabel vertel van 6 blinde mans van Indië wat na ‘n paleis genooi was vir ‘n toer daardeur. In die agterplaas het daar ‘n olifant gestaan waaraan hulle kon gaan raak en dan moes elkeen sy kommentaar lewer:– Die eerste man raak aan die olifant se…

  • Is dit die moeite werd om God te dien? Deel1 – Bevraagteken God in plaas van self

    VERAGTERDE GELOOF BEVRAAGTEKEN GOD IN PLAAS VAN HOMSELF Hierdie reeks artikels is uittreksels uit radiopreke van oorlede Prof J.C.G. (Kolie) Kotze.  Ons hoop u vind dit insiggewend en geestelik verrykend.

  • Is dit die moeite werd om God te dien Deel2 – Onbeleefde Geloof

    Hierdie reeks artikels is uittreksels uit radiopreke van oorlede Prof J.C.G. (Kolie) Kotze. Ons hoop u vind dit insiggewend en geestelik verrykend. ONBELEEFDE GELOOF ONTWIKKEL GEMAKLIK IN AKTIEWE ONGELOOF

  • Is dit die moeite werd om God te dien Deel3

    Hierdie reeks artikels is uittreksels uit radiopreke van oorlede Prof J.C.G. (Kolie) Kotze. Ons hoop u vind dit insiggewend en geestelik verrykend. DIT IS DIE MOEITE WERD — MAAR DIT HANG VAN USELF AF

  • Is dit die moeite werd om God te dien Deel4 -Sinvol mens wees

    Hierdie reeks artikels is uittreksels uit radiopreke van oorlede Prof J.C.G. (Kolie) Kotze. Ons hoop u vind dit insiggewend en geestelik verrykend. DIT IS DIE MOEITE WERD — SO ALLEEN KAN ONS SINVOL MENS WEES

  • Geloofsfondamente No.01 – Historiese Christelike Geloof

    Die Historiese Christelike Geloof Nico van der Walt Judas 1v3 Dis ‘n baie sprekende en interessante vers hierdie. ‘n Mens het die indruk dat Judas van plan was om vir hulle te skryf oor, soos hy in die Ou Vertaling sê, ons gemeenskaplike saligheid, oor die wondere van hulle verlossing. Dan sê hy wel, ek…

  • Geloofsfondamente No.02 – Die Skrif alleen

    Sola Scriptura (Die Skrif alleen) ’n Reeks van preke wat Nico van der Walt gelewer het. Terugblik Ons het gepraat oor die absolutes in ons geloof; dat daar deur die eeue sekere vaste bakens was, sekere vaste hoekpenne, wat universeel en tydloos geldig is. Dit is natuurlik ‘n stelling wat nie baie gewild is in…

  • Geloofsfondamente No.03 – Genade Alleen

    Sola Gratia (Genade alleen) Nico van der Walt Ons gaan veral kyk na die gelykenis van die Skrifgeleerde, die Fariseer en die Tollenaar. Ek gaan net eers inleidend ‘n paar dinge sê voordat ons daarby uitkom. Een van die wekroepe van die Reformasie was natuurlik “Sola Gratia”- genade alleen. Laas keer het ons gekyk na…

  • Geloofsfondamente No.04 – Christus Alleen

    Solus Christus (Christus Alleen) Nico van der Walt Ons praat oor Solus Christus. Christus Alleen. Dis ‘n heerlike onderwerp. Hierdie solo dring daarop aan dat die soenverdienste van Jesus Christus alleen genoegsaam is vir redding. Die reformatore het dit herontdek nadat die kerk deur ‘n duisend jaar van duisternis oor hierdie saak gekom het na…

  • Geloofsfondamente No.05 – Geloof Alleen

    Sola Fide (Geloof alleen) Prediker Nico van der Walt Lees Openbaring hoofstuk 12 vers 9: “Want die groot draak, die slang van ouds wat die duiwel en die satan genoem word en wat die hele wêreld verlei, is uit die hemel uitgegooi. Hy is op die aarde gegooi en sy engele saam met hom. En…