The Canon
The English word ‘canon’ is derived from a Greek word meaning standard or measuring rod. The canon of scripture is the sixty-six books which are inspired by the Holy Spirit and present the truth of God. The canon is a short way of saying ‘all the books which belong in the Bible’. But how did […]
Is it really true?
It’s not uncommon to find, outside a railway station or a shopping centre, a well-presented stand offering literature. The titles immediately appeal to Christians: ‘Is the Bible true?’, ‘What will happen in the end times?’ However, it is important to make sure the answers are faithful to the Bible. Many such stands are peddling the […]
The Local Church
Christians are not to go solo. God expects every one of His children to be part of a local church where they can find help and support, grow and mature, get involved, and so live to bring glory to God and blessing to others. In doing this they will become more like the Lord Jesus […]
Career Choices – Introduction
As a young believer, there are, arguably, two choices that will have the greatest impact on your whole life as a Christian. The first is your choice of marriage partner and the other is your choice of career. An article in the Truth and Tidings magazine listed several questions that a Christian executive might face […]
The Grandeur That Was Rome
When I am reading a novel, I sometimes skip to the final chapter and scan it quickly to see how the story ends. Who will Hercule Poirot denounce as the murderer? Does Jane Eyre eventually marry Rochester? Can Alice escape from Wonderland? The last chapter generally brings things to a satisfactory conclusion, when loose threads […]
Twisting God’s Words
All quotations are taken from the NKJV The Chapter and Verse series is designed to help believers who are keen to study God’s word for themselves, by using the keys to interpretation which the Bible itself supplies. Articles discuss principles to apply, and pitfalls to avoid in the study of the scriptures. They will be […]
Editor’s Introduction
This issue’s set of articles maintain a focus on the word of God, how God brought the Bible to us, and a warning not to manipulate God’s word. Also in this issue of YPS we are concluding a few sets of articles. Jeremy Singer completes his studies on the book of Acts. This has been […]
The Holy Spirit and Christians
In this final study, we will look at the Holy Spirit and individual Christians. It was through Him that we learned we were sinners and needed to be saved. When the Holy Spirit spoke to us we felt our need as sinners, so we repented and believed. It was through Him that we were born […]
Transmission
All quotations are taken from the NKJV < We have considered the inspiration of scripture – how the Holy Spirit moved men to express with pen and ink the exact words God wanted them to write. Those first sheets of parchment on which they wrote are the original manuscripts. They were written in Hebrew (Old […]
The Love of Christ – No. 2
As I explained in the introduction to the first article, it is impossible to discuss a subject as vast as ‘The Love of Christ’ without writing a series of books, let alone a small article. What it may do, however, is fuel a desire that should be within all believers, to learn more of our […]
Sailing Through Storms
‘There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats’, says Ratty, one of the heroes of Wind in the Willows. The apostle Paul was similarly a frequent sailor, although his nautical adventures could hardly be described as ‘messing about’. Sailing was a major mode of transport […]
Light and Understanding
‘The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple’, Ps. 119. 130 NKJV. God wants us to understand His word. He has communicated to us simply and clearly, because He wants us to know Him, and He wants us to know how we should live. But how can we understand the […]
Editor’s Introduction
Living to please God is challenging no matter where you live. In some parts of the world, Christians are prevented from meeting together or from witnessing. In other areas opposition is rather more subtle – your biblical principles and way of thinking will be challenged by all of sorts of wrong beliefs and a godless […]
The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
In this third study, we will look at why and when the Holy Spirit came into the world. The promise of His coming. The Old Testament prophet Joel spoke about His coming, ‘and it shall come to pass … that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh’, Joel 2. 28. John the Baptist […]
Men’s Pens 2 Pet. 1. 20-21
‘No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit’, 2 Pet. 1. 20-21 NKJV. Previously we saw that the Bible is God’s complete, written revelation to us. It is ‘God-breathed’; God is […]
The Love of Christ – No. 1
It would be impossible to exhaust a subject as vast as ‘The Love of Christ’ by writing a series of books, let alone a small article. What this may do, however, is fuel a desire that should be within all believers, to learn more of our Saviour. It is precious to see how scripture provides […]
‘I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed’ – 2 Tim. 1. 12
‘Be not … ashamed of the testimony of our Lord’, 2 Tim. 1. 8. In verse 6 of chapter 1, Paul encourages Timothy to ‘stir up the gift of God’. This has the idea of a continual ‘rekindling’; just as a fire constantly needs feeding and maintaining, so does Timothy’s gift. As Timothy needed to […]
A VIP Encounter
Who is the most important person you have ever met? Perhaps it was a famous politician, a television celebrity, or a sports star? At Caesarea, the apostle Paul had an audience with King Agrippa and his princess sister, Bernice. Previously, Paul had encountered a Jewish high priest, and successive regional governors – but at this […]
Rightly Dividing – 2 Tim. 2. 15
‘Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth’, 2 Tim. 2. 15. Have you built your ark yet? It’s a direct command of scripture, you know! Genesis chapter 6 verse 14 couldn’t be clearer. In case you’re not sure how, […]
Editor’s Introduction
Welcome to Young Precious Seed (YPS). If this is the first time that you have come across YPS I hope that you find it worthwhile reading. Our aim is twofold – to encourage younger writers to write so that they can develop their gift and to present the truth of God in a way that […]
The Holy Spirit and Christ
In this second study, we will look at the Holy Spirit and Christ, the Son of God. The Holy Spirit and the birth of Christ In the Old Testament the Holy Spirit foretold the birth of Christ, the Son of God, through Isaiah, when he wrote, ‘Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, […]
The Breath of God – 2 Tim. 3. 16
‘All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness’, 2 Tim. 3. 16 What do we mean when we say that the Bible is the word of God? God has revealed Himself to people in different ways at different times. He has revealed […]
‘I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ’ – Rom. 1. 16
Today, I am…? Every day we hear statements that sum up what people are saying, doing or even feeling. A quick look at Facebook reveals so much information about other people, and, if we’re honest, most of it is of little value. But when we listen to some individuals, they can offer information that is […]
Paul the Prisoner
In the life of a believer, waiting time is never wasted time. God’s plans include all our pauses. Paul’s detention seemed to curtail his service for the Lord; instead, it was part of God’s scheme for him. Similarly, Joseph recognized that his imprisonment belonged to a divine plan, ‘God meant it for good’, Gen. 50. […]
Head, Heart, Hands, Neh. 8. 8
This is the first of a number of articles in a series called ‘Chapter & Verse’. It is essential that we read and study God’s word for ourselves. Knowing the chapter and verse to support what we believe is vital for every believer. This will bring great blessing. By God’s grace, I have benefited from […]
Editor’s Introduction
Hi, thanks for reading YPS. We hope that you will find this issue very helpful. We are just starting off a couple of new series of articles, which we hope you will find very interesting and informative. One of the writers cannot be identified due to the country where he works being very antagonistic towards […]
Who is the Holy Spirit?
This is the first of four short studies about the Holy Spirit. We will first look at who He is. The Holy Spirit is a divine person and a member of what the Bible calls the Godhead, Col. 2. 9. The Godhead is made up of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Although […]
Nevertheless at thy word
Luke 5. 1-11 Have we ever been asked to do something again, that we have only just completed? In this scenario the Lord had just taught the multitude from the boat and then He turns and asks Simon to launch out into the deep, let down the nets, for a draught of fish. Simon answered […]
When Soldiers Pray
‘Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints’, Eph. 6. 18 NKJV. Paul has made it clear that Satan and his great army of evil forces have declared war on every Christian, in every generation, in every part of […]
Trouble in Jerusalem
Montefiore,1 a modern Jewish author, describes Jerusalem as ‘the most illustrious of cities’. It was an impressive city in Paul’s day, but it was also a hotbed of religious fanaticism. In part, this was the reason for Paul’s difficulty. Commentators disagree over Paul’s motives and actions during this visit to Judea’s national capital. We will […]
Editor’s Introduction
If you read the last issue of YPS you would have noted that we had fewer articles than normal. Well, in this issue we are back on track with four very interesting articles. There is quite an emphasis on the use of your mind so I hope you find them helpful. We have a number […]
Mindfulness and the Bible
A recent article from Christian Concern stated that ‘mindfulness is gradually becoming a popular relaxation method for individuals, employers, health services, and now possibly schools’. They reported that Edward Timpson, Minister for Vulnerable Children and Families, told MPs that mandatory lessons in mindfulness should become a ‘normal part of the school day’. However, Christian Concern […]
Conformed or Transformed?
The volume of the white noise simulator was slowly raised in the college library until it was at its full capacity. Nobody stirred, heads were down, and no one noticed the steady increase of background noise. Suddenly everyone’s head came up wonderingly; had the volume got just a bit too loud? No, the volume had […]
Uniforms and Weapons
‘Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’, Eph. 6. 16–17 NKJV. There is a big difference between the clothes we wear […]
The Bible: Light for guidance
As a younger christian I, like many others, found myself with a great deal of major life decisions to make. I was keen to follow the will of God but felt at times that what God wanted me to do was unclear. I looked at how God spoke to people in the Old Testament, how […]
Editor’s Introduction
Welcome to the latest issue of YPS. In this issue we are addressing two main issues – ‘Dealing with doubts’ and ‘Using the word of God, the Bible, to guide you in life’. These issues are related and really important as we live our lives as believers. In addition to this, I have included a […]
