Alan Stibbs

Coping with the demands of life (Philippians 4:4-20)

October 10, 2018September 30, 2018 by Alan Stibbs

In the Revised Version part of verse 12 of Philippians 4 reads: “In everything and in all things have I learned the secret”. The Greek verb here used means “to initiate into the mysteries” and Paul here uses it both in the passive voice…

Christian Living Doctrine The Vault

Marriage: its place and pattern (Ephesians 5:31)

October 3, 2018October 2, 2018 by Alan Stibbs

“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh” (Ephesians 5:31, R.V.) (See also Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:45; Mark 10:7-8.) These words refer, of course, to the action…

Doctrine The Vault

Men’s world and God’s word (Matthew 24:35-44)

September 26, 2018September 10, 2018 by Alan Stibbs

This passage of our Lord’s own teaching challenges us, if we will heed it, to recognize the unique character, the supreme worth and the abiding practical value of the word of God. Reference to it is here put in the advent and eschatological context,…

Christian Living The Vault

Learning to delight in physical limitations (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

September 19, 2018September 18, 2018 by Alan Stibbs

The persistent pressure of a physical ailment. In a passage of intimate personal biography Paul reveals that he was troubled by a physical affliction. He calls it “a thorn in the flesh”—language which suggests that it was something very…

Church History Doctrine Ministry The Vault

Evangelical protest: Its cause and content (Galatians 2:11-21)

September 12, 2018September 2, 2018 by Alan Stibbs

Those who know the truth of the gospel may find themselves compelled within the professing Church to become outspoken ‘protestants’, and to give their positive witness to the gospel in order to counter practical abandonment of its truth,…

Christian Living Doctrine The Vault

The healing way (Exodus 15:23-26)

September 5, 2018September 2, 2018 by Alan Stibbs

Trials of the Christian pilgrimage “When they came to Marah they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter” (Exodus 15:23). This happened to God’s people, after their redemption from Egypt, when he was leading them.…

Church History Doctrine Ministry The Vault

The Church and the Bible (Part 2)

August 29, 2018August 9, 2018 by Alan Stibbs

In the August 1959 issue of The Expository Times, Dr C.K. Barrett refers to what he calls “the erroneous assumption which underlies much ecumenical conversation, that reunion will come by a sharing of treasures”. His significant comment…