This blog contains all the Sermons and Bible Studies at North Springfield Baptist Church since 2010.
You can also read my occasional reflections on Theology, Ministy and Mission at www.pbthomas.com/thoughts
I have written separately on outreach and evangelism at www.takingeveryopportunity.org
BOOKS
I have published four books.
Continue in what you have learned and believed
Published by the College of Baptist Ministers 2023
ISBN 978-1-9165035-9-5
In one of his last letters, the apostle Paul wrote to his apprentice, Timothy, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim 1:13). He repeated that exhortation. “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim 2:2). As I reach retirement from pastoral ministry, I have been reflecting. Which of “the things you have heard me say” would I most hope the churches I have served might remember and wish to pass on?
Through the years, I hope my ministry has made it easier rather than harder for other people to follow Jesus. Within that, here are ten vital truths which have shaped and characterised all my preaching and teaching, beginning with the most important.
1 God loves you!
2 Eternal life is our relationship with God
3 Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God
4 The work of the Holy Spirit is essential
5 The Bible remains central to Christian life and faith
6 Effective outreach to today’s world is vital
7 Being a disciple is very important
8 Church is not an optional extra for Christians
9 Science and Christian faith – not either/or but both/and
10 The church still needs ministers
These principles have always been important to me, and this compilation of sermons and articles explores them in turn. Paul also urged Timothy, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it” (2 Tim 3:14 in the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021). That is my hope and my prayer for myself, for my friends and for my churches: keep on going.
I have put these important messages together in my new book, “Continue in what you have learned and believed”, published by the College of Baptist Ministers. If you would like an free electronic copy, or to buy a print edition, do get in touch!
Prepared To Give An Answer
Christians want to share their faith with their friends but many are scared that they won’t know what to say.
By preparing ourselves to give an answer, every Christian can be more confident, wise, bold and effective in talking about Jesus.
For more details of Prepared To Give An Answer click here.
Order your copy from the publisher
http://www.fast-print.net/bookshop/1942/prepared-to-give-an-answer
Making Disciples One-to-One – Courses for Christian Growth
“Spiritual friendships” “Soul friends” “Prayer buddies” “Spiritual direction” “Spiritual formation” “Mentoring”
Practical courses to help us all grow as Christians
For more details of Making Disciples One-to-One click here
Making Disciples One-to-One is now out of print but you can still order a copy from me.
Email: peter@pbthomas.com
The Whole Story – Reading the Entire New Testament in Three Months
A daily reading plan, introductions and questions for individuals and small groups.
For more details of The Whole Story click here.
