James Fergusson

(1621-1667)

James Fergusson was minister of Kilwinning. He was the author of very highly regarded commentaries on Scripture. C H Spurgeon described them as those of “a grand, gracious, savoury divine”.

Fergusson had many fears concerning his own state at his death. Alexander Nisbet urged him to depend upon God’s promises. Fergusson began to say “Into thy hand I commit my spirit” and stopped without going further. Nisbet said, “Say on, brother!” “Oh, may I say, for thou hast redeemed me?”, Fergusson replied. “It’s a great matter for me to say it”.

A staunch presbyterian, he preached faithfully against government domination of the Church. He wrote in defence of presbyterian principles and the spiritual independence of the Church’s government from civil government.

Is There a False Religion in Your Home?

Covetousness rebranded itself. Consumerism has become a world view where choice and freedom are the absolutes. Some wisdom from James Fergusson exposes the idolatry.

The Irreconcilable Instincts of the Human Heart

Politics makes for a poor functional saviour. James Fergusson gets to the heart of the war on sin.

Recovering True Empathy in a Fractured World

Empathy seems to be in serious decline today. James Fergusson shows how the apostle Paul highlights the need for true empathy.

Why Face-to-Face Communication is a Biblical Priority

Technology has had a negative effect on both the quality and quantity of face-to-face communication. But it’s more than a social problem, because the Bible gives considerable emphasis to face-to-face communication.

Is the Desire to Sin, Sinful?

Can someone disclaim responsibility for their desires to sin? What if they don’t act on the desire? These are questions that are currently under intense debate. They need clear answers from the Bible.

Remember How Christ’s Ascension Keeps on Giving?

The Ascension of Christ has everything to do with the current status and needs of God’s people. Everything we need is secured by Christ being in heaven interceding for us. Explore this neglected subject with James Fergusson.

Keep Calm in An Age of Anger

It’s an age of anger. It’s easy to follow suit and give vent to our frustrations too. But how much of this is actually righteous anger? And how can we resist sinful anger? James Fergusson gives biblical counsel.

Making the Best Use of Time in the Worst of Times

Encouragement to make best use of the times in which we live for the maximum glory of God. It needs wisdom and discernment to identify what we are called to do and how we are to serve God not just with our lives but also in this particular time of our lives.

Thinking the Best Thoughts

What we focus our minds on matters a great deal not just physically, but spiritually and morally. Only what is true and right will lead to spiritual wellbeing. What sort of things should we think about?

Helping Your Child Not to Become an Atheist

“Do as I say, not as I do!” Not a good enough maxim for Christians parents, says James Fergusson.

Resisting Perfectionism in Striving for True Perfection

Perfectionism has no room for grace, only merit. Yet, in one sense perfection is a goal in the Christian life. Grace teaches us, however, that God is working with the imperfect to bring them to ultimate perfection in eternity

What Are Your Priorities for the New Year?

Priorities are significant because they identify what is really important to us. They rise above mere resolutions or wishful thinking. Paul tells us tells us that he had only one real priority and he was determined to pursue it.

Your Role in Preventing Ministry Failure

How ought we to pray for ministers? James Fergusson draws out a number of illuminating comments from some of Paul’s requests for prayers.

How to Bring Christians Back from Sin

Some avoid dealing with others in relation to their sins and faults; others are quick to respond with extreme severity. Neither of course, is biblical. How do we restore Christians with love, wisdom and humility?