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.

What Should Your “New Normal” Look Like?

Everyone is thinking about what life will look like after being in lockdown for so many months. It’s a rare opportunity to reset our lives and priorities. Here is a spiritual perspective on what your “new normal” ought to look like.

Discerning Truth in an Age of Distrust

There are many strongly held opinions swirling around that people are ready to accept with little enquiry. Theories about many things abound. There is good and bad teaching. We need to know how to weigh it all carefully so that we choose what is good and reject what is dangerous. Here is some wisdom in exercising the much needed grace of discernment.

How to Share The Faith With Your Child

Sharing our faith with our children involves more than we might think. It involves not just what we say but how we say it within the whole context of raising a child.

What to Do With the Worries of 2019

The Bible verse most engaged with 2019 has a lot to teach us in relation to our worries. But do we know how to get the most out of its spiritual wisdom and apply it to our lives?

How Are You Learning Christ?

What does it mean to learn Christ? Are we learning Christ in the right way? James Fergusson explains more about this spiritual priority.

Why Western Culture is Having an Existential Crisis

Existential crisis is the best word to describe the angst and confusion of contemporary culture. But why and how have we arrived at such a level of confusion and anxiety?

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.