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.
We Must Not Miss Opportunities to Do Good
It is easy to be discouraged from our duty and to pretend our opportunities to do good are not actually opportunities. Here are the motives and encouragements we need.
The Subtle Snare of Fearing Others
It may be the desire for approval or reputation. Whatever our motives the fear of others can so control us that we fail to do what we know is right.
How to Avoid Being Catechised by the World
Surrounded by many alluring and persuasive messages, we are being catechised by the world – possibly without being aware of it. How do we best resist it?
Avoiding a Minister’s Greatest Temptation
Whoever we are it’s easy for us to contribute to a minister’s greatest temptation. It’s also a real temptation for all of us. We need to know how to avoid it.
Battle Discouragement by Encouraging Others
Heavy-hearted discouragement is real. It is a constant temptation. Yet, if we seek out reasons and opportunities to encourage others it is bound to help encourage ourselves.
Can Evangelicals Save Marriage?
It’s not just our view of marriage that needs to be changed if we are going to preserve it. We need to change personally. This change applies to us all (married or unmarried).
It is Possible to Give Thanks in All Circumstances
It can be hard to maintain a thankful spirit in the midst of discouragements and difficulties. Yet we are not only called to this but given what we need to help us.
How Should Christians Respond to a Hostile Culture?
How do we respond to a culture hostile to Christian values? How can we still be salt and light in our everyday lives? What hope can encourage us in such times?
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.
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