Sword & Trowel

About Sword & Trowel

Founded by C. H. Spurgeon in 1865 and revived in 1980 by Dr Peter Masters, Sword & Trowel continues its ministry in digital format. This podcast features Reformed articles and ministry on vital topics, with selected articles and sermons from Dr Peter Masters and other preachers and writers released weekly, seeking to equip believers and proclaim biblical truth. Described by Spurgeon as 'A record of combat with sin and labour for the Lord'. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London.

Publisher

Metropolitan Tabernacle

Category

religion & spirituality · religion & spirituality · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episode

10 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   10 Nov 2026

   Seniors in Pilgrim’s Progress — Dr John Gilmore

   Seniors in Pilgrim’s Progress Dr John Gilmore John Bunyan’s older characters are active participants in the Christian life. Dr John Gilmore considers the ten seniors in Pilgrim’s Progress, from Christiana and Old Honest to Old Atheist and Madam Bubble. Here is encouragement to lasting usefulness and spiritual discernment, alongside a warning that age alone does not bring spiritual maturity. Read the article on the Metropolitan Tabernacle website (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/articles/older-christians-in-the-church/) Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

2. 

   5 Nov 2026

   The Legacy of the Patriarchs — Dr Peter Masters

   The Legacy of the Patriarchs Dr Peter Masters — Genesis 50:1 What is the conclusion of the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph? In this study of Genesis 50, Dr Masters presents the patriarchs’ greatest legacy—promises of the Saviour, God’s plan of salvation, and an eternal home for all those who rest in his promises and trust in his provision. Both Jacob and Joseph, in their old age, directed their descendants to look beyond their present, earthly circumstances to what God had pledged to accomplish. So must we look beyond earthly accomplishments to spiritual and eternal triumphs, all achieved by God through the redeeming work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Listen on the Metropolitan Tabernacle website (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/sermons-online/the-legacy-of-the-patriarchs/) Watch the sermon on YouTube (https://youtube.com/live/88FWidka34o) Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

3. 

   3 Nov 2026

   Mastering the Thought Life — Dr Peter Masters

   Mastering the Thought Life Dr Peter Masters Our thoughts shape our character and conduct. How can we resist sinful desires, put away bitterness, guard the mind and set our affections on things above? Here is much helpful pastoral counsel. An article adapted from a Bible study preached at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, on 16 September 2026, based on 2 Corinthians 10.5. Read the article on the Metropolitan Tabernacle website (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/articles/how-to-control-your-thoughts/) Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

4. 

   30 Oct 2026

   Beginning a Spiritual Journey — Dr Peter Masters

   Beginning a Spiritual Journey Dr Peter Masters Isaiah’s metaphor of a raised highway in the wilderness points to Jesus Christ as the only way to God, standing above the distractions and temptations of the world. This highway is called the way of holiness. No one can enter it without being cleansed from sin and receiving new life through Christ. Those who do enter are described as redeemed and ransomed, released from captivity to sin because Christ has paid the price of their salvation. Those who sincerely seek new life and salvation must trust in Christ alone rather than waiting for some extraordinary experience. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

5. 

   27 Oct 2026

   Who Are the Real Heirs to the Land Promises of the Old Testament? by Dr Robert Reymond

   Who are the Real Heirs to the Land Promises of the Old Testament? By Dr Robert Reymond Dr Robert Reymond, former dean and professor at Knox Theological Seminary, Florida, and author of the acclaimed work A New Systematic Theology, explains the spiritual purpose of the land promises first made to Abraham: “I will begin by stating that a gigantic effort is underway today to convince the evangelical citizenry of the United States of America that the political state of Israel rightfully owns in perpetuity the so-called ‘Holy Land’ at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea by virtue of God’s bequeathing it to Abraham and his descendants in the Old Testament. “This effort is being made not so much today by the secular leadership of the state of Israel as by self-acclaimed Christian scholars who claim to speak for over seventy million evangelical Christians, but who ought to know better.” Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

6. 

   23 Oct 2026

   Only Christ Can Help Us — Dr Peter Masters

   Only Christ Can Help Us Peter Masters Drawing on the closing verses of Romans 1, Dr Masters examines the apostle Paul's catalogue of human sins, showing both the depth of human corruption and the extent and absolute necessity of Christ's saving work. For believers it also provides three powerful reasons for thanksgiving: Christ has borne the punishment of these sins, conversion has broken their dominion, and God's grace enables Christians increasingly to replace them with their opposite virtues. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

7. 

   20 Oct 2026

   The Believer’s Vow — Dr Peter Masters

   The Believer’s Vow Dr Peter Masters The most powerful undertaking a person can make is a vow. It is a very little word, but it signifies a total yielding of mind and body to honouring a binding commitment. Small as it is, a bullet is more lethal than a blow; so is a vow more decisive and compelling than a promise. Jacob, as a young man, made a vow that determined the course of his life and established his place in sacred history. From his vow comes a wealth of understanding for us today, and a great challenge, because the Christian life is based on such a vow. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

8. 

   17 Oct 2026

   Five Sad Outcomes in the Christian Life — Dr Peter Masters

   Five Sad Outcomes in the Christian Life Dr Peter Masters Five spiritual dangers can quietly undermine the Christian life: carelessness, self-confidence, coldness, complacency and disorder. Dr Peter Masters examines how each can lead believers away from wholehearted devotion to Christ, and urges vigilance, spiritual discipline and renewed commitment to the Lord. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

9. 

   16 Oct 2026

   Apologetics and the Gospel (Part 2) — Dr John Whitcomb

   Apologetics and the Gospel (Part 2) Dr John Whitcomb What place should Christian evidences have in evangelism? Dr John Whitcomb examines Paul’s preaching at Athens, the limits of sign-miracles and the rich man’s appeal in Luke 16. He explains how evidence, friendship and love can attract attention, while the Gospel and the Holy Spirit’s work through God’s Word alone bring conviction and conversion. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/) Read or listen on the Metropolitan Tabernacle website (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/articles/apologetics-and-the-gospel-part-2/)

10. 

    16 Oct 2026

    Apologetics and the Gospel (Part 1) — Dr John Whitcomb

    Apologetics and the Gospel (Part 1) Dr John Whitcomb How much do we need scientific evidence and intellectual arguments in Gospel witness? Drawing on his own conversion and early evangelistic experience, Dr John Whitcomb examines man’s fallen nature, Satan’s opposition and the power of God’s Word. He urges Christians to rely on Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit, presenting the Gospel lovingly, patiently and prayerfully. Dr John C Whitcomb was an influential American theologian, Old Testament scholar and co-author of The Genesis Flood. His lifelong interest in Christian apologetics began as a newly converted student at Princeton, when his attempts to overcome a friend’s objections to the Bible ended in polite rejection. How should Christians respond when unbelievers challenge the faith? Do we need scientific evidence, philosophical arguments and intellectual expertise before we can present the Gospel convincingly? Whitcomb argues that unbelief is fundamentally moral and spiritual, not merely intellectual. While evidence has its proper place, only God’s Word, applied by the Holy Spirit, can penetrate the human heart. This searching article challenges us to examine where our confidence lies—and shows why the most effective Christian witness is one who knows Scripture, lives it, and prayerfully proclaims it. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/) Read or listen on the Metropolitan Tabernacle website (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/articles/apologetics-and-the-gospel/)

11. 

    13 Oct 2026

    Mastering the Thought Life — A sermon by Dr Peter Masters on 2 Corinthians 10.5

    Mastering the Thought Life Dr Peter Masters — 2 Corinthians 10.5 How can Christians bring every thought into obedience to Christ? Dr Peter Masters explores 2 Corinthians 10.5 and related Scriptures, showing how to guard the mind, resist temptation and bitterness, and find peace by trusting in God. Practical biblical guidance for a holy thought life. A Bible study from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London, preached on 16 September 2026. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/) Read or listen on the Metropolitan Tabernacle website (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/sermons-online/mastering-the-thought-life/)

12. 

    9 Oct 2026

    Where Are The Preachers? — Dr Peter Masters — 1 Timothy 3.1

    Where Are The Preachers? Dr Peter Masters — 1 Timothy 3.1 One of Paul’s five utterly trustworthy sayings is the excellency of a longing to be a preacher of the Gospel. Here is the office of ‘over-watcher’ or elder, and we look particularly at the elder who labours in the Word, also called a pastor. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

13. 

    5 Oct 2026

    Joshua’s Sixteen Resolutions — Dr Peter Masters — Joshua 23.1-2

    Joshua’s Sixteen Resolutions Dr Peter Masters — Joshua 23.1-2 Around 1375 BC, Joshua proclaimed his ‘farewell’ address to all the elders and heads of the families of Israel. Speaking by inspiration, the aged leader gave the people sixteen heart-searching resolutions that stand to this day as monitors of the spiritual life. Although given in the form of exhortations, they are clearly intended to be embraced as personal resolutions or pledges by those who love and serve the Lord. Down the centuries famous preachers have produced pledges like the seventy famous resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, but here is the inspired forerunner of them all. Here are Joshua’s seven don’ts and nine do’s for the believer’s life. Sword & Trowel is an official podcast from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London. Listen to our other podcasts: The Word in Your Ear Sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/word-in-your-ear/) Waters from Cherith Daily Devotions from Joseph Hall, Charles Spurgeon and Other Christian Writers https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/ (https://feeds.captivate.fm/waters-from-cherith/) For an extensive collection of sermons, articles and other materials, visit: https://metropolitantabernacle.org/ (https://metropolitantabernacle.org/)

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