Partakers Christian Podcasts

Wednesday Wisdom Proverbs 26 Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file 1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool. 2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back. 4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, unless You also be like to him. 5 Answer a fool according to his folly, unless he be wise in his own conceit. 6 He that sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet, and drinks damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honour to a fool. 9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 10 The great God that formed all things both rewards the fool, and rewards transgressors. 11 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. 12 See You a man wise in his own conce

Old Testament Book of 1 Samuel Summarised in 1 Minute Key Verses 1 Samuel 13:14 - But now your kingdom shall not continue. Yahweh has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and Yahweh has appointed him to be prince over his people, because you have not kept that which Yahweh commanded you." 1 Samuel 15:22 - Samuel said, "Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. Summary The Book of 1 Samuel describes the transition of Israel to a monarchy from the judges. It tells the stories of Samuel, Saul and David.

Old Testament Book of Ruth Summarised in 1 Minute Key Verses Ruth 1:16-17 - Ruth said, "Don't entreat me to leave you, and to return from following after you, for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried. Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if anything but death part you and me." Summary The Book of Ruth is a story of love, devotion and redemption set in the dark era of the Judges. Tells the story of a pagan woman giving up everything to cling to the people and God of Israel. The book reveals her faithfulness when the nation of Israel was at its most faithless to God.

Old Testament Book of Judges Summarised in 1 Minute Key Verses Judges 2:20 - 21 - The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel; and he said, "Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not listened to my voice; I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died; Judges 21:25 - In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. Summary The Book of Judges tells of a disobedient and idolatrous people who are often defeated because of their rebellion against God. God raises up judges or saviours to restore the nation to pure worship, but after the death of each, the nation sinks back into rebellion and idolatry.

Old Testament Book of Joshua Summarised in 1 Minute Key Verses Joshua 1:8 - This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. Joshua 11:23 - So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that Yahweh spoke to Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. The land had rest from war. Summary The Book of Joshua Provides a link between the Law and the rest of Israel's history. Tells of an obedient people conquering the land that God has given them. Right mouse click or tap to save this Podcast as a MP3.

Old Testament Book of Deuteronomy Key Verses Deuteronomy 30:19 - 20 - I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your seed; to love Yahweh your God, to obey his voice, and to cling to him; for he is your life, and the length of your days; that you may dwell in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. Summary A series of farewell messages by Moses, the book of Deuteronomy addresses a new generation destined to possess the promised land; these people consist of those who survived the forty years of Israel's wilderness wandering. Right mouse click to save this Podcast as a MP3.

Old Testament Book of Numbers Key Verses Numbers 14:22 - 24 - because all those men who have seen my glory, and my signs, which I worked in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tempted me these ten times, and have not listened to my voice; surely they shall not see the land which I swore to their fathers, neither shall any of those who despised me see it: but my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully, him will I bring into the land into which he went; and his seed shall possess it.. Summary Numbers is the Book of Wanderings, as it comes from the numberings of the Israelites, at Mt. Sinai and at the plains of Moab. It goes on to describe Israel's experiences as they wander in the wilderness. Right mouse click or tap here to save this Podcast as a MP3.

Old Testament Book of Leviticus Key Verses Leviticus 17:11 - For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life. Leviticus 20:7-8 - "‘Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am Yahweh your God. You shall keep my statutes, and do them. I am Yahweh who sanctifies you. Summary The book of Leviticus is God's guidebook for the nation of Israel, showing them how to worship, serve and obey Him. Fellowship with Almighty God was through sacrifice and obedience, to reveal His holiness to other nations. Click or tap here to save this Podcast as a MP3.

Wednesday Wisdom Proverbs 25 1 These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied out. 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer. 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Put not forth yourself in the presence of the king, and stand not in the place of great men: 7 For better it is that it be said to you, Come up hither; than that You should be put lower in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen. 8 Go not forth hastily to strive, unless You know not what to do in the end thereof, when your neighbour has put you to shame. 9 Debate your cause with your neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another: 10 unless he that hears it put you to shame, and your infamy turn not a

Old Testament Book of Exodus Key Verses Exodus 6:6-7 - Therefore tell the children of Israel, ‘I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments: and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and you shall know that I am Yahweh your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. Summary This is the record of the nation of Israel's birth, moving from Egypt to the verge of entering the land promised by God. Right mouse click or tap here to save this Podcast as a MP3.

Old Testament Book of Genesis Key Verses Genesis 3:15 - I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will bruise your head, and you will bruise his heel Genesis 12:1-2 - Now Yahweh said to Abram, "I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing." The first 11 chapters tell of the beginning and spread of sin in the world. The second part of the book concentrates on God's dealing with Abraham, one man through whom God promises to bring salvation and blessing to the whole world. From Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to Joseph, God's promises begin to result in a great nation possessing the land. The Messiah is seen as the seed of the woman Right mouse click or tap here to save this Podcast as a MP3.

God pays a visit to Solomon! 2 Chronicles 7v11-22 Right mouse click to save this Podcast as a MP3. Introduction The remnant of Israel has returned from exile and the Chronicler is giving them an abridged version of history! The great king David has died, and his son, Solomon, is now on the throne. Solomon has had his first encounter with God and received the gift of wisdom! In Chapter 6, Solomon has prayed a great prayer to His God! Here, in our first reading, from the first 3 verses of chapter 7, we hear the Chronicler regaling one of the many great WOW moments of the Old Testament, when the glory of the Lord came down like fire and filled the temple to overflowing! The people fell down in worship of a great God, who was their God! This was followed by a great scene of abundantly joyful sacrificial worship to this God! In the passage before us tonight, v11 to v22, the temple is now complete. Solomon is now probably sleeping in his palace. It has been 13 years since he prayed that prayer in chapter 6! No

David's Final Prayer 1 Chronicles 29:10-20 Introduction Tonight, we delve into the book of 1 Chronicles and this great and perhaps last public prayer of the great King David! It is a fabulous piece of Scripture, I am sure you agree, that tells us a lot about God we as Christians claim to know and love, as well as how we are to respond to Him. Originally 1 & 2 Chronicles were one book. It was the final book of the Jewish Canon, probably written by Ezra and was also known as the "the events of the days", "the things omitted" which would suggest that Chronicles were to be regarded as additional to the books of Kings and Samuel. It's a book which was written for those from the nation of Israel who are now in exile, to remind them of their spiritual heritage - the journey & history of Israel as a nation. For us though, not least I, it issues certain challenges to us all. Here is the great king David! Now here to Chapter 29, we have King David in his final days before handing over the crown to his son, Sol

Church Leadership Session 12: What can God do with a leadership team that is totally committed to Him? Welcome to the final session in this series on Church Leadership. I trust they have all been a blessing to you and helpful as you continue on in your walk with God. I want to end on a positive note and look at what God can do when leadership teams are totally committed to Him and united in their service for the Boss – the Head of the Church. In the book, The Trellis and the Vine (Marshall and Payne (Matthias Media 2009) – ISBN: 978 1 921441 58 5), the writers compare the work of planting, watering, fertilising and tending the vine to that of Christian ministry. ‘The basic work’, they continue, ‘of any Christian ministry is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in the power of God’s Spirit, and to see people converted, changed and grow to maturity in that gospel’. However, they also acknowledge the essential need to tend and maintain some sort of framework to

Psalm 20 20:1 May Yahweh answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high, 20:2 send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion, 20:3 remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah. 20:4 May He grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your counsel. 20:5 We will triumph in your salvation. In the name of our God, we will set up our banners. May Yahweh grant all your requests. 20:6 Now I know that Yahweh saves his anointed. He will answer him from his holy heaven, with the saving strength of his right hand. 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust the name of Yahweh our God. 20:8 They are bowed down and fallen, but we rise up, and stand upright. 20:9 Save, Yahweh! Let the King answer us when we call!   Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file

Church Leadership Session 11: What happens when it all goes wrong? Welcome to session 11 – probably the most difficult of all to deal with. Sadly, there are, all too often, times when things go wrong in church and I want us to think about some of those today. This is never going to be a comprehensive treatise on these matters – but I hope it will be helpful to those leaders going through difficult times and for those in churches where leaders are causing problems.   There are two main areas that I want to consider – those where the leader has served to the best of his ability but things have not worked out or illness has been a part of the situation – and those where the leader has not acted in a way that befits their office and thus damaged their calling and brought the Name of Christ into disrepute.   I have taken some “case studies” that I have been involved with to illustrate some areas where things have not turned out well – either for the individ

Church Leadership Session 10: “What are the marks of a good leader?” Or “Is (s)he a leader worth following?” We look today at the marks of a good leader. Put another way, what leaders are worth following? In trying to answer this question, there is the danger of describing “Superman” or “Wonderwoman” – so I will hopefully keep to a few practical points that will help leaders to grow and those being led to follow wholeheartedly. And, as we have said in previous sessions, some leaders are gifted in certain ways and some in others – so, just because a leader is an exceptional teacher and preacher, (s)he may not excel in pastoral ministry or children’s work. Added to that, we are all fallible human beings and get things wrong from time to time – I’ll look at this in more detail next time. The first thing we need to emphasise is that those who lead in Church must be, to be effective, men and women of God. And what does that m

Church Leadership Session 9: “How do I know I am called to leadership?” Or: “Why would I want to be a leader?” Colin Buckland in his book Freedom to Lead says: “Calling, much like guidance, seems to be an elusive business. Most of us would wish that the writing was on the wall, but it isn't. We rely on a non-exact science, such as interpreting a Scripture passage, receiving the encouragement of others, hearing the inner voice and, for some, receiving a prophetic word.” If you are already in a leadership role in church, how was it for you? I know in my case I “fell into it” (as my wife describes it). My accounting skills were the driver for the other leaders of the church we were in at the time to ask me to become an Elder. I don’t think, at that time, I felt “called” – I felt more obliged to help them out! It seems to me, as I have talked to other leaders over the years, there is no simple “one size fits all” answer to this question. That doesn’t mean to say that God does not use our faltering

Church Leadership Session 8: What can we learn from Stephen – a member of the first team of deacons? Last time we looked at Timothy as an example of an effective church leader – today I want us to consider Stephen – one of the first cohort of deacons appointed in the early church. Please do read Acts 6 – and 7. We see from Acts 6 that there was a complaint (no surprises there, then – after all this was church!). Thankfully, this one led to a positive outcome – would it were so in every case? Stephen is one of seven chosen as “deacons” – or servants – but they too had to be full of the Holy Spirit. We don’t hear much more about the others (except Philip) – but they probably quietly got on with the job they were assigned to do. And there is a lesson for all of us in that – quietly serving God and His Church without becoming grumpy. As we read about Stephen – remember his role is as a deacon (a “waiter on tables

Church Leadership Session 7: “What can we learn from Timothy – a New Testament Church leader? Today I want to look at Timothy (whose name means “honouring God” or “precious to God”) and see what lessons we can learn from what we know about him and the counsel and support he received from his “father in the faith”, the Apostle Paul. Here are just a few high points about his life that we learn from the New Testament: Timothy was a teenager when he met Paul. His family lived in Lystra so he was a Galatian. His father was a Greek man; we know nothing of his faith. But Timothy’s mother and grandmother were faithful Jewish women who taught the Old Testament scriptures to their son/grandson (Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5). In Lystra, during Paul’s second missionary journey, he learned that Timothy had an exceptional reputation among the local Christians (Acts 16:1-2); Because he came from a mixed racial background, in which his mother was Jewish and his