G‘day! 🌟 Welcome to Partakers Christian Podcasts! Tune in for Bible Teaching, Bible Readings, Worship, Prayer, and Church History. Our mission on Podbean is to enable and encourage you on your faith journey. Come listen, interact, and be inspired!
Episodes
Friday Jun 11, 2021
Friday Jun 11, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
11 June 2021
When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? " (Luke 2:42-52)
Jesus is the ultimate wise man! As we read the Gospels, we see that when Jesus spoke words, people were amazed! They were astounded that He spoke with wisdom, elegance and yet with authority. They had never heard anyone speak like He did - with both grace and authority. The same is true today, if we are listening. That is why we read the Bible to find out what He would say to us. That is why we seek to hear Him speak to us and why we speak to Him. Jesus’ wisdom meaning I can ask Him for advice and seek His imagination to solve problems!
Come and listen to the podcast to find out more about the wisdom of Jesus and what that can mean for you.
Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file~
You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site!
Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Thursday Jun 10, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
10 June 2021
“ Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David, and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake." (Romans 1:1-5)
As I reflect upon Jesus Christ, as given to us throughout the Bible, and the effect he has had on my own life, I can ecstatically exclaim that Jesus is unique – totally, completely and utterly unique! Never before and never to be repeated again – ever! Jesus Christ is the standout person from all of history! In all of human history, Jesus Christ is incomparable!
Come and listen to the podcast to find out a little bit more of Jesus’ uniqueness and the effect that He can have upon you and your life.
Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file~
You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site!
Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!
Wednesday Jun 09, 2021
Wednesday Jun 09, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
9 June 2021
“As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
“Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”
Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him. " (Matthew 20:29-34)
As I reflect upon the life of Jesus as given to us through the Gospels, I see that in his interaction with people, he exhibits his innate loveliness. In this passage of Scripture from Matthew, we see how Jesus exhibited his loveliness to those two men, through an act of compassion and mercy! Obediently loving God by loving others! Jesus gave those two men great joy in receiving their sight and enabled them to overcome the rejection by the crowd! Those two men could testify that Jesus is altogether lovely and lovely altogether! Jesus is beyond compare for the things He has done and the things He will do - for you and I.
Listen to the podcast to hear more about the loveliness and joy of Jesus. Jesus’ loveliness means you and I can have His incomparable inner joy when we feel defeated, dejected and discouraged. Jesus oozes loveliness! I know that is what he does for me over and over again, praise be to his name!
Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file~
You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site!
Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
Tuesday Jun 08, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
8 June 2021
“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." (John 14:21)
Yesterday we looked at responding to God's love. Part of that response is that as a Christian, if you are one, you are to be a little Jesus! In your local communities, wherever you happen to live, work, study or be! you are to live a life of obedience, of and to, Jesus Christ! For you are being transformed by the Holy Spirit who lives inside you! you are to be totally and willingly obedient to Him!
This is an obedience borne from willingly loving God and loving others and not an obedience borne out of some kind of slavish duty or ritual. Imagine what the world would be like if all Christians were lovingly obedient like that! Listen to the podcast to hear more about the how, what, why and where of the Christian being obedient to the love of God.
Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file~
You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site!
Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
7 June 2021
"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." (1 John 4:15-16)
God's love in the Bible is seen as unfailing, everlasting, intimate, sacrificial, unbreakable, all-conquering, personal, great, immeasurable and all-knowing. This is seen supremely in the Cross of Jesus Christ, when He died for the sins of the world. Supreme love overcoming all that is not love. Even when great acts of evil are committed in the world, such as the slaughter of innocents, love is all around. Love continues despite such acts.
How are Christians to respond to this love of God? Listen to the podcast to hear more about the how, what, why and where of the Christian responding to the love of God.
Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file~
You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site!
Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!
Saturday Jun 05, 2021
Saturday Jun 05, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
5 June 2021
G'day! Yesterday, we looked at the Christian developing meekness. Today we look at an aspect of that.
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
Are not those amazing words? Not just anybody could say them. If the person who said them couldn’t actually fulfil that promise, that would be one of the biggest hoaxes in all of history. But Jesus Christ the man who said those words is no hoax and he is able to fulfil those words and live up to the promises he makes. He is totally trustworthy. To rely on Jesus and ask Him for help in all things is to walk by faith and with humility. True independence and freedom comes from being dependent on Jesus Christ and not being held back by anything or anyone else, such as family and our own wealth and possessions.
Listen to the podcast to hear more about this amazing aspect of Jesus Christ, being confident that He is able to help you in every situation you face.
Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file~
You can now purchase our Partakers books! Please do click or tap here to visit our Amazon site!
Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Wednesday Jun 02, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
2 June 2021
Paul's Final Journey Completed
In our previous podcast, we saw Paul imprisoned in Caesarea and while there, appealed directly to Caesar. Today we look at the events of his journey to Rome. Come and listen to find out what happens on this journey, involving snakes, shipwrecks and proclaiming salvation through Jesus Christ.
39 When daylight came, they did not recognise the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sand-bar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.
28:1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, ‘This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.’ 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.(Acts 27:39–28:6)
Click or tap here to download this podcast as a MP3 and discover more
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
1 June 2021
Paul's Final Journey Commences
In our previous podcast, we saw the Church going forward together in unity. Today, we jump ahead 10 years and the Gospel of Jesus Christ had spread throughout the Roman Empire. Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea. The Jewish leaders wanted Paul tried and executed, and Festus was willing to go along with that idea. Paul, as ever guided by the Holy Spirit, appealed directly to Caesar. Paul was a Roman citizen and any Roman citizen had that right. So after what we call the three missionary journeys, Paul is now on a final journey – to Rome. Come and listen to find out what happens next in the story of the Church.
19 ‘So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. 21 That is why some Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen – 23 that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.’
24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defence. ‘You are out of your mind, Paul!’ he shouted. ‘Your great learning is driving you insane.’
25 ‘I am not insane, most excellent Festus,’ Paul replied. ‘What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.’
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’
29 Paul replied, ‘Short time or long – I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.’
30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, ‘This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.’
32 Agrippa said to Festus, ‘This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.’ (Acts 26:19-32)
Click or tap here to download this podcast as a MP3 and discover more
Monday May 31, 2021
Monday May 31, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
31 May 2021
Forward in Unity
In our previous podcast, we saw together a new problem arising for the early Church and looking at how it was dealt with. Today, we see together James, delivering the final blow to that problem, with a direct appeal to what God had already said on the matter! What was is that God had spoken concerning it? Download and listen to the podcast to find out!
12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they finished, James spoke up.
‘Brothers,’ he said, ‘listen to me. 14 Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles. 15 The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
16 ‘“After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,
17 that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
even all the Gentiles who bear my name,
says the Lord, who does these things” – 18 things known from long ago.19 ‘It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. 20 Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. 21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.’
22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, men who were leaders among the believers. 23 With them they sent the following letter:
The apostles and elders, your brothers,
To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia:
24 We have heard that some went out from us without our authorisation and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. 25 So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul – 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing. 28 It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: 29 You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.
30 So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the believers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord. (Acts 15:12-35)
Click or tap here to download this podcast as a MP3 and discover more
Sunday May 30, 2021
Sunday May 30, 2021
Partakers Bible Thought
30 May 2021
A New Problem Arises
1 Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’ 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they travelled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the believers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.
5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, ‘The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to keep the law of Moses.’
6 The apostles and elders met to consider this question. 7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: ‘Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles should hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. 9 He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.’(Acts 15:1-11)
The very early church at the time of this event, does not seem to have had any very formal authority structure. Elders don’t appear until Acts 11:30; also the ‘deacons’ of Acts 6:2 were probably not carrying out anything except the specific function of ‘waiting on tables’ or administering the available charity. In Acts 12:17 Peter sends a message to James and the other brothers and sisters, not James and the elders; in Acts 13:1-3 the whole church seem to be acting together, not the leadership.
However they organised themselves discipline was exercised, in which members who had fallen into sin and remained unrepentant were excluded from the church. The church was never individualistic: that is to say, people did not suddenly decide to 'join' or 'leave' the church, as is too often the case in modern churches. The church was a corporate entity, in which pastoral oversight and spiritual authority were exercised by the leadership or somebody. They had a leadership raised up by the Lord and set apart according to a church policy mediated by the divinely inspired guidance of the apostles. This did not mean that there was neither controversy nor the threat of disunity.
From the beginning, problems arose which needed to be resolved with pastoral, spiritual and judicial authority. It is therefore no surprise to find early on in Church history, a question arising about the nature of membership in the church and to see the matter being dealt with through the collective leadership of the church, the apostles and elders, who met together in a deliberative assembly (Acts 15:6) but who also reported back to the whole church (Acts 15:4, 22).
Download or listen to the Podcast to discover more.
Click or tap here to download this podcast as a MP3