Partakers Christian Podcasts

Partakers Bible Thought 30 May 2021 - A New Problem Arises

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).

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Partakers Bible Thought 29 May 2021 - Paul is sent

Partakers Bible Thought

29 May 2021

Paul Is Sent

10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
17 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.(Acts 9:10-22)

 

From the conversion of Paul, we go to the consequences of his conversion. The first consequence was that he changed his name: changed from Saul of Tarsus to Paul of Tarsus. Paul's conversion was seemingly a total transformation. His attitudes, character & relationships with God, fellow believers and the unbelieving world were utterly transformed. As we have seen, a changed life is the ultimate proof that conversion is real and the Holy Spirit is working.

Now that through Jesus and his cross, Paul had been put right with God, Paul, as with all believers, enjoyed direct access to the Father. The Spirit witnessed with his spirit that he was the Father's child (Romans 8:16). The mouth that had breathed murderous threats like a roaring lion against Jesus’ followers, was now breathing prayers & praises to God like a lamb. Paul's life was changed from self-righteousness to righteousness through Jesus. The evidence of this was a change in the way he lived his life.

Ananias went to meet Paul, after having been sent by God. Upon Ananias laying hands upon Paul and identifying with him (Acts 9:17), calling him brother, and ministering the love of Jesus to his former enemy, the Holy Spirit entered Paul (Acts 9:17), and Paul could see again (Acts 9:18).

Whenever he preached to the unbelieving Jews, they were confused. Paul however did not settle down in Damascus, and according to Galatians 1:17-18, spent 3 years in Arabia. Paul then returned to Damascus and while there, the Jewish leaders plotted to kill him. So he escaped with the help of the other believers back to the city of Jerusalem. Download or listen to the Podcast to discover more.

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Partakers Bible Thought 28 May 2021 - Conversion of Paul

Partakers Bible Thought

28 May 2021

Conversion of Paul

1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’
5 ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked.
‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. 6 ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’
7 The men travelling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.(Acts 9:1-9)

 

The conversion of Saul (his name was changed to Paul later) is one of the most notable in the history of the Church. Certainly within the Bible itself. Luke tells us the story three times. But was Paul's conversion special?

Many people say things like, "I have not had a Damascus Road experience like Paul did". There were, it is true, special events on that day, which make Paul's conversion unique. However are they in any sense so special that they constitute an example for us today? Let us look together at Paul’s conversion experience. Download or listen to the Podcast to discover more.

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Partakers Bible Thought 26 May 2021 - Evidence of the Holy Spirit's Work

Partakers Bible Thought

26 May 2021

Evidence for the work of the Holy Spirit

G’day and welcome to Partakers Podcasts! Yesterday, we finished with the question “What is the best evidence for the work of the Holy Spirit?” We concluded by saying it is where people’s lives were being transformed and becoming more like Jesus Christ.

Today we look together at an example of the evidence for the work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament Church. Tomorrow, we will start to go on to look at the New Testament church and the story of Stephen.

1 In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.’
5 This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7 So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:1-7)

 

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God, Internet Church and you

PulpTheology Book

God, Internet Church & You

Due to lockdown or quarantine due to the CoronaVirus / COVID-19 Pandemic, Church has moved to using the Internet for its services to the world.  In this little book we seek to answer why the Church is using the Internet, as well as exploring together ways in which we can respond.

Here are some of the questions we will explore together:

• What is Digital Space & the Internet?
• Why should the Church be on the Internet and how?
• Isn't Church on the Internet just a modern form of the ancient heresy of gnosticism?
• Is God able to interact there?
• For the Christian, what are some of the liabilities and virtues of the Internet?
• Could an internet based church be part of the historical church?
• What can a Church service on the Internet look like?
• How can this technology be used, so that you as a Christian, can use your talents and serve God on the Internet in the 21st century?

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Pulp Theology 10

PulpTheology Book

An Ambassador in God's Orchestra of Joy

An Ambassador is an official and accredited representative of their own sovereign state to another place or country. The Ambassador speaks not for themselves but represents the ideals, thoughts and actions of the one who sent them and with their authority.All Christians, as Disciples of Jesus Christ, are Ambassadors for Jesus Christ into the world in which we live.

Therefore throughout this book, we use both words, Ambassador and Disciple, in relation to the Christian. As Ambassadors for Jesus Christ, we are to be His representatives here on earth. We are His Church, which is an Orchestra of Joy.The Christian Ambassador has a joyous message to present to people about how people can be reconciled with God. A message to all people, of all nations, of all time, without favouritism or corruption.

As Christian Ambassadors, we are sent by our Lord Jesus Christ, into the world, in order to live our lives for Him and Him alone. Inside this book, we look at 6 main characteristics of the life of the Christian Ambassador:

1. The Ambassador's Identification // 2. The Ambassador's Message

3. The Ambassador’s New Life // 4. The Ambassador's Serving Life

5. The Ambassador’s Devotional Life // 6. The Ambassador's Uncompromising Life

The Disciple of Jesus Christ, the Christian, is God's Ambassador, as exhorted by the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:20-21:

20 We are therefore Christ’s Ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God. 21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

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Pulp Theology 20

PulpTheology Book

When Love Hits Town

 

Jesus Christ is the most important figure in human history. Almost everybody has an opinion about him. Inside this book, we explore the Gospels to discover who Jesus said that he was, who others said that he was and why it all matters to us today in the 21st century.

We then go on into the book of Acts, looking at the events following His departure. What, or rather, who gave the impetus for the early Church? What was the catalyst for the mission of the Church? A mission which began with the 12 disciples, spread throughout the known world and consequently down through history. We investigate how God used this small group of Jesus' followers, to cause the then known world to be changed so comprehensively?

The story continues until today. Jesus Christ, who was and is the Light of the World, has hit town. The lightning bolt of God’s love has come to the world in the person of history, we know as Jesus Christ. Let us explore the love of God together. A love exemplified and revealed in and through the life of Jesus Christ, and as evidenced in the early Church. Can you imagine what your town, your nation, this world would be like if Christians, in obedience to Jesus Christ, loved other people, as God loved people?

"When Love Hits Town" available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle with ISBN: 9781724867414

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Pulp Theology 01 - A Glimpse of God

PulpTheology Book

A Glimpse of God

The WOWFactor of Jesus Christ! It’s all there in black and white. To be agog is to be filled with excitement and expectation! Hence our title of this book exploring the man who splits history - Jesus Christ! Looking primarily at what the Bible says about him but also glimpsing briefly at the evidence from outside the Bible said about this most amazing of men! His birth we celebrate worldwide at Christmas and his death & resurrection we celebrate at Easter.

 

For many people today, as well as down through history, Jesus Christ is the most important figure in human history. Almost everybody has an opinion about him - whether positive, negative or indifferent. Come inside and let us explore together the primary documents about him, the Bible, who people say he was, what he did and the relevancy of Jesus Christ for you today! Suitable for those exploring Christianity as well as those who have been a Christian for a short while or for many years! come inside this book and find out more abuot this amazing God-man - Jesus Christ.

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Pulp Theology Book 06 - Helping the Forgotten Church

PulpTheology Book

Helping the Forgotten Church

 

Welcome to this little book, where together we will explore some details about who I call, the Forgotten Church. Not forgotten by God but generally by the Church itself.

Who are the forgotten Church? In every community, there are people who want to attend Church, be involved in a Church, and yet for what ever reason, they are unable to. The reasons may include the demands of work. debilitating illness, having to care for others or due to geographical isolation. This little book explores how we can help these people to enjoy and participate in an interactive Church worship service. All at a time and place which is convenient for them. After all, you may one day be in need of such help, if indeed you are not already.

This is what we will explore together in this book:

• Who are the Forgotten Church?
• Why help the Forgotten Church?
• Where can you help the Forgotten Church?
• What Can A Sample Church Service for the Forgotten Church look like?
• How Else can you help them use their gifts and talents?
• Some Guidelines

 

Whether you are somebody who is part of what I call the "forgotten Church" or you want to help somebody who is, there is something inside for you to either learn afresh or be reminded of. Come on in!

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You can purchase this book at Amazon on this link:

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Pulp Theology Book 03 - God, Internet Church and You

PulpTheology Book

God, Internet Church & You

Due to lockdown or quarantine due to the CoronaVirus / COVID-19 Pandemic, Church has moved to using the Internet for its services to the world.  In this little book we seek to answer why the Church should be using the Internet as well as exploring together ways in which we can respond.

Here are some of the questions we will explore together:

• What is Digital Space & the Internet?
• Why should the Church be on the Internet and how?
• Isn't Church on the Internet just a modern form of the ancient heresy of gnosticism?
• Is God able to interact there?
• For the Christian, what are some of the liabilities and virtues of the Internet?
• Could an internet based church be part of the historical church?
• What can a Church service on the Internet look like?
• How can this technology be used, so that you as a Christian, can use your talents and serve God on the Internet in the 21st century?

Click or Tap here to listen to or save this as an audio mp3 file

~

You can purchase this book at Amazon on this link:

Click or tap on the appropriate link below to subscribe, share or download our iPhone App!