Partakers Christian Podcasts

Jesus - A Glimpse Of God Part 13

13. Jesus Teaching the Needy!

 

We are on Day 13 of our adventure through the Gospels, looking together at the life of the most amazing person in human history - Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

John 4:1-26 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee. Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

Jesus was travelling via Samaria as it was the shortest route back to Galilee. It was hot. Jesus was thirsty and wanted a drink. His disciples had gone into town to get food. So he asks a Samaritan woman to fetch him some water from the well. That he asked a Samaritan would have been bad enough, but to also talk to a woman!

The woman: We don’t know the name of this woman. But by looking at this conversation between Jesus and her, we discover several things about her. That she was a Samaritan. There was equal animosity between Jews and Samaritans. The Samaritans were a mixed race people of both Jewish and Assyrian descent from the time of the division of Israel into two parts and the annexation of the Northern kingdom by Assyria. As she was fetching water at the hottest part of the day, she was probably an outcast! This was probably due to her sexual immorality having had 5 husbands and currently in a 6th relationship.

Jesus: Jesus here reveals his genuine humanity. He was tired, drained, hot, thirsty and hungry – normal human feelings and reactions. It also shows that Jesus contravened tradition in that he spoke to a woman who was a Samaritan and a sinner. By asking for a drink of water; he was putting himself in this woman’s debt and showing his humility. It also reveals his divine nature! He knew the woman’s life of sinfulness (John 4:17) and again, when he offered her the water of eternal life (John 4:14) and he was able to spiritually satisfy her (John 4:14)! Jesus, loved the woman, an outcast from her community, and gave her the most revealing and explicit statement we have in the Gospels as to who He really was (John 4:26).

In showing love for the woman, he transcended cultural barriers. Ordinary Jewish men would never ask a woman for a drink, let alone a Samaritan woman! But Jesus is no ordinary man. The Gospel accounts show Jesus’ love is for all people: rich, poor, learned, unlearned, male, female, wanted and unwanted! This encounter between Jesus and the woman shows us that Jesus’ offer of salvation is for all people, and not just the Jews. The woman, did however, misunderstand one thing - the living water Jesus offered as she probably thought he meant running water or water from a river! But the living water Jesus offered was spiritual water to cleanse her from sin and give eternal life. Elsewhere in the Old Testament, God is described as “a fountain of living water” (Jeremiah 2:13; Jeremiah 17:13).

When the disciples returned, the woman left her water jar and went back to the town to tell other people about Jesus (John 4:29-30). We read of the many people coming to faith because of the Samaritan woman’s story (John 4:39-42) knowing Jesus as the saviour of the world (John 4:42). Again, I ask, who do you say this Jesus is? But further, what are you going to do with this Jesus and let Him do to you?

Come back tomorrow for Day 14, as we continue to look together at that extraordinary man, Jesus Christ, through the Gospel accounts! We will see together, Jesus rescuing and teaching somebody who is contrite of heart - unlike her accusers! See you soon!

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Jesus - A Glimpse Of God Part 12

Jesus Teaches the teacher!

 

Welcome back to our series, AGOG – A Glimpse of God. We are on Day 12 of our adventure, looking together at the life of the most amazing person in human history - Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

John 3:1-15 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. ” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” “How can this be?” Nicodemus asked. “You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? Very truly I tell you, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

News about Jesus and the work he is doing is spreading quickly. One night, Nicodemus approaches Jesus to talk to him. He has heard about the miracles Jesus has been doing. Nicodemus is a leading teacher scholar from the Jewish ruling council. He wants to know more about Jesus and investigate him personally.

Like many people, Nicodemus was looking for the kingdom of God based around a political Messiah; hence admitting that due to his miraculous signs, Jesus must have been from God. However, Jesus corrects Nicodemus and says that it will not be through a political kingdom that God’s kingdom will be seen. Entrance to the Kingdom of God will not be through a person’s efforts but by being “born again”.

Jesus goes on to say that being “born again” is the new covenantIt is being born with water and spirit – cleansed of sin and indwelt with the Holy Spirit! It is being born from above, which is looking to the one who has come down from heaven. That’s Jesus! For the phrase “born again” can also be translated “born from above”. The ancient Israelites were once saved by looking at a bronze snake lifted up (Numbers 21v8)! Jesus goes on to say, that people will be saved by putting their salvation trust in the Son of Man (himself) when he is lifted up! Salvation will be personal under the New Covenant and not corporate as it was under the Old Covenant!

Even though at the start of his earthly ministry, Jesus is focussed on that time when he will die. Jesus goes on. God loves the world. God will save the world through the gift of His Son. I am that son, says Jesus! I am the light of the world come to shine light into the dark places. The world is in darkness due to sin and evil, and the Son of Man has come to take away that darkness. Those accepting of me are in the Kingdom and will not be condemned. Those who reject me will be condemned by God! Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped! He sure did seem astonished that Nicodemus didn’t already know that, seeing as he was one of the leading teachers at the time!

Again, I ask, who do you say Jesus is? But further, what are you going to do with this Jesus and let Him do to you? Are you born again, that is, trusting in Jesus for your salvation? It is not too late! Today can be the day of your salvation!

Come back tomorrow for Day 13 of our series AGOG, as we continue to look together at that extraordinary man, Jesus Christ, through the Gospel accounts! We will see together, Jesus teaching somebody who is in great need – much to the initial dismay of his disciples! See you soon!

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Psalm 46 - Psalm and prayer for peace

Psalm 46

For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah.

According to Alamoth.

 

46:1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
46:2 Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes,
though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;
46:3 though its waters roar and are troubled,
though the mountains tremble with their swelling.

Selah

46:4 There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad,
the holy place of the tents of the Most High.
46:5 God is in her midst.
She shall not be moved.
God will help her at dawn.
46:6 The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved.
He lifted his voice, and the earth melted.
46:7 Yahweh of Armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Selah

46:8 Come, see Yahweh's works,
what desolations he has made in the earth.
46:9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth.
He breaks the bow, and shatters the spear.
He burns the chariots in the fire.
46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations.
I will be exalted in the earth."
46:11 Yahweh of Armies is with us.
The God of Jacob is our refuge.

Selah

 

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Jesus - A Glimpse Of God Part 1

Jesus - a baby who will live up to his name.

We are looking at the life of the most amazing person who ever lived - Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We will travel from the time he was born, wander through his life, glimpsing at His meeting other people and wondering at some of his wisdom, which will lead our series culminating at Easter, where we look at the significance of his death and resurrection.

When Jesus was born, his name imbued the very reason he was born. His conception and birth were extraordinary at every level. The name of Jesus, means “one who saves”. The entirety of his birth, life and death were centred on this very role. His role was to save all those who would follow Him. Jesus is the most talked about person in history. Almost everyone has an opinion about him. Jesus was born to confirm God's promises, to reveal God as a Father, and to be our representative before Him. Jesus gave us an example of how to live a holy life to the full. Jesus was not merely a man who received some special power, nor was he some strange creation that was half man and half God. He was much more than those ideas! That Jesus is both human and divine is what makes Christianity unique amongst the world’s religions.

It is why Jesus’ claims to be the only way to God are true and make sense, and it is why millions of people today worship Him and acknowledge Him as their Lord and their God. Tomorrow we will continue to look briefly at the 4 accounts of the life of this most extraordinary person in all of history – Jesus of Nazareth.

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Partakers Bible Thought – The Christian and Angels

Partakers Bible Thought

13 To which of the angels did God ever say,
‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies
a footstool for your feet’?
14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:13-14)

11 Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering
thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand.
They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders.
12 In a loud voice they were saying:
‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honour and glory and praise!’
(Revelation 5:11-12)

Bookshops are filled with books on Angels! But we must beware, for not all angels are good! We know from the Bible that there are good angels and bad angels. As we explore in this Podcast about angels, we discover the answer to question such as: What are angels? What is their purpose or function? How can we tell the difference between good angels and bad angels?"

Come and explore what the Bible has to say about the topic of Angels by downloading and listening to the podcast!

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Psalm On Demand - Psalm 33

Psalm 33

1 You are the LORD's people. Obey him and celebrate! He deserves your praise.
2 Praise the LORD with harps!
Use harps with ten strings to make music for him.
3 Sing a new song. Shout! Play beautiful music.
4 The LORD is truthful; he can be trusted.
5 He loves justice and fairness, and he is kind to everyone everywhere on earth.
6 The LORD made the heavens and everything in them by his word.
7 He scooped up the ocean and stored the water.
8 Everyone in this world should worship and honor the LORD!
9 As soon as he spoke the world was created; at his command, the earth was formed.
10 The LORD destroys the plans and spoils the schemes of the nations.
11 But what the LORD has planned will stand forever. 
His thoughts never change.

12 The LORD blesses each nation that worships only him. He blesses his chosen ones.
13 The LORD looks at the world
14 from his throne in heaven, and he watches us all.
15 The LORD gave us each a mind, and nothing we do can be hidden from him.
16 Mighty armies alone cannot win wars for a king;
great strength by itself cannot keep a soldier safe.
17 In war the strength of a horse cannot be trusted to take you to safety.
18 But the LORD watches over all who honor him and trust his kindness.
19 He protects them from death and starvation.
20 We depend on you, LORD, to help and protect us.
21 You make our hearts glad because we trust you, the only God.
22 Be kind and bless us! We depend on you.

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Psalm On Demand - Psalm 132

Psalm 132

A Song of Ascents.

132:1 Yahweh, remember David and all his affliction,

132:2 how he swore to Yahweh, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob:

132:3 “Surely I will not come into the structure of my house, nor go up into my bed;

132:4 I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids;

132:5 until I find out a place for Yahweh, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob.”

132:6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah. We found it in the field of Jaar:

132:7 “We will go into his dwelling place. We will worship at his footstool.

132:8 Arise, Yahweh, into your resting place; you, and the ark of your strength.

132:9 Let your priest be clothed with righteousness. Let your saints shout for joy!”

132:10 For your servant David’s sake, don’t turn away the face of your anointed one.

132:11 Yahweh has sworn to David in truth. He will not turn from it: “I will set the fruit of your body on your throne.

132:12 If your children will keep my covenant, my testimony that I will teach them, their children also will sit on your throne forevermore.”

132:13 For Yahweh has chosen Zion. He has desired it for his habitation.

132:14 “This is my resting place forever. Here I will live, for I have desired it.

132:15 I will abundantly bless her provision. I will satisfy her poor with bread.

132:16 Her priests I will also clothe with salvation. Her saints will shout aloud for joy.

132:17 There I will make the horn of David to bud. I have ordained a lamp for my anointed. 132:18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but on himself, his crown will be resplendent.”

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Psalm On Demand - Psalm 130

Psalm 130

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.

¹ From the depths of despair, O Lord,

I call for your help.

² Hear my cry, O Lord.

Pay attention to my prayer.

³ Lord, if you kept a record of our sins,

who, O Lord, could ever survive?

⁴ But you offer forgiveness,

that we might learn to fear you.

⁵ I am counting on the Lord;

yes, I am counting on him.

I have put my hope in his word.

⁶ I long for the Lord

more than sentries long for the dawn,

yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.

⁷ O Israel, hope in the Lord;

for with the Lord there is unfailing love.

His redemption overflows.

⁸ He himself will redeem Israel

from every kind of sin.

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Romans 12 - Living Life - Part 30

Romans 12: Living Life

Study 30: Do good!

v21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

I am sure you are aware that evil is all around us in this world. It is easy for us to become unenthusiastic and downcast in the face of the stress, pain and atrocity of evil. What is our response to be, says Paul? We are to overcome evil with good. We are to overcome evil by living such good lives of love of God and others, that evil is vanquished.
Evil wants to snatch away your inner joy and dependence upon God. We can overcome and conquer evil by submitting all to God - remembering that our love for God must always be stronger than any other love. That is good overcoming evil!
It is why in what we call the Lord’s Prayer, we pray “Deliver us from evil!” We have three enemies – satan, the world and our old nature. All three evils died a death when Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross and rose again to new life three days later. They just refuse to accept it! Light always overcomes darkness, good always overcomes evil.
When we are tempted to sin, we are to resist. That is one way you conquer evil – by refusing to bow to it’s seductive requests. When our enemies do wrong against us, we are to forgive them. Just as God forgives us. That is good conquering evil. That is light overcoming darkness! Remember that God who lives within you, is greater than anything that would tempt you away from Him. Let His light dispel the darkness and evil which threatens to over come you. Resist in the power of the Holy Spirit and overcome evil with good.

Go! Live such a good life, that nobody can accuse you. Go – let your light shine in darkness! Overcome your enemies with love! Overcome evil with good.

Throughout this chapter Paul has chronicle living a life worthy of loving God. The Christian life is to be active and dynamic – reflecting a God who is also active and dynamic in this world! How so? Because He has people like you and I who are living lives worthy of being called His children! WOW!

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Psalm On Demand - Psalm 149

Psalm 149

(As read by Anne)

149:1 Praise Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh a new song,

his praise in the assembly of the saints.

149:2 Let Israel rejoice in him who made them.

Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.

149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance!

Let them sing praises to him with tambourine and harp!

149:4 For Yahweh takes pleasure in his people.

He crowns the humble with salvation.

149:5 Let the saints rejoice in honor.

Let them sing for joy on their beds.

149:6 May the high praises of God be in their mouths,

and a two-edged sword in their hand;

149:7 To execute vengeance on the nations,

and punishments on the peoples;

149:8 To bind their kings with chains,

and their nobles with fetters of iron;

149:9 to execute on them the written judgment.

All his saints have this honor. Praise Yah!

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