Partakers Chapel

POD - Psalm 2

Psalm 2

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

2:1 Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?

2:2 The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying,

2:3 “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.”

2:4 He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision.

2:5 Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath:

2:6 “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.”

2:7 I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father.

2:8 Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.

2:9 You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.”

2:10 Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

2:11 Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

2:12 Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Alpha Talk - The Bible

Talk given at Alpha - the Bible

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Aim: to discuss briefly the following things regarding the Bible before breaking into discussion groups.

1. What is the Bible?

Bible can be used and abused

Bible in history & society.

Richard Dawkins & Dan Brown

Other claims to be the Word of God - Koran, Book of Mormon

2. How did we get the Bible? 3. How did God give us the Bible?

Revelation

Inspiration

Illumination

4. How to look up the Bible?

5. Why interact with the Bible?

The Bible helps us know God more

6. How should we interact with the Bible?

Keys to understanding the Bible ·

Read it

Inerrant

No explicit contradictions

Context matters

7. Some practical interactions with the Bible!

Public & private reading.

Memorizing

Meditating or thinking about it

Obeying it!

Preaching & teaching.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

POD - Psalm 5

Psalm 5

(As read by Jenny)

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

5:1 Give ear to my words, Yahweh.
Consider my meditation.

5:2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God;
for to you do I pray.

5:3 Yahweh, in the morning you shall hear my voice.
In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.

5:4 For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness.
Evil can’t live with you.

5:5 The arrogant shall not stand in your sight.
You hate all workers of iniquity.

5:6 You will destroy those who speak lies.
Yahweh abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.

5:7 But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house.
I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you.

5:8 Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies.
Make your way straight before my face.

5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth.
Their heart is destruction.
Their throat is an open tomb.
They flatter with their tongue.

5:10 Hold them guilty, God.
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
for they have rebelled against you.

5:11 But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice,
Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them.
Let them also who love your name be joyful in you.

5:12 For you will bless the righteous.
Yahweh, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Saturday, October 24, 2009

POD - Psalm 150

Psalm 150

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Hallelujah! Praise God in his holy house of worship,
praise him under the open skies;

Praise him for his acts of power,
praise him for his magnificent greatness;

Praise with a blast on the trumpet,
praise by strumming soft strings;

Praise him with castanets and dance,
praise him with banjo and flute;

Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,
praise him with fiddles and mandolin.

Let every living, breathing creature praise God!
Hallelujah!

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Friday, October 23, 2009

Sermon - When Judgement Comes

When Judgement Comes!

Genesis 7:11-24

Right mouse click to save/download this Sermon as a MP3 file

I would like to start by reading v23 of the text read to us earlier from Genesis 7:11-24. "Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out,· men and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds of the air were wiped from the earth." Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark."

I wonder if you have ever been in a flood. I remember when as a boy growing up in rural Australia. Sometimes it would be dry for months and then suddenly rain would come, and come and keep on coming for days on end and the entire landscape would be flooded with water. One particular time, we were totally isolated from everyone, and nobody else was to be seen as far as the eyes could see. It was as if my family and I were the only people on earth, just like Noah and his family were.

How and why?
God is a Judge
God is a Deliverer
New Testament Reflection

So What?

So let us recapitulate and then conclude. Firstly we have seen that God is a righteous judge. God, in His pure holiness, cannot tolerate sin and disobedience, and needs to judge it. He judged the earth with a flood several thousand years ago. Secondly we learnt that God also delivers or saves. All through out history, even in the most ungodly times, God has always kept a remnant or group of people for Himself, and has always had a spokesperson ready to speak for Him. We learn this throughout the Old Testament, in the story of the people of Israel. Then, thirdly we discovered what the New Testament teaches us about it. Jesus and the Apostle Peter, both referred to it. The writer of Hebrews, tells us that Noah was a man of faith, who lived in holy fear and was the heir of righteousness to a new world following the flood.

How then can we conclude? Today, as in the days of Noah we have 2 groups of people. Those of us who are Christians, who are His children safe in the arms of Jesus, and those who don't know about God's grace and mercy and are lost in the flood of sin. Some of us here today, have been Christians possibly only a couple of days or perhaps for decades. What are we doing, knowing that the judgement of Christ is coming? Are we like Noah, and obeying God and his commandments? Working out our faith, with fear and trembling. Are we showing people and telling the lost that God loves them, cares for them, and is coming back again to judge the earth with fire and righteousness. That is our work and mission as Christians.

Maybe you belong to the second group of people and you are not a child of God and safe in the 'ark' of Jesus. It is God's will for you to be safe, for He desires that nobody should be lost. You are still lost in the flood of sin, and do not yet know God as your Father? Sin is not obeying what God has revealed to be true. I implore you to turn to Him today! No-one knows when the next judgment day will be, just as in the days of Noah. It could be now, tomorrow or in another hundred years. No one knows when that judgment will be, only the all knowing and all wise God. The time for you to turn to Him is now. All you have to do is believe, accept that Jesus is God, and follow Him trusting that He will save you and then you will be safe in the God's modern ark. If that is you today, please do see one of the leaders or myself afterwards and we will be very happy to talk with you further!

Thank you

Right mouse click to save/download this Sermon as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

POD - Psalm 149

Psalm 149

(As read by Anne)

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

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!

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Thursday, October 22, 2009

POD - Psalm 148

Psalm 148

(As read by Exploratrice)

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

148:1 Praise Yah!
Praise Yahweh from the heavens!
Praise him in the heights!

148:2 Praise him, all his angels!
Praise him, all his army!

148:3 Praise him, sun and moon!
Praise him, all you shining stars!

148:4 Praise him, you heavens of heavens,
You waters that are above the heavens.

148:5 Let them praise the name of Yahweh,
For he commanded, and they were created.

148:6 He has also established them forever and ever.
He has made a decree which will not pass away.

148:7 Praise Yahweh from the earth,
you great sea creatures, and all depths!

148:8 Lightning and hail, snow and clouds;
stormy wind, fulfilling his word;

148:9 mountains and all hills;
fruit trees and all cedars;

148:10 wild animals and all livestock;
small creatures and flying birds;

148:11 kings of the earth and all peoples;
princes and all judges of the earth;

148:12 both young men and maidens;
old men and children:

148:13 let them praise the name of Yahweh,
for his name alone is exalted.
His glory is above the earth and the heavens.

148:14 He has lifted up the horn of his people,
the praise of all his saints;
even of the children of Israel, a people near to him.
Praise Yah!

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

POD - Psalm 144

Psalm 144

(As read by Anne)

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

144:1 Blessed be Yahweh, my rock, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to battle:

144:2 my loving kindness, my fortress, my high tower, my deliverer, my shield, and he in whom I take refuge; who subdues my people under me.

144:3 Yahweh, what is man, that you care for him? Or the son of man, that you think of him?

144:4 Man is like a breath. His days are like a shadow that passes away.

144:5 Part your heavens, Yahweh, and come down. Touch the mountains, and they will smoke.

144:6 Throw out lightning, and scatter them. Send out your arrows, and rout them.

144:7 Stretch out your hand from above, rescue me, and deliver me out of great waters, out of the hands of foreigners; 144:8 whose mouths speak deceit, Whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

144:9 I will sing a new song to you, God. On a ten-stringed lyre, I will sing praises to you.

144:10 You are he who gives salvation to kings, who rescues David, his servant, from the deadly sword.

144:11 Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hands of foreigners, whose mouths speak deceit, whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

144:12 Then our sons will be like well-nurtured plants, our daughters like pillars carved to adorn a palace.

144:13 Our barns are full, filled with all kinds of provision. Our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields.

144:14 Our oxen will pull heavy loads. There is no breaking in, and no going away, and no outcry in our streets.

144:15 Happy are the people who are in such a situation. Happy are the people whose God is Yahweh.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

POD - Psalm 140

Psalm 140

(As read by Pammy)

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

140:1 Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil man. Preserve me from the violent man;

140:2 those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.

140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper’s poison is under their lips.

Selah.

140:4 Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent men who have determined to trip my feet.

140:5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me.

Selah.

140:6 I said to Yahweh, “You are my God.” Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.

140:7 Yahweh, the Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

140:8 Yahweh, don’t grant the desires of the wicked. Don’t let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud.

Selah.

140:9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

140:10 Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.

140:11 An evil speaker won’t be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

140:12 I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.

140:13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Monday, October 19, 2009

POD - Psalm 139

Psalm 139

(as read by Anne)

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

139:1 Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me.

139:2 You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar.

139:3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

139:4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.

139:5 You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me.

139:6 This knowledge is beyond me. It's lofty. I can't attain it.

139:7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?

139:8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!

139:9 If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea;

139:10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.

139:11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me; the light around me will be night";

139:12 even the darkness doesn't hide from you, but the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.

139:13 For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my mother's womb.

139:14 I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.

139:15 My frame wasn't hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven together in the depths of the earth.

139:16 Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them.

139:17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is their sum!

139:18 If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.

139:19 If only you, God, would kill the wicked. Get away from me, you bloodthirsty men!

139:20 For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain.

139:21 Yahweh, don't I hate those who hate you? Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you?

139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred. They have become my enemies.

139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.

139:24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Sunday, October 18, 2009

POD - Psalm 138

Psalm 138

(as read by Miranda)

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

138:1 I will give you thanks with my whole heart.
Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.

138:2 I will bow down toward your holy temple,
and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth;
for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.

138:3 In the day that I called, you answered me.
You encouraged me with strength in my soul.

138:4 All the kings of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh,
for they have heard the words of your mouth.

138:5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh;
for great is Yahweh’s glory.

138:6 For though Yahweh is high, yet he looks after the lowly;
but the proud, he knows from afar.

138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me.
You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies.
Your right hand will save me.

138:8 Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me;
your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever.
Don’t forsake the works of your own hands.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Saturday, October 17, 2009

POD - Psalm 137

Psalm 137

(as read by Jenny)

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

137:1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

137:2 On the willows in its midst, we hung up our harps.

137:3 For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

137:4 How can we sing Yahweh's song in a foreign land?

137:5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

137:6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you; if I don't prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

137:7 Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, "Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!"

137:8 Daughter of Babylon, doomed to destruction, he will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.

137:9 Happy shall he be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Friday, October 16, 2009

POD - Psalm 136

Psalm 136

As Read by Bonnie & Mosephine

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

136:1 Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good;

for his loving kindness endures forever.

136:2 Give thanks to the God of gods;

for his loving kindness endures forever.

136:3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:4 To him who alone does great wonders;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:5 To him who by understanding made the heavens;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:6 To him who spread out the earth above the waters;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:7 To him who made the great lights;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:8 The sun to rule by day;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:9 The moon and stars to rule by night;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:10 To him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:11 And brought out Israel from among them;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:13 To him who divided the Red Sea apart;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:14 And made Israel to pass through its midst;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:16 To him who led his people through the wilderness;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:17 To him who struck great kings;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:18 And killed mighty kings;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:19 Sihon king of the Amorites;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:20 Og king of Bashan;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:21 And gave their land as an inheritance;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:22 Even a heritage to Israel his servant;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:23 Who remembered us in our low estate;

for his loving kindness endures forever;

136:24 And has delivered us from our adversaries;

for his loving kindness endures forever:

136:25 Who gives food to every creature;

for his loving kindness endures forever.

136:26 Oh give thanks to the God of heaven;

for his loving kindness endures forever.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Subscribe via Google
Subscribe via iTunes
Subscribe via Yahoo Groups

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Sermon - Rachel's Story

Rachel's Story

Right mouse click and save to download the MP3 file of this sermon.

Reading Genesis 29v14-30

Now that may be to some a long passage, but it helps set up the story of Rachel. Sounds like a modern day soap opera like Holby City, Eastenders or Coronation Street doesn't it? Rachel had a fairly complicated family structure as we have seen, so lets try to unravel it!

Rachel's sister Rebekah was Jacob's mother. Rebekah trained Jacob to scheme in order to gain his father's blessing and promised him that she would take the results of the deceitful act upon herself. Rachel became Jacob's wife, but only after Laban had tricked him into marrying Leah, the older daughter first. We can wonder if Rachel encouraged Jacob in his trickery, or if she was influenced by him to think first of herself at the expense of others. Whether his mother and/or his wife influenced Jacob, or indeed if he influenced them, both Rebekah and Rachel serve as examples of the outcome of sinful deceit and discontent.

Introducing Rachel's personal details

So, who was Rachel?

Born in Aramea (Syria)

Daughter of Laban

Second wife of Jacob, her first cousin.

Mother of Joseph & Benjamin.

Ancestress of three tribes of Israel- Benjamin, Ephraim & Manasseh (Sons of Joseph).

Possessed great beauty (Genesis 29:17)

Devious (Genesis 31:19, 34-35)

Not single-minded in devotion to God.

Probably did not put away her idols until shortly before she died.

Her sorrow is depicted by Jeremiah (Jeremiah. 31), to signify the sorrow of Israel's people at the exile of Israel to Assyria and Babylon.

Now let us look at some of the main people involved in the life of Rachel: her father, sister, husband and children.

1. Her Father

2. Her Sister

3. Her Husband

4, Her Children

The Story continues

Conclusion

Perhaps there are 3 kinds of people here tonight.

Firstly, if you are a Christian here tonight, how and in what way are you like Rachel? As you go through your day, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you ways in which you may well be deceitful, vengeful, dwelling on the past bitterly or engaged in constant self-pity. Are you like Rachel, headed downhill on a course of dissatisfaction that may end in dishonesty and deceit, or in disappointment and despair? Accept God's love. Believe that in every trial He desires us to draw closer to Him, so that we can be energized by Him and realize that He alone and only He is enough. Ask for forgiveness for dwelling on the past and any inappropriate behaviour where those things were involved. God is faithful and just and will forgive if you go to Him with a penitent heart. Then no long dwell on those things, for they are in the past, are forgotten and not to be remembered any more. So forgetting what is past, go into the future with a new outlook of service to God and others. That way your life will be a living prayer and a living witness to others about the great God you serve, love and worship.

Secondly, you may be a Christian but you are the victim of somebody else's deceit and dishonesty - then forgive them before God and as far as it is possible, ask that person for forgiveness. Bitterness, envy and pride can eat away and cause much misery, sin and depression.

Finally, if it happens that you are not a Christian here tonight, then please do see one of the leaders or myself and we would be glad to tell you how you can be free from a life of dissatisfaction, deceit and dishonesty - both as the victim and perpetrator of such things. Know that Jesus Christ is above deceit, never dissatisfies and is never dishonest - His word is true and He seeks you, to be in a relationship with you, where His love is always serving, always humble and always satisfies. As I said, come and see one of us after if that is you..

Thank you.

Right mouse click and save to download the MP3 file of this sermon.

If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. You can support via PayPal, the universal and most secure way to donate money online. You do not need to be a member of Paypal to use their facilities. Thank you

Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website

POD - Psalm 132

Psalm 132

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

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.”

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

POD - Psalm 128

Psalm 128

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

A Song of Ascents.

128:1 Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh,
who walks in his ways.

128:2 For you will eat the labor of your hands.
You will be happy, and it will be well with you.

128:3 Your wife will be as a fruitful vine,
in the innermost parts of your house;
your children like olive plants,
around your table.

128:4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears Yahweh.

128:5 May Yahweh bless you out of Zion,
and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

128:6 Yes, may you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

POD - Psalm 124

Psalm 124

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

A Song of Ascents. By David.

124:1 If it had not been Yahweh who was on our side,
let Israel now say,

124:2 if it had not been Yahweh who was on our side,
when men rose up against us;

124:3 then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their wrath was kindled against us;

124:4 then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
the stream would have gone over our soul;

124:5 then the proud waters would have gone over our soul.

124:6 Blessed be Yahweh,
who has not given us as a prey to their teeth.

124:7 Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare.
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.

124:8 Our help is in the name of Yahweh,
who made heaven and earth.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Subscribe via Google

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Yahoo Groups

Monday, October 12, 2009

Sermon - Ruth and Obedience

The Character Of Ruth

Right mouse click and save to download the MP3 file of this sermon.

Please do turn in your bibles to the book of Ruth 1

There are perhaps two reasons why we study about people in the Bible - to learn how not to do some things like being deceitful, and how to do the right things like this mornings example Ruth. So this morning we are going to look together at the book of Ruth and discover who Ruth was, what is her story and how we can learn from her as we seek to live a godly and righteous life in Britain in 2009. Tonight we will be looking at the character of Rachel and how she fits into salvation history and how we can learn lessons from her. But on with this morning and Ruth!

Perhaps the key verses for the book of Ruth, which would help us summarise this short story are as we read in Ruth 1v15-18:

The book of Ruth is a cameo story of love, devotion and redemption set in the black days of the Judges. It tells the story of a pagan woman giving up everything to cling to the people of Israel and to God Himself. Shows her faithfulness when the nation was faithless.

4 Aspects of Ruth's Obedience

1. WOW! obedience.

2. Witness in obedience.

3. Wholeness of obedience.

4. Worship by Obedience.

Conclusion

Let us ask God to work in us, changing our weak attempts at obedience into acts of divine worship. We find delight in serving the Lord, instead of indulging in resentment over sinful leaders. The result will be inner freedom and release from bitterness, and also a powerful story to those in authority and to onlookers as well. Just as too Ruth's obedience of Naomi, moved Boaz and all Bethlehem, the Holy Spirit will enable us move others (Colossians 3:23-24). While we obey others we can joyfully remember that it is God alone who is worthy of complete obedience. When our confidence in Him is reflected in our submission to others we become living stories to our trust in God's perfect plan. If we follow the example of Ruth, perhaps someone will notice our stories and find the witness, the wholeness, and the worship in our lives of obedience and praise God because of us. And, remember this from 1 Samuel 15v22 "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams."

So go from here and be obedient to our awesome and holy God! Through obedience to Him as revealed in Scripture, you will be growing and changing into the very likeness of Jesus Christ whom you follow. Through obedience, you will be able to enduring and be persistent in your Christian lifestyle and evangelism. So much so, that people will ask you for the reason for the hope you have and portray.

Finally, you may well be here tonight but are not yet a follower of Jesus Christ. If that is indeed you, please do not leave here tonight without making yourself known to one of the leaders, or to me, and we will gladly talk more about this Jesus to you.

Thank you.

Right mouse click and save to download the MP3 file of this sermon.

If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. You can support via PayPal, the universal and most secure way to donate money online. You do not need to be a member of Paypal to use their facilities. Thank you

Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website

POD - Psalm 126

Psalm 126

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

126:1 When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion,
we were like those who dream.

126:2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with singing.
Then they said among the nations,
"Yahweh has done great things for them."

126:3 Yahweh has done great things for us,
and we are glad.

126:4 Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh,
like the streams in the Negev.

126:5 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

126:6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing,
will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Sunday, October 11, 2009

POD - Psalm 123

Psalm 123

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

123:1 To you I do lift up my eyes, you who sit in the heavens.

123:2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress; so our eyes look to Yahweh, our God, until he has mercy on us.

123:3 Have mercy on us, Yahweh, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt.

123:4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Saturday, October 10, 2009

POD - Psalm 122

Psalm 122

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

122:1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let's go to Yahweh's house!"

122:2 Our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem; 122:3 Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together;

122:4 where the tribes go up, even Yah's tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to the name of Yahweh.

122:5 For there are set thrones for judgment, the thrones of David's house.

122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.

122:7 Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.

122:8 For my brothers' and companions' sakes, I will now say, "Peace be within you."

122:9 For the sake of the house of Yahweh our God, I will seek your good.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Friday, October 09, 2009

POD - Psalm 121

Psalm 121

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

121:1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?

121:2 My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.

121:3 He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber.

121:4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

121:5 Yahweh is your keeper. Yahweh is your shade on your right hand.

121:6 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

121:7 Yahweh will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul.

121:8 Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and forevermore.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Thursday, October 08, 2009

POD - Psalm 120

Psalm 120

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

120:1 In my distress, I cried to Yahweh.
He answered me.

120:2 Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips,
from a deceitful tongue.

120:3 What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you,
you deceitful tongue?

120:4 Sharp arrows of the mighty,
with coals of juniper.

120:5 Woe is me, that I live in Meshech,
that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

120:6 My soul has had her dwelling too long
with him who hates peace.

120:7 I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

POD - Psalm 117

Psalm 117

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

117:1 Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!

117:2 For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Subscribe via Google

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Yahoo Groups

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

God - So What?

God - so what?

Ezekiel 36v22-28

Right mouse click and save to download the MP3 file of this sermon.

Right mouse click and save to download the text of this sermon in PDF format.

Introduction

Good evening. Glad you could be here. For the benefit of those who were not here this morning, let me quickly recapitulate. We saw from Ezekiel first vision in Chapter 1 several things about God! We discovered that God is holy; that God is universal in presence, power and knowledge. We also saw that God is mission-minded and that He is personal!

The Context - Story of Ezekiel from Chapter 2 onwards...

a. Symbolic Actions (4v1-5v17)

b. Vision of Jerusalem (8v1-11v25)

c. Symbolic Actions (12v1-20)

d. Prophecy Concerning Israel (12v21-24v27)

e. Prophecy Concerning Foreign Nations (25v1-32v32)

f. Salvation for Israel (33v1-39v29)

1. A God who is holy (Ezekiel 36v22-23)

2. A God who gathers (Ezekiel 36v24)

3. A God who cleanses (Ezekiel 36v25) and operates (Ezekiel 36v26)

4. A God who indwells (v27)

5. A God to live for (v28)

Conclusion - What about you?

What about you? If you are already a Christian here tonight, then it is not because of anything you have done. It is because of the events at Easter that you are a Christian, when God took the necessary steps so that all people could have the choice to either follow Him or not. We are primarily Christians, not because we come to church services or just happened to have been born in a supposedly Christian country. We are primarily Christians, because God first chased and harried us into His arms. We are Christians, if you are one, because God first loved you. And as a tremendous lover, He beckons and calls people all the time to respond to His call, and back to Him.

When I was younger, in my more smug moments I used to congratulate myself for being a Christian. How proud I was that I, Dave Roberts, was a Christian and that God was a jolly lucky God that I had decided to follow Him. It was during one of my less self-deluded moments, that I examined myself and I found God pricking my conscience and correcting me, and I read the New Testament "For the Son of Man came, not to serve but to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mk10v45). So... If you are a Christian here tonight, go show and tell the transformation that the all-powerful living God has performed in you. If like me, you are a Christian today, our sins were forgiven through Jesus' death on the Cross. That is when we had our "bath" as it were. That is the point when we were justified before God and we are declared His child. Having been justified already, we don't need a bath anymore! But we do need the equivalent of a foot-washing daily and or every time we take Holy Communion and a cleansing of our sin when we confess it before our God and repent.

And if you are not a Christian here today, then God is actively pursuing you. I, of course, don't know the circumstances in which He is, but I do know that He is. He wants all people to be followers of Him. That is why He is gathering, cleansing, and indwelling His people. If you would like to know more about the Christian faith, then please don't leave here tonight without talking to somebody about it. Thank you.

Right mouse click and save to download the MP3 file of this sermon.

Right mouse click and save to download the text of this sermon in PDF format.

If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. You can support via PayPal, the universal and most secure way to donate money online. You do not need to be a member of Paypal to use their facilities. Thank you

Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website

POD - Psalm 116

Psalm 116

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

116:1 I love Yahweh, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.

116:2 Because he has turned his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

116:3 The cords of death surrounded me, the pains of Sheol got a hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow.

116:4 Then I called on the name of Yahweh: "Yahweh, I beg you, deliver my soul."

116:5 Yahweh is Gracious and righteous. Yes, our God is merciful.

116:6 Yahweh preserves the simple. I was brought low, and he saved me.

116:7 Return to your rest, my soul, for Yahweh has dealt bountifully with you.

116:8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

116:9 I will walk before Yahweh in the land of the living.

116:10 I believed, therefore I said, "I was greatly afflicted."

116:11 I said in my haste, "All men are liars."

116:12 What will I give to Yahweh for all his benefits toward me?

116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of Yahweh.

116:14 I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all his people.

116:15 Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of his saints.

116:16 Yahweh, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the son of your handmaid. You have freed me from my chains.

116:17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on the name of Yahweh.

116:18 I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all his people,

116:19 in the courts of Yahweh's house, in the midst of you, Jerusalem. Praise Yah!

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website

Subscribe via Google

Subscribe via iTunes

Subscribe via Yahoo Groups

Monday, October 05, 2009

Sermon - God Came to Town - Ezekiel 1

The day God came to town!

Ezekiel 1v1-4, 24-28 to 2v2

Right mouse click and save to download the MP3 file of this sermon.

Right mouse click and save to download the text of this sermon in PDF format.

Introduction

I wonder if there anybody here that is 25 years old? Anybody turning 25 this year? How about those who wished they were turning 25 this year? Imagine you are a 25 year old and being trained for the family business. Then suddenly your enemies invade your city and take you away to a foreign land. That's what happened to Ezekiel 5 years before this passage of Scripture, when the Babylonians, led by Nebuchadnezzar in 597BC took 3000 Jews back to Babylon. This was the first deportation.

1. Ezekiel - who was he and how did he get there?

His name means "God is strong" ·

He was training to be a priest

Now 30 years of age, if he had been in Jerusalem, he would have been ministering in the Temple.

He was married to the woman who is described as the "delight of his eyes".

2. How does Ezekiel describe this vision of God?

2a. God is Holy

2b. God is Universal

Omnipresent ·

Omnipotent ·

Omniscient ·

God is Mission minded ·

God is Personal.

3. What is our response in 21st century Britain?

3a. We Evangelize

What is evangelism? ·

Why evangelize?

3b. We boldly speak God's word.

Conclusion

When you are faced with a crisis or some trouble, how do you react? Are you like the ancient Israelites that Ezekiel was sent to? Do you trust in the holy, all-powerful, all knowing, personal God or do you trust in other things?

God is coming again! ·

Be Holy and be obedient!

Live a life worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Trust fully in the God of your salvation

Go tell somebody!

Finally, if you need prayer for something related to what I have said today, then find somebody to pray for you. And if you cant find somebody to pray for you, then come and find me.

Right mouse click and save to download the MP3 file of this sermon.

Right mouse click and save to download the text of this sermon in PDF format.

If you find these resources helpful to you, please do prayerfully consider making a donation. You can support via PayPal, the universal and most secure way to donate money online. You do not need to be a member of Paypal to use their facilities. Thank you

Click on the appropriate link to subscribe to this website

POD - Psalm 114

Psalm 114

(Read by Heather)

114:1 When Israel went forth out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of foreign language;

114:2 Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion.

114:3 The sea saw it, and fled. The Jordan was driven back.

114:4 The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs.

114:5 What was it, you sea, that you fled? You Jordan, that you turned back?

114:6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams; you little hills, like lambs?

114:7 Tremble, you earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob,

114:8 who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of waters.

Right mouse click to save/download this Psalm as a MP3 file

Click on the appropriate link below to subscribe to this website