Kenmore Presbyterian Church - Bible Talks

LEARNING TO LAMENT

Psalm 13

This Psalm as God’s Word..

.. to Israel in the Psalter * see below

.. fulfilled in Christ .. to us today

This Psalm as our words to God... 

.. our Prayer

... and our Praise

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

A Call to Praise 

Psalm 146-150 (reading Psalm 149-150)

1. This Psalm as God’s Word..

.. to Israel in the Psalter 

.. fulfilled in Christ

.. to us today

2. This Psalm as our words to God…

.. our Prayer

… and our Praise

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Introduction to the Psalms

Psalm 1-2

The Psalms as our words to God

The Psalms as God’s word to us

Psalms 1-2 as an introduction and invitation 

The Psalms for Israel

The Psalms for us

(Preacher: Andrew Brown)

LIVING CHRIST-SHAPED

Colossians 3:1-17

Your true self: raised secure with Christ above (1-4)

So consider yourselves dead to worldly living (5-9)

Your new self: being renewed in Christ’s image (10-11)

So live as Christ-clothed people (12-17)

(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)

Good Friday?

Mark 15:16-39

Irony!

 
The king that isn't...? 

The saviour that didn't...? 

Good Friday?

Dear God, 

Sorry, for living life my way like you don't exist. 

Thank you for sending Jesus to take my punishment for me. 

Please forgive me, and change me, to live for you. 

Amen 

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Jesus Changes EVERYTHING

Mark 14:1-16:8

(Reading:14:27-72)

Mark shows us Jesus knew what was to happen… (10:33-34 ch14-16)

…and that Jesus knew the significance  (14:32-42 & 15:33-34)

Do YOU understand the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection?

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Stay Focused!!

Mark 13

The fishermen are given their instructions (cf 1:16-20)

This section is ‘apocalyptic’, full of OT images of judgement – which remind us of the times we are in

• These are the things we should expect

• These are the things we should avoid

• These are the things we should do

We have a lot in common with the fishermen – they stayed focused, will you?

(preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Giving your ALL?

Mark 11:27-12:44

(Reading: 11:27-33 & 12:35-44)

Why does Mark tell us about the widow?  (12:41-44) 

What’s happening in the rest of this passage? 

Jesus’ authority is challenged

While Jesus continues to teach

So, what can we learn about giving our all?

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Jesus: King and Judge

Mark 11:1-25

What Jerusalem saw…

What the disciples saw…

What Mark wants us to see…

•  Jesus: the saviour-King of Israel, and of the nations
• Jesus: the Judge of Israel, and of the nations
• ..and what Jesus our King and Judge wants…

 (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

What it Takes to be a Christian

Mark 10 (Reading 10:1-34)

There are lots of ways to not let God be God and Jesus be King

Consider      .. the Pharisees

                   .. the rich man

                   .. even the disciples

                   .. and what about us?

Think about what it cost Jesus to be King (v32-34)

And look at the examples Mark gives - to help us understand what it takes for us to let Jesus be King

So… how are you going?

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Church: What are we doing?

Reading: Ephesians 4:1-16

As a Church we encourage each other to keep living with Jesus as Lord and Saviour (eg. Hebrews 10)

As a Church we are ALL involved (Ephesians 4)

We are a Bible Teaching Church that seeks to grow followers of Jesus 

We want to grow in knowing Jesus

                  grow in living for Jesus

                  grow in making Jesus known

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Church: Who Are We?

Reading: Revelation 4

 God’s Gospel Gathering…

… of people worshipping the risen King

God’s Plan and God’s Church … in Kenmore!

 (preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Full Freedom in Christ Alone

Colossians 2:8-23

     Don’t get captured … (vs 8)

You have full freedom in Christ alone (vs 9-15)

So don’t get caught up in anything else (vs 16-23)

(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)

Reconciled to The Supreme Son

Colossians 1:15-23

A Copernican Revolution …

The Son is Supreme over all Creation (15-17)

The Son is Supreme over all New Creation (18-20)

Reconciled to Revolve Around the Supreme Son (21-23)

(Preacher: Andreas Mayer)

Firm and Fruitful

Colossians 1:24-2:7

Gospel proclamation results in suffering, but that suffering is on behalf of Christ and His Church

Gospel proclamation involves revealing a wondrous mystery to all people 

Gospel proclamation produces beautiful fruit in the lives of those who receive it.

(preacher: Thom Herbert) 

Living Knowing our Gospel Lord

Colossians 1:1-14

Since the day you heard …

... Gospel-shaped hope

Since the day we heard …

... Gospel-shaped prayer

Live a life worthy …

... Gospel-shaped living

(Preacher - Andreas Mayer)

Time To Accept Help?

Mark 9

(Bible Reading 9:14-37)

1. God tells us to listen to Jesus ...

         “This is my Son, whom I love. LISTEN to him!” (9:7)

2. ... and Jesus says...

         “O unbelieving Generation..” (9:19)

         “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed...”(9:31)

         “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last..  (9:35)

3. Is it time to accept some help?

 The structure of Mark

chapters 1-8

chapters 9-16 

*chapters 9-10

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe.. microwave sermon!)

The Ultimate Joy in 2024?

Philippians 1:12-20

For Paul, the gospel is more important than his:

 -      Freedom 

-      Reputation 

-      Life

In what ways can you find joy in the gospel in 2024?

(Preacher: Stephen Young)

Christmas Day 2023

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (NIV)

(preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Jesus: Is he Your King?

Zechariah 9:9 (reading ch 9)

“See, your king comes to you,

righteous and victorious,

lowly and riding on a donkey”

 What was Zechariah talking about?

 What did Jesus do?

 What’s this got to do with Christmas?

 Is Jesus your King?

THE CHRIST: TOKEN LEADER OR TRUE LORD?

Mark 8

Bible Reading (vv. 22-38)

Who do you say Jeaus is?

What kind of King do you want the Christ to be?

• A Token Leader who gives you what you want?

• The True Lord to whom you owe your whole life?

Does the way you live bear witness to who you say Jesus is?

(Preacher: Thomas Herbert)

Jesus: Knows Your Heart!

Mark 7

Jesus hates people being heartlessly religious (vv. 1-13)

Our real problem is our evil heart (vv. 14-23)

Jesus solves our heart problem, 

and his solution is for everyone (vv. 24-37)

(Preacher: Andreas Mayer) 

Jesus: His Call for Repentance!

Mark 6-8 - Bible Reading 6:1-29

Mark shows us:

Who rejects Jesus 

Who Jesus calls

Mark warns us:

Being part of God’s Kingdom begins with repentance

And calling for repentance will meet with rejection

Jesus: Just Believe?

Mark 5:21-43

Two examples of people learning to trust/believe …

A father who learned to trust Jesus’ power to give life to the dead

A woman who trusted Jesus to give peace when she was in despair

Mark challenges us to believe in Jesus too!

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Jesus: Can You Trust His Authority?

Mark 4:35-5:20

What do you fear the most?

Mark shows us that Jesus has authority over EVERYTHING, including: 

-       outward storms (4:35-41)

-       inward storms (5:1-20)

-       and even death itself

…which leads people to fear him! 
                               (4:41, 5:15, 5:33, 5:42)

What would you do if you saw God?

(Preacher: Steve Young)

Jesus: Are You Listening to Him?

Mark 4:1-34 (Reading 4:1-20)

 Have you heard this parable before? 

                        …be careful not to switch off! (vv. 3, 9)

Here’s how…

1: Lean into Jesus (v. 10)

2: Grow in Jesus (v. 20)

3: Don’t expect spiritual realities to be simple… (v. 11)

4: Be assured that God changes hearts! (vv. 26-29)

(Preacher: Steve Young)

Jesus: Do You Accept His Authority?

Mark 2:13-3:35

Bible Reading: 2:13-3:6

 Jesus hates religion 

-       Mark gives us five examples

The gospel is ENTIRELY about Jesus… not religion! 

Some accept his authority; others don’t…

…what about you?

(Preacher: Steve YOUNG)

Jesus: His Authority and Priority

Mark 1:14-2:17 (Bible Reading:1:21-38)

That is why I have come  - to preach 1:38

- his authority and his compassion

- his priority and his ‘problem’

That is why I have come – to call sinners 2:17

- his compassion and his authority

- his ‘problem’ and his priority

Hard-edged compassion

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Proclaiming The Truth About Jesus

Bible Reading: Mark 1:1-20 & 16:1-8

Mark’s Gospel…

… the proclamation of Jesus as King (1:1)

Jesus is proclaimed by:

• Prophets: the King will come (1:2-3)
• John: the King is coming (1:4-8)
• God: the King is here (1:9-13)
• Jesus: The Kingdom of God is here, repent (1:14-15)  
• Us?    (16:8)

The right response to Jesus (1:16-20)

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

“Be True To Yourself”

Bible Reading: Romans 1:18-25

What do people mean when they say “be true to yourself” ? 

What does the Bible Say?

Where does that leave us?

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Waiting for Christ’s return

2 Peter 3

Don’t listen to scoffing 

Christ’s return is delayed for a reason!

Therefore, live your lives knowing that Christ is coming

Trust the scriptures to be on guard against the errors of the world

(Preacher: Thom Herbert)

Trust The LORD

Deuteronomy 31-34

(Bible Reading: 31:14-22 & 34:1-12)

After Moses…

A song that highlights the problem of sin (ch 32)

Blessings which give hope for the future? (ch 33)

Trust The LORD

 (Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

MAKING A NAME FOR OURSELVES

Genesis 10-11

(Reading: Genesis 10:21-11:9)

Humanity decides it doesn’t need God… again!

So God pays us a visit…

…and shows incredible grace in judgment

The curse is reversed in the New Testament, and ultimately at the end of time… (Acts 2, Rev 5:9)

Preacher: Stephen Young

Choose Life

Deuteronomy 27-30 (Bible Reading: 30:11-20)

1.    The Covenant The LORD commanded Moses to make with the Israelites at Moab (Dt 29:1)

the blessings and curses (Dt 27-28)

the Covenant Renewal (Dt 29-30)

2. Two key verses      

               Dt 29:29 

               Dt 30:19  

3. The choice we ALL face…

Deuteronomy – three ‘sermons’ from Moses

1.     a history lesson (chapters 1-4)

2.     Gods law’s and decrees (chapters 5-28)

3.     looking to the future (chapters 29-30)

transition from Moses to Joshua (chapters 31-34)

(Sermon: Steve Blencowe)

THE NEW CREATION

Genesis 8-9

(Reading: Genesis 8)

Humanity gets a fresh start!

But sin survives the flood…

…which shows us that EVERYONE needs God’s grace

(Preacher: Stephen Young)

Obedience and Holiness

Deuteronomy 12-26

(Reading: Dt 12:1-14 & 26:16-19)

Lots of laws for living in the land

laws which extend the 10 commandments

laws which show nothing is irrelevant to God

laws which remind the people of God’s holiness

laws for living as:

                      God’s People

                      in God’s Place

                      under God’s Rule

Israel were to be holy to the Lord their God 

- in everything

What about us? 

Deuteronomy – three ‘sermons’ from Moses

1.     a history lesson (chapters 1-4)

2.     Gods law’s and decrees (chapters 5-28)

3.     looking to the future (chapters 29-30)

transition from Moses to Joshua (chapters 31-34)

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

GOD’S JUSTICE

Genesis 6-7

(Reading: Genesis 6:5-22)

The downward spiral of sin continues! So God judges the world

He waited patiently in the days of Noah… and is patient now

BUT just like the Flood…

…the final day of judgment WILL come

(Preacher: Stephen Young)

With All Your Heart

Deuteronomy 6-11 (Reading: ch 6)

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul…”  

(4:29, 6:5, 10:12, 11:13, 13:4, 26:16, 30:2,6,10)

Implications for Old Covenant Israel, as the LORD God brought them into the land of Canaan, 

Implications for New Covenant Christians?

Deuteronomy – three ‘sermons’ from Moses

1.     a history lesson (chapters 1-4)

2.     Gods law’s and decrees (chapters 5-28)

3.     looking to the future (chapters 29-30)

transition from Moses to Joshua (chapters 31-34)

LIFE AND DEATH

Genesis 4-5

(Reading: Genesis 4)

Eve gives birth…

Is this the one who will crush the serpent’s head??

Unfortunately, not! The problem of sin spreads further…

- Cain murders his brother

- Lamech follows in Cain’s footsteps (4:23-24)

Eve gives birth again…

This time, her offspring begin to proclaim the name of the LORD (4:26)

(Preacher: Stephen Young)

The Ten Commandments

Deuteronomy 5

(Reading:5:1-22)

God’s decrees and laws 

• In Deuteronomy
• In the Old Testament
• From a New Testament perspective  

What should we do with them?

Some worked examples

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

A Political Promise We Can Turst?

2 Samuel 7

1.    David wants to build a house for God (v1-7)

2.    But God promises to build a house (dynasty) for David! (v8-17) 

3.    A quick look at David’s response (v18-29)

4.    So how is this promise fulfilled?

(Preacher: Lawrence Claire)

DISASTER IN EDEN

Genesis 3

The pursuit of WISDOM, ironically, leads to the most FOOLISH act in human history…

• The serpent attacks God’s Word (v. 1)

• Eve doubts God’s Word (v. 2)

• Adam completely ignores God’s Word (v. 6)

But there’s HOPE...

• The serpent will be crushed (v. 15)

• God’s judgment is death… but Eve becomes the mother of the living (v. 20)

• A NEW Adam has come...

Preacher: Stephen Young

GOD’S MASTERPIECE: HUMANITY

Genesis 2:4-25

Chapter two zooms in on the garden…

…showing that we were created:

- in God’s image

- male and female

- to jointly rule over creation, and

- to enjoy the presence of God

But this chapter of Genesis also leaves hints that sin will soon break these things…

Preacher: Stephen Young

The LORD is God, there is no other

Deuteronomy 4:1-40 (Reading v23-40)

The Lord is God - there is no other  v39

• God who is ‘a jealous God’ v24

• God who is a ‘merciful God’ v31

Listen to the Lord your God

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

LOOKING BACK AND LOOKING FORWARD

Joshua 3:1-5:12 (Reading 3:1-4:3)

Looking Back – Joshua 3:1-5:1

Looking Forward – Joshua 5:2-12

The God of Creation

Genesis 1:1-2:3

(Col 1:15-17; Rev 21:1-5)

What is the point of Genesis 1?

-       The heavens, the earth… and the deep? (vv. 1-2)

God forms and fills the earth by his powerful Word, Jesus

Jesus conquers ‘the deep’ and will soon bring heaven to earth!

Preacher: Stephen Young

LEARNING TO LOVE AND OBEY GOD

Deuteronomy 1-4 (Reading 1:1-8 & 1:26-40)

1. Learning lessons, then and now

• God is in control of everything

• God is faithful to his promises

• God calls on His people to obey him

2. Has anything changed?

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)

Trust God’s Timing

 2 Peter 3

 The denial – Jesus will never come 

The defence – he certainly will

 Some advice – be prepared! 

All you need to know... for life

(Preacher: Steve Blencowe)