Sermons by Michael Penfold
What Field Are You In? (12 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on Naomi’s move from the fields of Moab to the fields of Bethlehem, described in Scripture as, “She went forth from the place where she was” (Ruth 1:7): from the fields of Moab, a luxurious place of ease and distance from the Lord – to the fields of Bethlehem, the house of bread. Readings: Ruth 1:6-7, 2:3, 15-17, 19a. (Message preached in Saugus Gospel Hall, Boston, USA, June 2015)
What We Revere, We Resemble (42 min)
Michael Penfold expounds the biblical principle that people tend to become like the object of their worship. If you hold something in esteem, you will tend to imitate it. Worship breeds likeness: what we revere we will eventually resemble. Readings: Psa 115:4-8, 2 Kings 17:15, Rom 12:1-2. (Message preached in the Gospel Hall, Blackburn, 21st Jan 2023).
God Always Finishes What He Starts (44 min)
Looking at creation, the cross, the church, the prophetic calendar and the Christian, Michael Penfold preaches on the truth that “God always finishes what He starts”. Reading: Phil 1:6. (Message preached in the Gospel Hall, Blackburn, 21st Jan 2023).
Never Cut Corners, Never Look Back, Never Give Up (42 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on 3 biblical exhortations for the believer running the marathon of the Christian life: “Never cut corners, never look back, never give up.” Readings: 1 Cor 9:24-26a, 2 Tim 2:5, Phil 3:13-14, Heb 12:1-3, 2 Tim 4:6-8. (Message preached in the Gospel Hall, Newbury, 14th Jan 2023)
The Counterintuitive Wisdom of God (41 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the counterintuitive wisdom of God in the gospel. God designed a ‘foolish’ message, He saved a ‘foolish’ people, and He employed a ‘foolish’ method, all to repudiate human wisdom and humiliate human pride. So, let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. Reading: 1 Cor 1:17-2:5. Photo: University students. (Message preached in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, in May 2012)
It is written. It is appointed. It is finished. (28 min)
Michael Penfold preaches the gospel from three biblical statements: “it is written” – my condemnation (Rom 3:10); “it is appointed” – my destination (Heb 9:27); and “it is finished” – my salvation (John 19:30). (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 1st Jan 2023)
Are You A Door Opener or a Door Shutter? (39 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on two types of people in God’s assembly – door openers and door shutters. Ahaz was a door shutter (2 Chron 28:24): Hezekiah was a door opener (2 Chron 29:3). Which one are you, in terms of attendance, attitude and attractiveness? (Message preached in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, 2018)
Calvary Affects Everything (29 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the wide reach of the cross. Not just getting me to heaven, but affecting my marriage, my relationships, my wallet, my struggles, my all. Calvary affects everything. Readings: Eph 5:24-25, Phil 4:2, 2:5-8, 2 Cor 8:9-11a, Heb 12:1-3, Rom 12:1-2. (Message preached at Stark Road Gospel Hall, Livonia, MI, USA, Nov 2014)
7 Purposes of the Lord’s Miracles (41 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on 7 leading purposes of the Lord’s miracles: manifestation, signification, authentication, vindication, illustration, education and anticipation. Readings: John 2:11, 3:1-2, 5:35-6, 20:30-31. (Message preached in Redditch Gospel Hall, 4th Dec 2022) Sessions: 1. Seven characteristics of the Lord’s miracles 2. Seven purposes of the Lord’s miracles
7 Characteristics of the Lord’s Miracles (47 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on 7 leading characteristics of the Lord’s miracles, which were numerous, unique, public, efficacious, undeniable, compassionate and artless. How can we still believe in miracles in the secular West? Are miracles “contrary to nature”? What about the claims of miracles in Christendom? Readings: Acts 2:22, 10:38-39. (Message preached in Redditch Gospel Hall, 3rd Dec 2022) Sessions: 1. Seven characteristics of the Lord’s miracles 2. Seven purposes of the Lord’s miracles
The Lesson of the Leftovers (26 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “the lesson of the leftovers”. Why did the disciples panic in the storm on the lake? Because they “considered not the miracle of the loaves”. The 12 leftover basket-fulls that they had on hand should have been all they needed to rest in the Lord in the new trial, but they hadn’t learnt “the lesson of the leftovers”. Readings: John 6:5-13, Mark 6:45-52. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 20th Nov 2022)
Why So Many People are Religious But Lost (29 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on Christ’s words about the “many” people who will, to their great surprise, be shut out of heaven despite a profession of salvation, and despite a lifetime of religious activity (Matt 7:21-23). Then from Romans 10:1-4 there’s a principle such people need to learn, a performance they need to stop, and a Person they need to trust (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter Gospel Hall, 13th Nov 2022)
The Greatest Thoughts that Ever Entered my Mind (37 min)
Michael Penfold relates the story of his conversion to Christ. He highlights a series of 4 life-changing thoughts that entered his mind as he heard the truth of the Bible preached in his youth, which led to his salvation. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 30th Oct 2022)
Which World Are You Living For? – Part 2 (32 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the world’s desire to make us love it and be like it. 1. The Egypt world – the world of intelligence that wants to dazzle us. It says “Be like us”. 2. The Babylon world – the world of idolatry that wants to delude us. It says “Think like us”. 3. The Sodom world – the world of immorality that wants to defile us. It says “Act like us”. In each world there was an overcomer:…
Which World Are You Living For? – Part 1 (32 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “this world” under 4 headings: 1. The identity of the world – what the world is; 2. The mentality of the world – how the world thinks; 3. The destiny of the world – where the world’s headed; and 4. The strategy of the world – what the world wants. Readings: Gen 4:12b, 16-25, 1 John 2:15–17, John 12:31-32, Rom 12:1-2. (Message preached at the Stark Road Gospel Hall Conference, Livonia, Michigan, USA, 27th Oct 2010)
What Does “Teachers of Good Things” Mean in Titus 2? (17 min)
Michael Penfold examines the expression “teachers of good things”, which is sometimes cited as an endorsement of “women’s ministry”, and looks at the parties involved in the teaching, the content of the teaching and the context of the passage. (From a message on Titus 2 preached in Chalfont St Peter, 25th Sept 2022)
The Gospel in 5G (33 min)
Michael Penfold preaches the gospel and explains the Bible’s way of salvation from 5 words beginning with “G” in Romans Chs 3-6 (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 9th Oct 2022)
I’ll Tell You When We Get Home (24 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “I’ll tell you when we get home”, highlighting “Someone who lives forever”, “something that lasts forever”, and “somewhere to dwell forever” from the Hebrew epistle. Readings: Heb 7:25, 10:32, 34, 13:10-14. (Message preached in Newtownstewart, Northern Ireland, 1st Jan 2015)
A Funeral Like No Other (17 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the unique funeral of the Monarch of the ages, our Lord Jesus Christ, outlining 5 unique aspects of the funeral of the King of Kings. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 18 Sept 2022)
Why I am Not an Atheist (41 min)
As the inevitable fruit of the Enlightenment and Darwin’s theory of evolution, the UK has eventually become a decidedly secular and atheistic society. Against this backdrop Michael Penfold explains “Why I am not an atheist”, and gives the biblical explanation for humanity’s widespread desire to suppress the knowledge of God. Reading: Rom 1:18-25. (Message given in Chalfont St Peter, 7th Aug 2022)
Is There Life After Death? (43 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the question “Is there life after death?” He divides his remarks into three sections: the case for life after death, the characteristics of life after death, and the choice of life after death. Know what to say next time someone says “No one has ever come back to tell us”. Reading: Job 14:14. (Message preached in Winchmore Hill, nr Chalfont St Peter, 19th June 2022)
Overview of Titus (37 min)
Michael Penfold gives an overview of the epistle of Paul to Titus, one of three of his “pastoral epistles”. The overview is given in three parts: “What about Crete?”, “What about Titus?”, and “What about the Epistle?”. For a chart of this overview of Titus click here. (Message preached in Chalfont St Peter, 3rd July 2022) Other book overviews: Overview of Genesis Overview of Ruth Overview of Proverbs Overview of Isaiah Overview of Daniel Overview of Joel Overview of Zechariah…
You Are Not Your Own (31 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “You are not your own”, and the implications of this Bible statement on the Christian’s life. To understand this verse is to have one’s life totally, radically and permanently revolutionised. If Christ has bought me with a price, He owns me. He’s sovereign over me. I cannot just do as I like with my body and my life. Everything is now no longer about me but about Him. Christ bought me for a purpose – to…
Apologetics 101: The Uniqueness of Christianity (58 min)
Apologetics 101 – PART 5 of 5 Consciously or not, every human being has a worldview; it’s the way they view themselves, the world and all of reality. That worldview has consequences, for what a person believes determines how they live. So what is the correct worldview and how can it be verified? Michael Penfold tests 5 common worldviews against three questions: “Where do we come from?”, “What’s wrong with the world?”, and “How do we solve the problem?”. After…
Apologetics 101: The Rock of Scripture (63 min)
Apologetics 101 – PART 4 of 5 In 1890, British Prime Minister, William Gladstone, wrote a book about the Bible entitled “The Impregnable Rock of Holy Scripture”. Battering this rock over recent centuries has been Higher Criticism, one of the off-shoots of the Enlightenment. In an Enlightenment world, where the universe is a self-propelled machine, man is the measure of all things, and reason has replaced revelation, there is no room for miracles, nor for a book about miracles. How…
Apologetics 101: The Lie of Evolution (65 min)
Apologetics 101 – PART 3 of 5 The foundation upon which the secular and naturalistic worldview of the mainstream media, the mainstream political parties and the academic establishment rests, is Darwinism. While the Enlightenment got rid of Scripture and turned theists into deists, it was Darwin who got rid of God and turned deists into atheists. Richard Dawkins has famously remarked that Darwin’s theory of evolution “made it possible to become an intellectually fulfilled atheist”. But what if evolution is…
Apologetics 101: The Folly of Atheism (57 min)
Apologetics 101 – PART 2 of 5 The Bible doesn’t beat about the bush. Twice over it says “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’.” In this presentation, Michael Penfold expounds this biblical conclusion, as he examines the folly of a system of thought that posits “everything came from nothing by chance”. Rather than acknowledge the existence of God, atheism throws up endless arguments trying to get round the obvious. Why? Not because atheists cannot believe in God,…
Apologetics 101: The Existence of Truth (51 min)
Apologetics 101 – PART 1 of 5 Pilate’s question is still the most fundamental of all: “What is truth?”. In this audio presentation, follow the trail of truth from the pre-modern era, through the modern era to the post-modern era of today. Learn how truth was fractured during the Enlightenment through the radical ideas of Descartes, Locke, Hume and Kant. Trace the West’s 400 year descent into madness as it ‘progressed’ from rationalism, to empiricism, to agnosticism, to nihilism, to…
God Will Keep His Promises to Israel (and to you) (43 min)
What is the greatest example in the Bible of God keeping a promise? Working from Ezekiel Ch 20, this sermon sets out to prove that God’s ancient promise to Abraham of a nation and a land “for an everlasting possession” has still to be fulfilled, and will be so when Christ returns and sets up His millennial Kingdom. If God does not keep that promise, how can you be sure He will keep His New Covenant promises of salvation and…
“Fear Not I am With You” (51 min)
“Fear not, for I am with you” is a favourite verse of many from Isaiah 43:5. There are 5 people in the Bible to whom this promise was given – people who experienced the presence of the Lord in a special way due to the trials through which they passed. Learn in this sermon why there are more “fear nots” in Isaiah than any other Old Testament book and learn too how the presence of Christ is the greatest comfort…
The Sovereignty of God (43 min)
THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD – Michael Penfold preaches on the self-existence, self-sufficiency and sovereignty of God. He addresses the question, “If God is sovereign, how can man be free?” (Message preached 11th Mar 2010)
“I’m a sister. What can I do?” (44 min)
What is a sister’s ministry and what role can sisters play in the service of the Lord? Living, as we do, in a culture that promotes feminism and much else that is contrary to Scripture, it is vital for us to understand exactly what the Bible says on this issue and why. Michael Penfold outlines 5 particular avenues of service that are open to and designed for Christian women and seeks to strengthen and encourage sisters in fulfilling their potential…
Behold the Man! (50 min)
Michael Penfold preaches a wide-ranging message on the person of Christ, based on Pilate’s exclamation “Behold the Man!”, under 7 headings. Behold the deity of this man, the humanity of this man, the humility of this man, the purity of this man, the consistency of this man, the ability of this man, the victory of this man. Reading: John 19:1-6 (Message preached in Derriaghy, 2017) (Photo above: the “Garden Tomb” in Jerusalem)
The Heavens Do Rule (13 min)
The financial crisis; climate change; Brexit; US riots and elections; big-tech domination; Coronavirus. The list of stressful issues and crises just keeps growing. How should a Christian react to a “world out of control”? Michael Penfold reminds us of the words of Dan 4:26, “The heavens do rule”. We worship a God who is sovereign over all and who delights to make even the wrath of man to praise Him (Message preached in Newtownstewart, Co Tyrone, Jan 1st 2017).
Part 4 – How to Communicate the Gospel (52 min)
In the last of a 4-part series of messages on gospel communication, Michael Penfold speaks on how to present a gospel message. Preachers should preach with authority, dignity, sensitivity, simplicity, clarity, cogency, authenticity, solemnity, intensity and fervency. Michael gives practical advice on how to maintain attention throughout; opening and closing in prayer; the use of notes; gestures; eye contact and the use of the human voice. Reading: Ecc 12:10-11 (Message given in Northampton, UK, 2018)
Part 3 – How to Communicate the Gospel (43 min)
In the third of a 4-part series of messages on gospel communication, Michael Penfold speaks on how to prepare a gospel message. First, the preacher needs to be prepared, then the sermon. Michael outlines the three main genres of sermon before discussing the preparation process and how to structure a message, providing helpful hints that should benefit young men who are starting out. Readings: Rom 1:16-17, 1 Cor 2:1-5, 1 Tim 4:13-16, 2 Tim 3:15, 4:1-5 (Message given in Northampton,…
Part 2 – How to Communicate the Gospel (55 min)
In the second of a 4-part series of messages on gospel communication, Michael Penfold lays out the essential content of the gospel message. He gives a three-fold proof from Scripture that “the gospel” consists of the three “R’s” – man’s ruin (sin), God’s remedy (Christ crucified) and man’s responsibility (repent and believe). The rest of the message is taken up explaining how to effectively preach man’s ruin (that he might be brought to repentance) and how to preach the cross…
Part 1 – How To Communicate the Gospel (41 min)
In the first of a 4-part series of messages on gospel communication, Michael Penfold takes up the subject of “the divine method of communication”. He shows from Scripture that God has not only given us a message, but a method: preaching. He outlines 4 ways in which preaching is superior to the performing arts in communicating the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you think “preaching doesn’t work any more”, you need to listen to this message! Readings: Mark…
Great Are The Offices He Bears (48 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the three great mediatorial offices of the Messiah – ‘prophet’, ‘priest’ and ‘king’. The only person able to hold all three offices at one time is the Lord Jesus. The character, purpose and timing of each of these roles of Christ is examined, with special attention being given to His priesthood. The title of this message is taken from Samuel Medley’s famous hymn, “Come let us sing the matchless worth”, which contains the lines, “Great are…
Understanding Saving Faith (40 min)
PART 2 of 2 – Michael Penfold preaches on the foundational doctrine of saving faith under 4 headings: 1. A definition of faith; 2. The principle of faith; 3. The nature of faith and 4. The results of faith. What does it mean to believe in Christ? Why do some people have trouble believing? These and other vital questions are explored in a message that will help anyone struggling with assurance, as well as anyone involved in spreading the gospel…
Understanding Repentance (40 min)
PART 1 of 2 – Michael Penfold preaches on the fundamentally important foundational doctrine of repentance under 5 headings: 1. Why study repentance? 2. What is the link between repentance and faith? 3. What is repentance? 4. How does repentance come about? 5. What are the fruits of repentance? This rarely dealt with subject is vital, for unless we understand repentance we will be unable to properly preach the gospel. Readings: Matt 4:17, Luke 13:3, 15:17-19, 24:46-47, Acts 2:37-38a, 20:20-21,…
What Is Life All About? (32 min)
In a message directed to the hearts of the young, Michael Penfold preaches on the fundamental question facing us all – “What is life all about?”. What is my life about? He answers this question with three negatives: 1. Life’s not about things, 2. Life’s not about me, and 3. Life’s not about now. Life is about living for Christ and his interests, in the light of eternity! To understand these things and put them into practice is the constant…
Is It Right? (42 min)
Is it right to dance? Is it right to play cards? Is it right to watch movies, to smoke, or to drink socially? These questions come up repeatedly. So, how do we answer from the Bible? In this message Michael Penfold outlines a 3-part filter through which to run tricky questions: 1. biblical precepts, 2. biblical practices and 3. biblical principles. He then outlines 6 principles by which to come to a decision on such matters before the Lord. A…
At Evening It Shall Be Light (34 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the glorious prospect of the Lord’s coming from Zech 14:7 “At evening time it shall be light”. In the midst of the darkness, sorrow and perplexities of this present era, the Christian has a sure and certain hope that all will one day be well – when He comes! A message to encourage, uplift and strengthen (Message preached Oct 2016)
Esther – A Queen who Understood the Times (42 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on Queen Esther, who “came to the Kingdom for such a time as this“. How well do we understand the uniquely difficult times in which we live? Ours is the age of “Richard Dawkins, Lady Gaga and amazon.com”. In other words, for us, “Persian culture” is the inescapable all-pervasive influence of the enlightenment, the sexual revolution and consumerism, both in the world around us and in our pocket. Before we can effectively live for Christ, we need…
Joseph – A Young Man in a Difficult Situation (36 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on Joseph (from Genesis 37 & 39), a young man who stood for God in difficult circumstances. He overcame the bad influence of older siblings, the unwise favouritism of his father, the betrayal of his brothers and the vice and lies his master’s wife. But perhaps even greater than all of this was his victory over victimhood. He didn’t see himself as a victim. He didn’t fall into self-pity. He trusted in a sovereign God and thereby,…
Witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses (47 min)
Michael Penfold outlines the identity, origins, practices and beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses before giving some guidance on how to effectively witness to them. Since the JW’s own Bible version, the New World Translation, has deliberately corrupted verses like John 1:1, Col 1:15-18 and Heb 1:8 (in order to avoid and deny the truth of the deity of Christ) Michael suggests a few other other passages that can be used just as effectively to teach the truth about Christ to…
Sign No 5 – The Storm on the Lake (39 min)
PART 6 – Michael Penfold preaches on the 5th sign in John’s gospel, the calming of the storm on the lake (and the walking on the water), from John Ch 6. After an introduction about how John in his first 12 chapters interweaves the “words” and the “works” of the Son, Michael looks at how the 5th sign proves that Jesus is the Son of God. He also explains how God’s dispensational dealings with the nation of Israel are seen…
Using Tracts, Signs and Websites in Evangelism (39 min)
After setting out the 7 Biblical tests that all evangelistic outreach methods must pass, Michael Penfold encourages Christians to make use of tracts, booklets, gospel signs and websites to spread the gospel of Christ. He outlines the tremendous potential of tracts and gives guidance about their content and various methods of giving them out, including 9 tips for passing out tracts in the streets of our towns and cities. “The only failure in evangelism is when we fail to evangelise”…
The Primacy of Preaching – Part 2 (44 min)
Michael Penfold addresses the question: is a “gospel meeting” a scriptural meeting? After outlining the history of how distinct regular gospel-preaching meetings have almost died out in the West, Michael sets out a scriptural case for continuing to hold them, both indoors and outdoors, based 1. on the meaning of the word “gospel” in the New Testament and 2. on the examples of Peter and Paul in the book of Acts. Readings: Mark 16:15, 1 Cor 9:16, Acts 10:34-48 (Message…
The Prison Prayers of Paul (38 min)
Michael Penfold looks at the prayer life and the 4 “prison prayers” of Paul – a prayer for enlightenment (Eph 1:15-23); a prayer for enablement (Eph 3:14-21); a prayer for enlargement (Phil 1:9-11); and a prayer for enrichment (Col 1:9-14). (Message preached 21st July 2019)
The Prayers of Hannah (37 min)
Michael Penfold takes a look at the two prayers of Hannah – her supplication in 1 Samuel Ch 1 and her thanksgiving in Ch 2. Her first prayer was heartfelt, intelligent, reverent and selfless, while her second revealed her appreciation of God’s salvation, His attributes, His sovereignty and His purposes. (Message preached 19th May 2019)
Exposition of 1 Timothy Ch 6 (42 min)
Michael Penfold expounds 1 Timothy Ch 6 in which the Ephesian false teachers are condemned, and Timothy, the man of God, is charged – to “keep the commandment” and “guard the deposit”. The apostle Paul exposes those who view godliness as a way to make money and gives general warnings against covetousness. This issue is highly relevant in our day when the “prosperity gospel” is being promoted by false teachers like T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen and Brian Houston…
Why I Am a Futurist (45 min)
There are 4 main views of the timing of the book of Revelation: preterism, historicism, idealism and futurism. Michael Penfold explains that how we choose between them ultimately comes down to how we interpret Bible prophecy. He sets out the general laws of hermeneutics and then gives specific direction as to how to interpret prophetic symbols. He finishes by testing the 4 views against three items in the book of Revelation (Message preached 14th Apr 2019)
Why I Am Complementarian (43 min)
Michael Penfold expounds complementarianism – that truth that God not only created two different genders in the beginning, but that He assigned different roles to each – headship to the male, and ‘helper-ship’ to the female. Opposed by feminism, this is nevertheless the plain teaching of Genesis Ch 2 (before the fall) and is reiterated in 7 key passages in the NT – Eph 5:21-23, Col 3:18-19, 1 Tim 2:8-15, Titus 2:4-5, 1 Cor 11:1-16, 14:34-38, 1 Pet 3:1-7 (Message…
Why I am in an Assembly (37 min)
After defining the words “fellowship” (Gk: koinonia) and “assembly” (Gk: ekklesia), Michael Penfold sets out 3 reasons “Why I am in fellowship in a local assembly”. First, because of the purpose of God; second, because of the presence of Christ; and third, because of the pattern of Scripture. The Bible expects all believers to be in a local assembly gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus. Readings: Matt 18:20, Acts 2:41-42, 9:26-28, 15:14. (Message preached 24th Feb 2019)
Why I Am a Christian (44 min)
A Christian is someone who has been justified by faith in Jesus Christ. But how can a person know that Jesus Christ really existed, or that He is who the Bible claims Him to be, or that He really died and rose again? Michael Penfold outlines 5 basic lines of evidence for the Christian faith: 1. The eye-witness testimony of Scripture; 2. The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy; 3. The existence of the church; 4. The martyrdom of the apostles,…
How the Father Disciplines His Children (30 min)
A message on the topic of “chastening” – God the Father’s loving discipline of His sons, designed to correct our faults and develop our character. Three categories of chastening are outlined: verbal, judicial and developmental. Both the nature and purpose of each one are examined, accompanied by examples from Scripture (Readings: 1 Pet 4:17-18, Rev 3:19, 2 Tim 3:16-17, 1 Cor 11:30-32, Heb 12:4-13). (Message preached 2nd Dec 2018)
The Doctrine of Original Sin (39 min)
Can we still believe that taking the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden of Eden rightfully initiated such a fearful divine judgment on humanity as “the fall”? In this message on Genesis Ch 3, Michael Penfold outlines the context, cause, character and consequences of the first sin. God’s fairness in banishing Adam and Eve from the garden, and constituting all of their progeny sinners due to “one man’s sin” – is defended.…
Upon this Rock (39 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the Lord’s statement in Matt 16:18-19; “Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven”. Questions addressed in this message include, “When did the church begin?”, “Who is the rock upon which the church is built?” and “What are the keys of the Kingdom of heaven?” (Message preached 11th Oct…
One Person – Two Natures (36 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the incarnation of Christ. Answering the mistaken idea that “the Lord took nothing from Mary”, Michael proves from Scripture that our incarnate Saviour was both conceived in and connected to His mother, and that this fact is vital for our redemption. In addition, the fact that the Lord Jesus had two natures – deity and humanity – in one person (‘hypostatic union’) is expounded. It is vital that Christ’s person is never divided, and His natures…
The Fashion of the World (43 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on separation from the world in connection with clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, piercing and tattoos. After establishing the fact that the Bible is concerned with the outward appearance of God’s people, Michael outlines 10 scriptural “guiding principles” by which to judge all issues of dress and appearance. Scripture readings: Prov 6:24-25, 7:10, Eze 23:40, 44, 1 Tim 2:8-10, 1 Pet 3:3-4 (Message preached 7th Jun 2018)
Assembly Separation (39 min)
Michael Penfold examines the history, beliefs and influence of two dangerous forces within Christendom – the Ecumenical and Charismatic Movements. Warnings and guidance are given from scripture, combined with an exhortation to “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Cor 6:17) (Message preached 18th May 2014)
Should Christians Keep the Sabbath? (44 min)
After listing 6 reasons why God gave the Sabbath, Michael Penfold proves that the Saturday Sabbath was a ceremonial, not a moral law, and that it was not instituted until Sinai. It was a “shadow” that gave way to the “substance” at the coming of Christ. He also looks at why believers meet on Sundays today, which the Bible calls “the Lord’s Day” (Message preached 13th May 2018)
The Roles and Responsibilities of Husbands and Wives (42 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the duties and responsibilities of husbands and wives within marriage. God created male and female, and assigned different roles to them in the home, the assembly and society. In his role as the head of the wife, man has certain responsibilities; in her role as helper, so does the woman. What are these roles and how is this concept to be defended in a world of feminism, roleless marriages and gender confusion? Readings in Gen 3:15…
Movies, Social Media and the Christian (47 min)
Should Christians watch movies? Should Christians be on social media? Michael Penfold applies the timeless principles of the Word of God to these two issues. He discusses content, worldviews, actors, acting and fiction in relation to movies. As to social media he looks at privacy, addiction, depression and narcissism. (Message preached 22nd Mar 2018)
Evaluating Bible Translations (44 min)
Michael Penfold gives an introductory history of how the Bible has been translated into various languages, including English, before highlighting 4 main issues to be considered in the task of Bible translating – motives, men, manuscripts and method. Based on the fact of the plenary verbal inspiration of Scripture, he emphasises that the Bible should be translated according to principles of formal, not dynamic, equivalence (Message preached 18th Feb 2018)
What does it mean that Christ is our “Advocate”? (36 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the topic of the advocacy of Christ. He differentiates between Christ’s offices of Mediator, High Priest and Advocate, and explains the meaning of the word “advocate” as used by John in 1 John 2:1, setting it in the context of John’s first epistle to show how, when and why Christ acts as our advocate (Message preached 3rd Dec 2017)
Mary the Mother of Jesus (42 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus; her service, song, Son and sorrow. He closes by highlighting a number of widely held errors about Mary; titles such as “Mother of God”, “Queen of heaven” and “Mediatrix”, and other issues such as her supposed “assumption to heaven”, “immaculate conception”, “perpetual virginity” and her “apparitions”. Rome’s idolatry makes the ecumenical movement a “table of demons” from which to remain separate (Message preached 22nd Oct 2017)
Christ in Corinthians (38 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “Christ in the 1st epistle to the Corinthians”. After dividing the book into 5 sections, he shows how Paul brings two aspects of the person and work of Christ into each section as he seeks to correct and encourage the assembly in Corinth. For example, in Chs 1-4, “the power and wisdom of God in Christ” are set forth as the answer to the divisions in Corinth (Message preached 12th Oct 2017)
Hannah and Peninnah (40 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on Hannah, the mother of Samuel. Out of her tragic circumstances – the nation in chaos, its priesthood corrupted, her own barrenness, and her domestic grief – comes a “man-child” who became Israel’s mighty prophet, kingmaker and nation restorer, Samuel. Peninnah seemed, at the start, to have it all going for her…but the long view shows that God honours those who honour Him (Message preached 8th Oct 2017)
Eve – The First Woman (40 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the first women in the Bible – Eve, the wife of Adam. A number of basic issues are covered in this message, including the Bible’s teaching on gender (male and female), the divinely designed different roles for men and women in the home, in society and in the assembly, and the Biblical reasons why women are not allowed to teach or pray publicly in assembly gatherings. Readings from Gen Chs 2-3, 1 Cor 11:1-16, 1 Tim…
Believing the Impossible (40 min)
Michael Penfold preaches a message to encourage the weary Christian. He highlights three Bible characters: one who believed the impossible, another who saw the invisible, and a third who understood the inscrutable. Despite their internal frailties and external difficulties, these exemplary men lived by faith and overcame. May God give us help in our weariness to do the same (Message preached May 25th 2017)
The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit (35 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the person, work and titles of the Holy Spirit. He emphasises that the Holy Spirit is God, is a real person and is intimately involved in everything to do with the conversion and daily life of the believer in Christ. Titles such as “the Spirit of Christ”, “the Spirit of glory and of God” and “the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead” are discussed (Message preached 23rd Apr 2017)
What Does “Only Begotten Son” Mean? (40 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the expression “the only begotten Son” (Gk: monogenes) and explains its significance. He also takes up another title of Christ, “the first-begotten” (Gk: prototokos), and expounds its meaning. Finally, he takes up the words “This day have I begotten Thee” and, starting in Psalm 2, reveals the import of this precious expression (Message preached 26th Feb 2017)
The Glory of God – His Purposes (39 min)
PART 6 – Michael Penfold preaches on the “purpose of the ages” and explains how it is designed to bring glory to God. History is heading to a glorious climax…the “goal of history” that was purposed by God in Christ before the foundation of the world. Do you know what this goal is? Open your Bible to Ephesians chapters 1 and 3, and Romans chapter 8, and listen along to familiarise yourself with this most important subject – the divine…
The Golden Lampstand (34 min)
Michael Penfold preaches about the Tabernacle’s “golden lampstand”. This glorious item in the Tabernacle helps us to appreciate the glory of Christ’s person, His position, His people and His Spirit. Details are given concerning its location, composition, construction, composition and function. This ornate, expensive and weighty piece of Tabernacle furniture contains much precious typology for our meditation (Message preached Nov 13th 2016)
The Brazen Altar (41 min)
Michael Penfold preaches about the largest piece of furniture in the Tabernacle of Moses – the brazen altar. He explains the significance of the picture of the altar, its position in the Tabernacle, its properties and its parts. Numerous lessons are drawn out about the person and work of Christ from this glorious type outlined in Exodus 27 (Message given Oct 9th 2016)
Singing at the Supper (37 min)
Michael Penfold takes up the subject of singing at the Lord’s Supper. Referencing verses in Matthew, Colossians, Ephesians and Corinthians, principles are outlined that give us a pattern for the use and selection of hymns when we gather each Lord’s Day to break bread and remember the Lord. Among other things, the issues of ‘musical instruments’ and ‘exclusive Psalmody’ are briefly touched on (Message preached Sept 18th 2016)
Assembly Discipline (36 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the subject of “assembly discipline”. He covers a number of different types of assembly discipline, before concentrating on the two issues that call for excommunication – serious moral evil, and serious doctrinal error. He lists a number of Biblical reasons why assembly discipline is necessary, outlining its role and purpose (Message preached June 2016)
Lordship and the Local Assembly (37 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the many vital ways in which the “Lordship of Christ” affects the local assembly, all drawn from the first epistle to the Corinthians. He spends the first half of his message distinguishing between the Biblical concepts of “headship” and “lordship”, before expanding on the ramifications of Christ’s lordship over the assembly (Message preached May 2016)
Assembly Fellowship and Reception (42 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the fact, focus and function of assembly fellowship. He stresses that believers are not “received to the breaking of bread” but rather “to the whole assembly”, with all of its privileges and responsibilities. Being received into an assembly means “continuing stedfastly” in the apostles’ doctrine, the breaking of bread, the fellowship and the prayers (Acts 2:42). It’s a matter of conviction, not convenience! (Message preached May 2016)
7 Purposes for the Local Assembly (38 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on 7 reasons why a local assembly exists. It exists for God’s glory, to manifest His presence, to exhibit divine design, to administer divine authority, to display divine order, to proclaim divine truth and to fulfil the divine commission. Listen for an explanation of why denominational names – Presbyterian, Wesleyan, Lutheran etc. – are both too narrow and too wide at one and the same time (Message preached Apr 2016)
A Christian’s attitude to Government, Society and Culture (37 min)
Michael Penfold takes up the subject of the Christian’s attitude to the government, society and culture. What are the Biblical responsibilities and duties of Christians in this dispensation with regard to “the powers that be”? Should Christians be trying to convert culture, to reform society and to see Biblical laws imposed on nations? Should Christians be politically involved – voting, campaigning and protesting? These and other questions are addressed in this topical message (Message preached 13th Mar 2016)
Singleness and Courtship (35 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the topic of singleness and courtship. After a look at a number of issues around singleness, 7 words are emphasised in relation to seeking the Lord’s will concerning a marriage partner: dependence, patience, obedience, intelligence, guidance, prudence and vigilance. This message touches on a number of practical and topical issues including ‘dating’, social networking and parental involvement (Message preached 24th Jan 2016)
An Overview of the Book of Genesis
Michael Penfold gives an overview of the book of Genesis. He explains the crucial nature of the book, being the fountain head of the many rivers of truth that run throughout the rest of Scripture. He defends the Mosaic authorship of the book and emphasises the reliability of the creation account. The book is divided into 4 events in the first 11 chapters and 4 men in the last 39 chapters. The crucial hinge of the book, Gen 12:1-3, is…
Where Do The Dead Go? (36 min)
Michael Penfold takes up the subject of man’s future state under three headings: Where do people go at death? Where did Christ go at death? What is the future resurrection programme for the Church, Israel and the “wicked dead”? He deals with a number of false ideas such as annihilation, reincarnation, purgatory, soul-sleep and universalism and refutes them all from scripture. He also critiques the two-compartment theory. A wide ranging message that includes a look at the first and second…
Pre, Post or A-Millennialism? (45 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the subject of the Millennium, the 1,000 year reign of Christ on earth in His Kingdom. He outlines Old Testament prophecies about the Millennium, how the Millennium fits into the future, its purpose, the people who will be in it, how it will be administered, what it will be like and how it will end. He explains the weaknesses of the a-millennial and post-millennial views and argues in favour of a pre-millennial view of prophecy (Message…
What is the Believer’s Rule of Life? (43 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the question, “What is the believer’s ‘rule of life’?” Believers today are “under grace”, not “under law”. That is to say, the Mosaic law, in all its aspects – ceremonial, civil and moral – has no connection with Christians in the Church age. They are neither under the law for justification nor for sanctification. Are believers then “lawless”? Is dispensationalism antinomian? Does “grace” mean Christians are free to do what they please? These and other related…
Part 7 – The Origin of Evil (40 min)
In October 2015 an “Origins” apologetics conference was held at the Gospel Hall in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Over seven sessions, a wide range of fundamental issues were taken up by Michael Penfold, all relating to the question of origins. PART 7 – The Origin of Evil Time Magazine’s cover on June 10th 1991 asked “Evil – Does it exist or do bad things just happen?” In a Darwinian world there is no evil. There’s just DNA. Nature red in tooth and…
Part 6 – The Origin of Meaning and Morality (83 min)
In October 2015 an “Origins” apologetics conference was held at the Gospel Hall in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Over seven sessions, a wide range of fundamental issues were taken up by Michael Penfold, all relating to the question of origins. PART 6 – The Origin of Meaning and Morality Without God, what is the ultimate objective meaning of life, and how can we tell the difference between right and wrong? Atheistic professor William Provine rightly observed that Darwinism means, “No life…
Part 5 – The Origin of the Gospel (51 min)
In October 2015 an Origins Apologetics Conference was held in the Gospel Hall in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Over seven sessions, a number of significant topics were taken up by Michael Penfold, all relating to the question of origins. PART 5 – The Origin of the Gospel Isn’t Christianity just another human construct? Isn’t a person’s religion just a matter of geography? Evidence is given in this session for the divine origin of Christianity. Tracing the message of “the gospel” back…
Part 4 – The Origin of Species (89 min)
In October 2015 an Origins Apologetics Conference was held in the Gospel Hall in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Over seven sessions, a number of significant topics were taken up by Michael Penfold, all relating to the question of origins. PART 4 – The Origin of Species Taking its title from Darwin’s famous book “On the Origin of Species”, this session examines the question of how thousands of different species of animals, plants, fungi, bacteria and algae came to be? What process…
Part 3 – The Origin of Life (62 min)
In October 2015 an Origins Apologetics Conference was held in the Gospel Hall in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Over seven sessions, a number of significant topics were taken up by Michael Penfold, all relating to the question of origins. PART 3 – The Origin of Life One of the vital and fundamental issues that all serious worldviews have to answer is, “Where did life come from?”. Between a living cell and the most highly ordered non-biological system, such as a crystal…
Part 2 – The Origin of the Universe (78 min)
In October 2015 an Origins Apologetics Conference was held in the Gospel Hall in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Over seven sessions, a number of significant topics were taken up by Michael Penfold, all relating to the question of origins. PART 2 – The Origin of The Universe There are 4 options for the origin of the universe: 1. The universe is not really here – it’s an illusion. 2. The universe has always been here. 3. The universe created itself from…
Part 1 – The Origin of Truth (77 min)
In October 2015 an Origins Apologetics Conference was held in the Gospel Hall in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Over seven sessions, a number of significant topics were taken up by Michael Penfold, all relating to the question of origins. PART 1 – The Origin of Truth At the foundation of everything is Pilate’s question: “What is truth?” That and other truth issues are discussed in this video: Is truth knowable? Is truth absolute or relative, subjective or objective? How does the…
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