Sermons by Michael Penfold (Page 2)
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…
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” (Recorded 13th May 2018)
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 (Recorded in Derriaghy, 2017) (Photo above: the “Garden Tomb” in Jerusalem)
“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…
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 (Recorded 3rd Dec 2017)
At Evening Time 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. (Recorded at the Sussex Gospel Hall Bible Conference, New Brunswick, Canada, in Oct 2016)
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?” Helpful in relation to the issue of Calvinism. (Recorded 11th Mar 2010)
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).
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? The 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, 26:19-20. (Recorded on…
What Is Life All About? (32 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “What is life all 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. Readings: Luke 12:13-15, 22-23, 30-31, Phil 1:1, 18-21, Luke 19:12-17 (Recorded in Hatboro, PA, 10th Nov 2019)
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,…
How to Witness to a Jehovah’s Witness (47 min)
Michael Penfold outlines the identity, origins, practices and beliefs of the Jehovah’s Witnesses before giving 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, Michael suggests a few other other passages that can be used just as effectively to teach the truth about Christ. (Recorded 1st Dec 2019)
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. (Recorded 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,…
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…
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)
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)
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…
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)
Should Christians Vote? (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 with regard to “the powers that be”? Should Christians be politically involved – voting, campaigning and protesting? (Recorded 13th Mar 2016)
Singleness and Courtship (35 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the topic of singleness and courtship/dating. 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 (Recorded 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…
The Afterlife (36 min)
Michael Penfold takes up the subject of the afterlife 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 examines annihilation, reincarnation, purgatory, soul-sleep , universalism and the two-compartment theory. (Recorded 3rd Jan 2016)
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…
If God Exists, Why Is There Evil? – Origins Part 7 (36 min)
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.* We’re just DNA. Nature red in tooth and claw. But if there is a God, isn’t evil even more of a problem? How can God and evil co-exist? In this session, Michael Penfold tackles this question, looking at man’s free will and the origin of sin, evil and death, and the remedy for…
The Gospel: Man-Made or Divine? – Origins Part 6 (51 min)
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 through Saul of Tarsus – who wrote much of the New Testament – to the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ, this session argues for the reality of the Christian faith, its grounding in the eye-witnessed facts of history and in the Messiah, the Son of God.…
Darwin’s Deadly Legacy – Origins Part 5 (73 min)
Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has cast a dark shadow over theology, history and morality. Michael Penfold examines the direct and staggeringly negative influence that Darwin’s erroneous ideas have had on the likes of Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Neitzsche and Hitler, and on the tragic course of human history as a result. By way of contrast, the Bible speaks truth on the issues of origin, meaning, morality and destiny. Readings: Gen 3:1-5, Judg 21:25, Rom 1:28-32. From the October 2015 Origins…
Why Charles Darwin Was Wrong – Origins Part 4 (89 min)
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 developed the eye, ear, hand, knee, liver, kidney, heart and brain (with its 100 billion neurons connected by 100 trillion synapses, the most complicated object in the universe)? From whence came photosynthesis, pollination, metamorphosis and migration? How did human reproduction arise, a process in which…
Where Did Life Come From? – Origins Part 3 (62 min)
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 or snowflake, there is a chasm as vast and absolute as it is possible to conceive – so how did life arise from non-life? What came first, proteins, DNA or RNA? How was the universe fine-tuned to allow for life to exist in the first…
Who Made God? – Origins Part 2 (78 min)
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 nothing. 4. The universe was created by God. Referencing Romans Ch 1, the case is made that the existence of God is patently obvious to all but the deliberate unbeliever. This leads to the conclusion that atheism is a moral and volitional choice, not an intellectual…
Does Truth Exist – Origins Part 1 (77 min)
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 Bible counter the approaches of rationalism, empiricism, pragmatism and relativism? Is the Bible true and is there any evidence for its divine inspiration? What is the relationship between reason and faith? Readings: John 8:32, 14:6, 17:17, 18:38, 19:35. From the October 2015 Origins Apologetics Conference,…
The Holy Spirit in Regeneration (38 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the work of the Holy Spirit in convicting, awakening and regenerating sinners. Being born again is not the result of a mere “decision” or “commitment” as many in evangelicalism understand it today – but rather it is a momentous event in which, upon repentance and faith in Christ, dead sinners are divinely quickened. The meaning, source, manner and nature of this new birth are all explained in detail (Message preached 24th Sept 2015)
An Overview of the 7 Dispensations (38 min)
Michael Penfold defines the critical terms “age” and “dispensation” before working his way through history from creation to the new heavens and new earth outlining the 7 Biblical dispensations as he proceeds. The 4 basic, always-repeated characteristics of each dispensation – revelation, responsibility, rebellion and retribution – are delineated in detail. (Message preached 20th Sept 2015)
Why the Gospel Matters (42 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on “Why the gospel matters”. He outlines a number of features of the gospel that flow from the gospel message’s divine origin: its dignity, its authority, its potency, its verity, its exclusivity, its eternality and its solemnity (Message preached 23rd July 2015)
The Apostle Paul (38 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the apostle Paul – his character, his conversion, his career and his coronation. Paul’s authority as an apostle, his ministry as a preacher, his energy in gospel labour, his responsibility in caring for all the churches, his adversity in suffering for Christ and his loyalty to the truth of God, are all commented on and applied (Message preached 14th May 2015)
Ruth Ch 1 (28 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on Ruth Chapter 1, which features Naomi the restored backslider, Ruth the new believer, and Orpah the false professor. Moab, a nation marked by immorality, enmity, idolatry and luxury, sat just “next door” to Israel and tempted God’s people to recross Jordan and head “back to the world”, especially during a time of famine. This is a “chapter of choices” which holds many pertinent lessons for us (Message given May 3rd 2015)
Salvation – A Blessing Like No Other (38 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the incomparable blessing of salvation, that eclipses every other blessing known to man. It is unique in a 7-fold way: in its means, scope, value, character, effect, terms and outcome. Nothing in this world comes close to the altogether wonderful blessing of salvation through Jesus Christ. (Recorded 29th Jan 2015)
Moses – Rebellious Relatives (26 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the plots against Moses from his sister and brother (Numbers Ch 12) and his cousin (Ch 16). The two passages are compared and similarities noted. Marked by jealousy, discontentment and hunger for power, Miriam and Korah took on the leadership of Israel with disastrous results. (Message preached 11th Jan 2015)
Moses – Confrontation with Pharoah (27 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on Moses’s confrontation with Pharoah. What would Moses do? Accept Pharoah’s compromises or obey the Lord’s commandment? Would Moses meet Pharoah halfway and find an accommodation with him, or would he “hold the line” and obey the Lord? (Message preached 30th Nov 2014)
“The Scorner” in Proverbs (22 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the scorner, a major character in the book of Proverbs. He compares three of Solomon’s case studies – the simple, the fool and the scorner. The scorner has contempt for Christ and His gospel, and for the people of God. It has ever been thus, since they first mocked Christ and “laughed Him to scorn.” The scorner is warned – “If thou shalt be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself, but if thou scornest, thou…
“The Wise Man vs The Foolish Man” in Proverbs (26 min)
Michael Penfold contrasts the wise and the foolish man in the book of Proverbs. He outlines 7 major features of the fool, everything from his godless mindset, to his troublesome tongue to his disastrous influence. How different to the wise man, whose attitudes, decisions and movements are governed by wisdom’s overarching “first principle”, the fear of the Lord (Message preached 7th Sept 2014)
Entertainers and the News Media (39 min)
Michael Penfold examines the power and influence of the entertainment industry and the news media. Under the headings of consumption, consequences and cure, he describes a world addicted to “the screen” and the corrosive output of Hollywood. The negative impact of “53 hours a week in front of the screen for the average teenager” on independent thinking, Biblical discernment, good use of time, and holiness, are immense. The cure? Recognise the devil’s strategy and refuse to conform to it…”Walk in…
Ecumenists and Charismatics (39 min)
Michael Penfold examines the history, beliefs and influence of two dangerous forces within Christendom – the Ecumenical and Charismatic Movements. The ideas and assumptions of these closely allied movements have permeated the entire globe and left unprecedented confusion and compromise in their wake. Terms like interdenominationalism, ecumenism, inter-faith and syncretism are defined. 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)
1 Thessalonians Ch 5 (43 min)
Michael Penfold expounds 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5. The chapter introduces us to the great subject of “the day of the Lord” which will come upon a world proclaiming “Peace and safety!” The believers of this present dispensation will not be overtaken by the day of the Lord, but will be raptured to heaven before its commencement (Message preached 10th Apr 2014) (Photo: March of Galerius, Thessaloniki).
John’s Three Tests of Salvation (25 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the subject of the apostle John’s “three tests”. In his epistles John outlines a moral test, a social test and a doctrinal test. These tests provide assurance to true believers, but sound an alarm to “false believers”, in particular the false teachers who were denying that Jesus is the Christ come in flesh (Message preached 23rd Mar 2014)
The Mystery of Israel’s Blindness (22 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the “mystery of Israel’s blindness”. He explains that Israel’s current national hardening and blindness is neither universal in its extent (individual Jews are still being saved) nor final in its duration (the nation of Israel will yet be restored and brought into Millennial blessing). Rom 11:25 is seen to be the death knell of amillennialism (Message preached 23rd Feb 2014)
The Mystery of the One Body, the Church (26 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the “mystery of the one body”. He asks the Who, When, What, How and Why of the “mystery” that sees Jews and Gentiles becoming fellow heirs, fellow members of the body of Christ and fellow partakers of all the associated blessings. The church is not a continuation of Israel – it is something entirely new (Message preached 2nd Feb 2014)
The Submission and Suffering of Christ (25 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the submissiveness and sufferings of Christ, based on the apostle Peter’s remarks in his first epistle. Peter learned, while witnessing the sufferings of Christ, how to react in a spiritual way to difficult circumstances in society, the workplace, the home and the assembly (Message preached 15th Dec 2013)
The Holiness and Sinlessness of Christ (24 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the holiness and sinlessness of Christ, Who did no sin, knew no sin and in Whom is no sin. He addresses two vital theological questions: “Could the Lord Jesus Christ have sinned?”, and “What was the purpose of the temptation in the wilderness?” (Message preached 1st Dec 2013)
The Wisdom and Knowledge of Christ (24 min)
Michael Penfold speaks on the wisdom and knowledge of Christ. Wisdom in His person, in creation, in incarnation, in salvation and in kingdom administration. He explains that the Lord Jesus was both omniscient and omnipresent the whole time He was on earth, having left behind none of His divine attributes at the incarnation (Message preached 17th Nov 2013)
Deity in Manifestation – Humanity in Perfection (24 min)
Michael Penfold introduces a series on the character of our Lord Jesus Christ. Under the headings of “Deity in manifestation” and “Humanity in Perfection” he reminds his audience of some foundational truths in connection with the person and character of Christ – true man, true God – containing in Himself a perfect balance of flawless features and characteristics (Message preached 20th Oct 2013)
An Overview of 2 and 3 John (17 min)
Michael Penfold gives an overview of the two single chapter epistles of 2nd and 3rd John. He speaks on each epistle’s author, audience, aspect, approach, aim and arrangement. He analyses the epistles, comparing and contrasting them side by side highlighting their interwoven themes of love and truth (Recorded at the Vancouver Fall Conference, BC, Canada, 14th Oct 2013)
What is our Ground of Gathering? (25 min)
A back to basics message from Michael Penfold on what a local assembly is, how it comes to be and how it functions. From Matthew 18:20 we learn that an assembly is summoned by a divine call, submits to divine authority, and surrounds a divine person (Message given 8th Sept 2013)
A Real, Risen, Returning Christ (26 min)
Michael Penfold compares the epistles of Paul, Peter and John, men who wrote of faith, hope and love respectively. Each was an eye-witness…to the resurrection, to the transfiguration and the incarnation. They urge us, in turn, to believe in a risen Christ, to hope in a returning Christ and to love a real Christ (Message preached 4th Aug 2013)
Creation vvs. Evolution Part 1 (56 min)
CREATION vvs. EVOLUTION (Part 1) – Michael Penfold sets out the scientific bankruptcy of Darwinism. In this presentation, 14 ‘proofs’ for the theory of evolution are refuted and 8 of its major problems are discussed (Message preached in May 2005)
Creation vvs. Evolution Part 2 (63 min)
CREATION vvs. EVOLUTION (Part 2) – Michael Penfold outlines the philosophical bankruptcy of Darwinism and discusses the dark shadows it has cast over theology, history and morality. Reveals Darwin’s influence over Hitler and Stalin etc. (May 2005)
Creation vvs. Evolution Part 3 (69 min)
CREATION vvs. EVOLUTION (Part 3) – Michael Penfold puts forward Biblical creation as the true explanation for the origin of life, matter, intelligence, morality and much more. Includes numerous evidences that the Bible is the word of God (May 2005)
Kings Abijam and Asa (35 min)
KINGS OF JUDAH Part 2 – Michael Penfold preaches on the 2nd and 3rd Kings of Judah, Abijam and Asa. Asa was a “revival King” and challenging lessons are drawn from the foundation that underpinned the revival, the faith the accompanied the revival and the folly that wrecked the revival (Message preached May 30th 2013)
Philippians Ch 2 (37 min)
Michael Penfold expounds Philippians Ch 2. Assembly unity is the subject of the chapter and Paul sets before the Philippians the motivations for unity, the hard choices necessary for unity and the examples of the attitude needed to promote unity, as seen primarily in our Lord Jesus. The difficult Christological passage (2:5-7) is discussed in its context (Message preached 14th Mar 2013)
Conclusion – Things That Differ (27 min)
Michael Penfold concludes the series with a look at some fine distinctions in the Bible, such as, ‘the second man’ and ‘the last Adam’; ‘the righteousness of God’, and ‘righteousness from God’; ‘the fulness of time’ and ‘the fulness of times’; ‘the age to come’ and ‘the ages to come’ etc. (Message preached 14th July 2013)
Hades vs Gehenna (21 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the difference between “hell” (hades) and the “lake of fire” (gehenna). The former is temporary and for souls; the latter eternal for “body and soul”. He also deals with the errors of soul sleep and annihilationism. In closing he urges the continued preaching of eternal punishment, quoting from Jonathan Edwards sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” as an example (Message preached 23rd June 2013)
The First vs the Second Resurrection (25 min)
Michael Penfold distinguishes between the first and second resurrections. The choice between a-millennialism and pre-millennialism can be rightly said to hang on this crucial question. Four proofs are given that there are two future separate physical resurrections of the dead. These resurrections are separated by 1,000 literal years (Message preached 9th June 2013)
The Rapture vs the Manifestation (24 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the distinctions between the rapture of the church on the one hand and the Lord’s second coming to earth on the other. He explains the difference between pre-, post- and a-Millennialism. He also distinguishes between pre- and post-tribulationism, contending that the church will not go through the tribulation (Message preached 26th May 2013)
The Church vs the Kingdom (26 min)
PART 20 – Michael Penfold preaches on the distinction between the kingdom and the church. He explains the two aspects of the Kingdom of God – the “universal” kingdom, and the “mediatorial” kingdom and traces their history from Genesis to Revelation. Is there a difference between the “kingdom of God” and the “kingdom of heaven”? Are Christians of the present day in the kingdom? These and other questions are addressed (Message preached 5th May 2013)
The Body of Christ vs the Local Assembly (20 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the distinctions between the “church which is His body” (Matt 16, Eph 5) and the “church of God at…” (a local assembly, Matt 18, 1 Cor 1:2). These are the only two aspects of “the church” that the New Testament envisages and a clear understanding of this fact will preserve from denominational confusion (Message preached 7th April 2013)
Baptism in the Spirit vs Filling of the Spirit (26 min)
Michael Penfold distinguishes between the “baptism in the Spirit” and the “filling of the Spirit”. He points out that while the baptism in the Spirit is not a post-conversion “second experience” that believers should look for, the filling of the Spirit is something constantly expected of all Christians (Message preached 24th March 2013)
Judicial vs Parental Forgiveness (29 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the difference between “judicial forgiveness”, which a sinner receives once for all at conversion, and “parental forgiveness” which the Christian receives throughout life as sins are confessed regularly. The former forms a “union” between the sinner and Christ; the latter restores “communion” between the child of God and his Father, through the ministry of Christ his high priest and advocate (Message preached 3rd Mar 2013)
The Old Man vs the Flesh (22 min)
Michael Penfold preaches on the distinction between “the old man” and “the flesh”. From its 3 references in Rom 6, Eph 4 and Col 3 “the old man” is seen to be what we were in Adam prior to conversion (our “old standing”), whereas the “flesh” is the evil principle within (our “old nature”) (Message preached 3rd Feb 2013)