Parkside Podcast: Recent Episodes
Parkside Church
Parkside Podcast is a Christian non-for-profit podcast providing biblical teaching for people wishing to know more about God and the bible. This is a great resource for people wishing to explore God's word on a deeper level.Parkside Church is a multi-ethnic Christian community in Sydney's south-west. We are home to people from over 60 different nationalities.
In Matthew 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21, Jesus engages in a series of earth-shattering statements about the impending destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the signs of the end times.
This material has become known as the Olivet Discourse and throughout the years many have sought to unpack this explosive section of teaching.
This 8-part series is a thorough exposition of this controversial passage of Scripture!
Part 2 delves into the final week of Jesus' life and the acceleration of criticism which prefaced the actual teaching on the temple's destruction.
In Matthew 24, Mark 13 & Luke 21, Jesus engages in a series of earth-shattering statements about the impending destruction of the Jerusalem temple and the signs of the end times.
This material has become known as the Olivet Discourse and throughout the years many have sought to unpack this explosive section of teaching.
This 8-part series is a thorough exposition of this controversial passage of Scripture!
Part 1 begins by providing the appropriate background to understanding this important teaching of Jesus.
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
*“He took up our infirmities
and bore our diseases.”
Matthew 8:16-17 (NIV)*
Join us for today's teaching episode from Parkside Thursdays, where we explore a selection of Jesus' miracles including Jesus Calming the Storm, Healing the Paralysed Man and the Raising of a Dead Girl and Healing of the Bleeding Woman from Matthew 8 & 9.
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick.This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
“He took up our infirmities
and bore our diseases.”
Matthew 8:16-17 (NIV)
Join us for today's teaching episode from Parkside Thursdays, where we explore a selection of Jesus' miracles including the Healing of the Man with Leprosy and Jesus Calming the Storm from Matthew 8
"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment." Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV)
Join us for this extract from Parkside Thursdays as we look at Jesus' very challenging teaching on murder.
Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues...Matthew 4:23
Why did Jesus go around calling disciples? How did his audience understand his authority as a teacher?
Check out this teaching snippet from Parkside Thursdays as we continue to explore the Gospel According to Matthew.
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Matthew 4:18-20 (NIV)
Why did Jesus go around calling disciples? How would people in Jesus' day have understood this particular aspect of his mission. Check out today's snippet from Parkside Thursdays, as we look at these questions.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV)Check out this week's teaching material from Parkside Thursdays, as we examine closely the baptism of Jesus and how it represented Jesus' ordination.
Also, check out Part 1 of this particular episode on: Why Did Jesus Get Baptised. Available on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3u3LrdPvBaozCcHNYwVryT
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-did-jesus-get-baptised/id1547706103?i=1000505210830
Join us for a snippet of teaching from Parkside Thursday, as we continue to unpack the powerful teaching out of the Sermon on the Mount.
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. Matthew 6:1 (NIV)
Check out today's recording from Parkside Thursdays, as we continue to explore the Sermon on the Mount.
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. Matthew 1:18-19We often romanticise the Christmas story without considering the full weight of societal pressures on the young couple. Check out this week's episode where we explore the full cultural experience of Mary and Joseph's story.
All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV)
The virgin birth is one of the most powerful miracles/signs given to solidify the Messiahship of Jesus. But how did the earliest Christians understand the virgin birth? Well in Matthew's framework, it can be explained by an enigmatic prophecy found in Isaiah 7:14.
Check out this week's episode as we explore this rich prophecy in greater detail.
Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV)
Join us for a snippet of our teaching material from Parkside Thursdays as we look at the first four beatitudes.
Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah. Matthew 1:17 (NIV)
The genealogy of Jesus the Messiah is not often a subject which is spoken frequently about. Our Christmas messages and analysis of Jesus' life, typically move straight into the birth narratives. However, this is primarily a case of misreading Scripture through modern interests, and a proper reading of Matthew's gospel requires attention to the lineage of Jesus.
Check out today's recording from our Parkside Thursdays bible study.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:1-2 (NIV)
Check out today's teaching segment from our Parkside Thursdays bible study, as we explore the story of Jesus' temptation from the Gospel of Matthew.
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me...John 5:39It's clear as you read Matthew's Gospel, that he frames the story of Jesus in light of Israel's story in the Old Testament. Check out this week's episode as we discuss the parallels from the Old Testament and the early episodes of Jesus' life.
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” John 6:5-7 (NIV)
The feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle, apart from the resurrection, to be mentioned in all four gospels. Join us today, as we explore the significance of the miracle.
For the accompanying sermon, please visit our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M62AKDhBgQ
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak...Mark 5:24-27 (NIV)
Why did this woman believe simply by touching Jesus' cloak, she could be healed? Find out as we explored this amazing story from the gospel.
To hear the accompanying sermon, please visit our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR2tT2dkZ90&t=2892s
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Daniel 1:8 (ESV)
In a world moving further away from God, how do we resolve not to compromise our faith in Jesus? Check out this week's podcast, as we explore this question, looking at a practical example from the life of Daniel.
*To view the corresponding sermon to this podcast, please visit our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAqWIJAt_S8&t=16s*
For we live by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)Is the Christian faith blind? Do we just believe without evidence?
Tune into this week's podcast as we explore the misinterpretations of verses like 2 Corinthians 5:7
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)
Discover the meaning of what it means to be salt and light to the world, as followers of Jesus!
To view the corresponding sermon, please visit our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcs9GLpJc0k&t=1104s
- Please note, the views, opinions and content in this podcast are in agreement with the statement of beliefs held by Parkside Church as taught in the Bible. A copy of this statement can be found at https://www.parksidechurch.com.au/about/what-we-believe/. On occasions, where matters discussed in this video sit outside what can be categorised as essential Christian doctrine, the views, theological interpretations and opinions expressed, are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official theological position of Parkside Church. In accordance with the biblical principle of testing truth (1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:21), listeners of this podcast are encouraged to test the validity of all, Scripture citations, biblical interpretations, opinions and theological claims advanced. No content in this podcast is intended to malign, offend or marginalise any ethnic group, religion, demonination, organisation or individual.
Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, “I am strong!” Joel 3:10 (NIV)
We often sing the line: "Let the weak say I am strong." Unfortunately, this is one of those occasions where we take the bible out of context. Check out today's episode, where we explore the correct context of this bible verse from Joel 3.
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"For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14
The story of Esther is shrouded in mystery. It is one of perhaps two books in the bible not to mention God at all. Check out this week's episode, as we explore some of the background to understanding Esther's place within the great Persian Empire.
To hear the accompanying sermon, please visit our YouTube Channel via:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjW12RLnJV4
On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Acts 16:13-14 (NIV)
Listening to God is a critical element of mature discipleship. Lydia was a woman of wonderful wisdom, who positioned herself to hear from God.
Check out this week's episode to learn more about the context of Acts 16 and how we can be attentive to God's voice.
To hear the corresponding sermon, please visit our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTdTmbRE3Os&t=1937s
Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15:28 (NIV)
Explore some of the details from the famous interaction Jesus had with a Greek, Syro-Phoenician woman, who demonstrated great faith, found in Matthew 15 & Mark 7.
To view the corresponding sermon, please visit our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9ahFd6hOiQ&t=2101s
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Ruth 1:16-18
When we speak of loyalty, there's a great model from Scripture in Ruth. Check out this week's message as we explore the great blessings of loyalty which came to Ruth and how God is loyal to us.
To listen to the accompanying sermon, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k2OBvpfgTo&t=2287s
“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” Luke 19:38
The concept of a Triumphal Entry is foreign to our thinking. Yet this event kicked off the final week of Jesus' life. Check out this week's episode to understand the historical background to the famous incident of Jesus coming to Jerusalem as King.
To hear the corresponding Sunday message, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l51QLzNHNQI&t=3869s
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:4-6 (NIV)
We can easily read this passage and get confused as to why Jesus couldn't do many miracles. If Jesus is God, shouldn't he have the power to heal in all circumstances?
Check out this week's episode as we explore some of the culture of the ancient world and the surrounding context, to answer this question.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 (NIV)
In this week's episode, we explore some of the practical lessons we can learn from the early church!
…having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. Colossians 2:14-15 (NIV)We hear the Good Friday message so often that it can become something we take for granted. In this extended interview, we explore some of the different ways of understanding the crucifixion of Jesus and what it means for us on a personal and spiritual level.
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. Luke 18:1-8 (NIV)
Check out this week's episode, as we explore the biblical theme of justice from The Parable of the Persistent Widow, also known as The Parable of the Unjust Judge.
To view the accompanying sermon, please visit our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLK3wcUKwY0&t=2944s
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24
Join us as we hear from Gabriel from Open Doors Australia, as he shares with us the powerful lessons we can learn from partnering with those who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus.
To view the accompanying sermon, please visit our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3IVPE0WRP8
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” Mark 12:43-44 (NIV)
As we approach Easter, let's explore one of the last teaching episodes Jesus gave in the temple. Through the story of the widow's offering, Jesus not only challenges the profiteering of religious institutions but also teaches us an important lesson about how God regards generosity.
We've all heard the expression 'Good Samaritan'. But who were the Samaritans and why did Jesus specifically reference the Samaritans to describe how we ought to love our neighbours?
Check out this week's podcast as we explore the biblical background to who this people group were.
To see the corresponding sermons, please visit our YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_9BnlOhcQ4&t=1483s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAXpAvr4TDw
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life ? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?" Luke 12:22-26 (NIV)
On this week's episode, we explore the very difficult topic of how we can have freedom from the worry of money.
To listen to the corresponding sermon, please visit our YouTube channel via:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8PgM6rOgPo&t=10s
Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Luke 7:11-12 (NIV)
Check out this week's episode which examines some of the features of the famous story when Jesus raises the widow's son in Nain (Luke 7:11-17).
To view the accompanying sermon, visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJyaIwzu1Xs
But he said, "I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." Luke 4:43
Join us as we explore in greater detail the meaning of the Kingdom of God and why this is good news.
In 605 BC the first group of Jewish exiles were carried off into Babylon. Learn how four young Jewish boys sent into training in King Nebuchadnezzar's palace, held onto their faith under extreme pressure to conform.
But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Matthew 3:14
Ever wondered why Jesus needed to be baptised, even though he had no sin. You are in excellent company. Jesus' own cousin, John the Baptist, wondered this same thing.
Check out our thoughts on this very subject.
“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:2-3)
Why did Herod want to kill Jesus when he was born?
Check out today's episode where we discuss some of the background to King Herod.
"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." **Mark 13:32
If Jesus is God, shouldn't he also know the day and the hour when the world will end?
Check out this week's podcast, where we explore this question in greater detail.**
Learn the importance of developing a humble heart to the life of a Christian. This episode explores the story of Jesus washing his disciples feet.
"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
In John 13, Jesus demonstrates the great love he had for his disciples when he washed their feet.
Listen as we explore this incredible story in further detail.
'...the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”'
The announcement to the virgin Mary is at the heart of the beautiful Christmas story. It is a story told repeatedly each year at Christmas.
Join us as we explore this passage in greater detail.
'By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.' Genesis 2:2-3
Ever wondered what it means when the bible says God rested? Why would God need to rest. Check out this week's episode on the Parkside Podcast.