Philip Burns

Rev Philip Burns is the minister of Bendigo Presbyterian Church.

‘Daniel and friends: Visions and terrors of the night’ (Daniel 7:1-28)

AudioPhilip

There’s no question that Daniel 7-12 are difficult chapters to understand and apply rightly. Less so with Daniel 7:1-28 in which Daniel saw a terrifying vision of kingdoms and beasts, but also a comforting vision of the rule of the Ancient of Days with the heavenly figure of the ‘Son of Man’. In the last in this series, this message seeks to explore these things and bring them to a place where they can be understood and applied to us, the readers who need to be assured that ‘Jesus will reign where’er the sun does his successive journeys run’.

Message

Radio Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Christ in Thee
00:20 Introduction
00:37 Prayer
02:29 Bible reading: Daniel 7:1-14
Song: Grace Unmeasured
06:13 Shorter Catechism Introduction
07:41 Catechism Questions 103-106
11:43 Bible reading: Daniel 7:15-28
Song: Never Alone
Sermon: Daniel 7:1-28
Song: At the Name of Jesus
15:20 Closing

Outline

  • Daniel in the twilight of his life
  • Back to Belshazzar as the King
  • Visions revealed for Daniel’s sake and ours…
  • See how the text speaks of…
  1. Visions of human authority (v.1-8, 15-28)
  2. Visions of divine authority (v.9-14)

Where you will find …security …salvation …hope!

‘Daniel and friends: Saved from the mouths of the lions’ (Daniel 6:1-28)

AudioPhilip

In the flow of the stores recorded in the book of Daniel, the story of Daniel in the den of lions (Daniel 6:1-28) is perhaps the most well known and one every Sunday School student would have heard. But it’s far from a children’s story and is a wonderful story of courage, bravery, loyalty and faith – especially so when it brings us to the One who wasn’t saved from the ‘lion’s mouth’ but was willing to go there for our sake!

Message

Radio Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Rejoice the Lord is King
00:17 Introduction
00:32 Prayer
05:47 Bible reading: Hebrews 11:32-40
Song: We Are His People
07:03 Shorter Catechism Introduction
08:30 Catechism Questions 100-102
10:13 Bible reading: Daniel 6:1-28
Song: Jesus Strong and Kind
Sermon: Daniel 6:1-28
Song: Jesus Paid It All
16:20 Closing

Outline

  • Now to chapter 6!
  • The pattern that’s developed…
  • Not quite just a Sunday School story!!
  • See how the text speaks of…
  1. How Daniel’s life was scrutinized (v.1-18)
  2. How Daniel’s faith was characterized (v.1-18)
  3. How Daniel’s God was glorified (v.19-28)

See Daniel… but better yet, see Jesus!

‘Daniel and friends: The writing on the wall’ (Daniel 5:1-31)

Philip

The text of Daniel 5:1-31 takes us to the rule of Belshazzar king of Babylon. Daniel is older now and seems to have been forgotten (or bypassed) for duties in the roal court, until the night of the King’s feast when a mysterious hand appeared to write a message on the wall in front of the king’s eyes. It was a message of judgement for this king (like chapter 4) and this judgement fell swiftly upon him. Daniel’s role in the matter was to translate the message and deliver it faithfully and observe yet another king come and go while he continued to faithfully serve his God.

Message

Radio Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: All Creatures of Our God and King
00:18 Introduction
00:33 Prayer
04:56 Bible reading: Daniel 5:1-16
Song: Worthy of All Praise
07:57 Shorter Catechism Introduction
09:25 Catechism Questions 99
11:28 Bible reading: Daniel 5:17-31
Song: Jesus Thank You
Sermon: Daniel 5:1-31
Song: My Hope Is Built
14:13 Closing

Outline

• Humpty Dumpty!
• A new king on the throne…
• This king comes and goes so quick!
• See how the text speaks of…

  1. The King and his feast (v.1-4)
  2. The King and his fears (v.5-16)
  3. The King and his fall (v.17-31)

The God who brings down pride
The God who sees all
The God who rules over all…!

‘Daniel and friends: The proud humbled’ (Daniel 4:1-37)

AudioPhilip

There is no doubt that all through the first four chapters of the book of Daniel, God was dealing with King Nebuchadnezzar – and why wouldn’t He? Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful ruler in the world. In fact you could say, the ruler of the world. So it was no surprise that God should engage with him. And that is just what he did! In Daniel 4:1-37 we find the story of how God brought this king down. Humbled him. Brought him to nothing. It is a salutary tale. One that we should take full note of!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Marvellous Grace
00:17 Introduction
00:38 Prayer
04:02 Bible reading: Daniel 4:1-18
Song: Behold the Lamb of God
07:31 Shorter Catechism Introduction
08:59 Catechism Questions 88-90
11:00 Bible reading: Daniel 4:19-37
Song: Before the Throne
Sermon: Daniel 4:1-37
Song: Jesus Shall Reign
15:29 Closing

Outline

• Where we are in this book
• The King humbles a king
• Recurring themes of Daniel 1-3
• See how the text speaks of…

  1. What the King dreamed (v.1-18)
  2. What the King learned (v.19-27)
  3. What the King became (v.28-37)

Warnings must be heeded…
God’s mercy triumphs!
Jesus who humbled himself…

‘Daniel and friends: A line in the sand’ (Daniel 3:1-30)

AudioPhilip

The story of Daniel’s three friends being thrown into the fiery furnace in Daniel 3:1-30 is far, far from being a cute Sunday School story. What a testimony these men had! What courage they displayed! What determination to not give in to the threats of the most powerful King! What faith they had that the true King would be given their full obedience regardless of the outcome! The story is powerful and challenging, reminding us of the full cost that many make in following the Lord Jesus even now.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: What a Friend We Have In Jesus
00:18 Introduction
00:40 Prayer
05:28 Bible reading: Daniel 3:1-15
Song: My Heart Is Filled
08:20 Shorter Catechism Introduction
09:48 Catechism Questions 83-87
13:14 Bible reading: Daniel 3:16-30
Song: My Worth Is Not In What I Own
Sermon: Daniel 3:1-30
Song: O Jesus I Have Promised
16:48 Closing

Outline

• This new series
• A repeat crisis!
• ‘Easy to stand with the crowd….’
• See how the text speaks of…

  1. The size of the challenge they faced (v.1-7)
  2. The depths of the courage they shared (v.8-23)
  3. The truths of the principles they proved (v.24-30)

‘A line in the sand’
Faithful until the very end!

‘Daniel and friends: Cool in a crisis’ (Daniel 2:1-49)

AudioPhilip

While far away in exile in Babylon, Daniel 2:1-49 tells us how Daniel and his friends soon faced another test – one not of their own making, but one that the Lord was certainly in. When King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream troubled him and he sought answers about it, Daniel and friends were about to lose their heads. But through earnest prayer and the grace of God, these young men were able to see God come to their aid and actually do more for the advancement of His Kingdom than they might ever have expected!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: O Worship the King
00:17 Introduction
00:37 Prayer
03:50 Bible reading: Daniel 2:1-24
Song: O Great God
07:46 Shorter Catechism Introduction
09:14 Catechism Questions 78-82
12:10 Bible reading: Daniel 2:25-49
Song: My Hope Rests Firm
Sermon: Daniel 2:1-49
Song: The Lord Is King
18:00 Closing

Outline

• This new series
• Cool in a crisis
• The king’s grave threats
• See how the text speaks of…

  1. A troubling dream and a stubborn king (v.1-11)
  2. Crisis praying and welcome answers (v.12-45)
  3. Humble worship and fitting reward (v.46-49)

What God gives
What God values
What God can do
What God foreshadowed…

‘Daniel and friends: Faithful under pressure’ (Daniel 1:1-21)

AudioPhilip

The book of Daniel is a wonderful encouragement to God’s people because it tells the story of Daniel and his friends, living faithfully before God in the most difficult of circumstances. The exile of these young men of Judah into Babylon was no small test. To be a young man and far from home and the regular worship of God and the means of grace can never be underestimated. And then also, to be placed within the King’s court and palace with new Babylonian names! This would not have been easy. But Daniel 1:1-21, tells us that Daniel and his friends passed the test and in doing so proved that ‘the Lord honours those who honour Him’.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story
00:19 Introduction
00:42 Prayer
05:18 Bible reading: Daniel 1
Song: See Him Coming
08:49 Shorter Catechism Introduction
10:17 Catechism Questions 73-77
13:42 Bible reading: 2 Timothy 3
Song: By Faith
Sermon: Daniel 1:1-21
Song: O Jesus I Have Promised
17:04 Closing

Outline

• A new series
• Exile into Babylon
• Young men far from home
• See how the text speaks of…

  1. The strategies employed to change their mindset (v.1-7).
  2. The counter strategies employed to continue their mindset (v.8-16)
  3. God honoured their resolution to keep that mindset (v.17-21).

Perseverance, faithfulness and honour
What really matters…

‘Laodicea: Urged to deal with mediocrity’ (Revelation 3:14-22)

AudioPhilip

When Jesus spoke to the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22, he highlighted the ‘lukewarmness’ of their response to His word. The church there wan’t suffering from persecution or false teaching, but they were mediocre in their walk with Him. Using images that could be found all over this city, including items that the city was famous for, this letter to the church from Jesus was intended to prod and stir these believers into action. Mediocrity is never enough. Hearing his word and obeying is what counts!

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Standing on the Promises
00:17 Introduction
00:37 Prayer
02:45 Bible reading: Isaiah 55:1-11
Song: 10,000 Reasons
05:10 Shorter Catechism Introduction
06:38 Catechism Questions 68-72
09:33 Bible reading: Revelation 3:14-22
Song: Consider Christ
Sermon: Revelation 3:14-22
Song: Revive Thy Church
11:36 Closing

Outline

• The seventh of the 7 churches
• A strong, sharp and pointed message from Jesus
• The credentials of Jesus before the rebuke!
• See in these verses present us with a view of Jesus…

  1. As a visitor to the city, drinking. (v.15-16)
  2. As a merchant in the city, trading (v.17-18)
  3. As a guest in the city, knocking (v.19-21)

From their depths to His heights!
The way out of mediocrity

‘Philadelphia: Facing an open door’ (Revelation 3:7-13)

AudioPhilip

In the message to the sixth of the seven churches, we find Jesus speaking in Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia. It is a relatively short letter, much like the letter to the church at Smyrna, that speaks only encouraging words to the church. Apparently the church at Philadelphia was ‘weak’ but this would be no hindrance to their witness – for Jesus himself had set before them an ‘open door’ and promised success with His Word and the promise of their eternal security. This creates both an assurance and a challenge. Will we press on to the end and be faithful with the gospel?

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: And Can It Be
00:19 Introduction
00:41 Prayer
05:19 Bible reading: Hebrews 10:19-39
Song: Come Praise and Glorify
07:44 Shorter Catechism Introduction
09:11 Catechism Questions 63-67
11:34 Bible reading: Revelation 3:7-13
Song: Christ Is Mine Forevermore
Sermon: Revelation 3:7-13
Song: Amazing Grace
13:04 Closing

Outline

• The sixth of the 7 churches
• An encouragement from Jesus to a church with ‘little power’
• See in these verses how Jesus spoke of…

  1. Opportunity and success with His Word. (v.7-9)
  2. Protection and reward in His service (v.10-13)

A lesson from life of John G Paton
Grace that saves and grace that enables us to persevere!

‘That question of supreme importance’ (as asked by Jesus of Peter) (John 21:1-19)

AudioPhilip

Jesus appeared to his disciples on a number of occasions following his resurrection. Perhaps the most signficant of these is recorded in John 21:1-19 where Jesus specifically took time to speak to Peter. He did this, because in the lead up to the cross, Peter had failed Jesus so badly, denying him three times. So, as they met on the beach, by the fire, the scene that John records unfolds and centres around the question Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me?’

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Rejoice the Lord Is King
00:19 Introduction
00:42 Prayer
05:41 Bible reading: John 13:21-38
Song: Jerusalem
08:07 Shorter Catechism Introduction
09:35 Catechism Questions 38-42
11:50 Bible reading: John 21:1-19
Song: My Hope Rests Firm
Sermon: Revelation 2:18-29
Song: More Love to Thee
15:49 Closing

Outline

  • Questions on the internet
  • Life’s unanswerable questions…
  • John 21 – after the resurrection before the ascension
  • Note the question Jesus put to Peter was asked…
  1. In a setting that Peter could recognise (v.1-14)
  2. In a manner that Peter could consider (v.15-17)
  3. For a purpose that Jesus intended (v.18-19)

That question! What about you?