General Teaching Series

This Series contains various one-off talks. Firstly, there are straightforward teaching sessions; but secondly, and perhaps more unusually, there are Question Time sessions as well.

These have resulted from the fact that over the years Beresford has found it to be tremendously helpful for people to be able to set their own teaching by asking questions, thereby receiving the biblical information they most need. As a result many subjects have been covered which it is most unlikely would have been touched on in the normal course of events. The nature of this series is that it obviously keeps growing as different talks are added to it and each new catalogue will be accordingly up-dated.

 

The Sinking of a Disciple GT 1
The Christian life is one of being constantly called to step out of the security of one's boat to walk with Jesus on the sea of life, thus sharing His experience. This examination of Peter's attempt to do this reveals two things: firstly, he by no means had a monopoly on sinking, it happens to all who really do obey the Lord; and secondly, it is far better to step out and sink than to simply stay in the boat all nice and comfortable and just float around. This talk will greatly encourage all who really are serious about following the Lord.

 

Nothing! GT 2
Most of us have listened to preachers who, even though speaking for an hour or so, end up talking about absolutely nothing. So not wishing to be left out Beresford here makes his contribution to this state of affairs - an hour's talk about absolutely nothing! Intrigued? Then we suggest you hear this tape to find out what he's going on about.

 

Breaking Through the Barriers GT 3
There are things in all our lives which, whether individually or corporately, constitute barriers between ourselves and the Lord, and in this talk the way to deal with them is highlighted. Three characters who Jesus encountered during His life provide the key to our freedom, each representing a different area of discipleship where difficulties arise. A most encouraging and interesting study!

 

Grieving the Holy Spirit GT 4
In this Question Time session Ephesians 3v30 gets the full treatment. What exactly does it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit? And how can we stop if we are doing it? (And likely as not we are doing it in one way or another.) What is the difference between this grieving and what Paul refers to elsewhere as quenching the Holy Spirit? The answers to both these, and other, important questions are here explained.

 

Living in the Light GT 5
Without remaining in fellowship with God through ongoing repentance and confession of sin we will never grow as Christians. The Bible's teaching about this is clearly explained, along with the way in which we can stay in right relationship with those around us. The wonderful simplicity of repentance is revealed, and Beresford shows that this is quite different from the heavy and somewhat negative affair that many imagine it to be. You will feel differently about this whole area of the Christian life after listening to this encouraging and light-hearted talk.

 

What is the Bible For? GT 6
This may seem to be a rather obvious question with an equally obvious answer, but it is, nevertheless, an extremely important one. Beresford therefore sets out to answer it in as definitive a way a single talk allows and makes it very clear that the answer is not actually as known and understood as it should be. If it were then a very much more robust discipleship would be the norm, rather than the exception, amongst today's Christians.

 

The Temptation of Jesus GT 7
The Lord Himself knows what it is to be beset by the temptations to sin which Satan is so expert at in laying before us. This talk is a study of Jesus' confrontation with the devil in the wilderness and shows the way in which He overcame temptation, thereby leaving us the example to follow. Demonic wiles, subtleties and tricks are dealt with, and helpful pointers given to wielding the sword of the Spirit effectively.

 

The Spiritual Universe GT 8-9
This two tape set arose out of a Question Time session to become a fascinating and exciting excursion into one of the most little understood areas of biblical truth. It has since been complemented by the Demonology Series which should be heard in conjunction with it in order to maintain the necessary scriptural balance:-

The Sons of God GT 8
The meaning of this term, along with its various uses in the Bible, is clearly explained, revealing the most amazing change in the celestial pecking order imaginable. Why is it, for instance, that the Archangel Michael has less authority over Satan than a believer? Most Christians remain sadly ignorant of their position of superiority over the angelic realm, and an understanding of this subject is vital to all of us in order for our spiritual warfare to be effective.

Satan - A Biography! GT 9
Who, exactly, is the devil? Where do evil spirits come from? What, precisely, are they? What is their genesis and history? And what will be their final end? An understanding of this most important subject is here given which we believe will be of great blessing to all who hear it. A riveting follow-up to the previous talk!

 

Power for the Church GT 10
This Question Time session came out of a query about the first chapter of the letter to the Ephesians. In writing it, Paul ran out of Greek words for power as he struggled to explain God's working in His people. The burden of this talk was to get the whole issue of the power of the Holy Spirit away from individualism, and back into the context of close and meaningful corporate relationships in church life where the Lord intended it should always have been. A crucial, if uncomfortable, talk!

 

The Truth About Jesus GT 11
This study, given at a baptism, demonstrates from history the truth of the Bible's teaching about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The common notion, held by so many in our day, that Jesus was merely a good man and wise teacher, yet not actually God, is vigorously exposed as the nonsense it is. An invaluable aid to personal evangelism!

 

A Christmas Story GT 12
A talk for the festive season the like of which you will have never heard before. If you can stop laughing long enough you will find its content to be a real help. It is also particularly suitable as an evangelistic tape for those who are not yet Christians.

 

Brokenness GT 13
The story of Jesus' feeding of the multitude is here used to show that the failure of modern Christianity is actually its un-broken adherents. However, the future for those who are willing to really go all the way with the Lord, and be broken by Him, is shown to be rather thrilling.

 

Not Peace But a Sword GT 14
Somebody once made the mistake of saying to Beresford that anything done in the power of the Holy Spirit won't upset people, so here the utter fallacy of such a ridiculous statement is clearly revealed. Beresford shows how the Lord works on the principle of dividing people from each other, believers included, and the part the sword of the Spirit, convicting of sin, plays in the process.

 

Creation, Evolution, the Rapture and End Times GT 15-16
This two tape set consists of three Question Time sessions edited together which explored the Bible's teaching on both the beginning and end of history. The literalness of the Genesis account of creation is examined, as is the theory of evolution, with the latter being exposed for the nonsense it is. The events leading up to the destruction of the present universe, and the creation of a new one, are also outlined. Special attention is given to the Second Coming, with a straightforward demonstration that it is a separate event from the Rapture. The question of whether or not the Church goes through the Great Tribulation is also tackled head on. An excellent introduction to the Bible's teaching on what is technically known as eschatology!

 

Baptism GT 17
This talk was given at an actual baptism and shows its absolute necessity, as soon as possible, after becoming a Christian. The practice of the early churches in the Acts of the Apostles is studied in detail and shown to be very different from current practice, be it amongst Anglicans, for example, at one end of the spectrum, or Baptists and the like at the other. Beresford therefore makes a strong plea for a return to biblical practice and for the renunciation of anything that is merely human tradition, whatever that particular tradition may be. The significance of baptism is explained, not only in it's relationship to dying and being raised with Christ, but also to being baptised into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit and then being baptised with the Holy Spirit by Jesus. The Bible teaches more than one baptism and getting them mixed up leads to endless confusion. This study will guide you simply and clearly through this vitally important subject.

 

What Happens When You Die? GT 18-19
This is another two tape set which deals with one of the most important areas of biblical doctrine that Christians should be aware of. Hell, Tartarus, Hades, Gehenna, the past and present locations of Paradise, falling asleep in the Lord: all these things are clearly and simply explained. There is absolutely no need to be hazy about this subject and not to know, for instance, the difference between Sheol and the Lake of Fire, or be unaware that unbelievers will one day get new bodies as well as believers. It is all here for your inward digestion, and we think you will be enthralled by this teaching.

 

The Bible - Our Final Authority! GT 20
In this Question Time someone asked about the Catholic Church and its teaching.

A clear explanation ensued of the place of the Bible as the final arbiter in all matters and the problems which result, along with the potential for satanic bondage, when tradition, in whatever form, takes its place. A most awful state of affairs exists regarding this, and it is not just confined to Catholicism either. Some may find this somewhat uncompromising talk a bit difficult to take! You have been duly warned!

 

Tribulation and Comfort GT 21
The Bible teaches that we do not go through suffering in spite of being Christians, but precisely because we are Christians. Beresford here examines the work which the Lord accomplishes in our lives through hard times and by everything actually going wrong for us. This talk might not suit those who expect, or want, the Christian life to be a bed of roses, but it will most certainly help and encourage any who are actually going through it in any way because of their faithfulness to the Lord. The story of the caterpillar alone makes this talk worth hearing and Beresford shows us how we can see the light of God's truth shining on us in even our darkest hours. He also explains how tribulation can become our friend and how we can learn to praise, rather than grumble, our way through it.

 

"If My People..." GT 22
Many Christians are taken up with the whole idea of revival and how our nation might be called back to God's moral standards. However, not all Christians seem to realise the biblical principle, here clearly outlined, that the Lord only does in a nation what He has first done in His own people within that nation. The message of this tape can be summed up by saying that you should be very careful when praying for revival: God might just start it in you!

 

It's Good...and that's official! GT 23
Do you get discouraged in your Christian life? Are there times when you despair of your progress in the Lord? Do you often find yourself under condemnation and feeling that there's still so far to go in your sanctification that the burden of it all is just too great? Do you ever wonder if the Lord is looking down on you wanting to just let you have it because you're still so sinful and wretched? Yes? Then this talk, simply brimming over with humour and positive encouragement, is for you!

 

The Sin Problem Solved GT 24
Arising out of a Question Time when the subject raised was the seriousness of sin, this talk developed into a broad sweep of the Bible's teaching about being saved from the penalty of sin, and just what Jesus accomplished when He died on the Cross. For instance, it is not widely realised by Christians that it is actually no longer sin which separates anyone from God and that the barrier it once created has now been completely demolished. The question of salvation rests, in fact, not on the sin issue at all, but solely on whether or not someone accepts Jesus as their Saviour. This teaching lies at the very heart of the Christian faith, and we believe it to be something every believer should properly and thoroughly understand.

 

Anger GT 25
Is anger ever right? What does the Bible mean when it says, "Be angry, but do not sin..."? What is the difference between man's anger and God's anger? Does the Lord ever get angry with us as His children? These and other questions are answered in this challenging Question Time session.

 

David and Goliath GT 26
Demonstrating the fact that the power of God is sufficient to overcome every barrier which we find to be in our way, Beresford clearly shows the difference between those Christians who do plough through problems in faith and those who do not. A challenge to greater faithfulness in the Church is made as this famous story is applied to the contemporary Christian scene, and some of the issues raised here are actually quite profound. Just who is bigger anyway, Goliath or the Lord? Well, the answer depends, as you will see, on just who you happen to be looking at.

 

What About the Unevangelised? GT 27
What is the eternal destiny of those who die without ever having heard the gospel? Are they automatically saved? Or automatically lost? This fascinating study clearly answers these questions, and in the process presents the philosophical case for both God's existence and the truth of the Christian Gospel.

 

What About Suicide and Purgatory? GT 28
Another Question Time session! Do Christians who commit suicide lose their salvation? Where does the Catholic idea of purgatory come from? The very nature of salvation is tied up with the answer to these questions, and you will be in no doubt as to the truth about them after hearing this tape.

 

Divorce and Remarriage GT 29
In tackling a difficulty raised at a Question Time session concerning someone married to an unbeliever Beresford clearly and simply explains what the Bible teaches about this difficult area. Particular reference is made to Paul's teaching about this as recorded in 1 Corinthians 7. This talk is a real must in the light of the contemporary scene and the crisis of marriage which is occurring in our society.

 

The Catholic Church GT 30
This Question Time arose out of an enquiry regarding Jesus' teaching about church unity in the light of today's ecumenical movement, and with particular reference to the Catholic Church. This led to a critique of Catholicism, both historically and doctrinally, with Beresford unequivocally outlining the position any faithful, Bible-believing Christian ought to take concerning it. Few believers today actually realise the truth about the Catholic faith and stand in great danger of associating with things which the Lord would have us steer well clear of. This is not an easy talk, but with deception so widespread amongst believers today it is nevertheless much needed.

 

Is Christmas Scriptural? GT 31
Many believers are concluding that it is wrong to celebrate Christmas, and we all need to know where we stand on this, and why. This talk examines the whole question and outlines a biblical principle which, if understood and implemented, would prevent much unnecessary division amongst the Lord's people today.

 

Christian Priesthood GT 32
Another Question Time tape when the subject under review was the character in the Old Testament called Melchizedek. This led to an exposition of the Bible's teaching concerning priesthood, culminating in severe condemnation of the false teaching so widely accepted and practised by Christians today regarding it. This is not a talk for those of a compromising disposition, and the Word of God is fully upheld with no punches pulled.

 

Praise and Worship GT 33
A tremendously helpful study on the nature and practice of praise and worship in the Bible with clear advice as to how we can all move into a greater freedom in this area! Desmond Morris wasn't the first to draw attention to the subject of body language, or people-watching as he calls it, because the Word of God beat him to it by a few thousand years: and nowhere is this seen more clearly than in the understanding we can gain from the Scriptures on this subject. The Bible shows us how, by using our bodies, we can actually experience a greater control over our emotions and inward mental condition. Hang-ups and inhibitions are squarely faced and dealt with, and Beresford sends out a heart-felt plea that all pressure techniques, along with all forms of public coercion, be completely halted. This talk will be of tremendous benefit to both the freest, and most inhibited, of believers.

 

'Gay' Christianity GT 34
What are we to make of the fact that self-professed practising homosexuals are in the priesthood in the Anglican Church? And what, if anything, should we be doing about it? This talk clarifies the issues from the Bible and outlines the action that should be taken. Clear teaching is given about the whole subject of homosexuality and lesbianism, and the part that we must play as Christians with those struggling with such problems. This talk is quite direct and includes a call for Christians to completely dissociate themselves from any churches which are sanctioning immorality and heresy: a state of affairs, incidentally, as Beresford demonstrates, now being recognised and condemned even by unbelievers.

 

Man on a Cross GT 35
This talk was given at a baptism and homes in on its aspect of the believer being united to the death of Jesus. Taking the picture of a man being crucified Beresford demonstrates the implications of living the Christian life for our past, present and future, thereby explaining what is meant by what some term the crucified life. There are more than a few laughs on this tape and the joy of the Christian life exudes from it. We warmly commend it to you!

 

Is Tithing Scriptural? GT 36-37
This two tape set covers the whole area of the Bible's teaching on the subject of financial giving. Tithing is fully dealt with and shown to be quite different from that which many Christians conceive it to be, and the practice of the New Testament Church concerning monetary matters is then clearly outlined. There is much misunderstanding about this and many completely unscriptural things are being done by the Christian Church today in regards to the way in which its financial affairs are handled. Beresford calls for a return to clear biblical practice showing just what the Word of God actually does say about Christian giving. This is a tremendously important subject for each individual believer and we heartily recommend this tape to you.

 

Sharing the Sufferings of Jesus GT 38
What does the Bible mean when it speaks of sharing Jesus' sufferings? What exactly is this suffering? And in what way can we share it? This talk answers these questions in great detail and then challenges Christians to become those people who will actually end up suffering with the Lord. Such suffering can often be avoided, but if we do dodge it we will miss out on one of the greatest blessings that God has for us. This talk also contains a timely warning about the phenomenon known as Healing of the Memories or Inner Healing, clearly demonstrating its dangers from the Word of God. Beresford also shows how Jesus handled the modernists, or the Bishop of Durhams, of His day.

 

Deception in the Church GT 39
In this Question Time someone asked about praying for those who have died in the light of Paul's comment in 1 Corinthians 15 concerning being baptised on behalf of the dead. Beresford explains what Paul meant and then shows clearly from the Bible that the state of the dead is unalterable and that any idea of praying for them, or of doing anything for them at all, is completely unscriptural. This led to a warning against occult involvement of any kind and a demonstration of how occultism is actually creeping into the Christian Church via the charismatic movement through some of the teachings and ministries which are becoming readily accepted by many believers. Special consideration is given to the danger of current counselling techniques and to the whole Healing of the Memories, or Inner Healing, phenomenon. Also covered, as an example of how Satan tricks believers into occult practice, is the increasing use of holy water in the casting out of evil spirits. The content of this talk is actually quite disturbing, but the sooner the issues it raises are faced the better it will be for the Christian Church as a whole.

 

When God Became a Man GT 40
This Question Time answered an enquiry concerning the body Jesus had in His pre-existence and what happened to it. Beresford establishes the fact that He did have one, duly outlining the implications of this, and then proceeds to show what the Bible says about the change that happened to Him in becoming human. Was Jesus really an ordinary man? Or was He God just dressed up, so to speak, to look like one? Could He have sinned? Or was it impossible for Him to have done so? And what does all this have to do with fighter jets and low level approaches? These questions are all answered on this highly recommended tape.

 

Religion and Psychology GT 41
The issue raised in this Question Time session was that of the difference between Christianity and religion. A definition of each was duly given which led on to Beresford demonstrating the way in which beliefs held prior to conversion, be they religious or otherwise, can be carried over into our discipleship and Christianised. It is largely in this way that the spirit of the age, the world's wrong beliefs, philosophies and practices, infiltrates the Christian Church leading believers into deception. Indeed, this is why absolutely everything must be tested by the Word of God and why absolutely nothing can be taken for granted. Among various examples given of this happening today the major one in this talk is the way in which Christians have increasingly accepted the tenets of modern psychological theory and adapted them into counselling practises and techniques which are completely anti-scriptural. The so-called ministry of Inner Healing, or Healing of the Memories, is nothing more than modern in-depth psychology, and is based on presuppositions and theories about the nature of man which are at complete variance with the teaching of the Bible. This talk also clearly explains why much modern psychology can't even really be considered to be scientific at all, being more akin to a religion than anything else, and with strong similarities to occultism. There was some animated reaction in the meeting to this talk and some will find its contents controversial, but we nevertheless make it available to you.

 

'Do-It-Yourself' Christianity GT 42
DIY has become one of the great phenomena of the twentieth century and whether you're decorating a room, or building a garden shed, just about anyone who is anyone nowadays has a crack at it themselves. In this talk Beresford shows that whereas this is fine when talking about practical work, DIY Christianity is actually the last thing the Bible teaches. There are two ways of living the Christian life: you can let the Lord do it through you, or you can do-it-yourself. The way the Lord works in us to bring us out of what discipleship isn't, and into what it really is, is the main point of this important and light-hearted talk.

 

Is The Bible Biblical? GT 43-44
Behind the rather cryptic title of these two tapes lies one of the most important questions that any believer could ask of themselves: Just what should our attitude be towards the Bible, according to the Bible itself? Beresford answers this thoroughly and demonstrates the way in which many Christians today are actually putting themselves at variance with God's Word over certain issues, and largely because of a refusal to interpret the Bible in the way in which it clearly shows us it should be interpreted. The teaching of both Jesus and the Paul the apostle is examined in detail, and the way in which they viewed the Scriptures ascertained, and it is shown to be quite undeniable that they are a million miles away from the somewhat casual and compromising approach that seems to have become the norm amongst believers today. We are of the firm opinion that the content of this talk is absolutely vital, and pray that God will use it to unmask the deception within the Body of Christ which is so much hindering the Lord as He seeks to move amongst His people.

 

The Armour of God GT 45
This Question Time firstly covers a quick point concerning rumours and what to do about them. It then goes on to tackle the teaching of Paul in Ephesians about the spiritual armour with which the believer needs to be equipped. What this armour is, and precisely how one becomes equipped with it, is covered in detail. There are some common misunderstandings that arise concerning this subject, so balance and common sense prevail in making everything crystal clear. If you thought that you knew what Paul was getting at, then this study may well change your mind - things are not always what they seem! We recommend that this talk be heard in conjunction with the Demonology Series.

 

Cheering Yourself Up GT 46
A most fascinating talk resulted from this Question Time which covered some extremely important issues indeed. Starting off with how to overcome life's downers, Beresford explains why you need to learn to talk to yourself (Yes, really!), and why Christians need to meditate in order to live above their problems. It really is quite possible to do so when you have the Lord in your life, and this talk will help to show you the way.

 

To Judge or Not to Judge? GT 47
In this Question Time session the subject raised was that of judging. Is it ever right to judge people? Or is it always wrong? In answering this Beresford clears up the confusion as to what the Bible does actually say about it and explains why Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, taught against judging others, whilst Paul positively instructed the Christians in Corinth to judge each other. The occasion of Jesus' words, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone..." is also thoroughly reviewed, with a clear demonstration that all is not necessarily what it appears to be. If more Christians were to gain an understanding of the subject matter in this talk, and then act on it, we would see a more robustly biblical Christianity in our country today.

 

The Truth, the Whole Truth and Nothing But the Truth GT 48
This study asks the question as to whether it's sufficient for Christians to live merely on the basis of the teaching of the Bible. Beresford's answer to this is a rather surprising "No!  This one will have to keep you guessing until you actually hear the tape, but we do assure you that it really is something of a humdinger.

 

Prayer GT 49-51
These three talks show how to go about building a personal prayer life. They cover such areas as the need for persistence in prayer, and why that persistence is so necessary, the so-called Lord's Prayer, and the importance of believing prayer. This set of tapes will be especially helpful to any who find themselves, as Beresford did, coming to grips with developing a prayer-life some years into their discipleship.

 

The Nativity GT 52-54
Beresford has long been a lover of Christmas with all its trimmings and is widely known for his ability to decorate just about anything with tinsel as long as it isn't actually moving. He therefore relishes these three talks that cover the Nativity, given in the actual lead up to Christmas day, along with it's theology as revealed in the Bible. Some rather helpful insights are revealed, with particular attention being paid to establishing the precise chronology of the various events of the Christmas Story. A real little stocking-filler!

 

Jehoshaphat GT 55
When Satan attacks, and difficulties and problems abound, then the story of good old King Jehoshaphat is just the sort of pick-me-up we need. The invasion he was confronted with, and the way he handled it, perfectly pictures for us the means by which we can overcome the enemy. We can indeed know victory, whatever the circumstances we face.

 

The Pros and Cons of Being Sheep GT 56
One of the Bible's favourite pictures of Christians is that of the flock of sheep. Therefore, by taking the characteristics of sheep that represent both what we should, and shouldn't, be like; Beresford outlines various aspects of following the Lord which arise naturally out of this symbolism.

 

Money- the root of all evil? GT 57
In this Question Time the subject raised was that of money. Is it neutral? Or is it endowed with spiritual power, and therefore potentially dangerous? The key to this lies in Jesus' teaching where He personified it as mammon and a potential for idolatry in all our lives. The way of safety and blessing regarding financial matters is covered, and Beresford emphasises just how crucial a biblical understanding and practice of this is in today's consumer society.

 

Going On To Maturity GT 58
This talk on Jesus' parable of the sower reveals the way forward for our personal growth in the Lord. The truth is that we bear as much fruit as we ultimately decide to, and the ways in which the spiritual harvest of our personal lives can be increased are here outlined. The symptoms of spiritual immaturity are also described, as is its cure. Many Christians stay spiritual babies for far too long, and so in order to redress the balance here is some high protein growth food for any who feel they need it.

 

Forgiven and Forgiving GT 59
At just under 45 minutes in length this is possibly the shortest talk in the whole catalogue. We also believe it to be one of the most important. What more can we say?

 

Sacrifice - the Bottom Line! GT 60
In the light of the fact that Jesus came to be a sacrifice for us, a sacrificial life lived in obedience to Him becomes the very essence of our discipleship. The various spiritual sacrifices we are called to be making are therefore the subject of this challenging study. Due to a technical hitch the last 2 minutes are missing, but the main points are quite intact.