Posts by Norman

TEXT: ‘I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see’ (Revelation 3:18). Some Bible commentators think that the seven churches in Asia Jesus wrote to in the Book of Revelation, represent different Church ages, while others feel it describes a cross-section of the state of the Church in any generation. While it is true some denominations in the UK are in decline, that is not true for all. Those that are thriving are the ones who promote active evangelism, the baptism in the Holy Spirit, and the return of Christ. The Laodicean Church is an accurate description of many churches in the West. Those that enjoy an affluence and a form of godliness, but there is no power present in the services, neither preaching about nor praising of Jesus Christ. Jesus, having exposed the Laodicean Church’s failings, encouraged them to do three things to restore authentic Christianity, and these form the basis of Today’s Teaching. 1. That you may be rich – ‘I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may...

TEXT: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God’ (Matthew 5:9). God’s blessing and subsequent prosperity caused strife between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot (See Genesis 13:5-12). Hostility threatened their family relationship, but through God’s wisdom, Abraham acted as a peacemaker. In Part 1 we studied three principles that will help us to be peacemakers too: by understanding how much God has forgiven you; by not using your age to get your own way; and by emphasising the bond of family. In Part 2, Today’s Teaching focusses on three more principles of a true peacemaker. 1. When you don’t use wealth to get your own way – ‘Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold’ (Genesis 13:2 NLT). Abraham had far more than Lot, therefore his needs were greater. Surely Lot should have realised that. It’s sad when Christians use wealth to try to get their own way in a church, but such action will only create division rather than unity. The Bible warns against showing partiality towards the rich at the expense of the poor, because the rich can abuse the legal process and exploit the poor (See James 2:1-8). Abraham realised God meant what He said, ‘Fear not Abraham, I am your shield...

TEXT: ‘Let them shout for joy and rejoice, who favour my vindication and want what is right for me; Let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, who delights and takes pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”’ (Psalm 35:27 AMP). People have said to me, “You’re only a Christian for what you can get.” Absolutely true! There are so many wonderful blessings to receive, the forgiveness of sins being the most important. What hope could a non-believer give to a man nearing the end of his life and wracked with guilt because of sin? “Don’t worry” won’t help because he is worried. “Have another drink and forget” doesn’t help either, because nothing can blot out the fear of what is after death. Only a Christian could help by showing them how to put their trust in Jesus. A man once said to me, “You Christians can’t lose. If it happens, you say it’s God’s will, and if it doesn’t, you also say it’s God’s will”. To which I replied, “Isn’t that a wonderful position to be in!” It’s because of all God’s wonderful blessings that I want to serve the Lord. All I have to do is ensure I put God first and He will do the rest. The religious wrongly say we...