TEXT: ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’ – Matthew 24:3 THOUGHT: Today’s Teaching focuses on the second question Jesus’ disciples asked, “What will be the sign of Your coming?” From the answer Jesus gave them, there appear to be eight clear signs to look out for. Some concern just the nation of Israel, while others refer to worldwide events. Almost all of them have been fulfilled or are being fulfilled, so this should warn us that Jesus is coming soon and it could easily be in our lifetime. The rise and prevalence of false religions and christs – Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 24, 26 The nineteenth century in particular, saw a number of false religions gain prominence such as spiritualism, Christian Science, Jehovah Witnesses and Mormonism. The last two are particularly aggressive in evangelism. Since then Eastern religions have flooded the Western world. Many countries have also seen the promotion of secular humanism and the ‘do as I like’ attitude, regardless of the feelings and concerns of others. The main differences between true Christianity and all other religions are twofold. Firstly, religious leaders die and stay dead, but Jesus rose from the dead....
Learn MoreTEXT: ‘Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?’ – Matthew 24:3 THOUGHT: The title of Today’s Teaching presupposes that Jesus must have come to this earth the first time, otherwise He could not return! It’s amazing how many people, who have no trouble believing as fact aspects of English history which are only supported by a few records, yet choose to doubt the authenticity of Christianity, when there are over 8000 historical records in existence. No doubt the real reason lies in the fact of who Jesus really is. If one believes He is God the Son, as He said, then one would have to listen to and obey Him. Not to do so would be to one’s eternal peril; but by writing Him off as a figment of someone’s imagination or His own delusion, people think it will not matter. The ostrich may bury its head in the sand but that will not prevent danger from coming its way. Another misconception prevalent among Christians is the fact that as it has been such a long time since Jesus said, “I will come again”, He is not going to return at all! Peter,...
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TEXT: ‘They must not appear before the Lord without a gift for him. All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the Lord your God’ – Deuteronomy 16:16-17 NLT THOUGHT: There are various motivations for teaching the Word of God. Sometimes it comes as an exciting revelation from the Holy Spirit and we want to share it. Other times it can come as a result of perspiration as we struggle to meet the deadline of Sunday! It can even be out of frustration as the reactions of Christians upset us and make us think, “Is it worth all the blood, sweat and tears?” Whatever the driving force, God’s truth has this wonderful ingredient. It’s able to set people free if they allow it to, by receiving it with meekness, thankfulness and faith. Today’s Teaching concentrates on God’s instruction to His people, that when they gather together for worship, they do not come empty-handed, but bring an offering that will help to bless and support those called by God to concentrate on full-time ministry rather than secular paid employment, as well as the other financial commitments of the church The teaching presupposes one thing that we do come to worship. God did not say, “Send your offering” but,...
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TEXT: ‘In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself’ – John 1:1 Amplified Bible THOUGHT: The previous Today’s Teaching considered Jesus – The Word and His Divinity, Ability and Authority. Many people can understand a “God in heaven” concept, but find it more difficult to believe in a God who understands what it is really like for people living on earth. This is what this Today’s Teaching concentrates on. Jesus – The Human Word – His Humanity – ‘So the Word became human and made his home among us’ – John 1:14 NLT Paul’s epistle to the Ephesian Christians described Jesus’ coming to earth in this way, ‘Though he was God, He did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being’ – Philippians 2:5-7 NLT. So in Jesus there is the perfect combination of God and man. He became like us, so we would know that He understands what we are going through ‘For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One...
Learn MoreTEXT: ‘In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself’ – John 1:1 Amplified Bible THOUGHT: There are many titles ascribed to Jesus in the Bible. The reason for this is simple, one word alone could never fully describe all that He is and ever will be. The text reveals one such title, “The Word” and this forms the basis for the next two Today’s Teachings. Jesus – The Eternal Word – His Divinity – ‘In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself’. Jesus, the eternal Word, always was, always is and always will be. Many people think that Jesus only came into existence at His birth 2000+ years ago, but He is part of the eternal Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This is why the Bible states, ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever’ – Hebrews 13:8. Jesus said, ‘Most assuredly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am!’ – John 8:58. God used the same phrase to describe Himself when Moses asked what name to tell the Children of Israel had sent him. ‘I am’...
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