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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TEXT: ‘Grace be with you all’ – Hebrews 13:25 THOUGHT: Scattered throughout the Book of Hebrews are some wonderful verses concerning the grace of God. Grace is the vehicle God uses to bring His blessings to us and through us, to others. The text states, “Grace be with you all”. Notice it does not say, “Grace is with you all”. We have to allow God’s grace to come our way. Many of the New Testament epistles start with, “Grace to you and peace..” – see Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2 for example. Grace does not give me what I deserve but gives me what God has already given. God’s grace is like a car and it’s passengers are mercy, forgiveness, new life, healing and so much more. Today’s Teaching looks at what grace helps us to do, as seen in these verses in the Book of Hebrews. Grace took Jesus to the cross – ‘Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone’ – 2:9 NLT God’s grace took Jesus to many different places in order to preach, teach, bless and heal people. Then one day, that vehicle headed in the direction of the cross and there was no deviation, detour or turning back. Jesus warned His disciples, ‘If they...
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TEXT: ‘Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.”’ – Nehemiah 4:10 NLT THOUGHT: Jerusalem was in a mess; walls flattened, gates destroyed by fire; and its inhabitants living in fear and disarray. God sent Nehemiah to rebuild the city and make it secure. Although he had this God-given vision and the Persian king’s resources, he still needed the help of the people of Jerusalem. He could not do it without them. Sharing his vision about how God had intervened, rallied the people to make a start. Nehemiah got each one to rebuild the wall on the outside of their property. Others living outside of Jerusalem came to help too, but the message was clear. Failing to protect their own home meant the enemy would have an easier access into the city and their house would be the first to be attacked, endangering everyone else’s. What we do will either help or hinder God’s people and the work of the local church. Jesus taught that listening to and obeying His words would ensure a true foundation that could withstand any storm – Matthew 7:24-27....
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TEXT: ‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think’ – Ephesians 3:20 THOUGHT: The Book of James makes a startling statement, ‘You do not have because you do not ask’ – James 4:2. Why we are reluctant to ask can usually be boiled down to just two main reasons. We have the wrong opinion about God We think that He cannot or will not do it, even when there is a Biblical promise that He will! Or that He is really not interested with what is happening in our lives as individuals because He has far too much to do looking after the universe. Nothing could be further from the truth. Knowing the number of hairs on our head proves how intimately He knows us – Matthew 10:30. Jesus also said, ‘Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him’ – Matthew 6:8. We have the wrong opinion about ourselves Feelings of guilt and low self-esteem paralyse the desire to ask, for we feel we are not worthy. Why should God bother about me when there are much better people around? We forget that Christ came to save sinners and we all qualify in that respect!...
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