Text: ‘“Listen!” says Jesus. “I am coming soon! Happy are those who obey the prophetic words in this book!”’ – Revelation 22:7 (Good News Translation) Thought: Many Christians find it hard to reconcile these words, ‘I am coming soon!’ with the fact that over 1900 years have passed since they were written. Both Jesus 1 and Peter 2 warned against Christians dropping their guard and standards in the light of Christ’s return being delayed. It’s all too easy to end up questioning whether there will ever be a Second Coming of Christ. The Bible is very clear on this subject and we need to heed its message. Five truths will help to clarify things. The Resurrection Jesus cannot return unless He’s alive! Paul taught the Corinthian church, ‘If the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen.’ 3 If Christ isn’t risen, it makes the Second Coming impossible. Paul went on to declare, ‘But now Christ is risen from the dead.’ 4 Jesus himself proved by many infallible proofs to the disciples that He had really risen. 5 Because Jesus came to this earth the first time (It’s now 2015 years since His birth), we can be sure that He will keep His promise and return. The Return...
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Text: ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every person’ – Mark 16:15 Thought: I was writing Today’s Teaching sat outside in Lira, Uganda having completed the Pastors’ conferences there and waiting to travel to Rwanda. Not so long ago it was only the business world travelling everywhere, seeking new outlets for their goods and services. Few missionaries were sent out by their churches into “heathen” countries, with varying success – revival in some places, while others thought it wonderful if just a handful were converted in a whole year. Now the whole world has become much more accessible. People work and take holidays everywhere. I have been to 28 countries since my first holiday to Jersey (Channel Islands) in 1971. Since becoming a Christian in 1973, I have sought to share my faith in every country I have been to, whether my going there was for work, holiday or mission trip. Christians now have a wonderful opportunity to share their faith whenever they go abroad and they can help fulfil the command of Jesus to ‘Go’. Why is this so important and how can it become so effective? Firstly, because people you come into contact with may never have heard about Jesus, nor are they...
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Text: ‘”I have had enough, Lord”, he said. “Take my life, I am no better than my ancestors.”’ – 1 Kings 19:4 Thought: The title of Today’s Teaching can be interpreted in several ways. For example, as a reply to the question, “Would you like some more dessert?” No thanks, I’ve had enough.” Unless, of course, what’s being offered is another slice of Jenny’s scrumptious pavlova, then I’m having some more whether I am full up or not! It could also be the response of an exasperated parent informing their child they’ve had enough and disciplinary action is on its way! Or maybe it’s the frustration of a golfer, leaving the course vowing never to return, when the drives and putts go astray. Another way, “I’ve had enough” is commonly used is as a response to a problem or difficulty. This is the context of Today’s Teaching about Elijah’s outpouring. He had had enough! Let’s have a look at what caused Elijah to end up in this state and see how God responded. It will reassure us that God has our best interests at heart at all times. Elijah’s depression Depression is a terrible condition and judging by the amount of tranquillisers prescribed every year, far more people are...
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Text: ‘O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.’ – Matthew 15:28 Thought: Continuing the theme of Great Faith from the previous Today’s Teaching. Now it’s the report about a Syro-Phoenician lady. What heartaches are you carrying concerning your children? Read on and see how despair turned into triumph because she refused to take “No” for an answer. Her despair over her daughter – severely demon-possessed How it hurts parents, mothers especially, to see their children suffering and in trouble, yet feeling powerless to help them. It’s unclear how this daughter came to be demon-possessed. It was the same for the father whose son’s epilepsy was caused by demons too. 1 Jesus taught that Satan is a mean devil who comes to ‘steal, kill and to destroy lives.’ 2 This mother would have continually gone over things wondering if she was to blame for her daughter’s condition. Whilst we don’t know the answer to that, we do know that she was the catalyst for the miracle that took place by going to Jesus. You can do the same! Her decision to go to Jesus Jesus wanted it kept quiet that He was in the area, but word got out. Faith comes by hearing...
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Text: ‘I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’ – Matthew 8:10 Thought: Faith is what many Christians dream of having. Great faith is considered to be beyond the reach of most. In the Gospels two people are commended for having great faith. Both were Gentiles, outsiders of the nation of Israel. Many Christians stream forward for prayer for healing, yet end up going away disappointed as nothing happens. At the same time they’re amazed that the non-Christian who did the same, walks away healed. They can’t understand why! It’s all too easy to end up thinking that God has favourites. Let’s take a short study of what the Bible records about one of the two with great faith and see if something can help us get our miracle too. He was a Roman Centurion, an unlikely candidate to have great faith, who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant who was dying. The Intention of Jesus – ‘I will come and heal him’ Jesus’ clear and forthright way in which he responded to this request is exactly the same as how he replied to the leper who said, “‘Lord, if you are willing you can make me clean.’” “‘I am willing, be cleansed.’” Yet...
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Text: ‘Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promise’ – Hebrews 6:12 Thought: It can be relatively easy to start something; harder to keep it going with the demands and disciplines required. This is why so many New Year Resolutions, exercise programmes and healthy diets are abandoned long before they can make any real difference. In door to door evangelism we come across many who used to go to church regularly, whether it was Sunday School or an adult service, but now never go. Something happened to cause them to stop! The Book of Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians to continue in their faith in Jesus and not return to the Mosaic Law in order to avoid persecution by the religious authorities. Paul’s letter to the Galatians sought to address the same problem.1 So what can we do to keep on keeping on when we are tempted or pressurised to change course? The importance of Personal Faith – ‘who through faith’ Faith becomes our hope and focus. Faith was responsible for our becoming a Christian – ‘By grace are you saved through faith.’ 2 The Requirement for Patience – ‘and patience’ It’s all too easy to start off the Christian life full of excitement and...
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