TEXT: ‘He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”’ (Acts 1:7-8 NLT) THOUGHT: The Book of Daniel is full of amazing prophecies about world superpowers and the end of everyday living as we know it. In interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s 1 and subsequently his own dreams, God showed Daniel four great world powers that would succeed each other. First was the Babylonian empire that Daniel was a part of, having been taken captive from Jerusalem. Then the Medo-Persian Empire conquered Babylon. Daniel not only survived the overthrow, but prospered and was promoted into a three man team of governors overseeing one hundred and twenty satraps who were responsible for areas of the whole kingdom. Although he was so prominent, he was persecuted because of his integrity, and spent a night in the lion’s den. God kept him safe because there was no fault in him or his work. The Grecian Empire was the next to follow, conquering the Medo-Persians in 330 BC. God showed...
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TEXT: ‘The best of all firstfruits of any kind, and every sacrifice of any kind from all your sacrifices, shall be the priest’s; also you shall give to the priest the first of your ground meal, to cause a blessing to rest on your house’ (Ezekiel 44:30) THOUGHT: Part 1 focussed on giving which helps to prevent selfishness, and can turn the curse into a blessing. It challenged those who receive to become givers too. This next part shows how honouring God and giving to Him first, releases that blessing on our home. Giving to God is a step of faith – ‘the first of your ground meal’ It is really saying, “I have more than enough living on the rest!” First is an important principle with God. ‘Seek first the kingdom of God’ (Matthew 6:33). Our text says, ‘Give to the priest (God) the first’. It also says, ‘Give the best’. Tithing is giving God a tenth of what we receive as income. It is not ending the week and seeing what we have left to put in the offering. It is starting the week and giving God the tenth first. Then believing God will take care of any shortfall caused by honouring Him with our finance. God...
Learn MoreTEXT: ‘The best of all firstfruits of any kind, and every sacrifice of any kind from all your sacrifices, shall be the priest’s; also you shall give to the priest the first of your ground meal, to cause a blessing to rest on your house’ (Ezekiel 44:30) THOUGHT: Most churches have had the unfortunate experience of people leaving whenever the subject of giving arises. I have experienced it myself on a number of occasions. It’s amazing how many churchgoers want the place of worship to remain in their community but are not prepared to adequately fund its continued existence! Many times fear prevents leaders from plainly speaking about money, yet it is a subject that needs to be clearly taught because the Bible has so many references to it. I make no apologies that “Giving” is the theme of Today’s Teaching because I want “Blessing” to come. Reading through the Book of Ezekiel, I came across this wonderful text. Who would not want a blessing to come on their house? This verse shows one of the ways we can help bring that about. Giving helps prevent selfishness ‘Whose heart is in his giving’ (2 Corinthians 9:7 AMP). It’s possible to give but begrudge having done so. Rich people can...
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TEXT: ‘Building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life’ (Jude v20-21) THOUGHT: Part 1 focussed on “Building”. Jesus said He would build His church and nothing can stop Him from doing that. Part 2 was on “Praying in the Holy Spirit”. When we pray under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we are praying according to the will of God. That can mean only one thing, prayers that will be answered! Part 3 was about God’s love and the need for us to believe God loves us and to allow that love to flow out of us in everyday life. Prior to take-off, air passengers are made aware of the emergency procedures should anything unexpected happen during the flight. One instruction is, “If there is a sudden loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop down from the ceiling. Fit your own mask first before trying to help someone else”. This is true spiritually. Do not neglect your own relationship with the living God by being too busy with the affairs of this life or with other people. ‘Seek first the kingdom of God’ is still the best...
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