TEXT: ‘Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Hebrews 12:1-2). Many Christians say, “I just can’t do it, I can’t live the Christian life!” Even those thinking about turning to Christianity are sometimes deterred from doing so because of the high standards they feel they will not be able to live up to. Today’s Teaching seeks to counteract that misunderstanding and show how we can live the life God wants us to live. We can make it! Our text highlights three main reasons to help us say with confidence, “I am able to make it!” 1. Past Believers – ‘Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses’ Hebrews Chapter 11 names sixteen Old Testament believers, plus unnamed ones, whose testimonies should spur us on. We read how when they faced insurmountable problems and difficulties, God brought them through into victory or helped them to...
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TEXT: ‘And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.”’ (Matthew 9:28). In Part 1 we focussed on questions Jesus asked about personal salvation. Through those, Jesus revealed how much He values each individual person; how much compassion He has for those in need; how people need a revelation to see their need of Him; how there needs to be miraculous demonstrations following the preaching of the gospel, so the lost know we are speaking the truth! Now we consider questions Jesus asked those in need of healing, to reveal and reward faith. Healing 1. To discover facts Jesus asked the demoniac, ‘What is your name?’ (Mark 5:8). He said to the crowds, ‘Who touched My clothes?’ (Mark 5:31). He asked the epileptic’s father, ‘How long has this been happening to him?’ (Mark 9:21). Jesus asked brief questions. Sometimes too much investigation into the problem can talk ourselves into unbelief! When Jesus saw the crowds were confused by His disciples’ inability to cast out the demon from the epileptic son, and that the demon was tormenting the son once again, He immediately dealt...
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TEXT: ‘He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”’ (Matthew 16:15). Questionnaires are at epidemic levels! Everyone wants to know how they performed, whether delivering a parcel or delivering healthcare, ordering online or answering a query. The world seems obsessed with feedback. Of course, they use it to drive future sales or hone services according to whether the feedback is negative or positive. If I responded to every request to participate in feedback, a large amount of my time would be taken up with it every day. People had many questions for Jesus. Some were genuine, while others tried to catch Him out to discredit His ministry. Often Jesus responded to a question with one of His own. This usually caught off-guard those demanding an answer. Today’s Teaching studies some of the questions Jesus asked under three headings – Salvation, Healing and Persecution. In this first study we will consider personal salvation. Salvation – ‘Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things?’ (John 3:10) Unfortunately, there are many church leaders who do not know the basics of salvation either. Consequently, many in their churches are in the dark too. They are blind leaders of the blind. 1. Valuation – ‘What do...
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