Posts by Norman

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). In Part 1 we studied how the lives and faithfulness of past believers are encouraging us to continue in the faith. As Jesus is our supreme example and focus, we’re to look to Him because He is the author and finisher of our faith. In the epic film, “Chariots of Fire”, Eric Liddell (who later became a missionary to China) loved running and was an excellent athlete, even winning a gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympic games. The film featured one race in which he slipped and fell while running. His competitors raced on ahead. What did he do? He got up and started running again and before long he retook the lead and won. As Christians it’s all too easy to slip and fall over, but don’t stay on the ground. Pick yourself up and continue because you...

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...

TEXT: ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows’ (James 1:17 NIV). It was on the second Sunday after my operation (11th June). I was unable to get to church and Jenny was out preaching. I decided to spend time with the Lord, praising and praying. As I listened to “Blessed Assurance”, the Holy Spirit quickened to me the line in the second verse, “Angels descending, bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of love.” Something from above, became the theme for Today’s Teaching. We will consider three main areas God can impart to us something from heaven. 1. Naturally Throughout the forty-year wilderness wanderings, God’s people survived because of the manna, which miraculously appeared every morning, on top of the dew (Numbers 11:6-9. It was called bread from heaven (See John 6:32). All the people had to do was collect it, they didn’t work for it or earn it. It was freely given from above. Once they arrived in the promised land, the manna ceased because they could easily live off the land. It was only given while it was needed. Jesus taught us to pray, ‘Give us this day our daily...