Tuesday 5 March 2024

CTG 0063

The Success of the Cross 

This audio message was recorded on 29th March 2013 at CCS Wales and is here presented in 3 video parts. 

The purpose of this audio presentation is:  

1. to encourage those who are already followers of Jesus Christ to be revived in our appreciation of what he has done for us, inspring the spreading of the gospel. 

2. to help those who are not yet Christians, but are nevertheless considering the message of the gospel, to cross the line from doubt to faith in God’s Son. 

Those who truly put their trust in Jesus Christ belong to God forever. 

More notes are here below. 

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The Bible statements (ESV) referred to in the 3 video parts are the following: 

Isaiah 53: 5 
He was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. 

2 Corinthians 5: 21 
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

Revelation 5: 9 
… you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation … 

Revelation 7: 9-10 
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 

John 20: 21 
Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." 


FOR FURTHER READING: 

John 1: 10-14 
Romans 8: 12-39 
Galatians 3: 8-29 
Titus 3: 3-7 
1 Peter 2: 9-10 
Revelation 21: 3-8 

Matthew 26: 26-27 
Mark 14: 22-24 
Luke 22: 19-20 
Acts 2: 37-42 
1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 

Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12 
John 1: 29 
Luke 24: 1-53 
Acts 1: 1-11 
Romans 1: 8-17 
1 Corinthians 1: 18 - 2: 5 
1 Corinthians 6: 9-11 
1 Thessalonians 1: 1-10 
Titus 2: 11-14 
1 John 1: 1-10 


Friday 22 December 2023

CTG 0062

FOR FURTHER READING: Matthew 1:18-25; Mark 1:1-20; Luke 2:1-21; John 1:1-18 & 29; John 3:16-18 & 35-36; John 4:1-42; 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 5:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Romans 1:16-18; Romans 10:8-17.

Saturday 25 November 2023

CTG 0061

 


One Way ... Jesus 

If you are not a Christian yet I hope this video will help you put your trust in Jesus Christ. 

And if you are already a Jesus-follower this video might be a conversation-starter if you share its content with others. 

FOR FURTHER READING: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Isaiah 53:5-6; 1 Peter 2:24-25; Galatians 1:3-5; Luke 24:45-47; Acts 20:20-21; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; John 16:8; Acts 2:36-38, 16:30-31, 24:24-25; John 3:16-18; Romans 5:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10.

Saturday 14 October 2023

CTG 0060


I write with the longing that Israelis, Palestinians and people from every ethnic background will turn to God through faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. 

FOR FURTHER READING 
John 1: 29 
Galatians 1: 3-5 
Galatians 3: 27-29 
Revelation 7: 9-10 

Friday 8 September 2023

CTG 0059

Prayer, the Holy Spirit and spreading the gospel 


When Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan and was praying, the Holy Spirit descended and remained upon him. And God spoke from heaven: "You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased." 


Jesus prepared himself through prayer. Travelling from place to place, preaching and miraculously helping people through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

When praying in Gethsemane ... before he was crucified and rose again to secure redemption for all who believe in him ... he encouraged three of his followers, Peter, James and John, to watch and pray while he was praying. They fell asleep. He persevered. And through the Holy Spirit he offered up himself without blemish to God as a sacrifice for our sins.


Before his ascension Jesus instructed his disciples to stay in Jerusalem until they were clothed with power from heaven. He had already taught them about praying for the Holy Spirit.

Obeying his command his apostles, together with the women who followed him and also members of his immediate family ... a company of about 120, unitedly devoted themselves to pray. And when they were all together on the day of Pentecost they were all filled with the Spirit. A great crowd came to see what was happening. Peter explained to them what was taking place and he preached Christ to them, quoting from the Scriptures. Listening to Peter preaching about Christ, many repented, believed and were baptised. About 3000 were added to their company on that day. During those days they met together in the temple and their homes, as the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.


Later on, continuing to fulfil the commission Jesus had given them, Peter and John were arrested and questioned by the same hierarchy who had condemned Christ to death. When they were ordered not to speak anymore to others about Jesus, they answered that they couldn't stop speaking about him.

After the Sanhedrin warned and threatened them they were released. Peter and John returned to their companions and together they prayed to God for his help. Asking for boldness to keep on proclaiming the gospel. And for God to perform miracles in Jesus' name, to confirm the message. In answer to their prayers the Holy Spirit enabled them all to continue their witness.


This blogpost is based on the following Bible references

Luke 3:21-22 & 4:14; John 1:29-34

Mark 1:35-39 & 14:32-42; Acts 10:36-43; Hebrews 5:7-10 & 9:14

Acts 1:3-15 & 2:1-47; Luke 11:5-13

Acts 4:1-31


For further reading

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Ephesians 6:10-20

Colossians 4:2-6

Acts 28:30-31


Monday 14 August 2023

CTG 0058

My dad and God’s grace 


Please excuse me reminiscing a little. 


I’m convinced that God doesn’t want us to be caught in a time-warp. And that he wants us to move forward with the eyes of faith fixed on him. Nevertheless, there are past memories that are precious and instructive, helping us in our walk with Christ at the present time. 


My dad loved listening to these two old men singing. YouTube didn’t exist then. Dad listened via videotapes. Cutting-edge technology in those days! Here’s the link for you to listen: https://youtu.be/K2J0IOIEqyM  … You’ll find the lyrics in the description included with the film clip. 


The lyrics speak of what God has done through Christ his Son, when he took our place and suffered for our sins, before he rose again. So that through faith we can be forgiven, cleansed and increasingly transformed through God’s amazing love and mercy towards us. Saved from sin by his grace. 


The older my dad got, I saw him becoming stronger and stronger in our Lord Jesus Christ. The grace of God shone through him more and more. His trust was in Jesus. And it continued to transform him. 


When dad was lying on his hospital bed, in a coma, I was with him. He sneezed twice and came out of the coma. Those were precious moments for my dad and me as we hugged and talked together. Not long after this he went home to be with his Saviour. 


I’m grateful to God that dad is with Jesus. 


I’m also grateful for contemporary songwriters who have grasped and been deeply moved by what the Bible says about salvation, composing music for this generation. Songs that express our worship to God, with thankful hearts, as the Holy Spirit strengthens our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ as we sing. 


Check this out 


1 Timothy 1:12-16 ESV 

Sent by Paul to Timothy, his co-worker in the gospel: 


[12] I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, [13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [14] and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. [16] But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.


Ephesians 5:1-20 NIV 

Sent by Paul to christian communities in Ephesus and probably throughout the Roman province of Asia: 


[1] Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children [2] and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. [3] But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. [4] Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. [5] For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person - such a person is an idolater - has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. [7] Therefore do not be partners with them. [8] For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light [9] (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) [10] and find out what pleases the Lord. [11] Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. [12] It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. [13] But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. [14] This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” [15] Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. [18] Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, [19] speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, [20] always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


FOR FURTHER STUDY 

Acts 16:25 
Romans 5:1-2 
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 
2 Corinthians 3:17-18  
2 Corinthians 4:15-18 
2 Corinthians 5:6-9 
Ephesians 2:1-10 
Philippians 1:21-24 
Colossians 3:16-17 
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 
2 Timothy 2:1-2 
Titus 2:11-14 
2 Peter 3:18 
1 John 3:1-3 
Jude 2-4 
Revelation 5:1-14 

Friday 16 June 2023

CTG 0057

Tell about Jesus 


I’m a rhythm guitarist, though a bit rusty these days. Musically, my personal preference is for contemporary gospel/worship songs. Though I appreciate and love some of the old hymns too. 


The most important thing of course are the lyrics. Those songs that are God-glorifying, Jesus-focused and Spirit-anointed. The Spirit glorifies Christ and the Father is glorified in his Son. 


I knew this particular song when I was a child. And had forgotten it. Until recently, when the lyrics spontaneously came to mind. I became quite emotional: “Tell me the story of Jesus, write on my heart every word.” I’m now in my early 70s. 


This afternoon I found this link to the song online, combined with another song:  

https://youtu.be/AghsSvQ_2B8   

You’ll find the full text in the description. 


I’m not trying to promote nor demote an older style of music. It’s the lyrics that are precious. The music simply supports the message. 


Tell me about Jesus. Those historical, eternally important and life-changing facts about the Son of God, our Saviour. He's alive. 


Tell others about him too. Wherever you live or go across the globe. 



FOR FURTHER READING:  


Matthew, Mark, Luke & John  

Matthew 1:18-2:12 

Mark 15:22-16:20 

Luke 2:1-38 

Luke 24:1-49 

John 14:6 

John 14:13 

John 16:5-15 

John 17:1-5 

Acts 16:25-34 

1 Corinthians 14:26 

1 Corinthians 15:1-11 

Ephesians 5:15-21 

Colossians 3:16-17 

Hebrews 13:8 

James 5:13 

1 Peter 4:7-11 

1 John 2:22-25 

Revelation 1:1-20 


And if there is someone reading this who has wandered away from the Lord, please come back home. 


Luke 15:1-32 



Friday 26 May 2023

CTG 0056

THE GOSPEL AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 


The various abilities that are gifted in numerous ways to Spirit-filled Jesus-followers are a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s presence. 


And in particular they confirm the gospel message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Providing a demonstration of its truthfulness. 


This is why Jesus instructed his followers concerning the importance of being baptised with the Holy Spirit to equip them for the task of spreading the good news about him everywhere. 


This vital mission cannot be accomplished by human ingenuity. It can only be done by God working in and through us. 


The advancement of God’s kingdom locally and across the globe cannot be achieved through any individual’s natural resourcefulness nor by any nation’s military might. The spread of his kingdom into people’s hearts is connected to the proclamation of the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, as individuals and groups of people respond and believe this message of God’s love and grace. 


FOR FURTHER READING: 


Ezekiel 36:25-27 

Jeremiah 31:31-34 

Matthew 5:1-12 

Matthew 6:9-13 

Matthew 6:33 

Matthew 13:1-23 

Matthew 24:14 

Mark 16:15-20 

John 3:1-21 

Luke 24:1-53 

Acts 1:1-4:31 

Acts 16:9-40 

Acts 20:24-28 

Acts 28:16-31 

Romans 15:14-21 

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 

1 Corinthians 12:1-11 

Ephesians 4:17-5:21 

Colossians 1:1-14 

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 

Hebrews 2:1-4 

Hebrews 8:6-12 

Hebrews 12:18-29 



Friday 7 April 2023

CTG 0055

“OF FIRST IMPORTANCE” 

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 ESV 


The primary message that everyone needs to hear is that Jesus died and rose again. Both the cross and resurrection are vital. You cannot separate them from each other. 


Everything written in the Old Testament points toward the necessity of the atonement. And as important as everything else is that is recorded about the life and ministry of Jesus Christ in the Gospel accounts, the climax is the fulfilment of the primary purpose for which his Father sent his Son into the world. 


Bearing the sin of the world, he suffered and died in our place. The resurrection confirms who Jesus is and it declares that the all sufficient sacrifice of himself, once for all time, fully achieved its purpose and is fully accepted by his Father. 


Now exalted on high, he intercedes for all who repent and believe in him. Fully committed to bring us into all that his work of redemption accomplished, as is unfolded in the rest of the New Testament. Eternal salvation and life in the Holy Spirit for all who belong to Christ. 


The whole world needs to hear this message of God’s amazing grace. To give all people the opportunity to believe. Especially those who have not heard it yet. 


FOR FURTHER READING: 


1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-4 

ROMANS 1:1-6 

ROMANS 16:25-27 

JOHN 17:1-26 

2 TIMOTHY 3:14-17 

HEBREWS 10:1-25 

REVELATION 5:1-14 

 

The more we understand the depth of the love of God manifested in the Cross and Resurrection of Christ, the more we’ll understand GENESIS to REVELATION. 


Friday 16 December 2022

CTG 0054

THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH GOD SENT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD 
Pontius Pilate was manipulated into having Jesus crucified. Whatever his reasons may have been he insisted that the accusation against him, positioned on the cross above his head, was stated clearly for all to understand: "Jesus of Nazareth the king of the Jews." Written in Hebrew, Greek and Latin. 
Many of those who looked at the scene there on Golgotha (Calvary) mocked him, including religious leaders and soldiers. They challenged Jesus to make a demonstration by coming down from the cross, if he was indeed the Christ (Messiah), God’s Son. Jesus did not meet the general expectation of what the Messiah would be like. And the majority of the Sanhedrin considered him to be a threat to their ambitions and wanted rid of him. 
Conversation on Golgotha 
There were two criminals who were crucified alongside Jesus on that hill just outside Jerusalem. Both of them joined in the scoffing directed against him. 
During the hours that passed by, these two men had the opportunity to contemplate the condition of their own hearts, even in the middle of their anguish. And they were also confronted by the unique suffering of Jesus and his response to everyone’s treatment of him. 
 
With a blinkered view of the ‘here and now’ and no concern about eternity, one of them continued to speak contemptuously to Jesus: "Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us." 
Clearly experiencing a change of heart, the other responded to his fellow-criminal’s words, saying: "Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong." 
He continued, directing his words to our Saviour: "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 
And Jesus said to him: "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise." 
On the cross the Son of God was bearing the sins of the world. And his blood was poured out as the sacrifice that secures forgiveness for all who turn trustingly to him. 
Consider that conversation that took place on Golgotha, as it is recorded in the Bible (Luke 23:39-43). 
We have no record of what those criminals had done. But the words of the one who turned to Christ in faith reveal that the deeds that they had committed were of such a degree that he considered their own punishment, at the hands of the Romans, to be just and deserved. 
He had also become convinced that Jesus had done nothing wrong. And therefore the treatment Jesus had received, at the hand of the various authorities and the people, was totally unjust. 
His understanding would have been limited, influenced by the popular opinions of his own time. But something happened there on that day that transformed his thinking and resulted in him believing that Jesus was indeed the Christ (Messiah) … the King. A crucified King whose purpose would still be fully achieved. 
All this moved him in faith to ask Jesus to remember him at some future stage. Jesus’ response was however a declaration of abundant assurance, pledging to this new believer that on that very same day he would be with his Saviour in paradise. 
Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection was the reason he came into the world, bearing the punishment for our sins 

When God sent his Son into the world a virgin became miraculously and uniquely pregnant. An angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to the man she was engaged to and told him: "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:20-21)." 
John the baptiser said about Jesus: "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29)!" 
Prophetically Isaiah had declared: "Surely he has borne our griefs
        and carried our sorrows;
    yet we esteemed him stricken,
        smitten by God, and afflicted. 
    
    But he was pierced for our transgressions;
        he was crushed for our iniquities;
    upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
        and with his wounds we are healed. 
    
    All we like sheep have gone astray;
        we have turned — every one — to his own way;
    and the LORD has laid on him
        the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:4-6)." 
And as the time of his crucifixion approached Jesus said: "Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour (John 12:27)." 
To indicate the way he was going to die he declared: "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself (John 12:32)." 
"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:9-10)." 
"We love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19)." 
Eternal Life 
Those two criminals, as their death was approaching, were there next to Jesus as he was bearing not only the sins of his own ethnic people, but also the sins of the world. 
One of them, confessing that he was a sinner, turned to Christ in faith. And Jesus gave him eternal life. Kingdom life. 
 
Redemption & Atonement 
However deep a person has sunk into sin, forgiveness has been purchased by Christ for all who repent and believe in him. 
Wherever you live, whatever your station in life, whatever you have done, in spite of what your opinion of yourself has been up to this point in time, if you turn believing in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, God will forgive you too and you will be his forever. 

FOR FURTHER READING 
Matthew 1:18-25 
Matthew 26:1 - 28:20 
Mark 14:1 - 16:20 
Luke 1:1 - 2:21 
Luke 22:1 - 24:53 
John 1:1-51 
John 3:1-36 
John 18:1 - 21:25 


Saturday 10 September 2022

CTG 0053


With memories of the Queen 
God save the King 
And condolences for the whole family 

On Thursday my wife Barbara and I were returning to our home in Scotland, after a week with family in England and Wales. We were approaching Preston, where we would change trains to continue our journey to Glasgow, when my phone received the notification that Queen Elizabeth had died. 

Although aware that our much loved Queen was approaching this unavoidable point in her life, it still felt sudden. A moment that we will not forget. 

Especially those of us who live in the United Kingdom became immediately aware of the necessary speed of events that was unfolding as portrayed on our mobile devices and television screens. 

Memories come to mind, of seeing Queen Elizabeth close up, when her car drove through the Grote Markt in Ieper, Flanders Fields, Belgium. And of seeing Prince Charles’ car approaching the Manor House when Swansea was given city-status. 

May God help King Charles as he grieves the death of his mother and as he understandably feels the weight and the responsibility of being head of state of the UK and of the Commonwealth. 

And yes, God save the King. And members of the Royal Family who have not yet experienced the salvation that is available through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the Saviour of the world. 

                Barbara and me with our sons 

FOR FURTHER READING 
Matthew 1: 18-25 
John 1: 1-34 
John 4: 39-42 
Acts 4: 1-31 
Philippians 2: 1-11 
1 Timothy 1: 12-17 
1 Timothy 2: 1-7 
Titus 3: 1-8 


Thursday 16 June 2022

CTG 0052




GOD’S KINGDOM 

Jesus was unjustly condemned to death by the highest religious-political-judicial echelon of his own people. Because they were under Roman rule the Sanhedrin delivered him over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, with the intention that he would have him crucified. 

Pilate concluded that Jesus wasn’t a military threat to Rome’s rule. And he knew that the Sanhedrin’s decision against him was motivated by jealousy. He tried to thwart their objective to do away with Jesus. But finally, for fear of what would reach the ears of Tiberius Caesar Augustus, Pilate succumbed to their manipulation and to their agents’ unscrupulous steering of public opinion. And, wanting to please the crowd that had gathered, he gave Jesus over to be crucified, with all the resulting cruelty and agony that Jesus suffered. 

During the conversation that had taken place between them, Pilate had asked Jesus: “Are you the King of the Jews?” 

Jesus said to him: “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” See John 18:33-37. 

If Christ’s kingdom was of this world, under those circumstances, his followers would have been galvanised for armed conflict. But God's gracious, loving and powerful reign in the hearts and lives of all who believe in his Son Jesus, has been secured, not by means of this world's military might, but by his Son’s suffering and death on the cross for our sins, followed by his resurrection and ascension. For Jews and Gentiles. 

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14 ESV). 

His dominion is everlasting. It will never pass away. And his kingdom will never be destroyed. 

Jesus will return! 

Until then his gospel needs to be proclaimed everywhere. See Matthew 24:14. 


FOR FURTHER READING 
Daniel 7:13-14 
Matthew 16:13-28; 26:1 - 28:20 
Mark 14:1 - 16:20 
Luke 1:26-35; 22:1 - 24:53 
John 17:1 - 21:25 
Acts 1:1 - 4:31; 8:12; 28:30-31 
Philippians 1:1 - 3:1 
1 Timothy 2:1-6 
1 Peter 2:1-25 
2 Peter 3:1-18 
Revelation 1:1-20; 11:15-18; 21:1 - 22:21 



Monday 21 March 2022

CTG 0051





Praying in the Spirit 

Even during times of physical weakness and difficulties, when we don’t know how or what to pray for, God’s Spirit helps us. 

Initially we might not realise what is taking place, as we become aware of emotions, inexpressible groanings, deep within us. And then, because of our understanding of what the Bible teaches, it dawns on us that it’s the Holy Spirit interceding for us. Praying on our behalf. Praying according to the will of God. His objective is that everyone who belongs to God, everyone who has put their trust in his Son Jesus Christ our Saviour, becomes more and more like Jesus. 

There is another way in which the Holy Spirit aids us that is not dependent on our understanding. In unison with our spirit the Spirit gives us the words to speak in languages that are unknown to us personally. In fact, this grace-gift is expressed in various ways and circumstances. And it can become particularly liberating in prayer. 

As we trust him to help us in this way the Holy Spirit also enables us to pray with our understanding, in our own native language, in harmony with God’s will. 

The apostle Paul encouraged believers to always pray in the Spirit, in different ways, including with one’s understanding. He urged them to pray for fellow-Christians and also gave them prayer-points to enable them to intercede for him too in the middle of his trials. That he would be able to speak clearly and boldly about Jesus. His passion was that others would have the opportunity to hear a clear explanation of the good news about Christ, making it possible for them to believe and be saved. Even those who were causing him difficulties. 

May God help us to have the same passion. 


FOR FURTHER READING 
Acts 2:4 
Romans 8:16-39 
1 Corinthians 14:15 
Ephesians 6:18-20 
1 John 5:10-15 (Matthew 3:17) 



Saturday 5 March 2022

CTG 0050




You might find it helpful to read Psalm 23 and pray for fellow-followers of Christ on the basis of all that you read there. Especially for those who are in the middle of horrific crisis. 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death … you are with me … and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” 

And may the eyes of those who do not yet know our Lord be opened to understand and believe the good news about Jesus our Saviour. So that they too will be saved and walk in his ways. 



Friday 25 February 2022

CTG 0049





Please pray that God would keep the door open for the great work many Ukrainians, Russians and others have been doing in spreading the good news about Jesus Christ, not only in their own nations, but also among other people groups too. The gospel of salvation that the Son of God has provided through his sacrifice on the cross, for the world, bearing our sins and rising again. So that all who repent and believe in him will be forgiven and reconciled to his Father. 



Thursday 23 December 2021

CTG 0048


GOSPEL AND KINGDOM 

As followers of Christ it is a great encouragement for us to know that Jesus has been tempted in every way that we are without giving in to any sin. 

The extent of the sufferings he experienced, confronting all the trials of our humanity head-on, enables him to sympathise with our weaknesses on a very personal level. And we are encouraged to confidently approach God to receive his mercy and grace that will provide us with the necessary help at the appropriate point in time as we hold fast to our Saviour. Having triumphed over Satan, sin and death the Son of God ascended to the highest place next to his Father in heaven. And "he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25 ESV)." 

In the middle of his intense earthly trials Jesus maintained his obedience to his Father. Sinless. So that he could bear the sins of the world, the spotless lamb of God offering up himself as the effective sacrifice for our sins. The holy one, our substitute, bearing our shame. So that all who repent and place their trust in him can receive God's gift of righteousness in Christ. Forgiven, cleansed and reconciled to God. This is the eternal objective why God sent his Son into the world. Father, Son and Holy Spirit motivated by eternal love, redeeming the lost, giving eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. 

When the eternal Son of God came into the world one of God’s angels gave this message to a group of shepherds who were working close to the place where he was born: 
"Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Saviour - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David (Luke 2:10-11 NLT)!"   

Centuries earlier Isaiah prophesied the word of the Lord: 
"For a child is born to us, 
a son is given to us. 
The government will rest on his shoulders. 
And he will be called: 
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
His government and its peace will never end (Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT)." 

Anyone reading this who has been considering the gospel about Jesus Christ. Who has not yet crossed the line between interest and actually putting your trust in the Saviour. Maybe you are concerned whether you will be able to maintain the christian walk. May God help you to grasp that it is Christ who saves you and keeps you by faith. And he will transform your life as you respond to his love and mercy, as you stay Jesus-focussed. Ask God’s Holy Spirit to help you. 

"Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved … ()Acts 16:31 NLT)." 

"… everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (Acts 2:21 NLT)." 

He brings us into his kingdom, the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, through the gospel. 


FOR FURTHER READING 

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 
Daniel 7:13-14 
Matthew 4:13-17; 6:31-33 
Mark 1:14-15; 4:1-20; 14:60-62 
Luke 1:1-2:40 John 1:1-18; 1:29; 3:1-21  
Acts 1:3-8; 8:12; 14:21-23; 16:16-40; 19:8-10; 20:24-28; 28:23-31 
Romans 3:9-26; 10:4-17; 14:17 
1 Corinthians 6:9-11; 10:12-13 
2 Corinthians 3:4-18 
Galatians 5:16-6:2 
Ephesians 2:1-10; 5:1-21 
Philippians 2:1-18 
Colossians 1:1-14; 4:10-11 2 
Timothy 2:8-13 
Hebrews 1:1-2:4; 4:12-16; 7:23-27; 9:14  
1 Peter 1:18-21; 2:24; 3:18; 5:6-11 
2 Peter 1:1-11 
Jude 17-25 
Revelation 1:4-9; 5:9-10 


Saturday 2 October 2021

CTG OO47


ADAPT ... CONSOLIDATE ... EXPAND  


Following the death, resurrection and ascension of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and the outpouring of God’s Spirit on those who waited in Jerusalem as our Lord had instructed them, there occured a phenomenal increase in the number of believers as men and women, young and old, Jews both Hebrews and Hellenists, and proselytes responded to and experienced the grace and power of the gospel. 


These were exciting times. Large crowds listening to the preaching. Instruction. Prayer. Miracles. Mutual care. Sharing meals. Exuberant joy. As the apostles faithfully taught and put into practice what they had received from Jesus. Publicly and from house to house. Lives were transformed and equipped by the grace of God. 


The apostles did face opposition from the same people who had unjustly condemned Jesus to death. Nevertheless, for a significant period of time the work of God continued to flourish unhindered there in Jerusalem. Until Stephen, a believer in Christ who together with others organised provisions for widows, was dragged before the Sanhedrin, falsely accused, expelled from the city and stoned to death. On that day a vicious hate-filled persecution, vigorously trail-blazed by Saul, arose against the church in Jerusalem. 


The majority of believers, those who hadn’t been imprisoned, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria and even as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Syria. Instead of keeping quiet about their faith in Jesus they spread the good news. They had already seen the courageous example of the apostles who had continued their witness earlier when they were taken into custody, beaten and threatened. And now in the providence of God the persecution resulted in the scattered church proclaiming the gospel so that many more experienced repentance, faith, forgiveness of sin and received the gift of eternal life. Jews, proselytes, God-fearers and, increasingly, raw Gentiles. Many more were becoming recipients of God's mercy because of the cross. And the multiplication has been continuing to this very day. 


There will be times of peace and unhindered growth. And times of suffering, opposition and difficulties. And yet the work of the kingdom, spreading the seed of God’s Word, continues. In-person and/or remotely. 


Whatever circumstances we are facing even at this present time, God will help us adapt, consolidate and expand. We will need the humility, strength, courage and enabling of the Holy Spirit to make the most of the doors of opportunity, which our Lord opens up for us, by means of the diverse grace-gifts he equips us with. 


May God bless his church globally for the sake of those who have not yet experienced his salvation. 



CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES 

1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV

... the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 ESV 
you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere … 


Hebrews 13:5 ESV 

he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”


1 Peter 5:6-10 ESV 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 


Matthew 28:18-20 ESV 

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”



FOR FURTHER READING


Acts 6:7-13:4; 22:1-21 in the context of the whole of the Acts of the Apostles 

Matthew 5:11-12 

Matthew 24:3-14 

Luke 7:18-23  

Luke 8:1-15 

Luke 9:18-36 

John 15:18-16:33  

Romans 8:1-39 

2 Corinthians 3:1-5:21  

1 Timothy 1:12-17  

1 Peter 1:1-5:14  

Revelation 1:9-18 

Revelation 3:7-8 

Revelation 7:9-17