Teaching for today

The Lord Jesus emphatically declares that Christians are different – they are the salt and light of the world. Yet he also warns that if salt loses its saltiness, it is "no longer good for anything". We must not lose our distinctive, influencing, Christian nature. If we live in conspicuous obedience to Christ we will stand out and fulfil our calling, "that [men] may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16b).

"To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves." (Ephesians 1:6)"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him." (1 John 4:9)

"Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3)"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

"God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords." (1 Timothy 6:15)"To the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and for evermore!" (Jude 1:25)

"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16)"You alone are holy." (Revelation 15:4)

"... in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Christians are not immune from discouragement and frustration in their lives. In a society where people expect to be able to obtain everything instantly Christians must live with an eternal perspective, and thereby find the strength to persevere. They must 'keep on keeping on'.

The world is always trying to squeeze us into its mould. Before a watching world we are to live with integrity. This means applying God's Word consistently to the circumstances of our lives.

We all have routines of eating, sleeping, work and leisure, yet many Christians neglect personal discipline in their spiritual lives. Godly habits become the means that God uses to work His grace in our lives.

Prayer sustains and nourishes the Christian. It is a litmus test of our relationship with God. It is the means whereby we can bring all our anxieties and needs before the Lord. Failure in our prayer lives inevitably leads to weaknesses in other areas.