David Hathaway

Fulfilling the Royal Law / James Bible Study (Part 5) / Chapter 2

In this episode, David teaches from James 2.5-13, NIV. Believers should avoid showing favoritism, treat all people with love and equality, and recognise the significance of mercy in their interactions with others.
'Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
'If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
'Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.' (James 2.5-13, NIV)

God has chosen you to inherit the Kingdom / James Bible Study (Part 4) / Chapter 2

'My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?' (James 2.1-5, NIV.)
God has chosen you to inherit the Kingdom. The richness we have is based on our faith not on our possessions, and as we shall see, how we live out our faith. 
In these verses, James addresses the issue of favouritism or discrimination within the Christian community. He emphasises the importance of treating everyone equally, regardless of their social or economic status. James criticises the practice of showing special attention to the wealthy while neglecting the poor. He argues that such behaviour goes against the principles of faith in Jesus Christ, who showed no partiality. James encourages believers to demonstrate genuine faith by treating all people with love and without prejudice, recognising that true wealth lies in faith and devotion to God rather than in worldly status.

The righteousness God desires / James Bible Study (Part 3) / Chapter 1

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. (James 1.17-26, NIV.)

Blessed is the one who perseveres / James Bible Study (Part 2) / Chapter 1

In James 1.9-14, David teaches a powerful message about the blessings that come to those who endure trials with steadfast faith. The passage emphasises what true wealth is; asserting that the humble and lowly are exalted in God's kingdom. As believers face various challenges, the call to persevere stands as a pathway to receiving the crown of life promised to those who love the Lord. Join David in exploring the profound wisdom and blessings found in the journey of perseverance, as we navigate the trials of life with unwavering trust in God. 
'Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
'Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
'When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.' (James 1.9-15, NIV.)

Count it all joy / James Bible Study (Part 1) / Chapter 1

In these opening verses, James provides us with a profound perspective on trials and wisdom, which guide us through life's challenges and uncertainties. James 1:1-5 begins with James introducing himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. He addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad and encourages them to view their trials as opportunities for joy. James explains that enduring trials produces steadfastness and maturity in faith. He emphasises the importance of seeking wisdom from God, who generously gives it to those who ask without doubting. James assures believers that God's wisdom is accessible to all, fostering a trust that leads to a more robust and unwavering faith.
'My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' (James 1.1-5, KJV.)

Let not your heart be troubled / John 14 (Part 3)

Jesus tells His disciples that those who believe in Him will do the works that He has been doing and even greater works. He assures them that whatever they ask in His name, He will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. Jesus encourages them to ask anything in His name, and He promises to do it. This passage underscores the significance of faith and the role of prayer in the Christian life, highlighting the connection between believers and the power of God through Jesus Christ.
In these verses, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, emphasising the power of faith and the relationship between faith and miracles: 'Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it' (John 14.12-14).

Let not your heart be troubled / John 14 (Part 2)

In John 14.1-3, Jesus comforts His disciples, assuring them not to be troubled and expressing that in His Father's house are many rooms. He promises to prepare a place for them and declares that He will come back to take them with Him, emphasising the eternal nature of their connection. This message explores the significance of these verses, delving into the themes of trust, hope, and the ultimate hope that Jesus promises His followers.

Let not your heart be troubled / John Chapter 14 (Part 1)

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.’ (John 14:1-4, NIV.)
We are facing major changes in the world. Jesus cautioned us in Matthew 24, 'And you will hear of wars and rumours of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.' All that is happening today is a preparation for the soon return of Christ. In this message I want to teach on John 14, which are some of the final words of comfort which Jesus gave to His disciples before His crucifixion. But these words are not just a comfort for them, but also for us, as we wait for the soon return of Christ. 

The importance of prayer (Part 3)

When there is a crisis in our lives our only hope is Christ, our only strategy is prayer. You – we – have to get an answer from God! When Jesus was on the earth, people asked Him direct for what they wanted. – We have to do the same, but through prayer. We have to learn again the power and effectiveness of prayer. We also have to learn how to get an answer to our problems. 

The importance of prayer (Part 2)

Mark 11 is so revolutionary, so powerful, it has changed my life! Jesus saw a fig tree full of leaves and He came hoping to find some figs (v13). But He found nothing but leaves. So many Christians are like that fig tree – you can see them in some Christian conventions – all show, all leaves, a lot of shouting, a lot of noise, a lot of emotion. But no fruit, no result, nothing but leaves! This is one of the biggest problems I find today, a highly charged atmosphere, but no fruit. I love the singing, the worship, but let’s celebrate the victory when the church is moving in revival, souls are being saved and the prostitutes, drug addicts, ‘feral youths’ and criminals are coming to Christ! It’s a problem in the West, in America, in Europe: a lot of noise, a lot of talk, a lot of emotion – but it’s empty. If a wind comes, if a storm comes – the wind will blow them away! Don’t be like that. I want you to be the strongest believers anywhere in the world: people with fire, people with power, people who pray, people who will change the world!

Emmanuel, God with us (Christmas 2023)

‘Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given...’ But Solomon in 2 Chronicles 6:18, at the dedication of the new temple asks, ‘But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You…!’ Yet Jesus did come, Emmanuel, ‘God with us’ and now today even more so because Christ dwells not just with us but in us after we are ‘born again’. Our bodies should be the Temple of the Holy Spirit today!

The importance of prayer (Part 1)

All my Christian life, I’ve not only wanted to pray – I learnt to pray as a child – but I wanted to know how to get an answer to prayer, how to find power with God, so that when I pray, God will answer. God wants us to come to Him for help because of our relationship – He is our Father. The Bible is very clear: through Jesus Christ, you and I have direct access to God! 
In Luke 11, when Jesus had finished praying, one of His disciples came to Him and asked, “Lord, please teach us how to pray!” In answer Jesus replied, “When you pray, say, Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name, Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
Have faith in God! If you believe it, speak it, and don’t doubt in your heart, you will have power with God, and God will begin to work! Jesus said it! We’ve got to begin to understand the positive! Too often we fill our minds with negatives! Do you have mountains in your life? Have faith in God! Command them to go! God’s in the business of moving mountains! But you must declare (and actually believe, with no doubts), that in the Name of Jesus, they shall be moved!

Equipped for every good work / Hebrews Bible Study (Part 42) Chapter 13

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Brothers and sisters, I urge you to bear with my word of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you quite briefly.
I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you.
Greet all your leaders and all the Lord’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings.
Grace be with you all. (Hebrews 13.20-25, NIV)

Let us go to Jesus / Hebrews Bible Study (Part 41) / Chapter 13

It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.
The high priest carries the blood of animals into the Most Holy Place as a sin offering, but the bodies are burned outside the camp. And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honourably in every way. (Hebrews 13.9-18, NIV.)

Authority and Power of the Word of God / Hebrews Bible Study (Part 40) Chapter 13

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are ill-treated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’
So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.
Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so. (Hebrews 13.1-9, NIV.)

A heavenly kingdom / Hebrews Bible Study (Part 39) Chapter 12

You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.”
No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel. (Hebrews 12:18-24, NLT)