Bible Study with David Hathaway (TV Audio Podcast)

Our God cannot be defeated (TV Audio #512)

If we want revival, we’re going to have to fight for it tooth and nail, we’re going to have to fight for it with spiritual sword, with everything we’ve got. I get nothing for free, I didn’t get entry into the communist countries, into Israel for free – I’ve had to fight, fight, fight. I have to spend so much time in prayer and so much time in the Word of God – because I can only do it if God is with me. But my God has never ever been defeated. 
In 2016 I faced a tremendous challenge. I went to bring Jesus as Messiah to 4,000 people – but if you evangelise openly in Israel, you are arrested and they tear up your visa. The challenge was to take the big Roman Amphitheatre in Caesarea on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea and to fill it with 4,000 Jews. It was testing even my faith! 

Miracles are the evidence of the Power of God (TV Audio #511)

The evidence of God is in the power of the Gospel we preach. When the alcoholic and the murderer come to Christ, and when that miracle happens and his sin is forgiven – he is freed from the curse and the power of the devil and you see the power of God in his life. I’m an evangelist and I call people to repent. But for someone simply to come and repent and say, ‘Oh God, I’m a miserable sinner!’ is NOT a miracle. The miracle is when the curse and the power of the devil is broken – when the alcoholic, the criminal, the drug addict comes forward to repent, his body full of alcohol or drugs, but is REALLY changed and goes out as an evangelist, a witness and a testimony – that change is the evidence of God, like the burning bush!

Something so big - You'll be amazed / Habakkuk Bible Study (TV Audio #510)

Opening my Bible one morning this summer I was struck how God explains – in the Old Testament – the days that we are living in now! It was in Habakkuk. I was quite shocked when I read Ch 1 – it’s a description of how things are today! 
‘This is the burden which Habakkuk the prophet received’ – and this is his complaint – “How long O Lord must I call for help and You do not listen? Or cry out to You of violence, but You do not save? Why do You make me look at injustice, why do You tolerate wrong?! Destruction and violence are before me, strife and conflict abound…”’
This describes much of the world right now! So many nations simultaneously are facing violence, stress, civil unrest, war…Even in Britain this August, violence on the streets… The same in Europe. As I write in Summer 2024, the Russian terror war against Ukraine continues. The Bangladeshi Prime Minister, a woman, had to flee by helicopter to escape the violence in her country. There’s war between Israel and the Palestinians. Changes of government everywhere…
In v5, God answers the prophet, ‘“Look at the nations, watch – and be utterly amazed! For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told!”’

The entire Power of God is in the Gospel we preach (TV Audio #509)

The Apostle Paul said: “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” (Romans 1.16). Why are we not ashamed of the Gospel? Because it is the greatest demonstration of the power of God on earth! – It is the power to deliver everyone who has faith to believe! 
What changes nations is not some new teaching or doctrine. No, it is the simplicity of God’s Word, the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! Today we are in danger of underestimating the power of God, and that’s why Paul said, “I’m not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is the power of God!”
I see the power of the Gospel in action – and I want you to understand the effectiveness of true conversion! Our faith is in God through Jesus Christ, and in the authority of His Word. Our Gospel has unlimited power to completely deliver and change men! Until you have such an absolute, powerful experience in your own life – that there is no uncertainty, no hesitation that there is one way only, one price, one salvation, complete and life-changing – you cannot demonstrate Christ to the unbelievers! When you yourself have this absolute experience of total salvation in your own life – then this is the demonstration of the Power of the Gospel!
‘The Gospel of Christ is the Power of God’ (Romans 1.16). Evangelism should be part of our spiritual walk with God. If I ask you what are the essentials for every Christian, especially new converts, to do, you would quickly tell me – pray every day – read the Word every day – join a real live church. Water baptism and so on would quickly follow, along with serving God, fellowship with the saints and of course to be filled with the Spirit. I would add to this, evangelise – but not the way so many think of evangelism or evangelists. The Gospel is simply the good news. Your first responsibility after conversion is to spread the wonderful news of what God has done for you! 
Acts 2.22-36 describes how Jesus was approved of God through the miracles, wonders, and signs that God performed through Him. The Power in the Gospel is indelibly linked with the miraculous. Throughout Jesus' ministry in the Gospels, and then with the disciples in the book of Acts, we read that it was the miracles which was the evidence of the message they preached. In 1994 I was preaching in Khabarovsk, Siberia. The Crusade on the Saturday night saw us under a powerful anointing of the Holy Spirit, and many hundreds crowded into the open-air of the football stadium as the praise and worship team ministered. Then when I made the appeal almost every person came forward, so many, that surely everyone who had come into that stadium, lonely, lost, without faith or hope, and without Christ, found Him that night. Their hopelessness and despair had changed into the glory of the reality of knowing Him who loved us with a dying and undying love.

The Power of Prayer (TV Audio #508)

There’s a need for great power in prayer! Power, when we pray! I’m very specific when I pray, I bring very specific questions – and I get very strong answers. 
James 5.16 says the ‘effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails.’ This is the forceful, powerful prayer of an ‘ordinary’ righteous man! It works! The original Greek New Testament has two words for power: energeo and dunamis. Our praying HAS to be strong! It must generate effective energy like a dynamo and like dynamite – an explosive that, when placed against a wall, does not waste its energy on the air, but pushes the hard obstacle down! In coal mining they use it to blast tunnels through solid rock!
James is giving us a powerful description of what prayer should be like! It should have an objective, either to generate energy like a dynamo, or like dynamite, to break and remove the obstacle! This is how I see and use prayer in my ministry, and why I see so many unusual miracles.
This does not mean that my ordinary, everyday prayer for my family and daily circumstances changes, no. But this is my fighting, overcoming, face-to-face-with-God call for Power! That’s when the miracles happen!
'Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you ill? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
'Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.' (James 5.13-18, NIV.)

Let not your heart be troubled / John 13&14 Bible Study (TV Audio #507)

‘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)
The whole world is shaking, whether that is political division in UK, USA, Europe and elsewhere, or the wars in Ukraine and now Israel; we are living in turmoil. I believe we are closer to the return of Christ than many imagine. Jesus opens chapter 14 saying, "Let not your heart be troubled - believe in Me - I'm going to prepare a place for you." 
Peter, only in the previous chapter had said, "Lord, why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You." We all must lay down our lives for the call of Christ; to follow Him is to take up the cross. Taking up our cross is identification with Christ in His suffering and resurrection. It's not half-hearted commitment; it is full surrender in discipleship. It's the decision to live our lifes as 'crucified with Christ'. 

God will pour out His Spirit / Acts of the Apostles (TV Audio #506)

'You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.' (Acts 1.8, NIV)
The Book of Acts of the Apostles is a New Testament book that chronicles the early history of the Christian church after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Written by Luke, it serves as a sequel to the Gospel of Luke and focuses on the spread of Christianity from Jerusalem to Rome. It begins with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, which empowers the apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, to preach the Gospel. The book details their missionary journeys, the growth of the church, and the challenges faced, including persecution and internal disputes. Acts highlights the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, showcasing the church's expansion beyond its Jewish roots.

Proclaming the Kingdom of God with all boldness / Acts Bible Study Chapters 27&28 (TV Audio #505)

'I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!' For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ – with all boldness and without hindrance! (Acts 28.28-30, NIV.)
These chapters describe Paul's harrowing sea journey, his miraculous survival, and his final arrival in Rome, where he continues his ministry while awaiting trial before Caesar.
Acts 27: Paul’s Journey and ShipwreckPaul is sent to Rome under the guard of a centurion named Julius, along with other prisoners.They board a ship heading toward Italy, but the journey is difficult due to bad weather. They stop at several ports, eventually reaching Fair Havens on the island of Crete.Paul warns the crew that further sailing would be dangerous, but the captain and crew decide to continue the journey.A violent storm (called a "northeaster") hits, driving the ship off course for two weeks. Everyone aboard begins to lose hope of survival.Paul reassures the crew, telling them that an angel appeared to him, promising that everyone will survive, but the ship will be lost.After several days of drifting, the ship approaches an unknown land. They attempt to reach the shore, but the ship runs aground and begins to break apart.The soldiers plan to kill the prisoners to prevent escape, but Julius, wanting to spare Paul, stops them. All 276 people on board survive the shipwreck and swim to the shore.
Acts 28: Paul in Malta and RomeThe survivors land on the island of Malta. The locals show them great hospitality.While gathering wood for a fire, Paul is bitten by a viper, but he shakes it off and suffers no harm, astonishing the onlookers, who first thought he would die, but then consider him a god.Paul heals the father of Publius, the island's chief official, and other sick people on the island. The people of Malta honor them and provide supplies for their journey.After three months on Malta, Paul and the others board another ship and eventually reach Rome.In Rome, Paul is allowed to live under house arrest, guarded by a soldier but free to receive visitors.He calls together the local Jewish leaders and explains his situation, affirming that he is not against the Jewish people or their customs but is imprisoned because of the hope of Israel—the resurrection.Some of the Jews are convinced by Paul’s message, while others reject it.Paul spends two years in Rome, continuing to preach the kingdom of God and teach about the Lord Jesus Christ without hindrance.

I believe God / Acts Bible Study Chapters 24 to 27 (TV Audio #504)

'I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, “Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.' (Acts 27.22-25, NIV.)
These chapters cover Paul’s trials, his defence of his faith, and the hardships he faces as he heads to Rome to appeal his case before Caesar.
Acts 24: Paul's Trial before FelixPaul is brought to trial before Governor Felix in Caesarea.The Jewish leaders accuse him of stirring up unrest among the Jews and defiling the temple.Paul defends himself, explaining that he came to Jerusalem to worship, not cause trouble. He also asserts that he believes in the resurrection of the dead, which aligns with the Pharisees’ beliefs.Felix postpones the trial, often summoning Paul to hear him speak, hoping for a bribe.Paul remains imprisoned for two years under Felix's authority.
Acts 25: Paul's Appeal to CaesarFestus succeeds Felix as governor and reopens Paul's case.The Jewish leaders again bring charges against Paul, asking Festus to transfer him to Jerusalem, intending to ambush and kill him on the way.Festus suggests another trial in Caesarea, but Paul, knowing he won’t get a fair trial, appeals to Caesar (as a Roman citizen, he has the right to do so).Festus consults with King Agrippa II, who expresses interest in hearing Paul’s defence.
Acts 26: Paul's Defence before AgrippaPaul presents his case before King Agrippa, Bernice, and Festus.Paul recounts his life before his conversion, his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, and his mission to spread the Gospel.He emphasizes that his preaching aligns with the Jewish scriptures and prophecies about the Messiah’s suffering and resurrection.Agrippa is moved but not persuaded to convert. He declares that Paul could have been released if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar.
Acts 27: Paul's Journey to RomePaul, under guard, is sent by ship to Rome, along with other prisoners.The voyage is difficult due to bad weather. Paul warns the crew that further travel will be dangerous, but they ignore him.A violent storm hits, and they are driven off course for days. Paul reassures everyone that God has promised his safe arrival in Rome, though the ship will be wrecked.The crew finally shipwrecks on the island of Malta, but all 276 people on board survive, as Paul had foretold.

Steadfast in faith and confident in God's plan / Acts Bible Study Chapters 22&23 (TV Audio #503)

In Acts 22.25 through Acts 25.20, the Apostle Paul defends himself before various Roman and Jewish authorities after being arrested in Jerusalem. Throughout these chapters, Paul is portrayed as steadfast in his faith and confident in God's plan, using his legal rights wisely to ensure his mission continues.
Summary of the events in this passage:Acts 22.25–30, Paul's Roman Citizenship: As Paul is about to be flogged, he reveals his Roman citizenship, which grants him certain legal protections. The Roman authorities are alarmed, realizing that they have unlawfully bound a Roman citizen without a trial. Consequently, they refrain from flogging him and decide to bring him before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council.
Acts 23.1–10, Before the Sanhedrin: Paul addresses the Sanhedrin and creates division between the Pharisees and Sadducees by declaring his belief in the resurrection of the dead—a belief held by the Pharisees but rejected by the Sadducees. The resulting dispute becomes so intense that the Roman commander intervenes to protect Paul.
Acts 23.11–22, Plot to Kill Paul: The following night, the Lord encourages Paul, telling him that he must testify in Rome. Meanwhile, more than 40 Jews plot to kill Paul, vowing not to eat or drink until they succeed. Paul's nephew overhears the plot and informs Paul and the Roman commander, who arranges for Paul's transfer to the governor Felix in Caesarea for his safety.
Acts 23.23–35, Transfer to Caesarea: Paul is escorted by a large contingent of Roman soldiers to Caesarea to be presented before Governor Felix. The letter from the Roman commander explains the circumstances of Paul's arrest and the unsubstantiated accusations against him.
Acts 24.1–27, Trial before Felix: In Caesarea, Paul is accused by the Jewish leaders and their lawyer, Tertullus, of causing unrest and desecrating the temple. Paul defends himself, denying the charges and affirming his faith in the resurrection. Felix, familiar with the Way (early Christianity), postpones the decision, keeping Paul in custody for two years while frequently conversing with him, hoping for a bribe.
Acts 25.1–20, Transfer to Festus: After Felix is succeeded by Festus, the Jewish leaders renew their charges against Paul and request his transfer to Jerusalem, intending to ambush him en route. Festus, however, insists on a trial in Caesarea. Paul, realising he won’t get a fair trial, exercises his right as a Roman citizen to appeal to Caesar. Festus consults with King Agrippa II and explains the case, expressing uncertainty about the charges against Paul.