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Selwyn Hughes
Selwyn Hughes (April 27, 1928–January 9, 2006) was a Welsh Christian preacher, evangelist, and author, best known for his daily devotional Every Day with Jesus, which reached nearly a million readers worldwide. Born in Fochriw near Caerphilly, Wales, to a coal-mining family, Hughes worked as a miner during his teenage years, including a stint as a “Bevin Boy” in 1946–1947 during National Service. Converted at 16 in 1944, he felt a divine call to ministry, leading him to study theology in Bristol after leaving the mines. Ordained in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, he served churches in Cornwall, Wales, Yorkshire, Essex, and London for 18 years, beginning his writing career in the 1960s with Bible-reading notes on postcards for his congregation. In 1965, Hughes founded the Crusade for World Revival (CWR), an international ministry focused on training Christian counselors and producing resources, including Every Day with Jesus, which he wrote for over 40 years. He authored over 50 books, blending pastoral insight with practical faith, such as The 7 Laws of Spiritual Success and his autobiography My Story (2004). Despite personal tragedies—the death of his wife Enid from cancer in 1986 and both sons in 2000 and 2001—his faith remained unshaken, earning him praise from George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, as a “giant in the faith.” Hughes died of cancer in 2006, leaving a legacy of spiritual encouragement and revivalist zeal. He received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Brunel University in 2005.
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Selwyn Hughes preaches on the unparalleled greatness of Jesus Christ, who declared Himself greater than the temple, the center of Jewish life. Despite the initial incredulity at His claim, history has proven His enduring significance as the most powerful force in human history. Just as a man's judgment of art reflects more on himself than the art, our judgment of Jesus reveals our own hearts. Jesus transcends all systems and will ultimately judge them based on their alignment with His character and Spirit.
"Not on Trial"
"I tell you that one greater than the temple is here." (v. 6) For reading & meditation: Matthew 12:1-14 We continue reflecting on the thought that Jesus Christ is not like anyone else who has ever lived. Take the claim which He made in our text today: "One greater than the temple is here." Jesus in effect compared Himself with the temple's grandeur and significance as the center of Jewish life and said: "I am greater than all this." It seemed preposterous. And yet the ages have vindicated Him. The temple is gone; all that is left is the Wailing Wall. Yet Christ lives on - and is the most potent power in human affairs. A man looking at some pictures in a famous art gallery commented to a friend: "I don't think much of these pictures." "Excuse me, Sir," said an attendant who overheard him, "the pictures are not on trial." He meant, of course, that the pictures had been approved by the highest authorities. It was not the pictures that were on trial but the people who viewed them. Some people think Jesus is on trial now, but in truth He is not. We judge ourselves by our judgment of Him. One greater than the temple was there in that first century and is still here today. Jesus is bigger than every system whether it be religious, political, or economic. They are related to Him, not He to them. They must all stand before the judgment bar of His Person. If they accord with Him, reflect His mind and Spirit, then they are valid. If not, they are invalid. Jesus is not just the greatest the world has ever seen; He is the greatest it will ever see. Lord Jesus, You are my center and my circumference. I begin with You and end with You. If I don't begin with You, then I end in disillusionment. Help me to begin every thought, every project with You. For Your own dear Name's sake. Amen.
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Selwyn Hughes (April 27, 1928–January 9, 2006) was a Welsh Christian preacher, evangelist, and author, best known for his daily devotional Every Day with Jesus, which reached nearly a million readers worldwide. Born in Fochriw near Caerphilly, Wales, to a coal-mining family, Hughes worked as a miner during his teenage years, including a stint as a “Bevin Boy” in 1946–1947 during National Service. Converted at 16 in 1944, he felt a divine call to ministry, leading him to study theology in Bristol after leaving the mines. Ordained in the Pentecostal Assemblies of God, he served churches in Cornwall, Wales, Yorkshire, Essex, and London for 18 years, beginning his writing career in the 1960s with Bible-reading notes on postcards for his congregation. In 1965, Hughes founded the Crusade for World Revival (CWR), an international ministry focused on training Christian counselors and producing resources, including Every Day with Jesus, which he wrote for over 40 years. He authored over 50 books, blending pastoral insight with practical faith, such as The 7 Laws of Spiritual Success and his autobiography My Story (2004). Despite personal tragedies—the death of his wife Enid from cancer in 1986 and both sons in 2000 and 2001—his faith remained unshaken, earning him praise from George Carey, former Archbishop of Canterbury, as a “giant in the faith.” Hughes died of cancer in 2006, leaving a legacy of spiritual encouragement and revivalist zeal. He received an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Brunel University in 2005.