Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the eternal nature of God's Word, contrasting it with the temporary nature of earthly things. He delves into the concept of the Bible being 'inspired' and presents five views: natural inspiration, partial inspiration, dictational inspiration, verbal inspiration, and supervisal inspiration. Hughes aligns with the supervisal inspiration view, believing that every word in the Bible came from God and that the writers were guided by the Holy Spirit to ensure accuracy and honesty in their writings.

Selwyn Hughes preaches on the unique aspect of Christianity's focus on personal salvation, highlighting how Christianity is a rescue religion that proclaims the good news of God coming to save us from the power, penalty, and presence of sin. Using the analogy of a shepherd leaving the flock to find one lost sheep, the passage illustrates God's relentless pursuit of sinners to bring them back to Him. While Judaism acknowledges receiving sinners who return, it overlooks the profound truth that God actively seeks out the lost. This emphasizes the incredible love and grace of God in seeking and saving the lost.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the profound truth of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, highlighting the historical reality of God coming to earth in human form. Christianity is not merely a set of principles or teachings but is rooted in concrete events and happenings, with the Incarnation being a central aspect of the gospel. To be a true Christian is to accept the reality of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection as described in the Scriptures. The essence of the Christian faith lies in the fact that 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.'

Selwyn Hughes preaches about the assurance of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Christianity offers the certainty of salvation while other religions may not. He shares the testimony of John Wesley, who experienced a profound assurance of salvation in 1738, and highlights the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ to claim this assurance. Hughes encourages believers to confidently declare their salvation, as Christ promises to save completely those who come to God through Him.

Selwyn Hughes delves into the profound moment when Thomas declared 'My Lord and my God!' upon seeing Jesus after His resurrection, highlighting the disciples' struggle to fully comprehend the divinity of Christ. Despite their Jewish upbringing and belief in one God, the disciples found it challenging to grasp the concept of Jesus being both man and God. Thomas, often labeled as a doubter, boldly acknowledged the deity of Jesus, affirming Him as Lord and God. Hughes emphasizes that Jesus accepted worship as God Himself, reinforcing the truth of His divine nature and the importance of recognizing and honoring Him as such.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the importance of spiritual conversion as the gateway to receiving divine forgiveness and eternal life. He highlights Jesus' words that being converted is essential to entering the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing that all other distinctions in society are insignificant compared to being either converted or unconverted. Hughes expresses sadness over the NIV translation of Matthew 18:3, preferring the more powerful imagery of being 'converted' rather than simply 'changing.' He defines conversion as the shift from the kingdom of self to the kingdom of God, emphasizing that true conversion involves a significant change in one's life.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the unique and profound belief in Christianity that God appeared in human form through His eternal Son, Jesus Christ, a concept unparalleled in other world religions. The missionary's experience of engaging with leaders of various faiths highlights the unmatched truth of the Incarnation in Christianity, leaving others in awe and silence. The humility and love displayed by God in coming down to humanity through Christ evoke deep gratitude and praise from believers, recognizing the unparalleled nature of God's sacrificial love.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the uniqueness of the Christian faith, highlighting the profound truth that the Word of God became flesh in the Son of God, making Christianity distinct from all other religions. This concept of the Incarnation, where God took on human form, sets Christianity apart as the only faith where God physically dwelt among His people. Hughes reflects on the awe and joy that comes from contemplating the Incarnation, recognizing it as a divine mystery that reveals God's love and pursuit of humanity.

Selwyn Hughes delves into the radical difference between Christianity and other religions, emphasizing that while religion is mankind's search for God, Christianity is God's search for man. The gospel, as opposed to religion, is the Word made flesh, exemplified by God becoming man in the Person of His Son. Despite the ancient Greeks' disbelief in God revealing Himself in bodily form, the gospel reveals the profound truth that the Son of God became the Son of Man so that humanity could become children of God, a concept beyond the Greeks' comprehension.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes that both philosophy and moralism have failed in leading people to find God. Despite the noble efforts of philosophical reasoning and moral systems, they fall short in reaching the kingdom of God. Jesus highlighted the insufficiency of self-effort in attaining righteousness and entering the kingdom. However, God's ultimate solution was to send His Son into the world so that through Him, we might find true life and salvation. Hughes encourages us to rely on God's down-reach of grace, as our feeble attempts to reach Him are insufficient compared to His reaching down to lift us up.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the significance of the Incarnation as a core belief in Christianity, highlighting the attacks on this doctrine from both external and internal sources within the Church. He addresses the skepticism towards the virgin birth, miracles, and physical resurrection of Christ, often perpetuated by liberal theological institutions. Hughes contrasts the uniqueness of the Christian faith, centered on Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh, with the diluted teachings of comparative religions. He underscores the essential message of the gospel and the transformative power of encountering Jesus Christ.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the inadequacy of trying to find God through the law, highlighting that the law is merely a shadow and not the true image of God. He points out that the sacrifice and offering God desired was a body prepared for Christ, who willingly came to do the Father's will. Hughes marvels at the miracle of the Incarnation, where the Son of God took on human form to redeem humanity, surpassing all previous revelations of God. He reflects on the profound love displayed through God becoming man, a concept beyond human philosophy but affirmed every time the date is written.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the uniqueness and finality of Christ, stating that Christianity is centered on Jesus as its foundation and bringing all people to God. He highlights the importance of measuring everything against the historical figure of Jesus and His teachings. When some disciples turned away from Jesus due to disappointment, Peter affirmed that there is no substitute for Jesus, acknowledging His words as the source of eternal life.

Selwyn Hughes preaches on the unique authority of Jesus Christ's teachings, emphasizing that His authority was not imposed from without but stemmed from the truth, deed, and love He revealed. Jesus did not come to enforce a moral code but to unveil the nature of reality, starting with the nature of God and guiding humanity to live in alignment with God's ways. His teachings were not idealistic but a reflection of reality itself, making them authoritative and imperative for all.

Selwyn Hughes delves into the impeccable character of Jesus, challenging his listeners with the question 'Can any of you prove me guilty of sin?' He emphasizes how Jesus, unlike any other person since Adam, lived a sinless life, even in the face of various experiences and temptations. Hughes highlights that not only could Jesus' disciples find no fault in Him, but Jesus Himself had no awareness of sin in Himself, being in perfect communion with God the Father. By reflecting on Jesus' sinless nature and His sacrificial act of bearing our sins, Hughes leads his audience to acknowledge Jesus as not just a good man, but the divine God-Man.

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.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes that while the Scriptures are essential and divinely inspired, they ultimately point to Jesus Christ as the Word that is bigger than men's words. Jesus claimed to be greater than the Scriptures, as He existed before the New Testament and is the supreme method of communication between God and man. Hughes highlights the importance of honoring the Scriptures as they lead us to Christ's feet and to an allegiance to Him, acknowledging that one greater than the Bible is present in Jesus.

Selwyn Hughes preaches on Jesus' new commandment to love one another as He has loved us, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's love in shaping our character and morality. By adding 'As I have loved you' to the command to love one another, Jesus sets a new standard that goes beyond mere obedience to inspired morality rooted in love. This new code of conduct reflects the character of Jesus and moves us from legalism to love, from feeling bound to feeling free, and from following commandments to following a Person.

Selwyn Hughes preaches on the unique ability of Jesus to forgive sins, contrasting it with the limitations of secular therapists and counselors who can expose but not heal the deep stain of sin in the human soul. Hughes emphasizes the profound impact of Christ's forgiveness, breaking the power of sin and setting the prisoner free, a transformation that no one else can offer. He highlights the cost of this forgiveness, reminding listeners that it was not cheap but required Jesus to die in order to bring true forgiveness to humanity.

Selwyn Hughes delves into the uniqueness and unparalleled greatness of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that He stands alone without any peers, rivals, or successors. Jesus transcends human comparisons and conventional titles like 'the Great' due to His unmatched teachings, claims, and impact on humanity. Despite not conforming to traditional markers of greatness, Jesus remains the central figure in human history, surpassing all other leaders in influence and significance.

Selwyn Hughes preaches about the profound significance of the cross, emphasizing how it reveals God's sacrificial love and willingness to take on the suffering caused by sin. He contrasts this with the perspectives of leaders from other religions who struggle to comprehend a God who would stoop to suffer for His creation. The message of the cross demonstrates God's redemptive love at the core of the universe, a discovery unparalleled in earth or heaven.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the unique aspect of Christianity in contrast to other religions, highlighting that while other faiths focus on self-salvation through human effort, Christianity reveals God's initiative in sending His Son for our salvation. He contrasts the self-effort required in Buddhism and Hinduism for deliverance with the profound declaration of Jesus on the cross, 'It is finished,' signifying the completion of salvation through His sacrifice. Hughes underscores the importance of accepting this finished work of salvation rather than striving endlessly for self-redemption through cycles of rebirth or personal efforts.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the profound truth that salvation in Christ challenges human pride, as it reveals our inability to save ourselves through our own efforts or merits. The offer of free salvation confronts the world's self-sufficiency and highlights the necessity of humbly accepting God's saving grace. Hughes illustrates how the gospel message contradicts the notion that we can attain salvation through our own goodness, emphasizing the need to acknowledge our helplessness and rely solely on God for redemption. He urges listeners to let go of pride, confess their inability to save themselves, and turn to God in repentance, recognizing that true salvation comes from Him alone.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the significance of true conversion in Christianity, highlighting the deep inward spiritual change that occurs when sins are forgiven and eternal life is received. Unlike other religions that focus on changing from one belief system to another, Christian conversion involves a profound transformation at the vertical level, aligning one's heart and relationship with God. The need for conversion is universal, as Scripture teaches that everyone must experience this change to enter the kingdom of God.

Selwyn Hughes emphasizes the importance of experiencing a deep, radical vertical conversion in Christ, rather than settling for superficial horizontal changes. He shares his personal journey of initially being 'horizontally' converted by trying to be a good person, but later encountering a profound inward change through a total surrender to God, leading to a transformative vertical conversion. Hughes warns against being converted to mere religious practices or external behaviors, stressing the need to truly encounter Christ for a genuine and life-changing experience.