Revelation: Life at its Best

REVELATION: Life at its Best

John 10:10,   Luke 7:1-17

Luke 7:1-17 has two stories that show the powerful results of a relationship with Christ. Both stories demonstrate that Jesus can turn around any situation. In one story, he simply used his word to heal a centurion’s servant. Today we have the same word to restore our situations. We need to put our trust in God’s word. Religious credentials of building the synagogue and loving Jews did not save the servant but simple faith in Christ. His word believed is life and as good as his physical presence.

The other story shows how God restores the worst of situations. For the widow who had lost his only son all hope was lost. To the widow, the son was a source of comfort, pride,  esteem and love. His death was loss of a close person, loss of an expected legacy, lost investment, lost hope, lost support, etc. She had many sympathizers around her but no solution. She was crying but Jesus said to her ‘Don’t cry’, in other words trust me. The Lord Jesus restored the son to her (Luke 7:15). Maybe you are at the city gate – going to bury your dead hope. Jesus has appeared for you today. He has compassion and is saying, ‘don’t cry, receive your hope back’.

How can you live life at its best - as desired, designed and delivered by God? You begin your relationship with Christ through revelation knowledge of him as your savior from sin and its penalty (Romans 6:23). The source of abundant life (John 10:10) is revelation of Christ. The life in Christ (zoe) is also sustained by revelation. Zoe comes from walking close to him and being led by him. Christ came to give you life through reestablishing your relationship with God. He wants you to be led by his Spirit, and to enjoy his presence (Romans 8:14).

One of the most lethal weapons used by satan to keep you from the genuine or full life in Christ is a religious spirit. Religion was in the world before Christ came but he had to come because religion was not enough to save. Of all the forces Christ battled with during his life on earth and continues to battle is religion. Religion is man’s attempt to reach God or earn God’s favor. Christianity is God reaching to man. Religion is following rules and ceremonies. Christianity is receiving and living the life of Christ. Religion is doing good works to earn acceptance by God. Christianity is being accepted in Christ by grace and therefore living a life of one accepted. 

The enemy of abundant life is religion. Zoe life comes from following revelation. Religion is following tradition. As Christians, we also must watch out for and overcome religious tendencies. When sincerely wanting to serve God a tragedy is being left with a religious activity void of the real thing. Revelation/relationship gives life and religion kills. It moves you from the hands of God to the hands of man. Jesus died at the hands of religion so that you do not die from it.

Religion is a heavy burden – Jesus said my yoke is easy (Matthew 11:29).  

Religion is bondage. Jesus said you should be free indeed. (John 8:36, Romans 8:2)

Religion is human/carnality. Zoe is being partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

Religion is the letter of the law. Life in Christ is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:6).

Religion is manipulation, control and intimidation. Life in Christ is a conviction (Acts 2:37).

Religion conforms from outside. Life in Christ transforms from inside (Romans 12:2)

Religion is a form of godliness with no power. Zoe receives power (2 Timothy 3:5; Acts 1:8).

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa