Hanging out with Jesus V: His Powerful Secret

Hanging out with Jesus V: His Powerful Secret

Mark 1:35 – 38

We live in a culture that talks a lot about prayer. We have numerous books on prayer and run countless seminars on prayer. What we have not done is to pray. Jesus said that His house is to be a house of prayer. He did not say it was to be a house of preaching, healing, accumulating material things, etc only.   He did not even ask us to understand prayer but to watch and pray. What we do not need is human effort, louder volume, added programs, symbols, theatrics and gimmicks but … prayer. If we practice prayer and live connected with God, then the things we do take the nature and power of God.

You cannot win by doing nothing or doing anything else other than pray. When you pray you gain assurance and awareness that God is leading and his goodness and mercy are following behind. Prayer is the key to full spectrum dominance for his eyes are on you all the day and all the time (365/24/7 surveillance). The more you love him the more you want time with him and want what he wants. The more you know him by revelation and catch his vision. 

Jesus was prayerful. He  operated with a priestly and prophetic anointing.  He integrated the priestly, prophetic and the kingly ministries. The kingly authority depends on both the priestly and prophetic power. In the old Testament, Kings of Israel relied on the priests and prophets for the maintenance of spiritual matters and for the word of the Lord to confirm their authority and direct their leadership. Prophets brought the mind and word of the Lord to the people. The prophets relied on the priests to maintain a relationship with God where they could hear the word of the Lord for themselves and for the people.As prophet,  Jesus reveals God to us like no one else can.   He is the Word which came down from heaven.

The priests kept the fire of worship burning. The priests entered the Holy place and the Holy of Holies in worship and intercession. They kept God at the center of the nation. As Priest, Jesus was touched with the feelings of and infirmities of people. He has entered heaven with His own precious blood and is now seated at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. As priest, Jesus maintained an active personal altar or fervent personal devotional life where he offered sacrifices of dedication, thanksgiving and praise as a priest. At the altar where he met with the father in prayer, he also as a prophet enquired of him for direction and his mind on issues he was facing. 

The grace of God through Christ has made us kings and priests unto God (Revelation 1:6).  We need to serve as priests to rule as kings.  Christ is the best role model on prayer. Whatever Christ expects he has modeled and is enabling in your life. He was Spirit led. Spirit led integrates the priestly, prophetic and kingly dimensions of faith. What you give to God is priestly and what God gives is kingly and prophetic. Trusting God is priestly and the result is kingly power. Faith is priestly and grace is kingly. Enquiry is prophetic and obedience is kingly.

In Mark 1:35 – 38 after a hectic ministry program at the end of the day he would have been exhausted. But early in the morning, he rose up and went to a solitary place, and took time to pray. Prayer is spending time with God in conversations that maintain your relationship with him. It is a product of a ceaseless heart attitude of dependence, love and faith in God. It is acknowledging God in one’s life (Proverbs 3:5, 6). It is dependence on God. It is a sign of great faith. When you have so much faith that you pray less and less, you are in deception that your faith is more than that of Christ. Yet we know he modeled the highest level of faith and that made him pray more and more.  He had so much faith that he prayed.  Often we are so busy we have no time for dedicated prayer time. But for Jesus the busier he was the more he needed the Father and the more he prayed.   Some lessons from the prayer example in Mark 1:35

         He rose up early in the morning. He put first things first. To him prayer time was a priority and a precedence.  It was a serious matter. It was so important that it came first. He believed personal growth is vital before trying to grow multitudes. Priestly faithfulness was the key to his kingly success. That sleep and exhaustion could not keep him from prayer time. He just did it without asking for people’s thoughts. Peter would have rather have them go and minister to the crowds that were waiting. Even though he was God and man, he modeled for us how we should also depend and call on the Lord. He knew the transcending power of prayer. Prayer is the only way to go above all obstacles in your way.  Prayer is the only way to know the power of God in your life. Jesus confronted life challenges with prayer. Jesus was a true descendent of David. David ruled and had a life full of grace through building altars to God and consulting him, praising, writing psalms and trusting in him.  He never trembled before his enemies. Saul on the other hand trusted in his own strength and even built a monument unto himself and as a result, he trembled before his enemies such as Goliath, He panicked before them and resorted to short cuts.

         It was a while before day. He had to overcome excuses why not to have prayer time. Instead of asking can I afford prayer time, ask can I afford not to have prayer time. The issue was not prayerfulness or praying, for praying is something that ought to be done without ceasing. The fight is for prayer time. Time dedicated to God. His excuses could have included the risks of being out alone at night, depriving himself of the personal convenience and comfort of sleep.   In addition, he could have argued that he had a busy teaching and healing program. He however believed prayer time was transformation time. Prayer time was crucial recharge time. Prayer is strategy download time.

         He spent dedicated alone time with God. He left the crowd. He went away, apart from business, people and distractions. He went out to a place where he could be alone with the Father. He set aside uninterrupted time to fellowship and consult with the Father. He made himself unavailable to the world and demands around him. You also need times when you are unavailable because you are busy with God. The disciples had to look for him. They said to him, all men seek for you.

         He had the discipline to do it. Discipline is doing what is right and has to be done whether you feel like it or not. It is overcoming laziness and procrastination. It is ‘removing’ the snooze feature from your alarm.  It is following through things you start to a successful finish. He was disciplined to manage his time in a way that ensured he allocated time to what was important. He knew that sleeping is not the only way to rejuvenate yourself. Spending time in God’s presence is more rejuvenating.

         He used the time to pray. With the help of the Holy Spirit, he used it to talk and listen. Prayer is a dialogue. He consulted, gave thanks, he worshipped, and heard from God. He meditated on God’s word and promises. He prepared for his next assignments by prayer. He prayed for souls. He prayed the model prayer (Mathew 6:19). May God receive something straight from the oven of your heart, for mercies from his heart are new every morning? Give him new praises every morning and receive fresh grace every day. Pray for the peace of the land where you find yourself. It's prosperity is your prosperity. Prayer is an opportunity to receive mercy, righteousness, grace, peace, and joy.

The result of prayer

And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth [product of enquiry]. 

The result of effective prayer is peace or an instruction/rhema word.  Prayer gives the awareness that God is in control and therefore it is well. Prayer also gives the wisdom and awareness of the next steps to take. Prayer is receiving a work plan from God. When Peter eventually found Jesus, he was quick to point out that everyone was looking for him. They needed to continue with the work of healing the sick and casting out demons where they were the previous day. Jesus was peaceful about the situation he had an instruction about he next step to go to the next towns.

Stillness precedes a rhema word. A rhema word precedes power. Power precedes victory. Victory precedes progress - promotion, prosperity, protection, provision, production/fruit. When you pray, more than saying things desire the word of the Lord.  It brings all you need. God gives you the word for all the things you need. When you take your place of worship, you will hear his voice. When you hear his voice, you will receive his grace. His voice carries his grace and is for a place. When you receive grace, you will enjoy peace.

Prayer pleases God. And when God is pleased, people are amazed.  The next lesson has more on this.

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 

Hanging out with Jesus IV: His Kingly Authority

Hanging out with Jesus IV: Kingly Authority

Mark 1: 16 - 34

The book of Mark tells how Jesus was prepared for his public ministry for thirty years.   When he was ready he moved into action by preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God.  The time, the kingdom and response were issues that mattered most in his ministry. Readiness and timeliness are crucial on God’s program of spiritual development.  He began public ministry after John was arrested (v14a). When Jesus was ready, time was ripe for John to go.  John had to complete his ministry of paving the way by baptizing Jesus. He had declared ‘I should decrease and he increases.’  The departure of John meant the rise if Christ.  Whose experience and life lessons are you learning from.   Who is your fore runner and mentor.  Fore runners and disciplers like scaffolds need to get out of the way at some point for  the disciples to flourish. Trees can not grow under a bush. A discipler plays John’s role  in presenting Jesus to people and make way for him and Jesus role to raise the people for their ministry and make way for them to be what God designed for their lives. 

When Jesus was ready, he moved into action.  Because he was ready he only needed three years to complete his task. God starts in order to guarantee the finish – the alpha and omega. Rome may not have been built in a day but  with God a nation can be built in a day. It always takes longer to prepare a person for great works. Preparation time is the foundation one lays in their character. But he took long so that the disciples could ride on what he had already done and they did not have to wait thirty years. He has become the foundation that is already laid out.

From preparation Jesus moved in his purpose. His purpose was a promise for humanity. Your purpose fulfills a promise to someone. When preparation is over embrace the purpose and become the promise fulfiller to others. Something good happened for those who hung around him with faith.  He comes with you where ever you are. Something wonderful is about to happen when you hang around Jesus and build your life around him. By just being there and abiding in him you have fulfilled the necessary conditions for your  miracle and destiny.

Jesus moved into action after the prophetic word  had gone before him, the written word was rich in his heart and the rhema word was received from above.  He received the fullness and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit follows the obeyed word.  Word plus obedience releases grace of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit works through obedience. He needs the word and your obedience to act on and act  with.  Jesus obeyed the instruction to be  baptized.  He obeyed the Holy Spirit into the wilderness.  He moved into action after he passed tests in the wilderness.  He commenced his ministry with demonstration of amazing authority. Kings must have authority to exercise power and rule. He was a king with kingly anointing.    The following are the foundational dimensions of authority in Jesus’ ministry and discipleship.

1) Authority to mobilize

The book of Mark is not just about the teaching and ministry of Jesus but also about the learning experience of his disciples who sat at his feet for three years.

Mar 1:16- 20 Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Jesus was clear about his mission. Without a clear mission you cannot mobilize. His mission was to fish man from sin.  Jesus’ first priority was to proclaim the gospel. His second was to form a team for the task. He mobilized companions and protégés in this mission. Kings are people with  domains that they rule through teams.  Jesus ruled through disciple making teams. Authority can be shared or abused. He shared his authority by including and empowering people. Authority is abused when used to exclude, exploit and dominate others. Always remember that for any mission from God there is a team. The challenge is to find it. Discover the team for the task. Approach the team and invite them.  Authority to mobilize disciples to carry out responsibility and execute tasks is kingly authority. The quality of the team is the quality of the kingship. Discipleship is a kingly function. It is about forming a team with which to work and through whom to work and connect with a next generation.

Kingly authority begins with forming a team or mobilizing a labor force. He called people who were already busy doing something. Its easier to turn a moving vehicle that a stationery one.  The four initial people he called as recorded by Mark were fisher man.  He promised to them that he would not  discard their trade. Instead if they followed him, he would redeem and redirect that their  passion and personalities towards a higher purpose.  He approached people who were available. They immediately left their nets to follow him.  Ability would follow availability and a heart to follow. A commitment to be with him and to let him make able fisherman in a higher calling.  For some you leave your nets for others you use your nets for the same purpose to share the gospel.

Discipleship is not for lone rangers. Jesus was not a lone super ranger.   In mobilizing his team, Jesus would have asked questions such as  who do I work with, who will hold me accountable, who do I pass this work to, and  who do I help to do what I do.  He was a networked person and a great team player.  His team bore testimony of his work and character.  All we know of him is testimony of his team.  We know he was righteous because of what they wrote and how non of them offered witness to aggravate his case during trial.  Also all of them believed what he taught and died for so much that they were willing to die for his message. He recognized that sustainability requires a next generation.  He prepared them so well that at the end he could say ‘It is good for me to go.’ He was so confident that he declared they would do greater works than he did.

2) Authority in Speech

Jesus declared the word of the Lord with power and conviction. He had grace for utterance.  When he and his team went to Capernaum they taught in the synagogue. They started by sharing the gospel with people who had an openness to discussion about God.  People already reading the Bible but perhaps upside down.  People with unanswered quaestions about their faith.  He spoke to them in a way that was different from what they were used to.  He was Spirit led and untraditional. 

Mar 1:21 - 25  he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.

He had command and was compelling.  He was fearless about speaking the gospel. He spoke with such faith and conviction that they marveled. He spoke from the heart  not just what read or memorized but what's in heart. He was prophetically  about his mission (Luke 4:18) when nothing had yet happened to show.      He was unapologetic but  full of positive expectation and boldness about the effectiveness of the word of God.   Because he spoke with conviction his words produced conviction in the hearers. Because he spoke from the heart his word reached the hearts of the people. Unlike the others who spoke  from head to head.

3) Authority over enemies of  the kingdom

The kingdom of God is peace and joy, and righteousness in the Holy Spirit. It is the realm of human wellness. Jesus declared war on the causes of human suffering. He came to bring solution to human needs and suffering. He employed his authority and power to meet needs. He declared war with things that bother us – the  joy stealers and peace destroyers.

>>> Over evil spirits.

He amazed the people and embarrassed the leaders in the synagogue who were worshiping with a demon possessed person by casting out the evil spirit and setting the person free.  The demons knew who he was and trembled. They heard his command to go and obeyed.

Mark 1: 25 Hold thy peace, and come out of him.   

The obstacles we face are sin, doubt and spiritual barriers. The cure for sin is repentance. The cure for doubt is to believe. The way to deal with evil spirits is to stop them. They wait for a command or an order otherwise they remain and want to negotiate a truce.  ‘And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit ; and he cried out ,   Saying , Let us alone ; what have we to do with thee , thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us ? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.   And Jesus rebuked him …”   Jesus also had control over evil spirits. He sets the boundaries. For example he would not allow them to do what they wanted even talking.

>>> Over sickness

Mar 1:29  And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up; and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered unto them. 

Mar 1:34  And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him.

From the synagogue Jesus went to Peter’s house where Peter’s mother in law  lay sick of a fever. He exercised his authority to heal the sick.  When she was healed she ministered to them. What ministry are we being deprived of because of  ministers who are incapacitated by sickness.  Jesus is on the mission to  release their ministries for the benefit of all. As disciples of Jesus grab opportunities to heal the sick. The audience of Jesus caught the lesson that Jesus was the healer and deliverer from evil spirits. They brought unto him all that were diseased , and them that were possessed with devils .  

>>> Over nature

He also performed signs and wonders such as walking on water, calming  storms changing  water  to wine and raising the dead.   The last Adam was in action.

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 

Hanging out with Jesus III: Kingdom Possibilities

Hanging out with Jesus III: Kingdom Possibilities

Mark 1: 14, 15

A primary driver for human progress has been the desire to find and exploit possibilities. That has spurred huge strides in research, exploration and scientific discovery.  When Jesus began his public ministry, his agenda was to announce the arrival of unlimited possibilities through the Kingdom of God.

He preached the Kingdom of God

Mark wrote that Jesus announced the time was fulfilled and preached the gospel of the kingdom of God.

  ‘Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God’ (Mark 1:14)

Jesus brought new hope and new possibilities.  That is what good news is about. It is still as fresh as when he preached it.  Jesus preached a kingdom where impossibility does not exist for with God all things are possible. This is exciting to the quest for eliminating barriers for progress. The good news is that Kingdom possibility has come near enough to be received through Christ.  For those facing limitations because they are unsatisfied, anxious, have run out or lost sight of possibilities. Or they are limited by settling in current victories. They are not interested because they are holding on to current possibilities because everything seems to be going your way.  The message was unlimited possibilities have come. For those caught up in a rut and desiring something fresh the message meant new possibilities had come. For those wishing for better days the message meant that the desired possibilities were within reach.  He proclaimed a new and better opportunity and alternative. 

Kingdom possibilities are impossible as long as things other than the kingdom hold you back. IF you asked Jesus for a formula for success his answer will be seek first kingdom (Mathew 6:33). The kingdom is the key to the solution you want.  Some are quick to eliminate church participation and spiritual disciplines when under tie pressure. That is a recipe for missing the kingdom. Any interest in serving God or going to church in your children needs to be encouraged and fanned.  Even when it is exam season or business is at its peak keep your kingdom priority. You may adjust your program in order to find balance and catch up with work but you are ill advised to cut off kingdom priorities of worship and service. Each time you serve him, God will reward you with grace you need for the activities putting you under pressure. Using your gifts to serve in God’s house, releases favor for your other responsibilities.

He Announced the Fullness of Time

He came at right time. He also came to make the time right.

‘And saying the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.’

Is this the right time for a new possibility in your life? You may not think it is yet so did they when Jesus first announced.  It is however kingdom time. It offers a new and better way of life. It offers the will of God - a way of life in which everything is built around God, everything depends upon God and everything is governed by him. That is what Jesus was saying. Imagine what your world would look like if it were organized around trust, love, respect, and care.

The kingdom has come near. It is at hand. It has caught up with you. It has sought out and located you. It is in town. It is at doorstep. It is within your reach. There is no need to remain same. The kingdom of joy, peace, and righteousness is at the door and the door is open.  The door is a double one. Christ has opened the outer door ... Open your side.  It opened for you now open for it. Welcome it.

He called people to repent and believe the gospel. But not just to repent for John the Baptist already preached repentance. Jesus preached repentance and faith. Repent and believe the good news. John’s baptism was of repentance Jesus’ was of faith.    Repent means permanent 180degrees turn. It means substitute the wrong of the past with the right for the future. Repent implies power to move in a new direction. It is discounting, cancelling other things you could trust in. It is refusing to mix and trust only in the King of the kingdom.  It is embracing and not just forsaking. It is receiving not just rejecting. Sustaining and not just starting.  Believing is confidence that the good news is really what the word of God says and responding to it positively. Delight in it and download it into your heart and life. The principles by which you receive Jesus are the principles by which you live victoriously as a believer.  Repent means trusting in nothing else. Do not mix. Realize you have lived your life all wrongly put together. Now abandon the old way and embrace the new. 

New possibilities call for change, for risk and stretching of imagination. Jesus encouraged his audience to be willing and to get ready to change.  He signaled, ‘enough is enough time is up’. Kingdom arrival is time to change. Kingdom possibilities demand kingdom availabilities. When we pray thy kingdom come, we are saying welcome to the kingdom. Its arrival was announced already.  We are saying we receive and submit to it. We are saying let it manifest in our life experience. We are saying yes to God’s purpose. We are saying this is our season to receive favor from God’s presence.  We are saying it is the due time to receive another touch of his hand. It is time for faith to arise, eyes to open and people to abide in him (Psalm 16:5, 6, 11).   Allow the kingdom to reshape things in your life

Disciple making begins with preaching the gospel. The kingdom of God is the gospel or good news. It is summarized by turning to Christ in faith for salvation. Abiding in it is the secret to all it offers. By hunger for God, prayer, praise, word intake, faith and obedience, you abide in it and receive grace to perform and to overcome obstacles. Being in God’s kingdom is evident by what is in your heart. Not what you have on your body. Not what you have in your garage. Not what you have in your suitcase. Not what you have in your wardrobe. Not what you have in your house. Not what you have in your pantry. Not what you have in your bank account or on your CV.  BUT what you have in your heart. On a plane crash, everything else will perish except what you have in your heart. The bottom line is either Jesus or junk. Two ways - the one takes you to life the later to death. Choose Jesus.

A disciple is a witness or bearer of good news. . As one who gives evidence in favor of Christ. If he was in the box under trial in someone’s mind, in a meeting or elsewhere. Are you providing enough evidence by your words and life for his acquittal?  The result of walking with Jesus  or being a disciple are fervent worship, soul winning, disciple making, moving mountains, wealth creating, world changing,  and legacy building. Discipleship is about how to access, and enjoy kingdom life (3 John 3:2). It is about the impact of the Church scattered in society.  Wherever you are stationed, you have been strategically placed to make a difference for Christ. Be salt, voice, yeast and light. Make your differentness known and seen at the saloon, shop, workplace, etc.  Dare to stick out do not just blend in. Shine by being distinguished, and outstanding. Come from under the bushel to the lighting stand.  Light under a bushel is a believer under fear and circumstances. Joy is your strength. Live joyfully, talk/engage, make peace, treat people with respect/well and do what is right. Show you have something the world is looking for.  Share it freely with the world around you.

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 

Hanging out with Jesus at EASTER: The Living Hope

Hanging out with Jesus at EASTER: The Living Hope

1 Peter 1:3-5

A visit to a large pop up shop that was selling easter related items in a Johannesburg mall  confirmed a clear trend to divert focus from Christ to a rabbit (bunny) or  a mere holiday.  The shop had no single item related to Christ and his death and resurrection. For some, easter has origins in the springtime celebration of an ancient fertility goddess Ostara whose earthly symbol was a rabbit. A rabbit can have forty babies in a year and because of this ability to reproduce fast is associated with fertility and procreation. The festivals include the rabbit delivering easter baskets to children. The festivals are also associated with easter eggs.  For others in secular communities easter has become a highly commercialized vacation time. 

For believers Easter is a time to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. "He is not here, but is risen" (Luke 24:6). All human might as represented by the Roman power and soldiers was powerless to stop his resurrection.  No powers of darkness could also stop his resurrection. What they failed to stop they cannot take away.  The stone was rolled away - and Jesus walked out alive. For Paul  the priority message to share was:  "For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the scripture, and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:3-6, 1 Corinthians 1, 2). The foundation of Christianity rests securely on this truth: Jesus is alive!  If he is dead then our faith is empty. If the tomb is not empty then our faith is empty.

Peter lived through the crucifixion ordeal.   Denying Jesus was something that shattered his self-confidence. He was an eyewitness. He had boasted that he would not leave him nor forsake him. He had bragged that he would stay true and fight for him even unto death. Peter meant so well, but he failed so miserably. In end, He denied that he even knew him. He disowned Jesus despite the warning “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.  But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven”? - Matthew 10:32-33. He must have felt worthless and disgraced eternally. He also had been rebuked ‘get thee behind me satan’. He more lately was rebuked for striking the high priest’s servant with a sword cutting his ear off. He had regrets. The Master had brought them to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, but instead they fell asleep. Perhaps if they had been prayerful things could have happened differently. He loathed the fact that he failed at the last hurdle after having courageously followed at a distance as Christ was taken to Caiaphas, the chief priest’s house. He had followed all the way to the courtyard. He saw it all. He saw them falsely accuse Jesus, mock him, spit on him, and slap him. Later he may have seen the Roman Governor Pilate having him whipped and crowned with thorns. The chants from the crowd, “crucify him, crucify him,” echoed in his memory for a long time.

Apart from his denial and its failure and shame, he shared with the other disciples disappointment and loss of hope. What hope is left when your god is dead?  None is left. It had just been the worst two and a half days of their lives. They had fled and abandoned the master at his point of greatest need. They also were in shock that one of their own would betray the Master with a kiss. They had left all and pinned their hope on Christ. Peter recalled saying, ‘Where shall we go you have words of eternal life’

However, the resurrection turned Simon, a shaking reed into Peter (Greek) or Cephas (Aramaic) a rock.  Peter is the prophetic word to all people who are like shaking reeds. It is the living hope. When Jesus rose from the dead, he particularly reached out to Peter. "They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them assembled together and saying, 'It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon'" (Luke 24.33-34).  When the women who visited the tomb met an angel that announced that he was risen they were to go and tell the disciples and Peter.  The reassurance was vital to revitalize Peter’s faith after he had denied Jesus three times in the space of two cockcrows. 

He described His resurrection as the living hope.  ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’ – 1 Peter 1:3. He recalled how he fell to his lowest point in his relationship with Jesus but with the great triumph of Christ over the grave he received renewed hope. This became his basis for encouraging Christians who were suffering for their faith, enduring great hardships such as being beaten, thrown in prison, and martyred for being Christians.  He directs them to the source of living hope – the resurrection.  Christ’s triumph was his and our triumph. The cross and the empty tomb symbolize God at his best and man at his worst - God at his best to bring man from his worst. Peter is a vivid illustration. People who encounter the risen Christ are never the same. 

Three things the resurrection of Jesus meant to Peter (1 Peter 1:3-5) and should mean to us:

a) New birth. The crucifixion gave forgiveness of sin. The resurrection gave brought newness of life. Christ’s death cleansed us but the resurrection empowered us and opened the way for the Holy Spirit.  It brought a new hope, a new way of looking at things and complete life transformation. Peter and the other disciples where changed after the resurrection.  Instead of being frozen with fear, guilt, sorrow, disappointment, something changed in their life. They became bold, fearless, motivated men and women with purpose. What had changed? They encountered the risen Christ. Once they encountered the risen Jesus and were filled with the Holy Spirit, their lives were never the same.

b) Living hope. Our hope is based on the solid evidence of Jesus’ resurrection.   The women discovered that the womb was empty. They told the disciples.  Jesus also appeared to all the disciples except Thomas in a locked room.  Their hope was restored.  Living hope is sure and cannot be killed. It is so by nature. Even when threatened or seemingly lost it resurfaces. It fulfills the promise in John 14:2-3. “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. 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.” That is our hope. Jesus has gone ahead and has come back for us so that we might be where he is. When we believe Jesus’ words no one can take that away from us. The disciples became Spirit filled emissaries for Jesus so full of hope that they died for the gospel.

c) Fresh perspective.  The resurrection instills an eternal perspective. Peter became aware of the eternal inheritance in Christ that cannot be destroyed or faint.  “And into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade-- kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” - 1 Peter 1:4-5 NIV.

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 

Hanging out with Jesus II: Power From On High

Hanging out with Jesus II: Power From On High

BIBLE reading: Mark 1:1-12, John 14:12

To be Disciple Makers we need to follow Jesus. Following Jesus, learning from him and becoming more like him is being his disciple. Being a disciple is joining him in his mission to make disciples. He taught discipleship, he modeled discipleship, he invited us to be disciples, and he commanded us to make disciples.  

Being a disciple and making disciples is falling into the strategic intent of God. It is an impossible mission as long as Impossible as long as things hold us back. It brings a breaking forth into the space of favor and power. It is rising up and taking territory.  Learning of Jesus is the formula to fulfilling your personal goals in God.  He is the best model of victorious life and ministry.  When you follow him, it is no longer by your merit for he becomes your merit. His yoke is easy and his burden is light (Mathew 11:29). For when you share a burden with him, you have none in comparison to what he bears for you. This also applies to the fellowship of his suffering (Philippians 3:10). Paul had to know him to have a message to preach – he preached Jesus. He determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified, he preached the cross (1 Corinthians 1:17, 18; 2:2).  Twenty fifteen is a year of walking with Jesus - a year of following Jesus. Follow whatever the cost. Falling afresh in love with him continually, being sold-out to him.  The longer I serve him the sweeter he grows. Love him and the more you want what he wants.  Know him by revelation and see his vision by catching it.

 It is not the perfection of your preaching but his grace. It is no longer about your commitment but his commitment.  It is not even the perfection of your prayers but the perfection of your God. For even your best confessions are imperfect.  After you have made all confessions, you would need to confess the confessions.  Something to which there would be no end. Some of the imperfections come from feeling now you deserve 1 2 3 because you have confessed x y z.  The point is we pray and confess not to earn but to tune in and relate.  We pray because of who we are, and what we already have. We pray to remove obstacles that hinder us from relating well.  As the relationship gets better all else gets better. When you pray, ‘In Jesus name’, you declare your authority is from your position of being in relationship with him. It is not just name-dropping.

The story of Christ is one that began and is continuing through your life. Even though how you begin does not guarantee how you finish it does position you for ending well. When you start well by putting priorities in right order, putting up a foundation and a structure in God you set the design and strength for the future.  Starting well prepares for trouble to come. To be effective disciples let us draw lessons from how Jesus was prepared in Mark 1:1-15.  His preparation was multifaceted… it included preparation of the way as well as preparation of the person. The word of promise by the prophets and the divine voice at baptism prepared Jesus for his task and tests, which further prepared him for his whole mission.

Preparing the way

>>> The words of the prophets prepared the way for Jesus.  God’s grace for his instruction comes through the instruction. The prophetic word that God watches over to perform cleared the way for the Lord. Nothing can stand in the way of his word.  What the prophets wrote happened. The Lord came after many years and immediately after 400yrs years of prophetic silence. The prophecy about the messiah also became our promise. In your prophetic word, there is a promise to many others.

God raises people to go before you and mentor you for what he wants you to do. John’s message prepared the way of the Lord. He did so by preparing people to turn from sin and be ready to receive Jesus for remission of sins and baptism of the Holy Spirit.  He preached to help people see their need for a savior.  Many came face to face with their sins as they responded to the call to repentance. Even Pharisees came forward clearly demonstrating that all had sinned.  If Pharisees had sinned ... what hope was there under the law.  John called on them to make the way to their hearts straight for the savior. He pointed people to receive Jesus who was after him. Like them, you also prepare for Christ’s work by making straight paths for him. He does not use crooked paths. He is the way for you now make way for him by repentance, hunger, willingness to obey him and responding in faith. 

The words of God affirming Jesus prepared the way for Jesus. It inspired confidence in him as well as credibility with the people. Believers would remember that if God trusted them with his Son whom he loved, he loved them as much. As a believer, you carry the ark of his presence. That ought to make a difference.

Preparing the person

>>> The word prepared Jesus.  He was an eager student of the word. He was so passionate for the word that at twelve he could sit with doctors in the temple listening, asking questions and astonishing them by his understanding and answers (Luke 2:46-47).   He was zealous to obey God’s word.  When John was reluctant to baptize him, he said to John it was important to fulfill all righteousness. Another example of his strong foundation in God’s word, later in the wilderness, his defense against temptation was God’s word. 

>>>> The Holy Spirit prepared him for his work and tests (Acts 10:38).  His desire to fulfill all righteousness facilitated the coming down of the Holy Spirit. He was filled with the Holy Spirit 30 years into life. He tarried that long no wonder he confidently advised his disciples to tarry in Jerusalem. He tarried that long so they would not have to tarry as long. The Holy Spirit anointed him for his mission. He brought increased awareness of God’s presence and experience of his power. Being a disciple and making disciples requires the power and enablement of the Holy Spirit. Like the Lord and as he instructed you need power from on high (Luke 24:49).

>>> The Trouble prepared him for break through.  Before his break through into powerful action by the Holy Spirit, he was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted.  Temptation comes just before a major break through.  God still uses the crucible of trouble or discomforts bring forth wonderful things through humanity. Being tempted is a sign you are in trouble. Jesus was in the wilderness and was fasting for forty days – that was trouble. Temptation comes when you are facing a trouble. Before you yield to temptation, think what the temptation could be trying to keep you from. 

The land of promise was the fulfillment of God's promise - a land of milk and honey. Nevertheless, it also had hills and valleys, walls and giants as part of the promise. Nothing worthwhile comes without challenges. The job you are asking for, the mission to make disciples, the spouse - even if you choose to be single – will require the word and the Holy Spirit to overcome challenges. Missions face unexpected storms, twists, turbulences, curves, milestones that demand opening and closure of life chapters.  In the world, there is trouble. Days of those born of women are full of trouble but Jesus overcame trouble to the end.  That is why ‘how to overcome challenges’ should be a basic life skill.  If not looking good ... It is not over yet.  Wait and see.

Fasting is a way to create own trouble to facilitate God’s purpose.  If not fasting, other troubles will come to you to position you for your tests

How prepared are you for 2015. How prepared are you to live for him and to serve him. Surely you would like to receive anointing, make faith commitments and dedicate yourselves to him and his commission afresh. 

PRAYER and DEDICATION

Read 2 Timothy 4:1-6   -  ‘I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ , who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;   Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;   And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.   But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.   For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.’

Prayer and DECLARATION

Holy Spirit I need you. You are my teacher, my strength, my comforter, my helper, my guide. You raise a standard when my enemy comes like a flood. Fill me afresh right now. I receive you right now by faith in Jesus' name.  I receive your fullness and anointing.

Reveal Jesus to me. Transform me to be like Jesus.  Teach me the word of God. Talk to me and lead me.   Raise your standard in my life.  Make me a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, my savior and lord. Revive your work in our day. Make me a soul winner - of mighty deeds and wonders. Thank you for a powerful life and fruitful ministry and career.

I welcome you in your full glory and power. I declare that through you - I am a disciple maker. I am a fervent worshiper of Yahweh.  I am a soul winner. I am a mountain mover. I am a wealth creator. I am a world changer. I am a legacy builder.  I shall not die but live to declare and do greater works. It is done yes it is done through the precious blood of Jesus.

We receive power from high. We wait upon you.  We receive mercy. We receive our righteousness in Christ. We receive grace. We receive peace. We receive joy. You remember us oh mighty God. Thank you Lord.

Pray PSALM 16 for:

-  Workers, employers and businesses     

-  Unemployed - open doors, break curse, take away reproach

-  Students, matrics - Daniel 1

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 

Hanging out with Jesus I: Great Beginnings

Hanging out with Jesus I: Great Beginnings

We have set foot in a new year.  God promised Moses that whatsoever land he set his feet on he would give to him.  We have crossed over to cross through. The start of a New Year is about new beginnings. Expectations are high. Resolutions are made. Goals are set. It is a new start.  The year can also bring fears and anxieties. What is the year going to bring your way? Some tough circumstances of the previous year have not suddenly evaporated. Life may still be tough. At this time, the teaching to Joshua (Joshua 1:9) at the beginning of a new season without Moses is helpful: "be strong," "be courageous," "do not be dismayed." Because the Lord your God is with you, wherever you go. Song: Sweet is the promise I will not forget you or leave you. Understand that what he has done he can do more today and tomorrow. He has no favorites. He does not change.

The theme for the year - Making Disciple Makers.  We have identified the following five priority areas: Prayer, outreach, making disciples, sound relationships, and administrative excellence.

Disciples are learners and apprentices at Jesus’ feet. People who are in love with Jesus and keep falling in love with him over and over. People destined to see him as he is and be with him forever.  Disciples are ...  fervent worshipers, soul winners, disciple makers, wealth creators, world changers, legacy builders, mountain movers who accept no excuses.  As he is so are they in this world.  You cannot make disciples if you are not familiar with Jesus ... His life, teachings and purpose. Jesus the master disciple maker said as my Father sent me so I send you. 

Who was this man they called Jesus Christ? The book of Mark supported by the other gospel books will help us answer this question. We will track him as he taught and modeled disciple making. We want to grasp how and what made him do what he did as well as what his terms were. Some of his stated reasons were to please the father, so that the joy of believers may be full, so that people be free indeed, so that his followers would bear much fruit. 

Mark begins his book with God as the source of great beginnings (Mark 1:1). He wrote the good news of Jesus Christ a story that ended remarkably well. By the time Mark wrote, the word gospel had become a term that referred to the preaching about Jesus Christ and  saving power in for all who believe ( Rom 1:16). God not only controls the beginning but also controls the end. He is the alpha and the omega. To control both the alpha and the omega one has to also have control over the in between process. Without Him, nothing was made that was made (John 1:3). He is an able coach and captain through life’s unexpected storms, curves, and milestones. He manages the opening and closure of life chapters. God gives hope against all odds because He can begin with nothing or little to make something beautiful of your life. He can start with chaos and produce order such as exists in the universe.  In the book of Genesis humanity messed up (Genesis 3) but God brought new beginnings in the story of Jesus Christ. All he needs is himself (John 1:1, Genesis 1:1-5). If you wish, you could go back and start all over. You can begin again by entrusting your life into the Master’s hands.  You can begin again by allowing God to shape your life by His skilled, purposeful, and loving hands. He is the God of great beginnings as well as of good endings.

To set the stage for the wonderful story Mark began by highlighting three voices. All great beginnings in God feature the three voices.

I. Voice of prophecy (Mark 1:2). The coming of Christ was predicted in scripture. It was backed by a prophetic word.  The beginning of what God’s word proclaimed has a guaranteed end. God’s word is of effect. He hastens to perform his word.  It accomplishes what it says.  Even at the beginning of a year or a new season, remember God’s promise. The promise may seem unattainable. It has to be too good to be true to be the truth. It is not based on your effort or merit but your response.  Obey and meditate on God’s word. What informs you creates a mindset of what you believe about yourself and God. It programs your convictions about life. It configures your values and choices. It determines how you see situations/your perspective. A mindset sets your tradition/how you live.

The prophetic word about Jesus happened in the fullness of time. We live in that fullness of time. In other words, the story of Christ, which prophets proclaimed, became a reality and now is ongoing. It is continuing through the lives of believers.

II. Voice of faith (Mark 1:3-8).  The coming of Christ was announced by the vice of John the Baptist in the wilderness.  It took faith on John’s part. His utterance was the believers cry from wilderness. Not only was John’s voice a faith response it called people to faith.  It was a call to the sinners and the thirst to open their heart, and be willing to turn to God. He baptized as a symbol of acknowledgement of sinfulness and a willingness to turn. He prepared people for the one coming after him Christ who would provide remission of sin. The voice of faith is a response to the call to make the right choice in the opportune time. The choices we make today have an impact on the decisions we will be making tomorrow. They establish a pattern and a foundation for life.  At the beginning of a year or season set the tempo, and basic design on God’s word, commit to prayerfulness, give and be forgiving.

John’s voice was not the easiest to receive. His clothing, his meals, message and his location were not what experts would recommend for someone wanting to persuade people. His dress and food were very unusual. His message was a rebuke and a promise hard to imagine. He operated and called people to the wilderness.

III. Voice of power (Mark 1:9-12). When Jesus appears thirty years into life, he must have already known about John. In addition, their mothers would have shared about with them their miraculous conceptions, and the angels’ words about them. He persuaded John to baptize him to fulfill all righteousness. That indicates what his life would be like -one of obedience to his father.  Because of this attitude, the Holy Spirit came to reveal him and to anoint him. Jesus was revealed to humanity as the anointed one. A voice was heard from above endorsing him as the son of God and bringing the power he needed for his mission.   The RHEMA word brought the Spirit and the grace. When you begin anything with God, listen for the word of confirmation. It comes with all you need, grace. The RHEMA is the word of in John 1:1, which is Jesus. What you need is the word of The Lord - not just things, health, fruit, and power.

Begin with him not yourself.  Build on gains in hand. What ever you do, start well and finish well. Acknowledge God in planning, at the beginning, in progress/process and in celebrations at the end.    Do not just have year start prayers but yearlong prayers.  Keep him at the center and not just in the picture. You need him at the driving seat. Let him run the show.  He is the captain of the ship.   He is the key to solving your life puzzle.  Think not only what you want him to do for you but also what you can do for him.  Ask God to help those holding stuff against you to release you. Ask for forgiveness, and be like God ... your sin he remembers no more.  Release people who have caused you pain, give your pain to God. See his ultimate expression of love on the cross. He died for his crucifiers. Where there is unforgiveness, faith stops working. Be also like God … until you remember no more you have not forgiven. 

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