The House of God V: HOUSE DEDICATION

The House of God V: HOUSE DEDICATION

Exodus 40:33-35; 2 Chronicles 5:13-14

Learning to completely handover your life and issues to God is the secret to victory and fruitfulness. Handing over to God is always a gain. The principle is what you handover you gain enriched.  Anything you hold back from God is bound to be lost eventually. You are, and are a part of, God’s house. This message is about complete house handover for a glorious divine takeover. 

The Godhead has appointed the Holy Spirit to be in charge of the affairs of God’s house. He works through humanity to execute God’s business on earth, you therefore handover yourself to the Holy Spirit. He relies on the freedom and tools of the word and faith you provide to accomplish God’s wonderful purpose in and through your life.  When he takes over you become powerful for God (Acts 1:8).  He makes you an agent for revival and mighty works.  Are you maintaining your first love for Christ? Are you hungry to know him more? Are you humble enough to acknowledge you need him? Then ask him to fill you, that is let him have more of you. Handover all to the Holy Spirit and let him guide and direct your life. (Refer to http://spform.blogspot.com/2012/10/receiving-fullness-of-holy-spirit.html.)

The story of some people who occupied houses they found already built illustrates human life.  The people had no clue where the houses came from. They came up with outrageous theories to explain the origin of the houses. One explained that a thunder mysteriously produced the house. Another thought a wind must have blown some stones in a manner that produced the houses. And so on.

Eventually the builder appeared. By this time, the houses were dilapidated and could collapse anytime. Poisonous snakes, scorpions and bats had made parts of the houses their home. The builder offered to rebuild the houses at no charge. He also highlighted that their need was urgent because the houses would collapse, the snakes were a danger and a tsunami was on its way. He could make the houses tsunami proof again.  Some were humble enough to call for help. Others scoffed at the offer arguing that they had lived with the mess all along and so had their ancestors.

He reconstructed the houses offered to him. When he had completed the new houses, the master builder handed the houses to their occupants and said, “You will not be able to look after the new houses. On your own, you will reduce them to the state I found them. Can I maintain and supply for your needs in the houses? I will garnish, furnish and flourish the houses. I will not infringe on your freedom in the house. You will also use my name and goodwill with the bankers. I will underwrite all your bills and guarantee all your supplies. However, for me to be able to serve you well, dedicate/ handover the houses by giving me the house keys.”

People responded differently to the offer. Some rejected the offer outright.  Many only handed over keys to the gate and said you are welcome to come and keep us safe, and make us look good. Then there were those who handed over the kitchen keys and said come and feed us. Yet others gave the keys to the lounge and said please come and entertain us. Some surrendered keys to the bathrooms and said you are welcome to come and sort up our mess.  None handed over keys to the bedrooms and inner closets instead; they said please keep your distance and our private lives have nothing to do with you.  Before long, they raised an outcry about dissatisfaction with the work of the master builder in the house. The builder explained that according to the building’s design, the treasures he needs to do all his work are in the inner closets of the house.  Without access to those, he was unable to do much. For what he managed to accomplish with the keys he had, he deserved compliments not complains.

That is like the story of our lives as believers. Are you sensing there must be more God should be doing in your life? We are the house God has restored. Will you handover the house keys. Often all we want is to be fed, groomed and entertained. Where are the keys to the inner closets of life? God is waiting for the handover of the full set of keys. In the tabernacle and temple built in the Old Testament the ark was located in the most private areas of the houses. The best comes from total openness and a sincere relationship. You hold the keys God needs to unlock all his promises. You have the power to determine the measure of God’s dealing with you. Joyfully handover all the keys back to him, hold nothing back. If you do not handover, you will not receive the full benefit and enjoyment of the house. If you do not handover, you will not cross over you. You cannot make it with human strength.

And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).   Caleb commended himself for wholly following God (Joshua 14:8, 9, 14). The commendation was confirmed by both Moses and God (Deuteronomy 1:35, 36).  As a result, he received a special inheritance in God. You can only receive more of him by giving more of yourself to him. He has already given everything of himself. The reason we hold back is ignorance of the love and ability of God. Seek to know him better in order to let go more of you into his hands. Do you not handover your cases to the lawyers and to the medical doctors because you trust their expertise. How much do you trust God?

Time for joyous house dedication is now. Adam and Eve lost dedication and forfeited glory (Genesis 3). Surrender is what you to do under force. Dedication is what you do by choice.

Dedication to God is inviting God to take over. It is committing yourself or something to God’s purpose. The tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament were joyfully dedicated to God and his glory came over them. ‘So Moses finished the work. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled (Ex. 40:33-35).’ When Solomon worshipfully and joyfully dedicated the temple, the cloud filled the Lord’s temple.  The priests could not carry out their duties because of the cloud; the Lord’s splendor filled God’s temple (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

In the same way, you need to dedicate yourself to God. Without dedication, there is no glory.

Handing over to God is the answer when you face your problems and enemies (James 4:7). Do not just hand over your problems hand yourself over. When you do so, you find peace and freedom. House dedication is complete house handover for glorious divine takeover.  His glorious takeover distinguishes the house of God from other houses. Whatever is dedicated to God attracts his blessing and glory. Without dedication, what you have is only tradition and a form of religion without power.  Pronounce the dedication with words of your mouth and with joy. Then receive the glory from above by faith.

[This message is the fifth among several in a series of messages on the house of God. The series raises awareness of the importance of belonging and fully participating in the life of a local church.]

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 

The House of God IV: COME AND DINE

The House of God IV:  COME AND DINE

Listen!  I am standing at the door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and he with me. -  Revelation 3:20 (NET)

Meal times are a favorite in a healthy home. The Lord Jesus promised to share a meal with anyone who hears his voice and opens the door. Jesus wants to share a meal that He brings. When He is present, He takes care of all daily life supplies (Mathew 6:23-25). Jesus loves meal times with us because they are times when He shares His life and power with us. We also have an opportunity to fellowship with Him and receive from His all-sufficiency. Sharing a meal with Christ is participating at the highest table reserved for the most favored very important people.  What a privilege we have. 

There is no need to suffer from spiritual malnutrition in God’s house. With Christ, it is mealtime all the time. Avoid missing meals. All you need is a good appetite.  I was born in a family where if everyone were present we would be not less than fourteen children. Meal times were the main events for each day. We would go out to play plastic ball with other kids. When it was mealtime, my mom called out “You can now come!” or “It is time for you to come! [Chiuyai!]”.  That was enough; we would all know it was mealtime. We would leave whatever we were doing and in a flash be in the house ready to eat. 

You need to have a good spiritual appetite in the House of God.  Do you hunger for God’s presence, and to learn from Him? The table is always ready and there is no spiritual drip for those who do not want to eat.

Let us look at how meal times arrive and look like in God’s house. When you are ignorant of meal times, you will be depressed by circumstances when you could rejoice despite them. We will look at seven spiritual appetites every believer needs to maintain.

1. A meal to bring you back to the cross. This is a meal you need when you are becoming more conscious of other things than of Christ.  Christ shares a remembrance meal with you when you reflect and are grateful for what He accomplished at the cross. Jesus at His last supper with the disciples instructed that they often have meals to remember the benefits of His death, blood and resurrection. You cannot remember the cross and not be drawn to its assuring provisions. It speaks of Christ’s amazing love and sure hope. It says Christ gave up everything so that He could recover all to become everything to you. He has overcome everything that worked against you.

Sadly we are often more conscious of our past failures and hopeless circumstances than we are of the victorious cross. As a man thinks in his heart so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Fix your mind on Christ and His word. You will become more conscious of Him as well as who you are and your provisions (Philippians 3:10). How often do you remember Him? Thinking about His last supper/Passover meal precedes your cross over to victory and a bright future. When you remember the cross of Christ and receive its promise, ‘it is time to come!’

2. A meal to celebrate people returning home. The greatest delight in God’s house is when people return home through opening their lives to Christ (Luke 15:7, 24). This event sparks great celebration in heaven and on earth. Each person who comes back is like a goal in soccer and a try in rugby. That is what counts most. In sports, without goals everything else only ends up in a lost game. With goals, everything else you did poorly is mitigated.

The gospel is an invitation to hear Father God’s voice and return home. It demands a response. A feast is awaiting you in the house. when the prodigal son returned home, he found the Fathers arms open wide. To celebrate a welcome, a feast/meal was served. The Braai places became active.  When the organizers of the wedding at Cana of Galilee called on the name of Jesus, they witnessed His first public miracle (John 2). When Zacchaeus opened his life to Jesus they shared a meal and salvation came to his house (Luke 19:5). When you turn yourself and others from disobedience to Christ, ‘it is time to come!’

3. A meal of regular word intake . You need in take of God’s word. We regularly take the word of God in our lives corporately at church meetings and as individuals in our personal times of prayer and Bible reading. Believers become spiritually healthy and grow in faith by desiring the word of God as babies desire milk (1 Peter 2:2). One of our spiritual development goals is to learn quickly that people do not live by  whatever staple food alone but by God’s spoken word (Mathew 4:4). The aim of reading is to hear from God, that is receiving the ‘Rhema’ word or a word specifically for you and what you ae going through. Reading the Bible facilitates hearing from God. When you have a hunger for His word, it is mealtime. Simply pull out your hard or electronic Bible, warm your heart with prayer and enjoy (Psalm 19:7 – 10).

4. A meal unusual.. When the disciples brought food to Jesus in John 4: 34, He would not eat it and said, ‘my meat is to do the will of Him that sent me.’ This mealtime in the house of God means that the table in our physical houses are empty as we serve, fast and pray (Mathew 17:21; Mark 9:29). Biblical fasting is missing some physical meals in order to enjoy a special spiritual meal. The one purpose for prayer and fasting is for God’s will settled in heaven to manifest in the natural. Has the desire for God’s will ever dominated you so much that all other desires became subordinate. When that happens, a consecration meal is ready at the Master’s table and ‘it is time to come.’  How often do you enjoy this mealtime.  The house of God has times of fasting and times of feasting.

5. A meal in the presence of enemies.  Spiritual meal times do come against the odds. When situations are increasingly threatening, the temptation is to despair and be paralyzed by fear. But the Master’s table is set up for a defiance meal when enemies are almost overwhelming you. When enemies rally and the threat is real, ‘it is time to come!’(Psalm 23:5).  When the enemy plot thickens it is time for Esther’s banquet (Esther 5:6).   Gallows designed for you are about to be busy without you, instead your time for promotion has arrived.

6. A meal of miracles. This meal is served when your needs are much greater than your means. God cares for you so much that to Him, meeting your needs supernaturally is like providing children’s bread (Mathew 15:26). He serves compassionate meals. When we pray ‘give us our daily bread’, God hears us to be asking for miraculous provision. We daily breathe and live by miracles. Without God’s supernatural covering and provisions we would be devoured (1 Peter 5:8).  The bigger the needs met the greater the glory that accrues to God.  The disciples did not know what to do with over ten thousand hungry people when they only had five loaves and two fishes (Mathew 14:15 – 18). Thank God, the Master was there. When He is present and we hand over our little to Him, ‘it is time to come!’ He provided manna and supernaturally sustained a nation in the wilderness. He will not lead you where His grace is not sufficient.

7. A meal when you are down and all seems lost. We sometimes find ourselves in places where we see no hope and we are tempted to give up. God is a God of restoration and resurrection. The disciples were disappointed and sad that Christ had been crucified yet they had thought he was the savior. As two disciples walked to Emmaus Jesus appeared to them. He encouraged them and shared a meal (Luke 24:30, 31). In another case, Peter led his fellow disciples to go ‘a-fishing’ having lost hope in Christ (John 21:3).  Be careful of going ‘a-fishing’ you will end up going awol. Their ‘a-fishing’ was unfruitful the whole night. However, Jesus appeared in the morning and reassured them. He also prepared and shared a meal with them before renewing His commission to Peter. Do not lose heart Jesus is also saying to you, ‘Come and dine’ (John 21:12).   He is saying your loss is recoverable, and you are not forsaken (2 Samuel 9: 4-7; 1 Samuel 9:19-20). When Elijah was suicidal sleeping under a broom tree, behold, an angel touched him, and said unto him, arise and eat (1 Kings 19:2, 3). Mealtime is time to come. If you look up in faith today, Father God will reassure you with a sign, word, etc. He will re-comission and anoint you to do exploits. Father God is saying maintain a strong spiritual appetite.

[This message is the third among several in a series of messages on the house of God. The series raises awareness of the importance of belonging and fully participating in the life of a local church.]

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 

The House of God III: Zeal for the House

The House of God III: Zeal for the House

Haggai 1:1–15; Malachi 1:6 -13; 3:7-10

We are no longer strangers but fellow citizens with members of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19).  Our well-being is connected to our attitude towards the house of God. We experience the house of God in the environment for spiritual growth provided within a community of believers, called the local church. While we enjoy worship and fellowship in the house, we are also to serve faithfully as pillars or ‘sons’. The attitude one has towards God’s house affects personal spiritual progress.

Often when things do not work out as expected we are quick to point to the good things we have done as if to suggest God is being unfair with us. The prophets Haggai and Malachi lived among people caught up in doing just that. The prophets had to clarify that God looks in disfavor not only when bad things are committed but also when good things are omitted. Demands of positive response from God based on selective obedience are often the pitfall in which many Christians fall. In Haggai and Malachi’s cases, disregard or lack of diligence in the business of God’s house deprived God’s people of God’s blessings. In one case, it was neglecting the business of building the house in the other it was withholding resources for ongoing operations of the house. The message of the prophets comprised three parts.

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A Rebuke – ‘consider your ways’

Several times Haggai exhorted God’s people to ‘consider their ways’. “You have sown much, and bring in little. You eat, but you do not have enough. You drink, but you are not filled with drink. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and he who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes in it … You looked for much, and, behold, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says Yahweh of Hosts, "Because of my house that lies waste, while each of you is busy with his own house.” - Haggai 1:5, 6, 9. Does this describe your situation? Even to those for whom things were not yet as bad, the prophet was warning that they were worse off than otherwise and that their life pointed to the situation he described. The general principle is if you stop applying what you have to work for God; soon you will find that nothing works for you any more.

Our fruitfulness depends on that of the house. Zeal for the house is an opportunity, answer and strategy for fruitfulness. We are not only to be in the house but like Jacob (Genesis 28) to experience the house. He wants us not just to be alive in Christ but also to experience the abundance of the life – the life of the life (John 10:10).

A Remedy – ‘bring Me an offering’

“Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house. I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified," says Yahweh (Haggai 1:8).   God provides for the business of His house through the faithful giving of His people out of what He gives to them. Giving is not always easy. It can be like going up a mountain to cut and bring wood.  Often the mountain is not the work we do in our professions for that is part of God’s provision. The hard part can be the mountain in our hearts we climb to bring the wood to the house of God when there are many other pressing needs.

When God wanted Moses to build Him a tabernacle so He could dwell among His people He had one source. He called for people to bring an offering (Exodus. 25:1, 2, 8).  As already stated, we give to God by giving to His work from what He has given to us. The easiness with which something leaves your hand to God’s business is a reliable indicator of how much you have given yourself to God. A steward is someone who has given himself to God first and therefore knows all he is and has belongs to God (2 Corinthians 8:5). Offering ourselves (Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20), our praise (Hebrews 13:15) and our substance (Luke 8:3) to God ensures there is food in the house of God.

Malachi 3 the primary issue was not the often-preached subject of giving money but ensuring there was food in the house of God. With all other giving, remember the house of which you are a part. Charity is supposed to begin at home. Giving of the whole tithe and offering was therefore a strategy for food in the house not an end in itself (Malachi 3:10). Food in the house includes daily provisions for the operation of the church. The house of God has a ‘stomach’ – action plans need execution and budgets should be met. The ‘stomach’ of the house requires resources of effort, time and treasure contributed by members of the house.  The local church action plans and budgets are to fill communities with the teaching and presence of Christ. They are to bring many to the experience of Christ’s love and grace. They are for nurturing people in Christ to maturity and equip them to reach out to others. The mature believers shine the light of Christ in their worlds/circles. Mature believers must therefore increase in number and distribution so that their light can shine better to the whole world. 

A Reward – ‘Prove me now’

God will not fail to notice your labor of love (Hebrews 11:6).  He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Ø      If you bring the wood from the mountain God promises to be with you (Haggai 1:12-13). Being with Him is life in His house where there is no lack and all curses are broken. ‘The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says Yahweh of Hosts (Haggai 2:8). God is not in need of a house on earth for His own sake but for our sake. .

Ø      If you bring your whole tithes and offering to His house. God promises to keep the devourer away and pour out a blessing such that you have no room (Malachi 3:10). God is also saying to us today, ‘Prove me now.’ This is not about a once off act but being consistent until you see fruit. “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrew 6:12).”

Ø      If you love Gods house you control/transform circumstances (Psalm 84:1-2, 6; 122:1). To the Psalmist, God’s house was the preferred place. Such people even if they pass through the valley of Baca [trouble, adversity, weeping/tears] it is immaterial because they change it to a well [life source, door of hope, abounding grace] (Psalm 84:6).’ They grow from strength to strength and do not only go places but change/shake places.

Ø      If you care about the welfare of God’s house, God will build and establish your house. David had a heart to build Gods house. God would not let Him do so but promised to build him a house that whose rule would be established forever (2 Sam 7:11, 16, 19). His house would not fail to provide a king for God’s people.   He already had a temporal house of cedar but gained a house with dominion forever. Your house can also be established through obedience to God’s word (Matthew 7:24-25). 

Ø      If you are zealous for God’s house, you will be like Christ. May the zeal for the house also consume you (John 2:17). He declared the house should be a house of prayer (Luke 19:46). Prayer magnifies God above all else. In effective prayer, God is priority. God’s house is a place for serving God’s purpose not for selfish interests. Take a keen interest in what is going on in the house and zealously make your contribution to make things right. How you respond to needs in His house is a test of your love for God. With the zeal the Lord Jesus had for the house, it is not a surprise His life was so fruitful. He is the model of effective life and ministry.

[This message is the third among several in a series of messages on the house of God. The series raises awareness of the importance of belonging and fully participating in the life of a local church.]

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 

The House Of God II: Anointed Pillars

The House Of God II:  Anointed Pillars

Genesis 28: 11, 18

This message is about serving in the house of God - rising up from your pillows to set up pillars in the house. In response to the dream he had, Jacob did something very interesting. He turned his pillow of stone to an anointed pillar signifying the house of God. This was not the only case where God’s house is associated with pillars. The temple Solomon built had pillars – one called Boaz meaning ‘God is strength’ and another Jachin meaning ‘established’ (1 Kings 7:21). What Jacob did is an example of what to do in response to the revelation of Christ as savior and Lord. God is present in you through Christ so you can also provide a pillar in His house (Galatians 2:9). In the Old Testament, pillars were named after people but in the New Testament, people are the pillars. Being a pillar is serving faithfully in the house. You serve in the house of God by taking care of your heart (Proverbs 4:23) and by contributing to the life and ministry of your local church. 

You are a house planted in a larger house in the form of a group of believers or local church. You bring potential to the group.  The potential appears in three forms.

Repressed Potential (Genesis 28:18a)

Potential remains dormant/untapped in church members who do not participate in church life. When you do nothing about the business of the house of God whether by negligence, fear, or ignorance, you are unfairly sleeping or sitting on some potential needed in the house. God brings you to a church because there is something he wants you to contribute. Often, you are aware of needs and areas for improvement in the church in areas for which you have some strength. However, instead of applying your strength to the need the temptation is to murmur and complain about it. If your potential is hidden or dormant, the church is deprived of strength. You may think the part you are able to play is small but faithfully given the small part is essential. You lose out in your walk with Christ if you are not actively participating in what God is doing in your church. If you ignore or neglect the business of God’s house fruit of your own endeavors will be little (Haggai 1:2-6).

May you today dream like Jacob did that God has business to do with you. God has a plan and purpose. Overcome the temptation to spiritually lie on a pillow and be spiritually lukewarm and indifferent. Whatever thing or ‘stones’ giving you comfort in your slumber is needed for pillars in God’s house. Stones can give you better service as pillars than pillows. Stone pillows are not good enough, not assuring enough,  and  not lasting. Of what contribution are you depriving your church? You may be withholding effort, commitment, availability, ideas, excellence, or resources. Instead of watching and gossiping about weaknesses in the church, ask what the needs are and how you may serve.

Recovered Potential (Genesis 28:8b)

Potential is recovered when one makes the choice to respond to needs and opportunities for involvement in one’s local church. When ever you  recognize the house of God you have opportunity to provide a pillar.  Jacob rose up early to convert his pillow to a pillar.  He was deliberate about it. There was no command from God in the dream compelling him to set up a pillar. You can make a personal choice to be a pillar. We follow God by choice out of love for Him because He first loved us.  The revelation of God gives freedom. No church involvement should be under pressure. God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Time to arise is now (Mathew 6:33). God wants you to rise up as a priority and do something for Him that will last, something that can be an inspiring memorial for you and others. Now is the time to arise and exchange your pyjamas for work suits. Instead of sleeping on potential, it is time you offer and apply your resources, gifts, skills and talents in your local church.

A pillar is a column used for support or decoration. A pillar is somebody who does not limit or despise his/her contribution. Pillars are faithful because they know their part is essential to the success of the whole. They know unfaithfulness is letting everyone else, and God down. They fight for opportunity to do their best in God’s house.  A pillar is dependable. It is something secure enough to lean on (Job 8:15). Jesus is the master pillar and cornerstone. He is trustworthy (Proverbs 3:5) and He can express the same through you. Your excuses can become exploits for God (Daniel 8:32). Your complains can turn to campaigns for the house. You can graduate from warming pews to being productive.

Released Potential (Genesis 28:18c)

Potential is released when believers serve in the house in the fullness of the Spirit. When believers walk close to God their contribution has supernatural results. Jacob anointed the pillar he raised with oil. Anointing sets apart things or places for a divine purpose. It is like a spiritual aerial/beacon that marks a target for grace and blessing. It is an act of consecration and dedication to God. It is a divine trademark on what is available for God’s use only.   You are anointed (1 John 2:20; Acts 1:8) and have what it takes to do great works (John 14:12). A pillar represents strength. An anointed pillar carries greater power.  God is in the business of making anointed pillars from stone pillows.

Faithful service in your local church will bear fruit (1 Corinthians 4:2; Rev. 3:11-12). If not immediately, it will eventually. Contributions made to one’s local church include actively supporting and praying for activities of the church.  It is being available to be a part of ministry and leadership teams in the church. Or being involved in the various ministry areas according to your passion and gifting. It also involves cooperating with the leadership by applying God’s word in one’s life and going through the Christian formation and ministry development programs available in your church. Showing up and participating in church events. It can be participating in carrying out physical work on church premises. It is inviting people to church and faithfully giving tithes and offerings.  It is also visiting people who need company, prayer, encouragement or comfort and responding to opportunities to serve. It also includes being a good ambassador by your integrity, stability and godly living in your communities. Being unmovable, not quitting easily and not getting easily offended (1 Corinthians 15:58). It means being instant in season and out of season.  Dependable and being a person of his/her word.

[This message is the Second among several in a series of messages on the house of God. The series raises awareness of the importance of belonging and fully participating in the life of a local church.]

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 

The House Of God I: The Gate of Heaven

The House Of God I: The Gate of Heaven

Genesis 28:10-19

The design of a house is crucial to its strength. The most secure shelter in all creation is the house of God. It is the only house guaranteed to stand sufficient forever. We are a part of that house founded on His word (Ephesians 2:20; Matthew 7:24-25; Isaiah 28:6; 2 Timothy 2:19). The Bible pictures the Church as a great spiritual house.  The house is made up of people who believe God’s word. This spiritual house is most visible as local churches. The New Testament denotes a group of believers in a particular place or “a local church.”  The local church are like your immediate family and rest of the body of Christ the extended family. Local churches are God’s house when gathered and also when scattered in-between meetings. Paul referred to such local churches as God’s house or a part of it (Ephesians 2:19, 21; 1 Timothy 3:15; 1 Peter 2:5).  God’s design is that Christians work together in local assemblies where they are known and have primary experience of God’s house. Moreover, are spiritually fed, cared for, nurtured, and play a part. God’s grace is shared through localized groups of people with faith in our God and Savior, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:1).

In Genesis 28, Jacob identified the house of God by its effect, more than its structures and traditions. The house of God is a God ordained experience not just a place. Jacob was in some place alone lying on a least comfortable pillow of stone. There was no building, no fat bank account, no choir, no church uniform, no program or structure yet he experienced the house of God. For Jacob the house was a moment or place of an awesome encounter with God. He had such an encounter and the experience led him to conclude ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven (Genesis 28:17).’ This description meant the house of God is also the gate of heaven. May there be awe in God’s house. A look at what led Jacob to conclude he was experiencing God’s house provides insights about the house of God and the gate of heaven.

Being in the house of God is about receiving a revelation of God concerning what you are going through in life. It is being aware of God’s presence and care. Jacob was desperately searching for answers. He was unsettled about his past.  He had questions about his safety, about how God viewed him, about whether his journey and mission in Haran would succeed. He was on the run from his brother’s wrath having taken his birthright blessing. He was very tired and anxious about the future. He was also feeling alone and bearing the pain of a fractured close relationship. When he finally grabbed a chance to sleep, God (Yahweh) appeared in a dream. He saw the angels of God ascending and descending on a ladder stretching from heaven to earth and Yahweh stood above it. The ladder spoke of open access to and from God. We have access today through the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16). Angels, who do Heaven’s business, were busy on the ladders/stair case while Jacob was resting. The angels were a symbol of how God was actively serving Jacob.  God was above the ladder, a reminder that he is the exalted most high God. He is above all else and reigns.

Being in the house of God is hearing the voice of God. God instilled peace in Jacob. He does not say quickly come up the ladder and escape to heaven. Instead, the ladder was there to strengthen him and supply him with what he needed to succeed on earth. God was at the other end yet very reachable, relevant and concerned. God was far and yet present at the same time (Psalm 46:1). He was so vast yet so personal. God’s first words were ‘I am Jehovah the God of Abraham your Father’.  Jehovah is the redemptive name of God. Hearing it would have inspired peace.  Often before speaking to people God says peace to you or do not be afraid. In other words - settle down. I am here. You will be well. Peace and stillness of heart precede hearing the plan of God. God calmed Jacob’s mental and emotional storms. He was refreshed and strengthened. He had been on the run from danger now he would be on the run for God.

Being in the house of God is to have assurance of being a part of the Abrahamic covenant. Jacob received the rhema word he needed for his life. God linked Jacob directly to Abraham as his father, not grandfather. He then makes a promise similar to the one he gave Abraham (Genesis 12:1-4). He would also be with Him and bless him to be a blessing. Interesting that God does not mention anything about the recent events with Esau. What mattered most in Jacob’s past was Father Abraham. God assured Jacob of His presence and plan. The assurance of His presence is the best promise from God. It is also God’s master strategy. Whenever people wondered about the fulfillment of God’s plan in their lives, God promised -‘I will be with you’. Jacob now knew he was not forsaken and alone. God communicated His love and great future. Jacob was going to be fruitful, increase and expand. Believers as God’s house also enjoy this blessing.  Know that they, which are of faith, the same, are the children of Abraham (Galatians 3:7).  

Being in the house of God is awakening to the blessing of the house. Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, "Surely Yahweh is in this place, and I didn't know it. (Genesis 28:16)" He had been blind to God’s presence, power, provision, treasure and mercy but  now his eyes were opened.  What would we be like if we could see all the invisible factors and forces working for us in the Spirit? We would be different. The word of God is a mirror that shows us who we are in Christ and all that is on our side in Him (James 1:22-23). Only eyes of faith can see the picture of us in the word of God. When we trust the word of God can do extraordinary things even through the least expected conditions and means. God has established a house on earth to bring something of heaven to earth not to essentially gain anything. He dwells in His house and looks after His house. There is therefore victory in His house. As His house, we see possibility and great opportunity in the house.

Being the house of God is being the gate of heaven.   As the house, believers are the interface between heaven and earth. They are the point of grace were people on earth find salvation. They are the means by which God meets with humanity and works through them for the extension of His purpose. By them God has established a presence and a testimony on earth.  God executes His business on earth by them. The gate of heaven is not just a gate to heaven but also more exciting to our earthly life, its heaven’s access to humanity.

Being the gate of heaven is an awesome responsibility. It means that you as believers can  free or limit God’s work in your lives and communities. The house of God as a gate will determine how much of heaven earth enjoys and how much of earth heaven touches. You can free God’s work by letting Him be the king over your life. He gave authority to you so you can have the joy of exercising it by submitting to Him. He wants your involvement as you control the gate in His name. He alone can control and defend the gate. As a gate of heaven, heaven has fortified and commissioned the Church. The gates of hell will not prevail (Mathew 16:18).  The gate of heaven is a center of God’s power and fortitude.

You can open or close yourselves to heaven. God is looking to you for an open way that allows him full access and freedom (Revelation 3:20). Let him in by acknowledging him as Lord over His gate. Later Jacob called the same place El Bethel meaning the God of the house of God (Genesis 35:6-7). In other words, meaning the God of the gate of heaven. Let the God of the house take charge. As God of the house, He is God of the Church. The house of God is visible through local bodies of believers gathered or scattered. The house of God scattered goes all over the community as salt and light. Wherever the people of God are the house is there and the gate of heaven is present. The believers can open up the gate by prayer, courage and faith to let God come through into situations, or they can close up and keep heaven out of situations.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for appointing us as the house of God that we can be with you. Thank you for bringing us to yourself. Now be the Lord of your house. Teach us, instruct us, show us the way to go, counsel us and watch over us (Psalm 32:8).   We receive your promise of fruitfulness, increase and expansion.

[This message is the first among several in a series of messages on the house of God. The series raises awareness of the importance of belonging and fully participating in the life of a local church.]

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 

Grace for Transformation: Fruitfulness IV

Grace for Transformation: Fruitfulness IV

John 1:16-17

This message is a continuation of a series on the requirements for fruitfulness.

Spiritual fruitfulness in the lives of people comes when the grace of God is at work. God does not only give believers grace but transforms them by His grace. This transformational grace makes us an extension of grace such that when we get in touch with people they encounter God’s grace. The grace makes us to be vessels God uses to extend His grace as needed. It gives us a new nature that is not only fruit bearing but also produces a God kind of fruit. I remember from my experience of herding cattle how we would walk in forests. Some trees you could not tell if they ever produced flowers and fruit. Others, we were warned not to touch their fruit because it was poisonous. But how refreshing when you were hungry, to find a tree that bore edible fruit.

The word of God says we have received the fullness of Christ which brings to our lives grace upon grace (John 1:16-17). Grace is therefore Jesus Christ and the gospel is not just about grace but is grace. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him (2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 20:24; 20:32). You can choose to be grace conscious or labor conscious; righteousness conscious or sin conscious; mercy conscious or judgment conscious. Your choice rules you. Grace silences every accusation brought before God because grace does not depend on man’s performance but God’s perfection. God acquitted you of all wrongdoing with heavy costs to the accuser.

Grace is God loving you first. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It is acknowledging that God owes nothing and that human effort is never good enough to earn God’s acceptance. In addition, there is no shortcoming bad enough to push a person beyond the reach of God’s love. Grace therefore entirely depends on God’s choice to love humanity and extend His grace to them. Such love is illogical (Psalm 144:3; Hebrews 2:6). It is illustrated in the parable of the wasteful son (Luke 15:20). Grace means Gods arms are wide open to humanity. Grace is God’s action among humanity for humanity.

God customizes His grace to the needs of individuals and groups. Grace is an undeserved gift. Grace says despite your poor start, your inconsistencies and weaknesses I love you but love you too much to leave you as you are. Grace manifests in various forms in the believers’ life (1 Peter 4:10; 5:10)   In other words grace is manifold. Grace was promised salvation in the past, brings salvation in the present and to be revealed in the future at the consummation of salvation (1 Peter 1:13). Grace is all that you need. Grace takes the form of solutions as suggested in Jehovah names like Jireh, Rapha, etc. They translate to salvation, healing, strength, increase, transformation, etc. Grace as divine selection and enablement takes the form of various divine abilities or spiritual gifts for special assignments or tasks (1 Corinthians 1:26-29; 1 Peter 4:10; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11; Romans 12).  Grace also seasons our speech and singing (Ephesians 4:29, Colossians 4:6; 3:16).

God has given grace in abounding measure (Romans 5:17; 1 Timothy 1:14; Ephesians 1:7; Psalm 84:11-12; 2 Corinthians 9:8). Grace therefore means lavish or bountiful blessing. Grace abounds beyond unrighteousness (Romans 5:20). Abounds over problems (2 Corinthians 12:9) and, abounds to all (Romans 5:15). To abound means to break boundaries, to raise a higher standard and like waves to relentlessly pound with a life giving ‘Tsunami’. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8; Romans 8:28). Grace therefore means more than enough. God’s grace is in the realm of adequacy. The realm knows no lack. We are taught all our lives the economics of inequality and scarcity so much that we are disoriented in sufficiency for all. We need to learn the economics and mindset of abundance. In grace, you have no rival because there is enough for all. No one can take what belongs to you. In a world of scarcity if you dish out billions to every person you only, increase the rate of inflation.  With grace, it is possible. In grace, more than one person or team can take the gold medal. There is no need for ‘PHD’ syndrome – Pull Him or Her Down. It is the realm where you can get immeasurably valuable treasure free of charge.

God’s grace is an assurance that it will be well. It will not fail because it represents God who does not lie, is all-powerful, loving and unchanging.  God’s grace is the surety we have to approach God for all things now and forevermore. Grace is accessing what God has already settled in our favor through Christ.  Grace affinity is a focus on thanking God for what you already have (Ephesians 1 and 2) in Christ and in hand.  He receives you based on His provisions not your performance.  God’s current promises are based on God’s historic provisions. Our salvation carries the codes for our profound victories. The cross of Christ paid in full for your access to grace. The new covenant assures God will keep his promises (Hebrews 8:6).  The purpose of grace is to bring earth into agreement with heaven. To bring the current reality into agreement with the historic provisions of God. To bring the practical truth in line with the spiritual positional truth. It was done in heaven by God and by grace we effect it on earth. We are the blessed people defending our blessing, and not the cursed aspiring for blessing.

God’s grace is amazing in depth, power and effect. No price was too high to pay for God. One is stunned and asks ‘Grace what you did – killing God’s Son on the cross?’ Understanding his love is the key to loving him (Romans 5:8). The measure of his ability and love is the basis to trusting Him. 

The grace of God is most amazing at transforming people. An example is in 1 Samuel 9 and 10 where grace changed Saul to another man. When God was raising a king at the request of His people, a series of events take place. It all began when Kish’s donkeys got lost. Saul was therefore sent in the company of Kish’s servant to look for the lost donkeys. After passing through four territories looking for the donkeys, he did not find them (1 Samuel 9:4).  When they came to a place called Zuph, Saul thought enough had been done and he would give up the search.  He suggested they return to his father Kish. The servant persuaded him to give the man of God in the area a chance to show them the way.  Behind everything happening in your life God's hand is guiding you towards trusting Him. God by his grace uses circumstances and our heart’s desires to get us to a place of transformation. For Saul a real transformational journey began at Zuph when he gives up the search and accepts the servant’s idea of seeking a divine solution.  In the end, Samuel anoints him king over Israel. God’s grace cannot be effective in our lives unless we have a Zuph experience.

Zuph is the place of humility to accept that it will not work out without God. A place where the things you are seeking by human effort are elusive and you realize you cannot continue without God.  A place of acknowledging that you need God in what you are doing in life. Zuph is the place where the search for donkeys directs you to God. A place where you either go back empty or go up the hill to meet God and be crowned king.  It is the place where God’s grace frees you to seek Him. It is a place of letting go of something eclipsing or obscuring your view of God.

The choice Saul made at Zuph led him to the throne over Israel. Like Saul, you can catch the plot of your life. God brought Saul to Zuph for a reason. Saul thought he was looking for donkeys, but was actually there because God was looking for him. Direct the search for the donkeys to God and you will discover the issue is not the donkeys for they have been found.  You will discover that you are the donkey Father God is looking for. When you let go of something for God to takeover you will receive something to empower you to take over. Do not be like the man who fell into the ditch carrying his suitcase. When they tried to rescue him, he almost perished in the ditch because he could not let go his suitcase in order to hold the rescue rope thrown at him. In a similar way, do not be like the monkey that was killed because it refused to let go of the banana in a narrow opening calabash to escape. 

The meeting with Samuel and the subsequent anointing were private and unnoticed but later became public. He had to be separated from the servant. Some things from God require that you be alone. He was also told to be still to hear Gods word (1 Samuel 9:27). Grace comes through Gods word.  He had to climb to higher ground. For some things, God is calling you up to higher place in Him. He was then anointed to be king and prophet with oil – symbolic of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit releases the grace of God’s word in you by faith. 

When he turned to follow the instructions he got from Samuel Saul’s heart was changed (1 Samuel 10:9).  Four crucial things happen in his journey from Samuel. Firstly, he met people who assured him the donkeys he set out to search for had been found (1 Samuel 10:2). This was important for him to have peace from life worries. God takes care of your business and equips you for His business. Secondly, he met people who gave him two loaves of bread (1 Samuel 10:3). This gift encouraged him to know God cares for his physical welfare. Thirdly, he passed by the garrisons of the Philistines. Earlier God had said he was raising Saul to deal with the Philistine threat. The kingly grace was stirred in him when he was exposed to the challenge and threats he faced that required grace to overcome (1 Samuel 10:5a). Fourthly, he met prophets who inspired him to prophesy also. People of like faith who flow in the same grace (1 Samuel 10:5-6) stir Grace. Saul was turned into another man at this point. Those who saw him watched in amazement and disbelief that it was him (1 Samuel 10:11).  He was a very different person. Remember up until this moment Saul is an unknown, unnoticed wanderer. Something significant had happened unnoticed to an insignificant person in their eyes. God will do the same for us if we give Him the chance and if we continue to follow him faithfully. The transformational grace of God makes us new people to whom all things are possible by faith. You have been turned into another man

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 

Grace for Increase: Fruitfulness III

Grace for Increase: Fruitfulness III

1 Corinthians 3:6 - 7

This message is a continuation of a series on the requirements for fruitfulness.

Many are seeking opportunities, and ministry and daily provisions. The grace of God provides it all. Grace is a divine escort with all the provisions for the journey of life. Paul often prayed that the grace of God be with God’s people (Romans 16:20, 24; 1 Corinthians 16:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 6:18; Philippians 4:23; Colossians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15; Philippians 1:25; Hebrews 13:25).

Fruitfulness requires Grace

When a farmer sows seed in good soil and waters it, a process of growth and fruitfulness follows. The process is a gift from God. The Apostle Paul acknowledged in his ministry that even though he planted and Apollos watered both their effort was nothing. What mattered was achieving the intended result of planting and watering which is increase or harvest. Paul therefore needed two kinds of grace. First, he needed grace to be able to do his part to plant. Second, he needed grace in the form of God’s essential part to bring about increase. 

You can acquire educational qualifications, competencies and capital, and implement the seven steps from a good book and the three or five keys from a sermon you heard.  Through it all and at the end you need the God factor. That divine work of grace for increase. God opens the doors. The earth and its fullness belong to Him and He cares for you.

Adam lost Grace

Grace is what Adam and Eve lost in the Garden of Eden when they sinned. They fell from grace. They realized they were naked because they had lost their grace covering. They experienced shame and fear. They had chosen a path of earning, feeding and fending for their own wellbeing in place of relying on God’s unmerited favor and enablement.  It does not come as a surprise God announced Adam would live from the sweat of his labor. Sadly, he had chosen hard labor in place of rest.  With grace, he needed no sweat to care for all earthly creation and naming all animals.  Without grace, he had to sweat in toil to feed just himself. Hard labor causes worry night and day.

Grace is a place of rest in His embrace. The part that remains for us is easy because His burden is light. Our labor is simply to surrender to God and to share the grace that we have received. Its not to earn favor and salvation, freedom, life, grace, etc which we already have. Grace empowers us for our race to serve God by faithfully sharing what we received freely from Him.  Faithfulness in service to fellow man is for what we will be rewarded.

It must be noted that even though Adam and Eve lost grace, God remained gracious. He still loved them. He looked for them in garden. He promised their restoration and provided a way for their redemption. They still had physical life from God and enjoyed His resources. That is God’s nature that sends rain on the righteousness as well as the wicked.

Grace is a place of rest that came with Christ (John 1:17). Grace is a place of right standing (1 Peter 5:12) with God.  Grace means God in your place to lift you to His place. A position in Christ not a performance.  A place of approval. A place where you can have what Christ died to give you. A place where revelation is received and faith works. A place where undeserved favor is evident. A place where blessings can locate you. A place where spiritual reality manifests.  A place of God/Christ consciousness. A transition from standing on sand to firm ground. From silence to song, and shouts of joy.

Christ came with Grace

Jesus came to restore what the first Adam lost. He came to restore and build on it to fulfill Gods dream of a world filled with the knowledge of God as waters cover the sea. In Christ, grace has once again clothed Humanity. You know longer have to walk naked. Where you were naked because of sin, he graced your life again. Grace is God adorning beautifully our mouths, our strength, and our ministry.

>>Grace liberates. God invites you to enter His rest. Where you were sweating for bread Christ taught, pray ‘Our Father… give us our daily bread.’ He sets free from living by human effort and performance. We no longer need to try to earn righteousness and a living by our works.  We no longer have to carry life burdens and look as if carrying the whole world. Our faces can now show joy and peace in our lives in place of marks of hard labor. Jesus shed sweat like drops of blood in Gethsemane so you do not have to sweat for your living. Jesus was alone in Gethsemane so that you will not be alone when you face your Gethsemane. Jesus did not call a legion of angels on the cross so you could call them on your cross. He descended to hell so that your hell will fail to hold you.  He received stripes so you can receive your healing. He died so you will live.  He wore a crown of thorns so that you can wear one of gold. He suffered in tattered garments so you can wear robes of righteousness by grace.

>>Grace can be wasted by ignorance.   We now need to saturate ourselves with God’s word to change our thinking (Galatians 2:21) Grace liberates but can be frustrated by doubt and continued efforts to earn God’s love (Galatians 2:21). We should not fall from grace again (Galatians 5:4). God is not compelled to act favorably by your actions. In any case, your works can never be perfect enough. Our performance would never be enough to earn divine acceptance anyway. A ‘my labor’ mindset hinders Gods working. Nothing can qualify you for anything from God. God is not giving you favor based on your performance but based on His performance.

>>Grace can be abused by being perceived as a license for ungodliness (Jude 1:4). Grace is not a license for continuing to sin (Romans 6:1)  Grace says no to ungodliness and worldly lusts (Titus 2:11- 12). Grace is a spiritual magnetic force that pulls you closer to God. Grace is God’s property and works best in close relationship with God. . If you desire God’s grace love Christ (Romans 5:2).

>>Grace is available. Grace is God’s unmerited favor based on the finished work of Christ. God’s grace takes away guilt and shame. It gives forgiveness, freedom and peace. Grace can be obtained by boldly coming to God based only on His merit of Christ’s blood (Hebrews 4:16). Grace seeks those marked by the blood of Christ.  The word of God carries grace. More word more grace.  The Holy Spirit brings grace. Prayer of faith receives grace. Unity among brethren facilitates grace. Praise houses grace. Grace is given to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).  Humility acknowledges God’s grace. It takes humility to acknowledge as Paul that ‘by the grace of God I am what I am’ (1 Corinthians 15:10). You did not choose this life but this Life chose you. God apprehended you (John 15:16). That is why we do not sing ‘how great I am’ but ‘how great thou art’.

Anything you receive from God is by grace. We were saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 4:37; 14:3; 15:1; 18:27; Romans 3:24; 11:6; Galatians 2:21; 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 2:11; 3:7).   Grace is all that you need. Faith is the human side of grace. Grace is the God side of faith. ‘For this cause it is of faith that it may be according to grace… (Romans 4:16)’. Grace is what you need from God for faith to work. And faith is what God needs from man for grace to work. Grace is therefore useless without faith. Faith is useless without grace. Grace is Gods hand extending unmerited favor to humanity and faith is man’s hand receiving undeserved favor from God. Fruit is found where grace and faith meet.  Grace is a gift from God. Grace was however very costly but thank God, Christ paid for it in full on the cross. As taught, GRACE is God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.

Grace is stewarded and cultivated so that one grows in it. Desire to grow and be strengthened in grace (2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 2:1; Hebrews 12:15). Righteous is no longer what you call yourself or how you perform but who you are. If someone calls himself a king when he is not, he will remain in whatever is his status. BUT if someone is a king, no matter how loudly he is labeled the least it does not change the fact. We are God’s righteousness in Christ Jesus called to bear increasing fruit. The earlier we acknowledge who we are and live as such the better.

God would not let Naomi change her name.  Naomi means “Pleasant,” or “Delightful.”  In the book of Ruth grace kept Naomi from becoming Mara even though she was calling herself as Mara, which means “Bitter.”  She had done this because she was angry with God for her sons and husband dying. The very next verse following the renaming, God still called her Naomi (Ruth 1:22). In fact, He calls her Naomi throughout the rest of the book of Ruth. God still loved and cared for her.

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