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 

Fruitfulness II: Mark of Maturity

Fruitfulness II: Mark of Maturity

Mathew 13:3-9, 18-23

Few professing Christians are living productive spiritual lives. Many people have been exposed to the Bible and its teachings, yet their lives have not been changed. Yet fruitfulness is God’s will for all. He has impartially made the necessary provisions. If you are hungry enough to have a spiritually productive life, you will have it. We strongly desire fruit and we shall be fruitful in the land (Gen 26:22). To be a fruitful follower of Christ you have to meet the requirements for fruitfulness. Last time we saw that obedience to God’s instructions is a vital requirement. It is the means to fruitfulness. The more one is obedient the more they become fruitful. This time we will look at the requirement of maturity. Obedience is a mark of maturity. Growth in obedience is growth in maturity and results in growth in fruitfulness. Fruitfulness depends on maturity as shown by the condition of heart/life.

The parable of the sower reminds us that maturity is a heart issue. Many start but fail to grow in their faith and wonder why.  In the parable, the sower and the seed were the same for all soils. The soil represents the heart that receives the word of God. The only variable that determined the nature of the harvest was the quality of ground/soil.  Maturity and fruitfulness require the following:

• Dependence on God (Unlike pathway ground - Mathew 13:4, 19). A heart that is not dependent on God is a hard heart. It is like the pathway ground that is hardened by being trodden repeatedly. It is unplowed ground that receives seed but the seed cannot penetrate it and remains on the surface where it is easily picked up and eaten by birds of the air. The person with a hard heart hears the word but does not understand it. Because of the lack of understanding, they do not take it seriously. They do not cherish it as treasure. They do nothing about it because they do not understand the value and opportunity the word brings. The fullness of the Spirit and prayer help us break the fallow ground of our hearts and make them tender to allow the word to be sown and grow spiritual fruit. Prayer is a sign of humility to acknowledge the value and need for God. Before attending a church meeting or reading the Bible, prepare your heart. Submit to the Holy Spirit and ask God to open your heart and give you understanding. Be willing to learn and to be transformed by God’s word. Take the word as a personal message for you. Do not allow past experiences, unbelief and sin to harden your heart. Break your fallow ground (Hosea 10:12).    Physical maturity comes with growing independence from human parents.  However,   spiritual maturity is different. Growing dependence on God indicates growth in maturity.  Sustained dependence on human parents is limiting but dependence on God is liberating.

• Depth in Gods Word (Unlike stony ground - Mathew 13:5-6, 20-21). A person with a heart that is shallow in the word will be shallow in their knowledge of God, weak in faith and  prayer, and will not stand when the trials of life come (Mathew 7:24-25). The stony ground allowed for a shallow layer of soil on which the seed fell but could not put down strong enough roots.  As a result, when such a person receives the word of God they receive it with joy but fail to be fully established in it (Colossians 2:7).  The word is not for entertainment but comes to accomplish God’s purposes and establish you in the faith. So that you are not offended when trouble comes and things do not go your way. The plant wilted not because of the scotching heat but the shallowness of the roots. Jesus promised that we would get into trouble. When trouble comes, you do not have to wilt. In fact, the sun can work to your advantage as it does to plants by facilitating photosynthesis. Trials only serve to prove the quality of the plant. We need to do everything possible to saturate our hearts with God’s word (Colossians 3:16). When your thinking is in line with God’s word, you grow into spiritual maturity. The word reveals God and increases the knowledge of Him (Daniel 11:32; Philippians 4:8). 

• Consistent Obedience (Unlike thorny ground - Mathew 13:7, 22). Spiritual growth to maturity comes from consistent obedience or faithfulness in all circumstances. Spiritual fruit requires focus and patience. Patience is your ability to work and wait for fruition. Faithfulness is threatened by competing interests and affections that distract us from quality time with God and obeying His word (Mathew 6:33). The distracting things choke our faith and drain spiritual life out of us like weeds to a crop. The weeds consume the water and nutrients that should be used by the crop and so it dies.  Pursuit of riches and the worries and cares of life are such weeds that hinder growth to fruitfulness. Be clear about your desire to pursue spiritual riches – ‘this one thing I do’ (Philippians 3:13-14).  Be also clear about your desire to grow to fruitfulness and deliberately determine how the people, needs and things around you affect your progress to fruitfulness. Determine how the things that you allow around you affect you whether they oppose, compete or support your spiritual growth. Cut off and pull out the weeds in your life. Joseph was fruitful because he was faithful even when no one was watching him (Genesis 37-40). Faithfulness will bear fruit, if not immediately, it will eventually.

• A Changed Life (Like good soil - Mathew 13:8, 23).   Spiritual maturity is a changed life that has ability to produce abundant fruit. A person who is spiritually mature hears, understands and responds positively to the word of God. He/she is well rooted and established in the faith and seeks first to please God. The person is like good soil that produces thirty fold, sixty fold and one hundred fold. Even thirty fold is enormous return – 3000% return. Spiritual maturity bears supernatural fruit in nature and magnitude. When you make your life match God’s model, the results are miraculous.

The prayer every believer must pray for maturity is ‘Lord, make me’. We are often praying ‘give me’ prayers. First, Christ promised ‘to make’ us (Mathew 4:19). 

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 

Fruitfulness: Obeying His Instructions

Obeying His Instructions

John 9

The season to grow in fruitfulness is right. "For now Yahweh has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land” (Genesis 26:22). Fruitfulness is however, not guaranteed even when the season is right. Otherwise, every farmer would always have a bumper harvest. The farmer has to know timing, prepare the ground, sow the right seed, and nurture the crop with necessary inputs.

Obedience is the primary requirement for fruitfulness in Christ. The word of God is the power for all that you need (Romans 1:16). Obedience to it is the process that releases its power and benefit. Following the instructions in the Bible leads to the promises in the Bible.  He who remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit…..you remain in me if you do whatever I command you (John 15:5, 10, 14).  If you love me do what I instruct (John 14:15). Be doers of the word, not only hearers, deceiving yourselves (James 1:22-23).    Observe to do according to my word and you shall make your way prosperous, and have good success (Joshua 1:8). All these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God (Deut 28: 2).

God speaks through the written word in the Bible. On that foundation, he also speaks through the inner voice of the Holy Spirit and through the tested prophetic word, His messengers bring. Tuning to the voice of the Holy Spirit and aligning to His lead is therefore a primary responsibility in your walk with Christ. That makes ability to listen and obey God’s instruction a crucial aspect of the believer’s life.

Many examples in the Bible illustrate the power of obedience. One such is the story of the man born blind that the Lord Jesus healed. Imagine you are blind from birth. You have never seen the sun and beauty of God’s creation. You are not even sure of your appearance. You carry many unanswered questions about why you are blind. You are now of age and one early morning you begin the day at your begging spot. That day you have a strange feeling. You wonder what it is that is going to either go terribly wrong or remarkably right. It certainly is an unusual day. He felt like something destiny related could be in store. As you settle to your business, Jesus appears. He is discussing with some people a subject you have grappled with on your own.

Jesus who was passing by decided to stop by.  Something must have drawn Jesus to the man. We know many times Jesus changed plans to show compassion to people in need. We also know by the man’s response that he was humble and full of faith. He welcomed Jesus and obeyed his instructions. Every person was born with a kind of blindness (disadvantage). What if Jesus stopped by you? Good news is that he has done so. More than stopping, he now stays with you.  He has not passed anyone by.  What he did for the blind man he is doing for you if you cooperate as the man did.

Before Christ appears, people around the blind man were already involved in his life remotely or closely.

1) The disciples represent people who had an explanation of the man’s condition of blindness. They sought to understand, theologize and analyze the problem (Deuteronomy 28:15). They made assumptions and suspected the man or the parents had sinned. The disciples like wise sought to apportion blame. Even if there was sin, he could start by forgiving them - ‘your sins are forgiven’. In this case, the man’s sins could not have caused his condition since he was born blind. Jesus set the man free from self-condemnation and stigma. Thank God, Jesus also exonerated the parents first, otherwise the man would have used his newly acquired sight to go and settle scores with his parents. Has someone misunderstood your problem and judged you unfairly. Who gave you the answers you live by? Jesus brings something different to your problem.

2) The neighbors represent people who bring an exclamation. The neighbors used to see him begging. They had formulated an image of who this man was. They were puzzled by his blindness and later amazed by his healing. They followed and discussed his condition. Has your problem become the talk of your relational circles? Jesus brings something different to your problem.

3) The helpers who took the man from place to place brought an administration. They helped oil life with the problem. They brought efficiency and some functionality within the problem’s constraints. Have you found help to cope along as best as you can with your problem? Jesus brings something different to your problem.

4) The Pharisees brought a tradition. They showed little concern about the welfare of the man. They cared more about the religious tradition and structure than people for whom the structure existed. Jesus brings something different to your problem.

5) The parents brought a consolation. They provided care and raised him up in his problem. They probably had lost hope of sight recovery. They comforted and stood for their son. They also now expected him to fend for himself since he was now of age.  Jesus brings something different to your problem.

6) Jesus brought a solution. He brings something different from what you are accustomed. The solution was in the blind man’s obedience to His instruction. The humanly puzzling problem became an opportunity for a divine solution. Christ declared that the problem was for the purpose of the works of God to be revealed in the man and through the man. He came to connect the man with destiny. He came to solve the puzzle of his life. He came to do more than the best man could do and contrary to the worst man could do. He came to catalyze the big decisive step towards that for which you were born with a problem. In Christ, you connect with purpose and destiny. Jesus rebranded the man such that he preached Christ to high profile Pharisees. He permanently transformed his outlook and perspective.

It does not matter the composition, background, precedence, science or theology of the problem. The key is to follow God’s instructions in faith. Listening – Instructions – Obedience - Answer – New Perspective.

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 

We Can Only Imagine Rev 20 - 22

We Can Only Imagine

Rev 20 - 22

The Bible is a book about life.  It gives us an indication of what life to expect in the kingdom of God. It helps us understand why we come short of that perfect life. It also guides us to the life through faith in Jesus Christ. However, what exactly it shall be we can only imagine.  After we have stretched imagination to the best limit, the experience we will have in the end will exceed our best expectations.

The last three chapters of Revelation refer to the book of life, the water of life and the tree of life.

The Book of Life

Choices about Christ have results that follow them. ‘… and another book was opened, which is the book of life..’ - Rev 20:12.    

a) Results of Fighting Christ. The Devil chose to fight Christ who is the life. In the end, it took only one angel to come and chain him before locking him up in the bottomless pit for a thousand years (20:1-3).  During that period, the millennial period, Christ ruled the world with his saints. Truth triumphed over deception. However when he was freed for a short time he showed his unreformed urge to deceive the nations and the vulnerability of nations to his deception. We should always remember that the spiritual battle we are a part of as Christians is for nations. No wonder Jesus commanded that we make disciples of all nations. On his release from the bottomless pit, satan deceived the nations and once more set them against Christ and the saints. As a result, he was finally thrown into the lake of fire, a place of eternal torment (20:7-10).  In the lake of fire or hell, satan will not be a king but a victim (Mathew 25:41).

b) Results of Receiving Christ. The saints choose to believe in Christ. As a result, their design and destiny is to reign with Him forever and ever. They refused the mark of the beast on their foreheads and so will have the name of God on their foreheads (22:4-5). Life is not just a right relationship with God but also reigning with Christ. Our life in Christ presently ought to reflect what it shall be in the eternal Kingdom. The twenty-four elders representing the church around God’s throne occupy thrones. During the one thousand years reign of Christ John saw many thrones for saints to rule with Christ. God is secure enough to allow other thrones in his kingdom (20:4- 6). He even calls us kings and priests. The dead in Christ will be part of the first resurrection to reign with Him. Sufficiency, peace, longevity, justice, and righteousness mark the rule of Christ now and forever.

c) Results of Rejecting Christ. The non-believers choose to reject Christ. They spurn the love of God and His hand of mercy. They will be part of the second resurrection of people that appear before the great white throne. John saw great and small standing before the throne (21:11- 15).  Record books were opened and every person was judged according to his/her works. Among the books, was one called the book of life. Anyone not found in the book of life suffered a second death of the lake of fire. The tragic fact of this judgment is that no one needs to have this destiny. Christ died for every one so no one ends up in the lake of fire.

The Water of Life

‘… I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.’ - Rev 21:6

John saw a new heaven and a new earth and God living in fellowship with His people in a New Jerusalem that excluded the disobedient (21:5, 8; 22:15). In it, those who walked in obedience to his word receive rewards, and comfort. They thirst no more for they have access to the spring of the water of life freely. This picture is the experience of believers presently (John 7:37-38).

The New Jerusalem was as a bride adorned for her husband (21:2). The city of God was a symbol of the bride of the lamb/Church (21:9-10; 19:7-9). It provides lessons about the church’s relationship with God. The city was about 2,500km square and high signifying how great the city was and how the Church is unassailably secure in God’s presence.  It was made of precious stones signifying how precious the church is to God and its sufficiency in Him. The streets were of gold. The walls were of jasper and the quantities are astounding. The gates were of pearl and named after the twelve tribes of Israel. The twelve foundations named after the twelve Apostles were of twelve kinds of precious stones as pure and clear as crystal. The twelve tribe of Israel wall sitting on a twelve Apostles foundation signifies how the Old Testament sits on a firm foundation of Christ gospel as represented by the twelve Apostles. The prophetic ministry of Old Testament finds its fulfillment and authentication in the work and life of Christ in the New Testament. The church is built on the foundation of the prophets and apostles.

 A life-giving river flows from the throne of God and the lamb (Ezekiel 47; Rev 22:1-2). The gates were not shut. All whose names were in the book of life could freely access the water of life. The glory of God and the lamb were the light. The son of God is the sun of God’s kingdom and there is no night there. The Church with Christ shines in a dark world. God is the temple in His city. In the Old Testament, man made the temple. In the Church age, the saints are the temple that carries God’s presence. In the eternal kingdom, God and the lamb is the temple. The believers will be like him and perfectly dwell in his presence.

The Tree of Life

‘Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have right to the tree of life,’-  Rev 22:14

The book of Revelation closes with life. The bible began with life in a garden and ends with life in a city. Its first book ends with life lost and the last book ends with the life restored. The first book ends with humanity fallen and the last ends with humanity elevated (Rev 21-22). The first book ends with man driven away from the tree of life. The last book ends with an invitation for man to come and eat from the tree of life (22: 14). The tree of life was on both sides of the river from the throne of God and the lamb. It produced fruit in season and its leaves healed the nations (22:1-2, 14). Come Lord Jesus (22:7, 12, 17, 20). Make your choice/take your stand (22:11). Will it be a day of celebration or despair?

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