No Greater Evidence

The Cross: No Greater Evidence

Galatians 6:14 

What do you say about the cross? If you get it wrong on this subject you cannot get it right at all. You will be lost forever or will live a defeated/miserable life. Paul  boasted in nothing else but the cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14). Paul had countless things to boast over. He could have boasted about his national privileges as a Jew. He could have boasted about his knowledge of the law. He could have boasted about his rare ministry gifts and character. He could have boasted about his sacrifices. He could have boasted about the many churches he planted and supported. Despite having many more reasons, he stopped at the cross and could see nothing else worth boasting about. He found rest in nothing else. He placed confidence in nothing else. At the cross was his joy and delight, his comfort and peace, his hope and reward, his refuge and strength, his food and medicine, and his all in all.

God has revealed himself as a holy and just God through the human conscience.  He has revealed himself as a mighty and all able God through creation. The heavens are ceaselessly telling the glory/splendor of God. It is still unknown how big and what else is contained in the universe. New discoveries come with every new invention of better telescopic equipment. Earth, our home, is located in the Milky Way galaxy, one out of 170 billion galaxies. The Milky Way alone is 100,000light years in diameter (1ly is about 9.7trillion km). Multiply this diameter by the number of galaxies to estimate the size of the known universe. Then remember that God measures this unimaginably vast universe with the span of his hand (Isaiah 40:12). Imagine how great our God is.

God who is great and awesome has not only revealed himself through the conscience and creation. He has revealed his unfailing love for humanity through the cross. The psalmist asked ‘what is man that thou art mindful of him’ (Psalm 8:3, 4). The eternal God was crucified for humanity. He emptied himself and laid down his life. God can show his love in no better way. If there were another way, he would have employed it. Love kept him on the cross. If you cannot see it there. If this cannot convince you that God cares for you, nothing else will. He came down to identify with you and gave his life to restore all that you had lost due to sin. For you, the author of life died on the cross. He was forsaken so that you never will be forsaken. The creator of the universe had no room for his birth, no place to lay his head and was hungry so that you are fully provided for. The prince of peace suffered and wept so that you enjoy peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:6).  He was stripped of everything so that you lack nothing. Whatever he went through he did it for you so that you no longer have to go through it again. There is no better season to celebrate.

At the cross, Divinity met humanity. In the resurrection, divinity triumphed over human frailty. The resurrection of Christ is a source of sure hope (Romans 8:32). If the enemy failed to keep Christ in the grave, he cannot keep you in defeat and bondage to sin and evil works.  There is no better reason for holy living (Galatians 2:20). There is no stronger basis for unity (Ephesians 4:7). When were you last at the cross? What did you see? Jesus instructed us to visit his cross often - ‘do this in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19).

This Easter season, may God grant you a fresh revelation of the significance of the cross in your life as a believer.

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

Missing the Point

The Living Bread

John 6:35, 14-70

The days of end time revival have started but greater things are yet to come. We are entering a season of an unprecedented move of God. A time believers will no longer chase after miracles but signs and miracles will chased after them. Time to experience outstanding manifestations of God’s ability to bless his people has come. This work of God will evoke motions and emotions of excitement. Many will see opportunity for material gain, convenience and easy life as God relieves them of their burdens. There will be throngs around Jesus. The crowd of people seeking and serving Jesus will be for mixed reasons. Will God find people who can maintain the priority of a fortified foundation of faith?

Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fishes to feed over 5000 people (John 6:14f). He felt compassion for them and provided their need for food. He used the little provision of a small boy who was willing to give up his little for Jesus to feed the multitude. Twelve leftover baskets were collected. God wants to provide you with more than enough so that can have left over to be bless others with.

The crowd was so excited about the miracle that they wanted to make him king. They believed he was the one like Moses to come and deliver them from Roman rule. He was the messiah who did miracles, multiplied food like Moses who provided manna and healed their sicknesses (Deuteronomy 18:15). Jesus and the disciples withdrew from the crowd and went to the other side of the sea. The crowd however searched everywhere for him and pursued him to the other side. They sought for him, risked their lives and made sacrifices to find him (John 6:25).

Jesus challenged their motives. He said you have come because you want food not because you understand what my miracles signify. He said to them that they are looking for earthly bread that gives temporal life. He however was the living bread from heaven that gave eternal life. They wanted something material but he came to give spiritual bread (John 6:51). Unless they ate his body and drank his blood, they could not have eternal life. They missed the point – the crucified Jesus. Eating him was to abandon their selfish agenda and place all trust in him.  Instead, they turned away from Him offended. A weak relational foundation in the Lord Jesus inevitably ends in wrong response to offense. Sometimes God does not do things the way we expect. God was using the material miracles to illustrate and draw attention to the spiritual. They were so preoccupied with earthly well being, social advantage and political power that they failed where it really mattered. Thy failed the test to prove their trust.

Thank God that while the crowd deserted Jesus the disciples remained because they were following for different reasons. Peter said ‘Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’. They also did not understand. They were also tempted to give up. They too wanted Jesus to be King. They too wanted earthly influence and prestige. Nevertheless, they saw an opportunity for recommitment to following the Lord. They thought whatever happened it was better with God. Even if there was no heaven, life with Christ is still the best life. Every other ground is sinking sand. Everything else is for a short season and is hollow. Christ is the seven ‘I ams’ in the book of John. I am the bread of life (John 6:35). I am the light of the world (John 8:12). I am the door (John 10:7). I am the good shepherd (John 10:11). I am the resurrection and life (John 11:25). I am the way the truth and the life (John 14:6). I am the true vine (John 15:1).

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

No Breakthrough Until I Arose

No Breakthrough Until I Arose

Judges 5:6-7

The nation of Israel cried to God when they were oppressed by foreign nations. God would raise a deliverer to rescue them. Before long, they would turn to other gods and forsake the living God. As a result, they were taken captive again. The passage at hand (Judges 5:6-7) records a time when the children of Israel were oppressed (Judges 4:3) by Jabin king of Canaan.  They desired, cried and waited for deliverance. They were timid and afraid.  BUT it was not until Deborah a prophetess and judge over Israel arose. She highlights to us the importance of doing something to possess victory.  In her song of praise, she makes it clear that things had been bad, village life disrupted until she arose. If she had not arisen, things would have remained the same. When God’s people arise, things cannot remain the same. As long as God’s people do not arise, evil will prevail. What is it that follows your life or family line? Is it sin, witchcraft, poverty, misfortune, etc? Unless you arise in Jesus’ name to say enough is enough curses will prevail.  Time to arise for our families, our church and ourselves has come. 

What made Deborah, a woman to arise where everyone else was in hiding?  Deborah had a revelation (Greek: “lifting of the veil”) of what God had done and was doing for Israel. ‘That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.’ Revelation comes from asking (Ephesians 1:17), from a heart full of God’s word (Romans 10:17) and from prayerfulness. Effective prayer must leave behind a divine revelation. We have come out of a season of prayer and believe that this is our time to bring in the harvest. We are arising to do the work of evangelism. Everyone has a part to play. Paul said to Timothy ‘Do the work of an evangelist in season and out of season and make full proof of your Ministry’ (2 Timothy 4:5). Last week we saw the importance of sharing Christ its now time to act. The children of Israel would have never known what marvelous victory God had given them if they had not taken action.

Jabin the oppressor came against a nation with no army to talk about. He came armed with 900 chariots of iron. Some nations even tried to come to his aid. The Israelites were weakened physically, materially, and psychologically after 20 years of oppression. On their side, was God and faith in Him. God found means, readiness and faith from options that were least expected to deliver victory. He used women. Mighty man such as Barak refused to go to battle unless accompanied by Deborah (Judges 4:8, 9). The commander of Jabin’s army Sisera was killed by a woman, Jael, who used courage, milk and a tent peg to seal victory for Israel (Judges 4:18-2; 5:25, 26). Where there is faith, God will use ordinary things, people and instruments to accomplish his purpose. In her song, Deborah notes how God used the stars and the river to fight (Judges 5:20-21). Everything is at God’s disposal for use to our benefit when we arise.

Those who did not participate when Deborah arose missed a great opportunity to be a part of something big God accomplished.  The people of Issachar, Ephraim, Zebulun and Naphthali were committed to the full and put their lives at risk (Judges 5:18). Those of Gilead, Asher and Dan remained in ships and stayed at the seashore. The people of Reuben were undecided and hesitant.  They remained among campfires and the sheepfolds (Judges 5: 16). The people of Meroz out rightly refused (Judges 5:23). However, victory was accomplished by the willing. God moves with the movers. Lets all be a part of God’s army for the season.

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

Spring Up Oh Well

Spring Up Oh Well

Numbers 21:16-18

The children of Israel sang and danced in praise to God after crossing the red sea on dry ground. They had just experienced something about God. He was the great and loving Yahweh who delivers with a mighty hand. They knew something that inspired their faith. However, the faith and joy they had then was very different from the nation we see wandering in the wilderness. In the wilderness, we encounter a nation full of doubt, fear, complaining and murmuring. That is why for them to be singing, ‘Spring up oh well’ at Beer was very special and refreshing.  

Earlier God instructed Moses to lift up a brazen serpent on a wooden pole for the healing of people bitten by serpents (Numbers 21:4-9). Whoever looked received healing and life. Whoever did not look died. It separated the willing from the unwilling followers. It spoke of Christ (John 3:14-15).  Whoever believes in him shall not die. The brazen serpent refreshed divine revelation. Jesus said if you have seen me, you have seen my Father (John 14:7). Looking at the brazen altar like looking at the cross revealed a God who cares and gives life - A God who has overcome Satan and his poison of sin. The nation regained focus on God and was transformed 180 degrees from deadly complaining to faith and praise. 

At Beer, the people of Israel waited on God for water and he invited them to gather before a dry well so he would provide water for them. Instead of complaining, they trusted God and acted their faith by singing and using unusual tools, their scepters and poles, to dig the well. Often we are afraid and we murmur  because we are not patient to allow God to reveal Himself as the solution. What would have happened if in all the other times when the nation complained they had praised and acted in faith? God wants us to remember that the wonderful things he has done in the past He is faithful to do repeatedly.  

The word of God can become alive to you again. Begin to sing and act it out and miracles will happen before your eyes. Manna represented God’s word. Man shall not live on bread alone but every word that proceeds from God’s mouth. Never despise God’s word. Manna everyday – yes, but it accomplishes what you need.

God ignores threats we face, He only mentioned milk and honey and not the giants in the land (Numbers 13). The threats are nothing with our God. Maintain a faith attitude about your situations, marriage, your children, your church and future. Time has come to activate the well of your dry heart with a song of faith. Activate the wells in your life - well of your finances, the well of your health, the well of spiritual renewal and whatever you need. Look to Jesus and live. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry (Psalm 34:15).

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

Newness III: Change for a Great Reason

Innovation III: Change for a Great Reason

Genesis 12:1-3

This message is the third in a series on newness and change. As believers in Christ, you do not walk by sight but by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). When you walk with God, positive change is inevitable. The experience of Abraham has lessons.

The point/position of change is hearing God

‘Now Yahweh said to Abram’ (Genesis 12:1a). Change begins with hearing God.  What God says is more important than any other voice because God does not change (Malachi 3:6).  In the long term, all things are variable but God is eternal and his word abides forever. Change is the only constant but ultimately God is the real constant. God reserves the right to the last change. He has the last say after all changes have run their courses and cycles.  He promises to once more shake the earth and the heavens to remove things that can be shaken so that those things which are not shaken may remain (Hebrews 12:25-28). Those who obey God receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken.  Everything shall shake except God and the people in His kingdom.  They are like trees planted by streams of water that cannot be moved, as houses built on a rock that shall not be swept away. His grace will always meet the needs in the lives of His people anywhere at any time in any situation.

When God shakes things, there is no recourse except in him. The superficial euphoria goes away and real commitment remains. The mixed crowd disappears and the genuine followers remain. Those following for bread will be stumbled and those following God for who He is will remain.  The opportunists will desert you but the true friends will be there. Pillars you lean on other than God will collapse and expose their false hope.  He is always merciful, faithful, and compassionate.

The process of change is obedience.

‘Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you’ (Genesis 12:1b). Change happens as you obey what God says to you. Abraham obeyed and was counted righteous and the father of those who believe outside the Law of Moses (Rom 4:11-13).  Abraham’s obedience was not always perfect. God showed great patience with Abraham as he obeyed. He will also be patient with you. He was supposed to leave his country, which he did. He was also supposed to leave his father’s house and relatives but he instead took them with him. It took a while for him to leave his father and Lot.  He also for a considerable time settled in Haran until his father died there. Later he sought a son through Hagar (Genesis 16) instead of waiting for God’s promise. In another instance, out of fear he lied to king Abimelech that Sarah was only  his sister and not also his wife (Genesis 20:11).  Nevertheless, God dealt favorably with him because he saw that his heart was after Him. Abraham obeyed the command to leave his country (Hebrews 11:8). He trusted God for an heir even when Sarah was beyond childbearing age and was willing to offer the son in obedience to God. He also gave tithes to Melchizedec and trusted in God wholly (Genesis 14:23; 15:1). As a result, he reached the land God promised and obtained a great name and a great nation. 

The power of change is greatness

‘I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you, and make your name great’ (Genesis 12:2). The measure of significance of the change is in line with that of God’s greatness. God is thinking big about you. His dream is higher than your own. Nothing is impossible with Him. God promised Abraham his presence and ability.  The deal was obedience on Abraham’s part and God would do the rest – ‘I will show you, I will make you, I will bless you.’  When God begins to bless, the human response in the process is gratitude. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you (1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 100:4; 9:1-2; 1 Chronicle 16:34-35).

 The purpose of change is to become a blessing

‘You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you. In you will all of the families of the earth be blessed’ (Genesis 12:3).  Even when obedience to God requires change, how you handle relationships matters (Galatians 5:22-23). In the process and product of change, God’s desire is to bless you so that you become a blessing to others. The challenge of an innovator or change agent is not only to be convinced of the change but also to communicate effectively to others the benefit of the change. An innovator like a prophet can be lonely because of seeing things that others cannot see yet.

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

Newness II: Change with Integrity

Newness II: Change with Integrity

Genesis 11:31 – 12:2

When you start something new such as a new day, new relationship or new challenge you can enjoy newness of God's mercies and loving kindnesses. These unfailing mercies are also available to you as you plan your life (Lamentation 3:22-25). The difference you want to make in your life situation that has been elusive in the past could be achieved if you do something new. However, not all change is beneficial. The following are four building blocks of beneficial change.

The Necessity of Change. Abraham heard God and his station and mission in life changed (Genesis 12:1-2). You cannot stay where you are and grow and go with God. Change is will happen in your life and organization because of obeying God. If you are hearing God, something will change. Leaving something is a condition for walking with God.

Change will happen all around you whether you like it or not. If you do not change, you will soon be irrelevant. Change is necessary because of the dream you have. What stands between you and the dream of your life and vision of your enterprise is not just a chronological gap but also a transformation gap. Between now and then you have to transform to fit the dream. If you are taking life lessons to heart, you will not fail to change to bring out your best. Change is also necessary because you are searching what works best. You are disturbed when activity no longer equals productivity. Sustaining productivity and growth in a changing environment implies change on your part.

The Integrity of Change. God said to Abraham you are going to a place I will show you (Genesis 12:1). Before one embarks on change, one must acknowledge that some things do not change. Not all new ideas are good ideas. The leadership of God was a given in the change in Abraham’s life.  Before you effect change, identify the things that must remain unchanged. They serve as an anchor and campus for navigating the maze of change possibilities. When the choices are complex and the climate is foggy, you want something that does not change to turn to. God's timeless values and principles provide that orientation in life. Water remains as such even if poured into containers of varied shapes. You also should introduce change without mortifying yourself by compromising your identity.

The Creativity of Change. God told Abraham things He would do - I will make you, I will bless you and I will bless through you (Genesis 12:2-3). Creation is something God does to bring about things that do not exist into being. The Bible assertion that we bear the image of such a God, is a vivid portrayal of the power of human potential (Genesis 2:26). Particularly for His children through faith in Christ, they have the ability not just to generate creative ideas but also to translate them to real solutions.

The Sensitivity of Change.  Abraham had to deal with people like his family, father and nephew (Genesis 11:31-32). Change will affect you and those around you. The successful implementation of change often depends on the support of certain people, for example your spouse. Do something to show affected people the benefit of the change. 

Newness I: Yahweh's Counsel

Newness I: Yahweh's Counsel

‘There are many plans in a man's heart, but Yahweh's counsel will prevail.’ - Proverb 19:21 

We have access to the counsel of God because of his greatest promise - I will be with you. Even if situations change, his presence provides the grace that adapts to the new circumstances (Psalm 46). God is our strength. We must use that strength and we will accomplish what is humanly impossible.

As the year draws near, seasons have changed. A season of increased fruitfulness has started and the theme for next year is GROWING FRUITFULNESS  When Isaac re-dug the well of his fathers and faced no contest, he called it Rehoboth, saying, "For now Yahweh has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land."  We also will be so fruitfull that lots of fruit will hang low enough for many to come and enjoy (Genesis 26:22). Our appointed time has come. Fruitfulness in all areas of life is the dream for you.

Innovation is generating and implementing new ideas and solutions. Often the way out of a rut is to introduce something new in what you are doing. When you walk in the counsel of God, you will experience newness.  Begin seeking Gods counsel about how you have done this year and your future plans.  He wants to show you the way. 'God knows' is not a good excuse for ignorance about His counsel for you.  You will accomplish what you know not just what God knows. Prayerfully reflect and plan.  Set your mind on things above and set goals for self-improvement and general fruitfulness; include goals for making disciple makers.

In the digital age we live in it is no longer how much you know that matters. If anything, we suffer from information overload. There is so much information available in print and electronically that is easily accessible. What is lacking is hope, creativity and principle. The main challenges are figuring out how to navigate through the maze of information, how it affects us, and how to use it.

Because our Father is the creator of the universe, we should lead in coming up with innovative solutions to problems humanity faces. To the contrary, many have given credence to the notion that church dishes out opium that inoculates from thinking. When the Bible says be transformed by the renewing of your mind the intention was never to mean by the removal of you mind. As you prayerfully plan for your future allocate time to the generation of ideas. Include in your associates people who stretch your thinking, shake your complacency, and inspire your energy. Expose yourself to something challenging enough to bring out your creative potential.

 Solutions are often resident in the fringes not the main stream, in the exception and not the rule, with the prophetic and not the politically correct, in those different from you, and in the unpopular. Think outside the box by asking questions. Before you can provide the right answers, you must ask the right questions. Questions such as:  What is being ignored? What is not being done? What needs are not being met? What is not being done well? What does God want? What must change? What must continue and why? What new strategies must be introduced?  What would it be like if a change is introduced? What family, church and community do I want? What is standing in the way? How can I make a difference? When everyone else is discussing, problems speak solutions. Do not be found among prophets of doom and merchants of panic.