To be Unstoppable

Unstoppable

Acts 4:12-31  

After Peter’s first preaching (Acts 2) the church enjoyed favor from all the people. Yet in Acts 4 after giving a similar testimony the Priests, Temple guards, and Sadducees threatened and jailed them. Suddenly it dawned to the Jewish authorities that what looked like mere showers was a storm. What looked like an ordinary event was a movement growing stronger everyday.

Your faith will also disturb someone. It first disturbs your natural understanding and also disturbs those around you who are opposed to the mission of Christ. The chief opponent,  Satan knows the power of your faith because he suffers from it. You are however unstoppable just as the early church. He only has as much power as you give to him. We are not ignorant of his ways. His aim is to silence you, make you settle, detour, compromise, doubt God and fail.    In all he tries to do against you (John 10:10b) one thing is certain he is a loser (Isaiah 59:19b). 

God has not made a commitment to make you trouble free. As the saying, ‘If you never meet him face to face may be you are walking in the same direction.’ Faith does not exempt the believers from trouble but it prepares them for the day of trouble (Psa 91:15). Every step of faith is tested. Faith that is not tested cannot be trusted. Every motion faces resistance. Resistance is a sign that you are moving on. The bigger the resistance, the greater the fulfillment at the end.

Despite opposition, God continued to add thousands to the number of believers. From Acts 4:12-31 we can identify three reasons why the Apostles were unstoppable in the face of opposition and continued to testify Christ.

n      They had COURAGE. v. 13. Being full of the Holy Spirit was the source of their courage and tenacity. Also they had faith in God’s word ( Phil 1:6). Many times the Bible exhorts us to be courageous and fear not. Courage is not the absence of fear but continuing despite the fear. In their trouble, they saw an opportunity to witness without compromising to a relatively small group of the highest authority in the land. They achieved a better teacher pupil ratio. They highlighted that there is no other name by which we can be saved but the name of Jesus v. 12.  

2. They had CONFIRMATION v. 14, 21-22. The healed man was standing there with them. They had evidence of God’s presence and grace, which gave them favor with many other people.   God will give you a sign to assure you and restrain your opposition.
3. They had a CONSTITUENCY v. 23-32. Their opponents saw their  courage and the confirmation but did not see their compatriots. What they failed to see was the Apostles’ most powerful resource.  They had their own people standing with them behind the scenes.  You need an Inner circle that provides moral support and serve as a  prayer base. Esther also appealed to her constituency (Esther 4:16).  From among them were potential leaders who would take up the lead in the Apostles’ absence. The church is more like a starfish than a spider. Attempts to cut off the leaders will result in many more leaders. Our mission is unstoppable.

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  

Such as I Have

Such as I Have I Give Unto You 

Act 3:1-12

This day began as an ordinary one for the well-known lame man who occupied a spot at the temple gate called beautiful. He had never walked and was carried to the begging spot that had become his work office. Without God’s help, we are like this man - helpless, desperate, pitiable, and immobilized beggars. The lesson from the healing of the lame man is that hope must never be lost. The harder and longer your problem, the more potential glory to God. Greatest miracles have taken place in times of great need. The more your situation is known the more potential glory to God.  It is likely that Peter and John had passed the lame man many times before but this time the moment of his favor had come.  They did four things.

Raised his expectation  v. 4 look at us.  The lame man did not expect a conversation - ‘please throw your coin and make way for others’ attitude. Peter was however confident to direct the man’s attention to themselves. He had confidence in the Christ they had. We have the answer in us. When the world sees Christ in us transformation takes place. Col 1:27; Mark 9:23; Eph 3:20; 1Jn 4:17  - as he is, we in this world.

Disappointed his expectation. v. 6  Silver and gold have I none.

His expectation of alms was disappointed. At this point he could have looked aside in anger wondering why they had bothered him, wasted his time and caused loss of  business. Thank God he kept eyes fastened on Peter and John.  Things may not have turned out according to your expectations BUT don’t give up on God yet.

Outperformed his expectations v. 6, 7 But Such as I have I give to you. Divine disappointment precedes divine overflow. His disappointment makes way for his offer. Look out for his ‘but’. Peter said ‘[But such as has been entrusted to me I give you]’. We are stewards or channels of God’s grace. Are you giving what you have? You have something to give. These signs shall follow believers (Mark 16:17).  We have an unlimited resource in Jesus’ name. That name is highly exalted above every other. When Peter lifted the man up (v.7) immediately he jumped to his feet, and walked.  He got far more than he hoped for, or asked for.  God’s eye is on the root problem. We often ask for relief when he wants to empower and develop us. The healing put a greater honor upon him. Lots of gold and silver would only make him a wealthy lame man. He now could work for his living and give to those in need, which is more blessed.  Will you allow God to do the diagnosis and prescription instead of spending most time describing and tutoring him about your situation and its solution?

Redirected their Attention.  v. 12 why do you stare at us. Peter and the lame men were not on the temple service program for the day. However when the man walked into the temple praising God they displaced proceedings. The healing opened  a door for witness. The miracle was unquestionable because the man was well known (Acts 3:10). Peter who earlier (v.4) directed attention to himself this time directs attention away from himself to Christ. He let them know that it was not by their experience, not by their training, not by their superior education, not by their silver and gold, not even by their holiness BUT by faith in Jesus’ name.  Believers are like lenses through which the world can see Christ. To see Christ they must look at us first but see Jesus beyond us. All glory belongs to Christ. When you see the lens, it means the lens is dirty.   

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  

Save Yourself : Peter Sermons

SAVE YOURSELF: Peter Sermons 1 and 2

Acts 2:40; 3:13-26; 4:13

It is not easy to live godly lives in times where evil abounds like has never been seen before in our relatively modest African cultures. Times where there is little respect for human life, where there are report of Grade Rs sniffing glue, human trafficking, growing abuse of drugs and sex. Peter preached that it is possible to save oneself from ungodly practices of one’s generation. Lets look at the occasion of his preaching, its message and the response to it.

I. The Occasion for Preaching

The two occasions of Peter’s preaching are different but in both they first showed something that drew attention and raised a question which they answered by sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the second incident, an unschooled duo and a lame beggar hijacked a prayer program. Peter questioned their surprise at the healing of the lame man (3:12). He proved how unschooled he was by seeing the supernatural as normal. We also need to be unschooled enough to trust God without limiting him. Our worldly schooling conditions us not to expect the supernatural. We are therefore surprised when miracles happen. The norm is for signs to follow the believers not for believers to be following signs and wonders. You are the Peter/John a begging situation is waiting for.  You don’t have to wait for all your problems to be solved before you reach out to others with Christ’s compassion. Paul had a thorn in the flesh but helped remove thorns from many.

II. The Message to Preach

1. Based on God’s Word      2:16-18, 25-28,

Peter based his preaching on the scriptures. The scriptures provided a foundation of God’s Character, Covenant and Promises. He argued that God promised through the patriarchs and  prophets, the coming and resurrection of Jesus and the out pouring of the  Holy Spirit. Fulfillment of prophecy assures us God will also keep his promises to us.

2. Jesus is Alive!!      2:24; 3:15

Jesus came according to prophecy. The Jews disowned and crucified him according to prophecy. They however killed him, the author of life. Just as it is impossible to drive light away by bringing darkness,  death could not hold him in the grave. This victory over death made anything the enemy tries against God’s children a failure. He cannot overcome people who are more than conquerors. The resurrection speaks of our victory and security in all God’s promises. Christ is risen halleluiah (2:36).

3. Save yourselves       Acts 2:38, 40; 3:19

Christ has completed his part of the work for your salvation of spirit, soul and body. He has provided for forgiveness and freedom from the power of sin. Now, it is up to you  to do your part. Peter challenged his audience by saying [save yourself from this sinful generation]. Today is the day of salvation. Salvation begins with receiving Christ as Lord and savior (salvation from penalty – Ephesians 2:8). It continues with daily growing in obeying him and becoming more and more like him (salvation from practice of sin – Philippians 2:12, 13). It will reach fullness when we leave the earth to live with Christ forever (salvation from the presence of sin – Mathew 24:13).

You can save yourself by repenting from evil and placing faith in Jesus name 2:39; 3:16   Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved 1:21.

 Practically,   wisely take whatever action is necessary for you to overcome temptation. Choose wisely the  places you go to, the movies you watch, the books you read, the company you keep, the thoughts you entertain, etc. In areas of weakness and sin remember God knows. It is time to bring it to the light. Acknowledge your sin and turn to Him and He will pardon you.

4. Enjoy Times of Refreshing    2:38, 39; 3:19-21

The result is forgiveness and power to live for God. In Acts 2, Peter says that you and all God will call, will receive the Holy Spirit. In Acts 3:9, he says you will receive times of refreshing/release until the restoration of all things.

III. The Response to Preaching

The response to preaching is not always  predicable. In Acts 2 they enjoyed favor with all people. Yet in Acts 3-4 they were jailed and faced threats. More on this in next message.

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  

He Paid it All

He Paid it All

Bringing Our Hurts to the Cross

Isaiah 53

The biggest responsibility sinful humanity faces is to prepare to meet a holy God (Acts 4:12). The earliest indication of God’s plan for human redemption in the Bible is found in Genesis 3:15.  The whole bible is about God’s plan to restore humanity to its original purpose through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. The cross was a symbol of shame and uttermost humiliation reserved for the vilest sinners but Christ disregarded its shame (Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 2:5-11).

We proclaim the Cross as:

1. A symbol of God’s love (Isa 53:4,6 – ‘stricken by God’)

God loved the world so much that he paid the highest price (Romans 8:32). God’s response to man’s fallen state satisfied both his justice and his love. The gospel is free but not cheap. Christ suffered and died in our place. It is like he died for us one by one. As if he died as many times as there are people who are alive,  have lived and will live. He died in each individual’s place. This act of grace revealed to us the high value God puts on Humanity (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16).  “a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering”  “Surely, he has borne our grief and carried our   sorrow” (Is 53:3-4).

“Life Himself was identified with death; The Light of the world was enveloped in darkness.  The Water of Life was thirsty.  The Bread of Life was hungry.”  “The divine Lawgiver was Himself unjustly outlawed.  The Holy One was identified with the unholy. 

The Lion of Judah was crucified as a lamb.  The hands that made the world were fixed by nails until they were rigid in death”--Frank Lake

‘Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all. ‘ – Hymn quote. Following Christ means sacrificing own interests for Christ’s sake. If you can not forsake all you cannot be His disciple (Mathew 10:37-38; Luke 14:27-33; Mathew 28:19-20).

2. A symbol of God’s Justice (Isaiah 53:5).  The cross is a symbol of our death to sin and life in Christ. He paid the death penalty for our sin and gave us freedom from sin and Satan’s power. (Gal 6:14; 2:20; Ephesians 2:16; Rom 6:3-4; Col 2:12-14). He paid it all. Whatever you go through, place it in God’s hands for he has already gone through it for you. You can choose to accept the provision for sin made on the cross or pay for sin personally in eternal separation from God.

3. A symbol of God’s Power (Isaiah 53:11).  The empty cross and empty tomb (Mathew 28:6) tell of our victory over the powers of evil. He would have just left Jesus alone if he knew. The process meant to destroy Christ became the demise of the devil. Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). The resurrection proclaims the power of the cross  to resurrect hope in any situation (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; 2:2). The same power that raised Christ is able to transform a sinner to a saint, death to newness of life, punishment to reward, curse to blessing, weakness to strength, and debt to surplus loneliness to new/healed relationships,. It can bring resurrection to any situation. We can not help but only rejoice and lift Him up. Jesus will lift you up as high as you lift Him. He is alive and dwells in the praises of his people.

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  

Making Godly Choices

Making Godly Choices

Romans 12:1-2

By Kurai Chitima

God has and is always speaking and guiding his people today. When God has spoken, if you do not respond in faith and obedience all hearing is wasted (Heb 11:6, James 1:1-8). Disobedience frustrates God’s purpose for speaking to you. Impatience is another obstacle (Isa 35; 1 Sam 15). Prayerful waiting will bring about Gods will (1 John 5:12-13). God always comes through in support of what he has said (Num 23:19; Jer 1:12).

This message suggests questions that can serve as a criterion for making godly choices. God’s guidance is however not a complex exercise of working out checklists. It is a natural part of a healthy relationship with Him (John 10:27). The questions fall under three main sources of God’s guidance – God’s written word, the mind of Christ and the inner leading of the Holy Spirit.

I. God’s Written Word

Most Basic Question: Is this choice in line with God’s word?  The written word in the Bible (2 Tim 3:16, John 6:63 Col 3:16-17) provides a MAP with main roads and boundaries of God’s dealing with humanity. All other means of hearing God must be within the boundaries laid down in His written word. Scripture is timeless revelation of God’s nature and will, authoritative and sufficient for all matters of faith and life.  There are many clear commands or exhortations. However many choose to live in the fringes of truth where they constantly asking ‘did God really say. (Genesis 3:4) ’. When the answer is ‘yes’, you still ask ‘did He really re-a-lly ...’ Follow both the letter and the spirit of the word (Rom 7:14; John 6:63). The written word in summary points to Jesus. In the last days, God has spoken to us by his Son (Heb 1:2). Christ is an embodiment of the things and guidance God has already provided. Things about our destiny, purpose, newness of life, forgiveness, freedom from satan and his works, fruit, daily provision, care, love, etc  we no longer have to seek God’s will about such but simply believe and enforce his will in our lives.

The written word (Map) is however silent on specific day-to-day choices – ‘what do I wear, what movie do I watch, who do I marry, etc’.  How can we know his will/hear God’s voice for such choices?  In the Bible God spoke to people in a variety of ways which are still possible today: Dramatic and audible voice (e.g. Acts 9: 4; 1 Sam 3:3-10; Ex 3:2-4).  Angels (e.g. Acts 8:26; Luk 2). Visions and dreams (e.g. Acts 9:10). He still does but more commonly, he expects us to use the GPSs below (II & III). 

II. The Mind/Wisdom of Christ

Wisdom and guidance are obtained by asking God (Jam 1:5; 1 Kings 22:5; Prov 19:21) and by nurturing your relationship with Christ so that you grow in spiritual maturity (Rom 12:1-3). We are his image bearers and grow by becoming more like him - knowing his voice, ways and will (Phil 2:5; 1 Cor 6:3; 2:14-16). God leads us in conversation of relationship not in mere consultation such as with an unrelated spiritual guru.  Some questions to prayerfully consider with a renewed mind:   1) Does the choice Glorify God the most (1 Cor 10:31)? Is it in line with the written word?  Is this the greatest opportunity to glorify God?  Does it strengthen my witness for Jesus? What biblical lessons do I have from my past? 2) Is the choice most helpful (1 Cor 6:12; Heb 12:1; Quad two). Does it build me spiritually? Does it help my calling/testimony/service? Does it help my important relationships? What options do I have? Evaluate ‘what is positive’ and ‘what is negative’ about each option (pros and cons analysis). 3) What are the consequences of the choice? Watch out for temporary gratification at the expense of long term and eternal benefit (Gen. 25:32). Does it bring me under bondage (e.g. food, behavior, relationships) or depreciate me (e.g. sin)? ‘But I will not be brought under the power of anything’ (1 Cor 6:12).  Is it in line with my godly values or spiritual/internal convictions? Decisions are value and consequences driven.    4) Does the choice not violate the deepest longing of my heart in God? Personal desires drive your motivation. God leads you to the service for which he has gifted you and the desires he has put in your heart. He is not looking for opportunities to make you unhappy. He leads to what fulfilling and you really enjoy and want to do (1 Tim 3:1; Ps 37:4).  5) How does the choice affect my brother/sister? Will it stumble fellow believers (Rom 14:15, 19; 1 Cor 8; 12-13)?  6) Is there confirmation of the choice from several sources lining up?  Be prepared to hear the Lord in multiple ways. Often the direction comes from a consensus of ways. What are people in my accountability circle saying? Is my spouse agreeable? What is my mentor or counseling community of caring informed believers/people saying (Ps 1:1; Prov 11:14)? What evidence is there in my circumstances (Num 22:28)? God can use circumstances to draw attention to what he wants to say (1 Kings 17:7). Warning- Confirmation you prescribe (Fleeces - Gen 24:12-15, Judg 6:36-38, Acts 1:26) is not a reliable way for guidance (Deut 6:16). 7) Does the choice honor civic authority? Does it comply with state law/regulations? The same applies for other authorities over your life (Rom 13:1-7; Heb13:12, 17; Mat 22:21; 1 Tim 2:1-3). You do not have to agree but should always honor.

III. The Inner Leading of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth (John 16:13). Ask: 1) What promptings, impressions, still small voice or inner leading of the Holy Spirit am I sensing in my heart (e.g. Acts 8:29; 1 Kings 19:12)?  2) Do I have peace in my heart about the choice? The inner peace is like a referee that blows a whistle when there is need for change, warning, etc (Col 3:15; Phil 4:7). It is peace from having reconciled the issue with God in your heart and there are no value conflicts.  It is also peace of conscience if you are walking in submission to God. If not, conscience can be seared and misleading (1 Tim 4:2). 3) Conviction from God’s word read or shared by God’s prophets/servants (e.g. Acts 2:37; 1 Thes 2:13). A scripture jumps up and speaks to you and your situation. Such a scripture is a rhema word (Mat 4:4; Rom 10:17). 

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  

Come Up Hither Rev 4-7

Come Up Hither

Revelation 4-7

God has guaranteed one thing, 'I will be with you'. His presence is in and among his people. He lives with us to lift us up to his highly exalted position and show us his wonderful plan. Revelation 1-3 presents Jesus in his role on earth. In Chapter four, John was elevated to a position where he was able to see Jesus as perceived in heaven. The following are lessons from his experience.

The first voice he heard – Come up

The first voice he had was a call to ‘Come up Hither’. The call brought John into the Spirit (4:2). Before he could see the things that were about to happen he needed to be in the Spirit. As in real estate management, the key to spiritual success is ‘location, location, location’. At certain levels and positions, you cannot hear certain messages from God. Sometimes you cannot see what God is showing you because of your position. God is calling you to come up to an advantageous spiritual level. You may have to ‘come up’ in righteousness, prayer, faith, quest for him or teachability. Tuning in to God is our foremost responsibility.

The first view that grabs attention in heaven - Throne

The first view that grabbed John’s attention was God’s beautiful throne (4:2-7). God was in charge and sat on the throne. Out of it proceeded lightening and thunders signifying his power. Before it, were the seven Spirits of God referring to the Holy Spirit in his completeness. When you walk in the Spirit, you have assurance God is on the throne. He is in control of the people and circumstances you face in life. He is well able. Immediately around the throne were four living creatures. Also around the throne were lesser thrones occupied by twenty elders with white robes and golden crowns. The throne was made of precious stones like jasper. God is able to provide for all your needs. He identifies with both the rich and poor but is not poor. He uses the costly to make his throne. He told Moses to use lots of gold and silver to build tabernacle. Around the throne was a rainbow that represents his covenant with humanity (Genesis 9:13, 14). Remembering that you have a covenant partner who is all sufficient, all powerful, all loving and sits on the throne, brings peace to the heart. What ever rises against you will not succeed. Whatever stands between you and your destiny will have to make way.

The first occupation he saw - Worship

Worship has a first place in heaven. The living beings he saw expressed reverence at God’s holiness. The twenty four elders would fall down in worship casting down their crowns (4:11). They acknowledged the worthiness of God to receive worship for he created everything for his pleasure.  Anything not used for the pleasure of God is in abuse. Refusing to fight the truth that you are to live for his pleasure is the key to fulfillment and fullness. 

The first matter that was dealt with - Justice

First matter dealt with in heaven was justice (Chapter 5-6). The one on the throne held a scroll with seals related to judgments due to earth. God graciously made it such that no one qualified to open the seals except one who had provided an option for salvation from the horrible judgments. In other words, before justice was done God provided an amnesty. Anyone who chose to put their trust in the lamb of God, Jesus Christ, avoided the judgments to visit earth and its inhabitants. John cried when for a moment no one was found to open the seals. But praise God someone was found. Someone was found to make sure you are spared from every work of evil on earth. He is your only source hope. The lamb of God that was slain to redeem sinful humanity was the only one found who qualified to open the seals (Isaiah 53). He brought great relief in heaven when he rose up from the midst of the throne. The living beings worshiped him for redeeming people with his blood out of every tribe, language, people and nation.  They were joined by thousands of angels and every created being (5:12-14)

Chapter 4-5 sets the background to the seven seals and Chapter seven gives more information about the seals. When the seals were opened in Chapter six, one understood why the lamb deserved much attention and praise. The judgments shake all that people put their trust in apart from God (Chapter 6).

-          Dependence on human strength and reason (seal 1). This tendency resists anything of Christ. It is an anti Christ spirit that culminates in an anti Christ world leader of a global governance system that will collapse.

-          World peace hard to achieve (seal 2). The rider of the red horse took peace away from earth.  Effort has been made for sustainable world peace. The more the effort bears fruit the more threats arise against peace. Ultimately, peace will only be found in Christ the prince of peace. In the meantime wars and rumors of war remain.

-          Economic inequalities and insufficiencies (seal 3). daily wages were just enough for daily food. Many were just managing to subsist while some lived in affluence and luxury. All these challenges pointed to the need for the return of Christ.

-          Death of people in large numbers (seal 4). The rider of the pale horse was death. All the security, medical and other measures to put off death will fail.

-          Many suffer and die for the gospel (seal 5). Souls of people killed for the gospel were comforted that judgment would come on satan but before that, more were going to die as martyrs.

-          No hiding place (seal 6).  Things got so bad that everyone sought a place to hide. Kings, the rich, strong and also the slave and freeman hid in caves and rocks. All the self-confidence was lost as they wished mountains would fall on them.  Jesus is the only hiding place Psalm 91.

-          Seven more hardships (seal 7). John saw seven angels each with a trumpet.

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  

You Make the Church Rev 1-3

You Make the Church

Revelation 1-3

The book of Revelation promises a blessing to those who read, hear and heed what it says. (Revelation 1:3; 22:7). The book reveals Christ in his glory and role to the church and to the future.  He is glorious and exalted. Chapter 1 presents an image of Christ also described by Daniel (Daniel 7:9, 10:6). He is full of wisdom, knowledge, righteousness and justice. He holds the believers in his hands as well as being present among them. 

What kind of a believer are you as you cross over to 2013? The seven churches in Revelation 2-3 represent the whole church throughout time. They present seven kinds of believers. Interestingly, God evaluated the churches as groups but rewarded individuals. Our goal as a church is to produce over comers who will receive crowns and rewards on that day. Each church regardless of its shortcomings had a promise for over comers. Jesus will always have over comers.

What you desire for your church you are responsible to make it happen. A church is as the believers in it and is becoming what the believers are becoming. If your church is imperfect, it is mirroring your imperfections. May God help you to look at where you may be wrong instead of where others are wrong?

Each church had a unique revelation of God relevant to the message He brought to it. Deeds not mere wishes and declarations evaluated the churches. God repeatedly said ‘I know your deeds’ and highlighted strengths and weaknesses.  God was saying there is a way you see yourself, a way other people see you and a way He sees you. In every church, God found something that needed to be overcome. Just as 2012 undoubtedly had its share of stuff to overcome, 2013 will have its share also. Seven kinds of believers:

1) The ‘busy for the Lord’ believer (Ephesus). God revealed himself as one in charge and present. The churches are pictured as golden lamp stands (Mathew 5:16). The Ephesians received positive comments for their hard work for Christ’s name, their perseverance, and discernment and intolerance of falsehood (2:2, 3, 6).  If you do not hate something or avoid something, you do not yet stand for anything. Despite their lots of church work, God noted that they had forsaken their first love (2:4). Their motivation had changed (Corinthians 13; Revelation 2:5). It is easy to go through the motions long after losing the emotions.  Commit to Christ afresh for 2013 (2:5). Return to the place you first became conscious of his love. You can only love him to the extend you know his love for you.

2) The afflicted and poor believer (Smyrna). God revealed himself as the first and last, and one who died and came back to life. He addressed believers whose faith was facing hostilities and were poor. He encouraged them that they were not poor but rich (2:9). They were rich in faith and favor with God (Mathew 6:33). As you go into 2013, the afflictions and shortages of the past do not have to define you. Do not be afraid of tomorrow (2:10-11). Commit afresh to remaining faithful regardless of persecution and hardships in 2013.

3) The believer in a very evil society (Pergamum). God revealed himself as the one who has the sharp double edged sword signifying judgment and power to overcome evil (Hebrew 4:12).

God reminded, ‘I know where you live’. He knows the evil in your neighborhood, your work place, and your times. Pergamum was the center of evil or the throne of satan. Satan’s throne is not in hell but on earth (2:13). In hell, he will be a victim not a ruler. They remained true but sadly tolerated some false teachings. Often Christians enter into compromised associations to be accepted (Romans 12:2). Despite the evil pressures around you, will you remain true to your faith in 2013? Commit afresh to remaining true to Christ in the face of temptations.

4) The believer who is improving (Thyatira). God revealed himself as the one with eyes as a blazing fire and feet of brass, that will judge the earth, his footstool.  You may not be where you should be but you are no longer where you used to be, and are moving in the right direction. God commended their progress of deeds, love, faith, service and perseverance. They however had wrong things they still tolerated. Like them, to sustain your progress in 2013 there is stuff you now have to deal with more decisively than in 2012. Commit afresh to holding to His truth until He comes.

5) The believer with a reputation of being alive but is dead (Sardis). There were publicly believers but private failures. God revealed himself as one who holds the Holy Spirit in fullness (Isaiah 11:2) and the bearers of good news (the believers). Is your life true to your reputation in God’s eyes? God says you have a form of religion but lack its power. He has the Holy Spirit for you to enjoy life and power. Wake up and strengthen what remains. Commit afresh to the whole gospel and the fullness of freedom in Christ in 2013. 

6) The faithful believer with little strength (Philadelphia). God revealed himself as the holy and true who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut. God said I know your deeds that you are faithful and have endured patiently even though your strength was little. Now be faithful with what you have and get ready for more. I have placed an open door before you. As you enter into 2013 remain faithful many opportunities are coming your way. You will be head hunted in 2013. Non-believers will watch you and acknowledge that God has loved you (3:9). Commit afresh to holding on to what you have

7) A compromised or falling away believer (Laodicea). God reveals himself as the amen, the faithful and true witness and the ruler of creation. He comes to people who are undecided and are not true witnesses. He says to them that they were believers in their minds only. If you are like them, contrary to what you think, you are wretched, poor, pitiful, naked and blind. You are neither cold nor hot, a condition God cannot stand. He has no positive remarks for such people save to invite them to allow Him into their lives completely (3:18-20). When you withhold a part, you keep him out knocking.  Humbly commit afresh to Christ as savior and lord in 2013.  He is either lord of all or not lord at all.

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