No More Contest Rev 10-11

No More Contest

Rev 10-11

A mighty angel that resembled Christ appeared to declare that the contest was over (10:1, 6). The angel was holding an open scroll. Earlier Christ received a scroll with seven seals to open them.  He now held an open one and asserted God’s authority on earth. The contest of satan against God’s purpose and people was over. The defeat of satan was being revealed without delay (10:5-6; 2 Peter 3:9). With Christ’s unique responsibility accomplished, he shared with John the responsibility to spread the good news.  John was told to eat the scroll. It was sweet in his mouth and bitter in the stomach. What God has stored for his people is sweet but the consequences of rejecting Christ are sorrowful. The gospel therefore has personal benefit, which comes with an awesome responsibility to share it with others (10:11). John was commissioned to prophesy to many people, nations, languages and kings. We also have received the gospel and have a mission to reach out to others (Romans 10:10-13).

The two witnesses in Revelation 11 apart from their prophetic value provide lessons on how God sends his witnesses.  Believers in Christ are God’s witnesses (Acts 1:8). When God sends witnesses:

He gives a message (11:3). Their message was one of repentance. They shared the message in humility and identified with the sinners by wearing sackcloth. They carried a message of God’s love warning people of the consequences of disobedience. Humility before God was their covering, warmth and comfort. They were identified by it.  They were not hiding with the message. The first prerequisite for being a witness is not to be ashamed (Rom. 1:16). When you are not hiding with the gospel, you have found your hiding place. The message was that the contest was over (Gen. 26:22). The same applies to believers today, our victory is granted even though we wrestle (Eph. 6, Jam. 4:7, 1 Cor. 10:1-3).

He gives power or supernatural abilities (v4, 6).  The two witnesses had power to stop rain, could turn water into blood, and such signs and wonders. The two were identified as the olive trees and lamp stands. A reminder of the lamp stand and olive trees in Zech. 4:1-4 where the lamp stands were filled automatically from the olive trees. When Zechariah was puzzled about what he was seeing. The explanation he got was that it was ‘not by power nor by might but by my Spirit’ that these things were accomplished (Zech. 4:6). Our work also as witnesses of God will only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit’s enablement (Acts 1:8). Is your lamp stand receiving automatic refilling from the heavenly olive tree? Your fire should never go out and your light never goes deem.

He gives protection from harm (11:5). Fire proceeded from their mouth against their enemies. Our enemy is not flesh and blood but satan and his demons (1 Cor. 10:1-2). When you confess God’s word as resistance to the enemies’ temptations and attacks you breath fire against them (Mat. 4:1-5, Jam. 4:7). As long as they walked in obedience to God and used the firepower in their mouth they were indestructible.

He gives grace to finish. The ministry of the two witnesses was to last three and half years.

God allowed them to finish their term despite the threats they faced. You also will finish your assignment. You are indestructible. You shall not die but live to declare the goodness of the Lord.

He Gives ‘Come back’ (11:7). Later a beast that appeared from the abyss/bottomless pit fought and killed the two witnesses when their assignment was completed. The king of the abyss called destroyer – abbadon in Hebrew and apollyon in Greek (9:11). The beast represents the incarnation of the anti Christ spirit. The priority mission of the satanic anti Christ spirit is to silence the witnesses of Christ. When the two witnesses were killed, the whole world celebrated and shared gifts.  Nevertheless, to show who was in charge God made the two witnesses to rise up and ascend to heaven in view of the whole world that was scurrying due to an earthquake. God gives comeback to his people. Come back as in the resurrection of Christ happens when the enemies are celebrating and brings them back to their rightful places. When you are unashamed of God, he will not put you to shame. When it seems the enemy is winning, the battle is not over yet. Wait for the next episode. Every set back is a set up. The world accused the two witnesses of tormenting the world with TRUTH. Morally, light not darkness frightens humanity most. God created light first but man loves darkness rather than light. We can do nothing against the truth, but something for the truth. Truth will rise from its own ashes.

He gives His confirmation and//reward (11:15-19). Jesus assured his disciples of his presence when they went out to win souls and make disciples. The presence of God becomes tangible in the life of believers when they praise God and when they share Christ with others (Mat. 28:18-20). The things they warned the world about happened thus confirming the ministry of the two witnesses. God backs up his word.  The seventh trumpet also termed the third woe brought the second return of Christ (Rev.11:15-19). The coming of Christ will be a wow for those in Christ and a worst of all woes for those who reject him now. Will this day be a day of celebration or despair for you? It was the worst woe because it closed the opportunity for repentance. The one who is advocate will take his place as judge.  Choose this day to follow and serve him as a faithful witness.

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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 

This is Our Time Rev 8-9

This is Our Time

Revelation 8-9; 11:15-19

The book of revelation reveals Jesus as the victorious king. It presents Him as the ruler of all and the only shield, strong tower and hiding place when storms and turmoil visit earth.  The sixth seal left people of all social and economic status seeking a place to hide but they could not find any. It was as if every direction away from Christ had, ‘Sorry, no hiding place.’ In the midst of all the terrible judgments, there was constant reminder of God’s love confirmed by the multitudes worshiping in heaven. Their praise reminded of Gods loving nature demonstrated by provision of a way to escape the judgment and his patient restrain and warnings for a long time. The book makes us appreciate the many privileges we take for granted. We ought to be grateful when the sun rises and sets as expected; we can find fresh water, smell fresh air, can get our supplies from the supermarket and can be warm when it is cold and dry when it rains.

Now is our opportunity to put trust in Christ. The six seals exposed the false security in worldly things and systems. Human reason and strength will fail. Peace making will fail. Economies will fail. Self-preservation will fail. Connections with key people will fail. Opposition to Christ will fail. If holding to anything of this world it will shake and give way.  Jesus will remain and his throne will last forever.

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides forever. - 1 John 2:15-17

You cannot blame God for the judgment that has or will come on people of the earth. Satan is the ruler of the world (John 10:10, Gen 3). God does not cause poverty, starvation, suffering, corruption, horrible crime, tragedies, abuses, wars, sickness, polluted rivers, etc. God has not called us to wrath.  From him come good things if we live in obedience to his word. He will not judge the righteous with the unrighteous. Before the world was destroyed by water, He secured Noah and his family. Before Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed, He rescued Lot. When the first-born children were destroyed by the angel of death, He protected his people by the blood applied to their doorposts (Exodus 9:18-26). When the angel of death saw the blood, it passed over them. The judgments that come on earth will pass over those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. God knows how to deliver the righteous. Devastation was held back until God’s servants were sealed (Revelation 7:1-3).

The setting for opening of the sixth seal, which contained the seven trumpets, begins with something untypical of what we have known of heaven thus far. There was silence in heaven for thirty minutes signifying the seriousness of the business to follow Revelation 8:1-5. Seven angels had trumpets and one other had a golden censer with the prayers of the saints such as ‘thy kingdom come’. The prayers together with some incense were burnt in offering to God.

The blowing of the first four trumpets destroyed natural resources, food and water supply making it hard to sustain life.

First Trumpet (8v6-7). The earth was burnt up and 1/3 of vegetation destroyed. The implication would have been destruction of food for human and animals destroyed.  A warning to those whose bellies is their god.

Second Trumpet (8v8-9). A burning mountain (possibly a giant meteorite) fell into the sea turning the sea to blood. One third of sea ships and life died.

Third Trumpet (8v10-11).   A great star crashes to earth contaminating sources of fresh water.

Fourth Trumpet. (8v12-13). A darkening of the sun. Affected supply of light to affected areas.

The last three trumpets are also called the three woes.

Fifth Trumpet resulted in strange locust like creatures from the bottomless pit that did not kill but tormented earth dwellers without God’s seal for five months. People wished they were dead.

Sixth Trumpets causes air pollution (Rev. 9:13-19).  A third of men were killed, by the fire, by the smoke, and by the brimstone.

Despite all the horrible events and absolute terror the people on earth still had a chance to turn to God in humility and ask for mercy. Instead, no one turned (8v20-21) thus justifying further judgment. Now is your time to turn to God.

When things do not go your way will your heart be sealed in God or seared against Him? Our time to respond to the grace of God and serve Him is now. Ask for a heart of flesh. How much more do you want to see before you believe God is on the throne? God has done the best for you in preparation for the worst that can ever happen. Carry the cross of life with you through life.  Do not reject now what you will desperately need down the road.

Seventh Trumpet. Final judgment on the triumphant return of Christ (Revelation 11:15-19). Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

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  

Migrating to Your Destination

Migrating to Your Destination

Act 13:4ff  ‘So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed  ….”

By Kurai Chitima

Fulfillment of purpose requires alignment, assignment and achievement.   One cannot achieve a purpose without plans, passion and action. A dream without a plan to make it happen is a daydream.  Achievement begins with a deliberate decision to practically pursue something. We have read, we have heard, we have seen great things God can do. It is time we experience it happen in and through us. Our discipleship mission is to help people realize their dreams in God. Help people be free to be themselves and release their God given potential. You can make your dream come true. You can live your dream.

> You need to be led by the Holy Spirit. From Acts 13 onwards we see how Paul was led by the Holy Spirit in his mission. In other words you need to walk close to Him.

>You need passion. Passion is the fuel for great accomplishments. Passion is a focused energy to succeed. Passion is strong desire to want to achieve or improve. A dissatisfaction with status quo that reaches out for better and greater things. A fire that drives the vision. Something that makes you wake up to read/ pray. Makes you sacrifice. Dominates your thinking. Makes you take risks. Makes you stay stretched. Woe to those who are at ease in Zion. Makes you not give up.  Makes you find time. Makes u come alive. Makes you talk about it. Makes you read about it. Makes stepping out to swim or sink better than doing nothing.

> You need to prayerfully set goals and steps to reach them. Greatest responsibility is ability to direct your aspirations and choices. Come up with the course of action that take you to your goals. Goals help you set your priorities and arrange yourself to win.

> You need boldness to take action. Bold uncommon  moves of faith activate God's power.  Without implementing your plan no progress happens.

> You need perseverance to finish. Dreams are not always popular. They face resistance from people, Satan and circumstances (Gen 37:19-20). Delays, setbacks, discouragements, being misunderstood, being mistreated, etc may come.  Dreams require faith in God (39:2-3, 21, 23. 50:20). Like with eagles opposing forces if handled well cause you to rise up. It took Joseph 13 yrs to reach his pinnacle (37:2; 41:46), David took 15yrs.  Keep your eyes on God and the outcome of obedience. The clearer the dream the stronger the driving force.

> You need other people. Other people play a part to synergize, mentor, encourage, provide opportunities, etc

> You need to evaluate progress and ensure you are on course.

PRACTICAL STEPS

1.      Pray (James 1:5). Also pray through out.

2.      Write down your goals.

3.      Write a list of what actions are required to reach your goal.

4.      Prioritize your actions by asking these questions.

·         What must I do in the first year?

·         What must I do in the first month?

·         What must I do in the first week?

·         What must I do now to get started?

Front line Calling

Frontline/Overcoming Calling: 

Antioch Church I

Acts 11:19-30

By Kurai Chitima

The passage from the book of Acts presents a development ten years after the Church was launched (Acts 2). The scattered believers were still preaching only to Jews (Acts 11:19). The church that emerged in Antioch was however different. It was a frontier pushing church with a trail blazing/cutting edge anointing that opened up new cultural and geographical territories to the gospel. It offered something new of value to the Christian experience of the day by preaching to Greeks also (11:20).  They believed God could do more for more through more. People who were unknown in Jerusalem made notable contributions in Antioch. Antioch had a population that included a great variety of races. It was a city named after a heathen king and had no historic Jewish significance yet it permanently redefined missions. God’s calling comes with the necessary anointing. This is some of what this church did.

>It preached the lord Jesus (Acts 11:20). It carried the banner of Christ. It relied on the authority of his name. It pointed people to Christ. It put Christ at the center of all it did. It exalted Christ to the highest place (Colossians 1:13-20). They preached Jesus the person (1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:2) not his people, power, teachings, ideas and experiences. Everything about him can be relevant to him but does not make him. He is more than the sum of issues and descriptions about him.  You only get the fullness of him by a relationship with him which begins when you admit your need of his forgiveness and life and believe he is the Lord and savior in your heart and confess it with your mouth (Romans 10: 8-11).

Who was this man they called Jesus.  He is the all in all. That means he is sufficiently what you best need at any given time, in any given situation and at any given place. He is God the son who was there in the beginning (John 1:1-2, 14; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 12:2).  He appeared as the fourth man to deliver the three thrown into fire by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3).  In the fullness of time he was born of Mary to live and die for our sins (Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:6,7). He did many miracles of compassion to  provide food, deliver from storms, raise from dead, forgive sins, deliver from evil spirits, etc. On the cross, he paid for it all (Isaiah 53). What he died for must be true in our lives today (Isaiah 53:11). We can call to him in faith (Psalm 28:1-3).  Every one has to call to someone - sangomas, education, experience, people connections , etc but may your choice be fixed – ‘I will call to Jesus.’ He will not let you be ashamed.

>It had the Lords hand on it and there was evidence of grace (11:21, 23, 26). Believers at the Antioch church were so Christ like that they were first called Christians here. Christ is not Jesus’ surname.  The name Jesus Christ means Jehovah our salvation (Jesus) the anointed one (Christ). It also means Messiah. The believers were thus acknowledged as 'anointed ones.'(Cf. John 7:38; 1 John 2:20, 27).  Anointing is being set aside to serve God with power and grace to do the naturally impossible, to make the difficult easy and enjoyable. That’s us. Lets believe it and live it. We have similar aggressive and persevering faith. They reached out for more of God’s revelation, the Holy Spirit, his word and prayer. Receive his promises and thank him.

>It brought the harvest in (Acts 10:21). They were outward looking and took bold action. A great number of people turned to the Lord. It was a going and growing church. It was a fruitful and expanding church.  God wants us to expect a great harvest (Isaiah 54:1-3).  Antioch church is a church that possesses the land (Deuteronomy 1:8).

Securing Your Self Worth

Securing Your Self Worth

Acts 12:25; 13:1-3

By Kurai Chitima

Life is short. Will you leave behind something better than what you inherited from the previous generation? The future is coming towards us faster than we think. To finish well you have to fulfill your purpose. Fulfillment of purpose requires alignment, assignment and achievement. The grace of God for your purpose waits for you and works in your place of assignment/appointment. You need to be faithful to your ministry specifics - matching purpose, place, position, time and associations.  Doing the right thing with the right people at the right time, in the right place for the right reasons. Nothing is as powerful as an idea whose time and place have coincided.

In Acts 13:1-3 the Holy Spirit points Paul and Barnabas to their appointment for the next season of their lives. To arrive at this clarity of direction Paul has come through a lot. He had to forget the past (Phil 3:13) - regrets about persecuting believers, bitterness because of rejection he suffered after his conversion, etc. Instead, with Barnabas’ encouragement he was busy doing something for God (Acts 11:26, 30). Now he is with prophets and others fasting and ministering to the Lord.  God then said separate Paul and Barnabas for a work/assignment I have prepared for them. God prepares a place for you, which is easiest, and then He prepares you for the place and leads you to the place. Paul and Barnabas were commissioned to a God ordained role. 

Faithfulness in your place and season of appointment will bear fruit. If not immediately, it will eventually. We believe God has appointed us to Faith Ministries Johannesburg FLC. We will be faithful and see his great power. God’s grace, provision, favor and presence are stored up for you in your divinely ordained sphere.

In the world, a person’s worth is closely tied to his/her assignment. One’s performance in the assignment determines meaning, self worth and significance. Self worth is the feeling or perception you have about yourself. You are constantly evaluating yourself based on information such as what you have been through - past disappointments, relational failures, abuses, rejections, comparisons with our peers, academic degrees, profession, bank balance, etc. Often a wrong standard is used. The right evaluation standard is God’s word. What you say to yourself about yourself is more powerful/deadly than what others say about you. Others believe your view and treat you accordingly. Assignments and performance can change making one’s worth to fluctuate.  That is why the older or incapacitated one is the more miserable they become.

In Christ, however your assignment does not define your worth. You have intrinsic value. Your worth is secured/anchored in Christ. It is not so much what you do but who you are and who asked you to do it.  

> The Father chose you (Eph 1:4). He did so well in his infinite wisdom and grace. He wanted you to be like him.

> The Son paid the penalty for your sins (John 3:16). You are worth the life of God’s Son. You are more precious than anything else is in this world.

> The Holy Spirit resides in you (Eph 3:20).  Even if you had no worth, his presence in you gives you eternal worth. 

The Hazard of Misaligned Purpose

The Hazard of Misaligned Purpose

Acts 12:20-24

 By Kurai Chitima

Year-end is fast approaching. Everyone is looking forward to a deserved break from the usual work schedules. This time of the year is an opportunity to do a ‘time out’ review. We all desire for a more complete fulfilling life and service. We long for more of his power and evidence of his presence. How are things progressing? Three fundamental questions to human life are who am I (identity), why am I here (purpose), and where am I going (destiny). Life is devoid of meaning if these questions go unanswered.  Identity sets basic boundaries within which purpose lies. Destiny is the ultimate dream. It is a preferred mental end picture of what success in your life looks like. It is what you are striving to become.

Purpose is the reason for existence. It is your mission on earth. Following your purpose takes you to your destiny. Your purpose in God guides your values, choices and actions (Proverbs 29:18) and addresses a need or solves a problem (Ephesians 2:10). God has a purpose in having you on earth (Genesis 1:28; Ecclesiastes 12:3; Isaiah 43:7; Jeremiah 29:11; Luke 4:18/John 20:21, Matthew 28:18-20, etc). How much does your life purpose align with that of God? How much does your dream align with His? (For Paul -Acts 20:24).  Your purpose ought to be in alignment to ensure maximum focused and effective flow of God’s grace through your life. That means having your purpose and God’s in a straight line such as with plumbing pipes. Supporting each other, pulling in one direction, on same side about issues with nothing positioned across in obstruction to flow.  Misalignment has consequences.

Misalignment resists God’s will/ways. Herod resisted God’s way (Acts 12:20). He was opposed to the gospel. He disregarded God’s values and priorities. He had a purpose opposed or misaligned with that of God. Yours may not be misaligned to the same degree but the effect of misalignment is in the same direction as that of Herod.

Misalignment misdirects God’s glory. Herod picked up a quarrel with Tyre and Sidon. When they sought peace they praised his speech and called him a god (Acts 12:22). Herod took the glory to himself instead of relaying it to God. The spirit that resists God and the gospel also seeks to displace Him.

Misalignment results in a lost dream. It is terribly painful when a life dream does not come true. Time, effort and resources are irretrievably wasted. Herod failed despite having power, position/status and money. He failed in his drive to persecute and destroy the Church.  He died a humiliating and strange death (Acts 12:23). Instead of his body being eaten by worms after death, worms caused his death. He died but the gospel he sought to kill ‘continued to increase’ (Acts 12:24). God’s word is eternal and when you hide it in you, you become eternal. Nothing can win against what God ordains.  God’s will and purpose will always prevail (Proverbs 19:21). Anything that comes between you and God is an idol. God targets it as an enemy. Eventually you lose it because God loves you.

As you transition to 2012 first remind yourself of God’s purpose to put everything else into its rightful perspective. Recommit to God’s person, purpose and people. Reignite passion for God first (Psalm 37:4). What is displacing God from first place in your life? Are there competing passions? What is competing with God for your time, thoughts, and giving? What do you depend on, consult, run to, that is not God? (Mathew 6:33). 

Chosen Vessels

God’s Chosen Vessels

Acts 9:19- 31

By Kurai Chitima

Countless examples make clear that God calls and uses inadequate/imperfect people. Why does God choose imperfect people like Saul of Tarsus? He does so because that is all he has available. He does not choose the perfect but perfects the chosen. He chooses based on his love, faithfulness and purpose. Based on the nature and merit of the chooser not that of the chosen (2 Corinthians 12:9, Deuteronomy 7:7, Ephesians 2:8, 9, Hebrew 4:16, John 15:16, Galatians 1:15). This is why many were puzzled at the choice of Saul (Acts 9:13, 14, 21). Apart from the grace of God, none of us would qualify.  By mercy, God withholds what we deserve. By grace, he gives us what we do not deserve. The entire work of God to humanity is of grace. Faith is the means by which humanity receives God’s grace. The grace of God is unmerited favor. It is getting what you do not deserve. It is God’s enablement. It is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense.  Christ paid in full for all your past, present and future.  When God asks you to do something, you have been highly favored. The call comes with grace that matches the task.

Grace for the wrongs done.        Helps you to start well.

Paul became a fruitful servant of God because God forgave his past wrongs. His past was gone and he was a brand new person (2 Corinthians 5:17, 7:2; 1 John 1:9).    He could say I am no longer the person you knew who persecuted the church. Be honest to God about your sins/weaknesses/shortcomings. Your past wrongs if you turn away from them do not disqualify you from obeying him in what he wants you to do. The grace was however given not for you to continue sinning but to enable you to stop sinning (John 8:11; Romans 6:1, 11).  Receive forgiveness by faith and start doing what God wants (Acts 9:20, 22).

Grace for the work            Helps you to run your course well.

God’s work is an outflow of his grace in the life of his servants. Your call is to be an ambassador of Christ. God’s call comes with assurance of his presence ‘I will be with you’ (Exodus 4:12, Jeremiah 1:8, Judges 6:16, 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29).   In other words, God’s promise is - I will be your ability and all that you need. All that God is and has is at your disposal. We are well able to do God’s will in our homes, jobs, businesses, studies, etc (Numbers 13:30).

Grace for the valleys/wilderness.            Helps you to finish well.

By God’s grace, we can accomplish and complete all that God wants us to do. Every act of obedience has a promise but it also faces a valley before the promise. When you obey God’s call you will face challenges, set backs, trials, delays, threats, times of ‘lost signal’ and temptation to give up. Hold on to your confession of faith (Hebrew 10:23). Remember the hope of your calling (Ephesians 1:18). Ability to hold on to one’s faith as individuals and as a young church in Johannesburg in face of hopelessness and resistance determines whether one finishes well or at all. Paul despite suspicions and life threats he grew stronger in preaching Christ (Acts 9:21, 23, 26, 29; 2 Corinthians 4:8). God was with him to provide the support he needed (Acts 9:25, 27, 30). He was helped to escape through an opening on the city walls in a basket. Excitement of getting started has to give way to the faith and discipline of the process to achieving God’s call. Are you becoming weary of well doing? Be encouraged by Paul’s example (2 Timothy 4:7, 8). Move on with trust and focus on God and his promise will see you through. Do not doubt in darkness what you saw in the light.