Search

Citrusdal | Clanwilliam | Graafwater | Kompas Gemeente Vredendal | Somerset-Wes

Author: Admin

Categories
Sermons

More than Conquerors

Meer as oorwinnaars – Afrikaans
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/7216714-meer-as-oorwinnaars.mp3?blob_id=31253581&download=true

If you ever wanted proof and physical evidence of the truth, examine the outcome of people living the truth in most trying times throughout history.  “Those of the way”, the first followers of Christ lived a certain kind of life, valued certain things, abstained from the things of the world, and organized themselves in a way that sustained them through the darkest of times of human history. 

Like the Jews, Christians is the most persecuted religion in the world, at various times close to extinction, [1] yet the true church remnant survived. The Hebrew writer speaks about a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Now this phrase “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old order, so only what is unshakeable will remain. Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. For our God is a holy, devouring fire! (Heb 12:27-29). COVID 19, and the threat of even more severe viruses to come has magnified the unsustainable weak spots of materialistic humanistic naturalistic modernity, providing an excellent opportunity for the church to REBUILD the WASTE places. (Isa 58:12) Constructing a benevolent EDEN-Like society, with living stones of the Kingly nobility of the righteous! 

Consider for a moment that the first believers of the NT church were mainly a persecuted church, first by the Jewish religious establishment and then also the secular humanistic Roman government. Martyrdom was part of daily life during the first decades of the early Christ-following community. Persecution is part of being a follower of Christ. (Mat 10:24; Luk 21:12-16; John 16:1-4; 15:20) Paul was witness himself of Stephen’s martyrdom, and later we read of Herod beheading James, John’s brother.  (Acts 12:2) Later the converted apostle Paul vividly describes his own suffering.  poorly clothed, beaten, and homeless… imprisonments often… five times I received forty stripes minus one…Three times I was beaten with rods… once I was stoned… three times I was shipwrecked.  (Rom 8:35; 1 Cor 4:10-13a; 2 Cor 4:8-9; 6:4b-5, 8-10; 11:23b-29; 12:10; Phil 4:12). Most of the jewish believers, were disowned from their inheritance, family and means of income as they liberalised themselves from the yoke of Jewish laws and prescriptions.

To maintain one’s course, and purpose of preaching and living the message of the Kingdom under such violent threat with no personal gain, substantiate the meaningfulness of the content of the message.  

The core ideals of the message of the Kingdom are to practice the ‘gospel of love and charity’ which included almsgiving and care for widows, orphans, slaves, travellers, the sick, the imprisoned and the poor under the threat of persecution, and even towards their persecutors!  “If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also (Luke 6:29); do not resist an evil person (Matt. 5:39); blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness (Matt. 5:10); if they persecuted me, they will persecute you also (John 15:20).” Paul and the other New Testament authors sustained and developed the theme that followers of Christ were to suffer, not fight, for their Lord. A believer’s weapons are spiritual, not composed of iron or bronze. (Eph. 6:13).

It should however be noted than in a relatively short period of 50-60 years covered in the NT, the church did not only survive, but thrived during these difficult times.  Pro-Christian historians emphasized the random persecution of some of the Roman emperors, but the fact is: decades often passed between assaults on Christian groups and, while it’s true that several emperors did, in fact, go after Christians per se, most weren’t persecuting them for their religion but their wealth. 

Paul himself was certainly not a poor beggar-type preacher: Travel by ship, with companions, moving offerings by cart over long distances to the various churches, and personal scribes cost a lot of money in those days. Paul must have come from a wealthy family being offered the privilege to be trained under the prestigious teacher Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Paul a recipient of legal roman citizenship, and appointed Pharisaical privileges made him used to power and status.  Paul also owned a tent-making enterprise, a lucrative specialized industry in biblical times. Because inns were filthy or nonexistent, tents were luxury items for wealthy travelers and, more importantly, they were standard equipment for Roman legions, especially during the winter. Paul was held in special custody by Felix and Festus in Caesarea for a lengthy period of time (Acts 24:27). It seems unlikely that these governors would have accommodated Paul as a “house- guest” for such a long time, even if under house arrest, if he had not been a man of great influence and social stature.[2]  Felix “had hopes of a bribe from Paul; and for this reason sent for him often and talked with him” (Acts 24:26). 

The immanent new JESUS counter-culture movement held high moral values, and ethics, particularly when it came to money. The Didache, or “The Teaching of the Twelve,” dates back to the second century revealing a practical hard-hitting ethical code of protocol regarding money.  

Do not be one who holds his hand out to take, but shuts it when it comes to giving. If your labor has brought you earnings, pay a ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give and do not give with a bad grace, for you will discover who He is that pays you back a reward with a good grace. Do not turn your back on the needy, but share everything with your brother and call nothing your own. For if you have what is eternal in common, how much more should you have what is transient!… Now about the apostles and prophets: Act in line with the gospel precept. Welcome every apostle on arriving, as if he were the Lord. But he must not stay beyond one day. In case of necessity, however, the next day too. If he stays three days, he is a false prophet. On departing, an apostle must not accept anything save sufficient food to carry him till his next lodging. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet.…[3]

Give this Jesus-culture room and time to mature over 40 years and you will see immanent economic wealth of family-centered enterprises, self-sustainable communities, their intrinsic philanthropic benevolent actions towards the most marginalized making them the most-loved and revered businesses in society.  

Like the creation story the genesis of the church started with divine provision to sustain it.  

  • The first Church in Jerusalem “No one Lacked” (Acts 4:34) 
  • Bearing the fruits of righteousness and the fruit of the spirit, are the most basic attributes for any business enterprise and improved employment.  Wesley noted that in the old days of Methodism, the people were poor. But, he observed, in the 20, 30, or 40 years since they joined the society, many Methodists had become 20, 30, or even 100 times richer than they were at first. With this increase in wealth had come a decrease in godliness. It seemed to him the more money the Methodists had, the less they loved the Lord.[4]
  • Speaking to the rich (1 Tim 6:17; James 5:1-6) means there were wealthy people too, who came to the faith.
    • Zacchaeus the tax collector (Luke 19:110)
    • Cornelius the Centurion (Acts 10:1-48)
    • Roman centurion who believed. (Matt. 8:5-13; Luke 7:5)
    • Erastus, a major benefactor of public works in Corinth (Romans 16:23) 
    • The Ethiopian Treasurer (Acts 8:26-40) 
    • Lydia (Acts 16:13-15, 40)
    • Ananias & Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11)
    • Joseph, called Barnabas (Acts 4:36-37)

It is henceforth evident that living the message of the Kingdom and following the Kingdom-eternal pursuits and lifestyle does eventually benefit the user “all these things shall be added to you” as promised by Jesus when we seek first His righteousness and Kingdom.  It is thus the purpose of this study to rediscover the unshakable Kingdom practices for the best way to do live.  

Preach this kingdom message to the Poor

Jesus pertinent answer to John’s disciples to validate His ministry has special significance because of this one line: “the poor hear the gospel of the Kingdom preached to them.” (Mat 11:4) It is also at the core of His messianic mandate: “anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor” (Luk 4:18) Jesus did feed the multitude, but he did not start a feeding program, a housing project, or a school or ECD centre. His gift to the poor was a message! Everyone who adheres to this message and follow Him and His instructions get to all take care of the poor, the poor too!  Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need  (Eph 4:28) 

What makes this message so special, that it would really help the poor? Poverty alleviation is a very complicated pursuit, with no easy solutions. 

First, let us discover what is poverty from a biblical perspective? 

Former Zimbabwean Farmer Boet Pretorius, explained that one-sides human-aid from the rich amplifies god complexes and strengthens inferiority complexes if not done from a Biblical world-view perspective. “Who are the poor?” 

  • Poor relationship with God –Poverty of Intimacy
  • Poor relationship with myself- Poverty of Being
  • Poor relationship with family – Poverty of Trust
  • Poor relationship with community- Poverty of Security
  • Poor relationship with Creation- Poverty of Stewardship 

From the biblical perspective all mankind is considered poor, and in need of healthy relationships. Therefor the gospel is for all of mankind. The economically rich may default on all 5 these relationships measured against a biblical definition of poverty. 

One of Jordan Peterson’s “Rules for Life as an antidote to Chaos” see society as a fundamentally hierarchical structure. 

The top 1% have as much loot as the bottom 50% — and where the richest eighty-five people have as much as the bottom three and a half billion. That same brutal principle of unequal distribution applies outside the financial domain—indeed, anywhere that creative production is required. The majority of scientific papers are published by a very small group of scientists. A tiny proportion of musicians produces almost all the recorded commercial music. Just a handful of authors sell all the books. A million and a half separately titled books. 

This phenomenon is well summarized by Jesus in the parable of the talents. For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. (Mat 25:29) Life is thus a lifelong struggle to assemble enough skills, knowledge, resources, victories, accomplishments, appearance, wealth, status to secure a safe and peaceful future for you and your offspring. Many unfortunately desperately fail! 

Lobsters, one of the oldest species to survive, have a similar battle to secure themselves the best safe location, food, and mating partners. The lobster who achieve a victory gets a good dose of serotonin that makes them change their posture, they become confident, and begin to make bigger bolder movements, a bit cocky, which off course helps them to win the next victory.  The ones who have lost, withdraw, becomes timid, scrunched up, inhibited, drooping, skulking sort of lobster. We see the same reaction in human beings.  Poor people typically talk in terms of shame, inferiority, powerlessness, humiliation, fear, hopelessness, depression, social isolation, and voicelessness.  But it is not only the economically poor who are inhibited: Divorce, unemployment, business venture failure, terminal sickness, and many other life’s struggles makes one feel hopelessly discouraged and depressed.  Life in reality is complicated, hard and increasingly difficult.  

So, what is the message of the Kingdom, and how is it going to help all of us who suffer from the spiritual, emotional, physical, social, financial, vocational, intellectual poverty??? 

The Good news of the Message of the Kingdom is: 

God gives no-bodies, average people, the least, the fools, the poor, the fisherman Royal Status to become God’s own children! “For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luk 7:28) Sinners, lepers, tax-collectors, feeble and sick people get invited and translated from an earthly temporary existence to an eternal, immortal, holy habitation! 

The whole NT is full of the language of royalty discribing God’s people: the Elect, chosen, 

Chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people (1 Pet 2:9) 

Reign in life (Rom 5:17) 

Saints (Rom 1:7) 

Seated with Christ (Eph 2:6) 

His workmanship (Eph 2:10) 

All Authority (Eph 1:22-23) 

By the GREAT ATONEMENT of Christ He has provided for us an eternal, perfect, position, and status – THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST! (Mat 6:33; Rom 14:17; Rom 5:17; 2 Cor 5:21) It is to this really that Paul prays “may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened” to the calling, inheritance and power we collectively have in Christ!! So very few people in Christ, really see this spiritual reality.  

This royal inheritance and status is not to be achieved, or earned. It is given by birth, being born-again by the Spirit. (John 3:5; 1Pet 1:23) Like born royals we have to learn to act accordingly, the law being our tutor. (Gal 3:24)

To have this wonderful new identity, status, position, inheritance, power, and glory one must off-course DIE, surrender, abandon, all SELF. (Mat 16:14; Rom 6:11; Gal 2:20) So that the CONFIDENCE He gives be not in any of OUR own fleshly performances and accomplishments! This new life in Christ is a GIFT, a GRACE, a divine enablement of which we became partakers! (John 1:12; 2Pet 1:3-4)

Now this is all great to write on paper; but remember the saints of the New Testament had no wealth, power, knowledge, prestige to boast about. “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Cor 1:26) that no flesh should glory in His presence.(v29). But most importantly, the followers of the way received a new sound mind (1 Cor 2.16; 2 Tim 1:7) A completely new way of seeing oneself. 

It is with this new IMAGE in mind that Paul writes: 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

According to Henry Cloud, Daniel Siegel professor at UCLA a leading Neurobiologist summarise the triangle of well-being as Physical makeup, Mental health and Relational well-being. [5] Most people will certainly agree that feeling fit and healthy, having a sound productive mind, and some wholesome friends whom are authentic, stimulating us to be the best version of ourselves is a good summery of ‘that-is-life’. Off-course one needs to develop and find a meaningful vocation that earns not only a pay-check but enables us to make a meaningful contribution to mankind. We are emotional beings that needs to express our emotions in a healthy way to energize us to be the best we can be. Knowing oneself, (identity) and making peace with ‘being’ grounds you, but also positions you to take responsibility for your own life, and face life’s obstacles. Finally we all live somewhere in a location, where using all the available natural resources responsibly as good stewards to improve the spacial environment makes one feel good, and others too! 

HOWEVER!!! What to do when like Job, you lose all your possessions, wealth, health, status and family in one moment?   

This is the CORE of the Kingdom Message: Without a spiritual connection of oneness with God our Creator made possible in a personal intimate relationship with Jesus His only begotten Son who gives us inner peace and joy one’s life is empty, and one remains poor!! 

The gift of the RIGHTEOUSNESS of Christ, is the pearl of great price, (Mat 13:46) the hidden treasure in a field (Mat 13:44) as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. (2 Cor 6:9-10) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil 4:11-13) When one spends time with economically poor mature believers, these verses come alive in faces and stories of people living a supernatural, simple existence of being rich in their knowledge of God, selfless ego, interdependent family and community life without any of the modernities the western world hold dear.   Even in the midst of severe persecution, these believers act with noble royal resolve and inward dignity. 

From this new MIND, awakened to the inner reality of Christ within, God gives us a list of Kingdom activities and actions to do, that incarnate Christ in the flesh through His body of believers! These activities makes the invisible unshakable kingdom and reign of God visible, in specific locations all over the earth. Here is a short list, of kingdom practice and realities.   

Strengthened in the Inner man (Eph 3:16) 

Rooted and grounded in His love (Eph 3:17) 

Receive the power to change and be transformed from our sinful, evil nature. (Rom 1:16)

Continuously being filled with the Spirit Eph 5:18; Col 3:16 and resulting spontaneous expressions of worship.

The gifts of the Spirit. (1 Cor 12-14) 

The Fruit of the Spirit and righteousness in Christ (Gal 5:21-22)

According to the natural hierarchal pecking order of man sharing and giving is reserved for the rich and powerful, now the POOR become the givers, sharing their all, and loving the unloved and underserving! (Acts 4:34-35) 

Servanthood is no longer a curse, but the Dignity of a king, who helps and support his fellow-human-being on their way.  

The power to overcome the battles of people’s destructive hierarchal pecking order gymnastics with the opposite spirit! (1 Pet 2:15)  

The most amazing revelation is to understand how all these activities, releases a natural doses of serotonin to the practitioner. Makes you feel good! These activities becomes like wins under the belt, like the lobster who has been victorious. Triumphs in life makes one feel good, and help you gain confidence, but it is not lasting. Even the best winners, may feel very insecure and threatened by the upcoming competitors.  Our confidence is never based on our achievements, it is the humble knowing that it was Christ who strengthened me to give, to love, to believe, to heal, to go, to speak.  We are dead, and have been crucified with Christ, the life we now live is received by faith on a daily basis, so that no flesh can boast. It is this holy divine presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit that keeps us, and sustains us.  

Followers of the new and living WAY of Christ, thus have an eternal unchangeable reason to pull our shoulders back, stand up straight and confidently do what He commands us to do, in the midst of trials, tribulations, troubles, tribulation, and temptations! Now, is this not good news to the poor? 

[1] https://www.huffpost.com/entry/christianity-most-persecuted-religion_b_2402644

[2] Chapter 21: How Rich Was Paul? John W. Welch

[3] “The Gallery—Church Fathers and Their Thoughts on Wealth,” Christian History Magazine-Issue 14: Money in Christian History: Part I (1987)

[4] Charles Edward White, “Four Lessons on Money,” Christian History Magazine-Issue 19: Money in Christian History: Part II (1988)

[5] Pocket guide to interpersonal Neurobiology, an integrative handbook of the mind as quoted by Dr Henry Cloud, The power of other. 

Peterson, J., Ingendaay, M. and Müller, M., n.d. 12 Rules For Life.

Cloud, D., 2016. Power Of The Other. Harpercollins.

Categories
Sermons

The Governmental Church in the Locality

The Ephesus Model

Background: 

Paul planted the Church in Ephesus during a stop-over leaving Corinth to travel to Jerusalem in 53 AD.  He visited the synagogue in the city, and left Priscilla and Aquila, dedicated elders and custodians to the truth.  (Acts 18:18-22) 

On his return from Jerusalem, Paul travels to Ephesus and establishes there his longest ministry in any one location. Paul’s first works was to relay apostolic foundation re-baptise twelve disciples in the name of Jesus, and pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. (Acts 19:8–10) Then he established the first NT Bible Training Centre first in Jewish Synagogue“arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God” then for 2 years daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus” with both Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 19:8–10) From the scriptures in Acts, Ephesians and finally in revelation captures almost 44 years of local church history in Ephesus. 52 AD – 96AD sadly by 200AD the church died out. The point is that although there is no longer a city of Ephesus, the church in Ephesus used to be the strongest church in Asia Minor, and now there are hardly even any Christians to be found in all of Asia Minor, let alone a church of any strength or size. Turkey is 99.8% Muslim, leaving only .2% as Christian. And even this .2% is in rapid decline. Turkey, although it used to be a fortification of Christianity, is now the largest unreached nation in the world and one of the strongest propagator’s of Islam. Most of the nation’s 55 million Muslim’s have never even heard the gospel. [1]

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” 

A deeper study of these two key words in the Great Commission is: 

“Teach/Disciple” Mathēteúō means not only to learn, but to become attached to one’s teacher and to become his follower in doctrine and conduct of life. 

Nations: éthnos; A multitude, people, race, belonging and living together. We have a mandate to disciple the local Ethos! Because of globalisation, the separate boundaries of nations, and ethnic groups has become vague, schools, the work place, shopping centres and public spaces do not belong to a specific nationality anymore. Ethos : Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs thebeliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period:

We are not only leaders of the church, but also of the city. 

The Book is written to: “To the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus” [2] not to an individual, and possibly the most well taught church that ever existed.  The letter/thesis was thus written to all the people of the way, believers in Jesus Christ in the Locality/city of Ephesus.  I believe God is calling us to be shepherds to whole communities of people in a location. 

Restoring the reign of God like Eden in every Location. 

In the Genesis Story we find a description of Eden as a lush garden with four rivers (Gen 2:10–14). Eden was also a mountain (Ezek 28:13–14), the administrative “seat of the gods” (Ezek 28:2), situated in “the heart of the seas” (Ezek 28:2), a description that reiterated the well-watered imagery of the divine council headquarters. [3]  What makes God’s earthly home/kingdom different from ancient comparative narratives, the biblical version of the divine council at the divine abode includes a human presence.[4]

God wants humanity to share His rule and governance over the earth.  

Not all the world was Eden.[5] And Yahweh God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. (Gen 2:8) The garden was perfect in balance harmony and order, yet the rest of the earth was waiting to be subdued. 

The distinction helps us see that the original task of humanity was to make the entire Earth like Eden.[6] Eden is where the idea of the kingdom of God begins. And it’s no coincidence that the Bible ends with the vision of a new Edenic Earth (Rev 21–22).[7] The Bible begins in a garden, ends in a garden city, and the in-between is full of stories of God’s encounter with humans in vineyards, orchards, gardens, mountains, fields, and forests. Take out the gardens (Eden, Gethsemane) and the mounts (Sinai, Hermon, Ararat, Nebo, Carmel, Olives, Zion), and you’ve cut the heart out of the Scriptures.[8]  

And for the purpose of the study: Ephesus was an example of precisely just that: To him who overcomes I will give ito eat from jthe tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’[9]

How do we exercise authority? 

The first work man ever did was naming the animals. (Gen 2:19-20) God made Adam to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. (Gen 1:28) How did he subdue it? By shouting at the animals? How did he rule over it? By giving them names. You control that what you can give a name. If you give time a name you will rule over it. If you give money a name, you will rule over it.  

Good governance begins with good administration.  You rule over that what you control or administrate. The measure of your administration equals the measure of your authority.  God is order. When we get saved, He brings order in our lives. When God’s spirit hovered over the earth, the earth was without form (order) and void. When God created all living things, He created order. His order. There are always two orders: The order of man and the Order of the Spirit. 

When the order of the Spirit was followed anointing flowed.  Temple in order – Shekinah. Lev 1:7,8,12 Bringing order in your life, creates flow and currency to your anointing. It flows easier, less obstructions and distractions.  It focusses the anointing on one thing.  They had to pack the wood in a certain order to receive the fire. Order in Levites, Priests, Offerings Num 10:28 Do (divine) measurements really matter?

  1. Noah Obtained God’s Grace when he Applied God’s Measurements, Gen. 6:8.
  2. Israel Obtained God’s Presence by Building Tabernacle as Directed, Exo. 25:8; 29:44-46; 40:34-35.
  3. Israel’s Sacrifices Were Acceptable to God from Solomon’s Temple,  2 Chron 7:12, 16.
  4. The Holiness of God’s People is Accomplished/Protected/Maintained When His Measurements are Applied, Ezek. 42:20; 43:10-12.

A New Order

Christ is our perfect pattern, measure, topos, logos, blueprint, design. 

“the knowledge of the Son of God” (Eph 4:13) 

1922. ἐπίγνωσις epígnōsis; gen. epignṓseōs, fem. noun from epiginṓskō (G1921), to recognize. It is more intens. than gnṓsis (G1108), knowledge, because it expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. 

IN other words: The ultimate goal of discipleship is to get people to internalize the truth of Jesus Christ, so that they naturally have an inner ear or modulator to remain focussed on Him. (Heb 12:1) We can fulfil the social gospel, building needed schools and creches, but if we do not teach people to become followers of Christ we have failed our mission.  We are in this mess, because of people’s ignorance of Jesus, and the church in a big way misrepresenting Jesus.  

Ekklesia by its original definition a governmental assembly to implement the pattern, logos, measurement, doctrine, values, structures, and practises of the reigning kingdom into the old nation. The OT temple was located in one place Jerusalem, enclosed garden, temple city. This model get’s replicated to everywhere where believers dwell.  

God’s purpose for Creation 

Ephesians 1:9-10: “making known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he purposed in him unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him” (ASV)

God’s purpose for Church

 “so that now to the rulers and powers in the heavenlies might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”(3:10, NKJV) Governmental position to declare the reigning Kingdom’s values to the captive state.  A new form of community. Whether one talks about economics, public safety, healthcare, or personal achievement one study after the other proofs the best way to do life is through healthy community.  Community policing, community micro-finance banking, home-base-care, and the community that supported and help someone to achieve their olympian dream. There is also the dark side; cults, gangs, dead religion, structural sin where a culture embrace for instance a sinful belief system that devaluate, dehumanise people like racism, feminism, slavery, entitlement. 

The Ruling Kingdom has already taken its position

Chapter 1:1-23 – 2:10 deals with the Victory that has been won in Christ: 

He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. (Eph 1:22-23)

even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (Eph 2:5-6) 

we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph 2:10) 

Jesus told the disciples: And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give (Mat 10:7) 

The sad truth is how few believers and followers of the way of Christ, walk in this victory, as ambassadors, statesman, a holy priesthood, mediators, reconcilers, peace-makers, miracle workers, disciple-makers, of the most high God!! We are officials of the reigning Kingdom!

Demonstration of our Proclamation

Spiritual play-off 

Evident Supernatural, healing, signs and wonders (Acts 19:11-12) Jesus’ ministry can be summarized with two words: Preaching & Demonstrating. Mat 4:23-25; Mar 1:35-39; Luk 4:40-44  Scriptures on the preaching, teaching focus: (Matt 4:17, 23; 9:35; 11:5; Mark 6:34; Luk 4:43; 8:1; 9:11) Healing, driving out Demons, sign &wonders. (Matt 4:23) Miracles are part of the gospel proclamation, demonstrating that the kingdom of God has come. (Mt 9:35; Lk 9:6; 11:20) In fact, Jesus used His authority over demons as a sign that He had brought the kingdom of God near (see Matt. 12:28; Luke 11:20). Furthermore, He gave to His followers authority over evil spirits. See Luke 10:19; 2 Cor. 10:3; Eph. 6:12. His discipled was send to go do the same. Mat 10:7-8. The NT church is commanded to follow the same example: 1Co 2:4-5; Ro 15:18-19; 1Th 1:5; Heb 2:3-4.

“Miracles Glorify Christ” interweaved with everyday life – Two Greek words gives us the answer.

– Soudarion – Handkerchief used for wiping of sweat

– Simikinthion – A narrow apron or linen covering worn by workmen and servants

Real Spiritual power tested: Sons of Sceva (Counterfeit) (Acts 19:13-20) This story reverts to the vital importance of individual anointing. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.  (1 John 2:13) 

Sizable national display of tipping point towards new order.  (Acts 19:21-41) Like Jesus prophesied that the temple will be removed, and in 70 ad it did happen. To this day there can be no temple. The religious cult of Diana Worship ended and is no more. [10]

So the word of the Lord grew mightily and prevailed Acts 19:20 (Acts 6:7; 12:24; 13:49.)

New Multicultural Jesus Culture. 
New equity in Christ. No more Jew or gentile, male or female, 

of a set of new values. (Eph 2:11-18)   so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks (Acts 19:10) The Jesus Culture is the only way how we can redeem each diverse culture back to its own unique redemptive purpose.  There is an oppressor and enslaver/pharaoh in every culture. We all need to be redeemed from our Egypt/enslaved cultures.  No nation has suffered so much persecution than the Jews. Several times at the brink of extinction, they rise again. One of the pillars of this theocentric society is the bedrock of the family. and the important role and function of the father. God is a family. The absolute primary way how Christianity rules and governs society like yeast, salt and light is through the restoration of Godly families.

New economy of Mutuality: 

The Roman economic gateway to Asia, became the gateway for the message of the Kingdom of God. Resulting in a Deculturalization of the economy and religious order. (Acts 23-40) On the great day of Pentecost, when the new covenant was sanctioned, a Spiritual Jubilee took place. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. (Acts 2:44) It is our testimony that when people truly turn to God and become full of the Holy Spirit, they relinquish ownership of their own bodies and possessions.   The Tri-Sabbatical Jubilee of restoration for Mankind and the Earth fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection. The tri-sabbatical rest: The seventh day, the seventh year, and after seven cycles, the 49th year Jubilee is a divine rhythm instituted by God for the benefit of man and nature. God knows humankind, how work and profit can consume us, how we do not know when to stop and rest. The end result is work gets a bad name and what is intended to be a blessing becomes a curse. The truth is; however, work is good for us. All mankind should work and earn a living through their skill and contribution to each other. [11]

New Leadership/governmental Spheres 

The Fivefold Ministry lays the foundational worldview, practises, patterns and structure of the Kingdom of God.  (Apostle – Government, Prophet – Law & Order, Evangelist – Economy, Pastoral – Health, Teacher – Education) Social structures are complex, but by reforming the mind of people working in government, business, lawmakers and enforcers, health practitioners, and educators back to their redemptive calling in Christ we will see a whole community follow the Way. 

Unity is not pursued, it is received as a fruit of right living. 

Unity is a gift: Eph 4:1-5 

Final Warning 

Warning to return to first love, and doing the first things. (Rev 2:1-7) 

[1] https://redeeminggod.com/sermons/ephesians/ephesians_6_21-24/

[2] The New King James Version, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Eph 1:1.

[3] Michael S. Heiser, The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible, First Edition., (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015), 160.

[4] Michael S. Heiser, The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible, First Edition., (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015), 47.

[5] Michael S. Heiser, The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible, First Edition., (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015), 49.

[6] Michael S. Heiser, The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible, First Edition., (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015), 51.

[7] Michael S. Heiser, The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible, First Edition., (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2015), 51.

[8]  “So Beautiful: Divine Design for Life and the Church” by Leonard Sweet.

i [Rev. 22:2, 14]

j [Gen. 2:9; 3:22]

[9] The New King James Version, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Re 2:7.

[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Artemis

[11] https://www.janenchantal.com/the-tri-sabbatical-jubilee-of-restoration-for-mankind-and-the-earth-fulfilled-in-christs-resurrection/

Live Sermon on “The Governmental Church In The Locality”

Categories
Preke

Wanneer dit voel asof God nie reageer nie?

Podgooi in Engels
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/6944666-when-it-feels-as-if-god-is-doing-nothing.mp3?blob_id=29536157&download=true

Wanneer dit voel asof God nie reageer nie? In tye van nood en swaarkry, waarin ons nie ‘n keuse of aandeel gehad het nie, voel mens soms AFGESTOMP, kwaad, verontreg en VER van God af. Wat ons VOEL is nie die WAARHEID nie!

Ons is as mens geweldig perseptueel beperk 

Soms voel mens waar is God, hoekom lyk dit asof Hy niks doen nie. Die probleem met hierdie vraagstuk is hoe arrogant die veronderstelling is. Dié wêreld, natuur, klimaat, ekonomie, samelewing is ‘n reeks onbepaalde komplekse sisteme waarvan ons beperkend min weet. Kan jy sien hoe ‘n boom groei? Kan jy die miljoene mikroörganismes onder die grond sien, en verstaan hoe hulle werk? Ons verstaan nie eers hoe ons motor werk nie? Ons eie liggame is ook ʼn reuse raaisel, en die werklike goed-voel oomblikke ver en soms jare uitmekaar gestrek. Dit is dus ‘n baie beperkte persepsie om te dink God doen niks nie. 

Mens kan ook nie jou emosies vertrou nie

Die Skrif sê: die wêreld het deur Hom tot stand gekom (Joh 1:10) Voor alles was Hy al daar, en deur Hom bly alles in stand. (Col 1:17) Mens kan dan teëstribbel dat dit maar net Skrifte is, my fisiese werklikheid lyk soos chaos! Gevoelens en emosies doen juis dit: dit dramatiseer ‘n sekere gebeure om ons of te waarsku van gevolglike pyn, of opgewonde maak oor moontlike plesier.  Ons kan dus nie ons emosies vertrou nie.  Studies het bevind dat alhoewel die mensdom in die algemeen statisties beter vaar in terme van lewensverwagting, hongersnood, kinderslawerny, en lewenskwaliteit, voel mense in die algemeen meer mismoedig.  

Die lewe is nie maklik nie, almal kry swaar

Ander bou dadelik ‘n historiese narratief, en beskryf die een probleem en uitdaging na die ander. Die doodluiterse vraag is dan weer: Is die Here dan teen my of iets? Weereens is dit ‘n kwessie van perspektief. Jy kan letterlik enigiemand op straat voorkeer en vra vir ‘n koffie afspraak. Na ‘n tyd sal jy in elke afspraak ‘n storie van siekte, verdriet, verlies, verraad, pyn en ellende hoor. Natuurlik verskil die intensiteit van die lyding van persoon tot persoon, maar nogtans beleef selfs die mees bevoorregte mense inperking van een of ander aard. Hoekom pleeg ook ryk en gesiene mense selfmoord.  Die lewe is vol daaglikse uitdagings op elke vlak: elke dag genoeg water drink, oefen, dieet, verhoudinge gesond en positief in stand hou, kinders groot maak, inkomstes verdien, jouself verbeter, geestelik groei, en goed doen aan ander is ‘n voltydse werk van baie balle in die lug hou. 

God is ewig en alwys – soewerein

Ateïste vol ons as gelowiges aan met, hoekom laat ‘n almagtige goeie God soveel pyn en lyding toe? God is egter nie net almagtig en goed nie, Hy is ook ewig en alwys.  Die feit dat God ewig is en nie in tyd vasgevang kan word nie, hy is gister, vandag en toekoms alles terselfde tyd, verander alles! Hy is ook alwys! Hy weet regtig wat vir ons die beste is.  ‘n kind wat gaan om hulle inspuitings te kry, verstaan ook nie hoekom hulle nou so seergemaak moet word nie. Die ouer kan dit ook nie op daardie tydstip aan die kind verduidelik, sodat die kind dit kan verstaan nie.  

Jesus ly saam met ons 

Verder is dit God se karakter om tussen en deel van ons lyding te wees. Dit is immer hoekom Jesus die gedaante van ‘n dienskneg aangeneem het. Jesus het lyding, verwerping, tekort, harde werk, en armoede geken.  Sy lydingsuur voor die kruisiging was intens! Toe het Hy bedroef en beangs geword en vir hulle gesê: “Ek voel doodsbenoud. Mat 26:37 Nou is my siel ontsteld, en wat sal Ek sê? Vader, red My uit hierdie uur? Maar hierom het Ek in hierdie uur gekom. Joh 12:27 “Die ontsteltenis het nou vir My te veel geword. (Mk 14:34) Hy het in doodsangs geraak en het nog ernstiger gebid. Sy sweet het soos bloeddruppels geword wat op die grond val. (Luk 22:44) 

Stilte is ‘n toetstyd 

Diagram Description automatically generatedDie Boek rigters vertel die verhaal van die Jode na Josua, tot net voor die aanstelling van die eerste koning.  Daar was altesaam 12 Rigters, 6 groot vername rigters, en 6 kleiner minder bekende rigters.  Die volk se geskiedenis neem die selfde verloop: Israel verval in afgodery, God straf die volk deurdat ander volke primêr die Medianiete, Amalekiete, en Filistyne oor hulle heers, hulle roep uit vir verlossing en bevryding, die Here stuur ‘n rigter wat hulle in ‘n bonatuurlike oorwinning uitlei, en dan ‘n tydperk stilte, voordat die siklus weer herhaal word soos die volk weer in sonde verval. Die les wat ons uit hierdie boek leer, is om ten spyte van God se stiltes, koers te hou en die Here te dien ten spyte wat ons daaruit kry.  Josef moes 13 jaar wag, Abraham 25jr, Moses 40jr, Jesus 30jr voor hulle die beloftes van die Here in vervulling gesien het.  

Ons het al almal by tye gevoel dat omstandighede nou net té erg raak.  

Moses was bekend met teleurstelling: 

Hy lewe in die geheim as Joodse seun in die Egiptiese koninklike hof vir 40jr, met die verwagting dat God hom mag gebruik om sy volk te verlos. Die oomblik toe hy optree, lei dit dat hy sy posisie en werk verloor, en deur sy eie mense verwerp word.  Hy word ‘n vlugteling in die woestyn en ‘n skaapwagter. Acts 7:23-25. 

In sy swerwelinge in die woestyn as skaapwagter, verskyn God aan hom in ‘n braambos. Exo 3:7-12 In tye van isolasie, openbaar God Homself direk aan ons. Soos met Elia, wat ook worstel met sy teleurstelling en in ‘n grot die Here se aangesig soek. Hy het vuur uit die hemel geroep, maar verwag dat dit sal lei tot Koning Agab en Zezebel se inkeer. 

Duidelik kan ons sien dat Moses is ‘n verslane, onsekere man. Exo 3-4 Hy het geen selfvertroue of geloof oor nie.  “Here stuur asb iemand anders” Exo 4:10-13. 

Die keer toe Moses na die mense toe gaan, word hy deur die mense aanvaar en verwelkom. Maar nadat hy na die Farao gaan, versleg die mense se lot. Dis moses se skuld. Exo 5:20-21

Die mense draai teen Moses.  

Moses bekla eerlik sy lot voor die Here. As die mense nie na my luister nie, hoe sal die Farao luister.  Exo 6:1,12 

Die Here doen kosmiese wonderwerke en tekens, die 10 plae, die rooisee, Mara se bitter water word soet.  ‘n vuurkolom in die nag, wolk kolom is die dag. Manna! Bonatuurlike voorsiening. Niemand kan tog nou meer twyfel in God se bestaan en liefde nie? Die mense kla nou oor vleis, hulle kan nie net van manna leef nie! Weereens bekla Moses sy lot by die Here. Num 11:10-15 

Die mense se onvolwassenheid maak Moses moeg, die Here gee vir hom ‘n praktiese oplossing om manne te kies om te help die gewig dra.  Num 11:16-17 

Uiteindelik is Moses se grootste teleurstelling toe in sy oomblik van frustrasie met die mense, hy die Here ongehoorsaam en die klip slaan.  Die Here weier hom om die beloofte land in te gaan. Die Here weier ook dat hy weer die saak aanroer. Deut 3:26 

Kan jy jou hierdie teleurstelling voorstel? Hy wat sy lewe toegewy het aan die droom van ‘n beloofte land, kan self nie daar ingaan nie. Hy word opgeneem na ‘n hemelse beloofte land.

WAT NOU GEMAAK? 

Die vyand het een uitsluitlike doel, en dit is om ons te kry om niks te doen nie!! Wanneer ons nie ons skeppingsdoel vervul nie, wen boosheid. “Another one bites the dust!” Saul word gesalf as koning terwyl hy sy pa se donkies soek. (1 Sam 9) Gideon was besig om koring te dors op die dorsvloer, toe die engel hom besoek. (Judg 6:11) Stefanus bedien die tafels kos vir die wees en weduwee. (Acts 6:5, 8) Paulus skryf die NT in gevangenisskap. Jesus daag as gas by ‘n bruilof op. (Joh 2) Dit is in die allerdaagse, wees getrou in die geringe, waar God ons ontmoet.  Ons kan nie bekostig om niks te doen nie!! 

Categories
Social Relevance

The number of MAN 666 and COVID 19 Vaccine?

The protestant church has consistently been infected by anti-institutional viruses for more than 500 years! Institutions are depicted as inherently evil, forcing and manipulating the weak. Any group that regularly meets, become a system, and eventually an institution. There are surely good systems and bad ones.  God’s system the CHURCH (ekklesia) is called to be a HEALING, redemptive, reconciliation, empowering COMMUNITY-FAMILY system. 

The ultimate test of any religion, ideology or worldview is the benefits it ultimately brings to the poor, the marginalized and oppressed.  If we say we are Christians, we have to take poverty seriously.

https://landsummit.co.za/about/ 

The simple truth regarding the plight of the poor and COVID 19 vaccines are: They could not care, most of them will possibly never see a vaccine in their lifetime. If they are lucky to receive a COVID 19 vaccine they will most possible soon die of other infections and curable diseases. What COVID 19 has amplified, is how unequal our western/modern/capitalist/privileged economy is. Consumer self-interest and convenience has driven us into an unnatural unhealthy rat race disproportionate to our humanity. It is this radical unequal economy and society who has caused this virus in the first place. 

I propose this economic-anti-Christ humanist-secular system is the real enemy of the church. Most people are taking on 2-3 jobs to survive economically leaving little or no time for prayer, mediation or volunteer ministry work.  It is increasingly difficult to LIVE the LIFE and values of Christ in this current economic system. 

Over the centuries the number 666 has been associated with the papacy, freemasons, Israel, Islam, Iron Maiden, and possibly every movie ever made with apocalyptic themes. In recent decades, conspiracy-minded individuals who combine idiosyncratic interpretations of the Bible with fears that evil governmental or religious forces are overtaking society have variously interpreted 666 as a reference to the United Nations, some presidents of the United States, the Washington Monument, and the European Union. It is easier to point to a foreign enemy out there than to expose the materialistic, consumer-convenience, apathy within our ranks! 

Given the commercial associations with 666 in Revelation, such interpreters also commonly identify the flexible symbol with the modern barcode system, the “www” of the Internet’s prefix for the World Wide Web, RFID seals used for tracking and identification, and smart cards used for cashless swiping. Such conspiratorial speculation unhelpfully feeds the phobias of some, whose fear of the number 666 has yielded a new term: “hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia.” [3]

To understand the expression ‘mark of the beast’ we must remember that not only cattle but slaves also were branded or marked. The mark meant that the slave belonged to his master. Very soon the expression ‘to receive the mark of someone’ began to mean to belong to someone, to serve or worship someone.  In Revelation 14:9 we read: ‘If any man worships the beast … and receive the mark on his forehead’. Here ‘receiving the mark of the beast’ seems to mean ‘worshipping the beast’. Similarly, in Revelation 14:11: ‘They that worship the beast … and receive the mark of his name’ (cf. also Rev. 20:4). So ‘receiving the mark of the beast’ seems to mean ‘belonging to the beast and worshipping the beast’. The ‘mark of the beast’ is the God-opposing, Christ-rejecting, Church-persecuting spirit of antichrist, wherever and whenever it shows itself. This mark is impressed on the forehead or right hand (cf. Dt. 6:8). The forehead symbolizes the mind, the thought-life, the philosophy of a person. The right hand indicates his deed, action, trade, industry, etc. Therefore receiving the mark of the beast on the forehead or right hand indicates that the person so characterized belongs to the company of those who persecute the Church; and that—either preeminently in what he thinks, says, writes or more emphatically in what he does—this antichristian spirit becomes evident.[4] 

Dr Riekert Botha explains the number as in contrast to the number 777, which means threefold perfection. The number 666 is “the number of a man” as opposed to God. It is man in opposition to God. The number says man-man-man or imperfect-imperfect-imperfect. One commenter also translated it as failure-failure-failure. Another way to put it: Me, Me, Me or self, self, self. Church History proofs that the human-self-centred spirit of man as the greatest enemy of the way of Christ bringing division, controlling and manipulation and infigting.

I agree with William Hendriksen’s explanation and interpretation of “the mark of the beast”. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, He focused on the heart. It is from the well-spring of the heart from which all evil proceeds! (Mat 12:34) God looks not to the mark of the flesh, but the mark of a circumcised heart. (Col 6:15; Rom 2:28; Deut 10:16) People whose hearts have been touched perspective of life changes, they do business differently. The redemption of the heart leads to the redemption of one’s evil and unjust ways of acquiring wealth. The enactment of the spiritual Jubilee recorded in Acts was the first sign of the huge change of heart, when no one lacked, because of the sharing of the first believers. (Acts 4:34) 

Of greater importance to me, than the threat of receiving the mark of the beast, is whether one has received the mark of righteousness! (Ezek. 9:4, 6; Rev. 14:2; 7:3; 22:4) Without this mark, you will not enter the Kingdom/heaven’s eternity with God. Those who are born again and who have received the Holy Spirit have been sealed (marked). (2 Cor 1:22) It is like Jesus says: You cannot hide this light. (Mat 5:14) Followers of Christ always carry the sign of death (2 Cor 4:10) as we continue to live a surrendered, abandoned life unto Christ. (Mat 16:24) Our quest should be to question people boldly about their faith in Christ Jesus alone! Have they bowed their knees to Him in surrender, to now live His WAY of LIFE?

In Hellenistic literature “making a mark” referred to a mark on the body—like a tattoo—usually put on a runaway slave. Paul said that he bore in his body the “marks” (stigmata) of Jesus. He was not ashamed of the stigma. (Rom 1:6) At one stage Peter ran from a stigma—when he denied knowing the Lord. But the day came when he embraced it. Sometime later Peter and John could hardly believe how blessed they were that they were privileged to bear the stigma of Jesus. Having been warned and flogged by the Sanhedrin, they left the Sanhedrin “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering dis-grace [“shame,” KJV; “dishonour,” ESV] for the Name”

Persecution has many forms. Hidden persecution is happening right NOW within an evil/unjust system where everyone is doing and covering-up wrong-doing. It is clear from learning from the Zondo commission; that corruption is a social-cadre-deployment-comrade-loving enterprise. “You will give me the job although I am not qualified, because of your affinity with the struggle against white monopolies.” Almost every sector in the economy is plagued by unjust systems of control or poor remuneration. How can we as believers make a stand? This is where our testimony and faith count most. Should you keep your business open on Sunday’s? How does your need for production infringe on your worker’s responsibility to also be good parents? Are you paying your workers a worthy compensation as you would your own family members? Are you good stewards of the natural resources available? 

The true CHURCH will become a safehaven/eden for those who obey Him.

The Babylonian economy is where the real battle is fought, with sometimes severe casualties like losing jobs, forfeiting profit, closing down of the business. The biggest plight of the poor and marginalised in South Africa is INCLUSION. Doing business and getting your product sold to the 5 main retail monopolies in SA, is almost impossible. Is this not already what the Book Revelation is speaking about? “and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” (Rev 13:17) Already this Babylonian-economy is dictating to society through media, and television its demonic anti-family, self-saving, everything-goes-no-consequences, humanistic-super-hero doctrines! Surely this is a much greater threat to the church than a COVID 19 vaccine?  But take note: this Babylonian tyranny is said to fall, and come to an end. (Rev 14:8; 18:1-8) More importantly, there is a direct command to the church to: “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues.” (Rev 18:4) 

The essence of the number 666, and it’s biblical meaning is clear: for it is the number of a man (Rev 13:18; 21:17). This spirit of man has been an enemy of the church from the beginning of time. It is this spirit of man in Peter that Jesus rebuked: “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” The arm of the flesh opposes the things of the spirit. “It is the Spirit that quickens; the flesh profit nothing” (John 6: 63). “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Rom 8:5-8) 

The rest of the chapter Rom 8 explains how life in the Spirit works: We are led by the Spirit (Rom 8:14) the earth groans in labour pains for the revealing of the sons of God. (Rom 8:19) I am not afraid about the number of the beast, I am yearning with fire in my spirit for this revealing of the sons of God: The triumphant awakened church who knows their true identity of the resurrected Christ within!

Our Lord Jesus Christ’s returning is at hand, let’s do (finish) what we are called to do while there is still time. It is the beginning of the best and worst times of our history. Do not live in fear, it is the time for the church to RISE! (Isa 60)

[3] Frances Flannery, “666 in Popular Culture and History”, n.p. [cited 16 Dec 2020]. Online: https://www.bibleodyssey.org:443/passages/related-articles/666-in-popular-culture-and-history

[4] William Hendriksen, More than Conquerors: An Interpretation of the Book of Revelation, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1967), 150.

Categories
Preke

Behou geestelike fokus in tye van onrus.

Podgooi
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/6821797-behou-jou-fokus-in-tye-van-onrus.mp3?blob_id=28859140&download=true
I continue to pray for your love to grow and increase beyond measure, bringing you into the rich revelation of spiritual insight in all things. Phil 1:9 Passion Translation

Ons leef tans in ‘n wêreld van miljoene opinies en agterdog oor geheime sameswerings, emosioneel gelaaide waarskuwings, grootskaalse verwarring, teenstrydige navorsing, kommer oor inperking maatreëls, diskriminerende persoonlike aanvalle en opswaai van aanranding en geweld!!! Mens hoor elke dag van meer egskeidings, gesinsgeweld, en gesonde mense se sterftes. Hoe hou mens FOKUS? Hoe kry mens goddelike INSIG? Nou meer as ooit is dit nodig dat ons, ons geestelike sintuie sal verskerp in die daaglikse stryd, om fokus op Jesus te behou. 

Ons word daagliks gebombardeer met ‘n magdom inligting, tog weet bitter min mense hoe om reg en gesond te leef.  Inligting is nutteloos sonder INSIG om te weet wat om op die regte tyd met die regte mense te doen.  Insig verbind die kop met die hart. Insig wys jou nie net wat om te doen nie, maar ook die hoe, asook wanneer om dit te doen. Insig bring al die punte bymekaar. Insig word beskryf as die vroeg-môreson wat opkom in mens se hart, en jou nuwe stukrag gee vir ‘n gegewe saak. 

Dictionary.com defines insight as:

  • An instance of apprehending the true nature of a thing, especially through intuitive understanding;
  • Penetrating mental vision or discernment;
  • Faculty of seeing into inner character or underlying truth; an understanding of relationships that sheds light on or helps solve a problem;
  • An understanding of the motivational forces behind one’s actions, thoughts, or behavior; self-knowledge.

Iemand wat dieper dink oor ‘n saak verkry insig. Die meeste mense dink nie deur hul probleme nie. Hulle is geneig om teen hul berge vas te kyk in plaas daarvan om deur die berg te dink om ‘n sleutel te bekom om dit te oorwin. Geloof wat berge versit, begin met die verskuiwing van klein molshope. Soos in ‘n vorige boodskap verduidelik, maak die meeste mense van ‘n molshoop ‘n berg. Kinders van God wat in oorgawe Sy geregtigheid ontvang het, is geloofsmense! Ons dink, praat en leef geloof! Ons maak berge molshope… bergplatmakers! 

Visie kom deur insig. Lig en visie gaan saam. Wanneer God Sy waarheid aan ons belig, kry ons insig, insig lei tot visie. Visie stel kreatiwiteit vry. Sodra ons visie ontvang, kan ons ons deur die geloof dinge tot stand te bring wat nie bestaan ​​nie. God het roep dinge wat nie bestaan nie asof dit bestaan! 

Uiteindelik word mens verlam deur al die negatiwiteit om jou! ‘n Vis bestaan in die water, omdat die water nooit binne die vis kom nie. So bestaan ons in ‘n bose stormagtige wêreld, omdat ons nie toelaat dat die storm ooit in ons woed nie!!  

Meer as ooit het ons goddelike INSIG nodig om ons deur die doolhof van misleiding, leuens, verraad, korrupsie, en bose intensies uit te lei. 

Understanding establishes you. Once you understand something you know how to operate. 

Die Here het vir Besaleël toegerus met my Gees sodat hy met vaardigheid, insig en verstand enige werk kan doen (Exo 31:3) Die Here het hom toegerus met sy Gees sodat hy met vaardigheid, insig en verstand enige werk kan doen: (Exo 35:31) 

Verder het die Here vir Moses instruksies gegee om die volke te verdeel onder leiers met insig. Bring uit julle stamme verstandige manne, manne met insig, manne van aansien, sodat ek hulle as hoofde oor julle kan aanstel. (Deut 1:13) 

Salomo het ook hierdie INSIG by die Here gesoek: Die Here het dit goedgevind dat Salomo dít gevra het. Hy het vir hom gesê: “Omdat dít jou versoek is en jy nie vir jou ‘n lang lewe, of rykdom, of die dood van jou vyande gevra het nie, maar insig in wat reg is, sal Ek aan jou versoek voldoen. (1 King 3:10-12) 

H8394. תְּבוּנָה teḇûnāh: A feminine noun meaning understanding, insight. It occurs primarily in the Wisdom Literature and is associated with both wisdom and knowledge (Ex. 35:31; Prov. 8:1; 21:30); and is contrasted with foolishness (Prov. 15:21; 18:2). A person of understanding is slow to wrath and walks uprightly (Prov. 14:29; 15:21). God has understanding and gives it (Job 12:13; Ps. 147:5; Prov. 2:6; Isa. 40:28). On the other hand, idolaters, who fashion idols by their own understanding, have no understanding at all (Isa. 44:19; Hos. 13:2). 

My seun, neem aan wat ek jou sê,

maak wat ek jou voorskryf jou eie,

hou jou ore oop vir die wysheid,

span jou in om te verstaan.

Roep insig by,

vra na gesonde begrip.

Soek dit soos jy silwer sou soek,

spoor dit op soos ‘n verborge skat.

Dan sal jy weet hoe om die Here te dien,

sal jy ontdek wat dit is om God te ken.

Dit is die Here wat die wysheid gee,

uit sy mond kom die kennis en die insig.

Hy laat eerlike mense sukses behaal

en Hy beskerm dié wat onberispelik lewe.

Hy sien toe dat reg geskied,

Hy hou wag oor die pad van sy troue dienaars.

As jy aanneem wat ek jou sê, sal jy insig kry

in wat regverdig en reg en billik is

en sal jy op die goeie pad bly.

Die wysheid sal sy plek in jou lewe inneem,

kennis sal vir jou iets aangenaams word,

oordeelkundigheid sal oor jou wag hou

en verstandigheid sal jou bewaak. (Prov 2:1-11) 

‘n Dienaar van die Here moenie rusie maak nie. Inteendeel, hy moet vriendelik wees teenoor almal, bekwaam om ander te leer en iemand wat onreg kan dra. Met vriendelikheid moet hy teenstanders teregwys. Dit kan wees dat God hulle bekeer en hulle tot kennis van die waarheid bring. Dan sal hulle weer tot nugtere insig kom en vry raak uit die vangstrik van die duiwel, waarmee hy hulle gevange gehou het om sy wil te gehoorsaam. (2 Tim 2:24-26) 

Hoe verkry mens goddelike geestelike INSIG? 

Om INSIG te bekom kos gedetermineerde fokus, om te staak met dit waarmee jy besig is, en deur die oorverdowende lawaai en geraas van die Wêreld bewus te raak van die influistering van Sy stem in jou gemoed! 

Bolangse waarneming en bietjie kennis is nie genoeg nie om ware insig te verkry nie.  Ware insig verg werk; dit is ‘n vaardigheid wat kreatiwiteit, deursettingsvermoë en diep denke verg. Die kragtigste insigte kom uit noukeurige en ernstige ontledings om groot hoeveelhede data in bondige en spesifieke bevindings op te som. Soos ‘n arend ‘n wye perspektief het in die lug en dan afpyl op sy prooi, is insig ‘n spesifieke oplossing. 

  1. Mens moet die Here vir INSIG vra. 

Hy is en bly die bron van ware INSIG. Vertrou volkome op die Here en moenie op jou eie insigte staatmaak nie. (Prov 3:5) Die Heilige Gees gee ware insig. (1 Cor 2:9-16) Om die sinne van Christus te hê, is ware INSIG. Die gawes vd Gees, is ook ‘n reuse bron van Goddelike Bonatuurlike Insig: Profesie, Woord van Kennis, Wysheid. (1 Cor 12 & 14)

  • Leer ken God se weë. 

Met groot ontsag getuig almal dan van die dade van God omdat hulle insig gekry het in wat Hy doen. (Ps 64:10) Hoe meer jy ontwikkel in die Kennis van die Here en Sy wee, hoe makliker sien jy deur al die misleidings, die regte pad van Sy wil.  (2 Cor 10:5-6; Eph 1:17; 4:13; Col 1:10; 1 Pet 1:2) Apostles en Profete is God se geskenke aan Sy liggaam om geheimenisse te openbaar. (Eph 3:4)

  • Onttrek en kom tot stilte. 

Jesus het dikwels ontrek na ‘n berg (hoogte) om te bid. (Mat 14:23; Mark 6:46; Luk 6:12; 9:28) Om soms weg te breek, weg te gaan, vir ‘n tyd te vas en bid verkry mens nuwe insig tot jou omstandighede. Breek die roetine. Insig impliseer objektiwiteit en nugterheid d.w.s die vermoë om jou maat, jou situasie, jou probleem vanuit ‘n goddelike verhewe perspektief te benader.  Om hierdie insig te verkry, moet mens die vlees stil maak. 

  • Omring jou met mense wat INSIG het.

Where there is no counsel, purposes are disappointed; But in the multitude of counsellors they are established. (Prov 15:22) Deur gereeld tyd te maak om buite jou bekende wêreld met groeperinge bymekaar te kom wat nuwe denke kan stimuleer kan jy groei. Deur robuuste dialoog en aanhou vrae vra, kom mens tot dieper insig. Jy sien jou probleem in ‘n ander lig.  Vir bykans 2 jaar kom ‘n groep van koninkryksburgers bymekaar om insig te verkry oor die ekonomie en versplinterde samelewing. Dis ‘n wonderlike voorreg om die genialiteit van Jesus se liggaam te kan ontgin. 

Insig en geloof werk saam, INSIG maak dit duidelik wat jy moet doen, geloof gee jou die krag om dit te doen! Verdagmakery, verontreg te voel, aanstoot te neem, agterdog, negatiwiteit, kritiek, oordeel en beskuldigings steel die suurstof waarin geloof moet asemhaal.  Bely en erken hierdie sondes voor die Here, en kom in Sy teenwoordigheid met lofsang en dankbaarheid!! In hierdie atmosfeer van triomf en geestelike verligting verkry mens INSIG en GELOOF om berge te versit!! 

Wees die verandering.  

Categories
Preke

Verander jou berg in ‘n molshoop.

Podgooi van Preek
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/6597664-maak-jou-berge-molshope.mp3?blob_id=27632635&download=true

“𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗹𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝗲” 

Om van elke molshoop ‘n berg te maak kan ‘n toksiese gewoonte raak, wat die mense om jou en jou geestelike lewe negatief beïnvloed. Ons doen dit meestal sonder dat ons daarvan bewus is, maar baie mense sien in die geringste kwessie ‘n reuse probleem of krisis. Almal beleef swaar en probleme, maar sekere mense sal met dramatiese byvoeglike naamwoorde dit altyd laat klink asof hulle slagoffers is van ‘n geheime sameswering.  Ander sal altyd die fout wat begaan is van ‘n byeenkoms, transaksie of idee uitlig. “Beproef alle dinge; behou die goeie” (1 Thes 5:21) Wat ek glo die Here lig op wil werp vandag is nie ‘n spesifieke persoonlikheidtipe nie. Sommige mense sien die glas half vol, en ander half leeg. Ons benodig beide positiewe en kritiese denke om van enige saak ‘n sukses te maak.  Om van elke molshoop ‘n berg te maak is egter teken van ‘n sekere denkwyse wat skade berokken.  Mag die Here vandag deur Sy Woord ons gedagtes vernuwe, om ander te dink.  

Mense wat gediagnoseer is met kompulsiewe gedrag versteuring, of post-traumatiese stress of wat baie kompeterend en beheervrate is geneig om van elke molshoop ‘n berg te maak.[1] Op die oomblik word ons ook toegegooi met sosiale media en nuusagentskappe wat die kyker getalle najaag deur die mees sensasionele nuusberigte te promoveer. Die meeste berigte is ook ‘n dramatisering van wat werklik gebeur het. Natuurlik gebeur daar bitter slegte goed met mense! Mense word vermoor, ander veg teen kanker wat jou liggaam van binne af opvreet! Sommige mense oorleef ongelukke en moet daagliks worstel deur die rehabilitasie proses! Mense kry regtig baie swaar! Sommige mense het regtig nie kos om te eet nie. Miljoene immigrante leef in haglike omstandighede genoodsaak om hulle geboorte land en wonings te verlaat.  

Wat sê God se Woord? Wat is die Bybelse manier van dink? Ons gaan vyf teksverse bestudeer. Mag hy vandag ons uitkyk oor die lewe geheel en al verander! 

7“Wie is jy, grote berg? Voor Serubbabel word jy sommer ’n gelyk pad! Hy sal die laaste klip van die tempel lê en die mense sal uitroep: ‘Genade, genade oor hom!’” (Zechariah 4:7)

3Luister! Ek hoor die stem van iemand wat roep: “Maak ’n pad vir die Here deur die  wildernis. Maak ’n reguit pad deur die woestyn vir ons God. 4Vul die valleie op!

Maak elke berg en heuwel gelyk, elke ruwe plek ’n gelykte, elke koppie ’n vlakte.

5Dan sal die heerlikheid van die Here bekend word en alle mense sal dit sien. Die Here self het so gesê.” (Isaiah 40:3–5)

20“Julle geloof was nie sterk genoeg nie,” was Jesus se antwoord. “Dít verseker Ek julle, as julle geloof selfs so klein soos ’n mosterdsaadjie was, sou julle vir hierdie berg sê: ‘Skuif soontoe,’ en hy sal dit doen. Ja, niks sal vir julle onmoontlik wees nie.” (Matthew 17:20)

5Berge smelt soos was voor die Here,  voor die Here van die hele wêreld. 6Die hemele verkondig sy geregtigheid; elke volk sien sy heerlikheid. (Psalm 97:5–6)

25Dit kan jy maar weet, vernietigende berg, verwoester van die wêreld, Ek is jou vyand,”

sê die Here. “Ek sal teen jou optree, Ek sal jou teen berghange afrol. Ek maak jou ’n verskroeide berg. 26Jy sal vir altyd verwoes lê. Niemand sal eers uit jou rommel ’n klip vir ’n hoeksteen of ’n fondasie gebruik nie,” sê die Here. (Jeremiah 51:25–26)

[1] https://www.learning-mind.com/making-a-mountain-out-of-a-molehill-toxic-habit/

Categories
Sermons

Are there still spiritual Judges today?

https://youtu.be/qym9iuBbaWg

When we hear the word judge, we mostly think of judicial, legal verdicts and immanent penalty.  Although this is certainly the case, the Bible has a more general, broader estimation of judges. 

In life, we are all judges: we make regular judgments concerning the friends we choose; the right partners we marry or go in business with; the judicial process of appointing new staff; forming political opinions; the purchases or investments and the beliefs we base our life on. Life is a series of judgments, decisions and conclusions based either on facts or gut-feeling, group-pressure, impulse, emotion or research.  We all seek the truth! We all seek the right judgment of our life (Gen. 16:5; 18:25). Most of all, in relational conflict we deeply desire someone who could judge or arbitrate a feud or disagreement towards reconciliation.  

THE EVIDENCE PROVES – WE JUDGE POORLY 

Wrong Gut-feeling:

Story: Malcolm Gladwell – “how thin-slicing, gut-feel is trained.”[1]

Wrong Decisions

I also remember a most interesting TED talk we reviewed in Bible School class on “Being Wrong” by Kathryn Schulz. https://youtu.be/QleRgTBMX88 [2]

The Best Of Us Is Wrong Too 

Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight 514, a Boeing 727 inbound from Columbus, Ohio, that was scheduled to land at Washington National Airport. The crew had flown a normally functioning Boeing 727 aircraft into a hill at an altitude of 1669 feet, just short of the hill’s peak of 1764 feet. The 85 passengers and seven crew members died in a horrific fiery crash 29 miles northwest of Dulles International Airport. Human error and Pilot’s misunderstanding each other was the cause of this accident.[3]

Wrong Self-Awareness 

“Unskilled and unaware of it: How Difficulties in Recognizing One’s Own Incompetence Lead to Inflated Self-Assessments” Justin Kruger and David Dunning Cornell University

Elon Musk https://youtu.be/NU7W7qe2R0A “Constantly seek criticism” [4]

Everyone Does What Was Right In His Own Eyes

We live in an age when the following statement has never been more accurate and relevant; “…everyone did what was right in his own eyes”  Judges 21:25. We have more information available than ever yet people appear to be entirely ignorant of their lifestyle decisions, and it’s consequences. Our alienation from God and Truth could set us on a course of deep darkness. 

THE GRAVE DANGER IS: WHAT IF I WAS WRONG ABOUT ETERNAL LIFE??? 

Choose life!

All wrong decisions and judgments will cost you something, but not being ready for eternal life will cost you your eternal life! 

We use all kinds of measuring tools to help us sustain life: we have a unified musical note/frequency standard; we have standard time; standard measurements; standard temperature and atmospheric pressure standards; yet we fear a standard for how we should live life! We trust doctors to use all kinds of measurements to make a prognosis, but we rebel and are offended when the Word judges our sin and error. We use all kinds of smart measuring devices like smart-watches to measure heart rate, pace and speed to improve fitness, yet we feel so quickly condemned when corrected, admonished, rebuked or disciplined in character.  

Solomon sought wisdom, and discernment to make the right judgements, and His Kingdom flourished.  As we are drawing closer to the end, and the final judgement it has never been more important to become judges after God’s heart. “Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9)

The criteria for the appointment of the role of chief justice in the nation is determined by his or her influence and respected voice among the people and peers, their impartiality, administrative integrity and efficiency, their intellectual brilliance, long-levity of policies which stimulate inclusive equitable fair economic growth.  

WHAT IS GOD’S CRITERIA AND EXPECTATION OF HIS FAMILY OF JUDGES IN THE EARTH? 

God has a prescribed design, blueprint, form and frame for our lives! (We want accurate measurements (Bureau of Weights & Measures). God commanded Israel concerning measurements (Deut. 25:15).

God-given measurements can be seen in:

  1. Noah’s ark: Gen. 6:15.
  2. Tabernacle: Exo. 25:9, 40.
  3. Solomon’s Temple: 1 Chron 28:10-12, 19.
  4. Ezekiel’s Temple (vision of God’s kingdom): Ezek. 40:2-4; 43:6-12.
  5. The church: Isa. 2:2-3 (Eph. 2:19-22).

God has a standard measurement for your LIFE! 

Jesus is God’s Standard and measurement for attaining Eternal LIFE! 

DOES YOUR LIFE MEASURE UP TO JESUS??? 

Our Death in Christ and His resurrection in us is eternal life. 

For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21

Rom 6:8; 2 Tim 2:11, 12; Rom 5:17, 21; Rom 5:17; Eph 2:5

  • Phil 3:16 – RULE (kanon) – Used of a measuring rod, a carpenter’s line or measuring tape; “any rule or standard” (Thayer, 324).
  • Rom. 6:17 – FORM (topos) – “an example…the pattern in conformity to which a thing must be made: Acts 7:44” (Thayer, 632).
  • 2 Tim. 1:13 – PATTERN (hupotuposis) – “the pattern placed before one to be held fast and copied, model” (Thayer, 645).

MAIN SCRIPTURE READING: 

Let this mind… (φρονέω phronéō: mind. To think, have a mindset, be minded. The activity represented by this word involves the will, affections, and conscience.) 

…be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form (μορφή morphḗ: Form, shape, inward essence.) 

…of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal (ἴσος ísos. Equal, alike in quantity, quality, dignity) 

…with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance (σχῆμα schḗma; Fashion, external form, appearance) 

…as a man, He humbled (ταπεινόω tapeinóō: humble. bring low) 

…Himself and became obedient (ὑπήκοος hupḗkoos: to submit to, obey) 

…to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:5-21) 

I believe the incarnation of Jesus holds the secret to right living and righteous judgement! 

For justice to be true, the judge has to model His standard! Without this example the judgement has no power.  “and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.” (2 Cor 10:6) 

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Doing inward self-analysis is fruitless and futile. 

Paul says that he does not even judge himself. (1 Corinthians 4:3) 

Judgment has to be external and objective to be found balanced and true. 

You do not know what is in people’s hearts (Bill Johnson) Beware of presumptions! 

Our own hearts are very deceptive. (Jeremiah 17:9)

I believe the Spirit is working and accomplishing a JESUS CHRIST standard within us. (Col 1:27) As we continue to surrender and abandon all of self, He is awakening us to His righteousness, His right living! 

By removing the moral-ethical failure of the schemes of sin in us as we morph continually into His image! (2 Cor 4:18), as we are beholding HIM!!! As we are filled with Him! As we get our mind renewed according to the word, we receive His mind.  (Rom 12:1; 2 Cor 1:16) 

Jesus physically modeled this MIND – He MORPHED the secret to us in the open! 

A judge has two primary instruments to achieve sound justice: the written law and the spirit if the law.  

Jesus learned His judgments from the Father. Do not trust your own judgment, seek His judgment. 

  • I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me. (John 5:30)
  • Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment. (John 7:24)
  • You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one. And yet if I do judge, My judgment is true; for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent Me. (John 8:15-16)
  • The more we Study the Word, the better we can judge. The Word is a discerner. (Hebrews 4:12) 
  • He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. (Prov 18:13) 
  • Do not judge a matter by the first testimony, cross-examine and then make a conclusion. The first one to plead his cause seems right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.  (Proverbs 18:17)

The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise.

He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.

The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom,

And before honor is humility. (Prov 15:31-32) 

[1] Gladwell, M., 2019. Blink. New York: Back Bay Books.

[2] Schulz, K., 2011. Being Wrong. London: Portobello.

[3] Helmreich Robert L. On error management: lessons from aviation  BMJ  2000. 

[4] Kruger, J. and Dunning, D., 1999. Unskilled And Unaware Of It. Estados Unidos: American Psychological Association.

Categories
Preke

Verwelkom die voordele van God se regstelling in jou lewe.

Dissipline is die primêre manier waarop God ons liefhet en verander. Of dit nou deur Sy sagmoedigheid, goedheid, instruksies, vermanings, leerstellings, bestraffing, leiding en tugtiging is; dit is alles met die oog op om Sy beeld in ons te herwin.  Kindskap impliseer en veronderstel dissipline, opvoeding, mentorskap en onderrig.  Ons as mens word nie gebore met instinktiewe kennis oor die lewe nie. Ons moet alles geleer word! Taal, vaardighede, karakter, gewoontes, waardes, denkpatrone, geloofsoortuigings, kultuur is alles aangeleer. 

Totdat ons Sy dissipline en onderrig omhels, sal ons voortgaan om ons eie self-gerigte lewenswyse te volg.  ‘n Persoon wat geen onderrig, dissipline of regstelling ontvang het is oorgelaat aan hulle eie diskresie en instinkte.  Konstante dissipline is nodig om ons voortdurend te rig na Sy beeld, waardes, denke, gewoontes, karakter en gesindheid. 

Elke keer as die Woord vir ons oopgemaak word en ons die teenwoordigheid van God beleef word ons reggestel in Sy geregtigheid. Jy hou ‘n motorvoertuig op die pad deur klein regstellings die heel tyd te maak, so is dit om deur die Heilige Gees gelei te word (Rom 8:12). 

Mense se boosheid lei uiteindelik tot hulle straf

Jou eie boosheid sal jou tugtig, en jou afkerighede sal jou straf; weet dan en sien dat dit verkeerd en bitter is dat jy die HERE jou God verlaat het, en dat my vrees nie by jou is nie, spreek die Here, die HERE van die leërskare. (Jer 2:19) 

5 Vlakke van Dissipline 

5Julle het ook vergeet van die woord van aanmoediging wat tot julle as kinders van God gerig word: 

“My kind, jy moet dit nie geringskat

as die Here jou dissiplineer nie.

Moenie ontmoedig word as Hy

jou aanspreek nie.

6Die Here dissiplineer juis

die mense vir wie Hy lief is;

Hy tug elkeen 

wat Hy as sy kind aanneem.”

7Wanneer God julle as sy kinders dissiplineer, verduur dit dan as deel van sy opvoedingsprogram. Watter kind word nie gedissiplineer nie? 8As God julle nie dissiplineer soos Hy met al sy kinders doen nie, is julle nie regtig sy eie kinders nie, maar buite-egtelik.

9Ons fisiese vaders het ons gedissiplineer, en ons het hulle daarvoor gerespekteer. Sal ons ons dan nie nog veel eerder aan ons geestelike Vader onderwerp, en só waarlik lewe nie? 10Eersgenoemdes het ons vir ’n kort tydjie gedissiplineer soos hulle dit goedgevind het, maar God doen dit absoluut tot ons beswil, met die doel om ons te laat deel in sy heiligheid. 11Elke vorm van tug lyk vir ons op die oomblik meer na ’n rede vir trane as vir blydskap, maar later sal dit vir hulle wat daardeur gebrei is, die blye oes oplewer van ’n lewe volgens die wil van God. (Heb 12:5-11) Sien ook (Proverbs 3:11–12) 

  1. 3874. παράκλησις paráklēsis: BEMOEDIGING, bemoedig, moed, troos, aangedring, aanmoediging, aansporing, bemoedigende, lekker, opgebeur, prediking, preek, versoek, versterk[1].  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Cor 1:3-4) Die hele Skrif is eintlik ‘n paráklåsis, ‘n vermaning, vermaning of bemoediging met die doel om die gelowige in die geloof te versterk en te vestig (sien Rom. 15:4; Phil. 2:1; Heb. 12:5; Paulus praat van sy prediking van die evangelie as paráklēsis in 1 Thes. 2:3; Acts 13:15; 2 Cor. 8:4, 17). Die inhoud van die brief wat aan die kerk in Antiochië van die Apostoliese Raad gelewer is, is paramedaksis in Handelinge 15:31. Troos woorde, troos (Hand 9:31; 2 Thess. 2:16; Phil. 1:7; Heb. 6:18).[2]

2.  3809. παιδεία paideía KORREKSIE (vermaning van korreksie-opvoeding, onderwysing, tugtiging) All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness  (2 Tim 3:16) Oorspronklik onderrig van kinders. Dit het ontwikkel om tugtiging te beteken omdat alle effektiewe onderrig vir die sondige kinders van mense insluit en impliseer tugtiging, teregwysing. Paideía kom voor met epanórthōsis (G1882), regstelling, in 2 Tim. 3:16. In paideía is daar dissipline. In Efe 6:4, en paideía . . . kuríou (en [G1722], in; kuríou, die genl. Deur sinecdoche, om vir die geheel deel te neem, beteken dit teregwysing, tugtiging (Hebr. 12:5, 7, 8, 11; Sept.: Spreel. 3:11; 22:15). Sien nouthesía (G3559), wat hoofsaaklik onderrig beteken deur woord, terwyl paideía is deur daad. 

3. 1651. ἐλέγχω elégchō BESTRAFFING (bestraf, aan die kaak stel, teregwys, weerlê, aangespreek, aanwys, bewys, gestel, tereggewys, veroordeel) And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment(John 16:8)  Om skaam te maak. In die NT, om te oortuig, om verkeerd te bewys. (I) Om te oortuig van sonde, om te wys dat dit verkeerd is (Joh 8:9). Gevolg deur perí (G4012), aangaande (Joh 8:46; 16:8); hupó, deur (1 Kor. 14:24; Jakobus 2:9). Om van dwang te oortuig, te weerlê, (Titus 1:9, 13; 2:15; Job 32:12; 18:17). (II) Deur implikasie, om te bestraf, te bestraf, te vermaan (Matt. 18:15; Lukas 3:19; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Sept.: Gén. Bewys 9:8). Om te bestraf deur tugtiging, korreksie, tugtig in ‘n morele sin (3:19); met paideúō (G3811), onderrig (Hebr. 12:5 van Prov. 3:11, 12. Sien Sept.: Job 5:17; Ps. 6:1; 38:1).

4.  3811. παιδεύω paideúō  OPVOEDING Oorspronklik om ‘n kind op te voed, op te voed, gebruik van aktiwiteit gerig op die morele, geestelike opleiding van die kind, om bewuste wil en aksie te beïnvloed. Om te onderrig, veral ‘n kind of jeug (Hand 7:22; 22:3; 2 Tim. 2:25 [vgl. Titus 2:12]); om deur tugtiging te onderrig (1 Tim. 1:20; Sept.: Ps. 2:10); om te korrigeer, te tugtig (Luk 23:16, 22; 1 Kor. 11:32; 2 Kor. 6:9; Heb. 12:6. In ‘n godsdienstige sin, om te tugtig met die doel om iemand op te voed om aan goddelike waarheid te voldoen (Hebr. 12:7, 10; Sept.: Prov. 19:18; 29:17).

5. 3146. μαστιγόω mastigóō PAKSLAE (Pakslae, tugtig, kasty, gesel, slaan, straf) plaag, sweep, géseling. (Matt. 10:17; 20:19; 23:34; Mark 10:34; Lukas 18:33; Johannes 19:1; Ex. 5:14; Deut. 25:3). Gebruik figuurlik van God, wat beteken om te tugtig, (Heb. 12:6 aangehaal uit Prov 3:12; Prov. 17:10). God se tugtiging sluit nie net Sy “sweep” in nie, vir spesifieke oortredings (met remediërende nie vergeldende optree), maar ook die hele reeks beproewings en verdrukkinge wat Hy voorsien het en watter straf sonde dood te maak en geloof te koester.

verkondig die woord; hou aan tydig en ontydig; weerlê, bestraf, vermaan in alle lankmoedigheid en lering.  (2 Tim 4:2) 

Om in die openbaar iemand tereg te wys

2008 ἐπιτιμάω epitimáō BERISPE aangespreek, geraas, bestraf, belet, tereggewys, beveel, stil, straf, uitdruklik.  Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, (1 Titus 1:12) Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. (1 Tim 5:20) By implikasie, om sterk te vermaan, met dringendheid, gesag, die idee van sensuur.  

Wanneer iemand teen jou persoonlik oortree

Die enigste regte Bybelse oordeel is om iemand wat jou te nagekom het, of aanstoot gegee het, direk te konfronteer. 

“Moenie in jou hart haat vertroetel teen enigeen van jou familielede nie. Konfronteer jou bure reguit sodat jy nie skuldig is aan wat hulle verkeerd doen nie.” (Leviticus 19:17 

“As jou broer verkeerd opgetree het teen jou, gaan wys hom tereg waar julle eenkant alleen is. As hy na jou luister, het jy jou broer teruggewen. Matthew 18:15-18 

If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. (Luk 17:1-5) 

Wanneer iemand op die dissipline ag slaan. 

Aanvaar die een wat in die geloof swak is, sonder om met hom te stry as sy opvatting van joune verskil. (Rom 14:1)

Op ons wat sterk is in die geloof, rus die verpligting om die swakhede te verdra van dié wat nie sterk is nie. (Rom 15:1) 

Broers, as iemand in die een of ander sonde val, moet julle wat julle deur die Gees laat lei, so iemand in ‘n gees van sagmoedigheid reghelp. (Gal 6:1) 

Oor dié wat in twyfel verkeer, moet julle julle ontferm. Ander moet julle red deur hulle uit die vuur te ruk. Oor ander moet julle julle met versigtigheid ontferm; en verafsku selfs die klere wat deur hulle sondige luste besmet is. (Jude 22) 

Watter gedrag moet ons veroordeel? 

Wat ek geskryf het, was dat julle nie moet omgaan met iemand wat homself ‘n gelowige noem, maar wat onsedelik of geldgierig of ‘n afgodsdienaar of kwaadprater of dronkaard of bedrieër is nie. Met so iemand moet julle nie eens saam eet nie. (1 Cor 5:11) 

Pas op vir dié wat verdeeldheid veroorsaak en die mense afvallig maak van die leer wat julle ontvang het. Bly weg van hulle af. (Rom 16:17) 

Wys die leeglêers onder julle tereg, (1 Thes 5:14) Onttrek julle aan elke broer wat leeglê en hom nie hou aan die opdragte wat julle van ons ontvang het nie. (2 Thes 3:6) 

Met iemand wat na twee vermanings nog skeuring veroorsaak, moet jy niks te doen hê nie, (Tit 3:9) 

En as iemand nie ons bevele, soos ons dit in hierdie brief vir julle gee, gehoorsaam nie, sonder dan daardie man af en vermy hom, dat hy kan skaam kry. (2 Thes 3:13) 

Daar is baie, veral onder die bekeerlinge uit die Jodedom, wat in opstand kom teen gesag, wat onsin praat en mense verlei. Hulle mond moet gesnoer word. Hulle bring hele huisgesinne in beroering deur dinge te leer wat nie toelaatbaar is nie, en dít net om skaamteloos geld te maak. (Titus 1:10-11) 

Die Vrees van die Here

Ananias, hoekom het jy jou deur die Satan laat omhaal om vir die Heilige Gees te lieg (Acts 5:3) 

saam met die krag van ons Here Jesus, het vergader om hierdie man aan die Satan oor te gee. So sou sy sondige aard vernietig word, sodat sy gees gered kan word op die dag wanneer die Here kom. (1 Cor 4:4-5) 

Onder hulle is daar Himeneus en Aleksander, wat ek aan die Satan oorgegee het, sodat hulle daardeur kan leer om God nie te laster nie. (1 Tim 1:20)

 

[1] J. M. Els Prof, Grieks-Afrikaanse Woordeboek met Strong se numering, 2001.

[2] Spiros Zodhiates, The complete word study dictionary: New Testament, 2000.

Categories
Preke

Verstaan God se Oordele

Plaasmoorde is nie net moorde nie, maar GRUWELDADE van onmenslike wreedheid. Geld geoormerk vir COVID 19, verlore deur KORRUPSIE! Man los vrou en kinders vir ‘n ander vrou! Mense sê mekaar sleg op sosiale media sonder grense!  Wat word van ons wêreld? Is dit die begin van die einde? Waar is God se OORDEEL? Waar is die REGSPRAAK? 

Die mens leef vandag asof daar nie ‘n oordeel is nie!! 

“Omdat die minagting van die wet van God sal toeneem, sal die liefde by baie verkoel.“ (Mat 24:12)

Sonder REGTE oordeel, raak ‘n samelewing oorgegee aan anargie en wetteloosheid. Sonder oordeel het mens nie rigting nie. Sonder oordeel is daar nie meer ‘n standaard om na te strewe nie. “EVERYTHING GOES”.  Alles is aanvaarbaar! Daar is nie meer reg en verkeerd nie.  

DIT IS ‘N VERSKRIKLIKE GROOT MISLEIDING! 

Die voedsel wat ons eet, moet dan voldoen aan sekere veiligheid standaarde! 

Niemand wil in ‘n vliegtuig vlieg, as die vlieënier nie die standaard geslaag het nie, wat nog te sê geopereer word deur ‘n dokter wat nie die kursus voltooi het nie?  Die waarheid is, ons soek standaarde vir veilige gesonde lewe, ons kan nie daarsonder nie! Selfs afrigting impliseer gereelde beoordeling, om dan sekere regstellings te maak, deur oefening te verbeter, om sodoende die hoogste eer te bekom! 

Die moderne mens wil net nie meer hê dat die standaarde op hom of haarself van toepassing is nie! 

Dr Henry Cloud maak ‘n pragtige appél in sy boek: “Changes That Heal” – Four practical steps to a healthier you. In Hoofstuk 1 as ‘n fondasie. Jesus is GENADE en WAARHEID (Joh 1:14). Hy is die LEEU en die LAM!

Ons het beide Waarheid en Genade nodig om te groei in volwassenheid in Christus.  Waarheid wys die STANDAARD, en Genade bied die goddelike VERMOË om REG te lewe. 

WAARHEID impliseer oordeel, want waarheid is ‘n toets. Waarheid is onaanvegbaar. Waarheid bring dit wat nie waar is nie aan die lig.  

VERSTAAN GOD SE OORDEEL 

Dawid voel veilig in God se oordele, insettinge, en verordeninge.

Dawid het homself getroos toe Hy God se oordele van ouds onthou. (Ps 119:52) 

” want al sy verordeninge was voor my, en sy insettinge het ek nie van my verwyder nie.”  (Ps 18:23) 

“Die bevele van die HERE is reg: hulle verbly die hart; die gebod van die HERE is suiwer: dit verlig die oë.” (Ps 19:9) 

“…u oordele is ’n groot watervloed. HERE, U behou mense en diere!” (Ps 36:7). Die langste Psalm in die Bybel handel juis oor Dawid wat die Here loof vir Sy oordele! 

(Psalms 119:7, 13, 20, 30, 39, 52, 62, 66, 75, 102, 106, 108, 137, 156, 160, 164, 175)

Jesus preek gereeld oor oordeel: 

  • Die gelykenis van die ryk dwaas (Luke 12:16–21)
  • Die twee fondamente (Matthew 7:24–7; Luke 6:46–49)
  • Die gelyknis van die Saaier (Matthew 13:3–9; Mark 4:3–9; Luke 8:5–8)
  • Die gelykenis van die onkruid tussen die koring (Matthew 13:24–30)
  • Die onvrugbare vyeboom (Luke 13:6–9)
  • Die treknet (Matthew 13:47 –50)
  • Die eise van dissipelskap (Luke 14:28–33)
  • Die plig om te vergewe (Matt 18:23-35)
  • Die verlore seun (Luke 15)
  • Die ryk man en Lasarus (Lk 16:19-31)
  • Die gelykenis van die boere en die wingerd (Mat 21:33-41)
  • Die gelykenis van die bruilof (Matt 22:1-14; Lk 14:15-24)
  • Die vyf dwase en die vuf wyse maagde (Mat 25:1-13)
  • Die skape en die bokke (Mat 25:31-46)

Troos Vir Slagoffers

Misdadigers gaan nie straf vryspring nie!! Hierin is daar ‘n reuse troos!! 
“Maar ellende wag vir die mens wat die oorsaak daarvan is.” (Luk 17:1-2) 

“Moenie self wraak neem nie, geliefdes, maar laat dit oor aan die oordeel van God. Daar staan immers geskrywe: “Dit is mý reg om te straf; Ék sal vergeld,” sê die Here.” (Rom 12:19) 

Ons gaan elkeen moet rekenskap gee

“Maar Ek sê vir julle dat van elke ydele woord wat die mense praat, daarvan moet hulle rekenskap gee in die oordeelsdag.” (Mat 12:36 

“Want die Seun van die mens staan gereed om met sy engele in die heerlikheid van sy Vader te kom, en dan sal Hy elkeen vergeld volgens sy dade.” (Mat 16:27)

“En daar is geen skepsel onsigbaar voor Hom nie, maar alles is oop en bloot voor die oë van Hom met wie ons te doen het.”(Heb 4:13)

“Hulle sal rekenskap gee aan Hom wat gereed staan om die lewende en die dode te oordeel. Want daarom is ook aan die dode die evangelie verkondig, sodat hulle wel geoordeel kan word na die mens in die vlees, maar lewe na God in die gees. En die einde van alle dinge is naby; wees dan ingetoë en nugter, om te kan bid. Maar bo alles moet julle mekaar vurig liefhê, want die liefde sal ’n menigte sondes bedek.” (1 Pet 4:5)

“Alles wat in die geheim gedoen is sal openbaar word.” (Mar 4:22)

Daar wag ook ‘n beloning

Jesus het nie net oor die oordeel gepraat wat kom nie, maar ook oor die beloning wat wag vir die wat reg geleef het: 

  • Siele en dissipels wat gewen is – Kroon van Blydskap (1 Thes 2:19).
  • Heilige en toegewyde lewe – Kroon van geregtigheid (2 Tim 4:8).
  • Versoeking weerstaan – Kroon vd. Lewe (Jak 1:12; Open 2:10).
  • Goeie Herders – Kroon van heerlikheid (1 Pet 5:4).
  • Dissipline en volharding – Onverwelklike kroon (1 Kor 9:25).
  • Vervolging weerstaan – Groot beloning (Mat 5:12; Luk 6:23).
  • Gee sonder om gesien te word -Groot beloning (Mat 6:2).
  • Vas en bid in die geheim – Sal openlik beloon word (Mat 6:6; 18).
  • Ontvang gestuurde volgens sy gawe – Sal spesifieke gawe ontvang (Mat 10:41).
  • Goeie werke – Beloon volgens elkeen se werke (Rev  22:12; Mat 16:27; 1 Cor 3:8).
  • Vyande liefhê, teenoorgestelde gees – Groot beloning (Luk 6:35).
  • Op die regte fondament gebou – Sal beloon word (1 Kor 3:14).
  • Lewe in die geloof in Christus -Vryheid (Kol 2:18).
  • Dien die Here – Erfdeel saam met Christus (Kol 3:24).
  • Vaste vertroue – Groot loon (Heb 10:35).
  • Volharding – Volle loon (2 Joh 1:8). 

Die woord oordeel het iets uit te make met krisis. ‘n Krisis is dikwels ‘n toets van ons geloof, en dit wat in ons is. Die meeste leerlinge hou nie van eksamen nie, maar as jy goed voorberei het hoef jy nie te vrees nie. Dit is tog wonderlik om te sien hoe jy gevaar het op die einde! 

Die Groot wit Troon Oordeel (Bema verhoog) Toekomstige Oordeel

Die woord Bema wat in die NT Grieks gebruik word verwys na die verhoog waarop atlete staan, wanneer hulle in hulle sport gewen het. Dit impliseer dat die beoordelaars streng elke atleet se optrede ontleed het om te bepaal wie verdien om te wen.  

Lees Open. 20:11-15 

“…want daar staan geskrywe: “So seker as Ek lewe, sê die Here, voor My sal elke knie buig, en elke tong sal bely dat Ek God is.” Elkeen van ons sal dus oor homself aan God rekenskap moet gee.” (Rom 14:11-12) 

“Maar, of ons hier woon of daar woon, ons het net een wens, en dit is om te lewe soos Hy dit wil. Ons moet immers almal voor die regterstoel van Christus verskyn, sodat elkeen kan ontvang volgens wat hy tydens sy aardse lewe gedoen het, of dit nou goed was of kwaad.” (2 Kor 5:9-10) 

“‘n Atleet wat aan ‘n wedstryd deelneem, kan die prys wen slegs as hy volgens die reëls meeding.” (2 Tim 2:5) 

“Weet julle nie dat atlete wat aan ‘n wedloop deelneem, wel almal hardloop, maar dat net een die prys ontvang nie? Hardloop dan só dat julle die prys kan wen. Almal wat aan ‘n wedstryd deelneem, ontsê hulleself allerlei dinge. Hulle doen dit om ‘n verganklike oorwinnaarskroon te verkry, maar ons ‘n onverganklike. Ek hardloop dan ook soos een wat nie van sy doel onseker is nie; ek slaan soos ‘n bokser wat nie in die lug slaan nie. Maar ek oefen my liggaam en bring dit onder beheer, sodat ek nie ander tot die stryd oproep en self nie kwalifiseer nie.” (1 Kor 9:24-27) 

Hel is ‘n realiteit – 2 Pet 2:4; Mat 22:13; 25:30 

Geen oordeel IN Christus – bekeer julle 

Jesus gebruik nie die slegte goed wat met mense gebeur om daardeur te wys dat sekere mense oordeel verdien nie. Almal het gesondig en ontbreek aan die heerlikheid van die Here (Rom 3:23). Rampe, wreedheid van mense gebeur al vir duisende jare. Nou ervaar ons hierdie tye soos ‘n vrou in haar baringstyd wanneer daar korter kontraksies op mekaar is!

NOGTANS bekeer jou! As jy nou vandag tot sterwe kom, is jou saak reg met die Here? (Luk 13:1-5) 

“God het nie sy Seun na die wêreld toe gestuur om die wêreld te veroordeel nie, maar sodat die wêreld deur Hom gered kan word. Wie in Hom glo, word nie veroordeel nie; wie nie glo nie, is reeds veroordeel omdat hy nie in die enigste Seun van God glo nie. En so kom die skeiding: die lig het na die wêreld toe gekom, en tog het die mense eerder die duisternis as die lig liefgehad, want hulle dade was sleg.” (Joh 3:16-19) 

Geen oordeel IN Christus Jesus nie. 

“Daar is dus nou geen veroordeling vir dié wat in Christus Jesus is nie.” (Rom 8:1) Sommige manuskripte voeg by: … “vir dié wat nie volgens die sondige natuur lewe nie, maar volgens die Gees. Dit impliseer dus net diegene wat Sy geregtigheid as geskenk en genade ontvang het, en IN Hom krag ontvang het (Phil 4:13) heers in dié lewe oor sonde en ongeregtigheid. (2 Kor 5:21; Rom 5:17) 

Christus het ons oordeel op die kruis gedra en die volle prys vir ons dade betaal (Heb 10:10). 

  • Hy het die vloek van ons sonde op Hom geneem (Gal 3:13).
  • Hy het satan gebind en hom ontklee van sy outoriteit (Col 2:15)

Daarom is ons wat in Christus is, nie bang vir oordeel nie! “Hiérin het die liefde sy doel volkome met ons bereik: ons het niks te vrees vir die oordeelsdag nie, want in hierdie wêreld lewe ons reeds deur die liefde net soos Jesus. (1 John 4:17) 

Teenswoordige Oordeel – Die oordeel van die kerk. 

Die kwessie is nie óf ons moet oordeel nie, maar hoe ons moet oordeel.

  • Moenie die splinter oordeel met ‘n bank in jou eie oog nie. (Mat 7:1-5)
  • In 1 Cor 5:1-13 kla Paulus die kerk aan omdat hulle nie die sonde in hulle midde verwyder en beoordeel het nie. Hy maak dit dan ook duidelik dat ons nie die mense buite die huisgesin van God oordeel nie, maar wel die familie is. 

Daar is ‘n verskil tussen oordeel en beoordeel.  Om iemand te oordeel sonder dat jy al die feite het, betrokke is in die saak, en eerstehands getuienis het is soos om jouself regter oor ʼn saak te maak en die saak het nooit voorgekom nie. JY kan nie iemand beoordeel as jy nie kontak maak, en die sonde/fout/misleiding konfronteer nie.

Die Bybel is baie duidelik dat ons mense wat hulle skuldig maak aan die volgende oortredings uit ons gemeenskap moet verwyder; hulle soos heidene moet behandel, nie met hulle moet kuier of eet nie: 

  • hoereerders
  • gierigaards 
  • rowers 
  • afgodedienaars. 1 Cor 5:11-13:
  • tweedrag en aanstoot veroorsaak teen die leer wat julle geleer het, Rom 16:17:
  • ‘n man wat partyskap verwek, Tit 3:10-11:
  • wat onordelik wandel en nie volgens die oorlewering wat hy van ons ontvang het nie. 2 Thess 3:6:
  • iemand aan ons woord in hierdie brief nie gehoorsaam is nie, 2 Thes 3:14-15:
  • As iemand iets anders leer en nie instem met die gesonde woorde van onse Here Jesus Christus en met die leer wat volgens die godsaligheid is nie, 1 Tim 6:3-5: 3
  • wat tugteloos is
  • wat onsin praat 
  • verleiers is – Tit 1:10-11.

Die kerk se straf en oordeel is die van ʼn mens en tydelik.  Soos bv:

  • Oordeel die sonde 1 Kor 5:1-13
  • Restoreer die sondaar 2 Kor 2:3-11  

Uiteindelik oordeel ons eie dade ons daagliks. Ongehoorsaamheid aan God se voorskrifte veroorsaak dat die aarde uitroep met onuitspreeklike sugtinge. Die aarde en die ekologie rebelleer en ly as gevolg van ons selfsug. Ons self ly ook! Hoe wonderlik sal die wereld nie wees as alle mense IN Christus leef, en Sy waardes, denke, gewoontes, en gesindheid handhaaf nie?

Categories
Preke

Oorwin irrasionele Vrees

Podgooi
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/6050371-veg-en-oorwin-irrasionele-vrees.mp3?blob_id=25059187&download=true

Hoofteks (Luk 18:1-8) 

Van tyd tot tyd beleef ons almal irrasionele verlammende vrees en angs.  Ons weet hoe dit voel as jou maag in ‘n knoop draai, en hoendervleis op jou lyf uitslaan, as gevolg van iets wat jy gelees het, of gehoor het. Vrees is natuurlik en gesond, en verskerp ons sintuie en spiere om of te vlug of om te baklei want daar is gevaar.  Satan se moedertaal is leuens, en hy verstaan dat vrees net soos geloof werk. Geloof kom, soos ‘n saad. Geloof kom deur gehoor, of iets wat jy sien, of ‘n getuienis. Vrees kom ook deur ‘n storie, slegte nuus, of iets wat jy sien of hoor. Deesdae is sosiale media vol van misleiding en fobnuus. Satan gebruik dit om ons te ontstel, en te verlam met vrees. Daar is sekerlik tye waar ons werklik in ‘n situasie kom, waar vrees regverdig is. Self dan het ons nodig om te glo, en in die geloof op te staan en die gevaar, tyding, krisis te ontbeer! 

Jesus vra die vraag: “maar as die Seun van die mens kom, sal Hy wel die geloof op die aarde vind?” (Luk 18:8) 

Die gelykenis begin met ‘n verduidelik en motief: “dat ’n mens gedurig moet bid en nie moedeloos word nie.” (2 Cor. 4:1, 16; Gal. 6:9; Eph. 3:13; 2 Thess. 3:13) Geloof is altyd in opstand teen die status-quo! Geloof is ‘n weerstand beweging! Geloof sien ‘n hemelse werklikheid, en fokus nie op die sienlike tydelike dinge nie. (2 Cor 4:18) Soos Stephanus vol van die Heilige Gees, die steniging ontbeer, met sy oë gevestig op Jesus. (Acts 7:55) So staan die kinders van God, vol van geloof, in gereedheid om te doen presies net dit wat Hy van ons vra.  

Die regter in hierdie storie is waarskynlik ‘n romeinse regter, wat geensins empatie of begrip het met die nood en leed van ‘n Joodse weduwee nie.  Haar versoek is nie dat haar teëparty gestraf moet word nie, maar wel dat sy beskerming ontvang. Wat haar teëparty doen is nie reg nie, en sy verdien beskerming van ‘n hoër gesag.  Haar vasberadenheid was gedetermineerd gefokus soveel so dat die regter verklaar: sodat sy nie eindelik kom en my in die gesig slaan nie. (Luk 18:5) 

Die Crux van die storie is die feit dat haar geloof nie net gebede en verstandelike vertroue was nie. Sy het die regter moeg gemaak, met haar gereelde hof verskynings.  Dit impliseer dat sy tog sekerlik ‘n ‘nee’ antwoord moes ontvang het. Sy het nie toegelaat dat sy laksheid, onvermoë, onreg, verkeerd wees haar onder kry nie. Herhaaldelik, het sy met ‘n nuwe saak gekom, met nuwe getuienis, en ‘n beroep gedoen vir regspraak en beskerming.  

Jesus maak dit ook duidelik dat Die Vader nie soos hierdie regter is nie. (Mat 7:9; Heb 12:9) Dit beteken ons hoef nie so aan te gaan asof die Here nie wil antwoord nie. Elke goeie gawe kom van die Vader. (James 1:17) Daar is wel ‘n geloofstryd aan die gang, om Sy koninkryk en Sy wil hier op aarde te laat geskied. 

sal Hy wel DIÉ geloof op die aarde vind?