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EDEN – CHURCH

We are not here on earth as museum keepers, but to cultivate a flourishing garden of life.

Pope John XXIII

As a church we are on a journey with Jesus. Along this journey we are slowly awaking to the presence and reality of the person of Jesus, learning His ways, what He values, How He thinks, how He acts, who He was and is, and is to come.  Along the journey, we began to notice metaphors and teaching aids to help us understand and remember, what is the best way to do life.  

Last year Pastor Morne Bailey and Nadia Smith opened our thinking to Eden – the walled, enclosed garden.  I believe there is much to learn from gardens, trees, and forests.  Let’s looks at a few examples.  

In the following video, you will learn the importance of the circle of life, and how all the diversity of species, plays an important role in the balance of sustainable life being preserved.  When wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the United States after being absent nearly 70 years, the most remarkable “trophic cascade” occurred. What is a trophic cascade and how exactly do wolves change rivers? George Monbiot explains in this movie remix.[1]

Would we all not love to take a hike and experience the magic of old-growth Redwood forests, where giant Sequoias reach 115 meters into the sky for sunlight[2]

Now that I have your attention, let’s look at the Bible’s garden story! The brilliant guys at the Bible Project will get us on the same page first: Union of heaven and Earth under God’s rule is what the Bible is all about. [3] Mankind always seeks out a form of community: political parties, gangs, clubs, peer-pressure-groups, family trees, etc. According to Dr Henry Cloud we thrive on 3 basic things: Our brain/body (the physical), our relational connections, and our minds, which regulate the energy and information needed to live and perform. We are connected in such ways that the reality of how we function always involves these three elements: our physical make up, our relationships, and our minds.[4] But most importantly: A community that does not disciple and nurture you into becoming more like Christ fails your creation purpose.  Let’s, therefore, find our queues and direction from the Bible, and discover God’s true intention for community and life on earth. 

For the serious Bible students, here is the literal Hebrew meaning of the Garden of Eden! 

H1588. גַּן gan: A common noun meaning garden, enclosure. It is used to indicate the Garden of Eden (pleasure) where the first human pair was placed (Gen. 2:8-10, 15, 16; 3:1-3, 8, 10, 23, 24; Ezek. 36:35; Joel 2:3). Hence, it refers to a place of abundant trees, water, fruits, and vegetables—where conditions for life are maximized. It could be enclosed (Lam. 2:6). It is combined with Lord to designate the garden of the Lord (Gen. 13:10) and with God to refer to the garden of God (Ezek. 28:13). A garden, however, could feature many things: vegetables (Deut. 11:10; 1 Kgs. 21:2); spices, fruits, plants (Song 4:16; 5:1; 6:2). Assyria is referred to figuratively as a garden that surpassed even the garden of God (Ezek. 31:8, 9).

H5731. עֵדֶן ‘ēḏen: A proper noun designating Eden: The place where God placed Adam and Eve to live and where they rebelled against the Lord’s words. Satan was permitted in the garden and fostered the rebellion of the first human pair. They were subsequently driven from the garden by God (Gen. 3:21-24). Ezekiel takes the event seriously and notes the presence of an archetype of the King of Tyre in the Garden of Eden (Ezek. 28:11-15).

The precise location of the garden is not known, even though the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers were part of it. It became a symbol of beauty and fertility (Ezek. 31:9; Joel 2:3).

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. [5]  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.[6] God wants humanity to share His rule and governance over the earth.  

Not all the world was Eden.[7] 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.[8] 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).[9] 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 mountains (Sinai, Hermon, Ararat, Nebo, Carmel, Olives, Zion), and you’ve cut the heart out of the Scriptures.[10]

It is also clear that Eden was a temple, or that the temple design was based on Eden. 

  1. In the later OT the Temple was the place of God’s special presence where He made Himself known and felt to Israel. That is exactly how His walking with Adam and Eve in the Garden is depicted. (Gen. 3:8)
  2. Adam is placed in the garden to “cultivate (abad)” and “keep (samar)” it (Gen 2:15). The same two words are translated elsewhere as “serve” and “guard”, and when they appear together, they are either referring to Israelites serving or obeying God’s word, or more usually, to the job of the priest in guarding and keeping the Temple. (Num. 3:7-8; 8:25-26; 1 Chron. 23:32) Elsewhere Adam is portrayed dressed in the clothes of the high priest, functioning as a high priest. (Ezek 28:11-19) 
  3. The tree of life served as a model for the lampstand, which was clearly shaped as a tree, in the Temple.
  4. Israel’s later Temple was made with wood carvings of flowers, palm trees, etc. meant to recall Eden’s garden brilliance  (1 Kings 6:18, 29, 32, 35); pomegranates were also placed at the bottom of the two stone pillars in the Temple. (7:18-20)
  5. The entrance to the Temple was to the east, on a mountain facing Zion (Ex. 15:17), just as the end-time temple prophesied in Ezekiel is (40:2, 6; 43:12). Well, turns out the entrance to Eden was from the East (Gen. 3:24)
  6. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the ark of the covenant both were accessed or touched only on pain of death. Also, both were sources of wisdom.
  7. Just as a river flowed out of Eden (Gen 2:10), so a river is supposed to flow out of the end-time temple (Ezek 47:1-12; Rev. 21:1-2)
  8. Ezekiel 28:13-14 refers the Eden as “the holy mountain of God” whereas everywhere else in the OT, it is Temple and Tabernacle language.[11]

What is IMPERATIVE to see however is!!! Eden was a place of MEETING.  The first tabernacle, was called “the tabernacle of meeting” Exo 33:7 

This fellowship, meeting, communion, community, the family was disrupted and annihilated by sin, disobedience and rebellion!! Jesus is the mediator of the new better covenant to reinstall that unity, bond, the union we once had with God.  But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Heb 12:21-24) 

The spiritual nature of our “garden” is confirmed by Christ as the angel of the church in Ephesus: “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise (Eden) of God” (Revelation 2:7). 

A tree is not a forest. On its own, a tree cannot establish a consistent local climate. It is at the mercy of wind and weather. But together, many trees create an ecosystem that moderates extremes of heat and cold, stores a great deal of water, and generates a great deal of humidity. And in this protected environment, trees can live to be very old. Apparently, the trees synchronize their performance so that they are all equally successful. The rate of photosynthesis is the same for all the trees. The trees, it seems, are equalizing differences between the strong and the weak. Whether they are thick or thin, all members of the same species are using light to produce the same amount of sugar per leaf. This equalization is taking place underground through the roots. There’s obviously a lively exchange going on down there. Whoever has an abundance of sugar hands some over; whoever is running short gets help. This is because a tree can be only as strong as the forest that surrounds it. [12]

So what do these beautiful imageries mean for you and I today? The place of meeting is the EDEN where God reconnects us to all the provision, gold, rivers, nutrition, safety, and protection one needs to not merely survive, but thrive in this life! For if by one man’s offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ. This glorious opulence is found when we as church meet together! 

Beware of restricting the concept of meeting: Jesus met people in the streets and said: “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand” This Kingdom is within us. (Luk 17:21) Thus the meeting is happening already in our hearts! Because of our glorious union with the Father though Christ being filled with the Holy Spirit, we are in unity in our hearts with the church! This heart-union is expressed in various kinds of meetings happening constantly! 

This is why we need to be so careful to not be eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and build an offence against the other because of some partial knowledge we think we have about one another! The tree of life inside makes you eat with tax collectors, and sinners, (Mat 11:19) and is constantly creating a feast in this life. It is multiplying food, healing people, delivering people and eating and feasting with people! Jesus embodied the living temple, EDEN, God’s delight here on Earth as it is in heaven, calling us to do the same!! 

Our lives, homes, business, towns and cities should be temples, Eden’s, sacred enclosed gardens of delight, where God’s order and world is restored.  This is God’s ecclesia! This is His church in movement! 

In order to stay healthy like trees, we have to withstand climate change, wind and storms, fallen trees damaging each other, disease, parasites and infestations. As humans and the church, we have to withstand the storms and difficulties of life.

There is so much sinning going on! Sin brings separation, destruction, and death. It is a severe battle! God has provided for us an Eden habitat in the church, a heaven-on-earth reality, to draw from one another and flourish! 

Next week we will learn about my responsibility as a tree of righteousness: “That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” (Isa 61:3)

Tree planted by living waters: (Ps 1:2-5; Jer 17:5-8, Eze 47:10-12)

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWi2bn40ma4

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy2AQlK6C5k

[4]  “The Power of the Other: The startling effect other people have on you, from the boardroom to the bedroom and beyond-and what to do about it” by Henry Cloud.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[11] Beale, G., 2011. A New Testament Biblical Theology. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Academic, pp.pp. 617-621.

[12] Wohlleben, P., 2018. The Hidden Life Of Trees (Illustrated Edition). Melbourne: Black Inc., pg. 15, 25.

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Preke

REG SIEN = WARE EERBIED

Podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/5220070-reg-sien-ware-eerbied.mp3?blob_id=21055591&download=true

In ons reis die laaste paar weke, is ons besig om stukkie-vir-stukkie beter te sien. Die Here is besig om ons sig te genees, soos wat Hy ons harte reinig van enige ongeregtigheid.  Een van die klinkklare bewyse van mense wat begin reg sien, is eerbied! Wanneer jy God, jouself, jou naaste, begin reg sien kom eerbied, agting en respek outomaties. Jy begin dus werklik sien! Elke keer wanneer mense God regtig gesien het: het eerbied spontaan gevolg. Mense eer nie die Here of mekaar nie, omdat hulle blind is!  Mense het nie ‘n vrees vir die Here nie, omdat hulle Hom nie sien nie. 

Eerbied is besig om al hoe meer ‘n vreemde konsep in ons samelewing te word.  Mense glo hulle het ‘n reg tot hulle eie opinie, en gee nie om dit met enigiemand te deel nie. Die bybel en gees van Christus roep ons op tot ‘n lewe van eerbiedigheid. Be devoted to tenderly loving your fellow believers as members of one family. Try to outdo yourselves in respect and honor of one another. (The Passion Translation) wees hartlik teenoor mekaar met broederlike liefde; die een moet die ander voorgaan in eerbetoning; (AOV) (Rom 12:10) 

Die Godheid bestaan in eerbied vir mekaar: Die Seun bestaan om die Vader te eer en openbaar (Joh 4:34) Die Heilige Gees bestaan om die Seun te eer, (John 16:14) en ons bestaan om die Seun te eer (John 5:23) Hier is ‘n wederkerige wisselwerking, wat ons nie moet miskyk nie. Wanneer eerbied net in een rigting werk, veroorsaak dit ‘n wanbalans en kortsluiting. Eerbied is soos ‘n elektriese stroom, almal in die verhouding moet aanhou om mekaar te eer. Wanneer daar byvoorbeeld regtelik verwag word dat gemeente lede hulle leiers moet eer (Heb 13:17), dan moet leiers ook leer om hulle onderdane te eer. (Mat 20:25-28) Die vrees van die Here is die tug van die wysheid, en nederigheid gaan aan die eer vooraf. (Prov 15:33) 

Eerbied vir jou vyande

Die wêreld is geneig om eer te bewys eers as jou dade en prestasies sigbaar en rugbaar geword het. Die Bybel vra egter ‘n baie meer dieper sien: eer jou vyande! 

Dawid eer Saul: Mag die Here my bewaar dat ek so iets aan my heer, die gesalfde van die Here, sou doen om my hand teen hom uit te steek; want hy is die gesalfde van die Here.

En Dawid het sy manne streng bestraf en hulle nie toegelaat om teen Saul op te staan nie.  (1 Samuel 24:1-23)

Daniel eer Nebukadneser: My heer, mag die droom u haters en sy uitlegging u teëstanders oorkom. (Dan 4:19)

Julle moet jul vyande liefhê; seën die wat vir julle vervloek, doen goed aan die wat vir julle haat, en bid vir die wat julle beledig en julle vervolg; sodat julle kinders kan word van julle Vader wat in die hemele is (Mat 5:44-45) 

Eerbied, agting en respek 

Wat is eerbied nou prakties? Is dit ‘n stemtoon? ‘n sekere buigende houding? Verseker is daar vele namaaksels van ware eerbied.  Ek glo eerbied is ‘n stemtoon, en ‘n buiging van respek, maar dit is nog baie meer: Dit is om die persoon wat jy eer; te alle tye te ken in wat jy doen.  Jesus se eerbied, agting en respek vir die Vader, beteken Hy doen niks as hy nie eers dit met die vader nagegaan het nie. (Mat 26:39; Joh 5:19-20, 30; Joh 6:38; Joh 8:28; Joh 12:49; Joh 14:10, 24, 31; Joh 16:13.) Ek het op hierdie gebied al gruwelike foute begaan, omdat ek so haastig van geaardheid is. Jy kan nie besluite neem, as jy nie eers almal daarin geken het nie. Ek het my vrou al menige kere baie seer verwond, en haar laat voel dat haar opinie, inset en deelname nie vir my belangrik is nie.  Hoekom is ons dan ‘n span, as ek haar nie inlig nie. Ons hoef nie mekaar altyd toestemming te vra nie, maar ons moet mekaar inlig, dit bespreek, en dan saam ‘n betrokke taak gaan uitvoer. Dis hier waar bestuur, hulle werksmag verloor. Dis hier waar kinders, begin om van hulle ouers in rebellie weg te beweeg. Die opinie van hulle maats tel meer, as wat hulle ouers sê. Rehabeam luister eerder na sy vriende, as die ouer wyshere, en verloor 9/10 van sy koninkryk. (1 Kings 12:1-19) 

So het Moses, Josef, Daniel, Nehemia, Esther onder bose regerings, nog steeds eer getoon aan hierdie bose heersers. Dis parodoksaal, maar ek sien geen nut daarin om teen die regering te praat nie. Jesus het homself nooit teen die regering uitgespreek nie, alhoewel hy uiteindelik deur die Roomse regering te dood veroordeel en gekruisig is. So het nie een van die dissipels of eerste volgelinge van Jesus, teen die regering of selfs valse gode gepraat nie. (Acts 19) Ons dien wie ook al die regering van die dag is. Jesus het Homself wel uitgespreek teen godsdienstige leuens, valsheid en dwaallering. 

Eer en respekteer die funksie/posisie

Wie ’n profeet ontvang omdat hy ’n profeet is, sal die loon van ’n profeet ontvang; en wie ’n regverdige ontvang omdat hy ’n regverdige is, sal die loon van ’n regverdige ontvang. (Mat 10:41) Wat jy in ‘n persoon eer/sien is wat jy van daardie persoon sal kan ontvang. “Names and titles are important. Mother, father, son, daughter, apostle, prophet, Christian, human being – such names define the role and identity of a person, and, when used correctly, establish the relationship defined by God in which specific rewards are given and received to strengthen us. A culture of honor is created when a community learns how to discern and receive people in their God-given identity.”[1] Ons gebruik nie titels soos byvoegsels in name nie. Titels is ‘n vorm van respekvolle sien. Ek sien die volgende gawe in jou, daarom kan ek jou hulp in daardie amp vra.  Daar is vir my niks mooier as kinders wat nog steeds, al is hulle al ouer en het hulle al hulle eie kinders, na hulle eie ouers as “mamma en pappa’ verwys nie.  Eerbied is mooi! Dit is om toe te laat dat God se lig op iemand val! Deur na iemand se geestelike amp te verwys, toon jy dat jy dit raaksien. So maak Paulus aanspraak op sy apostelskap ten opsigte van ‘n sekere groepering wat dit in hom erken. As ek vir ander geen apostel is nie, is ek dit tog seker vir julle, want julle is die seël op my apostelskap in die Here.  (1 Cor 9:2) Ons moet oppas om nie te familiêr te word met mekaar nie, en sommer byname, of spotname teenoor mekaar te gebruik nie. Ons het dikwels so ‘n vrees vir ‘n grootsheidswaan, dat ons sommer mense afbreek, voor hulle grootkop kry.  Wanneer jy dit doen, misken jy die rykdom wat in daardie persoon opgesluit is vir jou.  Ons kan selfs van ons kinders begin rykdom trek, deur hulle te eer, te prys, en te erken voor ander. 

In die goddelike ekosisteem van familie, staan niemand alleen nie. Ons is verweef in ‘n tapisserie van lewens wat ons vooruitgaan, en wat agter ons aankom. Elke besluit en aksie raak iemand. Wanneer ons oë oopgaan vir hierdie werklikheid begin ons leef met eerbied vir die oueres wat ons voorafgegaan het en die leiers wat oor ons aangestel is. Ons word bewus van elkeen se aandeel, en hoe alles in die lewe met mekaar verbind is. Ons het mekaar nodig. Omdat ons oë oopgemaak is, sien ons die netwerk van lewe, die hiërargieë, die verbintenisse, die orde, die opoffering van elkeen se gehoorsaamheid – dis HEILIG!

[1] Danny Silk – Culture of honor. 

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Sermons

How does God see finances?

PODCAST
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/5127436-how-does-god-see-finances.mp3?blob_id=20622940&download=true

Money, in and of itself, has no actual value; it can be a shell, a metal coin, or a piece of paper. Its value is symbolic; it conveys the importance that people place on it. Money derives its value by virtue of its functions: as a medium of exchange, a unit of measurement, and a storehouse for wealth. Before money was invented, people acquired and exchanged goods through a system of bartering, which involves the direct trade of goods and services.  Money doesn’t have a life. It cannot act on its own. It cannot do good deeds, and it cannot commit crimes. Basically, it’s neither good or bad. Money takes on the form of the one who controls it.  

  • 16 out of 38 of Jesus’ parables deal with money and possessions
  • Nearly 25% of Jesus’ words in the New Testament deal with biblical stewardship
  • 1 out of 10 verses in the Gospels deal with money
  • In the Bible, there are more than 2,000 scriptures on tithing, money, and possessions, which is twice as many as topics of faith and prayer combined.

The Bible is explicit to explain how not to make money! 

How does the secular world (unbelievers and ungodly) make money?: Toil (Prov 23:4); lies (Prov 21:6); interest (Exo 22:25; Deut 23:19); dishonest gain (Eze 22:13); ponzi and pyramid marketing schemes[1]; fraud; over-promise-under-delivery; slavery and oppression of the poor (Prov 22:16); unjust scales (Prov 11:1); quick-profit (Prov 13:11); default on payments (Ps 37:21; Rom 13:7); passive income (2 Thes 3:10); extortion and bribes (Luk 3:14); violence (Prov 1:19).

Beware of the love of money (1 Tim 6:10) 

God did not invent money, currency, or promissory notes. He does not bless us with money “raining from the sky”. We live from every word that proceeds out of His mouth (Mat 4:4). God is our source, not money or an income.  When we obey Him, He will provide. 

What is the currency of heaven? 

It is called FAITH, not beliefs, faith that is backed-up by works and actions.  By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible (Heb 11:1,3,6). 

Calling ten of his [own] bond servants, he gave them ten minas [each equal to about one hundred days’ wages or nearly twenty dollars] and said to them, Buy and sell with these while I go and then return. (Luk 19:13 Amp).

The meaning of the word PRAGMATIC: 4231. πραγματεύομαι pragmateúomai; fut. pragmateúsomai, mid. deponent from prágma (G4229), matter, business. To be doing, to be busy, occupied, to do business, to trade or traffic (Luke 19:13). Deriv.: diapragmateúomai (G1281), to gain by doing business, to bargain; pragmateía (G4230), a transaction, affair.

Even our spiritual work is based on the principle of Pragma: distributing all manner of healing, deliverance, freedom, exorcism, salvation, exhortation in the name of Jesus, as a representative of His Kingdom. 

“Crucible work” (work refined by fire) births the core values of character. Work is the greatest remedy available for both mental and physical afflictions. BUT like physical exercise people can get addicted to work, and become too busy to make time for God. Daniel’s excellent work was based upon his prayer life (Dan 6:1-5).  Believers’ work is rooted in their faith, and dependence on God.  

We should not follow money; money should follow us!

For the love of money is a root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have been led astray and have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves through with many acute [mental] pangs. 1 Timothy 6:10 

Money and prosperity follow and prevail where there is Justice, Fairness, Generosity, Order, Integrity, Faithfulness, Passion, Innovation and Hard work.

  • Consistency -– He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. Proverbs 10:4 AMP
  • High Standards – excel in your work, it will bring you before Kings. Prov 22:29
  • Convenience (contribute added value to your product or service) 
  • A person – e.g.: Solomon, David. Investors may have a very good portfolio, but people connect with a person first. The owner of an insurance firm told me once how important it is to keep his staff happy and so they are faithful and committed their whole lives. Thus when a client phones, they always ask to work with  the same employee.  
  • Growth and favor – Multiplication (Mat 25:29). The servants who multiplied the most were blessed: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’”
  • Productivity – The Japanese settlers have a social value called gambare, which roughly translates, “Try harder, don’t give up, never give up!” He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide.  
  • Proverbs 18:9 He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer. When it comes to our work and our responsibilities – whether it is for ourselves (our own business or family) or for a boss – we must be faithful, diligent and hard working. If we aren’t, then the Bible says that we have the same impact as a vandal, or a person who actively works to destroy rather than build. Now, few of us plan to mess things up deliberately, but we need to realize that if we are lazy, unfocused, unfaithful, neglectful, and/or procrastinators, then we are having an actively negative effect on the areas of responsibility that are ours! Proverbs 25:19 AMP says that, “Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth or a foot out of joint.” A lot of people like to just coast along, looking busy, looking like they are contributing, meanwhile they are allowing others to “pick up the slack” and carry an extra burden. People do this at work and at home. In a family, you might have either one spouse  picking up more than their fair-share of the family responsibilities because the other person neglects or refuses to do their part. This is never a successful strategy in the long-term. The family is going to be unbalanced and lacking. Eventually it will fall apart, one way or another. The destruction that is caused will manifest in either the marriage failing and/or the children growing up in dysfunction. Ecclesiastes 9:18b says, “One sinner destroys much good.” One person can make a big difference – positively or negatively. Don’t be the one who ends up destroying a lot of good because you are lazy and irresponsible. Ask the Lord to help you do what’s right every day in your work and in your family responsibilities. 
  • Uniqueness – 1 Peter 4:10-11: God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts.
  • Specific purpose – Not living a life of purpose – he who follows worthless pursuits will have poverty in plenty (Prov. 28:19);

Work is Worship

Glorify God through your work: 1Cor 10:31. May your good works glorify your father in heaven. Mat 5:16. We join with fellow believers to be filled, armoured, strengthened, to go out and fight the war in the marketplace every day.  Some dualistic Christianity teachings sees the world, work as secular, foreign, and evil. Although the Bible is clear that we should have no part in the world, it speaks of worldly thinking.  Brother Lawrence taught us to practice God’s presence in everything we do. If we sweep the floor, let it be with thankfulness and joy, praising our Maker! If we build or create something, let it be with the inspiration and imagination of the Creator. 

Work to Give

Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. Eph 4:28.  The innermost heart of humanity isn’t about ownership. Jesus Christ practiced a life of making many rich, yet He owned no land, and left behind no earthly possessions. A man’s true wealth is not determined by what he owns, but by what he gives away. The Christian Church grew most rapidly in the first 300 years. (Stark 1997:161–162; Hirsch, 2006:18-22; Viola & Barna 2008:246–250). The Christian Church became the State Religion because of its exemplary demonstration of intrinsic critical values: great acts of mercy and kindness • mutual support and love • self-control • respect for life. • To do good to each other. • Avoid evil such as theft, deceit and jealousy. • Show hospitality to strangers. • Take care of each other and share their food with each other. • Prove mercy toward all people. • Conduct care and nursing of the sick. • Households testify to dignity, personal responsibility, honesty and obedience. • Ethnic variety is accepted. • Women, children and slaves are treated with respect. • Respect for life prevents abortion and childhood murder. • Martyrdom and the willingness to ‘ take up your cross ‘ (see Mark. 8) [2]

This giving is directed to be caring for the poor: Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world (James 1:27) 

The original meaning of economy:

Oikonos: “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Luke 12:42-48 

The worldview of individuality, selfies, self-centered-gain-for-my-pleasure has caused us to become alienated from local families. The internet has made the world smaller and has caused a wonderful convergence of resources and opportunities. But God’s economy is always centered around the family.  

Meaning of steward: οἰκονόμος oikonómos; gen. oikonómou, masc. noun from oíkos (G3624), house, and némō (n.f., see aponémō [G0632]), to deal out, distribute, apportion. An administrator, a person who manages the domestic affairs of a family, business, or minor, a treasurer, a chamberlain of a city, a house manager, overseer, steward. The concept of oikonomos (steward) refers to the  person responsible for the business affairs of a household. This Greek term later became the English word economy. Helmut Gollwitzer a concerned pastor, theologian and thinker known as a democratic socialist debated that regardless of our Christian political biases; we need to strive toward a social togetherness – “perfect togetherness without any conflict.” [3] This local community togetherness and economic justice cannot be achieved politically, culturally, economically or legislatively! #supportlocal #buylocal is becoming important new trends again. We need one another. We need our neighbours.  

[1] https://www.crown.org/blog/are-multi-level-marketing-companies-a-good-idea-for-christians/

[2] Dreyer, W., 2011. Praktiese Ekklesiologie En Bedieningspraktyk Met Verwysing Na Die Nederduitsch Hervormde Kerk Van Afrika (Afrikaans).

[3] See Gollwitzer,  Protestant Theology  : 191 –  2. Gollwitzer draws very briefly here on the imagery found in Mi 4.3f, Zec 3.10, and Rom 14.17.

Categories
Sermons

How to discern and prevent deception

Podgooi

The problem with being deceived is that you are usually the last one to find out that you are deceived. Sometimes this awakening comes too late.

Jesus Christ is truth, there is nothing more beautiful yet sobering than an encounter with Him. Deception comes in many forms: self-deception/delusion; people deceive with hidden motives and agendas; one can be deceived regarding doctrinal beliefs and one can be deceived in business.

Ultimate Deception is: Not knowing the Truth that is Jesus Christ, not seeing nor acknowledging Him as Friend, Savior, Redeemer, God, Eternal Lord.

The difference between ignorance and deception: ignorance is not yet knowing the truth; deception is believing a false truth. For Example, Scott Peck’s: “Truth is relative”

Rebellion is not accepting the truth.

Procrastination is not confronting and dealing with the truth.

UNCOVER ANY FORM OF DECEPTION THAT EXISTS IN YOUR LIFE THROUGH THESE SCRIPTURES:

  1. Knowing the truth yet not applying or living it. Scripture says this is like a man who sees himself in the mirror, and when he turns away, he forgets what he has seen. (James 1:22)
  2. Judging your brother and not seeing and recognizing your own mistakes. (Mat 7:1)
  3. Pride: Overestimating yourself and under-estimating others. “…wise in your own opinion…”, thinking you stand when you already have fallen (Gal 6:3). The pride of your heart has deceived you (Oba 3).
  4. Isolating yourself thinking that you are spiritual. (Proverbs 18:1)
  5. Double-mindedness  (James 1:8).
  6. “For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, beguiled and completely deceived me, and using it as a weapon killed me [separating me from God].” (Rom 7:11) “Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators…” ( 1 Cor 6:9). Continuing in secret sin is a great deception.
  7. Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” (1 Cor 15:33)
  8. “…giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Tim 4:1). Truth is a Person not a Doctrine – the Spirit of the Word is the Fruit.
  9. Being deceived by signs and wonders and the outward appeal of things (Col. 2:8, 23).
  10. “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col 2:8).

THE OPERATING SYSTEM OF A DECEIVER:

Compromise: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Rev 3:14-19)

1 Kings 3 – Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter to further his diplomatic relations with Egypt. This led to spiritual decay, immorality and ungodliness.

The Holy Spirit taught me – Diplomacy is not a godly virtue.

Deceitful Tongue = Saying: “I do not want to be rude, yet…”

Flattery Prov. 24:24; Prov. 26:28; Prov. 28:23; Prov. 29:5; Rom. 16:18; 1 Thess. 2:5; Jude 16

Fraud and Dishonesty Prov. 11:26; Prov. 16:11; 1 Cor. 6:8; 1 Thess. 4:6; James 5:4

Hypocrisy Matt. 15:7-9; Matt. 16:5-12; Matt. 23:1-13, 15-35; Rom. 2:17-24; Gal. 2:13;

Lying and Falsity Prov. 10:18; Prov. 12:22; Prov. 17:4; Prov. 19:22; Acts 5:7-9; Eph. 4:25


How to Spot a Liar – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_6vDLq64gE

ERADICATE DECEPTION THROUGH:

The Holies of holies knows no deception. A moment in His presence and all you own self-deception is exposed. Surround yourself with people who abides in His presence. I confess my own mistakes and deception came, because I did not consult the Lord, I went and followed the dictates of my own heart.

  1. Being part of a church based on the foundation of the Fivefold ministries – Eph 4:11-16
  2. Apostolic alignment – Gal 2:11-15; Acts 2:42
  3. The Word is a discerner – Heb 4:12
  4. Thankfulness – 1 Thes 5:18
  5. Humility and meekness – Mat 11:29
  6. A lifestyle of repentance – Mat 3:2 Repent (change) for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heb 6:1-2
Categories
Sermons

How to see in the Spirit?

Podgooi
https://youtu.be/iYiAGdjPIO0

How does one see in the Spirit?

Imagine Covid 19 social distancing without the internet? For many people their only connection to the world, their family and friends is through social media.  Once your mobile phone is connected to a reliable wi-fi network, it can update software, and apps. You can now also connect to the world with Whatsapp, e-mail, and social media. You can upload and download, and share memories, photos, documents, and valuable information.  The connection is the vital link. 

However, we are also spiritual beings. How does one connect in the Spirit? God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (Joh 4:24) Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor 3:15-18) “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Cor 2:9-11

The reality is, in today’s modern world mankind is becoming more and more spiritually disconnected. The result is, that we’re not getting the new divine spiritual updates, and power apps/gifts to enable us cope with the complexity of daily living. God wants to give us divine spiritual direction and a kingdom roadmap to mitigate the obstacles of our times. We need a connection! 

JESUS IS THE CONNECTION! 

The Bible

For me to be spiritually ALIVE I need to busy my mind with spiritual things like regular bible study, prayer, praying in tongues. Also, engaging in spiritual deep discussions in fellowship and listening to an audio-bible. I also recommend attending bible-school, and weekly receiving my spiritual brother’s input in men’s group where we share kingdom perspectives, defend the faith and refer to and read spiritual books.

An important component of being spiritually alive is to regularly attend church where we build one another up, receive prophecy, teaching and testimonies. During such precious moments, we are sharing our faith, discipling others while being discipled. We engage in intercessory prayer for another, “laying on of hands”, and praying for the sick. We are also contemplating truths to meditate on from a sermon perspective. We discuss Kingdom blueprints for the economy, community, education, safety and health of our cities and towns.

From these meetings we aim apply Kingdom acts of kindness: serving the poor, being a “good Samaritan”, while defending the faith and making peace. We minister counseling, mediate healing in relationships, encourage someone with a scripture and testimony and care for someone in need like feeding the poor.

We make sure that we are doing this in a manner pleasing to God: with a heart of forgiveness and grace while listening to discern God’s voice and obeying His instructions!

What are you feeding on? 

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. (Rom 8:5-6)

Living With God

We are temple of the Holy Spirit. you are God’s temple and God’s Spirit lives in you (1 Cor. 3:16); the temple of God is holy. Which temple are you? (1 Cor. 3:17); Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19); we are the temple of the living God (2 Cor. 6:16).

Be God-inside minded. Christ within the hope of Glory. (Col 1:27) Live a seamless spiritual life, conscious that everything is spiritual. [1]

Talking To God

MATTHEW 6:5–13

Like any conversation there are many different ways, of communicating your thoughts and heart to someone. The same applies to prayer, thanksgiving, praise, confession, supplication, petition, intercession, travail etc.  But no prayer is one-directional. It is simple good manners, to not do all the talking, there should also be listening, reflecting and mirroring. 

Discovering God in the Bible

Studying the scriptures is like studying the mind of God. We get to know Him through the scripture by discovering His heart, motives and intention, and in obedience we discover His ways.

The Word is a light to our path. It teaches us to begin to think like God, so we can begin to act like God. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Tim 3:16) continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Heb 5:12-14) 

Sensing God in Creation

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made (Rom 1:20) See Ps 19! Nature has an ability to bring me peace in a way nothing else does. Sure I get annoyed by bugs or get tired from hiking. But seeing the beauty, creativity, and complexity of what God has made has had a profound effect on my spiritual life.

Recognizing God In People

When man decided to rather be filled with the instant gratification of a desirable beautiful experience than remain loyal to divine family; he alienated himself from the only way to acquire godly maturity and divine wisdom.  A team of researchers “factor analyzed” all of the different treatment outcomes in order to understand what it was that really produced change, growth, and healing in a person. The researchers looked at each technique’s style, interventions on thinking and feelings, dynamics, and the like. While all of that was important, a professor explained, there was something else, some other factor that had really produced the curative force across each of these modalities: it is relationship. Not just any relationship, but the kind of meaningful, constructive, discipling that produces maturity in Christ. [2]

Finding God In Circumstances

GENESIS 45:4–15; 50:19–20

He sent a man before them—Joseph—who was sold as a slave.

They hurt his feet with fetters, He was laid in irons.

Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the LORD tested him. God used the famine, and in these circumstances delivered His people.  

Discovering God In Silence

He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. (1 KINGS 19:1–16). “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him” (Ps 62:5).

God Revealed In Visions & Dreams 

(ACTS 2:17, JOEL 2:28)

“Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house. I speak with him face to face, Even plainly, and not in dark sayings; And he sees the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid To speak against My servant Moses?” (Numbers 12:6) 

Sensing God’s Presence

Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road (Luk 24:31-32). Many times one read of one being in God’s presence and not being aware. Awareness and focus is thus the problem. We need to tune in. 

Encountering His Messengers

How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” Rom 10:14-15 Paul needed Ananias.

Wrestling With God

“Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”

Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.”

And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.

So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” Gen 32:25-28

Walking With God

Genesis 5:24, “And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God. (Gen 6:9-22) Walking with God entails servanthood obedience.  [3]

[1] https://robbell.com/portfolio/everything-is-spiritual-2016-tour-film/

[2] Excerpt from: “The Power of the Other: The startling effect other people have on you, from the boardroom to the bedroom and beyond-and what to do about it” by Henry Cloud. Read this book on Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/308264926

[3] Connecting with God: A spiritual formation guide. (Renovare resource) by Renovare, Lynda L. Graybeal, Julia L. Roller, Richard J. Foster https://a.co/8jbUmf8

Categories
Preke

Hoe sien ek God reg?

Podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/4722008-how-do-we-see-god-right.mp3?blob_id=18719099&download=true

“There are three images in my mind which I must continually forsake and replace by better ones: the false image of God, the false image of my neighbours, and the false image of myself.”

CS Lewis

Sedert die begin van tyd maak mense hulle eie afbeelding van wie hulle dink God is. Ons maak gode na ons beeld en ons eie verbeelding. Daar is al sedert die skepping ‘n stryd tussen afgodery en ware aanbidding. Die eerste sonde van ongehoorsaamheid was inherent die wegdraai van die ware God na ‘n ander god. In plaas daarvan dat ons deur verhouding met God in ‘n wandeling in die tuin sou kom tot volmaakte kennis om net soos God te wees, kies die mens die kort pad en glo die leuen van satan.  Verhouding spreek van dissipelskap, opvoeding, konfrontasie, beperking, tydsame ontwikkeling en groei. Die diepgaande motief agter hoekom Adam en Eva die vrug geneem het is: Dis die kort pad, meer gerieflike opsie. 

“Dis nie waar nie!” sê die slang toe. “Julle sal nie doodgaan nie. God het maar net so gesê, want Hy weet julle oë sal oopgaan die oomblik as julle daardie vrugte eet, en dan sal julle volmaakte kennis hê en net soos God wees!” Die vrou kyk toe weer na die boom se vrugte en sien hoe pragtig hulle Iyk. Hoe lekker sou hulle nie wees om te eet nie! En hoe wonderlik sou dit nie wees om alles te verstaan nie! (Gen 3:4-6) [1] Sedertdien kies die mens oor en oor eerder die natuurlike, sinlike, self-wysbegeerte bo verhouding met God.  Ons wil eerder ons self help, 

“die heerlikheid van die onverganklike God verander in die gelykvormigheid van die beeld van ’n verganklike mens en van voëls en viervoetige en kruipende diere.” (Rom 1:18-32) 

Geen mens kan neutraal staan nie, ons is gemaak om te aanbid, om te dien, om na te volg. Jy aanbid of die Ware Skepper God, af afgode. Selfs die ateïs wat selfvoldaan verklaar; “Christenskap is vir mense wat ‘n kruk nodig het” wys op hulle eie self-aanbidding, selfbeskikking, en self-redding.  Self-aanbidding is vandag die afgodery van ons tyd. Selfies, self-beheptheid, self-gerigtheid, en selfhelp godsdiens. Daar is selfs rakspasie onder die titel katogorie: Self-help. “Die Here help die mens wat homself help” is die mantra van die hedendaagse kultuur. Die diepgaande probleem en radikale ontnugtering van die aanbidding van valse gode is: Jy het gegee, gedien, gekoop, geslaaf, geoffer, gewerk en nog steeds vind jy jouself leeg en onvervuld. 

Die werklike kwessie is: Hoe sien jy God? Sien jy Hom van aangesig tot aangesig? Of sien jy ‘n afbeelding, refleksie, oorvertelling, tweede-handse weergawe van wie mense sê God is? Jesus het ook hierdie vraag vir Sy dissipels gevra: “Wie dink die mense is Ek, die Seun van die Mens?” [2] en later “En wat van julle, wie sê julle is Ek?”[3]

Sommige sien God as die veelvoudige persoonlikheid steurnis God: Allah, Budah, Chrisna, is almal god.[4]  

Sommige glo in die verkeerskonstabel god, wat daarop uit is om jou te vang oortree, en dan vir jou ‘n boete gaan gee. 

Ander sien God as die kosmiese verkoopshandelmasjien, waar jy net die regte gebede bid, en hy dan gee wat jy nodig het. 

Die wysbegeerte sien God as die onbetrokke horlosie-maker god, wat die aarde soos ‘n horlosie in delekate ratte aan die gang gesit het, maar nie betrokke is in ons persoonlike lewens nie. 

Die meeste mense hou van die drinker-vriend-by-die-kroeg god, hy luister altyd, stem altyd saam, en laat jou altyd beter voel God. 

Dan is daar mense wat God soos ‘n teddie-beer sien, hy is altyd daar vir jou, om jou te troos en te laat beter voel. Hy praat nooit terug nie, en hy is bekende staatmaker wat ek kies om te gebruik wanneer ek hom nodig het. 

Die mense wat god as spaarwiel sien is glad nie op God ingestel of gefokus totdat hulle hom nodig het as daar ‘n pap wiel is nie. 

Daar is natuurlik ook mense wat God sien as die bekende ou familielid, ons respekteer hom as hy kom kuier, bloot omdat hy familie is en omdat ons ouers hom ken.  

Sommige teoloë sien god as die poppespelmeester god, wat glo dat hy alles beheer. Ons verstaan nie hoekom hy die wreedheid van moord, rampe en pyn en leed toelaat nie, maar alles is uiteindelik sy wil.  Dit is moeilik om die God lief te kry.  

Baie mense sien God as die pretbederwer god. Hy wil nie hê ons moet die lewe geniet nie, wanneer dit goed gaan is ons eintlik bang vir wanneer hy dit gaan kom bederf.  [5]

“Gelukkig is jy, Simon seun van Jona, want my hemelse Vader het dit aan jou bekendgemaak. Hierdie wete het jy nie van enige mens ontvang nie. 18Ek verklaar nou vir jou: ‘Jy is Petrus. Op hierdie rots  sal Ek my kerk oprig, en al die magte van die hel sal dit nie oorwin nie.[6]

Die ware kerk is gebou op die openbaring wat God van homself gee!! 

Die afgodery oplossing is eintlik eenvoudig: Is jou siening van God ‘n mens se openbaring van God, of het God Homself aan jou bekend gemaak? 

Paulus verklaar: Want ek het dit ook nie van ’n mens ontvang of geleer nie, maar deur ’n openbaring van Jesus Christus.(Gal 1:12) Hy het ‘n persoonlike ontmoeting met Jesus gehad op die pad na Damaskus. (Hand 9:1-19) 

Paulus leer dat ware gelowiges en kinders van God, leef vanuit ‘n direkte persoonlike openbaring van wie God is. Die voorhangsel is geskeur. Ons het nou vrymoedigheid om in die allerheiligste in te beweeg. En terwyl ons almal met onbedekte gesig soos in ’n spieël die heerlikheid van die Here aanskou, word ons van gedaante verander na dieselfde beeld, van heerlikheid tot heerlikheid, as deur die Here wat die Gees is. (2 Cor 3:18) 

WAT van die begin af was, wat ons gehoor het, wat ons met ons oë gesien het, wat ons aanskou het en ons hande getas het aangaande die Woord van die lewe — en die lewe is geopenbaar, en ons het dit gesien, en ons getuig en verkondig aan julle die ewige lewe… (1 John 1:1-2) 

Baie mense het natuurlik Jesus reg voor hulle gesien, en tog nie gesien nie. Hoeveel mense het Jesus nie genees, en nog steeds het hulle nie geglo nie. (Joh 12:37-43) Sy eie familie het ook eers nie gesien wie Hy werklik is nie. (Mat 12:46-50; Mark 3:21,31-35; LK 8: 19-21) 

Ons sien hier op watter verskillende maniere die mense op Jesus gereageer het. Party mense het Hom “’n goeie man” genoem (Joh 7:12); ander weer ’n misleier (Joh 7:12). Ander het gesê dat Hy van die duiwel besete was (Joh 7:20); party dat Hy die Christus was (Joh 7:26); sommige dat Hy “die Profeet” was (Joh 7:40) en sommige dat Hy gearresteer moes word (Joh 7:44). 

Daar kom egter ‘n dag waar ELKE knie sal buig, en ELKE tong sal bely: dat Jesus die Here is!! (Rom 14:11; Phil 2:10) 

Jesus is God: 

Christus Jesus het alle raaisels en afeidings oor God kom regstel en fisies in Sy persoon die Godheid kom bekend maak. “Hy, wat die afskynsel is van sy heerlikheid en die afdruksel van sy wese en alle dinge dra deur die woord van sy krag”(Heb 1:3) Jesus se eie biografie, of self-verklaring is uiters betekenisvol tot ons geloof. Wat het Hy oor Homself gesê? 

Hy vergewe sonde: (Mark 2:10) 

Hy is alomteenwoordig: “want waar twee of drie in my Naam saam is, daar is Ek by hulle” (Matt. 18:20). 

Hy is ewig: “Ek is by julle al die dae tot die voleinding van die wêreld.” (Matt. 28:20).

Hy is almagtig: “Aan My is alle mag gegee in die hemel en op die aarde.” (Matt. 28:18).

Hy is alwetend: “Niemand weet wie die Seun is nie behalwe die Vader, en wie die Vader is nie behalwe die Seun en elkeen aan wie die Seun dit wil bekend maak.” (Luk. 10:22).

“Christus was óf ’n leuenaar óf ’n waansinnige óf die Here.” 

Uiteindelik was dit die hoofrede hoekom die Jode Jesus wou doodmaak: Die feit dat Hy Homself gelykstel met God. (Joh. 5:17-29). “Ek en die Vader is een.” (Joh. 10:30). “Die Jode antwoord Hom en sê: Dit is nie oor ’n goeie werk dat ons U stenig nie, maar oor godslastering, en omdat U wat ’n mens is, Uself God maak.”  Teenoor die Joodse Raad, die Sanhedrin, maak Jesus dit weer eens duidelik: “Ek stel jou onder ‘n eed by die lewende God dat jy vir ons moet sê: Is jy die Christus, die Seun van God?” Jesus antwoord hom: “Dit is soos u sê. Daarby sê Ek vir julle: “Van nou af sal julle die Seun van die mens sien waar Hy aan die regterhand sit van Hom wat magtig is, en julle sal Hom sien kom op die wolke van die hemel.” (Matt. 26:63-64). Die feit dat Jesus uiteindelik gekruisig is omdat Hy Homself gelykstel met God, is ‘n verdere bewys van wie Hy werklik is: Hy het dit nie net geglo asof dit iets wat moes verwesenlik word nie. HY IS GOD. Daarom het Hy opgestaan, is die Heilige Gees uitgestort, en elke woord wat Hy gepreek het is besig om in vervulling te kom! 

Hoe ons God vandag sien, is bepalend tot hoe ons die lewe gaan hanteer! Is Hy waaragtig vir jou ‘n eerstehandse werklikheid, of glo jy nog op hoorsê? Mag die Heilige Gees Jesus aan ons elkeen openbaar in krag en majesteit! 

[1] Die Lewende Bybel, (Roodepoort: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy, 1982), Ge 3:4–6.

[2] Die Bybel, Nuwe Lewende Vertaling, (Vereeniging, Suid Afrika: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy, 2006), Mt 16:13.

[3] Die Bybel, Nuwe Lewende Vertaling, (Vereeniging, Suid Afrika: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy, 2006), Mt 16:15.

[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deities_by_classification

[5] https://www.aggiecatholicblog.org/2014/09/10-defective-images-of-god/

[6] Die Bybel, Nuwe Lewende Vertaling, (Vereeniging, Suid Afrika: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy, 2006), Mt 16:17–18.

Categories
Hartklop

Bou en Handhaaf Gesonde Grense in Verhoudings

En Hy het uit een bloed al die nasies van die mensdom gemaak om oor die hele aarde te woon, terwyl Hy vooraf bepaalde tye en die grense van hulle woonplek vasgestel het, (Acts 17:26) 

Vanaf die vroegste tye af, leef groeperinge van mense binne bepaalde grense. Ons lees van nasies se bepaalde grense alreeds in Gen 10:19, en spesifiek Nimrod se ryk.  Vandag leef ons in ‘n meer pluralistiese samelewing waar mense probeer om grense te vervaag, of te verwyder. Verwydering van grense het bepaalde voordele maar ook verseker nadele. Ek staan verstom in ons werk in plakkerskampe, om te sien hoe vinnig ‘n nuwe plakker ‘n heining oprig nadat hy die slaapstruktuur opgerig het. Die mense hou dan ook gewoonlik dit baie netjies en skoon binne hulle bepaalde heining. Ons as mens weet inherent om onsself te beveilig met heinings, ons merk te maak, territoriaal ons area en eienaarskap af te baken. Die probleem is ons sukkel om grense te stel teenoor mense!

Jy het net mag en gesag binne jou bepaalde grens. Die teendeel sal dan ook waar wees, waar jy nie jou grense ooreengekom het nie, is daar dus chaos, twis en stryery.  Iemand wat weet hoe om duidelike grense te stel ten opsigte van hulle tyd, geld en betrokkenheid spreek van emosionele volwassenheid. 

“Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to a sense of ownership. Knowing what I am to own and take responsibility for gives me freedom.” 

Henry Cloud 

Die probleem is, dat nie almal daarvan hou dat daar grense gestel word nie. Sommige mense voel dit perk hulle vryheid in. Die persoon wat die grense stel word gesien as onbeskof, self-geldend en selfsugtig. Ons wil nie aanstoot gee nie, daarom stel ons nie grense nie. Die gevolg is egter dat baie meer mense aanstoot neem as gevolg van die gebrek van grense, omdat almal nie dieselfde waardes, gedrag of werkwyses het nie. Omdat ons nooit grense gestel het nie, voel ons misbruik, oorwerk, en oorrompel deur ongevraagde inmenging, hulpverlening en opinies.  

Buskruit wat aangesteek word ontplof met baie rook en ‘n groot slag, maar kruit wat beperk en begrens word binne in ‘n koeël kan ‘n baie verder afstand teen hoë spoed beweeg.  In antieke tye  is riviere as grens gebruik, later paaie, later kartering met merkers. Wanneer ons ‘n pad bou, moet jy randstene invoeg, anders spoel die pad weg. As hierdie grense noodsaaklik is vir hoe ons grond en eienaarskap bestuur, dan is dit ook netso wesenlik belangrik vir hoe ons verhoudinge bestuur.  

Wanneer ons trou, bou ons ‘n baie definitiewe grens teenoor alle vorige verhoudings, vriendskappe en familie se betrokkenheid in ons lewens. “Daarom sal die man sy vader en moeder verlaat en sy vrou aankleef. En hulle sal een vlees wees.” (Gen 2:24). Dit beteken na jou huwelikseremonie en bevestiging van julle verbond voor God en getuies, moet daar nou grense gestel word. Ouers het nie meer dieselfde rol en invloed in hulle kinders se lewe nie. Die man word die nuwe hoof van die gesin, en alhoewel hy in nederigheid vir advies of hulp kan vra, moet hy nou sy eie besluite neem. Die ouers is nie meer verantwoordelik vir die kinders se versorging nie. Daarom was daar tydens die kontrak fase, sekere praktiese aspekte van werk, verblyf en inkomste onderhandel.  Die man en vrou moet aanmekaar kleef, dit impliseer ‘n skeiding van die ouers.  (LEAVING and CLEAVING) [1] Die kinders moet emosioneel, finansieel en fisies losmaak van die ouers, om in besonder mekaar volkome te kan aankleef. Wanneer een van die kinders nog hulle ouers aankleef, kan die huwelik nie verdiep in hulle eie verbondenheid nie.  Natuurlik is daar respek en eerbied vir die rol van die ouers, maar binne bepaalde grense. 

Daar behoort ook duidelik grense te wees tussen die ouers se tyd, besittings, rolle en die kinders in die huis. Almal kan nie net kom en gaan, en maak soos hulle wil nie, iemand in die gesin gaan daaronder ly.  

  1. Onderhandel en bespreek die daarstelling van grense saam, sonder emosie. Wees prakties, en spesifiek. Noem bedrae, ure en plekname. Stel fisiese bakens. Hierdie kamer is buite perke tussen hierdie bepaalde ure. Wat is die uitsonderings? 
  2. Onderskei wanneer skuldgevoelens, manipulasie en dreigemente gebruik word om grondgebied te verower. Oorloë gebeur wanneer ‘n sterker nasie die swakker nasie se grond wil bekom. Daar behoort vreedsaam onderhandel te word, om ‘n wen-wen oplossing te kry, waarby alle party te vrede is.  
  3. Weet wat is jou grense: Ons kan nie alles doen vir almal nie. Ons het almal verskeie beperkinge en grense met betrekking tot ons energie, tyd, en geld. Ons het emosionele en intellektuele, vaardigheid beperkinge. Ek is vir my self verantwoordelik, en moet daarom onderhandel met die mense om my, wat elkeen se bepaalde grense is om ‘n wederkerige kompromie te eerbiedig. Dit beteken ek moet ook die mense om my se beperking ken. 
  4. Ons hoef nie te verbintenisse te maak met mense wat nie dieselfde waardes as ons het nie. Ons behandel alle mense met respek, en eerbied, maar nie almal is ons hartsvriende nie.  Indringers met verskuilde selfsugtige agendas, versteur die vrede. Ons moet veg om almal in die gesin se keuse van verbintenisse sorgvuldig te kies volgens die waardes van die bepaalde gesin. Behou die eenheid van die gesin.  
  5. Ons het altyd ‘n keuse. Ons is verplig om niks te doen, waartoe ons nie instem nie.  Jy kan kies, en vir ‘n persoon dit reguit stel hoe die persoon met jou moet handel. Dis soos ‘n sake kontrak, vir ons om met mekaar saam te werk stem ons in tot hierdie bepaalde betalings terme en dienslewering standaarde. Indien dit nie nagekom word nie. Kan ons nie voortaan besigheid doen nie. 

Vir meer inligting oor grense sien Henry Cloud se boek, en webtuiste. [2]

[1] Walk through the Bible Biblical portrait of Marriage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cs4D8h-kFGY

[2] https://www.boundaries.me 
Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life
by HarperCollins Publishing
Learn more: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFKNB2Y/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_MP9fFb470PTXS

Categories
Preke

Hoe sien ek probleme reg?

Podgooi
https://www.buzzsprout.com/155409/4641824-sien-jou-probleme-as-goeie-sukses.mp3?blob_id=18338888&download=true

Menigvuldig is die teëspoede van die regverdige, maar uit dié almal red die Here hom. Ps 34:20 In die tye waaroin ons nou leef is dit van wesenlike belang, dat ons ‘n positiewe ingesteldheid behou. Die Christen geloof bied ‘n daadwerklike praktiese oplossing om te alle tye met geloofsoë na jou krisisse en probleme te kyk.

Volgens die nuutste Covid syfers is, het daar al amper 14mil mense die virus gehad, en 604 963 mense het al aan die virus gesterf. Tog sterf bykans 7mil mense per jaar van hart-siekte, en bykans 6 miljoen aan beroerte! Sekerlik is Covid 19 ‘n ernstige siekte mbt die gevaar van aansteeklikheid en die risiko van lewensgevaar onder mense wat alreeds ander onderliggende siekte toestande het. 

Tog is dit van wesenlike belang, dat ons ‘n positiewe ingesteldheid behou, indien ons die pandemie wil oorkom. Die Christen geloof bied ‘n daadwerklike praktiese oplossing om te alle tye met geloofsoë na jou krisisse en probleme te kyk. 

Die ware Christen geloof het dit nog nooit maklik gehad nie. 

Die Bybel is inderwaarheid ‘n versameling van stories van mense se oorwinning te midde van vervolging, hongersnood, versoekings, beproewings, lyding, smart, verlies, ongeregtigheid, honger, gevangenisskap en teenstand.  Ons Westerse materiële gerieflikheid, plesier gedrewe wêreldbeskouing saam met die Welvaart teologie het by ons die valse verwagting geskep oor sukses: Ons sien sukses as genoeg hê, geen probleme, aftrede, droom vakansies en oorvloed. Die Bybelse definisie van sukses is om welgeluksalig, vergenoegd, vreugdevol, met vrede in jou hart te leef te midde van al die negatief in die wêreld. 

Die gaan met die mensdom in die algemeen beter.

Volgens die nuutste data armoede, honger, kinderslawerny/sterftes, oorloë, dramaties afgeneem. Lewensverwagting het gestyg, inkomstes het gegroei, meer mense het toegang tot elektrisiteit, selfone, en die internet.[1] Dit gaan dus in die algemeen baie beter met die mensdom oor die laaste 20jaar! 

Maar ons kla in die algemeen meer

Maar volgens stemlyste voel die meeste mense nie so optimisties nie, ons kla oor swak dienste, infrastruktuur, te mins inkomste, hoë belastings, kos wat te duur raak. Inteendeel agentskappe soos die verbruikersraad, ombudsman, koerant skrywes, en sosiale media se syfers van klagtes het in die algemeen gestyg.  Ons kla in die algemeen meer, al gaan dit in die algemeen met ons beter. Sielkundiges koppel klagtes, murmurering aan die mens se behoefte om hom/haarself te laat geld, aandag op hulleself te vestig, bejammer te word, aandag te trek en in die geval van nuusmedia lesers en kykers te trek.[2]  

Covid 19 en die Corona Virus het ons nou amptelik ‘n rede gegee om te kla, want dit is uiteraard ‘n wêreldwye gesondheid pandemie, en ekonomiese katastrofe! Ons moet egter let op hoe ons na die lewe kyk, en hoe ons na al hierdie krisisse en probleme om ons kyk! Ons perspektief bepaal ons gedrag en emosionele energie.  

‘n Nuwe perspektief 

Volgens Dr Andre Pelser se gesprekke met Dr Sacks, eertydse Joodse mediese dokter en wedergebore geesvervulde jood, het die Jode ‘n manier om altyd te kla oor die lewe en besigheid. Volgens dr. Sacks, kla hulle nie eintlik nie, hulle spog. Hulle sien probleme as welvaart! Hoe meer probleme jy het, hoe ryker is jy. Ryk mense het inderdaad baie meer probleme. Dit is ‘n sinsbedrog, dat sake-eienaars net hulle welvaart sit en geniet elke dag. Die vlak van kompleksiteit, verantwoordelikheid, risiko, en druk raak al hoe moeiliker hoe hoër jy op beweeg om die inkomste leer, en vlakke van bestuur.  Dit is hoekom baie mense nie ‘n bevordering sal neem nie, want die kom teen ‘n bepaalde emosionele prys, wat hulle nie bereid is om te betaal nie.  

Verwag probleme

10’n Ongelowige mens het eindeloos baie probleme, maar iemand wat op die Here vertrou word deur sy getroue liefde omring.  11Julle moet bly wees omdat Hy die Here is. Wees vol vreugde, julle wat aan Hom gehoorsaam is. Julle wie se hart opreg is teenoor Hom moet juig.[3] (Ps 32:10–11.)

Menigvuldig is die teëspoede van die regverdige, maar uit dié almal red die Here hom.[4] (Ps 34:20)

En almal wat ook godvrugtig wil lewe in Christus Jesus, sal vervolg word.[5] (2 Tim 3:12)

Dit het Ek vir julle gesê, dat julle in My vrede kan hê. In die wêreld sal julle verdrukking hê; maar hou goeie moed, Ek het die wêreld oorwin.[6] (John 16:33)

Dan sal hulle jul aan verdrukking oorgee en julle doodmaak; en julle sal deur al die nasies gehaat word ter wille van my Naam.[7]  (Mat 24:9) 

Wees in alles dankbaar

En laat die vrede van God, waartoe julle ook in een liggaam geroep is, in julle harte heers, en wees dankbaar.[8] (Col 3:15) 

MAAR God sy dank wat ons altyd laat triomfeer in Christus en wat die reuk van sy kennis deur ons oral versprei.[9] (2 Cor 2:14) 

Wees oor niks besorg nie, maar laat julle begeertes in alles deur gebed en smeking met danksegging bekend word by God.[10] (Phip 4:6) 

Wees in alles dankbaar, want dit is die wil van God in Christus Jesus oor julle.[11] (1 Thes 5:18) 

Deur ons ingesteldheid positief te hou, ons harte te vul met Sy geregtigheid en teenwoordigheid, kyk ons anders na die wêreld! Ons kyk met oë gevul met verwagting, en kinderlike geloof in ‘n almagtige teenwoordige God, wat ons nog nooit begewe en verlaat het nie. Ons kyk terug na al die kosbare seën, verlossing, genesing, en bevryding wat Hy in die onmoontlikste tye in ons lewe bewerk het! Ons sien Hom in ons probleme, en uitdagings! Sodoende raak ons agente en verteenwoordigers van die Koninkryk van God (WE THE KINGDOM) orals waar ons gaan. Ons bring hoop en lewe, in elke situasie. Ons is SOUT en ons is LIG! Ons lewe met die oorwinnaarsmedalje in ons sak.  

Soos geskrywe is: Om U ontwil word ons die hele dag gedood, ons is gereken as slagskape.

Maar in al hierdie dinge is ons meer as oorwinnaars deur Hom wat ons liefgehad het.[12] (Ro 8:36–37)

[1] https://www.vox.com/2014/11/24/7272929/global-poverty-health-crime-literacy-good-news

[2] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12115-019-00398-x

[3] Die Lewende Bybel, (Roodepoort: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy, 1982), Ps 32:10–11.

[4] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), Ps 34:20.

[5] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), 2 Ti 3:12.

[6] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), Jn 16:33.

[7] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), Mt 24:9.

[8] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), Col 3:15.

[9] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), 2 Co 2:14.

[10] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), Php 4:6.

[11] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), 1 Th 5:18.

[12] Die Bybel: Ou Vertaling, (Suffolk, England: Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika, 1996), Ro 8:36–37.

Categories
Preke

Hoe sien ek my naaste reg?

Hoe kyk ek reg na mense en hanteer elkeen menswaardig? 

Jesus

Seer, trauma, teleurstelling, pyn, verdriet is meestal deur mense se toedoen.  Sommige mense dink: Die lewe is perfek totdat ek met mense te doen het. Ander dink: Die lewe is perfek juis as gevolg van die spesiale mense in my lewe. Die punt is: ‘n groot deel van ons geluk of pyn het met mense verhoudinge te doen.  Hoe ons mense sien, en hoe mense ons sien bepaal hoe ons mekaar gaan hanteer. Agterdog, negatiwiteit, onsekerheid, minderwaardigheid, bitterheid is van die donker filters waardeur ons mense evalueer.  

Uit Mat 6:21-22 het ons geleer dat ons eintlik met ons hart kyk. Ons hart bepaal die filter waarmee ons kyk.  As jy aanstoot geneem het teenoor iemand, sien jy hom of haar in ‘n negatiewe lig, en verwag die ergste. As jou hart liefdevol is teenoor iemand, is jy genadig en geduldig met daardie persoon. (1 Cor 13:4) Daarom moet mens altyd eers bepaal waarvan is jou hart vol voor jy self bedien. Voel jy verontreg, kwaad en teleurgestel oor wat mense doen of nie doen nie? Dit besoedel die water wat uit jou voortkom.   

Ons het verder geleer dat jou gedrag teenoor ‘n persoon bepaal word deur hoe jy daardie persoon na waarde ag.  Jy sal nie laat wees vir afspraak van iemand van belang nie. Jy sal nie direk teenoor iemand wat jy respekteer, sleg behandel, afpraat, ‘n afbrekende woord spreek, en vloek nie. 

Selftrots en selfwaarde is bepalend van hoe jy mense behandel. Mense wat geen trots of selfwaarde het nie, gee nie om wat hulle voor enigiemand sê nie.  

Die meeste mense wil nie verneder word voor mense nie. Sommige mense gee glad nie om wat mense dink nie, en floreer op die negatiewe publisiteit. Ander mense voel dit vinnig aan as jy hulle nie reg na waarde ag nie: Nie luister en aandag gee nie; nie vir hulle tyd het nie; hulle onderbreek; hulle doodpraat. Hulle verneder voor hulle maats.  Hulle voel aan dat jy hulle nie liefhet nie, en nie na waarde ag nie.  

Verder leer die skrif: 

Die hart is bedriegliker as enigiets anders, hy is ongeneeslik; wie kan hom verstaan?

Ek, die Here, deurgrond en toets hart en verstand, Ek laat die mens kry wat hy verdien,

wat hom toekom vir wat hy doen. (Jer 17:9) Wat impliseer dat ons meermale nie onsself of enige mens in die regte lig sien nie.  As ons hart ons dan so bedrieg oor hoe ons onsself sien, is ons opinie en waardebepaling van mense heel dikwels dan ook nie reg nie.  Daarom wil die Here ons harte wen, sodat Hy ons kan genees, en ons dan vanuit Sy heerlike lig mense reg van waarde kan sien.  

Ons het verlede week geleer dat ons Self-waarde in Christus is, nou is dit nie meer ek wat lewe nie, maar Christus wat in my lewe. Die lewe wat ek nou nog hier lewe, leef ek in die geloof in die Seun van God wat sy liefde vir my bewys het deur sy lewe vir my af te lê. (Gal 2:20) Ons selfwaarde is gegrondves op die genadewerk wat Hy in ons oprig. (Philemon 1:6) 

Jesus die perfekte mens – Hoe het Hy na mense gekyk?

Jesus is die praktiese nugter idealis: Terwyl die paasfees in Jerusalem aan die gang was, het baie mense die wonderwerke gesien wat Jesus gedoen het en geglo dat Hy die Redder is. 24Maar Hy het hulle nie vertrou nie, want Hy het hulle almal geken. 25Dit was nie nodig dat iemand Hom iets van mense sou vertel nie want Hy het mense deur en deur geken. (John 2:23–25) Jesus is nugter oor mense se wispelturigheid, selfsug, en sondigheid. 

Tog gee Hy Homself in liefdesdiens: Toe Hy uit die skuit klim, het Hy die groot menigte mense daar gesien. Hy het hulle innig jammer gekry en die siekes onder hulle gesond gemaak. (Matt. 14: 14) 

Jesus is duidelik ingestel om mense se harte te weeg. Dit is asof Hy gedurig deur mense se uiterlike kyk, na wat in die hart aangaan. Jesus het altyd eerste na mense se harte gekyk.  Hy was glad nie ingestel op kleredrag, status, posisie, ras, geslag, of beroep nie. 

Jesus behandel almal dieselfde:  Hy behandel vrouens met dieselfde respek en gelykheid as die mans. Die Samaritaanse vrou by die put (Joh. 4); die vrou wat aan bloedvloeiing gely het (Matt. 9:18-22, 32-33); die Griekse vrou wat van Siro-Fenisië afkomstig was (Mark. 7:24-30). Die plek en rol van die vrou word herstel: Maria salf Sy voete (Joh. 12:1-8); ʼn vrou salf Jesus se voete (Matt. 26:6-13; Mark. 14:3).  Geen onderskeid tussen die werkgewer en werknemer nie: “Voorwaar, voorwaar Ek sê vir julle, ’n dienskneg is nie groter as sy heer nie, en ’n gesant is ook nie groter as die een wat hom gestuur het nie. As julle hierdie dinge weet, salig is julle as julle dit doen.” (Joh. 13:16). Selfs toe partyskappe voor Hom gebring word, maak Hy die veld oop: “Die wat nie teen ons is nie is vir ons.” (Mark. 9:38-40).  Die NT-kerk bestaan uit Jode en nie-Jode, Grieke en Barbariërs, vry en slaaf; ryk en arm. Die boodskap van Paulus is baie duidelik: daar is nie meer verdeeldheid en skeiding van ras in Christus nie (Gal. 3:27; Ef. 2:15). 

Ons behandel die binne en buite mense dieselfde: “En wie is my naaste?” (Luk 10:29) Die storie van die Barmhartige Samaritaan wat liefde bewys het aan ‘n Jood. (Luk 10:30-37) 

Jesus is ingestel op mense se harte 

Maar Ek sê vir julle dat elkeen wat na ’n vrou kyk om haar te begeer, reeds in sy hart met haar egbreuk gepleeg het. (Mat 5:28) 

En toe Jesus merk wat hulle gedagtes was, sê Hy: Waarom bedink julle slegte dinge in julle harte? (Mat 9:4) 

want waar julle skat is, daar sal julle hart ook wees. (Mat 6:21) 

Addergeslag, hoe kan julle goeie dinge praat terwyl julle sleg is? Want uit die oorvloed van die hart praat die mond. (Mat 12:34) 

Die afleiding wat ons hieroor kan maak is: Jesus maak dit duidelik dat alhoewel elke mens na Sy beeld geskape is, en na waarde geag behoort te word, mense wat Sy beeld uitleef van meer waarde is.  Ons kry as te ware ons ware waarde terug wanneer ons, in gehoorsaamheid aan Sy wil lewe.  Indien ons alle mense bloot van gelyke waarde ag, sonder dat hulle na die beeld van God lewe lei tot Humanisme en mensgerigte selfverheerliking. Ons verloor ons waarde deur sonde en ongehoorsaamheid, maar Hy maak van ons elkeen Sy meesterstuk, soos wat Christus in ons gestalte vind.  

Jesus waarsku van ‘n komende oordeel

Nie alle mense gaan die koninkryk van God sien, of binne nie. Wat is jou lewe dan werd, as jy nie die ewigheid saam met God gaan spandeer nie. Mense leef asof daar nie ‘n oordeel is nie. Mense leef asof goeie werke hulle gaan red. Hulle harte is roekeloos, en in vyandskap teenoor God. 

Hy het sy skop in sy hand en Hy sal sy dorsvloer deur en deur skoonmaak. Sy koring sal Hy na die skuur toe bring, maar die kaf sal Hy met ‘n onblusbare vuur verbrand.” (Mat 3:12) 

en wie hom uitskel vir ‘n idioot, is strafbaar met die helse vuur. (Mat 5:22)

Gaan deur die nou poort in. Die poort wat na die verderf lei, is wyd en die pad daarheen breed, en dié wat daardeur ingaan, is baie. (Mat 7:13) 

“Dit sê Ek vir julle: Van elke ligsinnige woord wat die mense sê, sal hulle rekenskap moet gee op die oordeelsdag. Op grond van jou eie woorde sal jy vrygespreek of veroordeel word.” (Mat 12:36-37)

Maak eers die onkruid bymekaar en bind dit in bondels om dit te verbrand, maar bring die koring na my skuur toe.’ ” (Mat 13:30)  

‘Bind sy hande en sy voete vas en gooi hom uit in die diepste duisternis daarbuite. Daar sal hulle huil en op hulle tande kners.’ “Baie is immers geroep, maar min is uitverkies.” (Mat 22:13-14) 

Die gelykenis van die maagde, talente, en die skape en bokke eindig in oordeel. (Matt. 25:11-13; En gooi die nuttelose slaaf uit in die diepste duisternis daarbuite. Daar sal hulle huil en op hulle tande kners.’ ”

Matt. 25:30; En hierdie mense sal die ewige straf ontvang, maar dié wat die wil van God gedoen het, die ewige lewe.”Matt. 25:46).  

Net Jesus kan ons harte genees, en ons help om weer reg te sien! Met Jesus wat in jou hart regeer begin jy regkyk. Sy liefde vul jou hart, en skielik sien jy die wêreld in heeltemal ‘n ander lig.  Jy sien mense met ander oë! 

Gebed was en reinig jou filters

‘n wonderlike wyse hoe ons bedrieërs, en valse Christene in ons midde kan onderskei, is om hulle te vra om te bid. Mens kan gou hoor of die persoon ‘n intieme verhouding met die Here het of nie. Is daar krag in hulle gebed, bid hulle geloof. Ons is so geneig om oor mense te praat en mense te bespreek.  ‘n praktiese manier hoe ons kan leer om soos Jesus na mense te kyk, is deur vir hulle in te tree.  Jesus bid vir Sy moordenaars: “Vader, vergeef hulle want hulle weet nie wat hulle doen nie.” (Luk. 23:34). 

Jesus leer ons om vir ons vyande lief te wees, en te bid vir die wat ons misbruik: en julle moet bid vir dié wat vir julle vervolg, sodat julle kinders kan wees van julle Vader in die hemel. Hy laat immers sy son opkom oor slegtes en goeies, en Hy laat reën oor dié wat reg doen en oor dié wat verkeerd doen. (Mat 5:44-45) 

Bid en bely julle sondes eerlik teenoor mekaar sodat julle gesond kan wees.  Bely julle sondes eerlik teenoor mekaar en bid vir mekaar, sodat julle gesond kan word. (Jam 5:16) 

Sien mekaar in die Gees: 

Ken mekaar na die Gees: Jesus sien Nataniël (Joh. 1:47); Ananias profeteer wat Paulus gaan ly (Hand. 9:10-15). 

Goddelike verbintenisse (Petrus en Kornelius, Hand. 10; Ananias en Paulus, Hand. 9:10-12; Filippus en die hofdienaar van Ethiopië, Hand. 8:26). 

Categories
Hartklop

Hoekom Trou?

Hoekom moet ons trou? 

‘n Bybelse fundering

In die lig van al hoe meer huwelike wat eindig in die skeihof, al hoe meer jongmense wat saambly, huwelik seremonies wat te duur geraak het, en tans te midde van Covid 19 nie kan plaasvind nie, is die onwillekeurige vraag: Hoekom moet ons trou? Dis tog net ‘n papier. Is ons nie voor die Here getroud as ons alreeds saam geslaap het nie? 

Alvorens ons hierdie vraag kan beantwoord: Hoe seker is jy dat jy die res van jou lewe verbind wil wees aan een persoon? Hoe weet ek dit is my lewensmaat? Dis ‘n bespreking vir ‘n ander tyd. 

Die bevel om te trou:

Die bevel om dat persone moet trou, ‘n huwelikverbond kontrak maak word in die skrif bepaal vir: 

Om saam kinders te verwek en groot te maak. (Gen 2:21-24) 

Om ‘n vredeskontrak tussen nasie te beslis. (Deut 21:10-14) 

Die verkragter moes met slagoffer trou. (Deut 22:28-29) 

Die naaste familielid moes met die weduwee en kinderlose vrou van sy broer trou, om sy natalingskap te verseker. (Deut 25:5-6) 

Dis interessant dat romantiese liefde nie ‘n rede volgens die skrif is vir huwelikbevestiging nie. In Bybelse tye, was huwelike deur die onderskei gesinne gereël.  Die naaste wat ons kom aan romantiese liefde is die boek Hooglied.  

Die fokus dus van die skrif is die kinders: Die Here het man en vrou een gemaak, een in liggaam en gees. En waarom een? Omdat Hy wil hê dat daar ‘n nageslag moet wees

wat Hom eer. (Mal 2:15) Sielkundiges, beraders en maatskaplike werker is dit eens: vir kinders om as gesonde gebalanseerde volwassenes op te groei het hulle ‘n standvastige, stabiele huisgesin nodig, wat voortbou van generasie tot generasie.  ‘n Gesin waar beide die ouers ‘n betrokke is aan die opvoedkundige proses van die kind se opvoeding, veral ten opsigte van waardes. Waardes word deur modellering en voorbeeld oorgedra.  

Drie fases van die huwelikverbond: 

Die Bybel verduidelik drie fases and aspekte van die huweliksverbondsluiting: 

  1. Kontrak (Contract) 
  2. Voltrekking (Consummate) 
  3. Feesviering (Celebration) 

Isak en Rebekka: 

  1. Kontrak (Gen 24:33; 51-53; 57-58) 
  2. Voltrekking (Gen 24:64-67) 

Jakob & Leah 

  1. Kontrak (Gen 29:15-20
  2. Voltrekking (Gen 29:21-26) 
  3. Feesviering (Gen 29:27-28) 

Jakob & Ragel 

  1. Kontrak (Gen 29:27) 
  2. Voltrekking (Gen 29:30) 
  3. Feesviering (Gen 29:27-28) [1]

Kontrak:

In Bybelse tye is die kontrak deur die ouers onderhandel, die bruidsprys is bepaal en aan die ouers betaal soos, nog regoor Afrika en die ooste die norm is.  Die kontrak was veral bepalend om toe te sien, dat die paartjie self-versorgend is, en dat daar voorsiening gemaak is vir hoe hulle gaan leef.  Kwessies soos huisvesting en toekomstige voorsieninge vir die gesin is vasgestel. 

Voltrekking: 

Die OT huweliksverbond is voltrek in die Chuppa Tent,[2] waarna die bloedbevlekte doek uitgebring is om maagdelikheid te bewys.  D.W.S die verbondsdaad het tydens die seksdaad gebeur. Bloed: ons kan nie skei nie.  Ons kan nie na ons dood, ons testament verander nie. Daarom word daar in die Bybelse verbondsluiting ‘n dier doodgemaak in 2 gedeel, en die 2 persone stap ‘n syfer 8 roete tussen die stukke vleis. Dit simboliseer dat ons ook nie die kontrak sal KAN verbreek nie. Na verbondsluiting KAN ons nie skei nie.  Die syfer 8 simboliseer ewigheid. Daar ‘n ring aan ‘n vinger, ‘n ewigheid simbool.  Sommige maak dan derhalwe die afleiding dat dit dan nie nodig is vir paartjies om wettiglik te trou nie. Hulle is voor die Here getroud. Waarom het Jesus dan nie die vrou wat by ‘n man gebly het, se verbintenis bekragtig nie? “Dis reg wat jy nou gesê het: ‘Ek het nie ‘n man nie.’ Jy het reeds vyf gehad, en die een wat jy nou het, is nie jou man nie.” (Joh 4:17) Dit beteken dat daar tog ‘n publieke seremonie moet plaasvind, waarby getuies betrek word, om jou eenheid en eenwording te verkondig. 

Feesviering:

Omdat daar nie baie melding gemaak word van die program van die huwelikseremonie in die Bybel nie, en dit ook deur die eeue verkillende vorms aangeneem het, word die afleiding gemaak dat dit nie belangrik is nie. Tog is dit duidelik dat in Bybelse tye, daar ‘n baie noue band was tussen die paartjie en die uitgebreide gesin en gemeenskap. Die hele gemeenskap is genooi.  (Joh 2) Huwelike is nie gesien as ‘n romantiese ontvlugting van 2 persone teenoor die res van die familie nie. Hierdie neiging is deur Hollywood populêr gemaak, dat 2 verliefde persone teenoor die hele gemeenskap en familie staan.  Hierdie konsep is vreemd tot die Bybel; jou lewe, werk, voorsiening, en oorlewing was afhanklik van die gemeenskap.  Isolasie was bloot nie moontlik nie.  Die uitgebreide familie het gehelp kinders grootmaak, versorg, kinders geleer en mekaar beskerm. Die wettige publieke seremonie was dus onombeerlik en belangrik. Dis hier waar die hele gemeenskap hulle goedkeuring, maar ook hulle ondersteuning aan die jong paartjie aanbied.  

Die mees belangrikste deel van die publieke verbintenis en beloftes wat gemaak word, is die spreekwoordelike streep wat getrek word: Ek belowe my trou nou aan een persoon. 

Die verbreking van hierdie trou en beloftes word ten sterkte deur die Bybel veroordeel as egbreek! (Exo 20:14; Deut 5:18; Mat 5:27; 19:18; Rom 7:3; 13:9) Die huweliksverbond word gesien as heilig, met die oog op die heiligmaking van die man en vrou, om die ideale omstandighede te skep vir kinders om in die wee van die Here groot te word.  

Die straf wanneer iemand die eg breek

Egbrekers sal gestraf word: Dood (Gen 20:7; Lev 20:10) Verskriklike oordeel (Eze 16:35-41); hulle het bloed op hulle hande (Eze 23:45; Mal 2:10-17) Sal nie die koninkryk of hemel sien nie (Rev 22:14-15).  

Hoekom is al hierdie inligting vandag nog relevant? 

  1. Romantiese liefde is nie genoeg om ‘n leeftyd te hou, tot op jou oudag wanneer mens meer afhanklik van mekaar raak nie en meer opofferings moet maak nie.  
  2. Nie die huwelikseremonie of die amptelike dokumente verseker getrouheid aan mekaar nie. Dit kos harde werk van verhoudingsbou, en saamgroei om enduit getrou aan mekaar te bly.  Beide partye moet opgroei in volwassenheid van selfopoffering, lojaliteit, respek en wederkerige samewerking. Die huwelik is ‘n reis in selfverloëning, waarby albei partye groei in die gestalte van Jesus vir mekaar. 
  3. Die einddoel is eenwording, dieselfde eenwording wat in die Godheid bestaan. Uiteindelik is die drie-eenheid vir ons ‘n voorbeeld van hoe die hele gesin eerbied, respek en enkelvoudig fokus leef. 
  4. Die huwelik word die fondament, vastegrond, veilige plek, waar kinders op groei, en kleinkinders en uiteindelik agterkleinkinders floreer.  
  5. Daar is veiligheid in huwelik ten opsigte van afsterwe, testament, nalatenskap vir kinders, en uitgebreide gesin wat kan help.  Hospitale vra, wie is die naasbestaandes.  
  6. Huwelik is die ultimate liefdesverklaring. Ek wil laat die son, maan en sterre, regerings en mense, bure en familie weet aan wie ek trou belowe.  Ek belowe die trou van my hart aan een persoon. Die trou van my seksualiteit. Die trou van my fokus en werk om saam ‘n lewe te bou, vir ons kinders, en hulle kinders. 

[1] https://www.bible.ca/marriage/ancient-jewish-three-stage-weddings-and-marriage-customs-ceremony-in-the-bible.htm

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuppah