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The only way to live life as NT believer is in the Spirit. Why? How?

Lord, you want to partner with us. Our prayers, Your answers. Our works, Your grace. Our possessions, Your blessing. Our obedience, Your call. Our weakness, Your strength. This is a great mystery. Please help us to make this sacred partnership more seamless and flowing, more reciprocal, intimate and natural.

In the same way, Jesus could do nothing without the Father, we also can do nothing without the Holy Spirit. Jesus could do nothing without seeing the Father do it (John 5:19-20, 30), He only did the Father’s will (John 6:38), only did what the Father taught (John 8:28), according to what the Father commands (John 12:49). In order for us to live and move by the way of the Spirit, or as the apostle Paul put it: “Walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:16), we must learn to be holy – devoted to and depending on the Holy Spirit. We literally can do nothing without Him! Jesus exemplified total reliance on the Father, we should learn from Him and become totally reliant on the Holy Spirit.

In the OT, people lived by the Law. In the NT, believers live by the Holy Spirit.

It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies(Zech 4:6).

ALL LIFE IN THE NEW TESTAMENTIS BY THE SPIRIT

Know God by the Spirit: No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit(1 Cor 2:11).

Walk according to the Spirit and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. It is the power of the Spirit life that free you from the gravitational downward pull of the flesh and sin (Rom 8:2-4; Gal 5:16). A new power is in operation. The Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air, freeing you from a fated lifetime of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death(Rom 8:2; The Message).

Set your mind on the things of the Spirit (Rom 8:5-8).

Put to death the deeds of the body by the Spirit (Rom 8:13).

The main characteristic of being a child of God is being led by the Spirit (Rom 8:14).

Know the Fatherhood of God and subsequent ‘sonship’ by the Spirit (Rom 8:15-17).

Hope in the Spirit (Rom 8:23-25).

Pray in the Spirit (Rom 8:26-27). In other passages Paul mentions— (Jude 20)

Be filled with the Spirit (Eph 5:18).

Serve in the Spirit (Rom 7:6; 15:16).

Love by the Spirit (Rom 15:30; Gal 5:22-23; Col 1:8).

Know one another by the Spirit. The way of the Spirit is more accurate and also quicker! Jesus knew the heart of Nathaniel even before He had met him (John 1:47). Similarly, the Lord revealed to Ananias not only the change in Saul (Paul), but also his destiny – before he met him (Acts 9:10). Phillip was divinely led to meet the servant of the court of Ethiopia (Acts 8:26). Jesus knew what was in the Pharisees’ hearts. He knew the woman at the well in the Spirit (John 4). Imagine a church where people know each other in the Spirit, where everyone knows their place and function, and they work together naturally without complaining and strife because they do not feel threatened by one another.

We are taught by that what the Holy Spirit teaches (1 John 2:27; 1 Cor 1:13).

People err when they try to interpret the Bible without the Spirit (2 Cor 3:6).

We can only know God by the Spirit because He is Spirit (1 Cor 2:10-12).

We cannot be regenerated and born again without the work of the Spirit (Tit 3:5).

The Eternal Spirit, through the Blood of Christ, cleanse you from an evil conscience (Heb 9:14).

Help me to walk, live and have my being in the Spirit alone. Let me be able to say like Jesus: I do nothing unless the Spirit, I say nothing unless the Spiritguides and instruct me.

ABIDING IN THE SPIRIT

It is only in the Spirit that we are safe. It is only in the Spirit that we cannot be deceived and misled (1 John 4:1; John 16:13). He will defend words and deeds done in the Spirit (1 Cor 2:13). In the Spirit we are accurate. In the Spirit we are holy and perfect (John 17:17). In the Spirit we are righteous. In the Spirit we will know the way in the Holy of Holies (Heb 9:8). In the Spirit there is liberty (2 Cor 3:17). In the Spirit we are whole and able to speak the whole gospel. In the Spirit we have access to all things: gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12:7-10) and fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:21-22). In the Spirit we are seated in heavenly places and will have authority (Eph 2:6). In the Spirit we know all things and intentions of the heart (1 Cor 2:10). In the Spirit we will know how to rightly discern and speak the truth. In the Spirit, the dead are made alive! It is by the Spirit that we are unified and become one like the God-head. It is by the Spirit that we are convicted, regenerated, filled, sanctified, justified and glorified. We have no life, existence nor substance outside of the Spirit. All spiritual life is by definition in the Spirit.

Life in the Spirit is a decision. It is a conscious, intentional and awakening partnership.  The Holy Spirit does not possess a person.  We need to learn to yield to Him, He is not an overpowering control. Being in the spirit is an awakening, not an unconscious, senseless, paralysed, cold, inert, insensate, insensible, lethargic, numb, passed out, stupefied, tranced state of being. Those are characteristics of being possessed by demons. Satan makes you like a zombie!

The Spirit gives life and unlocks supernatural inert abilities that God has already birthed in us. By the Spirit, we are united in the divine!

WE MISS OUT ON THE SPIRIT-LIFE BECAUSE OF:

Self: ego, pride, insecurities, flesh. The way of carnality and fleshly thinking is enmity to the Spirit (Rom 8:5). There is no middle ground, no compromise.

The Holy Spirit is Jesus who walks in our streets today. He is a Person. He does the same work that Jesus has come to do (John 14:15).

The people treat Him the same way they treated Jesus. Who crucified Jesus? The religious and so-called clergy of that time. The Holy Spirit wants to work through us. He wants to use us and let His gifts work through us and lead us to the Father. He wants to reveal Christ to us so that He will become a reality in our lives. He wants to make us His disciples. He wants to lead us into deeper dimensions in the Spirit.

HOW WE RESIST THE SPIRIT

Isaiah 63:10 But they rebelled, and grieved his Holy Spirit.

Asab: A verb meaning to hurt, to pain, grieve, to shape to fashion.

Through our own experiences, and culture we have formed a shape and an image of God, a construct in our minds, without having a face to face reality of His person. Rebellion is holding on to that construct, even when the real appears. Some people prefer the god of their own making, than the awesome fearful wonder of the true Creator God.

 

Matthew 12: 31-32 Therefore I say unto you, every sin and blasphemy shall men be forgiven; but the blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven of men. 32 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; But whosoever speaketh against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him in this age, nor in the coming.

blasphēmía: Blasphemy, verbal abuse against someone which denotes the very worst type of slander mentioned in Matthew 15:19 with false witnesses; wounding someone’s reputation by evil reports, evil speaking.

By reading the context of this portion of scripture in its entirety, we will gain understanding by allowing scripture to speak for Himself.  Jesus healed a demonic blind, mute man. (v22) The people (multitude) were clearly amazed and were contemplating whether this could be the son of David the Messiah. (v23) The Pharisees were losing ground, how do they explain this? How do you defend you standpoint, after seeing such a powerful demonstration? They countered by saying Jesus did this miracle by the power of satan. Specifically that He was possessed by Beelsebub. (Mar 3:22) And Jesus disclose the reason for His stern warning at the end of the passage. “because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (Mar 3:30) Finally Jesus declares: “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Mat 12:28) It is thus very clear that their attack was against the Holy Spirit, and therefor the very stern/fearful warning: “but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is subject to eternal condemnation” Why? There can be no salvation or repentance without the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor 12:3; 2 Cor 7:9; John 16:8)

 

Acts 5:3, 9 Then Peter said, Ananias, why did Satan fulfil your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep the price of the land? Then Peter said to her, Why did you agree to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who bury your man are at the door, and they will carry you out.

pseúdomai; fut. pseúsomai, mid. deponent of pseúdō (n.f.), to cheat, defraud, falsify. To lie, to speak falsely or deceitfully.

By God’s grace this never happened again, else more people will fall dead in churches all over the world. Many by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit make commitments and declarations publicly, to reverse, procrastinate, and never comply.  We sometimes forget the Holy Spirit is God.  He is in no way inferior, or less powerful than God almighty. He is fully God, like Jesus, and the Father! The way He reveals God’s nature is predominantly as a dove, being gentle, and not forceful. However, we should revere and acknowledge His person with holy fear.

 

Acts 7:51 You stubborn and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit; just as your fathers, so also you.

antipíptō; fut. antipesoúmai, from antí (G0473), against, and píptō (G4098), to fall. To fall or rush against or upon in a hostile manner, assault, resist by force and violence, fall or strive against (Acts 7:51).

Stephen the martyr, was addressing a generation, a culture, a system of revolt against God. We see this clearly through History, how the power and demonstration of the Holy Spirit can be suppressed, stifled and openly resisted. The tone of the words used in the accusation is violent and shows the open revolt of a culture against God.  The power of culture should never be underestimated. Many people who have come to the truth, have experienced the pain and suffering of families turning against them, being ostracized, persecuted and isolated.  To the point that they were willing to kill someone like Stephan, who only did good, publicly.

 

Acts 8: 18-22 And when Simon saw that by the laying of the apostles the Holy Ghost was given, he offered their money19 And said, Give me this power also, that whosoever shall lay my hands upon the Holy Ghost can receive. 20 But Peter said to him, Let your money go away with you, because you thought to receive the gift of God through money. 21 You have no part or fate in this matter, because your heart is not rightbefore God. 22 Repent therefore of this evilfrom you, and pray to God, whether the mind of your heartmay be forgiven you.

Some people are totally against spiritual things, then there are others who seek the power of the supernatural for personal gain.  It is interesting to see the words used: heart not right, evil heart, mind of your heart. This shows that Simon needed salvation. He had to repent, and tern form his wickedness.

 

1 Thessalonians 5:19 Do not quench the Spirit.

Sbénnumi: To quench, extinguish.

Oh, have we not all been guilty of extinguishing the small still voice of the Holy Spirit! You feel uncomfortable about going with friends, or about a TV program, or certain company, yet we ignore the prompting of the Spirit, and persist most often to our own detriment.  May we become more alert, and sensitive to adhere the small nudges of the Holy Spirit. The more obedient you become to His voice, the more you will hear and discern His voice.

 

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

lupéṓ̄: to grieve, afflict with sorrow; to be grieved, sad, sorrowful, to offend.

Most Christians are more scared and sensitive not to offend man, than God.  We will go out of our way to not offend man, but think it nothing to offend God, knowing His will.  The more we do this, the weaker the voice of the Spirit becomes in your heart.  God can never be offended and thankfully He takes no offence.  May we see His heart! May we really feel what He feels! May the Holy Spirit reveal His heart to us, so that like Mary Magdelene we see the suffering Christ, soon to be crucified, and pour our love on Him. (John 12)

BEING IN THE SPIRIT DOES NOT MEAN YOU ISOLATE YOURSELF

Being most connected and in tune, in the Spirit, enables you to connect on a higher level with people, and being really present in their deep hidden needs, wants, desires and motives.

Be connected in the Spirit first, then He will connect you with man, but on a higher level, so that you can pull them up and not be pulled down by man’s devices.

Being in the Spirit does not disconnect you with man to become ascetic, it connects you to man on a deeper, divine, spiritual level. People are most carnal and do not understand the ways of the Spirit. It is foolishness and strange to them. There are very few people who live and abide in the Spirit. Life in the Spirit is like living by the natural law of helium, but the way of carnality – by contrast – cannot escape the natural law of gravity. Therefore, people who do not live in the Spiritwill always pull you down. They do not even realise it, but that’s what they do.

THE SPIRIT AND THE WORD

The WORD and the Spirit is One. The Sword of the Spirit is the Word (Eph 6:17).

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life(John 6:63).

The language of the Spiritis the Word of God. Every single word we speak in the Spirit is based and founded on Scripture. It is like someone who has memorised all of Scripture and has understanding and insight into the whole of Scripture. Your spiritual vocabulary is Word-based. They only speak from the Word (Josh 1:8). The Spirit gives life to the Word. By the Spirit, the Word becomes flesh in us.

You cannot be like Jesus without the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who resurrects, reveals and manifests Christ in us. Only the Spirit reveals Jesus in us.

It is simply not in man to be like Christ, any human attempt is of the spirit of the anti-christ.

The way of the Spirit is holy and sacred. Life in the Spirit is holy, consecrated, sanctified, precise, accurate, on the mark – Jesus.

The only way to be sinless, is to be in the Spirit. It is He who works it in us and draws us closer into a more holy consecrated lifestyle.

WE CAN EVEN WORK IN THE SPIRIT

Oh God, may we walk in the Spiritcontinually! Help us to remain and abide in the Spirit. Help us to find our complete habitation in the Holy Spirit. Work done in the Spirit is worship and glorifies God. Work can be done in the Spirit, for daily labour is not ungodly, secular nor sinful (Ex 31:3, 5; 35:31). Work is part of our creational purpose – to subdue and multiply (Gen 1:28). When we work by the Spirit it will not be laborious, but innovative, precise and intentional. In the Spirit, you will be able to focus and accomplish what you set out to do. Your work will be a blessing! Your work will be a sermon, an extension of His grace and character in you. Your work will reveal God in the same way His creation reveals Him. Your work will be excellent and spectacular, creative and rich in precise detail and order.

Believers being in the Spirithave created many new inventions.

Work done in the Spiritmakes this world better because it resonatesand reflects heaven! (Matt 6:10)

When living in the Spirit, our constant focus and attention are on His ability, not ours. His strength, power, fruit, gifts, testimony and riches. We are dead to our capabilities, efforts, methods, trying and achievements. Our confidence is in Him. Our default is Christ. We have died to self, our dreams and ambitions. We have died to our mistakes, failures, inabilities and incompetence. The life we now live, we live in the Son, by the Spirit.  It is the Spirit that enables.

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Is dit nodig om te skree as jy preek?

Image processed by CodeCarvings Piczard ### FREE Community Edition ### on 2015-06-11 12:23:25Z | http://piczard.com | http://codecarvings.comå1©

Hoekom skree sommige predikers?

Ek veronderstel al die geskree is ontwerp om passie te kommunikeer, maar dit kom ook dikwels as woede voor. Ek wil ook nie sê dat ‘n uitroep op die regte plek, om ‘n spesifieke onderwerp te onderstreep nie sy plek het nie.  Jesaja 58:1 is immers die skrif waarmee die Here my as twaaljarige seun geroep het as prediker.

“ROEP uit die keel, hou nie terug nie, verhef jou stem soos ’n basuin! En verkondig aan my volk hulle oortreding en aan die huis van Jakob hulle sondes.” Isa 58:1

Yelling has long been part of the preacher’s arsenal of public speaking tools. When the crowd tunes out, take it up a notch. When someone nods off, let loose with a stentorian bellow. When people seem placid, fire ‘em up with a rousing round of shouting. When you catch a whiff of apathy, yell about it. If the “amens” reach a lull, cut loose w ith another ear-splitting session. When the sermon is nearing its climax, make people reach to turn down their hearing aids. Crank it up, shout it out, and bring the house down! [1]  (Daniel Trelfall)

Daar is ‘n voorbeelde in die Bybel van uitroep en luide gejuig.

Toe die môresterre saam gejubel en al die seuns van God gejuig het? Job 38:7

KOM, laat ons jubel tot eer van die Here, laat ons juig ter ere van die rots van ons heil! Ps 95:1

Juig voor die Here, o ganse aarde! Dien die Here met blydskap; kom voor sy aangesig met gejubel. Ps 100:1

’n Stem van een wat roep: Berei in die woestyn die weg van die Here; maak gelyk in die wildernis ’n grootpad vir onse God! Isa 40:3

o Sion, verkondiger van goeie boodskap, klim op ’n hoë berg! o Jerusalem, verkondiger van goeie boodskap, hef jou stem op met mag; hef dit op, wees nie bevrees nie! Sê aan die stede van Juda: Hier is julle God! Isa 40:9

Daarenteen is stilte is net so kragtig.

Habakkuk 2:20 says “But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him,” Zephaniah 1:7: “Be silent before the Lord God!”, and Zechariah 2:13,

Wanneer dit egter by prediking kom, sien ons Jesus se voorbeeld se woorde was met gesag, en mense was verstom, maar nie omdat Hy geskreeu het nie. Dis was wat Hy gesê het, wat soveel impak gehad het. Matt 7:28; 13:54; 19:25; 22:33; Mark 1:22; 6:2; 7:37; 10:26; 11:18; Luk 2:48; 4:32; 9:43; en Acts 13:12.

Jesus se voorbeeld:

Jesus het op eenvoudige maniere diepgaande waarhede geleer. Isa 42:2 sê Hy sal nie skreeu of uitroep of sy stem op die strate oprig nie. Jesus se prediking was gemik op mense se gedagtes en nie net hul emosies nie. God kan ons gedagtes net so maklik hoor as wat Hy ons woorde kan hoor (Ps 139:23; Jer 12:3)  Uiteindelik wil Jesus ons denke vernuwe. Rom 12:2 Sodat ons Hom in gehoorsaamheid sal dien, dis immers ons redelike godsdiens. Rom 12:1

Jesus het nooit geskreeu terwyl hy gepreek het nie (Mat 12: 19). En Hy het ook nie altyd in Sy boodskappe “Hallelujah” of “Amen” gesê om ‘n reaksie te kry nie. 😉

Hoe ons kommunikeer, is net so belangrik as wat ons kommunikeer. Jesus het menigte keer gesit, en die mense geleer.  (Mat 5:1; Luk 4:20; Luk 5:3; Joh 8:2) Die manier wat ons preek, ons kleredrag, gewoontes, lewe en voorbeeld, is alles deel van die preek.  Soms word predikers iemand anders vir die tyd wanneer hulle preek.  Dis dualisties en veronderstel dat ons twee mense is.

Die Here is nie beïndruk deur die mate van ons oorgawe en emosie nie, maar die mate van ons gehoorsaamheid.  “Take away from me the noise of your songs” (Amos 5:23).

“Wat Satan meer haat as jou skree op hom, is jou gehoorsaamheid aan Jesus.”

Skree kan mense verwar:

Dink daaroor. Wie anders in ons lewens skree op ons om ‘n punt te maak? ‘n Ouer aan die einde van hul tou? ’n verskriklike baas? As jy in ‘n huishouding vol aggressie en geskreeu, groot word, maak dit jou doof, want skree veroorsaak angs.  Jy stomp af om jou jouself nie langer aan die boodskap bloot te stel nie.

Skreeu verwar mense oor God se ingesteldheid teenoor hulle:

Baie mense sit in kerke regoor die wêreld en aanvaar dat die predikant namens God praat.  Hulle kan tot die gevolgtrekking kom; “Is God dan vir ons kwaad?”

Twee tipe prediking: Preek mense GEREGTIG in Christus of SKULDIG en veroordeeld

Jy preek nie mense reg met God, deur met hulle te raas nie.  Die eenvoudige vraag is, verander mense? Deur mense elke week skuldig te preek maak hulle nie heilig nie.  Jesus het nooit so geraas en geskree in sy prediking nie.

Volume en vurigheid raak die emosies, en mense maak emosionele besluite, maar dit is nie standhoudend nie.

Skree is nie Geestelike gesag nie: Acts 19:11-20

’n Ware gelowige verstaan ​​alreeds dat God se teenwoordigheid altyd by hom is, en hy hoef nie enige tipe fisiese sensasie te ervaar om dit te bewys nie.  (Psalm 139:7; Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; 2 Timothy 1:14)

Daar is drie belangrike aspekte van ‘n goeie kommunikeerder.

  • Ethos: Die waarde van die spreker se geloofwaardigheid
  • Patos: Die beroep op die luisteraar se emosies
  • Logos: Die logiese struktuur van ‘n argument

In kommunikasie is daar ‘n negatiewe obstruksie tot gesonde dialoog: “Ad Homonym” Daar word ‘n beroep op gevoelens of vooroordele eerder as intellek gemaak. Die persoon val eerder ‘n teenstander se karakter aan as om te antwoord op die gestelde bewerings. Soms kan predikers hulle ook hieraan skuldig maak, deur die platform te gebruik om hulle eie woede, seer, bitterheid uit te spreek.

Iemand merk die volgende op: ‘Ek dink dat hoe minder predikante het om te sê, hoe harder sê hulle dit.’ When losing an argument do not raise your voice, improve your argument.

Wees prakties:

Jesus het altyd sy gehoor, die hoeveelheid mense, en waar dit gebeur in ag geneem om die meeste effek te kry.  Hy het soms op ‘n boot gepreek om die water te gebruik as ‘n luidspreker sisteem. Hy het teen ‘n berg gepraat, waar die klank ook beter trek. In daardie tyd was daar minder, geraas in die algemeen, soos vandag veroorsaak deur opwekkers, waaiers, voertuie, musiek ens.

Wanneer jy ‘n boodskap aan kinders bring, rolspeel ‘n storie, en maak jou stem na, soos die karakters verander. Waneer jy wees met Jongmense praat, moet jy logies, inligting deurgee, en regtig ‘authentic’ wees. Jou lewens storie het baie krag.  Elke gehoor verskil, maak kontak met die gehoor. Paulus met die mense van Athene, het aanhalings uit hulle letterkunde gemaak.

Uitroep en ernstige emosie het soms ‘n plek maar nie heel tyd nie. Wissel af en wees, oorspronklik.

[1] https://www.sharefaith.com/blog/2014/06/pastor-yell-sermons-discussion-yelling-helps-gospel/

http://scriptureknowledgebase.blogspot.co.za/2010/08/why-do-some-preachers-scream-yell.html

 

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Dailiness: Discovering the Sacredness in the Ordinary

Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation!
(Ps 68:19)

Carpe diem is a Latin aphorism, usually translated “seize the day”, taken from book 1 of the Roman poet Horace’s work Odes (23 BC).
In Horace, the phrase is part of the longer carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero, which can be translated as “Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow (the future)”. The ode says that the future is unforeseen and that one should not leave to chance future happenings, but rather one should do all one can today to make one’s future better. This phrase is usually understood against Horace’s Epicurean background.[6] The meaning of carpe diem as used by Horace is not to ignore the future, but rather not to trust that everything is going to fall into place for you and taking action for the future today.[7]

“Remember that you are mortal, so seize the day.”

enjoy the moment.
“enjoy, seize, use, make use of”

Hebrew[edit]
The phrase ?ואם לא עכשיו, אימתי ‘And if not now, then when?’ (Pirkei Avoth 1:14)

n the 1989 movie Dead Poets Society, the English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, famously says: “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” Later, this line was voted as the 95th greatest movie quote by the American Film Institute.[9] The television series Community later satirized the movie with the recurring character of Professor Whitman, a comedically eccentric version of Williams’ character who uses “Carpe diem” as his guiding philosophy.

The ability to fast-forward music and movies tempts us to think that we can fast-forward through the parts of our lives that seem boring or too difficult to face. But we really can’t.

Joan Chittister once said, “Dailiness, routine, sameness frees the heart to traffic in more important matters.”

As mens swaar kry, begin mens automaties fokus op, dag vir dag.

“Moet julle daarom nie oor môre bekommer nie. Môre sal sy eie bekommernisse bring. Vandag se moeilikhede is vir een dag heeltemal genoeg.” Die Bybel, Nuwe Lewende Vertaling. (2006). (Mt 6:34). Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy.

Moet julle dan nie vandag al oor more se probleme kwel nie. As more gekom het, kan julle daaroor dink. Elke dag het genoeg van sy eie probleme.” Die Lewende Bybel. (1982). (Mt 6:34). Roodepoort: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy.

In the dailiness of our lives the holy meets the ordinary. Glory intersects with ruin. The sacred meets the routine. The lifelong journey to heaven is often marked with ordinary days where we simply do our work and serve God the best way we believe we can.

Exo 16:4 Manna elke dag

“Gee ons vandag ons daaglikse brood” Luk 11:3

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

Indian philosopher, cultural reformer, and spiritual leader Gandhi was right when he said, “There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

the Lord’s mercies “are new every morning” (Lam. 3: 23 NIV),

The incarnation of God helps us rethink the myth that we need more. When God became flesh, every ordinary human life was validated as sacred. The fact that God became human and spent most of His life in obscurity as a carpenter in a small village called Nazareth gives us perspective. Through the incarnation, we learn that every life has dignity and significance; every ordinary life matters. The mystery of the incarnation helps us remember that an ordinary life is, in fact, a life worth living or else God would have chosen a different life, a different town, and perhaps a more “relevant” time, like right now.

DIE DAILY

The abundant life is not based on position or stature. It is not based on the heroic and epic. The abundant life is an ordinary life transformed by the power of God through Jesus Christ living in us. He said that following Him is a daily task, as is bearing His cross “daily” (Luke 9: 23 NIV).  Self is our biggest enemy. By choosing to die daily, and continuing to do exactly what he command, it simplifies things. This is our reasonable service. (Rom 12:1) We recon ourselves dead (Rom 6:11) and live to see Christ resurrected daily in us. (Phil 3:10)

DAILY CHURCH

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2: 46–47 NIV) (2 Cor 11:28) (Acts 19:9; Luk 19:47) (Acts 16:5)  Bother Lawrence “I believe in the … communion of saints” Now with social media, the website, the Mobile app, and the daily radio programs we as a church are meeting and gathering together daily.  There is much protection and safety in keeping close ties with the Body of Christ. (Eph 4:16) It provides nutrients, and growth to all the parts.

WORSHIP DAILY

The psalmist clearly said, “Seven times a day I praise you” (Ps. 119: 164 NIV). So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows. (Ps 61:8) Praise is part of our ordinary daily routine, altering our focus to remain constantly on God. (Heb 12:2) Praise focus our attention not on what has happened, but on what has not happened. It helps you to keep your focus and have a godly perspective about life.  Praise and thanksgiving humbles us, and keep your mood and attitude in the divine.

PRAY DAILY

Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers. (1 Tim. 4: 8) In the Catholic orthodox faith the traditional fixed hours for prayer are 6: 00 a.m., 9: 00 a.m., noon, 3: 00 p.m., 6: 00 p.m., 9: 00 p.m., and midnight.  This means that there are always someone praying at the same time all over the world. Jesus lived a daily prayer life, making time for separating Himself for times of prayer and reflection.

DAILY MIRACLES

Dr Brain Adams believes in – “Expecting everyday Miracles” Having an expectation to see God work the supernatural in every day, causes you to think, speak and live right! God does not confirm the person, He confirms His word. The word of our testimony. Declaring the gospel of salvation stirs faith for people to get saved, in the same way declaring God is present to heal, stirs faith for healing. Believe that signs and wonders follows you.

Mark 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.
Acts 4:29-30 grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
Heb. 2:4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
You cannot theorise the work of the supernatural. If you never have done it, you have no right to even an opinion.

The Kingdom is not in words only but power 1 Cor 4:20; 2:4 but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  If their is thus no signs and wonders, no miraculous, people put their faith in vain in the wisdom of man.

DAILY WORK

Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, (Pr 8:30).  May your good works glorify your father in heaven (Mat 5:16). Do all to the Glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV). Brother Lawrence “Practising the presence of God” – “That he had always been governed by love, without selfish views; and that having resolved to make the love of GOD the end of all his actions, he had found reasons to be well satisfied with his method. That he was pleased when he could take up a straw from the ground for the love of GOD, seeking Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts.”

When love motivates our daily work, our work becomes a testament of His love!

DAILY GIVING (SERVING)

Because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Acts 6:1 This means the church were active in providing for the poor daily. This is why Deacons were chosen to serve the tables. (Acts 6) Giving and finding ways to serve is the heart and core of Kingdom living.  Jesus came to serve. (Phil 2:1-5) Serving another, doing the little ordinary things for another, is an act of love! (Joh 13:5)

DAILY REST

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, (Heb 4:11) In other words: make work of finding rest.  Living in rest, means also to live without any offence. Scripture demands that we encourage one another to be at peace, lest sin enters in, and disable you walk before God.  After you made peace with God. (Rom 5:1) Follow after peace with all men (Heb 12:14) See the emphasis on ‘daily’ and ‘today’ in the following scripture: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Heb 3:12–15)

DAILY STUDY

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Ac 17:11) Plan your day, to make time for the Word. Personal Bible Study is the foundation of a spiritual life exercise regime.  You can only grow spiritually to the measure your understanding has been enlightened by the Word, through the Spirit.  Moreover, making the Word the first priority in your thoughts is vital, so that you’ll learn to base your thoughts and emotions on the Word. When facing a crisis, go to the Word first! Before analysing and confronting the problem! We should always instinctively turn to the scriptures first, when facing and dealing with life.

Sieze Christ within the hope of Glory, and see Him manifest Himself though your life!

Some of the notes comes from: The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity
by Stephen W. Smith

Categories
Sermons

Dailiness: The sacredness of the Ordinary

Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation!
(Ps 68:19)

Carpe diem is a Latin aphorism, usually translated “seize the day”, taken from book 1 of the Roman poet Horace’s work Odes (23 BC).
In Horace, the phrase is part of the longer carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero, which can be translated as “Seize the day, put very little trust in tomorrow (the future)”. The ode says that the future is unforeseen and that one should not leave to chance future happenings, but rather one should do all one can today to make one’s future better. This phrase is usually understood against Horace’s Epicurean background.[6] The meaning of carpe diem as used by Horace is not to ignore the future, but rather not to trust that everything is going to fall into place for you and taking action for the future today.[7]

“Remember that you are mortal, so seize the day.”

enjoy the moment.
“enjoy, seize, use, make use of”

Hebrew[edit]
The phrase ?ואם לא עכשיו, אימתי ‘And if not now, then when?’ (Pirkei Avoth 1:14)

n the 1989 movie Dead Poets Society, the English teacher John Keating, played by Robin Williams, famously says: “Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary.” Later, this line was voted as the 95th greatest movie quote by the American Film Institute.[9] The television series Community later satirized the movie with the recurring character of Professor Whitman, a comedically eccentric version of Williams’ character who uses “Carpe diem” as his guiding philosophy.

The ability to fast-forward music and movies tempts us to think that we can fast-forward through the parts of our lives that seem boring or too difficult to face. But we really can’t.

Joan Chittister once said, “Dailiness, routine, sameness frees the heart to traffic in more important matters.”

As mens swaar kry, begin mens automaties fokus op, dag vir dag.

“Moet julle daarom nie oor môre bekommer nie. Môre sal sy eie bekommernisse bring. Vandag se moeilikhede is vir een dag heeltemal genoeg.” Die Bybel, Nuwe Lewende Vertaling. (2006). (Mt 6:34). Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy.

Moet julle dan nie vandag al oor more se probleme kwel nie. As more gekom het, kan julle daaroor dink. Elke dag het genoeg van sy eie probleme.” Die Lewende Bybel. (1982). (Mt 6:34). Roodepoort: Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy.

In the dailiness of our lives the holy meets the ordinary. Glory intersects with ruin. The sacred meets the routine. The lifelong journey to heaven is often marked with ordinary days where we simply do our work and serve God the best way we believe we can.

Exo 16:4 Manna elke dag

“Gee ons vandag ons daaglikse brood” Luk 11:3

“How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.”

Indian philosopher, cultural reformer, and spiritual leader Gandhi was right when he said, “There is more to life than increasing its speed.”

the Lord’s mercies “are new every morning” (Lam. 3: 23 NIV),

The incarnation of God helps us rethink the myth that we need more. When God became flesh, every ordinary human life was validated as sacred. The fact that God became human and spent most of His life in obscurity as a carpenter in a small village called Nazareth gives us perspective. Through the incarnation, we learn that every life has dignity and significance; every ordinary life matters. The mystery of the incarnation helps us remember that an ordinary life is, in fact, a life worth living or else God would have chosen a different life, a different town, and perhaps a more “relevant” time, like right now.

DIE DAILY

The abundant life is not based on position or stature. It is not based on the heroic and epic. The abundant life is an ordinary life transformed by the power of God through Jesus Christ living in us. He said that following Him is a daily task, as is bearing His cross “daily” (Luke 9: 23 NIV).  Self is our biggest enemy. By choosing to die daily, and continuing to do exactly what he command, it simplifies things. This is our reasonable service. (Rom 12:1) We recon ourselves dead (Rom 6:11) and live to see Christ resurrected daily in us. (Phil 3:10)

DAILY CHURCH

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2: 46–47 NIV) (2 Cor 11:28) (Acts 19:9; Luk 19:47) (Acts 16:5)  Bother Lawrence “I believe in the … communion of saints” Now with social media, the website, the Mobile app, and the daily radio programs we as a church are meeting and gathering together daily.  There is much protection and safety in keeping close ties with the Body of Christ. (Eph 4:16) It provides nutrients, and growth to all the parts.

WORSHIP DAILY

The psalmist clearly said, “Seven times a day I praise you” (Ps. 119: 164 NIV). So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may daily perform my vows. (Ps 61:8) Praise is part of our ordinary daily routine, altering our focus to remain constantly on God. (Heb 12:2) Praise focus our attention not on what has happened, but on what has not happened. It helps you to keep your focus and have a godly perspective about life.  Praise and thanksgiving humbles us, and keep your mood and attitude in the divine.

PRAY DAILY

Exercise daily in God—no spiritual flabbiness, please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers. (1 Tim. 4: 8) In the Catholic orthodox faith the traditional fixed hours for prayer are 6: 00 a.m., 9: 00 a.m., noon, 3: 00 p.m., 6: 00 p.m., 9: 00 p.m., and midnight.  This means that there are always someone praying at the same time all over the world. Jesus lived a daily prayer life, making time for separating Himself for times of prayer and reflection.

DAILY MIRACLES

Dr Brain Adams believes in – “Expecting everyday Miracles” Having an expectation to see God work the supernatural in every day, causes you to think, speak and live right! God does not confirm the person, He confirms His word. The word of our testimony. Declaring the gospel of salvation stirs faith for people to get saved, in the same way declaring God is present to heal, stirs faith for healing. Believe that signs and wonders follows you.

Mark 16:20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.
Acts 4:29-30 grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.”
Heb. 2:4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?
You cannot theorise the work of the supernatural. If you never have done it, you have no right to even an opinion.

The Kingdom is not in words only but power 1 Cor 4:20; 2:4 but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.  If their is thus no signs and wonders, no miraculous, people put their faith in vain in the wisdom of man.

DAILY WORK

Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; And I was daily His delight, Rejoicing always before Him, (Pr 8:30).  May your good works glorify your father in heaven (Mat 5:16). Do all to the Glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV). Brother Lawrence “Practising the presence of God” – “That he had always been governed by love, without selfish views; and that having resolved to make the love of GOD the end of all his actions, he had found reasons to be well satisfied with his method. That he was pleased when he could take up a straw from the ground for the love of GOD, seeking Him only, and nothing else, not even His gifts.”

When love motivates our daily work, our work becomes a testament of His love!

DAILY GIVING (SERVING)

Because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution. Acts 6:1 This means the church were active in providing for the poor daily. This is why Deacons were chosen to serve the tables. (Acts 6) Giving and finding ways to serve is the heart and core of Kingdom living.  Jesus came to serve. (Phil 2:1-5) Serving another, doing the little ordinary things for another, is an act of love! (Joh 13:5)

DAILY REST

Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, (Heb 4:11) In other words: make work of finding rest.  Living in rest, means also to live without any offence. Scripture demands that we encourage one another to be at peace, lest sin enters in, and disable you walk before God.  After you made peace with God. (Rom 5:1) Follow after peace with all men (Heb 12:14) See the emphasis on ‘daily’ and ‘today’ in the following scripture: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said:“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” (Heb 3:12–15)

DAILY STUDY

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. (Ac 17:11) Plan your day, to make time for the Word. Personal Bible Study is the foundation of a spiritual life exercise regime.  You can only grow spiritually to the measure your understanding has been enlightened by the Word, through the Spirit.  Moreover, making the Word the first priority in your thoughts is vital, so that you’ll learn to base your thoughts and emotions on the Word. When facing a crisis, go to the Word first! Before analysing and confronting the problem! We should always instinctively turn to the scriptures first, when facing and dealing with life.

Sieze Christ within the hope of Glory, and see Him manifest Himself though your life!

Some of the notes comes from: The Jesus Life: Eight Ways to Recover Authentic Christianity
by Stephen W. Smith

Categories
Sermons

Eliminate the sin of partiality

Acts 17:26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation. God gave the boundaries, and we ARE different, WE ARE NOT CALLED TO BECOME COLORBLIND, BUT COLOR SHOULD NOT EFFECT THE WAY WE TREAT/FAVOR/LOVE PEOPLE. Acts 10:34-35 Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.

The Greek word “prosopolemptes” literally means ‘a receptor of the face or person’. lt is part of a larger group of similar words which combine to form an idiom which refers to the principle of non-discrimination, one being not a respecter of persons, and the like. Jesus applied this principle very clearly in his interactions with the Samaritans and His teaching on the subject, to even love your enemies. (Luk 6:27-36) Jesus underlines God’s mercy on Heathen (Luke 4:26-27) He rebukes the disciples when they want to pray for God’s judgement on a town that would not receive them. (Luk 9:51-56) The story of the good Samaritan also deals with religious prejudices. (Luk 10:33) The point is clear there is not a nation on this planet who does not struggle with the same human works of the flesh, like pride, selfish ambition and jealousy. All are in need of the salvation that Christ gives. God spoke to me simply; “Go and make contact” (Mat 28:19) and treat every person with respect. (1 Pet 2:17)

Partiality: Bias, one-sided, prejudice, inclination, discrimination, favour, predisposition, inclination, towards a certain type of person because of their power, influence, or money.

“in aliam partem declinando”

Romans 2:11 For there is NO PARTIALITY with God.
1 Timothy 5:21 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, DOING NOTHING IN A SPIRIT OF PARTIALITY. “without prejudice, doing nothing by favour.”

Paul charges Timothy before the Supreme Court of Heaven (Dramatic Present tense) that he observes (Constative Aorist tense) these principles of doctrine with the utmost in objectivity. Timothy is to guard and defend (Latin: custodian) Bible doctrine from the false teachers within and without. He is to exercise his authority and leadership objectively, making all policies and decisions without pre-judging anyone or discriminating against any man. Paul makes this oath in front of the Father (acting as Judge), Christ Jesus (as our Defense Attorney), and to the elect angels who are observing the human race in action. The scene Paul is portraying is the appeal trial of Satan. Furthermore, Timothy is to do absolutely nothing (Customary Present tense) with a spirit of favoritism. He must exercise fairness and justice to all members of a congregation, and not compromise his principles when dealing with a few close friends or associates. In other words, there is no double standard. He cannot reprimand some individuals for the sins of gossiping and maligning and then let some of his friends “slide” who are doing likewise. Paul is in effect painting a courtroom scene for Timothy, with God the Father as presiding Judge and Jesus Christ as the believer’s Defense Attorney. By exercising his apostolic authority, Timothy is also engaged in a courtroom scene. Paul wants him to be fair and impartial when he is called to discipline a member of the local church – as if he was in the Supreme Court of Heaven presenting his case. Extreme caution must be exercised. Reprimanding a believer in public is serious business. It is no time to play favorites, chastising one believer while allowing others to go unchecked. It is no time to compromise for any reason; the truth of a matter is already known in heaven, so Timothy must remember Who is watching over his actions.

CODE OF JUDICIAL CONDUCT FOR SOUTH AFRICAN JUDGES section 165(2) of the Constitution provides that the courts are independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law, which they must apply without fear, favour or prejudice;

“Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly” (Leviticus 19:15)

No distinction between the poor and rich
Proverbs 22:2 The RICH AND THE POOR have a common bond, The LORD is the maker of them all. Integrasie is ’n Nasionale Visie –

No partiality according to salary level: John 13:16 “Truly, truly, I say to you, A SLAVE IS NOT GREATER THAN HIS MASTER, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. From prison, Paul wrote to a friend whose slave had run away, had met Paul, and had come to faith. Paul appealed to his friend on the basis of their relationship to welcome the slave back not as a slave but as a brother. He offered to repay any loss from his own pocket. The letter survives in the New Testament as the book of “Philemon” and is a touching example of a dedicated believer seeking to internally motivate a slaveholder to change his attitudes and behavior. Philemon 1-25. The point is clear, do not treat rich people differently because they are rich, the same applies to the poor.

Treat everyone the same – LOVE THEM!
James 2:1 My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an ATTITUDE OF PERSONAL FAVORITISM. James 2:2-4 For if a man comes into your assembly with a gold ring and dressed in fine clothes, and there also comes in a poor man in dirty clothes, and you pay special attention to the one who is wearing the fine clothes, and say, “You sit here in a good place,” and you say to the poor man, “You stand over there, or sit down by my footstool,” have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives?

Romans 10:12-13 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” No national cultural favoritism: Colossians 3:11

No Partiality according to TITLE AND POSITION:
Matthew 23:8 “But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.

No Gender inequality Galatians 3:28

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Sermons

Why isolating yourself is never a good idea: when you want to improve your relationships.

Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good. (Proverbs 18:1). Message

HE WHO willfully separates and estranges himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire and pretext to break out against all wise and sound judgment. (Proverbs 18:1). AMPL

Have you ever had a moment where you worked out in your head all the things you wanted to say to a person, and when you finally get the opportunity it works out quite differently?

“The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.” (Proverbs 16:1) NKJV.

When it comes to relational hurt and offences, there is no way to improve or restore a relationship in isolation. “We need some space, to work it out” It is not going to happen! You cannot work it out in isolation, by definition, you are not together to work it out!

For our relationship with God to mature and become stronger, we need periods of isolation, solitude, and separation.  But not when it comes to our relationships.

Some people isolate themselves and begin to feel much better; they may even believe they have all the fruit of the spirit! But the fruit of the Spirit works best, when in stressful situations! You never know whether you have His patience and long-suffering unless you’re in situations that demand it.  The fruit of the spirit, is not the fruits of man. It is a supernatural ability to display godly character in the most challenging circumstances.

The drive to isolate is often motivated by fear, or feeling paralysed, powerless or ineffective. In times of isolation, we believe we will get perspective, and certainty about our commitment, love toward someone. The truth is this certainty comes through dialogue.

It is our ineffective communication that is more likely the biggest problem, and now we choose to communicate even less!  The only communication that works is where there is mutual empathy. When we feel and understand the other person, we gain understanding and compassion. You do not get empathy through isolation, silent treatment, and keeping to yourself.

No communication leads to presumption.

The other person does not know what you really are thinking, feeling or experiencing. So, in your absence, they build their presumptions and preconceived notion of the truth.  You can only fix miscommunication and error through engaging more.  Even fighting and arguing, as long as you keep on talking, explaining, until you reach empathy. You need to have a moment, to tell it as it is. Clear up, what you mean.

“When losing the argument, do not raise your voice, improve your argument.”

What we need is not isolation, we need to learn to communicate more efficiently. When the other person is not getting it, they are not getting it! Try to explain it differently, use a different example or metaphor.

“Time away” only works when our relationship is healthy, then the distance actually improves the longing and affection. But when we are angry, and there are unresolved issues not communicated, distance actually makes it worse!  Our hearts yearn to explain, make it right, asks forgiveness yet when we get the opportunity to talk over the phone or text, it comes out all wrong, and things get worse.

There is NO Biblical justification for you to isolate yourself.

An English doctor built an experimental room where one can get away from everyone. But his experiments showed that isolation produces misery instead of ecstasy. Dr. S. Smith’s quiet place was a 9’ x 9’ x 7½’ soundproof room suspended by nylon rope at the top of a large building. Each volunteer was equipped with padded fur gloves and heavy woolen socks to reduce the sensation of touch. Each was given translucent goggles over his eyes to eliminate patterned vision. Volunteers were observed through a one-way screen, but they could not see out. Meals were eaten inside the isolation box. After an hour or more, concentration was lost. Then came anxiety or feelings of panic. Many could not stand the aloneness for more than five hours. [1]

Social isolation is also commonly associated with people who commit suicide. Seeking isolation, when the best option is keep on engaging, is like someone who wants to get drunk, or high on drugs. You want to escape the painful reality. But it is the painful reality that offers growth, and possible change. When we continue to communicate until there is peace, and the issue is resolved, personal growth for both parties is immanent.

Sometimes we feel isolated because of something we have done, and people consciously or unconsciously have been averting us. Jesus wants to heal us, and restore us from periods of isolation. Like with the women who had an incurable illness and socio-religious isolation—she was a living “dead” person for 12 years. (Mark 5:25-34) She was willing to reach out and touch Jesus.  Reaching out to Jesus, is the only ‘safe’ thing to do.  We all have been let down, betrayed, hurt, by someone. But isolating oneself, is not the cure!  “Daughter, you took a risk of faith, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed! Be healed of your plague.”

Some may feel they want to isolate, because they stood up for what is right, and now they are rejected, scoffed and ridiculed. “Better is open rebuke Than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Proverbs 27:5-6 You have actually been a true friend. Thus keep on engaging, you have done nothing wrong!

Some may want to isolate because of offence. Someone really possible unintendedly, hurt your feelings. 3 Take heed to yourselves. “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him” (Luke 17:2–3) No reason for isolation either: “You need to dig in, and talk it out” This is the hardest thing to do, but guess if more people begin to speak to their offenders, without resentment and anger, but calmly we can begin to break the circle of transgressional sin.  Many offenders are hurting people, hurting others.

Choose your friends wisely.

Lastly: We would have prevented much pain in the first place, if we selected the right people to spend most of our time with.

According to Moran Cerf, a neuroscientist at Northwestern University who has been studying decision-making for over a decade, the surest way to maximize happiness has nothing to do with experiences, material goods, or personal philosophy.  It’s all about who you decide to spend time with. [2]

So, choose your friends and people you spend time with wisely!

The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.  (Proverbs 18:24)

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20)

Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14)

 

[1]  Tan, P. L. (1996). Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times (p. 753). Garland, TX: Bible Communications, Inc.

[2]  http://uk.businessinsider.com/neuroscientist-most-important-choice-in-life-2017-7

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Sermons

Die geestelike dinamiek van ’n byeenkoms van die Liggaam v Christus

As gelowiges het ons ‘n unieke geestelike band wat ons saambind. “en in verbondenheid met Hom deel julle in Sy volheid. Hy is die hoof oor elke mag en gesag” (Col 2:10) Ons deel dus in Sy volheid!!! Wat ‘n wonderlike verklaring! Ons deel in die volheid van Christus, “die hoof oor elke mag en gesag”!

Ons aanbid ‘n onsigbare God, wat ‘n Gees is. (2 Cor 3:17) Ons is geesvervulde mense wat deur die Heilige Gees die vermoë ontvang het om bonatuurlike dinge te vermag volgens 1 Cor 12 & 14. Die NT gebruik telkens die woorde “vol”, “gevul” “gedoop” met die Heilige Gees, ‘n oorvloedsbegrip om aan te dui dat mense se lewe nou deur die Gees beheer word.

Jesus se lewe was vol bonatuurlike kragtige dade, as ons soos Hy wil wees, hoekom sien sommige gelowiges die bonatuurlike as onnodig, nie vir almal, en nie vir vandag nie?

Ek pleit nie vir vreemde manifestasies waar mense in ‘n staat van vervoering en wegrukking vreemde gedrag toon nie. Alhoewel sekere geestelike ervarings en ontmoetings nie altyd verduidelik kan word nie.  Paulus sien ‘n lig en val op die grond. Acts 9:4 Tydens die uitstorting vd Heilige Gees, beskou die toeskouers hulle as vol soetwyn. Acts 2:13 Die dinge van die gees maak nie sin vir die natuurlike mens nie. “dit is dwaasheid vir hom” 1 Kor 2:14

Die punt is: Ons byeenkomste moet inherent ‘n geestelike dinamiek en karakter hê, waar die oorsprong van wat gebeur nie vooraf bepaal, voorberei, en geoefen kan word nie.

Die teksvers in 1 Cor. 14:26 is die enigste vers in die Nuwe Testament wat ’n uitleg gee van die wyse waarop die program van ’n groep Nuwe-Testamentiese gelowiges se byeenkoms verloop het.

Hoe moet dit dan wees, broers? Elke keer as julle bymekaarkom, het elkeen gewoonlik ’n bydrae om te lewer: ’n psalm, ’n onderwysing, ’n openbaring, ’n ongewone taal of klank, ’n uitleg daarvan. Sorg dan dat alles tot opbou van die gemeente verloop  (1 Cor. 14:26 – NAV).

Let op hoe elke lid vir die byeenkoms moet voorberei: “. . . het elkeen gewoonlik ’n bydrae om te lewer”. ELKEEN HET. Dit beteken dat die vergaderings redelik lank geduur het: “. . . as julle saamkom om nagmaal te vier, wag vir mekaar” (1 Cor. 11:33); daar is getuig en gebid (1 Tim. 2:1, 8); daar is vir siekes gebid (Jam 5:13-16); daar is teenoor mekaar belydenisse gedoen (1 Cor. 11:27-31). Dis baie duidelik; Christenskap in die Nuwe Testament is nie ’n toeskouer-geleentheid nie. Almal neem deel.

Die Engelse woord, “church”, kom van die Latynse woord wat “sirkel” beteken. Ons woord, “sirkus” is afgelei van die woord “sirkel”, ”drie ringe”, soos in “drieringsirkus”. Dalk het hulle aan die begin wanneer hulle vergader het in ’n kring gesit. Soos by ’n ronde tafel. En so het die woord “kerk” ontstaan. Dis heel moontlik, dat die gebruik van die woord sy ontstaan het omdat die eerste kerk se byeenkomste nie in formele geboue of tempels gehou is nie, maar in woonhuise (Hand. 2:46). Dit is so dat by groter byeenkomste raak dit onmoontlik om vir elke lid ’n spreekbeurt te gee, maar tydens byeenkomste in woonhuise behoort een persoon nie die bespreking oorneem nie, maar dit net lei en fasiliteer sodat elkeen ’n kans kry om deel te neem. Dit is wel waar dat in die geval die aantal mense minder as 20 tot 30 mense moet wees. Maar dit is net waar wanneer elkeen ‘n spreekbeurt soek. Ons kan egter baie duidelik aflei uit die bogenoemde skrifte dat gebed, belydenis, bid vir siekes, ‘n groepaktiwiteit was. Vandag in die meeste Westerse kerkprogramme is die liturgie gebou rondom die kansel en die verhoog.

ψαλμός psalmós: ’n Lied: die lied is met musiekbegeleiding gesing. Die jongste betekenis is in die Septuagint aanvaar. Dit verwys na alle waarskynlikheid na die psalms in Efesiërs 5:19 en Kolossense 3:16.  Sien die verskeidenheid met betrekking tot die oorsprong van hierdie liedjies. Psalms – bekende deuntjies en liedjies, Gesange – gewyde, poëtiese toewyding liede, Geestelike liede – waar die woorde vanuit die gees kom sien (1 Cor 14:15) en “making melody in your heart” Waar die deuntjie ook vanuit die hart kom, dus spontaan, en impromptu.

διδαχή didachḗ: Om te onderrig. In ’n praktiese sin beteken dit die handeling van onderwys gee, onderrig, les gee (Mark. 4:2; 1 Kor. 14:6, 26; 2 Tim. 4:2). Heb. 5:11-6:2. Soek ’n “gesonde leerstelling”: 1 Tim. 4:6; 2 Tim. 4:3; Tit. 1:9; 2:1 (vgl 1 Tim. 6:3; 2 Tim. 1:13). Die skrifgeleerdes en fariseërs was kenners en studente van die Woord, maar het ongelukkig geval in die leringe en tradisies van die mens. (Mat 15:1-9) Die woord van God, is soos swem, jy leer nie om te swem op die grond, en in boeke nie. Jy leer om te swem, deur in die water te klim, en die instrukteur na te volg.  Lering is dus nie die oordra van kennis nie, maar om mense te inspireer om te hoor en te doen! Dit gebeur net, as die leraar self ook meedoen.

γλῶσσα glṓssa: Kwalitatief nuut; om nuwe tale te praat wat hulle voorheen nie geken het nie; dit beteken hulle het in tale gepraat wat nie hul moedertaal was nie (Mark. 16:17; Hand. 2:4; 10:46; 19:6; 1 Kor. 12:30; 14:2, 4-6, 13, 18, 23, 27, 39). Dit is betekenisvol dat talespraak en die uitleg daarvan as een van die hoofgebeure by ’n samekoms van Nuwe-Testamentiese gelowiges beskou is. Asof dit daardeur beklemtoon word. Dus, as jy wil deelneem, word gevul met die Heilige Gees deur in tale te praat (1 Kor. 14).

ἀποκάλυψις apokálupsis: om te onthul. Openbaar, blootlê, aan die lig bring, bekend maak. Die openbaring van geheimenisse verwys na Goddelike doelwitte en leerstellings wat voorheen onbekend en bedek was (Rom. 16:25; 1 Kor. 14:6, 26). Openbarings van God die Vader of Christus (2 Kor. 12:1, 7; Gal. 1:12; 2:2; Ef. 3:3). In Ef. 1:17 beteken “die Gees van . . . openbaring”  ’n gees wat die diep geheimenisse van God kan deurgrond en bekend maak. Openbaring is wesenlik vir ons om te weet wat en hoe ons iets moet doen. Mense kan net dit doen wat hulle werklik verstaan.

ἑρμηνεία hermēneía: om te interpreteer. Interpretasie, verduideliking (1 Kor. 14:26); dis ’n metoniem vir die vermoë om te interpreteer, as ’n charisma (1 Kor. 12:10), ’n geskenk. Alhoewel die woord “interpreteer” in hierdie geval spesifiek verwys na die uitleg van tale, is ek van mening dat die meeste van die aktiwiteite ’n vorm van interpretasie is. Die woord “hermeneutiek” word gebruik deur teoloë wat die wetenskap van Bybel-interpretasie beoefen. Visioene, drome en geestelike ervarings moet geïnterpreteer en beoordeel word (1 Kor. 14:29).

Alle dinge is uiteraard geestelik; gebede aan God wat ’n onsigbare Gees is (Joh. 4:24); ons eenheid en band as gelowiges (1 Kor. 12:26); geestelike oorlogvoering (Ef. 6:12). Dit is waarom ’n persoon wat optree vanuit ’n godsdienstige oogpunt, stelle reëls en liturgieë, nie kan funksioneer in ’n Nuwe-Testamentiese kerk wat uit Geesgevulde gelowiges bestaan nie. Dit is twee totaal verskillende bedryfstelsels.

Die belangrikste punt wat mens egter moet onthou, is: dit beteken nie net almal kry ‘n spreekbeurt nie! Dan kan dit ‘n baie lang uitgerekte vervelige byeenkoms word.

Die klem is dit wat die Gees wil!!

“Want waar twee of drie in my Naam vergader, daar is Ek in hulle midde” (Matt. 18:20). Paulus het selfs gesê hy is in die gees teenwoordig, al is hy liggaamlik afwesig (1 Kor. 5:3-4). Dit dui op ’n onsigbare draad, band, verbondenheid, naatlose kleed met die Gees van Christus soos dit in Sy Liggaam met Hom as Hoof  onthul word (Ef. 1:22). Die eenvoudigste manier is om die draad van die byeenkoms op te tel, met die vloei te verbind, na mekaar te luister en te resoneer, te harmoniseer. As die boodskap wat jy voorberei het nie pas nie, los dit – dis nie vir nou nie.  Luister fyn, en maak jouself leeg, sodat die Gees jou kan inspireer met die wat Hy wil sê.

Stel jou in op die Gees van die byeenkoms. Van die eerste lied af skandeer die aanbiddings-leier die gees, die voordansers resoneer met hul liggame dit wat gesing word en terwyl ons almal as liggaam daarop inskakel, ervaar ons ’n oop, hemelse openbaring en geestelike insig. Dan, wanneer ons dit wat ons sien en ervaar bekend maak, word die visioene duideliker en verstaanbaar. Hierdie godspraak te midde van Sy kinders was God se oorspronklike plan, om tussen Sy mense te wees. (Heb 12:18-24). Hy wou op die Sionsberg sy volk ontmoet, en self met hulle praat maar hulle was te bang.  Maar ons het gekom, by die Heilige Berg, ‘n geestelike byeenkoms, waar God deur ons almal praat, nie net deur een mens nie.

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Vind Sy Vreugde in Tye van Terreur

Ons almal word geraak deur die geweld van moord in ons land. Elke groepering in SA prioritiseer die terreur waar dit hulle die diepste raak. Die bende geweld in die Kaap, Studente moorde in Stellenbosch, die moorde in plakkerskampe, en natuurlik plaasmoorde. Die onlangse slagting in Texas, waar een man vanuit sy hotelkamer op mense begin skiet het, dui daarop dat die terreur nie net in SA plaasvind nie. Dan is daar die voortslepende terroriste aanvalle in London, Parys en Duitsland.

Die plaasmoorde raak ons as landbou gemeenskap sekerlik die diepste, omdat ons boere is, en afhanklik is van die landbou.  Flip Buys, voorsitter van Afri-forum skryf: “Plaasterreur raak ons harte Moordenaars het my grootworddorpe se name met bloed besmeer. Boerebloed. Sannieshof, Ottosdal, Leeudoringstad, Wolmaransstad. Hierdie name klink soos klippe op die sinkdak van my kindertyd se plaashuis as ek die moordnuus hoor. Rampokkers verbrand my herinneringe aan geboue in Lichtenburg, Coligny en Schweizer-Reneke. Delareyville en Bloemhof verval van verwaarlosing. Hierdie dorpe is my grootwordplekke: gebore op Delareyville, laerskool in Sannieshof, “dorp toe” gegaan in Lichtenburg. Die hartseer nuus maak seer. Die ergste is die wreedaardige moorde, veral op weerlose plaasvroue en oumense. Dit laat mens rooi sien.”[1]

Die #stopdiemoorde sosiale media veldtog versprei soos ‘n veldbrand, want ons het versadigingspunt bereik. Dis is nou genoeg.  Die vraag is natuurlik, wat gaan ek doen?

Want die kantelpunt in ons geskiedenis kan oorval na verder geweld en ‘n burgeroorlog, of geestelike herlewing.

Moord en slagting is nie vreemd in die Bybel nie.  Inteendeel in die NT was die uitmoor van Christene algemeen, en niemand is nie daardeur geraak nie.  Oor die 20 eeue van die Christelike geloof is sowat 70 miljoen Christene vermoor. En hierdie getal groei steeds in die nuwe millennium, aangesien meer as 400 nuwe martelare elke dag vermoor word. [2]

Bill Johnson se preek, “The discipline of Joy[3]” wys ons daarop, dat God se manier om ons te versterk te midde van tye van swaarkry is – VREUGDE.  Inteendeel die mate van jou vreugde, bepaal die mate van jou sterkte.  Die opdrag maak glad nie sin vir die natuurlike mens nie. Tog weet ons instinktief die inhoudelike waarheid.  Die Bybel is volop met voorbeelde van hoe ons moet optree in die teenoorgestelde gees. Dit beteken nie dat ons  nie ook hartseer of kwaad is oor wat besig is om te gebeur nie, dit beteken bloot dat ons, ons harte, siel en emosies in ‘n ander rigting stuur. Dis ‘n geestelike offensief.

Dit beteken nie ons is ligsinnig nie, en ons gaan nie ligtelik met die omvang van mense se trauma om nie. Soos enige mens is ons diep geraak deur die Terreur, maar ons kies om ons hart te vul met hoop, geloof en liefde. Dan kan ons tot aksie oorgaan met ‘n ander gees. Nie in reaksie en in protes nie.  Ons tree op vanuit ‘n ewige mandaat van God se liefde en goedheid.

Hab 3:18 vreugde, ‘gil’ (geel); Strong’s # 1523: Om bly te wees, vol blydskap en vreugde. Gil bevat die voorstel om vir vreugde te dans of om vreugde te spring, aangesien die werkwoord oorspronklik bedoel het om met intense beweging te draai. Dit veronderstel die idee dat die Bybelse konsep van vreugde nie net ‘n stil, innerlike gevoel van welsyn is nie. “God dans vir vreugde oor Jerusalem en oor sy volk” (Isa 65:19; Zeph 3:17). Die regverdige Messias sal bly wees in God se verlossing met ‘n intensiteit dat die psalmis geen woorde kan vind om te beskryf nie (Ps 21: 1). Op sy beurt is sy verloste burgers vreugdevol in hulle Koning; hulle loof Hom met danse, instrumente en sang (Ps 149: 2, 3). Alhoewel alles in Habakkuk se eksterne wêreld verkeerd is, spring hy van vreugde oor sy gemeenskap met Yahweh. [4]

Bill verduidelik verder na gelang van Nehemia se hervormings en die herbouing vd muur is ‘n metafoor van elke lewe se herstel en reformasie in die Here.  Nuwe gelowiges moet ook die muur om hulle lewe herstel en opbou saam met ander gelowiges. Die eerste taak van die nuwe bekeerling is egter die studie van God se Woord. (Neh 8) Die woord van God word deur die meeste tydgenote van Nehemia vir die eerste keer gehoor. Die mense het onder ‘n diepe gees van verootmoediging en berou gekom, omdat hulle nou hoor of hulle lewe op-lyn met God se wil of nie.  Dan doen Nehemia en Esra die priester ‘n merkwaardige ding: Hulle roep ‘n feesdag uit. Hulle beveel die mense om nie te treur nie, maar om bly te wees.

“Vandag is ’n besondere dag wat aan die Here julle God toegewy is en daarom moet julle nie huil en treur nie. 11Gaan nou huis toe en maak vir julle ’n spesiale ete klaar met lekker kos en drinkgoed, want dis ’n feesdag van die Here. Gee ook van julle kos vir die wat nie het nie, want dit is ’n dag van groot blydskap en niemand mag treur nie. Julle blydskap oor wat die Here gedoen het, sal julle weer nuwe krag gee.” (Neh 8:10–11) [5]

Dis ook interessant dat die wetenskap die krag van vreugde, en blydskap erken. [6]

Skrifte wat duidelik die krag van vreugde aanmoedig:

(Mt 5:12) Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven,(Ac 20:22–24) so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.(Phil 2:17) I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.(Col 1:24) I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church(2 Cor 7:4) I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.

(2 Co 8:2)  that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

(1 Pet 1:6) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

(1 Pet 4:13)  but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.

(Jam 1:2) count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

(Acts 5:41) rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

(Rom 12:12) rejoicing in hope,

Dis baie duidelik as mens deur hierdie verse lees, dat ons aanvalswapen van verdediging vreugde is.

Jesus het “ter wille van die blydskap wat daar voor vir Hom gewag het, die kruis verduur.” (Heb 12:2). Die vreugde in sy hart het hom dus die krag gegee om die lyding van die kruis te kon verduur.

Hoe kry mens dié vreugde?

Vreugde te midde van swaarkry is ‘n uitdrukking van jou geloof. Mens kan dit nie namaak of vervals nie. Dit is alleenlik in die Here te vinde. Daarom wag ons op die Here, ons rig ons harte na hom toe, en wanneer Hy ons antwoord met ‘n Woord, ontvang ons saam met die Woord, die krag en vermoë om aanhou aan te hou.  Dit is die bron van ons vreugde, ons het die einde gesien. U het ons met ’n net gevang, ’n sware las op ons geplaas. U het mense oor ons laat ry, ons deur vuur en vloed laat gaan, en tog gebring waar daar oorvloed is.  (Ps 66:11–12).

Jesus het probeer om sy dissipels te wys wat Hy sien, maar hulle het eers later begin sien. “Moenie ontsteld wees nie. Hou net aan om op God te vertrou en vertrou ook ten volle op My. In die huis van my Vader is daar sommer baie kamers.” (John 14:1–2). Jesus het hulle die ewige realiteit probeer wys. Sien dat die aardse, fisiese dinge tydelik is. (2 Cor 4:16-18) Alles word tans geskud, dit is dan vir ons voorspel deur Jesus en die profete. Al wat gaan staande bly is die koninkryk.  26 Toe het sy stem die aarde geskud; maar nou het Hy belowe en gesê: Nog een maal laat Ek nie alleen die aarde nie, maar ook die hemel bewe. 27 En hierdie woord: nog een maal, wys duidelik op die verandering van die wankelbare dinge as geskape dinge, sodat die onwankelbare kan bly. 28   Daarom, omdat ons ’n onwankelbare koninkryk ontvang, laat ons dankbaar wees, en so God welbehaaglik dien met eerbied en vrees. 29 Want onse God is ’n verterende vuur.  (Heb 12:26–29).

Want die koninkryk van God is nie spys en drank nie, maar geregtigheid en vrede en blydskap in die Heilige Gees. (Ro 14:17). Mag die Here vandag jou geestelike oë oopmaak dat jy kan sien, die wat saam met ons is, is meer as die wat teen ons is. (2 King 6:16; Rom 8:31) Daar is meer mense in Suid Afrika, wat reg doen, en reg leef as die boosheid. Sien dat daar meer mense is wat alreeds wit, bruin en swart aanvaar het, en in vrede saamleef as die rassiste.  Sien dat daar meer mense is wat goed doen, as die wat sleg doen.  Sien die deurbrake en vordering wat al gemaak is in samewerking en voorspoed vir almal. Sien ‘n herlewing van God se Gees wat in mense se harte werk om meer te bid, en hulleself aan die Here toe te wy.  Sien tydens die droogte die hande wat help, en bydraes maak. Sien die Here se voorsiening.

Mag die vreugde van die Here jou hart vul, met blydskap en onverskrokke geloof. In sy vreugde werk ons, en glo ons!

Krag om ‘n verskil te maak in Donker Wêreld

Uiteindelik is die rede hoekom Sy vreugde ons krag gee, is om ons roeping uit te leef. Krag en sterkte is nie net vir jou eie voortbestaan nie.  Sy krag is om Sy getuie te wees, en mense om jou hoop te gee.  “The time is now”! Die tyd is nou, die kerk staan voor ‘n wonderlike geleentheid om Sy lig te skyn, sout te wees, en deel te word van die oplossing.  Ons loop met ‘n misterieuse glimlag in ons binneste, ons uitkyk en ingesteldheid is een van hoop en geloof.  Dit beteken nie ons lewe in ontkenning nie, ons raak ook kwaad en hartseer wanneer die gevaar naby ons lyf kom. Tog rig ons, ons harte en draai na die Here.  Ons neem eerder ons wapens van die gees op, as die wapens van die vlees wat net nog meer bloedvergieting te weeg sal bring.

Mag die Woord van die Here vandag jou hart en gemoed in lyn bring met Sy Woord. Terwyl ons op die Here wag, en Hy ons bedien met Woord, verander ons uitkyk. Hy open ons geestelike oë, en help ons om te sien soos Hy sien.  Vreugde ontspring in ons harte soos die Heilige Gees ‘n Woord in ons hart bevrug.  Ons kry hoop as ons staan op die Woord van die Here.  Nehemia en Esra het die mense beveel om visies te gaan feesvier. Deel met dié wat nie het nie, sodat almal kan deel in die vreugde.  Nou is dit die tyd, terwyl ons ook self swaarkry, om in Sy teenwoordigheid te bly, en te beleef hoe Hy ons vul met vreugde.  Sy vreugde laat ons ryk en vergenoegd voel, om dan ander se nood raak te sien.

Vreugde, Vrede en Genade!

 

[1] https://maroelamedia.co.za/debat/meningsvormers/plaasterreur-raak-ons-harte/

[2] World Christian Trends  AD 30-AD 2200, David B. Barrett Todd M. Johnson, 2001

[3] http://podcasts.ibethel.org/en/podcasts/the-discipline-of-joy

[4] Wordwealth – the Spirit-filled Bible

[5]  Die Lewende Bybel. (1982). (Ne 8:10–11)

[6] http://www.medicaldaily.com/health-benefits-laughter-and-smiling-how-expressing-joy-affects-your-physical-411681

 

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Wie sê ek is ek?

Identiteitsdiefstal is nie net ‘n fisiese probleem of elektroniese misdaad probleem nie, die ‘n wesenlike geestelike krisis! Mense weet nie wie hulle bestem is om te wees nie. Mense maak en vorm hulle eie idee van wie hulle is, en mis sodoende hulle Godgegewe roeping en skeppingsdoel.
Sonde is identiteitsdiefstal – jy is na God se beeld geskape. Gen 1:27 | Rom 8:29.
Sonde: “Hamartia” – Verkeerde identiteit (Mike Wood)
Mense verklap hulle identiteit onbewustelik op vele maniere, soos met bufferplakkers, nommerplate, profielopskrifte en beskrywings op sosiale media. Die manier waarop ons aantrek en ons hare stileer en die besluite wat ons daagliks neem is vooraf bepaal deur ons identiteit soos ons dit sien. Tatoes word gekies om identiteit uit te druk en ’n beeld te vorm: Wie is ek?

Hoe sal jy jou identiteit beskryf? Wat glo jy oor jouself?

As jy jouself met een woord moet identifiseer en beskryf, wat sal jy kies: soos met gepersonaliseerde nommerplate. ‘convict’? ‘gangsta’? ‘wild1’? ‘sexymom’? Bufferplakkers soos “Mom’s Taxi”, “Villain” en selfs vloekwoorde word gebruik om die eienaar van die voertuig te beskryf.
Paulus het die Nuwe-Testamentiese gelowiges aangespreek as geheiligdes, heiliges, (1 Cor. 1:2; Rom. 1:7), gelowiges, geroepenes, medewerkers! Dit lyk makliker om jouself as ’n sondaar, verloorder, mislukking te beskryf eerder as om op te staan en aan jouself te dink as ’n heilige, geheiligde, geroepene. Tog is dit presies wat gebeur wanneer jy ’n navolger van Christus te word. Jou identiteit verander (2 Cor. 5:17). Jy is ’n nuwe skepsel.

Ons lewens is in Christus verborge

Ons skeppingsdoel is om soos Christus te wees. (Rom 8:29). Dit is vir die méns onmoontlik om soos Christus te word, maar vir God is alles moontlik. Ons kan nie soos Jesus wees met ons eie krag en vermoë nie. Indien ons dit sou regkry, wil ons as mens verheerlik word. Die ryk jongman het al die vereistes vd wet vervul, maar kon nie die Here gehoorsaam om alles te verkoop en Hom te volg nie. (Matt. 19:26) Ons moet onsself verloën, deur aan Hom gehoorsaam te wees in alles wat Hy ons beveel. (Mat 16:24) Wanneer ons sterf vir die ou self, dan rig Hy ons op in Christus. (Phil 3:10) Ons identiteit is opgesluit in Christus. Want julle het gesterwe, en julle lewe is saam met Christus verborge in God (Col. 3:3).. [E]n julle jul met die nuwe mens beklee het wat vernuwe word tot kennis na die beeld van sy Skepper . . . (Col 3:10). Dit is die groot geheimenis wat nou bekend gemaak is – dat God se heerlikheid in en onder ons openbaar gemaak word (Col 1:27). Ons is die mooiste mense wanneer ons die meeste soos Jesus is.
Om soos Jesus te word is die sleutel tot ʼn vervulde en gelukkig lewe. Jy sal die beste huweliksmaat wees om mee te leef, die beste sakeleier of werker wees vir enige sakeonderneming, die beste tipe vriend, die beste ouer. Die hoogste ideaal vir elke mens se bestaan is Jesus.
Die waarheid van die Jesus Lewe is ʼn universele beginsel – Die mense wat oor die eeue die mees langlewende afdruk op die mensdom gemaak het, was diegene wat die meeste volgens Jesus se lewe geleef het. Moeder Teresa, Ghandi en Mandela. Alhoewel die persone nie noodwendig ʼn intieme verhouding met God gehad het nie, en ook nie noodwendig belydende Christene was nie, het hulle lewe die meeste indruk gemaak op die mensdom omdat hulle bereid was om radikaal Jesus se lewe te leef.

Wat het Jesus Homself genoem? Die Ek-is-beginsel

Jesus sê self Hy is die Christus, die Messias – die Gesalfde.
Joh. 4:25-26 Sien ook Matt. 23:10; 26:63-64; Mark. 14:61-62; Joh. 10:24-25
Die “Ek is”–uitsprake in die Evangelie van Johannes
Joh. 8:58 Sien ook:
Joh. 6:35 die brood van die lewe
Joh. 8:12; 9:5 die lig van die wêreld  
Joh. 10:7-10 die deur
Joh. 10:11-14 die goeie herder
Joh. 11:25 die opstanding en die lewe
Joh. 14:6 die weg en die waarheid en die lewe
Joh. 15:1-5 die ware wynstok
Jesus het meestal na Homself as die Seun van die mens verwys. Luk. 19:10 Sien ook Matt. 11:19; Luk. 5:24; Joh. 3:13; 6:53.  Jesus identifiseer dus meestal met sy aardse, menslike identiteit om ons voor te gaan, in die Jesus lewe. Dat dit moontlik is as mens om soos Christus te wees, en die wil van God te doen.
Jesus het uiteindelik gesterwe omdat Hy erken het dat Hy die Seun van God, die Messias, die Koning van die Jode is. Satan self het Hom in versoeking probeer lei: “As U die Seun van God is . . .” (Matt. 4:3). Selfs Johannes die Doper het getwyfel en sy dissipels aangesê om Hom te gaan vra (Matt. 11:3). Sy eie gesin en die mense van Sy tuisdorp het getwyfel (Mark. 6:3-5).
Mense kan nie jou identiteit sonder jou toestemming vorm nie. Kultuur, ouers, onderwysers en leiers het ’n sterk invloed op ander. Mense kan jou goedkeur en aanvaar of jou verwerp, maar hulle kan nie jou identiteit steel as jy hulle nie toelaat om dit te doen nie. Ons moet al die stemme stilmaak en op ons Vader se stem inskakel om ons ware identiteit te ontdek.
Net so het jy alleen die mag om wie God sê jy is te ontvang en te aanvaar. Soms wag ons vir ’n pa of ’n leier om ons te kwalifiseer; maar jy moet jouself eerste kwalifiseer en ken en liefhê.
Jesus het Homself dikwels uitgedruk as “Ek is”. Dit is na alles Sy Naam. Hy was seker van wie Hy is, wat hulle teen Hom hou en die rede waarom hulle Hom gekruisig het (Joh. 10:31-39; Luk. 22:70). Hoe sekerder jy word van wie jy is, hoe meer gaan jy vervolg word.
Jou lewe in Christus begin met ’n geloofsverklaring:  “Ek is ’n kind van God” (Rom. 10:9-10). Al die “IN CHRISTUS”-beloftes is “Ek is”-verklarings (Phil 4:13; Ef. 1:7; Rom. 8:31, 37).
As jy met jou mond die Here Jesus bely en met jou hart glo dat God Hom uit die dode opgewek het, sal jy gered word; want met die hart glo ons tot geregtigheid en met die mond bely ons tot redding (Rom 10:9–10).
Because if you acknowledge and confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) and confirms [his] salvation (Rom 10:9–10).

Sien jouself in die Woord

Johannes die Doper moes homself in die Woord sien (Isa 40:3) en dit glo. Hy het sy eie doel in die lewe geken en gesê: Ek is die stem van een wat roep in die woestyn . . . (John 1:23). Hy het ook verskeie profesieë oor sy lewe uitgespreek (Luk. 1:15).

Wanneer jou identiteit getoets word, is dit ’n Kairos-oomblik  om in die Gees verhoog te word:

Nadat die kerk in Antiochië gevas en gebid het, het hulle Barnabas en Paulus afgesonder (Acts 13:2). Barnabas word hier eerste genoem, want hy was op daardie stadium meer prominent. In Salamis het hulle toegang gehad tot goewerneur Sergius Paulus, ’n intelligente man (Acts 13:7). ’n Valse profeet en towenaar, Bar-Jesus, ook bekend as Elimas, het hulle egter teengestaan. In vers 9 word Paulus eers Saulus genoem om aan sy ou identiteit te herinner. Maar Paulus, vervul met die heilige Gees, het hom in die openbaar tereggewys en bestraf.  Van daardie oomblik af verdwyn Barnabas vd toneel en is Paulus se identiteit bevestig en verseker.
Wanneer ons met die Heilige Gees vervul is, is ons met die Gees van Christus vervul. Dan volg Sy heiligheid, Sy krag, Sy vrugbare karakter met tekens en wonders in ons lewe. (Acts v 11)
Ons vorm en verstaan ons innerlike identiteit deur ons sintuie en innerlike en uiterlike stemme. Ons onderskei ons geestelike identiteit deur God se Woord te hoor en ons geestelike “sintuie” te ontwikkel. (Heb. 5:12-14)

Die geestelike betekenis van ’n naam

Uit die Skrif: Isa. 44:28; 45:1, 3, 4, 10. Dit is 100 jaar voor Kores se geboorte reeds deur Jesaja geprofeteer. Hier is ’n goeie voorbeeld waar God mense roep nog voordat hulle gebore is. Behalwe dat dit ’n persoon uitken, staan ’n naam ook vir roem, bekendheid, reputasie en die verkryging en uitdrukking van karakter. Jy kan nie ’n intieme verhouding met ’n groep mense hê nie, net met individue.
Die Bybel noem ’n paar voorbeelde van individue wat by die naam geroep is.
Jesaja – Die Here het my geroep van die moederskoot af, van my geboorte af het Hy my naam genoem (Isa 49:1)
Jeremia – Voordat Ek jou in die moederskoot gevorm het, het Ek jou geken; en voordat jy uit die liggaam voortgekom het, het Ek jou geheilig; Ek het jou tot ’n profeet vir die nasies gemaak (Jer. 1:5).
Israel (Jakob) – Maar nou, so sê die Here, jou Skepper, o Jakob, en jou Formeerder, o Israel: Wees nie bevrees  nie, want Ek het jou verlos; Ek het jou by jou naam geroep, jy is Myne (Isa. 43:1)
Paulus – Maar toe dit God behaag het, wat my afgesonder het van die skoot van my moeder af en deur Sy genade geroep het . . . (Gal. 1:15).
Dawid – Want U het my niere gevorm, my in my moeder se skoot geweef. Ek loof U, omdat ek so vreeslik wonderbaar is; wonderbaar is U werke! En my siel weet dit alte goed. My gebeente was vir U nie verborge toe ek in die geheim gemaak is nie, kunstig geweef in die dieptes van die aarde. U oë het my ongevormde klomp gesien; en in U boek is hulle almal opgeskrywe: dae dat alles bepaal was, toe nog geeneen van hulle daar was nie (Ps 139:13-16).
Jesus – Daarom sal die Here self aan julle ’n teken  gee: Kyk, die maagd sal swanger word en ’n seun baar en Hom Immanuel noem (Isa. 7:14)
Verskeie mense in die Bybel se name is verander: Abram na Abraham, Jakob na Israel, Naomi na Mara, Simon na Petrus, Saulus na Paulus, ensovoorts.
[E]lkeen wat na my Naam genoem is en wat Ek geskape het tot my eer, wat Ek geformeer, wat Ek ook gemaak het (Isa. 43:7.) Elke mens is na die beeld van God geskape en dra dus Sy Naam en identiteit (Gen 1:26). Moenie jou bestaan en wese vloek nie.  Ellende wag vir hom wat vir sy pa sê: “Waarom verwek u ’n kind?” of vir sy ma: “Waarom bring u ’n kind in die wêreld?” (Isa. 45:10 – 1983-vertaling).

Behou jou identiteit in Christus

Deur sonde (verkeerde identiteit) het ons ons identiteit verloor en satan en die wêreld se slawe geword. Maar deur Christus, wat vir ons sonde gesterf en sonde se houvas op ons verbreek het, het ons ’n nuwe identiteit gekry. Ek sal aan hulle in My huis en binnekant My mure ’n gedenkteken en ’n naam gee wat beter is as seuns en dogters; ’n ewige naam gee Ek aan hulle, wat nie uitgeroei sal word nie (Jes. 56:5) En die nasies sal jou geregtigheid sien en al die konings jou heerlikheid; en jy sal met ’n nuwe naam genoem word wat die mond van die Here sal noem (Isa. 62:2)
Christus in ons is ons ware en oorspronklike identiteit wat ons deur sonde verloor, maar deur geloof in Hom weer teruggekry het. Soos die kennis van Christus in ons toeneem, so begin ons al meer soos Hy lyk en dink.  Col 1:9
Jesus is die Woord wat vlees geword het. God het geen fout gemaak toe Hy ons geskape het nie; daar is ’n deel van Christus in ons almal. Deur getrou te wees aan wie ons is en te aanvaar wie ons, stel ons Christus bekend sonder dat ons eens probeer. Ambisie, tweedrag, trots en onvergenoegdheid is die vrug van innerlike onsekerheid. En dit is ’n seker teken dat ’n persoon nog nie die waarheid aanvaar het dat Christus se natuur reeds in hom/haar is nie. Dis binne, nie buite nie!
Jou roeping en identiteit is jou platform, waardeur God Sy seën en guns wil kanaliseer. Elke keer wat jy nie jou roeping en identiteit nie uitleef nie, kan die seën en genade wat God bestem het om deur jou na die mensdom te vloei nie gebeur nie.  Dis hoekom daar so ‘n sterk opposisie en teenstand is teen die vervulling van jou roeping.
2 Pet 1:10 Daarom, broeders, moet julle jul des te meer beywer om julle roeping en verkiesing vas te maak; want as julle dit doen, sal julle nooit struikel nie.
So baie mense verkoop en gee hulle geboortereg te maklik op soos Esau. (Gen 25:31; Heb 12:16) Ons laat mense se woorde en indrukke ons identiteit bepaal. Iemand behandel jou sleg, en ons reageer in ‘n negatiewe manier terug, om hulle terug te betaal.  Ons kan nie ons verkeerde optrede regverdig op iemand anders se verkeerde gedrag nie, Want dit sê wie ons is! Behou jou identiteit in Christus! Tree op in die teenoorgestelde positiewe/geesvervulde wyse!
 

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Sermons

Lewe ‘n ‘soomlose’ lewe in Christus

(Joh. 19:23) En toe die soldate Jesus gekruisig het, neem hulle sy klere en maak vier dele, vir elke soldaat ’n deel en die onderkleed; maar die onderkleed was sonder naat, van bo af in een stuk geweef.

Definisie van naatloos:  Ons praat van ’n roman se naatlose storielyn. Of naatlose, vry vloeiende optrede; ’n naatlose uitvoering. Glad, aaneenlopend, eenvormig in kwaliteit: ’n naatlose samevoeging van kuns en vermaak. Naatloos – volkome konsekwent en samehangend; “die roman se naatlose plot”: samehangend, konsekwent, logies, georden – gekenmerk deur ’n ordelike, logiese en esteties konsekwente verband tussen dele; “’n samehangende argument.”

Wat estetika (skoonheidsleer) betref, lyk dit asof naatloosheid dui op skoonheid, eenvoud en verfyndheid. ’n Persoon wat ’n lewe in Christus lewe, leef ’n naatlose lewe (Joh. 15:1-15). Jesus se onderkleed dui op hierdie soort lewe! “Laat U Koninkryk kom en U wil geskied” sê dat ons gewillig is om Sy wêreld te weerspieël (Matt. 6:10). ’n Naatlose vloei tussen hemel en aarde.

Die onderkleed is ’n vervulling van Psalm 22:19. ’n Mens se onderkleed is jou eerste laag klere – teen jou vel. Kledingstukke wat heeltemal sonder nate is, soos die een wat Jesus gedra het, was uniek aan Palestina. Dit is op regopstaande weeframe geweef waar twee stelle vertikale skeringgaring gebruik is, een aan die voor- en een aan die agterkant van ’n dwarshout. Die wewer het sy weefspoel wat die horisontale weefdraad bevat van die voorkant na die agterkant beweeg en so ’n silindriese stuk materiaal geweef. ’n Naatlose kleed was waarskynlik ’n skaars besitting en vir die soldate iets wat hulle begeer het.

Die feit dat die kledingstuk genoem word, beteken dat Jesus as hoëpriester opgetree het. Die hoëpriester het tydens die Pasga so ’n kleed gedra. Om die waarheid te sê, die priester mag nie sonder die kleed opgetree het nie (Eseg. 44:19). Linne-hoofversiersels moet op hulle hoof wees en linnebroeke moet aan hulle heupe wees; hulle mag hul nie gord met iets wat laat sweet nie (Eseg. 44:18).

’n NAATLOSE LEWE IS EEN WAAR:

  • Ons gedagtes, woorde en optrede in lyn is – (Matt. 6:21-22)
  • Daar geen afhokking, kognitiewe dissonansie, kompartemente, begin-en-stop-geestelikheid is nie. Al die dele pas knus in by mekaar en daar is geen wedywering en gestoei vir jou aandag nie. Om sout en lig te wees, is naatlose energie (Matt. 5:13-16).
  • Daar is geen begin en einde nie, geen binne en buite nie. Alles beweeg op ’n kontinuum.

Die geskenk van regverdigheid maak dit vir ons moontlik om deurentyd vanuit Sy geregtigheid te lewe . . . daarom begin ons altyd in Hom (Matt. 6:33). Sien Alan Platt se boek: Not do, but done.

Jesus het skynheilige mense gehaat. Hy het geen ander sonde of foute in sulke sterk taal aangespreek nie. Jesus waarsku: Maar pas op vir die vals profete wat in skaapsklere na julle toe kom en van binne roofsugtige wolwe is (Matt. 7:15). Hy sê sulke mense is soos gewitte [witgepleisterde] grafte wat van buite wel fraai lyk, maar van binne vol doodsbeendere en allerhande onreinheid is (Matt. 23:27). Jesus het die Fariseërs veroordeel omdat hulle gesê en nie gedoen het nie: “. . . want julle gee tiendes van kruisement en anys en koljander en die swaarste van die wet laat julle ná: die reg en die barmhartigheid en die trou. Hierdie dinge behoort julle te doen sonder om die ander na te laat” (Matt. 23:23). Net soos baie ander vandag, het die Fariseërs ’n kolletjie-uitleg gebruik van die Skrifte – hulle het net kolle (dele) van die Bybel geglo. Hulle het nougeset hulle “kruisement, anys en koljander” na die tempel se stoorkamer gebring, maar in hulle privaat lewe het hulle regverdigheid, genade en geloof geïgnoreer.

Skynheiliges is daarvoor bekend dat hulle lewens in kompartemente verdeel is. Ons moet besef dat, as iemand nie orals ’n Christen is nie, is hy nêrens ’n Christen nie. Die Bybel maak dit baie duidelik: Of julle dan eet of drink of enige iets doen, doen alles tot verheerliking van God (1 Kor. 10:31). En wat julle ook al doen in woord of in daad, doen alles in die Naam van die Here Jesus en dank God die Vader deur Hom (Kol. 3:17). Laat julle lig so skyn voor die mense, dat hulle julle goeie werke kan sien en julle Vader wat in die hemele is, verheerlik (Matt. 5:16). . . . sodat julle onberispelik en opreg kan wees, kinders van God sonder gebrek te midde van ’n krom en verdraaide geslag onder wie julle skyn soos ligte in die wêreld . . . (Fil. 2:15). Ken Hom in al jou weë, dan sal Hy jou paaie gelykmaak (Spr. 3:6).

By Harvester het ons ’n naam vir hierdie soort Jesus-gesentreerde Christologiese leefwyse: “’n God-is-binne-gerigtheid” of “natuurlik bonatuurlik”.

Ons het met verloop van tyd vir God toegelaat om die grense en mure, wat ons rondom ons skande opgerig het om dit te bedek, af te breek. Ons streef daarna om eg, geloofwaardig en eerlik te wees, selfs weerloos. Ons weerstaan die begeerte om voor te gee en met vertoon in die vlees op te tree (Gal 6:12). Wanneer ons in Sy rus lewe, beteken dit ons hoef nie meer te sukkel, te werk of ons in te span om heilig te word nie. Heiligheid is ’n uitvloeisel van Sy blywende rus en vreugde. Jy beweeg teen ’n gemaklike, natuurlike pas – sonder haas. Jy hanteer die dinge in jou lewe voordat dit ’n krisis of langdurige irritasie word. Elke oomblik tel: “Sola Deo Gloria.”

’n Naatlose lewe is meer besorg oor die teenswoordige ervaring tydens die reis as oor die bestemming. Vandag is belangrik, maar ek is steeds bewus van die missie en bestemming. Jy het ’n wye uitkyk op jou lewe, ’n bewustheid van die pad waarop jy is. ’n Skynbare teenstrydigheid: die Koninkryk nou, maar wat nog kom. In plaas daarvan om te bid en te glo dat dit nog moet kom (Matt. 6:10), is ons nou en hier God se Koninkryk. (Matt. 4:17) Ons kan inderwaarheid sê dat, soos Christus, God se Koninkryk (teenwoordigheid en regering) naby is, want Hy is in ons! (Matt. 10:7-8; Luk. 10:9, 11) Die probleem van God se huidige teenoor toekomstige Koninkryk word opgelos wanneer ons eenvoudig die Gees gehoorsaam (Rom. 8:14). Hy beheer watter deel van Sy Koninkryk Hy op ’n gegewe tyd en plek aan ons wil openbaar.

Dan McCollam verwys na nog ’n vorm wat die teenoorgestelde van ’n naatlose lewe is en hy noem dit ’n anakronistiese leefwyse. ’n Anakronisme (uit Grieks ἀνά ana, “teen” en χρόνος khronos, “tyd”) is ’n kronologiese teenstrydigheid in ’n sekere opset, veral ’n jukstaposisie van persone, gebeure, voorwerpe of gewoontes in verskillende tydperke. Die mees algemene tipe anakronisme is ’n voorwerp wat in die verkeerde tyd voorkom, maar dit kan ook ’n verbale uitdrukking, tegnologie, ’n filosofiese idee, musiekstyl, ’n tipe lap of materiaal, ’n gewoonte of enige iets anders wees wat in ’n spesifieke tydperk hoort en waar dit verkeerd is om dit buite sy tyddomein te gebruik. (In Die Laaste Avondmaal van Leonardo da Vinci, 1498, sit die apostels by ’n lang tafel. Gedurende die tyd en plek toe hierdie laaste ete plaasgevind het, het niemand sulke tafels geken nie.) Godsdiens vang mense dikwels in ’n tydverwringing vas. In godsdienstige sektes waar dit gebeur, dra mense dikwels klere uit ’n spesifieke tydperk in die verlede, en pas nooit aan nie. Dit beteken nie ons volg die mode tendense van die moderne tyd slaafs na nie, inteendeel ons gee egter die toon aan maar in matigheid, wat nie aandag na self trek nie. ‘n Christus-gesentreerde lewe is tydloos.

Everything is spiritual – Rob Bell verduidelik in sy DVD-lering hoe alles, van die kleinste tot die belangrikste deel, met mekaar verbind is en inderwaarheid geestelik is. My werk en die manier waarop ek dit doen, is geestelik. Met geestelik bedoel ek dat ek elke dag lewe, ontwikkel, verander en dag na dag organies groei tot volwassenheid – nie in ouderdom nie, maar in volwassenheid in Christus! Jou werk is ’n uitdrukking van wie jy is, jou behoeftes is vervul en jy lewe volgens jou waardes. Dit is alles naatloos.

In Christus kan ons niks wegsteek nie. Want daar is niks verborge wat nie openbaar sal word nie, of weggesteek wat nie bekend sal word en in die lig sal kom nie (Luk. 8:17); in die dag wanneer God die verborge dinge van die mense deur Jesus Christus sal oordeel, volgens my evangelie (Rom. 2:16). Daarom moet julle nie voor die tyd oordeel, voordat die Here kom nie, wat die verborge dinge van die duisternis in die lig sal bring en die bedoelinge van die harte openbaar sal maak; en dan sal elkeen lof van God ontvang (1 Kor. 4:5). 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)

Die enigste manier waarop ons in die genade en regverdigheid van Christus kan lewe, is deur openlikheid, integriteit en eerlikheid. Ons steek nie ons skande en foute weg nie. God gebruik ons foute ook! (Kol. 1:24)

Ons lewe ’n naatlose lewe in Sy teenwoordigheid. Ons gaan nie meer in en uit Sy teenwoordigheid nie! Ons bly in Hom. (Joh 15:1-15) Hy was “vir eens en vir altyd” die offer vir ons sonde (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 7:27; 9:12; 10:10). Daarom kan ons nou met vrymoedigheid in Sy teenwoordigheid en heiligheid ingaan. Terwyl ons dan, broeders, vrymoedigheid het om in die heiligdom in te gaan deur die bloed van Jesus op die nuwe en lewende weg wat Hy vir ons ingewy het deur die voorhangsel heen, dit is sy vlees en ons ’n groot Priester oor die huis van God het, laat ons toetree met ’n waaragtige hart in volle geloofsekerheid, die harte deur besprinkeling gereinig van ’n slegte gewete en die liggaam gewas met rein water (Heb. 10:19-22). Niks meer in en uit nie . . . deur geloof het my lewe in Hom begin!

Uiteindelik leef ons ook ‘n naatlose lewe na die mensdom om ons. Ons kategoriseer en etiketteer mense nie meer nie. Ons behandel almal dieselfde, meet die eer en respek wat hulle toekom as God se skepping.  Ons het lief en gee verniet dit wat ons vd Here ontvang het.  (Mat 10:8)