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Reasons For Confidence

Reasons WHY we can ALWAYS be confident.

1.   Confidence Must Have A PERMANENT Source

Confidence must have a permanent source if it is always going to be available. Self-confidence soon runs out, but there is a source of confidence that will never run dry: Gideon found that source and defeated the Midianites with 300 selected men; Joshua discovered it and caused the walls of Jericho to crumble! Saul of Tarsus found it and escaped death and incarceration; Peter tapped into it and made the cripples walk!

In the face of great odds these men realized they could tap into that eternal source of confidence and overcome their opponents. There is an unlimited source of confidence available to all who will believe in Jesus Christ!

CAN ONE ALWAYS BE CONFIDENT? Yes!

Most people gain confidence from achievement, wealth, position or the favour of man. You can gauge their source of confidence by what they say: ‘Success breeds success!’ or ‘Only associate with positive people!’ or ‘I am a winner!’ or ‘I am a positive faith person!’ or ‘Don’t spend time with losers!’. These slogans give them away.

Most people lack confidence because they have not achieved much in life and are not wealthy, do not have an important position and do not know influential people.

Most people resort to self-motivational seminars to boost their confidence. They listen to egoistical salesmen that hype them up with slogans and sales pitches such as ‘you cannot afford not to buy my books and CD’s!’ and hear how that course will ‘transform your life and make you super successful!’

Pyramid sales companies as well as many church growth schemes based on pyramid systems, use multi-level selling techniques to boost their sales and promote their products. Ignorant people are deceived and told that they will be just as rich as the guy at the top of the pyramid within six months and drive the same smart car, but what they are not told is that the pyramid widens out at the bottom and soon the bottom falls out and people are hurt and lose their investment.

In difficult financial times people cannot find loans at banks so they resort to loan sharks that demand high interest or they log on to multi-level selling schemes. They end up losing all they have.

Get rich quick schemes always have a catch. Sometimes Christians run these companies and tell ill-informed believers: ‘first pray about getting involved in this scheme. If the Lord tells you to get involved then get involved, but if the Lord does not tell you, do not get involved.’ It sounds so spiritual, but of course the people who are desperate will ‘hear’ the Lord telling them to get involved.

People are drawn by the seeming confidence of the presenter of the course or the director of the scheme and because they lack confidence, they latch onto the confidence of the one they follow. People who promote these deceptive products and courses normally tell everyone how they take their families to Disneyland and other expensive holidays, and they are very outspoken about their financial success. But when the plug is pulled on these schemes the confidence level drops to betrayal and many people are hurt and often end up bankrupt.

I Timothy 6:9, 10

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.’

I Timothy 1:19

‘Having faith and a good conscience which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck.’ They shipwreck their faith!

2.    Place Your Trust in ONE THING At A Time

I have warned people everywhere not to place their confidence in money or in people, but in the Living God. (I Tim 6:17-19)

You cannot trust money and God at the same time. You cannot trust people and God at the same time. You can only put your trust in one thing at a time!

There is nothing wrong with making money, but when you put your trust in it, you no longer trust God. The first sentence in Napoleon Hill’s book, ‘How to think and grow rich!’ is, ‘if you want to make money you must love money!’ That is where it goes wrong: from the first sentence. Yet, many believers use that book like a Bible because they read that Mr. Hill also did some charitable works!

Only the blessing of God makes rich and adds no sorrow to it. (Prov 10:22)

(Deut 8:18)

Jeremiah 17:5

‘Cursed is the man who makes the arm of flesh his confidence. But blessed is the man who places His trust in the Lord his God.’

People do not realize that their source of confidence can change overnight! Banks can go bankrupt, and companies cease to exist and human beings pass away. When Wall Street crashes people commit suicide, because their trust was in their wealth.

Self Confidence has a limited life span: beauty passes away, skills cease, ability fades. You have to learn how to put your confidence in God.

Isaiah 30:15 – In quietness and confidence shall be your strength

Hebrews 3:6 – whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of hope firm to the end

3.   JESUS Christ’s Amazing Confidence

Jesus Christ’s amazing confidence had no limits because He was hooked up to the eternal source of confidence: He trusted His heavenly Father and did what He showed Him to do.

Even in the worst moments Jesus was confident that He was doing the will of His Father. When Judas Iscariot betrayed Him, Jesus remained confident. When He died on the cross, He was confident and forgave His detractors. His confidence lay in knowing His Father’s will for His life.

When you know what you are about to face you can face it boldly. God gave Jesus grace to face denial, betrayal, persecution, execution and crucifixion!

Hebrews 12:2 – 4

‘Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our salvation, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and having sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed striving against sin.’

4.   The SECRET of DIVINE Confidence

The secret of divine confidence is laid up in II Corinthians 5:6 – 9:

‘Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Therefore we are always confident knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Therefore we make it our aim whether present or absent to be well pleasing to Him.’

God prepares you for something before it happens. So our confidence does not lie in our own effort or ability, or in the support of other people, nor is it a hyped up self-motivational which is false confidence. It is a source of confidence that will never run dry based on the sure knowledge that He who prepared us for this very thing is God!

So when an opportunity arrives, you know already that God prepared you for it, otherwise He will not allow it to come your way:

  • When a trial comes, you know that you have been prepared to face it.
  • When you are honored, you can handle it with humility.
  • When you are rejected by people you know you are well accepted in the Beloved, in Christ and you can face the rejection with confidence.
  • Whatever you have to face, the knowledge that God first prepares you for it, gives you confidence that you can trust in God for whatever He allows in your life!

This kind of confidence has no pride or arrogance attached to it, because it is a humble dependence on Someone greater than you!

5.   Confidence is God Will COMPLETE the Good Work in You

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ

Reasons why we can be confident all the time is because we can have confidence in Christ who:

  • tasted death for everyone and became the author of eternal salvation to all who put their trust in Him.
  • sanctifies them completely because He has destroyed the devil’s power to overcome them, and He releases them from bondage of sin and fear of death.
  • is merciful and faithful to complete the good work He begun in those who believe in Him.

The Hebrew words for confidence:

  • Batach – run for refuge and be secure because you are sure in whom you put your trust
  • Mibtach – assurance

The Greek words for confidence:

  • Parrhesia – outspoken, frank, blunt
  • Peitho – convince by argument
  • Theriheo – exercise courage and be of good cheer
  • Tolmaho – to dare to act and to venture out

Now we can understand that the Book of Acts describes Paul’s witness in Rome and ends with: ‘preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him.’

Despite all his hardship, suffering, rejection from the Jews, shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonments, losses and betrayals, Paul remained confident throughout his life, because he opened up the divine source of confidence, knowing that God Himself prepared him for what he was about to face. Therefore, his epistles are still read today, 2 000 years later and we gain confidence from them! We have discovered the same source of confidence as Paul, as Gideon, as Moses, as Joshua, as Peter and as Jesus Christ our Lord!

(First preached by revelation in 1997, contained in the manual: ‘Building the Church’, by Andre Pelser)

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Life is a Hall of Mirrors

Imagine a vast, reflective chamber surrounded by mirrors of various shapes and sizes. These mirrors are not mere glass and silver but the essence of our experiences, relationships, and worldview lenses.  

Created To Reflect Perception

We learn by observing others, especially during our formative years. Children, for example, often mirror their parents’ and caregivers’ behaviours, speech patterns, and values.   In modern society, the principle of mirroring what we behold is evident in various aspects of our lives. People often look to external influences and trends to emulate behaviours, beliefs, and lifestyles they perceive as desirable. In a broader social context, mirroring extends to our interactions with peers, friends, and colleagues.

We are influenced by the behaviours, attitudes, and values of those around us. If we consistently associate with individuals who exhibit certain traits or engage in particular activities, we are more likely to mirror those behaviours and traits over time. This can impact everything from hobbies and interests to political beliefs and lifestyle choices.  We seek to find ourselves in the world around us, and often, we mirror the ideals and values we believe will define our identity and purpose.

Deceitful Reflections 

Whether on our walls or societal constructs, mirrors shape our perception of reality. We meticulously adjust our appearance in the morning mirror, striving to present ourselves perfectly to the world. These mirrors offer reflections of how we want to be seen and acknowledged by others. Yet, these earthly mirrors have their flaws. They sometimes reflect aspects of ourselves that bring shame, fostering a distorted inner image. 

Remember the famous line, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” – from the fairy tale “Snow White.” In this classic tale, the Evil Queen utters this phrase as she consults her magic mirror to confirm her status as the fairest in the land. However, the mirror eventually reveals that Snow White, the young princess, is the fairest. This revelation sets off a chain of events that drives the story’s plot, including the Queen’s attempts to harm Snow White out of jealousy. “Snow White” is a timeless story of our desire to see ourselves as perfect, complete, and most beautiful!

How tragic it must be if you have formulated your self-image all your life by looking in a distorted mirror.  Remember, practically, the best mirror cannot show you your back. We also cannot walk around with a mirror to constantly check if everything is still fine. Eventually, we begin to trust people and begin to see ourselves through their eyes.  Not all people are honest and truthful. Others are blunt and too rash with their opinions.  

As we enter the school of life, we get a reflection of our academic progress in quarterly reports, and some even get rewarded with leadership positions.  We get constant mirror feedback through sports competitions and academic exams and thus should form some self-reflection of who we are.  Yet many young adults still struggle with identity, meaning and purpose.  

Shame vs Honor 

The desire for a perfect image, the yearning for approval, recognition, or fame, and the reluctance to be photographed or seen in some cases can be attributed to a combination of psychological, sociocultural, and individual factors. Here’s an exploration of some of these factors:

People with higher self-esteem tend to seek positive feedback and validation, including likes and positive comments on their photos. They may perceive perfect images as a reflection of their self-worth.  Social media platforms often promote social comparison. Individuals compare their lives, appearances, and achievements to others. Posting perfect images can be a way to outperform or fit in with perceived societal standards. Receiving likes, comments, and shares on social media provides immediate validation and recognition. It can boost self-esteem and create a sense of belonging or importance. 

On the flip side, individuals who are shy or anxious about being photographed may fear judgment or negative feedback. They may prefer to avoid attention and criticism.

Cultural norms and expectations can play a significant role. In some cultures, modesty and humility are highly valued, which may discourage self-promotion and seeking fame.

Personality traits like extroversion and introversion can influence the desire for attention. Extroverts may be more comfortable seeking the spotlight, while introverts may prefer privacy.

The ONLY TRUE MIRROR

We are created in God’s image and are the most beautiful people when we reflect Him. Yet sometimes, we lose focus so easily and are enchanted by a false image of who we really are, leading to mistaken identity and consciousness.  In the Jewish temple, there was a sacred object known as the “bronze laver” or “bronze basin.” (Ex. 30). This basin was used for ceremonial washings by the priests.  The principle is: Before we enter and exit the temple, we need to be washed by the washing of the Word.  

Comparing the World’s Truth and the Word’s Truth 

The world tells us to follow our hearts, but Jesus said, “Follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

The world says, “Be true to yourself,” but Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves” (Matthew 16:24).

The world advises us to believe in ourselves, but Jesus said, “Believe in me” (John 14:1).

The world encourages us to live our truth, but Jesus declared, “I am the truth” (John 14:6).

The world often tells us to prioritize our happiness above all, but Jesus invites us to a deeper joy rooted in Him (John 15:11).

Look in the Reflection of God’s Word

Just like looking into a glass mirror, we are seeing a true reflection of our hearts. It requires a different kind of reflection and introspection that goes beyond the physical appearance and delves into the spiritual and emotional dimensions of the heart and soul.

Here are some steps and principles to help you see the true image and reflection of your heart:

  1. Remain IN HIM 1 Corinthians 13:12 (NIV): “For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” By continual conversation with God in inner prayer, we seek guidance and insight from God. Ask Him to reveal the true state of your heart. Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
  2. Study Scripture: The Bible serves as a spiritual mirror that can reflect the state of your heart. Reading and meditating on Scripture can help you understand God’s standards and His desires for your heart. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as “sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
  3. Seek Accountability: Share your spiritual journey with a trusted friend or mentor Proverbs 27:9 “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
  4. Repentance and Forgiveness: We do not keep a car on the road by locking the steering wheel. We make continual small corrections.  In the same way, we REPENT daily, making small corrections daily to remain on course. (1 John 1:9).
  5. Obedience James 1:23 (NIV): “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror.” Engaging in acts of love, kindness, and service keeps you aligned with God’s heart.
  6. Cultivate Fruit of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  We already have these fruits if we are born again, but the fruit of the Spirit reveals the Spirit of the Word.  These are the constant attitude and the mode of our heart.  
  7. Keep Relationships Holy: Evaluate your relationships and interactions with others. How you treat and relate to people often reflects the condition of your heart. If you notice patterns of conflict, resentment, or unforgiveness, it may signal areas that need attention.
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Discover Your Divine Destiny: Unveiling Your Role in Christ’s Spiritual House

Main Scripture: “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 2:5.

During the relentless pressures exerted by society, it is all too common to feel compressed and fashioned into shapes that don’t truly reflect who we are. Just like trying to fit “square pegs into round holes”, we often find ourselves attempting to conform to norms and regulations that don’t align with our values and beliefs.  The prevailing sentiment is that a sense of disconnection, confusion, and disorientation prevails.

Amid this search for genuine purpose and significance, we often traverse misguided paths, seeking fulfilment in all the wrong places. Much like wanderers without a homeland, citizenship, community, or family, we all feel adrift. It’s as if we’re seeking a place to belong, yearning for an anchor that secures our identity in a rapidly changing world. 

Here is the GOOD news!!! 

YOU HAVE A HOME!!! 

Becoming Children of God and Finding Our True Home

John 1:12-13 (NKJV): “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

Romans 8:14-17 (NKJV): “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”

1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (NKJV): “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.”

Ephesians 4:15-16 (NKJV): “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.”

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV): “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”

Romans 8:29 (NKJV): “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Colossians 3:10 (NKJV): “And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”

In these Scriptures, we find the beautiful revelation that becoming children of God through faith in Christ grants us a true home in the heart of God’s family. We are not aimless wanderers but embraced as beloved sons and daughters, heirs of God’s promises. As we function within the body of Christ, we contribute to the building of His spiritual house, each unique member essential to the whole. And by abiding in the image of Christ, we find our ultimate purpose and home—a transformational journey of becoming more like Him, radiating His love, compassion, and grace in a world yearning for true meaning. 

This usefulness is not determined by people; God moves you and equips you for a certain task in His Body. He determines our legitimacy.  In all other groups, you must prove your loyalty by your performance and supposed value to the group.  This leads to disillusionment when you pass your expiry date of usefulness and then get abandoned.  

#1: The Tower of Self-Sufficiency

No thriving home nourishes its inhabitants and helps family members flourish without Jesus Christ being the axiomatic cornerstone of values, habits, mindsets, and actions.  Isaiah 28:16: “The stone that I have laid as a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation.”

Tragically, since the fall of Adam and Eve, man seeks to build his own Eden, Garden, City, Nation, and culture without God.  TODAY THE WORLD IS OVERTLY BECOMING MORE AND MORE ANTI-GOD. 

In Genesis 11:1-9, the Tower of Babel was a city where people sought to build a tower to “reach the heavens”. Their ambition was self-centered, attempting to establish their authority and significance without God’s guidance.  The inhabitants of the Tower of Babel city sought to reach the heavens through human effort alone, using molded bricks to build a monument of human pride and self-sufficiency.

This reminds us of the pitfalls and dangers of depending on substitutes without God: worldliness; secularism, self-idolatry and self-promotion. Also, the folly of centralized control and worldly dominance. 

Unity without Christ becomes CONFORMITY.

Power without Christ becomes DOMINANCE.

Riches without Christ become INDULGENCE.

Love without Christ becomes LUST. 

Servanthood without Christ is SLAVERY. 

Freedom without Christ makes you a PRISONER of your passions. 

Good works without Christ become SHORT TERM BENEFITS with long-term devastation. 

#2:  The Folly of Change by Human Effort 

Turning our gaze back to the Old Testament, we learn God’s instruction to construct the altar of the Tabernacle with natural stones. It was to be untouched by human tools (Exodus 20:24-25). These stones symbolize authenticity and purity, dynamically contributing to our willingness to cooperate and be considerate of one another. The Spirit of Christ then draws us into the unity He brings in the Body of Christ.

The Church, as a spiritual dwelling, should be assembled with stones that have not been “chiseled by human hands”, but by the refining work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, as a community of believers, we are called to discern and recognize the presence of Christ in one another as a supernatural flow of intimacy with Him in our own lives. As we thus unite in our focus upon Him, His anointing of connectedness flows as “living sacrifice”, just as the Old Testament altar received offerings.

This bond of love grows through His holiness. “Be ye holy as I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16) is a spiritual dimension in Jesus we cannot attain individually but corporately. As we are developing in loving maturity as a body of believers, we see from the first church in the book of Acts that the Holy Spirit brought sharp discipline to those who had not realized that deeper unity brings a “fear of the Lord”.

The Holy Spirit, therefore, conserves unity and maturity by the application of His discipline. Without correction, there is no growth into the image of Jesus and corruption will breach the unity for growth. Read Heb 12:3-7. “God disciplines whom He loves”. This caution comes from personal experience: the changes enforced by man under the guise of religious zeal hurt people.  When the Spirit prompts the act of discipline, one finds the discipline to be “holy” – with divine intent, biblical justification, and consequential godly repentance – the true “fruit of repentance” (Matt. 3:8).  Surely not everyone whom Jesus corrected received His correction; remember the Rich young Man? (Matt. 19:6-22).

#3: The Danger of Misguided Dominance and Control 

Revelation 13:1 “And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion.” 

The “beast coming out to the sea” symbolizes nationalist dominance through tyrants like Alexander the Great. Also, Genghis Khan (1162-1227), founder and leader of the Mongol Empire, known for his brutal conquests and territorial expansion. Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821) was Emperor of the French, who aimed to establish a dominant French empire across Europe during the Napoleonic Wars. Adolf Hitler (1889-1945) was leader of Nazi Germany, responsible for initiating World War II and seeking global domination through aggressive expansion. Benito Mussolini (1883-1945) was a Fascist dictator of Italy and Mussolini sought to revive the Roman Empire’s glory and expand Italian influence. Joseph Stalin (1878-1953) was a Soviet leader who aimed to spread communism globally through the influence and control of the Soviet Union.

Revelation 13:11: “Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. And he exercises all the authority of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast“. This beast operated much through the list of world leaders above and symbolizes how these national movements always used organized religion to empower and condone its actions.  King Henry VIII is often credited with starting the Church of England. His decision to break away from the Roman Catholic Church and establish the Church of England was primarily driven by political and personal reasons, including his desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. This eventually led to the English Reformation, and Henry VIII became the Supreme Head of the Church of England in the 16th century.

Throughout history, we find examples of the false religious church joining hands with secular power, leading to oppression and darkness. The two dragon beasts, one from the sea and the other from the land symbolize this unholy alliance.

When the church loses sight of its true purpose and aligns with earthly powers, it becomes a tool for tyranny rather than a beacon of light.

#4: Radiating the Image of Christ

Romans 8:29: “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

In a world that seeks to mold us according to its own desires, we are called to radiate the presence of Jesus.  He is our only IDENTITY that does not change because of age, status, rank, position, role, gender, age, or ethnicity.  Some people’s identity is locked in being “forever young” – the reality is we grow old, very old, and lose our splendid youthful looks, ease of movement, and vitality.  Some build their identity on their wealth or status, which can all be lost in a day.  

Only finding His identity within leads to maturity in all aspects of our humanity: spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, habitually, economically, and vocationally. 

#5: The Apostolic and Prophetic Gifts

Ephesians 2:20-22: “Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.  

Every society requires a cornerstone, a foundation that shapes its values and priorities. Christ is the cornerstone of our spiritual house, providing the alignment we need for a just and righteous society. Yet, throughout history, people have forsaken this cornerstone, seeking other foundations that crumble under the weight of human ambitions.

God uses the apostolic and prophetic gifts to shape us by the Holy Spirit into “living stones”. He is forming us to fit perfectly alongside one another. Just as skilled craftsmen sculpt stones to create a harmonious structure, these gifts help us find our rightful place within God’s spiritual house.

Conclusion: Becoming Living Stones in God’s House

In Christ’s enigmatic and paradoxical nature, we discover a character that can be likened to the property of antinomy that defies simple categorization. An antimony is a toxic metallic element that exists in two allotropic forms and occurs principally in stibnite. The stable form is a brittle silvery-white crystalline metal that is added to alloys to increase their strength and hardness and is used in semiconductors.

Christ embodies being both the perfect man and God and is the stable form of our volatile humanity. He is the purity that brings strength and endurance to our souls. He is both the judge and the compassionate friend, seamlessly encompassing both divinity and humanity. He walks the path of amicability and strictness, simultaneously being servant and king, revealing Himself as both the Lion and the Lamb.

In His creativity, He adheres to timeless religious practices like prayer, scripture study, and synagogue attendance. His rationality is coupled with a refusal to repeat miracles in the same manner. He cherishes solitude while embracing the company of His people. This very essence, embodied in Christ’s multifaceted identity, adopts the concept of LIVING STONES.

As we continue to become more fit and agile in the way of the Spirit, we become like what John 3:8 describes: “The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

The course of the Holy Spirit and how He creates the rebirth of the human spirit cannot be preordained, charted, or controlled. There exists no predefined mold or rigid form to which we must conform. Instead, our obedience is called forth within the context of each unique moment, place, and encounter.

The way of the Spirit transcends the confines of being ensnared in extreme paradoxes. It beckons us to be flexible, embracing Christ’s multifaceted nature in every circumstance. This is the heart of being a living stone—responsive to the Spirit’s leading and finding Christ’s redemptive work woven into the tapestry of every situation. 

In these moments, He CONSTRUCTS and BUILDS His TEMPLE of LIVING STONES. 

Let us continue with:

  • hearts attuned to the Spirit’s whispers
  • ready to embody the paradoxical beauty of Christ
  • responding with faithful obedience, no matter the circumstances 
  • resistance to the allure of self-sufficiency
  • avoiding misguided alliances
  • placing Christ as the cornerstone of our values
  • embracing the apostolic and prophetic shaping in your life, and let God chisel you into a reflection of His Son.
  • finding our place in God’s grand design and so contributing to a society rooted in justice, compassion, and the image of Christ.
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Christ Within You The Hope of Glory

LIVING THE LIFE YOU WERE DESTINED TO LIVE

A couple of years ago, on our way to lead a men’s camp in Gobabis, a couple shared their bad experience when they were hosting a missionary family in their home for a few months. “As I sit here, I don’t even know if I was ever saved!” the woman said tearfully. The man was smoking a pipe… he was condemned from the start because, “true children of God don’t smoke!” Nothing they did was “right” – from the way they raised their children to how they prepared food.

While I listened to their story, I searched for answers in my mind… and began to pray softly: Lord, how do we make right what happened here? Surely, these missionaries tried their best and believed they were helping.

“Some people try to impose their version of Jesus onto others instead of allowing the Jesus who already exists within that person to come forth,” I had never read or heard this sentence before! This perspective has changed my life and ministry!

Made in God’s Image, Not the Devil’s 

“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:3).

“All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17). 

If we were “born this way” why should we repent and change?  Listed sins like stealing, lying, and sexual immorality now have become psychological illnesses that can be treated by medicine (“Pharmacia” = Witchcraft). Hey! you need to be BORN AGAIN INTO YOUR ORIGINAL IDENTITY – JESUS, THE CHRIST! 

What Is This Hidden Mystery? 

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, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end, I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (Colossians 1:27).  

To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. (Eph 3:9-13) 

The words “Christ within you: the hope of glory” encapsulates a message of redemption, transformation, and hope that springs from the depths of the Gospel. As we delve into this topic, let us open our hearts and minds to the Word of God and its transformative power.

The Problem of SIN

The Human Dilemma: Why do some ministers preach you guilty, and others preach you righteous? This woman’s statement, “I don’t even know if I was ever saved!” echoes the guilt-struggle many of us have felt in our spiritual journey.  No matter what we do, we never quite feel we are making it! 

A life centered on ‘self’ leads to struggle, either doing too much or too little. We are trying, striving, and fighting to be better, yet dreadfully failing, over and over, again and again! We never seem to get it right while seeking comfort and peace, accomplishment and meaning in all the wrong places to end up empty again. We exhaust our intellect, drive our will, force our habits to end up with more questions than answers; more failures than solutions.

The ‘Imago Dei’ vs. Our Mistaken Identity 

“Imago Dei” (“image of God”): A theological term, applied uniquely to humans, which denotes the symbolical relation between God and humanity. Scripture states we are “made in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). Our basic humanity is a reflection of God’s divine craftsmanship.

However, the story doesn’t end there. The world’s brokenness and personal failures remind us that something went wrong. How could beings crafted in God’s image become so marred by sin? Sin is identity theft! You were made in God’s image (Gen 1:27 / Rom 8:29).  

Sin or “Hamartia” means “to miss the mark”. Synonyms for “mark”: impression; blueprint; signature; identity; consciousness; stain; imprint. 

What ‘mark’ have we missed? The Jesus-mark – He is our identity.

– Michael Wood

Jesus is our core, our root from which we exist and grow. SIN is thus a mistaken identity. Those who received His righteousness, bear His ‘mark’ on our foreheads: (Ezek. 9:4; Rev. 7:3; 14:2; 22:4). People are so obsessed with their fear of the mark of the beast, the number 666, that they do not realize the importance to live in His “RIGHT-WISENESS” every day! 

The marks of righteousness:

  • the unmistakable characteristics that emanate from a life rooted in God’s divine eternal truth principles.
  • the tell-tale signs of a heart aligned with love, integrity, and justice.
  • encompass humility, compassion, and a commitment to truth.
  • treat others with kindness and empathy and upholding fairness and honor in their actions.
  • is a life characterized by selflessness, where personal ambitions give way to service for the greater good.
  • are not merely outward displays but stem from an inner transformation, reflecting a deep relationship with the Creator.  

The Righteous seek to live every day in everything they do to think, speak and act righteously before our God and Father! 

Ibid

Doctrine of Duality

Upholding this doctrine is total depravity (original sin), the deception that we are able to “fix” ourselves. 

Furthermore, it is believing that humans are born fundamentally evil due to the fall of Adam.  This is, of course, is the truth, for the Bible states this emphatically! But it is only half of the antinomy of balanced truth! 

“Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12 (NKJV). 

This verse emphasizes the concept of original sin, explaining that sin entered the world through Adam, and as a result, death and sin spread to all of humanity.

“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5 (NKJV). This verse underscores the idea that even from birth, humans have a sinful nature. It states that sin is inherent from the very beginning of life. 

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Ephesians 2:1-3 (NKJV). 

The Redeemer of Sin & Death 

Christ Jesus is both Creator and Redeemer (Colossians 1:16-17). He is also the “second Adam” who restored all that what was lost. We are transformed and reinstated with Father God from condemnation to justification.

“The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.”  (1 Cor. 15:44-50). 

How is His Image Restored? 

We need to get out of the way! 

 “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:24).

“Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” (Romans 6:11-14).

“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died.” (Ephesians 2:20).

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24-25). 

How We Build a Christlike Culture

Being Christ-like is impossible without being part of a family and body of believers. Those who have tried to achieve Christlikeness by themselves deceive themselves and misrepresent Him. He is God – no single person can ever be CHRIST alone again! 

Society and culture are formed as we mirror (mimic) one another – a JESUS CULTURE which comprises of diverse people aiming to model and live their lives under His Lordship! 

As adults embrace the responsibility of the worship of a laid-down life for Christ, children learn, discover and mature in this adulthood as a part of a transformed family. A Christ-centered family of parents, grandparents and siblings collectively cultivate and nurture the Christ within one another into Jesus’ full stature. No one person has the fullness of Christ but together, Christ is revealed through and among a body of followers who have made Jesus Christ Lord of their lives.

The benefits of Christlikeness are best exemplified when a whole community of people lives according to His standard of “rightness”.

“None of us have it all together, but together we have it all”.

– Michael Wood

Together we discover and grow up in Him. Embracing all the variety of gifts and functions in the body of Christ, we grow and mature together into people who are filled with the Spirit and Life of Christ!

Categories
Sermons Social Relevance

Know the Power of Healthy Agency

Do you ever find yourself struggling to find the right tool for a specific task? It’s like searching for a number-10 spanner and ending up using a pair of pliers instead! Similarly, the church sometimes tries to adopt a one-size-fits-all approach, but witnessing a professional at work is truly awe-inspiring—they work effortlessly and swiftly, utilizing the perfect tools for the job!

This scenario emphasizes the concept of “agency”: God created the world as a diverse community of species, each with its own unique purpose. Whether it’s predators, insects, birds, reptiles, or even pesky mosquitoes, they all serve a specific role.

A Tapestry of Unique Diversities

As we progress in our journey to become more like Christ, our individual callings, identities, and purposes become clearer. We are all fashioned with different personalities, temperaments, talents, and abilities. Together, we complement one another, forming what Apostle André (Harvester’s Founder) aptly describes as “God’s Genius.”

The functions and expressions of the church also possess their unique purposes. Each of the five-fold gifts—apostle, prophet, evangelist, teacher, and pastor—has a distinct passion for different aspects of our spiritual development. Believers thrive spiritually when they are mentored and exposed to these invaluable gifts: the apostle assists in discovering one’s mission; the prophet guides and urges listening to God’s heart; the evangelist encourages bringing others to Christ; the teacher instructs in understanding God’s Word and ways; and the pastor fosters love and care for one another. Engaging in these fivefold spiritual practices allows us to grow, mature, and become more resilient in the face of life’s challenges.

Discovering Our Purpose

The story of Martha and Mary is not a comparison of virtuous work versus the importance of prayerful intimacy with God. In Luke 10:41, Jesus says to Martha, “You are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” It was a matter of timing and agency. Mary chose the better part because Jesus was teaching, and it wasn’t the time for food preparation. Once Jesus had finished teaching, everyone could have joined in preparing and enjoying a delicious meal together.

Furthermore, this story highlights personal agency. Traditionally, women were not expected to be disciples of a Rabbi. “Sitting at a Rabbi’s feet” was an ancient idiom for being a devoted disciple. Mary intended to defy societal norms. But how could a woman become a Rabbi? According to cultural expectations, women were tasked with domestic responsibilities. Jesus’ words, “Mary has chosen that good part (Greek Meris – share), which will not be taken away from her,” affirm this interpretation. She chose to be His disciple and devotee, and no one could take that role away from her.

Likewise, we should know our calling, our part, our share, our place, and our mandate in life. (2 Pet 1:10). Once we understand God’s purpose and design for our lives, we no longer need to compete with others. A healthy ecosystem of believers resembles a cosmos of provision and support, where everyone functions in their unique agency. Envision a close-knit family of Christ-centered lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, farmers, artists, artisans, counselors, law enforcers, philanthropists, or architects! It can become a powerful combination of resources, provision, and wisdom.

Recognizing the Bigger Picture

While we all require continuous love and special care, relying solely on one person or family can lead to disappointment. Yes, it’s true! Remember, even our closest loved ones can transition from the temporal to the eternal at any moment. Our loved ones are precious gifts from God because we know them and are familiar with them. However, the Holy Spirit wants us to also acknowledge the unknown greater Body of Christ that is always present.

That is why it is vital to belong to and commit to a local church whilst continuously make new friends, as we never know how God may use them or us when the need arises. This is the essence of the story of the good Samaritan. He was simply a friend, a committed neighbor who helped a person (Jew) in need (Luk 10:25-35).

I believe that all our emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, vocational, and social needs can be met within the local body of Christ!

The Essence of Health

In the spiritual realm, the church is likened to the human physical body, highlighting its interconnectedness and dependence on each member. When assessing the health of a church, we should not focus on age or size. An elephant can never become a mouse, as each possesses unique advantages and liabilities due to its size. A mouse can never grow as big as an elephant. Every church is limited to its original creational purpose and mandate. We cannot be everything to everyone and end up being nothing to no one. Understanding our purpose and remaining true to it enables us to fulfill and FINISH our calling, just as Jesus, Paul, and David did.

Irrespective of whether a church is old or new, small or large, what truly matters is its ability to maintain a healthy symbiosis of holy relationships. As the Apostle Paul emphasizes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, the church comprises of various parts, each contributing to the whole. The unity and collective strength of these parts, not their external characteristics, determine the church’s health and effectiveness. Those who depart and establish new churches in anger and offense due to apparent problems will inevitably encounter similar issues within their own structures.

Combatting Spiritual Viruses

To remain a healthy church, it is crucial to recognize and address the spiritual viruses and parasites that can infiltrate and weaken it. Sins such as division, rebellion, arrogance, lovelessness, pride, apathy, doctrinal error, lukewarmness, and dead works are among the spiritual afflictions that hinder the church from fulfilling its purpose.

Thankfully, healthy churches possess the inherent ability to heal themselves through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. By continuously seeking His guidance and adhering to His teachings, the body of Christ can confront and overcome the spiritual diseases that threaten its well-being. Healing and restoration take place through the continual transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

It is essential to remain committed and work towards healing for all, even when a church is visibly affected by a disease. Each individual has a vital role as a vessel of healing and restoration within the body of Christ. You get two kinds of people, those who bring healing and those who make everything toxic. Galatians 6:9 encourages believers not to “grow weary in doing good”, promising that perseverance will yield a harvest. By standing firm in the face of challenges and actively participating in the healing process, we contribute to the overall well-being of God’s genius—the church.

Tragically, it is also true that any ecosystem can become so severely afflicted that recovery becomes unattainable, leading to its demise. Some viruses are as lethal as cancer, necessitating significant intervention for survival. Sins like arrogance, pride, division, and rebellion can utterly destroy a church organization or family if not addressed adequately.

Acknowledging the Different Agencies

The church should also learn to understand the power of agency in the marketplace, government, and society at large. Within a community, various structures function in diverse ways. I often observe believers attempting to be a voice in the wilderness, disconnected from society, instead of being salt and light within society.

Envision how a community can become God’s Delight as the TRUE CHURCH begins to influence and reform every aspect of society, starting with the pillars of government, law and order, health, education, and business, and extending to the glue of society—creative industries, sports, and recreation.

Sometimes, due to our lack of understanding of agency, its culture, and its protocols, we can either become distant couch-sitting critics or unwittingly participate in a manner similar to someone attempting to play cricket with rugby rules and gear. Our ignorance of how agency operates within different contexts can lead to misunderstandings, miscommunication, and ineffective engagement. Just as a skilled player knows the rules, strategies, and appropriate gear for each sport, we need to familiarize ourselves with the unique dynamics and expectations of different agencies.

Call to Action

Rather than complaining about the government, one can choose to represent an agency on a Ward Council or take on the role of a Ward Counsellor. Instead of criticizing the teachers at your child’s school, it is more productive to become actively involved and serve on the management committee. Instead of pointing fingers at the church, one can either plant a new one or seek to be added to a church where they can serve and have a positive influence.

By embracing agency and understanding our unique roles within the church community, we foster collective growth and strengthen the body.

Let us meditate and reflect prayerfully on this important verse in Ephesians 4:16, “From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”

A healthy, radiant church becomes a marvelous testament to the manifold wisdom of God in the spiritual realm.