Bikers Church Cape Town

Holiness is a Discipline Pastor Kobus Massyn 24/8/2025 Matthew 5:48 -  “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” Many believers desire holiness but lack the discipline that makes holiness visible in their lifestyle.   Point 1: Holiness is God’s Call One-liner: “Holiness is not an event, it is a lifestyle of obedience.” 1 Peter 1:16 – “Be holy, because I am holy.” Holiness is not optional; it is the believer’s calling. Discipline is what makes us consistentin responding to that call. Illustration: A soldier doesn’t decide during battle if he will train. He disciplines himself beforethe fight. Point 2: Holiness is a Discipline that Equips Us One-liner: “Discipline is not punishment; it is preparation.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed… so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The Word of God disciplines us — corrects, trains, and equips. Discipline may feel unpleasant (Heb 12:11), but it produces maturity. Illustration: An athlete disciplines their body not for pain, but for the prize. Point 3: Holiness Begins with the Root, not Just the Fruit One-liner: “Holiness is not forced fruit; it’s disciplined roots.” Romans 11:16 – “If the root is holy, so are the branches.” Discipline in holiness flows from the inside out. It’s not behaviour modification, but heart transformation. We cannot discipline ourselves into holiness without being rooted in Christ — discipline without grace becomes legalism. Illustration: A tree doesn’t force fruit; it stays rooted and nourished, and fruit grows naturally. Conclusion Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort… without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Holiness is God’s calling, discipline is our response, and Christ is our root. It’s not perfection tomorrow, but progress today.

Getting up when knocked down #6   Taking responsibility By Pastor George Lehman   How many people can you think of right now that you know need to take responsibility for their lives? WELL.......   ”Most of us can read the writing on the wall; we just assume it’s addressed to someone else.”  - Ivern Ball   Small straws in a soft wind by Marsha Burns: A word from God Discouragement is a killer!  Beloved, everything touched by discouragement dies, and I speak of not only your health, finances and relationships.  But I speak of the responsibilities of your kingdom position and faith.  Refuse to allow negativity to keep you from the benefits of kingdom living.  Rise up says the Lord, take responsibility. (Ephesians 5:26) - Paul talks about “being washed by the water of the word”. Why do we wash?  Because we are dirty. Jesus wants His bride pure and clean when He returns for the wedding of the Lamb! When we come together, God’s word wants to wash our false beliefs, our attitudes, misguided intentions and wrong perceptions. God wants for us to take responsibility for our lives and walk victoriously.  Getting up when life knocks us down. We increase our God-given ability, stability and responsibility when we increase our sense of accountability. We must take personal responsibility for our lives.  We may not be able to change the circumstances, the seasons or the wind but we can by taking responsibility - change yourself. 2 Peter 1:10 (CSV) – Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure for if you practice these qualities, you will never fail. Have you noticed our society has produced people who ignore their responsibility and blame others for their problems?   For example: If you get into financial trouble – “It’s not my fault, it’s because of easy credit.” If I develop lung cancer because of smoking – “It’s not my fault, I blame the cigarette companies.” This happens in the church too! We begin to become Critical, complain look for faults, become lukewarm, miss church services, home cell… “It’s not my fault – it’s the churches fault – they’re hypocrites, they’re not spiritual enough, they don’t meet my needs, they hurt me or offended me. The bible is very clear about our responsibility. Romans 14:12 (NIV) – So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.   Galatians 6:4-5 (Msg) - Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life. God is going to hold us responsible for choices we make. It’s easy to dodge your responsibilities, but you cannot dodge the consequences of dodging your responsibilities. Some definitions of responsibility. Hebrew word in some places mean - “Burden” – in other words you may not always enjoy it, but you’re committed to it.  (Think of Jesus in Gethsemane) There is a cost that comes with taking responsibility. The Greek word implies that you were “placed over something”. When God saved you, He trusts you to take RESPOSIBILITY over that which HE has called you to accomplish. The Webster dictionary means:  “You are totally dependable.” A question to ask yourself “AM I DEPENDABLE” (Responsible people are dependable.) Nothing adds ‘muscle’ to your talent and gifts like responsibility. Sadly, responsibility is often the last choice people desire to take, and the results speak for themselves. “Success on any major scale requires you to accept responsibility. In the final analysis, the one quality that all successful, significant people have is the ability to take responsibility.”  - Michael Kord The most wonderful and priceless thing is to find a child of God who will take responsibility… who will finish and follow through to the final detail… to see someone who accepts his God-given assignment and lives it effectively and passionately. Responsible people are reliable people.   Philemon 21 (Amp) – I write to you [perfectly] confident of your obedient compliance, knowing that you will do even more than I ask. How to ensure you take responsibility. #1 Decide right now, start wherever you are. Don’t wait another moment! We become what we are as people by the decisions that we ourselves make. Each time you take responsibility for your spiritual life, you become a more reliable and responsible person. Faithfulness begets faithfulness! When it comes to responsibility, the best helping hand you will ever find is at the end of your arm. #2 Part of the power of taking responsibility for your actions is that you silence the negative, unhelpful, unfaithful thoughts in your head. #3 Every time you commit yourself to do what you should… you strengthen your self-discipline which increases your ability for responsibility. #4 Never forget this if you want to go from success to significance “with great power comes great responsibility”. It never ceases to amaze me how Christians want to be used mightily by God but never really want to take responsibility for the small details of their spiritual lives. You will never grow beyond your responsibility. “A man who lacks reliability is utterly useless.”  - Confucius It is easy to have ideas, comments and criticism when you take no responsibility. It is very clear that God expects us to take responsibility for our lives. Luke 12:48 - “But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.” This verse reminds us that with great blessings and privileges come greater responsibilities. God expects us to use the resources, talents, and opportunities He has given us wisely and responsibly Colossians 3:23-24 (Amp) – 23Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men. 24knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).

Getting up when knocked down. #5  - Turning anger into positive action | Pastor George Lehman Getting up when knocked down. #5  Turning anger into positive action Pastor George Lehman This may just be a title; but if we are not alert it can have devastating consequences.   It is wise to direct your anger towards problems, not people; to focus your energies on answers, not excuses.                  -W.A. Ward   When we angry we treat people harshly, we blame and make excuses. The call to live in victory in this area of your life is not impossible with God’s help and a surrendered will. May God stir within us the will to want to change. If you have no real victory in this area of your life, you’ll keep getting knocked down. Story about Tommy Bolt, who was a professional golf champion, but he was more famous for his terrific temper.  Huge crowds followed him just to see what he would do next.  One day, giving a group lesson on how to hit a ball out of a bunker, he called his 11-year-old son and said, “Show the people what you’ve learned from your father when your shot lands in the sand.  The boy picked up the wedge then ‘hurled it as far as he could’.   Most of us allow anger to get the best of us at times According to a ‘boiling point report’ (sponsored by Britain’s Mental Health Organisation) … More than 1 in 10 people said they have real trouble controlling their anger. More than 1 in 4 said they worry about how angry they sometimes feel. 64% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that people in general are getting angrier. We all know what happens to us when we become angry or mad. Adrenaline floods our system. Our heart rate rises with our blood pressure. Muscles tense; breathing is shallow. Anger is extremely bad for your health. You hear about road rage or anger management in the media. Many people believe that all anger is bad.  (Not true). There are times when it’s appropriate to be angry in response to cruelty or injustice.  If an intruder invaded your home or if someone threatened your children. Jesus became angry…John 2:15 (NIV) - …when he made a whip and chased the people out of the temple. Acts 17:16 (Amp) - Now while Paul was awaiting them at Athens, his spirit was grieved and roused to anger as he saw that the city was full of idols. Many of the knock downs we endure in life make us angry. Always bear in mind:  Anger is just one letter short of D-anger. Here are some examples.  Consider where your life best fits. The exploder Exploders are like active volcanoes – sometimes a little shaking is all it takes to produce a massive eruption. These are the kind of people who yell, break things, curse and make demands when things don’t go their way. Being subtle is not in their vocabulary when they’re MAD. They are quick to blow up and usually quick to calm down. People around them feel covered with LAVA! Ephesians 4:31 (CEV) - Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don’t yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. The Victim Victims struggle with expressing their emotions. Their anger remains bottled up and unresolved. Rather than showing their anger, they turn it inward on themselves. They smother their spirit through self-belittlement, blame and guilt. “I can’t do anything right” comes out of their mouths frequently. Victims often suffer from hypertension and headaches. They may cling to others to the point of driving them away. The Manipulator Manipulators, likewise, hide their anger.  They don’t raise their voice or curse (like the exploder). Instead of turning their anger inward, they lash out at others with sarcasm, subtle comments to inspire guilt. They use any method - authority, money, power. Leaving those around them feeling used and abused. The Rager Rager’s often were raised by controlling parents. As grown-ups, they’re angry at the world – ready to attack at even slight provocation. Their consistent fury pushes others away and leads to frequent disputes. They tend to see the worst in everything and everyone. To protect themselves from hurt, they make anger their mode of operation. Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. Remember: Your anger may be justified.  It’s okay to be angry, BUT keep this very clearly in mind…   Ephesians 4:26 (Amp) - When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down. We can use that anger to fuel a constructive plan of action. What I highly recommend is another style…RELEASE! The Releaser Instead of taking on the role of the victim, exploder, manipulator or Rager when crises strike. The approach is:  ‘feel it’ then ‘use it’ then ‘let it go.” Releasers don’t try to hide their anger or unleash it on innocent bystanders but embrace their outrage and use it as a signal to adopt a strategy for positive action. #1 Face most anger as sin. Releasers don’t waste time blaming, shifting responsibility, feeling guilty or making excuses. James 1:19-20 (Amp) – 19Understand [this], may beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. 20For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. Anger is a work of the flesh. Galatians 5:20 (Amp) - Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger (ill temper), selfishness, divisions (dissensions), party spirit (factions, sects with peculiar opinions, heresies), #2 Repent of anger. Go to God and specifically confess your anger. David understood what it meant to be a releaser. Psalm 32:3-6 (LB) - 3There was a time when I wouldn’t admit what a sinner I was.  But my dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration.  4All day and all night your hand was heavy on me.  My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day.   5Until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them.  I said to myself, “I will confess them to the Lord.”  And you forgave me!  All my guilt is gone.  6Now I say that each believer should confess his sins to God when he is aware of them, while there is time to be forgiven.  Judgment will not touch him if he does. When you confess with openness, humility and honesty, God will forgive and restore and renew you. #3 Let go of your anger. Hanging on to your anger is unhealthy and destructive. Holding on to your anger doesn’t help you.  It just gets in the way of enjoying the rest of your life. Anger is a Joy Stealer. Ephesians 4:31 (Amp) - Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind). Notice it’s a problem of the flesh that Paul says you can and must ‘get rid of all’. God wants to help us walk in freedom from anger. We must want to change and be active and determined to deal with our anger. Times of refreshing and victory comes from a surrendered, repentant heart. Acts 3:19 (Amp) - So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord;

“The Authority Given to Us” Pastor Kobus Massyn 3/8/2025 Clarification on Authority for a Believer Definition of Authority: Authority has the power and right to act, speak, or make decisions granted by God. Key Verse: Hebrews 1:1-2 - "In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe." The Kingdom Has a King Key Verse: Matthew 28:18 - "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Additional References: - Revelation 1:5-6 - "...to him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve God and Father." - Psalm 103:19 - "The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all." The Fear of the Lord Key Verse: Proverbs 1:7 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Additional References: - Proverbs 9:10 - "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." - Isaiah 11:2-3 - Describing the Spirit of the Lord resting on the Messiah, which includes "the spirit of the fear of the Lord." Keys to the Kingdom Key Verse: Matthew 16:19 - "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven." Additional References: - Luke 10:19 - "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." - John 14:13-14 - "And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." Conclusion Key Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 - "For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind."

Fear not, only believe | Len Weyers Mark 5

Getting up when knocked down. #4 Denial to renewal Never underestimate the power of denial. By Pastor George Lehman   Denial is a weapon we give to the enemy to use against us. We are not lacking information or even revelation.  We are sorely lacking in application.  The ‘doing’ part of what we keep hearing. Most of us are experts at ignoring the inconvenient facts of life. If we don’t ignore them we must do something about them. Denial can become one of the most effective tools the enemy will use (if you’ll let him) to keep you knocked down. The danger of denial is that you prevent yourself from accepting truth about yourself. You begin to believe that your life, your mess up’s, poor conduct and wilful sin, even your poor attitude is Okay and acceptable! For many, denial is their way of coping when life knocks them down. If you start your day without caffeine or pep pills.  If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains.  If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles.  If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it.  If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time.  If you can take criticism and blame without resentment.  If you can face the world without lies or denial.  If you can do all these things, Then, you are probably the family dog.   What is denial?  It is refusing to believe something that is true. Matthew 16:24 (Amp) – Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also]. (Jesus connects self-denial with finding true life) Many times we are in Denial of the Christ life truth. Psychologists say: it’s a process by which painful truths are not admitted into an individual’s consciousness. If I accept it into my conscience, I will have to change or do something about it. “The worst lies are the lies we tell ourselves.  We live in denial of what we do, even what we think.  We do this because we are afraid.” -  Richard Bach Galatians 6:5 (NCV) - Each person must be responsible for himself. Our denials can take many forms. Denial of fact. The obvious way to deny the truth is to lie. Telling a story, we leave out certain details. Officer, I didn’t know I was driving so fast. I never heard you ask me to clean up my room. I would love to help with your move but I’m busy this weekend. People lie to avoid uncomfortable situations or to make themselves look better. Denial of denial. Maybe the most dangerous form of denial is when we don’t even recognize we’re denying reality. Here is one of those denial stories King Saul’s life… 1 Samuel 15:16-24 (Amp) - 16Then Samuel said to Saul, Stop! I will tell you what the Lord said to me tonight. Saul said to him, Say on.  17Samuel said, when you were small in your own sight, were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed you king over Israel?  18And the Lord sent you on a mission and said, “Go”, utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites; and fight against them until they are consumed.  19Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord, but swooped down upon the plunder and did evil in the Lord’s sight?  20Saul said to Samuel, “Yes, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord and have gone the way which the Lord sent me and have brought Agag king of Amalek and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.  21But the people took from the spoil sheep and oxen, the chief of the things to be utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”  22Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.  23For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim (household good luck images). Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”  24And Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.” Covering up what we look like on the inside is denial we refuse to accept or deal with who we really are! Especially after hearing the word being convicted by the Holy Spirit to change certain things, you just ignore it (That’s Denial) In the days of royalty in England, Kings and Queens, when an artist painted their portraits, they never were allowed to include their blemishes and flaws.  He made them look better than they did. We  call it Photo shop today Here are some phrases that a person in denial uses often: I can handle this… It’s not really a problem. I don’t need help. I don’t need counselling. I can quit anytime. I can work it out on my own. The problem is we can’t handle it The truth is you have a problem! The problem with denial is that the longer it goes on, the more we hurt ourselves and the harder it is to come to terms with the truth. Think about David after his sin with Bathsheba. 2 Samuel 12:1-7 (Amp) – And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came and said to him, There were two men in a city, one rich and the other poor.  2The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3But the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb which he had bought and brought up, and it grew up with him and his children. It ate of his own morsel, drank from his own cup, lay in his bosom, and was like a daughter to him.  4Now a traveler came to the rich man, and to avoid taking one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the wayfaring man who had come to him, he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for his guest.  5Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, As the Lord lives, the man who has done this is a son [worthy] of death.  6He shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and had no pity.  7Then Nathan said to David, You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I anointed you king of Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. So many times, when a personal crises doesn’t work, then God often uses people like a NATHAN. Psychologists call what Nathan did ‘intervention’. Going to a person in love and showing them what they are in denial about. Galatians 6:1-2 (LB) – Dear brothers, if a Christian is overcome by sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help him back onto the right path, remembering that next time it might be one of you who is in the wrong.  Share each other’s troubles and problems and so obey our Lord’s command. Has a friend or a spouse or a parent said to you lately, “You have a problem”?  We don’t listen, rather we defend and make excuses. This is a sure sign that you possibly have a problem. Turning denial around to renewal takes a heavy dose of acceptance and a cup of humility blended with a spoonful of courage. That’s why James talks so firmly to the church. James 1:22 (NLT) – But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. David understood that denial only kept his life in bondage and defeat. Listen how he protects himself from a life of denial. Psalm 139: 23-24 (Amp) - Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.   Psalm 51:6 (Amp) - Behold, You desire truth in the inner being make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart. When living with an attitude of denial it will cause you much hurt and knock downs. The good news is that… Philippians 1:6 (Amp) - And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you. God is more interested in what you become than what you achieve. Only with the support of a caring, loving, healing Jesus you can say, “I am capable of terrible things, but I am absolutely, unconditionally committed to You Lord.”  “ I am willing to change.” Ephesians 4:23-24 (Amp) -  And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude] And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness. Denial is a destroyer that should be cut off as quickly as possible. Acceptance and truth ‘always’ are your surest path to peace and freedom. “Getting up when life knocks you down.”

Sermon Title: When Praise Breaks the Silence Theme: Praise is not just a sound we make—it’s a stance we take, even in darkness. Introduction: A Song in the Dark Illustration: Some birds learn their song in the dark. Life tie-in: What do you sing when the lights go out? When the chains are tight? When the miracle hasn’t come yet? Transition: Let me take you to a jail cell in Philippi... Praise in the Prison (Acts 16:16–34) Story Flow: Paul & Silas beaten, bloody, bound. Midnight comes. They choose not to complain—but to praise. Result: Earthquake. Chains fall. Prison doors open. Salvation comes. Insight: They praised beforethe breakthrough. Their praise was heard by others—praise is a testimony. Preaching line: They didn’t wait for the light to sing—they sang, and the light came. Praise as a Weapon (2 Chronicles 20:21–22 & Joshua 6:1–20) Jehoshaphat sends worshippersahead of warriors. Joshua at Jericho: Seven days of obedience, then a shout of praise. The walls fall. Insight: Praise precedes victory. Some strongholds only fall when we shout in obedience and faith. Preaching line: Your shout may feel foolish—but it may be the sound that shakes your Jericho. Praise as Presence (Psalm 22:3, Psalm 34:1, Isaiah 61:3) God inhabits praise. David chooses to praise at all times. Isaiah 61:3: "Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Insight: Praise is something we put on, like a garment. When heaviness comes, don’t wear it—choose praise. Preaching line: When the spirit of heaviness wraps around you, don’t wear it—change clothes and put on praise. Praise as a Sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15 & Romans 12:1) "Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise." "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice... this is your true worship." Insight: Praise is costly when it’s given in pain. A living sacrifice means praise is a daily choice, even when it hurts. Preaching line: Praise isn’t just in your mouth—it’s in your choices, your surrender, your whole life laid down. Conclusion: From Prison to Purpose Paul and Silas didn’t just get free—the jailer was saved. Your praise isn’t just about your breakthrough—it’s about someone else’s salvation. Call to Action: Invite people to praise right where they are—especially in their midnight moments. Closing Declaration (Psalm 34:1) "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Let the congregation declare it with you. Optional Title Variants: The Power of Praise Prison Songs & Palace Doors Why I Still Praise

Getting up when knocked down. #3 The hurt that heals (Like a physical injury it takes time and proper discipline it will heal) By Pastor George Lehman No matter how far life pushes you down, no matter how much you hurt, you can always bounce back.   Story of a man on an island: A man gets stranded on an island, spend hours praying for God to come to his rescue, He builds a hut out of every piece of plant material and wreckage he can find.  He goes off to look for food after 4 weeks of being stranded and still trusting God to send help to save him. From a distance he suddenly sees smoke on the other side of the island.  He thinks it’s a boat that has come to rescue him and he starts running back to his humble little hut he build, just to find that it is his hut that is on fire! Distraught, he shouts and cries out to God why the only thing that protects me was allowed to burn, God why have you forsaken me?.  Later, through his tears and cries of anguish, he hears something from a distance  – it was a boat! Safely rescued and on the ship, He asked the people on board how they knew that he was there.  They replied that they had seen the huge cloud of smoke coming from the island. Nobody likes to be hurt.  Whether it is physical or mental. Pain can be traumatic. Throughout history, philosophers, religious thinkers and intellectuals have tried to decode pain. Medical researchers devote millions of dollars every year to find drugs to alleviate pain. Dealing with pain and hurt is an important part of growing up. We can all understand physical pain. However, emotional pain can be just as devastating, often more so! People react to pain differently. The anguish (angs) that results from emotional abuse, the loss of a loved one, a job termination, a friends’ betrayal, divorce, disease, and disasters can make us physically sick and overwhelm us that we can barely function.  (I know you know.) Many people question God, raising their faces and fists towards heaven and asking God, WHY? Hurting people tend to hurt people. It’s so hard to believe that healing is possible when you are experiencing deep pain. Jesus understands your pain, whether you are ready to believe that or not. What sickness can we suffer that could equal the pain of the scourge* that Jesus went through for you and me? *(whip to inflict severe punishment or suffering). The pain of rejection (He came to His own but His own received Him not. Isaiah 53:3 (NIV) – He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. He was betrayed and carried the shame of the cross.   Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) – Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. There is nothing we can go through that Jesus hasn’t experienced so we can overcome! Hebrews 2:18 (Amp) – For because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]. Our hurts and sufferings give us a new ability to demonstrate the compassion we receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (Amp) – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. (This tells us God comes to the rescue) When you’re stuck in a bad place physically or emotionally, pain can point us toward true healing. I want to encourage you to consider the following steps designed to move you through and beyond the process of hurts to healing growth. It will work if you give this a chance. #1 Invite the pain in. Many of us are programmed as kids to believe it’s wrong to display emotion. ---- We learn to bury the evidence of painful feelings. The problem with suppressing our pain, it shows up in a variety of forms. Anger, anxiety, frustration, depression, sleeplessness, irritability, headaches and more. It affects our relationships and leads to isolation. It takes courage to open yourself to your hurts. You open the way for God to bring healing to your life. Self-pity comes when you lose the intimacy with Jesus. 1 Peter 2:19 (NIV) – For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. #2  Find someone to talk with. Often the best way to deal with inner turmoil is to talk about it. Identify a friend or a mentor someone who will listen without judging or giving you super spiritual advice. A problem shared is a problem halved. #3 Don’t rush major decisions. Pain and grief exert enormous pressure on our emotions. In the midst of suffering, it’s not a good time to make important or permanent life’s decisions. What you’re going through will pass – you don’t want to create further hurt by making wrong decisions.   #4  Trust God to bring good from your hurt.   1 Samuel 30:4(Amp) – Then David and the men with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more strength to weep.   1 Samuel 30:6 (Amp) – David was greatly distressed, for the men spoke of stoning him because the souls of them all were bitterly grieved, each man for his sons and daughters. But David encouraged and strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Those of us who believe in God often blame Him for our troubles and pain. God does not promise His followers a pain free existence. Jesus told His disciples… John 16:33 (Amp) – I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]   NB!!!! Many believe and have the view that it means:  deliverance from trouble - No it’s deliverance in trouble. God does not give us an overcoming life, He gives us life as we overcome. The strain is the strength, no strain, no strength, no perseverance, no endurance, no pain no gain. Paul to the Thessalonica church… 1 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV) – So that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. What then, is the purpose of our pain from God’s perspective? God allows suffering to be a part of our lives to develop our faith, our character and spiritual condition.   Paul asked the same question of God… 2 Corinthians 12:8 (NIV) – Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. (A messenger of Satan to torment Paul) God’s answer… 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. One day I believe, we will discover that whatever the hurt, pain or sufferings were, were individually tailor made for us. I walked a mile with pleasure she chattered all the way but left me none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with sorrow and ne’er a word said she but oh, the things I learned from her when sorrow walked with me. All the hurt and trials and sufferings we are subjected to throughout our lifetime cannot be compared with the eternal life that awaits all God’s children. Romans 8:17-18 (NIV) – Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. It’s like a prick of a needle compared to the joy of eternity.

Getting up when knocked down#2 The power of perseverance By Pastor George Lehman   Hebrews 10:36(Amp) – “For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, (PERSEVERANCE) so that you perform and fully accomplish the will of God and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised. “Success seems to be largely a matter of hanging on after others have let go.” - William Feather.   You are not giving up; you are getting up! Perseverance is not really needed when everything is great, when life is fine, no storms, all is okay, work, kids, husband/ wife, life couldn’t be better BUT O’ you had better hope that this quality called perseverance rises up in your life when times of Knockdowns, and heartache come We cannot talk about getting up when life knocks us down without talking about PERSEVERANCE. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Have you ever experienced so many problems and difficulties in your life that you didn’t think you can go on? It’s incredibly difficult to keep pressing on when everything and everyone seems to be encouraging you to quit. Unleashing the force called perseverance. When the daily routine of life wears on us and especially when the unexpected rises up to knock us down. Maybe you can relate to these scenarios. We all have our own knock=down stories to tell. We need perseverance to keep going. To persevere means: To persist in a state or undertaking in spite of counter influences, opposition or discouragement. Perseverance in the bible is interchangeable: steadfast and endurance (Staying power)   How is it that some people seem to overcome, not just survive but actually thrive? While others just collapse, even quit, under their steady pressure? Perseverance is about more than repeatedly telling yourself to work harder and keep trying. It is an attitude, an approach to life that can conquer seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It involves faith, patience and character. When perseverance is fully formed, it’s one of the most powerful forces you can unleash. When life knocks you down, it’s one of your most important weapons for fighting back. Perseverance does not simply ‘happen’, it’s a trait that must be cultivated. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (Amp) – And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right [but continue in well-doing without weakening]. You can develop and expand your ability to endure hard times by applying some of these strategies. #1 Look for joy. James 1:2-3 (NLT) – Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance (Perseverance) has a chance to grow. Psalm 119:143 (NLT) – As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. It is possible to find JOY in what you’re going through. #2 Seek out friends, mentors and role models. Never forget, no matter how bad your circumstance, someone has been through this before. 1 Peter 5:9 (NIV) – Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. Find people who can give you godly advice, maybe someone who has gone through similar difficulties as yours. #3  Prepare to persevere. When you’re fighting a tough battle over a long period of time, it pays to prepare. Romans 5:3-4 (Amp) – Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance (Perseverance).  And endurance (fortitude)Staanvastigheid develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation. Spending at least 30 minutes each morning with uplifting worship, prayer and reading your bible will prepare you like nothing else will. Romans 12:12 (Amp) – Rejoice and exult in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer.   #4 Turn doubts into motivation. Proverbs 17:20 (Msg) -”A bad motive can’t achieve a good end: double-talk brings you double –trouble” Self-motivation means speaking Gods word positively and choosing to continue in faith until your breakthrough comes. NB! Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you did. #5 Its okay when you fail. It’s tough to keep positive and keep going when every move you make feels like the wrong one. Continual defeat can wear down the most optimistic soul. If you’re tired of failing, remember a simple truth “Successful people have more failure than anyone else.” The reason is people who persevere and grow through defeats (Knock-downs) are the ones who eventually succeed. #6 Allow God to grow your perseverance. Psalm 51:10 - Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, {and} steadfast spirit within me. In a mysterious way, our troubles allow us to discover and develop reservoirs of strength and perseverance that most don’t realize they have. When you’re trusting the Lord, He uses our struggles to expand our ability. Ecclesiastes 3:14 (Msg) – I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear. Sometimes we need to be hurt in order to grow. We must fail in order to know. We must lose in order to gain. Some lessons are learned best through pain. No matter what has knocked you down never give up or quit. Let perseverance be your engine that keeps you going. In order to get from what was (the knock down) to what will be (your breakthrough).  You must go through what is (that’s perseverance). Please don’t forget Paul’s encouragement: 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (Amp) – And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right {that’s perseverance} [but continue in well-doing without weakening]

Getting up when knocked down. #1 By Pastor George Lehman   Proverbs 24:16 - “For a righteous man falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. Calamity = An event causing great and often sudden damage or distress, a disaster, affliction, set back or adversity. “The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.”  (getting up is a decision) God works with us, but we need to be working with God. Throughout your life you will most certainly experience many knock-down moments.  (Not if, but when they come.) “Life is a journey – often difficult and sometimes incredibly cruel but we are all well equipped for it.  If only we tap into our talents and gifts that God has blessed us with and allow them to blossom.” - Les Brown (we need to water them with the Word) “Setbacks are setups for great come backs.”  The ceiling of difficulty and hardships as you rise up, will become the floor on which you will walk in your breakthrough. People are confronted with sudden unimaginable struggles, debilitating disease or injury, divorce, job loss, the death of a loved one, financial collapse, addiction, betrayal and so much more. Can I encourage you, if you’ve been knocked down too… Going through life’s tough issues does not have to mean feeling helpless and hopeless. God is with you! Despite their circumstances, many men and women have discovered ways to not just survive their crises but actually thrive in it. If hardships are a part of our lives. Then don’t you think it to be wise and put your faith into action; to be able to thrive. I’ve seen so many people grow stronger from the experience! No matter how devastating the crises or problem, they’ve used their circumstances as steppingstones to new beginnings. Getting knocked down hurts. This many times is what separates committed life changers momentum makers from average, ineffective people. “This world will always give you the opportunity to quit, but only the world would call quitting an opportunity.” -Clint Brown The point is a man is not finished when he is defeated.  He is finished when he quits! It’s when you try living from your knocked down position. Nothing and nobody can keep you down unless you decide not to rise again. There are no hopeless situations, there are only men who have grown hopeless about them.   Paul said this about getting knocked down… 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (Msg) – We don't want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn't think we were going to make it. We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally — not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! And he did it, rescued us from certain doom. And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing. You and your prayers are part of the rescue operation—I don't want you in the dark about that either. I can see your faces even now, lifted in praise for God's deliverance of us, a rescue in which your prayers played such a crucial part.   Job 42:10(Amp) – And the Lord turned the captivity of Job and restored his fortunes, when he prayed for his friends; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. We must understand there is your limit and then there’s God’s limit for you. Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find out they’ve got a second wind. God always has a way out for His children. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (Msg) – No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it. Romans 8:28 (NIV) – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Notice, “All things” means… ALL THINGS! In Good or bad circumstances When you feel weak, vulnerable, unsure or insufficient, it is not the time to panic or fear, but to trust. God does not want us to trust in our resources or ‘make our own plan’ when it’s time to meet a need in your life, but to rely upon His resources.   Ephesians 6:10 calls us to be STRONG in the Lord and in the Power of His Might.  His arm is mighty to save and strong to deliver. Your knock down is more than just an ordeal to endure. It can also be part of a process that leads to growth, maturity and strength for a lifetime and beyond.   Micah 7:8 - Do not rejoice against me, O my enemy, for though I fall, I will rise again! When I sit in darkness, the Lord himself will be my Light. Quote: My faith in God has nothing to do with the number of times life has knocked me down. It is based on the fact that every time I have been pushed to the ground my God has picked me back up. Psalm 37:24 - If they fall, it isn’t fatal, for the Lord holds them with his hand.

Not everyone Can be Helped Pastor George Lehman None of us are hopeless – Unless we choose not to change. (we just keep going around the same mountain) “Making a wrong decision is understandable. Refusing to search continually for learning is not” - Phil Cosby We must be learning from our failures. This sermon is about dealing with the cause more than the symptoms. If you saw a huge hole in the road and you knew bikers where heading towards it and it could injure those approaching, would you ignore it or go out of your way to put up the danger warning sign? Some people will still drive into hole. In this world, you’ll meet all kinds of people with many different problems, but not everyone can be helped, or wants to be helped. In 25 years of full ministry, my greatest desires to help everyone, to see people fulfilling their God given purpose and growing into God’s awesome plan for their life. But - I have learned the hard way that I cannot help every person who attends our church or those who come to me for assistance. I know God can but hear me out!!! These are the kinds of people that are so entrenched in certain behaviours and habit patterns that one cannot help them to advance to the next level - unless they make the necessary faith shift in their attitude and behaviour. They just wont change! Those who do not take responsibility for themselves. The first step toward self-improvement is to remove all excuses for being uncommitted or not doing your best. “He that is good for making EXCUSES is seldom good for anything else” 1 Corinthians 9:27 (NIV) – No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others; I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.  (So many Christians live a disqualified life) Those that continually blame and point fingers at other people for their failures will never go to the next level. People can complain about their spouses, their children, their church, their jobs, their past, where they grew up etc., (If you want a reason not to serve God as you should, you will probably find one.) The devil has a thick manual on excuses. I have learned that within every challenge is this incredible seed of a God ordained opportunity for success, which requires faith to overcome problems. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NIV) – 3His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. Those who do not have a heart to seek God. We all know Jeremiah 29:11 but verse 13 says: You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Isaiah 55:6 (NIV) – Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.  (If you feel God is not near – guess who moved!!! God is not playing hide and seek with us. We hide when we stop to seek.) The Bible teaches us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”  - Proverbs 9:10. Those who do not respect God enough to seek Him in prayer and study His word, so they can make wise decisions in life - They are violating Scripture and cannot be helped either by me or any other leader or brother/sister. God said to Joshua: I’ll be with you, but you have to do your part. Joshua 1:8-9 (NIV) – “8Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Those who do not obey what God requires for you to have success have decided to have a relationship with God on their own terms. Those who insist on having a negative outlook on life. There are some people who refuse to exercise faith in God or think positively, as the Word of God commands us to: (They would rather have their pity party, carry their grudges and hurts.) Philippians 4:8 (Msg) – Summing it all up friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. This is because some have a natural inclination to expect the worst in life, so they are never disappointed by anyone or anything! (They set themselves up for failure) This is a weird way some folks attempt to shield their emotions from the pain of disappointment; it is a very common practice with many people. Jesus often told people that they would receive according to how they believed (for example Proverbs 23:7 teaches that “as a person thinks in their heart, so they will be.” (Stop being self-defeating!) One cannot empower a person who refuses to think God’s thoughts about themselves and about life. Those who refuse to have a vision for their future. Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) – Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keeps the law, happy is he. There are so many very able, talented, anointed and gifted people, that I have met who live their lives without any strategic plan or vision, to fulfil the very thing God has blessed them with to make a difference in His Kingdom We were not just saved from something; we were saved to something. Those who are successful have a compelling vision that drives them daily and that feeds their souls even more than the desire to satisfy their own needs! Inside of every believer is a God-given kingdom vision for their future. If a person refuses to tap into that as their guiding light—and value that vision as their barometer for success—then my continual pep talks, sermons and motivation will not do the trick either! Those whose primary agenda is individualistic and not kingdom oriented. There are many Christians whose only agenda in life is to advance their own agenda. They don’t want to work with a team or flow in the context of a local church. They want others to pour their life into them, but they are rarely ever willing to pour back into the church and serve in the Kingdom of God. I have learned that those who only want to use the church or God to advance their own agenda (even if it is ministry related) have greatly limited their own lives. Thus, I back away from these people until they change. This is because we are all called to seek first God’s kingdom, in which we need to die to ourselves our own agenda’s, comforts and conveniences, and sacrifice and invest our time for the good of the Body of Christ. Those who lack transparency, humility and integrity. The Bible teaches us to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). It also teaches us to confess our faults to one another and pray for one another that we may be healed (James 5:16). Those that do not admit their faults and confess their sins cannot have the kind of relationship with God that He intended for them to have, Also, you cannot have a relationship with a mentor or a fellow Christian who want to help you with your personal growth. It is important for any leader and any member to live a transparent life with integrity with one another Those who want to progress in their spiritual lives have to learn to practice the spiritual discipline of confession of sin Proverbs 28:13(LB) – A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. I do not believe there is anyone who willingly does not want to change and become better in their walk with God. What did you hear in this message that needs to change in your life? Lamentation 3:40 (Amp) – Let us test and examine our ways and let us return to the Lord.

To be honest with yourself By Pastor George Lehman The whole key is to be honest with yourself, find the weak spots, work on it, get it done. Reasons why being honest with ourselves is so important in our walk with God The Bible teaches us to look at our hearts and thoughts, helping us to understand who we truly are. You need to be the best you. When we are honest, we can grow and become better versions of ourselves. It’s not always easy to face the truth, but it is essential for our journey of faith. 2 Peter 1:5-7 – For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:9-10(Amp) – 9For whoever lacks these qualities is blind, [spiritually] shortsighted, seeing only what is near to him, and has become oblivious [to the fact] that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10Because of this, brethren, be all the more solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast) your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall. Self-honesty is a very important thing. It unlocks for us so many things that are crucial to living a life of freedom and joy, with no need to prove ourselves. Truth be told, if we're all honest with ourselves we'd be living in a better world right now. Psalm 139:23 - “Search me, 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.” To help you see the importance of being honest with ourselves, here are three things to note: “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.” – Lamentations 3:40 1) Without honesty, we won't be able to repent of all sin (SIN: is defined as transgressing (oortreding) God law means crossing the line of Gods standards or failing to live up to Gods standards of holiness – Missing the Mark. 1 John 1:8 tells us, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." Unless we stop lying to ourselves and admit our real sinful motives, we won't be able to let them go and change. Trying to escape the fact we have sinned, we lie and deceive ourselves and others. We make a show and try to paint a picture that we're good, innocent, and blameless, even when we know we're not. What we don't realize is the person we're deceiving primarily is ourselves. Galatians 6: 7-8 - “7Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction” Unless we admit our sins, we won't be able to let it go. We won't be able to truly repent. 2) We have to be honest in order for God to change us 1 John 1:9 tells us that unless we admit our sins, we can never be forgiven and changed: - "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Think about that. How can we ask God to forgive us for something we won't even admit doing? How can God cleanse us from the deep-seated dirt in our hearts if we keep saying we don't have it? Ridiculous, right? If we truly want to be clean, we will need to reveal all the dirt in us. Proverbs 28:13 - “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy” And there's no reason to fear revealing ourselves to God, because His "perfect love casts out fear" 1 John 4:18 - ”We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us.” He knows who we are and what we have done, but instead of hating and abhorring us, He wants us cleansed and made holy, totally freed from sin. That's His commitment. Isn't our God awesome? 3) It's necessary for us to be free Lastly, self-honesty, when coupled with God's truth, will allow us to be free. The Lord Jesus said in John 8:31-32 -"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." We must realize that our self-honesty is implied there: "If you abide in My word..." Do we really abide in God's word that says, “we should repent?” Do we obey God's word that says, "You shall not lie," even to ourselves? Do we believe God's word, which says, “He knows the inner longings of our hearts?” Precious family of God, we can't fool God. He sees through us. Before we do anything, He has already seen us doing it. “O God, You know my foolishness; and my sins are not hidden from You.”— Psalm 69:5 What's the point of trying to convince Him that we're okay and clean? We are simply lying to ourselves and to Him when we do that. Jeremiah 17:10 – “I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” For the week ahead let us make a quality, life changing decision, to be honest before the Lord. Let's just openly lay down our hearts before Him. James 4:17 - “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Not just being honest but doing something about it. Psalm 32:5 - “And you forgave the guilt of my sin.” When we admit our guilt, God freely forgives. God is good, and there's nothing to fear when it comes to being honest with Him.

Called to HOLINESS #4 By Pastor George Lehman Revelation 3:2-3(Amp) – 2Rouse yourselves and keep awake and strengthen and invigorate what remains and is on the point of dying; for I have not found a thing that you have done [any work of yours] meeting the requirements of My God or perfect in His sight. 3So call to mind the lessons you received and heard; continually lay them to heart and obey them, and repent. In case you will not rouse yourselves and keep awake and watch, I will come upon you like a thief, and you will not know or suspect at what hour I will come.   Those who look to Him are radiant, their faces are never covered with shame. - Psalm 34:5 (King David) RADIANT LIKE THIS: Years ago, when 20th Century Fox advertised in the New York papers to fill a vacancy in its sales force, one applicant replied: “I am at present selling furniture at the address below.  You may judge my ability as a salesman if you will stop in to see me at anytime, pretending that you are interested in buying furniture.  When you come in, you can identify me by my red hair.  And I will have no way of identifying you.  Such salesmanship as I exhibit during your visit, therefore, will be no more than my usual workday approach and not a special effort to impress a prospective employer.” From among more than 1500 applicants, this guy got the job. ARE YOU READY?  We have been called to a life of Holiness everyday because you never know who is watching you. And know this God is watching all the time!! Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) - “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love   2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV) - “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,   And still after 3 sermons on “Called to holiness”, God continues to challenge our relationship with Him. It’s so clear that these scriptures tell us what God has saved and called us too!!  - they are not optional.  “Holiness” is not for an elite few. It is possible for you to walk purely before the Lord. Luke 12:32 – Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your FATHER’S good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. For each generation a “little flock” receives the Kingdom – and are set apart. They go on to fulfill the purpose by God for their generation. Question to us: What about you, child of God – how would you sum up your lifestyle for adding value to this generation – letting His Kingdom come? Everyone who is purifying themselves, even as He is pure, is part of that “little flock”. 1 John 3:3 (Amp) – And everyone who has this hope (resting) on him, cleanses (purifies) himself, just as He is pure (chaste, undefiled, guiltless). No bible believing Christian doubts the importance of Holiness. 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NIV) – Since we have these promises dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that Contaminates* body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. *Contaminate = pollute, infect [Afrikaans = besoedel, besmet) Like sewage in clear drinking water.   1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 - 23May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. God’s desire is for us to be wholly Holy.    The Bible commands us to be Holy (not suggests). Leviticus 19:2 (Amp) – “Say to all the assembly of the Israelites; [Bikers church]  you shall be Holy for I the Lord your God am Holy”   1 John 4:17 – As He is, so are we in this world   1 Peter 2:9(CEV) – But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation; God has brought you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things He has done. Story of the young boy who had to stay in class and finish his math test.  So, he just filled in any answers – obviously it was all wrong.  He had to do it at home.  When his dad asked him why he got it all wrong – he said, “nobody is perfect”. Like the bumper stickers even say “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” – OR “we’re just human” (we all make mistakes, we all fail). Taking it, a bit further super spiritual people quote 1 John 1:8 – If we say we have no sin, we are fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. This sums up so many times why people reject their “Calling to Holiness.” They make excuses to fail and sin. Is Holiness really that important, maybe it’s only for a select few. Matthew 24:4 (Amp) – Be careful that no one misleads you (deceiving you and leading you into error). Five times in the next 22 verses in Mt 24: Jesus repeated His warning. Can I just say this: It’s not the absence of sin that produces Holiness. Many non-Christians live clean, upright lives – which you can’t fault.  Holiness comes from the presence of God in our lives.                                            “Christ in us is our Holiness”. The truth is – as close as our relationship is with Him, to that same degree we reflect His Holiness. Jesus said:  Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works. This light is non-other than the out-raying glory and purity of God.  People see God in us. If good works glorify God, then bad works bring Him dishonor. When we’re not walking in “Holiness”, sin rules our lives and our credibility to witness is LOST. The world is sick and tired of hearing one thing and seeing another. How do I know when to witness: 1 Peter 3:15(Amp) - “Called to Holiness” – But in your hearts set Christ apart as Holy (and acknowledge Him as Lord) (when I get this part right then part B follows) Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you. Sadly, so many Christians publicly sin in the workplace where most of us spend 8-18 hours a day.  They lose their temper, do bad work, they’re often late or heard complaining about the boss or their job.  They have bad attitudes, yet they still witness. Titus 1:16A (Amp) – They profess to know God (to recognize, perceived and be acquainted with Him) but they deny and disown and renounce Him, by what they do. This to sums up this series “Called to Holiness” – the real evidence [bewys] of Holiness is increasing in “Christ likeness” in which the image of God is increasingly visible in a believer’s life. Here’s the challenge - what are you going to do about living your “Calling to Holiness? CLOSE: 1 Peter 1:15 (Amp) – But as the One who called you is Holy, you yourselves must also be Holy in all your conduct and manner of living. Luke 1:74-75(Amp) – 74To grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our foes, might serve Him fearlessly 75in holiness (divine consecration) and righteousness [in accordance with the everlasting principles of right] within His presence all the days of our lives. Your lifestyle MUST clearly be HOLY!

Called to HOLINESS #2 We must seek a level of holiness that brings the Glory of God into our lives. Discuss what is Holiness: Holiness is not: Being perfect, never sinning, never being tempted to sin its: To be different Set apart To fulfill His purpose To live our lives in a way that reflects God’s glory John 1:14(Amp) – And the word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honour, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favour, loving-kindness) and truth.   Ephesians 1:4 (NIV) - For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love    Glory of God is prioritizing His honor, beauty, and magnificence above all else in your life. It involves aligning your actions, words, and thoughts with His will and purpose, ultimately reflecting His character and demonstrating His love and power to the world. It means choosing to glorify Goid in all you do, rather than seeking personal glory or recognition. This might involve saying no to opportunities that would bring you praise but not glorify God.   John 5:44 - How is it possible for you to believe [how can you learn to believe], you who [are content to seek and] receive praise and honor and glory from one another, and yet do not seek the praise and honor and glory which come from Him Who alone is God? This is a Crossroad scripture - Start good, end bad   Galatians 3:2-3 - “I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?   For so many Christians: They display a spirituality to impress man – compromising your values and principles to fit in with the ungodly. Seeking honor and recognition from others – wanting validation from man. Living to appear righteous As long as you are being patted, recognized, praised and fussed about and the honor and glory is flowing then… you are a happy Christian. Can one honestly say you are walking near to God when your motivation is the praise of man?   Here’s a clear sign: We know we are relating correctly to God when our hunger for His glory makes us forsake the praise of man. Greek for Glory is “Doxa”:  Glory is: to please – to be of a good reputation – to give honor – full of grace – love – kindness and truth Hebrew for Glory is “Kavod”.  To show much splendor [prag, praal]. “A life of Holiness” is seeking to please God and seek His Glory.    John 5:44 – how is it possible for you to believe, when you thrive on being recognized and praised by one another. Jesus said it – Luke 16:15 -“He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. Who are you really trying to impress? When we truly desire a life of holiness – seeking God, no one will have to tell us to be humble, to convince us of our old natures – Colossians 3:2-7 - 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.   Holiness comes from seeking His Glory - here’s the promise:   If you take time to meet with God, you will meet Him Jeremiah 29:13 (Amp) - “Then you will seek me, enquire for, and require me (as a vital necessity) and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” Psalm 27:8(Amp) – you have said, seek my face (enquire for and require my presence as your vital need) my heart says to you your face (your presence) Lord will I seek. As you touch Him, something will come alive in you.  Your life will become significant. You’ll become effective in all you do and say. People will be drawn to Jesus because of you. We are talking about “Called to Holiness”. The sad thing is many Christians have NO higher goal, NO greater aspiration than to live a normal in-effective, fairly boring Christian life. 1 Corinthians 3:3 – Paul rebuked the church in Corinth because they walked “LIKE mere man”. (A holy life is a set apart life) He asks – where is the holiness – difference?. Listen – God has so much more for us than just becoming better people. Romans 8:11 – He wants to flood our lives with the same power that raised Christ from the dead. If we are going to be Holy, we must break away from desiring just an average life. We must seek a level of Holiness that brings the Glory of God into our lives. Jonathan Edwards – 18th century revivalist: ”Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.” The means to holiness is grace.  Holiness is a product of grace. You may be thinking, I’ll never achieve this teaching in my condition.  Then you have only heard half the message. Grace is in the heart of all Gods’ truth.  Truth without grace is only half-true. John 1:17 - Grace and truth are in JESUS. For while the law was given through Moses, grace (unearned, undeserved favor and spiritual blessing) and truth came through Jesus Christ. What God’s truth demands, His grace will provide. Romans 6:22 – But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God, you have your present reward in Holiness and its end is eternal life. “Holiness is a lifestyle” Seeking to walk close to the Glory of God.  Holiness is doing all within one’s power to become more like Jesus. 2 Corinthians 3:18(Amp) – And all of us, as with unveiled face [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from on degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.

Called to HOLINESS #1 This is not a clever chosen topic, it’s a God calling for every Christian. By Pastor George Lehman ”A man is what he appears in God’s eyes, and not the slightest bit more.” We can outwardly put on an OSCAR award performance. But God knows. For us to see Jesus active and alive in our lives and our ministry “Holiness must be our lifestyle.”   Romans 11:36 (Amp) – For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.(For all things originate with Him and come from Him; all things live through Him and all things center in and tend to consummate and to end in Him] To Him be glory forever! Amen (so be it).   Romans 12:1 (Amp) – I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your seasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. I don’t believe God is going to do a new thing. (Isaiah 43) I read this prophetic word that went out some time ago ! Explain: God sitting as a judge in a Court room, banging with His gavel saying: “Order in My House” Order comes when we put things back the way they were or where they are supposed to be. Jeremiah 6:16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads* and look; ask where the good old way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Crossroads = is a place of decision-making. We all want new Revelations, new interesting facts and new understanding As God’s church we have chased after New Things. And been disobedient to the Old Things. We have sadly allowed the basic old way to slip by and therefore our foundation has crumbled. We’ve become educated beyond our obedience. (We know more than what we are obedient to.) The New Converts pick up the bad habits of the old people. God wants us to have “Revival.” Revival is to bring back an active life that was once in our hearts and lifestyle. Isaiah 66:1-2 - “This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place? 2 My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite*(Berouvolle) hearts, who tremble at my word. Hosea 10:12 - “It’s time to Sow Righteousness, its time to break up your unplowed ground, for its time to seek the Lord. Make a choice to Plow up That hardened heart, that disobedient lifestyle, that half hearted commitment. God is calling His children to a “A life of Holiness”   Holiness is not: A once off experience, a Feeling or an emotion or an optional extra. It’s a direct result of a Jesus filled heart. A life of Holiness without Jesus in your heart is not possible.   1 Peter 1:15-16 (Amp) - 15“But as the One who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living.” 16“For it is written You shall be holy for I AM holy.”   Leviticus 11:44 – “I Am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I Am holy….” Holiness: Greek word used Hagiasmos and means: Sanctify – Purity – clean – to be different (dedicated to God’s purpose- Set apart.) 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Amp) -Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! Jesus prayed this for us in John 17:15-19 - “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by[a] the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.   Can I just say this? The holiness we are seeking goes much deeper than merely cleaning the outside of the cup. (Luke 11:39) we whitewash but God washes white. True holiness does not come from following rules – (so many Christians make up their own set of rules about Holiness what’s right of wrong in their own minds – what God’s word says is not to important.) Holiness comes from following Jesus Christ Being different being like Jesus John 3:30 - “He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.] Galatians 5:25 (Msg) - Since this is the kind of life we have chosen the life of the spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. This must be our Goal – our aim and our Determination. If your goals are less than Christ likeness If you are happy and content with yourself This word on Holiness will pass right over you. Isaiah 66:2 - This is the man to whom I will look and have regarded him who is Humble.   HUMILITY PRECEDES HOLINESS!!!   Allen Bond - “The bigger I grow in God, the smaller I become.” A holy man is a humble man. Why discuss Humility, while on the subject of Holiness? Simply because holiness is the product of grace and God gives grace only to the Humble. Jesus said: Matthew 11:29 - “Learn of me. I am gentle (meek) and humble in heart.”   The holiest, most powerful voice that ever spoke described Himself as: Gentle, Meek, and Humble in heart. It’s important we understand, Jesus did not condemn sinners.  He condemned hypocrites. A hypocrite is a person who excuses his own sin while condemning the sins of another. No one can remain a hypocrite and find Holiness at the same time. That’s why everyday the first step we take to Sanctification* (to be: Pure, clean, different, set apart and dedicated to His purpose.) Is admitting we are not as Holy as what we would like to appear. This 1st step is called Humility 1 Peter 5:5 (LB) - God gives special blessings to those who are humble but sets Himself against those who are Proud. Pride is the only a disease known to man that makes everyone sick except the one who has it. It’s at the crossroad*(Place of decision) that: Holy men and Hypocrites are Bred. Those who choose Holiness see their need: Repent, change and pay the price, make the adjustments and “Run to win” Those who choose to be Hypocrites see their sin, excuse it and remain unchanged. A life of Holiness Begins with our determined refusal to hide from the condition of our hearts It will call for deep, serious honesty – everyday. So many Christians want to live double lives: Holy when it’s convenient. Unholy when it’s inconvenient. The very sad part of all this is: so many think it’s okay! Think about this: Hebrews 12:14 - Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and Holiness, without which no one will (ever) see the Lord.   “ORDER IN MY HOUSE.” “What kind of house will you build for ME?” asks God A half-hearted attempt is a wholehearted failure! A man is what he appears in God’s eyes, and not the slightest bit more.

Passion for the church. Far too many Christians take coming to church far to lightly By Pastor George Lehman   The most expensive piece of furniture in the church is the empty seat. We are not in the seat filling business; we are in the heart changing business. When the heart truly changes the seats will be filled. After a bad sermon a pastor was asked what went wrong.  His answer was really good.  He said, “Poor preaching is God’s judgment on a prayerless congregation.” You were formed for a family.  From the beginning of time, God has always wanted a family. A family that will last for all eternity. From Geneses to Revelation it’s all about God and His family Hebrews 2:11 (Jerusalem bible) - Jesus and the people He makes holy all belong to the same family.  That’s why He isn’t ashamed to call them His brothers and sisters. NB! We were not just called to believe.  We’re called to belong.  To belong to the family of God. John 1:12 (Amp) - But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become the children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name. Hebrews 2:10 (NCV) - God is the One who made all things, and all things are for His glory.  He wanted to have many children to share his glory.   1 John 3:1 (NLT) - See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be called His children, and we really are!   Paul says: 1 Timothy 3:15 (GWT) - God’s family is the Church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. A building without a support and foundation will collapse.  In the same way we need people, a family, for support to help us in our walk with God. That’s why we need a place of fellowship. Living in the ‘real world’ it is so important to establish yourself on a solid foundation.  Surrounding yourself with Christian friends, mentors and make attending church a habit and priority. As a family we all need each other. The church is a body, not a business.  A family, not an institution. Ephesians 4:16 (Amp) - For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love. The more you grow in your faith in God the more you’re going to love and treasure the church.  Taking up your full responsibility in the church. When people grow weary, drift and become lukewarm first to go is your church attendance. Sadly, there are people who say to Jesus, “We love you” but we don’t “love your body”.  I accept you, but I reject your body. We do this whenever we develop the ‘triple C’ [criticize, complain & condemn] towards the church. Except for a few important exceptions referring to all believers throughout history almost every time the word “CHURCH” is used in the bible it refers to a local, visible congregation of Believers. A Christian without a church home is like: An organ without a body. A sheep without a flock. A child without a family. Ephesians 2:19b - You belong in God’s household with every other Christian. There are some whose faith is not strong enough to bring them to church services, - but they expect it to take them to heaven. The difference between being a church attendee and a church member is commitment.  Attendees are spectators.  Members get involved in the ministry. If you’re looking for the perfect church when you join it, it won’t be perfect anymore!  We are called to - love imperfect people. Psalm 133:1 (TEV) - How wonderful it is, how pleasant for God’s people to live together in harmony! Verse3 says: There God commands a blessing. Ask yourself:  Do you build or break harmony in the church? Are you an asset or a liability? Are you a momentum-maker or a momentum- breaker Real fellowship means:  Being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus. 1 John 3:16 (LB) - We know what real love is from Christ’s example in dying for us.  And so, we also ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers. Giving yourself, putting others first, being the least, promoting peace, harmony and unity isn’t easy.  But God asks us to do it because He first did it. When there are plenty of oxen in a stable, there will always be a common factor – manure. Proverbs 14:4 (NLT) – Without oxen the stable stays clean but  you need a strong ox for a large harvest. If there’s only manure, then obviously something is wrong.   Here’s a measuring stick: Philippians 2:3-4 (NCV) - Give more honor to others than to yourselves.  Do not be interested only in your own life but be interested in the lives of others. It’s not about thinking less of yourself.  It’s about thinking of yourself less.   Romans 12:10 (GWT) - Be devoted to each other like a loving family.  Excel in showing respect for each others.   Romans 12:16 (NLT) - Live in harmony with each other.  Don’t try to act important but enjoy the company of ordinary people and don’t think you know it all. 2 Corinthians 12:20 (Amp) - For I am fearful that somehow or other I may come and find you not as I desire to find you and that you may find me too not as you want to find me: - that perhaps there may be factions (quarreling), jealousy, temper (wrath, intrigues, rivalry, divided loyalties), selfishness, whispering, gossip, arrogance (self-assertion) and disorder among you. If you proclaim to be a child of God, you’re part of the body of Christ.  And as a part of the body you have a responsibility to promote unity and harmony. Colossians 3:14 (LB) - Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. Question: How passionate are you to ensure and promote unity in the church? What did you ‘hear’ in this sermon?  The Bible says, “let him who has ears (spiritual ears) let him hear what the Spirit is saying”. What are you going to do with what you have just heard?  You CANNOT remain ‘neutral’.

In the case of a will, it is necessary to prove the death of the one who made it, Hebrews 9:16 (NIV)

Faith 4? Pastor Kobus Massyn 13-4-2025  'Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.'- 1 Corinthians 13:13  Faith for What? Greater things!   “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. ‘ John 14:12 'These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” -  Mark 16:17-18 Faith for What? Hope   'I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.” They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.” - Acts 28:20-22   Faith for How? Love   'So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” - John 13:34-35   'We love each other because he loved us first. - 1 John 4:19 ' “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. - Matthew 6:14 Faith for When? The Cross Luke 22:3,21,24,31-33,47-48,61-62 - 3Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve disciples,   21“But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me.   24Then they began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them.   31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” 33Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.”   47But even as Jesus said this, a crowd approached, led by Judas, one of the twelve disciples. Judas walked over to Jesus to greet him with a kiss. 48But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”   61At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord’s words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” 62And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly. '

FAITH three Fight the good fight of the Faith – 1 Timothy 6:12. Note it’s not, fight the good fight against the devil, or your opposition.  NO.  You see when FAITH wins everything wins. Fight: The Opportunity of succeeding by great effort. Many Christians want to succeed by NO EFFORT or little effort. “The devils’ number 1 tool is not an active sinner, but an inactive Christian. English proverb: “The devil tempts some, but an idle man tempts the devil.”   Matthew 12:43-45 (Amp) – 43But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any. 44Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order and decorated. 45Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked then itself. “Be sure to keep busy doing what’s right, so that the devil may always find you occupied.” We are weakest when we try to get something for nothing, taking shortcuts to success. Trying to live an overcoming life without faith. Why are we at our weakest?  Because there is no strength or growth in nothing or in shortcuts.  We’re not in a motorboat; we’re in a rowing boat!! It takes a committed Faith that works. Proverbs 28:19 (LB) – “Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty.” There is no shortcut to a faith-filled life. Here’s another aspect with extreme importance: Prayer is very important - but hear me out now…! My experience is, so many Christians think after praying, ALL will be okay – now I have done my share – it’s over to you God. Example - looking for work: Send out a CV, get a newspaper and look at the job column. After you’ve prayed, Begin to speak faith WORDS over your situation, speak the promises speak life. Prayer should never be an excuse for inaction.  As God said to Moses as they came out of Egypt: Exodus 14:15 (LB) - Then the Lord said to Moses, “Quit praying and get the people moving.  Forward march!” It’s time for faith in action!! “A faith that works” The fact is most prayers are only going to be answered when you attach action to them. Israel with Joshua – around the walls of Jericho.  God said not to speak.  Why?  They would have spoken faithless, negative words. NB: Prayer is the fuel; Faith is the engine.  Real faith – the Bible kind of strong faith we must fight for. Hear me!!  It takes more than good intentions.  (People judge us by our actions not our intentions.) It’s not what we say we want to accomplish for Jesus, BUT what we actually do. James 2:17 – Faith without actions is dead.  Your life will shrink or expand in proportion to your Faith. We live by Faith, or; We don’t live at all – our faith is NOT a WISHBONE, it’s a BACKBONE. Our “Faith” cannot be hidden.  It has to be obvious, open, effective and producing: Change in us Change in a lost world And it will always be an encouragement to the church (ARE YOU a FAITH INSPIRING person?) Here is a wonderful example 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (LB) - We never forget your loving deeds (ACTIONS) as we talk to our God and Father about you, and your strong “Faith” and steady looking forward to the return of our Lord Jesus. Fruit of faith is:  Determination, hard work, endurance, steadfastness, perseverance. Real faith may get knocked down, but it’s never ever knocked out. 1 Thessalonians 1:8 (LB) - And now the word of the Lord has spread out from you to others everywhere, far beyond your boundaries, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your remarkable “Faith” in God. Question:  What do people say about your Faith SO!!!  Why all this talk about faith?  Is it really all that important? Just remember, you decide, Hebrews 11:6 - Without FAITH it’s IMPOSSIBLE to please GOD Listen to Jesus’ own Words: Luke 18:8b – However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find (persistence*) in faith on the earth. *Persistence: Continue firmly in one’s action despite persuasion. Matthew 24:10 (NIV) – At that time many will turn away from the faith and betray and hate each other. Our whole life is encapsulated (ingekapsuleer) in FAITH. Habakkuk 2:4 is repeated in Romans 1:17 – The just shall live by faith. We tend to look at the big outer signs of Jesus’ coming. Aids, tsunamis, earthquakes, wars etc. It’s about time we start looking at the signs closer to home – the man in the mirror.  How is your faith?  Is it just talk or is it alive and active, full of passion and enthusiasm? 1 Timothy 4:1a (Amp) – But the (Holy) Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn from the Faith, giving attention to deluding(Mislei) and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach. Christians are going to be challenged to turn away from the real faith to a counterfeit.  This warning is for the church NOT the unsaved world. Here’s the answer to stay in a good faith fighting spirit: 1 Corinthians 16:13a – Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith.   2 Corinthians 13:5 (Amp) – “Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves [not Christ]. Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you-unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected.”   examine and 2.test and 3.evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your Faith and showing the proper fruits of it.   Here’s my heart’s desire for each of us: Close: Ephesians 3:16-18 (Amp) – “16May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality]. 17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. 18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God’s devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it].   Revelation 14:12 (Amp) – Here [comes in a call for] the steadfastness of the saints [the patience, the endurance of the people of God], those who [habitually] keep God’s commandments and [their] faith in Jesus.

FAITH #2 (Everyone needs a FAITH-Lift.)   We trust God that with His Sword He will cut and do surgery on us – to give us a faith-lift – to remove that which is old and not so pretty anymore. Our key scripture Hebrews 11:6 - “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”   Hebrews 11:3 (NIV) – By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what is visible. 1 Peter 1:3-8 -  3“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, Oswald Chambers wrote in “My utmost for His Highest”: Before I can say “I saw the Lord” there must be something in my character that conforms to the likeness of God.  What we need is God’s surgical procedure – His use of external circumstance to bring about internal purification.   Our Faith can re-write our future (allow Him to give you a Faith-lift) Regret looks back – past possessed. Worry looks around – seed among the thorns, Chokes your Faith. FAITH looks UP. Here’s the promise – plus side of: Hebrews 11:6a – with faith we can please God (WHY) Hebrews 11:6b – He is a rewarder of those who *earnestly and *diligently seek Him. * Earnestly = showing intense feeling *Diligently = hard-working, showing effort Prophetic word God is calling for “Order in my house Hebrews 6:11-12 (Amp). The Challenge “But we do [strongly and earnestly] desire for each of you to show the same diligence and sincerity [all the way through] in realizing and enjoying the full assurance and development of [your] hope until the end, 12 In order that you may not grow disinterested and become [spiritual] sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through faith ([b]by their leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness) and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting the promises. You must first be a believer if you want to be an achiever. Without a “Faith”- driven life you will become disinterested, and a spiritual *sluggard. *sluggard = lazy person “Faith” is action – never a “passive” [not active] attitude. “Faith” is not a pill you take, but a muscle you use. You see – faith is when your hands, your heart and feet keep on working, when your head and others say it can’t be done, that the situation has become too BIG for me to handle. The ones who get anything significant of eternal value done for God are: Faith-filled, Faith-focused, Real faith will refuse to see anything that is contrary (opposite) to the Bible.  It doesn’t look at circumstances or conditions, but it looks at the promises. We must be moved by the “Word of God” not our feelings. 2 Corinthians 5:7 – We walk by faith and NOT by feelings Smith Wigglesworth said: “I’m not moved by what I feel.  I’m not moved by what I see. I am only moved by what I believe.” You must remember, when Adam and Eve fell, their emotions fell too. Romans 14:23b – whatsoever is not of faith is sin. Ever since that day, man kinds’ of emotions have been: Inconsistent, Misleading, and Often plain WRONG Do you know what I’m talking about? One minute you’ll feel happy. The next minute sad. One minute calm. The next you’re steaming angry. One minute radically saved – the next not sure if you are a Christian. Imagine a world in which all of our decisions were based on our feelings.  Life run on emotions would be chaos!!  That’s why we don’t feel the Holy Spirit – we sense Him.  The difference between a born-again child of God and an unsaved person is  - the One lives by faith, while the world runs on emotion.  That’s what they should be seeing in US - active faith. The good news is the more we walk in faith, the more our feelings start lining up with faith. Ralph Wald Emerson said: “All I have seen teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen.” Here’s a stern warning: Hebrews 3:9 – Where your fathers tried (My patience) and tested (My forbearance) (tolerance) and found I stood their test, and they saw My works for 40 years. Their faith-less life caused them to be “skape met bokneigings”. Sheep with Goat attitudes Many times, we know and believe God has come through for us and still we chose to be “faithless”, negative, ungodly and disobedient and long to go back to the Egypt ways. The real reason why Israel missed the promised land and God’s best for them.  Only a faith-filled Joshua generation went in. Romans 11:19-21 - 19They were pruned (broken) off so that we might be grafted in. 20That is true.  But they were broken (pruned) off because of their unbelief (their lack of real faith), and you are established through Faith (because you believe).  So do not become proud and conceited but rather stand in awe and be reverently afraid. 21For if God did not spare the natural branches (because of unbelief), neither will He spare you (if you are guilty of the same offense). James 2:14 (Msg) -Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything?  Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really, has it? (No!) In closing: How is your faith walk?  Is your “Faith” showing itself through your daily actions? - o O o -