December 2016 Newsletter

Fulfilment

 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. (Luke 1:30-32)

     As we have again reached the last month of the year and the days are getting shorter and colder, people everywhere are looking forward to another Christmas.  For most people in our society, this celebration is the highlight of the year, even though many no longer associate this date with the birth of Jesus.  Families get together, homes are decorated, special foods are prepared, and gifts are exchanged.  The anticipation of this season has long been evident with Christmas goodies, decorations, and jumpers appearing on the shelves of our shops. 

     At the time of Jesus’ birth, there too was a sense of acute anticipation among the people of Israel.  However they were not waiting for a particular date to arrive; they were waiting for a person – the Messiah – not knowing when exactly He would come.  Life was difficult under the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire and the Jewish people were hoping that the promised Saviour of Israel would come soon to deliver them from their oppressors and set up His kingdom of righteousness and peace.  But when would this time be? 

     Then suddenly something extraordinary happens: in a small town in Galilee, an angel appears to a young woman called Mary and announces to her that she will conceive a child of the Holy Spirit.  She is to call Him Jesus (Salvation/Deliverance), He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

     Mary immediately understands what this announcement means – the promised Messiah is coming, and she is to give birth to Him!  Yet how can this be?  The angel explains, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:35)

     As we approach Christmas, let us remember the true meaning of this festivity.  Let us celebrate the coming of the King and His rule.  He came to deliver us from the oppression of sin and death.  He came to establish His kingdom in our midst and make us, who believe in Him, its citizens.  We who were spiritually dead in our transgressions (Ephesians 2:1&5) have been made alive through Hios sacrificial death and His resurrection.  Let us therefore live our lives in His power and to His glory.  Let us tell others about His love from them and His offer of salvation to them.

     One day this age will be over with all its festivities.  Therefore, as believers in Jesus Christ, let us not just look forward to another date in the calendar, but let us anticipate the appearance of the One who said, “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.” (Matthew 16:27)  Jesus will return, this time to judge the world in righteousness.  He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:28)  Are you anticipating His coming?

     Pastor Konrad

November 2016 Newsletter

God’s call

 When [Jesus] had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”  5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking. (Luke 5:4-6)    

     While Jesus was teaching by the lakeside, He observed some fishermen cleaning their nets.  They had worked during the night, but had returned to shore without a catch.  All they could do was to prepare for the next night, hoping for more success.  Jesus asks one of them, Simon, to allow Him to use his boat as a floating pulpit, so that everyone in the crowd would be able to hear His teaching. 

     Then Jesus turns to Simon and tells him to do something unusual.  Rather than finish cleaning the nets, Jesus tells him to go out and let them down one more time.  The experienced fisherman is somewhat puzzled – by now the sun is high and the time for fishing is over.  Yet something about this man’s words has gripped him.  So he replies, “nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”  And the result of his obedience is miraculous – the net is full of fish, more than he can manage to bring in on his own.

     At this point Simon could have seen the possibilities for the future.  Involving Jesus in the fishing business would bring in great profit.  If He could direct the fishermen to the fish, they could employ their skills to bring in the catch.  Working together in this way, they could become the most profitable fishing company in the whole of Galilee!  That is precisely what Christianity means to many of us – an extra boost for our plans and ambitions.  If God blesses me I can be successful in what I want to do.

     Such thoughts never cross Simon’s mind.  He sees the miracle and, in the presence of the miracle worker, he sees himself.  All he can say is, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!”  Yet Jesus does not even respond to Simon’s confession of unworthiness.  Instead He says to him, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men.”  Jesus accepts him and calls him to a new, greater assignment.  Without hesitation, Simon and his partners bring their boats to land one last time, as they forsake all and followed Jesus.

     In Luke 18:18-23 we read of another man, who was not willing to forsake all for the sake of God’s kingdom.  Challenged by Jesus to sell all that he has and distribute the money to the poor in order to follow Him, this rich man walks away sorrowful.  His desire and confidence is in what he owns, and to give it up, he finds impossible.  The disciples, who have now been with Jesus for some time, are astonished at their master’s harsh demand.  If this is what it costs to follow, how can anyone be saved?  Jesus replies, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”  God alone is able to change our hearts’ desires that we will put Him and His call before everything this world can offer. 

     Then Peter (the former fisherman Simon) points out to Jesus, “See, we have left all and followed You.” (Luke 18:28)  Jesus replies, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30)  Our heavenly Father is able to take care of those who put their lives into His faithful hands.  Let us answer His call and depend on His provision.  His purpose for us is not merely to prosper us in our plans but to invite us to participate in His eternal purpose to restore His creation to Himself through Jesus.  Let us catch men, women and children by proclaiming Jesus to them. 

Pastor Konrad

October 2016 Newsletter

How do you see God?

 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. (Matthew 25:14-19)

     In this parable, Jesus tells of a man who entrusts money to his servants so that they can do business for him while he is away.  Clearly the master knew his servants and saw in them different degrees of ability to do business.  Consequently, he chose to give them different amounts of money and, when he came back to settle accounts with them, the returns he received different accordingly.

     Now two of the three servants presented to him 100% profit on what they had been given.  So the master praises them for their efforts and rewards them.  We are not told what motivated these servants to do well on their master’s behalf.  Was it simply the selfish expectation of a reward for being faithful, or could it be that they wanted to please their master, because he had placed his trust in them? 

     What motivates us to work in God’s kingdom?  Is it just the expectation of eternal life?  Or do we serve God out of thankfulness for what He has done for us?  Are we motivated by the fact that the Almighty has chosen us and counted us worthy to serve Him?  Do we serve Him out of love, because He first loved us? 

     Servants who appreciate their master and feel honoured to serve him will always give their best, while those who serve simply for a reward will do as much as they have to and no more.  Therefore it appears that the two servants who doubled the money entrusted were motivated by their appreciation for their master.       

     So what about the third servant?  Instead of putting the one talent he received to work, he buries it in the ground, so as to return it the same as he had been given it.  And when his master asks him how much profit he has made, he replies, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’  Not only has he produced nothing for his master – he even blames the master for his lack of faithful service!  Instead of feeling honoured by the call to serve, he justifies himself by accusing the master of being harsh and unfair – reaping where [he] has not sown, and gathering where [he] has not scattered seed.

     How do you see God?  As a task master who deals unfairly and expects things of you that He is not entitled to?  Is serving Him nothing but drudgery?  Do you do little or nothing in God’s kingdom, like this third servant, because you fail to appreciate what He has done for you and to recognise what a privilege it is to serve Him?  Or are you motivated to give your all, like the first two servants, because you feel honoured to be a servant of the Most High?  Our perception of God will determine our appreciation for Him and our motivation to serve Him faithfully. 

     When life seems hard and others seem to have a better deal than we do, let us not complain – rather let us look to the cross where Jesus gave all for us.  And motivated by His sacrifice for us, let us give Him our all!                                                                                                     

Pastor Konrad

September 2016 Newsletter

How does God see me?

“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.  I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’  And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’  I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”  (Luke 18:10-14)

     In this parable, Jesus tells of two men who have much in common: they both believe in God and they both come to the temple to worship.  In modern terms, we could say, they are both members of the same church.  Yet God views them very differently: one is justified, the other remains guilty before God.

     In the introductory verse 9, we are given the reason why Jesus told this story.   He had been observing certain people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others and He wanted to make them aware of their error.  These people are represented in the parable by the Pharisee.  Even though, in his choice of words, this man addresses God, his focus is entirely on himself and his own righteousness.  He presents a list of his apparently good deeds, comparing himself with the other man who, in his eyes, has done nothing good to speak of.  In trying to impress God with his deeds, he assumes for himself the glory that belongs to God alone.  (1 Cor.1:29)

     The other man in the story likewise has come to worship God.  Yet his attitude is quite different.  He hardly dares to approach God and remains standing afar off.  His focus is on the God whom he has come to worship and, in the light of God’s holiness, all he sees is his own guilt.  He feels entirely unworthy, but nonetheless he finds the faith to appeal to the mercy of God.  As a result, he receives forgiveness and goes away justified.  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

     The reason Jesus Christ came to this world and died a cruel death is so that we can be forgiven and restored to a loving relationship with the Almighty.  When we come to the cross of Jesus, when we trust in His infinite mercy, we receive forgiveness for our sin and are reconciled to God.  We are justified and declared righteous, not because of what we have done, but because of what He has done for us.  The cross of Jesus removes our guilt and sets us free from the bondage of sin.  As a result, we are free to serve God in the liberty of His grace. 

     Those who look to God and trust in His mercy do not compare themselves with others in order to justify themselves.  They acknowledge their need for mercy and, consequently, their lives are transformed by God’s grace.  They love God for what He has done for them; they rejoice in the freedom He has given them; and they see others through the loving eyes of God.  Such people will not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love [they will] serve one another. (Galatians 5:13)

     On that day, when we all have to appear before the judgment seat of God, what will be His verdict over you?  Will He welcome you into His presence because you have trusted in His mercy and His righteousness alone?  Or will He say to you, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’  For Jesus did not come to call the [seemingly] righteous, but sinners, to repentance. (Luke 5:32)                                                                                                                             

June 2016 Newsletter

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Matthew 28:18-20

     These were the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before He ascended into heaven.  He had completed His time on earth.  He had fulfilled His purpose.  Through His death on the cross, He had provided the sacrifice needed to reconcile mankind to God.  He who knew no sin had become the sin offering for the world, so that all who believe in Him could become the righteousness of God.  Now the disciples were to be His ambassadors, proclaiming the gospel and imploring men and women to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. (2 Cor. 5:20-21)

     Jesus begins by telling them that all authority has been given to Him.  He has been seated at the right hand [of the Father] in heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (Eph. 1:21)  From this position of authority, He commands them to proclaim the gospel.

     Jesus had called them - ordinary people, like you and me, from every walk of life – to be with Him (Mark 3:14).  For three and a half years, they had travelled with Him, observed Him, heard Him.  They had listened to His teachings, they had watched Him perform miracles, heal the sick, cast out demons, and even raise the dead.  At times He had rebuked them, when their own ideas and ambitions had taken over.  They had shared in his popularity, as the crowds in Jerusalem welcomed Him with cheers of “Hosanna!”, and they had deserted Him when the shouts later changed into “Crucify Him!”  When they had lost all hope, He had appeared to them – alive, risen from the dead.  He had restored their joy by conquering the last enemy, death (1 Cor. 15:26) and putting an end to all authority and power that would oppose God.   

     Next, Jesus commissions them to go out into the world and to call others - from Jerusalem, to Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8)  As He had called them and discipled them, He now charges them to disciple others: to tell them the message of the cross, to bring them into a relationship with God, to baptise them as a sign of their commitment, and to teach them to observe all they have learnt from Him.  As He had shared His life with them, they are now to share their lives with others.

     Finally, Jesus gives them a promise: ... and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  He gives them a formidable task: He challenges a handful of ordinary men to bring a lost world back to God.  They had seen the unbelief and the open hostility He had encountered.  He had warned them that they too would experience opposition.  But He also gave them the promise that He would never leave them nor forsake them.  If they now do what He has commissioned them to do they can be sure of His presence wherever they went.  Before going to the cross, He had promised to send them the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would live in them.  He would come to them so that they would never again be alone. (John 14:15-18).   Now they are to wait for the Spirit, and when He has come, they will be able to carry out their commission in His power. (Acts 1:8)

    Do we want to experience His presence?  Do we want to know His power and authority? Then let us hear His voice that calls us to Go and make disciples of all the nations ...  As we obey His command, we will also hear His promise ... and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.  Who will you disciple?  Who will you tell about Jesus?  Who will you show what it means to live for Him?

July 2016 Newsletter

True worship

Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3 And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying: By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people
I must be glorified.’”  So Aaron held his peace. (Leviticus 10:1-3)

     When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He first led them to Mount Horeb, where He would reveal Himself to them and receive His laws.  There God instructed Moses to build a Tabernacle as a dwelling place for His presence among them.  He also appointed Aaron, Moses’ brother, and His family to serve as priests before Him.  It would be there job to offer sacrifices for sin and sacrifices of worship to Him.      

     God’s instructions for building the tabernacle were very specific (design, measurements, materials, etc.) as were His instructions for worship.  All this was to teach the people that their God, who had delivered them and called to serve and worship Him, was holy.  He could not be approached on their terms, but only on His.  Everything had to be done according to His specifications.  Every sacrifice had its particular purpose and timing, and the incense that they priests would burn continually as an act of worship had to be made to a precise recipe and it was to be used for worship alone. (Exodus 30:1-9 & 34-38)

     So Aaron and his sons did what God had appointed them to do, until one day two of them, Nadab and Abihu offered what God saw as profane.  WE are not told exactly what it was that God disapproved of, but evidently the offering that was presented to Him did not please Him, and consequently fire of judgment went out from God and they died. 

     God is still the same: He is holy and He can only be approached on His terms.  As sinful people, we cannot come into His holy presence of ourselves.  That is why He sent Jesus as our sacrifice, that through His death our guilt could be taken away and we could enter into His presence, not by our own righteousness, but by the righteousness of the Son of God. (Philippians 3:9 & 2 Corinthians 5:21)  For this reason we can approach our God to worship Him in spirit and in truth.  (John 4:23-24) 

     Before this tragic event, Nadab and Abihu had entered God’s tabernacle to offer incense many times.  Until that day, it appears, God had been pleased with their offering.  So what had gone wrong this time?  Had they perhaps become too familiar with their task?  Had it become a routine rather than sincere worship to their God – the almighty Creator?   Had they taken a short cut when mixing the spices and fragrances instead of adhering to God’s instructions?  Or did they simply come with a casual, irreverent attitude?  Whatever the reason, God was displeased with their offering – so displeased that they were consumed by the fire of His glory. 

     Like the Israelites in the days of Moses, we too can grow familiar with what we do in worship.  What once came from a sincere heart of gratefulness towards God can turn into a routine – be it on a Sunday morning or in our private time of worship.  We can lose focus by succumbing to distractions or cut our worship short in order to attend to things we regard as important.  Whatever our reasons, God will not accept anything less than true worship from a grateful and reverent heart. 

     So let us worship God in spirit and in truth – whether in our private time with Him or when we gather together as a church congregation.  Let us come to service on time with our hearts prepared to meet the almighty God, our Saviour.  Let us make it our priority to draw near to our Maker and defer all those conversations that seem so urgent until after our audience with the King of the universe.  Let us make sure that Jesus’ words, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me” are not true of us. (Matthew 15:8, quoted from Isaiah 29:13) 

     We may not be consumed by fire like Nadab and Abihu, but neither will we enjoy the true life only God can give if our hearts are divided.  God expects us to approach Him single-heartedly with reverence and awe.  He is holy, so let us give Him the worship He is due – in spirit and in truth.

August 2016 Newsletter

What’s the time?

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.   But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.  (Luke 12:29-31)

     Most of us spend a considerable portion of our time worrying.  If we added up all the time we spend wondering how we are going to make ends meet, what we are going to do about a particular situation, which job we should go for, and why things aren’t the way we feel they should be, the result would probably come as a shock to us – and hopefully as a wakeup call.  Countless hours are wasted through worry; hours that could have been used in a more productive way.  Instead of being overwhelmed by our own cares, we could have used that time encouraging someone else – or thanking God for His goodness towards us.  But how do we overcome worry?  What do we do when the future seems bleak and we don’t know what will be tomorrow?

     Jesus challenges us regarding our worries.  As His followers, we are to be different to the ‘pagan world’, to those who do not know God.  We have a loving Father who cares for us.  He knows our needs and He is well able to supply them.  All we have to do is ask – and trust that He will take care of us. 

     Trust has little to do with understanding our circumstances or figuring out how our needs will be met; it is all about the one in whom we put our confidence.  To trust, we do not need to know the future or even comprehend our present situation.  All we need to know is that the one whom we trust is trustworthy. 

     Jesus addresses the issue of focus – seek the kingdom of God, set your minds on His purpose.  And as you do so, your loving Father will take care of everything else.  God’s plans for us are plans to prosper [us] and not to harm [us], plans to give [us] hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

     So then we must each ask ourselves the question: What is it that dominates my thoughts?  Where do I invest my time and effort?  Is it in His kingdom?  Or am I so preoccupied with my apparent needs that I have lost sight of His purpose for my life?  Am I missing out on His blessings while focusing all my attention on my cares?

     One day we will all have to give account for the way we have used the resources God has given us: our gifts and talents, our material resources, our physical strength, and our time.  One day this life will be over and there will be no opportunity to go back and do things differently.  Every day, every minute, every second that has gone by has passed forever.  We will never get it back.  Whatever we have done with our time will remain our legacy.  That is why Paul warns us (Ephesians 5:15): Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

     Time can be our greatest enemy, as it quietly ticks away; but it can also be our greatest gift – an opportunity to live a life of purpose, to make a difference.  God has given us this life so we can honour Him: through our actions and through our worship.  Let us resolve to live every day, every minute for His kingdom and His purpose.  He will surely take care of those who will honour Him with their lives.

May 2016 newsletter

What’s in your heart?

Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”   Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”  So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. (Genesis 22:1-3)

     Abraham was called by God.  God led him out of his familiar environment into a country he did not know.  And He promised Abraham that his descendants would one day inherit this country.  At that time, Abraham had no descendants; both he and his wife Sarah were long past the age to have children.  Yet God gave them a son, whom they named Isaac, as God instructed them.

     We can only imagine the love these parents must have had for their little boy.  They had waited a lifetime for a child who would be able to continue their family line.  They must have looked at their miracle baby in wonder, always keenly aware that he was a gift from God.  We can only guess how proud father Abraham must have been, as he watched his beloved son grow and mature.  He must have treasured every moment he was able to spend with his lad, as he taught him all the things a young man needs to know.  He must have thanked God every night, as he reflected on the precious hours spent with Isaac and dreamed the dreams that fathers dream for their sons.  And now God was asking for this!

     At the time, Abraham did not know what we know.  He had no idea that God was merely testing his love for Him and his obedience to Him.  He did not understand the purpose of God’s request.  In fact, he must have been quite confused: had God not promised that Isaac would be his heir? (Genesis 17:19).  Nonetheless Abraham obeyed.  He was willing to lay down everything for God.  So he immediately took Isaac and headed for Mount Moriah, just as God had told him.  He prepared everything for the sacrifice, as he had done so many times before when he had offered up the very best of his livestock to God.  Yet this time Abraham was laying something far greater on the altar.  This sacrifice was even greater than his own life – he was giving his heart. 

     As Abraham raised his knife ready to kill Isaac, God spoke to him.  “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld you son, your only son, from Me.”  Abraham had passed the test, because his love for God and his fear of God were greater than any gift God could ever have given Him – even Isaac.  Therefore he was called the friend of God. 

     So often we hold on to things that we deem precious.  Like Abraham, we may have been blessed by God with good gifts: a family, a career, or even a ministry.  We appreciate God for His blessings.  We continually thank Him for what He has done for us, but somehow our affection is shifted from the giver to the gift.  God’s presence somehow becomes dispensable, now that we have what we asked for.   We neglect to seek His face, because we are too busy enjoying His benefits. 

      Are you a friend of God?  If He were to test you today, as He did Abraham, would you pass the test?  Is God telling you to let go of something that He knows is more precious to you than His presence?  Where do you need to make sacrifices for God?  What do you need to lay on God’s altar to remain close to Him?

     Maybe you already feel far from God.  Maybe you feel He doesn’t care about you.  Could it be that you are living in disobedience to His will?  Is your heart attached to things that God calls sinful, things that separate you from His presence?  If so, it is time to repent – to turn to Him and to surrender your heart to Him.  As you do so, you will receive new life and hope in Jesus, the Son of God who laid down His life for you.  

Pastor Konrad

April 2016 newsletter

He’s alive!

      In Luke 24, we read about two of Jesus’ disciples who were walking from Jerusalem to a village called Emmaus three days after their teacher had been executed.  They were confused and discouraged, as they had hoped that Jesus was the one who would redeem Israel and establish God’s kingdom.  However, His arrest and crucifixion had dashed all their hopes.  And since then they had heard that some of their fellow disciples who had been to the grave had found it empty. 

     As they were walking and discussing what had taken place over the past days, Jesus joined them and enquired about their conversation, but their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know Him. (v.16).  Surprised at His apparent ignorance regarding these recent events, one of them, Cleopas, asked if He had not heard what had happened in Jerusalem concerning the mighty prophet of God Jesus of Nazareth.  To this Jesus replied, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” (v.25-26) Then He proceeded to explained to them the prophecies in the Scriptures concerning the fulfilment of God’s purpose through His death and resurrection. 

     When the two disciples reached their destination, they invited Jesus to stay with them for the night, still unaware that it was Him.  Yet when they sat down to eat and He blessed the bread and broke it and gave it to them, their eyes were opened and they recognised Him.  He had truly risen from the dead, as He had foretold!  And as soon as they recognised Him He vanished from their sight. (v.31)  In a moment of encounter with Him, despair turned into joy.  Now they knew that He was alive and that He would always be with them.  And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?” (v.32)

     Jesus is alive today.  He is with us by His Spirit.  Just as He opened up the Scriptures to these two disciples, He wants to open up His word to us.  Just as He opened their spiritual eyes and showed Himself to them when He broke bread, He wants to reveal Himself to us, even in our darkest moments of despair. 

     In His second letter, the apostle Peter writes, And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.  (1:19)  God’s word is inspired by His Spirit; it is the very breath of God that gives life and hope to all who receive it, and it reveals the risen Saviour to them.  (v.20-21)  Let us treasure God’s word.  Let us read it and allow the Holy Spirit to open it up to us.  When everything around us seems bleak and all hope seems gone, let us meet the living Jesus through His precious word.  He will turn sorrow into joy and give hope and peace in the midst of discouragement and confusion.        

Pastor Konrad

March 2016 newsletter

HIStory

 The apostle Paul writes in His letter to the church at Colossae concerning Jesus Christ, “… it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or in heaven, having made peace through the blood of the cross. (Colossians 1:19-20)

    In the month of March, we will once again celebrate Easter in remembrance of the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  

    We can think of many individuals and events that made history – that set something in motion which could never again be reversed.  Kingdoms that were once great came to nothing, as others took their place.  Inventions and discoveries changed the course of human existence.  All these events took place in the physical realm; they could therefore only affect the history of the physical world, and only for a time.  Mighty leaders eventually died and new ones arose.  And so the story continued.

    On the day, however, when Jesus gave His life on Calvary, the course of history was changed forever – in the unseen, spiritual realm.  That very hour marked a change for all eternity.  Through Jesus’ death, a lost world without hope had been redeemed.  The rule of Satan, which had brought so much wickedness and despair to mankind, had come to an end.  Men and women no longer had to remain subject to his evil devices. 

    God’s own Son had paid the penalty for our guilt.  He alone was without sin, and therefore He alone was able to pay for our redemption through His blood.  By His sacrifice on the cross, He triumphed over all the powers of Satan on our behalf (Col. 2:15). 

    And His story doesn’t end there.  On the third day Jesus rose again from the dead, demonstrating the power of God through His resurrection and raising us up with Him to new life (Col. 2:12-13).  Because of this single event, we have now been saved from sin and death and have received the hope of our own resurrection to eternal life.  This is the only event that truly changed history - forever.  The real issues of victory and defeat are not decided on physical battlefields, but in the spiritual realm.  Through Jesus’ resurrection, that ultimate war has been won on behalf of mankind.  Victory over sin and Satan is for all those who will believe it and receive it. 

    As we remember the events of Calvary, let us look to our Saviour, knowing that He has already overcome the world for us!  Now He is calling us to bring His story to our community.  By His grace, we can bring the promise of eternal life to others!  

Pastor Konrad

February 2016 newsletter

One body

 I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.  But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. (Ephesians 4:1-7)    

Writing from prison in Rome, the apostle Paul admonishes the believers in Philippi to live in a way that honours God.  Their attitude towards one another is to be characterised by humility and love.  In everything they do, they must be motivated by a desire for unity within the body of Christ, the church.  After all, God is one, and He has called them – and us today – in one hope.  We all are children of one heavenly Father, who is above all and – by His Spirit – lives in us all.  And it is through His Spirit that we are united in one body.

     Being one, however, does not mean that we are all the same.  God, in His wisdom, has given to each of us different gifts according to His grace.  We are called and endowed with gifts not because of our merit or our own efforts; God distributes His gifts as He Himself chooses.       

     And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head - Christ - from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:11-15). 

     Paul points out that God has called some to lead within the body of Christ.  These leaders are not the head of the body; Christ Himself is the head.  It is He who calls each individual and places them in the body according to His will.  It is He who directs the body to function as He desires.  So then what is the purpose of leadership within the church?

     Paul explains that the role of leaders is to equip the individual members of the body, the saints, for the work of the ministry to which God has called them.  They do so by teaching the truth of God’s Word to those they lead.  As each member grows in the knowledge of Christ and discovers his/her God-given place in the body, the whole body can grow into the “perfect man” that God desires it to be.   

      Like members of a physical body, each member of the church has a particular role and purpose that only he/she can fulfil.  Thus each member is equally important.  If one fails to function in his/her role, the whole body lacks as a result.  But if each member does his/her share as Christ, the head, directs the body is built up in unity and love to the glory of God. 

     What is your place?  What is your calling?  What gifts has God bestowed on you?  Are you determined to do your share in His body?  Are you asking Him to reveal to you what ministry He has called you to?  Are you looking for an opportunity to develop the gifts God has given you?  There are many things to do in church.  Some roles and functions may be more conspicuous than others, but they all work together for the building up of Christ’s body. 

     Over the past year we have been looking at spiritual gifts and callings in our small groups and also with our youth in NCounter and in our leadership training.  This year, I believe, we will see the release of gifts and callings in a completely new way.  What about you?  Will you be part of what God is doing?  Will you seek God to discover your calling and use it for the benefit of His body?  Will you speak to your leadership to find out how you can use your gifts effectively?                                                                     

Pastor Konrad

January 2016 newsletter

By the Spirit of the Lord  

 This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,”
Says the Lord of hosts.  “Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of “‘Grace, grace to it!’” (Zechariah 4:6-7)

     In a vision, God shows the prophet Zechariah two olive trees from which oil flows into a bowel, which in turn feeds a golden lampstand.  Through seven pipes, the oil flows to the seven lamps of the lampstand.  God then explains the vision to the prophet: the oil represents the anointing of God’s Holy Spirit.  It is in His power that God’s people need to trust, rather than in their own strength and ability.

     Zechariah prophesied to the people of Judah who had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon under the leadership of Zerubbabel in the late 6th century B.C.  After 70 years of captivity, they were finally back in their homeland, only to find the city in ruins and the temple of God reduced to rubble.  Rebuilding the city and the House of God would prove an almost impossible task.  It is in this desperate situation that God speaks to the people and their leader through the mouth of the prophet to encourage them.  If they will only depend on His power rather than their own, they will be able to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.  God will make the mountain that stands in the way as a plain, and they will be able to complete the building of His House by His grace.

     Like the people of Judah at the time, we too face new situations, as we enter into a new year.  In 2016, there will be mountains in our way that seem to stop us from moving forward – in our careers, in the work of the church, and – most importantly – in our personal spiritual lives.  We have a spiritual enemy who does not want us to progress, and he will do what he can to hold us up and discourage us.  In our own strength and ability, we have nothing to overcome the obstacles he puts in our way.  If, however, we depend on the power of God’s Spirit, every mountain will have to move out of our way and every purpose that God has called us to will be accomplished.  Like Zerubbabel, we will raise the capstone to complete the task that God has set before us.  We must only remember, it is not by might nor by power, but by God’s Spirit that we will triumph.  Therefore we must constantly place ourselves in the position where we can receive the flow of God’s anointing.   

     The 1st Century church understood this truth.  That is why they waited patiently for that first outpouring of God’s Spirit on the day of Pentecost.  Once they had been baptised in the Holy Spirit, they continued to depend on His power as they went and did what God had called them to do: to go and make disciples of all the nations, to baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to observe all things that Jesus had commanded them.  And as they did so, Jesus kept His promise to be with them “always, even to the end of the age.”

     Like every new year, we will begin 2016 with a series of prayer meetings.  Let us assemble together and seek God’s anointing so we can overcome – so every mountain will be turned into a plain and every purpose of God for our lives, our families, our church, and our community will be fulfilled                        

Pastor Konrad   

Newsletter December 2015

The coming of the King

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:26-33)

The announcement of Jesus’ birth was the initiation of a new era.  The Son of God would come to earth to establish a new kingdom.  This kingdom would not be like any other kingdom; it would be a heavenly kingdom on earth – His spiritual reign over a natural world. 

     Since the Fall of Adam, the human race had been spiritually dead.  Man had lost the dominion he had held over Creation until the Fall.  The entire human race had become subject to the spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 2:2-3).  Jesus, however, was conceived by God’s Spirit and born of a virgin; thus He was truly man yet, at the same time, truly God.  All God’s fullness dwelt in Him bodily (Colossians 2:9).  He came from heaven to earth to reclaim dominion over creation from the devil.  He demonstrated His authority by healing the sick, by casting out demons, and by commanding even the wind and the waves to cease. 

     Yet Jesus’ ministry did not end there.  The ultimate purpose of His coming was to redeem humanity to God.  He stepped out of eternity into time to lay down His sinless life for a lost world.  He took our guilt upon Himself so that we could be free from the power of sin and Satan.  He died so we could have life – spiritual life.  Through His death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection, He triumphed on our behalf over the principalities and powers that had for so long ruled on earth. 

     All who will put their faith in Him to receive forgiveness and new birth through His sacrifice on Calvary are reconciled to God and adopted into His family.  As a result, they become heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).  Christ comes to dwell in them by His Spirit (Colossians 1:27) and the spiritual dominion that was lost when Adam sinned is restored to them.  They have become God’s agents to extend His kingdom in this world – through their prayers, through their actions, and through their testimony.  

     Have you been born again by God’s Spirit?  Do you know Jesus as your Saviour?  Do you live in the power of His Presence?  Then, as a child of God and a servant of the King, do you share the wonderful truth of His kingdom with those around you?  Do you pray for His kingdom to come in their lives?  Do your actions reflect the glory of the King?

     Pastor Konrad

 Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King.

   Happy Christmas!

November 2015 newsletter

Fellowship

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life— 2 the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:1-4)

     In this opening statement of his letter, the apostle John describes the intimate fellowship he had with Jesus during His time on earth.  The Word of Life, Jesus, came from the heavenly Father and was manifested to John and his fellow disciples.  They were able to see Him, hear Him, and even touch Him.  As reliable witnesses, they were therefore able to declare Him to those who had not had this experience.  However, John goes on to say that his reason for writing is that they might share that same fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ – now.  And as a result of this fellowship, they would experience complete joy.

     Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit with Jesus, to look in His eyes, and to hear His voice opening up to you the mysteries of the kingdom of God?  Have you ever imagined what it would be like to share with Him from the depth of your heart, knowing that one touch from Him could meet every need?  Wouldn’t it all be so much easier if He were present with us?  Well, when John wrote these words Jesus had died, risen, and ascended to the Father, and yet John declares in the present tense that his fellowship is with God the Father and with Jesus.

     John understood that Jesus had not gone away.  On the contrary – He was now more present than ever before.  Before going to the cross to die for the sins of the whole world, Jesus had assured them that He would send His Spirit.  That way, He would not merely be with them but in them (John 14:17).  There would not be a moment in their lives that Jesus would be absent (v.18-20).  This is what John meant when he declared, “and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”  He was keenly aware of Jesus’ presence constantly being with him and in him.  Therefore he was always able to call on Jesus for guidance, for strength (both physical and spiritual) and for power to do the works of God (John 14:12-13).

     So is this an experience reserved only for John and the other apostles?  Or is it something only a few chosen men or women of God can enjoy today?  Not at all.  John writes this letter because he wants every one of us to come to the realisation that this kind of intimate fellowship is available to all who believe – including you and me!  He wants us all to know the complete joy that can only come through fellowship with Jesus.  But there is a condition to experiencing such fellowship – obedience.   

     God is light, and those who live in fellowship with Him cannot continue to live in darkness (1 John 1:5-6).  If we love Jesus we must keep His commandments (John 14:15).  If we want to be truly His and enjoy the benefit of intimacy with Him we must endeavour to live according to His will and purpose.  We must make Him Lord of our lives and seek His will, not our own, in everything.  Let us therefore seek direction from His Spirit every day – all day.  … if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)             

Pastor Konrad

October 2015 newsletter

Led by God

So they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham at the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. (Exodus 12:20-22)

     When the Israelites left Egypt, where they had been in bondage for almost 400 years, God led them on their way.  In Moses, He had given them a leader to follow, but He wanted all of them to know that He Himself was showing the way.  That is why He gave them a visible sign of His presence to follow: a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. 

     As children of God today, we too have God’s presence in our lives.  We may not follow a visible cloud that goes before us, but we have God’s Spirit to guide us.  Just like God had a route planned for the Israelites to travel, He has a plan and purpose for us.  He does not leave us to wander about blindly, hoping that somehow we will get where we should be.  God directs our every step by His Spirit – but will we follow?

     The Israelites had their doubts about God’s leading, when they reached the shore of the Red Sea.  Having trusted in God’s leading, they suddenly found themselves closed in with the Egyptians hard on their heels.  What would have gone on in their minds?  Why had God brought them to this place?  Was His plan really to destroy them? 

     We too may be led by the Holy Spirit to a place in our lives where there seems to be no going further.  We may begin to question: was it really God who led me here?  Did I get it wrong?  Or, even worse: does God not care about me?  Has he led me to this place in my life to abandon me?

     The Israelites asked these questions.  They complained to Moses, saying it would have been better for them to stay in bondage rather than die in the wilderness (Exodus 14:11).  Yet God knew what He was doing.  Not long after, they watched from a place of safety, as God caused the water of the Red Sea to come crashing down on their pursuers, killing every one of them.  God had led them to this place, not to destroy them, but their enemies.  He always fights for His own, even if it may not seem so at the moment.

     The apostle Paul could have felt despondent, when he and Silas were beaten and locked up in a Philippian prison with their feet in the stocks (Acts 16:24).  The Holy Spirit had led them to Philippi after preventing them from preaching elsewhere (v.6-10).  Would it not have better to remain in Asia?  Could they not have avoided all this hardship?  Such thoughts never crossed the minds of these men of faith.  They knew that God had brought them there and that He would see them through.  They knew that He had a purpose for them in Philippi.  They planted a fellowship that became the bedrock of God’s church in Europe and supported their missionary endeavours in the whole region.

     Do you sometimes wonder where God has brought you?  Do you question His love and His purpose for your life when things seem difficult?  Well, think again.  As long as we follow God’s leading, He will protect us and fight our battles.  As long as we remain in His will, we will overcome by His power.  God doesn’t leave us to wander about blindly.  He wants to direct our steps in every area of our lives.  We may not always understand what He is doing, but if we trust Him we will experience His loving presence and enter into His purpose, no matter what the circumstances seem to suggest.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God. (Romans 8:14)

                                                                                                                                    Pastor Konrad