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