This content is a transcript of a church service, focusing on themes of faith, God's goodness, and personal relationship with the divine, interspersed with announcements and community updates.
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You are good and your mercy endure forever.
You are good [music and singing] and
You [singing and music] are good and
Lord, you are good [music and singing]
and your mercy endureth forever. people,
people,
people from [music and singing] every
nation and tongue, from generation to
generation. [music]
We worship you.
you. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. We worship
We worship you.
you. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
Hallelujah. We worship
you for who you are.
>> Good morning family. [music] Welcome to
our online service. If this is your
first time with us, welcome. [music]
Hatfield is a church for everyone. A
place to love God, belong, and grow. You
can attend our Sunday services onsite or
online. We've got something for the
whole family, [music] from children to
seniors. Pop a hello in the live chat
and let us know where you're watching us
from. Our team loves hearing from you.
It's a new month, which means that your
February e-link is fresh in your email
inbox. That is if you are already a part
of our mailing list. There's a lot
coming up this month, but I'll share
more on these later. For [music] now,
lean in as we cross live to the service
Good morning church.
So welcome in the house of the Lord. Um
this is the Lord's house where you are
one of his children. So you have
absolute freedom. So, if you could use
that freedom to stand up and to go and
greet somebody else who is part of your
extended family, I would so appreciate that.
It's got the real buzz of a of a family
gathering. Love that.
Pastor Ian is on ministry mic duty. He's
on over on my right hand side, your left
hand side, please. So, welcome to go to
him anytime during the service. As I was
thinking of this morning, I thought we
are coming to the Lord's house. This is
his dwelling place and you are his
children. So, we are actually having a
extended family meeting this morning. In
verse five of Psalm 23, it says, "You
prepare a table before me." The latter
part says, "In the presence of my
enemies." But just the fact that the
Lord prepares a table for us. So he is
ready to meet with us this morning. He
is our host. And as our host, he is ready.
ready.
If we can prepare our own hearts to be
ready to to dine with him, to come right
into the house, we don't have to be
outside. We are not sitting
on the stoop today. We are right inside
the banqueting table in the dining room.
And the Lord has prepared a meal for us.
I wanted to commend those who are here
who are on time for the for the meal
served for you. When you're invited, you
do not want to arrive when dessert is
served. [music] So, you are here right
at the beginning. And the Lord, our
gracious host, he is ready right from
the beginning to [music] to serve us and
to meet our needs. So, let me pray for
us as we as we get ready to see what he
will serve us today. Father, thank you
for your presence. Thank you that you
have invited us to come ever deeper. We
do not have to stay [music] on the
outskirts of your property. You invite
us right to your table and you have
prepared for us today. You you know what
you would love to serve us. You have it
ready and we are seated. We are not distracted.
distracted.
We are ready to engage. We are sitting
opposite you. We locking eyes
in our worship time. We we are
intentional to pay attention to what you
would say to us.
Thank you that you,
the King of the universe, choose to dine
with us, choose to invite us [music] to
your table.
You don't meet with us in in public
places. You bring us right into your
inner inner sanctuary.
We are known by you and we are welcomed.
We are welcomed.
Thank you for that. Will you speak to us
and will you help us to listen
Good morning family.
Let's worship the Lord together with our
singing and our music
Give thanks to the Lord [music] our God
and King. His love endures forever.
For he is [singing and music] good. He
is above all things. His love endures forever.
forever.
Sing [music and singing] praise.
>> With a mighty [music] hand and
outstretched [singing] arm, his love
endures [music] forever.
For the life that's been [music] reborn
[singing] is love and yours forever.
Sing [singing] praise. [music]
Sing praise. [music]
[music]
Forever. God is faithful.
Forever. God is strong
forever. [music and singing]
God is with us forever
and ever. Forever.
>> From the rising to the setting sun [music]
[music]
is love [singing] and forever.
And by the [music] grace of God, we will
carry on. His love endures [music]
forever. [singing]
Sing praise.
Sing praise.
Forever. God is faithful.
Forever. [music and singing]
God is strong.
Forever. God is with us.
Forever [singing and music] and ever.
Forever God is faithful. [music]
Forever [singing] God is strong.
Forever [music]
God is with us. Forever
and [music] ever. [singing] Forever.
He [singing] is faithful.
He is [singing] glorious. And he [music]
is Jesus. [singing]
And all our hope is [music] in him. He
is freom. [music] He is healing right
now. He is hope and joy and love and
peace [music] and life. is faithful. He
is faithful.
He [music]
is glorious. [singing] And he is Jesus.
[music] And all our hope is in him. He
is freom.
[music and singing] He is healing right
now. He is hope and joy and love and
Oh,
I have heard a sound.
I have heard a sound [music]
coming on the wind.
Changing hearts [music] and minds,
healing [singing] brokenness.
I feel a generation
breaking [music] through despair.
I hear a [singing] generation
full [music] of faith declare.
[music]
>> Out of the darkness we will [singing]
rise and sing.
>> He is faithful.
He is [music] glorious and [singing] he
is Jesus. [music]
And all our hope is [singing] in him. He
[music] is freom.
He is healing right [music and singing]
now. He is hope and joy and love and
I have seen light.
I have seen a light
like a break of dawn.
[singing and music] Giving a blind man's sight
sight
and letting lame men walk.
Here a [music and singing] generation
with resurrection life.
life.
We are a [music and singing] generation filled.
filled.
>> I see a generation. [music]
with [music] resurrection
life. [singing] We are We are a
generation [music]
filled with the [singing] power of
Christ. [music]
And our song it will be [music]
[music]
>> out of [singing] the darkness we will rise.
rise.
Sing [music] it all.
>> out of the darkness we will [music and singing]
[music and singing]
rise and sing.
>> He is [music] faithful.
He is glorious [singing]
and he is Jesus. [music]
And all our hope is in him. He is freom.
He is healing [music] right [singing]
now. He is hope and joy and love and
peace [music and singing] and life is
faithful. He is faithful.
He is glorious. [singing]
[music] And he is Jesus
all. Our hope is in him. He is freom. [music and singing]
[music and singing]
He is healing right [singing] now. He is
hope and joy and love and peace [music]
and alive.
Forever God is faithful.
Forever [music]
God is strong.
Forever God [singing] is with us.
Forever [music]
and ever.
Forever [singing]
God is faithful.
Forever [music]
God is strong.
Forever God is with us. Forever [music and singing]
[music and singing]
and ever. Forever.
His love [singing] endures forever. His
love endures [music]
forever. [singing]
>> His love endures forever.
>> His love [music and singing] endures forever.
forever.
>> His love endures forever.
>> His love [music and singing] endures forever.
forever.
>> His love endures forever.
>> His love endures forever.
Sing praise.
Sing praise.
Sing praise.
Sing praise. [singing]
Sing praise. [singing]
my soul and sing his praise aloud. [singing]
[singing]
Awake my soul and sing. Sing his praise [singing]
[singing] aloud.
aloud.
Oh, there's so much joy [music] this morning.
morning.
There is a sound I love to hear. It's
the sound of the [singing and music]
Savior's robe as he walk into the room
where people pray [music and singing]
where he praises faith.
[music] There is a sound I love to hear.
It's a sound of [music and singing] the
Savior's robe as he walk into the room
where people pray. When we he worship
his faith. Oh,
Oh,
where we worship his [singing] faith. Oh,
wake my [singing] soul and sing. Sing
his praise aloud.
Awake my [music and singing] soul and
sing. Sing his praise aloud.
There is a [music] sound that changes
things. It's the sound of the people on
[music and singing] their knees. Oh,
wake up. You're suffering.
It's time to worship him. [music]
Oh, make my soul [singing]
and sing. Sing his praise aloud. [music]
Awake [music]
[singing] my soul and sing his praise [music]
[music]
[singing] aloud.
And when he moves and when we [music]
pray, we're stood the alone [singing]
now stands away. Where every promise is
And when he moves, make no mistake, the
bounds of hell [music] begin to shake.
fall down on your knees. Let's worship him.
him. Hey,
Hey,
let us praise rise up. [music]
Hey, hey, hey, hey,
oh, let the [music] King of glory enter. Hey,
Hey,
ho. [music] Fall down on your knees.
we lift you up. We lift you up. We lift
you up.
We lift you up. We lift you up. We lift
you up.
Oh, we lift you up. We lift [music] you
up. We lift you up.
Oh, wait. [singing]
My soul sing
my soul
sing [music] praise th >> [singing]
>> [singing]
Lord, you're worthy of our praise.
You are worthy [music] of our worship.
Jesus, your name is high and exalted
above every other name.
And this morning, Lord, we declare
our love for you
Worthy is [singing] your name, Jesus.
Jesus. [singing]
[singing]
You deserve the praise.
Worthy is your name.
Worthy [singing and music] is your name, Jesus.
You deserve the praise.
Worthy is [singing] your listen.
Worthy is your name.
you deserve the praise,
[music] worthy is your name.
Worthy [singing] is your name.
you [music] deserve the praise.
>> It was my cross you bore [music and singing]
[music and singing]
so I could live in the freom [singing]
And now my [singing and music]
life is yours.
And I will sing of your goodness
Cuz worthy is your name,
Jesus. [music] [singing]
You deserve the praise. [music]
Worthy is your name.
Worthy is [music and singing] your name, Jesus.
Jesus. [singing]
[singing]
You deserve the praise.
>> And now my shame is gone.
I stand amazed.
In your love I'm deniable. [singing] [music]
Your grace goes [music and singing] on.
and I will sing
of your goodness
forever more. Worthy [music and singing]
is your name, Jesus,
Jesus, [music]
[music]
you deserve [singing]
the praise.
Worthy [music] is your name.
Worthy [singing] is your name,
You deserve the [music] praise.
Be exalted now in the heavens as your
glories this place. You alone deserve
our [singing] praise. You're the name
above all names. Be [music and singing]
exalted now in the heavens as your glory
fills [music] this place. You alone sell
our praise. You're the name
[music and singing] above all names. Be
exalted now [music] in the heavens. As
your glory fills this [singing] place,
you alone [music]
deserve our praise. You're the name
[singing] above all names. Be exalted
[music] now in the heavens as your glory
fills this place. [music]
We alone [singing] deserve our praise.
you. [music] You're the name above all.
We worship you. [music] You're the name
>> [music]
be exalted [singing]
now in the heavens. As your glory fills
[music] this place, you alone deserve
our [singing] praise. You're the name
above [music]
all names. Be exalted now [singing] in
the heavens as your glory fills this
[music] place. You alone [singing]
deserve our praise. You're the name
above all names. [music]
be exalted now [singing] in heaven. As
deserve our praise in your name above.
We exalted now [music]
this praise. You alone deserve our
praise. You're the name [music] above
all name. >> [singing]
[music] [applause]
>> I think it's beyond us to [music] to
understand that this is what we'll be
doing in heaven
apart from a few other things but this
is what we'll be doing in heaven for
[music] eternity.
exalting his name,
And it's because of this place and this
Because we humble ourselves and we
submit our lives to him, [music]
we can believe for things.
It's from a place of relationship, from
So this morning, I want to encourage you
as we sing this next song. Bring your
prayers and petitions to the Lord.
Bring your desires and your dreams to
the Lord.
They [singing] say this mountain [music]
but [singing and music] they don't know
we've heard that there [singing] is no
We've heard [music and singing] the tide
They [music] haven't [singing] seen what
you can do.
There is [music and singing] power
So [music] much power
Move [singing] the immovable. [music]
Break the unbreakable.
God we [singing and music] believe.
God we believe for it. from the
We'll see a miracle.
God, we believe. [singing] [music]
[music]
Oh, we [music] do, Lord. We believe for
it. We believe
for there is still [music and singing]
an empty grave.
>> Thank you Lord.
>> God we believe no matter what
what
there is [music and singing] power
So [music] much power [singing] in your name.
name. [music]
Break [music] the unbreakable.
God we believe.
And God we believe for it. from
[music and singing] the impossible.
We'll see a miracle.
God we [singing and music] believe.
God we believe for it. Move the [music]
[singing] immovable.
Break the unbreakable.
God we [singing] believe for it. From
[music] the impossible,
we'll see [singing] a miracle.
God, [music] we believe. [singing]
Let me hear you sing. You are the way.
You love
>> We trust in you. [music]
You are the [singing] way where there
seems to be no way.
We trust [music] in you, God. You have
You are the [music] way where there
seems to be no [singing] way.
We trust [music] in you, God. You have
Jesus,
>> please do not sit down. We are
continuing [music] with what we are
declaring that there is nothing
impossible in the name of Jesus.
Last week,
last week we prayed into some family
situations. I want us to as we continue
the song to to pray into that again to
remember the thing the impossible thing
that you prayed for last week in your
family [music] to continue to pray into
that. I also wanted to say that I had a
sense that there are people in the room
who have come to the Lord's house but
you are not yet sitting at his table at
the dining table. So as we trust for our
family members who are not yet in the
house, for you to come closer, for you
to come right to where you can sit with
the Lord. Maybe the impossible thing
that keeps you away from that is shame.
Maybe it is guilt. Maybe it is fear. If
you can bring that to the Lord and and
trust him for the impossible as we
continue to to sing, but to do that with
the things in your family that you are
Move the [singing]
break the unbreakable.
God [singing and music] we believe.
God, we believe for it [music] from the [singing]
[singing] impossible.
impossible.
We'll see a miracle.
God, we believe.
God, we [singing]
believe for it. Move the immovable, [music]
[music]
God, [music] we believe.
God, we [singing] believe for it. From
the impossible, [music]
we'll see a miracle.
God, we believe.
God, [singing and music] we believe forever.
[music] [applause]
>> [music]
>> Lord, we believe in your word and that
it's true.
And so as we confess now, we trust you
even more. Lord,
you [singing] said it.
It is.
[music] You [singing] said it.
I believe it. >> [snorts]
>> [snorts]
>> You said [music] [singing]
it is done.
You said [singing]
it and I believe
it. You [singing] said it.
It is [music] done.
You said it and I believe it.
it.
You said [music]
it. It is done. [singing]
You [music]
said it. And I believe
you [music and singing] said
it is done. [music] [singing]
>> Move the immovable. [singing]
Break the unbreakable. [music]
God we [singing] believe.
>> God we believe for [singing] it from
[music] the impossible.
We'll [singing] see a miracle.
God, we believe [music] for [singing] it.
it. >> Father,
>> Father, [applause]
[applause]
if you can just remain standing,
if you can remain standing in agreement
with me as I pray for us. Father, thank
you for your power.
Thank you that you are able to move
mountains in our lives. Father, thank
you that you are able to move the
mountain of shame,
the mountain of guilt. You are able to
do the impossible to draw us close to
you. Father, thank you that that you
have paid the price for us to be in
right standing with you. That when you
look at us, you do not look at our past.
You do not look at the things that that
makes us feel guilty that keeps us away
from you. You look at the lamb, the
spotless lamb. Thank you, Lord, that we
can be in right standing with you
because of that. Thank you, Father, that
you are breaking the chains, the
shackles of shame and guilt over each
life here today. Father, thank you that
we can come close. We can come right
into your house, right into your throne
room. We can come right onto your lap,
Father Lord, because you have done
everything that is needed so that we can
Thank you for your blood, Jesus.
Thank you for the forgiveness of sin.
Thank you that you separate us as far as
the east is from the west and that you
choose to forget. You choose to forget
[music] because you have forgiven us completely.
completely.
And we can come to you in freedom. We
can come to you in joy.
We can come to you as children, as
Amen. Amen. Amen. >> [applause]
>> We celebrate the freedom we have in the
Lord because of what he did through Jesus.
As you prepare in your heart for us to
to give to the Lord this morning, the
thought I had was to go back to Psalm
23. I started with Psalm 23 just talking
about the Lord's house and that he
invited us to his table. But the thought
I had was that when he sets a table
before us and he prepares everything, he
gives us more than what we need. He
gives us enough to be generous.
The last verse in Psalm 23 says,
"Surely, surely, surely your goodness
and your mercy will follow me
and I will live in the house of the
Lord." So the Lord's goodness and his
mercy follows us in all areas of our
lives, in our soul spaces where we need
rest and where we need freedom, but also
in places of freedom in our finances so
that we can be generous towards him. And
I thought like with the feeding of the
5000, when we sit down for a meal with
Jesus, we always end up with more than
enough. So that's what I want to pray
for us for as we think of our finances
that we will see it in the Lord's hand
and as he breaks it and gives it to us
and as we give to him it will multiply
and we will have more than enough to
live generously. So if you can prepare
in your hand if you have cash but to
keep in your mind that that you have
already given or if you intend to give
this morning um to keep it in your
mind's eye and let me pray for that.
Father, thank you for a people who are
called by your name. Thank you for a
people who are shepherded by you. And
because we are shepherded by you, we
have enough. And when we trust you and
when we surrender our our everything to
you, our lives, including our finances,
you you make sure that we have enough
enough to be generous, enough to to
give, enough to to not hold back from you.
you.
Thank you for each person that has
already given and for those who will be
giving this morning. I pray your
blessing over each person. And I pray
for those who are trusting you for their
financial provision, who are trusting
you for employment that you Lord would
meet their needs
so that they can give and so that they
can walk in the goodness and in the
mercy of the Lord. Thank you that your
goodness and mercy is not limited to our
finances. We are so grateful for that
Lord in Jesus name. Amen.
You are so welcome to pass the bags
within the auditorium. If you are
online, the details for giving will be
appearing on your screen. If you are
giving in in the online space, you can
give online EFT. The snapscan QR code
will be on a seat close to you. You are
so welcome to make use of the different
[music] ways that you can contribute to
This morning we had baptism before the
service and we had 18 people get baptized.
We
we applaud them. [applause] We really
applaud them for their obedience and for
taking these very public steps in
declaring their faith as they walk with
the Lord and [music]
as they get baptized.
If you are a visitor with us this
morning, I really would love to invite
you to meet with me and our team after
the service in the connect lounge. Um
the connect lounge is a venue. As you go
through the doors at the back, you will
see the banner and the team on your left
hand side. And it's really a space for
us to just introduce you to who we are
as a family. It's a quick introduction
over coffee where you can have the
opportunity to ask your questions and
where we can explain to you how you can
become a part of this family. We really
would not want you to be a visitor
forever, but for you to come and get
plugged in and to become a part of our
extended family. So, if you could please
join me directly after the service in
the foyer hall.
Today in the service we have the year of
Year of your life is our disciplehip
year. It's a gap year that we as a
church have been running for many many
decades. Many people have been discipled
through it and it's always a privilege
to invite the new people, the new
students. If you could stand, I would
really love to to pray for you.
these are the students and the leaders.
If you are close to them, you're welcome
to go lay a hand on them. Or if you are
not close, just to stretch your hand out
as I do a short prayer for them. Father,
thank you for these ones who are
presenting themselves to be changed
forever by you, Jesus. You invited your
disciples to come and see. We pray that
this year will be a a sacred invitation
to them, a sacred invitation to come and
see who you are primarily and to
discover who they are in you.
When the way feels uncertain, remind
them that your word is a lamp to their
feet and a light to their path. Holy
Spirit, be their companion and teacher.
Stretch them in love, anchor them in
truth, and give them the courage to be
transformed and not to conform. shape
their character, deepen their
compassion, and root them deeply and
firmly in your love. So that whatever
comes next for them, they may walk
humbly and act justly and love mercy
with you. May they grow in wisdom, in
stature, and in favor with you and with
others in Jesus name. Amen.
We will give >> [applause]
>> [applause]
>> We will give our attention now to the
recorded announcement where Leticia will
be sharing some opportunities for you to
Happy Sunday and first day of the month
family. We have lots in store for you
this February. We kick things off with
Epic hosted by our Hatfield young adults
this year. Epic is open to all tertiary
students, not just first years. And it's
designed to help you build community,
strengthen your faith, and ignite your
purpose for the year ahead. We've got
something exciting launching in the
campus ministry space. And we want you
to be a part of it. You'll hear from
Zentle TwoA, the Impact Radio Morning
Show host, and a panel tackling what it
takes to ignite your spiritual,
academic, and personal life as we live
it out on campus and in everyday
moments. It's happening Saturday, the
28th of February in the Minor
Auditorium. Entrance is free and doors
for the main event open at 300 p.m.
followed by food stalls and community
vibes until 900 p.m. So come hungry and
don't forget your money. Hatfield women,
it's that time of the year again. Our
annual women coffee conversations is
happening this March. In a world that
constantly shifts, God offers us hope
that is firm and secure. So join us for
a morning of connection, worship, and
honest engagement as we explore what it
means to be anchored in Christ. The
morning is for women only on Saturday
the 14th of March at 8:30 a.m. in the
main auditorium. Tickets are on sale at
90 rand per person from today directly
after our Sunday service or online via
cricket. We do ask that you please take
note that child care is not provided.
Lastly, you know what they say about
dynamite coming in small packages. Well,
February might be the shortest month,
but it certainly offers plenty of
opportunities for you, our Hatfield
family. We have our Hatfield singles
connect, the money course, becoming one,
child education, Hatfield men's bri, the
business people's gathering, and life
changes, all happening this month. So,
make sure to regularly visit the
happening at Hatfield section on our
website homepage for more details on any
of the events or courses that have piqu
>> Good morning family.
I'm sure most of you have heard by now
this just the sad news of the passing of
pastor Harry Kukamur on uh Wednesday
morning in this week. Pastor Harry's and
uh has been part of our community since 1970
1970
and him and Winnie actually got married
onto Winnie 1972
in Hatfield and and uh they've also then
joined on our pastoral staff 1980 and he
served they served full-time as pastors
until 2013 which is in other words for
33 years served on our team. Harry will
always be remembered for his love for
the Lord Jesus and his love for God's
people, his preaching, his teaching, the
way he just spent time with people. And
many, many of our current leaders in our
church can actually testify to his
mentoring in their life, the journey
he's walked with them, the the way that
he just always had opportunity and space
to spend time with people. I can
certainly attestify to that ourselves.
Natasha and I had the privilege of being
taught by Harry and just walking
alongside him for for for many many
years. Uh we we just so thankful for the
legacy that he left in our church, but
his passing is obviously very very sad
for us. So this this coming Friday,
we'll have the memorial service take
place here at Hatfield at 11:00 on
Friday morning. And uh our hearts and
prayers obviously go out to Auntie
Winnie, to Hunley, Michelle, Christy,
and to Lucia, their granddaughter. And
we trust that they will experience the
Lord's comfort, but also for all of us
that will miss Harry. Can we pray for
the family and particularly uh you know,
when we when we in these moments, it's
their sadness, but we're also so
thankful. Um the last couple of times
that I spent with Pastor Harry, he was
just wanted to be with Jesus. That's
all. Just wanted to go home to be with
Jesus. And that's where he is now. And
he is happy and excited and part of the
welcoming committee that we will one day
face when we go to heaven also. So let's
just pray for them as a family. And
Lord, we thank you for wonderful servants,
servants,
people that live their lives, that give,
that share, that use the opportunities
to make a difference. And certainly
Harry has that been that in our
community. He's been a stalwart of so
much of who we are and what we believe.
And we honor him and we thank you for
his legacy. We pray today for his
family, those closest to him. We speak
your favor, your blessing, your grace,
and your comfort over them in this time
as they celebrate his life, but also
mourn the loss of uh of his presence in
their midst and in their homes. And we
just thank you, Father, for just being
with them, walking with them, and uh we
speak every blessing over them in Jesus
name. Amen. Amen. This morning, I'd also
like to take make use of this
opportunity just to pray and uh for some
of the changes we have particularly uh
in our ministry spaces. We this morning
are going to anoint two new full-time
pastors that have joined our team. So,
I'm going to ask them to come on stage
with me, Pastor Clarence and uh Pastor
Seth that have joined our team. So, come
Along with them, we also have two
volunteer pastors that have joined our
team as volunteers. David Anthony that's
here can come and join. Come will you
come on stage with me. And u [applause]
Brian Ratif that moved from full-time
employment in the church involved in the
going hub has now taken on other spaces
and he's also joining our team as a
volunteer pastor. Brian's not here this
morning so it'll be great to have him as
part of the team. Then also some
movements just in in in our other
ministry spaces. Skull and Vida would
like them to join us. They are the year
of your life leaders [applause]
and they will continue to hear of the
lead the year of your life with the team
of people that support them but they
actually taking the lead in leading our
reverbians our high schoolers. So that's
a wonderful thing. And obviously, you
know, it's a big year for them with
family also coming along, little one. So
we're excited for that. And then lastly,
I'm going to ask Mommy Yala to join us.
Mama Yala used to lead Reverb. [applause]
[applause]
Um but now he is uh taking over the
young adults in the evening services. So [applause]
[applause]
we just thankful for great leaders, new
opportunity. I'm supposed to tell the
exec to come and join me on stage to
pray for exec team please come and join
me on stage pray for them and uh won't
you stretch out your hands to them and
we just want to say we so thankful for
your hearts for your obedience for the
servants that you are and for this is a
is not a new thing you've all been
serving in so faithfully in our
community and we all recognize just your
gifting we recognize your the the way
the Lord has used you and we pray that
he will continue to use you and even new and special way. So, won't you stretch
and special way. So, won't you stretch out your hands to them? Father, we thank
out your hands to them? Father, we thank you for these gifts that you have given
you for these gifts that you have given to our community. Thank you for every
to our community. Thank you for every one of them that has responded to a call
one of them that has responded to a call and have said yes to serve you, not now,
and have said yes to serve you, not now, but many, many years ago in their lives
but many, many years ago in their lives and they've been faithfully serving you.
and they've been faithfully serving you. And this is the point where they've come
And this is the point where they've come to now. And this is the opportunity.
to now. And this is the opportunity. This is the space where for this season
This is the space where for this season they step into. And we pray for an
they step into. And we pray for an anointing upon them, Lord, for the task
anointing upon them, Lord, for the task that they're taking up in Jesus name. We
that they're taking up in Jesus name. We pray, Lord, that this will not be a yoke
pray, Lord, that this will not be a yoke or a burden that becomes too heavy for
or a burden that becomes too heavy for them, but that they will carry this in
them, but that they will carry this in the in the presence and in the comfort
the in the presence and in the comfort and in the grace and the working of the
and in the grace and the working of the Holy Spirit in them and through them. We
Holy Spirit in them and through them. We welcome them and embrace them as leaders
welcome them and embrace them as leaders in each of their spaces. And we say,
in each of their spaces. And we say, Lord, we will work with them. We will
Lord, we will work with them. We will support them. We will follow them where
support them. We will follow them where where it's appropriate and we will
where it's appropriate and we will submit to your grace that flows through
submit to your grace that flows through their lives and we honor them today and
their lives and we honor them today and we bless them in the name of the father
we bless them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit
and of the son and of the holy spirit and we all together say amen and amen
and we all together say amen and amen and amen. So thank you so much donkey.
and amen. So thank you so much donkey. [applause]
Won't you say to the person next to you, "You look beautiful."
Because and I and I want you to mean it because the person you say it to might
because the person you say it to might not have had power this morning when
not have had power this morning when they woke up and got dressed to church.
they woke up and got dressed to church. Don't smell them. Just say you look
Don't smell them. Just say you look beautiful.
beautiful. If their hair is combed, tell them you
If their hair is combed, tell them you are awesome. And uh sorry for those that
are awesome. And uh sorry for those that only got power last night and many that
only got power last night and many that still doesn't have power this morning.
still doesn't have power this morning. We've started a journey on talking about
We've started a journey on talking about faith and today we're actually
faith and today we're actually officially starting the series about
officially starting the series about faith but we've been busy with it for a
faith but we've been busy with it for a couple of weeks already. So it's sort of
couple of weeks already. So it's sort of flowing into this series.
flowing into this series. I the reason I I felt part of the reason
I the reason I I felt part of the reason to talk about faith is because I wanted
to talk about faith is because I wanted in my own life and I'd love for us as a
in my own life and I'd love for us as a community to have opportunity to say are
community to have opportunity to say are we sure that what we what we mean when
we sure that what we what we mean when we talk about faith is actually what
we talk about faith is actually what faith is according to the scripture
faith is according to the scripture because sometimes things develop in our
because sometimes things develop in our lives and we work with something we walk
lives and we work with something we walk with something and it takes on forms
with something and it takes on forms that we believe to be right and true but
that we believe to be right and true but it might just not be exactly what it's
it might just not be exactly what it's supposed to be. I'm I'm sure in your
supposed to be. I'm I'm sure in your family or in your lives, you'd have
family or in your lives, you'd have stories of things that that stories that
stories of things that that stories that you've told yourself so often and
you've told yourself so often and repeated and and happened a while ago
repeated and and happened a while ago that it's taken on a truth in your life
that it's taken on a truth in your life and you think it's the way the event
and you think it's the way the event took place or happened until you talk
took place or happened until you talk with somebody that was actually there
with somebody that was actually there and they go, "That's not exactly what
and they go, "That's not exactly what happened." How many of you know that
happened." How many of you know that we've got stories like that? We've got a
we've got stories like that? We've got a story in our family when our kids were
story in our family when our kids were smaller. Uh we used to at a stage quite
smaller. Uh we used to at a stage quite often go to the Draensburg and go to
often go to the Draensburg and go to that area Monscow Champagne Castle that
that area Monscow Champagne Castle that area of the Draensburg I think that's a
area of the Draensburg I think that's a central Draensburg Luke he's a fun of
central Draensburg Luke he's a fun of the Densburg and [snorts] uh so we used
the Densburg and [snorts] uh so we used to go there and we would love to go
to go there and we would love to go hiking and uh go find like river streams
hiking and uh go find like river streams and places and have picnic and swim in
and places and have picnic and swim in the water and if you've ever swam in the
the water and if you've ever swam in the water of the Draensburg it's cold but it
water of the Draensburg it's cold but it would we would love to do that and so
would we would love to do that and so there's this one event time that we did
there's this one event time that we did that. We went hiking in Monscow and we
that. We went hiking in Monscow and we found a nice spot with a like a [snorts]
found a nice spot with a like a [snorts] a pool, a natural pool that we could
a pool, a natural pool that we could swim in and a place where we could have
swim in and a place where we could have picnic and eat stuff. And uh one of our
picnic and eat stuff. And uh one of our sons, which will not be mentioned to to
sons, which will not be mentioned to to just, you know, protect his identity uh
just, you know, protect his identity uh at that day fell asleep next to the
at that day fell asleep next to the river there where we were having a a
river there where we were having a a great time. And he fell asleep, turned
great time. And he fell asleep, turned with his back towards where we were. The
with his back towards where we were. The rest of us, the five of us, we were
rest of us, the five of us, we were playing in a pool and swimming and just
playing in a pool and swimming and just having a great time. And just a couple
having a great time. And just a couple of meters away, there he was lying in
of meters away, there he was lying in the sun, sleeping. But when he woke up,
the sun, sleeping. But when he woke up, he didn't see us. He he he was facing
he didn't see us. He he he was facing the wrong way and he didn't see us. And
the wrong way and he didn't see us. And he woke up and he had this panic of we
he woke up and he had this panic of we left him behind. We forgot him by the
left him behind. We forgot him by the river. And still today, he is convinced
river. And still today, he is convinced that we forgot him by the river.
that we forgot him by the river. Meanwhile, we were just there. He just
Meanwhile, we were just there. He just didn't notice us when he woke up. We
didn't notice us when he woke up. We were keeping an eye on him the whole
were keeping an eye on him the whole time. And and every now and then he'll
time. And and every now and then he'll tell you the story of the day we forgot
tell you the story of the day we forgot him by the river. And his mother gets
him by the river. And his mother gets offended because he said, "How dare you
offended because he said, "How dare you think that I would leave you by the
think that I would leave you by the river?" And it doesn't make but it's his
river?" And it doesn't make but it's his truth. We've prayed for him.
truth. We've prayed for him. We've sent him on a couple of LTS's.
We've sent him on a couple of LTS's. We we excessively try and tell him we
We we excessively try and tell him we love him. We make sure every time we go
love him. We make sure every time we go somewhere, he can see us. But still,
somewhere, he can see us. But still, it's his truth. How many of you know
it's his truth. How many of you know there's stories and things that develop
there's stories and things that develop in our lives and it becomes our truth?
in our lives and it becomes our truth? But somebody might say that's not quite
But somebody might say that's not quite what it's about. And that's I think
what it's about. And that's I think where I want to start with talking about
where I want to start with talking about faith because none of us in this room,
faith because none of us in this room, those that are joining us online on the
those that are joining us online on the radio, when we use the word faith, that
radio, when we use the word faith, that word is not new to any of us. We don't
word is not new to any of us. We don't come at this word with no understanding.
come at this word with no understanding. We all come at it and we probably have
We all come at it and we probably have some working definition in our mind,
some working definition in our mind, some picture, some description, some
some picture, some description, some experience of what faith is and what
experience of what faith is and what faith looks like. And what I'd love for
faith looks like. And what I'd love for us to do is to strip all of that back a
us to do is to strip all of that back a little bit, step back and and and go
little bit, step back and and and go right to the beginning and say, what is
right to the beginning and say, what is faith? So the title of the message today
faith? So the title of the message today is let's talk about faith.
is let's talk about faith. What is faith? How would you describe
What is faith? How would you describe faith if you had to think for yourself?
faith if you had to think for yourself? Just perhaps formulate a a sentence in
Just perhaps formulate a a sentence in your mind to say if somebody asked you
your mind to say if somebody asked you what do you think faith is? What would
what do you think faith is? What would you say to them? One what one element
you say to them? One what one element would you highlight to say this is
would you highlight to say this is faith? And this is what I I did over the
faith? And this is what I I did over the December holiday. I said, "Okay, Lord,
December holiday. I said, "Okay, Lord, I've obviously studied and read and done
I've obviously studied and read and done a lot and preached about faith, but I I
a lot and preached about faith, but I I want to go back to scripture and just
want to go back to scripture and just come at it as if I know nothing. And I
come at it as if I know nothing. And I want scripture to teach me again what is
want scripture to teach me again what is faith. And so I was reading different
faith. And so I was reading different scriptures about faith. And I came
scriptures about faith. And I came across a scripture that I felt ahuh
across a scripture that I felt ahuh perhaps this is the scripture that gives
perhaps this is the scripture that gives me a launching pad, a starting point if
me a launching pad, a starting point if I want to think about faith. And that
I want to think about faith. And that scripture is Hebrews 11:6.
scripture is Hebrews 11:6. No surprise that it comes out of the
No surprise that it comes out of the chapter that we often call the chapter
chapter that we often call the chapter of faith. Hebrews 11:6. It will be known
of faith. Hebrews 11:6. It will be known to many of you. Goes like this. And
to many of you. Goes like this. And without faith, it is impossible to
without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to
please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that
him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those that earnestly seek
he rewards those that earnestly seek him. Now from the scripture I want to
him. Now from the scripture I want to make three points. I've sort of broken
make three points. I've sort of broken the scripture up into three points and I
the scripture up into three points and I think the scripture tells us three
think the scripture tells us three important things about faith. The first
important things about faith. The first things it tells us it tells us the value
things it tells us it tells us the value of faith. Secondly, it talks to us about
of faith. Secondly, it talks to us about the the first step of faith and thirdly
the the first step of faith and thirdly it talks about the effect of faith. the
it talks about the effect of faith. the impact the results of faith and I I want
impact the results of faith and I I want to talk about these three things. Let's
to talk about these three things. Let's start with the first one. The value of
start with the first one. The value of faith. And the value of faith I think is
faith. And the value of faith I think is captured for us in and without faith it
captured for us in and without faith it is impossible to please God. That
is impossible to please God. That statement, that sentence
statement, that sentence awakens us to the idea that faith is
awakens us to the idea that faith is fundamental to something. Without faith,
fundamental to something. Without faith, if you do not have faith, if faith is
if you do not have faith, if faith is not something that is part of your life,
not something that is part of your life, there's something you're going to not be
there's something you're going to not be able to have. And that something is it
able to have. And that something is it is impossible to please God. It's
is impossible to please God. It's impossible to have a relationship with
impossible to have a relationship with God if you have no faith.
God if you have no faith. Faith makes it possible for us to
Faith makes it possible for us to interact with God, to have a
interact with God, to have a relationship with God. Without faith, it
relationship with God. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. If I want
is impossible to please God. If I want anything to do with God, I have to
anything to do with God, I have to recognize this is going to involve
recognize this is going to involve faith. Faith is the structure of my
faith. Faith is the structure of my relationship with God.
Faith is the foundational element in the relationship between humanity and God.
relationship between humanity and God. Where there's no faith, there's no
Where there's no faith, there's no relationship with God. Where there's
relationship with God. Where there's faith, a relationship with God becomes
faith, a relationship with God becomes possible.
possible. The broader biblical narrative
The broader biblical narrative emphasizes
emphasizes that faith is a response to God's
that faith is a response to God's revelation and a prerequisite for a
revelation and a prerequisite for a relationship with him. One of the
relationship with him. One of the commentaries said,
commentaries said, "Here's a God that wants to know us and
"Here's a God that wants to know us and therefore he makes himself known. He
therefore he makes himself known. He reveals himself. He reveals himself
reveals himself. He reveals himself through creation. He made creation to
through creation. He made creation to show us something about himself to show
show us something about himself to show us that he's there. He reveals himself
us that he's there. He reveals himself to us through the prophets, the teachers
to us through the prophets, the teachers of the Old Testament and of and the and
of the Old Testament and of and the and the writers of the New Testament. He
the writers of the New Testament. He reveals himself to us through Christ. He
reveals himself to us through Christ. He reveals himself through us by the
reveals himself through us by the working of the Holy Spirit. God wants us
working of the Holy Spirit. God wants us to know him. And he's inviting us to to
to know him. And he's inviting us to to a relationship. But if you do not take a
a relationship. But if you do not take a step of faith, you will never have a
step of faith, you will never have a relationship with him. It takes faith to
relationship with him. It takes faith to know God. So that tells us faith is
know God. So that tells us faith is valuable.
valuable. Faith, you might say, is one of the most
Faith, you might say, is one of the most valuable things that you can have
valuable things that you can have because faith makes it possible to know
because faith makes it possible to know God. So faith has value. The second
God. So faith has value. The second point is
point is I want to talk about is what are the
I want to talk about is what are the first steps of faith? So if faith is so
first steps of faith? So if faith is so valuable, how do I act in faith? What is
valuable, how do I act in faith? What is faith? And I think that's where the
faith? And I think that's where the second part of the scripture helps us.
second part of the scripture helps us. It says because anyone who comes to him
It says because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists. Without
must believe that he exists. Without faith, it's impossible to please God.
faith, it's impossible to please God. Because anyone who comes to him must
Because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists. Now I must be
believe that he exists. Now I must be honest with you. I read the scripture
honest with you. I read the scripture and and with all the respect in the
and and with all the respect in the world and and knowing I'm dealing with
world and and knowing I'm dealing with the Bible and all the respect to the
the Bible and all the respect to the author, but something in me went duh.
author, but something in me went duh. Because
Because if you want to have a relationship with
if you want to have a relationship with God, you have to believe he exists. How
God, you have to believe he exists. How many of you have relationship with
many of you have relationship with things that you don't believe exist?
things that you don't believe exist? Huh? Anybody? No. We don't bother with
Huh? Anybody? No. We don't bother with things that we don't think exists.
things that we don't think exists. If we believe something exists, then we
If we believe something exists, then we respond to it. And and and
respond to it. And and and [clears throat] he makes this really
[clears throat] he makes this really basic statement that he says, if you
basic statement that he says, if you want to begin a journey of faith, the
want to begin a journey of faith, the starting point of a journey of faith,
starting point of a journey of faith, the first thing you must do if you want
the first thing you must do if you want to have a relationship with God that is
to have a relationship with God that is built on faith is you must believe he
built on faith is you must believe he exists.
exists. Okay, that's like common logic. If you
Okay, that's like common logic. If you don't believe he exists, you're not
don't believe he exists, you're not going to bother with him. You're not
going to bother with him. You're not going to respond to him. You're not
going to respond to him. You're not going to have a relationship with him.
going to have a relationship with him. You have to believe he exists. Now, this
You have to believe he exists. Now, this is a interesting thought. How do we know
is a interesting thought. How do we know that God exists? How do you know that
that God exists? How do you know that God exists? Because you have to know
God exists? Because you have to know that he exists.
that he exists. It's before you can respond to him. How
It's before you can respond to him. How do we know that God exists? You have
do we know that God exists? You have people in the world, a lot of people
people in the world, a lot of people that believes God does not exist.
that believes God does not exist. We commonly call them atheists. They
We commonly call them atheists. They say, "I don't believe God exists because
say, "I don't believe God exists because I can't see him. I can't weigh him. I
I can't see him. I can't weigh him. I can't measure him. I can't touch him.
can't measure him. I can't touch him. There's no empirical evidence to to
There's no empirical evidence to to prove to me that God exists. And until
prove to me that God exists. And until somebody can give me empiric evidence
somebody can give me empiric evidence that God exists, I will not believe that
that God exists, I will not believe that he exists. So therefore, they have no
he exists. So therefore, they have no faith in God because to them, God does
faith in God because to them, God does not exist." So on the one hand, when we
not exist." So on the one hand, when we come to faith of the spectrum, you have
come to faith of the spectrum, you have these people that says, "No, there is no
these people that says, "No, there is no God. we can't see him. Therefore, I
God. we can't see him. Therefore, I don't believe in God. On the other side
don't believe in God. On the other side of the spectrum, you have people that
of the spectrum, you have people that says yes, they believe in God.
says yes, they believe in God. And to them, God exists because he they
And to them, God exists because he they believe he exists. But they're the kind
believe he exists. But they're the kind of people that say they believe in God
of people that say they believe in God like they can believe in anything else.
like they can believe in anything else. Like like Father Christmas can exist.
Like like Father Christmas can exist. It's the kind of people that believe God
It's the kind of people that believe God exists because they believe in anything.
exists because they believe in anything. It's like if you believe God exists
It's like if you believe God exists that's fine. That's your truth live.
that's fine. That's your truth live. That's great. So their belief in God is
That's great. So their belief in God is not rooted in something. It's just a
not rooted in something. It's just a belief. And because we believe it,
belief. And because we believe it, therefore it has importance in our
therefore it has importance in our lives. Now sometimes you will find
lives. Now sometimes you will find Christians talk like they fit into that
Christians talk like they fit into that category. They'll talk about blind
category. They'll talk about blind faith. They'll talk about just believing
faith. They'll talk about just believing that God exists, no matter if you can't
that God exists, no matter if you can't if you if there's nothing that that
if you if there's nothing that that makes that something that is logical.
makes that something that is logical. That's not us, by the way.
That's not us, by the way. You and I don't believe in God like you
You and I don't believe in God like you could believe in a fairy tale.
could believe in a fairy tale. Like you could believe in, you know,
Like you could believe in, you know, when a child is young and they pull that
when a child is young and they pull that tooth. Oh, I used to love pulling their
tooth. Oh, I used to love pulling their teeth. Oh, it was fun. It was like, and
teeth. Oh, it was fun. It was like, and I won't tell you, let me tell you how I
I won't tell you, let me tell you how I used to do it. If the if that little
used to do it. If the if that little tooth floss around the table, Natasha
tooth floss around the table, Natasha says, I mustn't tell you the story, but
says, I mustn't tell you the story, but now I'm I'm halfway there. So, if if you
now I'm I'm halfway there. So, if if you know if the floss and you put it on the
know if the floss and you put it on the door, you yank it didn't work. I got my
door, you yank it didn't work. I got my pliers out. Man, that was fun. Pull that
pliers out. Man, that was fun. Pull that sucker out there. Now, I normally waited
sucker out there. Now, I normally waited till it was about to fall out before I
till it was about to fall out before I did that. And and you know when the
did that. And and you know when the tooth comes out and they're little, what
tooth comes out and they're little, what do you do with the tooth? You wrap it in
do you do with the tooth? You wrap it in a bit of tissue paper. You put it under
a bit of tissue paper. You put it under the they you tell them they must go put
the they you tell them they must go put it under the pillow because the tooth
it under the pillow because the tooth fair is going to come and bring them
fair is going to come and bring them money. And then the next day I mean in
money. And then the next day I mean in our days it was still all right. I don't
our days it was still all right. I don't know what you do nowadays like five rand
know what you do nowadays like five rand was still like whoa the tooth fairy and
was still like whoa the tooth fairy and when they're little they believe in the
when they're little they believe in the tooth fairy because
tooth fairy because but it shouldn't last very long. But how
but it shouldn't last very long. But how many of you know there are people that
many of you know there are people that still believe in things like that? You
still believe in things like that? You know, there's fairies in the forests or,
know, there's fairies in the forests or, you know, whatever.
you know, whatever. They can believe anything. Their belief
They can believe anything. Their belief system allows for anything. That's not
system allows for anything. That's not us. You see, because when we come to
us. You see, because when we come to biblical faith, the scripture tells us
biblical faith, the scripture tells us faith is the evidence of things hoped
faith is the evidence of things hoped for. There is a reasonableness to faith.
for. There is a reasonableness to faith. Our faith is rooted in something.
Our faith is rooted in something. Our faith is reasonable. It has a
Our faith is reasonable. It has a reason. In other words, so let me ask
reason. In other words, so let me ask you this question. Why do you believe in
you this question. Why do you believe in God? What is the reason that you can
God? What is the reason that you can give to say for this reason I believe in
give to say for this reason I believe in God?
God? If you say to me I believe in God and
If you say to me I believe in God and there's no reason to it, then I'm going
there's no reason to it, then I'm going to go okay.
to go okay. I don't know how strong that will be
I don't know how strong that will be when it gets challenged.
when it gets challenged. The Bible gives us a faith that is
The Bible gives us a faith that is reasonable. It has substance to it. It
reasonable. It has substance to it. It has reason to it. It's wonderful when
has reason to it. It's wonderful when you read in the Bible, you talk and the
you read in the Bible, you talk and the Bible talks about faith. How often it'll
Bible talks about faith. How often it'll have truth associated with faith.
have truth associated with faith. Truth. Something is true, therefore I
Truth. Something is true, therefore I believe it. Versus, I believe it,
believe it. Versus, I believe it, therefore it's true. There are many
therefore it's true. There are many people that like our son believed we
people that like our son believed we left him by the river. Therefore, that
left him by the river. Therefore, that became the truth of his life.
became the truth of his life. That's not faith. Faith is something is
That's not faith. Faith is something is true,
true, therefore I believe it.
therefore I believe it. Therefore, I respond to it. Therefore, I
Therefore, I respond to it. Therefore, I accept it. Therefore, I give it space in
accept it. Therefore, I give it space in my life because it is true. When we use
my life because it is true. When we use the word truth, one of the ways to
the word truth, one of the ways to describe the word truth is it is that
describe the word truth is it is that which is the greatest description of
which is the greatest description of what is real.
what is real. Truth is something that describes
Truth is something that describes reality. When I say I believe in God and
reality. When I say I believe in God and that he exists, what I'm saying by that
that he exists, what I'm saying by that is the best way according to me that you
is the best way according to me that you can describe the everything that I
can describe the everything that I understand to be real is there is a God
understand to be real is there is a God at the center of it.
at the center of it. That is my belief [snorts] that he
That is my belief [snorts] that he exists.
exists. You cannot be a Christian and not
You cannot be a Christian and not believe that God exists. And that belief
believe that God exists. And that belief needs to be rooted in something. It is a
needs to be rooted in something. It is a reasonable belief. It is not a blind
reasonable belief. It is not a blind leap. It is not illogical. It's not
leap. It is not illogical. It's not fairy tale. It's rooted in something.
fairy tale. It's rooted in something. And lots have been written by people
And lots have been written by people about why do we believe in God? What
about why do we believe in God? What makes belief in God reasonable? Dr. Dr.
makes belief in God reasonable? Dr. Dr. William Lane Craig, the the famous
William Lane Craig, the the famous analytical philosopher, Christian
analytical philosopher, Christian apologist, author, and theologian, gives
apologist, author, and theologian, gives us his five reasons. And he's not the
us his five reasons. And he's not the only one that you would find many write
only one that you would find many write and talk about reasons to believe in
and talk about reasons to believe in God. The word reason is important
God. The word reason is important because it's the word. If I can say to
because it's the word. If I can say to you, I believe in God and here is a
you, I believe in God and here is a reason outside of me that I believe in
reason outside of me that I believe in God, then that becomes something
God, then that becomes something reasonable.
reasonable. Not just it's my truth.
Not just it's my truth. He gives us five reasons
He gives us five reasons to say why God exists. And I'm just
to say why God exists. And I'm just going to mention them. He says God is
going to mention them. He says God is the best explanation
the best explanation of the origin of the universe.
of the origin of the universe. God is the best explanation of the
God is the best explanation of the origin of the universe. What does that
origin of the universe. What does that statement mean? How many of you believe
statement mean? How many of you believe that you live in a in a world? This is
that you live in a in a world? This is not just a dream.
not just a dream. This is not just you're going to wake up
This is not just you're going to wake up one day and there's just blackness.
one day and there's just blackness. How many of you know we live in
How many of you know we live in something? There's a world around us.
something? There's a world around us. There's birds, there's trees, there's
really small. Sound might sound small, but it is actually the big big thing,
but it is actually the big big thing, biggest thing of your life. You are a
biggest thing of your life. You are a believer.
believer. >> You're a believer. You've drank the
>> You're a believer. You've drank the Kool-Aid.
Kool-Aid. You are absolutely convinced. If you're
You are absolutely convinced. If you're a Christian, you are absolutely
a Christian, you are absolutely convinced
convinced that God exists
that God exists and that it is for you to respond to him
and that it is for you to respond to him and to have relationship with him. If
and to have relationship with him. If that is not your conviction, then you're
that is not your conviction, then you're still on your way to becoming a
still on your way to becoming a Christian in a sense. I'm not saying you
Christian in a sense. I'm not saying you haven't prayed the sinner's prayer, your
haven't prayed the sinner's prayer, your sins aren't forgiven, but your faith is
sins aren't forgiven, but your faith is still in nurturing stage. A real
still in nurturing stage. A real Christian is a person that says, "For
Christian is a person that says, "For the reasons of explanation, for solid
the reasons of explanation, for solid reasons, I am fully convinced that God
reasons, I am fully convinced that God exists. He created everything. He
exists. He created everything. He created me. He created this world. And
created me. He created this world. And that we are accountable to him. And that
that we are accountable to him. And that one day we will live with him for
one day we will live with him for eternity." I'm fully convinced of that.
eternity." I'm fully convinced of that. I'm a believer. Are you a believer?
I'm a believer. Are you a believer? If you're not certain about that, I'm
If you're not certain about that, I'm going to encourage you, get certain.
going to encourage you, get certain. Because if you are doubting that God
Because if you are doubting that God exists, if you are fighting with that,
exists, if you are fighting with that, and I I've been there, I understand
and I I've been there, I understand that. And I think we owe it to make sure
that. And I think we owe it to make sure that that we're not just believing
that that we're not just believing things because it's comfortable, that
things because it's comfortable, that it's actually held beliefs that we
it's actually held beliefs that we convinced of. That is the thing that
convinced of. That is the thing that makes you stand against the world. If if
makes you stand against the world. If if you shaky in your beliefs, if you don't
you shaky in your beliefs, if you don't understand, the world's going to find a
understand, the world's going to find a way to bring cracks into your foundation
way to bring cracks into your foundation and they will ultimately bring you to
and they will ultimately bring you to your knees.
your knees. I'm convinced
I'm convinced of something and this something that I'm
of something and this something that I'm convinced of is more true than anything
convinced of is more true than anything else is true. Everything else I believe
else is true. Everything else I believe to be true is true because of this
to be true is true because of this truth. God exists
truth. God exists and he's a rewarder of those who
and he's a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. I can know him. I
diligently seek him. I can know him. I can live with him. I can live a life
can live with him. I can live a life that pleases him. It's possible because
that pleases him. It's possible because of him. I'd like you to stand with me.
I'm going to just end worship team. You don't have to.
don't have to. Are you a believer?
Are you a believer? Are you sure? You sure you're a
Are you sure? You sure you're a believer?
believer? >> Amen.
>> Amen. I know all these things that I spoke to
I know all these things that I spoke to you about now and there's lots you can
you about now and there's lots you can do about evidences for God and all of
do about evidences for God and all of that. It's wonderful. But I can promise
that. It's wonderful. But I can promise you at the end of the day, the thing
you at the end of the day, the thing that solidifies it for me and holds it
that solidifies it for me and holds it is that I experience this God.
is that I experience this God. I experience him when I pray, when I
I experience him when I pray, when I worship. This morning I experienced him
worship. This morning I experienced him in worship, but it's possible by faith.
in worship, but it's possible by faith. It's always going to take faith,
It's always going to take faith, reasonable faith, but faith.
reasonable faith, but faith. So I want to pray for us today as we end
So I want to pray for us today as we end the service. I think what Lena
the service. I think what Lena highlighted in the in the ministry time
highlighted in the in the ministry time of guilt and shame.
of guilt and shame. We we know all know what it's like to
We we know all know what it's like to feel guilty and ashamed. The great thing
feel guilty and ashamed. The great thing is because God exists, your shame can be
is because God exists, your shame can be forgiven. It doesn't have to be a prison
forgiven. It doesn't have to be a prison that holds you captive. Your guilt can
that holds you captive. Your guilt can be washed away because he exists.
be washed away because he exists. So, can we just in this moment open our
So, can we just in this moment open our hearts to the Holy Spirit? Holy Spirit,
hearts to the Holy Spirit? Holy Spirit, I thank you that you work among us and
I thank you that you work among us and you exalt Jesus and you make the father
you exalt Jesus and you make the father known to us
known to us that we may know you.
that we may know you. And I pray that for us, Lord. And we
And I pray that for us, Lord. And we live in this world and it throws so much
live in this world and it throws so much stuff at us and arguments and
stuff at us and arguments and disagreements about you and God and
disagreements about you and God and people's theories and stories about God.
people's theories and stories about God. I pray Lord that you would help us to
I pray Lord that you would help us to come to a place
of where we standing on a rock
where we standing on a rock where we built our houses on the rock of
where we built our houses on the rock of this truth that you exist and that we
this truth that you exist and that we can know you by the blood of Jesus the
can know you by the blood of Jesus the forgiveness of Christ. I pray for any
forgiveness of Christ. I pray for any person here right now first of all that
person here right now first of all that just you're struggling with their faith
just you're struggling with their faith I pray today in Jesus name that you
I pray today in Jesus name that you would bring them to that sense of a
would bring them to that sense of a solid foundation
solid foundation to the word by your spirit's leading in
to the word by your spirit's leading in Jesus name
Jesus name and I pray for every one of us that as
and I pray for every one of us that as we go into our world into our front
we go into our world into our front lines
lines that we will with a calm presence
that we will with a calm presence be able to share with people God exists.
be able to share with people God exists. It is the good news. It is the greatest
It is the good news. It is the greatest news. God exists. Help us to live lives
news. God exists. Help us to live lives that reflect who you are. Forgive us for
that reflect who you are. Forgive us for our failures. But thank you that you
our failures. But thank you that you never stop working with us. Help us to
never stop working with us. Help us to live in your direction, to live towards
live in your direction, to live towards you, to live towards knowing you and
you, to live towards knowing you and being who you've made us to be.
being who you've made us to be. Thank you for your peace right now
Thank you for your peace right now as believers.
as believers. In a world that opposes and sometimes
In a world that opposes and sometimes screams and hates us, we can stand with
screams and hates us, we can stand with peace. Not to prove anything, but to
peace. Not to prove anything, but to live lives that make it impossible for
live lives that make it impossible for people to go,
people to go, there's what you're believing has no
there's what you're believing has no value.
value. And we thank you for that today in Jesus
And we thank you for that today in Jesus name. Amen.
name. Amen. Amen.
Amen. >> [applause]
>> I want to invite you this morning. If in the ministry time you felt God speak to
the ministry time you felt God speak to you about shame and guilt, come to the
you about shame and guilt, come to the front. Let our team pray for you. It's
front. Let our team pray for you. It's just so good to have somebody just come
just so good to have somebody just come and declare the love of God over you. If
and declare the love of God over you. If you've never put your faith in Jesus,
you've never put your faith in Jesus, today is a great day to do that. Come to
today is a great day to do that. Come to the front. Tell the person that's going
the front. Tell the person that's going to be ready to pray for you to say, "I
to be ready to pray for you to say, "I want to give my life to Jesus." And
want to give my life to Jesus." And they'll help you with that. I want to
they'll help you with that. I want to begin a journey of believing in Christ.
begin a journey of believing in Christ. I want to respond in faith. Let them
I want to respond in faith. Let them help you. Any other thing that you might
help you. Any other thing that you might have for prayer, you're so welcome to
have for prayer, you're so welcome to come to the front. Our team will be
come to the front. Our team will be ready to pray for you. If you're online
ready to pray for you. If you're online or on the radio, you can connect with us
or on the radio, you can connect with us at prayformeatfield.co.za
at prayformeatfield.co.za and we'll pray for you. Those that want
and we'll pray for you. Those that want to find out more about our church, join
to find out more about our church, join Lyanna in the connect lounge. Remember
Lyanna in the connect lounge. Remember the women ticket sales that are
the women ticket sales that are happening in the foyer. And there's also
happening in the foyer. And there's also a table outside uh the main entrance for
a table outside uh the main entrance for What's my notes say? What is the table
What's my notes say? What is the table in the main entrance for?
in the main entrance for? Everyone remember
Everyone remember >> ladies
>> ladies >> is that the ladies? Oh, there's tables
>> is that the ladies? Oh, there's tables outside the main entrance. So,
outside the main entrance. So, the Lord bless you. The Lord keep you.
the Lord bless you. The Lord keep you. Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful
Have a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful week.
>> We trust that you will bless this morning. Family, if you'd like to attend
morning. Family, if you'd like to attend the service in person, let's host you in
the service in person, let's host you in the minor auditorium at 6:00 p.m.
the minor auditorium at 6:00 p.m. tonight. For prayer needs, send us an
tonight. For prayer needs, send us an email to pray forme@ hatathatfield.co.za
email to pray forme@ hatathatfield.co.za and [music] our ministry team will serve
and [music] our ministry team will serve you. Here's where our service comes to
you. Here's where our service comes to an end, family. To find out more about
an end, family. To find out more about who we are, [music] what we believe, and
who we are, [music] what we believe, and how we live it out, email
how we live it out, email hello@hatfield.co.za
hello@hatfield.co.za or visit our website at
or visit our website at www.hatfield.co.za.
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