International Christian Centre (ICC)

In looking at the family set up and looking at marriages and relationships then we have to admit that our own identity plays a big role in how we relate with each other.

 Last week we dwelt on the issue of the modern marriage and the role of a man and a woman in a relationship. Whether or not men and women are able to relate in a wholesome manner or not is very much dependent on their own identity of themselves.

We also have to be conscious of the fact that so much of who we are has been influenced by our upbringing. Many of us have not been brought up in a healthy environment. For many men one of our goals in life is not to become like our fathers. We want to be anything else apart from how our fathers were.

 In his book, Capital of the World, Ernest Hemingway wrote about a father in Spain who had a son named Paco.  Because of his son’s rebellion, Paco and his father were estranged. The father was bitter and angry with his son, and kicked him out of the home. Paco ran away from home. He found himself wandering the streets of Madrid, Spain with hopes of entering into a profession that would most likely get him killed – bullfighting. Those who train under a mentor have a good chance of surviving this profession, but Paco’s memory of his mistakes and guilt blindly drove him to this one way street to suicide.

That was the last thing his father wanted, which is why he tried something desperate, which he hoped would work.  There was little to no chance that he would be able to find Paco by wandering the streets of Madrid, so instead he put an advertisement in the local newspaper El Liberal. The advertisement read,  “Paco, meet me at the Hotel Montana at noon on Tuesday.  All is forgiven! Love, Papa.”

 Paco is such a common name in Spain that when the father went to the Hotel Montana the next day at noon there were 800 young men named Paco waiting for their fathers…and waiting for the forgiveness they never thought was possible!

We work so hard not to become like our parents and then we end up just like them.  A woman grows up without a warm relationship with her mum and then she goes ahead and has her own children. She ends up facing the same challenges with her own daughters.  We carry so much of the journey that we have walked into new relationships and end up looking at everything that happens through the same wrong lens. The challenge is that what we focus on we become even when it is negative.

So many of us are carrying many unresolved issues from our past that are affecting our relationships as single or married people.  What is our identity as modern men and women that are followers of Jesus Christ, even as we enter into relationships with each other? 

If I do not have the right identity as a man and an understanding to what my purpose is then I will only bring pain and misery to my family. Without purpose and being in the will of God I will end up living a life that is focused on me.  What you focus on you become.

Manhood is bestowed. Did anyone ever have to confirm to you that now you are a man?  In the traditional African society there was a process of initiation. How many men have ever had an older man say to them NOW you are a man? For many of us we are just trying to find our way in the dark. As I mentor young men, I keep saying to them, “You are a good man” and I say it so many times that they come to believe it and live it out.

The women keep looking for things that they feel their mothers did not have.  Whether it is independence or financial security or a good education or a good marriage to a man who honors and respects them. They want to be a success at whatever cost.

In the pursuit of what it means to be a man, men try to find their own way of being a man. They buy bigger and better toys, take advantage of woman after woman and sexual conquest becomes the gauge of being manly.

As men we think marriage is going to fix us but we end up cheating on our wives because they cannot fix our inner problem. We accumulate and amass wealth so that we can feel manly. We get addicted to alcohol because it is only in that moment that we can fully say what we feel and be men.  When a man is not seeking purpose in God then he begins to search for that fulfillment in other things. A man cannot find purpose and meaning in a relationship with a woman. He must derive his purpose and meaning from an intimacy with God.

Genesis 12:1-5

God calls Abraham and says to him, leave this land and go to a land I will show you. Abraham responds in Obedience and takes his family and Lot his nephew and they depart from Haran.

A man must have a purpose in life that he is committed to. In order for Abraham to hear God there must be a deep intimacy that he has developed, a listening heart and an obedient Spirit.

My people perish for lack of vision – Hosea 4:6

When men do not have a vision for their lives and their family then they become selfish. It is selfishness that leads a man to have an affair out of marriage because he is not getting what he wants in the home. When all that we aim for is to make money and have the toys, we work hard and go up the ladder only to discover that the ladder is leaning against the wrong wall.

Psalm 127:1

Unless the lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.  What is your vision as a man? What is your vision for your family? Are you leading your family? Are you choosing to be intimate with God? Only when a man has a vision for his life can he invite a woman to be part of that journey. We are living in a time when we are a very materialistic society. Don’t let you view of a man be determined by what he has today but by where he is heading in life.

Genesis 12:10-14

Abraham lies that Sarai is his sister. Why does Abraham choose to use his wife to protect himself? He is afraid and overwhelmed by fear!  Joshua 1:6 “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.”  Be strong and very courageous. God speaks to the fear of Joshua and says to Him to be strong and courageous.

Why does God have to say to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous”? It is the storm within that he must overcome. God calls men to respond in courage and not fear the situations around them.

David is described as a man after God’s own heart – Acts 13:22

• The Shepherd boy – I Samuel 17:34-37 –  A Man is a protector, a provider
• The Warrior – 1 Samuel 17:41-46 – A man must be ready to fight for what he believes in a strong commitment to his relationship with his maker.

• The Friend/Romance – 1Samuel 18:1-2 – A man must have close relationships with other men. Every man needs another man, a comrade.
• Songs of Solomon 4:7 – A man needs to be a romance to his lover. Taking his lover on a continual adventure of love.  
• The King – 2 Samuel 5:1-4 – A man needs to be king, to be in charge. He wants to be respected and acknowledged for his role. The greatest complaint that married men have is the lack of respect from their wives. A little respect goes a long way. 
• Let him lead and give guidance in a relationship.
• Come alongside him to offer support
• The Lover of God/Worshipper – 2 Samuel 5:12-15
• A man needs to be a worshipper and a lover of God

 The modern Christian woman whether single or married is on the other hand also battling with her identity and the expectations of society.

• Proverbs 30:29 – A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  She is upright in her conduct and speech
• Proverbs 30:11 – She is and asset to her man and not a liability. She multiples his productivity
• Proverbs 30:13-15 – She is hardworking, ensuring that her home is well taken care of.

One of the things that men love is a woman who makes her home. Many women have resigned and turned over this role to their house helps. If your house help is the one that serves your husband and takes care of your children then you are setting up yourself for a crisis.

• Proverbs 30:19 – She has a heart of compassion and cares for the needy
• Is complete in God – Ruth 1:16 – Your people shall be my people and your God shall be my God.  A woman needs to have a firm commitment to God.   She loves and desires the will of God more than anything else.
• Identity – Esther 4:10-14 – Even though Esther knows her life is in danger she choose to believe in God.  A woman should derives her identity from God and chooses not to live by fear by faith in God.
• Proverbs 30:23-26 – She honors her husband and brings him praise.  She differs with him in private and praises him in public.  She is an encouragement to him, even when he is wrong, she will never say, “I told you so”
• Proverbs 30:27-28 – She is in charge of her family, she is a role model to her children and attracts praise from her husband

Final thoughts on marriage/Relationships

1. Marriage is not about living happily ever after.  It is God’s way of making us holy.
2. The more you give to marriage/relationships, the more it gives back.  If your wife feels loved and a priority in your life, she is going to be one of your best champions. She will be willing to make sacrifices for you to accomplish your God given purpose.
3. Marriage can change the world.  John Medina, the author of Brain Rules and a Christian biologist, in response to the question “What’s the most important thing I can do as a father”?, “Go home and love your wife.” Children that are raised in stable home have greater potential to impact and change the world.

What are you carrying from your past and your own identity as an individual that is affecting your relationships? Are you willing to let go so that you an become a better man or woman?

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On Thursday evening, I had just picked up my wife and this lady with a baby comes to the window and I have no money on me so I tell her “Leo sina kitu” (I do not have any money). She looks at my wife and says “Mlembo fungua kibeti” (Beautiful girl, why don’t you check in your purse).  I tell her again that  we do not have any money.  Then she looks at me with a funny grin on her face and says, “lakini hapo nakupa kidole. Nime kupatia max, si ulipata mrembo”  (I congratulate you for marrying a beautiful girl).

When God created man, his first reaction in Genesis: It is not good for man to be alone. God then creates Eve, so that man would have a companion and be in relationship not only with God but also with fellow men. God begins with a relationship with man and then creates a web of relationships around the man.

 Genesis 2:18-25 

Marriage is God’s idea and the institution of family is His creation.  Relationships and the family set up are the key to the existence of man.  The issues of marriage and family begun way back during The Fall of man. Before the fall, marriage was a perfect union but today it faces both the identity crisis and relevance question among many.

On the 3^rd of November, there was an article in the Saturday nation that  was headlined:  “Why the modern Kenyan woman is willing to be wife Number Two.”  In addition, the Weka Condom Mpangoni Ad has also in the recent weeks generated a lot of debate with a lot of people saying that it was advancing bad morals in our society.

 Interesting Statistics

1. Although the majority of Kenyans claim to be monogamous, statistics show that 13 of every 100 married Kenyan women have co-wives. This means they are married to men who have at least one or more wives, according to the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 2008/2009
2. Almost 5% of men aged 30-39 years are separated from their spouses
3. The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey further stated that only 40 per cent of Kenyans were happily married, the rest are either unhappy or not sure how to describe their unions.?
4. 29 per cent of married Kenyans admitted their marriages were headed for the rocks.

The most precious possession that ever comes to a man in this world is a woman’s heart.  Women always worry about the things that men forget; men always worry about the things women remember.  The family institution, despite its very key role in society, is therefore facing many threats. The marriage relationship is being threatened more than ever before:

Families at risk

a)  Many families have been separated.

b)  Due to the challenges of the workplace children are not as connected to their parents.

c)  Spouses engaged in demanding careers are struggling to balance between the increasing demands of the workplace and the needs at  

       home.

d)  Financial challenges that are forcing families through challenging times and causing undue pressure on the couples.

Role definition and confusion

a)  Challenge to man’s role? What happened? Challenge to true submission. What happened to today’s modern woman?

b)  The problem of absence of either spouse due to work commitments or lifestyle.  The changing face of what were traditional roles has

       affected the relationships within the marriage. Where previously men provided for their families, we know have a scenario where a

       woman is more likely to earn more than her husband.

 c)  The breakdown of the social fabric due to urbanization:  Where is the place of accountability in today’s society?  In the traditional

        African set up the extended family was a support system that a couple or family could fall back to in tough times.

 d)   The definition of marriage and sexuality.

The place of sexuality in today’s relationships:  Marriage was not created for sex but rather sex was created fro marriage. When we get into a marriage with the view of getting what we want then we start off on the wrong footing.  We have to work on the marriage and give of ourselves to the other person.  There is a rising cause of unfaithfulness in marriages.

e)  What characterizes today’s expression of marriage and family relationships? 52 cases have been filed for divorce with the court registrar since the beginning of this year.  Love is no longer the main reason for people to remain committed in marriage; its place has been taken over by money and children. Only four in 10 married people, according to a survey by Infotrack, said they were in it for love.

“The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”  John Wooden, Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court

Biblical theology of family

a)  In Marriage, we are God’s gift to one another

b)  Marriage, symbolic of the relationship between Christ and church

c)  Marriage, a partnership of Agreement (Same Mind); Common purpose (One Accord)

 Ephesians 5:21-30

a)  Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

b)  Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord.

c)  Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church

d)  Husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.

e)  He who loves his wife loves himself.

1 Corinthians 7:1-9

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.  8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

The Bible advocates for:

a)  Faithfulness

1 Corinthians 7:1-2

Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband

b)  Mutual Submission

 Verse 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

c)  Selflessness

Verse 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control

 d)  Informed choices

Verse 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. Verse 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

Verse 8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am;

 e)  Self-control

Verse 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

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Sunday 28th April 2013

“God’s Love will face Rejection: – The COMMUNITY@RISK”

The church as God’s Community of Love is today fighting for relevance in a world whose values are changing rapidly. When Jesus said, “Go ye into the world and make disciples…” What kind of a world was He sending us to? And while speaking about a future ahead for the disciples, Jesus said to them in John 16:32-33 – “Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

With time, that hour Jesus predicted would soon come and would see the disciples scattered and persecuted.  As a result, the birth of the Early Church goes through a difficult moment of opposition and persecution from the religious leaders.  However, the opposition does not deter the believers.  Instead, after the coming of the Holy Spirit, we see a community on fire for their new-found faith in Christ.

The world we face today is no different.  Compared to the Early Church, today’s church seems to face certain hindrances:

1.  Christian Apathy: Many people today are less joyful and uninterested in spiritual development and service but instead have become more desirous of learning looking for pragmatic solutions for life’s problems. As a result many believers have prioritized education, personal development and solidifying of career, developing and sustaining relationships, investments, travel, success and personal achievements at the expense of SPIRITUAL PURSUIT AND DEVELOPMENT.  Although they see faith as significant, it is not a priority compared to life accomplishments.

2.  Lack of Distinctiveness:  Many believers are suffering from an identity crisis.  WHAT SHOULD GIVE THEM IDENTITY? Is it one’s job, CAREER in life or THEIR NEW FOUND FAITH? The UNIQUENESS of the EARLY CHURCH WAS DISTINCT as it attracted the curiosity of many.  It is the believer’s beliefs and value system that reveals his identity. Today’s believer is struggling with choosing between their natural identity and the one they get as a result of new birth in Christ. The question is whether Christianity gives the believer both the IDENTITY and BOLDNESS enough to die for it?

3.  Minimal Influence:  The influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is too MINIMAL to convince anyone of its ability to transform societies.  But I guess the question is whether Christianity can add value to culture above other religions, philosophies, and ideologies? Is our faith bold enough to rock our neighborhoods?

4.  Transmission of faith:  The issue is whether the church can connect from Generation to Generation. The worry is whether the believer is proactive enough in connecting the younger and older generations; or between peers.  If not, the resultant effect will be the irrelevance of the community of faith in their generation or in generations to come. We must overcome the temptation and threat of creating a church that is filled with people that are just like us with no heavenly good.  Irrelevance of faith with a generation could lead to that generation missing out on learning through the offering of mentorship and peer training.

5.  Irrelevance of faith: Christians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach-oriented.  Despite technological advances that make communications instant and far-reaching, Christians are becoming more spiritually isolated from non-Christians than was true a decade ago.The question here is, “How do we use our social media and other relevant technologies in advancing the gospel and hence impacting our communities?”

6.  Materialism minded:  The believer today is consumed more with the cares of the world than about reaching the lost and making an impact in his / her generation.  In 1 John 2:15, the Bible is clear,“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”  The cares of this world lead to nothing good but anxiety, emptiness and desire to chase for more.

7.  Mission mindedness: As people move into a more individualistic mode, the social fabric of fellowship is breaking apart and disintegrating.  Looking at the problems facing the church today, how can the Community of Love learn from the Early Believers while at the same time being able to address today’s challenges?

HOW DO WE REMAIN RELEVANT?

1)     The Community of Love must be committed to AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS (Acts 4:12)

“The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Evangelism is more effective through authentic relationships.” Chapters 4 and 5 give us a picture of a vibrant community of love WALKING TOGETHER IN UNITY regardless of the MOUNTING OPPOSITION.

The way the Holy Spirit deals with Ananias lies, the people are filled with Holy fear. When our relationships are not lived right, we encourage unfaithfulness and become vessels of unrighteousness. In contrast to Ananias, the Apostles who are filled with the Holy Spirit respond to Ananias’ unfaithfulness decisively. Acts 5:3-4 “why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself. The property was yours to sell or not sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away. How could you do a thing like this? You weren’t lying to us but to God!”

As part of the believing community, Ananias and Saphira had the choice to sell their property or not. They also had the right to give whatever they decided. But they WERE JUDGED FOR THEIR DISHONESTY.

2)     The Community of Love must EMBRACE A CULTURE of REACHING OUT to the LOST (Acts 5:14-16)

Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed. Regardless of the dishonesty seen in Ananias and the threats and opposition by the religious leaders, the community of love remained focused on the TASK of reaching out and bringing HOPE to the hurting in the community. The result, many were added to the church as a result of their effort.

3)  The community of Love faced the ANGER, JEALOUSY, and TRIBULATION from the religious leaders as a result of their KIND DEEDS (Acts 5:17-20)

“Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” Acts 5:25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

TWO THINGS ARE KEY HERE: a) When our focus is on the God given task, God will DEFEND US and TAKE CARE of our adversaries. “But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.” b) Although the apostles’ teaching brought GUILT on the religious leaders, they feared acting openly to arrest the apostles because they feared the reaction of the people.

4)  The Community of Love must open the SPIRITUAL DOORS through their acts of LOVE Acts (5:21)

At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

a)     I am encouraged that, when the believer lives right and does not fall prey to the intimidation of the enemy, God’s miracles for that believer will no barriers. b)     It is also true that, God does not need anyone’s permission to unlock the hard and impossible doors that are against us. This is why David learned to be still and know the presence and power of God.

5)     The Community of Love must MARCH FORTH regardless of the MANIPULATION and INTIMIDATION against them (Acts 4: 8)

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed?  After the healing of the man at the beautiful gate, Peter and John were accused of turning the people against the leadership. Though unschooled in religious matters, Peter and John defend themselves eloquently.

This gets the leaders mention as they become impressed at their defense and in 4:13b, “they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus”.  Something special happens when we enjoy staying in the presence of Jesus.  According to the bible, we are changed by virtue of being with Jesus.  Jesus called the disciple to be with him before he sent them out to the world. Mark 3:14 -“He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach”  The Apostles had learned to wait until they were empowered by the Holy Spirit. The time a believer spends in the presence of Jesus is not only transforming him but empowering him with boldness for the service.

Matthew 10:1 - Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness”.  A certain level of boldness is endowed on the believer as a result of being in God’s presence and being filled with his Holy Spirit. That is why Peter and John had the courage to say, state what Acts 4:19 says,  “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” 21 The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God 22 for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.  

Threats, intimidation and jealousies could not hold back the apostles from the moving in the power of the Spirit that is why they stated, “We must obey God rather than human beings!”  What boldness brought by the Holy Spirit in the apostles’ lives.  The Holy fear of the Lord was among the people and the church. And, as the believers met in the temple courts and continued to witness, healing was released as many put their faith in Christ. Verse 15 “As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by”.  As a result of the unity that was among them, the disciples created a conducive spiritual climate that made it possible for the Holy Spirit to move and work among the people.

6)  God DEFENDED the believers against their enemies desire to distract them from their primary goal of WITNESS.  

The believers focused their attention on the right thing (WITNESS) as God raised up warriors on their behalf. God does not call us to waste our energy fighting the wrong battles. God raises Gamaliel to defend the cause of the apostles.  As a result, the believers counted it a pleasure to die or be flogged for the sake of Christ. WHY? They were taking their example from Christ who suffered for the sake of the sinner. It is this revelation of Christ that we need if we are going to make a difference.  

Acts 5:30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”  

Revelation has the power to change a person’s perspective.  The revelation they had of Christ totally changed how they LIVED, how they PRAYED and how they served. The believers had come to the revelation that:  (1). Christ was the Messiah, God Son; (2). Christ suffered, died, and was buried because this was God way of redeeming mankind from sin; (3) Christ was resurrected and exalted by the Father to sit at His right side; (4) apostles were WITNESSES to these things.

This perspective was not however shared by the defenders of the law. That is why:  5:33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” 40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

Although the religious leaders were furious and driven by jealousy, God raised one of their own to defend the apostles by stating: “For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”  

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This week we look at our second point on becoming the Community of Love.

God’s CHARACTER is love and because of this, our disposition must be of love.  Love is not complete until it is EXPRESSED THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS.  1 John 4:20 says, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”  LOVE = RELATIONSHIP

 The truth is, when we get born again, the Lord does not want us to LIVE in the world and GO to church, but to BE the church and GO to the world.  This is how we become SALT and LIGHT in the world through our RELATIONSHIPS.

 Speaking about the place of the church, Charles Colson states:  ”Ask about the local church’s role in the world, and most Christians immediately begin hauling out mission statements, actions plans, and strategy PLANS. 

But we need the Big picture view of the body of Christ, alive, vibrant; and holy making a presence in the world.  For the church’s role in the world is not a series of independent activities on an action checklist.  Instead, the church’s role (what it does) is dependent on its character (what it is) as a community of believers.

 What we do, therefore, AUTHENTICATED by who we are (CHARACTER).  Since love is expressed through authentic relationships, through our relationships we can restore spiritual vision and a sense of goal.

 Sadly, caring relationships are one of the sacrifices that our society and the church has used in its sprint toward self- gratification and self-fulfillment.  As a result, all around us are friendships, marriages, and homes left falling apart because people do not want to do the hard work of building authentic relationships.

 Godly relationships involving spiritual growth and authentic community are not easy.  Michael Green makes an observation: ”The community life of the Early Church, though far from perfect… was nevertheless sufficiently different and impressive to attract notice, to invite curiosity, and to inspire discipleship in an age that was as pleasure–?conscious, as materialistic and as devoid of serious purpose as our own” –? Evangelism in the Early Church, Michael Green, Eerdmans Publishing, Grand Rapids, 1991 (p. 275).

 What, then, made the Early Believers standout?

 1. Early Community of believers was impressive because the believers were CONNECTED by AGAPE LOVE.  Birthed through the outpouring of The Holy Spirit in chapter 2 of Acts; these early believers drew immediate attention and the wrath of the religious leaders.

 In Acts 2:42 - “Devoted themselves to (continued steadfastly  in) the apostles’ teaching (they adhered to instruction) and the fellowship (koinonia), to the breaking of bread (the Lord’s Table) and the prayers”.  The believers were CONNECTED to GOD and EACH OTHER through REGULAR TIMES of: the WORD, PRAYER and WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, SHARING MEALS in their homes.  Such spiritual CONNECTIONS created a DYNAMIC LIFE STYLE as seen from the results recorded in Acts 2:43 – 44:

First – “awe came upon every soul” (REVERENT OR HOLY FEAR).

Second – “many wonders and signs were being done” (DEMONSTRATION OF THE SPIRIT’S POWER).

Third –all who believed were together” (SPIRITUAL AGREEMENT)

Fourth–“believers had all things in common” (AUTHENTIC LIVING).

FIFTH – “many were added to the church” (WITNESS).

 What grew this dynamic spiritual CONNECTION?

a) Their spiritual CONNECTION grew out of AGGREEMENT – Act 2:44 – “And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common”; Philippians 2:2 – “Agree with each other, and show your love for each other.  Be united in your goals and in the way you think”.   SPIRITUAL UNITY or AGREEMENT results in AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS.

 b) Their spiritual CONNECTION produce deep FELLOWSHIP –? Acts 2:46,47 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

 The term Luke uses for “fellowship” In our text is a much broader term than our English word.  By definition from English –? “an association of people who share common beliefs or activities”. Essentially, “fellowship” means “joint participation” or “sharing something in common.”  Making a comparison of various translations {The message –? “life together” –? CEV as “were like a family to each other”} Philippians 2:1, uses the term to mean a common sharing in the Holy Spirit. In Philippians 3:10 and 1Peter 4:13, it is used of sharing in Christ’s sufferings.  While in Galatians 2:9, it appears to be a sharing together in ministry.

 c) Their spiritual CONNECTION released the POWER of PRAYER –? Acts 4:23 “When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them.  24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God”.

 Prayer was regular practice: Acts 2:44 “The time of prayer was about three o’clock in the afternoon, and Peter and John were going into the temple.”

 2. Early Community of believers was impressive because the believers were CHALLENGED by God’s love.  The community of believers was CHALLENGED to a RADICAL EXPRESSION OF LOVE.  The HUMILITY EXPRESSED by the believers was EXTRAORDINARY. 

 These disciples had been challenged, by being with Jesus, on what humility meant:

a. Jesus taught them that HUMILITY does not take FIRST PLACE Matthew 23:1–?7 “Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the law of Moses. 3 So practice and obey whatever they tell you, but don’t follow their example.  For they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden.  5 “Everything they do is for show.  On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear robes with extra long tassels.  6 And they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the seats of honor in the synagogues.  7 They love to receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi.’   Walking in humility helps handle our need to be noticed.  Titles do not make us who we are; it is our beliefs, values and the faith we hold. 

 b. Jesus taught them that HUMILITY chooses to SERVE not be served Luke 22:27 – “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves”. Matthew 20:28 – “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life–?–?a ransom for many.“

 John 13:3–?5 – “Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around is waist, and poured water into a basin.  Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him”.  HUMILITY IS NOT WEAKNESS, it is BASED ON SOUND KNOWLEDGE and a SOBER MIND.  HUMILITY is not driven out of FEAR.  Is it not strange that Peter could not see this transition?  The community of love is not of the BIG MAN SYNDROME.

 c. Jesus  taught them that HUMILITY must see NEEDS from Jesus’ PERSPECTIVE Luke 14:12–?14 – “Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.  13 But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed.  Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

 d. Jesus taught them that HUMILITY handles our tendency to make COMPARISONS Matthew 18:1–?5 – “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.  3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me”.

 e. Jesus taught them that HUMILITY deals with our SELFISHNESS

Luke 14:7–?11 – “When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of  honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.  If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’  Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that  when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests.  For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 f. Jesus taught them that HUMILITY deals with issue of COMPETITION Philippians 2:3-4 “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others”

 g. Jesus taught them that HUMILITY handles our sense of INSECURITY First, insecurity can grow from the feeling of being unaccepted.  Second cause of insecurity arises from past experiences like broken homes, the death of a loved one, and other scars from the past.  Third, a poor self–? image can damage self–?esteem.  The result is a sense of shame and self–? consciousness that permeates our actions and reactions to issues. Fourth, insecure can arise from feelings of being overshadowed by others.  This can breed competition.  As believers, we have this assurance:  “And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You” (Psalm 9:10)

 3. Early Community of believers was impressive because the believers were world CHANGERS Acts 2:45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  HOW did they do this: ACTS 4:32 “but they had everything in common…34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners  of lands or houses  sold them and brought the proceeds of  what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.  36 Thus Joseph, Who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.  The Community of Love learned that security is not to be found in WHO WE ARE, THINGS WE OWN, or WHERE WE SERVE.  As world changers, the Community of Love embraced SACRIFICIAL LOVE that says:

 a. We value UNITY of PURPOSE

b. We RECOGNIZE GOD as SOURCE

d. We value WHOLEHEARTED Giving

e. We practice Lifestyle WITNESS

 33 “And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”  Many are added to the church and the poor were ministered to.

In Conclusion:

At ICC, we desire to be CONNECTED to each other as a Community of Love. Through such authentic relationships, we are able to DEMONSTRATE this nature in all our dealings with others.

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ICC West Campus – Pastor Scott Berkey

ICC Imara Campus – Pastor Philip Kitoto

ICC Kitengela Campus – Pastor Winnie Odero

Frontrunnerz West  – Pastor Gibson Anduvate

Frontrunnerz Imara – Pastor Eric Munyoki

Let us set the stage by looking at a few verses: First is the Great Commission – Matthew 26: 18-19 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” The second is Matthew 5:13-14 “You are the salt of the earth…“You are the light of the world”. Acts 1:8 “and you shall be my witnesses...” These verses point us to the duty of the believer. He is commanded to be a WITNESS, SALT, and LIGHT.

Jesus was sending His disciples with a MESSAGE to the world. This was God’s message of LOVE that was to RECONCILE the world back to Him.  This message calls on the church to both: be the MESSENGER and have the MESSAGE. My question is, do we have a MESSAGE to DECLARE to a corrupt, unfriendly, hurting and unjust world? Can we be the SALT and the LIGHT that this world needs?

Like John the Baptist, can we be THE voice of HOPE?  Is there anything we have that can make a significant difference?  The truth is that, all of God’s directives for living are based on LOVING God and LOVING others to the CROSS.

John MacArthur states that the biblical message is unlike no other “As far as the way of salvation is concerned, there are only two religions the world has ever known or will know – the religion of divine accomplishment or biblical Christianity, and the religion of human achievement.”  Whereas Christianity is based on acceptance through grace offered as a result of God’s love, the other is based on human effort to earn acceptance.

When the church focuses on the religion of PERFORMANCE, earning ACCEPTANCE, and PROSPERITY, we become lazy and narrow focused. As a result, we miss our call and purpose in life.  Instead of becoming a powerful witness to God’s love, we become narrow minded, self-seeking and self-serving.  That is why Christian love must take us from a focus on self to becoming other people centered.

To make the much needed difference, we have to come to the realization that our mandate is to bring about a REVOLUTION OF LOVE.  If indeed God is love and we are his children–made in His image, then our DNA is LOVE. This is Radical love!

This is why Scripture warns us in 1 John 3:17-19, that “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 19 Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.

 Life is not about the abundance of things we have, it is about HOW WE LIVE LIFE; it is about OUR HEARTS OF COMPASSION. This is what SETS US APART.

 GODLINESS is measured by our commitment to translate FAITH to ACTION because this is what AFFIRMS our Walk before God. LOVE FOR GOD IS NOT COMPLETE IN US unless we make a move to IDENTIFY with the hurting world AROUND US

Radical LOVE calls on us to:

L – Leave all our comfort, past hate, stereotypes and selfishness

O – Order our lives after the one who has loved us and identify ourselves with the hurting world around us

V – Value and fight for what we could become if we loved the way He did. Jesus endured the cross because of the joy that was set before Him

E – Empathize with those around us the way Christ had compassion on us.

Such RADICAL love transforms us into a generation (Community) of LOVE – a community with a voice of HEALING and HOPE to this barren, dry, starved and scorched world.

Those called to be part of the community of love are those born of God. WE NEED THEREFORE TO UNDERSTAND THAT:

1.   FIRST: God’s NATURE is love

Since God is love, His love defines his DIVINE NATURE and what our nature as Sons and Daughters of His Kingdom should be

1 John 4:7 Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God’s child. And so everyone who loves knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love to us: He sent His only Son into the world to give us life through Him.

 God’s love is reproduced in us so that our new life may be the outcome of the power of his love. God’s community of love is those radically changed and commissioned by Him to be witnesses of that love. That is why the bible says: KNOWING GOD = LOVING EACH OTHER because GOD = LOVE

2. God’s NATURE of love is revealed through His Dealings with the created order.

WHAT KIND OF LOVE IS THIS?

His love is Sacrificial Love:  The basis of our salvation is found in God’s nature of love: John 3:16 – “For God so loved that He gave …”; Ephesians 2:4-5 – “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ”; Titus 3:3-5 – “For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared” we became witnesses for the love that redeemed us.

 GOD’S LOVE = SACRIFICIAL LOVE. When we submit to GOD’S LOVE, it transforms us into GIVERS OF LOVE

His is love is Defining Love: this love makes the difference. The way the natural world provides for our needs regardless of human sin, so does God towards us. Matthew 5:44-48 “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”, (WHY) “45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”

Our LOVE FOR OTHERS must be UNCONDITIONALLY GIVEN This means LOVING OTHERS proves that we are SONS OF GOD.

His love is Faithful Love: His dealings with us are as a result of his LOVING and COMPASSIONATE HEART. Hebrews 12:6 states, For the LORD disciplines those He loves, and He punishes each one He accepts as His child); and Proverbs 3:12 states, “the LORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in”

From this scripture, LOVE = DISCIPLINE: Because knowing God is tied to our ability to ALLOW HIM TO DISCIPLINE US.

3. God’s NATURE of love is revealed through His Son

By Him we are TRANSFORMED: God demonstrated His Love by giving us His Son to die a sinner’s death: Romans 5:8 – “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”; Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

Through Him, we become His REPRESENTATIVES: Being changed by his love, we are called to demonstrate the same love: Ephesians 5:1-2 – “Be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us”; 2 Corinthians 5:15 – He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 1 John 3:16 – By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  1 John 4:9 – “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him”

4. God’s Divine Nature GUIDES the believer’s daily life.

COMPELS us to live differently: 2 Corinthians 5:14 - For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; Acts 2: 44-47 – “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

PARTAKERS in the divine nature: 2 Peter 1:4 – “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust”

SELFLESS (Others-Centered) in the way we live: John 13:34-35 –A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Philippians 2:3,4 – Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” LOVE WITNESSES

LIGHTHOUSE of unity: Philippians 2:14-16 – “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life”  John 17:20,21 – “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me”. LOVE breeds UNITY and becomes our WITNESS

PURIFYING love – 1 John 3:9 – No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God”. Philippians 1:9-11 “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. LOVE = GODLINESS = PURITY

6. The community of love is authentic

Authentic hearts show OBEDIENCE: John 14:23-24 –“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.; I John 4:15-18; Galatians 5:6, 22-23). LOVE = OBEDIENCE

Authentic hearts are DEPENDABLE – Rom 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; 11 not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. LOVE = HUMILITY = SERVING

Authentic hearts choose BLESSING over REVENGE- Rom 12:14, 17,18 – Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse…Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.  If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. LOVE = FORGIVENESS and PEACE

In Conclusion, God’s Community of Love is Revealed, Not Defined by words: Colossians 2:2, “That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;”  LOVE = TRANSFORMATION = TRUE COMMUNITY

At ICC, we desire to Connect you to God and to those around you. You were meant to live in community with God and his people.

Question: What must I do to be in community with God and others around me?

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But too often we have disobeyed our Lord. We have ceased to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world,” as Christ has commanded us. As a result, the moral fiber of Kenya is rotting away – and our priceless freedom is in grave jeopardy.

Even a small percentage of us can be used by God to set this nation on a new course of righteousness for His glory.

Charles Finney, who helped introduce half a million Americans to Christ, wrote in 1835:?“The time has come that Christians must vote for honest men and take consistent ground in politics, or the Lord will curse them… God cannot sustain this free and blessed country, which we love and pray for, unless the Church will take right ground. Politics are a part of religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to the country as part of their duty to God… God will bless or curse this nation according to the course Christians take in politics “

His words are no less true for us today. Our nation’s course is up to us.

Mark Twain understood the importance of a Christian’s responsibility as a citizen. He wrote: “A Christian’s first duty is to God. It then follows, as a matter of course, that it is his duty to carry his Christian code of morals to the polls and vote them… If Christians should vote their duty to God at the polls, they would carry every election, and do it with ease… it would bring about a moral revolution that would be incalculably beneficent. It would save the country.”

What is God’s plan for choosing leadership?

God’s Plan for a Nation’s Leadership:

To protect His people, God warns against un- godly leaders. The rule of the wicked is a direct violation of His will. “The wicked shall not rule the godly, lest the godly be forced to do wrong” (Psalm 125:3). Instead, God’s plan is for us to have leaders who know Him and will rule according to His Word. “He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God” (2 Samuel 23:3 NKJ).

Voting for and supporting moral candidates who support moral public policies is the minimum requirement of Christian citizens in a system of self-government. Godly people must vote for godly rulers.

How do we get to remain in God’s will and elect leaders as God planned?

1. 1.     Pray

The healing of our nation begins with the prayers of the saints. “If My people will humble themselves and pray, and search for Me, and turn from their wicked way, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Prayer and action:

• Pray that we shall be full of the Holy Spirit and listen to the voice of God and vote with wisdom free from influence of negative ethnicity and or class.
• Pray for boldness and courage to stand out on issues that go against the word of God, pray that we shall not be involved in cover up for sin and that we shall point out corruption and every evil practice on our leaders.
• There are a number of witchdoctors and medicine men that have invaded our country to cash in on politicians as they seek their “powers”. Pray that Jehovah will scatter them in Jesus name. Pray that our leaders will not be lured by this deception. Pray that we shall reject all leaders that we know practice witchcraft and magic.
• Pray for evil to be exposed in Jesus name. Ask God to open our eyes and to allow us to see through lies that are peddled to us as the truth. Pray for wisdom to choose Godly leaders

1. 2.     Be informed:

Organize and lead or participate in a study group to inform yourself and others concerning the structure of government, current political problems and issues, and how to serve God effectively in the political arena at your level of influence.

Refer to the animations table on elective areas and positions from page 9 of the “Handbook on Elective Positions” projected on the screens.

Prayer and action:

• PRAY daily that God will change the hearts of, or remove from positions of public leadership, those officials who are godless, worldly, and disobedient to Him.
• Pray that Kenyans will not only vote for the presidential candidates but will also consider and evaluate all the other positions prayerfully. Each position has a great influence on the nation.
• Pray against every force of doom that may propel wicked leaders into position of power. Pray against bribery of voters, tribal sentiments, threats etc that may be unduly used to influence voters.
• Pray that the church will raise the bar for prayer and that we shall mobilize all the faithful to take the last week to the election for earnest prayers with fasting so that God may avert every evil planned by Satan over the elections.

1. 3.     Value and appreciate Knowledge:

Knowledge is essential to effective action. “The wise man is crowned with knowledge” (Proverbs 14:18). Just as the untrained soldier is at the mercy of his enemy, the uninformed Christian cannot prevail against evil forces in the world of politics.

• To serve God effectively as a citizen, you must learn how to act for His glory within the framework of existing political processes.
• Become a well- informed Christian citizen by gathering information and discussing with experts and friends to acquire the necessary knowledge on the new constitution, election processes, aspirants and the roles and responsibilities of the new offices.

Knowledge must result in action…

Prayer and action:

• Pray against ignorance. Many Christians do not seek knowledge on political matters and consider it for those who have nothing to do. The enemy uses our ignorance and influences election of heathen leaders that get into office for 5 years and through them he continues to rule. Pray that we shall be alert in the spirit.
• Pray that the church will not be shy in teaching Christians the values of a nation including guiding them on the qualities of a good leader. Pray that we shall debate in a healthy manner and be able to agree on who to vote for. Pray for boldness to point out leaders who are not for the good of our nation.
• Pray and go out this week and look out for the leaders who have presented themselves for elective office in your area. Talk to people who may know them, attend their meetings or listen to their speeches. Read manifestos of the various coalitions and let the Lord guide you. Pray that the Lord will separate the wheat from chuff and prayerfully make a choice.
• Pray for those that are of the faith and have presented themselves for elections to uphold their morals and that God will grant them success in the coming polls so that they may get into office and influence decisions.

1. 4.     Let God’s Word Be Your Guide

In making your decisions, let the Word of God be your guide. “Godliness exalts a nation” (Proverbs 14:34). So it is important to prayerfully seek God’s will in all political decisions. Israel invited God’s anger by selecting leaders without consulting Him: “They set up kings without my consent; they choose princes without my approval” (Hosea 8:4, NIV).

If there is no qualified candidate who is spiritually mature, vote for the one whose personal principles and platform most nearly agree with your own Christian position based on the Bible.

Prayer and action:

PRAY daily “for kings and all others who are in authority over us, or are in places of high responsibility, so that we can live in peace and quietness” (1 Timothy 2:2).

• It is the responsibility of every Christian to pray for the leaders in our country. We cannot run away from this responsibility and we have to wage war over the kingdom of darkness concerning the leadership of our country.
• Pray today for the civil service, as they take responsibility of government while the political leaders change guard. Pray that this will not be the time for them to take advantage and propagate corruption within government.
• Pray for all the outgoing leaders and especially government ministers who already know they are not coming back. Pray that they will not use the positions they are holding until the appointment of the new secretaries to enrich themselves or award contracts etc to their cronies or business partners.
• Pray for wise leaders to be appointed in positions of influence in the new government. Pray that God will give us leaders who fear God even those that are not of the Christian faith, that God will influence their hearts to serve the people of Kenya and not themselves.

1. 5.     Practice Godly Stewardship: Vote and elect godly people.

Voting is a matter of stewardship under God.

King Solomon writes, “The good influence of godly citizens causes a city [state or nation] to prosper” (Proverbs 11:11). Vote on the 4^th March elections, and in every election, as a service for God.

If you fail to vote conscientiously for godly rule, evil will increase in our nation. “When rulers are wicked, their people are too” (Proverbs 29:16). Our nation will then bear the consequences of our choices. “You will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the Lord will not answer you in that day” (1 Samuel 8:18, NIV).

Righteous rule brings rejoicing. “With good men in authority, the people rejoice; but with the wicked in power, they groan” (Proverbs 29:2). The most effective way to restore righteous rule and rejoicing in Kenya is to elect godly people to positions of authority. This can be done only by informed, praying Christians like you.

The Word of God gives us the basic qualifications of a good candidate. ‘’Find some capable, godly, honest men who hate bribes, and…. let these men be responsible to  serve the people with justice at all times” (Exodus 18:21,22).

Prayer and action:

• The choices we shall make on the 4^th of March will influence the destiny of our nations for generations to come. Prayerfully consider this matter and cry to God that as a nation we shall not be selfish. Think and pray as the day approaches that you are actually making a choice for your children and their children. This is not only about us!
• Pray for yourself today; consider how much time you have taken to pray over this matter. Be honest and ask yourself what will influence your choice of leader. Is it God or your tribe? Pray for yourself.
• Pray for all Christians and the church leadership; pray that our consciousness will be clear of any selfishness. Pray that we shall be good examples to others and that we shall preach peace during and after the elections.
• Pray for all election officials in the IEBC, election observers and arms of government who are going to be involved in the election process. Pray for fairness, pray for protection, pray for their health, pray for provision of resources and good and favorable weather throughout the country on the 4^th of March.

Remember!

Principles Are More Important Than Party

A candidate’s principles are far more important than his party affiliation. To place confidence in unworthy candidates is a miscarriage of Christian stewardship. “Putting confidence in an unreliable man is like chewing with a sore tooth or trying to run on a broken foot” (Proverbs 25:19). Therefore, vote your Christian convictions over your party loyalty.

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Let Your Faith ‘Do Something’

The 5 most important things your faith will ever do for you in your life!

Scripture Reference: Mark 10:46-52 (NIV)

Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David,have mercy on me!”  Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.”  So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.  “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.  The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”  “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

James 2:17-18 says “I will show you my faith by my works!”

Every incidence of healing or working of a miracle in Jesus’ ministry required FAITH and a corresponding action – FAITH had to do something.  Below are a few points to note on FAITH.

Faith Connects: What spot on the road of life are you sitting by, begging?

Jesus is present and He is passing by.  Thousands passed by Bartimaeus everyday as he begged for help by the road, some may have given him money or old clothes but no one could give him what Jesus offered.

Inform the needy that Jesus is here and He is passing by; it is our business to point those in need to Jesus, not a gimmick or process.  Once they meet or connect with Jesus, everything changes!

Faith Speaks and Cries Out: Bartimaeus cries out – “Jesus, Son of David have mercy on me (show me grace)”.

He cried out all the more when the crowd tried to silence Him.  Bartimaeus’ plea STOPPED Jesus in His tracks and He responded to being called the “Son of David’ – Jesus responded to the appeal to “His Kingship”.

Faith Moves: Rise – He is calling you, move into His presence, not just the front of the Church!

Get rid of anything that ties you to your misery, the garment of self-pity or need, the garment of sin, throw it off and get to Jesus – He is calling you not just any beggar or blind man on that highway, He is calling you!

Faith Claims: “Lord, that I may receive my sight”

Do not just cry for help, tell the Lord exactly what you expect Him to do for you.  He wants to hear your declaration, Jesus wants to know your demand and your expectation.  Bartimaeus’ faith in Jesus Christ to heal him, had SAVED  him.

Faith follows (Rejoicing): Once he received his sight, Bartimaeus followed Jesus on the road.

Luke 18 records, glorifying God as he went and igniting praise to God as he went.  Bartimaeus’ way was now Jesus’ way, testifying to many others of the great things God had done for him.

Our currency is FAITH, what is yours?

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In the New Testament, we find a man whose story is in many ways similar to Usain Bolt’s. By many standards, he started poorly but finished strong. After many years of persecuting Christians, Paul experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ while on the road to Damascus.

While writing to Timothy in Paul says,

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Tim 4:6-8)

Paul wrote this letter in prison awaiting his execution, yet he seemed happy with the life he led. It was not about how badly he started but how excellently he finished. So excellent was Paul’s finish that today in churches around the world many sermons will be preached from his epistles.

Many times we let our past dictate our future. We hold on so strongly to our past hurts, failures and downfalls that we fail to see that, just like Usain Bolt and Paul, its not about how badly we start, but how excellently we finish!

“…its not about how badly we start, but how excellently we finish!…”

Every successful story—a marriage, a job, or a business has faced its own share of obstacles. There is no success that is offered on silver platter. Finishing excellently is a sum total of the good, the bad, and the ugly you have encountered in this life. The truth is we may never remember how you started, but we shall always remember how you finished. Finish excellently and give us good memories.

What are the things that hold you back from finishing excellently?

Eric Munyoki

Youth Ministry Coordinator

@chanundu, +chanundu, fb.me/chanundu

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ICC West Campus – Pastor Leo Kinuthia

ICC Imara Campus – Pastor George Nuthu

 Frontrunnerz- Brian Bukachi

WHY WE DO NOT FINISH EXCELLENTLY

Introduction:

“How is your year ending? Did you fulfill the things you had set out or resolve to do in 2012? Is the ending of 2012 a delightful or stressful moment?

 The end of a life—or anything—defines all that went before it.

 One of the worst things to experience is the death of a loved one or friend through suicide. In 1993, Vincent Foster, an adviser to President Clinton, committed suicide, Clinton said, “It would be wrong to define a life like Vincent Foster’s in terms only of how it ended.” 

 As much as Clinton is right in one sense, the sad fact is that no matter how much friends, family, colleagues, and workmates of a person who commits suicide try to put the end of the life of such a person out of their minds, how their lives ended will always overshadow their memories. Because how a life, a ministry, a job, or a relationship ends defines and colors all that goes before it.

 The end seems more important than the beginning. It is not so much how one begins as it is how one ends. The end is more important than beginning;

• Many young people stand before God and vow to “have and to hold each other in holy matrimony till death do them part.” However a large percentage allow “separation and divorce to put them asunder.”
• Many Kenyans enroll at colleges and universities; locally and abroad, to study Diplomas, Degrees and professional certificates at various levels. However a number of them do not graduate.
• Many people start-up businesses. However, over 50% of these shut-down within 2 years!
• Many people start the Christian race. Only 25% of them will finish the race according to the parable of the sower.
• Many men and women have been anointed as great ministers of the Gospel. They begin well and tremendously bless and encourage many through their ministries. However, due to moral or money issues they are no longer in ministry. Despite the many wonderful things done through their ministries, we remember them for the reasons their ministries ended . 

a) He created everything in 6 days and rested on the 7th day. And after finishing the creation work on the 6th day He saw everything that He had made was good! Genesis 1:31.

b) Jesus on the cross finished God’s plan of salvation excellently and just before He died on the cross He declared,”It is finished!” John 19:30

c) Apostle Paul declared as He awaited persecution, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Tim 4:7.

Below are Illustrations of “Finishing Excellently.

 a) The Story of John Steven Akhwari https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=_OFgfM3-LCM&NR=1 at the 1968 Olympics.

 b) The Story of  Derek Redmond at the 1992 Olympics.  His father did for Him, what ur Heavelnly Father does for us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nifq3Ke2Q30

Reasons that stop us from finishing excellently what God entrusts or commits to us:

The parable of the Sower. Mark 4:1-20

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark%204:1-20&version=NIV

From these scriptures there are various things the hinder us from finishing our race with the Lord excellently:-

1) Satan’s Intervention.

Vs 14-15 – “The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.”

 The job description of Satan is to “kill, steal and destroy” (John 10:10) thus he will ensure that he disrupts whatever God has blessed you and wants you to accomplish. This is more evident to those who have be delivered from the hold of Satan by the blood of the Lamb, but to those still under Satan’s dominion there is no difference.

 Like these scriptures have said, Satan just comes and snatches the Word from them and it has no effect on them. Ephesians 2:1-3 describes such people as people who are “dead in your transgressions and sins” and following “the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” They like “gratifying the cravings of [their] flesh and following its desires and thoughts” and consequently, “by nature deserving of [God's] wrath.”

 Such kind of people will never finish excellently because they are condemned to eternal death and condemnation by God. If you are here and have been coming to ICC through 2012, it is time you turn to Christ and begin the journey of eternal life with a view of finishing excellently!

 For those walking in Christ we need to need to be strong in The Lord and in the power of His might and put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) so that we can defeat Him. We aren’t ignorant that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2Cor 11:14), thus give him no opportunity to triumph.

2) Lack of Endurance

v.16-17 – “Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.”

God will allow and arrange His people undergo trials and tribulations so that they can be strengthened in their faith and develop Christlikeness. Thus because of this we need to have endurance to with stand the “trouble” and “persecution”!

Lack of endurance has caused many Chrsitians to be casualties of their seasons of testing.

The Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 4:12-14, 16-19, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.”

 The Apostle James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”(James 1:2-4 NIV)

 God uses trails to build within us perseverance so that we can FINISH EXCELLENTLY.

3) Distractions of the worries, wealth and our desires.

Vs. 18 – 19 – “Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

Many Christians who allow “cares of the world and the deceitful ness of riches and the desires of other things” to distract them from focusing on their race to heaven. The life today demands that we hassle to make a living and be better than the Kamaus. The market media madness mills keep stirring our greed for the latest and bigger things and propelling our insatiable need for more things.

 We are worried and anxious about what we’ll eat, wear; where we will live, take our kinds to school and university; how we will pay our mortgage, buy a plot, trade in our old car for new one, buy a new car, care for our aging parents and settle out bills and debts, change jobs, get new business clients, reduce weight. our retirement and the list is endless….All things weigh us down that we get discouraged and distracted from focusing on what God intends for us to do.

 Materialism is beckoning us deceiving us that it will give us a better sense of security, status and significance…Our love for things is being heightened and many of us are sacrificing our faith, health, marriages and families on the altar of bigger and better things.

 Desires for things usurps all the spiritual energy we need to work at finishing excellently the things we are meant to do for the Lord.

 In 2 Thes 4:10 we read of Apostle Paul being  forsaken by Demas who went to Thessalonica because he loved the world.

We are warned that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Tim 6:10) and we just need to see how many believers have fallen by the wayside because of the love of money. Jesus warned us that we cannot serve God and mammoth (money).

In summary, from the parable of the sower we are able to learn the things that hinder us from finishing excellently the race the Lord has set out for us.

Further still, these three things can be applied in other areas of our life i.e. career, marriage, business, personal growth etc. the things that can distract are:-

1) Enemies of our progress

Enemies of our progress are things,situations, people who demotivate more than motivate you from achieving what God intends to accomplish in and through you.

2) Lack of endurance

Endurance is a character trait that we all need to finish excellently whatever we start. Few things in this life come easy or on a silver platter.We have to make sacrifices, withstand hardships and overcome challenges to succeed in most of the things in our lives e.g. education, marriage, parenting, employment, business, financial blessings etc. We have to have an enduring spirit to finish things excellently.

3) Distractions

They will always be minor distractions that will try and entice us from the main things. Married people get distracted by attractions and attachments of people of the opposite sex around them that appear to be better and more understanding than their spouses. There will always be another business that is better than the one you started, a greater opportunity than the one you have…However, do we stayed focused own what we believe God wants us to do or do we keep giving in and hoping to every enticing distractions that comes our way.

Conclusion

God expects us to finish excellently what He has entrusted and committed to us. We started by saying that to finish excellently is pursuing to the end what God has entrusted and committed to us with the best of our abilities under whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. It is is not “Finishing Successfully” which means finishing what has been entrusted to us with the spirit of competition or seeking to excel simply to be better than others.

God is most concerned with how we shall finish our walk with Him. We need to deal with the things that stand in the way of our relationship with God. We must overcome Satan, inculcate a spirit of endurance and seek first the kingdom of God and all these other things shall be added unto us (Matthew 6:33).

To those of us who are still under the hold of Satan and have never surrender to Christ or the prodigal who once faithfully followed Christ but forsook Him, TODAY is the day of salvation the Lord has made for you! Step out today as 2012 draws to an end and ensure that you’ll finish excellently the race of your life.

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ICC West Campus – Pastor Leo Kinuthia and Pastor George Nuthu

ICC Imara Campus – Pastor Leo Kinuthia

Frontrunnerz – Pastor Eric Munyoki

Jesus through His resurrection overcame the power death held over humanity. He destroyed  the grip the fear of death held on humanity.

He stands as our high priest interceding  for us before God. No temptation has overcome us apart from what is common to man.

As a high priest who identified with my weaknesses by walking the earth as fully man, He understands my daily struggles as my brother and I have the power to overcome through Him.

Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin.

• He will never allow me be tempted beyond what I can bear.
• He will provide a way of escape for any temptation that confronts me.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

He came to seek and save the lost. That is why His death and resurrection is such a significant foundation for our faith. Through His victory we have peace and forgiveness of sin.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread,  and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”  In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying,“This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Luke 22:14-20 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

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