The Excel Church, Beckenham Kent: Recent Episodes
The Excel Church, Beckenham Kent
We are a small untraditional church in Beckenham with a great atmosphere of love where everyone feels like family. If you are seeking to understand the true nature of God, walk like Jesus in this world and experience the promised liberated life, come and fellowship with us.
Pastor David continues the series on facing the cost of living crisis as Christians. We are encouraged to have the right mindset, a line we will not cross based on the word, take responsibility for our actions, trust God and wait upon the Lord. This waiting is not what you might think but is a recognition that you are bound and twisted with God. Listen and be blessed!
Pastor David explains that we are no longer sinners. This seems a bold and potentially controversial statement but it is in our bibles. Through Christ the compelling nature of sin, that had us enslaved to it, has been removed. Why then do we continue to sin? When we were saved we became,righteous, however, the memory of sin means that if we do not renew our minds we have the propensity to commit sin. The scriptures are clear (Romans 5:18-19) that through one man we became sinners and through one man we became righteous. Brethren, there is nothing we can do to earn this righteousness, instead, we should accept that Jesus gave it to us freely, renew our minds and walk accordingly.
Minister Emelia reminds us that we are all one and one family in Christ. With this in mind, we should not elevate ourselves above another because we are all clothed with Christ. Brethren, this should eliminate any inferiority complex and stir us to work together in union, recognising that we are all eligible to be used by God.
Pastor David calls out Fear for the identifiable entity that it is - it is a spirit and it is bondage! Romans 8:15 shows us that before Christ we experienced fear but as Christians we should no longer be brought under its bondage. We are encouraged to look Fear in the face, bind it, stand against the thoughts it whispers, and use the word of God against it. Brethren, in Christ we have nothing to fear, therefore we should not be enslaved by it.
Minister Emelia exhorts us in Colossians 3:1-3, encouraging us to change our focus. Our physical states cannot help us see spiritual matters so we need to engage in spiritual things such as listening to worship and meditating on the word so we can focus on Christ and shift ourselves to where we really belong, which is in Christ. Brethren we are born from above and as Jesus is so we are in this world. Therefore we need to focus on heavenly things, and as we do this we will manifest what we are. This will help us when our natural state challenges our spiritual identity.
Pastor David passionately encourages us to believe in what God has already done and the directives in His word. We are reminded of Romans 8:6-7 which tells us that if we are carnally minded we will always be in conflict with God becoming an unwilling enemy to God, because of the mind. Brethren let us be spiritually minded so that we will have peace.
Pastor David explains Romans 8:1 which states that "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." We learn that the condemnation refers to not being fit for use, like a condemned building. Therefore the scripture is saying that those under grace should not accept being told that they are not fit for use! Brethren listen and be set free! In Christ, if you fail, try again because you are one with Christ. Reject everything that is telling you that you are not good enough, shut the mouth of the devil and tell him to be quiet!
Minister Yinka encourages us to seek peace always because we are children of light. We are reminded that we should not be associated with anything evil, to run away from it and to do good, especially to our brethren in the faith and seek peace. Brethren, as Christians we should not be the ones that unbelievers are looking at as fighters and contentious people instead we should be examples to humankind!
Pastor David encourages us to think the way that God thinks during this time of austerity.
Pastor reminds us that all believers are the house of God and that wherever we go we bring God with us. We are special! If we really understand that we are the habitation of God, it should bring us confidence and divine security. This should eliminate the fear of the enemy and his empty roars. Pastor David also re-iterates that the word of God is the divinely inspired word and by doing the bible, you are doing the will of God.
Minister Danielle shows us that no matter what family dynamic we are born in, when we give our life to Christ we have equality of opportunity afforded to us by God.
Pastor David shows us that there are answers for how we should face the cost of living crisis as Christians. We see in 2 Kings 6:26-33 that there was a crisis to the point where people were desperate enough to eat their own children (foreseen in Deut 28:53). Through the account in 2 Kings we are given some keys to how we should and should not be during times of crisis.
Pastor David shows us through 1 Kings 17: 1-5, what can be achieved when we put our trust in the Word of God. We are also encouraged to take what the word says about us and release our faith! There was no mention of Elijah previous to 1 Kings 17 but due to his faith in God he became one of the greatest prophets. Elijah knew how to take God's word and make it his word, so much so that he declared it with full confidence that it would come to pass. Brethren, find the word that fits your situation, release your faith and see God's word manifest in your life.
Minister Yinka encourages us, as dearly loved children of God, to stay away from the things that worldly people do. We are not of this world but sojourners and as such we should live a life pleasing to God, holding ourselves back from freshly cravings. The greatest one lives within us and is there to help us in our struggles and to live a spiritual life.
Pastor David shows us that we are not ignorant of the will of God and that we do not have to ask "if God wills" because His will is made explicit in His word.
Pastor David urges those who do not know Jesus to know him whilst encouraging those who have made Jesus their Lord, to guard their salvation jealously.
Carrying on from last week, Pastor David reminds us that creation is waiting for the Sons of God to manifest, with outstretched necks. As Sons of God we are meant to dominate over all that God has created, as described in Genesis. We need to come back from our vacation and be who we are meant to be so that we do not lose our savour and become "morons" (insipid, tasteless and foolish) as described in Matt 5:13. God forbid we should lose our savour. Brethren let us come back, add flavour to people's life and act as our position dictates!
Minister Danielle reminds us that God is timeless and therefore is not governed by time. As such we do not have to wait for what God has already done. Our time is now!
Pastor David encourages us to rise up and be the sons of God that we are. All that God has created are stretching their necks in expectation for us to act, to heal the sick, raise the dead and stop the devil in his tracks! We are in the world but not of it so let us manifest what already exists within us, which is the glory of God.
Pastor David reminds us that those who do the work of God should be provided for by those who benefit from that work and they should not feel guilty about it. The Work of God is the most important work there is. We should bless our leaders and others who are working the Harvest to encourage them and enable them to do more.
Pastor David takes us through Romans 1:12-17. We learn that believers should be a comfort to one another, that we should minister to those who are around us, such as our families and neighbours and most importantly we should not be ashamed of the gospel. The gospel is more than good news, it is news that is almost too good to be true. It is the news of being reconciled to God, of being given righteousness freely. It is a life of faith. When we present the gospel to others as the good news that it really is, therein lies the power that brings them to salvation!
Minister Emelia encourages us to arm ourselves with the mind of Christ. With the mind of Christ we are able to act like Him and that is our defence against bitterness, hurt and anger. When offended, wounded and unjustly punished, Jesus did not deceive to escape it, detail all his good works or deny his identity to stay safe. Jesus did not rage against his abusers but rather He prayed for them. As believers we need to have this mind so that we can navigate the offences that will come.
Pastor David implores us to recognise the glory that is within us as children of God. Ephesians 3:9 says "...to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" This mystery has now been revealed and it is that the one who created the heavens and earth, The Christ, Jesus himself dwells in those who have accepted Him! Because Christ lives within us we have a hope for a glorious life. What should this glorious life look like? It is a life that has authority, is successful, rejects what it does not want and commands what is required. We can go to Heaven like Lazarus who had an unsuccessful earthly life or like Abraham who had success on earth and moreso in heaven. Let us fulfil the word of God and be those that show principalities and powers the manifold wisdom of God...
Minister Danielle exhorts us to develop an appetite for the word of God. We are encouraged to chew over the word of God to experience its flavour and move to the place of understanding. The word of God does not need anything added to it, nor does it need to be taken in moderation. The word of God can and should be binged! Brethren switch to a word based diet and let it change your life!
Pastor David continues his teaching on Power. We are taken through Acts 3 where Peter and John meet the lame beggar whilst on their way to pray at the temple. We see that despite not planning to pray for the beggar or being “prayed up” (as they had not yet reached the temple), they were able to release the power of God, work the miracle and heal the man. This is an example of the mechanical power of God and highlights that the power is because of Jesus and what he has done and not because of us.
Minister Yinka through 1 Peter 1:23-25 shows us how wonderful and powerful the word of God is. Like flowers, we humans will one day fade, regardless of our accolades or achievements but the word of God will never fade or lose power. With this in mind let us take the word, meditate upon it and let it change our lives!
Pastor David continues his teaching on power. This week we learn that power is mechanical and does not depend on us being "right" for it to be released. We see in the example of Moses, that despite disobeying God's command to speak to the rock (Numbers 20:8-12), when he struck the rock, water still came out. Again, we see that the woman with the issue of blood was able to receive power into her body for healing even when she was breaking the law of Moses. We learn that power is strength and what the equivalent of "striking the rock" again would mean today.
Minister Emelia exhorts us with 1 Peter 5:6 which urges believers to humble themselves "under the mighty hand of God". We learn how important it is to dethrone self dependancy by totally depending on God. This has great benefits to our spiritual and physical life. The scripture continues that we will be "exalted in due time" when we do this. When we throw our life into God, we are not thrown by Satan's devices and we are able to see things from a heavenly dimension. Brethren be encouraged and depend on the Holy Spirit
Pastor David reminds us of the ability and authority we have as sons of God. We learn that the source of our power is in being born from above (John 3:3). Being born from above means that we are above all (John 3:31). Brethren, as born again children of God we have been given so much, we must let what the word says about us be imprinted in our identity. Listen to this teaching, be convinced of who you are and walk in your power and authority!
Minister Yinka exhorts us with 1 Peter 2:1 encouraging us to live a lifestyle befitting to a Christian and to put away ungodly Characteristics. We are also encouraged to see the good in others and let our light shine for others to see.
Pastor David starting with Hebrews 11:6 shows us that it is faith that pleases God. There is nothing that can make God love us any more or any less, however if God can be pleased He can be displeased. We should want to please God and the Bible shows us how we can do that.
We learn through looking at Abraham that it is faith in what Jesus has done that puts righteousness into our account, despite some of our bad behaviour. Conversely our good behaviour, holiness worship and performance is not what pleases Him. Brethren if you want God to be pleased simply believe in His word above your own mind or opinion. Make His word preeminent in your life and wow what a change you will see!
Minister Yinka exhorts us from 1 Peter 1:8. He encourages us to recognize how wonderful and precious the one we have not seen is. Although we have not seen him, Jesus is real, He loved us so much he died for us and gave us great power in this Earth. He has prepared a place for us and is always with us.
Pastor David concludes the Hardened Heart series by navigating through Matthew 17:18-19 and Mark 9:20-22, which details the account of the disciples inability to heal the "lunatick" boy. We come to understand that unbelief was the root of the disciples inability to heal him. They had healed people before and had expected to do it again but were puzzled as to why they failed this time. We learn that observation of the boys ailment strengthened their unbelief (sensory unbelief) and so they were unable to do as before. However, Jesus shows them that through prayer and fasting sensory unbelief can be diminished. Brethren it is important that we deal with the hardened sinful heart of unbelief so we can walk in victory, heal ourselves and heal others.
Pastor David shows us that 2 Chronicles 7: 14 does not apply to us. It states “if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Firstly this was said to the Jews under the old covenant and secondly God is not imputing sin to us (2 Cor 5:19-21) so this scripture cannot be relevant to us. We are reminded that understanding the context of scripture and the dispensation that we are in, will help us decipher what is relevant to us and what is not.
Pastor David, through Ephesians 3:19 shows us that there is a knowledge of God that passes the intellectual or head knowledge of Him. This type of knowledge is experiential knowledge of His love and is vital if we want to be filled with the fulness of God.
Minister Danielle, exhorts us with 1 Peter 4:8 which amplifies the importance of showing God kind of love amongst the brethren. The scripture says "above all things have fervent charity among yourselves..." Why should we do this above all things? Because we have the same father and are bonded by Christ himself. However, it is a choice to love this way. Too many of us rely on our natural responses but we need to change this and consciously decide to love one another. When this love is observed among us we are not publishing each others faults but covering them. This is a beautiful thing and mimics what Jesus has done for us.
Pastor David shows us through Exodus 12:11-19 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 the purpose of Communion. We learn that the passover was a foreshadowing of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. The same way that the blood brought salvation to the Israelites in Exodus is the same as how Jesus has brought us salvation by the shedding of his blood. The way that the body of the lamb gave the Israelites strength is the same way the broken body of Christ brought us strength/healing. Jesus is the lamb. Pastor David also explains how the taking of the Communion has been misinterpreted because of a misunderstanding of the term "unworthily". Brethren listen, be enlightened and get the benefit of the purpose of Communion.
Minister Emelia exhorts us with 1 Peter 1:3-5. Our salvation is not just something we see at the end when we die but our new life starts now! We are the glorious ones and we have have an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance, kept intact in Heaven. We are encouraged to see beyond our physical state and reminded that our new birth is by resurrection power. That resurrection power does not come and go but remains within us. We are further encouraged to push through every situation knowing we have victory because we have resurrection life and carry God's glory.
Pastor David shows us that this is the best time to know God because we are under the dispensation of Grace. God is not looking to smite, curse or destroy us! Brethren under Grace we have everything we need, just grab it and call it to manifest!
Pastor David encourages us to be like children when it comes to our dependence on and trust in God.
Minister Yinka, shines light on our identity in Christ. As believers we are a special people, we are royalty, a chosen generation. Nothing should hold us bound because we have Jesus, the precious stone within us. Brethren be encouraged! The one that others rejected, you have accepted and have become automatically qualified to be set aside for greatness!
Pastor David reminds us that as believers we have used our faith to receive the greatest gift of salvation. We need to use this same faith to live out our lives. However, for some reason we switch of our faith and carnally walk out our lives relying on what we can see, touch and hear. God calls those things that are not as though they are, this is the God kind of faith. Brethren consider not the natural report but be fully persuaded in the power of God.
This Father's Day, Pastor David encourages fathers to come under the greatest of all fathers. The one who has all authority, supremacy and power. The men are reminded that in order to be a great father to their children they need the influence of God the father, who loves them and their children more than they do. This was a message for the men but can be applied to all! Brethren let no one but God have authority and influence over your life.
Minister Danielle encourages us to remember what God has done, so we are rendered active to see the manifestation of God’s goodness in our lives.
Pastor David recaps on last weeks message on Faith and Hope, linking it to our series on the Hardened Heart and the cure for it. We learn that when Abraham had no natural hope, he relied on Supernatural hope to see the promise of a son materialise. Abraham considered not what he saw with his natural eyes! Brethren if you want your heart not to harden consider not the facts. Does that mean you are to be in denial? No but it is to understand that facts can change and are superseded by the truth in the Word of God.
Pastor David shows us the two reasons, as stated by Jesus in Matthew 2:29, why we make mistakes in our lives.
Minister Emelia encourages us to embrace the fact that we are the Elect as stated in 1 Peter 1:3. We are reminded of what being elect means biblically and how God does not use his foreknowledge to determine those who are chosen. We are encouraged to challenge our thoughts and know who we are in Christ, it will change the way we approach situations and such knowledge can only multiply grace and peace unto our lives.
Brethren this is not one to miss! Pastor David eloquently describes the relationship between Hope and Faith and the difference between Natural Hope and Supernatural Hope. Hope is the important element of Faith, it is seeing inside what you cannot physically see outside. It can be defined as your positive imagination which brings you to realising your desire and fulfilling the outcome of Faith. We learn that whilst expressing our faith (act of believing) we should be filled with joy and peace. If we are experiencing the contrary then we are not operating in faith but unbelief. Listen to this message over and over until you get it, as this will move you from hoping for things with failure in mind to hoping and seeing desires manifested!
Minister Yinka encourages husbands and wives with the instructions of 1 Peter 3: 5-7! Wives are reminded to showcase their inner beauty rather than just their outward appearance and that it is their conduct that will influence their husbands. Husbands are reminded to make their wives a subject of study so that they can know them well. Brethren let us live out our roles well so that we have fruitful family lives to the glory of God.
Over the past few weeks we have learned what a hardened heart is and how it develops. Praise God there is a cure! Pastor David shows us that one cure lies in intimacy with God. In our busy schedules, if we want to keep our hearts open to and softened towards God, we must make time for Him. Secondly if our hard heart has developed due to focusing on the wrong things we can make a new choice to “not consider” those things and instead focus on God’s truth. There is more so make sure you listen to the next lesson on the cure to a hardened heart.
Pastor David shows us that grace is not license to do as we please. When we decide to follow Jesus we must choose to deny our old man and his ways not once a year or once a month but daily! This may be painful at first but as we continue to do it and imitate Jesus the world will see the evidence of Jesus’ influence in our life.
Minister Danielle exhorts us to elevate our relationship with God above everything else and shows us that the only way God's nature and blessings will manifest is through the correct knowledge of Him.
Pastor David continues to show us the causes of a hardened heart. We learn that unbelief is one of the causes, and how unbelief can lead to sin, which itself is also a cause of a hardened heart. If sin is allowed into one's heart it can become a habit and then a yoke. Brethren let us take care to practise those things that will keep our hearts open, yielding and willing towards God!
Pastor David shows us how to answer a person who believes that the Law (of Moses) is applicable to believers today. Romans 3:31 states "Do we then make void the law through faith? yea, we establish the law". Does this mean the Law is still applicable today? How is the Law the ministration of death (2 Corinthians 3:7) but still established? Does the bible contradict itself? The quick answer is "No". We learn that there is a lawful way to use the Law but that is in regard to unbelievers (1 Tim 1:8-9). Jesus fulfilled the Law and it is done away with for those who are in Him. Listen and free yourself from the Law mentality. Believer you are under grace and for this you should rejoice!
Reading from Mark 6:52 and Prov 4:23 - Pastor David explains why people have hardened hearts by providing two examples of how hardened hearts develop and how we can prevent this from happening. Pastor David makes it very clear that our lives follows what we allow to dominate our hearts and encourages us to guard it with all diligence - as our lives manifest how we have been thinking.
In this nugget, taken from Eph. 2:8-12 and Titus 2: 11-15, Pastor David illustrates that the combination of Grace AND faith has saved us; and this faith is a gift from God, through Jesus. Recognising that everything God has done for us is because of Christ Jesus, the combination of Grace and Faith should be seen in balance in our Christian walk - enabling our lives to showcase Christ.
2 Peter 3:17-18 In these last two verses of our Study of 2 Peter 3, Min. Emelia explains Peter’s final warning by showing us the importance of 'being on guard' in our minds. Illustrating that this is achieved by (i) rejecting and removing ourselves from anything that does not line up to the word of God and (ii) growing in our knowledge of Christ and the grace that He has bestowed upon us.
Reading further from Mark 8:17-21, Pastor David illustrates that Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of understanding - distinguishing the differences between remembering vs understanding. This message, reveals the important role that understanding plays in transforming our lives. A life that remains unchanged by the Word reveals there's a lack of understanding.
From these verses, Minister Danielle makes it easy for us to understand what our conduct should be on earth, as Citizens of the new Heaven. We are encouraged to be diligent both in: (1) being at peace with one another and (2) in our study and understanding of the Holy Scriptures; so that we are not ones led astray by perverse teachers.
Beginning with Genesis 3:6-7, Pastor David demonstrates how our thoughts influences whether we see things - spiritually or carnally and the importance of ‘seeing from your heart.’ Further, Pastor David, also explains Mark 8:17-21, showing that a hardened heart can lead to accumulated knowledge without a changed life; and how best to address such a condition.
In these verses, Minister Emelia teaches us that we are to expect and wait earnestly for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is something that we, as believers, can look forward to. Hence, we should consciously keep our minds upon things above instead of being focused on earthly things - as they will surely melt away. Yet a beautiful, much better and permanent heavenly home awaits us - and this is where our focus should be!
In this Resurrection Sunday message, reading from John 20:9 Pastor David reveals the reasons why the disciples were crying. When,given the momentous event of Jesus' resurrection, they really should have been celebrating. Listen to this message and discover the key to always rejoicing in life.
This message, concludes the review of the life of Naomi. Taken from Ruth 1 versus 8 -15, Pastor David highlights how Ruth’s life was positively influenced because of Naomi’s spiritual virtues. Also, from Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi, Pastor David details five notable steps that one can take to change one’s life.
Minister Patricia provides a brief context of the chain of events surrounding the Day of the Lord - detailing the impact this will have on the physical world, believers and unbelievers. Apostle Peter's letter to the church remains relevant and reminds us that this world is temporary and will pass away. Whilst, also forewarning of the necessity of being intentional in keeping our focus on what is eternal and, in seeking God's kingdom first.
Reading from Ruth 1 versus 1-8, Pastor David continues with a review of the life of Naomi. This time, Pastor David reveals the errors in Naomi’s life. Highlighting the lessons we can learn from these errors, and more importantly, how we can avoid making such mistakes in our own lives.
Reading from Ruth 1 vs 1 -18, Pastor David reviews the life of Naomi and how she conducted herself. In particular, detailing how well Naomi showcased Christ in her actions towards her daughter-in-laws; despite her own loss. Naomi’s behaviour, provides insights on traits to avoid and attitudes to adopt - and the positive impact this can have on our relationships with others.
Have you ever thought the Bible contradicts itself? In this nugget, Pastor David demonstrates the importance of understanding scriptures in context. Pastor David confirms that our spirits are perfect; and for eternity, our spirits will never be in need of cleansing. However, an incorrect reading of 2 Cor 7:1, one can wrongly think that we need to work on cleansing our spirits. Listen to this teaching to correctly understand the context of this verse and its relevance.
In continuing the Hardened Heart series, Pastor David links Mk 8:17 to the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:18 -20 to explain the second characteristic of a hardened heart.
The soil represents our hearts (mind) and the word of God represents the seed.
By describing the different types of soil, Pastor David explains how the different conditions of the heart will affect our ability to grow as Christians. This sermon will help you to identify the condition of your heart. It teaches how to both establish roots and how to bear fruits. It emphasises that getting understanding is THE starting point and the most critical part - as our christian walk depends on what we understand.
In this teaching, Minister Danielle teaches how we can avoid being like the scoffers, described in these verses, who wilfully chose to be ignorant of the truth found in God’s word. Instead, they chose to believe in human theories on creation - as a means of believing that Christ’s second coming will not result in their Judgement. However, when we keep our minds full of God’s word, this will influence out thinking and in turn our behaviour.
Building upon previous teachings from Mark Ch 6 & Mark Ch.8, Pastor defines a hardened heart and how in subtle ways a Christian can develop a hardened heart. Additionally, in Matthew 16 verses 1-4 Pastor David shows how a Christian can be overly aware and conscious of things happening in the world, e.g. current affairs, entertainment, etc. A heightened focus on things such as these, diminishes our focus on spiritual things. Pastor David encourages us to get the order of our focus right, by putting spiritual things first.
In this teaching, Min Danielle shows how the Apostle Peter stirred up the pure mind of the believers by bringing into their remembrance the holy truths that they were previously taught. Also, such stirring helped to ward against Scoffers: those who were throwing doubt about Christ's return. This teaching illustrates that memory affects our thinking powerfully. It plays a key role in the renewal of our minds which leads to transformation of our lives. Similarly, as we keep our minds full of God, this will produce life and peace and help us to draw on the Truth; whilst the world turns more and more to lustful desires - an indication of the end times.
In this nugget of truth, Pastor David challenges the erroneous misconception that God deliberately allows people to born with deformities - so that He can later get the glory for healing them. Listen to this teaching taken from John 9:1 -3 to find out the true nature of God in such situations.
In these verses, Minister Emelia reviews the outcome of false teachers who had once believed and experienced the Truth of the Gospel, but who deliberately went back to their fleshly desires, purely for self gain. Despite once being set apart, they had chosen to entangle themselves again into former fleshly desires & immoral behaviour. Consequently, their intense desires led them to be overcome by sin - a process which happens gradually. They are like animals who return to filth. Their end was far worst than had they not known the truth. This teaching reminds us of the importance of guarding our hearts so that we are able uphold the truth of the gospel and that we address things in our lives that could cause us to gravitate to teachings that feed wrong agendas and/or lustful desires.
Minister Danielle continues in 2 Peter 2, illustrating vividly how these verses are used to depict the impact of false prophets. In the story of Balaam, God had to speak through a donkey to restrain Balaam from his intent to curse the children of Israel - because he was fuelled by the lust of riches. Minister Danielle, also shows how ungodly teachers use loud, vain words and teachings to lure and impress - but their words are without substance. These false prophets are like wells without water - who do not edify, restrict the visibility of Truth, and who are devoid of the Holy Spirit ,they often leave you in a worst state. In contrast to Holy Spirit who is like "a well of water of water springing up to everlasting life." (John 4:14). The teaching reinforces the importance of us knowing the word of God for ourselves, so that we are not easily deceived.
In this teaching, taken from Mk. 6:30-40, Pastor David shows us how Jesus advocated for rest, for himself and his disciples. However, it should be noted that Jesus was also moved with compassion. Thus, when he saw there was a spiritual need, He chose to prioritise meeting the spiritual needs that He saw and encountered.
Minister P gives a whistle stop review of the previous teachings on 2 Peter 2 vs 1-15. The overview summaries the nature, behaviour and cunning practices of the False Prophets and the ensuing consequences of their unrighteous acts.
We are warned to be wary of false teachers, whose teachings are deliberately targeted to appeal to fleshly desires; with the sole purpose of exploiting others for personal gain. An understanding of such practices along with knowing God and His word for ourselves, will go a long way in helping us to not fall prey to false teachers and the ‘rewards of unrighteousness’, which is judgement.
Pastor David, also use various scriptures in Exodus to demonstrate that God was not the one who hardened Pharaoh’s heart - illustrating the role we play in the condition of our heart. Thus, reminding us that what we focus our mind on - we become sensitive to. Whilst, what we ignore - we become hardened to.
In this continuation of the Hardened Heart series, Pastor David uses both Old & New Testament scriptures to outline some of the characteristics of a ‘hardened’ heart. In Mark 6, Pastor David specifically highlights that the disciples’ reaction of ‘wonder’ & ‘amazement’ at Jesus walking upon water, was as a result of their hearts not CONSIDERING Jesus’ previous miracle of feeding the 5,000. He also explains that us being amazed, or in wonder or excited when miracles happen is not a good place to be in. Rather, God wants us to view miracles as the norm, and to only be surprised when we do not see miracles happening. However, this will only come about when set our minds to really knowing God and His power and HIs ability,
Pastor David continues the Hardened Heart series, focussing on the conflict between doubt/unbelief and faith. Pastor takes us through Matthew 17 where we see that it is possible to have the two forces existing at one time. Unbelief can be caused through, ignorance, lack of the right knowledge or based on our senses. The first two types of unbelief can be challenged by obtaining the right knowledge but the unbelief based on the reliance on senses can only be dealt with by prayer and fasting. Pastor David encourages us to deal with the unbelief.
Minister Emelia continues in 2 Peter 2. The apostle continues to describe the false prophets who have no redeeming character traits. We are encouraged to put on the new man, have our heart on the things of God, deal with desires that do not line up with God and use our will the right way so that we do not become pray to these false prophets.