The time is now …

The so called post-modern times is very “religious and spiritual” in its character. People everywhere is desperately seeking to fill their own spiritual emptiness. The only problem is that everyone is doing it in his own way and on his own terms – sort of “reinventing” their own gods. But, somewhere – in the back of their minds the possibility of not making contact with the one true God (The Unknown God) remains. To be spiritual is not enough. You need to have contact with the One True God.

Let me tell you who He is … the apostle Paul proclaimed in Athens. He was not invented by man, because He created man … and everything else in this universe. He is not living in temples made by humans and He does not depend on humans to provide Him with anything, because He sustains everything and everyone. He is in control of this very world we live in (crooked as it is through sin) … and because of this, he is slowly but surely moving the whole of human history to a final climatic point in time.

There was a time of “ignorance”, but not any more. He now commands all men everywhere to turn away from their evil ways because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the whole world with justice by means of a Man He has chosen – a Man who was raised from death!! Have you heard the Good News message of Jesus Christ? Time is running out … The time is now.

How do people respond to this message? In three very different ways: First you will find the people who laugh and turn away. It’s sad but true. They do not believe this message and probably never will. The second group tries to keep their options open. Maybe later, but definitely not now. We want to hear you speak about this again. I will make a decision on this later. Hopefully they will again get an opportunity. Maybe – never again. The last group – did you notice? Only a few … they believed and made contact with the One True God through His Son Jesus Christ.

You can laugh and turn away – or postpone a decision and “hopefully” have another go later – hopefully … The time is now.

Bible passage: Acts 17: 16 – 34

Your are summoned to be a witness

This certainly is THE COURT CASE of all time. Jesus Christ is on trial and He is been questioned. But the Bible is very clear on the fact that He is calling people to witness in this court case. "...I have always spoken publicly to everyone; all my teaching was done in the synagoges and in the Temple, where all the people come together. I have never said anything in secret. Why then, do you question me? Question the people who heard me. Ask them what I told them - they know what I said..."

The Bible tells us of two witnesses. One stepped forward and slapped Jesus in the face. He was one of the Temple guards. It is safe to presume that this man was no stranger to the Temple and everything that happened during Jesus's ministry. But he clearly distances himself from Jesus and His cause.

The second witness did not come forward. The people approached him. He was part of a crowd hugging a fire in the distance. He denied that he had any contact with Jesus even when the people pressured him by asking him more than once. When he denied the fact that he was part of Jesus's group of disciples - the third time ... a cock crowed in the distance to announce the time.

What time is it? Witness time ... All people will eventually be called to witness in this court case. Some people who might know a little bit will step forward and slap Jesus in His face. But some, comfortably hugging a worldly fire as part of a crowd - who knows everything will be put on the stand ... and deny him repeatedly.

Please read of this witness who were called to the stand again. He eventually changed his testimony (Acts 4: 18-20).

Bible passage: John 18: 19 - 27

So close ... and yet too far away

He really was on the very brink of the kingdom ... just one more step. But he did not take it. Just as the people of Israel were on the very shores of the Jordan river, just on the border of the Promised Land (Canaan). But because of unbelief they had to turn back into the desert for 40 years.

This young man was asking the right question. He even responded enthusiastically when Jesus Christ gave him the right answer ... even adding to Jesus's answer with insight and wisdom. Your are not far from the kingdom - Jesus eventually "invited" him. Not far ... nearly there ... just one more step ... please take it!!

Jesus is the One who knows every person's heart. This man had all the knowledge (as did the Pharisees who were arguing with Jesus), but to know all the right answers to all the right questions is not enough. Do you really believe it so that it goes from your head to your heart? It can be a "Cremora"-faith (not inside ... it's on top) ... not inside the heart but "on top" (only in the head).

How near do you want to be? Sometimes people are very near ... but will still be ... too far. Just one more step ... please take it.

Bible reading: Mark 12: 28 - 34

To be part of the crowd ...

Bible passage: Ezechiel 33: 30 - 33

Ezechiel created quite a stir amongst his people. In the streets and in their houses they were busy discussing what was happening. They were not only talking about the message he delivered from God, but they were actually encouraging each other to attend a huge "rally" to which they flocked in their masses. The Bible describes it as something like the concert of a big "performer". The crowd was listening to the beautiful voice and the lyrics full of passion. But - and take note: this is the sad part. They did not actually listen to what he was saying, because they did not respond by doing what God commanded.

Even "religious" people like to be entertained. Jesus Himself was sometimes followed by a crowd of people. They heard most of what He said, because He delivered His message in the marketplace. Eventually the masses turned their backs on Him. Does it mean anything to be part of an excited crowd? Is God's message for entertainment purposes only? Is hearing the message enough ... or should there be a response?

60 000 men in a big tent ... a sold out meeting in a sport stadium. Are you part of this new "excitement"? What happens in your life, when the meeting is over?

When the conference is over ...

I am very excited about the MIGHTY MEN conferences and the tremendous response it is receiving. It clearly demonstrates the fact that God Almighty is at work in South Africa and that He is not only creating a tremendous awareness of spiritual need amongst people, but that He is also calling His children to faith in action. I pray that this will really be His KAIROS time for South Africa ... and even Africa.

What concerns me though is the question: what next? When all the conferences and meetings and hype is over - what then? What will remain? I would like to make a small contribution by focusing on some relevant Bible passages. What does the Bible teach us ... in times like these.

Please study the Bible passages with me. Feel free to respond.

To the glory of His Name.