Signs and symbols are important because they are used to convey messages quickly and concisely. God gave a sign for every covenant that he made with men, as if to assure them of the certainity of His promises! God gave Noah the sign of the Rainbow (Genesis 9:13); gave Abraham the sign of Circumcision (Genesis 17:11) ; gave the Israelites the sign of Sabbath ( Exodus 31:13-17); gave the Church the sign of Baptism. (Refer: The seven covenants.) Interestingly, all these covenants were made with the righteous because God doesn’t make a covenant with the wicked but with those who by faith had received a righteouness. ‘By his faith Noah condemned the world and became heir of the righteouness that comes by faith.’ – (Hebrews 11:7) So righteouness by faith is not a new testament theology but something we find throughout the Bible. ‘What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather discovered in this matter?’… What does Scripture day? “Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteouness.“‘ – (Romans 4:1-3) And as a sign of the righteouness he had by faith, he was given a sign of circumcision. “You are to undergo circumcision and it will be the sign of the covenant between you and me … My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant.” – (Genesis 17:11-13) Many think righteouness is credited to them when they take the water baptism. Infact they received the righteouness by faith even before they were baptized, as Abraham did! ‘And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.’ – (Romans 4:11) We have received this righteouness of Christ by faith even before we were baptized in water when we received the Spirit of God who imputes Christ’s righteousness to us. Signs of the covenant are therefore :-

1. A reminder of God’s covenant – God deliberately chooses to remember his covenant with us and so must we! “I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth … Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all the living creature of every kind on earth.” – (Genesis 9:12-16)

2. An assurance of God’s promises – God first gave his promises to Abraham when he was 75 (Genesis 12:1-3), cut a covenant when he was 85 (15:18) and gave the sign of circumcision when he was 99. ‘When Abraham was ninety nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said,”… I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers … Every male among you shall be circumcised.” – (Genesis 17:2-10)

3. A declaration of our faith – The sign of baptism is a public declaration of faith; of our good conscience towards God. ‘…Water symbolises baptism that now saves you also – not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience towards God.’ – (1 Peter 3:21) We declare that ‘we are buried with him through baptism into his death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead … we too may live a new life.’ – (Romans 6:4)

There are two sacraments that Christ instituted. The sacrament of baptism is the sign of the covenant and the sacrament of Communion/ Eucharist is the celebration of the promise that was fulfilled, just as they observed under the old covenant, the Circumcision which was the sign of the Abrahamic covenant and the Passover which was the celebration of the promise made to Abraham to deliver his descendants from slavery. (Genesis 15:13-14) Amen.

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Why does God make covenants? Wasn’t God’s word to Abraham more than enough for him to believe that he would take possession of the land? Nevertheless, God made a blood covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15:18) and confirmed it with an oath (Genesis 17:2,22:16), because Abraham had asked, “How can I know that I will gain possession of it ?” – (Genesis 15:8) In other words, Abraham had the ‘certainty of things not seen’ but he was asking for the ‘surety of things hoped for’; that God will not give up on his descendants but will discipline them and enable them to take possession of the land against all odds. Therefore ‘God did this ( ie made a covenant and swore an oath) so that by two unchangeable things ( ie the promise and the oath) in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.’ – (Hebrews 6:18) The reasons why God chooses to make a covenant with us are as follows:-

1. God desires an everlasting bond – God is not interested in a temporary relationship but in a permanent relationship that requires commitment from both parties. He therefore enters into a covenant with men (not a contract that can be breached) that will not be breached by him nor should be breached by us! ‘If we are faithless, he will remain faithful for he cannot disown himself.’ – (2 Timothy 2:13) So is marriage, and God hates divorce – (Malachi 2:16), the breaking of faith with the wife of your marriage covenant. – (vs 14)

2. God reveals his unchanging nature – He is not man that he should change his mind! ‘God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son of man that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?’ – (Numbers 23:19) Has the Lord spoken, so shall it be! ‘Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath’ for ‘the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.’ – (Hebrews 6:16-17)

3. God sets clear-cut expectations – God told Abraham what he will do for him and what he expected of Abraham. “AS FOR ME, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations .. the whole land of Canaan where you are now an alien, I will give you and your descendants as an everlasting possession and will be their God … AS FOR YOU, you must keep my covenant … , Every male among you shall be circumcised … My covenant in your flesh is to be an everlasting covenant.” – (Genesis 17:4-14)

We too have a new covenant in the blood of Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:25) which assures us of the promise of the Spirit (Acts 2:39), the blessing given to Abraham (Galatians 3:14) and healing in Christ (1 Peter 2:24). Amen.

The divine exchange has not only availed us promises for this life but also hold promises for the next life! He has given us his ‘great and precious promises so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption …’ – (2 Peter 1:4)

1. Resurrection of our bodies: The righteousness imparted to us not only has made alive our dead spirits but also will give life to mortal bodies . ‘If Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.’ – (Romans 8:10-11) ‘We will not all sleep but we will all be changed – in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.’ – (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)

2. Heavenly inheritance: Abraham was not only promised an earthly inheritance in the land of Canaan but also a heavenly inheritance as well – A celestial city! Therefore ‘he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.’ – (Hebrews 11:10) So did ‘Issac and Jacob who were heirs with him of the same promise’ – (Vs 9) ‘They were longing for a better country – a heavenly one! Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.’ – (Vs 16) John, in his vision, ‘saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God …’ – (Revelation 21:2)

3. Inner peace and healing : Not only will our outer man experience healing but also our inner man will experience an inner peace and healing that we haven’t fully experienced on earth! ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain for the old order of things has passed away.’ – (Revelation 21:3-4) ‘Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life … On each side of the river stood the tree of life … the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.’ – (Revelation 22:1-3).

The divine exchange has taken away our sinful nature and has clothed us with the divine nature. Therefore, ‘put on the new self, created to be like God (or godliness) in true righteousness and holiness.’ – (Ephesians 4:24) ‘Train yourself to be godly … godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.’ – (1 Timothy 4:7-8) Amen.

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The Lord has not only been merciful to us by not treating us as our sins deserve but he has also been gracious to us, to give us gifts that we didn’t deserve! Not only has he taken away our sins, curses and sickness but has given us something very valuable instead! This divine exchange is what makes the gospel the ‘good news of great joy that will be for all the people.’ (Luke 2:10)

1. Righteousness instead of sin: Not only has He taken away our sin in his mercy but also has graciously given us his righteousness that we didn’t deserve! ‘God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we MIGHT BECOME the righteousness of God.’ – (2 Corinthians 5:21) Whoever believes the Lord, he credits the righteousness of Jesus to them, just as ‘Abraham believed the Lord and he credited it to him as righteousness.’ – (Genesis 15:6) ‘The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in him who raised Jesus from the dead.’ – (Romans 4:23-24) The Holy Spirit comes to impart this righteousness to us.

2. Blessings instead of curses: Not only has he taken away our curses in his mercy but also has graciously given us his blessings that he gave to Abraham. ‘He redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us … in order that the blessing given to Abraham MIGHT COME to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ …’ – (Galatians 3:13-14) Because those who believe like Abraham are reckoned as the children of Abraham! ‘Understand , then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. The Scriptures foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.’ – (Galatians 3:7-9)

3. Healing instead of sickness: Not only has he taken away our sicknesses in his mercy but also has graciously given us healing in Christ. ‘Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows. He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds WE ARE (not might be) healed.’ – (Isaiah 53:54-5) To receive the righteousness and the blessings, its imperative (of vital importance; crucial) that we receive the Holy Spirit or be born again but to receive healing, we need not necessarily receive the Spirit or be born again! All who came to Christ received healing unconditionally without even having received the Spirit. Moreover, the Bible affirms that we are healed because God ‘calls things that are not as though they were.’ – (Romans 4:17)

Apostle Peter summed up the divine exchange in these words: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” – (1 Peter 3:24) Amen.

The crux (decisive or most important point) of the gospel is the truth that Jesus, who is the Christ (Greek: Chrīstós means “anointed one”, Hebrew Mašíaḥ or Messiah means “one who is anointed” ), was Anointed to :

1. A-tone for our sins: The word “Atone” in English means to “make amends or reparation” but the Hebrew word kaphar actually means “to cover over” which implies that his blood has covered our sins! ‘He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.’ – (1 John 2:2) He has become the scapegoat ( a goat sent into the wilderness after the Jewish chief priest had symbolically laid the sins of the people upon it – Lev. 16; figuratively a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency ( being convenient and practical though improper). ‘We all like sheep have gone astray … and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all’ – (Isaiah 53:6) though being innocent. ‘But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him …’ He atoned for our sins that we might become righteous.

2. B-ear our curse: Curse (a solemn utterance intended to invoke a supernatural power to inflict harm or punishment on someone or something) was the catastrophic fallout of sin when God cursed Adam and Eve for violating his command and as a result all mankind reeled (lose one’s balance and stagger) from the effects of it! But ‘Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”‘ – (Galatians 3:13) He was thought of to be an accursed man because of the sufferings he endured but he really was not! ‘He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrow and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces, he was despised and we esteemed him not.’ – (Isaiah 53:3) He bore our curse so that we might be blessed!

3. C-arry our infirmities: Sickness and disease were as a result of the curse and men longed for a Saviour who could rescue them from this vicious cycle of sin – curse – infirmities – death! ‘Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted … and by his wounds we are healed.’ – (Isaiah 53:4-6) Since forgiveness of sin could be achieved with just the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22), what was the need for the breaking of his body, if not for our healing! He was not only Anointed to bear the weight of the ‘sin of the world’ (John 1:29) but also to endure the ‘breaking of his body’ (1 Corinthians 11:24) ‘His apperance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness! – (Isaiah 52:14) He was severely flogged and the agony of that breaking was prophetically uttered by the psalmist in such unforgettable language! “Plowmen have plowed my back and made the furrows long.” – (Psalm 129:3)

This is the “ABC” of the gospel or the foundation on which the new testament doctrines are based. Jesus the “Anointed One” took away our sin that we might receive his righteousness, took away our curses that we might receive his blessings; took away our sickness and are declared healed. Amen.

History bears witness to many great kings and their powerful kingdoms but one King stands out from the rest because he was unlike any other king! Was not born in a palace, nor wore royal clothes! Had no crown on his head nor had a throne to sit! Had no sceptre in his hand nor a court to convene! Had no army to lead nor a horse to ride! Yet he is greater than all kings who had all these; even ‘greater than Solomon’ – (Matthew 12:42) who was the greatest among them! What makes the profile of this King different from the rest of the kings? His uniqueness comes from the truth that he is :

1. The Son of God: Though angels (Hebrew: bēn ha Elōhîm, literally “sons of the Elohim”) who were created by God are also called “sons of God” – (Genesis 6:1, Job 1:6), Jesus, the Son of God, is referred to as ‘”God the One and Only” or “the Only begotten” (Greek: monogenēs means one and only, unique ) who is at the Father’s side.’ – (John 1:18) So ‘when God brought his firstborn into the world, he said, “Let all God’s angels worship him” – (Hebrews 1:6, Deuteronomy 32:43) because he was before them! ‘For by him all things were created … He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.’ – (Colossians 1:16-17) To those who doubted whether God could have a begotten Son, Jesus asked, “If God called men ‘gods’, to whom the word of God came – what about the one whom the Father set apart as his very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’ ?” – (John 10:35-36)

2. The Christ: Only the Son of God could be the Christ (Greek: Christos meaning the Anointed One ) because ‘no man can redeem the life of another’ – (Psalm 49:7) but “the One and Only” or “Only begotten” who was Anointed to ‘take away the sin of the world.’ – (John 1:29). The Jews gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe …” (John 10: 24-26) The Jews had the right to ask because many before him had claimed that they were somebody! – (Acts 5:36-37). Therefore they had even asked John! ‘Now this was John’s testimony when Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him … he confessed freely, “I am not the Christ” – (John 1:19-20) “… but among you stands one you do not know (Vs 26) … he has surpassed me because he was before me.” – (Vs 30)

3. The Lord: Many addressed Jesus as Lord (Greek kyrios – a title to address a person of higher status; a master of property and slaves) and they were right in doing so! Since ‘all things were created by him and for him’ (Colossians 1:16), he was worthy of that title. He told his disciples, “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.” – (John 13:13) But even onlookers addressed him as “Lord”, so did the Centurion because he perceived him to be a man of authority! – (Matthew 8:6-9) Christ alone is the Lord of all men because ‘with his blood he purchased men for God’. – (Revelation 5:9) Even those who do not obey him now must bow before him and confess that ‘Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.’ – (Philipians 2:10-11) And ‘on his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS”.’ – (Revelation 19:16) Amen.

1. A King: The gospel is not about a philosophy (a belief that acts as a guiding principle for behaviour) or a myth (a widely held but false belief or idea) or a legend (traditional story regarded as historical but not authenticated) but about an authentic person in history called Jesus Christ. ‘The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.’ – (Mark 1:1) At his birth, the Magi from the east came in search of him, asking, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?” – (Matthew 1:2) Years later, when the Jews arrested him and brought him before Pilate, he was asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” … Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a King …” – (John 18:33-37) ‘Pilate said to the Jews, “Here is your king.” But they shouted, “Crucify him! … We have no king but Caesar.” – (Vs 14-16) ‘Pilate had a notice fastened to the cross. It read: ‘Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews’ – (John 19:19-21), which was indeed his true identity!

2. His Kingdom: For many the gospel ends with Jesus and salvation from sin, not realising that he also came to establish his kingdom on earth, for if he is a King, he should be having a kingdom as well! Speaking of his kingdom, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world … But my kingdom is from another place.” – (John 18:36) The Prophet Daniel had predicted that in the last days, “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed … It will crush all other kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” – (Daniel 2:44) God has set on earth a kingdom that we can flee to and find refuge because ‘this world in its present form is passing away’. – (1 Corinthians 7:31) That’s why Jesus said that ‘this gospel of the kingdom be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations and then the end will come.’ – (Matthew 24:14)

3. The Kingdom’s power: The goodnews is also that the Kingdom which God has set up is so powerful that the ‘gates of Hades will not overcome it’. – (Matthew 16:18) ‘From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it.’ – (Matthew 11:12) That’s why he instructed his disciples to ‘stay in the city until they have been clothed with power from on high’ – (Luke 24:49) because it takes power to forcefully advance the kingdom! Talking alone doesn’t advance the kingdom because ‘the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power’ – (1 Corinthians 4:20), by which Paul meant the demonstration of the power of the Spirit. So he said : “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.’ – (2:4) Having understood the power in the gospel, Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” – (Romans 1:16)

The Gospel is about a King called Jesus, and his Kingdom and the incomparable, all surpassing and eternal power of the Holy Spirit who is forcefully advancing the kingdom of heaven on earth. Amen.

Just as the Spirit testifies about Jesus, so also God the Father has testified about his Son. Thrice the voice of God was heard testifying about his Son. Recalling one of the incidents, Peter wrote, ‘For he received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory saying, “This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred moutain.’ – (2 Peter 1:17-18/Matthew 17:5) Referring to these three incidents, John wrote : ‘For there are three that testify: the SPIRIT, the WATER and the BLOOD; and the three are in agreement.’ – (1 John 5:7-8) The WATER refers to his baptism, BLOOD to his death on the cross and the SPIRIT to the Holy Spirit who descended on him. God has testified about his Son by the means of these three substances:

1. Spirit: John gave this testimony about Jesus: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him” because he was told, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ – (John 1:32-33) Therefore John declared, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” – (Matthew 3:11) The authority to receive and impart the substance of the Spirit, testifies to his Lordship. “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and poured out what you now see and hear.” – (Acts 2:33)

2. Water: God has testified to the Sonship of Jesus by the means of water. ‘As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went out of the water … And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” – (Matthew 3:16-17) No one knew the identity of the Son of God, not even John the Baptist, until he was revealed to Israel on the day he was baptized in water. John gave this testimony: “I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he …’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” – (John 1:33-34)

3. Blood: God has testified to the Christship of Jesus by the means of blood which symbolises his death. Once while speaking to the crowds about his impending death, his heart was troubled and he said, “What shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven saying, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.” – (John 12:27-30) Even the manner of his death bore testimony to his identity! ‘When the Centurion … heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” – (Mark 15:39)

‘We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.’ – (1 John 5:9-10) And it is the confession of this testimony that saves us! – (Romans 10:9-10, Revelation 12:11) Amen.

We no longer need the Urim and Thummim to know the truth because ‘it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.’ – (1 John 5:6) Truth is singular and never plural in its existence. There aren’t many versions of the truth but just one! In this world of plurality, finding this singular truth might prove to be difficult. Googling for the truth possibly won’t reveal the whole truth, ‘but when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into ALL TRUTH.” – (John 16:13) We as believers ought to speak the truth; the whole truth; nothing but the truth, as Jesus did, but sadly we speak the truth in shades of grey (meaning not really clear or very sketchy). The Spirit of truth begins by disclosing the identity of Jesus, even before convicting us of our sins. “When the Counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me …” – (John 15:26) The Spirit testifies that:

1. Jesus is the Son of God – The Spirit testifies to the Sonship of Jesus; that he is the Only begotten of God, which sets him apart from the rest of creation! Only the Son of God could be the Christ (Hebrew: Mashiach, the Anointed One), to take the sin of the world – (John 1:29), since sinful man couldn’t redeem another. – (Psalm 49:7) Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said, “…Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” – (Acts 4:8-12) To believe that Jesus is the Son of God implies that his testimony is true – (John 8:14) and all his words can be trusted.

2. Jesus is the Christ – The Spirit testifies to the workmanship of Jesus which resulted in the redemption of mankind. Only Christ can be the Lord of all men because with his blood he purchased men for God – (Revelation 5:9). Speaking by the Spirit, Peter said, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” – (Acts 2:36) To believe that Jesus is the Christ implies that ‘we cannot continue to live in sin’ – (Romans 6:2-14) because ‘one died for all and therefore all died’. – (2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

3. Jesus is Lord – The Spirit testifies to the Lordship of Jesus; that he alone of all men, is worthy of worship. Only the Lord Jesus Christ has been given ‘all authority in heaven and on earth’ – (Matthew 28:18) to judge the fallen angels and men – (John 5:22,27). Speaking by the Spirit, Paul said to the men of Athens: “God has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” – (Acts 17:22-31) To believe that Jesus is the Lord, implies that he lives our life – (Galatians 2:20) and we belong to him – (Romans 7:4).

Just as the Holy Spirit testified about Jesus through the Apostles, he seeks to testify about Jesus through us in this generation. “And you must also testify (Greek: martyreō, from which the English word martyr comes and it means to speak or stand for your faith, even to the point of death), for you have been with me from the beginning.” – (John 15:27) Amen.

Though God had spoken directly to men in the past, to Adam, Noah, Abraham, to name a few, yet ‘no one has ever seen God, but the Only begotten, who is at the Father’s side …’ – (John 1:18)  However, Moses did see God’s form but not his face! – (Exodus 33:20-23, Numbers 12:8) With the birth of the only begotten, God put a human face to the voice that had been speaking to men since creation. ‘In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son …’ – (Hebrews 1:2-3) ‘He is the image of the invisible God, the first born overall creation.’ – (Colossians 1:15) Therefore Jesus said, “I did not speak of my own accord … whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say”. – (John 12:49-50)

However, God speaks in various ways! We read in the old testament that whenever someone inquired of the Lord, He answered them through dreams, or Urim or prophets. – (Numbers 27:21, 1 Samuel 28:6) The reason why God speaks in various ways is because he wants us to be certain of his will, as ‘every matter must be established by two or three witnesses’ – (2 Corinthians 13:1, Deuteronomy 19:15) and that principle applies even to his word to us. For instance, the dream God gave Pharaoh was established when Joseph interpreted the dream for Pharaoh. – (Genesis 41:32). God still speaks to us through:

1. Dreams and visions: References to dreams and visions are throughout the Bible but seldom a prophet was called to interpret it because the message was unambiguous (not open to more than one interpretation). For instance, Abimelech, a Gentile, was warned in a dream against taking Sarah as his wife. – (Genesis 20:3-7) whereas Joseph in a dream was told by the angel of the Lord not to be afraid to take Mary home as his wife – (Matthew 1:20). However, some dreams are riddles and would require a prophet to interpret it. For instance, Daniel was called to interpret the dream and visions that king Nebuchadnezzar had and he said to the king, “The revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. As for me this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom but so that you may know the interpretation …” – (Daniel 2:27-29) God reveals himself to the prophets through dreams and visions. “When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams.” – (Numbers 12:6) It will abound in these last days because Scripture says: ‘In the last days, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.’ – (Acts 2:17)

2. Urim and Thumim: Very little is known about the Urim and Thummim but traditionally it has been translated as “lights and perfections”, or if taken allegorically, the phrase means “revelation and truth”. They were probably precious stones that were set on the breastpiece that Aaron, the highpriest, wore when he entered the presence of the Lord and were used for decision making. – (Exodus 28:30, Leviticus 8:8, Numbers 27:21) How exactly they worked, we are not sure! Probably they glowed in response to an inquiry. David frequently used it to find the will of the Lord – (1 Samuel 23:6,9, 30:7) but eventually he learnt to enquire of the Lord without it – (2 Samuel 2:1) The last time its service was sought was by Nehemiah the governor – (Ezra 2:63, Nehemiah 7:65) Interestingly, Moses never used it because he knew to enquire of the Lord directly. We no longer require the service of the Urim and Thumim under the new covenant, instead we have the revelation of the Word and the Spirit of truth to bear witness in our hearts. “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” – (John 16:13)

3. Prophets: Samuel was the last of the twelve judges and the first person to hold the office of the prophet and many since then ! Prophets have anointed kings – (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13, 1 kings 19:15-16, 2 kings 9:1-2) but when kings corrupted themselves, the prophets served as God’s means of check and balance on the monarchy. Though subordinate to the king, they still confronted kings and rebuked them, as Samuel did Saul – (1 Samuel 13:13-14), Nathan did David – (2 Samuel 12:7-10) and the list goes on … The prophets in the new testament too serve as God’s spokesmen, as Agabus did when he predicted a severe famine over the entire Roman world – (Acts 11:27-28) and later predicted Paul’s impending arrest – (21:10-11). ‘Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.’ – (Amos 3:7) They also serves as a check and balance in the modern church, though they themselves are subordinate to the Apostles but together form the foundation of the Church. – (Ephesians 2:20)

God also speaks to us through our surroundings; the nature around us – (Romans 1:20) and that becomes the circumstantial evidence in addition to that which God has already spoken to us through dreams and visions, through angels, through his Word and Spirit; and through his prophets. May the Lord speak to us today, whichever way he chooses and establish his will in our lives. Amen.

What is the primary purpose of human speech? We will instantly say its for communication. Rightly so! But then even animals communicate with each other. Human speech has a higher purpose unlike that of other creations. The purposes of human speech are:

1. To create: Since we were made in the image of God, we have been given the ability to influence our surroundings and create our own atmosphere with our words. No animal talks about creating a habitat for themselves, but man does! ‘Now the whole world had one language and a common speech … Men said to each other, “Come, let us build ourselves a city …” – (Genesis 11:1-4) We can create unity, prosperity and healing in our families by our choice of words because ‘the tongue has the power of life and death.’ – (Proverbs 18::21) “The word is very near you, it is in your mouth … I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life …” – (Deuteronomy 30:14-20) We choose with our choice of words as we speak!

2. To communicate: The secondary purpose of speech is to communicate with others our thoughts and visions, just as God first created everything by his Word and then he communicated to man, his vision for mankind. ‘God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.”‘ – (Genesis 1:28) But Genesis portrays humans as so ambitious that they tried to compete with, rather than serve, God. Therefore God frustrated their plans by confusing their language at Babel. Being able to understand one another, fosters unity and advancement. God himself said of humans: “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.” – (Genesis 11:6) Nothing is impossible for those who speak the same language of faith.

3. To destroy: The world that God created with his Word will finally be judged and destroyed by his Word! ‘Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations.’ – (Revelation 19:15) The sword from his mouth is the Word that will destroy the dominion of darkness. The only weapon we also have is the Word of God in our mouths. Our words too can destroy the dominion of darkness, if we proclaim the Word of God by the Spirit. ‘The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.’ – (2 Corinthians 10:4) But if we are not careful with our choice of words, our own words will destroy us! ‘The tongue also is a fire … it corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.’ – (James 3:6, Matthew 12:36-37)

The prophet Jeremiah had only his mouth to accomplish the task assigned to him. ‘Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot, and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” – (Jeremiah 1:9-10) Let’s know the power of the spoken word. Amen.

Can prophesying by the Spirit initiate a change in our circumstances and situation? Since God’s words carry the power to create, the words spoken by the Spirit too carry the power to effect change. The prophet Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy and as he did, death was reversed and life was restored! He was told to:-

1. Prophesy to the situation: The Spirit of the Lord set Ezekiel in a valley of dry bones and was asked, “Son of man, can these bones live?” – (Ezekiel 37:1-3) It looked impossible but still the Lord said to him, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them,’… I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and you will come to life…'” – (Vs 4-6) And as he prophesied there was a rattling sound and the bones came together, bone to bone. ‘I looked and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them but there was no breath in them.’ – (Vs 7-8) We might be setup in a situation that looks so ‘dry and dead’, but prophesying by the Spirit can begin the change in our circumstances and situation! Prophesying over those who are not saved can initiate repentance in them. – (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)

2. Prophesy to the Spirit: The change thus begun in us and our situation has to be sustained by the Spirit for it to outlast. “Prophesy to the breath and say to it,’ … Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'” – (Ezekiel 37:9) And as he prophesied, ‘breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet – a vast army.’ – (Vs 10) This parallels an event in the new testament! Jesus had prophesied over the disciples that the Spirit would come upon them in whom the change had already begun. ‘Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven …’ – (Acts 2:2) and they became ‘alive’ in their spirits! ‘Then Peter stood up with the eleven … and addressed the crowd‘ – (Vs 14) and they in turn “were cut to heart’ – (Vs 37) but they too had to receive the Holy Spirit to be born again and for their repentance to last.

3. Prophesy over the nation: Just as prophesying over individuals can transform them, so does prophesying over a nation transform it. The Lord said to Ezekiel: “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones have dried up and our hope is gone …’ Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: O my people … I will bring you back to the land of Israel … I will put my Spirit in you and you will live and I will settle you in your own land …'” – (Ezekiel 37:11-14) Prophesying by the Spirit over a nation will set the course of history scripted by God for that nation to follow. It’s time that we rediscover these truths and prophesy change over our nation at a time when its going through a social, religious, economical and political upheaval! Amen.

In the old testament we read that whenever someone inquired of the Lord, He answered them through dreams, or Urim or prophets. – (Numbers 27:21, 1 Samuel 28:6) The Lord still speaks today through dreams and visions or by his Spirit or through his prophets. The Church still needs the service of the prophets and they cannot be disregarded! However, the office of the prophet is different from the gift of prophecy! Paul asked, “Are all prophets?” – (1 Corinthians 13:29) but then he wrote: ‘I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have ( every one of ) you prophesy.’ – ( 14:5) How can that be? “For the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of prophecy.” – (Revelation 19:10) ‘Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart’ – (1 John 5:10), ‘which God has given about his Son’ – (Vs 9). Since every believer has within him or her the ‘Spirit of prophecy’ who testifies about Jesus, they have what it takes to prophesy! How do we prophesy?

1. Be filled with the word: Prophecy has the Word of God as its content. “Son of man, eat this scroll and fill your stomach with it .” So I ate it and it tasted as sweet as honey in my mouth. He said to me, “Son of man, go now to the house of Israel and speak my words to them.” – (Ezekiel 2:1-4) “Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey. I took the scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. Then he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, languages and kings.” – (Revelation 10:9-11) We must have a sound understanding of Scriptures because true prophecy never contradicts Scriptures!

2. Be filled with the Spirit: The word alone is not enough but it takes the infilling in the Spirit, to prophesy. “I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy.” – (Acts 2:18) Believers prophesied as they were filled with the Spirit. ‘When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.’ – (Acts 19:6) ‘Be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.’ – (Ephesians 5:18-20) That amounts to prophecy because it edifies! Moreover, prophesying can transforms us! ‘The Spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power and you will prophesy … and you will be changed into a different person.” – (1 Samuel 10:6)

3. Speak the word by the Spirit: ‘Logos’ or the ‘written word’ becomes ‘Rhema’ or the ‘spoken word’, when uttered by the Spirit and it has the power to change our dead situation. For instance, Ezekiel was told, ‘”Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord!'” … So I prophesied as he commanded me and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet – a vast army.’ – (Ezekiel 37:4-10) In another instance, the Prophet Zechariah prophesied: “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might not by power, but by my Spirit’ … O mighty mountain, before Zerubbabel you will become level ground.” – (Zechariah 4:6-7) Prophesying by the Spirit can change our situation, no matter how threatening and looming (seemingly about to happen) it may seem! Amen.

Prophecy edifies (Greek: oikodomeō means to build, to edify, strengthen, develop another’s personal life through acts or words of love and encouragement) the Church. How? We have heard it said: “Today’s prophecy is tomorrow’s history!” Prophecy declares God’s absolute control over the events of the future. “Declare what is to be, present it … Who foretold this long ago, who declared it from the distant past? Was it not I, the Lord?” – (Isaiah 45:21) “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.” ( 46:10) Prophecy not only addresses the future for our ENCOURAGEMENT but also addresses the past for our COMFORT and the present for our STRENGTHENING. Therefore Paul wrote that ‘everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their STRENGTHENING, ENCOURAGEMENT and COMFORT.’ – (1 Corinthians 14:3)

1. Strengthening: Strength is for the present and prophecy can reinforce our will by reaffirming our present situation. For instance, John wrote what he heard the Spirit say to the Church in Philadelphia: “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know you have little strength yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” – (Revelation 3:8)

2. Encouragement: Encouragement is for the future and prophecy can inspire us by instilling confidence in us to face the future! For instance, John wrote what he heard the Spirit say to the Church in Philadelphia: “Since you have kept my word to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth … Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” – (Revelation 3:10)

3. Comfort: Comfort is for the events that happened in the past and prophecy can assure us by acknowledging our past. For instance, John wrote what he heard the Spirit say to the Church in Philadelphia : “I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars – I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.” – (Revelation 3:9)

‘The Church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria … was STRENGTHENED (Greek oikodomeō) and ENCOURAGED by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers , living in the fear of the Lord.’ – (Acts 9:31) Pray that true prophecy be restored back to the Church. Amen.

‘In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways but in this last days he has spoken to us by his Son…’ – (Hebrews 1:1-2) Moreover, with ‘the revelation of Jesus Christ … to his servant John’ – (Revelation 1:1), all ‘prophecy of Scripture’ – (2 Peter 1:20) has been written down and there is nothing more that needs to be added to Scriptures. What then is the purpose of prophecy in the new testament Church? Yet Paul encouraged the Church to prophesy because:-

1. It edifies the Church: Paul encouraged the Church to prophesy. ‘He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the Church. I would like every one to speak in tongues but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the Church may be edified.’ – (1 Corinthians 14:4-5) For instance, ‘Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers’ – (Acts 15:32) when they were sent by the Apostles to Antioch.

2. It is a sign for believers: Prophecy is like a sign post that gives us the direction in which we must head and also warns us of the dangers ahead. For instance, the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets at the Church in Antioch, to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work ( Acts 13:1-3) and in another instance was warned by Agabus, the prophet about the danger in Jerusalem – (Acts 21:11). ‘Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; Prophesy, however, is (a sign) for believers, not for unbelievers.’– (1 Corinthians 14:22)

3. It exposes hearts: Prophecy can lay bare the heart of the wicked. For instance, when Simon the sorcerer saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the Apostles’ hands and probably heard them prophesying, he asked for this ability but Peter speaking by the Spirit said, “I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” – (Acts 8:18-24) ‘If an unbeliever comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner …. the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you “‘ – (1 Corinthians 14:24-25)

‘Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy … Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that builds up the Church.’ – (1 Corinthians 14: 1,12) Amen.

True  prophecies have some unique characteristics that helps us test and approve prophecies spoken by the Holy Spirit. ‘Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.’ – (2 Peter 1:20-21) The three characteristics are:

1. It is complementary: There are two aspects to  a prophecy that makes it complementary. The first aspect is WHAT WILL NOT HAPPEN and the second aspect is WHAT WILL HAPPEN. For instance, God told Abram, “This man WILL NOT be your heir, BUT a son coming from your own body WILL BE your heir.” –  (Genesis 15:4) In another instance,  the prophet Isaiah said to Ahaz king of Judah concerning the king of Aram and the king of Israel, who came to invade Judah: “It WILL NOT happen, it will not take place … But  the land of the two kings you dread WILL BE laid waste.” – (Isaiah 7:7-16) Both aspects of prophecy gives us a double stance or else it will be like standing on one foot and will soon lose balance. 

2. It is specific: Secondly, every prophecy has specific details! For instance, God said to Abraham, “Your wife Sarah will bear you a SON and you will  CALL HIM ISSAC.” – (Genesis 27:19) In the other instance, the prophet Isaiah said to Ahaz, king of Judah: “The VIRGIN WILL CONCEIVE and give birth to A SON and will CALL HIM IMMANUEL. He will be EATING CURDS AND HONEY when he knows enough to REJECT THE WRONG AND CHOOSE THE RIGHT.” –  (Isaiah 7:14) 

3. It is time-bound: Thirdly, every prophecy is time-bound and not timeless! For instance, the Lord said to Abraham, “Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own and they will be enslaved and mistreated FOUR HUNDRED YEARS …” – (Genesis 15:13) Later God told Abraham, “About THIS TIME NEXT YEAR, Sarah your wife will have a son.” –  (Genesis 18:10) And in the other instance,  the prophet Isaiah had said to Ahaz, king of Judah: “BEFORE THE BOY KNOWS ENOUGH (meaning before reaching the age of 12)  to reject the wrong and choose the right, the land of the two kings you dread will be laid waste.” – (Isaiah 7:16) And in another instance, the Lord spoke through the prophet Jeremiah saying, “When SEVENTY YEARS are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.” – (Jeremiah 29:10/ Daniel 9:2)

If you have been told what WILL NOT HAPPEN but have not been told WHAT WILL HAPPEN, nor given any specifics or a time frame, then that’s an incomplete prophecy! Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the details. ‘Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good …’ – (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21) Amen.

The Bible exhorts us to test everything before we approve it, whether be the word that we hear, or the prophecy that we are told or the things that we presume to be the will of God. ‘Test everything. Hold on to the good.’ – (1 Thessalonians 5:21) ‘Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ – (Deuteronomy 19:15/ 2Corinthians 13:1)

1. Test of the Word: Every word has to be subjected to the test against the standard of the Word of God, to see if it is in line with the plumbline of Scripture, irrespective of who said it! ‘The Bereans were of more noble character … for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.’ – (Acts 17:11) When prophets speak, ‘others should weigh carefully what is said.’ – (1 Corinthians 14:29)

2. Test of the spirit: Not only what was said, matters but who said, also matters! What was said might be true but the spirit who said it could be false, just as the devil quoted Scriptures to Jesus. In another instance, a slave girl in Philippi, who had a spirit by which she predicted the future, followed Paul and his companions, saying, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” Paul turned around and rebuked the spirit and it left her – (Acts 16:16-18) ‘Do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.’ – (1 John 4: 1)

3. Test of time: Finally, what was said might be true and the spirit by which it was said might also seem right, but the ultimate test is the test of time! “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord, does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptously.” – (Deuteronomy 18:22) ‘A prophet … will be recognised as one truly sent by the Lord only if his predictions come true.’ – (Jeremiah 28:9)

‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to TEST AND APPROVE what God’s will is – his GOOD, PLEASING AND PERFECT WILL.’ – (Romans 12:2) Amen.

The eternal purpose behind the will of God was a ‘mystery that was kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.’ – (Colossians 1:26) It ‘was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy Apostles and Prophets.’ – (Ephesians 3:5)
The mysteries of God are:

1. Christ : Jesus himself is a mystery! ‘Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness ( God likeness in Jesus) is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels … was taken up in glory.’ – (2 Timothy 3:16) God desires that we ‘may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that we may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.’ – (Colossians 2:2-3)

2. Christ in us: Christ living in us is yet another mystery! ‘God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ – (Colossians 1:27) This union between Christ and his bride, the Church, in itself ‘is a profound mystery’ – (Ephesians 5:32). But ‘if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ’ – (Romans 8:9) and will not share in his glory.

3. Gentiles heirs together with Israel through Christ: And its also a mystery how the two have become one in Christ! ‘This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.’ – (Ephesians 3:6) ‘His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace.’ – (Ephesians 2:15) Amen.

There are eternal purposes behind the mysterious will of God and he plans everything in conformity with these purposes. ‘In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.’ – (Ephesians 1:11) God’s purposes in Christ, as revealed in Scriptures, are as follows:-

1. To reconcile all things to himself: God desired to make peace with all creation. ‘For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Christ and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.’ – (Colossians 1:19-20)

2. To bring everything under one head: God desired to restore order to creation. ‘And he has made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to put into effect when times would have reached their fulfillment – to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.’ – (Ephesians 1:9-10)

3. To dwell together with men: God desired not only to dwell with men in their hearts by his Spirit but also to physically dwell with his creation. ‘And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God.”‘ – (Revelation 21:3) Amen.

God has an unique plan for each of us and getting to know that will, enable us to focus on our mission in life. ‘All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.’ – (Psalm 139:16) While we are eager to know his personalised will for us, the generalized will of God for all of us, as revealed in the Scriptures, are as follows:-

1. To be sanctified: We are reminded that ‘it is God’s will that we should be sanctified; that we should avoid sexual immorality … For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life’ – (1 Thessalonians 4:3) because ‘without holiness no one will see the Lord.’ – (Hebrews 12:14)

2. To be thankful: We are exhorted to ‘give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ – (1 Thessalonians 5:18) ‘for our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.’ – (2 Corinthians 4:17)

3. To do good: We are encouraged ‘not to be overcome by evil, but to overcome evil with good’ – (Romans 12:21) ‘for it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.’ – (1 Peter 2:15)

‘Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the Lord’s will is.’ – (Ephesians 5:17) Amen.

By God’s will, all things ‘were created and have their being’ – (Revelation 4:11) and he has given us a free-will, to choose what we want, just as he does! But, ‘each of us will give account of himself to God’ – (Romans 14:12) for ‘things done while in the body, whether good or bad.’ – (2 Corinthians 5:10) Rather choose God’s will because it is:-

1. Good: If in his will, God made what was good for man: ‘God saw all that he had made and it was very good’ – (Genesis 1:31), then his will for us is still good! “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” – (Jeremiah 29:11)

2. Pleasing: If that which is good, is pleasing to the eyes of God and man: ‘The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground – trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food’ – (Genesis 2:9), then his will for us is still pleasing and good.

3. Perfect: If ‘His works are perfect’ – (Deuteronomy 32:4) just as ‘His way is perfect’ – (Psalm 18:30), then his will for us is still perfect. There is nothing to add to it or delete from his perfect will.

‘Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.’ – (Romans 12:2) Amen

The saints of old prayed specifically for the promise God gave them. For instance, Jacob, in his distress, prayed to God on that fateful night at Jabbok, specifically mentioning the promises made to his forefathers. “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Issac, O Lord, who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives and I will make you prosper … Save me, I pray, from the hands of my brother Esau … You have said, ‘I will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.'” – (Genesis 32:9-12) How are we to pray?

1. Ask: We are encouraged to ask God for anything, which is in agreement with his Word. ‘This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.’ – (1 John 5:14) “Ask and it will be given to you … For everyone who asks receives.” – (Matthew 7:7)

2. Seek: We are instructed to seek the will of God, if our prayers remain unanswered for a long time. “Seek and you will find … For he who seeks finds.” – (Matthew 7:7-8) When we are not sure of the will of God, better to pray as Jesus did : “Not my will, but yours be done.” – (Luke 22:42)

3. Knock: Once made known, we are exhorted to persist in the revealed will of God. “Knock and the door will be opened … For to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” – (Matthew 7:7-8) It takes faith to persist and persistence pays off eventually! – (Luke 11:8) Amen.

The reason why it seems to us that the Lord is slow in keeping his promise is because he is not bound by time. ‘With the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.’ ( 2 Peter 3:9) Meanwhile, what must we do?

1. Write down the promise: God asked Habakkuk to write down the revelation about the destruction of Babylon. “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets … For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay” (Habakkuk 2:2-3) because God’s words will not return empty. “My word that goes out from my mouth will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

2. Do not stop praying: We stop praying for the promise because we are tired of praying the same thing. But ‘Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. “… And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice and quickly.”‘ ( Luke 18:1-8) ‘Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

3. Prepare your minds for action: God gives us plenty of time to prepare our minds for action while we anticipate a miracle that will fulfill God’s promise. “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master … so that when he comes and knocks, they can immediately open the door for him … “ ( Luke 12:35-40) ‘Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ (1 Peter1:13) Amen.

The wait for the promise has not been easy for anyone! Almost all of us believe in a God of miracles and expect a miracle to change the course of our lives, because it would take a miracle to fulfill God’s promise to us but the wait has been very long! For God Almighty, making good on the promises to Abraham was an easy matter. Not until 25 years later, when he turned 100, did the promise of a son come true! Abraham waited because he considered God faithful who made the promise and trusted God. Waiting is then the proof of our trust and hope in God. How do we wait for the promise?

1. Hopefully- Abraham trusted God enough to hope against hope for without trust, there is no hope! ‘Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it was said to him.’ (Romans 4:18)

2. Patiently – Abraham was hopeful enough to wait patiently for without hope, there is no patience! ‘If we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.’ (Romans 8:25) ‘And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.’ (Hebrews 6:15)

3. Joyfully – Abraham was patient enough, not to lose his joy, for without patience, there is no joy! Speaking to Abraham’s descendants, Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56) Therefore, ‘be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.’ (Romans 12:12)

‘We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.’ ( Hebrews 6:11-12) Amen.

1. God is powerful: Abraham was persuaded about God’s infinite power while acknowledging the facts of life.
‘Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he promised.’ (Romans 4:19-21)

2. God is faithful: Abraham considered God to be faithful to his promises. ‘By faith Abraham, even though he was past age was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.’ (Hebrews 11:11) What gave Abraham the certainty of God’s promise is the oath God swore. ‘When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself … and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument.,’ ( Hebrews 6:13-16)

3. God calls things done: Even while Abram was childless, God called him “Abraham”, meaning ‘father of many’. – (Genesis 17:5) ‘He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed – the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.’ – (Romans 4:17) When God told Abraham to sacrifice his son, he reasoned that God could raise him the dead because he was also told: “It is through Issac that your offspring will be reckoned.” So ‘Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Issac back from the dead.’ – (Hebrews 11:19)

‘Understand, then, that those who believe (like Abraham) are children of Abraham … So those who have faith (like Abraham) are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.’ (Galatians 3: 7,9) Amen

1. Freedom from slavery to sin: Not only were we forgiven for our sins by the shedding of blood (Hebrews 9:22) but we have been freed from our slavery to sin as well. ‘To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father – to him be glory and power forever and ever.’ (Revelation 1:5-6). God’s promise to Abraham to make him too numerous to count is being fulfilled in these last days when the ‘Spirit is poured out on all people’ (Acts 2:17/ Joel 2:28) so that all men may experience freedom from slavery to sin.

2. Heavenly inheritance: Not only do we have an earthly inheritance but also a heavenly inheritance, just as Abraham did. ‘For he was looking forward to the City with foundations, whose architect and builder is God … If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God … has prepared a city for them.’ (Hebrews 11:10-16) God’s promise to Abraham to bless the world through him is being fulfilled when we Gentiles look forward to receive ‘an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for us’. (1 Peter 1:4)

3. Unconditional healing: Not only have our sins be forgiven, but also the effects of sin and curse have been reversed. As Jesus went about healing every diseases and sickness, the Apostles were reminded of the prophecy of Isaiah: ‘He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.’ (Matthew 8:17/ Isaiah 53:4) The fullness of God’s covenant blessing of healing given to Abraham was fully revealed in Christ, the Seed of Abraham, as ‘he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil’ ( Acts 10:38) He had the right to heal everyone being ‘the Lamb of God, who took away the sins of the world’ ( John 1:29)

The new covenant is the fulfillment of God’s eternal covenant with Abraham and ‘it is founded on better promises’ (Hebrews 8:6) than the old covenant and the promises are for all who believe. Amen.

The promises were meant exclusively for the Israelites and the covenant itself was temporary ‘until the Seed (Christ) to whom the promise (made to Abraham) referred had come’. (Galatians 3:9) With the death of Christ, the covenant has been cancelled and nailed to the cross.(Colossians 2:14) and therefore now obsolete ( Hebrews 8:13).

God had promised the Israelites:

1. Freedom from slavery: The Israelites were promised freedom from slavery in Egypt but not freedom from the slavery to sin. ‘The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out and their cry for help because of their slavery, went up to God. God heard their groaning and remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Issac and with Jacob.’ ( Exodus 2:23-24) Therefore, the Lord said to Moses, “I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians …” (Exodus 3:8) The Israelites observed the Passover ‘and on that very day the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt’ ( 12:51). They were free from slavery but they perished in the desert because of their sinful cravings and rebellion against God. ( Numbers 14:26-35)

2. A land flowing with milk and honey: The Israelites were promised an earthly inheritance in Cannan and not a heavenly inheritance. “I have come down to … bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Exodus 3:8) They took possession of the land but only to be exiled to Assyria and Babylon because their descendants defiled the land with their vile sins.

3. Conditional healing: The Israelites were promised conditional healing. ‘If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” (Exodus 15:26) They had a covenant of healing but Israel was full of sickness and disease when Jesus the Messiah came because they couldn’t meet the requirements of the law.

‘For if there has been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant … it will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers … I will put my laws in their minds and write then on their hearts … I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” ( Hebrews 8:7-12/ Jeremiah 31:31-34) Amen

1. Too numerous to count: God promised Abraham that his children would fill the earth! “I swear by myself, declares the Lord … I will surely bless you and make your descendents as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore.” ( Genesis 22:16-17) ‘Those who believe are children of Abraham’ (Galatians 3:7) and ‘he is the father of us all.’ ( Romans 4:16-17) John, in his vision saw the fulfillment of the promise for he ‘looked and saw a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.’ ( Revelation 7:9)

2. Too powerful to be conquered: God promised Abraham that his offspring would be the ‘heir of the world’ ( Romans 4:13) and his descendants would possess the earth. “Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies…” (Genesis 22:17) Those who believe are indestructible and undefeatable because “the gates of Hades will not prove stronger than the Church.” (Matthew 16:18) John, in his vision saw the fulfillment of the promise for he heard a loud voice in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ” (Revelation 11:15)

3. Too big a blessing to contain: God promised Abraham that the blessing would overflow into the nations! “I will bless you … and you will be a blessing …” ( Genesis 12:2-3) “… and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed …” (Genesis 22:18) Those who believe are ‘blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith’ ( Galatians 3:9) to be a blessing to the nations. Amen.

1. Believe God’s promises: Believing is the proof of faith. ‘Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law or because you believe what you heard?’ ( Galatians 3:5) Faith is God’s gift to us (Ephesians 2:8) but trust is our response to faith! Abraham believed what he heard (Genesis 15:4-6) and therefore saw the miraculous!

2. Ask for God’s promises: Asking is the proof of trust. “Ask and it will be given you; … For everyone who asks receives; …” (Matthew 7:7-8) “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.” (John 15:7) ‘You do not have, because you do not ask God.’ ( James 4:2) “Ask and you will receive and your joy will be complete.” (John 16:24)

3. Wait for God’s promises: Waiting is the proof of hope. ‘And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.’ (Hebrews 5:15) ‘Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.’ ( Psalm 27:14) Amen.

1. Promise of the Spirit: God promised the Holy Spirit to Abraham and to his seed. ‘The promises were spoken to Abraham and his seed … who is Christ’ ( Galatians 3:16) ‘Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear… The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call. ‘ ( Acts 2:32-39)

2. Promise of blessing: God promised Abraham to bless him. “I will bless you… and you will be a blessing … and all people on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3) ‘Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham … So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith … He redeemed is in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.’ ( Galatians 3:14)

3. Promise of healing: God gave Abraham the covenant blessing of healing. (Genesis 20:17) And in Christ, God’s eternal covenant with Abraham was fulfilled. ‘He drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”‘ ( Matthew 8:16-17) Amen

Why does God do miracles?

1. Miracles fulfill God’s promises : God’s promises to Abraham were naturally impossible and it took a miracle for Sarah to give birth to Issac, the promised child! Then ‘as the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham and the number of people in Egypt greatly increased … Moses was born … He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert.’ ( Acts 7:17-36)  Therefore, miracles are needed to fulfill God’s impossible promises to us.

2. Miracles declare God’s goodness: Miracles are a ‘sign of his goodness’– (Psalm 86:17) Every miracle, big or small, is worth celebrating because they are a declaration of God’s goodness: His mercy, grace, justice, faithfulness, forgiveness, forbearance and love. So David said, “I am confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” ( Psalm 27:13) Expect to see miracles!

3. Miracles fills us with hope: The Psalmist recounted the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, to stir the conscience of the nation of Israel whenever they lost hope. ‘The Lord made his people very fruitful … too numerous for their foes … He sent Moses his servant and Aaron … They performed his miraculous signs among them, his wonders in the land of Ham … For he remembered his holy promise given to his servant Abraham. He brought out his people with rejoicing, his chosen ones with shouts of joy …’ (Psalm 105:23-45)

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, ‘the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen.’ (Luke 19:37)
He still does miracles today because ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’. (Hebrews 13:8) Amen.

Why does God make promises?

1. God’s promises gets our attention : When God Almighty wanted to get Abram’s attention, he promised this childless nomad more land and children. Unlike politicians who make promises to get the our attention, which they can’t or won’t fulfill, God is able and faithful to fulfill them.

2. God’s promises reveals his plans and purposes : More than getting our attention, God’s promises are a revelation of his plans and purposes concerning us, as it was revealed to Abram when the Lord said, “… all the people on earth will be blessed through you.” (Gen 12 : 3)

3. God’s promises sustains us :
And finally God’s promises sustains us, when we are down and under, as it did Abraham when he wandered as a nomad in Cannan, as it did Joseph when he was put in the dungeon, as it did David when he fled to the wilderness and as it did many more.

Just as God made a covenant with Abram based on those promises, so also he has made a covenant with us in the blood of Jesus, based upon better promises. Hold on to your promises today and it will go well with you ‘for no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.’ ( 2 Co 1 : 20 )