True Life: only in Jesus Christ (Part 1)
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.
Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
(Ephesians 2:1-5)
COVID-19 was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization due to clear concerns over its escalating and widespread geographic spread. Needless to say, every underlying fear, and panic, as a result of this pandemic is rooted in the closeness of death that could occur from a possible infection of the COVID-19 virus.
The world needs to understand this.
Death is not a possibility; it is an eventuality.
Death is never a matter of how; but a matter of when.
No country will escape unscathed by this virus; and no society will walk away unaffected by the new reality that has re-written all rules of social boundaries.
It would be some time before the simple handshake would be offered intuitively or completely acceptable.
Such is our new social reality.Many have surmised that the end to this pandemic would only be in sight when a vaccine is developed. However, even by the best estimates, we are more than a year away from a viable vaccine. Right now, our best bet is containment - to slow the spread of the virus so as to allow for accurate diagnosis and adequate medical attention to the infected; as opposed to ‘a tsunami of patients’ overwhelming, and thus, crippling the healthcare systems.
As such, we have chosen to participate with our wider community to remove any risk of viral transmission through the church - by suspending all Sunday, Ministry and Cell group gatherings for the rest of March 2020; pending further review as the ongoing circumstances unfold.
Worship Services will be recorded and made available online in order that we may continue to corporately celebrate and immerse our lives in Christ and His Living Word.
As a society – having faced SARS, H1N1 and other recurring global pandemics without the ready availability of vaccines – we understand and accept the containment strategy because of the Institutional Memory of our various health agencies.
Such Institutional Memory – which is the collective knowledge and learned experiences from historical events that have been conscientiously preserved, and thoughtfully translated into strategies and protocols for effective application, where required – assures us that just as we have weathered the past pandemics, we will weather COVID-19, as well as all future pandemics.
The key to human survival is to prevent erosion, or loss, of such Institutional Memory.
In every regard, this recurring global health crisis corresponds precisely to the recurring global faith crisis the world is faced with - generation after generation.
The Church – as the health agency of the world – must never allow erosion, or loss, of our Institutional Memory that is based on the preserved collective knowledge of Word of God and our learned experiences from the real presence of Jesus Christ working in our midst.
The Church – as the health agency of the world – must be on the forefront of directing the world to Jesus Christ – who is our Lord, Saviour, Healer, Comforter, Shepherd, and the very personification of life forevermore.
The Church – as the health agency of the world – must be prepared to preach the word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2) and administer Christ’s healing to the world by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Numerous writings of the early church fathers assert the centrality of the church as a healing community in the expressed declaration that Christ alone is Saviour, Light and Healer of the world.
To fulfill Christ’s Great Commission, we must do our utmost to preserve the Institutional Memory of the Church.
Every Christian must play a sacred part in preserving and living out the institutional memory of the Church.
In times of crisis, the Church must be the agency that provides accurate and biblical definition for the meaning of true life, and clear leadership - in exemplifying such a life.
The world has much to say about life, death, health and sickness; but the very foundations of the world’s knowledge lies in the ruins of human sin, wickedness, destruction and death; which makes the world a terrible abstractor for the meaning of life and death.
On matters of life and death, the world is truly lost, and blind; mired by the travesty of self-idolatry.
The current global crisis gives us – Christian believers - yet another divine opportunity to reveal God’s Truth on the existential reality of life and death – and provide answers to questions regarding human mortality.
Here in Ephesians 2:1-5 is where our institutional memory must be forged on such matters.
1. What is death?
2. What is the cause of our death?
3. Who are the dead?
4. Why are we saved from death?
5. How do we come alive?
1. What is death?
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,” (Ephesians 2:1)
Death is not a matter of passing from this world – it is a state of being enslaved by transgressions and sins.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.
What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:20-23)
Human beings who have yet to believe in Christ Jesus as their Saviour do not die when they breathe their last; they are already dead.
2. What is the cause of our death?
“… …in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:2)
The cause of death is the human decision to follow the ways of this world and the ways of the evil one who is actively and presently working in those who are characterized by disobedience to God and the stubborn refusal to acknowledge Him.
Psalm 53:1-3 reveals this stark reality:
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one
The cause of death is never sickness, old age or any reasons thought to end life on earth; it is actually remarkably universal – for believers and unbelievers alike – for it is the absolute corruption and wickedness of a humanity without the Holy Presence of God in our lives that is the sole cause of death.
Again, life apart from the living God results in present death.
3. Who are the dead?
“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.
Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” (Ephesians 2:3)
As difficult as it seems to embrace the truth about death and its cause, it is more difficult to realize that we live amongst the dead – even if they are ones whom we love dearly.
The biblical definition is clear:
The dead are those who seek gratification for the cravings of the flesh and giving in to ‘its desires and thoughts’ – which means, every form of obsession – no matter how big or small - of anything worldly.
As a Christian, do you find yourself seeking to satisfy the cravings of your flesh?
If you do, it would explain why you feel more dead than alive.
The polar opposite to this wicked condition is the unfettered desire to fulfill the Will of God in your life.
There is simply no middle ground. We are either working on dying – in the cravings of our flesh – or working on living – in the Power of God the Holy Spirit.
Which is why we believe that the Lord’s Salvation for us is both distinct, and progressive – in that the Holy Spirit continues to work in every Christian in progressively converting the unbelieving portions of our hearts, and transforming our lives to be more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ.
Every moment of our lives must be dedicated to presenting our hearts to the Holy Spirit for His work of healing and holiness in us; failing which, we would be indeed be more dead than alive.
4. Why are we saved from death?
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,” (Ephesians 2:4)
We are saved from death, because God’s mercy is immense; and His love for us is infinite.
It is His love for us – and not our sins– that kept Christ on the Cross at Calvary.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Have you believed?
Have you asked and accepted God’s love and mercy?
If you are unsure, it is because death remains trivial and inconsequential in your mind.
Understand this.
There is nothing trivial nor inconsequential about Christ’s death on the Cross for the atonement of the sins of all mankind.
Wherein lies your gratitude to the King who died for you?
Take this moment now to fully believe, ask and accept God’s love and mercy.
5. How do we come alive?
“… …made us alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5a)
Only with Christ do we come truly alive!
So.
What does it mean to be made alive with Christ?
(a) Believe that through faith relationship with Jesus, you would be resurrected as He was - by the Holy Spirit; and given the gift of eternal life by our heavenly Father.
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:25 – 27)
In the simple faith that Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead, Martha understood that Christ would likewise be resurrected from the grave; and thereby reveal His supreme authority to bestow life on all who believes in Him – a revelation what would take place on His imminent return to the world.
Do you believe as Martha does?
Are you intentionally dedicating time in establishing an intimate relationship with Jesus?
If you are concerned about truly living, Jesus must be Your Lord, and Saviour; and there must be no other.
(b) Believe that you are free from sin through the burial of your old sinful self with Christ through baptism, and arise to walk in the newness of life as God’s instrument of righteousness.
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
(Romans 6:4-8, 11-13)
To be truly alive with Christ is to die to sin and live solely as God’s holy vessel.
You have sin in your life.
There is no doubt about it.
Have you identified and confessed your sin?
Have you repented of your sin before God?
Have you ‘count yourself dead to sin’ – which is, have you taken steps to completely rid yourself of any and all traces or temptations of that sin?
Are you determined, and committed, to live only for Jesus – to be made alive to God in Christ?
Understand this.
Without Christ, we are dead in God’s sight.
Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6)
The world either suggests that there are other means of coming before God, or other means of entering heaven; but Christians must recognize that these are either blatant lies originating form the pits of hell, or imbecilic fantasies of an utopia without the Creator.
To be truly alive is to be holy in the sight of God – a supernatural endeavor made possible only if Christ lives in you, and with you.
Does He?
(C) Believe that you are Christ’s sheep and that He is your Shepherd.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:10-11)
Is the Lord your Shepherd?
Do you believe that because He is your Shepherd, you lack nothing?
Christ has laid down His life for you.
What more can you ask for?
Do you have many people who have taken your place on the cross? Do you know anyone who have died on your account to fulfill the wages of your sin? Selah.
Failure to recognize Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is predominantly rooted in the trivializing of one’s sin and its impending consequence upon the person and Creation; which justifies automatic and deserved condemnation of the wicked.
Without Christ, we have no life, no hope, no joy, no peace and no love.
God has given His life for you; and the only deserving human response in reciprocity is to live with Him, and to follow Him.
Come alive today!
Live with Christ, and follow Him all the days of your life – for all eternity.
Let us pray.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done; on earth, as it is in heaven.’
Holy Spirit, come live in me; all my life – take over!
Renew my mind; and grant me Power to come fully alive with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Fill my heart with Your living word; that I may see the world as You do.
Grant me the resolve to deeply embrace Your Truth and Your Work amongst Your people – that I may participate in preserving the institutional memory of Your Church.
Grant me the courage to reveal the existential truths about life and death in accordance to Your divine revelation.
May I come truly alive by the Power of Your Presence and Work in and through me, Lord Jesus.
I believe that You are the Resurrection and the Life!
I believe that You are the Messiah – the Son of God - who is to come into the world and reign forever as King!
I believe that You are my Saviour – that because of Your Salvation; that I may count myself dead to sin. I am no longer a slave to sin, but an instrument of Your Righteouness.
I believe that You are my Shepherd; that in You, I may have life – and life for all eternity!
I believe in You, Lord Jesus.
And I believe that You will deliver Your Church; and at the present time, work amongst us – as we participate in Your Kingdom inbreaking work in the midst of the global pandemic and panic that has ensued.
Thank you for giving us not a spirit of fear and timidity, but the Spirit of Power, or Love and of Wisdom.
May we be Your holy agents – a healing community – boldly praying and proclaiming that You alone are Saviour, Light and Healer of the world.
Lord Jesus, come!
Fill this land with Your Glory!
I thank You and pray all these in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.
3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.
Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
(Ephesians 2:1-5)
COVID-19 was recently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization due to clear concerns over its escalating and widespread geographic spread. Needless to say, every underlying fear, and panic, as a result of this pandemic is rooted in the closeness of death that could occur from a possible infection of the COVID-19 virus.
The world needs to understand this.
Death is not a possibility; it is an eventuality.
Death is never a matter of how; but a matter of when.
No country will escape unscathed by this virus; and no society will walk away unaffected by the new reality that has re-written all rules of social boundaries.
It would be some time before the simple handshake would be offered intuitively or completely acceptable.
Such is our new social reality.Many have surmised that the end to this pandemic would only be in sight when a vaccine is developed. However, even by the best estimates, we are more than a year away from a viable vaccine. Right now, our best bet is containment - to slow the spread of the virus so as to allow for accurate diagnosis and adequate medical attention to the infected; as opposed to ‘a tsunami of patients’ overwhelming, and thus, crippling the healthcare systems.
As such, we have chosen to participate with our wider community to remove any risk of viral transmission through the church - by suspending all Sunday, Ministry and Cell group gatherings for the rest of March 2020; pending further review as the ongoing circumstances unfold.
Worship Services will be recorded and made available online in order that we may continue to corporately celebrate and immerse our lives in Christ and His Living Word.
As a society – having faced SARS, H1N1 and other recurring global pandemics without the ready availability of vaccines – we understand and accept the containment strategy because of the Institutional Memory of our various health agencies.
Such Institutional Memory – which is the collective knowledge and learned experiences from historical events that have been conscientiously preserved, and thoughtfully translated into strategies and protocols for effective application, where required – assures us that just as we have weathered the past pandemics, we will weather COVID-19, as well as all future pandemics.
The key to human survival is to prevent erosion, or loss, of such Institutional Memory.
In every regard, this recurring global health crisis corresponds precisely to the recurring global faith crisis the world is faced with - generation after generation.
The Church – as the health agency of the world – must never allow erosion, or loss, of our Institutional Memory that is based on the preserved collective knowledge of Word of God and our learned experiences from the real presence of Jesus Christ working in our midst.
The Church – as the health agency of the world – must be on the forefront of directing the world to Jesus Christ – who is our Lord, Saviour, Healer, Comforter, Shepherd, and the very personification of life forevermore.
The Church – as the health agency of the world – must be prepared to preach the word in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2) and administer Christ’s healing to the world by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
Numerous writings of the early church fathers assert the centrality of the church as a healing community in the expressed declaration that Christ alone is Saviour, Light and Healer of the world.
To fulfill Christ’s Great Commission, we must do our utmost to preserve the Institutional Memory of the Church.
Every Christian must play a sacred part in preserving and living out the institutional memory of the Church.
In times of crisis, the Church must be the agency that provides accurate and biblical definition for the meaning of true life, and clear leadership - in exemplifying such a life.
The world has much to say about life, death, health and sickness; but the very foundations of the world’s knowledge lies in the ruins of human sin, wickedness, destruction and death; which makes the world a terrible abstractor for the meaning of life and death.
On matters of life and death, the world is truly lost, and blind; mired by the travesty of self-idolatry.
The current global crisis gives us – Christian believers - yet another divine opportunity to reveal God’s Truth on the existential reality of life and death – and provide answers to questions regarding human mortality.
Here in Ephesians 2:1-5 is where our institutional memory must be forged on such matters.
1. What is death?
2. What is the cause of our death?
3. Who are the dead?
4. Why are we saved from death?
5. How do we come alive?
1. What is death?
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,” (Ephesians 2:1)
Death is not a matter of passing from this world – it is a state of being enslaved by transgressions and sins.
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.
What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:20-23)
Human beings who have yet to believe in Christ Jesus as their Saviour do not die when they breathe their last; they are already dead.
2. What is the cause of our death?
“… …in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” (Ephesians 2:2)
The cause of death is the human decision to follow the ways of this world and the ways of the evil one who is actively and presently working in those who are characterized by disobedience to God and the stubborn refusal to acknowledge Him.
Psalm 53:1-3 reveals this stark reality:
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good.
2 God looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
3 Everyone has turned away, all have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one
The cause of death is never sickness, old age or any reasons thought to end life on earth; it is actually remarkably universal – for believers and unbelievers alike – for it is the absolute corruption and wickedness of a humanity without the Holy Presence of God in our lives that is the sole cause of death.
Again, life apart from the living God results in present death.
3. Who are the dead?
“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts.
Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.” (Ephesians 2:3)
As difficult as it seems to embrace the truth about death and its cause, it is more difficult to realize that we live amongst the dead – even if they are ones whom we love dearly.
The biblical definition is clear:
The dead are those who seek gratification for the cravings of the flesh and giving in to ‘its desires and thoughts’ – which means, every form of obsession – no matter how big or small - of anything worldly.
As a Christian, do you find yourself seeking to satisfy the cravings of your flesh?
If you do, it would explain why you feel more dead than alive.
The polar opposite to this wicked condition is the unfettered desire to fulfill the Will of God in your life.
There is simply no middle ground. We are either working on dying – in the cravings of our flesh – or working on living – in the Power of God the Holy Spirit.
Which is why we believe that the Lord’s Salvation for us is both distinct, and progressive – in that the Holy Spirit continues to work in every Christian in progressively converting the unbelieving portions of our hearts, and transforming our lives to be more and more like our Lord Jesus Christ.
Every moment of our lives must be dedicated to presenting our hearts to the Holy Spirit for His work of healing and holiness in us; failing which, we would be indeed be more dead than alive.
4. Why are we saved from death?
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,” (Ephesians 2:4)
We are saved from death, because God’s mercy is immense; and His love for us is infinite.
It is His love for us – and not our sins– that kept Christ on the Cross at Calvary.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Have you believed?
Have you asked and accepted God’s love and mercy?
If you are unsure, it is because death remains trivial and inconsequential in your mind.
Understand this.
There is nothing trivial nor inconsequential about Christ’s death on the Cross for the atonement of the sins of all mankind.
Wherein lies your gratitude to the King who died for you?
Take this moment now to fully believe, ask and accept God’s love and mercy.
5. How do we come alive?
“… …made us alive with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5a)
Only with Christ do we come truly alive!
So.
What does it mean to be made alive with Christ?
(a) Believe that through faith relationship with Jesus, you would be resurrected as He was - by the Holy Spirit; and given the gift of eternal life by our heavenly Father.
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.
Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (John 11:25 – 27)
In the simple faith that Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead, Martha understood that Christ would likewise be resurrected from the grave; and thereby reveal His supreme authority to bestow life on all who believes in Him – a revelation what would take place on His imminent return to the world.
Do you believe as Martha does?
Are you intentionally dedicating time in establishing an intimate relationship with Jesus?
If you are concerned about truly living, Jesus must be Your Lord, and Saviour; and there must be no other.
(b) Believe that you are free from sin through the burial of your old sinful self with Christ through baptism, and arise to walk in the newness of life as God’s instrument of righteousness.
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— 7 because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
11 In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
13 Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
(Romans 6:4-8, 11-13)
To be truly alive with Christ is to die to sin and live solely as God’s holy vessel.
You have sin in your life.
There is no doubt about it.
Have you identified and confessed your sin?
Have you repented of your sin before God?
Have you ‘count yourself dead to sin’ – which is, have you taken steps to completely rid yourself of any and all traces or temptations of that sin?
Are you determined, and committed, to live only for Jesus – to be made alive to God in Christ?
Understand this.
Without Christ, we are dead in God’s sight.
Only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Him. (John 14:6)
The world either suggests that there are other means of coming before God, or other means of entering heaven; but Christians must recognize that these are either blatant lies originating form the pits of hell, or imbecilic fantasies of an utopia without the Creator.
To be truly alive is to be holy in the sight of God – a supernatural endeavor made possible only if Christ lives in you, and with you.
Does He?
(C) Believe that you are Christ’s sheep and that He is your Shepherd.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:10-11)
Is the Lord your Shepherd?
Do you believe that because He is your Shepherd, you lack nothing?
Christ has laid down His life for you.
What more can you ask for?
Do you have many people who have taken your place on the cross? Do you know anyone who have died on your account to fulfill the wages of your sin? Selah.
Failure to recognize Jesus as your Lord and Saviour is predominantly rooted in the trivializing of one’s sin and its impending consequence upon the person and Creation; which justifies automatic and deserved condemnation of the wicked.
Without Christ, we have no life, no hope, no joy, no peace and no love.
God has given His life for you; and the only deserving human response in reciprocity is to live with Him, and to follow Him.
Come alive today!
Live with Christ, and follow Him all the days of your life – for all eternity.
Let us pray.
Our Father in Heaven,
Hallowed be Your Name.
Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done; on earth, as it is in heaven.’
Holy Spirit, come live in me; all my life – take over!
Renew my mind; and grant me Power to come fully alive with my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Fill my heart with Your living word; that I may see the world as You do.
Grant me the resolve to deeply embrace Your Truth and Your Work amongst Your people – that I may participate in preserving the institutional memory of Your Church.
Grant me the courage to reveal the existential truths about life and death in accordance to Your divine revelation.
May I come truly alive by the Power of Your Presence and Work in and through me, Lord Jesus.
I believe that You are the Resurrection and the Life!
I believe that You are the Messiah – the Son of God - who is to come into the world and reign forever as King!
I believe that You are my Saviour – that because of Your Salvation; that I may count myself dead to sin. I am no longer a slave to sin, but an instrument of Your Righteouness.
I believe that You are my Shepherd; that in You, I may have life – and life for all eternity!
I believe in You, Lord Jesus.
And I believe that You will deliver Your Church; and at the present time, work amongst us – as we participate in Your Kingdom inbreaking work in the midst of the global pandemic and panic that has ensued.
Thank you for giving us not a spirit of fear and timidity, but the Spirit of Power, or Love and of Wisdom.
May we be Your holy agents – a healing community – boldly praying and proclaiming that You alone are Saviour, Light and Healer of the world.
Lord Jesus, come!
Fill this land with Your Glory!
I thank You and pray all these in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.