Notes from Sunday 7 April, 2013..
Speaker: Reverend Ekkehard Hoefig
Key Passages: Psalm 118:17, Psalm 27:10, Psalm 103
Faith has the capacity of bringing things from the unseen world to the seen world
Reverend Ekkehard Hoefig began by establishing the place of a Christian in Church on Sunday: the Church is a Christian’s home, his/her community, his/her place. All things are possible because of the collective Faith of believers. He went on to tell the story of a friend of his who has a passion for Russia and Ukraine, and has planted approximately 1,000 churches in those countries. One day this Minister friend felt a pain on his left side which led to him being rushed to the hospital. The friend was told that he just suffered a serious heart attack and that his life would never be the same again. He would have to change his lifestyle, he might never be able to travel as he used to and inevitably, his life would be structured around his illness. However, this Minister said to himself in Faith “My life will NOT end here”.
Sometimes in our lives, fear knocks at the door, but an answer made in Faith with statements such as “I shall NOT die but live and declare the works of the Lord Psalm 118:17” works wonders. A Christian ought to go beyond proclaiming those statements to believing in the power in those words. When proclamation is met with unshaking belief, all things are possible. Faith should always be the answer to fear because the only thing fear is afraid of is Faith.
Reverend Ekkehard went on to elucidate on the relationship between fact and Faith. Whilst men can only see and say facts, God and Faith can see the truth. Faith respects fact but Faith does not respect the power behind facts, because Faith already believes in another power- the power of the Supernatural. Faith believes that all things are possible; Faith is connected to God Almighty.
Based on his extensive travel, Reverend Ekkehard believes that countries have special or particular gifts, and he believes that Nigeria has a special gift of Faith. Faith has the capacity of bringing things from the unseen world to the seen world. God has given Nigeria a gift of Faith. “Use It- Use It day by day” he emphasized.
Biblical examples of the practical use of Faith
Joseph: Joseph had a tough period in his life; he was sold by his brothers into slavery, and ended up in prison. Yet because he declared “My life will NOT end here” he became the most influential person in Egypt after Pharaoh! Genesis 41, 43
Joshua and Caleb: When the nation of Israel said it was impossible to conquer the inhabitants of Canaan, Joshua and Caleb said “Our lives will NOT end in the desert” and they did not! Numbers 14: 6-9, 24
Hannah: Hannah was barren woman who poured her life out to God in prayer. She insisted on staying in the presence of God until she received an answer. “My life will NOT end without a child” she cried. And she became a mother of many! 1 Samuel 1: 9-28
David: Many times, David was pursued by King Saul who tried to kill him, but he held on to God in his time of trial Psalm 27:10. David’s encouraging ‘sermon to his soul’ can be found in Psalm 103.
Paul and Silas: Paul and Silas went through the painful experience of being put in prison and bound in chains. However, they decided to overlook their circumstances and chains. They praised God saying “Our lives will NOT end in this prison”. God indeed came to their rescue in a mighty earthquake. Acts 16: 22-30.
Jonah: Jonah because of his disobedience was swallowed by a fish. Whilst in the tummy of the fish, he thanked and blessed God. Indeed, God restored him. Jonah 2
Jesus’ blood has already paid the price; when he (Jesus) died on the cross, he shouted ‘it is finished’. Jesus has carried every pain, so Christians must NOT carry the same! Regardless of the situation a believer finds him/herself in, whether it be sickness, death, despair, distraction, slavery, addiction, confusion, or condemnation, we ought to decide “my life will NOT end here’.
The sermon ended with the church proclaiming ‘my life will NOT end here… he (Jesus) is greater than any problem!’
Finally, Reverend Hoefig spent some minutes praying for specific individuals as the Holy Spirit led.
Faith believes that all things are possible… Use It!
