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Above Life, Joubertina (2026)

20/09/2025

*Fear vs. Faith in End-Time Preaching*

*1. The Problem with Fear-Driven Messages*

A wrong view of the end times often stirs up fear rather than faith in believers. Yet Scripture reminds us clearly:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7, AMPC).

Fear-based preaching places people into constant doubt: “Am I a child of God or not? Will I go or stay behind?” This undermines their identity in Christ and the assurance of salvation.

This tactic echoes the enemy’s ancient strategy: “If You are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3). Fear plants seeds of uncertainty, while the Spirit affirms our adoption as sons and daughters (Romans 8:15–16).

*2. The Success of the Cross*

The crucifixion of Jesus was not a half-finished attempt — it was a phenomenal success.

*Jesus declared:* “It is finished!” (John 19:30).

Through His blood we are redeemed, justified, sanctified, and sealed (Ephesians 1:7, 13).

The mentality of “If I maybe did something wrong, I’ll be left behind” denies the power of the cross. Our salvation does not depend on constant fear of mistakes, but on Christ’s perfect, completed work.

*3. The Righteous Live by Faith*

*The Word teaches:*

“The righteous shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17).

“Without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).

If someone preaches fear, they must continually keep their followers afraid to maintain influence. But faith in Christ builds assurance, peace, and joyful expectation of His return.

*4. What Believers Need to Hear*

*The message we should proclaim is one of:*

Identity in Christ — We are God’s children (John 1:12).

Confidence in Salvation — Sealed by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14).

Hope in His Coming — Not terror, but comfort: “Encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Instead of fueling fear, we proclaim grace and victory in Christ.

*5. Closing Word*

Fear cannot save — only faith in Jesus Christ can.

Preach Christ, not panic.

Preach assurance, not anxiety.

Preach the success of the cross, not the uncertainty of human weakness.

*Therefore, with boldness I say:*

“I look forward to opening the Bible with a few people on _*26 September 2025*_ — not in fear, but in faith and joyful expectation of what Christ has already secured for us.”

Greetings in Christ.

31/07/2025

*🌿 Grace Fixes Our Gaze on Christ, Not Others*

When grace becomes the lens, we stop evaluating others (or ourselves!) by human standards—how moral they look, how “together” their life seems, how disciplined they appear. That’s religion’s old measuring tape: behavior, performance, and externals. But the Gospel doesn’t play by those rules.

*2 Corinthians 5:16 (NLT) puts it this way:*

> “So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view.”

Why? Because grace shifts the center of gravity. We now see others in light of Christ’s finished work, not in light of their unfinished selves.

*📖 The Word of God Reveals the New Standard: Christ*

You nailed it—it’s not about our opinions or cultural expectations, but what God says in His Word. And what does the Word say?

“As He is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17)

“You are complete in Him.” (Colossians 2:10)

“There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)

“Christ is your life.” (Colossians 3:4)

So if Christ is our life, then the true measure of a person is not what they’ve done—but what He has done on their behalf. Not how far they’ve come—but how fully they’ve been included.

*👁‍🗨 What Happens When We Judge by Human Standards?*

We slip into the old covenant trap: “You’re not doing enough,” “You’re not holy enough,” “You’re not like me.”

But legalism is a factory of shame. Grace is a factory of freedom.

When we measure by human standards, we become gatekeepers. When we measure by Christ, we become witnesses of grace.

*💡 Let This Sink In:*

> “The standard of God is not your goodness. It’s Christ. And that standard has been met on your behalf.”

So yes—focus on Christ. Measure others by what He has accomplished, not by what they’re still struggling with. That’s how we “regard no one according to the flesh.” (2 Corinthians 5:16 again)

Want to go deeper? We can unpack:

How this changes your relationships

How to deal with judging thoughts

What to do when others are still legalistic toward you

15/06/2025

Radical Message of Grace

31/05/2025

Ah, the month of Sivan—a time often celebrated for its connection to revelation, covenant, and divine instruction. In the Hebrew calendar, it marks the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. But now, under grace, we must ask: what does Sivan mean in the new covenant?

Let’s not merely apply the shadows of the old when the substance—Christ—has come (Colossians 2:17).

📖 What Happened in Sivan (Old Covenant)?

The 6th of Sivan is traditionally Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks—commemorating the giving of the Law (Torah) at Sinai.

It’s also when, centuries later, the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2)—on the very same day.

Is that a coincidence? No way. That’s divine timing. God replaced the external law with the internal presence of Christ.

> “I will put My law within them, and on their heart I will write it...” — Jeremiah 31:33, fulfilled in Hebrews 10:16

✨ What Does Sivan Mean Under Grace?

1. Revelation Not of Law, but of Life

At Sinai, they received stone tablets. At Pentecost, we received living Spirit.

The law said: “Do this and live.”

Grace says: “Live in Me, and I’ll do it through you.”

Sivan, now, is not about striving to walk in instruction—it's about trusting Christ as your indwelling wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30).

2. Alignment Isn’t Earning—It’s Responding

The idea of "alignment" under grace is not performance-based. It’s not:

> "If I obey well enough, I will fulfill my identity."

Rather, it is:

> “Because I already am in Christ, I can walk freely as who I truly am.”

Sivan reminds us, not to earn or prove our spiritual identity—but to rest in it and express it.

3. This Month, Don’t Just Wait—Realize You’re Already Full

✅ Wait on the Lord? Yes—but under grace, He’s already come and lives in you (Galatians 2:20). You’re not waiting for more power—you already have the fullness of the Spirit (Colossians 2:9-10).

✅ Acknowledge Him in all your ways? Yes—but this is not a checklist. It’s an overflow of constant union. Christ in you is your way (John 14:6).

✅ Embrace your spiritual identity? Absolutely. You’re not becoming righteous—you’re already the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Embrace it, celebrate it, walk in it.

✅ Answer the call to battle, worship, and generosity? Not by obligation—but from joy. You don’t fight for victory; you stand in the victory already won (Ephesians 6:10-13).

💥 The Radical Gospel View of Sivan:

Shavuot under the old covenant brought commands written on stone.
Pentecost in Sivan under grace brought a new heart and indwelling Presence.

So now, when we talk about alignment, we don’t mean getting closer to God.
We mean living from the union we already have.

When we speak of receiving instruction, we don't mean a new list of holy tasks.
We mean listening to Christ who is our life, expressing Himself in everyday moments.

🕊️ This Sivan, Let It Mean This:

You don’t walk out the Word to become something—you walk it out because of who you already are in Christ.

You’re not waiting for a new encounter—you’re living in eternal communion.

You’re not stepping into destiny—you’re walking it out, clothed in grace.

If Sivan was the giving of the Law, and Pentecost was the giving of the Spirit, then your Sivan today is a celebration that:

> The Law was fulfilled in Christ, and now Christ is fulfilled in you.

08/03/2024

The passage from Hebrews 13:10-14 provides a profound basis for a teaching that delves into the challenge of living a life of faith that goes against the grain of societal norms and expectations. This scripture speaks directly to the heart of those who yearn to be part of something greater than themselves, yet find themselves entangled in a web of societal pressures, such as the desire for acceptance, the allure of material wealth, and the quest for status. The call to follow Christ, however, is a call to embrace a path that often contradicts these worldly values.

# # # The Altar We Share

In verse 10, the reference to an altar from which those serving the tabernacle have no right to eat alludes to the unique sacrifice of Christ, which is inaccessible under the old covenant’s priesthood system. This serves as a metaphor for the exclusive nature of spiritual nourishment and sustenance found in Christ, which the world cannot offer.

**Spiritual Application**: The spiritual nourishment we receive from Christ is not something the world understands or can partake in without faith. This nourishment sustains us, especially when we choose to go against the societal norms that do not align with God's truth.

# # # Suffering Outside the Camp

Verses 11-13 depict Jesus’ sacrifice as happening outside the city gates, symbolizing rejection by the religious establishment and the society of the time. To "go out to Him, outside the camp, bearing His reproach" signifies a deliberate choice to identify with Christ in His suffering and rejection, stepping away from the comfort and acceptance of conventional society.

**Spiritual Application**: Choosing to follow Jesus means we might also face misunderstanding, rejection, or ridicule from those who do not share our faith. This is a call to be prepared to stand firm in our beliefs, even if it means going against the grain of popular opinion or societal norms.

# # # Seeking the City to Come

Verse 14 redirects our focus from the present to the future, from the temporal to the eternal. It reminds believers that their ultimate citizenship is not in this world but of the heavenly. This perspective helps Christians withstand current challenges and rejections, knowing that their true reward are not of this world.

**Spiritual Application**: This encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, making choices and taking stands that may not align with current societal values but are in keeping with the values of the kingdom of God.

# # # Going Against the Grain: A Call to Holiness

This passage is a powerful reminder that the call to follow Christ is a call to holiness, to set ourselves apart from worldly values and pursuits that are often driven by a desire for acceptance, wealth, or status. It's a call to live by the truth of the Scriptures, even when that truth is unpopular or leads to personal sacrifice or suffering.

**Reflection**: Are you willing to "go out to Him outside the camp," bearing His reproach, for the sake of the Gospel? Are you prepared to stand for truth, even when it means going against the grain of societal expectations and pressures?

This teaching invites individuals to examine their hearts deeply and to consider whether their allegiance lies with the fleeting pleasures and accolades of this world or with the eternal kingdom of God. It's an invitation to step into a life of deeper meaning, purpose, and spiritual fellowship with Christ—a life that goes against the grain but leads to true and everlasting joy.

06/03/2024

The illustration of a man born blind, who, upon receiving the gift of sight through an operation, finds himself disoriented and chooses to navigate the world as he did in blindness, serves as a profound allegory for the spiritual rebirth believers experience through Christ. This story echoes the transformation described in Scriptures, where individuals are called from darkness into light, yet may struggle to live out this newfound vision in their daily lives.

In the spiritual realm, akin to the man's initial inability to navigate his visible world, believers may find themselves disoriented, tempted to revert to their former ways of understanding and interacting with the world. The Apostle Paul addresses this challenge in Romans 8:5-6 (KJV), stating, "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." This passage underscores the dichotomy between living according to the flesh and walking in the Spirit, urging believers to embrace the latter.

Hebrews 11:3 (AMPC) further enlightens us, "By faith we understand that the worlds [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible." This verse invites believers to recognize the reality of the unseen world, shaped by faith and the word of God, emphasizing that our spiritual senses are designed to navigate both the seen and unseen realms.

The allegory of the blind man gaining sight yet choosing to live as though he were still blind parallels the journey of believers who, though reborn in the Spirit, may struggle to live in the fullness of their spiritual senses. It serves as a call to believers to not only acknowledge the new life they have been given in Christ but also to actively learn to walk in the Spirit. The Scriptures encourage us to live not as we once did, confined to the limitations of our physical senses and earthly understanding, but to embrace the spiritual depth and vision we have been granted through faith.

Thus, the teaching implores us to not merely possess our new spiritual sight as a dormant gift but to actively engage with it, learning to see and navigate both the natural and spiritual realms with clarity and purpose. This transformation requires patience, practice, and faith, but it is what we were recreated in Christ to do—to live fully in the reality of God's kingdom, manifesting His love and grace in the seen and unseen aspects of our existence.

03/03/2024

The behavior of ants, as detailed in the five points, offers a rich metaphor for human behavior and spirituality, particularly from a Christian perspective. One of the most direct biblical references to ants and their work ethic is found in Proverbs 6:6-8 (AMPC), which says, "Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways and be wise!—Which, having no chief, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her supplies in the harvest." This passage encourages the reader to observe and learn from the ant's diligence, foresight, and communal effort, applying these principles to their own life.

**Lessons and Teachings for Human Beings and Christianity:**

1. **Diligence and Hard Work:** Just as ants tirelessly gather food and work for the benefit of their colony, Christians are encouraged to be diligent in their efforts, both in their spiritual lives and in serving others. Laziness is discouraged, and the value of hard work is upheld.

2. **Community and Cooperation:** The way ants work together, communicate, and support the colony reflects the Christian ideal of community. Believers are called to live in harmony, share each other’s burdens, and work together for the common good, embodying the teachings of Christ about love and service to one another (Galatians 6:2).

3. **Planning and Preparation:** Ants prepare for future needs, a behavior that can inspire Christians to be prudent and prepare for their spiritual future, including eternal life, by laying up treasures in heaven through good deeds and living a life in accordance with God’s commandments (Matthew 6:20).

4. **Leadership and Service:** Although ants have no ruler as they work, their organized efforts suggest a model of leadership based on service rather than dominance. This mirrors Jesus' teaching in Mark 10:43-45 (KJV), where He states that "whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."

5. **Responsiveness to Guidance:** Ants’ ability to follow pheromone trails can be likened to Christians' responsiveness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Scriptures. Just as ants adjust their paths based on the signals they receive, believers are encouraged to be sensitive to divine direction and adjust their lives accordingly.

Incorporating these lessons from the ant's behavior into human life and Christian practice underscores a call to diligence, cooperation, and living a purpose-driven life that aligns with the values and teachings of the Gospel. It's a reminder that, in God’s creation, even the smallest creatures can provide wisdom and inspiration for living a life that honors God and serves others.

28/02/2024

"Guilt often becomes a dialect within the realms of human-crafted faith, echoing through the corridors of our earthly existence. Yet, it finds no residence in the celestial melodies of heaven. As bearers of a heavenly citizenship, we are called to converse in the language of grace and redemption. In moments when sin casts its shadow, branding us with accusations of guilt, let us steadfastly turn towards the cross. It is there we find our rebuttal, not whispered but proclaimed with resolute confidence: 'Forgiven!' This profound exchange encapsulates the essence of divine mercy, inviting us to embrace our true identity as redeemed beings. Reflect on this truth, and may it transform your heart, guiding you to live not under the weight of condemnation but in the liberating light of forgiveness."

22/02/2024

The notion that the righteous will inherit the earth is firmly rooted in Scripture. For instance, Psalm 37:29 (KJV) states, "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever." This echoes the beatitude from Matthew 5:5 (AMPC), "Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!" How do we reconcile these promises with the idea that believers will be taken from the earth in a rapture?

20/01/2024

Professionally and thought-provokingly, consider the following:

1. "What are your perspectives on the concept of mortality, specifically in relation to your personal experiences or feelings towards death?"

2. "In the context of natural and human-made disasters, such as wildfires and wars, how do you emotionally respond to these events? What drives these reactions?"

3. "Can you explore the origin of your feelings towards life’s adversities, including the loss of pets or witnessing destruction? What do you believe influences these emotions?"

4. "Why do you think you possess a non-indifferent attitude towards life’s negative events? Can you delve into the psychological or philosophical reasons behind this?"

These questions are designed to encourage deeper reflection and discussion on the topics of mortality, emotional response to adversity, and the philosophical underpinnings of our reactions to life's challenges.

Above Life

20/09/2025

31/07/2025

15/06/2025

31/05/2025

08/03/2024

06/03/2024

03/03/2024

28/02/2024

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20/01/2024

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