Lecture at Redemption Church

Introduction

• Speaker has been to South Africa many times, 50+ trips.
• Expresses delight at being back and pride in the church community.
• Emphasizes purpose of coming to church: worship, give, serve, and receive God's word.

Opening Prayer

• Prays for God's guidance and for Him to speak to everyone present.

Key Scripture and Theme

• Focus on a portion of scripture by Apostle Paul which is often misunderstood.
• II Corinthians 12:1: Paul speaks about his experiences and revelations.
• Encourages reading the Bible in the light of itself, not human experiences.

Understanding Paul's Writings

• Paul is consistent in his writings (e.g., Romans 8, Philippians 4:13).
• Stresses the message of being more than conquerors and having divine support.

Paul's Thorn in the Flesh

• II Corinthians 12: Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” has been subject to many interpretations (e.g., sickness, personal struggles).
• Speaker clarifies the thorn as a “messenger of Satan,” meant to challenge Paul’s work.
• Reflects on personal challenges and the idea of having it “bad” at times.

Living in God’s Kingdom

• Emphasizes Kingdom principles: God’s kingdom operates by divine laws, not human opinions.
• Calls for adapting to God's kingdom rather than expecting it to conform to personal views.

Grace and Strength

• Definition of Grace: Unmerited favor and divine empowerment.
• God’s grace is “sufficient,” meaning it is strong and able to assist in times of weakness or distress.
• Weaknesses attract God’s power, likened to a vacuum drawing in strength.

Application in Life

• Respond to bad situations (weakness, persecution, distress) by relying on God's grace and strength.
• Faith: Believing and speaking the promises of God. Encourages practicing this in daily challenges.
• Engage in spiritual warfare by consistently applying and speaking God's promises.

Practical Examples and Encouragement

• Encourages reevaluating relationships and personal situations through the lens of faith and God's promises.
• Shares personal anecdotes of facing opposition and betrayal but finding strength in God.

Conclusion and Affirmations

• Asserts that believers are strong, able, and capable through Christ’s empowerment.
• Urges returning to the promises of God in tough times instead of succumbing to despair.
• Ends with a communal prayer, reaffirming strength, ability, and resilience in the congregation.

New Believers

• Invitation for those who want to become children of God, describing the simplicity of accepting Christ through faith and confession.
• Encouragement for new believers to connect and receive additional support and resources from the church.

Communion

• Explains the significance of communion: healing through Christ's body and righteousness through His blood.
• Leads the congregation in partaking communion, reinforcing faith in God's promises and blessings.

Final Blessing

• Encourages continuous engagement with the scriptures and staying strong in faith.
• Endorses further resources available through the church's platforms.

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