Lighthouse Church Durban

As a follower of Jesus, I can be secure - even in an age of insecurity!

- I am absolutely secure in God's grip - no one can snatch me from his mighty hand!

- I am perfectly capable of falling - but God is perfectly capable of holding me up!

- I will be exposed to temptations, but God has made sure that I can resist them and escape them! 

- Even when I do sin, as I confess my sins he forgives me and washes me clean again!

- Even though I am weak, the power of God works in me - so that I can do great things for him!

John 10:27-30, Colossians 1:13-14, Jude 1:24-25, Romans 14:4, 1 Corinthians 10:12, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 John 1:8-9, 1 Corinthians 1:27-2:5, Ephesians 3:20-21

Abraham is famous as a man of faith, but his faith was powerfully demonstrated by his obedience. When his faith was weak, he was disobedient, but when his faith was strong, he was obedient.

In the end, his faith and obedience were wonderfully rewarded as God fulfilled some wonderful promises - truly, the  life that is obedient to God is a blessed life!

Genesis 11:31, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, Genesis 12:2-4, Matthew 16:24-25, Isaiah 55:8-9, Genesis 17:1, Genesis 12:13, Genesis 22:1-14

Jesus came to earth on a mission to seek and save the lost - all over the world. Many tried to stop him - but no one could. And no one can stop him now!

And we are all invited to be a part of his unstoppable mission! Let's join him in this mission - the most glorious mission of all!

Matthew 2:1-16, Matthew 4:1-11, John 9:22, John 12:42-43, Matthew 26:59-61, Luke 23:1-2, Mark 15:25-37, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 9:1-6

If we want to fulfil the call of God, we must be prepared for him to test and develop our character. Here are five tests Joseph endured - and passed - on his journey to greatness:

1. His vision was misunderstood and rejected.

2. He experienced painful events that seemed to contradict his vision.

3. He experienced great injustice.

4. He experienced great disappointment and a long delay.

5. He had the opportunity to punish those who hurt him, but forgave them.

Psalm 105:17-22, Genesis 37:5-10, 18-20, 25-27, Genesis 39:1-20, 1 Peter 4:16-19, Genesis 39:20-23, Genesis 40:23, Genesis 41:39-41, Genesis 50:18-21

The early Church gives us simple, effective examples about prayer and devotion that can still be practised today by the church. They prayed for power, they prayed for help, they prayed regularly and consistently.

We would do well to follow their example and to be deliberate in setting aside a regular "devotional time"!

Luke 24:46-53, Acts 1:8-9,14, Acts 2:42, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Colossians 4:2, Acts 12:1-5, Psalm 5:3, Psalm 59:16

The miracle of Jonah surviving at sea points us to the miracle of Jesus' death and resurrection. It also teaches us that:

- You can't run away from God!

- You can't stop the sovereign will of God!

- Selfishness can keep us from obeying God.

- God loves even the worst sinners.

Jonah 1-4, Matthew 12:38-40, Romans 10:13-15, Matthew 16:18, Matthew 16:24, 1 Timothy 1:15

Jesus taught that the end of this age will be "just as it was in the days of Noah". People will be living their lives just as they please, assuming that "life will always go on, not believing the warnings of coming judgement - but Jesus will return and all will be judged

Jesus has offered to rescue us - but we have to believe him to be rescued! There is still time to "board the ark" that is Jesus, so let's urge people to believe and "come aboard"!

Luke 17:26-27, Genesis 6:1-11 & 7:6-16, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Hebrews 11:7, John 18:38, Romans 10:13, John 10:9, 2 Peter 3:3-12, Matthew 24:36

Jesus is building his church! He is building it with "living stones" - you and I! He has assigned us places and purposes - we have a part to play in his ministry to the world!

Let's co-operate with him as he renews us, transforms us, equips us and envisions us!

Let's ask him to reveal those things that he has prepared for us to do!

Let's take our place an play our part!

The lighthouse will be raised up - and our light will shine further - in our region and beyond!

1 Peter 2:4-5, Ephesians 4:16, Ephesians 2:10

We need faith in order to please God. Righteousness from God comes from faith. And faith comes from hearing what God has said.

The life of faith:

- hears what God has said,

- believes what God has said and

- obeys what God has said.

The life of faith is not a perfect life - we may waver...but we can go back to God's words and keep walking!

2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38 & 11:1, Romans 10:17, Genesis 12:1-4, 10-13, 15-17, 15:5-6, 16:3-5, 17:15-19, Hebrews 11:8-11

Some of Jesus' significant ministry moments took place in very ordinary situations:

- Talking to a stranger.

- Allowing people to interrupt his plans.

- Accepting invitations to a meal.

In the same way, we can experience significant ministry if we will take similar opportunities in our "ordinary" day-to-day living. Let's break through our comfort and culture barriers and talk to strangers. Let's be ready to be interrupted and to change our plans when people come to us. Let's accept invitations, even ones that may be uncomfortable.

As we "open the door" for ministry, some people may choose to walk away - but others will walk through that door! And God will do wonderful things through us!

John 4:4-10, Matthew 20:29-34, Matthew 9:10-13

God reveals the future & the possibilities. He shows things we don't expect & can't see. These may be far beyond our abilities & resources.

Our walk into our destiny is a journey; it can wind and take time. But it takes us into greater & more glorious places.

The prophetic lifts our gaze & our hearts, encouraging us to walk into that destiny. We should eagerly desire such a gift because it builds others up. We'll grow in this as we listen to God, trust him & obey him.

 Joshua 6:2, 2 Corinthians 3:15-18, 1 Corinthians 14:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:6-7

It is tempting to emulate "successful" people, but we are called to emulate God.

Jesus modelled this by representing and revealing God the Father and keeping the focus on him.

The Holy Spirit works in a similar way, revealing God to us and leading us into the truth; he enables us to emulate the Father.

Hebrews 1:3, John 5:19-20, John 14:9, John 1:18, John 4:23-24, John 14:16-17, John 16:13-14, 2 Corinthians 5:7

Jesus' parable of the net teaches us some vital truths:

- A final and eternal separation of souls WILL happen

- There are only two possible eternal outcomes

- "The fish don't do the sorting"

This calls us to answer two questions of eternal significance:

- Is MY name written in the Book of Life?

- Will I join Jesus on his rescue mission?

Matthew 13:47-50, Matthew 4:19, Matthew 28:19-20, Revelation 20:11-15, John 5:24, Luke 10:20, Ephesians 2:8

As we move forward in 2024, let's remember that

- the year is unlikely to be free of any storms

- Jesus will be with us throughout any hardships

- Jesus is faithful and will take us through to the other side

- the miracles he has done give us good reason to trust him completely

- we need to let go of the past in order to move forward

Isaiah 46:9-11, Mark 4:35-41, Philippians 3:12-14

The Kingdom of God is worth much more than everything we own. Yet God delights to give it to us - to make us citizens - we don't buy or work our way into the Kingdom (we could never afford it or earn it!)

The lesson is to think differently about the value of the Kingdom and the value of earthly wealth.

We don't have to chase or hold on to wealth - we can live securely and generously! And any cost or sacrifice for the Kingdom is well worth it!

Matthew 13:44-46, Luke 4:18, Luke 12:32, Ephesians 2:8, Colossians 1:11-14, Luke 12:29-33

As followers of Jesus, we always have a lot of great reasons to be thankful to God. For example, God has:

- chosen us and adopted us!

- given us his Holy Spirit!

- re-created us as a purpose-full masterpiece!

- put us in a loving, equipping community!

- given us armour to enable us to stand strong!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 & 1:6

Ephesians 1:3-8, 1:13-14, 2:10, 2:19-21, 3:20, 4:11-13 & 6:13

Christmas celebrates Jesus coming to us as the Prince of Peace. Jesus doesn't offer to remove our conflicts & stresses; he offers us peace in the midst of them.

This true peace includes peace with God & peace within. We can enter into this amazing peace by submitting to the rule of Jesus & by trusting Jesus with our trials.

Isaiah 9:6, Luke 2:14, Matthew 24:7-14, John 16:33, Matthew 8:23-27, Matthew 11:28-30, Philippians 4:4-7

God is in control of world events - even though so much seems to be going wrong. He has a plan - and it is good! Even in dark days, God guides his people. We can trust his perfect plan - and perfect timing!

His plans are the best-laid plans!

Jeremiah 29:4-10, Jeremiah 28:1-4, Jeremiah 29:11-14, Daniel 2:48, Isaiah 45:1, Galatians 3:29, 1 Timothy 2:1-4

The parables of the mustard seed and yeast teach a vital principle of the Kingdom of God: something small can become something big - and have a significant impact!

This is spectacularly displayed in Acts as we read of a small group of disciple makers who impacted their city, their nation and the world!

This principle still applies - we can do the same! Even one disciple who makes disciple makers can start a movement that grows exponentially! We may be small, but we can have a big impact!

Matthew 13:31-33, Acts 2:1, 41 & 47, 8:1, 4-5, 13:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8, Matthew 28:16-20

We need to learn the secret of contentment, but we shouldn't become complacent! God has more in store! He has prepared good works for us to do and he wants to keep transforming us!

Let's keep pressing on - to understand and achieve God's purposes for us and to become more and more like Jesus. Let's not allow our past mistakes and present struggles to hold us back; let's stay thankful and stay hungry for more!

Philippians 3: 13 -14, Philippians 4:11-13, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 3:20, Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11

The parable of the wheat and the weeds teaches us valuable life lessons:

- those who belong to Jesus must live alongside those who do not

- we'll face many temptations - we need to resist

- we'll face trials & opposition - we need to persist

- this is also a great opportunity - we live in the mission field!

- our different thinking & living shines light into darkness.

Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43, John 16:33 & 17:15, Philippians 2:14-15, Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 16:18

You are not a "mistake"; you are God's workmanship! You are not called to imitate anyone - or compete with anyone - you are a unique creation! So be content with who God has made you to be - and be faithful with who God has made you to be. You will find great joy as you discover, and live, in your purpose!

Psalm 33:13-15, 1 Peter 2:9-10, Psalm 139:13-16, Ephesians 2:10, Acts 17:26-27, 1 Corinthians 12:18, 1 Samuel 17:38-40, Romans 12:6-8

The parable of the sower teaches us that the condition of our hearts determines whether our lives will be fruitful or not.

We should therefore guard our hearts - and work on our hearts - so that we will be like fertile soil that is fruitful for God.

We should also be faithful in presenting the gospel to others, not giving up when we don't see the response that we'd hoped for, but rather praying for their hearts.

Matthew 13:3-9 & 18-23, Luke 14:26-28, Matthew 6:33, Matthew 7:24-27, Romans 1:16

A right kind of faith

...can be recognised by our lifestyle

...recognises that we have been set free from sin so refuses to allow win to reign

...recognises that we are saved by grace through faith, so does not try to earn salvation, but seeks to honour the name of Jesus

...lives a life of confident faith and increasing evidence of the transforming work of Jesus

Titus 1:16, Romans 6:1-14, James 2:14-20, Isaiah 61:10, Ephesians 2:8-9

Hardness of heart keeps us from hearing what God is saying and from understanding what he is doing.

Heart hearts are selfish, stubborn and not fully surrendered to God. They need concessions, wanting the ways of the Kingdom to be adjusted to suit them.

Soft hearts are fully yielded to the will of God. They earnestly seek to hear whatever God is saying.

Soft-hearted disciples have ears that hear, eyes that see and hearts that understand.

Matthew 13:1-2, 10-17, Matthew 19:3-8, Mark 8:15-18, Proverbs 4:23, Hebrews 3:7-12

Jesus offers us rest for our souls. This rest comes when we submit our lives to him. He likens this life of rest to being yoked to him, like one ox being yoked to another.

When we "yoke in" with Jesus, we find that we supernaturally live lives of righteousness, purpose and inner peace.

We yoke in by deciding to submit our lives to his rule, by choosing daily to obey him and by actively learning his words and ways and putting them into practice.

Matthew 11:28-30, Acts 15:5-11, Matthew 23:1-4, Matthew 12:1-2, Matthew 23:23-24, Colossians 2:20-23, Ephesians 3:20-21, Philippians 2:13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 7:24-25

We can learn many things from the beginning of Jesus' ministry:

- The Kingdom of God is for ALL who believe

- Ministry includes proclamation/evangelism, justice and compassion

- We must both "go out" AND "attract in"

- We must minister without discrimination

- We need the power of the Holy Spirit to do this

Luke 4:14-30, Luke 5:32, John 8:12, 1 Kings 17:1-16, 2 Kings 5:1-15

We all need God's guidance in life - especially as we seek his perfect plans and purposes.

God sees what our limited vision can't see - so his ways and timing can be surprising!

He can guide our thinking and our praying - and he offers his guidance in good times and bad times.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Exodus 13:17-22, Numbers 9:15-23, Psalm 23, Romans 8:26-28, Psalm 37:23-24

Here are four foundations for effective disciple making:

1 Have a sense of MISSION:

we want to see the lost saved and disciples made - so we go to people.

2 Have a clear MESSAGE:

Jesus is the Saviour and the Lord.

3 Have a clear PICTURE OF SUCCESS:

we want to see more people becoming more like Jesus, recognising and obeying his will and making disciples, all over the world!

4 Build HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS:

strong relational bridges of love and trust.

Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 19:10, John 3:16-17, Matthew 4:17, Acts 2:36, Romans 8:29, Romans 12:2, Mark 2:14, Mark 3:14, Acts 4:13, 1 Corinthians 11:1

Every follower of Jesus is commissioned to make obedient disciples - who will also make disciples. We are ALL members of God's royal priesthood; disciple-making is not reserved for "clergy" or "experts"!

When we make disciples who make disciples, the rate of growth keeps increasing!

God delights in choosing those we would not choose - because our weaknesses demonstrate his power - so why not me?

Luke 19:10, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Peter 2:9, Luke 6:46-49, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 10:10

Following Jesus and doing what he calls us to do can be like launching out into deep water:

- it can require us to step out in obedient faith

- it can take us from apparent failure to breakthrough

- it requires the power of God

Luke 5:1-11, Isaiah 55:8, Matthew14:25-31, 1 Corinthians 12:14, Ephesians 1:11, James 2:17, Isaiah 43:18-19, John 15:5

One day Jesus will return to earth - as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He will return as a fearsome warrior, defeating all of his enemies.  He will return as a righteous judge, separating those who are his from those who are not his.  And he will return as the long awaited Bridegroom, to be together forever with all who belong to him!

We need to make sure that our names are in the book of life on that day of judgement.  We need to help others so that their names will be written in that book.  And we need to prepare ourselves - to not just meet our King, but to spend eternity with him!

Revelation 19:11-16 & 20:11-15, Romans 14:10-12, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 10:9 & 13-15, Revelation 19:6-8

Jesus announced the Kingdom first; we must continue announcing the Kingdom.

We enter God’s Kingdom upon embracing the rule and the word of the King. The words of the King change us and give us life.

The King does not have to take over anything; it is already all his, he invites us to enter.

God’s Kingdom focuses on changing lives, not things. When our lives are changed, we can change things!

Matthew 4:17, Psalm 47:6-8, 50:10-11, Matthew 25:34-40, Matthew 4:4, John 10:7-11, 2 Corinthians 5:20

Jesus is The Living One. He now rules from Heaven in his spectacular, indescribable glory!

When we recognise Jesus as the Living One, we will

- worship him and honour him

- obey him without questioning him

- trust him completely with everything, including our eternal destiny!

Revelation 1:12-18, Philippians 2:9-11, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, John 11:25-26

The Bible teaches us that God "searches" us and "weighs" us. Some of the things he looks for are our accountability, humility, sanctity and faithfulness. When he reveals a shortcoming and we make the necessary changes, we bring him greater honour!

Daniel 5:1-31, Job 31:5-6, Proverbs 16:2, Proverbs 21:2, Luke 12:47-48, Proverbs 8:13, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, Isaiah 42:8

Jesus is our Advocate - He represents all who put their faith in him!

He made a way for us to be declared “not guilty” by taking upon himself the guilt and the penalty of our sin!

And, as we live our daily lives, he is constantly available as an advocate to secure mercy and grace for us!

We can trust Jesus completely with our sin and our struggles with weakness and temptation - because he is our perfect Advocate!

1 John 1:8-2:2, Psalm 14:2-3, Isaiah 64:6-7, Romans 3:23, Psalm 36:1-2, Colossians 2:13-15, Colossians 1:19-22, Romans 8:33-34, Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus is the Light of the world. We have a choice: we can stay in darkness or we can follow him and live in his light.

When we are in Jesus' light, we can see things properly; we can see what is true and right. We see who we really are. We see how precious others are. We get a glimpse of our future and the way to go forward. We see the goodness of God and trust him above all others. We see our past for what it is and can move forward with confidence as we follow him. As we do these things, we become light to those around us and help them to see the Light of life - Jesus!

John 8:12, Isaiah 9:2

Jesus is the Good Shepherd - and we are his sheep. He loves us deeply - he proved this by coming to earth and by going to the cross for us. He knows us intimately - better than we know ourselves. And he makes himself known to us, so that we can know him and follow him.

Because he is the Good Shepherd, we can be secure in his loving care, we can build a relationship with him, and we can learn to follow him.

Psalm 23:1, Ezekiel 34:1-16, Luke 19:10, John 10:11-16

God knows us better than we know ourselves! He sees us exactly how we are, but we can be deceived and think things like:

- we have no sin

- we don't need to confess anything

- we won't be forgiven when we confess

So it is good to regularly ask God to search us and show us how we are really doing - and then to deal with it!

Psalm 139, 1 Timothy 4:2, 1 John 1:7-10, Romans 8:1-2

As the Lamb of God, Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for sin.  We should trust him

- to forgive our sins,

- to make us right with God,

- to set us free from the penalty of sin, and

- to set us free from the power of sin!

John 1:29, Exodus 12, Hebrews 9:22, Leviticus 16, Luke 22:14-20, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Hebrews 9:11-15, Romans 3:21-25, Romans 6:5-7

John's gospel introduces us to Jesus as THE WORD:

The Word was already existent at creation.

The universe was created through the Word.

The Word was with God and was God.

The Word became human - as Jesus.

The Word

(Jesus) came to make God known to man and to reconcile man to God.

One day every knee will bow to Jesus and every tongue will declare him Lord. Let’s do that now!

Matthew 16:13-17, John 1:1-18, John 8:54-58, John 14:6-10, John 20:26-28, Philippians 2:6-11

We are living in times of confusion, uncertainty, and anxiety over the many things that are beyond our control. Yet we can find peace of mind and rest for our souls as we:

- commit our ways to God

- trust him

- let our souls rest in the assurance that God works for the good in all things

- ask God to guide us into HIS ways and obey him as he guides

- have a child-like faith that trusts and obeys our Father who knows best

- live one day at a time

- surrender all things to God

Psalm 37:5-7, Romans 8:28, Psalm 25:4-5, Proverbs 3:6-7, Matthew 6:9-12

We see God through our understanding, our circumstances, our emotional state, our experience of him and our faith. This limited view is often more focused on ourselves than God.

Our view of God gets better as we

- look to what he has said about himself in the Bible

- trust his Spirit more than our humanity

- encounter God personally.

God is beyond our understanding, yet as we do these things we can get to know him, humbly trusting the great "I AM".

Psalms 13:1-2 & 103:1-5, Romans 8:5-7 & 31, Isaiah 40:13-14, 1 Corinthians 2:11, Matthew 5:45, Job 38:2-7 & 40:8-10, 2 Timothy 3:16, Exodus 3:14, Leviticus 19:2, Exodus 34:6-7, Isaiah 60:19, 1 Timothy 1:17, Numbers 23:19, John 10:14, Revelation 22:13, John 3:16, Matthew 16:15 -17, Isaiah 42:8

The Bible teaches us that we are spiritual beings as well as physical and mental beings - and that our spiritual health affects our life on earth as well as our life in eternity. When we are spiritually fit, we lead effective, productive lives.

We become spiritually fit when we work on the following:

-Goodness

-Knowledge

-Self- control

-Perseverance

-Godliness

-Mutual affection

-LOVE

1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 1 Timothy 4:7-9, 2 Peter 1:3-8, Psalm 42:5, John 13:35, Matthew 22:37-40

The Bible teaches us that every follower of Jesus is a member of God's  priesthood. We are royal priests doing God-given work. We are Christ’s ambassadors to the world. Our lives are lived as worship offerings to God.

We can do these things because God works in us and through us - and trains us for ministry through gifted leaders.

1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 2:10, 2 Corinthians 5:20, Romans 12:1, Hebrews 13:15, Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 15:16, Ephesians 4:11-13

If our view of God is smaller than our view of our problems, dangers and needs:

- we'll become stressed and fearful

- we'll become selfish

- we won’t step out in faith to make disciples

But if we realise that God is far greater than our greatest thought of him:

- we'll enjoy peace of mind

- we'll be generous

- we'll step out in faith to make disciples of all nations!

Job 38:31-33, Job 36:26, Psalm 145:3, Romans 11:33, Ephesians 3:20-21, Mark 4:41, Acts 1:4&8, 1 Samuel 17:10-11 & 36-37, Psalm 46:1-3, 2 Corinthians 9:10-11

The parable of the prodigal son is a wonderful picture of God’s amazing grace & love!

We can be God’s children, yet we can think like servants instead of sons & daughters. We can get resentful, feel entitled & make demands - or we can think like responsible family members.

The Father provides generously for the children who are with him, but we lose this when we walk away from him.

But even when we are faithless, he remains faithful!

Luke 15:11-32, Malachi 2:10, 2 Timothy 2:13

We need good governance in our lives. Some things we can't control, but some things we can - and we need to govern these things. This includes our faith, family, friendships, finances and future.

We need to deal with lies such as:

- I can't control anything, I can't change anything

- There's no coming back from this

- My life makes no difference to others

If we will make godly decisions to change our ways to live God's way, our lives will change for the better.

Ezra 10:4, Deuteronomy 30:19-20, 2 Kings 8:18-19, 2 Samuel 5:12, 1 Kings 3:6-9, Ezra 10:1-4, Exodus, 19:6, Luke 22:29

God has prepared good work for every one of his children to do; we can all be wonderfully used for his glory. The question is, will we do these things? Will we be “useful to the Master”?

Our usefulness is determined by the condition of our heart - this directs our lifestyle. God looks into our hearts to see our character, values and priorities. If our hearts are “clean”, then we will be useful to the Master. 

We therefore need to allow the Lord to search our hearts and reveal what needs to change. If we will make the necessary changes, then we will be useful to him and we can live out our God-given destiny!

Isaiah 55:8-9, 1 Samuel 16:6-7, 1 Timothy 3:1-11, Matthew 23:27-28, 2 Timothy 2:20-21, Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 12:1, 1 John 1:9

In days of uncertainty, insecurity & stress, it’s tempting to shrink back, retreat or hide. But this is not who we are as the children of God! Let’s not lose confidence because of circumstances! Our Father is God Almighty! Our priest is Jesus Christ! Our Lord is ever-faithful!

Instead of shrinking back, let’s step out in faith! God has more for us! Let’s ask God to help us to grasp this overwhelming love that brought Jesus from heaven to earth - so that we too will be mobilised.

Hebrews 10:19-23 & 34-39, Psalm 46:1-3,Matthew 16:18, Matthew 24:14, Acts 1:8, Ephesians 6:10-15, Romans 10:13-15, 2 Corinthians 5:14