Conference Messages Four12 Global NPC

Our 2018 Four12 Conference in South Africa will undoubtedly go down as one of the most impactful times in our history as a movement! The teachability of the saints, the deep moments of worship, the massive recalibrations of our thinking and doctrine, the humility and re-establishment of godly order, the envisioning by the Holy Spirit for us to work together to disciple nations for the glory of our God…all of this was life changing!

God has chosen and called us to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and to go to the ends of the earth to make disciples of nations (Matthew 28:16-20). But this call comes at a cost. It requires us to die to our comforts and conveniences, and to be prepared to suffer, even to lose our lives for the Gospel.  
 
The cost is great, but the Gospel is worth suffering and losing our lives for. Also, Jesus has promised that the Holy Spirit will help us and give us power (Acts 1:8) as we obey and give ourselves to this great call. Just say “yes” and be available to Him.

We can sometimes have an expectation of how the Lord will respond to us. We limit our thinking of how we believe the Lord wants to treat us. The story of the Centurion’s servant (Luke 7:1-3) shows us that the Lord wants us to have “interrupting faith” that allows Him to break our boxes and enjoy His favour. 
 
What is “interrupting faith"? It exists in a humble heart that is expectant but not entitled. It is the kind of faith that releases power anytime, anywhere, and knows that God always has a better way. Finally, interrupting faith can create unprecedented possibilities. With Jesus, anything is possible – miracles can happen and demons can be cast out by the power of the Spirit. 
 
As a response to his message, Euan felt in particular to call any young people who struggle with sexual impurity and who want freedom in this area to come to the front for ministry and prayer.

In Ephesians 4:1, Paul pleads with believers to “live a life worthy of the calling [we] have received”. Every person who has received Jesus has been called by Him. We shouldn’t confuse calling with the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. The gifts may enable our calling, but they aren’t the calling in itself. Because all believers are called by God, no believer is a “celebrity”, and no believer is called just to cheer on others who clearly “have a calling”. 
 
The calling of every believer is to receive (mercy, grace, kindness, the gifts of the Spirit, power, etc.) from Jesus, and then to serve others with what they have received. If it is dry serving Jesus, it is because we have stopped letting Jesus serve us. It is as we let Him serve us that we have something to give to others (John 13:8).

Family matters. The first sheep Jesus calls us to disciple and lead are our family. While ministry is important, we must bring our families through in the Lord and not sacrifice our children on the altar of ministry. 
 
Using the household of Stephanus as an example (1 Corinthians 16:15), Jonathan explains that God’s desire, and the greatest blessing for a family, is salvation. We should therefore make it a regular practice to pray for our family. In addition, we should serve our families and be in their lives daily. Serving is the antidote to a “selfie” culture. God also requires devotion to the things of God. He is not looking for fans but followers who seek the Kingdom of God first (in finances, interests, relationships, schedules and troubles). Finally, we are to outdo one another in showing honour. Honour is the reward for a life devoted to Jesus.

As believers, we are called to be people who follow The Way (Jesus), not our own way. Following Jesus means a willingness to follow Someone who was rejected and marginalised for speaking the truth. People rejected Him because they were offended by Him and His words. They wanted a Jesus of their own making; one who didn’t make them uncomfortable.
                                                                                        
In the same way, as followers of Jesus, we should expect to be rejected, labelled and shamed for speaking the truth and taking a stand for Him. A time is coming when the church will be persecuted, even from within, and we must be ready for it. God will empower us by His Spirit as we lay down our lives. Many are willing to die for Him, but are we willing to live for Him?