Remove any barriers as you face 2025

Bikers Church Cape Town

REMOVE ANY BARRIERS AS YOU FACE 2025 By Pastor George Lehman “It’s never too late to be what you might have been” - George Elliot Philippians 3:12 - Not that I have now attained [this ideal], or have already been made perfect, but I press on to lay hold of (grasp) and make my own, that for which Christ Jesus (the Messiah) has laid hold of me and made me His own. I may not be where I want to be, but I’m not the person I use to be. Barriers = an obstacle that blocks advancement, circumstances that keep things apart. (Barriers = “hinderpaal”). Think seriously about this, what are the barriers you have in your life? Barriers that are preventing you from becoming what Jesus saved you for: - Your calling, your purpose, to be fruitful. 1 Timothy 4:8 - “Bodily exercise is alright, but spiritual exercise is much more important and is a tonic for all you do. So, exercise yourself spiritually and practice being better Christians – because that will help you not only now in this life, but the next life too”. The fitness industry is worth billions of dollars, and is growing due to a number of factors. The Global Wellness Institute estimates the wellness industry is worth $5.6 trillion. The global health and fitness club market was valued at $104.05 billion in 2022, and is projected to grow to $202.78 billion by 2030. It's amazing how much money, time, energy, commitment and dedication goes into bodily exercise, and how little goes into being Spiritually fit and healthy. What is Paul saying – “Keep spiritually fit by actively removing the barriers that are keeping you from being obedient/effective”. It’s not about achieving perfection over night; its more about subtraction. The question as you look back over the past year. In the last 12 months have you become, Committed Dedicated - Is the same fire still burning in you? Obedient Fruitful - Is there real evidence of the fruit of the Spirit? Gone deeper Have you grown in your knowledge of Jesus? I want us to look at …… “The other side of God”. Prophetic Word for His church. Isaiah 45:17-19 (Amp) - “17 But Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you shall not be put to shame or confounded to all eternity. 18 For thus says the Lord—Who created the heavens, God Himself, who formed the earth and made it, Who established it and did not create it to be a worthless waste; He formed it to be inhabited—I am the Lord, and there is no one else. 19 I have not spoken in secret, in a corner of the land of darkness; I did not call the descendants of Jacob [to a fruitless service], saying, Seek Me for nothing [but I promised them a just reward]. I, the Lord, speak righteousness (the truth—trustworthy, straightforward correspondence between deeds and words); I declare things that are right. Here is the cross reference – Hebrews 5:8-9 (Amp) -“8 Although He was a Son, He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered 2 Timothy 3:12 – All who want to live a devoted life will suffer persecution. 9 And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him, Something God revealed to me – when we get saved, we cross the border FROM: – darkness to light – Death to life – religion to a relationship “Here is the problem” – many hang around the border post. We read so many scriptures and hear sermons about The HOW TO. But still do not fully put the word into practice. Walk with me through scripture and see God’s heart. James 4:17 - “So, any person who know what is right to do (what is obedient) but does not do it (disobedience to it) to him it is sin”. Matthew 21:28-31 - “28 What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He came to the first and said, Son, go and work today in the vineyard. 29 And he answered, I will not; but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 Then the man came to the second and said the same [thing]. And he replied, I will [go], sir; but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of the father? They replied, The first one. Jesus said to them, Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the harlots will get into the kingdom of heaven before you. Obedience vs. Disobedience. God is pleased with submission that leads to true obedience. Matthew 22:14 - “For many are called but few are chosen”. Means – Called = to be a Saint (child of God) Chosen = willing to surrender self – the thing that blocks your advancement. Circumstances that keep things apart. But have you chosen the deeper walk with Jesus – deeper, higher, more fruitful, deny self, take up the Cross – Growing in Grace. Moving away from the border post going further, and deeper into the things of God? John 14:24 - “Anyone who does not (really) love me does not observe and obey my teachings”. (Church of Ephesians). Revelation 2:4 - “But I have this one charge to make against you, that you have left (abandoned) the love that you had at first (you have deserted Me, your first love)”. You see my friend; our relationship is more than just “Praying a sinner’s prayer” –That’s only the start, we must work at removing the barriers that are blocking your progress The church has neglected or placed no emphasis on keeping His commands. Acts 10:34-35 - “34Peter says God is no respecter of people – God shows no partiality. 35But in every nation he who venerates and has a reverential fear for God, treating Him with worshipful obedience and living uprightly is acceptable to Him and sure of being received and welcomed (by Him)”. Hebrews 2:2-3, Jesus said: - “Those who will be in heaven are those who confess and do the will of God”. It is not a once off Sunday decision or a New Years decision; it is a lifetime decision, summed up in one word – Obedience! 1 Peter 1:14 (Amp) - “[Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel]. What barriers are blocking your obedience? Simple things like: Prayerless Reading God’s word Sharing your faith Slack on church attendance Carrying grudges / unforgiveness Anger issues Gossip Telling lies