Bible conference

October 1, 2015

“I Stand” is the theme of this year’s Bible conference. I Stand looks like a simple action but it requires a much deeper understanding of God’s intention for us in order for us to do it meaningfully.

Pastor Gavin started the Bible conference with “Standing is the Key to Victory”. He set the congregation on the track of right believing that God blesses us only! All the tests we experienced were from the enemy that was to lead us out of the path of grace. God plans and love was unveiled as we studied more into Revelation 2:8-11. Smyrna was a large, important city on the western coast of Asia Minor, famed for its schools of medicine and science. In their physical poverty, however, the church of Smyrna was “rich”; that is, they had spiritual wealth that no one could take away.

Stand by to receive from the Spirit. From the key verse  “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); Pastor Gavin shared that it is the continuation of exercising our faith, knowing God more that we will be able to stand strong in Him. God supply in all areas of our life is endless. Instead of focusing on His demands, we focus on His supply. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are given to us to see His grace in action.

Stand up in the Gospel of Grace.  Rev 2:9 and I knowthe blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Pastor Gavin further defined the Grace that was given through Jesus Christ. It is not by what we do on the outside but it is about how much do we believe. Repentance is not making up for what you had done wrong. It is about turning to Jesus to receive from Him, choosing to believe in Him.

Stand firm in the test of Faith. Rev 2:10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days.  Pastor Gavin stressed that when we had received Jesus Christ were complete and are constantly refined by Him in love and grace.  Even in the midst of tribulations we are still under the grace.

Romans 5:3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

The ten days is an indication of divine completion. If we stand firm in our faith, we will be able to drive the enemy away. Understand that the Holy Spirit is here to remind us of our righteousness in Jesus, not to convict us our sins. Pastor Gavin explained with Peter’s life. The denial and restoration he experienced tells of how Jesus had refined Peter from being prideful to being focus on God.

Stand restful on the ground of Victory. Rev 2: 10 Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Pastor Gavin wants us to know that the only warfare that we are facing is to find rest in the Lord. The more we worship God and increase our faith through knowing Him. Lifting him up in our lives, the more we will have rest in Him (His victory) and the more we can accomplish in our lives. Keeping mindful that Jesus has overcome the world and He has given this victory to us !

Stand without the fear of death. Rev 2:11 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.”’ Pastor Gavin explained the word Death as separation from God. In the verses: 1st death was referring to our spiritual death before we accept Christ.  2nd death was definitely referred to non- believers on Judgment Day beloved. Do not ignore the feeling we had but let it be an indication of our closeness to the Holy Spirit. We are all beloved child of God when we had received him and will no longer suffer, God wants us to keep that in our heart mind and soul through the communion that we take.

With Pastor Gavin convicted sharing in this Bible Conference, we were once again affirmed with His Love and His salvation plans through His Words. In fact, God’s plan is for all to receive His salvation. Continue to take root in His love and  be in His plans and not just a partakers. Respond to His Love, respond to His calling for you!

I Stand ! I Believe in you Jesus!