Category: Uncategorized

Ministry Update – The Fourie’s in Los Angeles

May 13, 2023 jeandrefourie Uncategorized 4 Comments

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry”

 The Apostle Paul

Good day Friends, I trust you are all well and I greet you in the precious name of Jesus, the Saviour of the world! It has been a while since I have written, and I would love to give you an update as to how it is going in Los Angeles with us. The last three months have been a blessing and I am in awe of how faithful the Lord is in our times of need. Kelly and I moved into an RV / fifth wheel for three months which was fully kitted out with room, shower, kitchen, lounge, and Tele. In this process we met two of the most humble people John and Debbie Rottuno who have become like parents to us. They took us in like their own and we have become extremely close. This can only be by the guidance of the Lord, and we are extremely grateful to Him for putting them in our lives.

 

The Fourie’s and the Rotunno’s

We have had record rainfall in Los Angeles and California which has transformed a desert looking area into what seems a tropical oasis. We both know that’s not the case, but the rain really makes the hills and city areas come alive with the greenery. The state of California still has snow on the higher mountainous areas which is starting to melt as there was record snowfall too in many areas. This melting will fill many of the rivers and this can only be grace from the Lord, proving His provision over and over.

Also, Kelly and I took a drive to San Diego during this time to look at an electric bike (trike) that could maybe be of use for me as I am very keen to join her when running and hiking but the bike was a no go for a few reasons one being that I Cannot ride it due to a weakened core. It is electric but needs balancing skills so that wont work all too well. This was a front wheel trike, so 2 wheels closely fitted together with one at the back. I spent much time looking for options and have ordered a trike with two rear wheels and will send pics when it arrives, but in the meantime check this out why I cannot ride the first option:

For everyone who knows me well knows that I am a meat eater and take serious the fact that we can eat meat and enjoy that what the Lord God has provided for us. We were introduced to Krash who is a brother in Christ. He has a Saturday BBQ at his house called Smokey Sermon, check this out. We enjoyed our meal with our new friends Mike, Christine and Nick.

Sun Valley Community church has had a few additions to the family, and I ask that you pray not only for them but for each and every person who enters our doors. The church owns a parsonage which Kelly and I have now moved into and by God’s grace we are settling down nicely. It is much more than we need, and we are grateful for the Lord’s provision and pray that it is a house where the Lord Jesus Christ is exalted, worshiped and praised.

Update on the Ministry

Moving onto the ministry, the time has come where 6 months have already past and I am now by God’s grace an elder of Sun Valley Community church with a teaching, preaching and pastoral role. Biblically, a pastor forms a part of the eldership and he shepherd’s the local church of God as an under shepherd who nurtures, cares for, and feeds the flock. It is an honour for me to serve the Lord God in this capacity and I covet every prayer as I continue to pastor Sun Valley Community Church. As a team Kelly and I are responsible for the operations of the church as well as discipling every-one who comes through the doors of SVCC, equipping them for the work of the ministry (Eph 4:12). Each one who has been born-again and placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord, Saviour and Redeemer has a special part to play in the local assembly. I find we are the most fruitful as believers when we are serving God and not serving our own flesh and desires. Pray for us as we strive to be faithful to the calling of God.

Below is a certficate of ordination for the purposes of the state and the local church.

Lastly, Below are our YouTube and Facebook pages should you want to Subscribe and become a part of the community even though you are far away.

YouTube

FaceBook

We miss each and every one of you and love your dearly!

Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works
Which You have done;
And Your thoughts toward us
Cannot be recounted to You in order;
If I would declare and speak of them,
They are more than can be numbered

Psalm 40:5

Testimony Update from Los Angeles

February 23, 2023 jeandrefourie Uncategorized 17 Comments

“Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

Hebrews 3:15

I was reminded of something amazing this week folks! I was reminded of a picture of a dead man walking. Have you ever seen a dead man walking? I suppose your answer would be “well obviously not”! I would however love to challenge each and every one of us today that there are millions of dead men and woman walking all around us. You see folks there are two types of people in this world. Those who are alive unto Jesus Christ and those who are dead and aimlessly lost. Not only spiritually dead and out of fellowship and relationship with God but eternally dead, separated from God forever.

You are probably wondering what reminded me of this reality? Well two days ago on the 21st February 2023, I was reminded of an accident that I had 8 Years ago to the day. I cannot believe that time has gone by so quickly, but here I am writing about the grace of God. This will most definitely seem illogical to many but God has shown His mercy to a sinner like me, and through this accident brought me into relationship with Him, thanks to the atoning work of the cross. The bible says that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and “there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus”. Remember it is Jesus who saves, and it is by faith that we are justified as individuals in the courts of heaven (Rom 5:1), and it is by His blood that we can be forgiven and saved from God’s wrath (Rom 5:9), a justification only appropriated by a true belief and trust in Jesus Christ. His Person, His Deity, and His death, burial and resurrection!

The night before my accident I can remember looking at the heavens, on a clear anad bright evening, saying something like “God you must exist”. You see folks it would be ludicrous to believe that there is no God and Creator. The book of Romans helps us in this regard. It says that “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened”. God has reveled Himself to each and every one of us through Creation and Conscience. How awesome and how amazing!

This is half of the evidence that we would call Primary Revelation. The other two aspects are that of God revealing Himself, His heart, and His mind through His word, and finally in the flesh in the person of Jesus Chirist. On this basis 8 years ago I admitted that God exists, and that He is the orchestrator of life and Creation. You know, each and every one of us has this ability, but unfortunately over time because of sin, we choose to suppress the truth and deny God. Why we may ask and it is simply this. If God exists then I am accountable to Him. Yes, now we are heading in the right direction. Some of the simple reasons why God is true and exists is that the universe is perfectly fine tuned for life, our DNA composition and complexities are absolutely mind-boggling, and we can see the work that God does in other’s lives through the new birth freeing individuals from the pangs of death bringing them into newness of life.

Folks as you read this I want each and every one to know and remember that on this day God brought this lost man on the other side of this computer into a relationship with Him. It is where I was lying helpless in a hospital bed where He intervened. It is where I was weak that He was strong. It is where a loving God revealed Himself to me that I made that decision to pick up my cross and follow Him forever. It is where God delivered me from the power of darkness and conveyed me into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Col 1:13). Today, if you will hear His voice, our Lord says, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion (Heb 3:15). Speaking from experience I testify today that God is loving, merciful, longsuffering, gracious, and kind. He is good and deserves all the honour, praise and glory.

Again, are there dead men walking … YES!!! Are you one of them? I hope not. Let’s stop fighting the truth folks. Jesus is coming soon, and He will judge the living and the dead. Put your faith, hope and trust in Him and His salvation that He offers so freely. Do not get to a stage where you are fighting for your life in a hospital bed, helpless and unable to move. See to it today that you are made right with God and forgiven of your sins. Unfortunately, our hardened hearts deceive us. A hardened heart does things in its own way. It chooses to rebel. It is prideful, arrogant, and boastful. It complains, grumbles, moans, seeks self worship, loves the woe is me attitude and puts itself first. In contrast however, is the heart that knows the Lord Jesus Christ, a heart that is surrendered, joyous, wise, pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. It is a heart that yields the fruits of righteousness and sows in peace. I hope and pray that is us today folks!

The King of kings and Lord of lords says:

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

“For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” John 6:33

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15

“And behold, I am coming quickly.” Revelation 22:12 [a]

Much love and may the One true God be glorified! In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Shalom Aleichem

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed!

August 1, 2022 jeandrefourie Uncategorized 0 Comments

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed!

Many today profess to believe in Jesus Christ yet continue to live in sin. They entertain worldly lusts, carnal and fleshly living and thinking, pride, evil desire, and constantly fall into sin. The evidence unfortunately lies in their ungodly actions and behaviour. Somehow this new breed of 21st Century Christians still believe that they have been made free from sin, slavery, and bondage. The truth of the matter is that many folks are taking the grace of God in vain (Rom 6:1, 15). Like a sow that has been washed they keep returning to the mire and like a dog, they keep returning to their vomit (2 Pet 2:22). It seems as if this topic of volitional and habitual sin is going untaught in Christianity today. Unfortunately, nowadays Christians are labeling sin as disease and “misfortune”. I’m not talking about sins that we subsequently and very quickly repent of (and I hope we do), but I am talking about volitional sin which we entertain, sin of “pre-meditation”.

These are sins that are thought of, pondered on, and acted upon, sin which is pre-meditated and just like all sin, in direct rebellion to God. The individual knows something is wrong yet they still choose to disobey the commands of the Lord God Almighty. This is manifest in their actions which is that which the Lord Jesus Christ in the sermon on the mount said originates in the heart and mind of the individual. The apostle James says that when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin when it is full-grown, brings forth death (Jam 1:15). This means that the decisions we make when we continuously fall into sin are decisions, intentions, and desires which have been dwelling in the heart for some time and have now been conceived (become real), manifesting itself in that which the individual has placed on the pedestal of their hearts. Furthermore, James says “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17). What I am trying to illustrate is that we are in bondage to sin because we willingly entertain it, and therefore won’t be set free from it until we repent, forsake it, hate it, and turn to the living God, who is the only One who can forgive and make us free. Remember this simple text friends. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed (John 8:36 KJV).

Now, this may not necessarily mean that this individual has not been converted and born again although many conversions do unfortunately seem questionable, but there is a danger of taking the grace of God in vain (Rom 6:1,15) and misunderstanding what it truly means to be brought into a new life and a heavenly relationship, by the atoning work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and the Spirit of God. When someone has truly tasted what is Good, they would never want to return to the things of the world! Legion was chained and men feared him, but when he met the One true God, he was made free, and his “chains were broken” (Mark 5:1-20). Note how the Lord Jesus Christ had mercy on him after he had seen Jesus from a distance, and ran to the Lord falling on his knees. What about the woman at the well? She was a woman who had many husbands, yet when she met the One true God, she was made free from the sin she so willingly entertained (John 4:1-26). The New Testament is replete with examples of those who met the Messiah, were transformed and changed from within, and made free from sin. Amazingly, they never knew the depth of their sin and wickedness of heart until they were around the Lord Jesus Christ. So the question must be asked; have you met the Lord Jesus Christ as revealed in the preaching of the gospel? Has He exposed your sin? Has the Word laid you bare, and given you a reason to grope and search for Him and seek forgiveness? Have you met Jesus friend? Have you known His sheer holiness, righteousness, and justice?

What is the 21st Century Christian doing? It seems that the instant gratification culture is willingly ignoring Jesus’ commands (John 14:15)! My question is this. How and why were so many people changed so radically in the scriptures and transformed after meeting the Son, yet you and I can’t seem to come right and “shake off” sin? I’ll tell you how… Everyone who has been made free from sin knows what Jesus Christ has accomplished on Calvary and because of the depth of that sacrifice is completely sold out for Jesus. They  have realized their lost and damned condition before a holy God and have understood that in them nothing good dwells. They have decided to follow Jesus at all cost, picked up their crosses, and denied the world, desiring to walk in that which the Lord God has commanded. It is in Him that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). It is the person’s desire for holiness and obedience to God that will undoubtedly transform him and conform him to the image of the Son.

Now, before you say this guy doesn’t know what he is saying. “I mean, I am sold out for Christ, look at my life. I go to church and attend a weekly home group or Bible study. I read my Bible daily and even own Christian books.” Let me tell you, friend, firstly, all these things do not make you a Christian and secondly, there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation before this Holy and Righteous God. I’m sure you know that. He has done the work, yet with the body of Christ so willingly entertaining sin, I sometimes wonder if salvation and the call to holiness have ever been understood? Remember that “we are saved by grace through faith, that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Eph 2:8-9). This does not mean that we stop at the cross when we exercised faith in Christ’s atoning work. To try and explain the most awesome privilege that one could have to live in relationship with, and tabernacle with, the living God in such few words is difficult, but if we truly believe God is who He says He is then we would undoubtedly live different lives, to His praise, honour, and glory!

I do however want to reiterate a point that I have already noted. Every person that I know who is currently battling with sin is still involved in the things of the world. What do I mean by that? Well, here is a simple question and thought to consider; “do you want to be made free”? Jesus said that we must count the cost before following Him (Luke 14:25-33). Our Lord pronounced woes on those who desired more than Him (Matthew 23). Folks, for you and I to be made free from sin, we must forsake everything! Now I bet you’re asking what I mean by everything. I mean EVERYTHING! Everything that is not of God will hinder your relationship with Him. Our example is always the Lord Jesus Christ! Consider what happened when the Lord Jesus was on earth. He forsook everything, honoured the Father, denied temptation, and was never part of the world and its fallen system. Remember He emptied Himself of everything He was in heaven and took on the form of a bondservant (Phil 2:5-11). He took on flesh for you and I, endured the cross, and despised the shame. He bled and died for you and I, was beaten beyond recognition, and yet with all this blessing we still entertain this world and its filth! Woe to us … we are such hypocrites!

Remember that the new creation according to the Word of God speaks of one who has been born again (John 3:3-5; 2 Cor 5:17; Eph 4:17-32; Col 3:12-17). What that means is that however we were born naturally is irrelevant and we need to be born again, regenerated, and made new according to God so that we will love Him, serve Him and hate the things of this world, not be of this world, and desire to please the Lord who has made us free. Forsaking everything means this and includes:

  • Repentance from dead works
  • The renewing of the mind through the Spirit and Word of God
  • Obedience to the Commmands and entire Word of God
  • The cleansing of the mouth and its filth and all that is opposed to God
  • The forsaking of the woe is me attitude, always having the last say, denying ourselves, picking up our crosses and following Jesus
  • The understanding of the depth of our sin and rebellion
  • The desire for sanctification unto Christ-likeness
  • The forsaking of television (Netflix, sport, series, and movies), worldly documentaries, and the so-called “Christian” programs like the recent chosen series
  • The forsaking of secular music and so-called “christian” music, rock and hip hop (Hillsong, Bethel, Elevation, Lecrae and the like)
  • Being diligent with technology (phones and tablets) which has a clear unprecedented grip on us and our children’s hearts and minds. This includes the unbiblical agenda and indoctrination through animations and comics by people like disney, pixar, marvel, and the like, as well as fantasy films and all agendas seeking to disrupt and divide the home, an institution designed and initiated by God (Genesis 1:28; 2:24).
  • Understanding that social media is a god and is a platform opposed to a life of godliness and holiness
  • Forsaking the obsession with secular news, politics and the ungodly order of world governments
  • Separating from the people who you associate with who are not servants and followers of the One true God
  • Re-considering the church and fellowship you attend by the measure of the work of the Spirit and the teaching of sound doctrine
  • Dismissing “Christian books” and “Christian literature” written by so-called teachers who are proven heretics, including anything that does not put Christ and God on the pedestal and throne of our hearts!

Folks the question therefore then is very simple: Where are our hearts and who or what is on the throne of our hearts? We seem to believe that no one can see what dominates our thinking and life, but remember firstly that God knows all things including every thought and intention, and secondly, born-again believers can see right through the “Christian” façade. Those who know and have experienced the love and peace of God, and the character transformation and conforming of the new man most definitely know and see who willingly dwells in ungodliness and unrighteousness because it is evident in their behaviour, speech, actions, and intentions.

Let’s be honest. If something walks like a duck and quacks like a duck then surely it is a duck. So too if someone acts as the world then surely they are of the world, are lost, are entertaining sin, and must either be born again or seek repentance before it is too late! Paul says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal 5:16). The solution to being set free from sin is quite easy. Forsake everything that wars against God and the flesh, repent from dead works, and serve the living God (Heb 6:1). Pursue an intimate relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. Once this is true and you are either born again (John 3:3-5) or refreshed through repentance from dead works (Acts 3:19), only then can you, and will you, enjoy true peace which is expressed in Christ-like living, in true fellowship, Doctrine, the breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). It is by fellowshipping with like-minded people (born-again believers), fearing God and desiring to live holy and pleasing lives to God (Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 7:1) that shows our complete adoration for Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. The heart is where it is. The New Testament requires two things of the Born-Again believer: Obedience to God and His commands and living a life of Holiness! We must measure ourselves on these two recurring themes, folks. Where are we in our obedience to God? Where are we in what the Bible describes as a life of holiness?

God knows your heart and you therefore cannot fool Him. Husbands for example are commanded to lead and love their wives, taking full responsibility for that with which God has entrusted them (Eph 5:22-26). Through personal devotion and Bible study (daily) and loving God with all our hearts, souls, and minds, we will know Jesus and be known by Him (John 10:14). You see, if we say we know Jesus and love Him, and truly believe in Him, I’m sure we will desire to forsake everything and follow Him with every part of our being (1 Cor 10:31). If we say we love Him, yet do not keep His commandments, we are liars, and the truth is not in us (1 John 2:4)! The truth is this! What we call disease, God calls sin! Remember that! The solution is simple. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). Then the Son will make you free (John 8:36) and God promises that He will keep those in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Him because they trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3).

Friends, I believe that Christianity needs fewer “Christians” and more Christ-Followers!

Exhortation with Biblical Truths for the year ahead (Jan 2022)

January 1, 2022 jeandrefourie Uncategorized 0 Comments

Exhortation with Biblical Truths for the year ahead (Jan 2022)

Spending some time in these scriptures has made me realize some awesome and convicting biblical truths. The God of the Bible (of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) requires obedience and holiness by those that call Him Lord. Many of us call Him Lord yet we do not do what He tells us to. Through His word, it is made plain that He is God, saves by grace, and requires those who love Him and call on Him to walk as they ought to. *In love, obedience, and holiness.

Look at King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:1-23. He hears from God’s prophet Samuel and is told to destroy Amalek and his people and everything they possess for how they treated Israel as a people when they came out of Egypt. He refuses to heed the word of God and takes much spoil from the battle. What might seem a great victory to man was sheer disobedience to a Holy God and His commands. Look at the result below ……

1 Samuel 15:22-23

So Samuel said: “Has the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He also has rejected you from being king.”

In the book of Titus, we have an amazing explanation of the gospel and the known biblical fact that our works toward salvation are worthless. He is the Author of Salvation. He is Holy, Righteous, Loving, Just, and Gracious. Jesus Christ through His sacrifice at Calvary justifies those who come to Him in faith, not because of what we have done, but because of what He the Lord has done. Paul explains that true salvation results in a regenerated and renewed spirit* where the Holy Spirit Himself fills the believer and sets Him apart unto God. Note Paul says that these truths are to be affirmed constantly and those who believe and continue to do so will have the desire to work for God because they love Him and know the necessity and importance of salvation only found in the One true God which has appeared unto all men. Our love for Christ must be good and evident to all men, profitable as the bible says. Look at the scripture below …..

Titus 3:4-8

But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

It is obedience to the commands of God through His word (and not the disobedience of Saul) where true light through the illumination of the Holy Spirit gives understanding to the word of God and makes it possible to know minute by minute the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Wow what a salvation!!!! David writes …….The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:130

May these scriptures provoke us to live eternity conscience. Let’s please God in all we do! May we obey Him and seek to be in relationship with Him through the  mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ and the advocacy of the Holy Spirit

Be ye filled with the Holy Spirit – Ephesians 5:18

Shalom and Happy New Year !!!