Preached by Apostle Aje Pelser

Harvester Reformational Church, Cape Town, April 2019

Part of the New Covenant miracle of the new creation in Christ, is a return to innocence. When someone Apostle Paul speaks of his former life he actually says: “I have harmed no one nor coveted anyone’s goods.” Has he forgotten his persecution of the Christians and the stoning of Stephen the first Christian Martyr where he stood looking after the clothes of those hurling rocks?

It is an amazing quality of the blood of Jesus that presses a refresh button that resets our inner DNA to be born again into a new being that is aware of the past life, but not defined by it.

With that in mind let us uncover some footsteps to return to innocence.

Step 1: Put your faith in Jesus’ ability

While we are still trying to do it all by ourselves Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He wants to come in feast with you and share His overcoming power with you. He is not ashamed to call you His brother. The world proclaims the ability to be a self-made success – did you make yourself? Really? You just thought and then you existed? You just worked by yourself and no one ever gave you advice? People never gave you a chance and some favour for you to succeed? No one can claim to be self-made, it is the height of pride that comes before the fall.

Jesus’ ability is beyond this realm of existence and you tap into his resources. The manifold wisdom of God is made available through the church of Jesus Christ. No one can reach the entire world by themselves without support and coherence of vision. As a church we have reached close to 150 nations, 123 physically, the rest through live streaming. It takes a combine harvester machine to bring in the harvest. One person sickling a harvest will take forever. Jesus needs to return, but first we need a return to innocence that draws from Him as a source to bring about the finish.

Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Whatever we do without faith is actually sin.

Rom 14:22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.

Rom 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

Faith in His name brings miracles. When Peter and John healed the lame man in Jesus’ they immediately attributed the power to: ‘faith in His name.’

Act 3:16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Step 2: Become like a child to inherit the kingdom

Kids felt comfortable with Jesus. Do you think that they felt comfortable with the Pharisees? The Saducees? Even Jesus’ disciples needed a return to innocence in their thinking about what the kingdom of God really was in their time. Unless you become comfortable in Jesus’ presence like a little child, you will not inherit the kingdom of heaven in your present reality. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. His peace that passes your understanding that guards your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus – being anxious for nothing, but through prayers and supplications making your requests known to Him with thanksgiving. Philippians 4:6-8

Mat 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

Mat 18:2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them,

Mat 18:3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 18:4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 18:5 Whoever receives one little child like this in M