Empower Church

Idolatry is not limited to carved images or ancient gods. An idol is anything we place above God, anything we trust to give us the meaning, security, significance, or identity that only He can provide. The question is not only, “What do I worship?” but “What has my heart placed above God?” In this message, we explore: 1. What Is an Idol? - Understanding how anything that receives our devotion or takes the place of God in our hearts can become an idol. 2. The Idols We Cannot Always See - How opinions, pain, trauma, status, wealth, human praise, and the desire to be right can become idols of the heart. 3. The Danger of Small Compromises - Samson did not lose in one night. His downfall came through multiple small battles that gradually chipped away at his resistance until he was lulled into giving in. 4. Obedience Over Sacrifice - Why God is not simply looking for religious activity, but for hearts that trust Him and walk in obedience to His Word. 5. The Idols of This World - From Baal, Molech, Dagon, and the golden calf to the idols we face today, we are reminded that anything competing with our love for God can take His rightful place. 6. The Heart Behind Idolatry - How idolatry begins internally when status, wealth, recognition, opinions, or other desires become more fundamental to our identity and happiness than God. 7. Turning From Idols to the Living God -The call to follow the example of the Thessalonians who turned from idols to serve the living and true God. 8. Will I Trust God? - The challenge of choosing wholehearted devotion, even when obedience is difficult, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the golden image. We are called to tear down every idol, recover our internal compass, and return to wholehearted devotion to the Lord. As Joshua declared, we must choose whom we will serve: “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” #gebhardtberndt #empowerchurch #TearingDownIdols #obedience #jesus

Our identity is not determined by people, circumstances, achievements, failures, or the opinions of others. Our identity is established by the Word and voice of God. At the baptism and transfiguration of Jesus, the Father declared: “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Before Jesus performed the works of His ministry, the Father established His identity. In this powerful message, we explore what it means to live from sonship rather than orphanhood: 1. Identity before activity — Why the Father establishes identity before assignment. 2. The imagery we use to see ourselves — How the wrong image of ourselves can prevent us from accessing what God has already established. 3. The cloud and God’s leading — Understanding how God’s presence sets the pace for His people. 4. Moses, Joseph and David — How God can give authority over the very places, situations and weights we have been brought through. 5. The weight that creates capacity — Sometimes you carry things nobody sees because God is developing the capacity required for what nobody else is willing to face. 6. The finished work of the Cross — Jesus has already defeated the powers of darkness. What happens when we stop living as though we still need to earn what Christ has already accomplished? 7. From law to sonship — When our focus shifts from what God has done to what we must constantly do, we can become captive again to performance. 8. The seven places of the Cross — His head, back, side, hands and feet, and what they reveal about the finished work of Christ. 9. The Rock and sonship — Exploring the revelation of Christ, the foundation of the Church, and what happens when we understand ourselves as sons and daughters. 10. The prodigal son — The deeper problem was not simply that the son left home; he misunderstood both who he was and who his Father was. The goal is not merely to receive what God has promised, but to become people who can carry, steward and unlock what He has entrusted to us. There are things you will carry that nobody sees in order to confront giants nobody wants to face. There are places you have been brought out of that God may give you authority over. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 #achievements #sonship #love #promises #covenant #bloodline #setfree #voiceofgod #capacity #foudation #accomplishment #revelation #identity #understanding

Faith is not only about what we believe; it is also about what we are willing to stand for. Throughout Scripture, we see men and women placed in moments where remaining silent would have been easier, but faith required them to speak, act and stand for what was right. Standing for truth will not always make us popular, but when we know who God is, we can stand even when everyone else chooses to bow. In this message, we explore: DANIEL – A FAITH THAT WOULD NOT COMPROMISE Daniel lived in a culture that constantly challenged his faith, but he refused to compromise his convictions. Even when a law was passed that threatened his life, Daniel continued to pray to God as he had done before. His life reminds us that truth does not change because the environment around us changes. Sometimes standing for God means continuing to do what is right when everyone around us is telling us to stop. SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO – WE WILL NOT BOW King Nebuchadnezzar commanded everyone to bow before the golden image. Three men remained standing. They knew the consequences. They knew the furnace was waiting. Yet their response was clear: even if God did not deliver them in the way they expected, they would still not bow. Standing for truth means deciding beforehand that there are some things we simply will not compromise. ESTHER – SPEAKING WHEN SILENCE IS EASIER Esther was placed in a position where speaking the truth could have cost her life. Yet Mordecai challenged her with the words, “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” There are moments when God places us in certain rooms, positions and relationships because He expects us to use our voice. Silence may feel safe, but sometimes faith requires us to speak. NATHAN – TELLING THE TRUTH EVEN TO A KING When David sinned, Nathan had the courage to confront him. David was king. Nathan understood the risk, but truth was more important than comfort. He stood before David and declared, “You are the man.” Real truth does not change depending on who is standing in front of us. Standing for truth means having the courage to say what is right even when the person who needs to hear it is powerful, influential or close to us. #empowerchurch #david #faith #stand #righteousness #upright #understanding #truth

Faith is not just about where we start, it is also about where we choose to go and what we choose to leave behind. Throughout Scripture, we see people faced with a choice: to move forward in faith or to look back at what God has called them away from. In this message, we explore: RUTH - A FAITH THAT CLINGS Ruth made the decision to stay with Naomi, declaring, “Where you go, I will go… Your God will be my God.” Her faithfulness reminds us that sometimes faith means holding on and moving forward, even when the future is uncertain. DON’T LOOK BACK - KEEP MOVING FORWARD While Ruth chose to follow forward, Lot’s wife looked back. Her story reminds us of the importance of trusting God with what is ahead instead of longing for what He has called us to leave behind. THE PROMISE - GOD IS FAITHFUL TO BLESS God promised Abraham that He would bless him and multiply his descendants. When God makes a promise, He remains faithful. What He has spoken over your life is not limited by what you can currently see. JESUS -THE FULFILMENT OF THE PROMISE Jesus came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfil them. Everything God has been working toward finds its fulfilment in Christ, reminding us that God’s plan is always greater than we imagine. DAVID - FACING GIANTS IN GOD’S NAME David did not face Goliath relying on weapons or his own strength. He came in the name of the Lord. When we know who God is, we can face what stands against us with faith and confidence. WHO IS YOUR GOD? David asked, “Who is this Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?” Sometimes the size of our faith is revealed by how we see God in the middle of our challenges. KEEP GOING - DON’T TURN BACK Ruth’s journey to Bethlehem began with a decision to move forward. Your journey may not always be easy, but faith calls us to keep walking, trusting that God is leading us somewhere greater. The message reminds us that faith requires a decision. Will we cling to what God has called us toward, or will we keep looking back? Like Ruth, may we have the courage to say, “Where You lead, I will go,” trusting that the God who calls us forward is faithful every step of the way. Download Our New Apps Below: EC App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-church/id6775955900 Empower Church EC App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerapp EBI App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-bible-institute/id6775867966 Empower Bible Institute EBI App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerschool.ebi #empowerchurch #gebhardtberndt #faith #FaithOverFear #jesuschrist #faithjourney

Faith is more than simply knowing about God—it is declaring what we believe about Him. The Apostles’ Creed takes us through the foundation of our faith: the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, the Church, forgiveness, resurrection, and everlasting life. Download Our New Apps Below: EC App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-church/id6775955900 Empower Church EC App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerapp EBI App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-bible-institute/id6775867966 Empower Bible Institute EBI App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerschool.ebi In this message, we explore: GOD THE FATHER — ALMIGHTY CREATOR We believe in God the Father Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth. He is the Creator, sovereign over all things, and the foundation of our faith. JESUS CHRIST — THE SON OF GOD We believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son and our Lord, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. THE CROSS — JESUS’ SUFFERING AND DEATH Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. His death is central to the message of salvation. THE RESURRECTION — DEATH COULD NOT HOLD HIM On the third day, Jesus rose again from the dead. The resurrection is the declaration of Christ’s victory and the hope of every believer. THE ASCENSION — CHRIST REIGNS Jesus ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. THE HOLY SPIRIT — OUR FAITHFUL HELPER We believe in the Holy Spirit and His work among God’s people, empowering and guiding the Church. THE CHURCH — ONE BODY We believe in the holy Church and the communion of saints. In Christ, we are brought together as one body and called to walk in fellowship. FORGIVENESS & NEW LIFE We believe in the forgiveness of sins and the freedom found through Christ. RESURRECTION & EVERLASTING LIFE We believe in the resurrection of the body and the promise of life everlasting—a hope that extends beyond this present life. The Apostles’ Creed reminds us that our faith has a foundation. We do not simply believe in an idea; we believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Death and sin have no power—they are solved. Because you are dead to sin, sickness has also been removed. God’s perfect will is not merely healing; His perfect will is that you don’t get sick. Download Our New Apps Below: EC App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-church/id6775955900 Empower Church EC App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerapp EBI App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-bible-institute/id6775867966 Empower Bible Institute EBI App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerschool.ebi In this message, we explore: -THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT (Luke 4:1-15) Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit, overcoming temptation and demonstrating that we too can walk in victory. -DEAD TO SIN, ALIVE TO GOD (Romans 6:7-11) When we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. We are now alive to God through Christ Jesus. -THE NEW COVENANT (Romans 5:12-15) Unlike under Moses, where the law brought death, under Jesus we inherit life and peace through grace. -OUR ASSIGNMENT (Mark 16:15-18) We are called to go into all the world, preach the gospel, and lay hands on the sick so they may recover. -CLOTHED IN THE SUPERNATURAL (Luke 24:46-49) We have been endued with power from on high, literally clothed in the supernatural to exercise dominion. Receive today: -Freedom from the power of sin and death. -The realization of your identity in Christ. -The power to walk in divine health. -Boldness to fulfill your assignment in the Great Commission. ARE YOU WALKING IN THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT? WILL YOU ACCEPT THE DOMINION GIVEN TO YOU? Your body is the TEMPLE. Your faith is the SHIELD. "He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness." 1 Peter 2:24 #empowerchurch #gebhardtberndt #healing #supernatural #holyspirit #Dominion

We live in a world that constantly tells us to chase more—more success, more approval, more material things. But no matter how much we consume, we always end up empty again. "If your soul finds its thirst and hunger satisfied in Jesus, you will never thirst, never hunger, never die." So often, we search for fulfillment, identity, and approval in temporary things. We look to accomplishments, status, or human validation to fill an inner void—only to find ourselves spiritually hungry and thirsty again. But Scripture reveals a radically different truth: when your soul finds its true hunger and thirst satisfied in Jesus, you will never thirst, never hunger, and never die. Scriptures Covered in Today’s Message: Colossians 1:15-20 — The Supremacy of Christ: Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the One through whom all things are reconciled. Colossians 1:20-23 — Reconciled & Grounded: Once alienated, we are now presented holy and blameless before God, called to remain steadfast and firmly established in the faith. Colossians 2:9-10 — Fullness in Him: In Christ, all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given this fullness in Him, who is the head over every power and authority. Whether you joined us live in person or are tuning in online, we pray this message strengthens your faith, clears away doubt, and draws you closer to the heart of God. Connect With Us: If this message blessed you, please give this video a Like, hit Subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an upload or a live service stream!

Happy Women’s Day to every Empower Lady. The Messiah didn’t come from a throne room but from a stump - something cut down and seemingly lifeless. Mary carried the royal line of David in her own body, and heaven’s greatest work came through a woman the world would have overlooked. God still chooses that kind of ground. Download Our New Apps Below: EC App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-church/id6775955900 Empower Church EC App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerapp EBI App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-bible-institute/id6775867966 Empower Bible Institute EBI App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerschool.ebi SURRENDER OVER UNDERSTANDING Mary asked “how,” but she didn’t demand full understanding before she obeyed. “I am the Lord’s servant… may it be to me as you have said.” Faith isn’t the absence of questions - it’s surrender in the midst of them. Every woman has faced a “how will this be” moment. The call today is the same as Mary’s: trust before you fully understand. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH GOD Elizabeth, said to be barren, was six months along. God used two “impossible” situations side by side to prove His power isn’t limited by age, circumstance, or what people assume about you. Whatever feels barren or closed in your life - God specialises in that ground. THE TREASURE WITHIN -YOU ARE THE VESSEL Just as Mary carried Christ in her womb, every believer carries Christ within - “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” You don’t need to be flawless or impressive; you need to be willing. The treasure was never about the vessel’s strength, but about what God chose to place inside it. Woman of God you may feel like a stump, cut down by disappointment, delay, or doubt. But God is not finished. Let the Branch grow. Let the treasure shine.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." Have you ever wondered if God is speaking to you or how to distinguish His voice from the noise of everyday life? Understanding how God speaks begins with knowing His character and aligning our hearts with His Word. He communicates in various ways: through the Scriptures, the quiet whisper of the Holy Spirit, wise counsel and circumstances. Learning to recognise His voice brings ultimate clarity, direction and comfort when facing major life choices or everyday moments. 1.Knowing the voice of God 2.Knowing that God's voice exist 3.Having the faith that God speaks Hearing God's voice is not reserved for a select few; it is a daily invitation for every believer. As you seek Him through prayer and His Word, expect Him to answer and guide your steps. #empowerchurch #gebhardtberndt #knowledgeispower #holyspirit #believe

Every great building is only as strong as its FOUNDATION. The same is true in our walk with God. A compromised foundation may not collapse immediately but over time the cracks begin to show. For an entire year David carried on as though nothing had happened. When God sent Nathan to confront him, David was quick to judge another man’s sin while remaining blind to his own, until he heard the words, “You are the man.” In this teaching, we explore: 1. Why position is vital to your purpose. 2.The progression of sin and its devastating consequences. 3. Why we are often quick to judge others while excusing ourselves. 4. How God exposes what we try to conceal. 5.The power of conviction, repentance, and restoration. 6.How to build a spiritual foundation that remains unshaken. 7. How compromise always starts small. Whether you’re rebuilding after failure or guarding against compromise, this message is a reminder that God desires truth in the inward parts and calls us to stand firmly on a foundation of obedience, holiness, and integrity. “Stay in the position God has called you to, because what you entertain in private will eventually influence your public life.” Download Our New Apps: EC App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-church/id6775955900 Empower Church EC App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerapp EBI App - iOS: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/empower-bible-institute/id6775867966 Empower Bible Institute EBI App - Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.empowerschool.ebi #empowerchurch #churchonline #foundation #position #consequences #building #heart #firmfoundation #obedience #holiness #integrity #progression #sin #influence #accountability