Sermon compiled by Sean Goosen, based on sermon notes by Apostle Andre Pelser, preached at Harvester Reformational Church, Cape Town, 21st December 2025

Sermon Title: Christ in Your Crisis, Christ in Your Life, Christ at Christmas

Opening Scripture: Psalm 138:8 NKJV The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands.
Jesus came to reveal the Father. He displayed the Father’s character through action.
Mercy. Truth. Authority. Compassion.
Every work of Christ reveals the heart of the Father. Every miracle shows how God responds in crisis.
The Father begins the work. The Son completes the work.
John 8:29 (Amplified Bible)
29 And He who sent Me is [always] with Me; He has not left Me alone, because I always do what pleases Him.
The Hebrew word for “perfect” in Psalm 138:8 is gāmar. It means to complete. To finish fully. To bring to an intended end. To carry through without quitting. This word does not speak of flawlessness. This word speaks of completion. God starts a work. God stays involved. God brings the work to completion. Perfect means finished. Perfect means fulfilled. Perfect means brought to God’s intended outcome.
This verse reveals God’s faithfulness. God does not abandon what He begins. Whatever concerns your life today, God is committed to finishing it!

Let’s look at the name of Jesus and the power of His name to complete things in our lives.
Jesus Christ, the Name Above All Names: Isaiah 9:6 declares, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Every title reveals who Jesus is and what He carries into our lives, especially in times of crisis. His name carries authority, identity, and purpose.
Acts 3:4–6 records a moment of faith and authority. Peter, fixing his eyes on the lame man with John, said, Look at us. So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
Acts 3:16 then explains the power behind the miracle. 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 health in the presence of you all. Healing did not come through silver or gold. Healing came through faith in the name of Jesus. The early church understood authority. They acted in faith. They aligned with His will.
Acts 4:12 confirms this truth. Neither is their salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. His name is not symbolic. His name is powerful.
Prophecy pointed to Him long before His birth. Isaiah 7:14 calls Him Immanuel, God with us. Isaiah 32:2 describes Him as shelter from the storm. Isaiah 42 reveals Him as the One who brings justice, restores sight, and releases captives.
We are called to carry this authority today. Christ still reigns. His name still works. Let Him rule every area of your life.

Christ Revealed in History and Scripture:
Creation and Order: When the earth was void and dark, the Spirit of God hovered over the waters. Darkness was the crisis. God spoke light. Order replaced chaos. Life followed. God then created all living creatures and formed Adam to possess the earth and rule it. Dominion was God’s response to crisis. When Adam needed a wife, God created Eve. God met relational need with divine provision.
Deliverance and Provision: When the flood destroyed the earth, God instructed Noah to build an ark. Salvation came through obedience. When Abraham and Sarah were barren, God gave them Isaac. Isaac means laughter. Abraham means father of nations. God spoke identity before evidence appeared.
When Abraham was tested with Isaac, God provided a ram. Isaac was spared. Abraham saw the plan of redemption. He saw the day of Christ and believed.
When Joseph stood before Pharaoh, he declared there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. God gave wisdom to save nations from famine.
Victory in Impossible Moments: When Moses faced the Red Sea with the Egyptian army behind him, God opened the sea. Moses walked by faith because he saw Him who is invisible. When Joshua faced enemy armies, the Commander of the Lord’s army appeared. Heaven stood with him.
When David faced Goliath, he declared the Lord would give victory. The same God who delivered him from the lion and the bear stood with him in battle. When Samson faced the lion, the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. Strength rose in crisis. When Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal, fire fell from heaven. Truth prevailed.
Faith Under Fire: When Israel had no judge, God raised Samuel. Not one word he spoke fell to the ground. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fire, the Son of God stood with them. Fire burned ropes, not bodies. When Daniel entered the lion’s den, God shut the mouths of lions.
When God asked who would go, Isaiah responded. God revealed redemption through a suffering Savior. When Israel suffered loss, God spoke restoration through Malachi. The devourer was rebuked.

Christ Manifested: When the world needed a Savior, Christ appeared. He calmed storms. He walked on water. He spoke peace. When Lazarus died, Jesus declared Himself Resurrection and Life. Death obeyed His voice.
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth. He went about doing good. Healing the oppressed. Feeding the hungry. Raising the dead. When five thousand lacked foods, He multiplied provision. When He died, the tomb was sealed. On the third day, God raised Him. Death was defeated forever.
Christ and the Church: When Peter returned to fishing and caught nothing, Jesus appeared and restored purpose. When the church was persecuted, the Gospel spread. When Saul persecuted believers, Jesus transformed him into Paul. When Jesus ascended, the Holy Spirit descended. Power filled believers. Three thousand were saved.
When Paul was stoned, prayer revived him. When prisons shook, salvation came. When storms threatened ships, angels spoke. Christ remained faithful.

Five Practical Points for Believers in Crisis:
1. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Faith sees beyond circumstances.
2. Use His name with authority. Acts 3:16 proves faith in His name releases healing and strength.
3. Trust God’s timing. God completes what He starts.
4. Step into your calling. God equips those who respond.
5. Act in faith, not fear. Obedience unlocks miracles.

Edification: God is speaking to anyone in a crisis today. He is saying: “I am your Deliverer. I will redeem you. I will perfect that thing in your life. I am your Christ in your crisis.” He stands with you in the storm, the trial, and the loss. He is your Victory, your Hope, your Provider, your Deliverer.
He will turn mourning into dancing. He will give beauty for ashes. He is with you. He will finish what He started.

Salvation Call: If you have never accepted Jesus as Lord, do it today. Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead. Receive forgiveness. Receive new life. Receive power to become a child of God. He is faithful and just to forgive you of all your sins and cleanse you of all your unrighteousness. By grace through faith, you are saved and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God so no man can boast.
Christ is alive forevermore. He is the Resurrection and the Life. He is the Christ of every crisis. At Christmas, He comes as Emmanuel, God with us, bringing hope, peace, and victory.

If you need prayer today contact office@harvesterchurch.net and Jesus will be revealed in your crisis through a loving church of believers.