Pastor Candy Christmas | Redeeming The Time Part #2
This summary explores the concept of Kairos, the divinely appointed moment, distinguishing it from ordinary chronological time. It emphasizes that God controls the flow of history and personal destiny, and encourages believers to recognize and prepare for these strategic, supernatural moments to experience breakthrough, revival, and fulfillment of purpose.
1. Understanding God’s Control Over Time and History
The foundation of understanding Kairos (divinely appointed time) is the biblical truth that God is sovereignly in control of all periods of history and life.
Divine Control Over Seasons and History
The prophet Daniel declared that God changes the times and the seasons. This means God controls the flow of history, including great epochs, eras, and movements in human life and world history.
- Fixed Periods: In Hebrew, the word for times refers to fixed periods, appointed times, and divinely scheduled moments.
- Turning Points: The word season means special seasons, turning points, transitions, and appointed opportunities.
- Sovereign Determination: God determines when a season begins, when it ends, and what happens within it. The key takeaway is that nothing is random or happenstance, and no season lasts forever unless God appoints it to.
Christ Holds the Government
Even when global situations feel out of control, believers must remember that Jesus Christ holds the government in his hands and controls the course of time and history for mankind. Humanity is currently on a “fast track to the end,” affirming that the Lord has a plan and a purpose for every moment.
2. Differentiating Chronos from Kairos
To maximize divine opportunities, it is crucial to distinguish between the two Greek concepts of time: Chronos and Kairos.
Chronos (Chronological Time)
Chronos is where the English word “chronological” is derived.
- Definition: Chronos refers to increments of time—days, moments, hours, seasons, months, and years. It is the ordinary, minute-by-minute time on the clock.
Kairos (The Appointed Moment)
Kairos refers to the divinely appointed moment of time.
- Definition: Kairos is a divine window, a holy moment of destiny, a season when God steps into the natural with something supernatural.
- Purpose: A Kairos moment is not just another minute on the clock; it is a God-ordained moment pregnant with purpose.
- The Promise: Ecclesiastes 3:1 confirms that to everything there is a season and a time (Kairos) to every purpose under heaven. This includes a Kairos for birth, healing, breakthrough, open doors, and deliverance.
3. Characteristics of a Kairos Moment
A Kairos moment is a spontaneous turning point that often follows a season of prayer and perseverance.
Spontaneous Combustion and Change
A Kairos moment results in a cataclysmic change.
- Charles Finney’s Example: The conversion of Charles Finney, an atheist lawyer who intended to disprove Christianity, serves as a prime example. While studying the Bible, the words became “like swords and arrows in his heart,” making him miserable until he cried out to God. This intense turning point was a Kairos moment not only for his personal life but also for the church due to the profound effect he had.
- Personal Salvation: Salvation itself is often experienced as a Kairos moment—a cataclysmic moment, a spontaneous combustion where one suddenly “catches on fire” for the gospel.
Preparedness and Perseverance
Kairos moments do not last forever; they are windows that open and shut. Therefore, perseverance is vital.
- Daddy Seymour’s Revival: The Azusa Street Revival, which profoundly changed church history, occurred after Daddy Seymour persevered in prayer for approximately seven years. Although he was illiterate and faced discrimination, he continued praying. Suddenly, not doing anything differently, the spirit of God fell on him and the small group praying in the house.
- The Waiting Period: When prayers seem unanswered, it is because God is lining up all the components to the miracle. When the Kairos time clock clicks, the miracle will be birthed.
- Preparation: While waiting for the Kairos moment, believers must persevere and continue doing the right thing, learning all they can, reading books, and spending extra time in prayer to be prepared when the appointed time comes to fruition.
Divine Timing (The Fullness of Time)
Even Jesus Christ came at a Kairos time.
- Galatians 4:4 states, “But when the fullness of time had come (Kairos), God sent his son”. God waits until the moment is pregnant before He moves.