IMC Congress in Session
"Equipped for the Global Mission"
13-18 November 2023

Congress registrations must be in by 1 July 2023
with registration payment by 1 September 2023

Countdown to IMC Congress in Nigeria, 13-18 November 2023

Calling all delegates to begin preparing for this milestone event! The International Ministerial Congress meets in a designated world location, bringing together representative delegates from up to 60 countries.

Start planning now!

Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The International Ministerial Congress meets in a designated world location, bringing together representative delegates of up to 60 countries.

Countdown until 13 November 2023:

Accompanied by Jesus

Accompanied by Jesus

Bible Reading: Revelation 1:9-20

In a world where human relationships have become superficial and detached, and where although it is true that technology can bridge the gap with those who are far away, it is also true that this same technology distances us from those who are nearby. Therefore, in this world, it is deeply comforting and reassuring to know that we are accompanied by Jesus.

Let’s analyse and look deeper into the narrative in Revelation.

In verse nine, the author presents himself as a man named John, (very common name in the first century) and, as a brother in the faith. He is a participant in suffering because of the gospel, not because of sin, personal ambitions, or delirium of grandeur.

The island of Patmos was used to exile those who posed some kind of threat to the status quo of the Roman Empire.

In verse ten we enter the vision. It is the first vision as conveyed in the book of Revelation. The vision and its inherent message is not a coincidence, but a concrete intentional message on the part of God.

In the next verse we see the phrase “Alpha and Omega, the First and Last“ that are symbolic expressions referring to the Risen Jesus. The seven churches mentioned are located in Asia Minor (where Turkey is today) and, in addition to their historical existence, represent the universal church throughout history. The number seven is synonymous with perfection, for in seven days God created the earth and heavens in absolute perfection.

Verses 12-16 give a visual description of the Risen Christ. We see seven golden candlesticks representing the universal church. Christ is pictured in the midst of his people. Like the tabernacle of Israel, in their pilgrimage to the promised land, he stood in the midst of the twelve tribes. God continues to accompany us. Christ said, "I will be with you every day until the end of the world" (Matt. 28:18-20).

His clothing Jesus is wearing in this vision is in the purest priestly style of the Old Testament, and the entire description of Jesus is majestic. Christ is our Supreme Lord and King, who, sitting right hand on the throne of God, intercedes for us. We are not alone in the face of the uncertainty that exists in the world.

In verse 17, we see a John so overcome by the vision that he faints. He then hears a voice saying, “Fear not!” This expression to not be afraid, with some variants, is repeated 365 times throughout the Bible. God wants us to remember that.

There are reasons why we should not fear as given in the following verses.

Jesus is the First and the Last. That is, He is the origin of everything that exists. He is the author and finisher of faith in believers. He is the unseen hand in the history of humanity. He is the path to salvation – a grace that includes all believers.

Jesus is also the one who lives. He died for our sins, but he overcame death. He is resurrected and lives bodily in every believer. He intercedes for his children before our Heavenly Father. He is our advocate and can never be defeated by anything or anyone. We are in good hands!

Jesus also holds the keys to hell and death. Keys are a symbol of authority to enter and exit, open and close. This certainly applies to the last enemy affecting humanity – death. Jesus promises that he will resurrect the righteous at his second coming.

In verse 19 we read where all this is affirmed in writing as a guarantee of its truth. The entire cosmos, the passage of time and the ultimate dominion and authority are under Jesus’ absolute control.

The next verse gives an interpretation of the vision’s seven candlesticks and the seven stars which correspond to the church over the past 2000 years.

So, by way of practical summary and application:

The risen Jesus accompanies his people at all times, in all places and in all circumstances.

Jesus is in control of salvation history. He alone has the keys that open or close all doors as needed for God's children. None of this is because of our effort, but only attributable to his grace and power.

Ramon Ruiz

Finally, believers should not fear anything that happens in this current evil world. But if we analyse the cause of our suffering or tribulation, if it is because of human lust, wanton desire and unfettered ambition, we must eliminate it. Otherwise, there is no reward. But, because of the gospel, we have the confidence that Christ is with us and we are not burdened with more than what he can carry.

Ramon Ruiz Garza

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Message from our President

Jesus commissions us to live and share the gospel, and this implies both a pressing need and a great sense of urgency. With the gospel as the only means of salvation for humanity and faced with the reality of sin, suffering and death that characterizes this post-modern age in which we live, the people of God must redirect their pastoral work in the light of this divine mandate:
 
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28: 18-20 NASB)
 
The whole word for the whole world means: preaching the gospel to the unreached without adding to or taking away from Jesus’ message; edifying all believers with all teachings in the Scriptures to become true Christian disciples; worshiping the one and only God in all time, place and circumstance, and opposing all idolatry which is sin; fellowshipping with one another as a sign and testimony of unity, overcoming cultural, racial, and linguistic barriers so the world will believe in Jesus; and serving our neighbors in order to transform their lives and surroundings.
 
Jesus sends us to carry out the totality of the redemptive mission. It is not a privilege for some, but a responsibility for all. We must go to the whole world, with the whole message from God’s word, knowing that He is with us all days—always, even to the end of the age.
Ramon Ruiz, IMC President


      Ramon Ruiz, President, International Ministerial Congress

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The Whole Word for the Whole World