“9 He went on to tell the people this parable: "A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out. 13 "Then the owner of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.' 14 "But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. 'This is the heir,' they said. 'Let's kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.' 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. NIV Luke 20:9-16
“When Jesus gave the parable of the tenants, the teachers of the law understood that he was speaking against them. (v.19). the owner of the vineyard is God; the vineyard is Israel; the servants are the prophets and priests that God sent to Israel; the son was Jesus himself and the evil tenants were the religious leaders.” AD 2010 Daily Guide, Scripture Union Nigeria. P.151.
It is true that this parable focused on Israel and the religious leaders of the day, but as I look around in the church today, I see the same picture playing itself. For them, it was Israel, but for us today it is the church. The genuine servants of the Master, the Son who is the true heir and religious leadership are all still relevant today.
It is unfortunate that some of us in leadership have established ourselves so strong that we behave as if we are the owners of the work. We carry ourselves as if we have absolute powers and can do whatever we want irrespective of what anybody thinks about it, forgetting that we are all tenants who have limited time in this work. Inferiority complex and insecurity make us fight every other servant that we feel is a threat to us. We see the fringe benefits that come out of the work as solely our own. We determine who gets what because we have the powers today. So today, we see all kinds of oppression and wickedness in the body of Christ even among leaders themselves. The same way worldly politicians manipulate and compete for powers is what we see among us Christians. No wonder, we cannot set any pace for our politicians, instead they set the pace for us. If they set Vision2020, we equally set Vision2020. If they set 7 Point agenda, we set 7 Spiritual Point Agenda. If they set a celebration of Silver Jubilee, we equally declare a Year of Jubilee.
All the pictures I’ve painted above are even mild when compared to the fact that we have kept the Son, the Owner of the work out of His work while we go about as the owners. The church is now like some people’s personal property. Some people think that they are the king makers, the movers and shakers of the church. We do these while we kept the Son outside the church. We do not want to listen to His Holy Spirit neither do we consider His words to be the ultimate authority. We forget that we are tenants.
My consolation is that no matter the kind of position we are privileged to occupy today and the powers we may wield, our tenancy will always expire and the Owner of the work will come one of these days for accountability. I can hear the Lord asking us today what He asked the people in this passage: "What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them?
Monday, 18 October 2010
Church of obedience as opposed to a Church that is self-governed
‘The decision in favour of a Church of obedience as opposed to a Church that is self-governed is necessarily and unavoidably imposed upon us by the fact that the Christian Church cannot reflect on its own being, or live by it, without seeing itself confronted by the Lord, who is present to it as its real Lord, with a real authority which transcends its own authority. Its Lord is Jesus Christ. He has called it into life and He maintains it in life. In Him it believes. Him it proclaims. To Him it prays.’ K. Barth, Church Dogmatics, I/2, 576.
This statement by K. Barth is outstanding especially in this age where there are lots of re-definitions. In the church today, we see lordship as if it rests intrinsically in a certain person and has no reference to Jesus Christ who indeed is the Lord of the church. Members are taught not to ask questions concerning how the exercise of the so called ‘lordship’ conforms to both the Word of God as they know it and the character of the church’s Lord as they understand it.
When a church is self-governed without reference to the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the Lord of the church, it operates just like every other secular institution in the world applying worldly principles. In the eighteenth century, Hooker talked about the authority with tree-legged stool of scripture, tradition and reason. This is a very unfortunate postulation which some liberal theologians hold very dear to heart because it helps them to question every thing the scripture says and tend to conclude that scriptures have no absolutes. In the first place, it is a misplacement to hold the scripture at the same authority level with the traditions set by men and the reasons generated by the fallen man. Being saved does not change the fact that we are fallen creatures with all kinds of limitations. It is only when we leave this world and enter into His perfection that we can truly be free from the fallen and fallible nature we inherited from the Fall. The place of the authority of the scriptures must be at the apex of the authority hierarchy. All other authority must draw from it. In contrast, a self-governed church tend to elevate tradition (as defined by them), and reason above the authority of the scripture.
A church of obedience is ‘constrained’ by the instructions in the word of God. Its liberty is within the bounds of the scriptures. The bible becomes the final authority for faith and practice. Hence, its behaviour is weighed by the scale of what the bible says. If Jesus is Lord at all, then His authority must be absolute and His words unquestionable. As obedient followers, we are only to obey. No man in the church of obedience has absolute powers no matter his/her designation.
Finally, let me mention that the bible is not a ‘secret book’ which you must have some ranks in church before you understand it. Just as Cranmer laid out in one of the homilies, no man can fall into error if he/she approaches the bible prayerfully and with all humility so as to understand it and know what his Lord wants him to do. No wonder the recommendations that the bible be read in churches whereby people just listen to what the Holy Spirit says to them. The picture being painted today as if members of the church need ‘intermediaries’ between them and God in order to know the mind of God is alien to what we see in scriptures. The Borean Christians are a good example of people who went home and searched the scriptures to make sure what Paul was preaching to them agreed with it. Paul instead of rebuking, commended them. They did this without any ‘intermediary’. There is room for teachers but every redeemed child of God has access to what God is saying in the scripture and is supposed to order his/her life accordingly.
When we all place the authority of the scriptures above all and strive to know what the Lord of the church is saying both individually and collectively, we can set out to obey Him and order our lives according to His instructions instead of governing ourselves by our own means. Like K. Barth concludes, ‘Its (The church’s) Lord is Jesus Christ. He has called it into life and He maintains it in life. In Him it believes. Him it proclaims. To Him it prays”
This statement by K. Barth is outstanding especially in this age where there are lots of re-definitions. In the church today, we see lordship as if it rests intrinsically in a certain person and has no reference to Jesus Christ who indeed is the Lord of the church. Members are taught not to ask questions concerning how the exercise of the so called ‘lordship’ conforms to both the Word of God as they know it and the character of the church’s Lord as they understand it.
When a church is self-governed without reference to the Lordship of Jesus Christ as the Lord of the church, it operates just like every other secular institution in the world applying worldly principles. In the eighteenth century, Hooker talked about the authority with tree-legged stool of scripture, tradition and reason. This is a very unfortunate postulation which some liberal theologians hold very dear to heart because it helps them to question every thing the scripture says and tend to conclude that scriptures have no absolutes. In the first place, it is a misplacement to hold the scripture at the same authority level with the traditions set by men and the reasons generated by the fallen man. Being saved does not change the fact that we are fallen creatures with all kinds of limitations. It is only when we leave this world and enter into His perfection that we can truly be free from the fallen and fallible nature we inherited from the Fall. The place of the authority of the scriptures must be at the apex of the authority hierarchy. All other authority must draw from it. In contrast, a self-governed church tend to elevate tradition (as defined by them), and reason above the authority of the scripture.
A church of obedience is ‘constrained’ by the instructions in the word of God. Its liberty is within the bounds of the scriptures. The bible becomes the final authority for faith and practice. Hence, its behaviour is weighed by the scale of what the bible says. If Jesus is Lord at all, then His authority must be absolute and His words unquestionable. As obedient followers, we are only to obey. No man in the church of obedience has absolute powers no matter his/her designation.
Finally, let me mention that the bible is not a ‘secret book’ which you must have some ranks in church before you understand it. Just as Cranmer laid out in one of the homilies, no man can fall into error if he/she approaches the bible prayerfully and with all humility so as to understand it and know what his Lord wants him to do. No wonder the recommendations that the bible be read in churches whereby people just listen to what the Holy Spirit says to them. The picture being painted today as if members of the church need ‘intermediaries’ between them and God in order to know the mind of God is alien to what we see in scriptures. The Borean Christians are a good example of people who went home and searched the scriptures to make sure what Paul was preaching to them agreed with it. Paul instead of rebuking, commended them. They did this without any ‘intermediary’. There is room for teachers but every redeemed child of God has access to what God is saying in the scripture and is supposed to order his/her life accordingly.
When we all place the authority of the scriptures above all and strive to know what the Lord of the church is saying both individually and collectively, we can set out to obey Him and order our lives according to His instructions instead of governing ourselves by our own means. Like K. Barth concludes, ‘Its (The church’s) Lord is Jesus Christ. He has called it into life and He maintains it in life. In Him it believes. Him it proclaims. To Him it prays”
Thursday, 27 May 2010
I heard of Thee but now I have seen
"I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes" Job 42:5-6
Job was a man of God who served Him faithfully with his family. God was proud of him and boasted with him before the devil and that became the beginning of Job's troubles. Problems he never bargained for ensued because God wanted to prove a point to Satan - 'My servant, Job is perfect, upright, God-fearing and righteous'. One amazing thing is that God was the One that raised the matter and not Satan.
God was right! Job went through his ordeal faithfully. He had his ups and downs but he prevailed. He stood strong and withstood all the devil's arrows to break his faith. God won because His servant remained faithful and He was proved right. The devil lost totally.
However, there is an amazing thing that troubles of Job produced in his life and that is our focus. At the end of the trials, he was not just better because he had double blessings, his revelation of God changed. He saw God. "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee". Thank God for the troubles that draw men closer to God.Because he saw God, he was equally able to see himself through God's perspective. He saw his sin and self righteousness. He repented and abhorred himself.
For many, their good name and 'image', titles and 'trophies' etc are still relevant to them because they have not seen the Lord. People are still on the throne of their lives because, though they have been in church for years, they have only been hearing about God but have not seen and experienced Him. If you see God, you will have no option than to bow and worship. People make issues and hinder God's work because of their pride and self centeredness.
The question is, have I experienced God? The revelation of God I have, is it by hearsay or a personal encounter with God? God bless!
Job was a man of God who served Him faithfully with his family. God was proud of him and boasted with him before the devil and that became the beginning of Job's troubles. Problems he never bargained for ensued because God wanted to prove a point to Satan - 'My servant, Job is perfect, upright, God-fearing and righteous'. One amazing thing is that God was the One that raised the matter and not Satan.
God was right! Job went through his ordeal faithfully. He had his ups and downs but he prevailed. He stood strong and withstood all the devil's arrows to break his faith. God won because His servant remained faithful and He was proved right. The devil lost totally.
However, there is an amazing thing that troubles of Job produced in his life and that is our focus. At the end of the trials, he was not just better because he had double blessings, his revelation of God changed. He saw God. "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee". Thank God for the troubles that draw men closer to God.Because he saw God, he was equally able to see himself through God's perspective. He saw his sin and self righteousness. He repented and abhorred himself.
For many, their good name and 'image', titles and 'trophies' etc are still relevant to them because they have not seen the Lord. People are still on the throne of their lives because, though they have been in church for years, they have only been hearing about God but have not seen and experienced Him. If you see God, you will have no option than to bow and worship. People make issues and hinder God's work because of their pride and self centeredness.
The question is, have I experienced God? The revelation of God I have, is it by hearsay or a personal encounter with God? God bless!
Thursday, 20 May 2010
The dire need for workers
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matt.9:36 NIV
There is always this challenge whereby God will be looking for men in the midst of men. He will be looking for leaders in the midst of leaders and workers in the midst of workers. In Ezekiel 22:30, God said, “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one” NLT. Before this conclusion, from verse 24-29, He listed some of His discoveries in the course of His search for a man.
From our text, the Lord Jesus Christ “felt great pity” for the people who had many problems and were scattered and didn’t know what to do or where to go to for help. They were like sheep without shepherds. The interesting thing here is that this was happening at a time when there were “shepherds” in the land – teachers of the law, college of priests, the Sanhedrin, scribes and other interpreters of the law.
For us today, the situation is not really different. The condition of the sheep has not changed and God is still looking for shepherds. There are many reasons, more of distractions, why there will be men around and yet God will still be looking for someone. However, the pertinent challenge is personal. Will I make myself available for God? Will I be willing to make adjustments, even costly ones – a significant shift from my self centeredness, and allow God to use me?
There is always this challenge whereby God will be looking for men in the midst of men. He will be looking for leaders in the midst of leaders and workers in the midst of workers. In Ezekiel 22:30, God said, “I looked for someone who might rebuild the wall of righteousness that guards the land. I searched for someone to stand in the gap in the wall so I wouldn’t have to destroy the land, but I found no one” NLT. Before this conclusion, from verse 24-29, He listed some of His discoveries in the course of His search for a man.
From our text, the Lord Jesus Christ “felt great pity” for the people who had many problems and were scattered and didn’t know what to do or where to go to for help. They were like sheep without shepherds. The interesting thing here is that this was happening at a time when there were “shepherds” in the land – teachers of the law, college of priests, the Sanhedrin, scribes and other interpreters of the law.
For us today, the situation is not really different. The condition of the sheep has not changed and God is still looking for shepherds. There are many reasons, more of distractions, why there will be men around and yet God will still be looking for someone. However, the pertinent challenge is personal. Will I make myself available for God? Will I be willing to make adjustments, even costly ones – a significant shift from my self centeredness, and allow God to use me?
Monday, 1 March 2010
Is it Christ or our denominations?
“But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” 1 Cor 1:23-24 (KJV)
Have you wondered why it is difficult to see in our churches what the apostles saw after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus? Have you wondered why transformed lives are rare to find among those who respond to our messages?
If we want to experience what the apostles experienced, we must sit back and ask ourselves, what is it that they did that we are not doing? And what is it that they did not do that we have immersed ourselves in today?
Everything we do is supposed to revolve around Christ. Our lives are to revolve around Christ. He is the One that God has given to be our Signpost and Landmark in this race of life. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We look up to Him as our example. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith…” Heb. 12: 2. We are to fix our eyes on Him as the Author, Pioneer, Leader, Instructor, Finisher and Perfecter of our faith. He has left for us an example and Peter admonishes us to follow in His steps. (1 Pet.2: 21). God is raising a people that will conform to the image of His own Son and He has made Him the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom.8: 29). He is the One we are to emulate and not any person else. At the end, our lives will be measured by how we conformed to Christ. Today there are many ‘heroes’ and ‘untouchables’ in many denominations that members are focused upon as examples. They stand and speak as if they are gods which are above human laws and scrutiny. Actually, everything centers around them. The denominational barriers do not allow members to interact with other members of the body of Christ. The ‘sheep’ belong to them. The church ‘fishes’ are all theirs for exploit. Indeed, they are the center of attraction. But that is not the way God planned it to be. He planned it that Christ will be the center of whatever we do in our churches and our lives must revolve around Him.
Not just our lives, but also our message and preaching must center on Christ. God has not left us here to preach any pastor or overseer, no matter how ‘powerful’ or ‘holy’ that man may be. The existence of denominations means that we will always have different understandings on some issues. However, the central and common focus must be Christ. The apostles preached Christ. What do we preach today? Saul, immediately after his conversion in Damascus preached Christ in the synagogues (Acts 9: 20). From our text above, we see that Paul and his team preached Christ. When persecution scattered the disciples, Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ (Acts 8: 5). We saw the result of such preaching in verses 7 – 8. There are some people that their message is, “which church do you attend?”, “come to my church, my pastor is very powerful”, “if you come to our church, all your problems will be over” etc. There are some churches that if anything happen to their pastor or overseer today, everything will collapse. We preach men of God. We preach our denominations as the best. We preach everything except Christ. We invite people to the pastor instead of inviting them to Christ. We present our churches instead of presenting Christ who alone can save. He is the power of God and the wisdom of God. The message around Christ is simple and not confusing but the teachings around any other thing or person in the church can lead astray and focus people wrongly, oftentimes throughout their lifetime. It is only the Word of God that brings eternal results.
Inasmuch as our lives and messages must revolve around Christ, our service and the motive of our ministries are to revolve around Christ also. It is true that several people answer Christians for many reasons, also, many people serve God in churches for many reasons. Of course, if the pastor of a church is serving God for the wrong reason, most likely, the members of the church will also have wrong motives for serving God. A man sometime ago wrote a book, “The man God uses”; but today we want to serve the god man uses – a god man can direct at his own will to solve his problems and accomplish his lusts. A Christo-centric service is one that is done ultimately to bring glory to Christ and to bring about God’s purpose in Christ to come to pass.
There are many reasons why everything about us must revolve around Christ. All human systems will one day collapse and they cannot stand the test of time but one built around Christ will last forever. When Christ is not the center, people will have wrong focus. They will have their focus on something else apart from Christ. When Christ is not the center, people will spend their lifetime serving the denominational organization without serving Christ. May we not wake up one day in eternity and suddenly discover that we have wasted our lives here on earth serving and protecting our denominations without serving God’s purpose. It’s all about Christ and not about our denominations!
Have you wondered why it is difficult to see in our churches what the apostles saw after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus? Have you wondered why transformed lives are rare to find among those who respond to our messages?
If we want to experience what the apostles experienced, we must sit back and ask ourselves, what is it that they did that we are not doing? And what is it that they did not do that we have immersed ourselves in today?
Everything we do is supposed to revolve around Christ. Our lives are to revolve around Christ. He is the One that God has given to be our Signpost and Landmark in this race of life. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. We look up to Him as our example. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith…” Heb. 12: 2. We are to fix our eyes on Him as the Author, Pioneer, Leader, Instructor, Finisher and Perfecter of our faith. He has left for us an example and Peter admonishes us to follow in His steps. (1 Pet.2: 21). God is raising a people that will conform to the image of His own Son and He has made Him the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom.8: 29). He is the One we are to emulate and not any person else. At the end, our lives will be measured by how we conformed to Christ. Today there are many ‘heroes’ and ‘untouchables’ in many denominations that members are focused upon as examples. They stand and speak as if they are gods which are above human laws and scrutiny. Actually, everything centers around them. The denominational barriers do not allow members to interact with other members of the body of Christ. The ‘sheep’ belong to them. The church ‘fishes’ are all theirs for exploit. Indeed, they are the center of attraction. But that is not the way God planned it to be. He planned it that Christ will be the center of whatever we do in our churches and our lives must revolve around Him.
Not just our lives, but also our message and preaching must center on Christ. God has not left us here to preach any pastor or overseer, no matter how ‘powerful’ or ‘holy’ that man may be. The existence of denominations means that we will always have different understandings on some issues. However, the central and common focus must be Christ. The apostles preached Christ. What do we preach today? Saul, immediately after his conversion in Damascus preached Christ in the synagogues (Acts 9: 20). From our text above, we see that Paul and his team preached Christ. When persecution scattered the disciples, Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ (Acts 8: 5). We saw the result of such preaching in verses 7 – 8. There are some people that their message is, “which church do you attend?”, “come to my church, my pastor is very powerful”, “if you come to our church, all your problems will be over” etc. There are some churches that if anything happen to their pastor or overseer today, everything will collapse. We preach men of God. We preach our denominations as the best. We preach everything except Christ. We invite people to the pastor instead of inviting them to Christ. We present our churches instead of presenting Christ who alone can save. He is the power of God and the wisdom of God. The message around Christ is simple and not confusing but the teachings around any other thing or person in the church can lead astray and focus people wrongly, oftentimes throughout their lifetime. It is only the Word of God that brings eternal results.
Inasmuch as our lives and messages must revolve around Christ, our service and the motive of our ministries are to revolve around Christ also. It is true that several people answer Christians for many reasons, also, many people serve God in churches for many reasons. Of course, if the pastor of a church is serving God for the wrong reason, most likely, the members of the church will also have wrong motives for serving God. A man sometime ago wrote a book, “The man God uses”; but today we want to serve the god man uses – a god man can direct at his own will to solve his problems and accomplish his lusts. A Christo-centric service is one that is done ultimately to bring glory to Christ and to bring about God’s purpose in Christ to come to pass.
There are many reasons why everything about us must revolve around Christ. All human systems will one day collapse and they cannot stand the test of time but one built around Christ will last forever. When Christ is not the center, people will have wrong focus. They will have their focus on something else apart from Christ. When Christ is not the center, people will spend their lifetime serving the denominational organization without serving Christ. May we not wake up one day in eternity and suddenly discover that we have wasted our lives here on earth serving and protecting our denominations without serving God’s purpose. It’s all about Christ and not about our denominations!
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
The Prosperity Non-sense
God is a good God and blesses His children with every good gift according to His discretion. However, there is madness all around us today whereby prosperity is preached as if it is the beginning and the end of the gospel of Jesus. People fail to realize that the Old Testament has to be understood and interpreted through the eyes of the New Testament. In the OT, God focused on an earthly inheritance for the nation of Israel - Canaan. But in the New Testament, the emphasis is on spiritual inheritance - heaven. Jesus talked about '...in my Father's house are many mansions...' John 14:1-4. Paul wrote to Timothy '...I have ran the race, I have kept the faith. It now remains the crown of life which God has prepared for me and for all those that love Him...' (paraphrased)
Hence, in the list of the people of faith in Heb 11, after listing those that received miracles, down from vs 38, there began another list of those that were persecuted and killed. Yet the Bible declares, "..All these died in the faith..."
Why are we doing this injustice to the cause of Christ and presenting Christianity as if it only has promise for this life alone? Why are we being this unfaithful to the Word of God? Why are we presenting Jesus as if He died just to give us bread and wine for our pleasure? Why are we being this unfaithful to our brethren who are suffering persecution for their faith as if they are stupid and have a faith that does not work?
The 'health and wealth gospel' is a half-baked gospel full of confusion and lies that will only succeed in tying the souls of men down to the affairs of this life. May God deliver us from this non-sense.
Hence, in the list of the people of faith in Heb 11, after listing those that received miracles, down from vs 38, there began another list of those that were persecuted and killed. Yet the Bible declares, "..All these died in the faith..."
Why are we doing this injustice to the cause of Christ and presenting Christianity as if it only has promise for this life alone? Why are we being this unfaithful to the Word of God? Why are we presenting Jesus as if He died just to give us bread and wine for our pleasure? Why are we being this unfaithful to our brethren who are suffering persecution for their faith as if they are stupid and have a faith that does not work?
The 'health and wealth gospel' is a half-baked gospel full of confusion and lies that will only succeed in tying the souls of men down to the affairs of this life. May God deliver us from this non-sense.
Monday, 1 February 2010
A celebration of life: Glenn Penner passes on to glory
I have read materials from this great man of God and his balanced views on persecution and Christian suffering for some years now since I came in contact with The Voice of the Martyrs. His ministry was like swimming against the tide.
In a generation where suffering is viewed as ungodly and Christians are pressured to pursue the world and its pleasures. Glenn tried to present the Scriptures, the way it is. Indeed, thank God for his life.
May God help us to finish strong also.
The report is here.
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Please pray. These persecutions are real.
Many of us that live in places where there are no much religious crises may not understand what these brethren are going through. But put yourself in their shoes for once and please pray!
Seven people killed in Egypt
At least seven people were killed in the town of Nag Hamadi in Quena province, Egypt on January 6 when gunmen opened fire on churchgoers exiting a Christmas Eve midnight mass service. Christian Copts in Egypt observe Christmas on January 7. At least nine people were also injured in the attack, three of whom are in critical condition. The shooting was reportedly in retaliation for the alleged rape of a Muslim girl by a Christian man, which sparked violence in November (click here for the story). The lead shooter has allegedly been identified but at last report had not been arrested. (Sources: AP, AFP)
Pray for peace and stability in this area. Pray that Christians will respond to this violence with Christ-like love. Ask God to comfort those mourning the loss of loved ones. Pray for healing for those injured.
For more on Egypt's suffering Christians, click here.
Also in Nigeria:
More violence have continued after some moslems attacked Christians as they were coming out of the Church after a church service. Just look at this story here. And here.
Please let continue to pray for the families of those who lost thier lives and fast recovery of those injured.
Seven people killed in Egypt
At least seven people were killed in the town of Nag Hamadi in Quena province, Egypt on January 6 when gunmen opened fire on churchgoers exiting a Christmas Eve midnight mass service. Christian Copts in Egypt observe Christmas on January 7. At least nine people were also injured in the attack, three of whom are in critical condition. The shooting was reportedly in retaliation for the alleged rape of a Muslim girl by a Christian man, which sparked violence in November (click here for the story). The lead shooter has allegedly been identified but at last report had not been arrested. (Sources: AP, AFP)
Pray for peace and stability in this area. Pray that Christians will respond to this violence with Christ-like love. Ask God to comfort those mourning the loss of loved ones. Pray for healing for those injured.
For more on Egypt's suffering Christians, click here.
Also in Nigeria:
More violence have continued after some moslems attacked Christians as they were coming out of the Church after a church service. Just look at this story here. And here.
Please let continue to pray for the families of those who lost thier lives and fast recovery of those injured.
Monday, 18 January 2010
He cares! He loves you!
Are you sick and discouraged, weak and weary, facing trials and trouble that seem more than you can bear? Then remember these 5 glorious facts from Mal.3:3
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness”. (KJV)
1. HE CARES – You are precious to Him “as silver and gold”
2. HE CLEANSES – The fire purifies and “purges them”
3. HE CONTROLS – Yes, the fire is under control. “He shall sit as a refiner”
4. HE COMFORTS – He’s with you in the fire. “And He shall sit” by the fire.
5. HE KNOWS – Be assured He knows when the work is done. He looks for His image. Climb upon the pinnacle of faith with Job and cry, “when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold”
It’s easy to trust God when there is no trouble, but it is more needful when trouble comes.
I just got these from some notes I made sometime ago either listening to a message or reading a book but I feel it's going to be a blessing to you. Face the year with faith in God that, "He who began the good wok in you will finish it" Phil.1:6. God bless!
“And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness”. (KJV)
1. HE CARES – You are precious to Him “as silver and gold”
2. HE CLEANSES – The fire purifies and “purges them”
3. HE CONTROLS – Yes, the fire is under control. “He shall sit as a refiner”
4. HE COMFORTS – He’s with you in the fire. “And He shall sit” by the fire.
5. HE KNOWS – Be assured He knows when the work is done. He looks for His image. Climb upon the pinnacle of faith with Job and cry, “when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold”
It’s easy to trust God when there is no trouble, but it is more needful when trouble comes.
I just got these from some notes I made sometime ago either listening to a message or reading a book but I feel it's going to be a blessing to you. Face the year with faith in God that, "He who began the good wok in you will finish it" Phil.1:6. God bless!
Monday, 4 January 2010
New Book: The New Birth
Download now
This is a book I just finished putting a final touch to it and it is up for free download. I only request that if you use it on a website, please link back to this site. If you want to print it anywhere for distribution, please write me for permission.
Preview:
"Jesus Christ told Nicodemus, who came to him in the night, that he must be born a second time. The Jewish leader was confused, just as many are still confused today. He began to ask questions trying to understand the meaning of being born again after the first natural birth. What made it a very serious matter was because the Lord Jesus gave it as the only condition for both seeing and entering the kingdom of God. If you are not born a second time, you cannot see or enter the kingdom of God."
What happens when we receive the New Birth?
We are made alive
All our sins are forgiven
We have salvation and assurance of eternal life
We have Victory over our old sinful lifestyle.
Joy and peace of God
Members of God’s family
We have safety from the attacks of Satan and his followers
"There are two types of decisions – positive and negative decisions. There are no middle lines. Procrastination means that you are still in your sinful condition and not yet ready to get born again. You can either accept the new life that Jesus Christ offers to you free of charge now or you reject it. Each of the decisions has its implications and consequences. God loves you and wants you to choose life and live. We live with the choices we make in life. This choice however is for eternity and you cannot have the opportunity to change it once you die."
Download now
There are somethings we will understand only when we meet Him.
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly;
Shall God unroll the cancas
And explain the reason WHY.
The dark threads are as needful,
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned. ----Selected
No matter what is your experience, you can trust the heart of the Master. He knows what He is doing in your life and He cares for you! He has not promised to give every explanation down here. Oftentimes, I think that even if God begins to explain some things to us, we may not have the capacity to understand.
However, bye and bye, we will understand when we meet Him. Cheers and welcome to AD2010.
And the shuttles cease to fly;
Shall God unroll the cancas
And explain the reason WHY.
The dark threads are as needful,
In the Weaver's skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned. ----Selected
No matter what is your experience, you can trust the heart of the Master. He knows what He is doing in your life and He cares for you! He has not promised to give every explanation down here. Oftentimes, I think that even if God begins to explain some things to us, we may not have the capacity to understand.
However, bye and bye, we will understand when we meet Him. Cheers and welcome to AD2010.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
It has been an eventful year.
This is to wish all that often visit this site a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! 2010 will be better than 2009 and we are going to remain watchful as events of the end times unfold.
May we continue to be ready for His coming.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
Appeal from Archbishop of Sudan to Governments and others following recent atrocities
APPEAL regarding the recent atrocities in Jonglei and Western Equatoria States
On Saturday 29th August 2009 I received reports from Wernyol, Twic East County, Jonglei State, that there had been another attack on the peoples of the area in which over forty people – men, women and children – were killed. Amongst the dead were Ven. Joseph Mabior Garang, Archdeacon of Wernyol and Archbishop’s Commissary in the new Diocese of Twic East, who was shot at the altar of the church in Wernyol during a service of Morning Prayer. Tens of others have been wounded, some very seriously with gun-shot wounds and broken limbs. Only a few of these have been taken to Juba Military Hospital, whilst the rest are still in Bor Hospital.
I have leant from Episcopal Church sources on the ground that the attackers were well armed with new automatic weapons, dressed in army uniforms, and appeared well-organized and properly trained. Instead of attacking a cattle camp, this was an attack on a Payam headquarter town. Consequently in the view of the Church, this was not a tribal conflict as commonly reported, but a deliberately organized attack on civilians by those that are against the peace in Southern Sudan. These reports confirm the suspicions that I aired in my May 2009 appeal to the diplomatic and international community in Sudan.
Last week I received the news from Ezo, Ezo County, Western Equatoria State, that there had been another devastating attack by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) on Ezo town on 12th/13th August in which three people, including an Episcopal Church lay reader had been murdered. The attack included the abduction of children from the Episcopal church building in Ezo, and several thousand more people have been displaced into Ezo town – people that the local churches are struggling to care for. Ezo Hospital was also attacked, medicine stolen and equipment destroyed.
I hear from Bishop John Zawo of the Episcopal Diocese of Ezo that the attack could have been avoided if better military security had been given to the town.
I am therefore appealing to the government and the international community at large to act swiftly in order to prevent such atrocities from occurring in future. Continuing violence such as this is not only a crime against the innocent people killed and injured, it is a crime against the peace of the Sudan and if left unchecked will do great damage to the smooth implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
Brethren we need to pray for missions in Sudan. May God help us to wake up to our responsibilities. When many are suffering and are in need of basic provisions, others are exploiting the church members so as to purchase unnecessary 4-Way Drive jeeps just for enjoyment.
Funds for the 39,000 displaced persons and the bereaved family of Archdeacon Garang may be sent to Anglican Mainstream (for AID – Sudan) 21 High Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HE UK or donated through the paypal link on Anglican Mainstream website. All funds will be sent directly through with no deductions.
Read more here.
On Saturday 29th August 2009 I received reports from Wernyol, Twic East County, Jonglei State, that there had been another attack on the peoples of the area in which over forty people – men, women and children – were killed. Amongst the dead were Ven. Joseph Mabior Garang, Archdeacon of Wernyol and Archbishop’s Commissary in the new Diocese of Twic East, who was shot at the altar of the church in Wernyol during a service of Morning Prayer. Tens of others have been wounded, some very seriously with gun-shot wounds and broken limbs. Only a few of these have been taken to Juba Military Hospital, whilst the rest are still in Bor Hospital.
I have leant from Episcopal Church sources on the ground that the attackers were well armed with new automatic weapons, dressed in army uniforms, and appeared well-organized and properly trained. Instead of attacking a cattle camp, this was an attack on a Payam headquarter town. Consequently in the view of the Church, this was not a tribal conflict as commonly reported, but a deliberately organized attack on civilians by those that are against the peace in Southern Sudan. These reports confirm the suspicions that I aired in my May 2009 appeal to the diplomatic and international community in Sudan.
Last week I received the news from Ezo, Ezo County, Western Equatoria State, that there had been another devastating attack by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) on Ezo town on 12th/13th August in which three people, including an Episcopal Church lay reader had been murdered. The attack included the abduction of children from the Episcopal church building in Ezo, and several thousand more people have been displaced into Ezo town – people that the local churches are struggling to care for. Ezo Hospital was also attacked, medicine stolen and equipment destroyed.
I hear from Bishop John Zawo of the Episcopal Diocese of Ezo that the attack could have been avoided if better military security had been given to the town.
I am therefore appealing to the government and the international community at large to act swiftly in order to prevent such atrocities from occurring in future. Continuing violence such as this is not only a crime against the innocent people killed and injured, it is a crime against the peace of the Sudan and if left unchecked will do great damage to the smooth implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
Brethren we need to pray for missions in Sudan. May God help us to wake up to our responsibilities. When many are suffering and are in need of basic provisions, others are exploiting the church members so as to purchase unnecessary 4-Way Drive jeeps just for enjoyment.
Funds for the 39,000 displaced persons and the bereaved family of Archdeacon Garang may be sent to Anglican Mainstream (for AID – Sudan) 21 High Street, Eynsham, OX29 4HE UK or donated through the paypal link on Anglican Mainstream website. All funds will be sent directly through with no deductions.
Read more here.
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