Information, Reformation and Transformation is a monthly Report –dialing from my mind, desiring of my heart and delighting for my will: meant for our Website:
www.missioninnamibia.com
Info no: 2
25 June 2009
From the 1st to the 5th of June 2009, Manfred Bendt and I (as elders at Monte Christo) had interviewed all available local members of Evangelical Baptist Church –Monte Christo, a second church in the interviewed list. The first church we had interviewed or re-registered was Evangelical Baptist Church –Wal vis Bay, where Jonas Joseph, an elder of EBC –Wal vis Bay and I had reaccepted only 25 members out of 38 roundabout. EBC –Monte Christo has only 23 people re-registered out of 55 of last’s membership. Few things must be noted. Monte Christo –like any town church is a receiving and giving church. Every year we receive new members and give away some of our old members to mission: It is because of these strategies that we have churches like Mount Tabor in Rossh-pinah, Benguela in Luderitz, Havana in Windhoek etc. We have given our best men and women to mission, people like elder Alfeus Nuugulu and his wife to Havana, Pastor Tony Mbudu to Benguela, memes like Alma Nangolo, Linea Mumba, Helena Haitale, Saraphia Olovi etc. are some of our best men and women whom we have handed over to mission thus far. Churches and fellowships like Namport in Wal vis Bay, Monte Christo in Windhoek, Mount Tabor in Roshi-pinah and Benguela in Luderitz, are churches we have interviewed thus far. At Monte Christo we were thrown rough words, some members had accused us of being unloving, unfair, hard people to work with and many ugly words that I am not allowed to mention. The church that we have enjoyed to interview was Havana, Mount Tabor and Benguela, Namport was not also too bad.
Sunday the 14th of June 2009, was a final day of updating our re-registration in Windhoek for Havana and Monte Christo, a precious Sunday Service was experienced at Monte Christo again, with bright Sunday morning worship, started with
1 ) Bible Study lead by elder Manfred Bendt with his interpreter Selma Nghihangwa –see picture 1 and 2
2 ) Church Service led by Carlos Simao, one of our theological students, while Buddy Bahun preached his for the first time at Monte Christo, interpreted by Gabriel Cornelius –see picture 3 and 4
3 ) The Lord’s Table handled by myself as local pastor
4 ) The joy of many people for the peace they saw, mixed with humble tears because of many who are left outside church membership –though all of them attended the church faithfully, they are humbled by the situation.
5 ) Five men, namely;
A) Zeca Antonio (proposed to be my interim missionary at Monte Christo for refugee community in Namibia, he speaks fluent English, Portuguese, Umbundu, and Oshiwambo): he is a graduate from NETS with Diploma in Theology –see picture 5 left.
B) Manfred Bendt (our faithful church elder) second left in that picture
C) Laban Mwashekele (elder pastor), and his dear wife Helen Panduleni Ndona –they are number three and four from the left in picture.
D) Baddy Bahun (proposed to be my interim pastor at Monte Christo) with his dear wife Julia –they are number five and six in the list
E) Carlos Simao (proposed to be interim secretary and treasurer of the Evangelical Baptist Church –Monte Christo). Carlos is a forth and final year student at NETS –he is last in the picture. Be reminded that Benaya Niyukuri whom I proposed last year to be my assisting pastor had not made it, his work permit was rejected by the Ministry of Home Affair. So he may go to South Africa for further study next year. All five men in the list have at list national legal papers –though we are mult-people from Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Burundi and United Stated of America black married white and white married black, we humbly pray for global mission. In spite of much hatred of this World; friends, the more we sense great open door to preach the gospel of God, the more we count much opposition from every side. We sense what Paul calls, “fighting without and fear within” (2Corinthians 7:5). Or as the same apostles puts it; “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2Timothy 3:12). Or as our Lord himself putted it; "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come’ (Matthew 24:9, 14).
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Monday the 15th of June 2009, after the arrival of the two brothers, namely; Lukas Joseph and Antonius Dumingu from Oshakati 690km to Windhoek, we departed WHK at 5h00am to Rosh-pinah 900km, by ten o’clock we reached Fish River, stopped to have refreshment there –see picture 6, 7, 8, and 9. From Fish River, we proceed (for there was no fish at Fish River), then finally reached Rosh-pinah at 16h00pm, after we had enjoyed traveling not only through the desert, but benefited greatly from the beauty of nature in both khomas and Karas Regions. Apart from heavy wind, our vehicle was overloaded with building material for church building for Mount Tabor Baptist Fellowship in Rosh-pinah. See picture 7. When we arrived at Rosh-pinah, our heavenly Father had been so gracious to us in many ways…
1) Providentially –we didn’t know how we end up there without some troubles; we left Windhoek with some financial shortages for fuel. But, as usually we have never allowed ourselves to be hindered by financial shortages to take the gospel in and around Namibia (a country we love so much). I am saying this to encourage the brethrens who think that, they can only do something when they have enough money, we will never have enough money or time in this life. Worse then that, money is just papers imposed value by man, and the image you on it is man’s image, but you and I are the image of God, so we have to be preoccupied with the things of God our Creator, the God who’s image we bear.
2) Municipal offer –we find erf already been provided for the church setup by the Town’s management on the foot of Mount Tabor. See Picture 10, 11.
3) Spiritual hunger –both services was well attended. The hunger I saw in Rosh-pinah was equal to the one I met in Luderitz in 1999. See picture 12, 14
4) Evangelistic crusades –our preaching and teaching was more evangelistic, because most people who come to our meetings were non-converted
5) Our labor –we didn’t only labor with souls at evenings, but we work hard day time putting up church building for the Mount Tabor Baptist Fellowship. One hungry soul that attended our fellowship was an Afrikaans white farmer, whom I think has honestly being moved by the preaching of the gospel. Though I have to legally marry them on Saturday the 27 June 09 at Benguela Baptist Church –Luderitz, with his black lady- see picture 14, a good testimony to our gospel: I am still praying and waiting to see fruits of genuine repentance in him, for by their fruit… “We will know them.” Words are no longer matter in the confused World like ours. These two dear people are from Rosh-pinah, yet, they had to follow us to Luderitz for more encouragement and legal marriage. Bringing more people with their vehicle to listen to the preaching of the gospel there.
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Our program was like this:
Two main services had been held per day from Monday to Sunday before we left for Luderitz on following Monday the 22nd, and as a result evening, we end up having programs for all people as following: From 18h00pm to 21h00pm we have a general evening services. While at 22h00pm we have to brief members about the history of Evangelical Baptist Church –Monte Christo, and her Ministries, especially her mission ministries (Evangelical Baptist Mission –EBM), using 2005’s agenda for the tenth anniversary of EBC –Monte Christo and her Mission Ministry in and around Namibia, using a program used in 24/28 March 2005 for Easter Conference at Ondangwa Baptist Church. See the last pages of this Information. We spent seven days with Mount Tabor Baptist Fellowship, and another seven days with Benguela Baptist Church before we returned home to Windhoek. The sermons I preached at Mount Tabor were the same sermons I preached at Benguela. We did not brief members of Benguela Baptist Church about our history, because they have been with us at Ondangwa’s Easter Confrence in 2005. In both cases pastor Lukas Joseph has to summaries my every previous evening’s sermon before we start with another evenings, with a purposed of making sure that the messages were understood, he did this by asking question and make points plain for the people. Our Evening programs at Mount Tabor were like this:
Monday the 15th June 2009 : Our main text was: “Timothy 3:14-16 (arguments based on verses 1-13 of the same chapter)”.
Our theme was : “The Church is the Household of God…”
A) Argument number 1: “How people are ought to contact themselves in God’s household.”
In the Bible, the church is called; 1) the household of God, 2) the flock of God, 3) the body of Christ etc. In the entire Book, both the house and flock is governed by man (males), the body is governed by the head. In the Bible, head is likened to a man, while the body is likened to a woman; for man is the head of the woman as Christ is the head of the Church. All the way from Genesis to Revelation, God had never appointed woman (female) to head, govern or oversee whether a flock, a house or a body of people. In the case of Deborah we whom we reads in Judges 4:1fvs, the reason is clear revealed in Scripture, and that is;
a) The nation was degraded. “And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel. And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals. And they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the LORD to anger” Judges 2:10-12.
b) The people were debased. “And the people of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and family, and they went out from there every man to his inheritance. In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” Judges 21:24-25. You can see two reasons why Deborah was a leader,
1) The generation who had known the Lord and his biblical requirement had died, and there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel. And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the LORD and served the Baals, by abandoning the LORD, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt. They went after other gods, from among the gods of the peoples who were around them, and bowed down to them. And they provoked the LORD to anger.”
2) In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes” re-see Judges 2:10-12, 21:24-25. There is very clear that male leaders is biblical, though again, not every male, the quality of the man needed to head, govern or oversee the household of God is clearly stated in 1Timothy 31fvs and Titus 1:5fvs.
B) Argument number 2: “ In this chapter, we have three levels of ministries in God’s household, clearly stated here and hereafter, namely;
1 ) Pastors/elders, their callings and qualifications for that office and function are duly stated in 1Timothy 3:1-7.
2 ) Deacons, their callings and qualifications are stated in 1Timothy 3:8-13 too.
3 ) Members, their callings and qualifications are stated in 1Timothy 3:14-16 as well. You might ask me as to “where in this chapter.” Well, one does not became a pastor/elder or deacon then develop these qualities in leadership position, but he must develop them while he is a member in order to qualify for that office. In other words, Paul’s starting point must be understood in the light of 3:14-16, then developing it from verse 1-13. This order is greatly needed in God’s household because; the World needs a good and reliable mentors. We don’t need more and more leaders and Christian who aren’t genuine (as some people had suggested in our days, in order to win the World from the hands of Muslims), but, I suggest that, we need more genuine Christians and God-called Christian Leaders. Weak seed or wicked Christians shall give birth to worse seed or wild Christians. But best seed, of course, best seed may not bring best or better alike, nevertheless, we will harvest something good and reliable. Though each generation has to evangelize its age group, we still have to do our best to leave best seed for better future.
The time of imposing leaders on churches and gospel on people is over. We had enough of that. Many leaders where imposed on churches because of their background, statures, gifts etc without callings or qualifications. The World has been flooded with imposed men and imposed gospel. Investigate Africa for instance, and then you will realize that, though Christianity has spread all the way from Cape up to Cairo, she is only 2inch deeper in the ground, she is not strong like an Oak Tree in the Wind-Land. Why? Well, the she cannot grow deeper in the things of God then her mentors. I keep on saying Europe is still eating the fruit of Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox etc. while America still eats the fruit of Jonathan Edward, David Brainerd, and those English men like George Whitefield etc. The high and holy calling of church leaders and the influences of the gospel had been neglected, and it must be rediscovered by God’s people. The right gospel in the right hands, preached in the right way, will never let the ungodliness which we see in this World go unchallenged. For sure something is not right. Both the imposed leader and imposed gospel will not impact the World. It does only cheapening holy things with its unholy influences imposed on it. If you look at the church in general, nearly every means of grace has been cheapened.
Biblical preaching has been cheapened –replaced by secular speeches sharpened with sophisticated language of philosophy.
Genuine profession of faith has been cheapened –replaced by outcalls and “pray after me…”
New Testament mode of adult baptism has been cheapened –replaced by children springing and unbiblical confirmations…
Biblical church membership has been cheapened –replaced by Baptist Associations’ requirements
Apostolic church discipline has been cheapened –replace by… oh yeah, the list of cheapened means of grace in this World is endless. Not only so, but the right candidates, right mode, right applications, right times meant for these means are cheapened or replaced by wrong candidates, wrong mode, wrong applications, wrong times etc. Let us baptize ourselves in the apostle Paul’s teaching in 1Timothy 2:1fvs and 3:1fvs then expound 3:14-16.
Tuesday the 16th June 2009 : Our main text was: “Romans 12:1:21 (with main argument based 12:3-21).”
The theme was : “The therefore of the Bible.”
The word ‘therefore” in the Bible is not a simple vocabulary that you can place anywhere you want in any sentence or paragraph. If you want to see the true of what I am saying, follow its argument held by a man like Apostle Paul. To Paul, this word “therefore” is more than a proposition, when he placed it in a sentence or paragraph like Roman 12:1… where he said; “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect,” (Romans 12:1-2), ESV. He didn’t just place it there without a purpose.
You can see that, to Paul, the word “therefore” is the ground of stating a fact, or leaving one stage and go to the other stage, as Dr John Gill putted it; “The apostle having finished the doctrinal part of this epistle, proceeds to that which is more practical; and enforces the several duties of religion, upon the principles he had before laid down, a method generally observed by him in all his epistles. The illative particle "therefore", shows that the following exhortations are so many conclusions, consequences, and inferences, deduced from what had been said in the latter part of the preceding chapter; that since all things are of God, and by him and to him, then the saints ought to present their bodies to him, and to know, approve, and do his will; and since they have nothing but what they have received from him, they ought not to think too highly of, or glory in their attainments…” In other words; giving our bodies is part of giving back what God owns, we are his, and here I mean all what we had, have and will have is from him, for him and to him alone, everything must be offered to God.
A) My argument number 1: “Genuine Christians are called to serve –giving themselves wholly in God’s gracious service as living sacrifices.”
True Christians, who are saved by grace and served through the mercies of God, are appealed by the apostle to give themselves over to God… as means of grace and mercies. The Puritans loved and use to emphasize the word “means,” referring to preaching, teaching, pastoral counseling and care, praying, bible studies, encouragements etc. Reminding themselves –as men saved by God in Christ, and saved by God of grace through faith, have to ask themselves these questions: Have grace and faith just jumped from heaven into our context or is something been done? For instances, if faith is coming from hearing, they longed to know as to; “hearing what?” and “through what means?” Or, as we have been saved by grace; “how does grace saves?” The answers is simple, isn’t so? For all of these things come to us through means, our very bodies are part of God’s means salvation and services. So the great apostle Paul is saying here that; our very bodies are living means of grace that offers spiritual act of worship. Yes, there are means through which we can give with and receive with. With it we ca serve and be served. With it we can glorify God and make him glorified. Yes, with it we can know God, love God and serve God, all though he is not servable (see Act 7:48-50, 17:24-26). Dr John Gill has helped us to pay attention to the previous chapter, namely Romans, 11:34-36, where Paul has exclaimed; “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him is all glory forever. Amen.
B) My argument number 2: “Graced given –I mean, these grace-centered servants of God, aren’t only graced by God but they gifted by Him, yes
gifted to serve (Romans 12:3fvs). There are three types of gifts in this passages, these type of gifts are;
1) Speaking gifts e.g. preaching, teaching, encouraging etc. see Romans 12:6fvs and 1 Corinthians 12:1fvs.
2) Doing gifts e.g. serving, contributing, leadership, showing mercy etc. Romans 12:7fvs
3) Living gifts e.g. devotion to God and to one another, honoring God, zeal for God and for good work, being joyful in God’s field of labor etc. Romans 12:9fvs. The list of living gifts in this Chapter are more fruits given freely by God to Him people as means of grace from Him, 1) to serve the body –His Church, 2) to leave in harmony with each other, and 3) to be salt in this saltless World and light on this dark Earth. The emphasize is that, the Church which is the Household of God, the Flock and the Body of Christ is called into existence to glorify God by being submissive to His Son Jesus. She is saved to serve, and as Paul putted it; “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God,” (Romans 15:1-7), ESV. Let us sink in Romans 12:1-16:27.
Wednesday the 17th June 2009 : Our main text was: “Matthew 7:1-28 (our main argument is from 7:3-6, 13-28).”
Our theme is : “What proves that we are Christian? What make us to be sure that we are saved, preserved and sainted for heaven?
A) Argument number 1: “To know whether you are a Christians, we don’t need your testimony alone, Christ-centered evaluation from our
side is needed too, we must be the first best proofing tool for your claim.” At each evaluation, we –the evaluators must exam things from home, we mustn’t judge other well leave thing untouched from our side. Our Lord Jesus has harshly warned us about this when he said; “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to take the speck out of your brother's eye (see Matthew 7:3-5). Of course, we have to evaluate ourselves first, and then help the others, to find their way out of sin and wrong doings. But how do we do it, how do we evaluate others to see weather they are Christians or not.
1) We must evaluate a person’s character to see whether he is a dog/pig or a sheep –see Matthew 7:6. Is he able to understand holy things or will they be ridiculous to him. Is he a dog in one hand because he cannot handle things without vomiting them in open market, or is he a pig on the other hand that take clean things and mud them in dart environment. Both Jesus and his apostles are concern about outsiders, while we evangelize them, we have to be careful of how we conduct ourselves in their midst. We can either assist them to see the way of salvation or lead them into delusion. Paul has putted it better when he commanded Timothy, and say; “and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2Timothy 2:2). “Entrust to faithful men” is the word, though the gospel is being preached to everyone, trustworthy men are needed. Or as he putted it in another place; “Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person,” (Colossians 4:5-6) ESV. You see, on one hand, we mustn’t only avoid men like dogs and pigs who don’t only west our time, but they west limited resources and energies of God’s people; while on the other hand, we are called to conduct ourselves wisely toward outsiders for God’s glory and our own testimonies.
2) We must evaluate a person’s source of authority to see whether he is a false prophet or not –see Matthew 7:15fvs. If his source of authority isn’t: I) Scripture. II) Jesus Christ. III) and the Holy Spirit, for sure he must be a false prophet who will not understand holy things because he is not hungry for them. Both in heaven and on earth, in nature and in the Church, the authority is given to Jesus and whoever that doesn’t submit to him, though claim godliness is a false prophet. In Daniel 7:13-14, we read; “I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed…” You see, but Satan had tried to still this authority by misleading the World (2Corinthians 4:4), but failed because the gospel is here to “teach, rebuke, correct and train people in righteousness (2Timothy 3:16). Because of this gospel, false prophets are hard at stake.
3) We must evaluate a person’s products, is he bearing fruits or not, what type of fruit does he bears? Remember that, by their fruit we will know them. See Matthew 7:16-20. In John 15:7 we read; "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you (see John 15:1-6, 15).
B) Argument number 2: “In the entire Bible, we are forewarned to avoid being both false or fake, there we are forearmed to be on our feet against being fruitless. Fruitless is a bad sign. Jude had putted it like this; “These (referring to fruitless people) are blemishes on your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, looking after themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever,” (see Jude vv12-13), ESV. According to our main text, and that is Matthew 7:15-29 in the light of the whole Bible, we are both forewarned and forearmed to avoid;
1) False prophets –see Matthew 7:15-20
2) False professionals of faith –see Matthew 7:21-23.
3) False pastors –see Matthew 7:24-29
Beyond Matthew, Mark and Luke, as well as all Epistles, we have Proverbs… where we are told about
4) Fake parents who will fail to discipline their children, as result, their stubbornness will read them to death –see Proverbs 5:23, 12:1, 13:24, 15:10, 19:18,
22:6, 15, 23:13, 29:15, 17), and
5) Fake politicians (who are misled by a chief false prophet–see Revelation 19:17-21.
Thursday the 18th June 2009 : Our main text was: “1Corinthians 13:13 (argument based on 13:1-12).”
Our theme is : “Faith, Hope and Love” (remember three legs African pot)
A) Argument number 1: Faith Differentiate 1) “Faith” (saving act or faith into salvation –the first and best complement of grace –see Hebrews 11:6)
You can also summaries that whole great chapter for you interest.
2) “The Faith” (Faith with article “The” a body of belief or sum of Christian doctrine, that differentiates us from other faiths like Bahai Faith, Islamic Faith or an Fake Faith –see Jude v3) and:
3) “Faith” (a spiritual gift of… accompanied by a distinguishing proposition “of” for e.g. a gift of faith that moves mountain etc –1 Corinthians 12:9a, 13:2b).
1) “Faith” (saving act, or faith into salvation is the first and best complement of grace, it is the faith that the great apostle Paul is referring here in 1Corithians 13:13. This aspect is very important in the entire Bible.
1) It is the great, the first and best complement of grace (Ephesians 2:8), without which none will please God (see Hebrews 11:6).
2) It is one of the global armors required for Christian -see Ephesians 6:10-20, for there it is compared with a shield in a professional military, vv16.
3) It was the genuine means in the hand of Roman Centurion that led to the healing of his daughter –see Matthew 8:10, which Jesus Christ has deeply appreciated. Others people like:
A) Paralytic man (see Matthew 9:2). B) Woman subject to bleeding for twelve years (Matthew 9:20-22). C) Two blind men (Matthew 9:27-29-31). D) Cripple beggar (see Acts 3:11-16). E) Stephen (Acts 6:5). F) The great apostle Paul (Acts 11:24). Or people mentioned in Hebrews 11:1fvs are all men and women highly recommended for their faith. So faith is not just a great complement, global armor, genuine means of grace, but it is a God-recommended. John Bunyan has called: Faith, Hope and Love “Chief Captains in Emmanuel’s City called Man-soul.” But the Puritans have called Faith, their Attorney General in their Souls Defense Force.
B) Argument number 2: Hope “Hope has been described by the Puritans as: “A virgin of a clear and fair countenance, her proper seat is upon the
earth, her unwavering object is in heaven…Faith is her attorney general, while prayer her legal representative, patience is her physician and love her donor, thankfulness is her treasurer, while confidence her vice admiral, the promises of God are her anchor, while peace her chair of state and eternal glory her crown” .
The apostles, including Paul, have taught us that:
1) Hope is the unshakable ground of those who believe and lives in it, dies and rest in hope; “For David has spoken concerning him. “I foresaw the Lord always before me, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope” (see Acts 2:25-26).
2) Hope is an anchoring center of those who believe in God, when human hopes failed, true Christians will be anchoring their faith in God, who is the only and true hope for the World. Romans 4:18 is saying “Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, so shall thy seed be.”
3) Hope is the source of joy unspeakable and full of glory for us who have believed and rejoicing in the glory of God in Christ; “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein, we stand, and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who is given unto us” (see Romans 5:2-5).
4) Hope is the invisible object and moving factor of our hearts into salvation; “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man sees, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (see Romans 8:24-25).
5) Hope is the blood that sustains our peace in and joy for Christian journey, breath that maintains our patience and the blessing that upholds our prayers; “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer” (see Romans 12:12).
6) Hope is the strengthening power of and from Scriptures, and it is only meant for God’s children; “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope (see Romans 15:4).
7) Hope is the gift of God meant for the work of intensifications of believers; “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy, and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost,” (see Romans 15:13).
8) Hope is the energy-giving fruit of the Spirit to our Christian lives, in our consistent labors; “Or, saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope (see 1Corithians 9:10).
9) Hope is the safe haven for God’s elect; “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us might have a strong consolation (see Hebrews 6:18).
C) Argument number 3: Love “Love –not Eros or Philo but Agape is the banner and saving means overflows from the heart of God (see John 3:16).
The great apostle Paul has no argument about this; he even went further to elaborate on it in 1Corithians 13:1fvs, where love is best and duly distinct beyond any doubt. Just as Eros is defined by its character and Philo divergent by human conduct: Agape is distinct by God’s consecration: In this text and context of great the Apostle’s letter to the Corinthians 13:1fvs, Agape is elaborated as Love; and according to Apostle Paul’s classification:
“Love is patient.
“Love is kind;
“Love does not envy or boast (see 1Corithians 13:4).
“Love is not arrogant or rude.
“Love does not insist on its own way.
“Love is not irritable or resentful (1Corithians 13:5).
“Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.
“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things (see 1Corithians 13:6-7).
“Love never end, (but) as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away (see 1Corithians 13:4)
Let us take the whole chapter and sink in it, take meal out of it, starting from vv1-13, in the light of the whole Scripture.
Although Thursday Evening was great evening indeed, started as usually at 18h00 up to 21h00, and walked hart on those passages, thinking two hours of preaching and answering questions was a burden to people, when we arrived at my our place where we slept, people came there for another lessons which took us up from 22h00 after tea and refreshments up to 24h00 at night. As I have said, I say it again, that, people in Rosh-pinah are truly hunger for the Word. This hunger was only seen in 1999, when we went to Luderitz for that unforgettable effective crusade in 1999.
Friday the 19th 2009 : Our main text is Mark 8:31-38, 10:17-34 (our argument based on 8:34 in the light of 8:31fvs and 10:17fvs exposition).
Our theme is : “The cost of discipleship: There are tears, sweat and blood to be shed in becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
It requires one to
A) Argument number 1: “Take a clear and unmixed God-centered decision, according to Mark 8:31:34a
1) Christ’s disciples are called: a) to deny themselves, b) to cease making self the object of their lives, faiths and actions. Or to put it more strongly, to give up their lives, and sign their deaths –see Luke 14:25-33 is using strong words like; c) “hate their fathers and mothers, wives/husbands and children, brothers and sisters, of course and even their very lives…
2) He called them to die to self, give up the old nature under that old mindset and be transformed… let them live lives of selves-denial, mortifications, and contempt of the world; let them not pretend to be their own physicians, but renounce all confidence in themselves and their own righteousness and strength.
B) Argument number 2: “Maintain an unwavering and affirmative Christ-focused determination according to Mark 8:34b
1) Christ has called his followers: a) to carry their crosses; that means to come to the extent of desperation on their part as penitent sinner who is aware that he cannot save himself and reached the place where nothing is held back, b) called to put themselves in the shoe of someone already condemned, required to carry the beam of his cross to the place of execution; c) cross bearing is a token of willing to suffer and die for their Lord’s sake.
2) He called them: a) to take up their crosses, conforming themselves to the pattern of a crucified Christ, and accommodating themselves to the will of God in all the afflictions he lies under; and thus let them continue to follow him. b) to, as many of those whom Christ had healed. Those that will be Christ's patients must attend on him, converse with him, receive instruction and reproof from him. c) to carry the vindication and be his life reflecting in this world and beyond. We are not only called to take a clear and unmixed God-centered decision, and commissioned to maintain an unwavering and affirmative Christ-focused determination, but, we are consecrated to;
C) Argument number 3: “Face a final and unyielding Spirit-led destination in mind
1) Christ’s disciples are: a) to follow him, following, according to Christ’s own words, does not mean generally to follow his ways, but it mean specifically to follow his steps (1Peter 2:21). b) Christ is an example to his people in the exercise of all means of grace, as of faith, love, zeal, meekness and humility, and in the discharge of duty; in his regard to the commands of the moral law, and positive institutions of religion; in his constancy in prayer; in frequent attendance on public worship; in his submission to the ordinance of baptism, and his celebration of the supper. c) and likewise in his sufferings; and in his patience, courage, and resignation to the will of God, which is what is here intended, and in which his people are to fellow and imitate him.
2) Christ’s good and godly Christians are a sort of people called: a) to be sufferers, and therefore they must expect it any time, any where, from anybody; by the terms of Christianity they are bound to deny themselves, and take up their cross; they are called by the commands of Christ, by the dispensations of providence, and by the preparations of divine grace; and, by the practice of Jesus Christ. b) they are bound to suffer when thus called to it. c) Jesus Christ suffered for you, or for us; it was not the Father that suffered, but he whom the Father sanctified/set/apart and sent into the world, for that end. It was both the body and soul of Christ that suffered, and he suffered for us, in our stead and for our good –so we must follow him with a clear and unmixed God-centered decision, an unwavering and affirmative Christ-focused determination, and a final and unyielding Spirit-led destination in mind. For, it is God who appoints people, places and purposes to fulfill his plans. Pastor John Piper, Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, dealing with John Bunyan’s life, ministry and sufferings; have correctly pointed out, standing on Charles H. Spurgeon’s shoulder, there he said; “Its God from His Sovereign Grace, who points at His right time
1 ) Who must suffer,
2 ) Why must he/she suffer,
3 ) Where must he/she suffer,
4 ) When must he/she suffer,
5 ) What type of suffering must he/she suffer,
6 ) Whom must he/she suffer for
7 ) How long must he/she suffer. In our case, is Christ who had been appointed by God to suffer, he then appointed us for different tasks, even that which we don’t like.
In Mark 8:31fvs we see
1) Jesus instructing his disciples –telling them the cost of being his disciples, and of following his footsteps –see Mark 8:31-32a.
2) Peter unable to stand Christ’s command –see Mark 8:32b.
3) Jesus rebuking both Peter and Satan who spoke through Peter, unlike Adam who listened to Eva and Satan who spoke through her –Mark see 8:33.
4) Finally, Jesus is challenging all of us –both we the crowd, and his disciples when he said:
“And he called to him the crowd with his disciples and said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? For what can a man give in return for his life? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
In Mark 10:1-17fvs we see
1) The rich young man who has a wrong view when it comes to the “how one becomes a Christian,” see Mark 10:17.
2) Jesus shorting him out and pointed him to the right gate to enter the Kingdom of God –see Mark 10:18-21.
3) The rich young man cannot stand:
A) The gospel that breaking ten commandment into two –the first five relating it to God and his glory, then the second five relating to man and his duty (Mark 10:18-20, 12:29-31)
B) The gospel that dethrones man and his pride, then enthrone God and his power isn’t comfortable to worldly-minded like this rich young ruler (see Mark 10:21-22).
C) The gospel that put God in the centre of everything, including that of our salvation, safety and security, cannot be understood by everyone, even Christ’s long being disciples had some difficult with Christ’s teachings, until they get help from outside themselves –see Mark 10:23fvs.
In Mark 10:32fvs we read; “And they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them. And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. And taking the twelve again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him, saying, "See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and deliver him over to the Gentiles. And they will mock him and spit on him, and flog him and kill him. And after three days he will rise." You see that, even here and hereafter; the idea of death is so unwanted and unfair to his disciples, man doesn’t want to hear death without been shocked or ringlet in his mind and heart, it doesn’t matter how many times he hears it per day, he doesn’t like. Why? well:
1) We cannot face condemnation and death without frustration and fear,
2) We cannot face rejections, and mockeries without pain
3) We cannot face flogs, imprisonments, or famine etc without temporary pausing and pound on what will happen then next. We see these things as loses, but God doesn’t see things the way we see them. This is why this text is telling us: “they were on the road; going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was walking ahead of them (NIV had putted it better when it say; “with Jesus leading the way”). And they were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Why does it says, and they were amazed… afraid? Etc. well, they realized that:
A) Jesus was facing something unusual, something great nature and global in notion.
B) They were not safe (to be with or follow Jesus is a declaration of war again life and death.
C) Things weren’t the way they have been thinking, the Messiah whom they have been expecting and the one they have in hand seem to be different, and that is true.
1) When the gospel is preached to unemployed person, it will –though not always, be misinterpreted, miscopied, and misapplied. Man’s wants is snake oil.
2) When it is preached to unmarried, sick or greed person, slave or non-potential person etc. it is being misinterpreted in order to fit in their current wants.
3) When the preacher stood before ten or twenty people, he is five times or more than what he think and preaches, each person sees the preacher with his dialing mind, desiring heart and delighting will. You never now, this is why, when we preach, we must just preach, then leave everything to God for rebirth, growth and fruit-bearing.
Saturday the 20th 2009 : Our main text was: “Genesis 1:1-Revelation 22:21 (our main argument based on book and book of the whole Bible)”.
Saturday we had three seasons –one in the morning, another in the afternoon and the last is in the evening. I have been trying to help new Christians to love Jesus Christ more and more, and attempt to see him in a greater detail if that was possible. I tried to help these people to get into the heart of the gospel of God, the heart of God’s grace and glory found in Jesus Christ if that was possible. Since we have the whole day in our hands, the working community was with us, sitting around expecting us to expound the Bible for them. We have two seasons to complete for the day, and then summarize it in the evening service for all who will come to evening church service.
Our main theme is : “Christ in every book of the Bible.”
Yes, Christ, who is Yahweh of the Old Testament, and Jesus of the New Testament is clearly found in every page of the 66 books of the Bible. His person and power, his life and light as well as his office and function had evidence in every chapter of every book of the Bible. Read your Bible diligently, interpreted every word in the light of the sentence, every sentence in the light of the paragraph, every paragraph in he light of the chapter, every chapter in the light of the book, and every book in the light of the whole Bible. Of course, if you divide Bible’s words from their sentences, Bible’s sentences from their paragraphs and Bible’s paragraphs from their books and any book from the Bible like Dispensationalists, you will not see Christ as he is, but if you keep the Bible united as it is like every true Orthodox Evangelical Reformed, then you will see him in every page of every book of the Bible.
In these Bible studies, we had only looked on the central themes. We looked at Christ –the grand subject of this book called the Bible. We have not done page by page or chapter by chapter but book by book as author by author has stated him, time had allowed/permitted, for instances: we have seen that
a) Argument number 1:
1. In Genesis, Jesus Christ is the Seed of a woman, who bruised the head of the serpent to accomplished his Father’s glorious purpose in this inglorious life of human failures (Genesis 3:15).
2. In Exodus, he is our Passover Lamb by who’s blood we have been redeemed and transferred from slavery of sin into the freedom called life of faith (Exodus 12:ff, 15:13 and Colossians 1:12-13).
3. In Leviticus, he is the High Priest, who offers the everlasting atonement and set apart a people who worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness through the light of his panoramic glory (Leviticus 16:1ff. 19:2ff).
4. In Number, he is the Pillar of Cloud by day, that overshadow the people of God called the Israelites, and the Pillar of Fire by night that had enlighten them as they travel overdays and overnights in their journey to Canaan Land (Number 9:1ff, 14:14).
5. In Deuteronomy, he is the Great Prophet likened unto humble Moses, who has prophesied (promised) to God’s people a prolonged life provided they will continue to serve Jehovah in the land they were going to inherit (Deuteronomy 18:18ff, 32:47).
b) Argument number 2:
6. In Joshua, he is Jehovah who is our Salvation, the Chief Commander in God’s Defense Force, who commands his subjects to remain faithful even when times are faithless and the situations fruitless (Joshua 1:9, 5:14).
7. In Judges, he is our Judge and Law-giver, yes the LORD who cure the causes of backsliding, consecrating a nation from the contemplating what was right in their own eyes and commissioned them to take a mission based on fearing God and reforming a nation (Judges 2:18ff, 17:6, 21:25).
8. In Ruth, he is the Kinsman’s Redeemer, who saves, redeems and brings in, even strangers into the family of God and make his God their God, his land theirs and his inheritance their inheritances (Ruth 4:1ff).
9. In 1 and 2Samuel, he is the glory of Israel, the He who is tried by God, tempted by Satan, tricked by man yet triumphed, and the God who’s name is magnified in all places for his glory and honor and praises (1Samuel 1:27fv, 4:21fv, 15:29 and 2Samuel 7:26…)
10. In 1 and 2Kings, he is the Son of David, the Wise King on the everlasting throne, whom the LORD has established for a Lamp in Jerusalem and the God who’s words are certain and sure to both saint and sinners (1Kings 4:1ff, 11:31-36 and 2Kings 10:10).
11. In 1and2Chronicles, he is the Backbone of Judah and the Sword in the hands of the captains of Israel (1Chronicles 11:1-12:40ff). He is the Wisdom of Solomon for three reasons: 1) to guide in reigning that great nation; 2) to handle the building of that glorious temple, and: 3) to establish that global and gland throne of David (2Chronicles 1:1-9:31).
12. In Ezra, he is the Priest who is well versed in the Law of his God. He is the Teacher who had prepared his heart to seek the Law of his God and to do it and teach it statures and ordinance in Israel (Ezra 7:6, 10, 14, 16, 21 and 26).
13. In Nehemiah, he is the Reformer of the Ancient Ruins and Restorer of the wall of Jerusalem that great City of God (Nehemiah 1:1-7:73) under much prayers, pains and perseverance.
14. In Ester, he is our Mordecai the Great, the LORD who hides and reveals all thought. He is for certain, the only Provider of God’s people (Ester 2:5-10:3).
c) Argument number 3:
15. In Job, he is the Ever-living Redeemer, yes the LORD who knows the way which we have taken, whom when He has tested us, we shall come forth as gold (Job 19:25ff, 23:10).
16. In Psalms, he is the LORD our Great Shepherd, with whom we will not want (Psalm 23:1ff). Yes, he is the LORD who is worth of our worship, veneration and homage (Psalm 95:6-7).
17. In Proverbs, he is our Supreme Wisdom, the result of fearing God and grand object of biblical Christianity (Proverbs 1:1-8:1fv
18. In Ecclesiastes, he is the Significant LORD in the meaningless and insignificant World (Ecclesiastes 1:1-12:14). He is the Crier of life, and much the life of faith in this faithless World
19. In Song of Songs, he is the Rose of Sharon, the Lover who has fallen in love with Pharaoh’s daughter her beloved bride, whom part of her body being risen from the African Continent (see Song of Songs 1:1-8:14, pay much attention to 1:9fvs).
d) Argument number 4:
20. In Isaiah, Christ is the Child that is born, the Son who is given; whom the government is upon his shoulder, and who’s name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6ff, 11:1fvs)
21. In Jeremiah, he is the branch of righteousness. Yes the root of David (Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15) who loves her fruit with an everlasting love. He is the God who had drawn us with his loving-kindness (Jeremiah 33:3).
22. In Lamentations, he is the Lamenting Prophet, the mourner for his people because of the threatening judgment, the misery and the consequence of sin (Lamentations 1:12, 2:5 and Luke 13:34)
23. In Ezekiel, he is the Old Testament Son of man who launches the glory of the God of Israel, and the Servant who savored the goodness of the God of Jacob (see Ezekiel 2:1ff, 43:2).
24. In Daniel, he is the Ancient of Days (Daniel 47:9, 13, 22) who does all things in accordance with his will in the Army of the Heavens and among the inhabitants of the earth. Yes, he is the God whom none can stand his hand (see Daniel 4:35).
25. In Hosea, he is the Eternal Husband who married a backslider women and the Lord who heals her backslidering situation (Hosea 2:1-23, 14:4).
26. In Joel, he is Jehovah, the God and Baptizer of his people with the Holy Spirit, he is the Enabler of his people to stand for the days of the LORD and the testers of inheritance at all attempting times (Joel 2:11, 28-32).
27. In Amos, he is the LORD –when the Lion is roaring, who cannot fear, when God is speaking, who cannot believe? Yes He is the LORD our Burden-Bearer and the offering of our offences (Amos 3:8, 6:1-3).
28. In Obadiah, he is the Lord who saves the Mont Zion and the God who judges the hills of Esau upon which the enemies of God’s people dwells (Obadiah v15-19)
29. In Jonah, he is the Son of the global God, the great Missionary in a foreigner country who ended three days in the fish’s belly (a picture of an earthly grave, if you prefer) Jonah 1:1-3:10, 4:2.
30. In Micah, he is the Lord who assembled Jacob and the God who gather the remnants of Israel (Micah 2:12-13). He is the God who pardoning iniquity on the Mountain of the Yahweh, and the Lord who doesn’t retain his anger for the House of the God of Jacob (Micah 4:2, 7:18).
31. In Nahum, he is the great Comfort of his people, in that graet day of Jehovah’s vengeance for his adversaries (Nahum 1:1-15).
32. In Habakkuk, he is the Supremacy of God, whom the earth shall know in his fullness, as the waters covers the seas, till all the just shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, 14)
33. In Zephaniah, he is the glory of God in a massive conflict with the pride of man… the God who become a man to respond to man’s pride in judgment which will affect Judah, the nation of Israel and the World at large (Zephaniah 3:8).
34. In Haggai, he is the Exhorter of Zerubbabel the son Shealtiel, the governor of Judah and Joshua the son Jehozadak, the high priest to rebuild the house of Yahweh and enabler of the whole nation to make God’s glory the center of their attraction (Haggai 1:4fvs)
35. In Zechariah, he is the future glory of Zion and their Shepherd King who will save his people that they may be his, and he will be their God (Zechariah 1:1-6:15) in all true and righteousness (Zechariah 8:7-8)
36. In Malachi he is the Messenger of the LORD whom we have been seeking. Yes, he is the Lord who will suddenly come to his temple, even the LORD of the covenant whom we seek (see Malachi 3:1).
e) Argument number 5:
37. In Matthew, he is Immanuel—God with us (Matthews 1:21, 23). Yes, he is the fulfillment of the Old Testament predictions about biblical Messiah (see Matthew 1:22-23; 2:15, 17-18, 23; 4:14-16; 8:17; 12:17-21; 13:35 and 27:9-10).
38. In Mark, he is the Son of Man, who have came on to this earth, not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).
39. In Luke, he is the Savior of the World—in who’s name, repentance and forgiveness of sin is to be proclaimed to all nations beginning in Jerusalem (Lukas 1:4, 24:47).
40. In John, Christ is the Son of God—God/Man who became fresh, and stand among us as God’s Lamb, who takes a way the sin, the sin, yes the sin of the World (John 1:1-2, 14, 29).
f) Argument number 6:
41. In Acts, he is the only Name given to the entire Universe by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12) and is upon him—the life giving person (God the Holy Spirit) is fulfilling his mission of baptizing and empowering all genuine believers to be his effective witnesses in this World and beyond (Acts 1:1-8).
g) Argument number 7:
42. In Romans, Christ is God the justifier of God’s elect, and is only upon him that, we now have peace with God (Romans 5:1fv) and peace with one another (Romans 14:17, 19).
43. In 1nd2Corinthians, he is the LORD who sanctifies us, in whom we have that fragrance of life, and aroma of him who works in and through us (1Corinthians 1:2 and 2Corinthians 2;12-17)
44. In Galatians, Christ is our Redeemer from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us to channel all blessings of Abraham unto us through his death on the Cross (Galatians 3:13fv).
45. In Ephesians, Christ is our peace, he had made us (Jews and Gentles) one—he has destroyed the barrier, that divided wall of hostility by abolishing sacrificial law and its regulations. In whom is hidden all unsearchable riches (Ephesians 2:14-15, 17).
46. In Philippians, he is the LORD who meets (supplies) all our needs according to his glorious riches, to whom is the glory for ever and ever (Philippians 4:19-20)
47. In Colossians, he is the image of the invisible God…For by him all things were created…and for him…in whom all God’s fullness dwells bodily (Colossians 1:15-19).
48. In 1nd2Thessalonians, he is the LORD, our soon coming King… who will descend with the loud command, and the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God (see 1nd2 Thessalonians 4:16-18)
49. In 1nd2Timothy, he is the Mediator between God and men, yes the man Christ Jesus who died on the cross, and given himself as a ransom for many, he is our God and Savior, who wants all men to be saved (1Timoteus 2:4-6a).
50. In Titus, Christ is the Grace of God that has appeared to all men. Yes, he is the He who has appeared to bring salvation to all elect, and to teach us to say “No” to all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…(Titus 2:11-12).
51. In Philemon, he is the friend of the oppressed, the example of dear Philemon –the former oppressor, toward the beloved Onesimus the previous oppressed (Philemon 1:1fv).
52. In Hebrews, Christ is the appointed heir of all things, and through whom God has made the Universe, he is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful Word (Hebrews 1:2b-3b).
h) Argument number 8:
53. In James, he is the LORD, the free Gift promised by God (James 1:5). Yes he is the Healer, and the Lord who raised the sick (James 5:13fv).
54. In 1nd2Peter, he is the LORD, the great and chief Shepherd who will soon appear to reward—or give crowns of glory to his faithful servants, of course rewards that don’t fade away (see 1Peter 5:1-4).
55. In 1, 2nd3 John, he is the LORD, yes the great God who is the only Light of the World, the Life men, and the Lover of his Church (1John 1:fc)
56. In Jude, he is the LORD who will come with tens of thousands of his saints. Christ, the man whom they have seen ascending will for sure descend any day from now, and will not delay (Jude 1:14)
57. In Revelation, he is the Alpha and Omega (the Beginning and the End). He is the Rider of the White Horse –many times called the Faithful and True. Yes he is the King of kings and the LORD of lords (Revelation 1:8; 19:11-16).
58. In the entire Bible –Jesus Christ is the:
Abel’s Sacrifices (Genesis 4:1-5),
Enoch’s Staff upon which he lean on as he walked with God (Genesis 5:21-24).
Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6:13fv)
Abraham’s Ram who died on behalf of Isaac (Genesis 22:13).
Isaac’s Unshakable Ground of Beersheba (Genesis 26:1fvs 31:42).
Jacob’s Leader on Bethel (Genesis 28:10fvs).
Judah’s Scepter (Genesis 49:8fvs).
Perez, Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahashon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse and David’s Grand Son (see Ruth 18-22, Matthew 1:3-6).
Salomon’s Great Warrant, Global Wealth and Glorious Wisdom (1Kings 4:29-34).
Judah and Israel’s king (1Chronicles 3:10fvs).
Great World’s Prophet
Global Work’s Priest
Glorious Word’s Preacher. In the entire New Testament, he is
Apostle Paul’s main Attraction
Apostle Peter’s main Attention and
Apostle John’s main Attestation
Summary of why Christ became a man: Under J. Clyde Turner’s summary on atonement. That great servant of God –I mean, J Clyde Turner, has outlined the hard subject to understand in the following ways. He stated that Jesus Christ is:
1 ) The promise of atonement (see the O.T book on this subject) and
2 ) The person of atonement –as a person of atonement
A) He must be without sin
B ) He must identify Himself with mankind
C ) He must be divine
3 ) The plan of atonement
A) He (the person of atonement) must be of divine origin
B ) He must be vicarious in His nature
C ) He must be eternal in His efficacy
D ) He must be Worldwide in His scope
E ) He must be personal in His application
4 ) The purpose of atonement
A ) Is to save men from their sin
B ) Is to make men holy
5) Some main obligations
A) We ought to hate sin
B) We ought to love Christ
C) We ought to make known the message”.
Sunday the 21st 2009 morning: Our main text was “Revelation 21:1fvs and John 14:1fvs (our main argument based on verse by verse exposition of the two above mentioned books).”
Our theme is : “Heaven is a Place –of course a Land of No Tears.”
Heaven is a place –of course a Land of No Tears. Land of No Tears is the subject that distinguishing Heaven from the Earth, joy unspeakable and full of glory (1Peter 1:118) from happiness, and high reward from present Christian suffering, or as Paul called it; “…our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
A) Argument number 1: “Heaven is a Place –of course a Land of No Tears
Earth is also a place, but a place of many tears, on earth we have;
1) Tears because of disappointments –think of Joseph been hatred and sold, betrayed in Potiphar’s house etc.
2) Tears because of unfulfilled dreams –think of Lea in marriage with Rachel
3) Tears because of losing our loved ones –think of Abraham weeping Sarah
B) Argument number 2: “Heaven is a Place, a Land of no Tears, and a Destination where our beloved predecessors have gone for good.
If you have wealthy father, who have a big and beautiful house in a big and beautiful city, and a gland farm in a mountainous, river and beautiful trees countryside; where would you love or wants to be? Do you want to be in your father’s city house or in the farm house? The answer needed here may seem to be difficult one, yet uncomplicated. For, relationship with your father matters most. In other words: If I were you, I will want to be where my father is. All those who die standing on the promises of God, their eyes were on God rather then to the things promised. So when they die, they went to heaven to see God, not necessary heaven itself. They went to see their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and their beloved who have gone before them. For instances:
1) Abel, Enoch, Noah, tate Abraham and meme Sara, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob, Leah and Rachel, some of the twelve’s son of Jacob, especially Judah and Joseph, Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb, some Judges, Samuel, David and many of the Prophets, Priests and kings, including Nathan, Zodak, Solomon etc. have gone to heaven. So every Christian must dialing mind toward heaven, desiring heart to go to God and delighting will to go and see the saints.
2) John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, the apostles, like Paul, Peter and John, James, Andrew and Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James all have gone to heaven to be with God in heaven and be part of the multitude of the Old Testament Saints.
3) All the New Testament believers from Steven to the last saint buried few minute ago have gone to heaven. Heaven must be a place where all us of should be jealous of and eager to go and be with our heavenly Father, and all beloved predecessors who have gone there before us, we ought to go and glorify God face to face and enjoy his present for ever.
C) Argument number 3: “Haven is a place, for sure a Land where God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit dwell.
There is more than one occasion, when I was preaching through the books of the Bible, the last time I was expository preaching through 1Timthy 1:1-6:21, and as I was going through a book, I sunk into the greatness of our Supreme God, near drawn in the wonder of his excellences, then I asked myself a question, “what are we doing with this book, as we carry it in and out of churches, do we understand what are we caring. Do we understand that, this is the true Word of God, a Word that doesn’t have –as Hebrews 4:12 puts it; “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. This Word has double power, and threefold authority. The first power is a power to save, to keep safe and secure (Psalm 107:1fvs, (and much vv20-22). The second power is a power to convict, convert or condemn. The threefold authority I mean that;
1) It has the authority and auction of God the Father. It has authority to lead someone to God and in the bosom of the Almighty in Heaven. Both John 14:1fvs and Revelation 21:1fvs are authoritative passages that saws us the beauty of heaven and fragrances of God. We can not read them without being caught by the longing and desire to go to heaven.
2) It has the authority and auction of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ teaching on the subject is one of the most important subjects Jesus had best explained. His disciples –both of them, I mean those who had first hand information (present consultants) and the once who had second hand information (absent consultants), knew their subject better then any subject. Why? well, heaven is an attractive place and a Land worthy of our whole attention.
3) It has the authority and auction of God the Holy Spirit. The Scripture has authority –for all of it is inspired by God the Holy Spirit, so it is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work (2Timothy 3:16-17). Yes, it is profitable even in subject we have in hand called heaven.
@ According to John 14:1-6, Jesus is saying; "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?" "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
a) Heaven is a place where Jesus has ascended to prepare a place for us –all his followers…
b) Heaven is a place where Jesus will descend to fetch us unto himself…
c) Heaven is a place where all of us (true Christians) have to go and rest from all our labors… for when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done, and roll is called up yonder, then we will be there…
@ According to the same apostle John, he said in Revelation 21:1-4, “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pains anymore, for the former things have passed away."
a) Heaven is the dwelling place of God
b) Heaven is the down coming dwelling place of God to be with man
c) Heaven is the place where the presence of God dwells among his people, they will be his people, and God himself will be with them –their God.
d) Heaven is the place where God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pains anymore.
e) Heaven is the place where all former things had passed away."
Our vision for Namibia is four-corned. We (the Reformed Baptist Brethren in Namibia, both colors and genders) do not only dialing our mind to reformation, desiring revival and delighting to see God’s Kingdom being extended. Yes we dial, desire and delight in seeing the effect of gospel’s influenced being experienced all the way “From beyond Orange River to ahead of Kunene, and from the other side of Atlantic Ocean to beyond Zambezi.
Sunday Evening, the 21st 2009 : Pastor answering questions “this is a mixed time, since people tent to ask unnecessary questions, the program leader is
to clearly instructed to reject every unnecessary question and pas only helpful questions to the be answered or attempt to be answered.
Agenda for the tenth anniversary of the Evangelical Baptist Church –Monte Christo and her Mission Ministry (Evangelical Baptist Mission –EBM) in and around Namibia
This is the summery of what we have helped the people of Rosh-pinah to learn every night after each church service from 22H00pms to 24h00 pms/ams
24/28 March 05
24th March 2005
19h00 – 22h00
1. Arrival: Introduction and evening exaltation
2. Supper and a good night
25th March 2005 with Laban Mwashekele
A) 05h00-06h00: Prayer and morning devotion
B) 06h00-07h00: Bathing
C) 07h00-08h00: Breakfast
D) 08h00-10h00: Conference
1. The theme of the first face (from 1995–2005) was “The great work of God in the hands of a small church.”
The theme of the second face (from 2005-2010) is “Knowing God and make him known.” Yes a call:
I ) To know God,
II ) To love God and
III) To serve God; then make him known, loved and served by the others
Teachings based on Dr. J. I. Packer’s masterpiece by a master theologian. A book called “Knowing God, on a chapter entitled ‘The people who have known their God -knowing and being known.’”
E) 10h00-11h00: Tea time
F) 11h00-13h00: The conference continue on the some theme
I ) To know God,
II ) To love God and
III) To serve God, than make him known, loved and served by the other
Continue to walk on Dr. J.I. Packer’s masterpiece named “Knowing God.”
G) 13h00-15h00: Lunch and fellowship
H) 15h00-17h00: Confrence continue but on a different theme
2. Training with the purpose of godliness
Working our argument from 1Tim 4:7-16 -roughly adopted from Dr. Donald S. Whitney’s method on Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life.
I) 17h00-19h00: Supper and fellowship
J) 19h00-22h00: Conference continues with
3. Its main evening service
Preaching from Hebrews 12:1-4, 12-17, 18-29, under the theme
Dress off (wear off) and lay aside every weight and sin which does easily beset (entangles) us
26th March 2005 with Laban Mwashekele
A) 05h00-06h00: Prayer and morning devotion
B) 06h00-07h00: Bathing
C) 07h00-08h00: Breakfast
D) 08h00-10h00: Conference
1. Train yourself:
To study with the purpose of godliness –see 2Timothy 2:15 etc.
To meditate with the purpose of godliness –see Psalm 119:148 etc.
To save ammunitions in your mind, heart and will for the purpose of godliness –see Psalm 119:11, and Matthew 4:1-11 etc.
2. Train yourself:
To pause on God’s invisible quality, his eternal power, on his unique and divine nature –with the purpose of godliness –see Romans 1:20 etc.
To be a man or woman, a boy or girl whom God can uses, able to handle a smaller or greater awakenings as well as weaker or mightier revivals –see
Romans 1:8-18, 15:15-33,
To be a man or woman of one thing in mind –see Psalm 27:4
E) 10h00-11h00: Tea time
F) 11h00-13h00: Conference
3. Train yourself:
To be reliable, a man or woman of integrity and dignity, able to adopt all situations –see Luke 16:10-12
To be unwavering, a man or women entrusted with the secret things of God see 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
4. Train yourself to avoid popularity using this two examples:
King Hezekiah who had sinned by sawing a pagan king holy articles belongs only to God and his holy people –see 2 Kings 20:1-7, 12-21
Jesus who had warned us not to give sacred things to dogs or throws our pearls to pigs –see Mathews 7:6
G) 13h00-15h00: Lunch and fellowship
H) 15h00-17h00: Our conference with next theme
1. Train yourself to build a Church that gives glory to her great and global God –see Revelation 3:7-13
She is a God-centered church –see verses 7-8
Preaching a God-centered gospel –see verses 9-10
Harvesting a God-centered result –see verses 11-13
2. Train yourself to build a church that gives hope to her hopeless World –see Revelation 2:8-322
She must be a strong living organism –see Revelation 2:8-11
She must be a good and health organization –see Revelation 3:1-6
She must be an unwavering church in all matters of life and faith –see Revelation 3:14-22.
3. Train yourself to sit under the light of the Cross –thinking and rethinking, organizing and reorganizing –testing
and retesting our administrations in both spiritual and physical affairs.
1. test 1 –related to personal life
2. test 2 –related to family
3. test 3 –related to ministries
4. test 4 –related to office and function
5. test 5 –related to money
6. test 6 –related to mission
7. test 7 –related to listening to God in every aspect of life and labor
8. test 8 –related to learning the things of God like young Samuel
9. test 9 –related to submission –children to their parents, parents to God: wives to husbands, husband to Christ as Christ is to God.
I ) 17h00-19h00: Supper and fellowship
J) 19h00-22h00
4. Main evening service
Dealing with 1 Corinthians 8:1-9:23 under the theme
Giving –starting with ourselves; our time, tenth and talent to God, to a local Church, to a national mission and to global World.
27th March 2005 with Laban Mwashekele
A) 05h00-06h00: Prayer and morning devotion
B) 06h00-07h00: Bathing
C) 07h00-08h00; breakfast
D) 09h00-12h00
5. Main morning service
Dealing with 1 Chronicles 10:1-14 and 2 Samuel 1:17-27 under the theme
Learn to listen to God when he speaks to you in an easier times and simple ways rather then whiting to listen to him when things are hard and beyond your strength.
G) 13h00-15h00 lunch and fellowship
H) 15h00-17h00: Conference on this theme
1. Train yourself to build a church that gives life to her lifeless World –see Acts 13:1-3 etc.
A Church that fast and pray as much as she can –see Acts 13:2,
A Church that plan under the leadership of the Holy Spirit as much as she can –see Acts 13:4, 16:6-10, 17:16-21.
A Church which preaches under the anointing of God the Holy Spirit -Acts 14:21, 17:22-34.
2. Train yourself to build a Church that leaves good history behind, a history of everything she does –Acts 14:21-28.
A Church that has the history of God’s glory –glory in God and being God glorifying church –Acts 2:5-12, 36-42 etc.
A Church that has the history of salvation –souls been and being saved church –Acts 14:21.
A Church that has the history and the testimony of God in this life –Acts 18:9-11.
A Church that has the power to turn the world upside down –Acts 17:6.
A Church that has received a double portion from God to preach the gospel and to die for this precious name if that is what it requires –Acts 21:13, 23:11.
1) Picture one, is of our five children; from the lift is: Laamenange Ndinomwaami Mwashekele
Second behind: Negalikano Mightypower Mwashekele
Third last behind: Nedulokokule Mightytower Mwashekele
Fourth first front: Lamonamwene Hileniera Mwashekele and
Fifth last: Neleloleumbolakalunga Labanera Mwashekele
1 2
2) picture three, my wife and I saying good bye to Germana Severino, she has been one of the most helpful member of Monte Christo for years. As you see; from the left is my wife Helen Pandueni Ndono Mwashekele, second is George, third is than Germana and last is Laban Mwashekele. We continue praying for people like Germana to find right Churches in order to offer their right and helpful services to God’s people.
3
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Report of Laban’s Mission Journey to the Hub of Walvis Bay and some Resolutions of our main Christian Principles
Leaving Windhoek –the Capital City of the Republic early in the morning as he normally do when he depart for mission journey. Roundabout 10h00 Am. He arrived in Swakopmund, after spending most of his time in Okahandja. Before entering Swakopmund, a sign written “Martin Luther Steam Engine” appeared –see picture 2. I will give you a reason why it is named after Luther in paragraphs to come. He turn to where the induction points then saw another face written “Martin Luther Museum” –see picture 3. He entered the museum, than there stands an old model engine steam –see picture 6 and 4. The history behind the engine steam is as follow…
Some time after the Germans had settled in Namibia, and though the rollway already existed, the Germans were still exploring the country. They tried this engine steams to see if it can work to assist the already available means of transport. It didn’t work; the Namib Desert had resisted it till it killed it. The German Laughters gave it a name “Martin Luther”, referring to that great statement Dr. Martin Luther made –part of his Resolution for Reformation, when he said: “Here I stand… I can do nor other, help me God.”
Back to his vehicle –see picture 5, then traveled to Wavis Bay, that Town of a reliable Hub –remember, that was Monday morning, that very evening, members, and only members were waiting for him for re-registration… because their memberships has expired on that very day; the 25th May 09… The reason for re-registering in few of our churches, especially those targeted mission stations is based of the fact that, after some people from other Baptist churches had sloped into our midst, and thought that, things has to be done the only way the new. Some of our members were influenced by them, till they made some complain about few things related to the essential aspects of our Christian Faith. A lesson to be learned that a local pastor isn’t just needed but it is a must that every local church has to have a local shepherd to protect sheep from wolfs. Wolfs do not only attack sheep, but they assault the doctrine –poisoning the food that sheep eat. In our case, the essential which were attacked are;
1 ) Evangelical and Reformed Statement of Conviction –this includes;
A) Women in home and church leadership
B) The authority of Scripture, of Jesus Christ and of his apostles
2 ) Some aspect of the doctrine of grace –e.g. limited atonement etc.
Pastor Laban has started the instructional service that night of the 25th May 09 –see picture No 1,7 & 8, his main purpose was to help these individual to see the need of placing God above everything. His texts of the first night were taken from two books, namely;
1 ) Exodus 20:1-26, and,
2 ) Mathew 6:9-13 where he shows that both the ten commandments and the Lord’s prayer are divided into two sections.
A) In Exodus 20:1-18, the first 5 commandment are dealing with God and everything essential to God, the last 5 commandments are dealing with man and everything related to man. God first, then man second –God and man aren’t equal to share whether idea, essence or authority. One must submit to other, and in every case, is man who must submit to God in both words and works. So on that ground all men’s complains can’t stand.
B) In Mathew 6:9-13, the first three statements are related to God, while the last three related to man. So God is and must be before every stage, including man’s need. Pastor Laban had helped our people to see the importance of placing God in center of everything before we think of it, say about or do it, above and beneath, behind and before everything we must be protect by God’s affirmation. Every man’s conviction when it comes to life and doctrine, everything we do must be judged by God through his word. Pastor Laban has maintained that it is God who must determine.
J What must we believe
J Why must we believe
J Who and what must be our source of authority, we must be subjects under the authority of Scriptures, of Jesus Christ, and under the authority of God the Holy Spirit
Roundabout 25 have been re-registered, that is exactly what pastor Laban wanted, to him the small church the better, while 13 were rejected by the interviewing elders, they have either to bring their letters of transferred from their previous churches or spent at least a year or so attending our church services to learn more about us. It has been discovered that most of these people who have been coursing problem in our churches are those who came from Armenian Baptist Churches, who turn to our churches after wondered all over… attending other churches. After senescing love and acceptance, they took everything for granted by thinking that they have all rights to complain about cretin things we do, especially those that they are not familiar with.
Constitution of the Evangelical Baptist Church was re-read (all over the country, we have similar constitution guided by 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith) and a copy is placed in the hand of every re-registered member.
Joy has been expressed by all true Evangelical/Reformed church members after pastor Laban has re-preached sermon after semon restating our main objectives, starting with our main objective, and that is;
1 ) The glory of God
Evangelical Baptist Church -Monte Christo, a sister local church that has been instrumental in starting these other local churches has been emphasizing that, what ever we believe and live must lead us;
v To glory in our great and glorious God greatly and glorifying him / make him glorified
v To know this dear God better and (through his grace) make him known to the others
v To love our heavenly Father dearly and make him loved in all possible manners
v To serve God wholeheartedly and make him served in this World and beyond
2 ) The salvation of many souls
After the marriage of the two visions (the marriage of the Evangelical Baptist Church –Monte Christo’s vision, with that of her Pastor Laban Mwashekele’s); the two vision had become one and a united vision, it had led us to launch a great and global mission called the Evangelical Baptist Mission. Though it started local to regional, and then to national, now is moving toward global. From the central part of our dear and beloved Country, we have targeted our four corners of Namibia. We –and here I mean all Reformed Baptist Believers both Blacks and Whites in Namibia had proclaimed that;
v From Orange River to beyond Kunene River, and
v From Hub of Walvis Bay to afar Zambezi River. 1. The gospel of the kingdom of God will be preached. 2. The seed of the Word of life will be planted. 3. The harvest will be eaten, though not today or tomorrow –we are aware of that, but for sure, future will tell. Life of Faith is about resolutions. Mission in Namibia –especially the Evangelical Baptist Mission is inspired by History, and much the history of Heinrich Schmelen, Carl Hugo Hahn and Martin Rautanen –Missionaries to the Namibian Nation in 1800’s to 1900’s and that of Robert Moffat –a Missionary to South Africa in 1795-1883. Even though EMB is distinct by her major being mentioned objectives.
3 ) The reformation of many local churches
We have been repeating that, “saved souls cannot be reborn and brewed in deformed local churches.” Reformation is a must, and for that very reason; ceaseless, humble and uncomplicated prayers are needed from all God’s people who;
v Love the work Reformation,
v Labor for the World Revival, and
v Live to see God’s word Reveals the sacredness of God’s Name, Nature and Nuance to all the elect.
Here one has to stand, and must do no other, as long as God helps him.
The great statement made by Dr. Martin Luther is a great resolution indeed. When a man called of God, and have only few years to live like you and me, before he depart to yonder to appear before that great and awaresome God who had called him, such a man must determine to anchored his resolutions in great realities of Faith, to be explicitly;
* He must labor to be a heart to heart minister (man of God) Mathew 9:35-38, rather than a head to head manipulator (man of men) Mathew 23:1-39.
* He must live to see to it that he is wholeheartedly accountable to God, and keep others accountable by living a genuine life of integrate and a confronting light in this dark and lawless World (Mathew 5:13-15).
* He must love seeing the gospel preached in an influential manner instead of being imposed in a legal method.
* He must develop a lifestyle of quality on the expenses of quantity, and expand a routine of effectiveness in the World of activities,
* He must do his best to see to it that he lives a sacrificial life –of course Christianity is all about that. In Mark 8:34-38, the statement; “Deny yourself… means sign your death. “Take your cross… means make everything easy and light for your suffering and death. “Follow Jesus… means marching to a place of conqueror’s sacrificial death or hero’s acre.
* He must stand the test, the temptation and the tricks of times –tests are of God, temptations are of Satan while tricks are of man
* He must have a different Worldview;
· He mustn’t solve a problem by creating another problem, but learn to solve problems by facing realities and sacrificially give himself to it, if it is worth dying for.
· He mustn’t solve a problem by winning arguments and lose the hearts of his rival, but learn to win both the hearts and the arguments
· He mustn’t solve a problem by arguing with a fool, for at the end of the day, people will not know who is the most foolish between the two
· He mustn’t solve a problem by defending his right in the expense of someone’s life –people who love to shoot guns on un-permitted ground end up gunning down even the innocent ones
· He mustn’t solve a problem by revenging the enemy for vengeance is God’s.
For the Evangelical Baptist Church –Monte Christo to maintain these rules isn’t easy both for us and our elders, but as pastor Laban use to say;
J We must learn to glorify God in all situations –easy or tough, with all means –delicious or bitter, through all roads –rough or plain. For if we cannot glorify God in, with or through death? How can we glorify him in, with or through life? How can we glorify him in and with songs of joy if we cannot do it in, with or through voices of sorrows?
J We must learn to glorify God with our pain and unadorned, when we are rejected or accepted, where things goes well or not well, and in whatever be the situation, let us learn glorifies God. “For we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28) ESV. In everything, we must labor to glorify God, knowing that the end result is and will always be for our good.
J We must learn to glorify God with
v Our ages –old or younger age.
v Our marriage –happy or unhappy, Charles Haddon Spurgeon and Martin Luther had glorifies God with their painful goats and health times, while Apostle Paul did the same with his thorn in the flesh and blessings o giftedness.
v Sex –many people think of sex as a dirty thing, other see it as a something to enjoy etc. The true about sex is that, it is something to glorify God, a gift to enjoy in marriage, and means of binding the couple in marriage.
v Children
v Homes
v Work
v Food
v Clothes
v Inmates
v Vehicles
v Health
v Wealth
v Friends
v Churches
v Pastors, elders, deacons and church members
v Governments
v The World and all that is in it –the list is endless.
J We must learn both to handle both hands, to glorify God with these things and without them.
J We must do what Jim Reeves had said in his songs, when he said –some people might have a problem with Jim, though the issue here isn’t about Jim, these people or you and me. Everything is about God, his glory, the salvation of many souls and the reformation many churches.
Our is but to thank God who works in his World through is word –yes the God who acts as Jim Reeves has putted it;
“We thank thee each morning for new born day
“Where we may walk the field of a new morn hail
“We thank thee for the sun shine and the hair that we breathe
“O Lord we thank thee
“We thank thee for the rivers that run all day
“We thank thee for the little bird that sings along the way
“We thank thee for the tree and the deep blue see
“O Lord we thank thee
“O yes we thank thee Lord for every flower that blooms
“Birds that sings, fish that swim and the light of the moon
“We thank thee every day as we knell and pray
“That we were born with eyes to see these things
“We thank thee for the filed where the thorns made rose
“We thank thee for the pasture where the cattle may roll
“We thank the for thy love so pure and so free
“O Lord we thank
I might misquote some verses in this song… a poor Namibian trying to quote a song sung by an Englishman… isn’t easy…
Till we meet at the
Information No2 for Laban’s BLOGSPOT
From the Desk of Laban yaMwashekele
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