Teaching the Bible by Challenging the Mind

Much detail is often missed when we read our Bibles and it is in fact those small details that end up having the biggest impact on what we believe, how we understand our God and how we live our lives according to that understanding.

Under usual circumstances we would sit, listen, pray, get up and leave every Sunday and then 5 minutes later we cannot recall what it was that was spoken of. It is only when our beliefs and understanding is challenged that we tend to remember what was said.

If someone was to come up to you and say “Jesus is the Antichrist” you would remember those words for the rest of your life because it was challenging to your beliefs and understanding, but if that same person said to “Jesus is Christ our Lord” you would agree with him and 15 minutes later those words would be the furthest thing from your mind.

It is with such challenges that the Greatest Teacher of all time taught His disciples. It is also such challenges that make us become better Bible students because it is then that we meditate on The Word. It is such challenges that make us want to go back to our Bibles and look deeper in it (research it).

The Importance of Understanding God's Word

The understanding of God’s Word is vitally important to spiritual growth. It is due to a lack of understanding that we experience such a huge separation of the church and also within the church today.

One of the most important reasons for placing an emphasis on understanding is that every believer in Jesus Christ lives their lives according to how they understand God and His Word. If God’s Word is not understood, then how do we know what pleases God? How do we know our lives are truly in accordance with the Will of God? How do we know if we really treat others as God expects us to?

Jesus commended understanding

In the context of Mark 12:32-34 Jesus was questioned by a scribe about what the most important commandment is and when Jesus answered the scribe replied in verses 32-33 “"Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." (NKJV)

Notice the scribe stating we should love God with all understanding and to this the Holy Spirit has written through Mark in verse 34 that “Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him.” (NKJV)

So even Jesus commended the scribe for being wise in stating that we should love God with all understanding.

Paul prayed for the Colossians to have understanding

In Col 1:9-10 we find the apostle Paul writing to the Colossian church “For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (NKJV)

Notice that Paul does not only pray that they be “filled with knowledge” but also that within this knowledge they also have “all wisdom and understanding”.

I have come across many who are able to quote Scripture accurately, yet they do not understand fully what the Scripture actually means. Hence why having knowledge of the Scriptures was and still is not good enough, but rather to have and understanding of the Scriptures which, as Paul writes in the above passage, will ensure “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him…”

Paul desired Timothy to have understanding

When we look at the background of Timothy we find that he was already knowledgeable of the Scriptures. He was taught the faith by his mother and grandmother from a very young age (2Tim 1:5). Despite him already being knowledgeable, Paul yet writes to him in 2Tim 2:7 “Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.” (NKJV)

Emphasize understanding

Scripture gives us clear indications that besides growing in knowledge, with this knowledge should also come understanding. We need to always strive towards gaining an understanding of God’s Word and not just a knowledge of it or else we will not know how to truly live our lives according to the Will of God.

The challenge we should take upon ourselves is to give due diligence to the study of God’s Word which is the only way in which we will be able to gain the understanding which is truly pleasing to God.

The challenge is to sacrifice our time to gather together with the pure and only purpose of studying and discussing God’s Word with open minds and without preconceived ideas. This is how we will truly understand the Bible and properly apply it to our lives.

Marketing a Witchcraft Website

I have recently started my own Internet Marketing company in Cape Town and yesterday I received an email from some professor guy saying he needs to make use of my services since he was no longer generating website traffic even though he advertises regularly (where and how I do not know).

I then replied asking for a link to his website so I could have a look at it and just give it a surface analysis and once he sent me the link later in the evening I found the guy to be a herbalist who offers (on his website) to “Cast a spell for all your problems & enemies to disappear quickly!”.

Needless to say I declined immediately (within myself), but I still need to send him the email explaining my rejection, which I will do right away.

This was clearly another test to see if I would compromise my faith and beliefs just to gain an extra buck… I am in no way prepared to do so.

Proposition to become assistant pastor

As I mentioned in a recent post, I was invited to be a guest preacher at a 3 Day Revival service at a church in my local community. Today my wife and I attended a meeting with the pastor of that same church since my wife offered to assist with establishing a youth group.

The pastor then first asked me if I was currently already serving in a church to which I answered “yes” (apparently for the few months that we have come to know each other it never occurred to him that I was already part of and serving regularly at a church).

With this he then mentioned that he was actually hoping he could appoint me as an assistant pastor in the church he serves, which of course I declined, but did offer to still serve in his church from time to time and also assist in the Sunday evening Bible Study Open Discussion teaching.

I also offered to assist my wife with the youth ministry so I guess I will be very active within the church he serves in any event.

It is evident that the teaching and the idea I left them with when I preached there definitely left an impression (by the Hand of our Heaven Father).

Google and Twitter Helps Egypt Stay Connected

With Egypt being virtually shut out from the outside world by having their internet and mobile services shut down, Google has teamed up with Twitter and SayNow to help Egyptians get their messages out using any voice connection.

All they need to do is dial one of three international phone numbers (+16504194196 or +390662207294 or +97316199855), leave a voicemail and the service will instantly tweet the message using the #egypt hashtag.

An internet connection is not required to make use of this service and anyone can listen to these messages by dialing the same numbers or by visiting www.twitter.com/speak2tweet

Internet Shutdown in Egypt

It has been reported that the Egyptian government has shut down internet and all mobile services yesterday, Friday 28 January. It is believed that this came as a result of the riots which have been happening in Egypt this past week.

Why would a government shut out the outside world and all communications within its country due to riots? Do they have something that they are attempting to hide from the outside world perhaps?

Some have asked “if the government won’t allow their people to Tweet on certain situations, what else will government not allow its citizens to do?”

That’s a pretty scary question if you ask me.

Guest Preacher at 3 Day Revival

A local poster in the area I am focusing my personal ministry on has asked me to be a guest preacher at a 3 day revival service which starts today at 7pm.

I was honored that he would ask me to do this and accepted his invitation with gratitude. The theme of the 3 day effort is “Change” and though I will only be preaching tomorrow, Saturday 29 January, he called me up again last night to ask me to do the opening and welcoming speech.

This task was originally to be fulfilled by another pastor who was scheduled to preach at the event tonight, but for some unknown reason he will not be present so I will have to do it.

Now with my lesson already prepared, I now have to prepare a welcoming speech (which I seem to be doing a lot lately). So off I go in further preparation for this event…

Illuminati spelt backwards

I just came across something very interesting that I read in a forum.

Take the word “Illuminati” and spell it backwards. It will give you “itanimulli”… now add “.com” to it and type it in your browser then see where it takes you.

Ok to make it easier I’ll just give you the address: www.itanimulli.com

Now go check it out.

My Own Online Marketing Business

I am starting my own Internet / Online Marketing business and have placed a blog entitled RWM Internet Marketing Blog where I post articles specifically related to Online Marketing.

I ask everyone to please keep me in prayer while I go on this venture. I aim to use this business as my “tent making” which will allow me to work from home, giving me free time to focus full time on ministry taking the example from the apostle Paul.

I want to work to support myself and my family and also to support my ministry of spreading the gospel and teaching the Word of God. I do not want to be a “burden” to anyone financially lest the gospel be hindered and I get accused of preaching for money (as so many preachers are accused of doing).

I ask again, please keep me in prayer.

God bless.

Amazing Group Growth

Today we had another Bible study session at work and I was in for a huge surprise.

 

We had four new people join us in study and already heard their would be more next week. A request was also made that we no longer meet only once  week, but rather twice a week.

 

I am amazed at the hunger these people have for the Word of God. I am also amazed at the participation and discussion that developes as a result of the topics brought up.

 

People were shedding tears of joy for prayers being answered that a Study gathering would take place at the work place.

 

All praise and honor unto the Lord our God and Father in Heaven.

Amazing Study

The study I had with the work study group was totally amazing!

 

There was great participation amongst all present and it even left everyone talking long after the study was complete.

 

There was an awesome display of desire to learn more. They appreciated the clarification they got on how we feed our spirits with the Word of God, making them look at the Bible in a while new light.

 

I thank our Father in Heaven for using an undeserving me in such a great way.

Interview with a Seeker

God is truly at work...

 

This morning I simply asked a young lady who works with me to print out the lesson I plan to teach to the work study group today, since I could not print from my own pc at my desk for some reason.

 

She then agreed to print the file and when I told her it was a lesson I planned to teach, seh asked if she could read it.

 

She then asked if she could sit in with us during the study session and of course I said it would be great to have her there. We then got into a discussion and she started confiding in me which lead to her admitting that she is lost and she is trying to find her way and she wants me to help her find the path that I am on.

 

I then said I can only show her the path, but it will be up to her to walk it. She understood this completely and mentioned she is now really looking forward to talking with me tomorrow.

 

Brothers and sisters I ask that you pray for her and for me too, that I may show and guide her on this path through truth and love.

Not Speaking in Faith

About two weeks ago I went on the usual lunch break / Bible study session at work and found one guy already there. He asked me how I was doing and I told him I had a sore throat, but I'm not letting it get to me.

 

Then he tells me "No brother, don't speak like that. You're not speaking out of faith (I think what he meant was I'm not speaking in faith). You must believe that you have already been healed."

 

He then went on to to explain in some way that I was showing a lack of faith.

 

I then tried explaining to him the the human body is weak and we are still awaiting our glorifed bodies at the coming of Jesus Christ (the resurrection).

 

I said to him that Paul told Timothy to drink wine for his stomach problem... and how did Paul know about this stomach problem?... Timothy must have made it known to him. So was Timothy then displaying a lack of faith by admitting he had a stomach problem?...

 

To this question they guy could not answer me, yet he still believes I was not "speaking out of faith".

 

I just left it at that... I remember a time when I had ALMOST a similar attitude.

Out of writing action - Time to cath up

I have been out of writing action for a very long time and so neglected this blog. but I now plan to catch up and continue where I left off.

 

So much has happened in this past few months, I don't know where to start writing about. Well I guess I will mention that i unexpectedly found myself without a job about three months ago, but our Father in Heaven who is always watching over us ensured that another door was opened, but I believe that it was all part of His plan.

 

The very day I started at my new place of employment I came across another brother who is absolutely passionate about the Lord and the Word of God. Immediately we decided to get together during our lunch breaks and encourage each other with Scripture.

 

Not long thereafter a study group was formed and we now get together every Wednesday at 1pm to have a Bible Study in which everyone participates in asking and answering questions. it so happened that the third floor of the building we work in is totally empty and we were granted permission to us the floor for worship purposes.

 

After only a few weeks of gathering together, the group is showing signs of growth, in both participants and spiritually.

 

All thanks to God who made all of this possible.

Tongues and Prophecies will Cease

I am now once again putting my head on the chopping block with this article. I know for sure that after this I will thoroughly be despised by many, yet it is not man I aim to please but God by spreading the truth.

Many fail to realize that it was prophesied in Scripture that the gift of speaking in new tongues and prophecy will cease when “that which is perfect is come”. Now first let us look at exactly where in Scripture this was prophesied before I become head hunted and stoned to death with accusations of blasphemy against me…

1 Corinthians 3:8-10 reads: “Love never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.” (KJV 2000)

Here Paul says that love never fails, but if there are prophecies, they will fail and if there are tongues they will cease / stop / become extinct… But when did he say this would happen, because surely he himself prophesied and spoke in strange tongues? He says when that which is perfect / complete comes then these things shall vanish.

Now the question begs, what is that which is complete and has it already come? Well here is the answer…

That which is complete has already come and we have all already come into contact with it… The Holy Bible! And how do we know this is what Paul was speaking about? Let me explain…

In the days of Paul they never had the New Testament Bible, but he was instead a part author of it himself. Paul states that in those days they knew in part (in fragments) and also taught in part (taught in fragments) until that which is complete comes. And we know he was referring to the Bible because today it is the only complete book of all teachings, prophecies and knowledge that a Christian needs.

In those days they were in need of prophets and apostles because they never had the New Testament Bible. In those days the gift of speaking in strange tongues was given to them because they had to go out to different nations speaking different languages so that when they preached the Gospel, everyone could understand them. This was done so that one day no one could have an excuse standing before the Lord on the Day of Judgment and say “I never heard the good news because I didn’t understand what that Paul guy was blabbering about. How am I supposed to understand his language?”

In the following verse it is written that the signs of speaking in new tongues and other miracles will occur to confirm His Word:

Mar 16:17-20 - "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen." (KJV 2000)

The verse above makes it clear that these signs had a purpose which was to confirm His Word (Holy Bible).

Today we have the Holy Bible as the complete and inerrant revelation of God and there is no new revelation. So since we already have the complete, inerrant teaching / prophecy / Word of God, then what need do we have of prophets and people speaking in tongues?.. Nothing!.. After all 1 Corinthians 3:8-10 already made it clear that these gifts would vanish and we would no longer need them.

So someone please tell me why we still have people blabbering in tongues and prophesying in churches today?

Are You a Pharisee?

I already know the first question that comes to mind: “Pharisees in this day and age? NO WAY!”... Well the fact is they are amongst us today.

First of all who were the Pharisees? They were the ones who rather preferred to stick to the traditions of their ancestors than accept and embrace liberty through Jesus Christ. They were not just merely hypocrites... read the complete article here on the New Testament Ministry website.

 

 

Putting Jesus Christ to Shame

This topic aims to explain how we as re-born Christians put Christ to shame whenever we do things that do not comply with the Will of God.

Matthew 16:24 - "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." (KJV 2000)… read the complete article on the New Testament Ministry website

What a Church Really Is

Many Christians still believe that the church is a place they go to where they can pray, listen to the Word being preached and worship God. Some even believe that they have to go to this certain place to be in God's presence. Well, before I go any further let us have a look at exactly what the word "church" means.

Throughout the New Testament the Greek word used for "church" is "ekklēsia" which means; the whole body of Christians scattered throughout the earth; an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting; a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly (Thayer's Greek Lexicon Dictionary). So this clearly means that the church is not a place or building people go to, but instead it is the gathering of the people at any place.

My next statement will probably have people up in arms, calling me blasphemous, but I will say it anyway: If you believe in your heart that the place or building you go to is the only place where you can be in the presence of the Lord, you are actually putting your faith in wood and brick and this means you are committing idolatry. Yes, by believing this you are in effect viewing a building as an image of holiness. Remember, God searches the heart.

Let us go to Matthew 18:20 - "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (KJV)

So… according to Jesus Christ… if my wife, my sister, a friend and I get together at my place in His Name… then that gathering is a local church. I was one time called before a local church council of one pastor, three elders and two deacons, because of my believing in the Word that came from Jesus' mouth. They told me to stop believing that the Lord is in the presence of just two people. The pastor especially insisted that that is not "the way things work". They also insisted that to be able to enter heaven you must "belong to a church" and that God is only in our presence when we are gathered at the building which was sanctified as God's house.

Oh and I was also told that the body is not God's temple as stated in 1Corinthians 6:19 - "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" (KJV). They believe the church building is the temple of the Lord. Needless to say, my wife and I never returned to that "church" again. I mean these so-called men of God, as they say, shamelessly and blatantly contradict the Word of God.

Well one could say I had a taste of Mark 13:9. (I'll leave that for you to read up on).

So in closing I say that contrary to traditional and cultural belief, the true church has nothing to do with a building. The true church is the gathering of two or more believers in Christ at any given place or time to fellowship and learn more about our Father through His Word with the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

 

Worshipping God in Spirit

This is a truth which is misunderstood by some and also totally reject by many.

Jesus said in John 4:23-24 - "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." (KJV)

Note that Jesus Christ says “true worshippers” will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. He also goes on to explain that God is a Spirit and we “MUST” worship him in spirit and truth.

Let’s take the word “Spirit”. We all know a spirit is unseen so if God’s true worshippers are to worship Him in spirit, it must mean that it’s supposed to be unseen worship that is meant to be internal; in thought and in heart. According to Christ Himself this is how God wants us to worship him. God is not interested in external gestures, ceremonies and rituals.

So then if we “must” worship God in spirit, does it mean we must not worship Him externally? I’ll leave that for you to decide. I personally choose to worship our Father the way he wants to be worshipped which is internally. And how do I worship him in truth? By obeying God’s word which is the Truth to the best of my ability.

Sadly I know of many people who believe that you must externally show that you worship God. These people also believe that anyone should be able to give you just one look and know that you are a Christian. This is a classic case of man teaching doctrines of men and not keeping to the commands of God. This is exactly one of the ways in which we have many falling away from faith and becoming religious instead, still believing that they are sticking to the teachings of Christ.

So exam yourself… are you a true worshipper or are you more concerned about an external show of religion?

Fruits of the Flesh

The fruits of the Holy Spirit are quite clearly highlighted in Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence). Against such things there is no law [that can bring a charge]." (Amplified Bible)

What I will now highlight here are the fruits of the flesh. Now I know Scripture does highlight them, but I will attempt to make it easy for all to easily understand what they are which quite simply is the opposite of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. So I guess we could also call them the fruits of Satan. I also believe highlighting them clearly could help us recognize when Satan is trying to use or tempt us. So by recognizing the “symptoms” of the flesh trying to surface, we could more easily learn to control our behaviour, thus helping us and especially new converts to better walk in the Spirit.

The fruits of the flesh are:

§  Hatred §  Bad moods §  Impatience §  Anger §  Double mindedness §  Unfaithfulness §  Being merciless §  Self pity §  Lust §  Immorality §  Unfairness §  Being judgmental

§  Negative attitudes §  Harshness toward others §  Over indulgence §  Greed §  Over confidence §  Pride §  Unforgiving attitude §  A loud personality §  Idolatry §  Rebellion §  Racist attitude or thoughts §  Jealousy

Note that not all the fruits of the flesh are listed here, but the list does give a clear and basic outline as to what to watch out for when the enemy comes knocking. We all know this yet sometimes we still slip up. That just shows how quickly and subtly the Satan can take control.

I know I’ll be making this sound simple, but all we need to do is submit to the Holy Spirit and we will automatically start bearing good fruit.