To See the Beauty of the Father!

It has well been stated that "beauty is on the eyes of the beholder." If this be so, the conclusion follows, that even at the peak of someone's brilliance of character, the onlooker may still be blinded toward their true beauty.

Oh that God would open our eyes to see the fullness of glory and radiance His character so entirely caries; that he would give us a contrite and broken heart as to then be able to esteem His holiness to a continually increasing degree!

Excerpt from God's Smuggler

by Brother Andrew

[describing the incorporation of those interested in short term missions behind the Iron Curtain]

          We insist on only two things from the men and women we accept as part-timers. We insist that each have a personal experience with Christ and learn to work in the full power of His Spirit, and we stress the importance of a positive ministry amoung the Communists. If a man seems to be harbouring personal resentments against a certain government, or if he has more to say about the evils of Communism than the goodness of God, then we suspect he is a soldier poorly armed for the battle before us.

A Call for Discernment

I just found a place to watch this film free online, which seems like hitting electronic gold.

Justin Peters wrote his thesis for his Masters of Theology on the "Word of Faith" movement (the false gospel which blurs the line between God and man, and uses Christianity as a means to supposed earthly prosperity). His seminar, A Call for Discernment is therefore a very in depth and well-versed look at this movement.

This deviated gospel is the very thing we heavily encountered as we journeyed throughout Africa, especially in Kenya and Zimbabwe.

I'd highly recommend watching this if you're interested in learning more about a Biblical look into one of the very common teachings of today's "church."

(Links listed below in order)

Session 1 - Dangerous Doctrines (1:18:48)
Session 2 - Mangled Manifestations (1:17:21)
Session 3 - The Hurt of Healing (1:21:17)

On the radio tomorrow...

Tuesday 17th, at 21:00 (12:00 Pacific Time) to give a brief report of the recent Zimbabwe Mission.

You can tune in to Radio Tygerberg online through either of the following links:


http://infant.antfarm.co.za/tygerberg/flashplayer/player.asp?id=20
or http://tunein.com/radio/Radio-Tygerberg-FM-1040-s10838/

Zimbabwe Mission Report

¹ There will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them… ² Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; ³ and in their greed they will exploit you with false words…     -2 Peter 2:1-3

False Doctrines for the Desperate and Needy

Zionists are seen all over Zimbabwe

The propagation of the idea that the purpose of Salvation is for man’s own benefit and glorification follows a direct parallel to the false gospels put forth today. And the collapse of Zimbabwe’s economy due to the brutal corruption of government within its borders has squeezed out a vast plea from the people for that of a more pleasurable disposition. Hence any gospel which offers prosperity and happiness is snatched up as quickly as it is put forth. These humanist regimes which have slipped into a soft sheep’s clothing merely seek to deify man and either completely abolish, or at least lay low, the Creator into a position under the dominion of man’s counsel and ruling. Such false teachings include “prosperity preachers” and Zionists which are both rampant in Zimbabwe.

¹⁸ For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness. ²¹ For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. ²² Professing to be wise, they became fools, ²³ and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man… ²⁴ Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity… ²⁵ For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. ²⁸ And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper.     -Romans 1:18-28

A Core of the Gospel

With this in mind, the brunt of our teaching was on the essence of the true Gospel, dealing with Repentance, Full Salvation, What is a Christian?, The World vs the Word, I am not Ashamed of the Gospel, The Beatitudes, Suffering, Revival, and a few other important issues. We tried, although scarcely ourselves holding even a glimpse of its enormity, to establish within the seminar participants the utter and infinite chasm between our ways and the Lord’s as is well described in Isaiah 55:8-9. Whether their eyes were opened and their stony hearts torn out and replaced with flesh is a matter which rests in the Lord’s hands.

What about Baptism?

First seminar's participants

            So on Saturday, we crossed into Zimbabwe, having an opportunity to bring greetings the next day to those at a Baptist Church. John (one of the staff at Frontline) and I each gave a greeting followed by a sermon from David (Frontline Missionary). For the next 3 days, the 3 of us held a seminar there at the church. In addition to the above mentioned lectures, we included films in the programme, such as The Biggest Question (working through the various aspects of salvation: justification, sanctification, and glorification), Hell’s Best Kept Secret (on the importance of proclaiming the true Gospel, using the 10 Commandments to convict people of sin), 3 Days in Sudan (testimony of a journalist's experience with one of Frontline’s Missions to Sudan), and the Revival Hymn (a compilation of sermon clips from various Revivals). One of the biggest issues that arose there concerned baptism: Is Baptism required for salvation? What is its significance? Are salvation and the filling of the Holy Spirit separate from one another, or hand in hand? The discussions following the questions during lunch and even after each day’s seminar showed the interest of several of the participants curious about what the Bible had to say about these things.

Examine Yourselves!

            In addition to the seminar, John and I also had the privilege of speaking at their youth group one evening. I started by working through some of first 1 John, challenging those there, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the Faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you – unless indeed you fail the test?”   (2 Cor. 13:5); that a person who loves the world does not have the Father in him, no matter what “good” he might appear to be capable of. Then John gave his testimony as an illustration of the complete difference between a life of the world and a life set on Christ. Having previously experienced a lot of the primary issues and struggles of the youth there, his testimony proved very encouraging and challenging to them.

A Heart of Humility

Teaching at the Baptist church

David giving morning devotions

            Fifteen minutes’ drive from there, was another Baptist church, where we held a seminar for the following 3 days (Thurs—Sat). The structure was very similar to that of the first seminar. However, after our team’s thoughts regarding the previous schedule, we decided it was critical to also show A Call for Discernment, in which Justin Peters systematically tackles the all-too-popular doctrines of the “health, wealth, & prosperity” movement—and indeed this kindled much discussion. It was encouraging to see just how responsive these seminar participants were – and how humble the pastor was! After David had explained what Discipleship really was, the pastor stated in front of his own congregation: “I always used to think that big crusades were the best way to witness, but I was wrong and now see the importance of one-on-one discipleship. That’s something I’ll have to change.”

So that’s a blessing?

            The topic of suffering paralleled with their previous understanding of the Gospel (sole prosperity) brought up quite a controversy as to whether that was right for a Christian to endure. David questioned them as to what they considered to be the biggest blessing, then putting it into perspective through passages like James 5:1-3, Matt. 6:19-21, and Phil. 3:7-11.

Sunday's service

            That Sunday, David went to preach at another church, and John and I stayed at that church. After I preached on “A Holy God before a Lofty and Lowly People,” John spoke on “The Kingdom of Heaven.” Then followed a time of prayer for about half an hour, in which time the prayer request for courage and boldness in going out to witness seemed very prevalent.

Yes, we’ll embrace suffering!

David teaching on the Law
(John 14:15,23)

Morning seminar participants

            After that, we held two seminars at another Baptist Church: one in the morning, one on the afternoon. We again repeated the programme for the morning seminar. But in the afternoons, as we didn’t have as much time, we decided to keep the programme very simple and leave plenty room for discussion. Conversation was stirred by questions to them such as “Why should you go to Heaven?”, “Why are there so few on the right path?”, “Will God pardon you if you’re really sincere?”, “What if you’re sincerely wrong?” and so on. I was quite encouraged to see, even before I began the lecture on suffering, their unanimous agreement on the fact that as Christians, not only will it occur, but that suffering for Christ’s sake is a blessing in itself and that through it “I may know Him and the power of His Resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil. 3:10).

The Church Plant

            From there, we journeyed with a pastor and a few of the youth 3 hrs north to another small village where the pastor wanted to plant a church, primarily because of the terrible influence this prosperity gospel was having in this area. So we erected a large tent and that evening held an open air gathering for the people in the surrounding area.

            The next morning, we had a time of Devotions with a few of the folk from the area, based on Matthew 23 and the whitewashed Pharisees. Then we talked about where the power comes from to overcome sin including James 4:1-10.

Work Within the Worker

            Concerning Missions, I’ve heard it said that it’s comprised of “2% what we did for the lives of those we ministered to, and 98% what God did in me!” To a large extent, I would concur with this statement, especially on this last Mission. God moved in my life in such a profound way to get me to realize more fully the extremity of a simple principle:

God is Holy. I am a wretched, hell-deserving sinner. God’s ways are not my ways, nor His thoughts my own. I am as nothing to Him and regarded by Him as less than nothing. The greatest works I can put forth are as dirty rags.

Hence passages such as Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans5:6-11; Luke 17:7-10 mean all the more. How fascinating that such a simple concept can be so readily ignored, rejected, and despised by man unless God has done a work in that person’s life.
            What a mighty God we serve! Praise be His Holy Name!

Boxes, Past Promptings... and Another Journey into Africa

Boxes

          Well, the last few weeks have been home to much activity here at Livingstone House. I’ve been continuing to help in stores: looking through, sorting out, and distributing boxes of various types of literature donated from the States. Then just this week, a shipment of 40 tons came in. What bountiful supplies God distribute for His work! Once the literature comes in, anyone can come by to take as much as they would like/are able to take. There have been an increasing number of people stopping by to take material, and it seems to have picked up a decent rate of distribution. There are also some people who have taken a few tons of literature to then distribute in another area. Please pray that the material will make its way into the right hands as there are so very many in need of education, growth, and a deeper hunger for Christ. Is it not for a lack of knowledge that people perish? May God use the literature in a great way that will create a hunger inside the lost, challenge those who are found, and spur each one on to pursuing a more vibrant life in answer to Salvation's call.

To Jerusalem first...

          God has provided several opportunities in which to minister to those right around where I'm located. Just over a week ago, as I was going for a walk, a lady coming up the side street I was crossing was carrying several large bags. She said she could in fact use some help and we began walking toward where the taxis stopped. This provided about 1 km's walking time to talk. She had actually come from the high school my dad attended and was one of the cooks there! So right off the bat we had a common ground. It didn't take too long before the conversation turned to an eternal value. Grace said that she wasn't a Christian, but wanted to become one. She mentioned that she wanted all the blessings that some with a life in Christ, that she was going through a really hard time right now. Wanting to make sure that she hadn't the wrong idea of what a life resting on Christ looked like, we began to discuss the nature of hardships and the call Christ gave to take up our crosses. It grew to such a fruitful conversation! And as far as I could tell from merely that walk, she did have a genuine desire to follow Christ, even through His assurances of suffering. What a wonderful thing! I hope, Lord-willing, to see Grace again (as she travels that route daily) and talk more about the Lord. Please pray that either I will have the chance to have more conversations with her, or if it was God's will for me to only be a seed that she will come in contact with someone else who can help grow her in the Lord.

...then Judea...

          On the weekends, I often commute back with my uncle (who works very close to Livingstone House) and cousin (who's school is on the same block as LH) to Somerset West (about an hour's drive from Capetown), where much of my family are. This last weekend, I went for a run Saturday night and came across a man sitting on a short post in a park. His name being Joshua was a great segue into the Bible, and we had quite a lengthy conversation going from this topic to that. However one thing which he brought up several times was the power of a name, firmly standing by the fact that if you have a Bible name, you are greatly blessed by God and are definitely one of His called children (...but only the good Bible names as I found out when asking him about Cain, Delilah, and others). Conversely he was very hesitant to accept that someone without a Bible name could be a son of God. Many times I tried to steer rather toward the Gospel, but, he didn't seem to want to follow that train of thought in an actual discussion; however he told me at one point to keep talking because he liked what I was saying, so perhaps God was indeed working in him. But please pray that the words he heard were of God and not from my flesh, that God would stir in him a hunger for something more than content with the emptiness of death he now holds inside.

...Samaria...

          From March 30 until April 5, Frontline is holding a Biblical Worldview Summit (like the first week of my training back in June) in Vereeniging, so I'll get to help with that. Our aim with this course is to reach those further north in South Africa who aren't able to make it down for the courses usually held in the Cape. We would appreciate your prayers for this as it draws near.
          You can also read more details about about the week here.

...and to the ends of the earth!

          Preceding the BWS, a small team of us will be heading up into Africa for another mission! The focus: Discipleship. we will be holding several seminars, working through two of Frontline's books on discipleship: Practical Discipleship and the Discipleship Training Manual. Our goal is to give a clear understanding of salvation and repentance in addition to discussing topics such as "I am not ashamed of the Gospel," suffering, revival, the beatitudes, wisdom vs. folly, and others. Please keep us in your prayers as we leave very soon for that. Pray for a hunger for revival and readiness to stand up against the darts of the prince of this world. pray that to those we minister, the light of Christ will spread.

Past Promptings

          It was four years ago, that Dad, John and I had the privilege of visiting a mission by the name of Kwasizabantu. The supernatural wonders that I saw there were amoung my most prominent earlier memories of seeing first-hand the power of God. After hearing a vibrant sermon by Erlo Stegen, we were shown around the grounds, extensively informed of some of the ministry that bloomed throughout the mission--a ministry based on the foundational recognition and repentance of one's sins, and acceptance of the Lordship of Christ; which then led to phenomenal healing both spiritually and physically!
          After that visit, I had recorded in my journal that I felt God calling me back to that place. I didn't write too much about it, because at the time, I hadn't seen how that would actually come together. I didn't know why God had placed it on my heart or even when and for how long I should return. Little did I know that God had in His plan, not only for me to go back and visit, but to share testimonies with the people there! Following this upcoming mission into Africa, and just before the BWS, the team will be doing exactly that. What's more, He's placed it on my birthday! God has such a sense of humour; what an amazing gift!!!

A Message of Thanks

I write this post to specifically thank those of you who have given so much towards my year here in Africa and pray it will provide encouragement to you of the might of our Saviour. How blessed it is to be a part of an eternal family, united together through the bonds of One whom no power could dare overthrow! As I continue in the work the Lord has prepared for me here, I am continuously and increasingly thankful for how He has provided for my needs through your support.

To Prayer Supporters:

To those of you who have committed yourselves to prayer, may the assurance of God’s active work here in Africa be an encouragement in your prayer life and a strengthening in your faith. Regretfully, much of the year has passed me by without a proper appreciation or even knowledge of the enormous impact of the power of prayer. “Of course someone going on a mission trip, doing the Lord’s work, following His guidance, needs the prayer of fellow believers,” I often thought, yet so little had I known of the weight of that very thought. Having grown up in a Christian home, with prayer an assumed part in my life, It has been much more of a practice than a reality, the reality of coming before the throne of God Almighty: omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent! to whom even the seraphim round His throne can only say Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts! How true it is that “fools rush in where angels dare to tread.” And I  have so often been one of those very fools, “just shooting up a quick prayer” here and there, or praying something from which even the next day I have ceased to look for how it was answered. But biggest of all has been my vagueness in prayer, where out of a laziness in seeking Him, I pray only in generalities. Yet even in through this, how incredibly humbling it is has been to think that there are brothers and sisters praying specifically for me in my spiritual walk, for the work the Lord has for me here, and regarding various concerns throughout this year!  I’m filled with such a tremendous joy to think that this year advances with His children on their knees before Him as He advances His kingdom here on earth. And what a blessing to have the very same Father, who hears our earnest prayers—Our…Holy…Father! Thank you so very much for your prayers regarding this year. God has indeed been at work throughout this continent, He is indeed at work in my own life. And His Name will continue to be praised as a result of His work!

To Financial Supporters:

For those of you who have sacrificed financially to support my year here, my gratitude goes deeply to you also! From covering the expenses of the missions I’ve been able to partake in so far, to things as simple as food, transport, etc., it’s is such a blessing to have the financial support to do so. As I think of the sacrifice this is for many, I am again very humbled at the thought, and through your support, God has provided me with all my needs so far. Thank you so much for all your generosity! And may God greatly bless you.

Thanks be to God

It is really quite hard to express my deep gratitude for all the support you guys have given me, but I thank first and foremost our Father in heaven, who has seen all and paved the way long before we travel it. Praise Him for His eternal work! Praise Him that He not only shows us the path He has laid out for us, but has already provided for us what He has seen we need. What a truly amazing God we serve!