Jottings from the preacher's desk

Evan's baptism

2011-10-30T18:47:00.000+03:00

Last Thursday I headed out to Sombetini to assit the preacher there, Dominic Owaga. We had arranged the previous week to begin our studies at a little school house where one of the members from Sombetini, Assiri, works.

When we had got there we found that the children, on hearing that we were coming, did not want to go home. We were waiting for one of the people we were going to study with, so we enjoyed being here and talking with the kids.

It was after this study that the day became very interesting. I hope you enjoy this video.

Mike and Clint's safari to Tanzania

2011-10-10T10:58:00.000+03:00

Well, the dust has settled and we have all recovered. Mike Criswell and Clint De France have returned to their homes and life here in Arusha has returned to normal.

We enjoyed Mike and Clint's stay so much. They were such good house guests - we had a lot of laughs and a lot of Bible studies. The brethren here really appreciated them and gained a lot from their visit.

I have made a short video of their visit. I hope you enjoy it.

Leadership Study

2011-09-30T02:26:00.000+03:00

We had a wonderful Leadership Study this month starting on the 14th September. Mike Criswell and Clint De France were our speakers and they did a wonderful job.

We had members come from all over Tanzania and even Kenya for this event. The brethren from Mbeya even had a 19 hour bus trip to get here!

This is a short video of the Meeting

Studying God's Word

2011-09-24T09:41:00.000+03:00

While Mike and Clint have been here in Tanzania we have had a many great studies. We have studied with members of the church and non-members too.

On Wednesday, we went to Mererani to assist the teacher there, Fredson John, and to conduct studies with him. Allen Mkita was sick, so we enlisted the help of Mbise from Nkoaranga.

Mererani is about a 2 hour drive from Arusha along dusty roads and with the air-conditioner not working in the truck yet it was very dusty! We made it in good time though and met Fred (Fredson) at the marvellously named Kangaroo Hotel! I am sure it is the only kangaroo in Tanzania!

We shared some cokes and discussed the work before heading out of a study with the family of one of the members there.

We had a great study, answering a question on why there were so many churches. The Bible clearly tells us that Christ built only one church.

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it." Matt. 16:18

That one church was not to be built on a mere man (as some say), but on the rock that is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The many churches we see today have been built by men a long time after Christ built His church.

We had a really good response with great questions following. You learn here very quickly that these people are very intelligent. They may not benefit from a great education, but they are plenty smart!

After this we went on to study with a sister who was having trouble with what the Bible teaches about singing in the assembly. Mike did an excellent job showing that the New Testament commands us to sing, and the instrument we are to use is our lips and heart.

"speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;" Eph. 5:19

We are no longer under the Old Covenant and its commands, but we are blessed with the New. There were several non-memebers present and the Q & A afterwards was again wonderful.

We had to leave early in the afternoon so as to get back to Arusha for Wednesday night services. On the way we stopped under a fig tree and a stream, for a picnic lunch. There were some herders there with their sheep, goats and cattle. They came on over to us and we started a conversation. After a bit we were teaching them the hymn, "Happy Day" in Swahili. It was a wonderful time. We ended with a prayer and headed for Arusha.

On Thursday we had arranged a study with Christopher's wife. Christopher is a faithful member at the Philips congregations and his wife is a member of a pentecostal church. We had another wonderful study and Mama Christopher told us she would come with her husband to worship in Sunday.

Then we went with Allen, who was feeling better and was translating for us, to a man he knew who worked close to the church building. This man, Anderson, is a carpenter and we had a great study with him and his work mates at their work place.

It is so good to be able to study with people almost anywhere and feel welcomed each time.

Keep reading for future exciting updates on this work here in Tanzania.

The Spirit of Exploration Continues in Tanzania

2011-09-22T18:02:00.001+03:00

On Tuesday we took some time off from our busy schedule and went on Safari to Arusha National Park.

This park is one of the forgotten gems of Tanzania. It is only about 1/2 hour out of Arusha, but not many tourists make the trip, preferring to go to the better know parks like Serengeti and Lake Minyara national parks, where there is a chance of seeing the "Big 5". Arusha does not promise Rhino or lion, but it promises a wide variety of environments and stunning scenery.

We left about 8 o'clock and after battling the Arusha traffic we were on the open highway and headed to Usa River. From there it was a short drive north up the mountain and we were in the National Park. It only took a short while to do the paper work and we were on our way. Within minutes of leaving the park gate we were on to our first game - zebra, warthogs and water buck. We were in little Serengeti. There is so much difference seeing these wild animal in their natural environment, rather than seeing them in a zoo!

The Explorers!

We then went up the mountain, across a new bridge to a part of the park we had not seen before and were stunned by the beauty of what we saw. We stopped for a break at a viewing point and had a drink and some cake. We were high up on the mountain and could see most of the park. We could see where they filmed the 1960's film Hartari! We could see over to the Momella Lakes. We could even seen where Mt. Kilimanjaro was, even is she was modestly hiding behind her clouds.

How you get a car through a tree!

We went on from there and drove through a tree! A strangler fig had attached itself to a host tree and the result was stunning. We could have gone further up the mountain, but we only had one day! So turned around and headed downwards. We soon meet a party of climbers headed to the summit which is 4,566 metres high (14,980 ft) and a three day climb! I can tell you we were traveling a lot easier than these people.

Once we had crossed the bridge again we headed off to the Momella lakes (those who remember the Hatari! movie will remember the elephants bathing in the lakes). We had lunch there and were able to see hippos in the lake around an island in the middle. There are several lakes all with different soda levels. One of them is just right for flamingos and their pink plumage is stunning in the afternoon sun.

We made our way around the lakes and thought we had seen all they had to offer when we came around a corner and a huge giraffe was idling the day away on the road, in the shade of a tree .

We waited for him (we called him Gerald the giraffe) for about 1/2 an hour before he remembered something he had to do and calmly walked past our car.

I had my window down and could have touched him if I wanted to. This is not something that happens everyday!

Leaving Gerald behind we headed to the Ngurdoto crater. This is a stunning caldera with wonderful viewing places around the rim.

We went to the other side to where were have been before and after a long and tricky climb with many switch backs and the vehicle in 4x4 low we were rewarded with a breath taking scene. Even Mt. Kilimanjaro came to the party and showed herself! We could see here on our right and Mt. Meru in all her glory on our left. We could see right down into the crater and even over to Arusha town.

Our time had come to an end, but we all agreed it was a wonderful safari. There were few people and many animals. We were even privileged to see the very shy columbus monkeys at very close quarters. All around it was a great day.

Leadership Study

2011-09-16T07:33:00.000+03:00

Our leadership study has begun and we are now two day into it. Mike and Clint are doing a great job with the teaching. The brothers are doing wonderful with great concentration levels and wonderful questions. The sisters are working so hard with the refreshments. Everything is coming together so well!

I will write more about the study shortly, but for now here is a short photo essay.

Mike and Allen with the first topic

These two brothers work together very well - even the hand gestures are the same

Deep concentration!

At rest between the studies

Enjoying one another's company

Clint and brother Mwakasungula

Safari Njema

2011-09-14T07:34:00.000+03:00

Yesterday Mike, Clint and I went on a safari. In Swahili the word safari means "journey" and we had to go out of town to buy some sleeping mat for the men that are coming to town for the Leadership Study.

We left early and picked up Brother Msuya on the way. Msuya knew where we could get these mat at a reasonable price (in town they were very expensive). So with his local knowledge we were on our way.

Our destination was a village about 2 hours drive east of Arusha. On the way we were able to show our guests a bit more of the country side here in Tanzania. Our trip took us down Mount Meru, through the banana groves and coffee plantations to the flat volcanic plain between Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. We then started ascending again as we climbed the foot hills of Africa's largest mountain and the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Kilimanjaro was hiding this morning behind its veil of clouds, as it often does this time of year.

Baoba Tree

As we left Kilimanjaro behind we started heading towards the Pare Mountains - a rugged volcanic range and quite beautiful. The landscape is dry and arid and we started seeing the wonderful Baoba trees. Msuya told us these trees are planted up-side-down! And with their bear branches this time of year it sure looks like it. These trees look a lot like what we call Boab trees in Australia. The MUST be the same tree!

Just a little further on and we came to the markets Msuya had told us about. Now, when a white person - a Mazungu - comes along you can be sure the price will go up a lot. So we left Msuya to do the purchasing and Mike and I went looking at the rest of the market.

They sell all sorts of things there from fruits and vegetable to fish, both fresh and dried. Mike and Clint were approached by an enterprising youngster to purchase a small fish for 100 Shillings - the brothers declined!

Anyone for fish?

After a while Msuya phoned me up and we joined him in the section of the market where they sold the mats, baskets and other woven goods. He had managed to buy 3 mats - we needed 20!

He had met a man who told him he knew where he could get more at the next village down the road, so with this guy we jumped into the car once more and headed off. I have to say there was a pronounced odour of fish that was now accompanying us!

The next village was not far down the road and our new friend told me to stop at the side of the road and he and Msuya disappeared. So, there we were, Mike, Clint and myself sitting in the car in this village not knowing quite what was happening and if we were going to be able to get the sleeping mats we needed - after all 3 out of 20 is pretty awful!

These kids thought we we so funny!

While we were waiting there were a group of children that started to gather and they were fascinated in Clint. He was making the laugh so much as we sat in the car. When we called them over the dashed off in hysterics.

After a while the got really brave and came a little bit closer and were playing around us. Clint had the bright idea of teaching them the song "Jesus Love You". I had my swahili song book in the car so the 3 of us Mazugus entertained the kids with a couple of verses of this song in Swahili. They thought this was wonderful - laughing at us and dancing too, what they obviously thought was a good rendition of the old song in their language.

After some time Msuya started arriving back with more mat. First 4 more then they were able to locate more and more. Finally they arrived with a large bundle of these mats and Msuya announce that we now had the all! 20 out of 20 is really great! Just as we were about to put them in the back of the truck, Msuya noticed something in the middle of the rolled up mats. There was as kitten hiding in there! Lucky he saw it. I sure would not want a cat in the car on our long trip back.

Brothers on a safari

So, now with our mission accomplished, all we had to do was head back home. It was a great trip, very enjoyable - good friends and a lot of laughs. We stopped on the way hope and assessed our day with the help of a cold Coke and Clint entertained the people at the Cafe with his renditions of Gilbert and Sullivan.

Dr. Clint and Dr. Mike at rest

Msuya enjoying a rest

The Adventure Continues

2011-09-12T20:06:00.000+03:00

After a busy day today including studies, purchasing Bibles and various jobs that had to be done, we finished up at the church building for a study with the men on leadership.

Clint did an excellent job on teaching about the Lord's Supper. The brothers got a lot out of his delivery and there followed a lively question and answer session. We are starting our Leadership Study on Wednesday and the brothers were given a good taste of what is to come.

A day of study at Nkoaranga

2011-09-10T20:45:00.002+03:00

On Friday afternoons I head out of Arusha and go to the little village of Nkoaranga. This is about 1/2's drive out of town up on the slopes of Mount Meru. The area is very lush and green up there, the air is cooler and the fields are filled with banana trees and coffee bushes.

There are a lot of people living there, not in one big village, but it seems that most people live on their small farms where they make their livings.

Yesterday I met up with the preacher there, Mbise, at his house and after exchanging greeting with him and his wife, we headed off for some "house to house" studied. Mama Mbise and their daughter would see us latter at the church building were we would finish the afternoon with a large study.

I really love it up in Nkoaranga, the little tracks between peoples farm are really beautiful and you often get glimpses of stunning views down the mountain to the surrounding areas.

Our first stop was a study arranged last week with a man we met at the church building. He lives quite a way up the mountain and the Land Cruiser I have just purchased proved its work ability on the steep grades and the fine dusty volcanic soil.

After we had driven up about as high as we could go we left the truck and walked the rest of the way. When we got to the man's house his sons told us he wasn't there - not an unusual situation, we can often find that thing don't work out as planned here. However, this is not a big problem here in Tanzania. We went to the next house and asked them if they wanted to study the Bible.

There was three generations represented and after they got chairs for the visitors and the grand-father we started to study. We we studying from Matthew 18 and the church Christ said he was going to build. We studied how we could become members of the one church. It was a very good study with some great questions. This interest in God's word is one of the reasons that I love it here in Tanzania, being able to go out to people's homes, to see their hospitality and to share God's word with them is a real blessing.

We spent about a hour studying with this dear family and then it was time to go down the hill a bit to study with another family. Mbise tells me Ishmali is one of the best coffee growers around and looking at his fields and the coffee beans drying, I can believe it. We had another great study with this man and his two daughter under their Bougainvillea arbour. When we finished, Ishmali and his daughters hopped into the truck and came down with us to the church building for the study there.

The church building in Nkoaranga is small - well really, it is tiny. But the brethren are so thankful to have it and they fill it up. We had sixteen people come to this study, about half of them member and the rest, either wives of members or present for the first time. The brethren there LOVE singing and so we had to have some songs before we started to study.

I taught on salvation - How do you know you are saved? I was very pleased with the level of interest and the concentration that the people were showing. This is a great area for the gospel and I can really see a great future for the Lord's work.

Passing it on

2011-09-07T21:05:00.001+03:00

One of my main focuses in the work here in Arusha, Tanzania has been working with men and helping them take on a leadership role. We are taught in 2 Timothy 2:2 how the church will continue to grow and how to train our teachers.

And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. (2 2:2 NKJV)

Tonight in our mid-week service we had Brother Shaban teach us. This was the first time he has taught and he was a bit nervous, but he did a great job teaching on the 5 steps of salvation. A great topic as we had 2 non-members present and some of the member's children.

Next week we are planning a Leadership Study with Mike Criswell and Clint De France. We have invited men from all over Tanzania. I think we are going to see more men stepping up just like brother Shaban.

-- Post From My iPhone

Sakoine - The Market

2011-09-06T20:59:00.000+03:00

Things are getting really busy here in Arusha. We are looking forward to the visit on Mike Criswell and Clint De France who arrive later this week. Next week we are planning a Leadership Study and have invited numerous brethren from all over Tanzania and even some from Nairobi, Kenya.

The sisters have been busy working out how they are going to feed these men and have done a really good job. This being the first time we have done anything like this there are a lot of things that have to be bought. Today I went with Allen and his wife Hossiana to the market to buy the non perishable items. Things like buckets, plastic plates and cups, charcoal cooking stoves and the such like.

Hossiana did a great job taking us around the central market. It was fascinating looking at all the items on sale. From all the spices of Zanzibar to cheap plastic from China. You see in the photo the two cooking stoves we bought (one on top of the other) and the cooking spoons (I suggested after we have finished cooking we could use them as paddles!)

In the market you don't just take the price they give you. It is an inflated price that they would be happy to take, but don't really expect. When there is a Mazungu (white fella) the price is even higher. I had to use all the skills I learnt on my mother's knee (she was an expert bargainer from her time in Zambia) to get the prices down. It was a fun experience and you always know when you have gone down too far when they let you walk away and don't case you. If there is further room for bargaining they will come after you and give you a counter offer. It is all done in good spirits and every one ends up happy. I tell Anne, if they don't want to sell it to you at such and such a price, they wont.

We finished our purchases and had a number of men offering to assist us to carry the items to the car. I selected a man who I later found out was called Simba (Lion in Swahili). He kind of pushed the others away who said they would help him (and share his tip!) and hoisted the cookers on his head. I followed him out of the maze that is the markets and along the streets to where we had left the car. There is not a lot of parking around the markets.

You really know that we live in a global village when you you see fashions gaining popularity where ever you go. One of the most unfortunate fashions at the moment is for young men to wear pants that are too big in the waist. Simba is a follower of that fashion and I am sorry to say that he has taken it too far. As I was following him he was averaging 10 steps before he had to take a hand off the cookers and pull up his pants before they fell down to his ankles and tripped him.

We got everything safely to the car and from there to the church building. Next week we will get the perishable stuff - another adventure awaiting me!

Life in Tanzania

2011-09-05T10:40:00.001+03:00

Living in Tanzania is an adventure. When you leave the house you never know what is going to happen. It may be simple things like cars hurtling towards you at break neck speed - on the wrong side of the road. It may be that there in no fuel in the country, or some other such trifle. It is a adventure living with extreeme electricity rationing (one day on, one day off). However it is all good fun.

The latest adventure I am involved in is purchasing a vehicle for my work. After advertising on-line, finding a suitable truck, all I have to do now is pay for it - 14.5 million shillings. (btw, want to know how it feels to be a millionaire? I can tell you it is overrated!). Anyway, when I tell you that the largest note here is 10,000 shillings (about $7) you can workout you kind of need a wheel barrow to carry it all. I had wanted to transfer the amount straight from my US bank to the sellers account. He wanted it Tanzanian shillings! That's ok, I just transferred it to my local account. Well that was 7 days ago and we have not seen the money. In a Grisham novel you read of money getting transferred in and out of 10 or so off-sea accounts in a matter of minutes! Note: they never send the money through Tanzania! The good news is that I had a deposit of 4 million into my account - don't know who from, no one knows that account number. May be it is just a gift! (to be fair we know that banking errors happen anywhere - hey! they even happen in Monopoly!

Anyway , I guess that sort of thing is what makes Tanzania the 128th hardest place to do business in the world!

-- Post From My iPhone

He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved

2011-08-29T08:44:00.000+03:00

I am happy to announce another baptism on Thursday. Every Thursday afternoon I go to the Sombertini area of Arusha and work with the preacher there, Dominic Owaga. We have studied with his brother in-law, Joseph, several times on the subject salvation.

Like so many, Joseph was confused by the many different and varied doctrines churches teach on Salvation. You hear people saying you are saved by faith only. Others say you are saved by obeying the 10 commandments. Still others say that you are saved if you pray the sinners pray. These divergent teachings are confusing and are WORNG!

Jesus put it as plainly as possible as is recorded in Mark 16:16

“He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.”

So on Thursday Joseph, through his belief was baptised for his salvation.

Dominic and Joseph

We had to dam the stream to make it deep enough.

Winnie, Joseph and Pruity

After our study, as we were about to leave, Joseph told us he had to be baptised "now!" Dominic knew of a little river close by, so that was where we went. Joseph's wife (a Christian) and baby came along too.

We were all so happy by this new birth into Christ. Please pray for this little Christian family

‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’

Acts 22:16

The Congregations at Nkoaranga and Sombertini

2011-08-26T13:08:00.000+03:00

Here is a short video showing two resent visits with the congregations at Nkoaranga and Sombertini.

The Bible is the Word of God

2011-08-03T13:18:00.000+03:00

There are many good books that have been written, but one book stands above them all. It is the book in which God speaks to mankind – it is the Bible. Other books have been written by very clever men and women, but the Bible is different, the author of the Bible is God.

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”

Hebrews 1:1-2

In the Old Testament God spoke long ago and in many ways through the prophets. He spoke to Adam as he walked with God in the garden. He spoke to Moses through the burning bush. He spoke to Daniel through dreams; he even spoke to the sinning prophet Balaam through a donkey! God does not speak to us in those ways now – that was how he spoke “long ago”.

“In these last day” God speaks to us through His son, Jesus Christ. The way he does this is through the New Testament. Notice what we read in John chapter 16. In this chapter we read of Jesus speaking to his apostles the night before He was killed. He had many things to tell them, but they were not be able to remember all of them, so he told them he was sending a helper, the Holy Spirit,

“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you.” .

John 16:13-14

Jesus told His apostles that the Holy Spirit would guide them into ALL truth. This is a very important point. They would not be guided into “some truth”; they would not be guided into “most of the truth”. They would be guided into “all truth”. The Holy Spirit would take the words of Jesus, he would give them to the apostles and then they, the apostles would have all truth given from God.

So, what did the apostles do with this “truth” they were given? The apostle Paul tells us very clearly in Ephesians chapter 3.

“For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles — if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;”

Ephesians 3:1-5

Paul tells us that by revelation he received a mystery. This is what Jesus had promised the apostles – all truth. What did Paul do with this revelation? He wrote it down. Paul wrote to the churches (including the church at Ephesus) by revelation. Today we can find these writings in the New Testament. We can now read it when we read the New Testament and we can understand the mysteries.

Just as Jesus promised, “all truth” was reveled to the apostles and prophets through the Holy Spirit. We now have the ability to read and understand them today. Today God speaks through His son Jesus. Jesus used the Holy Spirit to give these words to the apostles. The apostles wrote these words down and we now read in the New Testament the Word of God.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work. “

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Paul in writing to his student and fellow preacher, Timothy, tells us in the passage above that all scripture (the Bible) is inspired by God. From the original Greek that this passage was written in, we understand that scripture is “God breathed” – it comes from the mouth of God. We understand it is the Word of God. This is what we have studied so far. We also learn that it equips us for “every good work”. Think about that. There is no good work that is not in the Bible. We can understand this when we remember what Jesus said in John 16:13, the apostles were told the Holy Spirit would “guide you into all the truth”. All truth prepares us for every good work.

When we read the Bible we must understand that it is not like any other book we might read. We might read books for school, for college, for work or for pleasure. The Bible is very different though. It is not the words of men – it is the Word of God.

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

God speaks to us today. He does not do it in various ways, He speaks to us through His Son, through His word – the Bible

Ezekiel's Baptism

2011-05-19T06:20:00.001+03:00

We we so happy to witness the baptism of Ezekiel into Christ. Jesus said, "He that believes and is baptised shall be saved." mark 16:16. We rejoice with the Angels in Heaven

It Is Well With My Soul

2010-01-31T10:37:00.001+03:00

New Year's camp

2009-12-30T11:22:00.001+03:00

We are having a lovely time down south (where's it's cooler) with a number of the brethren. We spent an hour last night singing totaly from memory wonderful.

-- Post From My iPhone

The work done

2009-12-29T06:58:00.001+03:00

As I write this I am home from Arusha, Tanzania. It has been a very good trip - a different trip. While we have not accomplished yet all we desired to do, but we have done all we can and we now await the Tanzanian Government to do their part.

Allen Mkita has been a wonderful co-worker and he is more than capable of completing what is now lacking. I feel very fortunate to have been able to have worked with him.

During this trip we have accomplshed a lot of "organisational" things. We have made two trips to Dar es Salaam (and I have learnt a lot about travel in Tanzania). We have studied with many people and we have witnessed two souls being born again in the waters of baptism.

I would like to thank all those who have assisted me in this endeavour and also all who have been praying for me and the work. I do not believe that anything could have been accomplished without your prayers.

-- Post From My iPhone

A New Birth

2009-12-22T16:34:00.002+03:00

This Sunday in Arusha was another wonderful day. Not only did we worship with the brethren, but two new souls were added to the church.

The day started well when Allen received a call from a man we had studied with quite a bit. He had also been coming to church a lot. Charles wanted to tell Allen that both he and his wife wanted to be baptised for the forgiveness of their sins that day. What a way to start!

We had a wonderful service. I am sure the singing get better and better every week. The brethren asked me to teach again and I taught on the “new birth”. It is so encouraging seeing the very good attention the brethren show. You can really tell how much the brethren want to learn the Word.

After services we headed to the river. I took 2 car loads of people - a lot wanted to witness this baptism and the rest rode on a mini bus (or Dala dala, as the are called here). As we were waiting or Allen and the rest of the brethren to arrive to rain started - lightly at first, but then a full blown tropical down pour. We only had the lee of a shed to stand under. We were all lined up standing on a wall to keep out of the rain. It really looked like we were ALL going to get fully wet.

After about ½ hour the rain stopped and we were able to cross the river and head up to the baptism spot. By the time we got there, the character of the river had changed completely! While is was running fairly well, it was now a chocolate brown roaring torrent!

I tried to tell Allen that perhaps it be better to station men down stream so there would not be any accidents but he wouldn’t hear of it. In he went right is and baptised both Charles and his wife Mary. Afterwards we had a prayer and I had a few words. I told them them that their faith was an example to all. It would have been easy for them to say the they did not want to be baptised that day, but they were totally unhesitant!

We are so thankful to have witnessed the New Birth of these two wonderful people. God is so gracious.

A Trip to Kondeni Village

2009-12-09T14:17:00.004+03:00

Allen and I decided on Tuesday to visit a brother, Ibrahim, who had started a congregation in his village. This is a brother we had studied with before and who understood the true worship - we wanted to go and encourage him in his work.

When Allen spoke to Ibrahim on the phone, he was told that it was just past Himo town. We looked on the map and saw that it was about an hour and a half away. We decided to give the trip 2 hours and headed off about 9 a.m. to get there about 11.

It was a very good drive to Himo. Arusha is on Mt. Meru and very green. To get to Hemo you drive east down the mountain to the Massai Steep. It is a lot drier here and the landscape is covered in volcanic rock that have been spewed out of the mountains. You leave the Steep and head up to the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa). To get to Himo you drive around the foot of Kilimanjaro past the large town of Moshi, the drive is really beautiful.

When we got to Himo, Allen asked directions and found that we had to leave the main road, and the tarmac and head north, on a dirt road. Now, the car that I have hired is a 4 cylinder Toyota sedan. The designers in Japan had never thought that their cars would go anywhere like they go in Tanzania. This road started out bad! The volcanic rocks that we had seen before were back and they we strewn all over the road. It was a very slow journey, easing over the largest bumps, trying desperately not to hit the sump or any other vulnerable part of the car. In reality, a 2 wheel drive can go a lot of places that you might not think it could. All you have to do is pick your line and drive very slowly. There is no point rushing when there are big rocks trying to stop you!

Allen was in contact with Ibrahim on the phone and he was told, “it is just a little way down the road”. We passed a convent and Allen again phoned up and was told, “a little further!” We went for another ten minutes and again Allen phone, “you will get there in about 15 minutes”. About this time, thankfully the rocks stopped and the track got better. We were heading up the mountain and Allen and I joked that we would climb Kilimanjaro in the car if we kept going - and kept going we did. Each time we phoned Ibrahim he told us that it was not far!

Eventually we called again and Allen described the shop we had stopped in front of and Ibrahim told us we had gone, “way too far!” It seems he was not at the road yet, so had missed us as we passed. This left us a little wary. How far off this track did we have to go?

We finally found him and we had a very warm reunion - Ibraham is a great guy who loves the Lord. He also speak quite good English, which is good for me! I told him that if the track got too bad we would have to walk. “Ok” he said, “it is not far” (what exactly he meant by that, we did not know!) Any way the track turned out to be not too bad and we made it a fair way before I had to stop and park the car. It was not a very long walk before we came to his house.

Ibrahim had gathered a number of Christians and some of the people he had been studying with and wanted me to teach them.

I was very pleased with how well he had organised things. We sang a couple of songs, had a prayer and then Ibrahim asked me to teach. Ibrahim started translating for me and did a VERY good job! This is important for me to know so that Allen does not have to do all of my translating.

I taught on the church, using Matthew 16:13-19 as my text. I then opened up the study to questions and the men gathered had some very good ones. I could tell they had paid good attention and understood about the one church that Christ built. There were questions about entry into the church and how we worship. These questions opened up good opportunities for further teaching. I could tell that Ibrahim was very pleased with how things were going. The study lasted for about and hour and a half and Ibrahim did the lion’s share of the translating, but it is very hard work and he asked Allen to take over towards the end. Allen Mkita does such a good job of translating and makes it seem so easy that sometime you forget how much mental gymnastics they are doing.

After the study Ibraham’s neighbor wanted us to go over there and pray for her mother and then we headed off down the mountain.

Both Allen and I were very pleased with this trip. It was an important one to help and encourage Ibrahim. While it was a difficult trip in a sedan, but with a different vehicle it will be easy and very pleasant.

Working with Ibrahim and studying with these people really reenforces my desire to work with these people. The gospel is spreading here and there is a lot of work for us to do.

Sunday Worship in Arusha

2009-12-07T17:39:00.001+03:00

We had a good day at worship yesterday. The brethren were all very happy to gather together, and while we did not have as many as last week, the number were still good. We also had a number of visitors too.

One man asked me before services about his baptism in the Pentecostal church. We talked briefly and after services he said he saw he had to be baptised again, but wanted to talk with his wife (who was in attendance also) as he wanted them to be together in this. Allen and I will study with them more this week.

I am so happy with how things are going with this church. The brethren are really interested in doing what the Lord commands and are very happy to hear his word.

Please pray for these brethren.

From Dar

2009-12-05T16:07:00.001+03:00

We had to be at the bus station by 8 a.m. on Friday morning and the taxi driver told me it would take an hour to get there, with the traffic. It was arranged that he would pick me up at 7a.m.

In order to finalize my bill, I was down stairs by 6.30 (far too early for breakfast - the restaurant opened at 7 a.m.) The taxi driver was there already so we headed out right away. The traffic… well there wasn’t any - we got to the bus station by 6.45 for a 8.30 departure! I knew I had a wait. Fortunately Allen was there early also, so we at least had each other for company.

I had read on the internet that Scandinavian Line was the best service, but started having my doubts when busses started arriving. Allen assured me that these busses were going elsewhere, but the Arusha bus would be better. We spent the time watching literally hundreds of busses departing for all over the country, and other countries as well!

The time was progressing. 8.30 arrived and passed with no bus for Arusha. However, I was ready for this. You just have to “chill out”. There is nothing to be gained by getting excited. At about 9 a.m. The bus turned into the yard and we left by about 9.15 - only 45 minutes late, so that was not too bad.

Regardless of Allen’s claims, I could not see that this bus was ANY better than the others I saw, but it was comfortable and with all the windows open, it was not too hot. Apparently the air conditioning stopped working many years ago.

We are doing pretty good for about an hour and a half when the driver stopped to check the vehicle. He announced that there was a puncher, so there would be a short delay. Most of us got off the bus to see the free entertainment and after a while the offending wheel was off. So too were half the studs (the bolts that hold the wheel in place). This was not just a flat, if we continued we would be in real danger of loosing a wheel! Phone calls were made to headquarters, but to no avail.

Finally it was decided to remove one of the other back wheels, take off some of their studs and put them on the offending wheel. This they did with the willing help of a number of young men and the free advice of most of those who had gathered to watch. We were in a small village and entertainment of this sort does not come by that often.

After about 2 hours the studs were swapped and the wheel replaced. The driver did not look too happy, but we headed off anyway. Apparently there was a mechanic headed our way, so we would have help if we needed it.

We drove on for about an hour or so when the driver stopped to check the wheel. He announced that it was getting very hot because of friction and we were in danger of loosing the rest of the studs. The wheel was the wrong sort and the nuts would no tighten up as they should. We were in REAL trouble.

I had an idea that they could swap the offending wheel for in inner wheel on the back of the bus. This would save the friction problem as the outside wheel would hold it firm. I was sure they did not want advice for a muzungu (white man) so I left them to work it out.

Eventually that is just what they did and after another 2 hour wait we were on our way. The mechanic did turn up eventually with the wrong studs, so he was not much help really, though he was able to do some of the heavy work and save the driver and his conductor.

We were finally off again and we had no other mechanical problems. Unfortunately we were still only about half away to Arusha.

It was about 6 hours of hard driving to go through some beautiful country, but also through some torrential rain. I would like to be driving! About 11.30 p.m. We finally arrived in Arusha. The bus dropped me at the apartments and I was ready to drop into bed!

Everyday in Tanzania is an adventure and I thank God for his care and goodness.

In Dar

2009-12-05T16:01:00.003+03:00

I stayed in Dar es Salaam in a budget hotel and Allen said he wasted to stay in an “African” hotel. He had contacted his relatives in Dar, but there was no room for him to stay with them.

As arranged we met early the next morning and had a short Taxi ride to the Department of Home affairs. Allen disappeared to find out where we had to go and came back about ½ and hour latter. In the mean time I was entertained by Abraham the Bishop. This was a “street preacher” who was not a member of any church (but wore a Seven Day Adventist's chair shirt). All those who were sitting around me found him very funny and he was a nice person, even if his doctrine was rather way out.

Allen returned and announced that it was all done! They wanted some of our paper work to “check it out” by their legal team. They would let us know when we could come back - they did not tell us how long. Allen phoned them up later that day and will continue to do so until they are ready for the rest of the paper work. In real terms, a fax and a phone call could have done all that we did, but the personal contact is very important and at least we are making headway - even if it is a bit frustrating.

There was not much left for us to do. I told Allen I wanted to see the ocean and he wanted to see an aunt that lives in the center of the city.

Dar is a big city. It is hot and humid. As we walked around, pretty soon we were dripping with sweat. We saw the sea (the Indian Ocean looking East, back home we look westward over the Indian Ocean) then we bought our bus tickets for the return to Arusha on Friday. We were not going to fly back!

The best thing about the hotel where I was staying was the air conditioner! The worst - well, I will not go into all those. Needless to say I will NOT be staying there next time!

To Dar es Salaam

2009-12-03T20:10:00.008+03:00

Well, we are in Dar es Salaam now, and what a difference. While Arusha is cool and peaceful, Dar is hot, humid and VERY busy - but lets go back to how we got here.

Allen has been working very hard on getting our papers and he came to me and said we have to present our papers to the Department in Dar, so we went straight out and found out the prices for flights for that afternoon. They were all about the same price, but Air Tanzania seemed to be the best deal, so we went with them. From there it was home, shower, pack and head out to the airport.

When we arrived at the airport we were told this was a very special day. It was the inaugural flight for Air Tanzania between Dar and Arusha. They ushered us from the usual boarding lounge (and from those poor people who were not flying on Air Tanzania) to a special area they had arranged for the festivities. There were two marquees set up, there was food and drink laid out - Allen and I KNEW we had made good choice. Then the entertainment came. A traditional dance group with drums, Allen said they came from the Tanga region (Allen to me that to do this “you just don’t have to care” he pointed out “they even wear woman’s clothing” - a shawl around their waist!).

After a while they were told to start, and start they did. It consisted with 3 playing drums, one singing a lead and the rest shuffling around and singing an answer. It was good - good that is for the first 3 minutes! They kept it up for ½ and hour - the same song - the same beat, just repeated over and over AND over again. I was starting to get a headache! Fortunately they HAD to stop and rest.

The Precision Air flight arrived (we discovered we were actually in the “Arrivals” area). The passengers looked rather confused. The Precision Air flight left - we were still there. Now the Air Tanzania plane was due to LEAVE in 5 minutes and it had not arrived yet! Nothing for it but to get the dancers up and at it again - you guessed it the SAME SONG!!! Maybe they were calling the plane in.

Luckily now the decided that it was time for refreshments - at least it would distract everyone for a while. Still no plane! The dancers went on and on, everyone was getting hot AND hot under the collar.

Finally 30 minutes after it should have left, the plane came into sight. There was a ragged round of applause - people thankful that the arrival of the plane had at least stopped the music for while.

The plane taxied in front of us and a small group of very confused people climbed down the ladder. Each was given a small bunch of Arusha roses and could not pick up their baggage until they were officially welcomed by the M.C. “This is called Arusha!” she told them - just in case some one had stepped onto the wrong plane and had expected to alight in Paris or Rome!

It was then time for a viewing of the plane. The VIPs lead the way (they had been waiting in the VIP lounge). The rest of us were invited to view the plane as well, but that offer was rescinded - it was getting late! Then it was time for the speeches. The most important man there was the Regional Commissioner. I think he did not enjoy the wait. He went on at length telling us all that the was “a business”. It has to be run as a business. He said, “if you say you will leave on such a such time, then you MUST leave at that time.” “I know I am making some angry,” he said, “ but you asked me to speak now, so I have a job to do.”

After his telling off, finally we were invited to leave - ONE HOUR LATE! But hey, this is Africa and it was fun - it is all part of the adventure.

This was Allen’s first flight and he did enjoy it. It was fun watching him and talking to him. Before we knew it we were heading down to Zanzibar (an island off the Tanzania coast) to drop off some passengers and take up some others. We only were there for about 10 minutes and Allen had trouble realizing it was not like a bus and we were not free to get out of the plane and have a look around.

It was beautiful taking off from Zanzibar, watching the dhows with their triangular sails slip beneath the aircraft as the sun was going down.

We got into Dar about 6 p.m. and made our way yo our accommodation. It was really a fun trip with Allen - he really is a good traveling companion.

Sunday Worship in Arusha

2009-11-29T14:22:00.000+03:00

I would like to share with you the worship service that we had today in Arusha, Tanzania.

The service was to begin at 10.00 a.m., and as the brethren were now meeting at a new location, I went early. Having phoned Allen, the preacher, he met me on the main street and guided me to the little school room where the brethren now meet for worship. The room where the church meets is small and without windows, the light comes in from the double doors that you enter through. There are about 5 rows of seats and desks on each side of a central passage and a blackboard on the wall at the end of the building. Normally you would think that the room would fit about 20 people in, but we had 38 at worship today. The brethren are quiet close!

When I got to the building at 9.30, most of the brethren were already there. It was wonderful to greet my old friends and to meet new members and visitors. Before too long singing started as the brethren practiced their favourite songs. This continued until we started our worship service. At this time there was a least 4 people on each bench, but all were very happy to be there.

Services started with a prayer and a song, then I was invited to get up and speak. What with everything I said having to be translated by Allen, I preached for about 1 hour and I can honestly say the brethren’s eyes did not leave my face. I preached on how, when serving God, size does not matter. We looked at the examples of Gidion’s defeat of the Midionites, David and Goliath and how Jesus chose to go the the home of the small man, Zaccheus. It is so wonderful preaching God’s word when the brethren are listening so closely and following along in their Bibles.

After I had finished preaching another brother, Wilson, got up and presided over the Lord’s supper and then the collection. We sang another song and closed in a prayer. It was a very simple service, but that is what worship is about in the Lord’s church - worshipping in spirit and truth.

When the service had finished the brethren wanted me to get up and tell them about what I had been doing and what I planned for this visit. They commented on the sermon with one brother commenting on the smallness of this congregation and how that didn’t matter - they had got it!

It truly is a privilege to work with these brethren. I ask that you continue to remember them in your prayers.

Arrived Safely

2009-11-25T20:45:00.003+03:00

After a long trip (25 hours all up) the plane finally touched down at Kilimanjaro International airport. I felt so good to be back in Tanzania once again. I was met at the airport by Allen Mkita and we hire a taxi to go to the apartment. It was about 8 p.m. when we arrived there and I have to admit that I was falling asleep in the car. So... it was an early night for me and I spelt VERY well.

I woke up refreshed in the morning and after breakfast went for a walk and met up with Allen. We had a good day together, making plans and discussing what we wanted done this trip.

Thanks for all the interest in this trip. Please keep praying for this work.

I'm back

2009-11-21T03:36:00.003+03:00

Well, its been a while, but I am back here to blog. We have been very busy the last few month, coming back from the U.S and settleing in to "normal" life once again. Now I am planning to go to Tanzanina once again - this time for a month. I will try to keep you all up dated on that trip, so call back every once in a while an see how things are going.

At the airport

2009-10-04T16:39:00.000+03:00

Well, I am at the airport now with Anne and Jamie. I guess I will have to board the plane soon but first a coffee with my family. I am looking forward to getting to Tanzania but not looking forward to leaving my family. A month is a long time to be parted - the Lord will strengthen me, I'm sure.

-- Post From My iPhone

2 Cor 5:1-10

2009-09-15T19:10:00.001+03:00

In the passage 2 Cor 5:1-10 the apostle Paul talks about the temperary nature of our time here on earth and the permanance of our heavenly home. He likens our bodies to tents and like tents they will be pulled down. Our heavenly home is a
"house" - eternal in the heavens.

We need to look to our heavenly home and not our earthly tent.

"This world in to our home we are just a passing through."

-- Post From My iPhone

Old Faithful, Yellowstone National Park

2009-08-31T19:04:00.002+03:00

Arkansas

2009-08-20T07:01:00.003+03:00

Well, another week has flown past. It is hard to believe that we have been away two months already, the time is going past so fast. One of the things that is most difficult is being away from your family - your spiritual family. Thanks to those who have kept us up to date with the goings on there, it has really helped us.
We left Tyler on Sunday afternoon, after their afternoon service. We had intended to have a leisurely drive to Arkansas, stopping after a few hours driving, it did not turn out that way. I phoned Doug and Debbie Edwards to see if we could have lunch with them the next day - we ended up driving till 11.30 and stayed with them.
This last week we took a needed rest. Anne and I still had to get over our illnesses. We spent the week with Glen and Reba Osburn in a little town called Eureka Springs in Arkansas. Glen and Reba were there last for their honeymoon 35 years ago, so it was a great thing for them to go back. We spent the days getting up late, thinking about where we would eat breakfast, looking at the sights and then thinking about eating again. There were a lot of laughs with the Osburns and a lot of good discussions. It was just what we needed!
Eureka Springs is a beautiful place in the Ozark mountains. We enjoyed the historic town and Anne and Reba enjoyed the shopping. I enjoyed walking around Leatherwoods Lake.
Eureka Springs has a Passion Play depicting the last week of the Lord’s life. We went there on the last day we were in town and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was performed out of doors and had a big amphitheatre for seating. It could have been a bit “cheesie” but the story took over and it was wonderful. We left Glen and Reba on Friday, and it was hard. We had a LONG breakfast and then we realised that we could have lunch together on the road as we each went our separate ways. We have spent a lot of time with them and we will not see them again this trip. It was hard to say good bye to them after lunch.

Worship in Kansas City

We worshipped this last Sunday at the congregation where Mike and Beth Criswell attend. We had been there before when we were in Missouri, but had only worshipped there on a Wednesday evening. I was asked to speak at both of their services.
The brethren organised a lunch at the church building, and like so many other places the ladies out did themselves. There was so much good food, how could one decide. The church building there is an older one with a basement. They use the entire basement for their lunches. After lunch the brethren organised a short service and had me give my report on Tanzania together with my PowerPoint. Once again this was well received with a lot of questions asked and positive comments given.
In the U.S., just like at home, they have a really hard time finding people who are willing to listen to the gospel and study the Bible. The brethren are so excited to hear about the manner in which the gospel is being accepted in Tanzania.
God bless you all. Keith and Anne

Off to Texas

2009-08-11T02:12:00.002+03:00

This has been a rough week for us with both of us being sick. I was taken to the Dr. on Tuesday and am on a course of antibiotics and Anne had to go to the Doctor on Saturday and was diagnosed with bronchitis - she too had to go on antibiotics. Not all that much fun, hey. However, the Lord has been with us and we have been able to do all the things we had to do.
This was the last time we were to be in Oklahoma on this trip. It was a little sad, but exciting to move on to another leg of our trip. We said good bye, for now, to Glen and Reba and headed south for Texas. Were were in Arlington, Forth Worth for the Wednesday night service where I spoke. The congregation at Arlington are the brethren who support Jerry in Malawi, so it was interesting to speak to them about the Tanzanian work. We stayed with Reba’s mother, Dorothy Short and really enjoyed the time we got to see her.
While we were in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we were fortunate enough to be able to see Duane and Laurie Permenter who are over from Zambia and Bill and Daisy Davis who are home from Mozambique. We had lunch together and were able to talk a long time about Africa.
While we were in Fort Worth, Anne and I took time out to visit the Botanical gardens. They have a very nice Japanese Garden and although it was rather hot and humid, it was very peaceful and relaxing.

Tyler Texas - the Rose capital of the world!

We had the privilege of holding a weekend meeting in Tyler. Anne and I had not been there for twenty year, when we visited when Jamie was a baby. The church then was only very new and now they are looking to appoint elders - very exciting. The brethren there are very friendly and very hospitable. We ate far too much there, as at each service there was a meal, either before or after. The services went very well - the singing was particularly beautiful, with strong singers in all the four parts.
We stayed with Glen and Rebecca Ballard - a wonderful couple who love the Lord and his work so much. Glen is a very capable preacher of the gospel and he also teaches school. Both Anne and I enjoyed being with these Christians very much.

Around Oklahoma

2009-08-11T02:03:00.004+03:00

I must apologise for being a bit late with this newsletter, this week has been book-ended with sickness. Anne was ill at the beginning of the week and I got ill at the end of the week and am still suffering the effects of it. I guess the effect of the trip have gotten to both of us (“gotten” I’m not sounding American am I?)
As a result of the above we did not have a very heavy week. On Tuesday we went with Glen and Reba to “Bricktown”, the dining heart of the city, for lunch and then went on the art gallery that had a very good impressionist exhibit from Wales. There were works from Turner, Monet and Cezanne.
I spoke on Wednesday night at Edmond (Anne couldn’t come) which was very interesting. The brethren there have been sponsoring the work in Zambia for years and as I was born there it was very interesting to talk with them after services. On the way home from Edmond (about a hours drive) I could see a storm in the South - I was heading south! By the time I got near the Osburn’s the lightning was filling the sky. I was lucky, as the rain held off ‘till I got in, and then it bucketed down, it even started coming into the house. Then the power went off - what a fun night, at least we missed out on the tornados!
On Thursday night, Anne was feeling a bit better, so after she had spent the day with Dana Cutter looking at historic homes in OKC, we drove 2 ½ hours east to the town of McAlester where brother George Battey was holding a meeting. It was very edifying, the singing and the teaching were great. Anne really enjoyed hearing someone other than me speak! Afterwards a number of us went and had ice cream together - it was a fun time. We got back to Glen and Reba’s place about 1 p.m.! You really could go to a meeting somewhere around Oklahoma any day of the week in summer.

Midland Texas

I was down to speak at Midland this weekend. Anne, who had been feeling poorly was not able to travel with me, so at 5 a.m. On Saturday morning I headed off to Texas. People had told me how “far” away it was. I enjoyed the drive. I reminded me of the drive to Kalgoorlie. The country side is very comparable. The town of Midland is also like Kal., it is a mineral town (oil), it has wide streets with deep culverts in them, it is also in a very arid part of the country.

On Saturday night the brethren gathered at the Mike Oestmann house (where I was staying) and I showed my PowerPoint I have on Tanzanian. They were very interested. We had a great service on Sunday where I spoke at both services.

After the morning service, Mike took me out to see an oil well that his company is drill, it was fascinating to see all that goes into the getting of the oil that becomes our fuel, that we put in our cars.

I left Midland in Monday, and while I was pretty crook while there, the Lord was with me and I was able to get though it ok. Please pray for us.

Rescue me ... Lord

2009-08-05T18:51:00.001+03:00

Your Word...

2009-08-01T06:22:00.000+03:00

While traveling from Oklahoma City to Midland Texas the thought came to me this morning about the word of God. To make this trip I looked at maps and studied GPS to see the route I need to go. This is just the same as we have to do in out spiritual life.

King David understood this when he wrote in Psalm 119:105, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.". Like David we have to ensure we stay on the right path, follow the correct route. Jesus called it the "straight and narrow way". To reach our goal of eternal life that is the way we have to follow.

Read your Bible - follow the way

-- Post From My iPhone

Heading to Midland TX

2009-08-01T02:07:00.001+03:00

We are getting ready head out early in the morning to head for Midland. We have been told conflicting tale of it being in the middle of nowhere or that it a paradise. I have a feeling that it has to do with wether you are from Texas. Any how, we are sure looking forward to it.

-- Post From My iPhone

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

2009-07-31T19:26:00.002+03:00

We spent this week with Glen and Reba in Oklahoma city and had a busy time. We got in on Sunday night and Reba was organising a trip for Glen in the morning. We left at 5.30 in the morning to take a young boy to a singing school about 2 hours away. Glen and I were vert tired but we kept ourselves awake with bad jokes. We dropped Austin off and headed straight back. We stopped off at Macca's and had breakfast. Glen left his pack behind (he assures me it is not a man bag) but he didn't realize it till we were 2 hours up the road! The next morning we were up at 5 am! This time to take Jamie to the airport, the early mornings sure take their toll.
We worshiped at Whispering Pines on Wednesday night. They don't have a set speaker, rather they encourage each man to prepare a short 5 minute talk. It works very well and is most edifying.We went out on a couple of outings with the Osburns. We had a farewell lunch with Jamie on Monday, Carisha and her kids came - we had fun. On Thursday we went to the botanical gardens. Little Audi loved the "plants and flowers". We had lunch together and had a relaxing time before we went to Healdton for our next weekend meeting

Weekend Meeting in Healdton, OK.
Healdton is about an hour and a half’s drive south of Glen and Reba’s place. We were going down for the start of the meeting on Friday night. As we had plenty of time we decided to go on the scenic route rather than on the freeway. We we certainly took the scenic route! It was very pretty, but when we found ourselves on a dirt road and outside a hunting ranch, we realised that we might have taken a wrong turn. We finally made it to services about 5 minutes before the start time, so while it would have been nicer to have been there earlier.
The congregation at Healdton is an inspiration! While the town is dying, the congregation certainly is not! They have 2 elders and 2 deacons. They have many families, both old and new, a lot of new contacts. They service a large area, with a people driving up to 50 miles (80 kms). They meet together for lunch each Sunday and then have their afternoon services at 2.00 p.m. (so people don’t have to drive between services. We had a very good meeting and they were VERY interested in the Tanzanian work.it was a real privilege to have been with these brethren. Strong friendships have been formed.

Another good week

2009-07-31T19:22:00.002+03:00

We had another good week in Missouri. We stayed with Mike and Beth when we got back from Ozark and had an enjoyable time getting to know Beth and other members of Mike’s family. On Wednesday night we went down to Springfield to the Mission Hills congregation. This was the congregation that put on the 4th July meeting and it was great to see them in their “normal” setting without all the worry of the meeting behind everything. It was good to be with a congregation that obviously enjoyed being together and working together for the Lord. We have seen this a lot over here, but with the meeting as evidence of their work, it was interesting. We drove down in the afternoon and drove back in the evening after services, a 3 hour each way journey, but the road are great and we didn’t want to have yet another move!A number of people came over to Mission Hills to hear me and meet with us. Their friendly reception was wonderful and a great encouragement. We have some wonderful brethren here and some really good friends.
I can encourage you enough, save up your pennies and plan to come over for a visit. It might take a while to save up the airfare, but believe me, it will be worth it.
Mission Hills was the last place were were to be in Missouri and then it was back to Oklahoma.

After our time in Missouri we have 2 weeks in Oklahoma. Our first meeting was in Tulsa. We headed down there on Friday afternoon about 12.30 and went to the Baker’s house, where we were staying. Randal and Shawn are a great couple with two wonderful children who showed us great hospitality. The meeting went really well with a lot of people coming to the Friday and Saturday night services. In fact said that both nights were record attendances. Brethren came from neighbouring congregations and even from Missouri, we even have our “groupies” who have been following us around.
They organised a supper on Saturday night. It was was really nice enjoying a meal outside chatting with all the brethren. This time of year there are very long evenings. We also had a meal after services on Sunday, those ladies sure worked hard. After lunch the brethren asked me to give my report on Tanzania. Even though they are small, the brethren in Tulsa are supporting a new work in Benin, West Africa. There are a lot of similarities between the work there and Tanzania. We then had the afternoon service. It was hard work after such good food and it being warm and all. We got through and had a good service.
We left Tulsa after services and made our way back to Oklahoma City. It was really good to be “home” again with Glen and Reba.

Kansas City, Missouri

2009-07-31T19:16:00.002+03:00

Well, we have had another very busy week. We have been spending the week in Kansas City, Missouri with Mike Criswell. His wife Beth has been travelling on business, so we have not seen much of her, but we have been enjoying our time with Mike and Brooks.We have been to a number of studies that Mike has organised and we went to a great museum, the Steamboat Arabia, which went down with a whole “department store” of a cargo 150 years ago.
Mike had a houseful with Elizabeth Battey staying there until Thursday, then a friend of hers who came for the last 2 nights. A young preacher, Clint De France was over one night and then Mike’s youngest sister and her family stayed over on their way through Missouri. People here sure know a lot about hospitality!
I spoke on Wednesday night at Mike’s home congregation here in Kansas City. They are a great bunch of people and we had a good service. They were very interested in the Tanzanian work and even though I did not speak much on the situation there – just mentioned it. I am very hopeful about the prospects of raising the funds we need.
Jamie came up with us to Missouri (we drove Glen’s truck up here and we have picked up Mike’s mini van from here on) and he drove back to Oklahoma on Thursday. He and Brooks had a great time together with the other kids. He is going to be in OKC (Oklahoma City) until he leaves on the 19th (I think). This is a better time for him to be here as his friends are all out of college now for their summer break – he is able to spend more time with them. Talking about summer, this is the first time we have been here at this time of the year and it is beautiful.

Lord’s day
This Lord’s Day we were at Ozark which is about a 3 hour drive south of Kansas city – an easy one though. The congregation at Ozark is one of the congregations that have been supporting me since I went full time again. They are the ones that pay for my Malaysian/Singapore trips, they also have helped out with Tanzania. They are wonderful people and it was wonderful to be worshipping with them once again. We stayed with Wayne and Donna Towe. Wayne is one of the main leaders here and they have a wonderful house in the country.
We had very good worship services and in the evening many came from neighbouring Springfield to be with us.
On Monday Anne went with Nicole Cook to Laura Ingles Wilder’s house and I went with Smith Bibens to look at 2nd hand book shops. I don’t think we could have got Jim out of there. Well, take care of yourselves. Keith

4th July Meetings

2009-07-31T18:58:00.003+03:00

This has been a very busy week for us, but an exciting one. We went to the big meetings at Sulphur, Oklahoma and Springfield, Missouri. It was so edifying to be among so many Christians in fellowship and worship.
The Sulphur meeting was a good bit smaller than Springfield and was held in, what they call, the tabernacle. An open air build, on the same block as the church building, that was built many years ago for the 4th July meeting. We were there on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, before many people arrived. I spoke on Tuesday and was well received. The brethren here are very interested in the work in Tanzania. Sulphur is about and hour and a half from Glen and Reba’s place so we drove each night. They had not yet started the morning meetings
On Thursday borrowed Glen’s truck and drove to Springfield, Missouri. It was about a 4-hour trip and we arrived just before the meeting in the evening. Mike Criswell had been asked to hold the meeting and did a great job.
They held the meeting in a big auditorium and when we got there most people had already sat down, but there was still a lot of room for more. The singing was wonderful and they had four preachers speak. Mike had me down to speak in the morning. I can tell you, it is something to get up to speak before more than 500 brethren. It went well and I spoke on Philip and the Ethiopian and how we have our own Philip in Allen Mkita. So many people came up to me asking about the Tanzania work. They are really excited about it here.
Anne, Jamie and I stayed at the home of Kendal and Nicole Cook, a great Christian couple who opened their home, not only to us but also to about 10 young men! Jamie joined these guys in what they called the “man cave” (the basement).
On final night of the meeting there were nearly 900 Christians gathered, not bad as this was the first time the brethren have held that meeting in Springfield. Being part of such a large group of Christians was wonderful and the singing was…unbelievable!
On Saturday we left Springfield to go to Kansas City to stay with Mike, Beth and Brooks. We had a good evening together in their lovely house and then early in the morning, Anne and I left for Columbia MO, about 2 hours way. They had me speak on both of their services and then give a report on the Tanzanian work. The had a business meeting immediately after my report and came back and said they wanted to be involved in the work and to let them know what was needed. This is a wonderful congregation that made us feel very welcome and truly have a love of the Lord’s work, where it is.
Back in Kansas City, they had Jamie speak in the morning and Mike tells me he did a great job. When Anne and I got back at about 7.00 p.m. Jamie, Brooks and Brooks’ cousin, Elizabeth, were out visiting and didn’t get back ‘till late.
Our prays are continually with you all. While we are busy we miss you all. Please continue to pray for us and the work.

Week one – in OKC

2009-07-31T17:44:00.003+03:00

Well here we are in Glen and Reba’s house just south of Oklahoma City. We have had a very busy week but are very happy with how it all went. We arrived in OKC on Monday evening after a LONG flight. It was comfortable though, we even got bumped up to Premium Economy on the flight from Sydney to San Francisco – very nice! The focus of this week was really to get back on our feet. I have read that it take one day to get over each time change you go through – we went through 13! So, we are still waking up very early but managing to keep going most of the day. They had me speak at Whispering Pines (where Glen and Reba go) on Wednesday, and that went well.

We have been able to spend time with Jerry and Linda and discuss things with them on a couple of occasion. They send their love and I gave them Caleb’s message. We went out to lunch with them and while Anne went shopping with Linda, Jerry and I talked about the future of the Tanzanian work.

Yesterday I spoke at both services at Whispering Pines. Anne and I then got into Glen’s truck and rushed north to get to the 21^st Street congregation where I was to speak at their 6.00 p.m. service. Anne drove and I rested a bit. We made it in good time and we had a good service. Afterwards they asked us to stop back and give a report on Tanzania. I have prepared a PowerPoint and I used that. It was very well received. I feel very positive about how things are going.

At Glen and Reba’s

As always it is a busy time staying with Glen and Reba. They have an open house and people are coming and going at all hours of the day and night. It is a lot of fun though. Both Glen and Reba are enjoying being grandparents and dote over their “grandbabies”. Audi (right) is “the cutest baby in the world” - officially!

We had fun yesterday when, with a house full of guests for lunch after services, the water gave out. No dish washing, no toilet flushing, no hand washing – what fun. We just got it fixed this morning when the technician came and found a bug had been fried between the contacts so 2 minutes and $75 later we had water!

Well, best go and get my shower now and get on with the day. We are going to the Sulphur meeting this week so that should be fun. Bye!

In the U.S

2009-07-06T23:10:00.001+03:00

Is has been a long time since I have blogged. So I thought I had better get on to it.

We are in the U.S. on a trip to premote the work in Tanzania. We had a great te at the 4th July meetings at Suphur Oklahoma and Springfield Missouri. I spoke at both of those meetings and the brethren were very infested in the Tanzanian work. I have also spoken at Whispering Pines in Oklahoma and Columbia MO with good reception. So a great trip so far.

We are going to be here for the next 3 months so check back and I will keep you up to date.

Another Busy day

2009-05-19T07:28:00.002+03:00

Monday 18th May
Allen and I started the day with a study with our two Pentecostal preacher friends. This study went very well with a lot of questions being asked. We studied in a barbershop with one of the barbers, Leon, being particularly interested. We finished the study and arranged to meet again on Wednesday.

After lunch we were asked to meet with a preacher and some of the leaders of a congregation he works with. We had a very study sitting under some mango trees and these brethren said that they were convince about following scriptural worship and from this Sunday onwards would follow the biblical pattern. We did not contact these people to study with them, Allen and I have been concentrating on our studies in Arusha, but these brethren sought us out, so we had to go to them.

Afterwards we picked up Anne and Hossiana, who had been spending the afternoon together and we all went to meet with Mama Eugene and another lady, Apolonia.

2009-05-19T07:28:00.001+03:00

2009-05-19T07:28:00.000+03:00

Lord's Day Worship

2009-05-19T07:27:00.001+03:00

Sunday 17th May
Worship started as usual at 10 a.m. Before the worship started, Wilson led a couple of songs so the brethren could practice. The Christians here love to sing!

We had a good worship service. I again was asked to teach and preside at the Lord’s table. The building was full. We are going to have to find larger accommodation before long! I was happy to see the two newest converts attending and showing a lot of interest. I taught on what we receive as Christians, and used Peter’s sermon in Acts 2 as my text. This was well received.

Like last week the Christians spent a long time after services talking to one another. Many wanted to speak to Anne and myself, so Allen and the other English speakers were well used in translating.

We had been asked by a brother to help him with services in a town about an hour’s drive away. Of course we said we would be happy to do that, so we arranged that after services in Arusha we would head out and drive to meet this brother.

We had organised a “lunch box” at the apartments, so we came back and got that and hit the road. We were quite a party, Allen, Hossiana, Anne and I – we ate our picnic lunch as we were driving along. On the way we met and picked up another brother who wanted to see how we held services. There was not a lot of room in the little white van! Allen had to sit in the back, which he told us was very comfortable – a lot more room.

We arrived at our destination and met our contact, Ibraham. He then directed us to drive out of town, and a bit further. We left the town boundary and kept going. Each time I asked how much further I was told, “not far”. I am learning that in Africa, all things are relative. We drove through a sugar cane plantation for about ½ an hour and on the other side we finally reached a village. This was not what Anne and I had expected. It turned out that there was not a congregation here, rather the “hope” of a congregation. We were very warmly welcomed by Martin and a number of his friends and had a very good study. Ibraham wants to move out here to teach at a school and preach the gospel. We of course encouraged him to do that. He said he would return next weekend and continue studying with these people. I do think that there will for a congregation there soon.

We arrived back in Arusha after dark, very tired, but happy with how the day went.

A Quiet day

2009-05-19T07:24:00.001+03:00

Saturday 16th May
Yesterday was our first really quiet day, and we needed it. We just went about our own things in the morning. Anne and I went shopping and had a coffee at a nice outside café. After lunch Allen and I went to meet a couple of people and encourage them, and that was about it.

Anne and I went for a walk in the evening near to the apartments. As we were going along we started to here some singing. There was an acapella choir practicing and we were invited to an impromptu concert. They were REALLY good.

2009-05-16T20:51:00.003+03:00

Friday 16th May
Allen and I started our day by meeting with the two preachers we met yesterday. One of the other men at the study, Mathias, came along also. They told us they wanted us to study with some people. It turned out that that these people were in the center of the city. On our way there they said that these people would not be available until after 12 o’clock (lunch time). As we had a wait, we turned around to find somewhere to meet and study with these men.

As we were driving along, we were told there were 200 people to study with! All these men had to do was call out “halleluiah, halleluiah” (very strongly) and these people would come out! Well, we decided that this phenomenon would have to wait for another day.

We had a very good study, after which Mathias told us that he had to be baptised. We studied some more with him, in private, and made our way to the river to baptised him. What a joy to serve the Master!

We then had a meeting with a man called Christopher and a group he meets with on a Friday evening. This group asked me to teach them, Christopher had already asked me to teach on the subject, “why are there so many churches?” This went very well and they asked us back next week. We also organised a meeting with the “chairman of this group, Peter. This was a very long day, but a very good one. May the Lord be praised.

More car trouble

2009-05-16T20:46:00.002+03:00

Thursday 14th May
This was another busy day here in Arusha. Allen and I had thought that we had a study first up at 10 a.m. This turned out to be wrong. We were to study with Justin who works here at the apartments. We were to study with him on his ½ day, but he had the afternoon off, not the morning. This worked out well though as it meant that Allen and I had time to just talk, reflect and plan. The work has been so busy that we are feeling that we are just caught in a wave, it was nice to take stock.

Our first study was with Shardack’s family. We set off from here in good time, but that is not always enough time here in Tanzania. The traffic police had set up a random check stop and we were stoped! The car I am hiring did not have third party insurance. It had to be paid there and then. Well, I was not going to pay so I first called the owner, no answer. I then called Mazoea, the owner of the apartments (he arranged the hire of the car). He said he would fix it. After a while, his sister, Nancy, came and swapped cars with us. She would wait until the owner came. This meant that we were late to our study and Shadrack had gone off to do some work. We had a good study with the ladies of the family (and friends) on the parable of the Sower. When Shadrack came back I had the ladies teach him what they had learnt. We finished the session off with tea and peanuts for lunch.

We had a 1 o’clock study with Eugene at his stall. During the study 2 preachers stopped and after us encouraging them they came and sat down. We were studying “what is the gospel?” These men were very interested. It turns out they preach for 2 different pericostal churches. They asked us to come and study with them tomorrow, so a time was set and we said our goodbyes.

In the afternoon we went to see our old friend, Negengia. We had a good study at her work place and she introduced us to her workmates. She is now working at a new wood supply store; it is bigger and better paid for her.

Our last study for the day was with Justin who is the chef at the apartments. He met us on the highway and showed me were to drive the car. We had not gone too far when it became clear that this road was not made for little Mitsubishi vans. I backed down to where I could turn around and we ended up walking. We had a good study and agreed to study next week.

Allen's Family

2009-05-13T21:10:00.001+03:00

Wednesday 13th May
Today was the day we planned to go and see Allen’s parents at their village. It is about an hours journey from Arusha, going down Mount Maru and then back up to the foot hills of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is a very nice drive and this timeof year it is all very green with the wet season. We were very warmly welcomes by Allen’s parents. They treated us wonderfully to a terrific meal and showed us around their farm. It was a very good break for us, as both Anne and I have been working very hard and we had been getting pretty tired. As Allen’s father said, “a break is as good as a holiday.” On the way home we had a study with one of Allen’s friends and made it back to Arusha just on dark.

2009-05-13T21:02:00.003+03:00

Tuesday 12th May
We started with the follow up study that Wilson had organised. His friend was not there, but we studied with 3 ladies and an old man. It turned out that the ladies were of the Muslim faith and at the end of the study they said they wanted to become Christians, but we worried that they would be divorced by their husbands. This is a very real and serious problem for them. We promised to study with them again and may be with their husbands.
We then picked up Hossiana and went to our old friend Shadrack’s place for a study and lunch (Anne could not come as she was working very hard on her University essay). We had a great study, they had invited a number of their neighbours and there were a lot of questions, a lot of discussions and a lot of laughter. We stay there for 2 hours!

Our next appointment was in a little village about 20 minutes out of town. We were meeting there with another of Allen’s friends. It is a very nice looking area and we had a very good study

Studying

2009-05-13T21:01:00.000+03:00

Monday 11th May
We went this morning with Wilson to study with another of his friends, unfortunately he was not around, but we organised to come back tomorrow and study with the family. We took the opportunity to study with Daniel (who was baptised on Friday). We had a good study on the need for spiritual growth. We had lunch at the apartment with Allen and Wilson and afterwards, Allen and I went out to find a source of good Bibles at a reasonable price. We found the Scripture Mission, Norwegian mission that imports Bibles and on sells them. We bought 8 Bibles. They were able to recommend a good printer for us, so that was our next stop to get some prices for printing booklets.

Our first study for the afternoon was called off because the lady had to stay up all night with a sick friend – she was very tired, so we went visiting our old friends. Went to see Mama Eugene, who we studied with last year and organised to go back to study next Monday. We then went to visit one of Allen’s friends.

Lord's Day Service

2009-05-10T18:02:00.001+03:00

Sunday 10th May
Church was at 10 a.m. this morning. We arrived early and there were already many brethren there. I was happy to see Daniel there (the man who was baptised on Friday) as well as a number of other Christians I had not seen yet on this visit. They were all very happy to see Anne and everyone wanted to shake her hand and ask her how she was.
The brethren meet in a small schoolroom. There is not much space, but it is in a good location that is easy to find. When all were there it was fairly cosy!

Worship started at 10 sharp with Bro. Wilson leading the singing and he did a very good job. I have noticed that the singing has really improved since I was last here with everyone singing from their hearts. The brethren listened very well to my sermon with a lot of nodding of heads at the correct places. When we finished the brethren hung around for a long time, talking with one another and obviously enjoying each other’s company.

After worship, Allen took us to meet with a lady I studied with last year, who comes to church as often as she can. She sent her children today but was working herself. She works at a hospital and was very happy to see us. We arranged a study with her for Tuesday after her work.

Car trouble

2009-05-10T18:00:00.000+03:00

Saturday 9^th May,

Today was a bit of a wash out, in more ways than one. Anne and I had got out early to do some shopping before I met Allen. We were driving down the road in the rain when the car started to make some funny noises. Eventually it stopped, the engine running, but no gears. Fortunately I was able to roll it backwards into a car park and there we had to leave it. We contacted the owner of the car and he came and took it to be repaired. He said we could have another car while the first was being fixed. All of this took us up until lunch; Allen was with me by this time. After lunch we headed out in the new car. It was running so rough I just turned around and brought it back. I didn’t want to be stopped in the middle of nowhere again. The owner was contacted once again and as Allen and I went about our work on foot, he came with a mechanic to repair it. When I returned to the apartment the owner offered me a third car. Hopefully this one will not let us down.

This is the first problem we have had on this trip so far, and really it was not a big one. It stopped us doing all we wanted to do, but that was all.

In the evening we went to Allen and Hossiana’s house for a meal. Hossiana had gone to a lot of trouble and everything was very nice. We had a very nice evening, good food and good company with good brethren.

"Arise and be baptised"

2009-05-09T16:39:00.005+03:00

Friday 8th May
The water was flowing fast and brown. The course of the Theme River had changed since I was last there, the recent heavy rains had seen to that. We were looking for the spot we had found last year; we were looking for the baptism spot.

Our day had started early with a study organised by one of the brothers here, Wilson. He had phoned up Allen and asked us to come and study with his friend and work mate, Daniel. We held our study at their work, with Wilson seeing to Daniel’s duties while we studied. It was a very good study and at the end of it, Daniel announced that he needed to be baptised. I left Allen to make the necessary plans.

It was decided that we would not wait. The baptism was to be done right away, Wilson would cover for Daniel in his absence. I then realised that Daniel was completely ready for his baptism; he even had other clothes under his uniform. I asked about this and was told that Wilson had been studying a lot with him and he just wanted to wait to see me before he was baptised. It pleased me more that I can say to know that others are doing the work also. Allen is a wonderful worker for the Lord, but to know that he has a fellow work in the field in Wilson is very encouraging.

We made our way to the Theme River and after a while we found the pool where we had baptised before. The rock wall that someone had made was washed away, but the water was still deep enough there to immerse Daniel. We rejoiced with the angels in heaven as we welcomed our new brother Daniel.

Daniel wanted us to show him the building we worship in before he went back to work. He announced that he would ask his employer to have each Sunday off and if need be, he would take a cut in salary. Wilson had really studied with him well and we have a new brother with a deep faith.

After that great beginning the day continued well. We had further studies that went well and were asked back at each place. In different areas it can be difficult to find people willing to listen to the Word of God, but here people really want to know what the Bible has to say.

Invariably the questions come around to baptism. They want to know if baptism is with “much water” or “little water”. The Lutheran church is the largest church here and the people really want to know about the practice of sprinkling and how that fits with what the Bible teaches. They are very interested to hear that the word “baptism” means immersion and fascinated to read of the accounts of baptism and how, each time it required “much water”.

Arusha, Tanzania

2009-05-08T20:17:00.004+03:00

Thursday 7th May
The internet at the apartments is not working so in an effort to make contact with the outside world, Anne and I went in search of an internet café. The first one that we came to wouldn’t work, it could have had something to do with the flood damage they had suffered due to the torrential rains we had last night. We eventually found one that worked but it was soooo slow! We made contact, wrote letters and felt good about that.

Today was the start of our studies. We had a three studies planned and true to what I found last year, as we studied more people would come along and we organised more studies with these new people.

The first place we were at was in a family home. This was a very good study that went from 11 a.m. until about 1.15 p.m. when we had to stop because we had our next study. No lunch for us today (Anne was spending the morning with Hossiana and they had organised lunch for us, but had to go on by themselves).

We then studied with three new ladies who asked us to come back and study with them again tomorrow. The people we meet really want to know what the Word of God says and love to study.

Our next study was with Eugene, whom we had studied with last year. Eugene has attended church on a number of occasions and he is a good Bible student. He has a street stall selling fruit and vegetables. When he isn’t selling he is reading his Bible. We studied at his stall and after a little while we had quite a crowd gathered. People just pass by, hear we are talking about the Bible and sit down to listen. Pretty soon they are asking questions. Once again we had organised new studies with new people from this study. It is not hard to find people who want to hear God’s word here.
Allen and I parted late in the afternoon to rest up before we again start tomorrow.

Arusha, Tanzania

2009-05-07T17:01:00.003+03:00

Wednesday 6th May
Allen came over this morning and we both worked on planning for this trip - our goals and how to achieve them. Afterwards we went out into the town to organise things, banking and getting a SIM card for my phone. With the technology that is available today it is so much easier to keep in touch. As an example, I texted Jamie and I shortly had an answer from thousands of miles away – it still blows my mind! We may be in Africa, but don’t think we are backwards here in terms of technology – here the mobile phone rules!

After lunch Allen and I went visiting our contacts and arranging studies for tomorrow and beyond. The people that we visited gave me such a warm welcome and told me that I had to bring Anne along to meet them. One family suggested that I take them to see where we met on Friday so that on Sunday they would know where we meet and how long it would take, so that on Sunday they could defiantly be there. Allen and I arranged studies for tomorrow so it looks like we are going to be busy – which is why we came.

When Allen and I had finished Anne and I went shopping at the Shopright supermarket. While there is not everything we can get at home, there is a good selection and Anne was able to get what she needed and got some ideas about how she could adjust her menu to suit what is available.

The traffic here is something to behold. I drove today and almost everywhere there were heaps of cars, bussed, Dala dalas (mini buses), motor bikes and bicycles. There are rules of the road here, but… well they seem to be more like suggestions rather than laws. Most people don’t stress themselves by following them. The type of driving you need to practice is “defensive driving” with a good bit of aggression thrown in (if you didn’t you would never be able to enter the traffic). While it all seems like madness to start with, it works. You don’t see many accidents and people get where they need to go. Prayer also works well!

Arusha

2009-05-06T18:03:00.001+03:00

Tuesday 5th May
The Mennonite Guest house is an older building that was very comfortable. We would have liked to have spent more time exploring it, but we had to keep moving. Up at 4.30 a.m. in time to be ready for the taxi to take us to the airport. We had an 8 a.m. flight from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro International Airport. We made it through all the official business that one has to do at an airport and even had time for some breakfast (croissant and juice) before the plane left. It was just a short 50-minute flight passing Mt Kilimanjaro (the highest mountain in Africa) before arriving in Tanzania. We had to go through immigration and customs and this took a long time. In the end we were the last ones out of the airport!

It was wonderful to be met by two dear friends. Allen and Hossiana were there waiting for us (wondering if they had got the wrong time!) We had a wonderful reunion and I was very pleased to introduce Anne to them. We took time out at the airport to sit at an outdoor café and have a cool drink and just catch up. It was great catching up on news – finding out how old friends were doing. Allen and Hossiana are very good people and Anne and I we so happy to be with them.

It was then a taxi ride to the Guest house where we are staying and then Allen and Hossiana left us to relax. Anne and I went for a walk, did some shopping at the local super market and then Anne had a nap. Dinner and the restaurant and then early to bed. We were two tired campers!

Arusha Tanzania

2009-05-06T18:02:00.000+03:00

Monday 4th May.
Anne and I had to get up early this morning to make our fight to Tanzania, by early I mean 2 a.m.! Jamie was wonderful and took us to the airport where everything went very well and by 6 a.m. we were in the air and heading for Dubai. It was a long ten hours but very comfortable and we were well looked after. A quick turn around in Dubai and we were on our way to Kenya. The plan was for us to over-night in Nairobi and then fly out early the next morning. Arrangements had been made with the Mennonite Guest House and they sent a taxi to pick us up. We arrived at the Guest house at about 9 p.m. local time and just fell into bed – we were exhausted! We had been on the move for about 22 hours and we were ready for bed.

Explain God

2009-04-13T06:02:00.000+03:00

Written by Danny Dutton, age 8, Chula Vista, California,
for his third grade, homework assignment

"One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die so there will be enough people to take care of things here on earth. He doesn't make grown-ups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make, That way, He doesn't have to take up His valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.

God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times besides bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV on account of this. Since He hears everything, not only prayers, there must be a terrible lot of noise in His ears, unless He has thought of a way to turn it off.

God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere, which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting His time by going over your parent's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.

Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren't any who come to our church.

Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God. They finally got tired of Him preaching to them and they crucified Him. But He was good and kind like His Father and He told His Father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said OK.

His Dad (God) appreciated everything that He had done and all His hard work on earth so He told Him He didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So He did. And now He helps His Dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones He can take care of Himself without having to bother God. Like the secretary, only more important, of course. You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to hear you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.

You should always go to Church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God. Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong! And, besides, the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.

If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parent can't go everywhere with You, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared in the dark or when you can't swim very good and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids. But you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and He can take me back anytime He pleases.

And that's why I believe in God."

Isaac

2009-04-10T13:55:00.004+03:00

Isaac was the son that God had promised to Abraham and Sarah. There were told that it was through Isaac that, “indeed I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies” Gen. 22:17

So Isaac was born and was circumcised on the eighth day, Gen 21:4. It was Isaac that God commanded Abraham to sacrifice on the mountain, Gen 22:2, and whom God spared there on that mountain, Gen 22:12. It was this man, whose name means laughter, was the one continued the line of Abraham.

The life of Isaac

A bride for Isaac
Gen 24:1-67
As Abraham grew older, after Sarah’s death he sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own relatives, Gen 24:4, because he did not want him to take a wife from the daughters of the Canaanites, Gen 24:3. This servant was a godly man and he prayed for success in his quest, Gen 24:10-14. The Lord fulfilled this request and it turned out just the way the servant prayed it would. Abraham’s niece, Rebekah came down to draw water. The servant entered Laban’s house and told him all that had happened. Laban agreed that the Rebekah should go with him, Gen 24:50-58

The birth of Isaac’s sons
Gen 25-19-26
Like his mother, Sarah, Isaac’s wife, Rebekah was barren and Isaac prayed to the Lord for her, that she might bare children. This prayer was answer with the birth of twins who were born in an unusual way. While Esau was born first, God had told Rebekah that the older would serve the yonger.

The stolen Blessing
Gen 27:1-4
Before Isaac died he wanted to give a blessing to his oldest son, Esau (Esau had already sold his birth right, Gen 25:27-34, the blessing was all he had left). Rebekah heard about this and sought the blessing for her favourite, Jacob, Gen 27:5-18. Jacob fooled his father into bestowing the blessing onto him, Gen 27:18-29. Esau missed out on the blessing, Gen 27:30-40.

The Death of Isaac
Gen 35:27-29

Characteristics of Isaac

• Meditation
Gen 24:63
Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.
• Affection
Gen. 24:67
Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her; thus Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
• Imitated his father’s sin
Gen. 26:7
When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister,” for he was afraid to say, “my wife,” thinking, “the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is beautiful.”
• Peaceableness
Gen. 26:20-22
the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him. Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over it too, so he named it Sitnah. He moved away from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it; so he named it Rehoboth, for he said, “At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.”
• Prayerfulness
Gen. 26:25
So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well.

Isaac in the New Testament

Luke 24:34-40
Jesus used Isaac as a proof that there is a resurrection

Gal 4:21-31
Isaac was the child of promise and is representative of the New Covenant. The Old was cast out and we serve the new.

2009-04-10T13:52:00.000+03:00

“Every one says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.”

C.S. Lewis

Amazing Grace

2009-04-06T03:11:00.001+03:00

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me.

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

John Newton

Abraham, Man Of Faith

2009-04-06T01:32:00.003+03:00

One of the greatest heroes of the Old Testament was Abraham, who was previously called Abram. He came from Ur of the Chaldees, which is situated between the Tiris and Euphrates Rivers. His father, Terah, moved Abram and the rest of the family to Haran, about 980 kilometres to the northwest. It was from there, God called him.

"The Lord had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:1-3

Abram obediently left for Canaan with his family, including his wife Sarai (later renamed Sarah) and his nephew Lot. He travelled down through the land, Shechem, Bethel, Ai, and right south toward the Negev. During that time The Lord appeared to him and told him that, "To your offspring I will give this land." Genesis 12:7.

Many significant events of Bible History followed:
• his time in Egypt to escape the famine in the land, Gen. 12:10-19
• the birth of his son Ishmael by Hagar, Gen 16:7-16
• God's changing of his name to Abraham, Gen 17:1-8
• the covenant of circumcision when he was 99, Gen 17:9-14
• the Destruction Of Sodom, Gen 19:1-26
• the birth of Isaac. It was Isaac's descendants who were to inherit the land of Canaan. Gen 21:1-8

The greatest test of Abraham came when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac. Despite the grief and horror that he must have been experiencing, Abraham was actually about to go through with it before being stopped by God. God said to him, "I swear by Myself, declares The Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed Me." Genesis 22:16-18. Isaac was released unharmed.

Abraham lived a good long life. After he died, he was buried in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre that he had purchased to bury his wife Sarah, who had died before him. Later, Isaac, Rebekah, Jacob and Leah were all buried in the same place, known today as the "Tomb of Patriarchs" in Hebron.

Abraham and the New Testament

John 8:39-59
The Jews claimed Abraham as their father. Jesus pointed out that they were not doing the deeds of Abraham. He then went on to show them that He was greater the Abraham because he existed before him. When Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” John 8:58, they really knew what He meant. He was using the divine name,
“Then Moses said to God, “Behold, I am going to the sons of Israel, and I will say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you.’ Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’ What shall I say to them?” God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”; and He said, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Ex. 3:13-14

Rom 4:1-3
The Jews taught that it was the works of the Law that saved you. We are saved by faith apart for works of the Law, Rom 3:28, Gal 2:16. Note, there are some who fail to see that it says “works of the law”.

Heb 11:8-19
Here we have “Faith’s Hall of Fame”. We can see Abraham was a man of faith. Everything he did was through faith. We have to be like Abraham, we have to be people of faith. How do we get faith? Rom. 10:17 “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”

James 2:18-24
This can seem to be a contradiction here unless we notice in Rom 3 and Gal 2 what is being talked about is “works of the Law”. Abraham had an obedient faith – we saw that in Heb 11. Abraham did what God asked him to and, “and it was reckoned to him as righteousness, and he was called the friend of God” James 2:23

Do you want to be counted as righteous? Do you want to be a friend of God?
Have an obedient faith.

2009-04-05T17:20:00.002+03:00

“I think we all sin by needlessly disobeying the apostolic injunction to "rejoice" as much as by anything else”

C.S.Lewis

Noah

2009-04-03T20:39:00.001+03:00

Genesis 6:1-8:22
By the time of Noah, the sin that had started in the Garden of Eden had spread with man and overtook the whole world. Adam and Eve had been told to be “fruitful and multiply”, Gen 1:28. They did that, but so too had sin. Note Gen 6:5-8. In the whole of the sinful earth God only found Noah to be blameless, Gen 6:9, and it was he who God chose to be the saviour of mankind at that time.

Sin

In this passage about Noah we can learn a lot about sin. What it is; the consequences of sin and how to avoid it. We read in Gen. 6:5, “Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Wickedness and evil thoughts are at the root of all sin. See 1 John 4:3, James 1:13-15, Rom 3:23, Rom 6:23. Noah was pleasing to God because he was blameless, he walked with God, he was faithful and he was obedient.

Faith
God promised Noah that there would be a flood that would cover the whole earth and destroy all living things. That is hard for us to comprehend today, how much more for Noah? Up until this point it seems that it had not rained, “But a mist used to rise from the earth and water the whole surface of the ground” Gen. 2:6. Noah believed God and did what He had told him, “Thus Noah did; according to all that God had commanded him, so he did” Gen. 6:22.

We see here that faith is not simply believing, it is in the doing as well, see Heb 11:7, James1:22, James 2:17.

Patience
The Ark was big! If we take note of Gen 6:15 and remember that a cubit is the length of a man’s arm from fingertip to elbow. God’s design was 300 cubits in length (135 m); 50 cubits in width (22.5 m); it had three stories and it was 30 cubits high (13.5 m). It would have taken a LONG time to build, but Noah was patient. Some say it took him 120 years to build! Then we consider that patience during the flood, see Gen 7:17, 24. During all this Noah was patient.

We need to learn patience from this man. This is not something that comes easy and it goes against how many live their lives. See 1 Cor13:4, Gal 5:22, 2 Tim 2:24, James 5:7-8

Noah in the New Testament
The New Testament teaches us many lessons from the life of Noah. Jesus uses Noah and his time as a mark of His return, Matt 24:37-39. We are reminded about faith, Heb 11:7. We are taught about salvation, 1Peter 3:20-21

2009-04-03T02:37:00.003+03:00

“There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way”

C.S.Lewis

2009-04-01T20:08:00.000+03:00

“Though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.”

C.S. Lewis

Cain And Abel

2009-04-01T11:03:00.004+03:00

The Bible tells us that after Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden they had two sons, Cain and Abel. As Adam had been cursed in Gen 3:17-19, so too these sons made their living off the land. “And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground” Genesis 4:2. In time they both brought a offering to God, Cain brought some of the crops he had grown and Abel’s offering was from his flocks. God had regard (looked with favor, NIV) for Abel’s offering but not Cain’s. This rejection of his offering caused great anger in Cain, so much so that he killed his brother.

Genesis 4:1-16

First murder
Out of the 10 Commandments, the 6th is “You shall not murder” Ex 20:13. Jesus dealt with the root cause of murder, read Matthew 5:21-22 . Anger is the problem that Jesus deals with; it is what we have to deal with today. We might well say, I have not sinned in the same manner as Cain, but we have to ask have we been angry? Note Eph. 4:31-32

True worship
On reading the Genesis account of Cain and Abel we might be confused as to why God did not have regard for Cain’s offering, but He did for Abel’s. It is confusing and it appears that God was just showing favouritism. Fortunately we live under the New Testament and we have more information as to why this was so. In Hebrews 11:4 we read, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain…” It was by faith that Abel offered to God a better sacrifice. Roman 10:17 tells us, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Abel’s faith came about from hearing the word of God – God told him how he was to be worshipped. Cain disregarded this instruction.

Many today are guilty of this same disregarding of God’s word. John 4:24 states, “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” People are happy to worship in “spirit” but fail to worship in “truth”. Truth is found in the word of God (John 17:17). We too have to be like Abel and offer to God our worship by faith.

“Am I my brother’s keeper?”
After Cain killed his brother the Lord asked Him in Genesis 4:9, “Where is Abel your brother?” Cain answers the Lord in a sarcastic, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Keeper as in one who watches over animals of prisoners). This leads us to consider our responsibility we have to our brethren. Galatians 6:2 states, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” See also Rom 15:1, John 13:34, Colossians 3:12-14

In the New Testament
We are given warning from Cain and Abel in the New Testament. These first decedents of Adam and Eve teach us from their graves. Note what we read in John 3:11-12, Jude 11, Heb 12:22-24.

Cain’s wife
In Genesis 4:17 we read, “Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son.” Many question where did this wife come from? It is a good question and one that needs an answer.

We know that the first man was Adam and the first woman was Eve. They were told to be fruitful and multiply, Gen 1:28. In Acts 17:26 we read, “and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,” There were no other nations, all mankind came from Adam and Eve, including Cain’s wife. She was either his sister or his cousin. How can this be though?

There was not a prohibition on the marrying of brothers and sisters until the Law was given on Mt. Sinai. Adam was 130 years old when Eve gave birth to Seth, Gen 5:3. There was plenty of time for Adam and Eve to have had many sons and daughters.

In the first generation after Adam brothers and sisters would have married. As they had children they would have been able to seek others for spouses.

In Kuala Lumpur

2009-03-03T04:43:00.002+03:00

Things have been rather hectic around us lately and I have not been making the entries I would have liked.

We are now in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia working with the church here. The brethren are so kind to us and are an example of Christian hospitality to Christians everywhere. We are here until Wednesday then we are off to Singapore for a few days and then back here until the 16th March.

Please pray for us and the work here in South East Asia.

2009-02-26T03:05:00.000+03:00

" I have been driven many times to my knees by the

overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go.

My own wisdom, and that of all about me, seemed

insufficient for the day."

Abraham Lincoln

Adam and Eve

2009-02-25T02:53:00.003+03:00

The first man that God created was Adam (adam is the Hebrew word for man). He therefore is our father and his wife Eve is our mother. The human race has not “evolved” we have “descended” from these first created people.

We can learn so much from a detailed study of Adam and Eve. We can learn of our beginnings, our nature, the power of God, God’s commandments, sin and the consequence of sin.

Text – Genesis 1:26-3:24

Gen. 1:26 Man was not created in the same manner as the animals. Adam was created in the image of God. John 4:24 tells us, “God is spirit”. We too have a spirit, see Gal. 6:18, James 2:26, Heb. 4:12. We have an eternal side of us. When our bodies die we still have our spirit. This is that which will survive until eternity.

Gen 1:28 – Be fruitful and multiply. From these 2 the earth was populated. Adam lived 930 years; he may well have been alive in the time of Lamech, the father of Noah! Adam and Eve were given rule over all the earth.

Gen 2:7 Adam was formed out of the dust of the ground. It was God who animated his body. When we die our bodies return to its natural state (Gen 3:17-19).

Gen 2:15-17 The command of God. While Adam and Eve were only given one commandment the same repercussion existed. They would surely die (Gen 2:17 – see Rom 6:23, James 1:15). It is important to note that in the garden of Eden there was the tree of life. After Adam and Eve sinned they were cast out of the garden lest they eat of the tree and live forever (Gen 3:22-24).

Gen 2:18-24 Through Adam and Eve, God gave us marriage. Adam was created out of the dust of the ground. Eve was created out of Adam. They came from one and in marriage they become one again. The marriage relationship is complex (Eph 5:32) but the oneness of it is in the centre of it and an understanding of that is essential to understand marriage. See Eph 5:22-33, Col 3:18-19.

Gen 3:1-6 Temptation. In the first temptation of the devil (Rev 20:2) we see his nature and how he works (1 John 2:16). Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44) and that is how he works. Note what we read about temptation in James 1:13-15. When we give into temptation we fall into sin and that will lead to death.

Adam and Eve in the New Testament

1 Cor 15:20-24. Through Adam and Eve death came to this earth. The sinned and were separated from God and the tree of life. Christ came to rectify the problem. Through His death of the cross we can have life. The proof of this is the resurrection. See also 1 Cor 15:42-46.

2 Cor 11:13 Eve and her fall into sin is presented to us as a warning in order that we are not led astray. Satan is still the father of lies and he is still trying to deceive is. How many times I have heard about the gospel, “it can’t be that easy. This is where the doctrine of the Gnostics came from.

1 Tim 2:11-14 While it may be difficult to understand all that Paul is meaning here, the outcome is quite clear. God has ordained headship for the man (see also 1 Cor 11:3) Adam was created first and while both Adam and Eve sinned, it was Eve who was deceived by the devil.

We learn a lot from our parents. As we grow our mother and father are our very first teachers and they continue to teach us. Though they are long gone we can also learn a great deal from Adam and Eve. And by learning from them, we can grow.

The Clockmaker

2009-02-21T07:20:00.002+03:00

I cannot imagine how the clockwork of the universe can exist without a clockmaker."
Voltaire

2009-02-19T06:21:00.002+03:00

http://cleansingperceptions.wordpress.com/category/daily-inspirtion/

1 Corinthians Chapter 16

2009-02-19T05:24:00.002+03:00

The Collection for the Saints
In this chapter the apostle moves on to a topic that does not seem to be a problem for the Corinthians – The collection for the saints. This was a collection of monies taken up by the, so-called, “gentile” churches for the needy Christians in Judea. It times of drought and famine the people suffered greatly and this collection seems to be an attempt by those who were receiving the blessing from God, to assist those in need. For more see the following passages:

• Rom 15:22-27
• 2 Cor 8:1-2, 13-15)
• 2 Cor 9:1-2, 6-12
• Acts 24:17

A special note needs to be made that this collect was made for “needy saints”. This was not a collection for the poor in general. The church does not have authority to use its funds to assist all the needy poor in the world, rather the needy saints. The church is not a benevolent organization; the churches function is to bring salvation to the lost.

There has been historically some confusion over the use of the word “saints”. This is not a special class of Christians like some would have us believe. All Christians who have had their sins washed away through the blood of Christ are saints. The Greek word used here is “hagios” meaning, “set apart for God, to be, as it were, exclusively his” (J.H. Thayer). The letter to the Corinthians was written to the “saints” see 1 Cor 1:2. Saints have been set apart, sanctified, in Jesus Christ. This collection was taken up for the needy Christians in Judea.

There are only two uses that the church is authorised to use the collection for. The first of these if for needy saints as we have seen. The second is the spread of the gospel. The church uses the funds collected to assist in the spread of the gospel, see 1 Cor 9:14 for example.

Paul answers four questions about the collection: When? Who? How and Why?

When are Christians to give? Paul explains that the collection was to be done on the first day of every week. When the Christians gather together to break bread, see Acts 20:7, the collection is to be taken up. This of course is a very significant day. It was the day the Lord was resurrected. The Day of Pentecost, the day the church, was on the first day of the week – this was the day the Christians gathered for worship.

Who is to give? Paul answers this, he says, each one of you is to put aside and save” 1 Cor 16:2. Each Christians has a responsibility to give back to the Lord, no matter how rich and poor they are. If God has prospered them in any way they need to give back to Him. He has given us all things - we are all prospered.

How is the collection done? Again Paul says, each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper”. Each one has to determine an amount and put it aside for the collection. This is done by each individual and is not to be seen as a tax and it is not a “tithing” (that is a command under the Old Testament for the Jews). It is to be determined by the individual, “as he may prosper”.

Why are we to give? This is so that the individual Christian can participate; participate in the assistance of needy Christians and the spread if the gospel, see Phil 1:5.

Paul gives good advice to how the money is to be administered. He did not want to take the money himself; rather he wanted an official from the church to take the money. We can see that this is what happened when we read Acts 20:1-4. It is always a good idea in financial matters that they be handled by more than one brother to avoid even the slightest suspicion of improper dealing.

To love at all is to be vulnerable

2009-02-19T04:32:00.001+03:00

“ To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. ”
C.S Lewis

What is your gift to God?

2009-02-18T06:25:00.002+03:00

Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. ~Leo Buscaglia

Church History - Apostolic Period

2009-02-18T06:00:00.001+03:00

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by mikecriswell

1 Corinthians Chapter 15

2009-02-18T05:18:00.003+03:00

Resurrection

It seems that the Corinthian church had some false ideas about the resurrection. In this chapter the apostle Paul deals with these problems and reminds us the importance of the resurrection in our lives as Christians. Note what he wrote in 1 Cor. 15:12, “Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” Paul uses the resurrection of Jesus to prove that there is a resurrection from the dead. Read John’s account of the resurrection, John 20:1-18.

The Gospel
The gospel is the “Good News” about Jesus, read 1 Cor 15:1-4. The good news that He came to earth and died for our sins and on the 3rd day was resurrected from the dead. The gospel is at the very centre Christianity. Without the gospel we would have nothing.

This is what Paul points out to the Corinthians. The believed the gospel and they obeyed it. Now, arguably, the most important part of the gospel is that Jesus was resurrected from the dead. If Jesus had not been resurrected he would have just another teacher. His resurrection proved that He was the Son of God and that the price had been paid for our sins.

Paul points out that the resurrection was a verifiable fact. The Corinthians could go and speak to the witnesses of the resurrection. Paul lists the witnesses, 1 Cor 15:5-8, and includes all the apostles and more than 500 brethren. He states the resurrection as a fact that could be proven. This is something that could stand up in a court of law. Having proven that the resurrection of Christ to place, Paul then asks why some say there is no resurrection, 1 Cor 15:12.

No resurrection from the dead?
Paul states, “But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised” 1 Cor 15:13. This of course would present many problems. Firstly he says it would prove us false teachers, it would mean that we do not have sins forgiven. It would mean that those who have died “in Christ” have perished. It would mean that we have no hope at all. Paul points out the ridiculous conclusions one would have to draw from this belief, that there is no resurrection from the dead.

Paul however gives us hope. He writes, “But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep” 1 Cor 15:20. Jesus’ resurrection has led the way for our resurrection. In Christ we shall be made alive and this resurrection will come about at the end, 1 Cor 14:24, on the last day.

We are dead while still in our sins. We are baptised for the forgiveness of our sins, Acts 2:38. Baptism leads us out of death into life, Rom 8:10. Why be baptised if there is no hope for us, if there is no resurrection?

How are the dead raised?
When we die we will have new “body”, 1 Cor 15:42. We will be changed in the same was as a grain of wheat changes. In order for us to undergo that change we have to die. We die in a perishable body; we will be raised in an imperishable body. We now have a natural (physical) body, but we will have a spiritual body come the resurrection. Again we can see Jesus as the one who has gone first. He lived in the flesh, He died, was in the tomb and on the third day resurrected. As we are now earthly, we will be heavenly.

The Mystery of the Resurrection
“Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed” 1 Cor 15:51. When a Christian dies it is often referred to as sleep. The reason for this is because it is just a temporary state. We will not remain “asleep”, we shall be changed, see 1 Cor 15:52, also 1 Thess 4:16-17. Then death will be forever defeated, Rev. 20:11-15. The victory has already been won, it was won on the cross and the evidence of this victory is the resurrection.

Drop to your knees

2009-02-18T04:23:00.000+03:00

Some stand on tiptoe trying to reach God to talk to him - you try too hard, friend - drop to your knees and listen to him, he'll hear you better that way. ~Ever Garrison

Fifteen Things God Won’t Ask

2009-02-17T16:13:00.002+03:00

Author Unknown, Source Unknown

God won’t ask what kind of car you drove, but will ask how many people you drove who didn’t have transportation.

God won’t ask the square footage of your house, but will ask how many people you welcomed into your home.

God won’t ask about the fancy clothes you had in your closet, but will ask how many of those clothes helped the needy.

God won’t ask about your social status, but will ask what kind of class you displayed.

God won’t ask how many material possessions you had, but will ask if they dictated your life.

God won’t ask what your highest salary was, but will ask if you compromised your character to obtain that salary.

God won’t ask how much overtime you worked, but will ask if you worked overtime for your family and loved ones.

God won’t ask how many promotions you received, but will ask how you promoted others.

God won’t ask what your job title was, but will ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.

God won’t ask what you did to help yourself, but will ask what you did to help others.

God won’t ask how many friends you had, but will ask how many people to whom you were a true friend.

God won’t ask what you did to protect your rights, but will ask what you did to protect the rights of others.

God won’t ask in what neighborhood you lived, but will ask how you treated your neighbors.

God won’t ask about the color of your skin, but will ask about the content of your character.

God won’t ask how many times your deeds matched your words, but will ask how many times they didn’t.

1st Corinthians Chapter 14

2009-02-17T05:12:00.000+03:00

Tongue Speaking and Prophesy
The apostle tells the Corinthians to pursue love and earnestly desire spiritual gifts. Why are they told this and how does it apply to us today? Firstly the Corinthians at that time only had partial revelation, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part” 1Cor. 13:9. The scriptures were not yet complete. They needed to have the Spiritual gifts to have God’s will revealed to them. We are fortunate that today we have the complete scriptures, 2 Tim 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3, Jude 3. Their need to know God’s will is the reason that Paul put such importance on prophesy.

Tongue speaking in the Corinthian church was only useful for the church if the tongues were interpreted, 1 Cor 14: 5, 13,18-19, 21, 23). This show us the need to understanding of what Tongue Speaking in the Bible was. To understand that we have to go to the first time that Tongue Speaking is mentioned, that is found in Acts 2. Read Acts 2:4-11. Note: Acts 2:6 “And when this sound occurred, the crowd came together, and were bewildered because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own language.” Acts 2:8 “And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? Acts 2:11”…we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of God.” We will not find a definition of what Tongue Speaking was in the letter to the Corinthians, they knew what it was, they had it.

While Paul does not define the gift of Tongue Speaking here, we can see the clear understanding of what it was See 1 Cor 14:6-11. Just as an indistinct bugle on the battlefield would be useless, so too speech that can not be understood in the church is useless. All languages have meaning. They are spoken to convey meaning. If they can not be understood no meaning is conveyed – they are useless.

Spiritual gifts were given for the edification of the church. Paul reminded them of that fact and showed that it was of far greater importance for the church to be “ built up” rather than the individual. Tongue Speaking edified the one doing the speaking, but unless it was interpreted no one else was edified. Note, “One who speaks in a tongue edifies himself; but one who prophesies edifies the church” 1Cor. 14:4. When the gifted men prophesied he was telling the whole church the truths of God. As such the church was uplifted and built up. The Tongue speaker could not be understood in Corinth, unless he was interpreted, so he only edified himself. See also 1Cor 3, 5, 12, 15.

Order in the church
Paul points out that in all of the services of the church there needs to be order and organization. If one speaks in a tongue, he needs to be interpreted, 1 Cor 14:27. There should only two or three speakers, either Tongue speakers or prophets 1 Cor 14:27-29. The need for order is so that all may be edified.

Paul also teaches that the women are to “keep silent in the churches”. This is a simple command that is easy to understand, but is unpopular with current trends. It is, however a command from God and is repeated in Paul’s letter to Timothy, see 1 Tim 2:11-14. This was not a unique teaching for the Corinthians, Paul was not teaching them something that did not have application for other churches and for us today. In 1 Corinthians 4:17 he writes of the coming of Timothy and his teachings, “and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church” 1 Cor 4:17b. Paul wrote to the Corinthians the same as he taught everywhere.

Many will disagree with Paul’s words here and he knew that. That is why he reminds them that these are commandments of God. Paul was not writing to please men, He was writing as directed by God.

A final point: “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly manner” 1Cor. 14:40.

The Corinthians were using Spiritual Gifts in a disorderly manner. They were using them for their own selfish ends. They needed to follow the pattern that God had given and seek for the edification of the church.

1 Corinthians Chapter 13

2009-02-16T14:06:00.001+03:00

Love
In chapters 12 to 14 of the book of 1st Corinthians, Paul continues his teaching on spiritual gifts. He finished off chapter 12 by stating, “But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a more excellent way”, 1 Cor 12:31. In Chapter 13 Paul shows us the more excellent way.

In verses 1 to 3 Paul uses a common figure of speech to emphasis his point. We all use figures of speech each day to assist our language and to get across our meaning. In the same way figures of speech are used in the Bible. When Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil”, Mark 4:26, Jesus is using the figure of speech called simile. He was comparing the kingdom of God to a sower of seeds. He also said in Matt. 13:9 “He who has ears, let him hear.” Here metonymy is used. Jesus used the word “ears” to mean a person who desires to hear the truth.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul uses the figure of speech called hyperbole. Hyperbole is a figure of speech that uses exaggeration to emphasis a point. For example we might say, “these books weigh a tonne”, meaning they weigh a lot, or “I'm so hungry, I could eat a horse”, this time meaning I am very hungry.

Here Paul uses hyperbole to emphasis the greatness of love. He uses the example of speech and says that even with the power of all manner of speech, with out love he would make just as much sense as a noisy gong. Likewise he emphasises the greatness of love over prophecy and other spiritual gifts. He shows that without love, giving all his possessions and even his body is pointless. As he states without love, “I am nothing.”

Paul then goes on to show what real love is and what it isn’t. Today, just like in Paul’s time there is a lot of confusion about just what is love. We all want love, but do we really know what it is? For many, love is a feeling they receive from others. Paul shows that love is something we give to others. Our Father showed us that form of love when He gave us His Son, John 3:16. Jesus gave us an example of this love when he willingly gave himself for others, Phil. 2:3-11. Christian love is not an emotion we feel, it is that which we give to others.

The attributes of true Christian love are things that go out from us, not those things that come to us. Christian love is not dependant on the recipient but rather on the one giving love. God loved us, not because we were worthy or deserving of love, but while we were totally undeserving. Note, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8. Take special note of all the attributes of love that Paul mentions and see they are not dependent of being reciprocated.

In 1 Cor 13:8-13 Paul shows the permanency of love over the temporary nature of spiritual gifts. Love, he says, “never fails”, 1 Cor 13:8, but not so with spiritual gifts. Note what he says; “they will be done away”, “they will cease”, “they will be done away”, 1 Cor 13:8. The three spiritual gifts Paul uses as examples can be classified as “revelation gits”, they revealed God’s will.

In 1 Cor 13:9-10 Paul tells us when these gifts were to cease. He states, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part” 1 Cor 13:9. The “revelation gifts” were only partial. He then says, “but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away” 1Cor. 13:10. The gifts would be done away when “the perfect comes”. The perfect is that which completes the partial. When God’s will was fully relived the gits would cease. When the Bible was completed, God’s will was fully revealed, 2 Tim 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3, Jude 3, and the gifts ceased – they were no longer needed.

Paul finishes off this section by giving three before and after examples. He starts by contrasting childhood with maturity – the reliance of partial revelation (gifts) compared with the maturity of full revelation found in the Word of God. He states that then while looking to God’s was it is like looking in a dim mirror (he would be thinking of polished metal mirrors of his day), but when full revelation was given sight would be clear. The third example he gives is partial knowledge compared with full knowledge found in the Bible. We need to appreciate the blessing that are ours in having God’s full revealed will in the Bible.

But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1Cor. 13:13
While the spiritual gifts were to cease, faith, hope and love would remain. Going back to how he started he states that the greatest is love.

1st Corinthians Chapter 12

2009-02-16T09:56:00.001+03:00

Spiritual Gifts

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul continues to answer the questions that the Corinthian church had asked (marriage, chapter 7, liberties chapters 8, 9 and 10, headship 1 Cor:11:2-16, the Lord’s Supper 1 Cor 11:17-34). This section goes from chapter 12 right through to the end of chapter 14.

Paul starts out by saying, ‘Now concerning spiritual gifts” and we can see easily his topic. It is important for us to recognise how people received spiritual gifts in order for us to understand his teachings this subject.

1. Baptism of the Holy Spirit

There are only 2 occasions that the Bible records people receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit (see below). In these 2 occasions we read the people spoke in tongues. No other gifts were mentioned in conjunction with the Holy Spirit baptism and the recipients were very few.

Acts 2:1-4 This tells us how this happened and lists the 4 things that identify the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. This only happened 2 times, the second is recorded in Acts 10:44-48 ,see also Acts 11:15-18.

2. Laying on of the Apostle’s hands.

Acts 8:14-19 There is no other way that anyone received the gifts of the Holy Spirit recorded in the pages of the Bible. Note especially what Simon saw. The Holy Spirit was bestowed through the laying on of the apostles hands. It is important to note that the spiritually gifted preacher, Philip, could not do this.

1 Cor 12:2-3 – They were led astray.

The Corinthians had to be very careful, they had been led astray before, and they could be led astray again. There were those who were against Christ but claimed to have the gifts. Any with true gifts could not speak against Him. Of course it is possible to claim Jesus as Lord and still be wrong, Matt 7:21, but Paul is talking about Spiritual gifts. Paul also states in Gal 1:8-9 the dangers of following those who are false.

1 Cor 12:4-11 Varieties of Gifts.

Paul states that while there are a variety of gifts they all come from the same source, the Holy Spirit. They were also given for the same purpose – same Spirit, same purpose.

“But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” 1 Cor 12:7 See also 1 Cor 14:3-4, 12, 26

Lists of gifts

· Wisdom

· Knowledge

· Faith

· Healings

· Miracles

· Prophecy

· Distinguishing of spirits

· Tongues

· Interpretation of tongues

Paul goes back to the first problem he dealt with – unity 1 Cor 1:10f. He reminds them that they are the body of Christ, Col 1:18, and as such are dependent on one another.

“…there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” 1Cor. 12:25-26

Each Christian has a role to play in the body – “all are not apostles are they?”

The Corinthians we jealously regarding any gifts they had. Paul points out there is a greater gift. We will look at that next time.

Victorian Bush Fires

2009-02-16T05:32:00.003+03:00

http://www.news.com.au/common/imagedata/0,,6477929,00.jpg

The size and the devastation of the fires in Victoria last week have stopped the nation. Also many around the world have paused and said a prayers for those who have been lost and those who suffer from this awful disaster.

http://www.inquisitr.com/wp-content/victorian-bushfires.jpg

We all need to stop our, all too busy, lives and consider what these poor people have gone through and thing how would we cope. Life is so precious and so short. We need to value is and we need to prepare for when the Lord calls us.

The authorities are talking about preparedness for bush fires, my family and I are working on our bush fire plan. I would like to add that we need to prepare our plans for the life to come.

Think on it.

1st Corinthians Chapter 11

2009-02-16T04:47:00.003+03:00

Paul starts out this chapter by praising the Corinthians for the way they hold to the God given traditions, just as they were given them. He then goes on to show the importance of headship.

1 Cor 11:1-16
Headship – 1 Cor 11:3
Christ is the head of every man
man is the head of a woman,
God is the head of Christ.

Paul makes certain statements
• Every man who has something on his head while praying or prophesying disgraces his head. 1Cor. 11:4
• But every woman who has her head uncovered while praying or prophesying disgraces her head, for she is one and the same as the woman whose head is shaved. 1Cor. 11:5
• For if a woman does not cover her head, let her also have her hair cut off; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, let her cover her head. 1Cor. 11:6
• For a man ought not to have his head covered, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. 1Cor. 11:7
Paul then asks some questions
• Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 1Cor. 11:13
• Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 1Cor. 11:14-15

Key words
Covered - katakalupto from kata down from, and kaluptoi to cover – “to veil or cover” Thayer

Uncovered - akatakaluptos, from a not and kata down from, and kaluptoi to cover – “not covered, unveiled” Thayer

Long hair – “to let the hair grow, have long hair” Thayer

Covering – “a veil (A.V. a covering)” Thayer

The conclusion must be that a man must be uncovered and a woman must be covered. The covering is defined as “long hair”.

1 Cor 11:17-34

The Lord’s Supper
Paul changes his approach at this point. Here he does not praise them – the reason, they were not following the traditions. They were coming together not for the better, but for the worse. He later says, “Let all things be done for edification” 1 Cor 14:26.

They were treating the Lord’s Supper as a common meal, see 1 Cor 11:20-22, 34). They were eating to a meal and not sharing with those who had nothing. Paul said that this was not the Lord’s Supper. People may call something the Lord’s Supper, but that does not make it so. It is only that if it is conducted in the manner in which it was delivered – according to the traditions as they were delivered.

1Cor. 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you,
Paul received his instructions by revelation, Eph 3:3-4, and he passed these on to the Corinthians, and thus to us.

He took bread
Jesus took bread, it was one loaf and they all partook 1 Cor 10:16-17.
1Cor. 11:24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
We also read:
Matt. 26:26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”

The bread represents the Lord’s body, note John 19:31-37
The cup represents the new covenant, see 1 Cor 11:25, also Luke 22:20.
Not mentioned here, but the fruit of the vine represents the blood, Matt 26:27-29, Mark 14:23-25

Do this in remembrance of Me
This was to be a memorial feast in which the participants remember all that the Lord Jesus has done for them. He came and died for us. The death on the cross was the culmination of His work.
1Cor. 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

An unworthy manner
The Corinthians were partaking in an unworthy manner by turning the Supper into a common meal. We have to be careful that we don’t also fall into the same trouble in the manner in which we partake. How we partake is important!

God's Glory

2009-02-15T15:32:00.001+03:00

A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.
C. S. Lewis

Trees That Wood

2009-02-06T23:17:00.001+03:00

Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Worldwide Crisis

2009-02-06T12:59:00.005+03:00

The evidence is everywhere, we are going through a worldwide financial crisis. Goverments around the world are in a frenzy to slow down the crash and prop up failing economies.

But have you thought that we are going through another sort of crisis! This crisis is also of world wide dimentions. It affects nearly everyone. We are going through a Worldwide Spiritual Crisis.

So many have ababndoned God for the new gods. These are the gods of comodities, the gods of goods and the gods of self. For so many the things of this life are the most important things in their lives.

What are we going to do about it. I somehow doubt that there will be brave speaches by our leaders and rescue packages. So its up to us. We have to get back God, we have to get back to the Bible.

If you were to die tomorrow?

2009-02-02T10:09:00.001+03:00

I recently watched a video of Steve Jobs giving the 2005 Stanford Commencement Address and as part of his speech he brought up this thought. Now while he was not looking at it from a spiritual perspective, he had some interesting thoughts. Have a look here at his address.

Here’s something for you to think about.

It is recorded that a Rabbi once said, "Repent the day before you die and since a man does not know on which day he will die, he will repent today lest he die tomorrow and thus all of his days will be filled with repentance."

If you knew you would die tomorrow how would that affect you day today, what would you change, how would you “get your house in order”? What are the things you need to say to your wife, your children? Who are the people you have to make up with? What do you have to do to make yourself right with God?

Since we don’t know when we are going to die, maybe today is the day you need to do these things.

Think on it.

1st Corinthians Chapter 10

2009-01-27T10:53:00.003+03:00

Edification

Key verse
1Cor. 10:23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.

VS 1-11 Examples from the Old Testament
Paul starts off this chapter by going to examples from the Old Testament. While we do not live under the Laws of the Old Testament, we can learn so much from the lessons of those who have gone before. Note:

Ex. 13:21 The LORD was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.
Direction
Ex. 14:22 The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
Salvation

This was the children of Israel's final deliverance from the Egyptians. What Paul is showing us here is that the Israelites were in a similar position that we are in as Christians and that what they went through stands today as a warning to us. They were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. We are baptised into Christ Rom 6:3, Gal 3:27

1 Cor 10:3-5 spiritual food and drink

The Israelites we fed by God and yet they still fell. We too today are fed by God, notice John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.

1Cor. 10:5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased; for they were laid low in the wilderness.
This does not sound like saved once always saved!

While we don't live under the commandments of the Old Testament we can and must learn from them. Sin is still the same and we will suffer the same eternal consequences for sin, Rom 6:23

Paul gives a list of the sins of the Israelites:
• Idolaters Ex 32:4
• Immoral Num 25
• Trying the Lord Num 21:5
• Grumble Num 16:41

We need to remember the example of those who lived under the Old Covenant and learn from them.
1 Peter 1:10-12, Gal 3:24

Vs 12-13 “… take heed that he does not fall.”

This is speaking to us today, pay heed and know that we can fall. in 1 Cor 10:13, Paul us a passage that can really encourage us. We are not alone, God is with us and will aid us in overcoming sin

Rom 11:17-22
2Pet. 3:17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness,

We need to understand the faithfulness of God and use it to overcome sin

Are You Going to Finish Strong?

2009-01-27T10:46:00.000+03:00

1 Corinthians Chapter 9

2009-01-20T04:48:00.003+03:00

“Am I not free? Am I not an apostle?”

Key Verse:
So also, the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living form the gospel 1Cor. 9:14

In chapter 8, Paul wrote about liberties (see 1 Cor 8:9). In that chapter he specifically talks about eating meat that has been sacrifices to idols. In this chapter Paul goes further and discusses liberties in other areas. It appears that Paul’s personal use of liberties caused some to deny that he was an apostle.

Paul was not accepting payment from the Corinthians (see Acts 18:2-3, 2 Cor 11:8-9, Phil. 4:15-16). They took this as a sign that he didn’t deserve it, that he wasn’t an apostle.

Paul was an apostle. He had seen the Lord (Acts 9:3-7, Acts 18:9). He had shown then the signs of a true apostle (2 Cor 12:12, Acts 8:18)

Paul’s Use of Liberties

Paul was not using his right to take money from the Corinthians for his work. The word “right” here is the same word used in 1 Cor 8:9. It means “power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases” (J.H. Thayer). Paul and Barnabas had the liberty (right) to expect support for their work. However they chose not to use that liberty or right.

Paul uses 3 examples to make his point:
1. A soldier
2. A vineyard keeper
3. A shepherd
All, he points out have a right to share in the fruits of their work. The same is true of those who preach the gospel (see 1 Cor 9:14, Gal 6:6, 1 Tim 5:17-18) even elders who preach the gospel. Paul an apostle had as his right or liberty the support for preaching the gospel, he chose not to use that liberty (1 Cor 9:15).

Paul became all things to all men.
This does not me that he was a “yes –man”. Paul met people where they were, to do that he made use of liberties. Just because he “could” do certain things, it didn’t mean that he “had to” do these things. Paul was willing to sacrifice the things he “could” do to bring others into the kingdom of God.
Here we have the definition of Christian love. It is a self sacrificing love (1 Cor 13:1-8), Paul showed this kind of love in the same way that Jesus showed it and our heavenly Father showed it when he sent His son to die on the cross for us (John 3:16)

Run in such a way that you may win
Paul now likens the self-disciple and restrictions placed on an athlete to a Christians use of liberties. Sometime we have to give up things that are not sinful, so as to gain other – so as to ensure salvation.

An athlete needs to show self-control in all things: in preparation for competition, in following the rules. They can’t just do whatever they want, they had to follow restrictions place on them by others. They didn’t need to, but if they wanted to compete they had to.

Paul’s life was an Christian example of that. He went to the Jews and acted like a Jew, to win the Jews. He went to the gentiles and acted like the gentiles, to win the gentiles. He didn’t have to do these things, but he chose to give up his liberties to win others to Christ.

Note: We are talking about liberties here. Paul did not go past the law of Christ, but within that law he did what he could to win over the Jews, Gentiles – whoever.

1 Corinthians Chapter 8

2009-01-13T10:15:00.003+03:00

Liberties

The topic that Paul is writing about in this chapter is "things sacrificed to idols", but the subject matter behind it is the use of liberties.

Key Verse:
But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1Cor. 8:9

Liberties are those things about which there is no law which we may do if we wish, but are not obliged to. Example:

Marriage 1 Cor 7 25-27
Things sacrificed to idols 1 Cor 10:23-24

Things sacrificed to idols – animals that have been sacrificed in pagan worship ceremonies and the meat then used for human consumption. This meat may well have been sold in the market place. 1 Cor 10:25-29

It is clear that the sacrificing of animals to idols was prevalent in Corinth. Many in the church would have left these practices and could still have problems with the. This is probably the reason for the question.

A problem that the church had to deal with in the first century was Gnosticism. Gnosticism is a philosophical and religious movement which started in pre-Christian times. The name is derived from the Greek word "gnosis" which literally means "knowledge." Among other things, Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population was unaware. They are also pantheistic, meaning they believe that nature and God are equivalent (the word means “all is god”).

Paul starts out this discussion with a contrast between knowledge and love. Without love knowledge is useless (1 Cor 13:1-3, 1 John 4:7-21) Note: knowledge makes arrogant (buffs up) but love edifies (builds up), an interesting contrast.

Knowledge leading to arrogance was a major problem for the church at Corinth (1 Cor 3:18, 4:6-7, also see 1 Tim 6:20). It is important to know the truth, and follow it. What can be a trap is boasting about the knowledge and feeling proud about it. If we know, as we ought, we should see that we have nothing. All is from God and there is nothing for us to feel proud of. Without the Lord we would just be lost sinners regardless of how much we knew.

“To you it was shown that you might know that the LORD, He is God; there is no other besides Him”. Deut. 4:35

This is a fact that the church in Corinth appeared to be strong on. If there is one God, therefore there are no such things as idols. People might worship what they call gods and idols, but that does not make them exist. Rom 1:21-25

“However not all men have this knowledge” remember there would have been some who had come out of idol worship and would have been confused about some things. While they might not believe in idols, they might not be totally free from their past beliefs.

Rom 14:1-4, 13-23
Paul discusses this same problem with those in Rome. We have to care for the weaker brother. Take special note of Rom 14:22-23. We can see that the conscience plays a very important part in our lives. The word “conscience” comes from 2 Latin words con “with” and science “knowledge” . It is that which tell us what we “think” is right and wrong, but it needs to be educated (see Acts 23:1). Paul was sinning in his early life, but was not going against his conscience. We need to educate our conscience with the word of God. However also if we don’t believe it we oughtn’t to do it. In this case, if a brother feels it is wrong to eat meat sacrificed to idols, to him that is a sin.

All food as are clean (1 Cor 10:25-26, Rom 14:14, 20 Acts 10:15) and none are restricted to us. We therefore have liberty to eat all foods. However, “…take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1Cor. 8:9

The situation that Paul is describing is one where a brother or sister believes it is wrong to eat meat sacrificed to idols and they, seeing you eat might be convinced to go against their own conscience and eat. They have not been convinced of the truth, they have just gone against their conscience.

The principle that Paul is teaching us is that love for our brethren takes precedent over knowledge in the area of liberty. It is better, in an area where we have liberty, to be wronged rather than let a brother or sister go against their conscience.

Note: this is only in the area where we have liberty. We cannot go against commandments out of “love” for a brother or sister. We have already seen that in 1 Cor. 5 with the sinning brother.

1 Corinthians Chapter 6

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Judging matters in the church

In chapter six Paul continues dealing with issues that he had heard concerning the church at
Corinth, possibly from Chloe’s people (1 Cor. 1:11), or from other brethren there.

He deals firstly with judging matters within the church. From time to time there will arise problems between brethren, how we deal with these problems is an important matter. It seems that some in Corinth were taking their problems to those outside the church. They were taking matters to the law courts that, as Paul tells them, should have been dealt with by the brethren.

Paul starts out with a rhetorical question – one for which the answer is obvious. Would they go to the unrighteous to judge between the righteous? Or, would the go to the unjust for justice for the just? The problems within the church need to be solved within the church (See Matt. 18:15-17).

We are told that the saints will judge the world. It is not clear how this will be, we are given some clues in Rev 2:26-27, 2 Tim. 2:12, Rev 3:21. One thing is sure; we will be using the Word in judgment (John 12:48). We are also told that we will judge angels, again we are not told which angels or how this judgment will take place. However we are told everything we need to live righteously in this life (2 Peter 1:3)

In this matter Paul reiterates the words of Jesus, that it is better to be wronged than do wrong (Matt.5:38-42). “why not rather be wronged…” 1 Cor 6:7.

Inheritance of the Kingdom
The kingdom of God is only for the righteous. We do not have righteousness in ourselves, it is a gift from God through Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:21). We only can stand righteous before God because the blood of Jesus has washed our sins away. We can only remain righteous if we refrain from sin (1 John 3:4-10). We have to abide in God and practice righteousness. Those who abide on unrighteousness and who practice sin are of the devil and cannot inherit the kingdom of God.

Immorality
Paul is not stating that there is no longer sin and that what was sin in now lawful. He has just finished describing those sinners who would not inherit the kingdom of God. There are things, against which there is no law (Gal 5:22-23). There are things that are lawful, but not necessarily profitable. God has given us lawful means to satisfy our bodily needs but there are unlawful means as well.

A large portion of our bodies is made up water. Thirst tells us we need to replenish the water in our bodies. God has given us lawful ways in which to do this. There are also ways which are contrary to God’ law. The same is true with food. We can sin in the way we eat. So to with the sexual impulses God has given us. These are to be fulfilled in a marriage relationship only. Fornication is a sexual act outside of marriage and therefore it is not lawful.

We are members of Christ’s body (Rom 12:5, 1Cor 12:27, Eph 5:30), joined to Him through His blood. If we join ourselves to another through fornication we destroy that unity in the same way as a marriage is destroyed by fornication (Matt 19:9). Fornication is a unique sin. All other sins we do to others or to our bodies, fornication we do with our bodies.

How are our bodies temples of the Holy Spirit? We are what makes up the church. The Holy Spirit dwells in the church – He therefore dwells in us (Eph 2:19-22, 1Cor 3:16).

When we live with the realization of the price that was paid for our salvation we will find it a lot easier to remain faithful to God’s word (Acts 20:28, 1 Peter 1:17-19, Rev 5:9)

1 Corinthians Chapter 5

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In chapter 5 we see start to see some of the outcomes of the focus of the Corinthians. Paul has said that they were spiritually immature (1 Cor. 3:1). He said that they were focused on fleshly things, rather than spiritual. This was evidenced in the manner in which they were seeking to follow their “favourite” leader, rather than following Christ. They had become puffed up and boastful, rather than being humble and obedient towards God.

Their pride extended to allowing a sinner to remain in sin. We live in a world where we are not supposed to point out sin, where to do so would be judgemental. Paul wrote to the Galatians “So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?” Gal. 4:16. The same thing can easily happen to us, but that must not stop us pointing put the truth.

There was a brother in the church that was committing sexual immorality with his father’s wife. Any form of immorality is bad bit this does seem like an extreme case. Note the following verses 1 Cor 6:9-13, 18, 1 Thess 4:1-7, Rev 21:7-8.

God has provided a means for men and women to satisfy their sexual needs and that is through marriage 1 Cor 7:1-7, Matt 19:3-4, 1Cor 6:15-16. Sexual immorality is not to be accepted in the church. Rather than being sorrowful about this sin in the church, the Corinthians were boastful (Vs 2, 6)

Paul made it very clear how they were to deal with this unrepentant sinner. Vs 13 “REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.” See vss. 4 and 5. Paul was delivering this brother over to whom he was already with. By his actions he had already left the Lord and had sided with Satan. By casting him out of the church he might be shocked into obedience. (See 2 Cor 2:6-7)

We can see the process of this diss-fellowship as the Lord taught Matt 18:15-17. There is a 3 step process: 1) go to the sinner in private – if they will not listen, 2) take to or three witnesses – if they will not listen, Take it to the church – if they will not listen, then they have to be diss-fellowshipped. (see also Gal.6:1, 2 Thess 3:6,14-15)

1 Corinthians 4

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Paul was telling the Corinthians to regard himself, Apollos and Peter as servants of Christ and as stewards of the mysteries of God. This tells us a lot about how Paul saw how his, and other people's, relationships to God ought to be. While some might look at being a apostle as a high office, Paul saw it as an opportunity to serve. We need to be looking for opportunities to serve to. (John 13:1-17) Also think of the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30)

Paul talks about the mysteries of God here. See what he says in Ephesians 3:1-7. The Gospel is a mystery that needs to be handled with great care by the stewards of God (Col 1:24-27).

Paul lived his life with a good conscience (Acts 23:1). Yes, he was wrong at times, but he was true to what he knew. Paul understood that there would be a day when he would be judged (Rom 2:14-16, Rom 14:10-12). It will be when the Lord comes again (Matt 25:30-33).

Paul gives a warning about not exceeding what is written. The context of this warning seems to do with how they were viewing Paul and Apollos, but of course it has much wider applications.

What we have is not something to boast of. We have nothing that we have not received, and these we have received from God (John 3:27, James 1:17). It is very easy to feel puffed up and proud.

Job 1:21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Eccl. 5:15).

When Paul looked at his life as an apostle he could see nothing that those of the world (worldly) would find to boast in. But that is how it ought to be. He was a servant, sent to serve. What he had, he had from the Lord. He gave God the honour and sought none for himself.

Paul claims a special relationship with the Corinthians. They had many teaches – Apollos was one (1 Cor. 3:6), but he had brought Christ to them in the first place and as such he was their “father through the Gospel”.

A note here about Paul’s teaching (Vs. 17). He taught the same thing everywhere, in every church. Many will dismiss what Paul is saying in one letter, saying that there were special circumstances. However, Paul taught the same, everywhere.

1st Corinthians Chapter 3

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Spiritual maturity is a subject that affects us all. We should all be seeking to grow as Christian. It could be said that if we do not grow we will die. The Christians in Corinth were call "infants in Christ"because of their lack of maturity, we must be careful that we are not like them, but rather we are striving to grow. We have an example to grow into – Christ (Eph. 4:15). When we become Christians we are born again (John 3:3-5) and we are babes in Christ. We are not to remain in that state. The Hebrews, just like the Corinthians were condemned for their lack of growth. (Heb. 5:12-14)

To grow physically we need to eat good food, to grow spiritually we need to have good Spiritual food. The Corinthians were not spiritual people; they were fleshly. They could not take solid spiritual food; they could only take the milk. Milk is fine for a baby, but a baby has to grow up and take spiritual food. (1 Peter 2:2)

We saw in the 1st Chapter that there were divisions in the church that was based on different teachers, (“I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 1Cor. 1:12) . Paul states that these teachers, including himself, were just servants. They were servants of the Lord and it was that Lord who gave the increase. I does not matter what task the servant does, he is still just the servant. The focus needs to be on God. See (1 Cor 12:12-25.)

Paul changes imagery from a field to a building: we are God’s building. The temple is built of the people in it. All will be tested by fire, some will withstand the fire, others will be burnt up. We need to be careful how we build. We build up the foundation of Christ and we need to make sure that those who are added to the church are of such that they will come through the fire. We need to protect the temple of God. (2 Cor 6:14-16)

The Corinthians were being fleshly. They were looking to men, rather than God. They were foolish while professing to be wise. We can learn from the faults of these brethren. we need to look above rather than to the earth.

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory Col. 3:1-4

1st Corinthians Chapter 2

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As we have seen the epistle was written by the apostle Paul. Paul was a highly educated man. He was educated by Gamaliel (Acts 22:3, 5:34), the leading teacher in Jerusalem. He certainly could have posed any number of interesting and complicated arguments that his opponents would have had great difficulty in answering. He chose not to, rather relying on the power of the gospel. Rom. 1:16
"For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (2 Cor 2:2) – this speaks volumes about God and salvation. Jesus Christ is our saviour. It is his crucifixion that brings us salivation. Unless we understand that all else is superfluous.

“…your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God” 1 Cor 2:5
This is not the way of the world. The world, in its wisdom tells us that there is no God. There is a lot we can learn from the world, but spiritual things are not among them.

While the gospel is foolish to the world, we understand the wisdom in it. God saw what the problem was from the beginning and prophesised the plan that would save us (Gen 3:15). Sin is what causes the separation between God and man (Isa. 59:1-2)

Jesus was crucified for the salvation of our sins. There were animal sacrifices under the Old Law, but they were never enough to save man(Heb 10:1-4). It took Jesus to die in order for sins to be forgiven and peace be made between God and man.

God had a means for revealing, what Paul called a “mystery”. He chose the Holy Spirit to reveal His wisdom. Paul tells us, “But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God” (vs.14). Paul contrasts the “natural man” with the “spiritual man” (Rom 8:1-8)

One of the main problems that the Church in Corinth had was they were looking to the natural man, rather than the Spiritual man.