EmmDev 2026-10-28 [M.O.M. 2026] Early Congregations #3 - Radical Change

Early Congregations #3 - Radical Change

We're looking at growing qualities in the Early Church. Today we look at radical change...

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They answered, "No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit." So Paul asked, "Then what baptism did you receive?" "John's baptism," they replied. Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and the evil spirits left them. Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, "In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out." Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?" Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding. When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power. (Acts19:1-20)

As we continue looking at our theme "Growing and Declining Churches", it is very crucial to talk about radical change in the church. Like most of the churches today, the church at Ephesus was religious but not transformed. People knew about God, went to church but their lives had not changed. Paul found 12 men there who were church goers and yet not received Christ. That is the problem with many in the church today, saved but still the same old self.

The passage highlighted 4 levels of radical change that the church needs to take.

1. Change from incomplete Christianity to spirit-filled Christianity
   Paul laid hands on them and the Holy Spirit came upon them. Friends, it's not enough to be baptized and become a communicant full member of the UPCSA, but we need the Holy Spirit upon us to be one with God, overcome sin and live holy lives.
   
2. Change from preaching to demonstration
   Paul preached for 3 months in the synagogue arguing. Nothing happened. So, he moved to the lecture hall of Tyrannus for 2 years. Then God did extraordinary miracles. The word was spoken and the word was proven. The church needs the word that touches the lives of the people. We have a God who moves from Logos to Dunamis. It's high time we move from arguments and discussions and start to live a changed church life, a healed marriage, a reconciled church and a loving community.
   
3. Change from using Jesus to knowing and living with Jesus
   The 7 sons of Sceva imitate Paul by casting out demons using Jesus' name. They were beaten and they ran out naked and wounded. This is the church today: using the name of Jesus without relationship with Him. The church needs to have true relationship with Jesus Christ and honestly serve Him. Playing church will lead some to be punished in the church of God.
   
4. Change from secret sinning to professing faith publicly
   Those who believed came openly and confessed. They brought their magic books and burned them publicly. The church must repent from hidden lucky charms, hidden affairs, power hungry, corrupt means of gaining wealth, hidden porno-pictures on a cellphone and all other evil deeds as they are known secretly by individuals. The church must repent and live according to their faith.

A radical change of the church today can turn the declining church into a growing church as seen in verse 20 of this text. The church needs the Holy Spirit, stop playing church and publicly live the true faith.
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Faresy Sakala, a wife to Misheck, mom to Roby, Rosy and Rony. Serving as the Administrator of the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and a resident minister of Rugare Presbyterian Church in Harare. Overwhelmed by duties; but I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me...

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EmmDev 2026-10-27 [M.O.M. 2026] Early Congregations #2 - Bible Based.

Early Congregations #2 - Bible Based.

We're looking at growing qualities in the Early Church. Today we look at how the Berean church didn't just take Paul at his word, but went back to the Source: The Word of God.

As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to Berea. On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue. Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. Many of the Jews believed, as did also a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men. (Acts17:10-12)

There is a beautiful old hymn often sung across our transnational UPCSA, entitled "Trust and Obey." It begins with the lyrics:
"When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, such a glory He sheds on our way.
While we do His good will, He abides with us still and with all who will trust and obey."
The irony of this hymn is that it often feeds into this belief system that one should never question, argue or wrestle with anything when it comes to God, God's Word and the teachings (or preachings) that we receive from our respective ministers, pastors or lay preachers.

Our reading taken from Acts 17:10-12 gives us a completely different perspective. In the passage leading up to Acts 17:10-12, we are given more information about the struggle that Paul the Apostle, Silas and Timothy were having with the Thessalonians. There were a group of Jews that simply closed their ears to the Gospel that Paul was bringing to them, and they would often get what we would call "the mob" of their society involved to try and stop Paul, Silas and Timothy.

The torment and bullying became so bad that those who did believe in the Gospel in Thessalonica actually hid Paul and his friends away in a safe home until they could make their way to a neighbouring town called Berea. In Berea, Paul and Silas began to teach the Gospel again and they were, not only, met with excitement and curiosity, but so too, were they met with zeal and an eager desire to learn. As a result, the Berean Jews would take what they had been taught and examine the Scriptures every day to test and see if what they had learnt was true.

Essentially, the Bereans not only received the teachings well, but they also had a curiosity to know and understand more. From this, it becomes quite clear that there was and remains a necessity to wrestle with and question what we are taught about God, God's Word and the Gospel, just as the Bereans did. For it is only when we wrestle, question and rationalise that we are able to understand and discern God's word, His will, and we are able to learn a bit more about God. In those moments, when we allow ourselves to be observant, do the words "trust and obey" become an invitation, rather than a command, to recognise how God is enough and that there remains a living hope in our world.
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Rev Amber-Leigh Gordon, daughter of Rev John Gordon and Mrs Rita Gordon. Avid learner and lover of Reformed and Black Liberation Theology. Serving at St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, Hatfield.

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EmmDev 2026-10-26 [M.O.M. 2026] Early Congregations #1 - Transformed.

Early Congregations #1 - Transformed.

This week we're looking at growing qualities in the Early Church. Today we look at how the Antioch Church was transformed.

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (Acts11:19-26)

This passage recounts the amazing way that the church in Antioch spread transformation and missions throughout the world. The believers were scattered in different areas following the persecution that came after the death of Stephen. What looked like a dark, broken season was actually part of God's God-given plan. The disciples recognized the "signs of the times" and obeyed with faith.

1. God Works in Hard Seasons
They had to leave Jerusalem because of persecution. What looked like a setback was actually a breakthrough for the gospel. The broken seasons are also God's way of opening new doors. We must learn to recognize His fingerprints even in difficult circumstances.

2. Antioch Became a City of Inclusion
Some believers started proclaiming the gospel to the Greeks, as well as the Jews. And this was a big deal! God was revealing His heart for all people.

3. The Hand of the Lord Was With Them
The church's success was not due to anything the church could do for itself, but rather to God's power and presence. Plans and programs are important, but growth is dependent on God's power.

4. Barnabas Saw God's Grace
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he found evidence of God's grace and rejoiced. He did not seek to control or criticize, but rather encouraged those who had been saved and been made to remain faithful to the Lord.
Mature leaders notice and celebrate God's work in others. They are motivated to promote growth rather than seek personal glory.

5. The Disciples Became Christians
Barnabas brought Saul (Paul) to Antioch, and they taught the people for an entire year. Then the disciples grew, and "the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (v. 26).

For many, this was a new identity for them to live by. The people of Antioch could see Christ in the midst of His disciples. The best evidence of transformation is that people see Jesus in us.

Reflection
The believers in Antioch saw the signs of their time. They recognized persecution as an opportunity. Diversity as God's mission. Growth as God's grace. Teaching as essential to discipleship. Thus Antioch became a powerful and influential church.
Today God is using the same signs. Social change, uncertainty, challenges, and opportunities to reach new people. Instead of fearing them do we ask: "What is God doing, and how can I join Him?"

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the church in Antioch. Thank You that we desire to move as He did. May Your hand be upon us transforming our lives so that others may see Christ in us. Give us hearts that embrace all people and a desire to remain obedient to You in every season. In Jesus name, Amen.
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Teboho Elephant is an Elder and member of AK Maja memorial congregation in the Highveld Presbytery. Teboho is a God fearing, humble and loving servant of God sharing the awesomeness of God.

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EmmDev 2026-10-23 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #5 - Be equipped and teachable.

Leadership & Lay Ministry #5 - Be equipped and teachable.

This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we see leadership is about being Equipped and Teachable...

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts18:24-28)

When I entered University in 2010 to study theology, I met young men and women passionate about serving God. However, by our third year, some began questioning their calling. The theological knowledge they had acquired made them doubt their earlier preaching and understanding of Scripture. I encouraged them and approached the faculty leadership to explore ways of supporting their ministerial formation.

That experience taught me an important lesson: before becoming leaders, we are called to be disciples, and discipleship is a lifelong journey. No matter how much we know, we must remain humble, equipped and teachable.

Acts 18:24-28 presents Apollos, an educated and eloquent man from Alexandria who possessed extensive knowledge of the Scriptures and spoke passionately about Jesus. However, his understanding was incomplete because he knew only John's baptism. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching, they took him aside and explained God's way more accurately. Despite his education and eloquence, Apollos was willing to learn from others.

This teaches us that spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we know, but also by our willingness to learn. No minister, elder or lay leader possesses complete knowledge. God uses different people to strengthen and equip His Church.

Priscilla's involvement also reminds us that ministry is not restricted by gender, social position or background. Through the priesthood of all believers, God calls women and men to participate in His mission.

Furthermore, being equipped for ministry demands courage. In Acts 18:9, God encouraged Paul: "Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent."

Today, the Church must courageously proclaim the Gospel and speak against injustice, discrimination and the marginalisation of women, young people and children. Being teachable does not mean remaining silent when truth and justice are threatened.

Acts 18:8 demonstrates the fruit of collaborative ministry. Through Paul's proclamation and the participation of fellow believers, Crispus, his household and many Corinthians believed in the Lord.

As the UPCSA, we are challenged to develop leaders and members who remain humble, teachable and willing to learn from one another, including other churches and theological institutions.

Our calling is not to know everything, but to remain available for God to teach, equip and use us.

Prayer
Lord, give us humble and teachable hearts. Equip us for faithful service, strengthen our courage to proclaim Your truth, and unite us in Your mission. Help us recognise and nurture the gifts of others. In Jesus' name. Amen.
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James Lungu, a minister of word and sacrament currently serving at Kabwata Presbyterian Church in Zambia. I am married to Emelly, and we have four boys: namely Joel, Walinase, Ezra and Vitumbiko. I am a New Testament scholar, and I am passionate about issues of Justice and equal dignity for all.

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EmmDev 2026-10-22 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #4 - Fan it into Flame!

Leadership & Lay Ministry #4 - Fan it into Flame!

This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we see leadership is about nurturing spiritual gifts...
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Context And Situation
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, from a Roman prison while he awaited execution. Timothy was facing discouragement, challenges and opposition in Ephesus, and potential intimidation or fear regarding his leadership role. Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to persevere and have confident leadership.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. (2Timothy1:6-7)

It is easy to drift into spiritual apathy or distance from active ministry when facing trials. Therefore, this message serves as a foundational motivation for all leaders at all times. We need to avoid the temptation to draw back when the world crowds in and pressures mount up.

Stir up the Gift of God
No gift comes fully developed, and the process of developing them is not automatic or effortless. It is for this reason that Paul uses imagery of fanning a dying fire back into a blazing flame. It implies that spiritual gifts and zeal need to be actively used, revived and maintained through regular practice and discipline rather than left to grow cold.

Fear
The Greek word for fear implies cowardice or timidity. Someone once said that the word fear as an acronym means two different things. For some it means 'forget everything and run away'. For others it means 'face everything and rise up'. As soldiers of Christ we should not desert the post under pressure. We cannot retreat from the frontlines of serving Christ. Fear is explicitly identified as not coming from God, nor is it the default disposition of the believer.

Power
The Spirit of power refers to divine enabling strength. Leaders are not expected to fulfill God's call or face hardship in their own human weakness. Through the active indwelling power of the Holy Spirit they are able to overcome. People will grow in faith and the church will stand against evil forces when we allow the Spirit of power to manifest.

Love
God's Spirit produces selfless, sacrificial love for others (agape), which acts as the anchor and motivation for ministry. Love for God and mankind should be our greatest motivation whenever we exercise our spiritual gifts. Genuine love casts out self-preserving fear and compels leaders to serve even in hostile or difficult situations.

Self-Discipline
It represents sober, sensible and self-controlled judgment. It prevents emotional panic or rash decisions in the middle of crisis or persecution. It is often said that we cannot control what happens to us but we can choose how we respond.

Conclusion
There may be challenges, disappointments and times when our efforts seem unnoticed. Our service to God must remain sincere and faithful. May God renew our courage, strengthen our commitment and give us willing hearts to work faithfully for His glory.
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Rev. Patrick Nyawuza, minister at Jonas Lediga congregation, within the bounds of Tshwane Presbytery. In 2026 we celebrated 35 years in marriage. We are blessed with two sons, a daughter and one grandson. I love reading and jogging.

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EmmDev 2026-10-21 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #3 - Equip the Saints

Leadership & Lay Ministry #3 - Equip the Saints

Today we see leadership being called to Equip the Saints.

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians4:11-13)

Our passage today is an interesting one as it seems to juxtapose individuality with unity. On the one hand, Paul lists the gifts that Christ has given to his people. These gifts are; the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers. There are other gifts listed in 1Corinthians12, Romans12 and 1Peter4 and so it seems that the Holy Spirit empowers the members of the church in a variety of ways.

We are all gifted differently. As members of the body of Christ we excel and shine in different areas. This seems to emphasise our individuality.

Some are prophets while others are pastors! We can imagine how just these two giftings can lead to conflicts and misunderstandings. Now, imagine the church with people possessing all the gifts Christ has given, with each saint manifesting their gift differently! We can all imagine the chaos that can arise.

But, according to Paul, the gifts that Christ has given are for the unity of the church. So while seeming to list individual gifts on the one hand, Paul on the other hand emphasises the building up of the church. The gifts that all the individual members of the body of Christ possess are for the building up of the church.

As Christians we have been equipped by Christ through the gifts we have been given. We are to use these gifts towards the building up of the church. If we are building the body of Christ, growth will be evident. If we put our gifts to work, we will be growing in our faith, in unity. We will also be growing in our knowledge of Christ.

The ultimate goal of the gifts that we have received as the body of Christ, is that we might all together, in unity, reach maturity and be more like Christ. It is Christ himself who has equipped the saints.

With regards to the growth of our church, the UPCSA, this passage calls on every member to use their Christ given gift. We should not cower! The unity, growth, and maturity of our church depend on every single member of our church.
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Rev Shingirai Eunice Masunda is a New Testament scholar, researcher, minister in the Presbytery of Zimbabwe.

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EmmDev 2026-10-20 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #2 - The Young Leader's Focus

Leadership & Lay Ministry #2 - The Young Leader's Focus

This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we look at what young leaders must focus on.
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God has been at work since the beginning of time to fulfil His own purpose, gathering to Himself a people from all the nations of the world. This chosen people is to be God's holy nation and Christ's eternal bride. In today's devotion we discover that God is not limited by age, culture or any other thing in enlisting people into this program. However, I want to argue that young aspiring Partners in mission must also receive positive encouragement from older Christians. Encouragement from anyone is always good. Encouragement from seasoned saints---especially pastors---builds up young leaders in a pronounced way.
This is what Paul does for Timothy...

These things command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1Timothy4:12-16)

It may be helpful for us to consider Timothy's recruitment to this Mission:
In Acts 16:1-2, Paul found Timothy well-spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. As a recipient of the two New Testament letters bearing his name, Timothy was the son of a Greek father and a Jewish mother. He joined Paul during one of Paul's later missionary journeys. Paul addresses Timothy as "my true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). He was probably no older than late teens/early twenties when he joined Paul but had already distinguished himself as faithful, and the elders noticed him. He probably heard and responded to the gospel when Paul came through the area of Derbe and Lystra on his first missionary journey.

In this letter, Paul gave Timothy instructions and advice for leading the church. He also exhorted Timothy not to let others look down upon him due to his youth, but to set an example for other believers "in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Paul told Timothy to be devoted to reading Scripture, exhorting, and teaching, and to not neglect the gift that he had been given. To keep fit for purpose, Timothy was to keep a close watch on himself.

These instructions remain pertinent to believers today. We, too, are called to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

The focussed youth is a formidable Partner in Mission.
Glory be to God!
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Rev. Mamolotje Magagane
Minister at Mount Horeb Presbyterian Church, Limpopo Presbytery

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EmmDev 2026-10-19 [M.O.M. 2026] Leadership & Lay Ministry #1 - Servant Leadership

Leadership & Lay Ministry #1 - Servant Leadership

This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we think about Servant Leadership...

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death--- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians2:1-11)

Philippians 2:1--11 teaches us what it means to live with the attitude of Jesus. Paul, in Philippians 2 1 -11, encourages believers to live in unity, humility, and love. He reminds us that following Christ is not about putting ourselves first, but about caring for others and putting others needs before our own.

One of the most powerful verses is Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." This can be difficult in a world where we are often encouraged to focus on ourselves, our achievements, our lives and what we can gain. Jesus shows us a different way. He chose humility.

Jesus was the Son of God, yet He willingly humbled Himself and became a servant. He did not use His position to make Himself greater than others. Instead, He gave Himself for the sake of humanity, you and I. His life demonstrates that true greatness is found in serving others with love, His selfless love.
This passage challenges us to look at the way we treat the people around us. At school, at home, at church, or among our friends, do we always need to be right? Do we put our own wants and needs first? Or are we willing to listen, forgive, encourage, and help others?

Having the attitude of Christ does not mean thinking that we are unimportant. It means recognizing that every person has value and choosing to treat others with kindness and respect. Sometimes the smallest acts of humility ... a kind word, helping someone who is struggling, saying sorry, a smile, sometimes just being there for someone or forgiving someone can reflect Christ's love.

Philippians 2:5 says, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." This is can be challenging, and can be difficult but it is also an invitation. Jesus has shown us how to live as servant leaders. Through Him, we can learn to become more humble, loving, and willing to serve one another by His example and as we follow in His footsteps to be humble servants for Jesus.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of humility and love You have given us. Help us to have the same attitude that You had. Teach us to put others before ourselves, to serve with willing hearts, and to live in a way that brings honour to Your name. May our words, choices, and actions always reflect Your love wherever we go. Help us to remember that true greatness comes from serving You and others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Debbie Louw is the Session Clerk of Heidelburg Presbyterian Church in the Highveld Presbytery. Debbie is a mother/grandmother and mentor to many grandchildren and a great grandchild and loves serving God's people.

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EmmDev 2026-10-16 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #5 - Spiritually Dead - No Impact

Bad Habits #5 - Spiritually Dead - No Impact

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the fifth one...

To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.  (Revelation3:1-6)

A reputation of being alive but dead spiritually seems to be the state of the current church, where only a few are living faithfully with very little or no impact. Christian lives that are not only pretentious but compromised with worldly customs and desires. Today we explore the state of being Spiritually dead based on the letter to the church of Sardis which was fifty Kilometers from south of Thyatira. A Prosperous city where five important roads met and gave the city strategic importance in terms of trade.

Similar to our times majority of Christians in Sardis were spiritually weak and only a few were commended for their faithfulness to the Lord. The Lord Jesus Christ our savior and master who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars knows those who are spiritually dead and a few who are faithful to Him. The Christians in Sardis seemed spiritually alive but they were in fact spiritually dead. They had not faced severe trials nor persecution. The church had become so much like the surrounding community such that it was no longer possible to distinguish between Christians and non Christians.

Their witness to Christ had become dull. They chose not to be different from their non-Christian neighbours. They chose not to oppose the customs and traditions of the community. While they were at peace and content with everything they wanted, their spirits had become weak as good as dead. Their Christian lives were empty, not complete and Christ was not pleased with such Christians.

As we face the month of mission, it's time to reflect on how we have lived our Christian lives. Are we alive or we are spiritually dead? Our call is to please the Lord in every aspect and to be awake and strengthen that which is about to die. It could be the love for the Lord, love for one another, love for the truth, thirst and hunger for righteousness. Jesus warns of judgment to come and the punishment he brings upon the people in this present life. May the Lord help us to strengthen that which is about to die that we may be among those he will dress in white. Those declared righteous in the sight of God, whose names will never be erased from the book of life and will inherit eternal life. And this promise is to those who stand firm to the end.

In this mission month through this reflection we are being reminded to avoid the habits of declining churches of being spiritually dead, weak with very little or no impact. We must ask the Lord to revive us once again, grant us strength, wisdom, courage and the spirit of truth.
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Sonye Banda, married to Wiza. Dad to Kumbutso, Dalitso, Shekinah and Deborah. A Minister serving at St. Peter's Presbyterian Church in Chipata Eastern province, Zambia. Mission & Convenor in Eastern Zambia Presbytery.

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EmmDev 2026-10-15 [M.O.M. 2026] Bad Habits #4 - False Teachings and Bad Practices

Bad Habits #4 - False Teachings and Bad Practices

This week we are looking at the bad habits of unhealthy churches, here's the fourth one...

These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.  I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, 'I will not impose any other burden on you, except to hold on to what you have until I come.' To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations --- that one 'will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery' --- just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give that one the morning star.  Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation2:18-29)

The Greco-Roman city of Thyatira was a wealthy, cosmopolitan hub with trade guilds that controlled the business in the city. It is the smallest of the seven cities addressed in Revelation, but was powerful economically and functioned as a gateway between larger cities. It had many skilled artisans who belonged to trade guilds. These guilds, while economic in nature, also required religious observance to their particular god as part of the membership into the guild. This would often involve heavy drinking, excessive eating and ritual prostitution.

This meant for the Christians in Thyatira, that they could not participate in these guilds -- and this could lead to social isolation and financial ruin. It was an incredibly tough situation for them to be in.

But notice what Jesus says -- he praises them for "your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." But then calls them out for their involvement in these practices and for anyone preaching that doing so was ok. There was a teaching going around that participating in these practices was allowed as a Christian businessman. Jesus finds this abhorrent.

How does this speak to our churches and our work of the Kingdom today?
It is speaking about compromise.
Do we serve at Church on Sunday but during the week exploit our workers?
Do we worship God and yet gossip about our brothers and sisters?
Do we watch sermons online and porn on the same computer when the night grows late?
Do we serve as an elder, and allow that power to enable abuse at home?
Do we avoid preaching against greed and injustice in order to pacify our people?

We say things like:
-"Well, its just good business to budget for bribery."
-"Well I made this money, how I spend it is my business."
-"Well what people don't see and don't know, doesn't matter."

But Jesus calls us to a life of purity in all areas of our lives. He calls us to be faithful to our spouses, to be just in our dealings with those working for us, to be honest in our finances. He calls us to be different, to be light in the darkness.

The Church fails to grow when abuses to this fidelity are happening quietly behind closed doors. If its our hearts, our love and our devotion that Christ seeks -- then we dare not be unfaithful to our first love.

May we stand up and stand out because we preach integrity and follow through with lives demonstrating these Kingdom values.
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Jackie Barker is a Minister to a church in the West Rand of Johannesburg. She and her husband Tim are parenting 10 beautiful children from hard places, and running a Pregnancy Crisis Centre. She is a lover of walking, sunsets and photography.

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