eDevs: October 2021

Sunday, October 31, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-31 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] GOD'S MISSION -- OUR MISSION

GOD'S MISSION -- OUR MISSION

The last Sunday in October is celebrated by Reformed and Protestant churches as Reformation Sunday. On 30th October 1517 Martin Luther issued his 95 Thesis in which he challenged certain theological beliefs and practices in the Roman Catholic Church. The concepts of sola Gratia (by grace alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola Christus (Christ alone) and sola scriptura (scripture alone) became the key principles of the Reformation. Among these teachings was the Reformers focus on the materially poor and needy. It is thus not surprising that John Calvin and Martin Luther's reformation within the church brought about socio-economic and political reforms as well.

The parable of the Great Banquet tells us about the invitation extended by a host to people to come to dinner - a sign of grace, hospitality and kindness. However, the socially elite found excuses and not valid reasons as to why they could not attend. We are told in verse 21 that "the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and lame." Now, this verse would be problematic if it stood on its own since it would give the impression that the poor and needy are an afterthought when the wealthy and privileged refused the invitation. It is therefore important to read it in the context of verse 12 earlier where Jesus points out to the host that he should not just invite friends, family and rich neighbours who can pay you back instead they should invite the poor, crippled, lame and the blind. This, incidentally, is God's mission as expressed by Jesus in Luke 4:18, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, and the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free..."

God's mission is to save the world. God invites us to repent and believe so that we may enter into God's Kingdom (reign). The Kingdom is not only spiritual but promises health, healing, wholeness, and peace for all creation. God invites us to join with God in the mission to save, heal and transform the world to mirror God's justice and peace, as the Reformers taught us. The concept of the priesthood of all believers tell us that we each have the responsibility to respond to God's invitation and to also go out and invite others into God's loving, saving and forgiving presence. This is our God-given invitation and mission! What's your excuse?

At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, `Come, for everything is now ready.'

"But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, `I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.'

"Another said, `I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I'm on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.'

"Still another said, `I just got married, so I can't come.'

"The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, `Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.'

(Luke14:17-21)

Jerry Pillay is married to Sandra and they have three fabulous children.

This brings us to the end of the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa's "Month of Mission" as arranged by the Mission and Discipleship Committee of General Assembly. Grateful Thanks are expressed to: Ruth Armstrong, Richard M'kandawire, Hein Barnard, Brian Mazanhi, Wayne van Heerden and Theo Groeneveld who arranged, collected, edited and disseminated the devotions. Special Gratitude goes to Sipho Mtwetwa (our Moderator), Peter Langerman (our Past moderator), Lydia Neshangwe (our Moderator designate), Lungile Mpetsheni (our General Secretary), Anna Banda, Melanie Cook, Christopher Mkandawire, Hein Barnard, Paul Neshangwe, Jane Nyirongo, Judith Mkandawire, Tatenda Garande, Lihai Bercovich, Patricia Phiri, Faresi Sakala, Lazarus Chirwa, Thompson Nota, Natalie Barnard, James Lungu, Susan Mumba, Gavin Vaaltyn, Amos Nyirenda, Willingmore Mhlanga, Mautji Pataki, Allan Mchulu, Dephine Murove, Bukelwa Hans, Chala Habisela, Sam Ruzivo, and Jerry Pillay who wrote the devotions.

This mailing list will now revert to the "EmmDevs" written by Theo Groeneveld of Emmanuel Presbyterian from Tue-Fri.

Saturday, October 30, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-30 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Israel was meant to be a light to the nations.

Israel was meant to be a light to the nations.

In science they describe one of the characteristic of light as something that initiates growth and sustains the life of plants in the process called photosynthesis. From the beginning of germination, light plays a crucial role to commence and give new life to the new plant, to make it grow and sustain it.

Israel, as the light to other nations, was to initiate life, growth and sustain it. This is the situation the Prophet Isaiah was envisioning about the Israel who were the chosen mountain to be light to the other mountains that surrounded it. A mountain chosen by God to be the bearer of light. Their life came from God and they grew and were sustained by it.

The Prophet Isaiah explained it in two ways: they were to grow internally and then to grow externally. The internal part was that God would first establish Israel as God's Temple to be a spiritual institution which was rooted in the Word of God and his ways. We see the same characteristic in the Early Church as represented in the book of Acts of Apostles whereby it was established by initial internal (or local) growth and then went out to grow externally as it reached the Gentiles.

The Prophet Isaiah went on to remind Israel that all the far-away nations would flow to to them and many people would come. He foresaw the physical growth of the God's chosen people expanding in an extraordinary way as it reached those who were not Israelite. He dreamed that they would be a powerful attracting force bringing many to God.

Another way to describe these two movements are the concepts of centripetal and centrifugal movement. Centripetal is the movement towards the centre, that is our internal growth, where we grow towards God and in his grace. Centrifugal being the movement away from the centre, where the external movement happens in a way that our light attracts those outside in the world to come to God and the Church makes use of the light in them to reach out the world.

Like John the Baptist, we the church are to bear witness to Christ Jesus by burning and shining like a lamp as we show light so that the world can be witnessed to. It is the light that we shine that gives life of Christ Jesus to the world. It grows and sustains it, just like the sun to the plants in the process of photosynthesis.

In the last days the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.

Many peoples will come and say:

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,

to the house of the God of Jacob.

He will teach us his ways,

so that we may walk in his paths."

The law will go out from Zion,

the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

He will judge between the nations

and will settle disputes for many peoples.

They will beat their swords into plowshares

and their spears into pruning hooks.

Nation will not take up sword against nation,

nor will they train for war anymore.

Come, O house of Jacob,

let us walk in the light of the LORD."

(Isaiah2:2-5)

Rev Sam Ruzivo is married to Charity. Blessed with two kids Makanakaishe and Kudakwashe. Serving at Sakubva Presbyterian Church, Mutare within Presbytery of Zimbabwe. Enjoys doing mechanics and rebuilding cars.

Friday, October 29, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-29 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] More than Words

More than Words

In today's passage, James is describing a person who says has faith, but there is nothing about this person's life that indicates it. James proceeds to illustrate the futility (a total lack of purpose or usefulness) of words without deeds in the following verses.

We are introduced to two people. One lacks daily food and clothing. The other has both, but is unwilling to share with his needy brother. When presented with an opportunity to help his poor brother, the latter is not ready to lift a finger. Instead he only professes words of generosity, saying to his poor brother, "God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!". But does nothing to make this possible. What good are such words? They are worthless! They do not change the condition of his poor brother.

This text does not only pose a challenge to Jame's audience, but it is also challenging the church today to examine the nature of the faith we are exhibiting. It is very possible for the church today to be caught up in a faith that is characterised by mere words.

True faith must always transcend into deeds because faith and good works are inseparable. In this mission month; specifically in today's devotion, let's pray that our faith shall be more than words. That the Holy Spirit will cause us to respond to the concrete struggles being faced by people in the church and community.

The devotion for today is not saying that we are saved by faith plus works. To hold such a view would be to dishonour the finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. If we were saved by faith plus works, then there would be two saviours - Jesus and ourselves. The Bible is very clear that Christ is the one and only Saviour. What James is emphasising in our devotion for today is that we must NOT live by a faith of words but by that kind of faith which bears good works for the glory God.

Grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

(James2:14-17)

Rev. Chala Habasila | Husband to Patricia | Father to Steven, David and Daniel | Serving at St. Columba's Presbyterian Church, Lusaka. Zambia.

Thursday, October 28, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-28 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] A Life Transformed

A Life Transformed

Philip was preaching in Samaria when God directed him to a wilderness road, where he encountered an Ethiopian eunuch who asked Philip a very pertinent question because he could not understand what he was reading. Philip explained to him the gospel of Jesus which is the centre of the message of salvation.

Nothing of Jesus fitted into human categories. It surprised humanity in everything and that is understandable because He is a root from dry ground (Isaiah 53:2). Jesus had no beauty that we should desire. The final straw was his death upon the cross which was a scandal to the Pharisees. They mocked him and for them this was proof of being an impostor. For the Greeks it was shame and utter foolishness because for them a saving act must be taught. For them a Saviour dying in weakness was foolishness hence the Apostle Paul confirmed to the Corinthians "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." (1Cor2:2)

Jesus Christ came into the world to bear the full force of the problem of human sin against a holy God. His entire life, from boyhood to the cross, was characterised by the anguish of facing and dealing with sin and death so that His people could be forgiven.

This story reminds us that the good news will not travel to the ends of the earth primarily because of focus groups, strategic plans, and demographic analyses. It will do so because individuals will gladly carry it there, because they recognise that it speaks to them no matter who they are or how others measure them. Those individuals recognise that the good news acknowledges their worth and dignity. The good news thwarts the prejudices that religions and societies keep falling into.

Once the man was baptised, he went away rejoicing. In Jesus, situations change. Boundaries evaporate. Walls disappear. He was declared worthy. He had a new identity and was a new creature.

The most important lesson we can learn from Philip's life is that the Gospel is for everyone: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for anyone willing to receive it. Ask God to create opportunities for you to share the faith and lead people to Christ

The Ethiopian eunuch was changed from being a miserable and an unhappy man to filled with the spirit of rejoicing and went on his way rejoicing. The man was changed completely. Let us all rejoice because Jesus is our Lord and Saviour

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:

"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,

and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,

so he did not open his mouth.

In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.

Who can speak of his descendants?

For his life was taken from the earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptised?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

(Acts8:26-39)

Bukelwa Hans married to Howard , ministering in Gqeberha Central Cape Presbytery

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-27 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] The Gospel is for the Underdogs.

The Gospel is for the Underdogs.

The month of October is the Month of Mission where we are looking at "Going for growth: Sowing, Growing, Reaping." Going for growth demands that we become disciples who live in such a way that we in turn will make other disciples: to lead our lives the way Christ desires us to.

The Sermon on the Mount opens with the beatitudes, a carefully thought out message of purpose and will.

Beatitudes: The Latin beatus means "blessed" and affirms an existing state of blessedness. It does not pray for a blessing but affirms that it already exists. Jesus here is teaching that, this state of blessedness is not for everyone but it results from the cultivation of certain attributes that are approved by God: These are attribute of being: "the poor in spirit (in need of God), mourning (recognizing a need for forgiveness), merciful (extending mercy to others), pure in heart (choosing to avoid sin), meekness (humility), those who hunger and thirst for righteousness (recognition of one's own unrighteousness), peacemaking (seeking harmony and unity), being persecuted and being falsely accused for His sake.

Jesus is teaching this during a time when those regarded as the have-nots were often treated with undisguised contempt, while the exalted were truly exalted - the rich, the emperors, the royal, Sadducees and Pharisees, the tax collectors. But Christ is saying, it is not them that will enjoy this state of blessedness but rather it is those common people, the ones whom earthly success has largely passed by. Why so? Because though they may have never experienced worldly success what cannot be taken away from them is their potential to live rightly by one another.

This today, should give us all the strength even in the face of challenges. Yes, there are times when you look into your life and all you can see is criticism, obstacles and it seems as if all odds are against you but remember, you need to respond to them in a way that qualifies you for the affirmed blessedness, for the kingdom of heaven and for the advancement of his message in this world: the way of adherence to Christ.

Whatever challenge you face must not take away the potential to live rightly with the other. Each Beatitude does not only give the attribute of who is blessed, but also declares what is in store for such people. The high standards of living Jesus preached here are not meant to discourage us, but let's bear in mind that, it is the unexalted that will enjoy the blessings of God, therefore, let us put our complete dependence on the Spirit of God.

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying:

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

(Matthew5:1-11)

Rev Dephine Murove married to Caesar and am serving at Eiffel Flats Kadoma POZ.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-26 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Before we witness...

Before we witness...

Standing as a witness of God involves both who we are and what we do. In order to be a witness of the Saviour Jesus Christ, we must strive to be like Him. This means setting a Christ's example for others through the clothes we wear, the words we speak, the music we listen to, the service we give and the friends we make. So, what is a witness?

What do you think of when you hear the word ''witness''? Most people probably think of someone in a courtroom. The witness is someone that has seen something take place and is there to tell of all that they saw, heard and experienced. Likewise, as Christians, we are called to be witnesses for Christ who present a testimony about the truth that we have experienced and heard.

We need to be born again before we can witness to any other person (John 3:1-14; 1 Peter 2:9-10).
We need to be prayerful (1 Samuel 12:23; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).
We need to be disciples of Jesus Christ before we can become witnesses of Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:19; Acts 4:20).
We need to be reconciled to Christ because it is Christ who gives us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
We need God the Holy Spirit who gives us power and consequently enables us to witness (Acts 1:8; Luke 4:18-19; Ephesians 5:18).
We need to be filled with the Word of God and know how to correctly apply it in our lives (Romans 10:17).
We need to know how to relate with none believers. In the Bible, we see that Andrew brought Simon Peter to the Lord (John 1:40-42).
We need to understand our most important mission before we can be involved in witnessing (Romans 10:13-15).
We need to love God and love the people who God has created (1 Thessalonians 2:8; 1 John 1:1-4; 1 John 4:20-22; Ephesians 2:1-10).

So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

(Acts1:6-8)

Devotion written by the Rev Allan Mchulu, minister at Kabwata Uniting Presbyterian Church- Munali Presbytery Lusaka Zambia. I am married to Jessy Mwanda and together we have two beautiful daughters Deborah and Natasha aged 21 and 18 respectively.

Monday, October 25, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-25 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] (Take Two) Our Approach to Personal Evangelism

Mautji Pataki sent a devotion for today, but it was delayed in arrival...
Here's another valuable perspective on today's really important passage.

Our Approach to Personal Evangelism

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. (1Peter3:15)

Through this text and within the context of doing Christ's mission in the world, we are reminded of the prerequisites of faith that are required to equip those who go out to evangelise and to pronounce the works of Christ to the world.

Because pilgrims will certainly be confronted with a hostile world that believes in anything but Christ, those who serve the same must be faithful and knowledgeable -- faithful to Christ and knowledgeable with the Scriptures whilst fortified with the resilience to defend their belief in the Gospel.

Sanctification of the Lord in our hearts is the primary requirement for the success of those who are ready to serve his course. Our hearts must be open to Christ and be turned into his home so that whatever we say and do in the world must be for his sake. We are called to preach to the world "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1Corinthians 2:2) and "the stone which was rejected by builders" (Psalm 118:22) and yet the One who defeated sin and death so that "those who belief may not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16).

Within the context of the Mission Month, this teaching constitutes the base of the message to which Peter calls us. It is a teaching that would require of the believers of Christ to pronounce in faith and hope which the world would still question. Yet we are invited to defend that hope in meekness and fear of the Lord so as to disarm "those who will defame you as evildoers" (1Peter 3:16).

Through this text believers of Jesus Christ are left with a high sense of duty and service to the world that is antagonistic to Him and yet the good is found in the tools that are made available to confront such kind of hostility. For believers to present themselves as meek and fearful of the Lord breeds shame on those who resist the Lord.

Finally, let us take cue from Apostle Paul who says, "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2Corinthians 12:10)

Amen.

-----------------

Rev. Mautji Pataki is an ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament serving the charge of William Mpamba Memorial Congregation in and around Solomondale Mission within the bounds of the Presbytery of Limpopo.

EmmDev 2021-10-25 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Our Approach to Personal Evangelism

Our Approach to Personal Evangelism

We've seen how Jesus, Paul and Philip spoke to others. But what about us? What should our approach to personal evangelism be? Peter gives us some guidelines...

If we're going to tell others then there are some basic issues to get into place:

1. Christ must be Lord in our own hearts. We can't give away what we don't have. I can't share my father's faith with someone else. The Gospel can't be secondhand. Sharing our faith comes from the warm and vibrant reality of our personal relationship with Jesus. But Peter says more... His language is very specific: We must set apart Christ as LORD. Jesus is not just our Saviour and God on a when-we-need-Him basis, but our whole lives need to be oriented around Him. Our proclamation is most effective when we are willing to place our lives at His command and at His service. If we're willing to do this, then He'll prompt us when to speak and when to be quiet. A lot of bad evangelism happens when we run ahead of God motivated by guilt or pride. If we listen to Him, the moment will be right.

2. We need to live lives that model hope - so much so that people will ask us about it. Now this does not mean that we put on a false veneer of 'positive thinking.' The world is tired of that. Our hope needs to come from a deep conviction of God's love for us and His plan for our lives.

3. Then we need to be ready and willing to give answers. Sometimes being ready will require knowledge and sometimes it will require thoughtfulness. Sometimes we will need to take time and journey with people and sometimes we will need to be able to communicate the basics of faith briefly and succinctly. We don't need theological degrees, but we do need to grasp the basics of the faith. But good answers also need careful listening, we should not trot out trite answers to deep pain.

4. We need to be gentle and respectful. The arrogance of Christians has been one of the biggest stumbling blocks in the spread of the Gospel. Just because we believe that we are right doesn't give us the right to drive steam-rollers.

5. Our example is paramount. We are wasting our time and damaging the gospel's reputation if we live badly.

But set Christ apart as Lord in your hearts and always be ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess. Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you (1Peter3:15-16)

Theo Groeneveld serves at Emmanuel Presbyterian in Pretoria. He's married to and adores Brenda and is proud of his son Caleb. He enjoys cycling, music and tech and as a family they love serving the church and also work with an animal rescue organisation fostering stray kittens and finding homes for them.

Sunday, October 24, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-24 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] How does Paul approach King Agrippa?

How does Paul approach King Agrippa?

In the passage, Paul is in chains as a prisoner of the state after some Jews laid charges against him because they were unhappy with his mission to the Gentiles. When Paul is allowed to speak in vs.1, there is no sign of timidity. Instead, he takes the stage with boldness as one who is in control of the situation. Whilst Paul works on showing his innocence, he uses the opportunity to give his life's testimony on how he was once against Christians. However, the power of Jesus Christ transformed him after his personal experience with the resurrected Christ. Even when bound in chains, Paul is unapologetic about his task as Christ's apostle -- one sent to proclaim the message of salvation to the lost.

King Agrippa (and all other listeners) hear about Christ's ability to save people's lives as He did with Paul. In what should be Paul's defence, he uses the chance to proclaim the message of salvation. Paul's message is that, for both Jews and Gentiles, they could become members of God's people if they repented from their sinful ways and turned to God. One sign of true repentance is "do[ing] deeds to match their repentance." In vs.28, Agrippa tactfully avoids Paul's initial question and statement, "I know that you believe." However, Paul clearly proclaims the message of salvation, that is, everyone who is listening to him is invited to become a Christian.

As we learn from the Apostle Paul what it means to follow Jesus and that the task at hand is to ensure that, "... all who hear me this day might become such as I am...." We cannot use or allow our circumstances, sometimes challenging, as an excuse not to proclaim the message of salvation. Could it be that each individual that we meet and talk to, regardless of their social status, must hear about what Christ can do for them?

Christ enables those who come to Him to gain a new perspective about life. Christ's salvation ensures a life free from the power of the enemy, the penalty of sin is broken, and divine renewal is ushered into one's life. Lest we forget - the mission is God's; Jesus Christ is the message; the Holy Spirit is the enabling power of the mission; individually (and corporately) we are the medium of God's mission; and the world is the target of God's mission. In the words of our Lord, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... (Matthew 28:19)." That is our task -- to proclaim the message of salvation.

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak for yourself."

So Paul motioned with his hand and began his defence: "King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

"The Jews all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child, from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me. Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?

"I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.

"On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, `Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

"Then I asked, `Who are you, Lord?'

" `I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. `Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

"So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds. That is why the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me. But I have had God's help to this very day, and so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen-- that the Christ would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to his own people and to the Gentiles."

At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."

"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."

Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"

Paul replied, "Short time or long--I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains."

(Acts26:1-31)

Rev Willingmore Mhlanga is married to Senzokuhle and with two sons, Dumolwakhe and Njabulo. Serving in a shared ministry -- Makokoba Presbyterian Church, Bulawayo and The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (National Ecumenical Liaison Officer).

Saturday, October 23, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-23 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] How does Paul reach the Jailer?

How does Paul reach the Jailer?

Imprisoned people have no option but to obey those in charge of them. Paul and Silas, being among those imprisoned, obeyed the Philippian jailer as he was employed to look after prisoners. But spiritually they looked to God Almighty who could help them out of their predicament. Their devotion to prayer, praise and sharing the gospel was not chained and silenced by the walls of the prison and the fastening bonds.

As they prayed to God in prison, they expressed dependence on God. They could only get strength from God through prayer instead of complaining to the jailer and the magistrates who locked them in Prison. Often, we spend much time complaining to people who do not even know the God who called us and we expect to be helped. We forget that God is the owner of the ministry. We should talk to God in time of injustice and He will come through for us.

As they sang hymns of praise to God who had the power to free them from their bonds. Praise activated the power of God to work upon their lives. This was seen in the earthquake that shook the strong foundations of the prison and threw the bonds open. There is liberating power in praising God in all situations. No spiritual wall can stand the power of God at work in praise.

When the jailer woke up, he found out that the doors were open and wanted to kill himself because he was convinced thought Paul and Silas had escaped. But Paul cried out, "Do not harm yourself, we are all here." He rushed in the prison and knelt before Paul trembling in fear. He brought them out and asked Paul, "What shall I do to be saved?" Paul guided the jailer to believer in God and be saved.

Paul directed the jailer to the God of the power that worked in prison through prayer and praise. The jailer surrendered his life to God. God's authority and power is greater than any other power that can enslave people. The humility that Paul and Silas showed in waiting for the jailer to take them out and not running away, enabled the jailer to see God's grace in saving his life.

Prayer: God help me to pray and praise you in difficulty situations, to direct people who want to be saved to you, not to the miracle or fellowship place. God give me the grace to be humble as your vessel, not amassing glory to myself for the miracles you are doing, but letting glory be given unto you, God Almighty. Amen!

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. Then he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. (ESV) (Acts16:25-34)

Rev Masauso Nyirenda, a minister at Chimwemwe Congregation in the Copperbelt Presbytery, Zambia. He is married to Margaret Band and together they are blessed with three children; Chimwemwe, Walusungu and Wezi.

Friday, October 22, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-22 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] How does Philip work with the Eunuch?

How does Philip work with the Eunuch?

(This week we are looking at Evangelistic Approaches: How did Jesus, Philip and Paul treat people?)

In this passage we meet Philip, not as well-known as the other disciples, but here he is, nonetheless. Philip heard God telling him, "Go south to the road-the desert road-that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza" (Acts 8:26).

This was an unfamiliar territory that Philip was being charged to. The Message Edition of the Bible refers to this road as the "desolate road," whilst others speak of a "wilderness road."

At some levels of our own experiences, we have been on such a road. We have found ourselves here when the GPS momentarily takes a break and sends us down some obscure road that takes us further and further away from our actual destination. When we were meant to take a right, instead we took a left. This desolate or wilderness road is not just the road itself that makes it feel desolate, but it is what you find on this road. Uncertainty. Unfamiliarity. As well as being unprepared.

On this unfamiliar road Philip met an Ethiopian eunuch. Most definitely a strange sight for any Israelite. Eunuchs are tough subject matter for a sermon. This is a man whose body was mutilated in such a way that he could be trusted as a slave, especially around royal women, because there was no chance of any illicit behaviour.

We are told that the eunuch was reading the prophet Isaiah when Philip found him. It is amazing to note that within God's unfolding story of love, grace, and justice, God chooses surprising characters to move the plot along. God often employs the most unlikely people to be part of the story.

Here, we find an official, the treasurer of the Candace, the queen of Ethiopia, riding in a chariot and reading aloud from the book (or scroll) of Isaiah. This man was highly educated, intellectually curious and spiritually hungry. Philip on God's instruction met this man on a desolate road. Because God is about to do something that He loves to do and calls God's people to transgress boundaries, go where no one expects God to go, and show up where no one expects God to be.

It's amazing that Philip unquestionably listened to the voice of God. God led him on an unfamiliar road, to an unfamiliar person to lead him to Christ. When the Spirit of God is at work, everything else makes sense. Philip was able to seize the opportunity to present the good news about Jesus from Isaiah 53. That became a joyous occasion not only for the Ethiopian but also for Philip, who was willing and able to be of service to Christ.

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture
"He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth."

The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

(Acts8:26-39)

Rev Gavin Vaaltyn minsters at St John's Presbyterian Church as well as being Moderator of the Highveld Presbytery. He is married to Jocelyn; they have two children and 2 grandsons, who are very supportive of his ministry.

Thursday, October 21, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-21 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] The Rich Young Man

The Rich Young Man

(This week we are looking at Evangelistic Approaches: How did Jesus, Philip and Paul treat people?)

In today's passage Jesus encounters a rich young man who was zealous to know more about Him. He ran and fell at Jesus' feet. This gesture shows that he was sincere and genuinely interested in Jesus Christ and asked a fundamental question, "Good teacher, what can I do to inherit eternal life?" In other words he was asking "What do I have to do to have a continuous knowledge and life with Christ?"

I love Jesus' answer to the question: "Why do you call me good? No-one is good except God alone." Here we are talking of Christ who is all good, all loving, all knowing and who knew no sin. But Christ revealed to him that, as long as you are a human being you will need to continue to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness. As the Apostle Paul writes to the Philippians: "Not that I have already obtained all this or have already arrived at my goal but I press on to take hold of that which Jesus Christ took hold of me."(3:12)

Paul is clear that the Christian life is a work in progress. Instead of claiming to be perfect. Paul calls us to pursue becoming more like Christ. In His answer Christ was rebuking the spirit of pride and boasting in humanity. Jesus then shared some of the ten commandments which the young man said he knew since he was a boy. Jesus looked at him and loved him and said: "You lack one thing: Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven."

Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus loves us and He wants us to have a relationship with Him. The rich young man had been greatly blessed materially, he thought he lacked nothing but Christ revealed there was something he lacked spiritually...

Unfortunately that which he lacked proved to be impossible for him to surrender, and his face fell and he went away sad for he had great wealth.

Is there something that the Holy Spirit has been telling us to surrender in our lives that we cannot? Do we value ourselves more than we value others? Do we consider ourselves more precious than our fellow sisters and brothers? Are we proud and inconsiderate not accommodating others? Jesus Christ is saying to us if we want to follow him we must let go all our earthly treasures. Sadly, we have become too comfortable and it's now high time we move out from our comfort zones and become true followers of Christ. Let us continue to place our faith in Christ, the author and finisher of our lives.

As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone. You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.' "

"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."

Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."

At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

(Mark10:17-22)

Rev Susan Mumba. Chaplain at Chitemere Hurold Munro Secondary school, Zimbabwe.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-20 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Jesus and Nathanael

Jesus and Nathanael

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit."

"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the son of God; you are the king of Israel."

Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that."

He then added, "Very truly I tell you, you will see 'heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on' the son of man."

(John1:46-51)

(This week we are looking at Evangelistic Approaches: How did Jesus, Philip and Paul treat people?)

John 1:46-51 is written in a context when Jesus had embarked on calling disciples to be a part of his mission of training and making them his true followers. Ironically Jesus does not call the so called 'holy people' or law experts. Instead he called people who were regarded as outcasts and sinners, such as tax collectors and fishermen. People that had no faith and were full of doubts such as Nathanael whom we have read about in the passage above. The biggest question is: If Jesus came to call a new set of disciples today, whom is he going to call?

How then does Jesus approach Nathanael in the above passage?
And what lessons can we draw from Jesus' approach?

Jesus' approach in calling Nathanael:

Jesus approached Nathanael by identifying the goodness in him and making it known to him. Jesus said to Nathanael vs 47 "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit." It was the identification of the goodness in Nathanael, which challenged his doubts when he responded to Philip who told him about Jesus.

Jesus did not castigate, Nathanael for doubting him, but instead acknowledged his areas of strength. It seems like this was a similar approach Jesus had used when calling his disciples. He did not condemn any of them, but instead opened his arms to welcome them.

Jesus approach towards Nathanael, made him to open up "How do you know me?"

When Nathanael realised that he was known by Jesus, it brought him to believe in Jesus "Rabbi, you are the son of God; you are the king of Israel."

Lessons for today's Church:

The Church today is battling with issues of growth of membership. Some churches are even closing up due to the loss of membership leading to renting out the buildings for other activities.
While there are so many reasons or causes to the stagnation and failure of Church growth, one of the reasons is that our attitude towards the unbelievers has done more harm than good.
We easily judge and condemn them even when the Bible is very clear that we have no rights to judge any one.
There is a need to start opening doors for those that feel lost and in dire need of hope. This does not mean compromising the word of God to suit us or individuals but allowing God himself to manifest his power through the illumination of his holy scriptures.
The Church today is called to sow, grow and reap God's disciples into his kingdom.

The biggest question is if Jesus came to call a new set of disciples today whom is he going to call?

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Rev. James Lungu: husband to Emelly, and a Father to Joel & Walinase (Emmanuel), am a Biblical Scholar researcher, currently serving at Matero Congregation in Zambia under Muchinga Presbytery.

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-19 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] He loved her anyway

He loved her anyway

(This week we are looking at Evangelistic Approaches: How did Jesus, Philip and Paul treat people?)

The humanity of Christ is evident in the request when Jesus asked the Samaritan woman for a drink. He was tired and thirsty. He needed to rest. Jesus walked through Samaria because he had a divine appointment with a woman he knew before he even met her. Jesus knew that she would collect water in the heat of the day to avoid the other women in the community because of her reputation. Jesus crossed social and racial barriers by asking the woman for a drink. He did this because he knew that she was being shunned by others and he wanted her to know that He loved her anyway. His actions demonstrate Micah 6:8 "and what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." Jesus went where the need was the greatest. The woman felt that she was not worthy of the love of her neighbours. Jesus knew this and he loved her anyway.

The woman was shocked that a Jewish male spoke to her, a Samaritan woman. Jesus offered her the gift of living water and she was eager to receive this gift. Jesus tested her by asking her about her husband. She was honest and transparent. She responded that she did not have a husband. Jesus revealed that he knew everything about her including her history with men. Jesus loved her anyway.

The Samaritan woman had three strikes against her above and beyond being a woman. She was a Samaritan, a half-breed race despised by Jews of good standing, known to be living in sin, and this was a public place --- a town centre. A respectable Jewish male would NEVER talk to a woman under these circumstances. Jesus loved her anyway.

The disciples were surprised that Jesus was talking to a woman but did not dare ask why he was talking to her. The woman left her water jar and ran to tell those who despised her about the gift of eternal life. She posed the question: Could this be the Christ? Jesus in the meantime entered into a serious discussion with the disciples about the food he has that they do not know about, revealing his deity in the responses to the disciples that His food is to do the will of the father.

Because Jesus loved the woman anyway, many Samaritans believed. Her testimony was powerful and convincing.

By the power of God's Living Water flowing through us we are able to go out of our way to do the will of the father and reach those who are seen as unclean and shunned by society. May we love them anyway.

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John--- 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob's well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])

10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

11 "Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?"

13 Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so that I won't get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water."

16 He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."

17 "I have no husband," she replied.

Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true."

19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

21 "Woman," Jesus replied, "believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth."

25 The woman said, "I know that Messiah" (called Christ) "is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us."

26 Then Jesus declared, "I, the one speaking to you---I am he."

27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"

(John4:4-27)

Natalie Angela Barnard – mother to Christian Rolf and Natascha Gaby. Mother-in-law to Angela and Grandmother to Isabella Grace, loves the outdoor lifestyle, serving God at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in the City of Cape Town and as moderator at the Presbytery of the Western Cape.

Monday, October 18, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-18 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Jesus and Nicodemus

Jesus and Nicodemus

(This week we are looking at Evangelistic Approaches: How did Jesus, Philip and Paul treat people?)

Like a seed, Jesus was sown into the world, sprouted and grew purely in a crooked generation full of deceit, hate, and violence in all its forms. In and through Christ, God realizes a bumper harvest of souls willing to be agents of transformation through personal evangelism.

Nicodemus portrays true characteristics of a Pharisee; always seeking distinction and praise by outward observance of external rites and by outward forms of piety, such as ceremonial washings, fastings, prayers, and alms giving. Comparatively, they were negligent of genuine piety, and they prided themselves on their fancied good works. They were bitter enemies of Jesus and his cause; and were in turn severely rebuked by him for their reliance on outward works, and affection of piety in order to gain popularity.

Jesus expresses to Nicodemus that regardless of such personalities God still loves the world! Not that He approves bad human conduct, but that He has benevolent feelings toward them. Truly so, God hates our wickedness, and sinfulness but he still desires for our redemption. God hates sin, yet loves the sinner. As a mother assures love and care for her child in spite of certain unacceptable behaviors, so does God continue to care for sinners and is not pleased with their demise (Ezekiel 33:11). In this we realize that the salvation of the world is a free and unmerited gift. Humankind has no claim nor is it a case of exhibiting good works as the Pharisees would. Instead, God is moved by love to express eternal compassion, and the desire for sinners to be saved and not perish.

God could have easily picked any one of the sinners in the world to be a ransom for many, instead He sacrificed His only-begotten Son for the world to accept salvation as an unmerited favour and not as a right. Such legacy should grow in today's believers and develop far reaching fruits of love and compassion in a world that is gender blind; a universe that continues to pay less attention to the sanctity of life for the girl child and tramples on the less privileged and disadvantaged in communities.

Therefore, believing in Christ must translate to willingness to give oneself for the betterment of others. Eternal life is guaranteed to those who are prepared to have their luxuries and pleasures crucified for the sake of providing care and love to those different from us and to orphans and vulnerable children especially those who continue to fall victim to such pandemics as HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and Cancer among other disasters.

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him."

3 In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. "

4 "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!"

5 Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.' 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

9 "How can this be?" Nicodemus asked.

10 "You are Israel's teacher," said Jesus, "and do you not understand these things? 11 I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven--the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

(John3:1-16)

Rev. Simbarashe Thompson Nota, husband to Cathrine, father to two daughters, Dalitso and Tiwonge; serving as Schools Chaplain at Presbyterian High School in Mhondoro and Lekkerwater Schools in Marondera -- Presbytery of Zimbabwe.

Sunday, October 17, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-17 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] The Strengths of the Thessalonian Church

The Strengths of the Thessalonian Church

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.

And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

(1Thessalonians1:2-10)

The survival and effectiveness of the Church, depends on its strengths, and it is very important to look at the strengths of the Thessalonian Church which are as follows:

Paul, and others, always gave thanks to GOD for the Thessalonian Church.
We must also give thanks to GOD because this shows how grateful we are when we remember GOD's works in our lives.
As a Church, we must have "an archive" to remember where GOD has brought us from.
GOD has brought us from eternal death, and now we belong to the Body of CHRIST, and that is where we draw our strength from as a Church.
The HOLY SPIRIT is the "Central Power Engine" (C.P.E) who enables the gospel to be spread. The HOLY SPIRIT is at the center of the gospel, and HE is the strength of the Church that is why JESUS CHRIST said, "wait for the HOLY SPIRIT" -- Acts 1:4
Despite, Church's many afflictions, allowing the HOLY SPIRIT to work, brings joy, and the joy of the HOLY SPIRIT is in receiving the word of GOD, and holding on to it.
This kind of joy, is a good example, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in other places, and it resulted in good evangelism.
We all have 'ugly' backgrounds just like the Thessalonian Church who served idols in the past.
But by GOD's Grace, we are saved from the 'ugly' backgrounds, and from the wrath of GOD.
We must also pray and preach salvation for others to be saved as well.

In conclusion, we can also draw our strengths from the Thessalonian Church for us to survive and being effective as U.P.C.S.A

PRAYER: GOD help us draw our strengths, as U.P.C.S.A, from the Thessalonian Church in the name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen

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Rev. Lazarus Chirwa, St. Andrews, Copper belt Presbytery, Zambia.

Saturday, October 16, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-16 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] A Lukewarm Church

A Lukewarm Church

If Jesus would take your spiritual temperature before you read this devotion, what would He find? Hot or lukewarm or cold?

We have heard/read yesterday what happens when a church faded due to half-hearted repentance -- and that applied not only to Sardis, but to all the seven churches. We focus today on the last church, but also the richest of all seven churches.

The first remark of the Lord was that their deeds were lukewarm, and He could get rid of them. When they were hot, they had provided warmth in a cold environment, or they refreshed a thirsty soul when they were cold. They had a passion to share the Gospel (God's Only Son Prepared Eternal Life) to those outside in the cold without the Gospel. However, since they had it all, especially financially, they became self-sufficient and did not depend on God anymore. They have possibly an unwillingness to stake a stand and even showed signs of indifference. That led to a passiveness and eventual self-destruction.

You might have heard of congregations / churches in maintenance mode. This congregation could be proud of their past achievements but ignorant of the needs of their community and unwilling to stretch their comfort zone. The result? They die.

God does not leave them in their state of lukewarmness. He offers guidance to restoration and become what the church has been destined to be -- a church that reaches out with warmness and passion to those in the cold, outside. The church needed to buy from the Lord refined gold -- to make a deliberate choice to turn back to God and live with faith, refined by their cross-bearing. They needed to depend again on God and give up their self-sufficiency. They needed to wear white clothes when they live out practical righteousness in their community. They should also acquire the salve to gain spiritual vision for a world in need of the love and care of God. Be a missional church and play an active role to make it happen!

Do not expect to wear a crown but be willing to carry a cross. Do not get worked up by conspiracy theories and politics and sport but take the best time of the day to stand in awe when the Bible -- and God Himself -- speaks to you in person.

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm---neither hot nor cold---I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

(Revelation3:14-22)

Rev Hein Barnard has been seconded to the Bible Society of South Africa since 2014 and is married to Elna with three daughters, one son-in-law and two granddaughters. He lives his passion!

Friday, October 15, 2021

EmmDev 2021-10-15 [UPCSA Month of Mission 2021] Wake up Church!

Wake up Church!

There is a common saying in Shona "church yaMwari haife" meaning the church of God cannot die. This is true because that is where the Spirit of God dwells. When the church of God decides to disobey God and turn away from Him (death), a remnant by the grace of God remains obedient to fulfil His promise (the righteous will inherit the Kingdom of God).

The church in Sardis was near death but not beyond God's ability to wake them up. They were hypocrites, deceiving people but God knew their evil deeds. So, the word of God came to them, calling them to repent. Failure to repent would leave them out for destruction and only the faithful ones would have communion with Christ and enter the Kingdom of God

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the church of God is dying because of the evil deeds that we are doing. We need to introspect and consider the adulterous deeds, abuse, corruption, oppression, evil talk, bad mouthing our colleagues and relatives, lying, stealing, manipulating, pushing personal agendas, discrimination, tribalism, fights and wars in the church.... I can go on. The thing is, God is watching what we are doing. And He is saying these evil deeds are killing the church.

"Wake up Church!" Repent from all sinful deeds because judgement is certain and no-one knows when Christ will come. Christ wants the whole church to be with Him in His kingdom. Remember, He died for this church and He wants the whole church to be with Him where He will be (John 14:3). That is why the author mentioned the "....seven spirits of God....seven stars...." Seven represent the wholeness of God. This phrase shows Christ's need to keep the Church as a whole and present it to God in due time.

We need to grow healthy in our Christian walk and not deteriorating in our faith. Let us wake up friends and repent so that we come back to our Christian basics. Its high time we should live and show love to one another, love our enemies, be faithful to God and His work, patient with each other, preach and practise peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.

It is not the time to show off to people that we are Christians. It is now time to be in good relationship with God and do what God wants us to do. Let us walk with Jesus our Teacher, strive to be righteous through Him so that our names are written in the book of life.

This is His word to His disciples, in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit...Amen!

"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. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 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.

4 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. 5 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. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

(Revelation3:1-6)

Faresy Sakala, wife to Misheck, mother to Robson, Rose and Ronald. Chaplain/Manager at Lovemore House of Study. Overwhelmed with duties, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!"