They are Watching You!

2 Chronicles 11:23 “He dealt wisely, and dispersed some of his sons throughout all the territories of Judah and Benjamin, to every fortified city; and he gave them provisions in abundance. He also sought many wives for them.”

At times, Christians do certain things or go through a particular life thinking what they are doing or going through only matters to them. 

One wrongly assumes that each life and style chosen is totally independent from that of another. And thus insist on a certain kind of life and even pass it on to their children even when it may be contrary to Biblical truth and values.

Truth be told, no one Christian is absolutely independent from all others in their Christian conduct. There are other Christians, people of the earth everywhere, and our children included that are ever learning from who we are than what we say or teach.

Solomon, what he was and what he taught had a great barring on what become of his children. the text that heads this article is a great example of what Solomon's son learned from him. You can quickly observe two things: Solomon's great administrative abilities but also his multiplicity of wives (contrary to what was commanded  of kings in Deuteronomy 17:17: "Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away..."). These two things coupled with his great wisdom stand tall in Solomon's life. 

Among the pillars of Solomon's life One thing that stood out with so much negativity and brought a lot of regret in his later years was his marriages to countless women; far more than enough. It is no wonder that many of his sons followed suit. Thank God he later realized and taught otherwise “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life…” (Eccl 9:8). Meaning, one wife was enough. However, and sadly so, in this area, many of his sons learned more from his life than his teaching.

Rehoboam, Solomon’s inheritor and son, one being addressed in the above text, was, in my understanding, the wildest son in acquiring wives and concubines. He went to the point of even marring his own auntie and niece. As though that was not enough, Rehoboam  further engaged himself in a campaign of seeking many wives for his sons.

Friends, it does not matter which side of life we decide to take; good or bad, we sure do need to be mindful of who we are and what we do with our lives. There are people watching and hearing us daily. Our friends in our areas of placement, many other young in the Lord in the church and especially children in our homes. They look up to us and learn more from what they see in us much more than what they hear from us. Besides, what they hear blesses them more when we walk the talk.

Therefore, Here then is your encouragement; guard your life. In so doing you will be guarding and guiding a multitude of others who are ever watching you.

THE NDOLA RESURRECTION

Five Reasons why it is Deception of the uppermost level.

A young lady in the city of Ndola has resurrected from the dead!

It’s close to two weeks now since the city of Ndola was infested with some unpalatable supernatural entertainment of a resurrection. Though not adequately substantiated, what started out as a rumor to many of us in far towns eventually turned out to be some sort of “truth” to the Ndola community. Subsequent to the escalation of the story, the Zambia Police department (ZP) swung into action to carry out necessary forensic investigation. The last I read from one local newspaper the bishop/apostle behind the exploit has since been detained so as to protect his endangered life.

I was made aware of the “resurrection” by one local radio station here in Lusaka. Sadly, though, the manner with which they handled such a grave matter was so disappointing that I was incited to seek for more information from other media sources.

Nonetheless, the story goes, that a known (wont be named in this article) young lady who died close to 2 years ago had come back to life. At the mighty power of a Ndola city miracle worker the ‘tombstone rolled away and she triumphantly walked out of her grave having defeated death’. She has since appeared before many in her physical body. All the doubting Thomas, if they so wish, can visit Ndola to satisfy their curiosity. Her grave was also visited and found “empty” yet the police managed to collect necessary samples for their investigation.

The resurrected lady’s family has since identified and claimed her. Ironically, a second family has also come to light claiming she is in fact their once upon a time reported missing person. If only the young lady could clearly speak for herself much dust could have been settled by now. However, it is reported that she is incapacitated by various limitations. Deadlock! Am reminded, in the Bible, of Lazarus, the young girls and young men brought to life by Jesus Christ and the Apostles how they made it easier for their communities to agree with their resurrections. Something fishy is going on in Ndola.

Conversely, to the joy and comfort of many Zambians, the ZP has heightened their vigorous forensic investigation; DNA testing being the major work at the moment. Praise the Lord for ZP who do not tolerate “hear say” and the “claim-it-spirituality” that flies around by day and night in this country.

Now, whether the Ndola resurrection is true or not, a lot of Zambians, particularly the close family members and friends have been affected. Therefore, the question; “Should we believe this resurrection as authentic, and thus look forward to more of such in our time?” This question beacons a pastoral response. So, here are Five reasons why I beseech you not to believe the Ndola resurrection. Rather, consider it as deception:

1. A True and Authentic Resurrection will only be at the Coming of the Lord. 

Friends, the Bible is very clear on this matter. Paul taught the wondering saints of Thessalonica that “For the Lord himself [Jesus Christ] will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore, encourage one another with these words (1Thesselonians 4:16-18 ESV).

2. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can and will bring a Resurrection of the dead.  

Too many deceivers (so called men of god) in Zambia claim to have brought people to life or at least have the power to raise the dead. Don’t believe them! Not one has ever demonstrated an authentic resurrection. All of them are deceivers! Bringing life to a dead person, later on one who was buried for almost two years is totally impossible. Only Jesus Christ can resurrect a person. Jesus said “… I have the keys of Death and Hades (Revelations 1:18 ESV)”. Paul taught that “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 15: 22-23 ESV).”

3. A True and Authentic Resurrection of the Dead is not a Small Phenomena.  

Don’t expect it to happen vaguely. The resurrection of the dead will happen at once for all the dead at the end of ages. It will be one of the greatest wonders that earth has ever experienced. In fact, concerning the dead Jesus admonished that “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.  (John 5:28-29 ESV).

4. A True and Authentic Resurrection is Scientific and Theological.

In light of the aforesaid biblical Truth, do not be disturbed by these spiritual claims. There are simple and straight forward ways of determining the authenticity of anything. The resurrection is no exception. In this case let us lovingly subject the person in question to the necessary scientific and theological methods of verification. If she fulfills the odds rejoice in Lord. Here are a few questions we must answer:

• Is her grave totally empty? Meaning every material element that composed her body has been recomposed into her. Not a single bone should be left behind.
• Has the DNA test pointed her back to the family?
• Can she relate with her past life by recognizing her family, friends, schoolmates and the environment around? If it is truly the work of God she should be the one to first recognize all this and not the other way round.

5. The Ndola Resurrection is just another 21^st Century False Prophet’s Deception.

Just like any other false prophet’s spiritual acrobat in Africa, the Ndola resurrection is neither different nor any glorious. A pure hoax. It will leave its passionate followers frustrated with no answers and their faith to blamed.

Every human being is a theologian; you either believe or deny the existence of the God of the Bible. Therefore, your theology should resolve your conclusion on the Ndola resurrection. If yours is the Christian theology (this is the theology of this article) you should easily perceive it as deception. But if you hold to the theology of African tradition, religion & black magic then you have a lot to wrestle with; good luck!

Let me end with my convictions. First, I am convinced, in the strongest terms that the Ndola resurrection did not take place. Necessary and vigorous investigations by the Zambia Police is urgent. If the young lady belongs to the first family, we need to know whose child did they initially bury two years ago. And if she’s the second family’s, again, we need to know how and why she was found in the hands of the man of god and for how long? Second, whichever side of the coin one takes, there’s no biblical warrant for the bishop/apostle behind this acrobat of a wonder to be freed. He has proven that he is a worker of spiritual maladies of fairytales; a well trained prevaricator of charlatanic theology. For the sake of poor, innocent and vulnerable Zambians who are genuinely seeking for the Truth, this imposter must be arrested, charged, imprisoned and his ministry brought to an end.

And so, the Ndola Resurrection is deception of the uppermost level, a well-defined conformation of 1 Timothy 3:13 (“…evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived”).

 

SACRIFICE FOR ONE ANOTHER’S SAKE

It seems like everybody in the church is very busy. Busy to the point that it is near impossible to check on or spur one another. We are all so diligent about how to make ends meet; business, the corporate ladder, school, sport, health and the list just goes on. Exceptionally, there is always a few who are busy about the spiritual needs of others. Those with whom it is expected (elders, deacons, and ministry leaders) even though they are busy as well. However, though we are all engrossed in the maze of life, we should still be engaged in the life of other believers if we chose to sacrifice something for their sake. Deliberately working on “how to stir up one another to love and good works,” (Heb 10:24). And by so doing fulfill Ephesians 4:3 (Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace).

Currently, I have been reading The Compelling Community by Mark Dever and Jamie Dunlop (a recent add-on to the 9Mark series). Thanks Chopo Mwanza for this timely gift. The writers demonstrate the unity in diversity that must exist in the community of the church which is a great display of the power of God at work. 

As the book title suggests, it has really compelled me to revisit my view and participation in the life of my local church community and that of other individual believers. I have been refreshed to be an encouragement in the spirit of Hebrews 12:12-13 “Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed”.

There are so many nuggets to gather from The Compelling Community which I would love to share with you but space does not allow. Nonetheless, here are four things that Jamie Dunlop has tabulated in the forth chapter. These four are so inviting to a life of sacrifice for one another’s sake in the body of Christ. The writer calls them sacrifices that help foster unity in diversity. I believe, if we Christians can be just a little more sacrificial with our busy lives much good, blessings and joy would fill the church community today.

We can sacrifice our comfort for one another’s sake:

If we are to reach out and associate with someone whom we’re not naturally drawn to we must be willing to sacrifice our comfort. For example, whenever you see two different people you might talk to after a church service, make sure that at least half the time you walk up to the one you’re less comfortable with.

We can sacrifice our preferences for one another’s sake: 

At times we destroy each other, especially the weaker, by making an issue on our preferences over others’. What kind of food we eat at the fellowship event; which songs we wish the church sang more often, our better dispositions etc. At times we even insist on How other people should conduct themselves in our likeness. Rom12:10 “Love one another with brotherly affection.” This means we focus more on other’s needs than self.

We can sacrifice our resources and our time: 

If we are to serve fellow church members in need, even when society would deem their time less valuable than ours we must still make effort to sacrifice our resources and time.  1 John 3:18 “Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” For example, what a great blessing it would be to see a busy CEO of some corporation (a member the church) spending time with a simple garden-boy (member of the same local church) who needs to hear the same advice for the third time around.

We can sacrifice our habits: 

If we are to spend time with those with whom we’d otherwise never see we need to sacrifice some habits. Habits such as a structured day week or month. Meaning, if you’re someone who always plans your schedule two months out, spontaneously go to lunch after church with someone who’s different from you. Slot into your schedule time for other believers. Deny yourself a sporting schedule and meet up with a brother on their terms.

So, the next time you are called upon to participate in the life of another believer despite of how busy you are, make every effort to be an encouragement by sacrificing something in your life for the sake of the Lord’s glory in the church family. Therefore, busy or not the church community really matters and certainly needs you and I. All we need to do is simply sacrifice for the sake of one another.

CHOLERA SUSPENDS CHURCH GATHERINGS IN LUSAKA

“Is it right for the government of Zambia to suspend church gatherings as a means of heightening its fight against the cholera epidemic?”

At a very unusual hour and from a very sporadic person, I received a phone call that speedily dressed me up into my theological gloves. The caller, in a very robust voice, frantically requested me to immediately response to the Zambian government’s directive in which church gatherings (like/with all other gatherings of a similar nature) have been suspended in an effort to fight the uncontrollable spread of Cholera in the country, especially in Lusaka.

After a quick greeting the caller begun to gag arguments against the Zambian government.

“Pastor, what do you think, is it right for what the government has done to ask churches not to meet for their Sunday meetings in fear of the rapid spreading of Cholera? Honestly, how could they do such a thing? Doesn’t the government know that it needs the church to assemble and pray for the situation? Doesn’t the Bible say (he was trying to quote 2 Chronicles 7:14) that if my people will humble themselves and pray… God will hear from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land? Doesn’t the government know that at such a critical hour, it needs the church more than never before? How could the government be so mean with the church and yet appear to be lenient with bars, clubs and discos which have continued to operate throughout the day and night. Pastor, this move by government suggests something fishy against the church sooner than later! Doesn’t, doesn’t…” He went on and on.

At that moment I realized he had intermingled truth and deceit. He really was striking the canvas with a very huge brush stroke. Absolutely, it was the right time to interject. Unprepared, I was drawn into a punch-up feast of theories, ideologies and theology. I took time to dismiss a lot of things as wrong thinking and false conclusions on his part. As a church, I rescinded, we have never been called to suspicion, resist the right governance of our leaders and oppose anything and everything that appears contrary to what we preach.  Rather to pray and support (1 Tim 2:1-4).  As the phone battle raged I realized that my caller spoke from a very frustrated heart that was born from negative conversations that go on at workplaces and communities that tend to see and find poison in every soup. After a lengthy discussion, I was thankful to God that the conversation ended on a good note with him finally asking for a Bible.

Presently, like my unusual caller, many people, particularly in the church, have reasoned and responded wrongly to the Zambian government’s directive to stop all gatherings (churches included) that would easily and quickly facilitate the continuous spread of Cholera. Is this right? Is it any fear for the church that assembles weekly in constant worship of God and prayer for the nation?

First, the government has done this with a very clear motive for the good of society. It is not an attempt to persecute the church nor bring disrepute to the name of the Lord Jesus. For that reason, the church is called upon to obey and pray for the government (1 Timothy 2:1-4) for much wisdom in this regard.

Second, both the spread and sting of Cholera is far more rapid and treacherous in comparison to Malaria and all other waterborne diseases (no statistics just my personal observation in the last 45 years of my being on earth). So far, my assumption, only Ebola can attain cousin-ship with Cholera. It has spread like an Australian wild fire and is taking people’s lives like an American tornado picking debris along the side walks. Therefore, in an attempt to stop such a tsunami of an epidemic, it is only wise for the government to intervene at all costs from all angles of civilization.

There is no justification to leave out the church. Hiding or being found in a church worship gathering should not in anyway suggest immunity to Cholera or any other disease. The very nature of many church gatherings in Zambia has a great potential of escalating the spread of Cholera to uncontrollable levels. Sorry and sad to say, the hygiene levels in many churches in Zambia is a cause of concern. Toilets/washrooms are hygienically scary. And yet the Bible demonstrates the importance of cleanliness in relation to godliness (Deuteronomy 23:10-14).

Third, the circumstances that have led to the suspension of church gatherings cannot and should not cause the church to respond bitterly as if she has been cast to the jaws of persecution. The church needs to be wiser than that. If our gatherings are perceived as mere Christian rituals that we practice to satisfy religion, then we have missed the point. Yes, when we humble ourselves and repent God will hear us from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land (2Chronicles 7:14). However, that does not mean God only responds to prayers sounded from a church gathering. Jesus Christ taught that the hour has come for the worship of God to shift from the mountains and temples for God seeks a people that will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). Therefore, the response of the church and her congregants should encourage people to worship God wherever they are found. Besides, the government’s suspension is only for a cholera season. We must have faith that God will answer our prayers and heal our land soon.

Fourth, the church must learn to be ahead of the world in matters of religion and spirituality. Whenever something of such a nature happens the church must be quick to respond without breaking the laws of the land, without being irrelevant to the community, and still remain the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15) that people will look to and demonstrate hope in God. Closure of buildings does not suggest closure of Christianity or the church. God does not dwell in human structures but in hearts of men. Therefore, as churches we must employ means and ways that will still help us remain spiritually sustainable.

For example, communication technology of our day is a very useful tool that the church in Zambia must take advantage of. Just a simple church’s WhatsApp group/s will get information to a third of the church in a jiffy. Pastors can send short audio messages and exhortations to their people.

Facebook, websites and blogs are other wonderful methods to employ. They keep members, visitors and distant followers of the ministry adequately informed about the life of the church.

Moreover, the Intern has become quiet affordable in Zambia, consequently, live streaming on YouTube, Facebook, and other platforms can be used to ministered to the whole church family from the comfort of the pastor’s office.  By the time the suspended Sunday comes believers would have continually been enriched with the Word of God.

And lastly, your personal walk with God is fundamental in our national situation. The disciplines of godliness (1 Timothy 4:7-8) that you daily retain must help and cause you to remain firm in the Lord. Disciplines such as commitment to personal devotions, a private prayer life, a personal Bible reading/study, the reading of Christian print/digital material, one-one fellowship with other believers, regularly surfing Christian webpages, and listen/watching Christian Music/Radio/TV.

In principle, though painful, this is not what any God fearing leader would like to see or experience in his country (especially in an acclaimed “Christian nation”). Nonetheless, in good faith, it had to be done; social gatherings that would be more susceptible to become “Cholera spreading proxies” deserve to be suspended. Unfortunately, this includes weddings, kitchen parties, and church gatherings of a certain nature. Therefore, all Christians must respond in good faith as well.

With the understanding of the nature of the cholera epidemic, let us pray and participate in the fight against Cholera country wide. It is for the good of all Zambians and much more for the name of the Lord who desires cleanliness; as it is second to godliness (Deuteronomy 23: 12- 14).