God's Wrath was Satisfied

God's Wrath was Satisfied
Preach the Word!!

Friday 29 November 2013

What the Flock doesn't know



They wake at 5 AM, some as early as 3 AM so that they can first feed their souls with the daily bread and secondly spend hours in prayer for the flock that is under their care. They plead with God for the sheep. They want to see the sheep grow to be a Christ-like people.  This is the heart of the Pastor which his flock doesn't know.


They see him smiling. They see him joyous. There are times when he may be hurting but for the sake of the sheep he wears a gentle face so as not to scare the sheep away. The flock doesn't know all this.

“Oh! Lets go and listen to him thunder,” says one member. “Yeah, I hope I don’t doze today. I slept really late yesterday,” replies the other. It’s Sunday. Pastor gives his exposition of God’s Word. Afterwards, he laughs with several people. Some members follow him to his office and he welcomes them. There is sweet fellowship with the Pastor for five minutes before the members leave. “That was a wonderful sermon,” says Mary, a young convert. However, the amount of time it took to prepare the sermon, the books and references he had to search for, this, the flock doesn't know.


Ting! Ting! “Hello,”answers Pastor Ben.  “Hello, Pastor, our Son was involved in a terrible accident! We don’t know what to do. Is he going to die? Pastor, please help us. Please!!” The man of God hangs up his phone and quickly leaves the house. Within fifteen minutes he is in the intensive care unit. He comforts the broken; he prays for them and reminds them of God’s goodness in all things. Nonetheless, this man of God they saw walk into the Hospital ten minutes ago left home in the middle of a very good meal he has not had in long time. It is also a day in which he rests from his busy schedule. He also was looking forward to an early night sleep.  Many times he has found himself in this situation. But for the love of Christ he left these God given pleasures to attend to the sheep. This again, the flock does not know.


John is angry. Why? He has lost it because his Pastor told him to end the relationship with his new girlfriend. “He doesn't know her,” grumbled the young man. “We get along very well. How can he say that she is not a Christian?” The Pastor has known Mary for a long time before John joined the Church. He also knows how much of a pretender she can be. His heart is to protect John but this, John doesn't know.


“He talks like he is perfect. You should listen to him preach. He thinks he is an angel,” said James. When the under shepherd is praying, you would think this is the most wretched man I have ever seen. He mourns for his own sin. Several times he asks God for forgiveness of his transgressions. At times he weeps like a baby when he is before the throne of grace.  Sheep like James don’t know this.


Sometimes you would here statements like, “Some of these tuma Pastors just want money.” How can you decide to become a Pastor of all things?” However, the under shepherd being slandered left a Job with a huge salary in order to respond to God’s call into the ministry. Another had to battle the fact of living behind his desire to become an engineer. This, the flock doesn't know.


What is the point of all this? What am I trying to point out to us? Some “men of God” are foxes and pretend to love the flock. They do so with wrong theology and motives. You can see it from the mansions they have built for themselves, the kind of preaching they present. This can cause the flock to think otherwise. 


On the other hand, there are under shepherds that seek to do the Lords will. They are passionate about the Lord’s work. Many times we do not appreciate the work these men do. We don’t know what they go through just to see to it that our souls are cared for. Not that we should glorify them but as members to play our role in making them serve with joy as Hebrews 13:17 states, “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

If you have a Pastor like this let me ask you these questions to help you see what I mean.


When was the last time you prayed for your Pastor? Do you pray for your Pastor?  Is he a burden to you? Do you pray for his sermon preparations and delivery? Do you pray to God for his protection physically and spiritually? Do you pray for his family? You and I need to do so every so often. We too will be held accountable for we have a responsibility to honour such men.

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Anointing Water



I would rather keep quiet than say a word about certain things but some things cannot be left to spread like fire. I am sure you have a picture of where this is going. Take a look at the quotation below taken from hungry generation website.


The anointing water came to be through a revelation from God to the man of God, Prophet TB Joshua…Unfortunately the man of God cannot be in every country, or visit many places, so God instructed him to pray for bottles of water and distribute to people all over for healing, deliverance, and breakthrough. Within the Scriptures, we see clear proof that God is able to use any medium to express Himself…By praying with the anointing water, you are setting yourself apart for God’s special attention as you pray in faith.”

When you read the above passage, you would probably want to know where to get this anointing water because it promises heaven on earth. But there are a few concerns. My concern about these statements is twofold. The first is what it undermines. The second is what it promotes. Let me elaborate.


Firstly, I believe it undermines the Sufficiency of Scripture, the Sufficiency of a believer’s prayer and the sufficiency of Christ.  


It undermines the sufficiency of Scripture in stating that this water came through a revelation from God. Look at this: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. That the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” 2 Tim 3:16-17. This verse informs us that if we need to learn of the God we worship, we must go the Scriptures. If you want to know God you must go to the Scriptures. They are the ones that reveal God clearly. If you must rebuke or be rebuked then Scripture will do an excellent work because it is God who is speaking. The other thing we see is that anyone who is in error must be corrected by Scripture. Lastly, we see that Scripture trains. God’s word instructs in righteousness. Spiritual growth will not take place without consistent reading, listening to and meditating on the word. This is all in the effort to make believers ready for good work. So Scripture has God’s full revelation of what he wants us to know. However, according to the above quote, there is a new revelation called anointing water which only TB Joshua has received. We don’t need any new revelations from anyone. God has given us his word and it is his full revelation for us.


It distorts the Sufficiency of a believer’s prayer in saying that when you pray with the water you have God’s special attention.  “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth ” James 5:16b-17. Notice it says , “ Elijah was a man with a nature like ours,” meaning that in as much as he was a prophet of God he was only human. There is no superiority when it comes to prayer. God can hear everyone of his children when they pray to him with or without anointing water. The fact that you are a Christian means you already have God’s special attention. The Israelites had God’s special attention because they were God’s chosen nation.


It undermines the sufficiency of Christ by saying that praying with TB Joshua’s anointing water will lead to healing, deliverance and breakthrough because the water acts as the medium. My question is what was the purpose of Jesus’ death on the cross? Who connects us to God? In Scripture we are told that “there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” 1 Tim 2:5.  However, according to TB Joshua, there is medium called anointing water.  So you need Jesus and the anointing water. Yes God used different channels to accomplish his purposes but that was before Christ came. Many if not all of those things were pointing to Jesus Christ. Remember the bronze serpent? Jesus says in the book of John that that serpent was talking about him. Yes, even the manna that fell from heaven in the wilderness Jesus said that he was that manna. “I am the living bread that came down from heaven…” John 6:51. At the cross Jesus paid the penalty for sin and he can save anyone who comes to him in faith. If through the power of the cross people cannot be delivered then why did Christ die? He died so that he could deliver us from sin and all forms of darkness. And we are told that, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new Creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come.” 2 Cor 5:17. So what do I need to be delivered from if I am in Christ? Unless you say Christ does not do a perfect work when he saves us or that he does not protect his own. In 2 Peter 1:3 we are told that in his “divine power God has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness…” So what breakthrough are you talking about? Christ is all in all.


Secondly and lastly this water promotes the name of TB Joshua. The anointing water uplifts no one else but TB Joshua.  In fact it is called TB Joshua’s anointing water. As if not enough the “man of God” also has stickers and prayers named after him, TB Joshua’s sticker and TB Joshua’s prayer. Wherever you place this so called sticker, it is said, favor will be upon you. If you are sick and you listen to his prayer you will be healed instantly. So why are these things named after him? I believe as servants of Christ our names must decrease while that of Christ must increase. If we claim to be servants of Christ and our names are the ones which keep becoming popular instead of Christ then there is something wrong. Listen to what this true servant said about himself in comparison to Christ.  “He must increase, but I must decrease” John the Baptist, John 4:30.  In fact, when you hear someone talking about TB Joshua, seldom do you hear how many were led to Christ and even if Christ is mentioned it is a by the way. It’s like TB Joshua is the Lord while Christ is the servant.


What would I say then in summing up everything? Look at his: “And even if our gospel is veiled it is veiled only to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God”  2 Cor 4:3-4. Based on the above verse you need to be careful what you believe in. Many are being used by Satan (the god of this world) to distract people from the truth of the gospel.

Thursday 10 October 2013

Jesus of Nazareth



Jesus of Nazareth: The most amazing and beautiful story ever told, the only one which can transform a life and the only one which can save sinners. I see this every time I look into the Scriptures. It has been in existence before the world was created. It has been told from generation to generation and has never lost its flavor. It is foolishness to those who are perishing. It is God’s power to those who are being saved.

Jesus of Nazareth:  If people could read you and not just the story then they would find true satisfaction. Many focus on the story but not on your person. Many are moved by the kind of love in the story, a sacrificial kind of love; One which every man would love to participate in. Only a few see the person who gives that kind of love in the story. James bond and his love queens cannot compare to this love because bond never dies for those women. Romeo and Juliet both died and that was the end of the story. Cinderella found her perfect match but she also died. However, your story, Jesus of Nazareth, leaves forever. It is one in which you as the groom will leave happily ever after with your bride, the Church, all those whose sins have been forgiven through faith in you. You give them eternal life.  Oh Jesus, please help them see this by opening their eyes as you have done mine.

Jesus of Nazareth: The most thought provoking story ever told, the only story that reveals the one true God to mankind and the only story in which God dies to save man.  It is the only story that says, "eternal life is a free gift." Many have their thoughts provoked but they do not believe. It is stumbling block to the Jews. It is foolishness to the gentiles.

Oh that many would read your story with the intention of finding grace. Oh that many servants would arise to go forth and tell this story to those who have never heard it. Where are you soldiers of the cross? Where are you? Arise! Arise soldiers! Let's go and tell this beautiful story.

Thursday 26 September 2013

Now is the time



“What is troubling you?” asked Mr. X. I grumbled. After patiently listening to my complaints he said, “When I was your age, I spent so many years living for myself, seeking self pleasure and self glory. Now that I am saved and old I wish I was young again. I wasted so many precious years. So whatever it is Kwenda, serve the Lord. Twenty thirty years from now you will not regret it.” Deep down my heart I was like, “Lord, take my life and let it be concentrated Lord to thee. Now is the time to serve you.” But many young people shy away from this noble task for obvious reasons.


The first observation which hinders this whole heart service is fear. There is firstly the fear of missing out. As young people we love to explore. We want to figure out things. We are always asking, “what’s new on market?”  What’s the latest car, phone or music video? Have you seen this and that? We fear that if we spend time doing the work of the Lord we will miss out on the latest music, fashion and games.  There is also the fear of losing the best. We all want the best. No one does anything with the intention of getting the worst of results. There is a desire to succeed and get the best. Get the best job, the best car, the best house, the best wife or husband, the best family and so on and so forth. But the question is this, who gives us the best of things? Who provides for our needs? Is it not God? The problem is that the best is defined according to worldly standards. According to the world the best is that latest phone or car. Some have gone to the extent of saying if you don’t have that then you are probably not God’s child. God’s children must have the best of things. Well, Jesus was the son of a carpenter. He, as the Son of God, chose to be in that form. Did that make him cease to be God’s eternal Son? No! Instead it was God’s best choice for his Son. For through that, he would die for people’s sins and rescue them from hell. Do you see the wisdom of God? There are certain things you may consider useless and without benefit as you serve God but those same things may actually be God’s best for you. You cannot see it now but later on you will appreciate it. Ask Job, he will tell you.


The second observation is love for comfort. “Oh I just want to be in that Jacuzzi! I want to sleep and wake to find the fridge, the stove and everything else is in place. I want that 100 inch 4D flat screen on the wall. I want! I want! I want!!!” Isn’t this a familiar thought pattern? No distress, no disturbance, no hardships. Many young people love comfort. Many would say, “I am too young to be allergic to comfort.” Oh poor soul! It was during captivity in Babylon when Daniel greatly represented the LORD. It was while David was still a youth that he fought with Goliath and was persecuted by Saul. Remember Joseph as lad being thrown into the ditch and then sold as a slave and later in prison for three years?


My fellow youths, now is the time to serve the LORD. Why should you regret having wasted your energy twenty thirty years from now? You do not have to become a Pastor in order to serve God. That beautiful voice God has given you use it to glorify his name. That poetic brain can write hymns that the church will use to sing to their God. If you are sensing the call to ministry do not be scared. Now is the time! Now…is…the…time!! Remember this only applies if you are already God's child.

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Missions not divisions



There are some tweeter and face-book profiles which are so edifying especially for a person in full time ministry.  Whenever I read through them I look forward to the next post. They help me keep my head up in matters concerning missions, winning the lost to Christ. However, there are other profiles that just keep you wondering what their goal is. You can sense that their heart is not missions but divisions. Why is this so?

Well, it is obvious in the content of the posts. The content is not about how people can be equipped for ministry. It’s not about the challenges of ministry. It’s not even about the great commission, winning the lost. All you see is posts about whether heaven will be on earth or not, whether Israel is the Church or not, whether a woman can wear slacks or not and whether or not Mr. X is Calvinist or Fundamentalist. Should we study these things? Absolutely! Should one hold a view about it? Certainly! Nevertheless, our convictions must not hinder progress of the gospel for then we will become like a certain book titled “When God is small and people are BIG.” It’s not like you have special revelation from God to say, “This is what it should be.” Knowledge is good but if not used wisely it puffs up as Paul says in 1 Corinthian 8 and can lead to sin. Some people have gone to the extent of not socializing or partnering in the gospel with those who hold a different view. Surely, it ought to be about the major things of Scripture.  If someone denies the deity of Christ and God existing in three persons then he has a very big problem. It’s likely that he is not saved. If someone does not believe that the Church is an assembly of believers then surely he needs help and it’s not biblical to partner with such a one. Do you see what I am pointing out? It’s not the uncertain things that should hinder missions. In fact if someone who does not believe in the deity of Christ is not sent then there is no deterring of the gospel. We will in fact be preserving error from spreading. If you are fully convinced about a matter in Scripture then hold it to yourself. Don’t let God hold you accountable because of a view.

I do not see any reason for someone to deny going into the mission field because the people sending him Calvinists. The problem is we begin to say, “What will people think about me? That one, that one and that one will be disappointed with me.” But look at the greater side. If churches and mission boards were not so critical about these issues there would be a very big impact. Can you imagine how many Churches would have been planted? Can you imagine how many regions would be reached with the gospel? Look at it this way. Here is a young man zealous about winning the lost to Christ. It is clear he is called into the ministry. On the other hand there is a missionary board or Church that has been looking for a man to send to labor in a particular location for years. The young man approaches the board or Church and he is rejected because he is a Calvinist. Everything else is in agreement except that he is Calvinist. Isn’t that being dogmatic? Imagine if David Livingstone was denied the desire to come and minister in Africa because someone was very particular about a certain view? Do you see what I mean? Not that we should send any Jim and Jack or not apply wisdom is making those choices but understand that it’s about missions. It’s about missions, dear friends not divisions. It’s about winning the lost!