VODIE & SAIDI'S DEATH: AWAKE DEAR CHRISTIAN!

If Real Madrid were to play against Barts Football Club, who would win the match? I am sure the first question you are asking is, "Who is Barts FC?" It's obvious Real Madrid will carry the day. Certain things are predictable. 

Vodie Baucham

Similarly, from a human perspective, if you asked me when Vodie Baucham or Saidi Chishimba would go to glory, I would imagine them in their old age, retired and well advanced in years. This is what the human mind would expect. However, our days are numbered by the Lord. He alone knows the days allocated to us. The days can be more or fewer. What does this mean for us who are still alive? 

1. Let us seek heavenly treasures. Dear Christian, do not seek to build earthly empires. The mindset of an unbeliever tells him he only lives once and death annihilates him. He has no life after death, so he must do all that he can for himself, for his children, and for his children's children. This mindset is spiritual poison. A person who sets his mind on building earthly empires gets knocked down terribly when death strikes closer to home. 

Saidi Chishimba

 2. Let us love sincerely. When was the last time you showed that person how much you love him and care for him? Dear married couples, does your spouse know that you love him? 

 3. Let us serve the Lord. One hymn writer says, "Let us labour for the Master from the dawn until the setting sun." At the end of the race, this is what matters the most. 

Dear friends, let us not just talk and sing about a city whose builder and maker is God. Yes, we have no abiding city here, but are we living the words of this verse? Let us lay up treasures in heaven. God be with you as you labour for the master. Amen.

10 LESSONS FROM 10 YEARS OF MARRIAGE

Recently, someone walked to me and congratulated me on our 10th wedding anniversary. She then went on to say, "You should write 10 lessons from the 10 years." We laughed about it and I promised to fulfill the task. As we celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary, we've distilled some essential lessons that have helped us build a strong relationship.

1. Godliness

Prioritizing God in our marriage has been a cornerstone of our relationship. We believe that God brought us together, and He's the one who keeps us together. As Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us, "A threefold cord is not easily broken." By praying for each other and serving God together, we've strengthened our bond.

2. Friendship

Nurturing our friendship has been vital to our marriage. We make time to talk, laugh, eat, and play together, doing life as a team. Friendship looks beyond physical beauty and endures beyond the wedding day.

3. Love

Love is the foundation of our marriage. We've come to understand that marriage love is the will and desire to love each other for who we are, flaws and all. This selfless love has helped us grow together.

4. Forgiveness

Forgiveness has been a crucial aspect of our relationship. We've learned to let go of grudges and resentments, choosing instead to forgive and move forward. This has helped us avoid the toxic cycle of bitterness and anger.

5. Tolerance

We've learned to accept and appreciate each other's unique qualities, interests, and quirks. By embracing our differences, we've created a more harmonious and loving environment.

6. Communication

Effective communication has been a game-changer in our marriage. We've learned to express ourselves clearly, listen actively, and navigate conflicts with empathy and understanding. Lack of effective communication in a marriage is like riding a bicycle with your eyes closed.

7. Sensitivity

Being sensitive to each other's needs and situations has helped us build a stronger connection. We ask ourselves, "What does my partner think about this? How can I be of service to them?" These gestures have fostered a deeper sense of love and respect.

8. Humility

Humility has been essential in our relationship. We've learnt to put each other first, consider each other's perspectives, and grow in this virtue together. By learning to let go of pride, we've created a more loving and supportive environment.

9. Oneness

We've come to understand that we're one flesh, united in our love for each other and for God. By doing things together, agreeing as one, and growing in oneness, we've strengthened our bond.

10. Accountability

As each other's keepers, we've learned to hold each other accountable and support each other in our journey. We encourage each other to speak truth and love into each other's lives.

These lessons have helped us build a strong foundation for our marriage, and we're grateful to God for the journey we've shared so far.

A CONFERENCE WORTH ATTENDING

I've had the privilege of attending numerous church conferences, but the Central Africa Baptist University (CABU) leadership conference stands out as a truly heartwarming experience. Here are four compelling reasons why you should attend:

1. The Singing: The conference features a beautiful blend of English and local hymns, creating a heavenly atmosphere as hundreds of saints from Africa and worldwide sing praises to our King. Music is a vital part of Christianity, and this conference showcases the beauty of Christian worship.

2. The Fellowship: As a university setting, the conference offers a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and friends. You'll also receive ministry updates from acquaintances and witness how the Lord is growing His church.

3. The Preaching: Seasoned men of God, with decades of experience in the pulpit, deliver hermeneutically clear sermons that bring warmth and refreshing to your spirit.

4. Christian Books: The conference provides an excellent opportunity to invest in vast knowledge resources written by sound authors, made even more accessible by Imbila Publishers' highly discounted prices.

Dear friend, make time to attend this wonderful conference and experience the joy of fellowship, spiritual growth, and enrichment. Don't miss out! This year's conference starts on 2nd December 2024. 

THE JOYS OF CHURCH PLANTING

As a church planter, I experienced the thrill of seeing God's work in the lives of others. Despite the challenges, there are several joys in church planting.

Firstly, the salvation of souls brought immense joy. After weeks and months of evangelism and preaching, it was thrilling to see people come to faith in Christ. Sometimes, it took months or even years to see the fruit of my labour, but when I did, it was a reminder that my efforts were not in vain.

Secondly, building relationships was also a highlight of my ministry. Whether it was with people in my church, the community, or with other pastors, I learned that many people respond to the Gospel and to leadership when they know who I am. Building relationships is crucial in making the Gospel available and sharing it with clarity.

Thirdly, preaching God's Word was a joy and a privilege. Proclaiming the message of the cross is a humbling experience, and it was thrilling to know that the words I proclaimed were not uttered in vain.

Lastly, witnessing God's grace on the flock brought me immense joy. Seeing members find believing marriage partners, transition from Sunday school attendants to faithful members, or go on to serve in other churches was a thrill. It's a reminder to look to the bright side of things and celebrate God's work.

In conclusion, ministry is a joy! If you are serving somewhere, be encouraged. If you know someone church planting somewhere, encourage them with these words.

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS-CHAPTER 5 (A word to rural church planters Part 2)

           Last week, I shared one solution to curb pastoral resignations in rural church plants. Today, I'll cover the remaining solutions:

2. Encourage Missionary Refreshment

Missionaries often work alone, leading to exhaustion and burnout. Encourage them to take leave days to refresh and recharge. Identify able and faithful men to stand in during the pastor's absence, ensuring the church has a refreshed pastor rather than one on the verge of collapse.

3. Regular Visits

Sending churches should plan regular visits to the church plant, building meaningful relationships with members and missionaries. This helps encourage the missionary, provides valuable insights for prayer and support, and allows the sending church to understand the challenges faced by the missionary.

At a Southern Province youth camp

4. Consider Church Plant's History Context

Recognize that each church plant has a unique history and context. Some may have experienced leadership gaps, conflicts, or other challenges. Acknowledge these factors and offer support and understanding to the missionary.

5. Address Financial Gaps

Rural church plants often face financial challenges due to member relocation. Consider empowering the mission station through economic activities like schools, clinics, or sports facilities, which can also serve as outreach opportunities. Ensure the missionary's financial needs are met, and they don't feel manipulated or undervalued.

Additionally, if a pastor chooses to do tent-making (part-time work), the church should be prepared to accommodate their schedule, understanding that it may impact their availability for preaching, visits, and other responsibilities.

Thank you for joining me in this series. Join me next time as I conclude this important subject.

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS- CHAPTER 5 (A word to rural church planters)

In my previous post, I addressed pastors, and today I'd like to share thoughts with churches involved in rural church planting. I'll offer four solutions to curb pastoral resignations, starting with one today and continuing with the rest next time.

Solution 1: Understand the Dynamics of Rural Areas

Churches in rural areas face unique challenges. People often stay for only two or three years before relocating to bigger towns for education, work, or other opportunities. This means the church loses multiple families each year, increasing the workload for the missionary pastor. I experienced this firsthand during my time as a missionary pastor, effectively pastoring three churches due to these dynamics.

Interacting with some congregants

To support missionaries, church elders can identify members willing to spend time with them, partnering in evangelism and understanding their daily lives. This benefits both the pastor and the sending church. When visiting rural churches, sending churches should consider the local context, avoiding comparisons with urban churches. Rural areas have different population densities, industries, and educational institutions, which impact church growth.

Instead of assuming a lack of evangelistic efforts, ask the missionary about their outreach activities. If there are no efforts, that's a concern. However, if there's active involvement but gradual growth, exercise patience and encourage the missionary. Share stories of Adonirum Judson's patience and George Muller's faith, reminding them that church growth varies by location. Celebrate gradual growth, recognizing that the tens and twenties are just as important as the fifties and hundreds.

Join me next time on November 1st, 2024, as I share the remaining solutions. 

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS- CHAPTER 5 (A word to churches)

        Last week, I addressed pastors and explored ways to support them in their vital work. Now, I turn our attention to the church as a whole, for the body of Christ is interconnected and that the individual parts impact the collective whole. Today, I will address the role of the church eldership to help reduce pastoral resignation.

        Firstly, observations from pastoral resignations highlight the crucial need for strong relationships within church elderships. The pastor-elder relationship must transcend employer-employee dynamics, focusing on brotherhood in the Lord. Building relationships before assigning roles is vital, as employees rarely develop meaningful connections with supervisors. To foster mutual respect, churches should outline the eldership polity clearly and recognise pastors as equals within the eldership. 

        Secondly, when calling pastors, churches must consider the role they will play, including providing leadership and vision. However, most churches overlook this reality, viewing pastors solely as preachers, visitors, and Bible study leaders.  

Kwenda poses with some of the men at
CCBC after a men's breakfast meeting

        The apostle Paul describes the church as the family of God (1 Timothy 3:15), emphasising the importance of familial bonds within the church. Meaningful relationships enable the sharing of challenges and foster unity, even in disagreement. When familial bonds are strong in the eldership, disputes can be handled maturely and respectfully. The consequences of neglecting these principles are evident in the story of Pastor E, who resigned due to irreparable relationships with elders, affecting the church negatively. His experience underscores the necessity of mature, respectful relationships within the body of elders.

        It is good for church elders to prioritize building strong, united elderships, recognizing the pastor's role in providing leadership and vision and cultivating meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and brotherhood in the Lord.

        Join me next week, on October 25th, as we continue to explore the important topic of pastoral resignations. We'll be discussing the vital role that churches can play in supporting their pastors and helping to address the root causes of resignations. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practical advice on how to build a stronger, more supportive church community. See you then!"

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS (Chapter 4) What are the solutions?

A WORD TO PASTORS

In our previous chapters, we explored various reasons why pastors resign and pastoral calls come to an end. Now, we'll discuss solutions to address these challenges.

Firstly, pastors need to be sure of their calling. I've interacted with numerous pastors who were certain about their calling, and this conviction helped them navigate ministry challenges. Anyone entering the ministry must be sure of their conviction to shepherd souls. Given the challenges African pastors face, it's crucial to have assurance in their calling to avoid an early exit.

During my tenure as Pastor at Choma Central Baptist Church, I often asked myself, "Why am I here?" The answer was clear: "God called me to this." This conviction must be every pastor's guiding principle.

Secondly, church leaders must prepare for leadership succession. In my discussions with pastors, it's evident that many love their congregations and work and would love to serve as long as possible. However, death can bring a pastoral call to an end, so it's wise for veteran pastors to identify and mentor young leaders who can succeed them. This succession planning is crucial, as death can occur unexpectedly.

Regarding financial challenges, pastors can consider empowering their wives by starting a family business or encouraging them to pursue formal employment or skill development. While this may not resolve all financial struggles, it can bring stability.

Raphael Banda, Kwenda Kwenda and Enock Sakala
 at a youth camp 

And finally, I want to address a crucial issue that affects many pastors: burnout. As we discussed earlier, burnout is a leading cause of pastoral resignations. Dear pastors, I urge you to prioritize rest and avoid overwork. The ministry is indeed a challenging and demanding calling, as the apostle Paul likened it to the hard work of soldiers, athletes, and farmers (2 Timothy 2:4-6).

As someone who has served as a pastor for over a decade, I can attest to the fact that sermon preparation alone requires a significant amount of time - at least 10 hours per week. Therefore, it's essential to make the most of your off days and leave days. Take time to recharge, refresh, and refuel. I recall a thought-provoking Facebook meme that showed an elderly man taking a break from his journey to enjoy a meal. His car was parked nearby, and the caption read, "Sometimes it's good to take a pause, recharge, and get back on the road." This simple yet profound message resonated with me. Dear pastors, I encourage you to adopt this mindset. Learn to pause, recharge, and return to your ministry with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it's a necessity. By prioritizing your well-being, you'll become a more effective and sustainable minister of the Gospel.

Thank you for joining me on this journey as I explore solutions to support churches and pastors and reduce pastoral resignations. Stay tuned for more insights and practical advice in the coming weeks! My next post will be on October 18th, 2024, so mark your calendars and join me again as I continue to address this critical topic. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of those who serve in ministry.

    

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS (CHAPTER 3 Continued)

      

       Last time, we explored four reasons why pastors resign. Today, we'll examine the final two reasons.

1. Communication Breakdown

Effective communication is crucial for any successful relationship or institution. However, some churches struggle with communication issues with their pastors. Pastor A shared his experience, stating, "I resigned due to a communication breakdown between me and the deacons from the sending church. I wanted to safeguard the church because I began to lose direction." When communication fails, it creates an environment filled with animosity, making it challenging to continue serving. No Pastor wants to work in such conditions, leading some to resign due to communication breakdowns.

Children pose for a photo at
Choma Central Baptist Church

2. Parental Responsibilities

  When pastors resign and pursue other jobs, people often ask why they don't wait for another pastoral call. However, many agree that a father's primary responsibility is to provide for his household (1 Timothy 5:8). Pastor B shared his story, saying, "I loved my church family, but I needed to provide for my college-going children. I had to take up another office to support them." Pastors may resign to play their role as providers for their families, especially when they are financially strained. This is a heart-wrenching decision, but they choose to be responsible and ensure their families' well-being. 

In this chapter, we've explored six key reasons why pastors resign, shedding light on the complexities surrounding this critical issue. Next week, I'll be sharing practical solutions for both pastors and churches to address these challenges. We'll dive into tangible strategies to help pastors thrive in their calling. Stay tuned for the next instalment, as we work together to support and empower those who serve in ministry!

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS (CHAPTER 3)

Last week, we explored reasons why a pastoral call comes to an end. This week, I'll begin sharing reasons why pastors resign. Let's examine four reasons today, and next time, we'll dive into additional factors.

1. Burnout

The Advanced English Dictionary defines burnout as "Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress." Overworking can lead to burnout, but it's essential to distinguish it from hard work. Some individuals are naturally hard workers, while others may push themselves too far, neglecting rest and leading to burnout.

Sadly, some churches place an enormous workload on their pastors, leaving them with little time for rest. Apart from preparing sermons, leading various ministries, and overseeing church activities pastors are given to many other responsibilities. This excessive burden can lead to physical and mental exhaustion.

Pastor D shared his experience of burnout, stating, "The work of church planting is very involving, especially when you don't have people to support you. This caused me to experience burnout, making it difficult to do the work I love."

Kwenda with his first mode of transport in Choma

Additionally, some pastors face situations with no leave days or sabbatical leave, leading to further exhaustion. Pastor B mentioned that after serving for several years without leave days, his body got weary, and he needed a break. However, his terms and conditions only allowed him to take a few days off, leaving him with no choice but to continue working and risk becoming ineffective or resign to get much-needed rest.

It's crucial to remember that pastors are human beings, not machines. They need rest and support to avoid burnout. Even machines break down, and vehicles need servicing after extensive use.

2. Persecution

Persecution can also lead to the end of a pastor's call in a particular area. While death eliminates the minister from Earth, persecution usually relocates the minister. In Acts 8:1-4, several people left Jerusalem due to persecution, but they didn't die. Instead, they relocated to serve in another area. Philip, for example, relocated to Samaria (Acts 8:4-5) and later to Caesarea (Acts 8:40).

Persecution can take various forms, including financial strain, verbal or written accusations, and human conflict. Pastor E shared his experience, saying, "The relationship between me and the elders had deteriorated beyond repair. This affected the church negatively. I felt it was time for me to leave for the sake of peace, so the church could move forward." 

3. Human Conflict

Conflict is often defined as the absence of peace, which can manifest in the heart or between individuals. Serving in a local church where there is no peace and ongoing conflict can be traumatic for pastors. The Bible provides an example of conflict between two godly men, Paul and Barnabas, in Acts 15:36-41. Despite their shared faith, they had a sharp disagreement that led to separation.

Paul and Barnabas's conflict demonstrates that even godly individuals can disagree. The scripture doesn't elaborate on the intensity of their argument, but it highlights the depth of their disagreement, leading to a separation. If Paul and Barnabas could part ways and serve in different locations, why would it be challenging for other pastors to separate from their churches due to conflict?

Conflict can arise in various forms, including doctrinal differences. When a church's leaders and pastor disagree on fundamental beliefs, it can create an insurmountable bond of contention. In such cases, the pastor may need to step down. Pastor E shared his experience, saying, "I differed with my elders, and after this, my doctrinal position changed concerning eldership polity...With this shift, I couldn't continue as a Minister in any Baptist Church."

This highlights that conflict can lead to a re-evaluation of beliefs and values, making it impossible for a pastor to continue serving in their current context.

4. Sin

God's call to ministry is a call to faithfulness, and pastors are stewards of God, managing His churches and representing Him in various ways. One essential aspect of this stewardship is maintaining high levels of holiness, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3:2, which states that an overseer must be "above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach."

The phrase "above reproach" emphasises the need for pastors to be spiritually and morally upright. However, if a pastor fails to meet this standard due to sin, they may be required to resign on moral grounds. This is because their actions have compromised their ability to represent God and lead the church effectively. Depending on the nature and severity of the sin, some churches may request their pastors to resign. This is not only to maintain the integrity of the church but also to ensure that the pastor can seek restoration and healing.

Resignation due to sin is a serious matter, and pastors must prioritise their spiritual and moral well-being to avoid compromising their ministry and relationship with God.

Stay tuned for the next instalment of our series on why pastors resign, coming on October 4th, 2024! We'll explore more reasons why pastors feel compelled to step down from their roles and examine the complex issues surrounding pastoral resignation. Don't miss it!

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS (CHAPTER 2)

 

    We established in chapter one that a calling is God's conviction upon a soul to take up a particular responsibility and that this calling can be personal. In this chapter, we'll explore how a calling can come to an end. The end of God's call upon a person can be necessitated by various events, and we'll examine why a pastoral call can come to an end.

Reasons for the end of a pastoral call:

1. Death

    One way God makes it clear that someone's calling has ended is when He calls them to glory. We see this in the examples of Stephen, Moses, the apostle James, and John the Baptist. In my lifetime, I've seen churches lose their pastors due to death. For instance, Pastor Michael Bwembya's passing in 2021 was a significant loss to the Reformed Baptist elders in Southern Province. Similarly, Pastor Kennedy Sunkutu's death in 2018 was a sorrowful situation. Time fails me to talk about Pastor Percy Chisenga and a Kenyan brother, John Akeyo. Death is a reality we cannot escape, and some pastoral callings will come to an end because of it. While the impact of a pastor's work can live on, there comes a time when he must breathe his last. The sooner believers accept this reality the better it will be.

2. Sickness

Kwenda attempting sign language with Mary

    Just like death, sickness can also bring an end to a pastoral call. Pastors are not immune to illnesses, and some may be forced to resign due to health issues. For example, vocal cord paralysis can make it difficult for pastors to preach and teach, which is their main task. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, this condition can be caused by various factors and may be permanent in some cases. Additionally, strokes, dementia, old age, and other illnesses can also impact a pastor's ability to continue serving. As believers, we must realize that our pastors can fall ill and may need to resign due to health reasons.

3.  Macedonian Call

    It's also important to note that a pastor's resignation could be God's call to serve in another location. In Acts 16:6, Paul had a vision of a person from Macedonia calling for him to come and rescue them. God spoke to Paul, calling him to leave Derbe and Lystra for Macedonia. Similarly, Philip the evangelist was moved by God from place to place, eventually settling in Caesarea (Acts 8:26-40). We see examples of this in modern times too. Pastor Ronald Kalifungwa relocated from Mufulira to Cape Town, South Africa, and later to Lusaka Baptist Church. Pastor Kapambwe Nsenduluka served in Botswana and then moved to Namibia before returning to Zambia. Pastor Brian Njovu relocated from Choma to serve in another town.

    These examples illustrate that God's call has an ending, and it's essential to accept this reality for the well-being of our churches and ministries. We may view every resignation as disobedience if we believe that a calling is a lifelong conviction to serve in one location. However, this perspective doesn't account for the various ways God calls and relocates His servants.

    In this chapter, we explored the concept of the end of a pastoral call. In the next chapter, we will delve deeper into the topic of pastoral resignation, examining the various reasons why pastors choose to resign. Join me on September 27, 2024, as we continue this important discussion.

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS (CHAPTER 1)

Before exploring the reasons why pastors resign, let's delve into the concept of the pastoral call. When pastors resign, a common question arises: "If a pastor is called to shepherd people, why should he resign? Is it not God who called him?"

To address this question, let's examine the various examples of callings in the Bible. In the Old Testament, we see individuals called by God for specific tasks and missions. For instance, God called Abraham to leave his family and relatives for a place He would show him (Genesis 12:1-4). Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3). Jonah was called to prophesy to Nineveh (Jonah 1), and Samuel was called to be a prophet and leader (1 Samuel 3).

In the New Testament, we see the call of the apostles, including Matthew, Peter, Andrew, and others. The apostle Paul was called to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 9). Additionally, the Bible records that believers are called to salvation, which is a response to God's call to sinners to attain freedom from sin, death, and hell (1 Corinthians and Ephesians).

From these examples, we can see that God's call is personal, between God and the individual. However, others usually confirm this call. In each of the quoted scenarios, the person was convinced that God was calling them for a particular mission. This call is not limited to the Old and New Testaments; 21st-century pastors also confirm that their calling was a personal conviction, later confirmed by other believers.

Pastor D shared his experience, saying, "When it was time to tell my parents about my desire to serve the Lord by becoming a pastor my dear mother said, 'We already knew that one day you will become a pastor.'" Notice with me that Pastor D had a personal conviction first before others could confirm it. Pastor E also confirmed that his conviction grew, and others noticed his teaching and preaching gifts, leading to his call to pastoral ministry.

In conclusion, a calling is a personal conviction by which God persuades someone to take up a particular responsibility. This responsibility may differ depending on God's mission for the person. Some are called to be mothers, others to be elders or vocational elders, and others to be evangelists. A pastoral calling is a conviction of God upon a man to take up the responsibility of shepherding souls.

Based on the above narration, it will now be helpful to discuss the reasons why pastors resign. Stay tuned for the next post on September 20, 2024, where I'll explore the reasons why pastoral calls may come to an end or why pastors resign.

WHEN A PASTOR RESIGNS

 Jurgen Klopp, one of Liverpool's most decorated coaches, announced his resignation in early 2024, shocking the football world. Despite winning eight trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League, Klopp decided to step down at the peak of his career. This raises questions about why a successful coach would leave, similar to when a Pastor resigns from their calling.

Kwenda's ordination service a at CCBC

Pastoral ministry is widely regarded as a divine calling, yet some Pastors choose to resign. This can lead to discussions about whether resigning goes against God's call. However, it's essential to acknowledge that Pastors do resign, and it's crucial to understand the reasons behind their decisions.

Through interviews with Baptist Pastors who have resigned, I will explore the nature of a calling and the different types of callings. This understanding will help us view a Pastor's resignation in a new light. Additionally, I will provide solutions to address the resignation of vocational elders.

Stay tuned for the next post on September 13th, 2024, where I will delve into the reasons behind Pastors' resignations and how to relate to those who have stepped down.

THE USE OF ANOINTING OIL

The issue of anointing oil has become very complicated. Should we use anointing oil? Is there such thing as anointing oil? How must it be used? Will God answer prayers which are not accompanied by anointing oil? I will seek to answer some of those questions in this article.

First of all, I would like to give a brief explanation of the word anoint and how it is used in different passages and books of the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew words for anoint are masah, misha, masiah and suk. The first two words, masah and misha have to do with rubbing oil on someone or something especially for the purpose of consecrating or sanctifying. Here are a few verses in which they are used. "You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him" Exd 29:7. You will notice that the words anointing and anoint in this verse are the same. The word for anointing is misha and the word for anoint is masah. Whenever these two words are used in the Old Testament they are used to mean smearing oil on someone or something for the purpose of sanctifying them or setting them apart. So you see it being used in the consecration of people who have been set apart by God for a specific purpose. This also included the sanctifying of the things in the temple and the people who served in the temple, the priests. (Exd 28:41) You also see it used in the setting apart of Kings, anointing them into their offices (1 Sam 16:13). These two words are verbs. There is some action involved whenever they are pronounced.

The other word masiah is a noun. It is more of a title. This is where we get the English word messiah. Sometimes it is read as anointed or you read statements like the anointed one. In 1 Sam 26: 9 we see David using the word on Saul. It reads, " But David said to Abishai, " Do not destroy him, for who can put his hand against the LORD'S anointed and be guiltless" So the word anointed (masiah) is used as a noun to mean a chosen one or the chosen one. It comes out as a title and not a verb or the act of anointing (misha).

The other word used for anointing in the Old Testament is the word "suk". This has nothing to do with consecration or sanctifying. It only means to oil or to apply oil or to smear, the same way we apply lotion to the body. We see it used In 2 Sam 14:2. It reads, " And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman and said to her" Pretend to be a mourner and put on the mourning garments. Do not anoint yourself with oil but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead." You can also read Daniel 10:3. You will notice the word anoint is used to mean applying or smearing without any attachment to sanctity. So these are the four words for anoint which are used in the Old Testament.

In the New Testament there are two main words used in the Greek for anoint or anointed. The first one is Chrio and the other one is aleipho. Chrio is equivalent to the Old Testament Hebrew words masah, misha and masiah. It has to do with consecrating or setting apart something or someone for holy use. For example in Luke 4:18 the Bible says, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor..." And in Acts 10:38 it says, "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power." In 2 Corinthians 1:21 we are told, "And it is God who has established us with you in Christ, and has anointed us." What you will notice about the word chrio is that it is mostly used to refer to the anointing of Jesus Christ. In other words, Jesus is the chosen one of God. He is the only who has been chosen by God to save sinners. Only Jesus has the authority and power to save. He is actually the promised messiah (masiah/ anointed one) of the Old Testament who was to come.

When the word chrio is used, the other thing you will notice is that there is usually reference to the Holy Spirit. This setting apart or consecration is not a work of man. It is the work of God. No wonder the Holy Spirit is usually involved.

The other word used for anoint in the New Testament is the word aleipho. This has nothing to do with consecration. It is the equivalent of The Hebrew word suk in the Old Testament. It means to apply or smear something with oil, to oil something. Same way someone applies lotion to his body. There is no spiritual connection attached to it. In John 12:3 It says, “Mary, therefore, took a pound of very expensive ointment and made pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair…” What Mary did here was simply to apply oil to Jesus’ feet. Her applying of oil is what the Bible refers to as anoint in that verse. It has nothing to do with setting apart or consecration and nothing to do with the Holy Spirit.

So is there such a thing as anointing oil? Well, there was anointing oil in the time of the Priests and Kings. Anointing oil was something made in a particular way with particular ingredients for a particular purpose. Here is a passage in which God instructs Moses on how to make this oil.  

22 The LORD said to Moses, 23“Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 24 500 of cassia, according to the shekels of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. 25 And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil. 26 With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony, 27 and the table and all its utensils, and the lamp stand and its utensils, and the altar of incense, and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils and the basin and its stand. You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them will become holy. 30 You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priest. 31 And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations. 32 It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you. 33 Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.” Exodus 30:22-33.

This passage will help us greatly to get to our concerns for today’s use of anointing oil.

So first of all, if we must use anointing oil today, we must make it according to the way it is prescribed in the above verse. There should not be anything lacking in it.

The second thing we need to take note of is that this was a prescription which was given to Moses for a particular purpose. This oil was for the consecration or making holy or setting apart of the priests, the tabernacle and the utensils in the tabernacle. Read through the passage from verse 26 to 29.

The third issue you note is that no one else was to use this oil except the priests. The oil was not to be used on any ordinary person. It was strictly for the priest and for the tent of meeting.

So when you look at the use of the anointing oil today, what do you make of it? The first question is, “Whoever is using that oil, where is he getting it from?” Where in this world are they making such kind of oil?  Secondly, if it is there then why is it being used on ordinary people, people who are not priests. As far as I am concerned, it was meant for the priest and the tent of meeting. By the way, the office of the priest has been done away with. The Apostle John says in the book of Revelation that “You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth” Rev 5:10. Christians do not need priests today. We are a royal priesthood to our God. We can freely pray anywhere and at anytime to our God. The office of priests was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. No wonder when Jesus died on the cross the veil in the temple was torn in two signifying that the way into the holy of holies was now free to all through Jesus Christ. There would be no more temple activities

The verse that many use to support the use of anointing oil is James 5:14. The verse says, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” When you read this verse upfront, you immediately think that the Bible is talking about anointing oil. However, reading carefully shows you that it is not talking about anointing oil. The verse is saying, “Anointing him with oil” It is not saying, “Anointing him with anointing oil.” Remember we said that there are two words used in the Greek for anoint. There is Chrio and aleipho. Chrio means to consecrate and to set apart while aleipho simply means to smear or apply. You will note that the word used for anoint in James is the word aleipho, to smear or apply. It has nothing to do with setting apart or consecrating. It is just the same way we apply lotion on the body. You find some passages in the New Testament talking about anointing someone with oil. Never will you find it talking about anointing someone with anointing oil. Here are a few passages,”

 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.”  Mark 6:13. 

 “You did not anoint my head with oil but she anointed my feet with perfume.” Luke 7:46

“ And he came and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast…” Luke 10:34

So you see that it is just normal oil and not anointing oil. All of the above passages are talking about applying the body or body part with oil. This was most likely Olive Oil which was common among the Jews. Anointing oil was something different as we have seen from the passage in Exodus. Anointing oil was not made anywhere else and was only used by the priests and in the tent of meeting.

So the passage in James was addressing a totally different matter. It was not talking about anointing oil and so do the other passages in the New Testament. The passage in James was talking about a different context with different situations. The believers in James’ writing were passing through difficult times. Some of them were being beaten by their masters. So they would come with wounds to the elders. So instead of just praying for them, the elders were to be practical by applying on the believer olive oil which acts like a medicine on the wounds. In other words, the elders were to trust God for healing through prayer but also use the required medicine. Olive oil works well for wounds. No wonder you see the Good Samaritan using oil on the man who was wounded” Luke 10:34. You see also the apostles using oil as they were praying for healing among the sick. Mark 6:13. So in short, let the elders not just pray when someone is sick. Let them advise the patient to go for medical checkup and keep on praying as the medicine is taken. It doesn’t mean every time someone is sick you must use anointing oil. It does not mean that for God to answer a prayer there must be anointing oil.

The most worrying thing about today’s so called anointing oil is that it is not just oil but many other things have been anointed and we don’t know who it is who has anointed them. We have anointing water, anointed underwear, anointed pens, anointed this and that. Where in the Bible do you see those things? They are nowhere to be seen. What you do see is a plea for believers to be very prayerful. In fact when you read the context of James chapter 5, the context is prayer. James is pleading for believers to be very prayerful. It is through prayer that we see God doing great things in the believer’s life.

Marry Your Best Friend

Teenage life is full of dreams. One of the things that fill the mind of a teenager is career prospects. Young people dream of special careers. It is rare to find any adolescent hoping for the lowest jobs in society. They point out celebrities. "I want to be like that one," they say. Another interesting topic of discussion during this phase of life is marriage. What kind of a lady will I marry? What will she look like? Will the man who marries me cook for me? Will he be opening doors for me before I come out of the car or enter a room? We all asked these questions at some point. The truth is that while it is good to desire someone who will do the good things for you, this must not be your main focus. You need to look for deeper things. The rest of the qualities will come as icing on the cake. What then should you look for in a marriage partner? What you need is a companion suitable for you. You need a best friend.

On a magnet, the positive attracts the negative. In like manner, God designed men to be attracted to women and vice versa because they are different. Yes, different but equal. There is a friend, scripture tells us, who sticks closer than a brother. It makes it even better when you have a best friend who is also your husband or wife. A best friend will tell you when he is upset. A best friend will tell you when your hair looks horrible or when your makeup is too much. A best friend will rejoice with you when you succeed. A best friend always wants the best for you. A best friend wants to spend time with you. A best friend will love you sincerely. A best friend will gently rebuke you when necessary. A best friend will be kind to you. A best friend will respect you.

When God said let me make for Adam a companion suitable for him, he was creating a best friend for Adam. He was creating someone who would be attracted to Adam. God was creating someone who would support Adam in his God-given tasks. If she is your best friend, she will respect you. You don't have to plead for her submission. If he is your best friend, he will seek the best for you. He will protect and provide for you. You don't have to ask him to open doors for you as you get into your car. He will do it because he cares. He is your best friend. If she is your best friend, she will see to it that she helps you in your calling. Remember, she is your best friend. She will stick closer than a brother.

If he is your best friend, then you will agree with him at least on doctrinal grounds. It may not be everything, but most of it. Amos asks a rhetorical question when he says, "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3). Your best friend must agree with your personality. Your best friend will accept your flaws and seek to help you with them. Your best friend should be friends with someone greater and special. He should be friends with Jesus. Marry your best friend.

My Idol Pastor

When Pastor X is preaching, the auditorium is filled to capacity but when Pastor Y is on the Pulpit, the Church building is almost empty. Why is it so? Could it be that Pastor Y is not articulate? Or is it that Pastor Y has not been to Bible College? Or maybe Pastor Y is only five years in the ministry? What could be the problem behind this reality which tearing the Churches? Note that I am not referring to health and wealth kind of preaching. I know that has its effects as well. In fact, it has done more harm. However, I am talking about sound expository preaching coming from sound doctrine. Why do we have people making choices as to which preacher they will listen to? My conclusion is that there is a particular sin which has blinded believers from appreciating other preachers.

I know that going to Bible school has a lot of advantages and many people who preach well can tell you that they have been greatly assisted by the studies they have gone through on individual level or university level. I can testify that I was helped to a great extend. Paul tells Timothy to study in order to show himself approved. Bible school is like pouring gasoline on fire. The person already has the passion to preach and adding knowledge to it makes the passion more visible.

I know also that people are gifted differently. There are some who are more gifted than others. I can sing and so can many other people but I cannot compare my singing to some people I know. When they sing, it’s just out of this world. I say, “Wow, that is so good. My heart has been warmed.”

I know also that some preachers have little dependence on the help of the Holy Spirit. Some also have lives that are morally wrong. God surely will not be pleased and later on work in such a life.

However, a lack or an absence of these things is not the only reason people shun to go to Church when Pastor Y takes up the pulpit. I noticed something that is encroaching into the Church. It is the sin of idolatry. Believers have made certain preachers to be their gods. They have said to themselves, “I can only be taught by Pastor X and he is the only one who can speak the truth.” The Church no longer holds the Scriptures with high esteem. People have become greater than the Scriptures. The Scriptures are not seen as God’s very word. It’s like that book title, “When God is small and people are BIG.” What we should know is that God can use anyone despite the level of giftedness. It is because we have told our minds and hearts that only preacher X is good enough. We don’t say it but we live it. This is a deadly sin. It is such sins that have led to people forsaking the assembling of believers together. The Church at Corinth was going through these difficulties of choosing which preacher to listen to. This is what Paul tells them: “What then is Appollos? What then is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Appollos watered, but God gave the growth…for we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building” 1 Corinth 3:5-9. In chapter four verse 1 he says, “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

God can use anyone. If only we can cease to idolize certain preachers, we would see the work of God in the preaching of others.

THE MOST ABUSED AND MISUSED PHRASES PART 1

On the African soil we have so many ways in which people conduct funerals. It is also evident that some countries outside Africa have a unique way in which they conduct funerals. In recent years I have observed that some African countries are slowly conforming to the western culture of handling funerals. Nevertheless, there is one phrase that I keep hearing and seeing from people in Africa and from those in the other parts of the world when people lose a loved one. Sometimes I wonder why someone would make such a statement. Maybe its failure to understand what death really is.

Before I can state this most abused phrase during these emotional moments, let me try and unpack the meaning and definition of death. Death is the separation of the soul from the body. One example I can give to support this definition is the death of Christ. Remember when Jesus was dying? The Bible says in John 19:30 that “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” So you notice that Jesus died and gave up his spirit. In other words, his body was separated from his spirit when he died. I could site many other passages but that verse should do for now. Not only is death separation of the soul from the body but it is also separation of man from God. Remember when Adam sinned against God? He was at that time separated from God. Sin separated him from God.

The other thing I must mention before stating one of the most tortured phrases is the destiny of those who have died. It is clear from the Scriptures that when people die without having repented of their sins in faith towards Christ then their destination is hell. Hell is the place where they will spend eternity. A good example for this is the story of Lazarus and the Rich man. I am sure you know that story well. Lazarus ends up in Abraham’s bosom while the rich man ends up in the place of torment, a picture of hell. Why will such people end up in hell? Because they are Adam’s descendants and Adam, remember, died (was separated from God) because of sin.  And in the story of Lazarus and the rich man we have a good picture of someone who is separated from God. Each one of us is Adam’s descendant and we are destined to die and go to hell if we are not saved through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

So here is my question now. If what I have said above is true and makes sense then why do people say, “May his soul rest in eternal peace,” during a funeral, when they do not even know whether that person was saved? This is abusing the phrase. In fact it is torturing the phrase. How can someone who lived in sin, cursed God and denied the Lord Jesus Christ even to his death ever rest in eternal peace? How? For all I know as the Bible says is that, “There is no rest, says the LORD, for the wicked” Isaiah 48:22. Could this be an African phrase or something from the western culture or Europe? Or is it just some people trying to be kind?

Wolves in Sheep's clothing

He told me there was a wolf in the building but I couldn't see it. Now that my eyes have been opened I've seen the beast.

I went into that 500 million dollar building every week and wondered how a wolf could be found in such a place; projectors beaming to walls, flat screen TV’s everywhere, loud contemporary gospel music, a ten member choir dressed in blue and one vocalist leading them. It was amazing. I told myself this was the place to be. This only comes second to the best of Cinemas. I wondered where the wolf sat because everyone should be able to notice the flesh tearing animal but alas everyone was in frenzy, others screaming on top of their voices while others fell to the ground. “Could the wolf be the one causing this?”  I thought to myself.

Every time after the service I walked home with a mind full of thoughts. What did my beloved friend Steve mean when he said there is a wolf in that place? I sat on my bed and read through the verse he gave to me. It read, “Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inward are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruit…” (Matt 7:15). I sat back and reasoned to myself. I flipped through other pages of Scripture to see if there was any other passage that talked about such kind of prophets. Instead I found one which talked about the good shepherd. It said that the good Shepherd goes before his sheep and the sheep follow him because they know his voice (John 10:4). This got me really confused. On one hand there are wolves in sheep’s clothing and on the other there is a shepherd whom the sheep follow. The former actually says you will know them by their fruit. I wondered what fruit this was.

One day, when journalist Banda read the news, I was perplexed as he mentioned that a certain bishop who was accused of defiling 9 girls had committed suicide. Not too long ago I read in another place that a certain Pastor had commanded his congregation to feed on grass. As if not enough I saw another Pastor telling his congregation not to take any medication whenever they fell sick. My heart sunk.  “Surely, the world is coming to an end,” I thought.

“Oh now I see.”  It finally clicked. I couldn't help but weep. I finally realized what Steve meant when he said there was a wolf in our Church. It was the man who stood preaching God’s word and called himself a “man of God.” His life was exactly what I saw from the three Pastors I read about in the media. The Scriptures then all connected together. The false prophets pretend to be God’s shepherd when in actual sense they are not. That is why Jesus calls them wolves. However, the true Shepherds are those who will preach and teach the Bible and lead people to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Their lives are a pattern you would want to imitate. They lead people to Christ by the way they preach and live the gospel. Many who listen to the false teachers and continue to follow them are most likely not Christ’s sheep because if they were, they would hear the voice of the stranger and  run away from him and at the same time they would hear the voice of Jesus as he spoke through his under shepherds and  would follow him. Are you following a wolf or the chief shepherd? 

SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE: Will Celebrities go to heaven?

Rather, speaking the truth in love we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. Ephesians 4:15

When truth is known, passion is usually expressed.  It is a fact that as Christians we have the knowledge of the truth about Jesus Christ. It is the presence of this intimate and relational knowledge that keeps our hearts burning for Jesus. We can’t stop loving him because we know that he first loved us. We have come to know that he loves us and therefore we express this truth by being passionate about his will and glory. This is why Paul says, “for the love of Christ controls us…” 2 Corinth 5:14. There is nothing more comforting than to know that I am living in truth. If there is one thing that is so fearful to live under, it is ignorance about things that are close to your heart. Someone will not join a religion if he is not convinced that it is true. If he does it’s probably for a wrong reason. Why do I say all this? It is the nature of our speech. Sometimes our speech as Christians is ignorant, it lacks love and this can be destructive.

Christiano Ronaldo

Notice the phrase first says, “Speak…” Speech is part of our life. We speak every day. We talk to friends, parents, workmates and many others. So the Bible doesn't ask us to be quiet but encourages us to do what we are expected to do. We must speak.  Secondly, we are told what we should speak. We should speak the truth. Whenever we speak we should speak the truth. Thirdly, the speech must be in love. When we speak truth it should be because we love that person. We want to show how much we love them by telling them the truth. We love them and tell them the truth because we want them to become more like Jesus Christ. However, many times you get the opposite of this.

You will find some Pastors lying to their members because they don’t want to lose their job or because they don’t want to look irresponsible. Some parents lie to their children or vice versa because they don’t want to accept a weakness. This actually has caused more harm than good. Usually the truth eventually comes out and things become sour. There are many of us who haven’t told the truth about heaven to our beloved brothers and sisters. Still some have not told the truth about hell to those close to them. Nevertheless, we know that these realities are real. One day the truth will be revealed. It will be too late. Woe to you who told people that getting to heaven is through good works. You lied because it’s not the truth.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

I love sport, particularly soccer. The game is entertaining no doubt about that. The players have become heroes and celebrities to many. You see people nick naming themselves after the name of the player they like. Clothes, shoes, Billboard adverts and many other things are covered with images of these men and women. Sad to say others have idolized them. However, one thing is very clear. If all these men and women are to die without Christ then hell will be their destiny. This realization really breaks my heart.

Serena Williams

The Bible says, “Love your neighbour as you love yourself.”  The neighbour is every other person. Speaking the truth in love therefore means that we tell people like them (celebrities) that faith in Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Yes we should because they are also our neighbours. Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). If you love someone, tell them the truth even if it hurts. It will surely hurt someone if you tell them they will perish in hell if they don’t believe in Christ. But that is simple truth. The reason many people will not hear our plea is because the speech is not out

of love. We speak at times as though we are the judge. People notice it and don’t want anything to do with what we say even though it is the truth.  Speak the truth in love. I will be first one to acknowledge that there are times I have spoken that way and I repent. You too can do the same. It would be such a wonderful thing if all Christians can be praying for these men and women. The 2014 world cup is just around the corner. Before the games on the world’s biggest stage begin, someone please get this message out to those players. Tell them I love them as my neighbours and that their life will soon come to an end. However, Jesus stands to save all those who put their faith in him for the forgiveness of sin and assurance of eternal life.

Jackie Chan

So then what’s the answer, will celebrities go to heaven? If they acknowledge their sins, repent by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ and God creating a new life in them then yes, they will go to heaven. However, they cannot know about way to heaven if you and I don’t tell them in love that there is forgiveness of sins in Christ Jesus.

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.