Redeemer Church, the cherished congregation he founded in the heart of New York City in 1989, expressed profound appreciation, stating they are forever grateful for his unwavering leadership, compassionate heart, and relentless dedication to sharing the boundless love of Christ with others. Their heartfelt words echoed a resounding assurance, “While we will miss his presence here, we know he is rejoicing with his Saviour in heaven.”

In contemplating Tim Keller’s life, it is abundantly clear that there was an extraordinary unity between the man he portrayed publicly and the one he was in private. When asked how he wished to be remembered, he humbly confessed that he did not dwell on thoughts of his legacy. Instead, he would often reference the words of Martin Lloyd Jones regarding the Lamb’s Book of Life, affirming his hope that his name was eternally inscribed within its sacred pages. And with a tender smile, he might occasionally add, “I do hope my grandchildren remember me.”

Tim Keller’s departure leaves an irreplaceable void in our hearts. His unique blend of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering faith will be sorely missed by all who encountered his remarkable ministry. Yet, as we grapple with the profound loss, we find comfort in knowing that his impact will endure, touching countless lives for generations.

In May 2020, Keller openly shared his battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, embarking on an arduous journey of intensive treatment. Through the years, he provided candid updates, sharing the challenging nature of his fight while consistently expressing his unyielding trust in God. He revealed how his encounter with cancer transformed him, particularly deepening his prayer life and intensifying his reliance on the Almighty.

Michael shared a prayer his father had uttered a few days before his passing, unveiling the depth of Keller’s heart and longing for his eternal home: “I’m thankful for all the people who’ve prayed for me over the years. I’m thankful for my family, that loves me. I’m thankful for the time God has given me, but I’m ready to see Jesus. I can’t wait to see Jesus. Send me home.”

The Legacy

Keller was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1950. His father was an art teacher, and his mother was a nurse. His family attended a Lutheran church. Keller was converted during his time at Bucknell University. He then served as West Hopewell Presbyterian Church pastor in Hopewell, Virginia, from 1975 to 1984. In 1989, Keller founded Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. The church grew rapidly under his leadership and became one of the country’s largest and most influential Presbyterian churches. Keller served as senior pastor of Redeemer until 2017.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Keller was also a prolific author. He wrote over 30 books, including the bestsellers The Reason for God, The Prodigal God, and The Meaning of Marriage. His books have been translated into over 29 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Keller was a gifted communicator who could explain complex theological concepts clearly and engagingly. He was also a gifted pastor, deeply committed to helping people grow in their faith. Keller’s death is a major loss for the Christian community. He was a towering figure in American evangelicalism, and his influence will be felt for many years.

Keller is survived by his wife, Kathy; his three sons, David, Michael, and Jonathan; his sister, Sharon Johnson; his daughters-in-law, Jennifer, Sara, and Ann-Marie; and his seven grandchildren.

Keller’s legacy will continue to impact the Christian community for years. His books will continue to be read, and his work will continue to be studied. Keller’s legacy is one of faith, hope, and love. He was a man who loved God and loved people. He was a man who made a difference in the world. He will be remembered as a giant of the Christian faith.

A memorial service will be held at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, and more details will be shared here.

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This is all very noble and inspirational. Huge sacrifices have been made by protestors and activists. Whether it is the anti-slavery movement, suffragette movement, women’s liberation movement or feminist movement – notable strides have been made in the name of women empowerment.

What is the world’s view of women?

For centuries the world has dismissed and mistreated women, subjecting them to inequality and indignity. History has spoken and the stories have been recorded.

And yet it seems that history has also spoken on another level. Anything in the name of enlightened ‘feminist’ world views is not seeking to restore the beauty, truth and wholeness of our creative feminine identity, but rather to exchange that for a redefined femininity, based on the clever lies that keep morphing and evolving with each era, decade or generation.

• Under the banner of the women’s pro-choice movement, burning bras suddenly became symbolic of freedom, but also for chemically burning unborn babies in the womb.

• Under the banner of the transgender movement, fighting for women’s rights suddenly became about women having the right define their own identity, to abandon femininity and choose to be men.

• Under the banner of the postmodern movement, the nurturing model of mothers protectively fighting for the rights and innocence of their children became about children usurping their parents’ rights and authority to themselves become the ultimate influencers and authority figures.

• Under the banner of the post truth movement, celebrating and honouring the divine image bearing wonder of biological male and female sexuality suddenly became archaic and outdated and the explosion of the rainbow LGBTQ+ movement was born.

This has all transpired in the span of 50 years. Who would have thought?

But we are not really thinking. When it comes to the essence of who we are as women, the loudest voices and ‘group think’ pressures have damaged our view of womanhood, debasing and diminishing it for causes that have no noble objectives. World views that deny, dismiss and distort a uniquely biblical cultural, and yet simultaneously countercultural, expression of beautiful, strong femininity have not only taken root in our society but in our hearts and minds, eroding our sensibilities.

John Piper weighs in here by observing that in the media and movies, women are constantly being portrayed, not as strong women, but as trying to be strong like men, as imitation men.

Instead of restoring God’s lofty view of women and striving to protect and celebrate it, we easily embrace the ever changing world views and ideas that come our way. And each one is slowly whittling away the core of our true feminine identity.

What is the ‘feminist’ view of women?

Think with me for a moment:

• Women have been fighting to not be objectified for years and yet they keep objectifying themselves. (Don’t believe me? Just look around. Or just scroll through Instagram feeds, stories and reels).

• Women denounce female stereotypes and yet the faulty premise promoting a unique female ‘personal’ brand is all about stereotypes. (Don’t believe me? Just sign up for one of the many personal branding webinars/masterclasses that pop up on your Facebook feed.)

• The women’s liberation movement is all about women “thinking like a man, being like a man, acting like a man” and yet this has resulted in more misery and bondage.

• How did the indignant outcry of women against misogyny and abuse result in a female cult following of E.L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey?

• The feminist movement has adopted a basic bully mentality: emasculate men (put men down, belittle them) so that women can feel better about being women.

According to Forbes.com, “Feminism, at its core, is about equality of men and women, not “sameness.” And yet here we sit with an enlightened egalitarian notion that we are all the same.

One’s mind spins at the confusion and anomalies.

Is this really what celebrating women is all about?

Women seem to miss that their glory is in being uniquely different and complementary to men, not the same as.

What is God’s view of women?

When we choose to deny who we were designed to be, we choose instead to enslave ourselves to man’s (generically speaking) faulty agendas and the world’s chains.

For 6000 years we can look back on cultural and societal examples of how women have been subjugated and mistreated. But that is not God’s template and it was never God’s design, so it is strange for any alternate theory to accuse God of being anti-women and chauvinistic.

Since the beginning of time, God – the divine activist – has been on a mission to showcase the unique, unrivalled and glorious image bearing beauty of both male and female. His redemptive plan, from before the creation of the world, has been to restore what we messed up and destroyed. Women were designed to be different – stronger in some areas and weaker in others – to men. That is how men and women complement each other. God set this design in place to give freedom to both men and women, not to set them in competition with one another.

Our freedom and identity lie in celebrating and protecting who we were created to be, as women.

Throughout the OT Biblical narratives, and NT Gospels and Letters, we see a radical view of womanhood compared to contextualised `Hebrew, Babylonian, Greek and Roman societies of the day.

Adam’s first response on seeing Eve was one of poetic awe and wonder at such a unique and feminine expression of humanity. And God’s pre-fall intent was for man and woman to equally work the created world together. The value and dignity of a woman was never in question.

EVE – Her name means ‘the mother of all living’ – an honourable and ’empowering’ title.

HAGAR – In a cultural context when women were seen as disposable and an inconvenience, God sees Hagar and protects and provides for her.

SARAH – When Abraham lied about Sarah being his wife, willing to allow her to be sexually defiled, God stands in the gap and prevents her from being sexually taken advantage of by the king.

HANNAH – At a time when a woman’s dignity and identity were connected to childbearing, God remembered Hannah.

JAEL – As the wife of a traitor, she steps in the gap and defends King David.

ESTHER – A woman who God used to save the people of Israel from genocide.

PROVERBS 31 WOMAN – An example of striking womanhood that expressed itself in resourcefulness, business acumen, creativity, honour – caring for the poor & vulnerable, helping to provide for her family, taking charge of her servants, respecting her husband and fearing God. Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the days to come. (Is this not what we, as women, are striving for?).

In the NT we have the radical and countercultural examples of Jesus and the Church treating and acknowledging women with dignity, value and respect in a time when they were considered invisible and less than. From the Samaritan woman at the well, the women who poured perfume on Jesus’ feet and the women caught in adultery to Mary, Martha, Dorcas, Lydia, Nympha and so many more.

         “The fact that I am a woman does not make me a different kind of Christian, but the fact that I am a Christian makes me a different kind of woman.”

-Elisabeth Elliot

What is God’s definition of womanhood?

I have to default to John Piper’s eloquence here:

“She is a woman who is assured of her feminine identity in such a deep and powerful way that she knows she is a man’s equal in the kingdom of God. She knows she is a man’s equal in the sight of God. She knows she is a man’s equal in the inheritance of joy. She is poised and free to affirm the manhood of the men around her and come alongside them and help them in every way they can in their unique calling. In this way, the dance and the rhythm and the choreography of male and female become a beautiful partnership.”

Men are in humble awe of such women. They are prepared to sacrificially serve and lay down their lives for such women. And they are careful to honour and uphold the dignity of such women.

God is concerned for women and their honour and reputation. They are highly valued in his kingdom and He does not tolerate his divine image being tarnished by any person, movement or ideology that seeks to distort or disregard that. Your view of true, authentic, joyful and liberating womanhood will begin with your view of God – you will not find it anywhere else. May we stop being persuaded by and stop succumbing to lesser views and expressions of womanhood. Paul exhorts us in Colossians 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ”

Christ should never be eclipsed in aspiring to be a godly woman. And true biblical womanhood is creative, community-orientated, counter cultural and collaborative. It is liberating, inspiring and captivating. We would be foolish to mess with that. Rather, we should fight to celebrate and protect this endangered view of womanhood.

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As the coronavirus continues to ravage communities and the world at large, it is difficult to foresee the future or any positive outcomes for the church of Jesus Christ. In this series of articles, I would like to suggest a few possible positive outcomes after the lockdown. My hope is that these articles might help us to prepare well for life after COVID-19.

I believe there is going to be a greater appreciation for fellowship among the faithful people of God. Before we go on, let me emphasize; this greater appreciation for biblical church life will happen only among the people of God. Talk to any pastor today, one of the most discouraging things in pastoral ministry is a lack of faithfulness in attendance. Our world is hugely distracted. Priorities are all over the place. It takes very little for many of God’s people to abandon church gatherings on a Sunday morning. All the reasons that would have been inconceivable as reasons for missing fellowship a century ago seem to settle well with our generation. A Christian today can miss church because of shopping, laundry, studies, cooking, a minor headache, attending a wedding, visiting the sick, and many petty excuses. One of the reasons this happens is because we have become so familiar with this sacred institution that we now make light of it. We know we can drop it this Sunday and pick it up the next day. We think church gatherings will always be there, waiting for us.  

I believe there is going to be a greater appreciation for our freedom of worship. It is one thing to have the freedom to come and go as you please. It is another to have that liberty taken away from you. Knowing that even if you wanted to go to church, you would not be able to do so. You have been mandated to shut down the church doors with no precise date in sight for re-opening. For genuine believers, who have a clear understanding of the purpose of the gathering of God’s people, having this freedom taken from them is a big deal. There is a greater appreciation for church meetings among the persecuted church than those with total freedom to gather for worship weekly. There are millions of believers today who would do anything in their power to gather with fellow Christians for worship. For these believers, gathering for worship is risking one’s life. Today this freedom has been taken away from us. I hope there is going to be a greater appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy. 

I believe there is going to be a greater appreciation for the one-another ministry. Serious Christians are genuinely concerned about holding fast the confession of their hope in Christ. But they do this through face to face Sunday gathering and fellowship with other saints. False Christians settle for showing up at the church gathering to appease the conscious, sold to dead religion. Given a chance not to gather, they would take that gladly. False professors will accept any church cancellation gladly, with very little sorrow or resistance. Not so with God’s people; the people of the Lord know that to hold fast to the confession, they need the ministry of others. They need faithful pulpit ministry, corporate prayer, and to celebrate the Lord’s supper within the corporate gathering. The faithful know that they need to join voices with other saints in praise to the Lord Almighty, the King of all creation. Today millions of Christians across the world may be yearning to return to public worship, to be with fellow saints. Soon they will return with a renewed appreciation of Hebrews 10:23 – 25, the gathering of the saints. 

Today we have been shut out and cannot gather or see our brothers and sisters face to face. One way we “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” is by considering one another and steering one another unto good works. As the saying goes, out of sight, out of love. It is undoubtedly hard to consider those we don’t meet often. When we gather faithfully with other believers, we have the opportunity to hear of and see their needs. Many believers take this opportunity of helping others for granted; maybe they keep putting it off. During this lockdown, we are being reminded that we should make use of every opportunity we have to be a blessing to others. We are learning now that these opportunities will not always be there. It is a possible outcome that at the end of the lockdown, many of us will make use of every opportunity to bless someone in our congregation. 

Those who have no pleasure in gathering with the saints now have no business to look forward to the final gathering with the Lamb of God. There is a high possibility that the coronavirus lockdown has reminded God’s people of the temporary nature of our gathering. That one day, we will no longer gather here, but with the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Maranatha! 

This article was first published on this site  on April 11, 2020.

Written By Pastor Malamulo Chindongo of Antioch Baptist Church in Blantyre Malawi,  where he has been laboring since 2008. Author of Rethinking Guy/Girl Relationships 

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The rapid spread of COVID-19 has induced a fear that has left some communities and homes paralysed. The caution and heed to the health of the public is warranted. However, this state of anxiety leaves us very uncomfortable and uncertain.

Mental health workers have presented concerns about what this collective experience means and the impact this may have. It has been suggested that self-isolation and being quarantined may induce the following emotional experiences:

1. Optimism: An eager and positive attitude masked by an intention to be productive and industrious.
2. Determination: A deteriorated optimism but an eagerness to stick to intended tasks and schedule.
3. Satisfaction and frustration: This stage is shown by an oscillation between productivity and failing to meet targets resulting in satisfaction and frustration at times.
4. Depression: This may be elicited by difficulty concentrating, maintaining routine and being away from typical experiences – seeing friends and loved ones, collective gatherings and doing the things we enjoy. You might feel agitated, demotivated, hopeless, or feel a sense of despair.
5. Anger: The experience of anger about the situation and the confinement may also creep up. This may lead to getting easily irritated and agitated by others in your household.
6. Acceptance:  Acknowledging that other things are in our control and others not so much is indicative of accepting the situation for what it is.
7. Making meaning: Remembering that this move to self-isolate is necessary and that you’re serving humanity and the greater good to help prevent more sickness and death.

We may not experience all these stages nor may they be experienced in this order. However, this time calls for a reflection and observation of ourselves in relation to things, beings and ideas. This article intends to conscientize you to things that may determine how you get through these times.

Your relationship with information

During this time, we are inundated by information – fake news, statistics and death tolls. It is important that we monitor how we interact with all this information. Information is very accessible and invades our senses constantly. The concern is what this information has the ability to do as we go through these days. This is not to suggest an “ignorance is bliss” approach to coping, but rather a healthy awareness that allows us to be consumed by other joyous things.

We also must hold ourselves accountable for the information we share for others to consume. Is it helpful to overwhelm others who are already spammed continuously with COVID-19 news?

Your relationship with others

This is a time to be evaluative of the role we play in the lives of those near and far. Imagine what it must be like to be in isolation with an abusive or emotionally toxic spouse during this time. Imagine what it must be like living with a high-risk chronic illness during this time. Imagine.

I say imagine, but I am hoping that this will drive us to small acts of service for those near and far. Others we may call and spend ten minutes encouraging or praying with on the phone – not lamenting how inconvenient lockdown is. Let this time drive us to empathy and prayer for others.

Your relationship with self

Some will be spending a lot of time alone or with their own thoughts during this time. This may be healthy and very necessary, but this can also be very destructive too. Time spent with self can allow us to take inventory of our thoughts, attitudes and what we value.

It can be suggested that the self is made up of identity, body image, personality, role performance and esteem. These faculties of the self can aid us navigate the perils of thoughts, attitudes and values that do not help us to be gentle with ourselves during this time.

Self-care is a commonly reiterated message but many of us are yet to determine what that ought to look like. We either err on the extreme of self-neglect and burn out, or the extreme of self -absorption and sinfulness. Take caution brethren.

Your relationship with the Trinity

This is a time for us to think about what God is saying to us. This does not warrant answers but a reckoning with the times that we are living in.

As we go through the seven stages mentioned earlier, it is worth remembering that we are not left alone but with a comforter that is the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). May this truth renew our minds as we pray, seek peace and a holy perspective; remaining in fellowship with Christ

The collective fear, panic and uncertainty that exists now is a demonstration of the unbelief that looms over us. May this time serve as an opportunity to remember The Word of God that gives hope to those who are called by Him. Let us repent of our wickedness and hold onto faith in the grace that is promised to us by our Heavenly Father.

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You don’t know me, but we have something in common. For whatever reason, whether it be by choice or not, we’re both single. And I am confident God has a plan and a purpose for my singleness (and yours)—if it’s for a season, or if it’s (as scary as it may sound) for life.

Like most little girls, my childhood daydreams were filled with thoughts of my future wedding. I would someday walk down the aisle in a lacy white dress to my Prince Charming. The day would be perfect. And after the wedding, we would live happily ever after in a castle by the sea.

Fast forward a few years and I’m now 28. That day hasn’t come and sometimes I wonder if it ever will. My aforementioned confidence in God’s plan and purpose for my singleness hasn’t always existed. Over the years I frequently found myself discouraged and lonely, but today I can say that the Lord has given me great joy in this season of my life.

I want to share with you a few specific thoughts that have built my joy as I live life as a single woman. So grab a cup of tea and take a seat. You’re about to get a little glimpse of what the Lord is teaching me about this sometimes awkward and confusing, but oh so beautiful life of singleness He has blessed me with:

• Embrace the life God has given you. For a long time, I believed that somehow God had messed up as He was writing my life story. Surely He didn’t mean for me to still be single with no prospects at almost 29 years of age, it must be a mistake. I mean, my only plan for as long as I can remember was to be a wife and a mom. Can’t God just follow through with His end of the deal? But God has chosen a different path for me at this time. My responsibility is to glorify and bring honor to the Lord through the life He has given me, regardless of my circumstances. A huge thing I’m learning now is this: if I’m not diligent where God has me today, what makes me think I’ll suddenly gain instant diligence if I get married?

• Find your contentment in Christ, not a man. Someone I know was married later in life after a long road of singleness. She had desired to be married her entire life and God finally answered her prayers. Two weeks after they married, her new husband was killed in a tragic accident. If this woman’s contentment was based on the fact that she had finally gotten married, she would have been shattered. God gives and He takes away. Regardless of your circumstances when your contentment rests in Christ you can say “Lord, blessed be Your name!” I think about this story a lot when I struggle with contentment. May contentment in Christ be what defines me, no matter what life does or doesn’t bring!

• Delight yourself in the Lord! One time I was told “God is just waiting for you to delight in Him, and then He’ll give you what you want.” I’ve delighted a lot in God and I’m still single, clearly this whole delighting thing isn’t working as it should. But, what I’ve learned is that when I delight in the Lord, He might not always change my circumstances but He always changes my heart. He has changed my sorrow over my singleness to joy, my grumbling and complaining to praise, my disappointment to contentment, and so much more. Delight yourself in the Lord because He is worthy, not because you want something. His plan is so much greater than anything we could ever ask or imagine.

• Thank the Lord for the gifts He has given you because of your singleness. My parents just adopted a set of siblings, something they never would have done that if I were married and having their grandkids. If this is the only reason the Lord has had me remain single, I would do it again and again, a million times over. Instead of focusing on what I’m “missing” because I’m not married, I choose to find joy in the gifts the Lord has given me because I am single. There are way too many to count.

• Use this time in your life to prepare for whatever future God has planned for you! God doesn’t waste anything. He for sure isn’t wasting your singleness—but you might be. Singleness is a time of freedom, use it to devote your time to the work of Christ and invest in the lives of others. I used to spend a lot of time thinking about marriage, my wedding, and what life would be like with someone beside me—but what a waste of time! I could have spent that time in profitable ways that honored the Lord. The area of time is such a trap—how should you spend it? Serving, loving, caring, learning—just to name a few. Instead of wishing for marriage, make the most of the time the Lord has given you today—and who knows how He will use your present circumstances to make a difference for His Kingdom.

• Invest in the lives of younger women. Stop sitting at home feeling sorry for yourself and find some girls who need a Godly older woman to pour into their lives. Invite them over to make cookies, teach them how to cook and care for a home, take them with you when you go shopping, sit and listen to them as they pour out their hearts about their current struggles, cry with them, love them, live life with them, and point them to Christ. I love the freedom I have to invite a dear sister over and sit chatting with her late into the night. This has been one of the biggest recent blessings of my singleness. It is such a privilege to be involved in the lives of people.

• Don’t shift responsibility to married people for things you should be doing too. I love to cook and I love having people in my home, but some times it’s easy to think people won’t want to come over because it’s just me—this is a lie that I can’t choose to believe! I have just as much responsibility to show hospitality as my married friends. And I have a lot more time and freedom to host people in my home. I also have just as much responsibility to share the gospel with the lost, to extend compassion to strangers, to serve in the church, and to care for the orphan and widow—and this is just the beginning of the list. God doesn’t give these instructions to married people and exempt singles from service. I’ve had to stop playing my single card as an excuse for my fear and laziness and step out in boldness to serve and love as God commands—you should too!

• Be a blessing to the people in your life. God has given us different and unique abilities that we can use to love and serve Him and others. One of the best ways I’ve found to reject the discontentment of my singleness is to seek to serve and bring joy to others. There are a lot of ways this can be done, but here are a few ideas: Make someone a meal. Offer to babysit a friend’s kids for free. Mow your neighbor’s lawn. Take flowers to an elderly lady in your church and read the Bible with her. Sign up to bake treats for an event. Send cards of encouragement. Take time to call and ask your friend what they’re learning in their time with the Lord. Be present in people’s lives and be a blessing.

My dear sister, there is so much more I could say. Let’s grab a cup of coffee sometime and continue this conversation, deal? But when we do, instead of commiserating about our singleness, let’s encourage each other to pursue Christ and trust our future to a God who delights in giving good gifts to His children.

Today that good gift is singleness.

Love from One Single Sister to Another

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[soundcloud id=’307661843′ height=’false’]

Song written by:

Oratile Zeal Matlapeng. Perfromed by Oratile Zeal Matlapeng and KK Matlapeng.

Produced by:

Streetcarnivore.

Mixed and Mastered by:

Silus Beats.

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As part of the singleness awareness day we’ve done a few interviews with men and women at various stages in their lives to find out how they are experiencing singleness; we hope their lives encourage you.

Singleness in your 30s

Brother K, 30 something year old male from Botswana

1. Do you enjoy being single?

Yes I do! It provides me with freedom to read Christian literature, and mature in Christ without having the responsibility of a family. And it gives me an opportunity to love Christ with an undivided heart.

2. At what age would you like (would have liked) to be married?

I have grown up with a single-hood mentality and I have never regretted this path which my friends and I call “the path of thorns and thistles”.  I have never viewed it as something that I should jump from to something much better and glorious. However, I would like to get married a few years from now.

3. What are your greatest challenges faced as a result of being single…and Christian?

I have been seen as a “special need category person” based on my status. That is to say, because I’m single, I need extra attention, on the grounds that I might fall into sin. I think this is based on a false hypothesis, which argues that most of the people who fall into sin are singles in church, even though research shows that most of the people who fall into scandalous sin in ministry are married people.

The second challenge is that most people believe that singles are lonely. Since people have this kind of thought, they tend to think that I need a kind of “puppy love”.

The third challenge is the view that I’m not sanctified since I’m not married. This view is based on a false assumption which states that marriage is the best instrument of sanctification. I, however, argue that this view is based on a false premise; God uses different means to sanctify His people.

4. Has the fact that you are still single affected how your view your ‘beauty’ and worth?

Not at all, but singleness has helped me not to view myself through the lens of other people’s perspective. It has aided me to see myself as a unique creature created in God’s image. And that my worth does not rest on the affirmation of a companion but on Christ’s finished work on the cross of Calvary. This has grounded me and helped me avert an identity crisis, which I assume that people who are married can struggle with, because their worth sometimes rests on the affirmation of a spouse.

5. How does singleness look different in your 30s than it did your 20s?

 I would say that while singleness is the same whether one is in their 20s or 30s, the dynamics which come with each age group are different. Singleness in your 20s is not a big deal because you assume that you still have time. Singleness in in your 30s, however, has some social pressures which push you to look for a spouse. This is based on the fact that you think time is running out! Sadly,  this thinking can also lead you to make some wrong choices.

6. If you were to never marry, how would that change how you live now?

I think it would not change the way I live now.  But, I would intensify my service for God more, read more and write more.

7. There’s almost a ‘shame’ stigma attached to being single – have you experienced this and how have you overcome it?

One of the “shame stigmas” which I experience as a single man is that whenever I talk to a member of the opposite gender, there is an assumption that I’m pursuing them. I’m seen as being on a “ladies hunting trip”. It is difficult to deal with this issue since it is imposed by people on me.

Secondly, when I meet believers, their first concern is not for my spiritual well-being, but for my single status. Therefore, there is a social stigma, which is associated with singleness not only in the society, but also in the church. I have tried to inform my friends that my greatest need in my life is not my marriage status, but a spiritual rightness with Christ. Ask me about my walk with Christ and how I flesh out that relationship in the everyday nuances of my life.

8. If you could advise your younger self with regards to relationships – what would you say?

 The first thing I would talk to young Brother K about is the importance of guarding his heart. This is to say that he should not give the wrong impression to members of the opposite gender if he has no desire to marry them. If you don’t have a picture of her being your wife, it is not right for you to keep on interacting with her.

As an ode to Valentine’s Day, we’d like to encourage you to make the most of your singleness. Know that you are not alone, and that in every season of singleness, God provides enough grace to see you through. We serve a God who delights to give good gifts to His children. A Father who will not give you a stone when you ask for bread, but a Father who always gives what is best for His children (Matt 7: 9 -11). You desire to get married? Good. But don’t miss out on the beauty of this season while pining for a future spouse. Thank the Lord this good gift and enjoy it!

The post Christian Men Are Single Too appeared first on Proverbs 31.

These conversations are one way of forcing us to renew our minds – to search Scripture for Biblical principles to inform our thinking. Our natural default when entering the often murky waters of these conversations is that we are convinced we have the right answers and it only becomes about convincing each other about each other’s convictions.

As Rap artist, Propaganda, eloquently explains, ‘This means we are moving from seeking justice to just being right and then you centre yourself as the definition of what is justice.’ Our viewpoint becomes the plumb line for truth. I just need to persuade you that you are wrong or misinformed or foolish. We are not really interested in truth, we are interested in my right and your wrong.

You see, if we believe we are right, then that presupposes that the other viewpoint is wrong. So we start off from pride, from a high horse. Our self-righteous selves condescend to listen but not to understand. We prefer intellectual intimidation instead of engagement. I am not sure you could find a clearer explanation of arrogance.

A colourful conversation that has gate-crashed our comfortable party recently has been that of interracial relationships and marriages. Like I said before, this conversation was not necessarily invited, but has been very welcome. It is good when our worldviews are challenged and questioned.

This idea of interracial relationships has raised its head timeously. It has opened a can of worms. As we relate with this issue, it exposes previous prejudices and default positions and when the light of principle shines into the dark corners of our hearts on this issue, we start to squirm. We cannot just push the lid back down.

The interesting and enlightening thing for me on this issue is that the parties I have engaged with have been multi-racial and the general sentiment, from whichever side of the colour line, is the following: ‘I am not against interracial relationships or marriages, but…’

Have you noticed that when the cautious ‘but…’ rears its ugly head, pragmatism and comfort are the motivators for practice instead of principle?

From this platform then, we seem to be able to rationalise and justify any position. We are clever like that. And if you are good with words, then we might as well just go home with our defeated tails between our legs and a resolve to not mess with you again.

Now to be fair, we have personally been forced to consider this issue over the past 9 years when our daughter became part of our family at the age of 7. Hers was an interracial adoption. A ½ Indian, ½ Coloured little girl now has White people as her birth parents on her birth certificate. So we would have been very naïve to think this is an issue we could ignore. This issue (if it is an issue) is going to affect our family, no matter whom she marries. Her cultural identity may be white but her skin colour is not. Where does she fit in this discussion?

We can make the topic of interracial relationships very complex and complicated. We can say it is nuanced. But as John Piper would argue, it is not complex at all. It is all really quite simple. But only if we start from the humble perspective of taking Scripture as our authority and submitting to Biblical principle. Truth is so liberating.

John Piper, in his article titled, ‘Racial Harmony and Interracial Marriage,’ operates from the  premise that interracial marriage is not only permitted by God, but honours God, displays the Gospel for which Christ died and is good and positive.

I strongly recommend you read his article on www.desiringgod.com

He basically outlines 4 main points which he elaborates on:

1. All races have one ancestor in the image of God and all humans are God’s image.
2. The Bible forbids intermarriage between unbeliever and believer, but not between races.
3. In Christ our oneness is profound and transforms social differences from barriers to blessings.
4. Criticizing one interracial marriage (that of Moses to the Cushite woman) was severely disciplined by God.

So what are the implications of really engaging on this issue?

I will use John Piper’s words, ‘Opposition to interracial marriage is one of the deepest roots of racial distance, disrespect and hostility.’

That is a sobering statement and causes us to stop in our tracks.

You see, what comes after the ‘but…?’

The following qualifications (and they can often sound so spiritual);

• Marriage is already difficult, why would you want to start by making it harder if the couple is from different cultures or races?
• You must consider the children, you are going to make life harder for them.
• Your children might not look like either of you (in the case of interracial not cross-cultural marriages)
• It will cause complications and perhaps ‘shunning’ from the extended families etc.

All plausible and fine sounding arguments, but only from a worldly perspective. My further objection to this is that we often don’t tend to call things as they really are. We are pros at inconsistency. And as you strip away at the logic, basically the argument is against relationships of DIFFERENT SKIN COLOURS.

We do not caution a white American girl from marrying a white South African guy. Two completely different cultures. We do not caution a black Zimbabwean from marrying a black Malawian. Two completely different cultures and even two completely different home languages. But you see, their skin colour is the same! We will caution the black Zambian guy from marrying a white South African girl. We will caution the white South African Afrikaans girl from marrying a black South African Zulu guy. But they are both South African! And yet, we would probably have no issue if that same white South African girl wanted to marry a white British guy. Our arguments and logic are exposed and flawed. These are deep rooted heart issues which we need to confront and humbly confess.

Once again, John Piper’s words cannot be improved upon:

‘Here is where Christ makes the difference. Christ does not call us to a prudent life, but to a God-centred, Christ-exalting, justice-advancing, counter-cultural, risk-taking life of love and courage. Will it be harder to be married to another race and will it be harder for the kids? Maybe. Maybe not. But since when is that the way a Christian thinks? Life is hard. And the more you love, the harder it gets…Christians are people who move toward need and truth and justice, not toward comfort and security. Life is hard. But God is good. And Christ is strong to help’

Those are beautiful words. Those are words of comfort and truth.

So let me take this to a logical conclusion. If, in the Church, we believe it is wise to discourage interracial marriages, then why do we not discourage transracial adoptions? If the basis of our argument is that it is hard, then surely the logic is obvious?

Let me end with another beautiful and shining example of an interracial and cross cultural marriage in the Bible. It is that of Ruth and Boaz. Ruth, the Moabite, a pagan culture cursed by God and the Jews. Ruth, the Moabite, who would have had a darker skin colour to Boaz. Ruth, the Moabite, whose home language and customs would have been foreign to Boaz. And yet Ruth, the Moabite, who loved Naomi’s God and married Boaz. Their son, Obed was the father of Jesse who was the father of David and Jesus came from that line. What a beautiful romance, part of God’s perfect and sovereign plan.

This does not mean you have to pursue an interracial marriage, but for me, it does mean we are going beyond the bounds of Scripture if we discourage such a relationship in the Church.

As I said in the beginning, these conversations are hard. They are uncomfortable. But when we move out of our comfort zones and put aside our spiritually camouflaged pre-conceived ideas, meaningful and deep relationships start to develop in the Church. We paint a picture of the Gospel. Our minds are renewed and our hearts transformed. Surely this is good for us, for the world and for the glory of God?

By Leanne Johnson

The post Interracial relationships appeared first on Proverbs 31.

The great social activist – William Wilberforce said “You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know.”

Whenever we find ourselves in situation like this; we hear people asking ‘where is God?’, but we know what they are really asking is “Where are the people of God?”I am calling Christians to push themselvesto be a part of the solution to the challenges at the universities.  I have been observing the situation at the universities and I have attended some of the meetings at the University of Pretoria. I push myself to read, watch and understand painful parts of my history. I want to allow the rhythms of truth to flow naturally through my psyche, my spirit and my mind. I need that specific beat, tempo, swing to be natural in my cadence as I fight for justice in this present age.  I need to keep liberation on my lips. I believe we must find a way to be part of the solution to the current challenges at the universities.Let us rise together out of the ashes.  Let education and lament ground us in truth—so that our actions may be ones that heal, restore and invoke justice.

The need for prayer cannot be overestimated. We need to pray that an everlasting solution will be sought between all the engaged parties. We need to pray that during these times, as Christians we will rise up and shine the light of the gospel. My call is that we walk and engage in the following 6 paths of love:

Mediation Role
The Christian has a wonderful opportunity to encourage love and peace by playing a mediation role between the students and the university management. I am aware that some Christians have been doing that at university of Pretoria and other universities. We need to be doing more in this area as we seek a permanent resolution to the current university challenges. We need to be aware that the mediation role it’s not easy as we can get tempted to take sides but it provides wonderful opportunities to shine the light of the gospel through promoting peace.
God is a peace-loving God, and a peacemaking God. The whole history of redemption, climaxing in the death and resurrection of Jesus, is God’s strategy to bring about a just and lasting peace between rebel people and himself, and then between people. Therefore, God’s children are that way, too. They have the character of their Father. What he loves they love. What he pursues they pursue. You can know his children by whether they are willing to make sacrifices for peace the way God did.

Preach peace and mediation from the pulpits
Many pastors either preach false rhetoric, give their own political views instead of giving the biblical view.Gather the issues together and meditate on them. Weigh them in the balances of the Bible.
Ultimately we want to communicate – even while engaging in students issues – that fees are not the main issue on this earth. Knowing the Creator is the main issue, as well as being reconciled with him and glorifying him in all that we believe and say and do. That’s what the church needs to constantly be calling people to.
This will better equip Christians (and the students) many of whom are part of the movement or at the very least, are affected by it.The main issue is God and the gospel. God is the Creator, Owner, and Judge of every person on the planet. Every one of us stands before him guilty of sin, and the only way to be reconciled to him is through faith in Jesus, the crucified Saviour and risen King. All who trust in his love will experience everlasting life, while all who turn from his lordship will suffer everlasting death.

Everything changes in a world of #FeesMustFall when we fix our gaze on the holiness, love, goodness, truth, justice, authority, and mercy of God revealed in the gospel. When we focus on God as the main issue, what we often think of as separate social issues- #FeesMustFall become intimately connected to our understanding of who he is and what he has done, and is doing, and is calling us to do in the world.

Making our facilities available for students in need
There are some Churches around the universities that have been providing a space for students to use the internet on their premises without any charge. This provides a wonderful opportunity where we open our doors to the world and they can use our space with the hope that it will breach the gospel gap and real meaningful conversations. It will show the students that we care about them and that we are sympathetic to their problems; it’s a great opportunity to extend the love of Christ. We can consider offering free Wi-Fi on our premises or providing our facilities as conference rooms or boardrooms or study centres for students.

Engage the students
Use your student ministries to engage with the students, to better understand the situation and their perspective. Many are scared, confused or just going along with the masses and are in need of someone to help them make sense of the situation. Be that someone.

Engage the faculty and teaching staff
One of the ways that we are salt and light and act as peace agents in this broken world is to live out a faithful presence in whatever place we find ourselves in, including campuses. As followers of Jesus, we are called to a mission of engagement in, not withdrawal from, the campuses. To faithfully engage the world and campuses means we must be fully present within it.

Offer free counseling to students and staff
Counseling will assist in guiding the students and staff towards emotional and spiritual wholeness. Counseling can help the staff and students identify the issues they face and recommend a path of healing and recovery.

Lastly, we need to understand that we are dealing with very complex social issues, and there are no simple answers to them. We must resist the temptation to take sides or to spread ignorant political or personal views about the situation. Instead, we must always prayerfully consider how we can bring the message of the Gospel in a practical way in a situation and society like this. This is ultimately the challenge.

I believe that the growth of Christian engagement in universities is hugely exciting. But the growth of activism means that the Church stands at a key time. There are clear indications that the consent parties will seek to engage the Church more than ever in finding solutions to the university challenges. It means that many ministries and churches will find themselves standing at crossroads.

On the one hand the Church must avoid going down a route where the person of Jesus and the good news he brings is marginalised and eventually forgotten. We must learn the lessons from history and avoid sliding into a completely ‘socialised’ gospel message that loses it personal challenge.

But equally, we must not take the route of half-hearted activism. The growth I have spoken of and celebrated is only a beginning. Still far too many churches are simply dipping their toe in short term initiatives and fairly shallow forms of community engagement. So much more could be achieved if resources and energy were focused into authentic community mission.

Rather than take these two routes, we are called to walk a more challenging path. The good way, the ancient path is to be found in the consistent message of the Bible: in integrating a love for God with a love for neighbour. As Jesus makes clear in Matthew 22:34-40, this sums up the whole message of the Law and the Prophets.

As ever, our example and our guide is Jesus. It is in him that we see the ultimate example of integrated social activism and what it looks like ‘to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8). As someone wise said ‘Hold fast to Jesus and to everything else remain profoundly uncommitted’.

But of course, we know that the path Jesus took was also one of hardship, threats and costly sacrifice. Through the resurrection we have assurance that he will one day fully complete his work of restoring and renewing his creation. But until that day when he will renew all things and put the world to rights, Jesus says ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.’ (Luke 9:23-24).

When we stand at the crossroads Jesus calls us to choose the road that leads to the cross.

#RiseUp #CryForSocialJustice#Peace #Love #PrayForSolution #FeesMustFall

By: Lutic Mosoane and edited by: Andy Mabaso

Lutic Mosoane is a generational changer, unashamed servant leader; Student Worker at University of Pretoria; CEO of City Gate Recordings, Youth Leader at Christ Church Tshwane and holds finance position at one of the public entities. Lutic’s passion is to see Africa transformed, by the gospel of Christ, where people are increasingly becoming who God intended them to be.

This article first appeared on: http://citygaterec.com/2016/11/22/feesmustfall-a-call-to-rise-up/

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