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.

The post Women’s Day – Celebrating & Protecting an Endangered View of Womanhood appeared first on Proverbs 31.

Quick, grab this moment

Before it fades away

Don’t let yourself forget

How you felt that day.

The restless tug at your heart

The way your chest went tight

At those words, “He’s gone.”

No, this isn’t right.

Here today, gone today

No wonder that denial

Is how we all respond to death

For the first little while.

Call it shock or disbelief

Or astonishment you might

But they are all expressions

That something is not right.

As time goes on, we move along

From denying to accepting.

This is good, and we should

But there’s something worth remembering.

Yes, let a trace of your shock

Linger in the light

Of your journeys forward

That something is not right.

Something is not right about

Life that ends in death

‘Creation was not always cursed’

You hear in whispered breath.

The whispers become clearer

As you open up God’s Word

And yet returns your shock

As you read what next occurred.

Your sin-cursed world and agony

Were not lost on your Creator

Promises were made and kept

And fulfilled in an unlikely Saviour.

God himself! He came to us

To finally reconcile

That feeling that each death evokes

That feeling of denial.

In the greatest of all ironies

His perfect life at its height

Jesus laid his down for us

Could this be right?

But carry on towards his tomb

It’s the one that’s filled with light

He rose again!  Conquered death!

Ah, this is what feels right.  

And now dead hearts hear his voice

And they too are made alive

Their bodies only laid in graves

For the blinking of an eye.

So, again, I ask you

To keep denial’s trace in sight

So long as it reminds you

That one day all will be right

By Lydia Mangwathe

The post Redemption of Denial appeared first on Proverbs 31.

There is something special about the Easter weekend for born again Christians. Even our President spoke of the hope surrounding this calendar event in his speech. And while  this year was a rather unusual Easter, it’s significance remained because, as Christians, we get to celebrate how Jesus showed up for all humanity and showed up for the glory of God the Father. Jesus showed up in our salvation, taking our sins upon himself, enduring separation from the Father and dying in our place. Jesus shows up for us, not only in having conquered death and grave, but also in our ongoing sanctification – sealed with the beautiful truth that we have  a comforter and helper with us: the Holy Spirit. Now, with great anticipation, we can await for Jesus to show up again at the consummation, when we will rise to be with him forever in glory. 

These strange times present a great opportunity for us to show up too. We can never show up like Jesus did (we cannot even attempt to, because he showed up perfectly and sufficiently), but we can show up in our deeds and tell a dying world how Jesus showed up to save them. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35

My husband and I have been chatting about how we can practically demonstrate the love we have for one another to a watching world. 

• Give sacrificially
• Check up on the elderly and widows in your community by giving them a call – they are some of the loneliest right now
• Pray for those who have lost their jobs and are in need
• If you have tenants, think of lowering their rent during these trying times 
• Pay your domestic helper or gardener, even if they aren’t coming to your home, and check up on them telephonically
• Club together with others to buy groceries online for those who don’t have much and have it delivered to their door 
• Send encouraging video/audio clips to people who you haven’t spoken to in a while: tell them you love them and share the gospel
• If you know of any orphan homes around you, buy essentials for them online and have it delivered to them
• If you have colleagues who don’t believe, perhaps share some devotional material with them and  go through it together using available technology

This is not an exhaustive list, but it’s a start nonetheless! We can show the world how, in this Covid-19 period, we love not only in word but in action. We should be doers of God’s Word now more than ever, even during a state of lockdown. 

With the little the Lord has given you, think of how you can give to others. We don’t know how long this pandemic may be with us, but we may never have such an opportunity again. In our solitude, think of ways to show up! 

The post How Can We ‘Show Up’ During Covid-19? appeared first on Proverbs 31.

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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We’ve been locked down for 16 days in South Africa due to COVID-19. I have been floating from one day to another trying to balance home life, working from home and homeschooling my 5-year son. At first the pandemic felt surreal, so far removed from what I knew or heard. It felt foreign and unknown to my ‘comfortable’ Christian life. It actually started off as something we easily joked about in the work office until the numbers started spiking in China. Then, it spread from one continent to the next but it was still nowhere near home-Africa. So my husband and I went off on a trip to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary. Five days later our president announced a lockdown for 18 March 2020, we had to get home before then. We did and that’s when everything changed. 

Anxiety attacks

The first week of lockdown was ‘normal’, I worked normal hours, gave my son activities and writing exercises and we’d cook together.  After our evening devotions I’d go onto Netflix and binge on pandemic movies as a way of figuring out how ‘others’ feel when calamity strikes. Of course, movies aren’t real but I found myself starting to have all sorts of nightmares and thinking “it’s the end of the world”. I didn’t guard my ear and eye gate as Matthew instructs us in Matthew 6:22-23 “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

This binging of not so edifying content started to affect my mind and the meditations of my heart so I had to stop. I had to remind myself that as much as the world is falling apart, God is still in control. He knew this would happen , it’s no surprise to Him therefore it should not be a surprise to us. In such times we ought to look into scripture and remind ourselves what Paul said in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”.

Data predictions and total despair 

I scrolled news updates every evening trying to get to grips with the numbers but it made me numb. These numbers were unfathomable and it was getting too close to home, literally. My mom, who is an essential services practitioner, was on the front line. Day 10 of lockdown I found out a person near her workplace was infected with the illness and for the first time in a while I crumbled. The idea that my mom could get the illness made me swob like a baby. I called her, she had the most peaceful and calm voice. We both knew who was in control and the call ended an hour later with me being so edified and strengthened. 

Be still and know that I am God 

The following days I was reminded of the scripture “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10). The writer tells us that God is our refuge and fortress, He never withdraws himself from his afflicted. He is our help constantly. That passage shows that even though they maybe terrible things on this earth, the child of God should not underestimate the faithfulness of God. We are not to fear. In fact ours is to be still and know that He is who he says He is; God!

How many times have we just continued with our ‘our lives’ and not had a second to just be still? How many times have we been on the rat race and tried to control everything? Well, what Covid-19 has taught me is that this season is for being still, looking to the maker of heaven and earth and knowing who He is. Being still is not easy, not being in control is not easy but I am called to do so, even in this very moment. Life has become so fast that I have forgotten to be still, I had forgotten who is really in charge of ALL things. I pray that as we continue in our lockdown in South Africa, we may come closer to God, meditate on His words and know Him again. May this season lead us to be still as the world around us crumbles.  

The post Personal Reflections On Covid-19 appeared first on Proverbs 31.

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.

The post COVID-19 and The Mental Health of the Believer. appeared first on Proverbs 31.

Everywhere we look, we see a lot of chaos in our world. We don’t need to look very far, we only need to turn on the news, the pages of magazines and newspapers or look at social media. I don’t think there has been a single day in History where any human being has said “all is right with the world”. Every time and everywhere, there has been trouble in the world.

We also fear for our lives in light of all that is happening in the world. Sometimes we see it and turn a blind eye, glad that in our corner of the world, we may not be affected by what others are experiencing. Everyone is looking out for themselves, it’s called self-preservation. We crave that at all costs, and it breeds all kinds of injustices and hatred of the “other” in an attempt to elevate and preserve oneself.

It wasn’t always this way. God created perfect human beings in His own image, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). He created everything and it was good, He created human beings and they were very very very good. But sin came into the world when man decided to disobey God and do things that God told them not to do (Romans 5:12). That one action, brought sin into the world, that has separated man from God and been passed on from generation to generation. As human beings, we want to live our own way, and not the way we were intended to live, as God created us. This affects us all, as we are all born from the first created human beings, Adam and Eve, who’s sin has affected us all.

What is going on in the world? We all want power, we all want to do things our own way apart from God. We don’t want Him to be all powerful, we want the power, in one way or another, and this shows in the way we live our lives apart from Him. This power breeds a hatred of anything that stands in the way of us wanting power. For centuries, we have drawn lines of race, class and gender to put people in categories that make us stand out from other people, and we want to be better than them. We don’t want to be equal, we want to be better at all costs. We don’t see ourselves as being created equal, with two gender roles, with no one role being better than the other. Different skin tones, to reflect the beauty and image of God. Different roles in society to glorify God. All these differences that are to glorify God are used to glorify ourselves. To create an “us and them” mentality that propagates our self-preservation, our power over others.

This striving to be better than others, means that we see others as less than ourselves. This notion breeds hatred of anyone who threatens to “usurp” our power. We compare ourselves to others, imitating those who we see as better than us, and ridiculing those who we see as lesser, wanting to keep them suppressed, oppressed and in their place. We don’t see God as the ultimate power, because we want the ultimate power to lie with us. Thank God this will never happen! He is still in control and will always have all the power, no matter how hard we try, and we have tried! But where has this gotten us? Nowhere. And we don’t see it. It has been happening for centuries, the cycle of man thinking he can have ultimate power. Yet we still try, time and time and again, not seeing that history repeats itself:

“All that we call human history–money, poverty, ambition, war, prostitution, classes, empires, slavery–[is] the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” C.S Lewis

Power and hatred all stem from a heart that does not recognize God as the ultimate power and the definition of love.

Continue reading…Part 2

The post The cycle of sin in the world: Power and hatred in a world that is anti-God – Part 1 appeared first on Proverbs 31.

Media has been abuzz with news about South Africa these past few weeks. Men who have raped and killed women, and men who have kidnapped children. Is this something new? No. There have been a number of violent attacks on African people, by other African people, simply because they are from a different part of the African continent. Are these xenophobic attacks new? No. Is this a phenomenon that has occurred in the past? Yes. Here again, sin in the form of power and hatred rears its ugly head. Men wanting power over women, different cultural groups wanting power over one another. Not seeing one another as human beings, created in the image of God, as fellow image bearers (Genesis 1:27). Sin is sin, and it manifests itself in different forms.

Looking at the history of South Africa, we see how sin manifested itself in the form of apartheid. People of one skin tone thinking they are better than people of another skin tone. Why? For one group to have power over the other. Let’s think about this. What happens to someone who has been sold the narrative of being lesser than another over time, decades and centuries? Will that person just decide to change their mind and start seeing themselves as equal to those who have been believed to be superior all this time? Will all the hatred towards the other, automatically change? Will a period of 25 years of freedom from the oppressor undo centuries of oppression, just like that? We would have to have a greater power than man believes himself to be, to truly change the mindset of both the oppressor and the oppressed to do truly do that. We are still seeing the effects of apartheid today.

Am I saying that apartheid has caused all the wrong that is happening today? No. It’s sin, and that sin manifested itself in the form of apartheid.

Apartheid aside, have we forgotten about the wars between different cultural groups in Africa and South Africa? Have we forgotten about the Mfecane? The period of widespread chaos and warfare among indigenous ethnic communities in southern Africa during the period between 1815 and about 1840? Many may say a lot of the conflict was instigated by the colonial forces in order to destabilize African cultural groups, but whether or not that was the case, we still see sin at play, with the quest for power and a hatred of the other, being evident. We still see this happening today, the cycle continues, not only on the African continent, but in the world.

What is the cause of what is happening?

What is the cause of all that is wrong in this world? Sin. “Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12) Once we deny this very fact, human beings are doomed. Denying this means there is no hope and we will continue to spiral into destruction and chaos. Recognising the one problem of this world, the biggest problem there will ever be, shows us that there is a problem that needs a solution.

We have seen sin manifest itself in power and hatred, which has led to many consequences. The world has been in deadly wars, genocides, all because of the need for power over the other and hatred of the other to have power over them. These are all means of destruction, caused by the need to want more,

be more, and have power. Our sinful need for power causes hatred, caused by sin. The sin of loving the self, more than others. The sin of loving ourselves more than our creator. When will we learn?

Only God has power! Jeremiah 10:12-13 says “He has made the earth by His power, He has established the world by His wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens at His discretion. When He utters His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens: And He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning for the rain, He brings the wind out of His treasuries.” Who in this world has such power? Which being that ever existed?

Romans 1:20 tells us “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse”

Only God provides us with what we need! He has given us everything by His power:

“As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,” 2 Peter 1:3

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:26-34

He provides us with what we need including our need for a savior from sin.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16

This is our only hope in the world. We have a way out from trying to satisfy ourselves. A way out from all the sin that is causing destruction in this world. From all the sin that is destroying us. From being far away from the one who created us and has provided all we need. There is a way to be content with what He has given us. A way to love others and see others as fellow image-bearers in Christ. A way from not competing with others and thinking more of ourselves. His name is Jesus.

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you

have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-10

He is the spotless lamb, the only one who has ever lived without sin, yet took the punishment of the sins of the world upon Himself. The only begotten son of God, fully God and fully man, who came to save us. The righteous one who imparts His righteousness on us, so that we may be reconciled to the Father. He took the wrath that we deserve, upon Himself and has ascended into heaven as His work on earth has been completed.

He left us with His Holy Spirit, to continue the work of transforming us into the likeness of Himself.

To help us understand His will for us through the scriptures, and applying it to our lives:

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15

To convict and transform us, to hate sin and turn away from it:

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” John 16:8-15

To rely on His ultimate power in our lives and to put all our trust in Him. For our good.

“My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2

To teach us to love one another as he loved us.

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” Romans 5:5

We cannot do any of these things unless we turn to Christ, (Matthew 6: 33) have faith in Him through His word (Romans 10:17, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Corinthians 2:5), believe in Him (Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9) turn from our sins and live our lives according to his will (1 John 1:9, Acts 3:19).

We can never have all the power, because all power belongs to the Lord. We can never provide ourselves with all we need because only God can do that. We cannot love our neighbours without knowing the love of God, without knowing God who is love Himself. My prayer is that the Lord will, through the preaching of His word, transform hearts. It’s the only solution to the problems of the world. It has been the only solution and will always be. For those who do not know the Lord, seek Him, turn to Him in repentance that He may transform your heart and mold and make you into His likeness. That you may live a full life honouring to Him and be reconciled to Him. For those who know the Lord, let us continue to seek Him, let us continue to share the good news of the gospel with our neighbours. Let us love them so much that we don’t want them to perish. Let us not be shocked at the state of the world and say “look at them, look at what sinful people are doing,” Let us love God and His people, taking heed to the great commission:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:19-20

This is the only remedy to the problem of sin that plagues our societies and causes destruction.

Tell of the good news! Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika

The post The cycle of sin in the world: Power and hatred in a world that is anti-God – Part 2 appeared first on Proverbs 31.

In the garden before the fall.

We had no lack

Before we went off track.

Naked yet felt no shame,

Because innocence defined our frame.

The presence of God, O wonderful sweetness!

His voice filled with love and tenderness.

He made it all,

In beauty – all great and small.

From the fish that swarmed the seas,

To the birds that flew with ease,

All creatures that crept on the ground,

To the cattle and beasts that he made to abound.

Man, who was made in His image and likeness

Was to care for it all in kindness.

We heard him call,

But His tender love we could not recall.

Fear and dread filled our mind

As we sought for a tree to hide behind.

He said we could eat, but not from that one

Or death would surely come.

But beguiled by the serpent’s crafty entice,

We exchanged God’s truth for a lie.

We heard mercy call

From the One whose authority is above all;

The Son of God, full of truth and grace,

He came and showed us God’s embrace.

Although we were by nature children of wrath,

He died to bring us onto the right path.

Sinless and righteous, yet took upon Himself our shame,

He bore God’s wrath and took the blame.

So come now you all

And take heed to His call,

All you from every tribe and nation, great and small.

Come to the place that He has prepared;

Where fellowship with Him has been totally repaired.

The former things have passed away,

No more sin or death, nor suffering or decay.

He has promised to restore everything to perfection,

And that is our hope as we await our glorification.

He alone is God Almighty,

Praise His Holy name for He alone is worthy!

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