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“FOR GOD SAID, ‘HONOUR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER,’ AND, ‘HE WHO SPEAKS EVIL OF HIS FATHER OR MOTHER IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH.”- MATTHEW 15:4 I was quite taken aback when doing my research to see the Scripture above – as I have always only quoted the following words – “Honour your father and mother... as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the LORD your God gives you.” – Deuteronomy 5:16. I can’t say that I have ever noticed the Scripture above as recorded in Matthew 15. I don’t even remember ever reading the New Testament version, but I know I must have as I’ve read the book of Matthew…
How can a Christian regain his passion for Christ and His Kingdom? How can a believer rekindle his zeal for the Lord and become enthusiastic about the things of God? What will it take for the Church to arise out of her spiritual slumber? Seeking answers and direction I took these critical questions to the Holy Spirit, seeking answers and direction. As He often does, the Spirit responded with another set of questions. He asked, “How did it begin with you?”“What sparked the flame in your heart, son?”“What was it that motivated you to reach out and share the Gospel with your local Greek community?”As I pondered on the Holy Spirit’s rebuttal, I recalled what ignited my holy discontent, the heart-state of the Greek community, alienated from their Heavenly Father.…
The book of Joel contains warning but also promises for individuals and nations. Many Christians have fallen into a state of complacency and compromise. This is evidenced by the calamities and often insurmountable problems that confront them. As the Body of Christ we have a responsibility towards our families and our nation to pray ‘laser focused prayers’ that will literally save people from the flames of hell. God’s Word, spoken from our lips, is just as powerful as if the Lord Himself has uttered them. When we pray with absolute faith and trust in line with the Word we loose the forces of Heaven and bind the powers of evil. In the book of Joel, Israel was in dire straits. Locusts had destroyed the crops, drought and famine were evident…
The ‘Emoji Bible’ In response to the article about the Emoji Bible in a previous JOY! Mag, as long as the interpretation of the Word is not set forth in a way that could lead to ambiguity, I think this is a wonderful idea. Yes, the Scriptures can appear pretty daunting, especially to the young and those unfamiliar with the Word. Modern technology has been used in so many negative and destructive ways, so why not use it for good? There is no time for super-spiritual arguments. While those who may not agree are arguing the point, people are busy going to hell. Let’s throw them an Emoji-lifeline and be done with it! Lyn Malherbe Devout animal lover! I love animals and found the devotional called The Word for Today…
I was interested to see you guys tackle this controversial subject. Depending on one’s theological stance (Calvinism/ Arminianism) the outcome could be different. I have always wondered about this subject and too come to the conclusion that you cannot lose your faith – but you cannot live apart from God and in sin and expect no consequences. I think you will still be saved and go to Heaven, but you will lose your rewards and will still have to face judgement for your sins. Born-again believers who chose to live with God and don’t stray from Him won’t have to face that second judgement. Repent folks and live a rich rewarding life, now and forever.…
The article by Dr. Jonathan David, “Major Change Prophesied Over South Africa,” in JOY April 2017, refers. Those is leadership positions in the Church must be careful not to give people false hope concerning the future. Let us rather heed the prophecies of God’s Word for the nations, including South Africa, concerning the days that we are living in. In Matthew 24:12 Jesus warned that wickedness will continue to increase! Instead of a world that will get better, the Word of God warns of a world that will become more and more godless, evil, cruel, and perverse, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days” – 2 Timothy 3:1. And that Christians will “be hated of all men for My Name’s sake” – Luke 21:17. Jesus…
