Table of contents for July 2017 in JOY! Magazine

“ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” AND HE WAS CALLED GOD’S FRIEND. - JAMES 2 :23 Oh what a beautiful verse – how blessed to be called God’s friend. Wouldn’t we all want to be called that? The reason Abraham was called that is because he believed God. Do you believe God? I receive many letters from Christians who want to debate God’s promises or laws. It can be disheartening at times, as many of these letters’ authors are Pastors. The most common topic is creation. I am astounded at how many Pastors don’t believe the literal creation account in the Bible and lean toward evolutionary theology (if one can call it that). I purposely don’t publish these letters as we believe that we are…

The Lord is our provider, but He does not only provide our basic needs! Earlier this year, Rosa Rafferty was blessed with a free ticket to Israel! No, she was not the lucky winner of a competition or anything like that, but rather the recipient of a God-ordained airline ‘mishap.’ She requested two tickets, filled in her card details, yet was only billed for one of them. Upon noticing, Rosa emailed the airline and made them aware of the mistake, but the responded and simply confirmed Rosa’s flight information. Thinking that they may have misunderstood her, she emailed them once more to say that she owed them money. The airline’s response was along the lines of “not to worry Mrs Rafferty, your tickets have been paid for”, with no other…

The rapid spread of Christianity in China is well documented, but few would have imagined the communist country might one day become the most populous Christian nation on the planet. In fact, the country is said to be on track to having the largest Christian population in the world by 2030, according to Rodney Pennington who studies church growth for Overseas Missionary Fellowship (OMF). “We are overjoyed with what the Lord has already done in China,” said Pennington. “But that doesn’t mean the task is finished.” “While 200 million Chinese believers by the year 2030 may seem ambitious, it certainly gives us a strong goal to pray toward,” he added. He believes China could become a major player in the global church one day, but a lot has to happen…

Christian workers at a Pakistani hospital are reportedly being forced to attend morning readings of the Quran, and one worker was even physically abused for refusing to attend. Christians who are on staff at Mian Mir Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan were told they had to attend Quran readings, and when one Christian paramedic refused, he was reportedly slapped by Dr. Muhammad Safraz, the hospital’s superintendent. Another doctor testified to this incident: “Such behaviour is embarrassing for all hospital staff, the discrimination is not only limited to this incident; we are witnessing discrimination against Christians staff members daily.” Another hospital paramedic condemned the discrimination: “I don’t know why the administration is forcing our Christian brothers to do this. This is totally unacceptable.” Those who refuse to attend the meetings are regularly…

Rev. Horace Sheffield started college at Shorter University in 1959. Now, 58 years later he’s finally a graduate. The 88-year-old left Shorter without a diploma back 1965 because his family needed him. Sheffield got ordained the same year he graduated high school, so he spent the next 70 years teaching the Bible. “Sixty years later I want that degree, and I’m going to get it…,” he said. He has just graduated in Christian Studies. “With God all things are possible.”…

A 36-year-old Pakistani Christian father of three who fled to Thailand in search of asylum after family members were accused of blasphemy died inside of a detention centre after authorities neglected to provide him with treatment to a curable health condition. The British Pakistani Christian Association, a London-based charity that works to protect and advocate on behalf of persecuted Pakistani Christians, is reporting that Ijaz Paras Masih passed away inside the “brutal” Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) in Bangkok, where he was detained since June 2016. Considering that Thailand doesn’t officially recognise assylum seekers or refugees, Masih was arrested on June 6, 2016, when authorities raided his condominium. Masih is just one of many other persecuted Pakistani Christians who have been arrested during a Thai government’s crackdown on asylum seekers overstaying…

A city in Missouri has rejected the demands of a Wisconsin-based atheist organisation to remove a Cross from a public park that has been there since 1930. The city of Neosho released a statement responding to a letter of complaint from the Freedom From Religion Foundation, saying that they plan to keep a Cross on display at Big Spring Park. It is the position of the city council that the correspondence forwarded by this organisation was deficient in identifying authoritative case law within the 8th Circuit and is further of the opinion that, in fact, controlling case law would support the continued presence of the Cross within the park,” reads the statement. “Therefore, it is the unanimous opinion of the city council that the city of Neosho will not remove…

An ancient Torah, estimated to be 1500-years-old, was seized from smugglers in Ayvalik, a western resort town in Turkey. In addition to the Torah, many other historical artifacts belonging to the Hellenistic and Seljuq dynasty periods, including statues, stone rubbings, jewellery, and 200 ancient bronze and silver coins were recovered. Turkish law enforcement detained two suspects and later released them on probation, and believe the smugglers brought the artifacts from Istanbul and Bingol, an eastern Turkish province. The Torah, inscribed on leather, was handed over with the other artifacts to the Balikesir Museum Directorship. According to police, jewellery, pottery and hundreds of coins valued at tens of thousands of shekels were found following a joint investigation with the Archaeology Department of the Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria into illegal…

Gretha Wiid Motivational Speaker Straightforward and humorous, Gretha Wiid has an unflinching dedication to God’s truth, and speaks with authority on issues of marital life, parenting, relationships and being a spiritual warrior. A household name across South Africa, Gretha is the author of six books, and has an Honours degree in Sex Education and Educational Psychology as well as Honours degrees in Sotho and Zulu. Pearl Kupe Business Expert A business consultant to national governments and international organisations, Pearl Kupe worked as the public prosecutor for the Botswana attorney general and in the areas of social dialogue and labour law reform in several countries. She is the former general manager of communications at Transnet and is a certified business coach who teaches on leadership, communication, education and gender issues. Lynette…

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the Blood of Christ.”–Ephesians 2:13 Ephesians is the first of the Apostle Paul’s four “prison epistles”, written in chains. Paul briefly visited Ephesus towards the end of his second missionary journey, but then returned at the start of his third journey and spent three years there (Acts 20:31). While Paul spent more time in Ephesus than in any other city during all his missionary journeys, it is odd that he would make statements in this epistle that sound like he has never been there (e.g., 1:15 - “after I heard of your faith”). However, Paul wrote this letter at least five years after his departure from Ephesus, and it is surmised that the church…

“…and fulfil every good purpose of yours.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:11 A man, let’s call him Frank, called me with a proposition: “My old mentor is retiring—would you like to be my new mentor?” I barely knew Frank, so I was surprised by his call. I asked, “And what do you propose to do for your mentor?” “Well, why should I do anything for my mentor?” he spluttered more than asked. Lest you think Frank was a 27½-year-old millennial American with the middle name Entitlement, you should know he was a 47-year-old from Europe. His proposal raised a caution. The surge of interest in “God and my business” has the distinct danger of turning second-class citizens (in the Church) into self-centered Christian businesspeople. “God loves business!” This was my opening…

When we’re stressed, we move God off-centre in our lives, and that’s wrong. Stress is a major issue of our time, in the UK 40% of workplace illness is stress related. We live in a 24/7 world, stress is all around us and it impacts us emotionally, physically, and spiritually. When we’re stressed, we move God off-centre in our lives, and that’s wrong. Matthew 11:28-30 gives us Jesus’ insights “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and…

TAMRYN KLINTWORTH In John 3, Jesus explains to a Pharisee named Nicodemus what it means to be born again. Nicodemus begins their conversation by saying: “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him” (verse 2). God is with him. This is a powerful statement. Even though nobody besides Jesus had yet been baptised with the Spirit, Nicodemus knew that flesh and blood alone could never be responsible for so many dramatically transformed lives and mighty miracles. What Jesus did was the result of man and God working together. In this case, the Son of God and the Spirit of God. In our case, the child of God and that same splendid Spirit.…

Sipho Mseleku is working tirelessly with his team to connect the nations. Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, is a humble man with a global vision of touching and changing lives in order to impact communities, countries, and eventually continents. Convener of the Global Business Roundtable (GBR), Mr Sipho Mseleku, is working tirelessly with his highly skilled team to connect the nations around the globe before the role out of their 2020 Vision. In August 2016, TBN in Africa partnered with GBR as the official media sponsor and together the two organisations intend to break new boundaries with the sole mission to reach as many people possible with the Gospel and Power of Christ. TBN in Africa asked Sipho Mseleku to share a few thoughts: Q. Please tell us about…

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:1-4. Genuine personal interest One primary ingredient that is missing in our Churches today is genuine personal interest and care for God’s people. The absence of authentic relationships makes it impossible to build solid bonds, which offer support and individual acknowledgment. Our Churches are full of lonely…

Sex education in schools Errol Naidoo gave us a glimpse of the current sex education programme at our schools. I have never been so disgusted with watching something as this. How can this be allowed? I am speechless! That children should be exposed to such filth is beyond me. I couldn’t watch it. Our children are under attack. Satan has won the day. What kind of corrupt sexual outlook will our children grow up with?? They certainly don’t need this in a life time. Who was so sick to even allow this in our schools. This has to be stopped and whoever is responsible should be fired. Society is so sick already where so many are being raped every day and now to expose this to more potential rapists, can…

On the National Day of Prayer, President Donald J. Trump began a process to get rid of a governmental gag on the church, which must have been an answer to prayer for many. When Trump campaigned for president, he met with a large group of pastors who were supportive. But when he asked for their endorsement, they all looked at the ground. He asked what was wrong, and someone told him about the so-called Johnson Amendment. The amendment was named for then-Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson in 1954 and stated no church or charity could endorse anyone for office. In reality, only one church has lost its tax-exempt status, but the “threat” has kept many pastors from speaking out on Biblical issues such as abortion and homosexual rights because these have…

Government authorities in India have arrested as many as 11 people for transporting dozens of Christian children to a Bible camp this month in the predominantly-Hindu Madhya Pradesh state, and have charged them with kidnapping and attempting to convert Hindu children. Chaperones associated with a Bible camp in Nagpur were arrested earlier this month while transporting at least 71 children to the camp in two separate incidents. The government maintains that the chaperones are guilty of violating the Madhya Pradesh Religious Freedom Act because the children’s parents did not follow the proper procedure of changing their official religion to Christianity, thus making their children Hindu under law. The children have since been returned to their parents.…

For decades, belonging to a religion and being anything but heterosexual was stigmatised in Communist-ruled, macho Cuba, making the Mass held by three transgender pastors in the western Cuban city of Matanzas all the more ‘ground breaking’. Rainbow flags decorated the chapel, while the pastors, who had flown in from Brazil, Canada, and the United States, wore stoles in the trans hues of light blue, pink, and white, and the congregation swayed to Caribbean beats. This was the first time a trans pastor held a Holy Communion in Cuba, highlighting how much the island nation has changed since both religious believers and homosexuals went to “correctional” labour camps in the early years after the 1959 revolution. “Tonight has been a night of celebration of equality between all people, marking a…

Bono and the entire U2 band recently performed a worshipful rendition of their popular song“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Bono has spoken out about his Christian faith before and has been known to advocate for greater honesty in Christian music. Also, last year, the U2 frontman partnered with Eugene Peterson, the man behind The Message Bible translation to make a film about the Psalms. Many of U2’s song lyrics are Christian-themed, including these lyrics from “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” “I believe in the Kingdom Come/ Then all the colours will bleed into one/ Bleed into one/ But yes, I’m still running/ You broke the bonds/ And you loosed the chains/ Carried the cross of my shame/ Oh my shame, you…

AFRICA STUDY BIBLE • The Africa Study Bible is the most ethnically diverse, single volume, Biblical resource to date • Written by 350 contributors from 50 countries • New Living Translation • More than 2600 features that illuminate the truth of Scripture with a unique, African perspective • Book Introductions explain each book’s content and connect Biblical themes to African perspective • Application Notes inspire readers to apply Biblical truth to everyday life • Touch Points reveal uniquely African perspectives • Proverbs and Stories relate Scripture with wisdom from Africa • Learn Notes teach Christian values and doctrine • Articles give practical advice on how to live faithfully in 50 essential areas • A narrative timeline highlights God’s work in Africa. STORIES THAT RESONATE Each feature of the Africa Study…

To tap into God’s wisdom, we must diligently study God’s Word, meditate on the Word, pray for wisdom, seek it with all our hearts, and walk in the Spirit. God desires to give His wisdom to His children. Are we willing to be led by that wisdom? All that God deemed essential knowledge for His children is found in His Word—the Bible. Beyond that, all truth is God’s. God has, however, revealed His truth to all humans in the things created (Romans 1:20) called general revelation, and in His written Word called special revelation (1 Corinthians 2:6–10). Earthly wisdom is not Godly wisdom There is a difference between “earthly wisdom” and the “wisdom that comes from above” – James 3:14–18. To tap into God’s wisdom, we must, first of all,…

Luther risked his career, his reputation, and perhaps his very life so that we may have access to the Bible. It’s easy to only think of the Protestant Reformation as just another fact from an old history exam, yet its impact still reaches us every time we open our own Bibles. 2017 marks 500 years since Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church in Germany. As influential as his actions were during the era of Reformation, his eternal impact came through translating the Bible in the common language of his people and the widespread transformation that it sparked. The Bible is for everyone What would compel a man to risk his career, his reputation, and perhaps his very life? This is exactly what Luther…

“God is my CEO, and without Him I can do nothing.” My walk as a Christian businessperson started shortly after I submitted my life to Jesus. Prior to my commitment, I was a typical 20-something who ‘knew everything’ and understood Christianity as being one of the truths and not, The Final Truth. After going through some major personal struggles and upsets, I called out to Jesus and made a personal commitment to Jesus. This decision changed the destiny of my life. Purpose defined From that day on, God instilled in me a totally new and fresh world-view and mind-set. I no longer had the desire to work hard, only for selfish gain and pride. My eyes were open to how much the world needed us, as Christians, to bring healing…

Haggai 2:8 “The silver is mine and the gold is mine saith the Lord.” For the South African investor, it is worthwhile to think of the present reality and data on silver mining in South Africa. According to www.gcis.gov.za ,‘South Africa does not have a primary silver mine and the metal is only produced as a by-product of other minerals. Silver was produced as a by-product from 13 gold operations, one uranium mine, two copper mines, and two platinum mines in 2008. Despite the vagaries of the global economy, production increased by 8.1% to 2.7 million ounces of silver in 2008’. The most recent data that I was able to source puts the total silver mined in South Africa at 66 metric tonnes or 2.1 million ounces, worth about R550…

The longer we take to act on God’s direction, the more unclear it becomes. When you choose to kill time, you begin to kill those gifts and callings that God has placed within your life. Ecclesiastes 11:4 reads: “If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.” The first step in overcoming procrastination is to eliminate all excuses and reasons for not taking decisive and immediate action. Everybody is on the move They are moving forward, backwards, or on a treadmill. The mistake most people make is thinking that the main goal of life is to stay busy. Such thinking is a trap. What is important is not whether a person is busy, but whether he is progressing. It is a question of activity versus accomplishment. Activity…

You had an article called ‘influence comes with responsibility’ in your April issue. How true are the words of the writer! Every parent should read and reread and re-read this article. The influence and effect that parents’ behaviour have on their children will directly influence how they will turn out. It’s common place nowadays to hear moms and dads swearing at and in front of their children, both teenagers and toddlers. It’s quite disgraceful but a daily reality. Some and probably most don’t even realise that they are swearing, as bad language has become so part of their daily vernacular. I dread getting older and having to face the next generation. People who will have no personal values to define their contribution to society and little respect for others. Only…

We are glad to announce that Lifestyle Christianity, Schools of Power and Love, Christ for All Nations, and a multitude of Churches and Ministries in the Cape Town Region have joined together to bring this Power and Love (formally called School of Power and Love) to Cape Town, South Africa! The event will take place from the 1-4 November 2017 at the Lighthouse Auditorium. For more information and to register, please visit: www.powerandlove.org/sa2017. Early-bird price: R 350 per person (for full 4 days). Early-bird registered STUDENT price: R 250 per person (for full 4 days)…

Gunmen killed 23 Coptic Christians and wounded 25 others recently as they were driving to a monastery in Minya province, south of Cairo, the provincial governor, Essam al-Bedaiwy, said. The group was travelling in two buses and a truck through the province, which is home to a sizeable Christian minority, he said. Coptic Christians, who make up about 10 percent of Egypt’s population of 92 million, have been the subject of a series of deadly attacks in recent months. About 70 have been killed in bomb attacks on churches in the cities of Cairo, Alexandria and Tanta since December. Those attacks were claimed by Islamic State. There was no immediate claim of responsibility this attack.…

Some say that Christendom is facing more persecution right now than at any other time in modern history. More than 200 million Christians in some 50 nations are facing high, very high, or even extreme persecution. Just about every month more than 300 are killed for their faith. Often believers facing such danger and living under such threat feel isolated and alone. That’s why evangelist Franklin Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association called for the World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians recently in Washington, D.C.’s Mayflower Hotel. They want those endangered and embattled believers to know the Church stands in solidarity with them and that it’s working on solutions to fight that persecution. The presence of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence at the summit showed the attacks are…

“In a dark depression, I hailed a taxi, without a final destination in mind. It was on the taxi’s radio, on FEBC’s radiobroadcast, that I heard about God for the first time.” “It took me a long time to muster the courage to write this letter to you. I’m 27 years old,” said Kim. “I have long dreamt that I will be a producer one day, but all my dreams came tumbling down the day that I was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. The mere six months the doctors gave me to live lay ahead of me like a threatening dark chasm. I had nothing left to live for, nothing more to hope for... Encountering God “In a dark depression, one day I hailed a taxi, without a final destination…

Jimmy Crompton, also known as James Richard Crompton, is the senior pastor and visionary of Word of Faith Christian Centre in Port Elizabeth. Jimmy went into ministry in 1967, and celebrates 50 years in ministry this year. A fire inside Raised in a home where prophecy, miracles, and evangelism were part of everyday life, Jimmy loved Jesus from a very young age, yet his life was transformed at the age of 18 when he was baptised in the Holy Spirit and had a phenomenal encounter with the Lord. This encounter released Jimmy into ministry, as he started preaching in his school classrooms and on street corners – ever since, Jimmy has had a fire inside of him to unashamedly preach the Gospel and reach out to those around him. The…

1. AUTHORITY African society has great respect for authority. The Africa Study Bible speaks with credibility as over 340 respected leaders from almost every country and major denominational movement contributed. 2. ORTHODOXY The Africa Study Bible is a trusted source for orthodox teaching for pastors and leaders across the continent. Why did we spend 50-150 hours in an intensive writing and African led review process on each article for 130 subjects? So that in a continent often dominated by misunderstandings of biblical truth, Africans will have a place to turn for basic orthodox teaching on almost any issue they are struggling with or thinking about. 3. BREAKTHROUGH Our enemy has many strongholds in Africa: fear of witchcraft, abuse of widows and orphans, ancestor worship, corruption, and false teachings about prosperity.…

In order to develop the fear of the Lord, we must recognise God for who He is. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Basically, this verse teaches that the fear of God is foundational to true wisdom; all other types of learning are worthless unless built upon a knowledge of the Lord Himself. Many other passages talk about the fear of the Lord (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7; 14:27; 15:33). Before we can understand how the fear of the Lord leads to wisdom, we need to define what the Bible means by “fear” in this context. What does ‘fear’ mean? In the Bible, the word translated “fear” can mean several things. It can refer to the…

Bishop Tshalo Katshunga radiates his obvious love for people, throwing me a big warm smile as he shakes my hand, while gesturing for me to sit and make myself comfortable in one of his leather couches, snuggled in the corner of his office at Gospel Ramah Church in Main Road, Observatory. A transformed life Tshalo originally hails from the Congo and was definitely not raised in a conventional Christian home filled with harmony and peace. His life was filled with drinking, problems, and he was in a complete and utter mess. His life took a radical 180 degree turn when he was invited to a crusade, held by a visiting evangelist, who relayed the story where Bartimaeus cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, help me!” and Jesus replied, “What do…

HOW TO DEAL WITH AN OFFENDED HEART –Nicky vd Westhuizen A“brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.” – Proverbs 18:19. Offence is scandalous, a stumbling block, and a trap of the enemy. Offense has divided families, churches, businesses, and so many relationships. People lose their anointing because of offense. It steals your blessings, robs you of your peace. Why does offense come? to reveal the heart. Offenses take place in the heart and mind. If you are offended, you will offend others. The hurt always hurt others. Make a choice; you can either remain bitter, or forgive. I made a decision to not be offended. In the past, you may have felt it was your right, but you…

“Jesus reveals the loving Father who is not abusive or self-serving yet His love should discipline for more growth, that we mirror His character more”. –John 14:16 MARTIE LANCELLAS GROWING COMPANIES NEED GROWING LEADERS Blessed in her personal journey Martie has a strong foundation in Christ Jesus, a deep understanding of what makes individuals, teams, and organisations’ head, heart, hands, spirit, soul, and bodies work congruently, within individual’s, team’s, and company’s core values. She has seen grace in being a recognised award winner of Unashamedly Ethical, Best Professional Category for BWA’s Western Cape. People with strong character plus strong competencies equals trust and results will follow. Coaching will challenge our thinking and deal with our propensity to put off those things that require courage, faith, and action! Discipline proves that…

Choose today not to point the finger at your partner who may be sitting in front of the television or working on the computer all day long. Be aware of your own habits. Choose deliberately! I cannot imagine my life without a cell phone, computer, and television. To have a whole encyclopaedia at your fingertips with the push of a button, or to be in contact with your friends and family, no matter where you are in the world – is a wonderful positive in our lives. However, as with all good things, we must guard against the disadvantages of that very thing. Technology contributes to our lives, but can also rob from us The Word warns us that the enemy walks around like a roaring lion and that he…