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A Spirit-Filled Church
What is a Spirit-Filled Church? What do we mean when we speak about a Spirit-filled church? The immediate tendency is to associate it with physical manifestations of the Holy Spirit’s presence. But is it all about experiencing such manifestations? To some degree, yes. However, there is a danger of being
Mission in action
We are called to mission. The God of Scripture is a missional God, whose mission involves the establishment of a universal reign on earth. God’s missional activity is defined in the incarnation of God in Jesus Christ. When His earthly mission was over, He left His followers the mandate to
The value of church membership
The New Testament makes it clear on the value of belonging to a local church body. However, we live in a consumeristic world, that focuses on our personal needs being met. It is part of the entitlement culture that is one of those intrinsic character traits we struggle with. It
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HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT JESUS?
The primary way to learn more about Jesus is by reading and studying the Bible. A good place to begin would be to start reading the gospels which are the first four books of the New Testament. These four books teach us about His life, death and resurrection.
Another way to learn more about Jesus is to join a church community that focuses on preaching the Bible. Then of course, engage in a personal relationship with Him.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAPTISM AND DEDICATION?
Baptism is a sacred act often seen as a sacrament, symbolising washing away sin, regeneration and identification with Christ’s death and resurrection.
Dedication is a ceremony where parents promise to raise their child in the Christian faith, focusing on their commitment.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is the first act of obedience for a believer who has committed their life to Jesus. While it is not required for salvation, it is a clear command of Jesus and the early church, serving as an initiation into a life of following Him and an expression of obedience to His calling. (Link to resource on what we believe about baptism)
WHAT IS BABY DEDICATION?
Baby dedication is a Christian ceremony where parents publicly commit to raising their child in a godly way, grounded in Christian values and faith.
WHAT IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP?
The New Testament makes it clear on the value of belonging to a church body. Those who come to faith in Jesus, form part of His body. Paul uses this metaphor in his first letter to the Corinthians. We need each other and we cannot function independently from one another.
WHY IS CHURCH MEMBERSHIP IMPORTANT?
It is a way of identifying oneself with a local body of believers. It is part of the New Testament structure. The epistles were written to local church communities. Each of these communities was organised in such a way that believers would form part of a local church. It requires a commitment to serve and not to be served. The value of church membership is about experiencing the blessings of Christ as a body of believers. We were created for relationship and this is experienced in community.
WHY DOES GOD ALLOW SUFFERING?
Why does God allow little children to get ill, suffer, die or be molested?
This is a question we all ask when we look at what’s going on in the world. From the outset it needs to be stated that being a follower of Jesus does not exempt a person from experiencing some sort of suffering in this life on earth.
Here are two reasons why there is suffering in the world:
- The first reason is that we live in a world of brokenness and sin. When we look at the creation account in Genesis 1, we read that everything God created was good. However, when we come to Genesis chapter 3, we read about that moment in the Garden of Eden when sin entered the world through the disobedience of man. That moment is referred to as the Fall of humanity because of sin. Sin brought about the curse which led to suffering and brokenness. The curse has been dealt with through the death of Jesus dying on the cross. Although the curse has been dealt with, humanity still experiences the effects of the curse.
- The second reason has to do with God forming our character. Paul, Peter and James, writers of New Testament books allude to this point (Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:39, James 1:2-4,1 Peter 1:6-7)
The good news is that we find hope and comfort in Jesus Christ.
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
DID GOD CREATE EVIL?
If He didn’t, where did it come from and if He did, why did He allow it?
We need to be clear in understanding that God is not evil.
In Genesis chapter 1, we read that everything that God created was good. “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3)
To answer the question, we need to define evil. Evil can be defined in the following ways. Evil can be defined as anything that opposes, rebels against or departs from God’s holy nature, will, and good intentions for creation. It encompasses moral wickedness (sin), spiritual rebellion, and physical calamity or misfortune. Evil is the absence of good. Evil is anything that contradicts the holy nature of God. Evil can also be defined as an action that fails to meet a standard of goodness.
Where did evil come from?
The Bible doesn’t give any clear answer. However, Isaiah 14:12-14 gives an indication of where Satan’s desire for evil came from.
We can also trace the origins of evil back to the Fall which we read about in Genesis 3. In Genesis 3, we notice two things. The first thing we notice is the serpents attack on God’s character. He creates doubt in the minds of the man and the woman about who God is and God’s good intentions for humanity. The second thing we notice is the false promise the serpent gives to them. “But the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”
Why does God allow evil?
God created everything for His glory and for His good irrespective if something is good or evil. “The Bible teaches us that God is sovereign over all things, including sin, and he himself is not a sinner.” (John Piper-Desiring God. Where did Satan’s First Desire for Evil Come From?) Because God is sovereign and is over all things, in His sovereignty He will not allow evil to have the final say.
We also know that in His goodness and in His sovereignty that the time is coming when all evil will no longer exist. Whilst we wait for that moment, we find our rest in His redemption and whilst we wait for that moment of the complete riddance of evil, we live in a fallen world.
WILL I EVER GET TO SPEAK TO A DECEASED LOVED ONE?
“Christians have strong Biblical hope for being reunited in heaven with loved ones who have died in the faith.” (The Gospel Coalition)
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 offers believers hope, suggesting that those who die will be reunited with loved ones who trust in Jesus.