Current Affairs

A tribute to Jeremiah Zondi – by Grant Retief

Jeremiah Zondi would have celebrated his 50th birthday this coming December. He is survived his wife Eunice and his three children. He was a faithful hard working selfless servant of Jesus who worked tirelessly for the salvation of those amongst whom he served. In addition to serving his lively and growing home church -  Christ Church Kwa Mashu - he also served 7 branch congregations scattered throughout the surrounding rural areas.

When I had the privilege of preaching for him, the two things that impressed me about his church was how many men there were and how many young people there were. The church has a vibrant and faithful testimony in the area. Jeremiah trained up young men and sent some of them to college against great financial odds, he also hosted health clinics at the church for the community.

One day I preached for him and an interesting thing happened: a member of the congregation had bought a new car. After the service the whole congregation gathered around it and laid hands on it, and Jerry prayed for safety and gave thanks for it. He explained to me that the reason for the ceremony was to teach his people to see all good gifts as coming from God, and not from the ancestors. Apparently pagan ceremonies are held in honor of the ancestors on such occasions.

Rev. Jeremiah was a godly, hard working man of integrity who quite literally gave his life in service of his King, in response to his King having given his life for him. He will be missed.

by Joe Lyons

Bishop Gary Nelson visit to South Africa

REACH-South Africa recently hosted the bishop of the Diocese of North West Australia. Bishop Gary Nelson oversees one of the largest (geographically) Anglican dioceses in the world. The population, however, is sparse and widespread but the region does have many opportunities for gospel outreach. The churches are geared up to reach out to large numbers of mining contract workers as well as many seafarers who visit their ports. This region of Australia is a large export point for wheat, iron ore and other minerals.

Bishop Nelson was able to visit South Africa after a time of ministry in Uganda. He spent some time at George Whitefield College visited some of our churches and ministers in the East and West Cape regions.

The bishop also conducted training days and preached in some of our Port Elizabeth churches. It was an encouraging time of fellowship and ministry for all who attended. We look forward to continued gospel partnership with this growing evangelical Anglican diocese.

A good time of fellowship with Bishops Gary Bedderson, Gary Nelson and Alan Noble

Training session on discipleship at E.C. Gospel Workers breakfast.

Bishop Gary being interviewed on the local Christian radio station

Sunday Night service at Word of Life Student Church – Port Elizabeth

by Joe Lyons

Vacancy : Full-time Music Ministry Co-ordinator

Vacancy

Full-time Music Ministry Co-ordinator

A suitable candidate will have excellent administrative and

inter-personal skills, the ability to handle fees and student

intake for our Saturday Music School (The Music Factory) and

proficiency in MS Office and Mac. An ability to read music

and operate sound and audio visual equipment is an

advantage.

Responsibilities include billing, financial record-keeping and

timetabling of students at The Music Factory as well as

handling of queries and general correspondence. In addition,

the successful candidate will be responsible for the co-
ordination and rostering of volunteers in the music, sound

and audio visual teams, the collation and distribution of

rehearsal music on a weekly basis, filing, general office-
keeping, working with volunteers, suppliers and service

providers to the Music Ministry, overseeing the maintenance

of sound and audiovisual equipment and serving as a

personal assistant to the Music Director.

Hours are structured around church music activities and

apart from 8am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday, include Saturday

mornings (8am to 12pm) in term time, Sunday mornings

(7.15am to 11.15am) throughout the year and one week-night

rehearsal per week (7pm to 9.30pm). A suitable candidate will

be flexible, able to work on and off-site and be willing to drive

to purchase music books, collect sound equipment and do

what is necessary for the efficient and effective operation of

the Music Ministry.

Salary negotiable.

Applications should submit a comprehensive CV before 1

June 2015. All queries can be directed to Bronwen

Anderson (Music Director): (011) 318 2481.

by Joe Lyons

Ascension Day: A Time to Pray

This Ascension Day (14^th May 2015), REACH South Africa is once again calling our congregations to a day of prayer and fasting. Looking around our country it’s clear that this is a timely call. The ugly incidents of Xenophobia as well as distressing acts of violent crime are causing much anxiety. There is also a growing restlessness and dissatisfaction that is of great concern to many. Added to this we see our country struggling to cope with infrastructure breakdown (Eskom) and battling to make progress against many economic and political challenges.

Unlike others, God’s people need not stand helpless on the sidelines. Not only should we be doing and encouraging right but we can also call on the King of Heaven to intervene in our land. Biblical history teaches us that God opens great gospel opportunities in the most difficult of times. But we must watch and pray for it.

Within our REACH family we also need to be praying for God to guide us as we make decisions on leadership for our denomination. We are grateful for a new generation of bishops and ministers but also need to seek God’s guidance and wisdom as we call on Him for gospel growth in our communities. Many people are losing hope in earthly systems and solutions. This is not a time to shrink back but rather for us to proclaim Christ to our land.

Let us all commit to setting aside Ascension Day to come before the Lord as God’s people. Perhaps organize a sunrise to sunset fast in your local church, replacing meals with prayer. Alternatively, as a family or a small group of work colleagues or friends, take time to pray together for our country and Christ’s church.

May our God be pleased to hear our prayers and answer them according to His will and good purposes.

“God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to Your Kingdom in heaven; leave us not desolate, but send Your Holy Spirit to strengthen and exalt us to where our Saviour Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for evermore. Amen.”

• Sunday after Ascension Collect

Prayer Guide

Confession (Daniel 9:4-11; 1 John 1:9)

Failure to confess and repent of sin is the cause of much grief in our lives and in our land. Call on the Lord in repentant confession of sin today. Pray for revival to come to Christ’s church in South Africa.

Praise (Psalm 98; Colossians 1:15-20)

Give thanks to our God for His mercy to us in Jesus. Reflect on the majesty and supremacy of our Saviour Jesus. Marvel at God’s love for us sinners shown at the cross. Sing the praises of our Redeemer.

Petition (Philippians 4:4-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-6)

• Pray for our land and its rulers. Pray for our president and all in authority, that they may govern rightly and wisely. Ask God to give leaders boldness to lead and conviction to be just in all their dealings. Pray particularly for God to frustrate the plans of criminals and troublemakers in our land. May God protect and encourage all who work to bring peace, safety, health and order to our country.
• Pray for Christ’s church in Southern Africa. Call on God to give us courage and faithfulness in our Christian life and witness. May the Spirit of Holiness be at work in our lives enabling us to be examples of Godliness and attractive ambassadors for Christ. Pray for gospel centred growth in all our churches and for God to open doors for us to establish works in new communities. Pray for our Bible College (GWC) asking God to raise up even more workers to be trained there. Pray for God to give wisdom to our leadership as they seek to make Kingdom minded decisions for REACH-SA’s new presiding bishop and other strategic positions. Lift up our missionaries, ministers and their families as they serve the Lord. Ask God to equip, protect and strengthen them for their task. Pray for your local church and its ministers and workers. Pray that the Gospel of grace may be clearly proclaimed in our pulpits and shared through our people.
• Pray for God’s people. Pray for the sick, the poor, the lonely and the despairing. Lift up the families in our churches and pray God’s strength and protection on them as they live out their God given responsibilities. Pray for all believers to play their part in the place God has put them serving for His glory.

“We do not make requests of You because we are righteous, but only because of Your great mercy.” (Daniel 9:18)

From Glenn Lyons

by Joe Lyons

Why Archbishop Tutu is Wrong About Homosexuality

ARCHBISHOP TUTU recently said that God is for homosexual marriage and would fight for gay rights as much as he fought for an end to apartheid. While I agree with him that all violence against homosexuals is absolutely wrong and irreconcilable with Christianity, I would differ with him on God’s view on “gay rights” and homosexual marriage.

This is not an anti -sex post. God is very much for sex as evidenced by his creation of us as sexual beings that enjoy sex. God as our Creator also knows how best we can enjoy his good gift s, including the gift of sex. From the very beginning of the Bible we see God’s purpose for sexual unity to take place within the marriage of one woman with one man (Genesis 2:24). God’s creation purposes are evidenced in the biological differences between men and women.

Let the marriage bed be undefiled

The biblical institution of marriage is essential for the welfare of human society. The Bible in fact warns that there will also be those who will want to redefine marriage or devalue marriage.

Hebrews 14:3 says, “Let marriage be held in honour among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”

Sexual immorality is any and all sexual activity outside (or before) biblically defined marriage. Rather than celebrate sexual immorality – like the world and Archbishop Tutu does – we should warn people that God’s judgment will come upon all the “sexually immoral and adulterous”.

Is homosexuality sin?

To put it simply, yes. Homosexuality is not part of God’s good plan for human beings and is an expression of our rebellion towards him. In Romans 1:18-27 the Apostle Paul views homosexuality as the ultimate expression of rebellion towards God. The practice of homosexuality turns God’s order of things on its head, much like the first sin in Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve listened to creation, not the Creator.

How “biblical scholars” change the meaning of the Bible

1. No longer applicable

Some people will argue that the laws prohibiting homosexual behavior are no longer applicable to us today as they were part of the discontinued parts of the Law of Moses (e.g. Leviticus 18:21-22, 20:13). The argument says that because we do not have to keep all the Law of Moses (e.g. not eat pork, shave our beards, and not wear cotton and wool at the same time) we should also be allowed to practice homosexuality.

This argument sounds convincing at first, but cannot stand. Firstly, heterosexual marriage is still God’s purpose as seen in the creation account – which comes before the Law. Secondly, the New Testament also condemns homosexual practice. And thirdly, I would argue, the above laws forbidding homosexuality are further implications of the seventh commandment: “You shall not commit adultery” and still very much applicable to us today. You may say the commands are part of the “moral law”.

REACH South Africa’s position paper on homosexuality says:

“We note further that this defilement (e.g. Leviticus 18:21-22, 20:13) is no mere matter of ceremonial purity but something abhorrent to God, leading to the extreme penalty. We note further that these acts are not just condemned in Israel as God‘s holy people, but brought God‘s judgement even upon Gentile people. We know of no rescinding or lessening of the seriousness of what we can only accept as part of God’s moral law binding on all people in all cultures in all ages.”

2. No longer relevant

Others argue that the prohibitions in the Bible were culture-bound and therefore no longer relevant. For instance, in the Old Testament homosexual behaviour was linked with idolatrous cult prostitution and what the biblical author was condemning was idolatry not homosexuality. Or they will argue that in the (intolerant, narrow- minded) New Testament author’s thinking homosexual behaviour was considered taboo; but today we are not that bigoted and so we should embrace this healthy, alternative lifestyle. Both “culture-bound” arguments can be answered by the observation that biblical authors were not promoting their own opinions, but linking their views on sexuality to God’s purpose for humans at creation (Cf. Rom 1:20, 25).

3. Misunderstanding of meaning

Lastly, others argue that what the Bible forbids is homosexual rape, homosexual prostitution or homosexual non-consensual intercourse (e.g. a male slave owner forcing himself on a male slave). Hence the Bible is not against loving, consensual homosexual relationships. Again, this argument does not hold weight. The homosexual act itself is prohibited in the Bible, not simply the motive, circumstance or context in which it takes place.

Is homosexuality genetic?

Yes and no. “Yes” in that we are all born with a bias towards sin. We are all natural born sinners. Some may have more of a tendency towards one particular sin than other sins. One may struggle more with gluttony than with greed. One may have a greater tendency towards pride than pornography; or a tendency towards homosexuality rather than heterosexual sexual immorality (e.g. co-habitation, adultery, etc.). “No” in that there is no homosexual gene that somehow fatalistically determines your sexual orientation. One’s upbringing, circumstances, childhood and rearing (positive and negative) plays a huge role in determining one’s strengths, weaknesses, and temptation areas. But at the end of the day, we are – each one – responsible and accountable for our own choices.

Can someone stop being a homosexual?

Yes. In one sense homosexuality is the ultimate expression of rebellion towards God, but in another sense the Bible treats homosexuality as it does any other sin. Consider 1 Corinthians 6: 9-11: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” Sin needs to be repented of. God forgives us our sins through the death of Christ for us. As Christians we still sin, but our lives are marked by hatred of and turning from sin. A Christian’s life cannot be characterized by ongoing, habitual sin – whatever that sin may be. 1 John 1:6 says, “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

Orientation vs Behavior

You may struggle with homosexual feelings, but because you are a Christian and want to honour God, you do not act on those feelings. You are to be commended. Homosexual orientation is not a sin, but the homosexual act is. To put it more generally: temptation is not a sin, acting on temptation is. Jesus was tempted yet did not sin. I may be tempted to view pornography, but only when I act on the temptation does it become a sin.

Is God homophobic?

In this I agree with the Archbishop. God is not homophobic, but he is holy. He hates sin – all sin. He hates homosexual sin as much as he hates pride. The awesome news of the gospel is that Jesus came to save sinners. Jesus did not come to save those who love their sin or try to justify their sin, but those who recognise they are sinners. If some church leaders keep telling sinners they are not sinners, how terrible will it be for those leaders on the Day of Judgement? Jesus said it would be better for them to have a great millstone tied around their necks and be thrown into the sea (Mark 9:42).

REACH South Africa’s position paper on homosexuality helpfully says:

“It is beholden on every true Christian to follow the plain teaching of the Word of God, and therefore to avoid homosexual activity as sin on a par with stealing, murder, and covetousness, which displeases God and makes us liable to the judgement of God. It is beholden on every Christian, and especially ministers and teachers, to warn the unwary that such behaviour is offensive to God and bound to bring punishment. As believers in the Christian gospel it is every Christian’s privilege to assure those who turn to Christ from whatever sinful path into which they may have strayed that they have God’s complete forgiveness and that they are wholly cleansed and brought into fellowship with him, and are true members of his Church. Christian churches, denominations, and ministers are recognized by their profession of Christ as Lord and their adherence to the Word of God. Churches, denominations and ministers which advocate lifestyles in open conflict with Holy Scripture have strayed from the historic Christian Faith. In particular, churches, denominations and ministers which by teaching, example and ordination policy declare to the world that homosexual activity is pleasing to God, when God‘s Word declares it evil and sufficient to exclude people from God’s kingdom, endanger people’s souls, and should be avoided by Christian people.” 

by Joe Lyons

Love Trust Conference – 23rd – 24th October 2012

The annual Love Trust Conference was held in Midrand on the 23^rd and 24^th of October 2012.  It was a wonderful opportunity for people with interest in community upliftment to meet, make contact, share experiences and learn from each other.

The conference kicked off with an inspiring talk by Samson Makhado, the Director Africa: Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).  The focus of the talk was on unity, while Samson’s included a true example of forgiveness.  Other topics presented included Values Driven Organisations, Strategic Planning and Project Planning, From Dependency to Dignity: A2B of Community Development, and Skills Development and Training of Disadvantaged People.  Electives included Governance, Income Generating Projects and Mobilising and Managing Volunteers.

It is encouraging to see what God is doing.  There are so many different kind of outreach projects, all managed by sincere and dedicated individuals and organisations, with a common goal for the Gospel.

New friends were made, awareness of initiatives around our country were shared and at the end of the conference all attendees left with renewed encouragement and zeal.

If you have an interest in what Love Trust is about and you want to be included in any future communication related to Love Trust, please email your contact details to erik@lovetrust.co.za.

You can read about us at www.lovetrust.co.za

by Joe Lyons