Christian Maturity

I preached this last week on Christian Maturity. The message seemed well received and many came forward for counseling. However, upon examination of those coming foward I was a bit shocked. Many came not having any knowledge of the Gospel. I dont mean they were not saved but rather I mean they had no understanding of the purpose of Christ, the death, burial, resurrection, etc.

I reeled a bit from this realization that in today's churches many are members of church but certainly not part of the true body of Christ. Many pastors speak week after week supposedly opening the Scirpture and yet few are actually receiving it.

I happen to be reading from Jeremiah in my personal daily reading. Of course, Jeremiah rebukes pastors on multiple occassions for the lack of understanding and for leading the people incorrectly. We have many churches today without a pastor that is truly hearing from God and equipping the people for Chrisitian Maturity and Ministry. My hope as a missionary is to somehow help these leaders to bring the Truth back to their people and feed them sufficiently.

Make the cut

Sunday we went to preach and minster to Jericho Baptist. The church invited us and seemed quite excited we were there. I was surprised at the size of the church building compared to the number that showed up. It is not common for Zambians to build for more than they need. We later found out the local Nyau would sometimes come during church service beating their drums to scare off the people. Currently only around 30-40 of the churches total membership of 110 is making it to church.

Anyway, we preached and saw more than 20 come for counseling and eventually make professions of faith in Christ. It certainly was an exciting time. During the preaching I noticed many of the little children were wearing charms around their necks. After the service I asked the Pastor if I could speak with all the women of the church... I then began a discussion of why Christian women were putting charms around the necks of their children. Finally a couple decided to speak up and said it was because they were afraid... afraid that their children would get sick. Apparently they have been deceived into believing that if a mother doesnt get a charm for the child from the witchdoctor the child would likely get sick and die. So, even the Christian women were doing it. I then quoted some Scriptures trying to encourage them to trust in God and no longer fear the power of darkness.

By the end of our conversation I was thinking they were ready to take that next step of faith. I asked them to come and we would cut the charms off the children's neck. Immediately all the women began shaking their heads and talking among themselves. It was apparent this was too big of a step. We left the church wondering what would happen to a people that make professions of faith in Christ but still willingly bring witchcraft into their homes and churches??? It breaks our hearts to see these people trapped in the power of darkness - please pray our Lord would truly set them free!

This prayer may change everything...

A fews years back it occured to me that every group of believers that assembles together is and has the responsibility of being a true Church. Some would make the argument that the Great Commission is the primary goal of every local church. However, so many churches in Zambia still see themselves as the mission field and have very little desire to "go" and plant new churches.

So, this last Sunday I preached and tried to encourage the people to get involved in the Great Command to "Go"! I used the text from Matthew 9:36-38 where Jesus speaks of seeing the multitudes, having compassion because they wander with no hope, a harvest field, too few laborers, and the need to pray. The response was good as more than 20 came forward to pray and ask the Lord to make them workers in the harvest fields of this world! If only the church was truly "the house of prayer" and the people were truly "ambassadors for Christ"...maybe, just maybe, we could get that harvest in!

New Jim Baptist Church

Normally we travel into the "bush" to preach and teach...however, this Sunday we went to a church in a nearby compound within Chipata. The church is less than 2 years old but has attendance of over 100 on a regular basis. The pastor is one of my students at the Bible school and seems to be really applying a lot of what he is learning. It was great to have the whole family with me this week! Often I am unable to bring the whole family because of distance and conditions (some places are just not conducive to an 18 month old).

In preparing for the message I came across Mark 11:22 where Jesus simply says, "Have faith in God". So - that became the theme of the message. I pulled out some things from Hebrews 11 and other various texts and preached on:

• Saving Faith
• Living Faith
• Mature Faith

The message seemed to be well received! As soon as the hymn began people started coming forward for counsel and prayer. In all, more than 15 from this small church were meeting with God!

The Church is situated on the hillside overlooking Chipata. There was a wonderful breeze making the temps very nice and the view was just mesmerizing - praise the Lord!