The ACFAR Blog

Weekly Round-Up: Benny Hinn, John MacArthur, Individualism vs. Communitarianism, and D'Souza vs. Hitchens

2008-07-25T00:00:00.002-04:00

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Marthinus van Vuuren Rapport, "God bless your credit card" on News 24 (South Africa). Would you like to know Benny Hinn's latest antics in Africa? This report begins with: "God's blessing would last only two minutes and it would create 500 churchgoing millionaires or even billionaires - all they had to do was use their credit cards to pay $1 000 in offerings to televangelist Benny Hinn."

2) John MacArthur, "Fully Man and Fully God" in Pulpit Magazine . Here is a great introduction to the biblical truth that Jesus Christ is both fully man and fully God. False teachers and cults often deny at least one of these facts, but God's revelation shows us otherwise. What a glorious Savior!

3) Jonathan Leeman, "Individualism's Not the Problem--Community's Not the Solution" (in PDF format) in Modern Reformation (July/August 2008). Many of today's missionaries and church leaders fall into the trap of overcompensating for Western individualism by focusing on community. Leeman provides a much needed corrective to this contemporary shift.

4) Dinesh D'Souza, "An Absentee God?" on the Townhall web site. D'Souza takes atheist Christopher Hitchens to the woodshed, showing how simplistic and problematic his arguments can be. I may be a young earth creationist and would defend Christianity somewhat differently, but I still found D'Souza's piece informative.

Book Review: African Reformation

2008-07-23T00:00:00.005-04:00

Allan H. Anderson, African Reformation: African Initiated Christianity in the 20th Century (Trenton, NJ: Africa World Press, Inc., 2001), 282 pp.

The twentieth century witnessed the rapid expansion of Christianity throughout Africa. One of the main avenues of growth was in African Initiated Churches (AICs). These churches began in Africa and were started by Africans (not missionaries). What can we learn about their origins and development? How should we understand their place in global Christianity? Allan Anderson answers these questions in African Reformation. A white South African who is involved with AICs, Anderson combines his experience and knowledge with thorough research in this work.

The result is a book that is broken into three parts: context, history, and lessons. The author begins by seeking to characterize AICs and then moves to examining their causes. Next, he devotes a chapter to each region of Africa, summarizing the formation and progression of AICs through the twentieth century. Finally, Anderson concludes by providing an analysis of AICs in light of contemporary questions and issues.

I am amazed at how much information is packed into African Reformation. It is a veritable treasure trove of data on AICs. I will regularly consult this book as I conduct research on African Christianity. It will be an invaluable resource in understanding numerous churches and denominations in Africa.

At the same time, I found Anderson's third section lacking. As an "insider," he dismisses theological challenges far too easily and goes out of his way to minimize charges of syncretism. He essentially submerges Christianity into cultures, leaving us with numerous contextual theologies rather than with an overarching revealed Theology. As a result, he denigrates theology and philosophy while emphasizing experience and the dynamic, ever-changing nature of "spiritual" Christianity.

Anderson's treatment of salvation and the gospel is especially troubling. He writes:

"Salvation" in Africa needs to be related to more than an esoteric idea of the "salvation of the soul" and the life hereafter. It must be oriented to the whole of life's problems as experienced by people in their cities and villages. . . . Many AICs see "salvation" not exclusively in terms of salvation of sinful acts and from eternal condemnation in the life hereafter (the salvation of the soul), but also in terms of salvation from sickness (healing), from evil spirits (exorcism), and from other forms of misfortune" (233).

While Paul Hiebert and other missionaries today are correct in pointing out Western Christianity's unbiblical segregation of the natural and supernatural worlds leaving an excluded middle, expanding salvation itself into deliverance in this world easily corrupts the gospel. The fundamental problem in this world is our rebellion against God, not poverty, sickness, or evil spirits. Far from being esoteric, salvation from God's just wrath gives us true joy and hope. This does not mean that the gospel has nothing to do with the many challenges in our world, but they must be seen in light of our relationship to our Creator. We must distinguish between salvation in Christ and the many other ways that God works in this world.

In any case, there is a lot to like about Anderson's book. He has done all of us who are involved in African ministry a great service by providing so much material in one place. At the same time, his analysis must be read critically. For the discerning reader, African Reformation will prove tremendously useful.

A Blessing from God

2008-07-21T00:00:00.003-04:00

There are many ways that God has equipped me for my future ministry with the Africa Center for Apologetics Research. I was raised as a Mormon, knowing what it is like to be raised in a religion that preaches a different Jesus and a false gospel. I graduated from seminary, equipping me to defend our faith against error and corruption. I have a heart for missions, desiring God's gospel to reach all peoples to the ends of the earth.

Nevertheless, one of God's most important blessings is often overlooked. She is my wife. Next to Jesus Christ, my wife is God's greatest gift to me. Her patience, affirmation, and encouragement allow me to serve Christ in a way that I could never do without her. There would be no ACFAR without her.

It is not every woman that is willing to move her family half way around the world. But not only is my wife willing, I am secure in knowing that she will raise our children well and provide invaluable assistance for my ministry in Uganda. Our vision for East Africa is possible by God's grace and because of our extraordinary relationship.

This week, we are celebrating 11 wonderful years together. While we have had our share of trials and difficulties, our love for each other has only grown stronger. And after all of our years together, our commitment to glorify Jesus Christ has only increased. Above all, we desire to display the gospel through our marriage (Ephesians 5:22ff).

On our 11th anniversary, I pray that God will allow me to show her in some small way how much she means to me.

Weekly Round-Up: Judaism in Uganda, Syncretism in Nigeria, New Missions Audio, and Reflections on South Africa

2008-07-18T22:00:00.002-04:00

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Daniel Edyegu, "Judaist leader installed in Mbale" in the New Vision newspaper (Uganda). Is Judaism in Africa? Yes. And the first black Rabbi in East Africa will lead about 800 followers in Uganda.

2) Laurie Fortunak, "Dual Allegiance" in Christianity Today (August 2008). Here is a deeply troubling account of a pastor in Nigeria practicing syncretism (or as the article prefers to call it, dual allegiance). According to this report, one former missionary in West Africa said, "One out of 10 self-named Christians in this region practices only Christianity."

3) HBC Missions Conference 2008 Audio. The conference may be over, but you can still listen to these timely and important messages on missions. Be sure to listen to Conrad Mbewe, a pastor in Zambia (of course, this is after you listen to my interview with Isaac Makashinyi from Zambia!).

4) Jonathan Leeman, "4 final thoughts about time in South Africa" on the 9 Marks Blog. Some of the 9 Marks guys were recently in South Africa and have been blogging about there time there. I have really been blessed by their posts, but this wrap up says much about Christianity in Africa today.

African Apologetics Audio: An Interview with Isaac Makashinyi

2008-07-16T18:00:00.002-04:00

African Apologetics: An Interview with Isaac Makashinyi (MP3, 42:05)

Would you like to know more about the challenges facing Christianity in Africa? In our first ever audio interview, John Divito and Isaac Makashinyi from Zambia have a lively discussion answering this vital question. Hear firsthand about the serious danger of cults and false teaching facing believers in Africa. Learn more about the growth and popularity of charismatic preachers peddling the prosperity gospel. Discover what church leaders and Christians in Africa need to effectively meet these challenges.

Download it. Share it. Publicize it. Let's advance biblical discernment in Africa!

Focusing on Prayer

2008-07-14T00:00:00.006-04:00

Whenever people catch the vision for the Africa Center for Apologetics Research and ask what they can do to help our ministry in East Africa, I always begin with the same answer: Prayer.

But let's be honest, sometimes my response is simply seen as a required answer. Of course Christians are supposed to pray. What I find is that my answer regularly doesn't seem like it is enough for believers. They want to know what else they can do to help. Unfortunately, this way of thinking can minimize the importance of prayer. It seems as if some Christians see prayer as the bottom rung on a ladder of importance for ministry. It is obviously needed, but there are more important ways to be involved.

The Apostle Paul has the opposite understanding of prayer. Prayer lies at the very center of all our service to God. After he lays out the need for followers of Christ to put on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6, he concludes that we must be "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" (v. 18).

Why is prayer for the saints so important? Because we are engaged in spiritual warfare. Earlier in this chapter, Paul explains, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm (vv. 12-13). I know that there are a lot of crazy beliefs and practices out there regarding spiritual warfare today, but this does not change the biblical truth that we are in a very real spiritual battle.

Our enemies are not cultists. Our enemies are not false teachers. Our enemy is Satan and his demons. We fight against the spiritual forces of evil. And they are a fierce and powerful enemy.

The first time I visited Uganda, I was able to speak with a young African missionary working in northern Uganda. He is serving Christ in one of the most difficult areas in the region, with open political rebellion and violence. When he heard about our plans for developing a center to defend our faith, he quickly recognized the importance of our ministry. But then he looked at me and said, "You are about to enter one of the most difficult tasks I could ever imagine. The devil will be striving to stop you at every turn. He won't want to give up one inch of his territory, and you will have a long and difficult fight ahead."

I will never forget how serious he was. His eyes burned with fervency in light of our vision. It is almost as if he was making sure that I really knew what I was getting myself into. He caused me to pause and remember afresh the spiritual battle that I will be involved in through our ministry.

I don't take his warning lightly. But I also have hope, because Jesus Christ has triumphed over our enemy. In this spiritual war, He provides the power that I need to overcome. But this is accomplished through the faithful prayers of His people.

So when I say that the most important thing you can do for our ministry is to pray, I am not simply giving a required answer. I really believe that what ACFAR needs most is the faithful prayer of fellow Christians. Yes, we have additional ways that you can help, but I desire above all for many Christians to come together bringing our East African ministry before the throne of God.

Please pray for us! And if you haven't already, consider keeping up-to-date by joining our e-mail prayer list. Together, we will defend Christ and His gospel by His grace and for His glory.

Weekly Round-Up: Pentecotal Problems, AIDS in Uganda, and Defining Mission

2008-07-11T22:30:00.002-04:00

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Stephen Bwire, "Pentecostal theatrics thrive under fear" in the Weekly Observer newspaper (Uganda). Yet another African sees the rampant corruption of the prosperity gospel in Uganda. He writes, "The list of incidences such as these is endless. The curtain on these theatrics in some of the Pentecostal churches is in dire need of coming down." Yes, this false health-and-wealth gospel must be countered with the true gospel of Jesus Christ!

2) Sam L. Ruteikara, "Let my people go, AIDS profiteers " in Baptist Press. I don't know how I originally missed this piece in the Washington Post, but Baptist Press has thankfully picked it up. Ruteikara writes about the problem of AIDS in Uganda and shows how political maneuvering is preventing true solutions from stopping its spread.

3) "What did I do today?" on the Sheltons in Uganda blog. This link is a little more personal, but we love the Shelton family and are thankful that they are serving Christ in Uganda. They were even gracious enough to allow us to stay with them on our recent trip! In any case, if you've never dealt with the traffic in Kampala, you'll be amazed at this post and pictures. Let's just say that there is no such thing as defensive driving in Uganda.

4) Keith Ferdinando, "Mission: A Problem of Definition" in Themelios Journal (in PDF format). I am excited to see Themelios back in print, especially under the general editorship of D.A. Carson. In this article, an African scholar shows the need to keep the priority of missions work as making disciples. Since many today are diminishing the centrality of preaching the gospel through the language of holism, this article is indeed an important one.

Book Notice: Preachers of a Different Gospel

2008-07-09T22:00:00.001-04:00

Femi Adeleye, Preachers of a Different Gospel (Kampala, Uganda: IFES Anglophone Africa, 1999), 154 pp. (Christian Perspectives Series)

Finally, a book written by an African theologian exposing the errors of the prosperity gospel. With this false gospel running rampant throughout Africa, a biblical refutation has been desperately needed. Femi Adeleye has responded with this essential resource. While it may not be easy to find, I pray that this book will make its way into the hands of many African church leaders.

From the back cover:
You have seen posters advertising the crusades; 'Come and hear the great man of God! Receive your miracle!' The man may be great, but is he always great for God? There is the God who uses people, but there is also the God people use. Which is which?

So much that goes under the cover of the gospel is counterfeit. The 'great men' are preachers of a different gospel! Their 'gospel' should not be accepted on face value but rather be put under the scrutiny of the Scriptures.

Table of Contents:

General Preface, ix
Acknowledgement, xi
Strange Times, Strange Gospel, 1
Between the Cross and 'Champagne', 11
Charismatic Renewal and Confusion, 27
The 'Modern' Preachers, 39
Misreading Scripture, 49
Counterfeit Faith, 59
The Delusion of Prosperity, 75
The God Man Uses, 105
Phoney Christianity, 117
Authentic Christianity, 131
Notes, 147

Copies are available directly through the ministry Fellowship of Christian Unions (FOCUS) Uganda. You can contact them for more information:

Mail address:
Fellowship of Christian Unions (FOCUS)
PO Box 16415
Kampala
Uganda

Telephone:

+256 41 530626

Spreading Error Through Technology

2008-07-07T22:00:00.002-04:00

I love technology. Most people that know me immediately recognize how much of a "tech geek" I am. I blog. I listen to sermons on my MP3 player. I use a digital camera to send pictures to my family. I have even considered buying a Kindle (unfortunately, the price is still way too high). Technology is wonderful.

At the same time, technology is dangerous. Anyone can post material online, whether accurate or not. Wikipedia provides a tremendous amount of information, but none of it can be trusted because its entries can be modified by any visitor. The floodgates of falsehood are always before us.

Growing technology also allows cults and false teaching to spread more rapidly around the world. One case in point: the Branhamites (also known as Voice of God Recordings). In the latest edition of their newsletter Catch the Vision (June 2008), they report on a new project.

Voice of God Recordings (VGR) always had the burden to give every believer on earth access to Brother Branham's Message. As soon as VGR was founded, we established overseas Message libraries, so believers could have a place to get the books and tapes. But it was still not possible to locate a library in or near every church. Cassette tapes were too large and expensive to ship in such huge quantities. To further complicate things, many believers were completely isolated and didn't even have a church, let alone a lending library. It would take years before God's plan became clear.

While many Christians in America have never heard of VGR, they are zealously working toward spreading William Branham's teaching globally. In the past, getting their materials overseas was difficult and expensive. Not anymore!

In 2003, the Lord led us to put together a package including a battery-powered MP3 player, a full set of English MP3 CDs, and a full set of English Message books (1963-1965 plus all the bound books). Fittingly, we called it the Lighthouse Project. Once again, God's Great Machine was in motion.

Thanks to advances in technology, they can now easily distribute Branham's messages as MP3s without worrying about copying and distributing cassette tapes. What has been the result?

We recently shipped 342 packages to Kenya, 138 packages to Mozambique, and 100 packages to South Africa. We hope to have enough sponsors to ship 571 Lighthouse packages to Zambia in the hear future. This will give every known church in that country a Lighthouse package.

The Branhamites are now rapidly spreading their message in Africa. And if you would like to know how successful they have been throughout the continent, check out their African offices page. VGR is now working in multiple languages throughout East Africa, including two of the most common in Uganda: Luganda and Swahili.

I have experienced their growth firsthand. On my latest trip to Uganda, I was speaking at a preacher's conference and asked how many of the pastors had heard of William Branham. I was shocked to see over half of their hands go up.

As technology increases, the challenges to our faith only become greater. Nevertheless, we serve a God who can overcome all obstacles! Lord willing, church leaders and fellow believers in East Africa will soon have a place to turn when they encounter the errors of VGR. May God's truth in Christ shine brightly!

Weekly Round-Up: Ugandan Preaching, the State of Apologetics, A Theologically-Driven Missiology, and Witnessing to Mormons

2008-07-04T15:30:00.003-04:00

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Caroline Mbabazi, "The good old sermon" in the Sunday Monitor newspaper (Uganda). Wow. A woman writes about how poor preaching usually is in Uganda, appealing to Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer, T.D Jakes, and Rod Parsley as good examples. How desperately churches in Uganda need to grow in biblical knowledge and discernment!

2) William Lane Craig, "God Is Not Dead Yet: How current philosophers argue for his existence" and "Recommended Reading: Books on the existence of God;" Troy Anderson, "A New Day for Apologetics" in Christianity Today (July 2008). Finally, an issue of Christianity Today magazine focusing on the defense of our faith. Whatever one may think of Craig's methodology, these articles are very helpful. I pray that a growing interest in apologetics will spread to East Africa!

3) Bruce Ashford, "A Theologically-Driven Missiology," Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 on the Between the Times blog. Ashford is a professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary who is writing a series of blog posts for Southern Baptists on the relationship between theology and missions. So far he has covered Revelation, the Triune God, and Christ. While I just came across this series, I am very impressed so far. He says, "Our tendency is to affirm Christian Scripture as being inspired by God and without error, and then to ignore Christian Scripture in forming our strategies and methods. It is as if we are saying that 'what' we believe about God is important, but 'how' we practice is not. We think that we can 'bank on' inerrancy and then do whatever we’d like." May many more missionaries see the importance of theology in their service to God.

4) Brett Kunkle, "Getting Mormons to Explain Why," Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 on the Stand to Reason YouTube page. A must-watch video series on witnessing to Mormons. As a former Mormon myself, I heartily recommend it.

Viral Video: Aggrey Mugisha on Cults in East Africa

2008-07-02T22:30:00.001-04:00

[Video - Professor Aggrey Mugisha on the Challenge of Cults in East Africa]

Movies on Uganda

2008-06-30T00:00:00.009-04:00

Since my family is preparing to serve our Lord in Uganda, we are striving to learn as much as we can about this East African country. While much of our research has been through books, several movies have also been very valuable. Would you like to learn a little more about Uganda? Here are some films to check out:

Movies about Idi Amin
Idi Amin was a brutal dictator in Uganda throughout the 1970s. During his time in power, hundreds of thousands of people were murdered. These were dark years for Uganda.

1) General Idi Amin Dada: A Self Portrait (1974). A french documentary filmed with the full permission of Amin. A rare opportunity to see and hear Amin in his own words. Needless to say, he was not happy with the final result. I would suggest watching this movie after already becoming somewhat knowledgeable of Amin and his reign. Since this documentary came out over 30 years ago while Amin was still in power, it does not set up much historical context. This film is most helpful in getting a deeper understanding of Amin.

2) Raid on Entebbe (1977). A made for TV docu-drama staring Peter Finch, Charles Bronson, and others. Based on the real events of an Israeli military assault on the Entebbe Airport in Uganda, it pretty much sticks to the facts and is enjoyable. As a late '70s TV movie, the quality is limited and the pacing is somewhat slow, but I still found it helpful to watch a reenactment of a Palestinian airplane hijacking involving Uganda and Amin.

3) Last King of Scotland (2006). A recent movie revealing Amin through the lens of his (fictional) personal physician. Forest Whitaker won an Oscar for his portrayal of Idi Amin. This film effectively displays the brutality of the Amin regime, however I found the nudity and sex inappropriate and unnecessary. The violence is also quite graphic at times. As a result, I have to issue a strong caution with this movie.

Movies about the Lord's Resistance Army
The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is a rebel guerrilla army at war with the Ugandan government. This conflict has been going on for over 20 years, leaving many dead, villages overrun, and numerous children forced to become soldiers. Mainly operating in northern Uganda, the LRA is led by Joseph Kony.

1) Invisible Children (2006). A documentary made by high school graduates who came across the sad reality of children in Uganda who are trying to avoid becoming child soldiers while living without family as night commuters. My wife and I were both heartbroken after watching this movie. An eye-opener which raises important issues that must be addressed.

2) War/Dance (2007). A documentary on children in northern Uganda living in a displacement camp who are seeking to win the national music and dance competition. This movie offers an amazing contrast between the horrors of living in the LRA conflict and the hope of winning a major contest. I highly recommend this movie.

Some of these movies are not easy to find, but we were able to take advantage of NetFlix's vast catalog. In any case, these movies will be well worth your time. And if you ever have the chance to check them out, feel free to leave your own comments below.

Weekly Round-Up: Islam in Uganda, Lausanne in Africa, Piper on Mystery

2008-06-27T21:00:00.003-04:00

Here's this week's round-up:

1) David Tash Lumu, "Conflict dominates Kampala Islamic meet" in the Weekly Observer newspaper (Uganda). Here is an interesting summary of a recently completed Islamic conference in Kampala, Uganda's national capital. Once again, we see the growing influence of Islam throughout East Africa.

2) "CT2010 and Africa: April 2008 Nigeria Consultation" in the Lausanne Connecting Point, June 2008. This article talks about the continuing preparations for Lausanne 2010 in South Africa, including African concerns and contributions. May we all continue to pray as this historic gathering comes together.

3) John Piper, "Knowledge Increases Mystery" on the Desiring God blog. Do you think that studying theology minimizes the mysteriousness of God? Piper correctly shows us how the more we learn about God and His truth, the more we know and glorify Him as mysterious. A great post!

Ask Anything Wednesday: Christian Satire

2008-06-25T21:30:00.000-04:00

Ask Anything Wednesday may have been on hiatus, but it is now back as a monthly regular. I have received a few questions so far, but please keep them rolling in for future editions!

Question:
"Is Christian Satire wrong?"

Answer:
Maybe. I don't think satire is prohibited for Christians. After all, even our Savior used it! At the same time, we need to probe into the use of Christian satire. Why does one want to use it? How is it used? These kinds of questions must not go unanswered.

Douglas Wilson has actually written a book on this subject, A Serrated Edge: A Brief Defense of Biblical Satire and Trinitarian Skylarking (I admit that I haven't read it yet, but it has been on my reading list since it came out!). Since this book's release, there has also been some helpful interaction between Wilson and John Frame--see Frame's Review of Douglas Wilson, A Serrated Edge and Wilson's Response to John Frame’s Review of A Serrated Edge.

Used wisely (and Wilson lays out some excellent principles), Christian satire can be very effective. However, Christian satire can also be dangerous when not done properly. I personally enjoy good satire, but would be very careful in producing it myself. Above all, I would want to glorify God in all things, and that includes in exposing folly, vice, or stupidity.

Ask Anything Wednesday Returns Tomorrow

2008-06-24T18:00:00.000-04:00

Ask Anything Wednesday is returning tomorrow! Do you have any questions about the Africa Center for Apologetics Research? Do you have a question about witnessing to cult members? Do you want to know what I am reading right now? Anything is fair game!

Just ask and I'll try to answer it. The easiest way to submit a question for tomorrow is simply to post it as a comment below. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Learning at the Feet of Müller

2008-06-23T21:00:00.002-04:00

I wish I could say that my faith in Christ always remains strong. But in the ups and downs of becoming a missionary, as I seek to raise awareness and support for our East African ministry, my trust in the Lord’s care and provision wavers. Thankfully, God has given me a good church and faithful friends to encourage me and to spur me on. One personal friend and fellow church member recently sensed my downcast spirit and suggested that I read a biography on George Müller. Since I’d often heard about Müller but never actually read anything about him, I promised my friend that I’d check it out.

I’m glad that I did! By the following Lord’s Day, I had already finished reading the book. For those of you who don’t know about George Müller, he was a 19th-century British evangelist and pastor who also oversaw a growing number of orphanages. Throughout his life and ministry, all of his accomplishments were realized without his once ever directly asking for financial help. He determined to depend on Christ completely to meet his needs, relying almost exclusively on prayer. What was the result? God provided everything Müller required. Through decades of difficult ministry, He took care of Müller.

If you’d like to know more about this great man of God, I recommend that you get a copy of the biography George Müller: Delighted in God by Roger Steer. You can also listen to John Piper’s message “George Mueller’s Strategy for Showing God.” In any case, I want to quickly list some ways that learning more about Müller’s life has made an impact on me:

God uses men of very different backgrounds and beliefs to accomplish His work. In reading about Müller, it didn’t take long for me to start seeing places where I disagreed with him theologically. I had to stop reading and ask myself: Should I nitpick over every little area where I find some fault with this brother in Christ, or can I allow myself to admire his faith and trust in God? We may have our differences, but I came away from my study in awe of this hero of the faith. Müller reminded me of the importance of humility and our need to work with believers of different denominations and theological persuasions in order to further the kingdom of Christ.

I must truly trust in Christ—first and foremost—to provide for the Africa Center for Apologetics Research. While I may not believe that Müller’s approach to obtaining support is the only biblical method (e.g., Romans 15:20–24, Philippians 4:10–20), there’s no doubt that he was trusting the Lord to meet his needs. As I let others know of our ministry and invite them to become partners in what we’re doing, it’s too easy to fall into the trap of depending on myself and my efforts to raise our support. True, I may need to actively tell others about our East African ministry, but only God’s blessings will enable us to move forward. Müller challenges me to never forget Who is the Generous Provider—Jesus Christ.

I need to spend more time in prayer. Obviously, this point is related to the last, but it’s still key. What I spend my time doing demonstrates where my heart truly lies. If I’m not regularly on my knees in prayer, then my focus isn’t where it should be. One thing becomes clear about Müller—he was a man of prayer. Since I’m dependent on God in my missionary task, should I be any less devoted to prayer? Of course not. Müller is a great example: A man who not only believed in the sovereignty of God but lived his life in light of God’s purpose.

Müller both challenges me and encourages me. I’m challenged by his steadfast devotion to and reliance upon Christ. I’m also encouraged to see God’s faithfulness and love displayed through the ministry of a submissive servant. By God’s grace, I pray that Christ will use me for the glory of His gospel and the advancement of His kingdom.

Weekly Round-Up: Greedy Pastors, Ugandan Church Life, a Reward, and a Missions Conference

2008-06-20T22:00:00.002-04:00

Here's this week's round-up:

1) Robert Wabomba, "Pastor expels poor worshippers" in the New Vision newspaper (Uganda). Sometimes the greed of prosperity gospel preachers is ridiculously obvious. This news report is yet another example.

2) Caroline Mbabazi, "The harsh reality of today’s modern church" in the Sunday Monitor newspaper (Uganda). A cynical look at church life in Uganda. Unfortunately, what she writes is too often true.

3) Patrick Jaramogi, "1000 Cups receives international award" in the New Vision newspaper (Uganda). This story is on the lighter side of things. But I have previously mentioned my new favorite coffee shop, 1000 Cups in Uganda. Now they have received the first Africa Agribusiness Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Way to go!

4) Heritage Baptist Church Missions Conference 2008, "Christian Imperialism: Extending the Kingdom of Christ through the Foolishness of the Cross." While I will not be able to participate in this conference next month, I would encourage anyone who can attend to register now. With Conrad Mbewe and Paul Washer as speakers, this will not be an event to miss.

Book Review: Claiming Christ: A Mormon-Evangelical Debate

2008-06-18T22:30:00.001-04:00

Robert L. Millet and Gerald R. McDermott, Claiming Christ: A Mormon-Evangelical Debate (Grand Rapids: Brazos Press, 2007), 238 pp.

The Apostle Paul warns us against “he that cometh [and] preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached,” or offers “another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Devious preachers may proclaim another Jesus, another spirit, or another gospel. With this in mind, how does one know which Jesus is the true Jesus? Do Mormons preach the true Jesus? Do evangelicals? Do Mormons and evangelicals believe in the same Jesus? These are the kinds of questions that Mormon scholar Robert Millet and evangelical scholar Gerald McDermott debate in Claiming Christ.

After providing background on their personal friendship, McDermott and Millet take turns interacting on various topics related to Christ. Starting with their sources of authority, the co-authors move on to a discussion of Christ before Bethlehem, the Trinity, Jesus’ passion and atonement, the historical Jesus, the church and the sacraments, salvation in Christ, and the fate of the unevangelized. In each chapter, one writes the main article, the other follows with a response, and a final rebuttal concludes the section. This format allows the reader to grapple with both authors’ views.

Unfortunately, McDermott’s role as an evangelical contributor is compromised by his deficient view of the Bible. He denies biblical inerrancy, questions the sufficiency of Scripture, and rules out the principle of Sola Scriptura (i.e., that the Bible alone is our final authority in faith and practice). Thus, he says “‘The real question, then, is not whether we will be influenced by tradition in our reading and interpreting, but which tradition?’” (20). Unfortunately, McDermott misses the point. Sola Scriptura does not mean that we can interpret Scripture apart from tradition; it means that the Bible is the Christian’s ultimate standard of truth. We can (and must!) subject our traditions to what God has revealed in Scripture. The Word of God is the ultimate arbiter of truth.

Since McDermott denies these fundamental beliefs, he comes across as more interested in maintaining historic orthodoxy rather than in biblical faithfulness. A typical example would be his treatment of the gospel and the relationship between faith and works. Rather than expositing relevant biblical passages, McDermott gives the reader a comparative analysis of the views of Martin Luther and Jonathan Edwards. In the following chapter on the destiny of the unevangelized, McDermott does not try to answer this difficult issue with Scripture; instead, he summarizes the positions of Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, showing that Christians throughout history have been somewhat flexible. Often I was left asking: So what? How is one to know whether these Christians were right or wrong in their views? The Mormons, as it turns out, have an answer: An authoritative prophet tells us. McDermott never effectively counters the Mormon claim with the proper response—namely, that we have authoritative Scripture to enable us to discern truth from error. Orthodoxy is the result of biblical faithfulness. And while church history can assist us in understanding our faith, it must never be the basis upon which we establish our faith.

McDermott often fumbles when trying to point out similarities between Mormonism and historic Christianity. For example, he consistently maintains that Mormons believe Jesus is fully divine. He actually states: “Rejecting the Nicene definition of the Trinity but holding to the full deity of Jesus and salvific value of his cross and resurrection seems not as serious as denying the incarnation and the atonement” (221). But as I have written to him before:

. . . I do not know how you can maintain: “On the LDS and Jesus, it is a fact that the Mormon view of Jesus is better than the Jehovah’s Witness view, which is fully Arian. They do indeed believe Jesus is fully God.” While I have no problem insisting upon the defectiveness of the JW Jesus, the LDS Jesus is no less defective. The LDS do not believe that Jesus is fully God—if we are defining God consistently. The only way one could maintain that the Mormons believe that Jesus is fully God is by committing the fallacy of equivocation, for the God we refer to is nothing like the God of Mormon doctrine. The word "God" is not some nebulous, abstract notion. God has revealed what divinity is to us.

Essentially, the LDS church redefines "God" when applying the term to Jesus. And in his case, it is no different from the Jehovah’s Witnesses, because both refuse to ccept Jesus as the eternal, immutable, omnipotent, omniscient God. Both offer distortions f the one, true Trinitarian God. As you have stated, the LDS Jesus is not the Jesus of lassic orthodoxy. He is a false Jesus—an imaginary Jesus who cannot save.

McDermott’s equivocations throughout this work all too often prevent one from properly understanding the distinct and opposite beliefs which separate Mormonism and evangelical Christianity.

A truly helpful debate between Robert Millet and an evangelical has yet to be published. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that Mormons and evangelicals can engage in far better dialogues than this book presents, and I hope that a far more productive work will come out soon.

A Wonderful Weekend

2008-06-16T22:00:00.005-04:00

Today I returned from Southern California, having met with the Board of Directors for the missions organization that I am serving through, the Centers for Apologetics Research. After flying out Friday evening, I joined the board early Saturday morning (after a couple cups of coffee!). As the meeting began, I gave a brief devotional from Titus 1. Then we moved into my report on our African ministry vision and plans. I enjoyed giving my testimony, summarizing my conversion from Mormonism to evangelical Christianity. I also appreciated having the opportunity to share my passion for equipping East Africans with tools and training in biblical discernment and in the defense of our faith.

During the rest of our time together, I was able to hear more about the international ministries of other countries, especially the apologetics center in Russia. It was a joy to learn more about my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ remaining faithful to our Savior and His truth despite great opposition and government bureaucratic challenges. What can I say? I am honored to have been a part of this board meeting!

The next day, I worshiped with Aliso Creek Prebyterian Church. They are a wonderful congregation that was one of the first churches to support our ministry. Because their regular preaching pastor had spent most of the previous week at his denomination’s General Assembly, well-known apologist and Westminster professor Peter Jones preached the Word during the morning worship service. I was greatly edified by his exposition of 1 Kings 19, examining Elijah’s struggle with depression after his great victory over the Baal worshipers. During the second hour, I was able to share more about myself and ACFAR with the congregation. What a joy to see so many believers united together around the gospel of Jesus Christ as well as understanding the need to defend it against all error and corruption.

Having not spent much time in Southern California before, I also took somewhat of a whirlwind tour. I had my first In-And-Out burger experience (if you’re not from out West, don’t worry if you have no idea what I am talking about), and I strolled through historic downtown San Juan Capistrano. I also drank far more Starbucks iced lattes over two days (actually, I officially ordered several iced triple grande sugar-free cinnamon dolce skinny lattes) than I have since being a barista while attending seminary.

I could write so much more, but want to close by expressing my thanks to Paul Carden and the rest of the board of CFAR for having me out. Their assistance and direction have been invaluable and their encouragement is always refreshing. As we continue to move ahead, I look forward to seeing how Jesus Christ will use us to build His kingdom for His glory!

By the way, if those of you who are reading will be in the Southern California area on September 27th, be sure to keep this weekend open! More details are coming. . .

Mormonism, Blacks, and Africa: 30 Years Since Revelation

2008-06-13T10:00:00.004-04:00

This week marks 30 years since Mormon Prophet Spencer W. Kimball had a new revelation lifting his church's prohibition on ordaining black males to its priesthood. Here are a few articles summarizing the milestone:

• Carrie A. Moore, "LDS marking 30-year milestone" in Deseret News (June 6, 2008)
• Carrie A. Moore, "Much has changed for LDS blacks since '78" in Deseret News (June 7, 2008)
• Paul Carden, "'Revelation' Still Spreading Deception in Africa," a Cultic Trend Alert from the Centers for Apologetics Research.

Now included in LDS scripture as Official Declaration 2, this sweeping change essentially jump-started Mormonism's aggressive focus to convert Africans to their faith. What has been the result? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has rapidly grown throughout the continent.

To learn more, make sure that you read the article "Pioneers in East Africa" from the Mormon-published Ensign magazine. Having visited the LDS headquarters in Uganda myself, I can assure you that they continue making significant progress in East Africa. Here is a brief news report on some recent Mormon activity in Africa:

Please pray that the true gospel of Jesus Christ will provide real hope for Mormons in East Africa. And pray that believers throughout Africa will not fall prey to the heresy of Mormonism.

Book Notice: False Teachers and False Teaching

2008-06-11T20:00:00.006-04:00

Robby Muhumuza, False Teachers and False Teaching (Kampala, Uganda: IFES Anglophone Africa, 1999), 61 pp. (Christian Perspectives Bible Series, 57)

It’s rare to find materials defending the Christian faith written and produced by Africans. This relatively little-known study booklet is an important exception. Serving as a guide for small groups or personal Bible study, False Teachers and False Teaching seeks to shine the light of Scripture on cults and error. The booklet begins with a very helpful introduction by Robby Muhumuza, who writes that “New churches and teachings are invading the towns and villages of Africa and taking them by storm.” Muhumuza describes the bitter fruit of cultic groups, noting the experience of “frustrated pastors in Kampala who...had some of their leading members go to sample some new teachings by a new controversial group in town. Some have not returned. Others have come back emotionally and spiritually wounded.”

The booklet offers a series of lay-friendly, inductive Bible studies covering 1 Timothy 1:1-11, 1 Timothy 4:1-16, Matthew 7:13-23, 1 Timothy 6:3-20, Jude 3-23, and 2 Timothy 3:1-17. My main concern with False Teachers is that its list of books recommended “for further study” includes works by Kenneth Hagin and Bob Larson (who is described as a “cult expert”). Nevertheless, this booklet remains valuable for training people in biblical discernment. It’s an essential—and authentic—tool for equipping African churches and Christians today.

Table of Contents:

Acknowledgement, iii
Welcome, v
Introduction to the Study, 1
False Teaching and False Teachers in the Church, 33
Dealing with False Teaching and False Teachers, 37
False Teachers' Identity, 41
False Teachers, Money and Wealth, 45
False Teachers - their Lifestyle and their Destiny, 49
The True Teacher - Sound Life and Ministry, 53
Guidelines for Leaders, 57

Copies are available directly through the ministry Fellowship of Christian Unions (FOCUS) Uganda. You can contact them for more information:

Mail address:
Fellowship of Christian Unions (FOCUS)
PO Box 16415
Kampala
Uganda

Telephone:

+256 41 530626

Uganda and the Future

2008-06-08T22:30:00.002-04:00

What did the Lord accomplish on our recent mission trip to Uganda? Over the last several weeks I’ve been offering some reflections on our time there. It’s hard to imagine a more productive and enjoyable trip. Praise God for His kindness and grace!

We returned to the United States with several undeniable insights:

• The need for biblical discernment in East Africa has never been greater. The cults are multiplying, with little resistance. Islam is rapidly growing. Doctrinal error is regularly broadcast on radio and TV, and false prophets and apostles fill churches and stadiums. And few pastors and Christians are equipped to answer the challenge.

• Christian leaders and others want to know how to defend their faith and protect their flocks. The desire of African believers to grow in discernment and the ability to stand for sound doctrine is genuine and strong. People are begging us for more materials. I’ve received numerous offers to speak and train Christians—especially pastors and leaders. Honestly, I’ve never seen such an amazing opportunity for ministry.

• The economic climate has changed since my first trip in early 2007. A faltering dollar and rising prices in Uganda have compelled us to reevaluate our budget. We now need $6,600 a month, as well as special support of $52,000, to move over and establish the Center. But our family doesn’t see this as a setback. We look forward to seeing how God will bring many of His people together to promote biblical discernment and win cultists for Christ across Africa!

With all this in mind, we’ve reached one firm conclusion: This ministry is desperately needed—and it’s needed now. As a result, we’ve set a bold goal: January is now officially our target date. It may be hard to believe, but this means that we only have a little more than six months to go!

Can we make it? Only through trusting in the Lord and by working together. While it will take the commitment of many more people, families, and churches, we’re confident that Christ will bless us as we seek to glorify Him.

Please consider how you can be involved.

Help us launch the Africa Center for Apologetics Research in January 2009.

Weekly Round-Up: African Prosperity Preacher on the Run, Kony and the LRA, Insight from Jude, and Witnessing to Mormons

2008-06-06T22:30:00.003-04:00

Here's this week's round-up:

1) "Pastor Muwanguzi abandons flock" and "On the trail of an elusive pastor" in the Sunday Vision newspaper (Uganda). Here is another report on an Ugandan prosperity preacher fleecing the flock for personal gain. And now that things have heated up, he's split. Unfortunately, this story is all too common in Africa today.

2) Michael Gerson, "Africa's Messiah of Horror" in the Washington Post newspaper. Don't miss this important op-ed piece on Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army. Please pray that Kony's reign of terror will end!

3) Niel Nielson, "Choose This Day" on the Ligonier Ministries Blog. Reprinted from the latest issue of Tabletalk magazine, Nielson provides some much-needed biblical insight from the letter of Jude.

4) Joel Groat, "The Mormon Belief Continuum." I know that I have been posting several videos lately, but I could not resist letting you know about this message from Joel Groat. Would you like to better understand how to witness to Mormons? Then make sure to watch this video.

Viral Video: Julius Twongyeirwe on Cults in East Africa

2008-06-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

[Video - Professor Julius Twongyeirwe on the Danger of Cults in East Africa]

Enjoying Uganda

2008-06-02T22:00:00.001-04:00

[Video - My New Favorite Coffee Shop]
God definitely blessed our recent mission trip to Uganda, and we accomplished a great deal in light of our future ministry. The next time we go back, it will be our family moving over to start serving Christ full time! But before I wrap up my series of reflections on our time there, I wanted to let you know a little more about the fun we had while in Uganda.

Kampala is an amazing city. As one of the 50 largest cities in all of Africa, it has a daytime population of roughly 2 million (and growing!). The streets are packed with taxi-buses, the buildings are filled with shops and businesses, and there are lots of people all around. We enjoyed staying in such a big city. My wife especially enjoyed shopping for local crafts. We found African shirts for myself and our son, some locally made necklaces for my wife and our daughters, and some great gifts to give away.

I officially have a new favorite coffee shop: 1000 Cups of Coffee. Owned and run by Ugandans, it has a casual environment in which to drink coffee (or, in my case, an iced vanilla latte) and just relax. Yes, this former Mormon has become a coffee addict! Let me tell you--this place is top-notch. They even have a coffee safari tracing back local beans back to their source. And before leaving the shop, I hit the jackpot: they were selling a kilo (about 2.2 pounds) of Uganda Natural Arabica green beans for a little over $6 (right now I know that Jeff Downs is green with envy). Needless to say, I returned to America with a good stock of coffee beans to roast and brew.

We also learned more about Uganda's history by touring the Kasubi Tombs. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the former palace of the Buganda kings was the perfect place to gain a better appreciation of the nation’s culture. Our guide described the many changes that have come since the British came and colonized the region. The tour was both interesting and informative.

Can you tell that we have come to love Uganda? As I have said before, in many ways our hearts never left. By God's grace, we will return soon.

Next week, I’ll conclude my overview of our journey in April by writing about the impact and results of the trip and our future plans.

(Previous posts on our recent mission trip: Advancing Biblical Discernment in Uganda, The Challenge of Islam in Uganda, Developing the Center in Uganda, Cults Targeting College Students in Uganda, Visiting Missionaries in Uganda)