Onesmus Kibera

2026-09-11T15:32:59.353+03:00

Strengthening the Weak Link

Leadership author John C. Maxwell observes in The Law of the Chain that a team's effectiveness is often determined by its weakest link. While Maxwell develops this principle in the context of teamwork and leadership, Scripture offers a rich perspective on how believers should respond when weakness appears within a team, workplace, ministry, or church.

The world's instinct is often to ask,"How do we remove the weak link?" Scripture prompts a better question:"How do we strengthen the weak link?"

The Apostle Paul writes:

"We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves."
Romans 15:1 (NKJV)

In a culture that prizes strength, efficiency, and performance, Paul reminds believers that strength carries responsibility. The mature are called not merely to excel, but to help others grow.

The Responsibility of the Strong

Paul's use of the word ought is significant. This is not merely a recommendation or a leadership suggestion. It is a Christian obligation.

Wherever people work together, there will always be those who are newer, less experienced, struggling personally, or carrying burdens that are not immediately visible. The easy response is criticism. The Christlike response is support.

Scripture repeatedly teaches that God intends believers to carry one another's burdens.

"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2 (NKJV)

Strength in God's kingdom is never an excuse for self-importance. Rather, it is an opportunity for service. The stronger believer, leader, colleague, or teammate should ask, "How can I help this person succeed?" rather than "Why can't they keep up?"

When One Person Struggles, Everyone Is Affected

One of the observations behind The Law of the Chain is that a weak link affects the entire team. Scripture teaches a similar principle.

Paul describes the church as a body and writes:

"And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it."
1 Corinthians 12:26 (NKJV)

This principle extends beyond church life. A struggling department affects the organisation. A discouraged volunteer affects the ministry. An overwhelmed employee affects the workplace. Human beings are connected in ways we often underestimate.

Rather than distancing ourselves from those who struggle, we should recognise that helping them ultimately strengthens everyone.

Strong teams are built when members take responsibility for one another.

Patience Is a Mark of Spiritual Maturity

Weakness often exposes impatience in those who perceive themselves to be stronger. Frustration can quickly replace compassion.

Yet Scripture repeatedly commands patience.

"With all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love."
Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV)

And again:

"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all."
1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NKJV)

It is relatively easy to be patient with strong performers and capable people. The real test of maturity is how we respond when others require additional time, instruction, encouragement, or grace.

The truly strong person is not the one who never struggles. It is the one who helps others through their struggles.

God's Goal Is Growth

Supporting weaker members does not mean encouraging dependence. God's purpose is always maturity and growth.

Paul instructed Timothy:

"The things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."
2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)

Healthy leaders develop people. Healthy churches develop people. Healthy ministries develop people. Healthy workplaces develop people.

Temporary support should lead to lasting strength.

A helpful question for every believer is:

Who is stronger today because I invested in them?

Those who intentionally encourage, teach, mentor, and equip others contribute to the long-term health and effectiveness of the entire team.

Christ Is the Ultimate Example

Every discussion about strength and weakness ultimately points us to Jesus Christ.

Paul reminds believers:

"For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."
Romans 5:6 (NKJV)

At one time, every Christian was spiritually weak and helpless. Christ did not reject us because of our weakness. He entered our condition, carried our burden, and provided salvation through His death and resurrection.

Immediately after urging believers to support the weak, Paul points to Christ's example:

"Let each of us please his neighbour for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself."
Romans 15:2-3 (NKJV)

The gospel teaches us that true greatness is found not in self-advancement but in self-giving love.

Jesus used His strength for the benefit of others. His followers are called to do the same.

Conclusion

Weak links are not merely problems to be solved. They are opportunities to display Christian maturity, servant leadership, and gospel-shaped love.

When weakness is ignored, teams suffer. When weakness is strengthened, teams flourish.

Whether in the workplace, church, ministry, school, or home, believers should be known as those who encourage, support, disciple, train, and build up others.

As Paul exhorts:

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up."
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)

The question is not simply whether there is a weak link among us.

The more important question is whether those who are strong are willing to help strengthen it.

Author's Note

The inspiration for this article comes from The Law of the Chain, a leadership principle articulated by John C. Maxwell. However, this article is not a summary of Maxwell's work. Rather, it represents my biblical reflection on the principle, developed through the teaching of Romans 15:1 and related passages of Scripture. Any theological observations, ministry applications, and pastoral conclusions are my own, while grateful acknowledgment is given to Maxwell for the leadership concept that prompted this reflection.

Acknowledgment:
Leadership principle adapted from John C. Maxwell, The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork (Thomas Nelson, 2001).

Author: Pastor Kibera.

Get Wisdom Get Understanding

2026-07-07T12:34:51.978+03:00

A song is sung in my mother-tongue with the following lyrics:

na kweli mundu utoi ndoi (truly a person who doesn't know that he doesn't know)
na ndoi ndiui ti wega (and doesn't know that not knowing is bad)
ndatuire itoi na ndioi ndiui (I lived without knowing and didn't know)
na ndiamenyaga ati ndiui (and I didn't know that I didn't know)

The moral of the song is that in our mission of pursuits in this life we seek great success. But in the winding route to success we may think that we know and speak like we know and defend our positions thinking that we know! Not knowing that we are ignorant and what we think we know is totally wrong!

We need to have a measure of humility to learn and rewire, unlearn and relearn what we need for that success that lies ahead! Do not live in ignorance seek truth, seek knowledge and continue staying humble! You do not need the dose of humiliation when you think that you know and you did not know that you do not know!!!

Truly, for a person to think that they know and they don't know that they are ignorant - whilst blowing their trumpet with what is not true it is humiliating. It is not good!

Proverbs 4:5-7

Who Should be a Church Member?

2026-03-23T05:18:00.002+03:00

Excepted from God's Design for the Church by Conrad Mbewe

Just as it was so important for a clan or tribe to ensure that only those who qualify to be inheritors should be considered for the inheritance, it is even more important for the church. The church is the household of God - 1Timothy 3:15 It is wrong to have in church membership individuals who are not children of God.

Nonbelievers cannot be Church Members.

According to Ephesians 2:1-3 we can get at least five truths from this passage:

They are spiritually dead.
They are enslaved by the world.
They are enslaved by the devil.
They are enslaved by their sinful nature.
They are under the wrath of God.

Only Believers Should be Church Members

Church leaders should jealously guard the door into membership into the local church. Only those who have received the Gospel and have been baptised are to be added to the church - Acts 2:37-41
There are at least two basic tests:

They should understand and respond to the gospel message.
No one becomes a Christian and still thinks that God accepts them on the basis of their own moral and religious efforts
They should testify of a morally changed life
They should be repentant. It is God who morally and spiritually changes their hearts.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 - Is there evidence of changed life in you? Has God washed you, sanctified you and justified you in the name of the LORD Jesus Christ?

There are a lot of people who have a mental knowledge of the gospel because they have heard it over and over again but who are never experienced in a moral transformation. They know the truth intellectually, but they betray what they know by the wicked lives they live. Most of them conclude that the sermons calling for sinners to repent are for those who are visiting the church and not those already who are church members. They continue to live in sin, and the church gets more and more corrupted and scandalized.

The Hyena Among the Cattle

2026-02-23T15:26:00.006+03:00

Doeg the Edomite Character

The Hyena Among the Cattle

Throughout East Africa among the Maasai, Samburu, Turkana traditions the hyena is portrayed as:

A scavenger who lurks on the edges

Waiting for weakness or opportunity

Striking not to defend, but to exploit

Attacking vulnerable livestock when the shepherd is away

In I Samuel 21 and 22 the name of one Doeg the Edomite is mentioned. King Saul purported that there was a conspiracy against him (1Samuel 22:13). And as a consequence, he murdered the priests (1 Samuel 22:16-23).

Even the King in the making – David lamented (1 Samuel 22:22) “I knew that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul.” Doeg is a Snitch looking for favors and recognition even if others will be hurt!!! The type of person who tramples on others on his way up!

Back to our African analogy, Doeg is like a hyena watching quietly at the edge of the herd. He sees an opening—not to protect, but to take advantage—and his attack causes the death of many innocent animals.

Doeg lingered at Nob “detained by the LORD” (1 Sam 21:7), watching silently, waiting for the moment to pounce. “7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. And his name was (I)Doeg, an Edomite, the chief of the herdsmen who belonged to Saul.”

They used to say that “walls have ears” – who is in your surrounding who could be a Doeg in your life and that of the fellowship of brethren.

Meditate on Proverbs 6:12-19.

The Sign Of the Covenant

2025-11-12T16:58:00.000+03:00

Genesis 17:9-14; Exodus 4:24-26

The gravity of entering into a covenant and then breaking that covenant is seen in these two passages. Notice that God refers this as His Covenant in verses 9, 10, 13 and 14. The covenant was to be kept - v9,10. It was to be in the their flesh - v13. A person shall be cut off from his people who does not bear the mark - 14.

The LORD sought to kill Moses (Exodus 4:24). Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and [a]cast it at [b]Moses’ feet - v25. Zipporah exclaimed to Moses, "You are a husband of blood to me!"
I am seeing the gravity of breaking God's covenant - God could have killed Moses were it not for his wife doing the needful Genesis 17:10 "This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised". It was a command NOT a suggestion from the LORD. It could have costed his life on earth!!!

Let us not procrastinate on God's command!
LORD keep us faithful on this narrow path-way!!

Genesis 17:9-14
New King James Version

9 And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations. 10 This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised; 11 and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant. 13 He who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money must be circumcised, and My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised male child, who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that person shall be cut off from his people; he has broken My covenant.”

Exodus 4:24-26
New King James Version

24 And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him. 25 Then Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and [a]cast it at [b]Moses’ feet, and said, “Surely you are a husband of blood to me!” 26 So He let him go. Then she said, “You are a [c]husband of blood!”—because of the circumcision.

Daniel 2

2023-04-05T18:07:00.000+03:00

So what happened to Daniel as a result of his interpretation of King Neb's dream?

Daniel 2:48 says that He was given many gifts. He was appointed chief prefect of the wisemen. He was elevated in the Kingdom. He was also considerate of his fellow Hebrew young men. He negotiated for them - Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego to lead along with him.

God exalted Daniel and the Hebrew young men in a strange and far country of exile. It was a strange land that worshipped idols. Daniel kept good company. He was always humble. The company you keep shows the values you espouse. Daniel relied on them when the heat was on (Daniel 2:16-18). Do you have such a network? They say your network is your net-worth!

In the dream the stone made without the hands of man broke the statue and became a mountain that filled the whole earth. This stone is Precious, it is a cornerstone - it has no human element. Our Savior Jesus Christ was born of the Holy Spirit by a virgin! The chief cornerstone is Him - Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:4-8). A stone that was rejected the builders (Psalm 118:22). However, this Stone was firmly laid by God! A costly cornerstone - He who believes in it will not be disturbed (Isaiah 28:16).

Believe on the LORD Jesus Christ!
God is good and faithful.

Now that Curfew is Lifted

2021-10-25T19:22:00.002+03:00

Recently the on Kenya's Mashujaa Day our President Uhuru Kenyatta announced the lifting of the Dusk to Dawn Curfew. This was a measure that was arrived at when the Pandemic was detrimental to the lives of Kenyan citizens - its was necessary for the government to put measures to control the spread of the virus in county.

The lifting of curfew is not a license to ignore the Ministry of Health protocols that include social distance, sanitising and putting on mask in public places. Getting vaccinated also.

Elsewhere there are discussions whether a local church must follow the MoH protocols in particular wearing of face masks. Here is a good read for church members and leaders, underpinning these and other matters surrounding compliance or defiance to laws/rules that the Christians may find themselves in.

Must Churches Follow Mask Mandates? : 9Marks

Robert Robinson 1735-1790

2021-10-23T20:13:00.005+03:00

I got this short Biography of Robert Robinson. He lived between 1735 to 1790. I was looking for the words of a hymn we sing from time to time.

Read it to find what Bruce Hindmarsh, Professor - Regent College said about this ancient person.

---

https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/was-he-too-prone-to-wander

For this Reason...

2021-05-13T15:07:00.002+03:00

So many Christians walk this life without a clear understanding of their identity in Christ. Neil T Anderson says that "You need to see yourself for who you really are." You must see yourself (if you have trusted in Jesus Christ, God's only son) - that you are indeed a child of God!" You must see yourself as a child of God in order to live like a child of God. Your blessed hope as a believer under the sun is "Christ in you, the hope of glory" - Colossians 1:27.

The Apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians said, "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles (Ephesians 3:1)".

What reason is the Apostle Paul talking about?

That we who believe in Jesus Christ have been make alive from trespasses and sin (Ephesians 2:1) which we once conducted ourselves in the lust of our flesh (Ephesians 2:2).
We were disobedient, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind (2:3).
But God, who is rich in mercy,

loved us and made us alive together with Christ 4,
raised us up v5,6,
made us sit together ... in Christ Jesus v5,6,
saved us by grace through faith v.8,
created us for good works v.9,

We are no longer:

strangers v12,
aliens v12,
without hope and without God v12,

We are now in Christ, we have been brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ!

Are you struggling with an identity crisis? Are you finding yourself living in your past order of life without regrets? Probably you have not received the grace and love of God that saves those who believe.

Are you unsettled about the current status of your spiritual walk. Yes! You know you are born again! You are not a stranger or alien - you have hope in God. However there is a lingering lack of peace in the spirit inside you! One way to address this is by trusting in the Word about who you really are according to Ephesians chapter 2.

Simply believe who you are: a child of God! Accept who God says you are and commit yourself to God's great aim for your life - to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29).

When your basic faith system about God and yourself is not stable, your daily behavioral system will be unstable. Make your relationship with God based on the truth of and you will have little trouble working out the practical aspects of your daily Christianity.

What is Jesus Worth To You?

2020-05-21T11:56:00.001+03:00

In David Platt’s small book “The Radical Question”, He concludes a tough chapter with Radical questions on page 19 “What is Jesus Worth to you?”

He concludes his thoughts on Redefining Jesus of the Bible as the one who is supremely worthy of sacrificial devotion. Let me excerpt some more…. “His portrait in Scripture evokes immediate and total submission. He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last, the Final Amen. He is the Bread of Life, Christ our Creator, our Deliverer, our Everlasting Father—he is God. He is the Good Shepherd, the Great High Priest, the Holy One, the image of the invisible God. He is King of kings and Lord of lords, majestic and mighty, and no one compares to him, the only begotten Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. He is the power of God, the Resurrection and the Life, the Supreme Sacrifice, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, the very

Word of God made flesh.

When we see a biblical picture of Jesus, we realize that the greatness of who he is demands the surrender of all we are and have.

Let Jesus demand our surrender of all that we are and have!

Who Were The sons of God in Genesis 6?

2020-05-02T22:51:00.002+03:00

This section of the Bible is a part that has endless debate it leaves many people envisioning what the world then looked like!Looking at Genesis 5:1 "This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God." In Genesis 5:3 Adam gets a son in "his own likeness, after his image" - the image of a sinner. The likeness of this Adam is that of a fallen sinner! Unfortunately, sin was a signature in that world, then! Death was its ongoing punishment...

This is an incidence of hubris -which refers to extreme pride, especially pride and ambition so great that it offends and lead to one's downfall. These were probably powerful rulers that were controlled/in-dwelt by fallen angels. It may be that fallen angels left their habitation and inhabited bodies of human despots and warriors (the mighty ones of the earth).

Looking at Ezekiel 28:11-19 " Read the passage please" and Daniel 10:13 "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia."
From these passages, it is known that great kings of the earth have "princes" ruling behind them- their power is demonic.

In closing, I would say that Genesis 6:1-4 is a description of how corrupt the world had become! The sons of God in this passage were not Divine; they were demon-controlled. They married as many women as they wished to satisfy their immoral instincts! Children of these marriages did not bring god-kings. Though these were heroes and "men of renown" - they were flesh and they died in due time, like all men do.

Parting shot, "When God judges the world - as He was about to with the flood - no giant (mighty man), no deity, no human has any power against Him!

Doing Good Today

2020-04-24T19:09:00.004+03:00

"Question"

I came across a journal about helping the hurting of course there was no better example than the parable of the good Samaritan(Luke 10:25-37)..-putting into consideration the way things were at the time of Jesus there is a big disparity with current times and people take advantage of those helping them.

It is clear we have been called to a life of servanthood. But what should we do so that our services may not be taken advantage of?

"Answer"

Let us know that Ephesians 2:10[1] calls us His Workmanship for good works. We are encouraged by the Scriptures to do good!

Titus 3:8 "This is a faithful saying...that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works..." Maintaining is a daily routine, something you do as a matter of duty – when you feel it and when you don’t. Matthew 5:16 talks about other giving God the glory when they see you good works. So, what is the motivation of our doing good? Is it so that we can be seen by men? Certainly not! Our deeds may attract the attention of men, but our motivation is that we are not men pleasers by God pleasers!
Ephesians 6:6 implying on servants and masters admonish the believing servant not to do their duty with eye-service, as men-pleasures doing the will of God from the heart.
Our good ought to be done in sincerity of the heart – so our deeds appeals to the motives.

I admire politicians in our county, when they do good – they must publicize it. Reason, they owe it to their constituents. However, for us who believe when we do that good deed let us follow the example of the Good Samaritan.

First it an answer to lawyer who was testing our LORD – Luke 10:25. He gave a right answer from Deuteronomy 6:5. He still wanted to justify himself and so, he is given the right illustration:

The Priest, the Levite represent those that know the law and keep it – but they ignored the needy person! The Samaritan was considered in that day as the one who does not know the law – He ends up keeping it and then some! The man who fell among thieves was in need! James 4:17 says “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

Also, the Good Samaritan did good expecting NOTHING in return – He gave a pledge that he could come back after his business and settle the needy man’s bill!

For us, it is a clear sign that we need to do good because it is right to do. Do good simply because you are God’s workmanship for good in this world.

Secondly, if there is evidence or signs that it is going to hurt the one you are helping – then wisdom is needed. The reason is that helping can also hurt, especially when you continually give fish to a needy person instead of showing them how to fish. This can be explained further in a book “When Helping Hurts”.

Thirdly, you may never know the motives of those who may in turn want to take advantage of you. Use your discretion, ask God for wisdom, use common sense and your general knowledge – to make a decision whether to or not to engage!

[1] Eph 2:10 “For we are His Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them”.

Essentials For The Season

2020-04-23T16:09:00.003+03:00

ESSENTIALS FOR THE SEASON:
PRAYER, LOVE, SERVICE

1 Peter 4:7-11

⁷But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ⁸And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” ⁹Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. ¹⁰As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. ¹¹If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer is essential

Peter admonished the believers that the end is at hand, the imminent return of Christ for His church is near! This means that there is shortness of time remaining, and so a motivation for you and me to live for and serve Jesus Christ.

Prayer is of high priority during these times of COVID-19 too. This time has become an end for others. Prayer is essential in suffering, it requires to be clear, reasonable, sober communication with God.

"As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Love is essential

A Christian’s unselfish love and concern for others should be exercised to the point of sacrificially giving for others’ welfare. Even while we see and accept the fault of others.

Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up strife,

But love covers all sins.”

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“⁴Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

This week our encouragement is for each of us to take up our phones and call some in your household of faith, and then some in your family or networks.
One, find out how they are fairing on,

Two, share a scripture or spiritual principle
Three, pray with them
You are doing this with a consideration for love for that other one, prayerfully considering what opportunity lies therein for service as God’s workmanship.

Equipped for Service – verse 10

1 Peter 4:10 tells us,
“¹⁰As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”

We who believe should be diligent in using our spiritual gifts. Each gift is to be used to serve or minister to others.

Let us keep this in mind, that God has equipped us for service. That as we serve:

1. Each Christian has received a gift.

2. The gift is a result of God’s grace.

3. We are responsible for the use of that gift.

4. We should use the gift for the benefit of others and the glory of God.

5. We should serve through God’s strength.

Realize that you have been equipped for good works!
Think of that saint – that believer you are concerned about. Think of that relative that has been affected by the COVI-19 scenarios.
That elderly person in your rural area that you want to protect from the effect of the virus – consider what to do, go ahead and fulfill the doing.

"We should serve through God’s strength."

Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

As we close,
Prayer is essential, Love is essential and you are Equipped for service.

It is your turn to call and find how (put their name down) is doing, share a scripture with them, and pray with (put their name) and as you ponder follow the spirits leading as to how to serve or minister to them.

Let us pray,

Dear Lord Jesus,
We thank you for the season that is in front of us. We thank you that it does not hinder us from considering the opportunity that lies before us for fervent prayer. A prompting from You to serve and minister to others, truly knowing that each of us has a gift – we are equipped to serve and minster!
Lead us now, that you may be glorified among us in Your name,
Amen!

Fallen! What is the Remedy?

2020-04-15T02:57:00.000+03:00

Fallen! What is the Remedy?

Question: Both you and I know that nobody is good to the core and we can’t reach levels of perfection, no matter how we strive we find ourselves giving-in. Now, despite the fact that nobody can be really perfect, should we really just sin because there is repentance? Majority of today’s generation know who Jesus is but are lost in sin. What is the remedy?

My friend Dr. Raymond Hundrey, referring to the first chapter of Genesis and sin says that when God created the universe, he “saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). The word good is the backbone and foundation of all other beliefs in Judaism and Christianity. It is the Hebrew word tov, and it applies to everything in God’s creation. Tov has a dual meaning: first it is something that is according to God’s will, and secondly, what is best for human beings.

To illustrate this point. The distance God placed between the earth and the sun is exactly as He wanted it to be, and it is also best for human beings. If the earth was closer to the sun - then we would be roasting. If it were further from the sun, we would be the chosen frozen. God has made the distance between earth and sun precisely according to His will and that distance is the very best for us human beings.

What is the point of all this? The idea that God’s will is best for us is the basis of placing our trust in Him. If God’s will be the best, it would be foolish to violate it. Since God wants the best for us, we trust him with our lives and everything. However, Satan came to Eve and tried to pull the two meanings of tov apart[1]. He told her that if she wanted the best thing for her life, she should do the opposite of God’s will. That is always Satan’s ploy: do what God has said not to do – and the deception is that it will be good for you[2]. Satan still uses this trick on us today to get us to go against God’s will. Often that is all it takes!

Another illustration. A water resist wrist watches manual states that it should not be worn more than 200 feet below water. The owner of the watch has the liberty to ignore that warning and dive down to 300 feet in the ocean. In that depth the watch will explode as the pressure builds. Those who made the watch know how it functions best. If you listen to them, the watch will serve you well, if you don’t it will be destroyed.

God is like that. He made us. He knows how best to function[3]. If we listen to Him and follow His will, we will see positive results in our lives and live in satisfaction, fulfilment and blessing[4]. If we choose to oppose God’s will, we will suffer the negative consequences of frustration and self-destruction.

A fundamental decision we make is this: Do we really believe that God’s will is the best for us and that disobeying his will is destructive for us? This one decision is the bedrock of your personal faith. If we believe that His will is best, we will trust, seek, obey and believe Him. If we believe that violating His will is the best thing for our lives, we will distrust God, ignore, disobey, or doubt Him. We are totally free to make that choice – but the consequences are set by God. Trust leads to relationship and joy; distrust leads to separation and self-destruction.
It is that simple!

~excerpted from Answers to life’s toughest questions by Dr. Raymond C. Hundrey

[1] Genesis 3:1 “Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

[2] Genesis 3:4,5 “Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

[3] 1John 5:3 “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.”

[4] John 14:21 “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

Hope For Today - Easter Message

2020-04-12T12:27:00.003+03:00

The discussion with Pastor Andrew on Easter Sunday, 12 April 2020 over Zoom! Thank you all for attending the meeting and making it interactive. Thank you Steve for the two hymns that reminded us about the Hope we have in the risen Christ. The refrain from the first hymn is:

Jesus paid it all.
All to Him I owe.
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.

Question 1: What do we celebrate at Easter?Some people I asked say we celebrate the death of Jesus Christ. What do you say?
Gilberto: We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead by the glory of the Father.
Romans 6:4,5 "Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,"

Question 2: Why is this so important?
Chiya: That we have an assurance of eternal life with God when absent from this life! It provides every Christian with the Hope of an eternity with God in Heaven.

Question 3:What does it mean that Jesus Christ came back to life?
Washington: We need to know that Christ’s resurrection brings us an assurance that we also can overcome just like our LORD also did.

We encourage you to read 1Corinthians 15 and Romans 6 for your private study. Let me share a few verses from 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“³For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, ⁴and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,”

This is the summation of the Gospel message that Christ died for our sins, He was buried in the grave and He rose again from the dead on the third day – that is the reason we celebrate his resurrection each Sunday we meet together as believers.

Lastly, How does this give us Hope for today?
“Romans 6:5

For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,

Romans 6:10

For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.

Romans 6:11

Likewise, you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

You and I have by faith been united together with Christ, and are abelt to live for God through the risen Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus died once and for all for your sake and my sake!!

In closing,
1Peter 1:3,4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Reading through the underlines,
The God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, has begotten us, to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, to an inheritance, that does not fade away, reserved in heaven, kept by the power of God through faith – to be revealed in the last time! This is our hope in resurrection!

COVID-19 Moments

2020-04-05T09:35:00.000+03:00

This is a tough moment to be in! Each of us is going through their own concerns, fears and or sufferings through these COVID-19 moments. Not being able to go to church and to fellowship, have prayer, to encourage and be encouraged, to serve and be served is quite difficult as it is.

In the backdrop of these initial thoughts, how does one go through these sufferings and concerns? I wish I had all the answers. I take comfort from the Bible's hall of faith in Hebrews 11 which starts with Abel and Enoch (Hebrews:11:4,5). Verse 6 on of my favorites, "Without faith it is impossible to please Him...".

As you and I experience these unpleasant moments, let us know our doctrine! What Biblical truth gives us hope and confidence that God is good, in control, and able to stop this! Secondly, go through an experience of being one that suffers well - let me explain. How are you responding to these moments? Are you exuding hope or hopelessness, faith or doubt? May God help us to strike a balance and lean more on the hope and faith side. Let us be willing to fully give to Jesus all our care for He cares for us - (1 Peter 5:7)

Romans 8:37 says "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Our role model overcame, let us learn from Him! As we listen to people who are going through their unpleasant, fearful or difficult moments. Help them in their areas of faithlessness, vulnerabilities. Turn these into moments of hoping and trusting in God!

Psalm 143 would be such a place to direct them, Romans 8:28, Hebrews 11 and many more places in the Word of God with a purpose to show that:
(1) God is Sovereign - He will accomplish His good purposes no matter what!
(2) God is Good! He is on the throne and intending good for His children. Even if the situation doesn't look good - He is Good!

Wachakuru achaka (Let's all begin)

2020-01-20T20:11:00.002+03:00

By: Dr Okinyi Nyawade

Just after I received my fee structure from Moi University for my PhD totalling 850,000 in 2012 I met my dad, Charles at cooperative bank in Homa Bay. I explained to him that I had the admission letter and he smiled. I told him however, "Baba there is a problem, they need 850,000." He held my hands then slowly but reassuringly said, "nyathina chak achaka "(just begin my son)

To ensure his point went home he got into his account and gave me 14000 in an account that had 20,000. I was touched. I added 16000. I paid 30,000 to the account and my journey to PhD began.

Today having reached the dream I remembered the words of my father. In everything you do always remember chak achaka (just begin). Just begin no matter how difficult it seems to be. It appeared to be difficult but as time lapsed I realised dad was right. At some point after my defence I gave up. I still had a solid 300,000 to pay, they won't give me chance for final defence. Then came a very unlikely help. I had supported a gentleman to undertake a project evaluation two times in the year. I received his call cautiously asking me to meet him. He was carrying a brown envelop in his hand. He began:

"Benson you will forgive me if you find my action inappropriate. For two consecutive times you have given me a job without asking a cent. This is very unusual with many people. I did not know how to approach you but am deep with gratitude. Please accept my small gift."

I quickly peered into the envelope and saw they were two bundles likely in hundreds. He confirmed that it was 200,000. I told him, "I have helped so many people, many known to me, some were my school mates who never returned a cent. God bless you. Please don't give it to me. Pay it straight to the university account."

I couldn't believe it. The words of my father Nyathina chak achaka (my son just begin) rung on my head with familiarity. Don't worry how it will end, chak achaka (just begin). If you are building a house, chak achaka (just begin). If you are planning to buy land, chak achaka (just begin). If you want continue your education, chak achaka (just begin). If you want pay dowry, chak achaka (just begin). Nothing is powerful as this word my people. We just need to begin.

I have revised this philosophy. Whenever someone is doing something I always encourage them, tem atema (just try). When things get thick I always say, wuoth awuotha (keep walking). When things are intimidating, cha achaya (ignore). Let's keep trying family. Don't give up in life just because it looks insurmountable. Do not be defeated before you begin. Whatever looks like a mountain soon becomes an anthill only if you begin.

Not long ago someone asked me, "Bennie to koro dorm midwaro ni wager Mbita ni wabonyale? Are we going to manage to build the dorm we want in Mbita?" My answer, "wachak achaka (let's just begin)." I believe in the power of starting. No one loses a race until they respond to the start gun and begin. The secret lies in beginning. Overtime God has seen me through a number of projects because of this philosophy. I have land parcels that I acquired by simply paying 5,000. Overtime these have become thousands. Many a time I can't even tell how I managed the big sum that is their value.

I persuade you this day never to allow yourself to be threatened by the size of your problems. Begin in a small way doing something about it. If it is lack of money do a small thing to get something for yourself. If it is marital issues look for a small way to solve it. In whatever you face, chak achaka (just begin). Even those with big debts can do something about it, chak achaka (just begin) and it will shrink each day.

I am not a millionaire but one time I wanted to have a feeling of being one. I drew a plan of how to hold a million in my account at least for few days. After few months of chako (beginning) I discovered it was possible. A year and half later of savings I got my first ever million. Even though I scattered it later into investment and expenses, it felt so good. Wachakuru achaka (Let's all begin) family. Let's ignore naysayers and doom predictors that believe we can't do it "LET'S JUST BEGIN"
YES WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR GENERATION AND THOSE TO COME!!!!

So let's all "CHAK ACHAKA"

Understanding How the Lord's Supper Makes a Local Church

2019-05-25T21:22:00.000+03:00

How the Lord’s Supper Makes a Local Church

by Bobbie Jamieson - 9Marks.org

When does a couple actually get married? Is it when they say “I do”? When the minister pronounces them husband and wife? When they consummate the marriage?

There’s a sense in which each of those moments is essential to the formation of a marriage. But each also depends on the others. That’s why, for example, if a marriage is never consummated, there’s a sense in which the couple is not yet fully married. And this distinction carries legal weight; severing such a bond is an annulment, not a divorce.

What on earth does all this have to do with the Lord’s Supper? It seems to me that many Christians think of the Lord’s Supper as an intensified private devotion. I go to church, I hear the Word, I eat the bread and drink the wine, I’m reminded of Christ’s death and the forgiveness of my sins, I go home. Of course, we also associate the Lord’s Supper with the church, at least in the sense that it’s something we do when we “go to church.” For most Christians, though, that’s as far as they go when it comes to putting together the Lord’s Supper and the local church.

But I want to argue that the Lord’s Supper actually plays a crucial role in putting the church together. Celebrating the Lord’s Supper together is an essential step in making a church a church. In a very significant sense, the Lord’s Supper is the moment when a group of Christians become one body. The Lord’s Supper makes many one.

I’m focusing on this idea for two reasons. First, it’s widely neglected among evangelical Christians. I think Paul clearly teaches that the Lord’s Supper binds many into one, as we’ll see in a moment. But too few pastors and churches seem to pick up Paul’s point and let it shape their views of the Lord’s Supper and the church. Second, this point about how the Lord’s Supper constitutes a local church is crucial to many of the practical questions pastors and church will face: who may participate in the Supper? who should lead it? what church-like gatherings are permitted to celebrate it?
In order to think wisely about how to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we need this biblical lens fixed firmly in front of our eyes.

HOW THE THE LORD’S SUPPER MAKES MANY ONE
Recall Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:16–17: “The cup of blessing that we give thanks for, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a sharing in the body of Christ?” Paul reminds the Corinthians that to eat the bread and drink the cup is to enjoy fellowship with Christ, to experience the benefits of his death.

From this “vertical” fellowship between Christ and believers, Paul then draws a “horizontal” conclusion in verse 17: “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for all of us share that one bread.” Paul’s central claim in this verse is that we who are many are one body. And he twice grounds or supports this assertion by referring to our joint participation in the Lord’s Supper: “Because there is one bread . . . for all of us share that one bread.” The fact that Paul repeats his reason twice weighs against seeing the bread as merely representing or picturing the church’s unity. Instead, Paul roots the church’s unity in its celebration of the Lord’s Supper. There is one body because there is one bread.

Paul is saying that the Lord’s Supper actually makes many one. The Lord’s Supper gathers up the “we who are many” and makes us into one body. In other words, the Lord’s Supper constitutes a local church. Of course, Paul’s point is not about the mechanics of bread and eating, as if a larger church that needed more than one loaf to celebrate the Lord’s Supper was no longer one church but many. Instead, Paul uses “one bread” as shorthand for the church’s corporate, all-together celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Paul’s point is that, in the Lord’s Supper, because we all share in fellowship with Christ together, our unity in Christ creates the unified body of the church.
In other words, the Lord’s Supper is the renewing oath-sign of the new covenant. In the Lord’s Supper, we renew our commitment to Christ and each other. And it is this twofold commitment that makes a church a church.

THE LOCAL CHURCH, IN TWO STEPS
God creates a local church in two steps. In the first step, he creates Christians. How? He sends preachers who proclaim Christ (Rom. 10:14–17). He sends his Spirit to enable some who hear to receive and confess Christ (1 Cor. 12:3). He causes his Word to become effective in their lives, granting them new life in Christ (James 1:18). God creates his church by sending his Word and sending his Spirit to make his Word effective. God creates gospel people, people who have been saved through trusting Christ. That’s step one.
When people come to Christ, they become members of his universal body. They are spiritually one with him. But in order to create a church, people have to come not only to Christ but also to each other. They have to come together, and that coming together requires commitment. A local church doesn’t automatically spring into existence whenever two or more Christians are in the same town, or same room. Otherwise, whenever you bumped into a Christian at the grocery store a new church would emerge, and it would dissolve as soon as you walked down another aisle. A church is more than simply “Christians” in the plural. It’s more than the sum of its parts. There has to be something binding people together.

GOSPEL PEOPLE & GOSPEL POLITY
Therefore, in order to create a church, gospel people have to form a gospel polity. A church is born when Christians commit to be a church together. That’s step two. Think back to the example of marriage. A marriage is born when a man and woman commit to be husband and wife. The vow creates the marriage. Similarly, a church is born when a group of Christians commit to one another, to do all that Jesus commanded his churches do together: gather for worship, build up each other in love, bear each other’s burdens, and celebrate baptism and the Lord’s Supper together.
All this is still God’s work, since it’s his saving and empowering work that enables our right response to the gospel, including the right response of committing to one another. God’s work and our work aren’t in competition. We can only come together as Christians because God has first made us Christians. God creates a church by creating Christians, and by enabling those Christians to commit to each other.

BAPTISM & THE LORD’S SUPPER
But how exactly does a group of Christians enact this commitment? The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper play crucial roles. In baptism, you publicly commit to Christ and his people. Baptism is where faith goes public. It’s how a new believer shows up on the world and the church’s radar as a believer. In other words, baptism marks off a believer from the world. In baptism, the church says to the world, “This one belongs to Jesus!”

In the Lord’s Supper, we renew our commitment to Christ and his people. But, distinct from baptism, the Lord’s Supper is something we all do together. The Lord’s Supper marks off an entire group of Christians as one body, drawing a line between them and the world around them. And by drawing a line between the church and the world, baptism and the Lord’s Supper draw a line around the church. The ordinances make it possible to point to something and say “church” rather than only pointing to many somethings and saying “Christians.”

Imagine one Christian goes to a new city, preaches the gospel, and a handful of people all come to Christ around the same time. This new Christian baptizes each of them. How and when will this handful of baptized Christians become a church? I’d suggest the most basic, most essential answer is: when they celebrate the Lord’s Supper together. Remember that celebrating the Lord’s Supper expresses our commitment to Christ and to each other. To receive Christ’s benefits in the Lord’s Supper is to receive Christ’s people as brothers and sisters. In the Lord’s Supper itself we make the commitment to each other that takes us across the line between “handful of Christians” and “local church.” In the Lord’s Supper itself we come together as one body. As Paul says, “Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for all of us share that one bread” (1 Cor. 10:17).

As a matter of prudence, I think it’s generally wise for churches to clarify what they’re doing when they first constitute as a church through a verbal pledge the members make to each other. In the Congregationalist and Baptist traditions, this is often called a “church covenant,” and is sometimes recited by the whole church each time they celebrate the Lord’s Supper. I think that’s a great practice. But it’s not that our verbal commitment creates the church apart from our joint participation in the Lord’s Supper. Instead, the explicit verbal commitment of a church covenant simply makes explicit what is implicit in the Lord’s Supper. A verbal church covenant aids our understanding, reminding us of exactly what we’re doing when we partake of the bread and wine together.

Again, I think the beginning of a church is a bit like the beginning of a marriage. The analogy is imperfect, as all are, but it gets us pretty far. A marriage is born when a man and woman pronounce vows, a minister or other legal official pronounces them married, and the couple consummates their marriage. The vow “I do” initiates the new relationship, but that new relationship is not confirmed until the husband and wife seal their union physically.

Similarly, a gathering of believers are not a local church until they seal their union with each other through the Lord’s Supper. If a group of believers who meant to be a church never celebrated the Lord’s Supper together, not only would they be disobeying Jesus, but there’s a real sense in which they would not yet be a church. The Lord’s Supper consummates the commitment by which Christians become a church.

How does the Lord’s Supper make a local church? Together with baptism, the Lord’s Supper is how a gospel people form a gospel polity. The Lord’s Supper is how Christians come together, commit to each other, and cross the line from “many” to “one.” In the Lord’s Supper, our fellowship with Christ creates fellowship with each other. The Lord’s Supper makes many one.

GORGEOUS SIMPLICITY
There’s a gorgeous simplicity to God’s design for the church. What does it take to make a church? Gospel preaching that creates gospel people who participate in gospel ordinances. The church is the shape into which the gospel and its ordinances form God’s people. Baptism binds one to many, and the Lord’s Supper binds many into one.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper inscribe the gospel into the very shape and structure of the church. What makes many one are the signs of the gospel. When Christians come together to form a church, they aren’t moving beyond the gospel but deeper into it.

* * * * *

Editor’s note: This article has been adapted from Bobby Jamieson’s new book Understanding the Lord’s Supper, in the Church Basics series (B&H, 2016). Reprinted by permission of B&H.

GNBC Organization

2019-03-27T11:13:00.004+03:00

The Practice of Membership

2018-10-24T16:31:00.001+03:00

The PRACTICE OF MEMBERSHIP
BAPTISM & LORD’S TABLE

Introduction

In a previous message we have seen that:

Baptism is a Public Affirmation

Baptism binds one to many

Baptism is an act/practice by the Church

I. Why does God instruct us to be baptized?

Kwanini Mungu hutuelekeza tubatizwe?

A. Baptism is the first act of obedience in service to the Lord.

B. Jesus set the example Himself - Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22

C. In Matthew 3:13-15, it is clear that Jesus was baptized in obedience to God's plan. In verse 15, He said, "... "Permit [it to be so] now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."

D. Some Bible characters who submitted to baptism after salvation.

1. The Ethiopian Eunuch. Acts 8:36-39

2. The apostle Paul. Acts 9:18

3. The Philippians jailer and house. Acts 16:25-33

II. Who should be baptized?
Nani Anapaswa Kubatizwa?

A. A believer in Jesus Christ - Acts 8:26-39.
In verse 36, the eunuch asked, "What hinders me from being baptized?" Phillip then answered with the condition of baptism in verse 37, "...if you believe with all your heart, you may." Then the eunuch's response sealed the matter, "...I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

B. Also in Romans 10:9-10.
1. Heartfelt belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2. Confession that He is Lord and Savior.

The Lord’s Table: Making Many One

Meza Ya Bwana: Kuwafanya Wengi Wamoja

When Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church there were factions within the church. Paul wrote to them

1 Corinthians 1:10-13

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Paul writing to the Ephesians admonishes us to consider the importance of unity

Ephesians 4:1-6

Verse 5:4-6 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”

In 1 Corinthians Paul admonishes the Corinthian believers and us too, though we are many members to be one.

1 Corinthians 12:12

For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.

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In or out: What is Membership?

2018-10-14T13:44:00.000+03:00

IN OR OUT: WHAT IS MEMBERSHIP?

Ndani au Nje:Ushirika ni nini?

There is a youth chorus we used to sing years ago: “Tell me whose side your standing on?” It is still a sober question to ask yourself. The answer was "Standing on the Lord's side!"

In our earlier discipleship lessons, called the Masomo ya Msingi gives a story of different disciplined forces to draw a picture of the importance of baptism. If one is trained in the Police Service he/she must wear their police uniform and not of another force, even if he loved the Army uniform!

Baptism: A Public Affirmation

Ubatizo:Hakikisho Hadharani

Church membership is a public pronouncement of someone’s public profession of faith in Christ. Jesus has appointed baptism as the means by which his followers publicly profess their faith in him. A church may not confirm someone in their number who has not professed their faith in Christ.

Baptism is how a believer publicly identifies with Jesus and with his people

Acts 2:38–41 “Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call. And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, be saved from this perverse generation.” Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”

It’s how you clearly indicate that you are united to Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection.

Rom. 6:1–4 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

It’s how you are identified before the church and the world as one who belongs to the Triune God.

Matt. 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.

Baptism is where your faith and my faith goes public. It’s how you show your colors to the world that you are Jesus’s disciple.

Gor Mahia fans wear Green T-Shirts and Read hats. You see that and even someone telling you you know.

Baptism is like a Football team T-Shirt that shows you’re now playing for Jesus’s team. A church publicly identifies itself only with those who have publicly identified with Jesus in baptism.

We do not see evidence in the Bible of infant baptism. Those who were “baptized” as infants need to be baptized - for the first time - as believers.

Baptism: Binds One to Many

Ubatizo: Kuunganisha mmoja na wengi.

Baptism is a church’s act of affirming a believer and making a presentation of that believer’s union with Christ. Baptism is not part of salvation! It isn’t a separate requirement for church membership in addition to a profession of faith; it is a public testimony of faith.

Baptism is how a Christian publicly owns Christ and the church as his or her own, and how Christ and the church publicly own a Christian as their own. A believer at baptism commits him or herself to Christ and his people.

Jesus has not given the church authority to affirm the professions of those who haven’t publicly professed faith in him.

If you went to Nakumatt and refuse to your PIN for your Idebit card, then the Supermarket is not authorized to charge your card and give you your groceries. Even if you have the money in your bank account! You’ve got to key in your PIN!

Also, when at an airport, if you refuse to identify yourself as a passenger by producing a boarding pass, the gate attendant will not allow you in the plane. Even if you paid for a ticket!

Let me say this as a disclaimer though, that baptism isn’t sufficient criteria by which the church is to recognize Christians, BUT IT IS A NECESSARY ONE. It’s not enough for someone to claim to be a Christian or for everyone in the church to think someone is a Christian; JESUS HAS BOUND THE CHURCH’S JUDGMENT TO BAPTISM.

Baptism: A Church’s Act

Ubatizo: Tendo La Kanisa

Baptism is something Jesus requires the church to do, not just individual Christians: an individual gets baptized, but the church baptizes.

Matthew 28:19,20; 16:18,19; 18:15-20

- The key to the kingdom are exercised in the Church’s act of affirming some or rejecting some.

- The Church is authorized, in a special sense to speak and act in Jesus’ name.

- The Church affirms someone as a believer in Jesus by baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.

Baptism: A Church’s Practice
Ubatizo: Mazoea Ya Kanisa

Baptism isn’t just a doctrine; it’s a practice. Along with the Lord’s Supper, baptism actually gives shape and structure, form and order, to the local church. You can’t make “Christians” into “church” without baptism and the Lord’s Supper. As we have said in an earlier point Baptism binds one to many while the Lord’s Supper makes many one. It is for the unity of the Church. Baptism on the other hand accomplishes something essential for the existence of the local church.

In Closing

Church membership is a self-conscious commitment between a Christian (you and I) and a Church in which a church affirms and cares for the Christian, and the Christian submits to and cares for the Church.

An Inside and an Outside
Kuna Ndani na Nje

The Church has an inside and an outside. The Church knows who is in and who is out.
Being in means being subject to the church oversight and authority.

1 Corinthians 5:10-12; Matthew 18:15-17

Metaphors for The Church
Mifano katika kanisa

The Church is portrayed as having believers who are knit together, stuck together, intertwined with each other.

1 Timothy 3:15 - members of the house of God

Ephesians 2:21,22 – stones in God’s dwelling place

1 Corinthians 12:12-26 – members of the body of Christ

Ephesians 4:15-16

“but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

We should live together as believers, having a commitment to a body of believers…

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Prayer is Necessry for Effective Participation

2018-10-07T22:10:00.001+03:00

Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.

Paul urges Christians to make prayers and petitions for all the saints. Believers in Jesus Christ are saints!

Joseph Dicks in his article about ways to become an effective role prayer in church quotes John Bunyan, "You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed".

Our words, our thoughts and works will all be in vain if we don't first seek the Lord for wisdom.

Do critical spirits, or excessive complaints build up a church/school? Not at all! Let us reprogram ourselves to pray instead of criticize.
Our object of our critique will change. Excessive grumbling and objection only leads to quarrels and factions.

Why We Need Membership

2018-10-07T21:33:00.001+03:00

WHY WE NEED MEMBERSHIP
The Idol of Privacy

INTRODUCTION

We have embarked into serving small groups here at the MKBC with a desire that members of this church will meet to study the Word, pray together, share with each other and do the work of Ministry. We will do this within the context of this local Church.

How do we live as members of a church? We have a series of Bible Studies on the Living as a Church. Why is it necessary to learn this? Why is it important to be a member of a local Church?

Pictures In Ephesians
Picha katika Waefeso

To try and answer these questions the Bible advocates I would refer us to the pictures drawn for us in the Book of Ephesians.

Chapter 1 gives a beautiful description of our salvation.
Ephesians 1:7,8 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence”

Chapter 2 tells us of how we’re saved.
Let us read Ephesians 2:4,5 “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)”

This is our belief — and then at the end of chapter 2 there is an application. There was a Dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles! With Salvation in Jesus Christ that is gone

Ephesians 2:14-15 “For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace”

Let us also read Ephesians 3:6 “that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel”

Why did God do this?
Kwanini Mungu alifanya hivi?

Let’s Read Ephesians 3:10 “to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places”

Through the church God wants to make known His Wisdom! Yes! Through the local church, God’s plan is to glorify himself.

Think back to what Jesus says in John 13:34:

“A new command I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

Love between Christians isn’t just “extra credit.” It’s essential.

The Church is messy. It hurts. It’s not easy. But that’s the whole point. “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?”

That’s why a chama group doesn’t do this. That’s why a professionals group isn’t a church. What about singles group? What about a couples group? What about a Christian Union in school?

Attending church but not investing in relationships misses the point.

Some say they are living a holy life but in isolation. They do not see the need of loving real people. They say that isolation speaks a lot about the power within themselves. They don’t need the church!

Why Church Membership?
Mbona Ushirika Wa Kanisa?

Church membership is about commitment! I am thinking of two types of commitments. Let’s think about these to help us decipher which is better?

Comfort-based Commitment
Kujitoa Kwa Ajili Ya Starehe

People are committed to their jobs, to their chamas, to their favorite vacation destinations, to their countries. And people are committed to churches. But exactly why people commit to their churches can vary quite a bit.

- Social Welfare

- Church wedding

- Church burial

- For the benefits

Calling-Based Commitment
Kujitoa Kwasababu ya Mwito

Calling-Based Commitment is distinctive because it has a depth and richness to it that comfort-based commitment does not photocopy.

Calling-Based Commitment is unique because it has a depth and richness to it, that comfort-based commitment cannot not photocopy.

Let us hear what 1John 4:19-20

“We love Him because He first loved us.
If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?”

Love commitment – Kujitoa Kwa Upendo

Love between believers is a sign of saving faith!

In comfort-based commitment the priority is our being comfortable – it demands that we love ourselves and prioritize our own preferences.

Obeying commitment – Kujitoa Kwa Utiifu

Why do you and I keep coming to Church? What motivates us to keep us obeying Hebrews 10:24,25

“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching”

Comfort-Based Commitment might point to social, personal, and professional reasons. Calling-based commitment has obedience to God and a delight in his church as one of its primary motivators.

Calling based commitment commits first and asks questions about mutual benefits later.

We are different, we come from different tribe, social classes BUT Christ has called us! Calling based commitment seeks unity in Christ and thrives with diversity in background.

Relational Commitment – Kujitoa Kwa Uhusiano

Membership in a local church clarifies who we are called to love, who we are to protect, who we are to initiate relationship with among other things. We publicly choose to be committed to each other. It requires commitment upfront. You decide to promise to love a group of Christians in deep and sacrificial ways even before you actually know them that well.

WHAT about PRIVACY?
Why Is Our Commitment To Each Other Significant?
Kwanini Kujitoa kwetu kwa kila mmoja ni Muhimu?

Ephesians 3:17,18,19
“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

Brethren, there is a width and length and depth and height to our commitment! We need to comprehend it with all fellow believers!

Let us consider these three basic pieces to our commitment.

(1) Our commitment is sacrificial – Romans 12:13-16 “distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”

(2) Our commitment is to gather together – Hebrews 10:25 “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

(3) Our commitment is to encourage one another – Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works”

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Morning Light: Steve Green

2018-09-23T02:41:00.005+03:00

Steve Brown sung this years ago in my youthful years in the ministry! Indeed Jesus is the the Bright and Morning Start that lights our lives! Indeed God has been our dwelling place these years! His faithfulness is new every morning!

Here is the link to the Morning light Album

Still true! You and I need to listen close, listen deep way beyond the silence!
May your will be done Jesus on earth as it is in heaven!

The Word Builds The Church

2018-07-23T01:29:00.000+03:00

Isaiah 55:10-11

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,

And do not return there,

But water the earth,

And make it bring forth and bud,

That it may give seed to the sower

And bread to the eater,

So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;

It shall not return to Me void,

But it shall accomplish what I please,

And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

I wish to quote Mark Dever and Paul Alexander in their small book The Deliberate Church when they say the following,

"The Word builds the Church. Our power is not in having small groups, or meeting the felt needs of our target audience, or using the right evangelism program, or having funny skits, or providing plenteous parking, or targeting our ministries to postmoderns. Our power is in our unique message—the Gospel (Greek, euangelion)—not in our innovations. As such, our primary method must be to clearly communicate that message as widely as possible. Biblically, that means that we must faithfully preach it (Greek, euangelizø), fearlessly calling for repentance and belief as the only saving responses."

Mark 1:14-15

Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Onesmus Kibera

Strengthening the Weak Link

The Responsibility of the Strong

When One Person Struggles, Everyone Is Affected

Patience Is a Mark of Spiritual Maturity

God's Goal Is Growth

Christ Is the Ultimate Example

Conclusion

Author's Note

Get Wisdom Get Understanding

Who Should be a Church Member?

The Hyena Among the Cattle

The Sign Of the Covenant

Genesis 17:9-14New King James Version

Exodus 4:24-26New King James Version

Daniel 2

Now that Curfew is Lifted

Robert Robinson 1735-1790

For this Reason...

What is Jesus Worth To You?

Who Were The sons of God in Genesis 6?

Doing Good Today

Essentials For The Season

ESSENTIALS FOR THE SEASON: PRAYER, LOVE, SERVICE

Prayer is essential

Love is essential

Equipped for Service – verse 10

Fallen! What is the Remedy?

Hope For Today - Easter Message

COVID-19 Moments

Wachakuru achaka (Let's all begin)

Understanding How the Lord's Supper Makes a Local Church

How the Lord’s Supper Makes a Local Church

GNBC Organization

The Practice of Membership

Introduction

I. Why does God instruct us to be baptized?

II. Who should be baptized? Nani Anapaswa Kubatizwa?

The Lord’s Table: Making Many One

In or out: What is Membership?

Baptism: A Public Affirmation

Baptism: Binds One to Many

Baptism: A Church’s Act

Baptism: A Church’s Practice Ubatizo: Mazoea Ya Kanisa

An Inside and an Outside Kuna Ndani na Nje

Metaphors for The ChurchMifano katika kanisa

Ephesians 4:15-16

Prayer is Necessry for Effective Participation

Why We Need Membership

INTRODUCTION

Pictures In Ephesians Picha katika Waefeso

Why did God do this? Kwanini Mungu alifanya hivi?

Why Church Membership? Mbona Ushirika Wa Kanisa?

Comfort-based Commitment Kujitoa Kwa Ajili Ya Starehe

Calling-Based Commitment Kujitoa Kwasababu ya Mwito

Love commitment – Kujitoa Kwa Upendo

Obeying commitment – Kujitoa Kwa Utiifu

Relational Commitment – Kujitoa Kwa Uhusiano

WHAT about PRIVACY? Why Is Our Commitment To Each Other Significant? Kwanini Kujitoa kwetu kwa kila mmoja ni Muhimu?

Morning Light: Steve Green

The Word Builds The Church

Genesis 17:9-14
New King James Version

Exodus 4:24-26
New King James Version

ESSENTIALS FOR THE SEASON:
PRAYER, LOVE, SERVICE

II. Who should be baptized?
Nani Anapaswa Kubatizwa?

Baptism: A Church’s Practice
Ubatizo: Mazoea Ya Kanisa

An Inside and an Outside
Kuna Ndani na Nje

Metaphors for The Church
Mifano katika kanisa

Pictures In Ephesians
Picha katika Waefeso

Why did God do this?
Kwanini Mungu alifanya hivi?

Why Church Membership?
Mbona Ushirika Wa Kanisa?

Comfort-based Commitment
Kujitoa Kwa Ajili Ya Starehe

Calling-Based Commitment
Kujitoa Kwasababu ya Mwito

WHAT about PRIVACY?
Why Is Our Commitment To Each Other Significant?
Kwanini Kujitoa kwetu kwa kila mmoja ni Muhimu?