Cruciformed disciples reject the Prosperity Gospel. By “cruciformed” I refer to a life shaped by the cross. And what I am saying is that we cannot be shaped by the cross and adhere to the Prosperity Gospel. At least that is what Mark’s Gospel teaches us. Now, if this makes you a bit uneasy, please bear with me. You will soon see why I say these things.
… Cruciformed Disciples and the Prosperity Gospel
Politics pull like gravity. Strong political persuasions can also divide. Like a saw, politics can sunder families, turn friends into foes. Even for Christians, political affiliations can, sadly, make the blood of Christ pale in worth. We can use our party card as a blade to cut the throats of our brothers and sisters. But how should Christians engage in politics? My answer: we engage in politics as pilgrims.
… Engaging in Politics as Pilgrims
Scripture is God’s self-communication to us in written form. It is his message to us concerning himself and his plans for the world. As such, it matters that we interpret Scripture rightly. To hear God well is crucial for how we relate with him. Given this, how should we study Scripture? What things can we consider?
… What to Consider When Studying Scripture
On November 6th this year, Makerere University Kampala hosted a Mind Education Seminar by Dr Ock Soo Park, ‘for all academic and non-academic staff.’ The seminar followed a ‘Mind Education Lecture’ on September 11th, 2019, to the staff and students of Psychology at the same institution. This lecture was by Dr Kim Kisung, “the Main Character in the Korean Movie, ‘A Big Shot’.”
… IYF: Mind Education or Mind Control?
Of the most discomforting and difficult Christian doctrines is that of hell. Atheists reject it as a deplorable doctrine of the devils they disbelieve. Some Christians contend that the reality of hell does not square with the character of God as loving. As such, they choose other alternatives such as annihilation or eventual universal salvation of all souls, regardless.
… Hell as the Future for the Selfish
My previous piece pertained to the place of Old Testament prophecy as per Hebrews 1:2-3. The text tells of two eras and means of God’s self-disclosure. There was when God revealed Himself to the Jewish fathers by the prophets. But the writer of Hebrews says that period ended with Christ’s coming. In the last days, God revealed Himself to us through His Son.
… What Acts 2:16-18 Speaks about End-Time Prophetic Activity
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” Heb. 1:1-2
Self-styled prophets are a sensation in Uganda, if not Africa. Roadside billboards loom large before your traffic-held car as the TV and Radio ads invite you to stay tuned for the next ‘prophetic encounter.’
… What Hebrews 1:1-2 Speaks about Your Prophet
“𝑰𝒏 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝑱𝒐𝒃 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈.” Job 1:22
Recently, thieves stole a friend’s laptop, phone, documents, bank cards, driving permit, and some cash. He was on his way from work. It was nighttime. He escaped with his life only after relinquishing his material belongings. As he put it, thieves took his ‘entire work.’
… Mercenaries or Disciples?
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. 3 Jn 1:2.
Are material wealth and health part of the ‘blood-bought Christian package’ for our enjoyment now? Specifically, what does 3 John 1:2 tell us about John’s view on material prosperity? Did he mean by this that physical health and material wealth are must-have things for every Christian in this life?
… When We Prosper in Distorting 3 John 1:2
In my last article, I spoke of seven ways in which the ancient institution of slavery differed from the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade (TST). It seemed to me that one ought to know these critical distinctions for meaningful discussions about what the Bible says about slavery to exist.
… Age-Old Slave Trade in Africa