But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. 1 Peter 3: 14-16
Do some churches inadvertently promote gender-based violence?
Written by Pastorfish
This week was the start of the international campaign of “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” (focussing on violence against women and children).
“Police statistics indicate that the murder rate of women in South Africa has increased by 16% in the past five years and...
Leviticus ch. 11 is all about clean and unclean animals and what the Israelites in Old Testament times could and couldn’t eat.
Therefore, every time someone hunted, ate a meal, went to a petting zoo, or came across roadkill, they had to ask themselves, “Is this clean or unclean?”
Lan...
We are familiar with the concept of mediators. Someone who represents us or goes in our place.
I can’t argue my case at the Constitutional Court. I need an advocate, with the necessary qualifications, who will represent me.
The Springbok rugby team represents South Africa when they...
The Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa voted in 2015 to permit those in same-sex relationships to serve as ministers. The synod also voted to permit same-sex unions to be blessed in Dutch Reformed churches. That decision was then appealed in 2016.
At present the DRC is...
4 unpopular truths about gender and sexuality
Written by Pastorfish
Many years ago, there were relatively very few issues around sexuality and gender.
It was largely accepted that there were only two genders and you were either one or the other.
It was largely accepted that males’ anatomy was designed for sexual intimacy with females, vice versa.
It was largely...
God is holy.
The Bible describes God as a consuming fire residing in unapproachable light.
To approach God our own way is like approaching the surface of the sun – we will simply be extinguished.
God’s radiant holiness will kill us as sin-full and sin-prone people.
However, in the Old...
In the previous installment, I argued that Jesus has tasked his church to take the verbal message of repentance and forgiveness of sins to the nations.
The central mission of the church, therefore, is to take God’s Word to God’s world.
The church’s chief task is to bear witness to...
What has been your most difficult trial in the last couple of years?
Sickness, strained relationships, persecution, isolation, financial difficulties, family problems?
Today, as all through the ages, people have different responses to trials, suffering and hardship.
They may think, “God...
This past weekend I had the privilege of officiating at a wedding in a township church in South Africa. The marriage ceremony took place as an addition to the Sunday morning service.
The vibrancy of the singing was contagious and the warmth of hospitality humbling.
In African culture there is...
What are the greater works Jesus promised we would do?
Written by Pastorfish
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
Notice that Jesus’ promise applies to all Christians. Jesus said, “Whoever believes in...
I’m sure you’ve heard the following:
“You are a King’s Kid as a Christian, you are royalty! You shouldn’t settle for second best!”
“God favour should overflow into your life as you walk in God’s anointing and enjoy health and financial...
Many conferences and meetings, under the banner of Christianity, promise spiritual breakthroughs to take your faith to the next level.
There are books written about spiritual breakthroughs:
“Fasting for Spiritual Breakthrough”
“Praying the Lord’s Prayer for Spiritual...
Christians have always been fascinated by this question and there is no shortage of weird and wonderful teachings on the subject.
We’re interested in the question because decision-making is such a big part of our lives. We make hundreds of choices every day.
Every time we make a choice we...
I know this is a very sensitive question as many Christians struggle with all kinds of illness, depression, mental illness and genetic disorders.
Note that the question is not, “Can God heal me?”
We know that God can.
If God can create the universe by speaking words, he can do anything.
The...
Death is not a spectator sport.
The mortality rate of humankind is the same all over the world: one death per one person.
The question, “What does the Bible teach about life after death?”, becomes vitally important.
Not everyone thinks there is life after death, though.
Regarding the...
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