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Understanding God’s Call for Violence in the Old Testament

Esther Babatunde
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Understanding God’s Call for Violence in the Old Testament

Only in the cities of these peoples that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, you shall not leave alive anything that breathes.  But you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, just as the Lord your God has commanded you -Deuteronomy 20:16-17

Is God different in each Testament?

One of the things that have caused people to question God is His call for violence in the Old Testament. People find it hard to understand how “the God of the Old Testament” can be the same “God of the New Testament”. To those who haven’t read the Bible as a whole, the two Testaments reflect a disparity in the nature of God. So the general belief is that God was violent and harsh in the Old Testament and tender in the New Testament.

The issue with this belief is the fact that it’s wrong. God didn’t suddenly change in the New Testament. He’s the same God in both Testaments. So the question remains, “if the God of the New Testament, the God of love is the same as the God in the Old Testament, why did He command the Israelites to commit so many violent acts in the Old Testament?”

Understanding God’s nature

To understand God’s call for violence in the Old Testament, you have to understand the nature of God.

One of the things that The Bible makes very clear is the fact that God is Holy. It’s repeated several times in the Bible and in the praises sung to Him.

And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of His glory.

Isaiah 6:3

To be holy means to be set apart, blameless, and without blemish. This means that the smallest of sin cannot come near God, which is made evident in Habakuk 1:13. This is why when the Israelites were moving into the promised land, God asked them to eradicate everyone that was in the land they were taking over. The Bible says that God had made the Israelites His people, those who would carry His name and herald His glory for the whole world to see, Deuteronomy 14:2; Exodus 19:5-6. Therefore they had to be distinct from those who surrounded them Leviticus 18:2-4. And had desired to make them His habitation Psalm 132:6. Except, God can’t dwell in sin because He is Holy. In order for God to dwell among the Israelites, they had to be Holy.

Thus you are to be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy; and I have set you apart from the peoples to be Mine.

Leviticus 20:26

Why did God call for such violence?

God called for the violence because He is omniscient. God sees all and knows all. This means He knew that if the Israelites didn’t kill the people in those lands, the Israelites would become just like them.

But you shall utterly destroy them, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite and the Jebusite, just as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that they will not teach you to act in accordance with all the detestable practices which they have done [in worship and service] for their gods, and in this way cause you to sin against the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 20:17-18

Unfortunately, this is exactly what happened. The people that the Israelites spared caused Israel to sin and caused Israel to become wicked. The Israelites began to engage and follow their pagan practices, which involved burning their children as sacrifices, practicing divination, selling themselves to evildoing, worshipping idols, oppressing the poor and the weak and so much more, as the pagans did (2 Kings 17:17; Jeremiah 32:35).

It’s important that you understand that nothing God does is in vain. God also doesn’t take pleasure in the killings of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11); instead, God wants their salvation. However, it’s important that we remember that God knew the hearts of every single person that he ordered killed.

I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct.

Jeremiah 17:10

God created every single one of them and so He knew their thoughts, their past, their present, and their future. This means that when God said they were wicked, they were truly wicked.

God’s mercy in the midst of judgement

God was welcoming to any foreigner who was willing to join the children of Israel and turn to Him (Isaiah 56:6-8). He had grace for any foreigner that turned to Him and repented from their ways (Jeremiah 12:15-17). However, these people were so steeped in wickedness, and their hearts were stone, so the only route left was judgement. This means that unless they turned from their ways, they met the fate of death that God had commanded.

Furthermore, it is important to note that these calls for violence should not just be strictly seen as violence. In fact, in these commands, God was carrying out justice for the wicked acts these people had engaged in (Proverbs 11:21, Ecclesiastes 8:11). The justice in the Old Testament also foreshadows the day of judgment and hell prophesied for the future (2 Corinthians 5:10.)

Know that He is God

However, I think it’s also very important that we understand that He is God, so He can do and undo. But we can trust in the fact that God’s actions are pure and holy because His nature never changes. So it’s not for us to question God, instead, we must learn to trust His decisions.

Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?

Isaiah 45:9

Acknowledging and understanding that God is God, and as a result is subject to no one, is vital to finding peace in your faith. Once you accept the sovereignty of God and the fact that He’s unquestionable, you will find solace in the fact that you can never fully understand God, but you can absolutely trust God.

Should Christians Still Keep the Sabbath?

Chude Obuaya
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Should Christians Still Keep the Sabbath?

There is much conversation on how Christians should relate to the ten commandments. Some believe that the ten commandments often referred to as the “moral law”, still bears spiritual weight today as these commandments are derived from the heart of God for all time. Others believe that the ten commandments are under the umbrella of the old covenant and therefore the Christian has no need to adhere to its demands. The debate rages on when discussing one commandment amongst the ten prescribed. Should Christians keep the Sabbath? Most Christians will agree that the New testaments speaks clearly on all other 9 commandments, but what does have to say about the Sabbath?

What Is The Sabbath?

The word “Sabbath” is the Hebrew word Sabbat which means “to stop or cease”. The first time we see this word mentioned is in Genesis when God rested after 6 days of work (Genesis 2:2-3). Then when God established a covenant with His people, Israel, He incorporates keeping the Sabbath within the 10 commandments. (Exodus 20:8-11). Interestingly, God connects this law to the Seventh Day in which He rested from His work (Exodus 20:11). This law declares that when the Israelites rest from their work they image their Creator who rested from His. Moreover, in resting the Israelites declare that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things apart from their work. Observing the Sabbath was a non-negotiable and breaking the sabbath resulted in death (Exodus 31:14, 35:2, Numbers 15:32). Why such harsh consequences? Well, breaking the sabbath proclaims two lies: 1) God is not in control and 2) my provision comes from my work. Observing the Sabbath severs the temptation to believe these lies but also allows for delighting in God – the One who creates and saves (Deuteronomy 5:12-15).

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How Do I Sabbath?


Before the Sabbath was a command, it was promise. The Sabbath wasn’t given for mankind to attain but to observe the work of God. When observing the Sabbath, the Israelites were to remember the work of God in saving them from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5:15). Christians observe the Sabbath by remembering what God has done for us in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). God invites us to enter the same rest He enjoyed on the seventh day, every day. Paul makes it clear in his writings that the setting aside a day to observe the Sabbath is a matter of personal conviction (Romans 14:5, Colossians 2:16-17). Whatever you decide, you should not use your conviction in such a way that violates the liberty of others when considering disputed issues (Romans 14:1, 13). Neither should you hold the notion that Sabbath is a burdensome chore that must be obeyed strictly or avoided vehemently. Jesus reminds us that “the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27). When considering how you will observe the Sabbath, remember that the Sabbath isn’t a challenge for you to complete but a gift for you to enjoy. God wants us to rest from the spiritual and physical toils of life that we attempt to root our identities in. The seventh day is the only day that doesn’t end (Genesis 2:1-2). The implication here is that God’s rest hasn’t ended and is available for all those believe in His work. If you’re tired and weary, working harder won’t save you – enter God’s rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

Whether you decide to observe a particular day or time, know that to Sabbath is more than just taking time off your busy schedule. To Sabbath is to tell God, yourself, and others; that I’m not in control. To Sabbath allows us to enjoy God as the Creator, Sustainer and Saviour of all things. So, will you Sabbath?

Are Influencers the New Church for Gen-Z Christians Today?

Chinedu Agwu
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Are Influencers the New Church for Gen-Z Christians Today?
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Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. -Colossians 3:16

Recently there has been a rise of Generation Z Christians who are full of zeal and hunger for the word of God and desire to learn and grow in their faith. However, it appears that the source of their biblical knowledge (in some, but not all cases) tends to be strictly from private devotion and Christian influencers on social media. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can receive fresh revelation from the Word of God and we are free to share it. Yet whilst doing this, it is still important as Christians that we gather to fellowship with others in the church and/or bible study for regular teaching, discipleship, and accountability. If we cut the church out of our faith journey, this generation of Christians is at risk of idolising influencers and their ministries whilst becoming blinded to the relevance of the church. The question is how did we get here, and can it be changed?

Why do influencers have so much influence?

When young and zealous Christians are seen sharing their spiritual walk and their revelations about the Gospel, whilst encouraging listeners- it is very easy to gravitate towards them. As Romans 10:15 says, it is great to share the good news of the Gospel, and influencers can use their platforms to draw Christians from far and wide.

Naturally, when people see crowds, they draw closer to see what is happening or in other words, the more followers/likes an influencer has, the more “legit” they may seem. Not only this, but these Christian influencers also appear relatable and approachable, which is a great appeal to Gen Z Christians. Yet, just like Wikipedia is a useful but not 100% accurate source of information so are influencers; they are great vessels to discuss the Word, but they cannot be the main well of wisdom.  Not only this, in some more sinister cases the Gospel could be mishandled and used to mislead Christian followers; for example the use of the Word of God to spiritually abuse and manipulate Christians for control over their lives and/or finances. Although this too can occur within the church, it is important the Word of God is not used for personal gain (2 Corinthians 2:17).

Is the church still relevant?

The Church, the body and the bride of Christ, is not just the physical building but the collection of Christians worldwide, individuals who have been called out for a specific mission on this earth for His glory. We gather in church to meet with our heavenly Father and worship Him together- a reflection of what we can anticipate in eternity. Yet over time, due to the sin deep within us, the church has become a place of control, manipulation, and abuse; where religion prevails as opposed to a personal relationship and Holy spirit transformation. Many Gen Z Christians struggle to find church leaders relatable or may not find the church experience representative of their 21st-century experiences and challenges. It is important that we acknowledge what they face and emphasise that Christ is still real and relevant, and the church is a place of refuge and solace. The church offers covering for your soul (Hebrews 13:17, Acts 20:28), guidance (1 Timothy 5:17-18), pastoral care (Acts 20:28), and correction when needed (Acts 18:26, Galatians 1:8-12)- vital things influencers are unable to provide.

Ultimately the zeal Gen Z Christians have must be combined with the knowledge and accountability that comes from being planted in a local church; corporate fellowship adds a layer of wisdom that cannot be achieved alone.

Can this divide be united?

So, what is the answer, unfollow all influencers? Certainly not, Christian influencers have a place in the faith journey of Christians, but they alone cannot be the pastors of Gen Z Christians. The church has and will always be relevant but as time progresses the delivery of messages may need to adapt:

  • Create spaces for young people to speak/discuss openly and freely in groups with elders to offer wisdom
  • Promote opportunities for mentorship/discipleship
  • Organise retreats for spiritual encounters with their age mates

Whilst the Word of God is absolute and cannot be diluted, it can certainly be delivered in a more dynamic way to be accessible to all, so we do not lose some Christians through the net because they felt isolated.

In conclusion, whilst we may live in a time of social media and influencers, the Bible remains our source of truth and knowledge. As a church, let us learn to deliver God’s word in a creative and radical way without losing the essence of the truth. Let us become everything to everyone for the sake of the Gospel (1 Cor 9:22).

Five Things To Consider When You Have Doubts

Chude Obuaya
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Five Things To Consider When You Have Doubts

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Life is full of questions. Some of which are easier to answer than others. Even when we get the answers to the questions that we have, sometimes they do nothing to satisfy the curiosity within our souls. These questions produce doubt in our lives because they demonstrate what each person intuitively knows – we are not in control.

When these questions come, what do we do? Or perhaps a better question is, where do we go? When doubts consume our minds, it can be hard to make sense of the world and all that is in it. Doubt is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be the driving force within our lives. This means that we can live with our doubts but be governed by someone who is greater than them. Doubt can either lead us to sinful worry or joyful hope. Where do your doubts lead you to? My hope is that with my next few words you will realise that doubt doesn’t have to rule your life. That when the waves of doubt seek to consume your life, you have a Creator who tells these waves “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39).

Perhaps you’re struggling with doubt right now or you have just finished a battle with doubt. Whichever stage of life you are at, you want to be armed with truth to combat the lies those doubts may be whispering in your ears. So here are 5 things to consider when you doubt.

1. God does not condemn you

The Psalms are full of God’s people asking why? Why are you taking so long to answer my prayer (Psalm 130), why are my enemies triumphing over me (Psalm 25), why are the wicked prospering? (Psalm 73). God isn’t angry when you come to Him with your doubts. He understands that we are limited, after all, we are dust (Psalm 103:14). God doesn’t want you to be consumed by your doubts or to complain to others about how great your doubts are. Instead, God wants you to run to Him with your doubts because He cares about you (1 Peter 5:7).

2. The just live by faith

When you have doubts, it is understandable that you look for a solution that will quell them all. However, the Bible never promises that all our questions will be answered. The Bible does promise that the more we know Him, the more our faith will rise to trust God when we don’t receive the answers we desire (Hebrews 12:2). True faith doesn’t say I need to have all the answers to trust you. True faith says, I don’t have all the answers I want but I know enough about you to trust you in and with my doubts.

3) Where are my doubts from?


This is the hardest point to consider. When you’re battling doubts, it can be difficult to think clearly as to why you are doubting. Therefore, being part of a local church is critical. Where the waves of doubts are hitting you on every side, your family of believers are there to help stabilise the boat (1 Thessalonians 5:14). As the adage goes, a burden shared is a burden halved. It can be frightening to share your doubts, and perhaps you have had bad experiences. So, for those who are entrusted with people’s doubt, handle them with care. Doubters need mercy, not think pieces. When doubts arise, people need God’s words not our own.

4) The devil is a liar

We can often use this phrase casually and so the truthfulness of this statement can be lost. But if you’re doubting today remember this – the devil is a liar. The devil seeks to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10). He wishes to use your doubts against you to influence you to believe lies about God and yourself. The antidote for lies is the truth. The more you fill yourself with the truth of God’s word the easier you will be able to discern lies (John 8:31-32). That is why it’s vital to engage with God’s word daily. Not to primarily have your questions answered, but to see God rightly. When you see God rightly, you will see that your doubts aren’t strong enough to move the One who has you in the palm of His hand.

5) God will keep you

This is the most important to remember. Your doubts although they may be great, are not greater than your Saviour. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ (Romans 8:35). You are not saved by your ability to suppress your doubts neither will you be abandoned if your doubts overwhelm you. Jesus saved you and Jesus will keep you. When nothing else makes sense, remember that Jesus died and saved you from your sins, so that you may be one with Him (Colossians 2:6-15). When your doubts threaten to consume you, remember the empty tomb that declares all of God’s enemies have been defeated, including your doubts. When Satan seeks to use your doubts against you remember “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy,” (Jude 24).

If you are struggling with doubt, you are not alone. I have my doubts too. But our doubts won’t win, Jesus already has.

Trusting God Even When Things Don’t Make Sense

Esther Babatunde
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Trusting God Even When Things Don’t Make Sense
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Trusting God when things are going your way is one of the easiest things to do. It’s easy to trust God when everything is working out and falling in line with the vision and plans that you have. However, trusting God even when things don’t make sense is one of the hardest things to do. When it comes to matters of faith, The Bible calls us to be like infants, to trust God like babies trust their parents even when things don’t make sense to them.

Why should we trust God?

  • He is sovereign: We should trust God because He has the power to do and undo. Our God is sovereign and most powerful. He made the world and everything within it. There’s no higher power than God and no god or person can compete with His power. This means God has the ability to do anything, including the power to change your situation and make a way for you when there seems to be no way. He’s too powerful to fail.
  • He loves us: God loves us so much that He gave Himself. He loves us so much that He died for us. How much more do you think He would give us if He’s already made the ultimate sacrifice for us? We should trust God because we know He cares. In the midst of our struggles and our dark times, when things aren’t even making sense, know that God loves you. This means with God’s sovereignty and His love for you, He is there with you.

The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

Jeremiah 31:3

They will fight you, but they will fail. For I am with you, and I will take care of you. I the Lord have spoken.

Jeremiah 1:19
  • He has already planned the best path for us. God is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He chose us, redeemed us and has kept us. He knew us before we were formed, which means that before we were fashioned in the womb, He already had a plan for us and His plans towards us are good. So if God has already planned everything and we know that He loves us and He is also all powerful, the wisest thing would be to trust God. Things may be hard, they may be painful and look dreadful, but in the midst of it all, the fact remains that God is sovereign, He loves us and He has a plan for us. It’s important to trust the God who had a plan for you even before you were born.

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.

Jeremiah 1:5
  • He’s not a man that He would lie. The Bible tells us that God wishes us health, prosperity, victory, progress, joy and all the good things that we could ever gain. Not trusting God means we’re calling Him a liar. It means we don’t believe what God has said to us and promised us. But that same word tells us that God doesn’t fail, so why wouldn’t we trust that? God has given us His word, and because God doesn’t lie, He is the only being that we can fully trust.

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Numbers 23:19
Trusting God even when things don’t make sense.

How can we trust God even when things don’t make sense?

  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you, because at the end of the day, it takes grace to trust. That’s one of the reasons that God gave us the Holy Spirit. He is our helper, so rest on the Holy Spirit and ask Him to help you trust in God.
  • Search the word of God for strength. The word of God is full of so many scriptures showing the faithfulness and infallibility of God. In the word you find strength and revelation. So when you’re struggling with trusting God because things don’t make sense, go back to the word. The word will show you many times that God showed up and did the miraculous even when it didn’t make sense.
  • Remind yourself of the times that God has pulled through. When you’re struggling with trusting God when things don’t make sense, think back on the times that God showed Himself in your life. Think back on the times that God has been good and kind to you. If you’re struggling with remembering, listen to the testimonies of others. There are testimonies on youtube, in blogs and even in church, listen to people talk about how God has been good to them. God’s power is limitless, if He did it before, He can do it again (Isaiah 37:26)
  • Have a heart of thanksgiving. Thank God for even the simplest of things. Thank Him for life, for His love, for grace and all the other things that you know for a fact you didn’t give yourself. Because at the end of the day nothing we have was made by us, every single thing that we have was given to us by God, including the breath that we breathe.

I know it’s not easy to trust God when things are hard. It’s not natural to see what’s before you and disregard the dangers and the possible natural end result. However, our God doesn’t work within the regulations and rules of this world. He is above this world and can do all things. He also loves us deeply, so He sees our tears and cares. It’s easy to trust a sovereign God who loves us, especially when He’s shown His love for us.

Who is Your Allegiance to?

Chinedu Agwu
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Who is Your Allegiance to?
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For do I now persuade men or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ – Galatians 1:10

Late last July, Simone Biles, 24, the most successful US gymnast of all time, said she had to focus on her mental health after pulling out of the women’s team Olympics final. The head of the US Olympic team and fellow athletes praised Biles’ decision to prioritise her mental wellbeing. It became clear in the days since she withdrew, that though Biles may have wanted to compete, she was physically incapable of doing so without potentially endangering herself. Naturally, this stirred up a lot of controversies, as Biles had to weigh up her “duty to her country” vs her duty to herself. For her to make this bold and courageous decision was not easy but necessary. In a way, you could liken her bold decision to the daily decisions and stances we take as Christians living in a secular world. When it is time to make a countercultural decision, who is your allegiance to when it is time to choose?

Who should our allegiance be to?

As Christians, we declare Jesus as our Lord and our Saviour. When we walk around, we carry His image and His essence, “…we are God’s handiwork created for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). The day we said yes to Jesus, we made the choice to follow Him and be associated with Him (Matthew 16:24-26). In other words, we are fully committed to the principles of God’s Word and commands, through our words and deeds. Whenever possible we share the Good News of the Gospel and carry out the great commission, that is our mission on this earth. To make known the truth to all men and to be used for the glory of God. Anything that promotes God’s character and values, that is what we love and associate with e.g. the wellbeing of the church, social justice, charity etc. It is so important for us to know who our allegiance is to because it acts as an anchor when life’s challenges come our way, our foundation must be God’s truth (Matthew 7:24-27).

When will our allegiance be challenged?

Even when we know who our allegiance is to, that doesn’t stop challenges coming our way. In school, workplaces and politics- our allegiance will be questioned. Similarly, we will be tested around lifestyle habits, our speech and sexuality. God has given us free will to make a conscious decision and choose, our choices show the world who we belong to “you will know them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). When the world looks to Christians, what do they see? The weight of the world can feel overwhelming and overpowering but we must remember that greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4), the Holy Spirit will empower us to do what is pleasing to God. During our faith walk, we may find that we must make difficult decisions when it comes to family, friends, and relationships and this will stretch us in ways that are uncomfortable, but the reward will be great. The same way Jesus lived a life set apart for His mission on earth, is the same way we have been called to be set apart and used to carry out God’s mission on earth.

Standing strong in our faith

So how can we stand strong in our faith and always pay allegiance to God? Be the light in the darkness? We need to depend unwaveringly on the Holy Spirit, this level of obedience and discipline cannot be done in our own strength. Not only this, we must not forget to gather with other believers to be encouraged and be held accountable; but most importantly to remember that we are not running our race alone. Finally, it is important to know your boundaries/stumbling blocks. Anything that can interfere with you showing full allegiance to God and His word, and this requires personal self-reflection.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:3

In this life, our faith will be tested. Our foundations will be shaken but, in these moments, where we will be forced to make a choice, who will our allegiance be to? There may be times we stumble but we can always decide once again to choose Jesus. He is a choice that we will never regret.

Do You Pray for the Persecuted Church?

Jerry Koo
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Do You Pray for the Persecuted Church?
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We all know the church has been persecuted in this world, from the ancient prophets of Israel to the early churches after the death of Jesus Christ. To this very moment, churches have been opposed, and many followers of Christ live their lives in constant danger because of their faith. And at this moment, persecution has become more apparent as we continually hear about the stories in Afghanistan- where Christians are hunted and killed because of their faith, Illyria where pastors are thrown into prison, and many other countries that we don’t even know about.

As Christians, we must have them in our daily prayers and pray for them without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17). Pray for their safety and family; pray that they can provide for their family as many are treated differently because of their faith. Importantly, pray for their hearts that they won’t become bitter and harbour hate towards their persecutors. You might ask how can they not hate their persecutors? Their lives have been in turmoil because of them! And I agree, it is an unimaginably complex thing to do. But may we be reminded of the lesson in Jonah about who our God is.

God cares for all

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because its wickedness has come up before me. But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish”

Jonah 1:1-3

Jonah’s story is well known in children’s stories; the man who ran away from God and got swallowed by a fish. He was commanded to go to Nineveh and preach against it, yet he refused, then headed the opposite way from Nineveh. Why? What was his motivation to defy God? Well, it is shown in the later chapter, where he peached, and the people repented.

Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth. ….. When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

But to Jonah, this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I know that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” 

Jonah 3:4-6,10 & Jonah 4:1-2
Jonah looking over Ninevah. Source: Christian Media Inc.

Jonah initially refused to preach to the Ninevites because he hated them; they indulged in all kinds of wicked things, but that wasn’t the only reason. He refused to preach to them because God is gracious and compassionate, and will forgive them if they repented. Jonah couldn’t bear to see them forgiven and became angry when they were spared from God’s wrath. As Christians, we are tempted to behave like Jonah as well. We pray for our loved ones but never pray for our enemies or even consider sharing the Gospel with them. And as persecuted Christians, how much more are they tempted to behave like Jonah to their persecutors, wishing for their demise and destruction. But that’s not the will of the Lord as he told Jonah:

“… And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left – and also many animals?”

Jonah 4:11

God told Jonah that He is the Creator and Tenderer of every one of the people in Nineveh and rightfully cares for them and loves them. And as forgiven sinners, shall we not seek for the salvation of our enemies and rejoice when they are saved?

Pray for persecutors and the persecuted

In Afghanistan and many other countries, churches are being persecuted; mistreated, abused, and killed. How tempting it is to pray for the destruction of the persecutors; for God’s righteous judgment to shower on them. They are undeserving of salvation, yet we need to remind ourselves: we are undeserving of salvation too. It is only through grace and grace alone that any of us are forgiven in the sight of God. The persecutors too are in need of that saving grace. What a sight it would be to the world and to believers: to see the persecutors turn to the Lord Jesus Christ. What depths it would speak about the love of our Lord and what hope and peace it would bring to a war-torn world.

Let us strive in prayer for the persecuted Church that they may look forward to a hope set before them by Christ, to a city a dwelling place not made by human hands promised to them by God. We must pray for their hearts to be able to utter prayers for their persecutor. And for to love our enemies and pray like our Lord Jesus Christ: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

How Do I Glorify God in a Job I Don’t Like?

Chude Obuaya
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How Do I Glorify God in a Job I Don’t Like?
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The bible begins with God working. The first attribute of God declared by scripture is God as Creator (Genesis 1:1). Adam, our federal head, is set to work shortly after being created (Genesis 2:15). In fact, when God created mankind, He established that we would rule the other creatures that were made (Genesis 1:25). The account of Genesis informs us that working is distinctly divine, and as humans work, we in some way mimic our Creator. But like everything, sin distorts what God designed to be beautiful. When work should be enjoyable and fruitful, it is can often be laborious and disappointing. Through Jesus, what sin seeks to destroy God will redeem (Romans 8:19-25). In this fallen world, we can often find ourselves in work environments that are unappealing. It can be hard to muster the attitude and work ethic we ought to have to work in a God glorifying way. So, if you’re in a job you don’t like, what should you do?

Help, I Hate My Job

I’m sure most of us that will read this article have been in a job that they hated. The dread of waking up for your shift, interacting with your colleagues, dealing with your boss; the thought of the working day can be an unending source of frustration. In this life, money is required to live and as such this may lead to working in roles that are unpleasant. No matter how unpleasant these roles are God still expects us to work in such a way that glorifies Him.

Paul when exhorting the church in Colossae said this to slaves “Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord” (Colossians 3:22). Now while the work dynamic of today is not the same as 1st Century Rome, we can still be encouraged by the message Paul presents. God establishes all authority (Romans 13:1). God is also sovereign over all circumstances, including where you and I go to work (Proverbs 16:33). Like slaves, it is possible for us to be in work conditions that are less than favourable. Paul reminds us that ultimately our boss at work is not our ultimate Boss. God reigns supreme over managers, colleagues, and work situations. We don’t work diligently and faithfully because our work conditions are favourable; but because we “fear” the Lord (Colossians 3:22). Paul prescribes reverence for God as the anti-dote to being apathetic towards our jobs. Does the fear of God drive you to be faithful at your job?

The Lord Will Repay

Sin distorts everything. Sin can take what God calls good and influence us to think or behold that good thing in a way that dishonours God. One way in which sin does this is, is by how we think about reward. In an attempt to disavow the heresy that is the “prosperity gospel”, we can downplay the very clear promises of God rewarding faithfulness. Paul continues his exhortation in Colossians this way “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). Do you see what Paul does here? Paul roots the impetus for our faithfulness in receiving a reward from Christ. Paul is saying to us “remember who you ultimately work for. You may not get what you deserve here on earth, but God doesn’t miss a beat. He will repay you”.

I know how frustrating it can be to work in a job you don’t like. I know hard it can be to stay motivated when you work so hard, but you’re always overlooked. I know what it’s like to have colleagues that aren’t pleasant. It’s tough. But not only do I know; God knows. He cares for you. He sees your tears, pain and frustration and He says, “keep going”. You may not be in the job that you like right now, but remember you ultimately have a good Boss who has an everlasting and imperishable inheritance with your name on it.

Is Offence Enough Reason For Me To Leave My Church?

Chude Obuaya
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Is Offence Enough Reason For Me To Leave My Church?

It has been a tough period for churches over the past 18 months. It has also been a tough period for all those who make up the local church. With the time away from meeting physically, there has been an extended period for Christians to consider whether they will return to their local gathering. There are many legitimate reasons as to why one may leave their local church. There are, however, some illegitimate reasons. With the necessity of the local church being challenged, some may deem it necessary to question what they once considered to be true about the church at large as well as the church they attend. Depending on the circumstances, it may become necessary for a person to leave their church. So how do we determine whether the time is right to leave our local assembly?

Help, I’m Offended

If you have been involved in a local church for any considerable amount of time you are likely to have encountered something that would’ve offended you. When the offence occurs, the natural reaction is to recoil from the environment where the offence occurred. It is uncommon to explore the nature of the offence and decipher why the offence occurred and whether the offence is as such that leaving the church is the first port of call. In our current cultural climate, cancelling a person is a better option than reconciliation. Instead of seeking to investigate the offence, we are quick to cut off the person as our way of resolving the issue. But is this the way of Christ?

Matthew 18:15-20 is often cited as the framework in which church discipline ought to occur. Jesus exhorts us that if our brother (a co-heir in Christ) offends us, that our initial response is not that of cancelling but one of confronting (Matthew 18:15). When we hear “confronting”, our minds can be filled with negative connotations. However, here Jesus doesn’t exhort us to be hostile in our confrontation but welcoming. The aim here isn’t to demonise the one who has offended you but to invite them into forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 18:15). What is more staggering is that if the person rejects our initial approach, we are encouraged to continue to pursue peace with the aid of others (Matthew 18:16-17). Where this world will tell us to protect our peace, Jesus tells us to pursue it; even if we are the ones that have been wronged. By doing so, we declare what we are – sons of God (Matthew 5:9).

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What Should I do?

There are cases of offence that occur which are sinful to those on the receiving end and these cases should be taken seriously. However, it is becoming increasingly common to brand everything that offends as “sinful”. If you are considering leaving a church because you have been offended, it will be prudent to pause and consider if this is necessary. We are not to be a people that are easily offended (1 Corinthians 13:5), so here are some questions for us to think through when offence inevitably knocks on our door.

  1. Why am I offended? When someone or something within your local church offends you the first question you should ask is why? Why has this person or this thing offended you? Are my feelings legitimate or illegitimate?
  2. Is the offence sinful? Not all offence is sinful. If your pastor is calling you out of sin into repentance, you may be offended but your pastor hasn’t sinned against you- in fact he (or she) has loved you as Christ has instructed them to (1 Timothy 5:20).
  3. Have I pursued reconciliation? Before you decided to leave your church have you pursued reconciliation? Remember even if you are the one wronged, the Bible still declares that it is our responsibility to pursue peace. Even if the response is less than welcoming.
  4. Have you prayed? When offence occurs, we can be swift to make decision based upon how we feel rather than how the Scriptures instruct. Whilst this may be understandable, it can lead to sinful responses. Before you make any decision, pray. Seek God’s face and He will order your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  5. Have you sought counsel? While offence may not be the reason that you leave your church, there are other issues that can drive you away. Before you make the decision to leave make sure that you speak to mature believers in the faith that are part of your local church. These mature believers can often reflect on issues in such a way that you cannot. If there is no one in your church you can trust, seek mature believers in other contexts. There is wisdom in an abundance of counsellors (Proverbs 15:22).

Offence is one of many reasons that a person may decide to leave their church; it is not an easy decision to make and is one that should be taken with great care. If you find yourself considering leaving your church, ensure that your decision is wrapped with much prayer and sound counsel. While the local church is not your salvation, it is a physical representation of what you have been drafted into by faith. A local assembly declares the bounding of every tongue, nation, and tribe through the blood of Jesus (Revelation 5:9). Even with all the difficulties present, why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that?

How to guard your faith in university

Esther Babatunde
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How to guard your faith in university

Going to university is one of the biggest steps that students take in their education journey. Not just because students pick courses that they believe will lead them to their future career choices, but because that’s where most students attain their first true taste of independence. It’s where your character is tested by the freedom and responsibility of being true to yourself. It’s important for you as a Christian to know how to guard your faith in university.

If you were born into a Christian home or are going into university as a Christian, university is a strong testing ground for your faith. Especially since it breeds an environment that can sometimes be anti-authority and anti-religion.

How do you guard your faith in university?

Your faith may not have been fully tested until you’ve had the chance to leave the comfort of the known (your home). University is a place where you carry the responsibility of focussing on your education without any prompting from your parents or teachers.

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It’s also the place where you decide if you’re going to fall under the pressures of the world and self because you want a taste of the world, or because you want to sleep in and not have to read your Bible, pray or go to church.

Below are a few tips on how to guard your faith in university.

 

 

  • It’s very important that you place yourself in the right environment. This includes going to the right church, fellowships, Christian-led meet-ups, and gatherings. When you place yourself in environments that edify God and your spirit, it’s a lot easier to stay steadfast and focused on Christ.

 

 

  • While it’s important to place yourself in the right environment, it’s also very important to stay away from the wrong environment. Stay away from places that breed and promote sin. This includes clubs or certain parties and gatherings. The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 that we should “abstain from every appearance of evil”. This means that you have to keep yourself from any environment that will tease your flesh and that will affect your mind. If it’s going to have you arguing with the Holy Spirit, just stay away from it.

 

  • Surround yourself with the right friends. A pastor once illustrated in his sermon that it’s easier to pull someone off a chair than to pull someone up. It’s the same thing for Christians. It is a lot easier to drag someone into sin than it is to lift someone to Christ. Let the people who influence you be people who will push you to grow in Christ. When you surround yourself with people who love and fear God, it’s a lot easier to stay in Christ.

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14
  • Stop trying to test yourself. I’ve heard people say that they wanted to check if they’d overcome and some have said that certain things are just a test. Well, not all tests are from God. Sometimes, we cause our own failures and downfalls by putting ourselves in situations that we could’ve avoided. So let it go and stop deceiving yourself, just don’t do it. Don’t watch that thing, don’t speak to that person, don’t go to that place and don’t have that conversation. Sometimes, the test is whether you will leave or whether you will allow sin to have a chance.

 

  • Watch what you allow into your mind. Be careful of the things that you watch and listen to. It’s what you feed yourself that grows within you. So if you feed yourself with the things of the world, your flesh will grow stronger. However, if you feed yourself with the word of God and the presence of God, your spirit will grow. It’s in growing spiritually that you’re able to guard your faith in university and anywhere else. So it’s important that you feed yourself with the word of God instead of the things of the world so you don’t lose your strength in Christ.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:16
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help you stay in Christ. It’s important that you remember that our salvation was gained by grace and not by power. For lack of a better term, in order to “keep” your salvation, it is only by the Holy Spirit’s help and guidance. So keep speaking to God and when He speaks back, listen and obey. Be sensitive to the Spirit of God and He will direct your path and keep you from falling. Ask the Holy Spirit for help and He’ll direct you to the right people and the right places. Ask Him to give you the right mindset and heart for God.
  • Remind yourself of why you’ve chosen to love God. If you feel like Christianity was forced on you because of your family or background, evaluate your life and your faith and draw closer to God. Find the reason why you’re with God and remind yourself of the benefits of being in Christ. At the end of the day, nothing in this world is worth losing our connection to God.

 

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