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What is Pornography Costing You? Your Mind.

Matidaishe Mupfacha
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What is Pornography Costing You? Your Mind.

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When most watch pornography it’s within the privacy of their rooms, bathroom stalls or their side of the bed. It’s exclusive- just you and your device. However, pornography just does not stay between you and your device- it is far-reaching. Mouldering branches of its empty end do not just remain behind the screen- they stretch out to your mind, your future and your community. In this article, we will explore how pornography affects the mind. 

Hijacking of the mind

The pornographic film industry has grown over the past few years. From its advent in the 19th century, via the invention of photography and later on in moving imagery, pornography has become a normalised and even a celebrated aspect of modern everyday life. In its varying degrees and mediums, pornography has become increasingly accessible to everyone regardless of age or gender- with a click of a mouse, a change of channel, a turning of a page, an opening of an incognito tab- you’re there.

Everyone has a different story about how they first got exposed to pornography: maybe you were at your friend’s house and they wanted to show you a video they found; maybe you were forced to watch it; maybe you stumbled upon a relative watching it; maybe you saw an ad and you clicked; maybe you were just curious. In all of these maybes, one thing is for certain-all those images our minds took in, at that moment, are still ingrained into our memories to this very day. Given that most of us were children when we first viewed porn and continued to do so till our adult years, just goes on to show that porn is not only an adult problem, it also affects children. 

The relationship between sex and the brain

The human brain is one complex organ. God has taken great care and quite splendidly designed it to be the base of every living thing. It controls our ability to think, see, smell, eat, feel- everything. Our being and quality of life are rooted in our brains. Our brains also control our responses to sex, as one pastor puts it, “our brains are intimately linked to the reality of sexual intercourse”. During sexual intercourse, the body releases a flurry of feel-good hormones, some of the main ones being oxytocin and dopamine. Dopamine is one of the main drivers in creating feelings of pleasure and reward. This hormone acts as an agent of motivation to repeat the behaviours that trigger its release- hence why we constantly repeat activities that give us pleasure. Oxytocin is a powerful hormone that plays an important role in human behaviour and emotion. It is released in high quantities during breastfeeding, labour and sexual intercourse. This is quite significant as the magazine, Insider, puts it, “all these activities are precursors to bonding.”

This hormone lesson may seem to be deeply positive, maybe enjoyable but it paints quite a bleak image when we consider our heavy use of pornography. Our brains are exposed to highly stimulating sexual images that feed our excitement and spark reward and pleasure centres in our brains – most probably resulting in intense peaks of pleasure. Our minds are then trained to repeatedly and lustfully seek for that peak, therefore leading to an increased engagement in watching pornography. However, over time, that peak wears off- leading us to search for more extreme forms of pornography or to indulge in longer periods of viewing porn.

Effects of porn on the brain

Much scientific research has been carried out to show the troublesome effects that porn has on the brain. The complexity and adaptability of the brain is showcased through how neural networks/pathways are formed and their ability to change, grow and reorganise- this is known as neuroplasticity. Dr William Sruthers describes this using the analogy of a hiker. He states, “Like a path is created in the woods with each successive hiker, so do the neural paths set the course for the next time an erotic image is viewed. Over time these neural paths become wider as they are repeatedly travelled with each exposure to pornography.” He goes on to say that “over time pornography deepens a Grand-Canyon like gorge in the brain”. This leads to profound new changes in the brain, some of which would probably take years to unwind.

Neural pathways also thrive from frequent use. Pathways that are not used enough will get replaced, by new pathways– this is why when one does not frequently make use of a skill they once had, such as playing the guitar, they eventually forget how to play it at the same level they used to. Hence why the constant use of pornography is very problematic because that pathway that has been formed, is strengthened with every viewing. According to Fight the New Drug, pornography can create such strong long-lasting pathways in the brain, that no other activity can compete with it, including sex with your partner. This leads to the damning conclusion that “constant consumption of pornography can overpower the brains’ ability to have real sex.” 

What does this mean for us as Christians?

The brain can be prescribed to be the physical embodiment of our minds. What we consume, we think on. Now, what does that mean for us as Christians?

 Our minds were made by God for God. When our minds glory in other things that were designed out of His specific order, we offend Him and that includes pornography. We are called to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. If our minds are not stayed on Him, we stray from Him.  

The Bible says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind”. The renewal of your mind can look like disabling the further growth of the pathways (mentioned above) by putting an end to porn consumption. Many have conquered with the right help. God has not left us to fend for ourselves and fight our sin by our own strength. Healing and deliverance can be instantaneous, or progressive through prayer and fasting. However, healing and deliverance can also look like professional specialised therapy and pastoral counselling. God our Father, uses a wide range of avenues to help His children- because it is Him who works in us to will, to desire, and to act out what pleases Him (Phil 2:13). This is not to say, the fight will be easy. It will be very hard and will require a lot of limb cutting, eye-gouging and leaning not on your own understanding or strength. ( Phil 4:13, Psalm 138:3, Psalm 18:1-2, Prov 3:5-6 and Matt 18:8-9)

We can approach His throne in full confidence that if we ask anything, according to His will- He will surely hear us (1 John 5:14). His will is for us to be holy and sanctified, and that is to stay away from sexual immorality (1 Thess 4:3). He promises us to grant anything we ask in His will, He will surely act accordingly to deliver us, from the sin of pornography that so easily entangles (Heb 2: 1). God hates sin. He made it very clear on the cross, where Christ took the punishment of our sins. Therefore, if He has taken this great measure to deliver us from being slaves to the kingdom of darkness to being slaves to righteousness (Rom 6)- He can surely and mightly deliver us in our fight against the clutches of pornography.

Three Things You Should Know About The Cross

Toye Akinoso
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Three Things You Should Know About The Cross

A dear friend of mine recently visited Chile, a catholic nation in South America. Whilst there, she was so overwhelmed by the sheer number of crucifixes which populated every street that she called me to ask “Why is the symbol of your faith an event where your God is degraded, humiliated and killed, why is this worth celebrating?”. This was spoken with a sincere note of inquiry. After answering the question, I began to think how in the eyes of the world, the cross is a symbol of weakness. Paul acknowledges as much when he writes “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 1:18). However, with spiritual eyes, we see that the cross represents the greatest day in human history. Now more than ever, there is a great need to understand the biblical intent of the cross of Christ. In celebration of Good Friday, here are three things you should know about the cross.

The Cross is substitutionary

Through Christ’s death on the cross, those who turn to Him are delivered from both the penalty and the power of sin.

1 Peter 2:24-25

Let’s take an example from the Napoleonic Wars, where young men would be enlisted into the french army via a lottery system. if your name was selected by the lottery, you had no choice but to be sent into battle. However, if you get someone to stand in your place you would become exempt, and instead, they would be sent off to war. On one famous occasion, when a young man’s name was drawn, he rejected the call on the basis that he was “killed two years ago”. The authorities questioned how this could be the case as he was standing before them alive today. He told them how when his name was selected years ago, a dear friend said to him “You have a large family, but I’m not married and nobody is dependent on me. I’ll take your name and address and go in your place”. The friend went on to later die on the battlefield. The authorities assessed his claim and the records proved his account to true. The man’s claim went all the way to Napoleon himself who ruled that France had no legal claim on the man, that he was free because another man had died in his place.

In a similar way, we are now free because 2021 years ago, another man called Jesus, died in our place. Christ took the sins we committed, onto Himself to pay the price for us. On the cross, he was our substitute. He was wounded so we may be healed. He was punished so we may be forgiven. He tasted death so we may inherit life. He was made a curse so we may receive blessing. He suffered rejection so we may be accepted as children, He was cut off that we might be joined to the Lord. Jesus bore our shame that we might share His glory. He became sin so we can be made righteous. Oh what scandalous Grace!

The Cross is trinitarian

Without a sound doctrine of the trinity on the cross, we have no Gospel. There is a popular mischaracterisation of the cross which seems to pit and a vindictive God vs an innocent son. It is a reductionist view which grossly misses the message of the Gospel. All trinitarian action begins with the Father, is accomplished through the Son, and perfected by the Spirit. What is made abundantly clear when we read the scriptures is that all three members of the Godhead are offended by sin were committed to the liberation of humankind from the curse of sin through the son’s death and resurrection. Jesus Christ was not an unwilling party. He himself, in eternity past, together with the father and the Holy spirit devised this plan of salvation (Philippians 2:6–8). It was the love that all three Persons of the Trinity share for the lost world that led Jesus to offer himself up, according to the will of the Father, through “the eternal Spirit” (Heb 9:14). Jesus willingly took our place on the cross. This is what makes the Gospel, Gospel! This is the ultimate display of the love of God, the complicity of the son who died in our stead.

The Gospel is Jesus Christ is a triune Gospel which is good news from a Triune God.

The Cross is the climax of the biblical story

“A Bible without a cross is a Bible without a climax, a Bible without an ending, a Bible without a solution”

Patrick Schreiner

The Bible isn’t a random collection of 66 filled with disconnected stories like in a newspaper. instead, there is a common thread with a unified story once you look at the big picture. Each book of the Bible is like individual moments of one great symphony, the symphony of the cross.

Let’s take the famous example of Tolstoy’s novel War and Peace. Most people, when asked to give an answer regarding what the book is about, often struggle. Many people would say that it is just a collection of many individual people and their stories. It isn’t until you finish the book that you see the story Tolstoy is trying to tell us. In a similar way, it can be quite easy to see the Bible as a collection of many individual stories, but it is important that we see what is God trying to say through all the individual stories and events recorded. The story of the Bible clearly presents us with one over-arching story which starts in the garden, climaxes at the life, death and resurrection of Christ and ends in a City of God, the New Jerusalem. Each of these smaller stories plays an integral role in the big story. Both understanding the individual stories as well as the larger story is an important part of helping you read the Bible. In order to understand the individual stories, you have to understand the big story, and in order to understand the big story, you have to understand the individual stories and how they all fit together.

If we look at the story of Issac, we see the one and only begotten son of the loving father Abraham, who carries a wood up a mountain to be sacrificed, but out of a thicket, a lamb takes the place of the son as the sacrifice (Genesis 22:13). The very next time we visit that same mountain in Scripture, mount Mariah, thousands of years later, we see Jesus, the Lamb of God, the one and only begotten son of the loving Father, carry a wooden Cross up a mountain to be sacrificed. Jesus was that lamb foreshadowed, who takes our place as the sacrifice. All the stories in the Bible point to the Cross of Christ.

So why do Christians celebrate the Cross? Because at the Cross, we witness God’s love, grace, mercy, plan, purpose, sovereignty, holiness, compassion and glory. 2021 years ago, Jesus Christ, the second member of the Godhead, the one and only son of God, took the punishment I deserved upon Himself. He lived a life I could not live and died a death I could not die. And on that old rugged Cross, I was redeemed, rescued, purchased and forgiven. This is the greatest story ever told.

3 Things You Should Know About Mormonism

Shumi Mararike
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3 Things You Should Know About Mormonism
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You’re walking down a busy street. A sharply dressed man or woman approaches you. Their smile is friendly and inviting, but they’re eager to have a moment of your time. Their nametag reads: ELDER YOUNG – The CHURCH OF THE LATTER-DAY SAINTS. You’ve come across a Mormon. What are you supposed to say to them? How do you respond to their questions? In this article, I intend to provide a brief overview of who Mormons are and what they believe so that you may not be swayed by their false doctrine but share the truth with them.

How Mormonism began

The early 19th century was a period of heightened religious fervour amidst the Second Great Awakening. For a young man in 1820 named Joseph Smith, this was a time of great confusion and strife among denominations. Therefore, he sought divine counsel from James 1:5 – he asked for the necessary wisdom which God generously gives to all who ask. In doing so, he allegedly had a vision from heaven. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ stood above him. He asked which one of the denominations were correct and which one he should join. However, he was informed that all denominations were evil and corrupt as they had fallen into apostasy. In 1823, Smith was persuaded that God had called Him to be a prophet which was confirmed to him by an angelic visitation. This positions us to discuss some of the Latter Day Saints’ (LDS) beliefs.

Joseph Smith receiving golden plates. Source: ChurchofJesusChrist.org Media Library

1. The Bible and the Book of Mormon

Mormons believe that the Bible is the word of God, but only ‘as far as it is translated correctly.’[1] They also regard other texts to be scripture: The Doctrine and Covenants, The Pearl of Great Price and most famously, the Book of Mormon. Accordingly, they state that the Bible and the Book of Mormon complement one another with the latter confirming the teachings of the former. [2] At his supposed angelic visitation in 1823, Smith was instructed to find a book written upon golden plates, which he translated by using two reading crystals ‘urium and thummim’ to then publish The Book of Mormon. Smith is said to have done so with the authority of a prophet.

Just like God spoke to Moses and Noah in the Bible, He also spoke to people in the Americas. These men wrote down God’s word. Their writings were eventually gathered into one book, the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

The Church of the Latter-day Saints: How the Bible and the Book of Mormon Work Together

LDS doctrine undermines the sufficiency and inerrancy of Scripture. The suggestion
is that we do not have a closed canon, but need additional texts to make the Bible complete, correct its errors and make up for its deficiencies. In short, the Bible is not enough. This is at odds with what the Bible claims for itself. Psalm 19:7-14 and Psalm 119 are the signature texts on the sufficiency of Scripture. Psalm 119 uses eight different terms to refer to the law of God: ‘word’, ‘judgements’, ‘statutes’, ‘decree’, ‘law’, ‘commands’, ‘precepts’, ‘ways’ and ‘promises’. Dever suggests that such a vastness of terms evidences a broader understanding which extends beyond the Torah alone and to other portions of the Old Testament the psalmist had access to at the time. [3] God’s Word, which is found in the biblical text:

  • Transforms the soul – is sufficient for salvation (Psalm 19:7a; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23).
  • Is trustworthy and sufficient to take the naïve and uninformed person and give them ‘Hokmah’ (Greek) – skilful living and the ability to navigate life in a God-honouring way (Psalm 19:7b).
  • Right – absolute truth which is sufficient to live obediently, leading us to the path of joy (Psalm 19:8a; Luke 11:28).
  • Pure – it is exact and singular in its meaning. It gives enlightenment as opposed to confusion. Thus, it is completely righteous and true (Psalm 19:8b).

Moreover, God has spoken to us through His written Word communicated to us through
human authors who wrote under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16). Thus,
the Bible is without and is incapable of error (Num. 23:19; Prov. 30:5; Titus 1:12; Hebrews 6:18). This renders the claim of the Bible only being the word of God if ‘translated properly’
nonsense.

2. The doctrine of God

According to their understanding, unlike the Holy Spirit, God [the Father] has a physical body as the Son does. [5] Moreover, they deny the doctrine of the notion of a triune God. Instead, The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are three distinct Gods, but not one.

In contrast, the Bible teaches that God is one in His being (nature) (Deu. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4). He also exists in three distinct persons – Father (John 6:27; Rom.1:7; 1 Pet. 1:2), Son (John 20:28; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 1:1) and Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Cor. 3:16). Each distinct person has different roles. For example, the Father initiates the plan for salvation (Eph. 1:3-5). The Son accomplishes this plan through His willing obedience (John 3:16; 6:38; Gal. 4:4; Eph. 1:9– 10; Heb. 10:5-7). We are then regenerated – receive new spiritual life – by the Spirit (John 3:5-8) who applies and seals this redemptive work (2 Cor 1:22; Eph. 1:13) and sanctifies us (Rom. 15:16; 1 Pet. 1:2). This is one great work performed by the One being of God in which each Person plays their respective roles.

3. Salvation

Concerning salvation, Mormons believe that by placing your faith in Jesus’ atonement, repentance, baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, you will be saved (using Acts 2:37-38 as the basis). However, a person’s salvation is conditional upon their continuance in faithfulness and obedience to the First Principles and Ordinances which contains the Ten Commandments among other things. Their official website reads:

Individuals cannot be saved in their sins; they cannot receive unconditional salvation simply by declaring a belief in Christ with the understanding that they will inevitably commit sins throughout the rest of their lives (see Alma 11:36–37). However, through the grace of God, all can be saved from their sins (see 2 Nephi 25:23; Helaman 5:10–11) as they repent and follow Jesus Christ. [6]

– The Church of the Latter Day Saints

In summary, the LDS teach a salvation of grace and works. Contrastingly, the Bible states that it is by the grace of God alone that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). You must repent and believe in Jesus and place your faith in His life death and resurrection to be forgiven, receive eternal life, and save you from eternal punishment. We work as a result of the salvation we have received freely by faith, not to attain it.

The content of this article is not intended to be exhaustive, but to provide an overview of LDS beliefs. By familiarizing yourself with some basics, you have a foundation for further research and material for conversations with Mormons. Pray hard, study hard and share truth with kindness.

  1. Article 8 of Faith – The Church of the Latter-day Saint
  2. How the Bible and the Book of Mormon Work Together
  3. John F. Macarthur The Inerrant Word: Biblical, Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspectives (Crossway Books, 2016 Crossway Books) 63
  4. Doctrine and Covenants 84
  5. Doctrine and Covenants 130:22
  6. The Church of the Latter Day Saints Salvation

I feel like my job isn’t God-glorifying. Should I quit to go into full-time ministry?

On Mission
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I feel like my job isn’t God-glorifying. Should I quit to go into full-time ministry?

When we read about the importance of evangelism in the scriptures, a feeling that often comes up is that this means that full-time ministry is the lifestyle that really maximises sharing the gospel, and so we begin to feel second rate in our “secular” jobs. In this weeks episode, Mike Omoniyi discusses the importance of not separating the Christian life into the sacred and secular.

Join the discussion online using #ThePulsePodcast

https://open.spotify.com/episode/25c58DwSyRb4GDzyUU0VEF?si=s-yzL40GRiyQJbg0RR2Fhg

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Why don’t Christians talk about singleness?

On Mission
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Why don’t Christians talk about singleness?

We often view singleness as simply a phase of our lives to exercise patience in. As if marriage is the goal and singleness is just the journey of seeking a partner. However, our four guests discuss how the season of singleness is a wonderful opportunity to use the time, resources and friendships God has blessed you with, to glorify him.

Guests: Toye Akinoso, Deborah Suen, M.T Omoniyi and Heike Faith Adex

Join the discussion online using #onthetable

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The Gift Of Singleness

D. W. Brown
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The Gift Of Singleness
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In the church today there seems to be an assumption that if you’re a young person who is single, it’s only for the time being and that everyone is pursuing marriage. It’s understandable that people assume this sort of thing, after all, statistically, the vast majority of Christians will end up getting married at some point – but this idea can result in singleness being looked down upon as if it is inferior to being married. This subtle attitude can be very harmful and downplays what is in fact a gift from God, and a wonderful opportunity to serve him. Let’s think about a few points surrounding the area of singleness.

Resist the urge to idolise marriage

“We tend to compare the lows of singleness with the highs of marriage.”

Sam Allberry

Marriage is a beautiful gift from God, designed to reflect the relationship between Christ and the church, however, it’s easy for single people to adopt an unrealistic view of what married life is like. Similarly to many other areas in our lives, we can slip into a “grass is greener on the other side” mindset, and imagine the eradication of many of our problems as soon as we settle down with a lifelong partner in marriage.

However, we only need to speak to honest married couples to learn that while marriage is wonderful, it also presents many difficult challenges. I’m not qualified to write on those, but I would encourage you to read and take advice from someone who is, such as Tim and Kathy Keller who have written a very well-respected book called ‘The Meaning of Marriage.’

The point I am making is that holding an unrealistically high view of what marriage will be like, can too easily lead to idolatry. A way of combating this mindset is to understand that singleness is a gift.

Don’t waste the gift of singleness

It might not come as a surprise to you that singleness is a gift, after all it offers benefits that marriage doesn’t, such as more free time, more flexibility, and arguably more capacity for meaningful friendships. However I think it’s important to emphasise just how highly the Apostle Paul speaks of singleness.

In 1 Corinthians 7:7, while discussing the topic of marriage, he writes “each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.” There is no hierarchy here, he doesn’t elevate marriage as a greater gift than singleness. In fact, he goes on to say after this: “to the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.” (verse 8, ESV)

We need to get rid of this frame of mind that marriage is the goal and singleness is just the journey of seeking a partner. The season of singleness is a wonderful opportunity to use the time, resources and friendships God has blessed you with, to glorify him. If you’re single, think about how you’re spending the free time afforded to you and the finances that you don’t yet have to factor a spouse or children into. Are you building intimate God-glorying friendships? Are you wholeheartedly serving your local church?

It goes without saying that there is nothing wrong with wanting to marry, but there is a danger of being so consumed with that desire that you neglect the opportunities you have while you are single. Don’t waste the gift of singleness.

You are exactly where God planned you to be

A comforting truth to consider regardless of circumstances, is that currently you are where God planned for you to be. Your current  well-being, employment status and relationship status is as God intended, and we are promised in Romans 8 that in all things he works for the good of those who love him. That is a wonderful foundation for our trust, he doesn’t make any mistakes and his timing is perfect.

My prayer is that we would fix our eyes on him, and enjoy the gifts he has blessed us with, while using them to glorify him. If you are single, that is one of those gifts. Don’t take this season for granted.

To hear more on the topic of singleness, listen to the latest episode of the On The Table Podcast

Why Online Services Could Ruin How We Think About Church

Chude Obuaya
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Why Online Services Could Ruin How We Think About Church

Over the past year, churches across the globe have had to adapt or completely create a new way of doing local church meetings. Christians have had to develop a newfound love for Zoom and YouTube as the pandemic forced (necessary) restrictions. While church being online does have some benefits such as wider reach, greater accessibility, and adaptable service times; there are also some hindrances: reduced accountability, decreased attention, and diminished relationships. In the UK, the government has rightfully agreed that churches are amongst the institutions that are essential for people during this pandemic. While some churches are unable to meet, some who could meet, choose not to meet, This begs the question why? Has the pandemic changed how we feel about church or has it merely exposed how we always viewed church?

The Danger of Pragmatism

For many decades different leaders have warned against the dangers of pragmatism. Pragmatism is the philosophical idea that the ends justify the means; that the validity or truthfulness of an idea is verified by its consequences. Whilst pragmatism is not inherently evil in and of itself, it can lead to compromise when pragmatism comes into contradiction with what the Bible declares. The temptation arises, particularly when concerning local church gathering, which is that if it works it is okay.
I have engaged in and heard the various reasons why there is no difference between online and physical assembly. One of the main reasons that I hear is that the different components of a church service i.e. liturgy and sacraments can be replicated online. Unfortunately, this line of thinking misses the mark as to why we have these various components of a church service. When we gather at church, we are not just doing some religious activity, we are being a people purchased by the blood of Jesus, bound by covenantal promise (Ephesians 2:11-22). It is not just about doing praise and worship but doing it together. It is not just about taking part in communion but doing it together. We miss out on the command to admonish one another with spiritual hymns and the word of God (Ephesians 5:18-21; Colossians 3:16) when we reduce local church assembly as a place we go to complete religious stuff.

Say No To Transactional Relationships

When we succumb to the sin that pragmatism can produce, we can be seduced into thinking that our relationships, specifically those fostered in church, are transactional. We start to think “why do I need to meet up with my elder for accountability when we can talk over WhatsApp” or “Do I need to go to church to sing praise and worship? I can sing at home”. Do you realise the problem? The issue here is that we have reduced all interaction to “what’s in it for me”.
This position is antithetical to the ethic that ought to govern all our lives – love your neighbour as yourself (Galatians 5:14). When we live this way, our question will change from “what’s in it for me” to “how can I serve them”. We will no longer see the church as a spiritual activity to tick off our religious list, but as the body that Jesus died for. The “each other” commands that are given in scripture cannot be done online or over the phone; they require physical intimacy. We were not made to be alone (Genesis 2:18) and God’s wisdom has sovereignly given you your local church to remind us of this.

Let us persevere together

It has been a difficult year for us all. Some of us have not seen family or friends for months, others have suffered great loss in a variety of areas. We do not need less interaction, but we also do not need any kind of interaction. We need people that will remind us to long for the appearing of Jesus (Hebrews 10:25). With so many great challenges that we face our souls may be in a precarious position, thank God for pastors who are entrusted to help watch over our souls (Hebrews 13:17). They are better able to do this when they can see you.

Pastors your flock is weary and understandably so. Remind us why we gather and why it is important that we meet often and physically. Remind us of the church’s long history of gathering and the impact it has had. Remind us that in a seemingly hopeless situation that we have an abiding hope (Titus 2:13). It is my prayer that we are soon able to meet in person with no restrictions and that God would remind us why there is nothing like meeting together physically.


Sin doesn’t define the Christian, Christ does

Chude Obuaya
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Sin doesn’t define the Christian, Christ does
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It seems like every week there is a new scandal involving a Christian which leads to the understandable question from non-believers, “why don’t Christians act like Christians”. Whether or not non-believers are aware of the spiritual mechanics of the Christian life, they are very much aware that Christians should not do certain things. Therefore, there must be some dissonance for the non-Christian when they see a Christian act in such a way that is antithetical to the Christian life. So, non-Christian, this article is for you. This article will not justify the un-Christlike behaviour that you may have seen from celebrities or even from your friends and family, instead I seek to declare what the Christian is and why what they do doesn’t ultimately define them.

Sinfulness of man

The bible defines sin as lawlessness (1 John 3:4). The bible also tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The glory of God can be defined as the beauty, majesty and worth of God that displays and declares Him as the supreme Ruler, Creator, Treasure and Lord of all things. Therefore we can conclude that sin is any action, speech or thought that will break the law or rule of God which in turn diminishes or detracts from His glory – namely seeing God as the supreme Ruler, Creator, Treasure and Lord. Now, every human in the past or present has sinned. David declares in the Psalms what is true for all of us “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5). And sin entered the world because Adam and Eve rejected the law of God to do their own thing (Genesis 3). So, this does not mean that we are held responsible for Adam and Eve’s sin, what it does mean is that Adam acts as human kind’s federal head. Consequently, sin enters the world through Adam and as a result all his progeny are born into sin – meaning we have a nature that is against God. Not only that, but the world is under sin which explains, at least on a macro level, why we see so much wickedness and suffering in this world.

The Gospel Starts with God

Perhaps a friend or family member has shared the Gospel with you, or you have heard someone shout it in the middle of a high street. Maybe you have heard a version that declares you as a bad person that is en route to hell. Or another version that says God is desperate to know you and you’re breaking His heart by not receiving Him. I would suggest both of these versions have problems. The problem is that this gospel starts with you, in the bible the gospel starts with God. You see, the first book of the bible starts like this “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1). This is fundamental because the gospel is not primarily about what you have done against God or what you can do for Him; instead, it is about what God has done in Christ for the world for His glory. The gospel is about God formulating a plan before time began that would send Jesus Christ (who is fully God) to the world as man, that He might reconcile the world back to God (cf. Philippians 2:5-11, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21). The gospel is about God dealing with sin and all of its effects, destroying the works of the devil (the enemy of God and man) and setting those captivated by the power of sin and the devil free (Ephesians 2:1-10). The gospel is not about what you can do for God, the gospel is what God in Christ has done for you.

Not Defined By What We Do

Now to be a Christian, one must simply believe in who Jesus says that He is and what He has said He has done (Acts 2:22-36). Once you believe that you are a sinner and that Jesus is the Saviour, you are now a Christian. What Jesus accomplished on the cross now applies to you, you are now a child of God (John 1:12, Galatians 3:26). This means that it is faith in the person of Jesus and His works (life, death and resurrection), that makes a person saved (a Christian) (1 Corinthians 15). What a person does once they are a Christian, is the outworking of their professed faith. This is where the dissonance occurs. Why do we see Christians who have this faith act in such a way that makes it appear that they do not? Well, two words may help with this: justification and sanctification. Justification means that when a person places their faith in Christ, they are clothed in Jesus’ righteousness, they are made right with God (Romans 3:21-31). No sin in the past, present or future separates them from God. Sanctification is the ongoing process of the Christian realising what their justification declares, namely that they are not what they used to be (sinners) but they are now changed (saints) (Romans 6:1-14). So when you see a Christian act in a way that is antithetical to Christianity remember this, their actions doesn’t nullify what Christ has done in and for them. It’s actually an opportunity to see what makes Christianity so glorious, God consistently gives us more than we deserve (Psalm 103:10).

Pain and Glory

Christians have done some damage to their witness, admittedly. I am not innocent in this area either. I have done things that non-Christians would be rightfully quick to exclaim “but aren’t you a Christian”. Sinful behaviour should never be justified. Sin doesn’t just harm the person involved but permeates far beyond the immediate reach of what the person involved intended. Whilst Christians will not be sinless on this side of eternity, they should be Christ-full. Meaning, in the day to day life of the Christian they should show that Jesus above all things is their pursuit. God’s grace (unmerited favour) is what carries the Christian in this life and the next. If you aren’t a Christian I invite you to come and know this grace that is found in the person of Jesus, I can assure you it’s greater than what I can try to describe in words.

A Brief Look At Bible Translation: Is it Reliable?

D. W. Brown
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A Brief Look At Bible Translation: Is it Reliable?
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I confess that I am guilty, at times, of taking my access to the Bible for granted. I don’t often think about how blessed I am to have a Bible in my own language, and not only that but also to have a selection of versions that vary according to readability and communicate the message in slightly different ways.

Bible translation is a subject that is often brought up by those arguing against the reliability of the Bible. In discussions with sceptics, I have frequently encountered the objections that we can’t possibly trust Scripture to be true and infallible when it has been “translated so many times” and “passed through so many hands”, surely it has been “watered down” and we can’t possibly know what the writer actually meant. These views sound plausible at first, but when we closely analyse the lengthy process of Bible translation, we start to see that these arguments against the Bible’s reliability do not hold much weight. So what are the answers to some of these misconceptions? 

 How do modern translations work?

When scholars are working on a new Bible translation, let’s take for example the English Standard Version which was first published in 2001, it was not a case of simply translating an older English Bible version (in this case the RSV) into a version that is more readable for the modern reader. It involved a large team of over 100 highly experienced scholars, seasoned pastors and theologians reviewing the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible, against the English text, and arduously ensuring that they translated as accurately as possible into what we now know as the ESV; whilst using other historical texts such as The Dead Sea Scrolls and The Septuagint as sources of references.  

What about the original manuscripts?

Of course, the big elephant in the room in this discussion is the fact that the physical pieces of “paper” which the original writers of biblical texts used have been lost in history. However, these writings were replicated and widely distributed in the few years following their writing. There are 8,500 Greek manuscripts on the New Testament alone and thousands more in other ancient writings. Scholars take these into account as they undertake the enormous task of translation.

Another common objection to the reliability of the Bible is that a lot of the manuscripts we have vary from each other. However, I would argue that this actually supports the reliability of the Bible. This is what Greg Gilbert (MDiv) says in an article for Crossway:

 “it’s precisely the existence of those thousands of copies, from all over the empire and with all their variations, that allows us to reconstruct with a huge degree of confidence what the originals said.”

This is because rather than contradicting each other, these sources actually fit together like a puzzle to give us a complete picture. Click here to read Gilbert’s full article. 

It goes without saying, but before a new translation is published it is thoroughly proof-read and quality checked by experts and linguists in each language.

Something that can be easily overlooked in this discussion, is how God is working throughout the process of Bible translation. God has raised up people who love Him and want to serve Him in this laborious task. These are highly skilled people who are using their gifts to make the riches of God’s word as accessible as possible to everyone – we should have faith that the Spirit is inspiring and working through these people as they carry out this task.

A note about different translations

You often hear people discuss which Bible translation is the most accurate, the most reliable. However, it isn’t that simple. This is because different methods are used for different translations. For example, the New International Version was translated phrase by phrase from the original language (Functional equivalent), rather than word by word (Formal equivalent). Some would describe it as a paraphrase rather than a translation. However, this approach was taken in an attempt to make the text more readable and easier to understand. Although this translation is not as literal as the ESV, which was translated word for word, great care was taken by scholars to try to ensure that it doesn’t lose any of the meaning that the original author intended to get across.

Forming gratitude towards different translations

We should seek to continuously thank God for the blessing of having numerous translations. It is really helpful to see how the same passage has been worded differently, and I believe consulting numerous translations during Bible study gives us a fuller picture of what the author is communicating. However, do practice discernment in this regard and look into how the translation was done.

We should also bear in mind that over 255 million people have no Scripture in their own language. There are about 2,200 known languages that remain without a Bible. This is heart-breaking, and something we should be praying regularly. I would recommend checking out Wycliffe Bible Translators for more information about this need.

Do you trust the bible?

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

Every word of your bible is trustworthy, true and breathed out by God. The Bible is the primary way that He chooses to communicate with His children, the writer of the book of Hebrews describes it as “living and active” (4:12). Trust that the God who is faithful in carrying out the Gospel work through the ages, is also faithful in letting the story of His work be faithfully communicated through our Bibles. 

Multitudes of people have opposed the bible and the message of Christianity down through the ages, but it has stood the test of time. We can have full confidence and assurance that it is accurate and true. As you open your Bible and start reading, you are letting the precious words of God fill your mind and heart, that’s an indescribable blessing! We would do well to consider that more.

I Am Not Always A Happy Christian

Oluwaseyi Sobogun
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I Am Not Always A Happy Christian
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There is a common misconception that as Christians, we will always be happy. We will always be positive and full of optimism. That although worries come, we will be smiling through it all. However, this is seldom the case. A lot of things happen in our lives and around us that can affect our overall mental health. We will not always be ‘happy’ Christians. So as there are still many misconceptions when it comes to the topic of mental health within Christianity, how then as believers, should we navigate this struggle?

You are not alone

We first need to understand that we are not alone. Whether temporary or long term, many Christians suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health issues. We can be drastically affected by the stressors in life which can lead to anxiety and fill us with insecurities. Fearful of the unknown or situations that take us out of our comfort zone, for example, a global pandemic, continuous lockdowns and not seeing friends or family for an extended period. Even if it’s for a moment, we become tired, stressed, lethargic and start to lose joy in life.

We are not the only ones. The bible is full of examples of faithful people going through their deepest laments, struggling with mental health issues and crying out to God about them:

  • Job who was depressed, in the hardest part of his life, cried out multiple times:

And now my life seeps way. Depression haunts my days. At night my bones are filled with pain, which gnaws at me relentlessly.

I cry to you, O God

Job 30:16-17, 20
  • Elijah who wanted God to take him:

It is enough now, O Lord take away my life

1 Kings 19:4
  • Paul who suffered affliction through a thorn:

I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me

2 Cor. 12:8

  • Our Lord who suffered and cried in despair on the cross:

– “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46)

There are many more “woes” from the prophets of old – the book of Psalms is full of distressed, depressed and downcast people. At times we can find ourselves crying out in the same manner. Our feelings do not display a “weaker faith” or “a lack of trust in God”. I have found when I struggle with my anxiety or low mood that I am reaching more for Jesus. “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:11) because Christ has said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (v. 9).

Why the Word is so crucial?

When I find myself struggling with my mental health, one of the most effective ways I have learnt to cope is through the Word (the bible). The bible can help us navigate the struggles of life. There are so many verses to help guide us through these times. We do not have to lean on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5). We can keep our hearts stayed on Him (Isa. 26:3), at all times, through the word, especially when we do not feel up to it.

As described above, people in the bible have struggled with similar issues. It is a greater joy to read of their continued faithfulness in the midst of this. When our mental health reaches a low, we can remind ourselves of the truth in the word.

The word of God constantly reminds us to not worry, to not be afraid or be anxious (Phil. 4:6, Matt 6:25, 1 Pt 5:7). Jesus calls us to cast our burdens unto Him, to come to Him when we are weary (Matt 11:28) when life gets a little too much. And in the Word, we are advised to not worry about tomorrow for we do not know what tomorrow will bring (Matt 6:34).

Ultimately, the more we think about these things, or meditate on them, the more we are likely to believe them. And thus, accept it.

Jesus, our hope

Christ is the living Word and through Christ, we are free. We should understand that He is a strength. Anxieties will come, we may not always have the confidence to speak, but there is nothing to fear with God by our side (Isa. 41:10). At a point where it may seem as we are surrounded by darkness, there is a light that shines brightest and the darkness cannot overcome it (Jn. 1:5).

When Jesus says “In this world, you will have trouble but take heart! I have overcome the world,” (Jn. 16:13), this includes our anxiety, stress, sadness and difficulties with our mental health.

To find out more about the topic of mental health and the Gospel, listen to this episode of The On The Table Podcast

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