KACHELBELA: #The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down

KACHELBELA: #The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down: Dear Diary, Ezek 22:30, "I sought for a man who'd make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, thatbi s...

KACHELBELA: #The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down

KACHELBELA: #The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down: Dear Diary, Ezek 22:30, "I sought for a man who'd make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, thatbi s...

#The_Walls_God_Wants_Us_to_Build_or_Tear_Down

Dear Diary,

Ezek 22:30, "I sought for a man who'd make a wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, thatbi should not destroy it; but found no one."
Also read Josh. 6; Isa. 26:1, salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Isa. 60:18, ... thou shall call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

A wall is a structure that defines an area, carries a load, provides shelter, security, defense, privacy, and/or support; encloses a space and gives a building form. From what I gleaned from the internet, there are two categories of walls namely: Load bearing wall which are thick and carry their own weight and load from roof. Stone and bricks are used in building load bearing walls. Example of load bearing walls is masonry walls; non load bearing walls carry self weight only. They are thin and materials used include timber, steel panels and glass. The height of the building determine the thickness required. Walls have been built since ancient times to mark borders, protect kingdoms and its people, to serve as memorials and structures of art. Some are historic, cultural, political and famous. Examples: The Great Wall, China; Berlin Wall, Germany; Walls of Jericho.

Human beings too build walls around themselves-emotional, psychological, spiritual, defensive and other worldly walls. These walls go up because of misunderstandings, hurtful words and actions, or neglect. Some are higher than others. Spiritual walls relate to the strength in time of temptation, stability and our capability of defending the faith. God wants a spiritual wall to surround us but not a wall that doesn’t allow Him to enter.

As we examine the walls and the gates of our life we may find much of it in ruins. God is calling you and me to rebuild the necessary walls and also to tear down seemingly impregnable worldly walls-walls of pride and prejudice. Satan uses some walls to discourage God's people from living victorious lives.These walls are impenetrable without faith in the supernatural power of God and obedience to God's word, Josh. 6; Heb. 11:30. No matter what the intensity of the ruin be, Nehemiah teaches us there is always a place to start reconstruction of the walls-on our knees. Let us not be content to live with broken-down walls. Let's rise and build. Beak the unwanted walls and reconstruct the walls of salvation like Joshua and Nehemiah.

Regards,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #Have_We_Trials_and_temptations?

KACHELBELA: #Have_We_Trials_and_temptations?: Dear Diary, We take a journey through the  # The_Life_Changing_Gospel_According_to_James . Am excited and looking forward to dis...

#Have_We_Trials_and_temptations?

Dear Diary,

We take a journey through the #The_Life_Changing_Gospel_According_to_James. Am excited and looking forward to discover a wealth of life-changing truths.

Introduction and epistolary opening

The author describes himself as a servant of God and of Jesus, v.1a and identifies his recipients-12 tribes scattered among nations. Some scholar say that the author of James is James the son of Zebedee, one of the twelve apostles while some early church fathers like Eusebius and Origen among others suggested that James the half-brother of Jesus was the author. Importantly, the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is evident.

Trials and temptation, v. 2-18

A. The testing of faith through trials, v. 2-12

- James begins by affirming that trials of various kinds are reasons for rejoicing because of the effects they produce, v.2-4.

1. Trials are capable of producing perseverance, tenacity or spiritual stamina, v.3. This kind of perseverance helps a believer to stand firm amidst storms.

2. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, v.4. In other words perseverance in trials results in maturity of character and a balance of all the graces and strength needed for Christian life.

3. Trials know no superficial distinctions between a rich brother and a poor one, v. 9-11.

God’s offer for those facing trials, v. 5-8, 12

1. Wisdom. During the time of testing, it is very possible to lack in wisdom. The good news is that you can ask God for it, v. 5. This wisdom is a God-given understanding that enables a person to persevere and meet the trials victoriously. There is a definite assurance that God will give you wisdom generously and without finding fault, v. 5b. 
- The key to receiving what you ask for is Unwavering Faith- believe and do not doubt, v. 6a. In response to a confident, unwavering and expectant faith, God will give you what you ask for-wisdom. Lacking in stability of faith is like a wave of sea tossed by the wind, v. 6b. It is a double mindedness that hinders you from receiving anything from God, v. 7-8. 
2. A promise of reward of accomplishment for those who successfully stand the test, v.12.

B. Temptation: Source of temptation, v. 13-18

- First, James asserts that no one should assume that enticement to sin comes from God, v. 13a; because God is not tempted by evil, there’s no slightest moral depravity, and He is not the author of temptation. 
- Second, temptation lies within man himself not on any external object or person. He is tempted by his own sinful nature that drags him away and entices him, v. 14.

- Here is the chronological genealogy of evil desire: first, the temptation comes, v. 14; second, the desire conceives and gives birth to sin; third, sin, the product of an evil desire develops till it is fully grown, ready to reproduce. It conceives and gives birth to death, v. 15.

- Third, therefore, don’t be deceived that God is the author of temptation, v. 16. Instead, He is the giver of every good and perfect gift, v. 16. Unlike shifting shadows caused by the sun, moon and stars, God does not change, v.17. God is not a vicious being who entices His creatures to sin. In fact, He chose to give us a new birth (regeneration) through the word of truth (gospel) that we might be a kind of firstfruit of all He created, v.18.

Conclusion

When adversity comes, how do you receive it? What's your attitude? Think about it! God is never to be blamed for our moral failure. He ain't the author of temptations. the second verse of the popular Hymn, "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" the Psalmist sings,

"Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged,
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness,
Take it to the Lord in prayer."

Through it trials and temptation, we can rely on God's faithfulness. Have faith and pray.

Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 13: Practical Christian...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 13: Practical Christian...:   Dear diary, We hereby come to close of a successful and informative study of the Christology of Hebrews. The preceding twelve chapter...

The Christology of Hebrews 13: Practical Christian Living

 Dear diary,

We hereby come to close of a successful and informative study of the Christology of Hebrews. The preceding twelve chapters formed a closely knit discourse. The primary theme (Christology) of Hebrews focuses totally and forcefully on the superiority and sufficiency of Jesus Christ and His redemptive accomplishment, practical application and exhortation to persevere in faith.

In this last chapter, the author draws our attention to Christian faith:

1.      Brotherly love (philadephia), v. 1-4

-          As Christians we are to have warm feelings toward one another, v. 1.

-          Be hospitable not only to friends and relatives but also to strangers, v. 2

-          Remember prisoners, have compassion on them, v. 3.

-          Honor marital love; hold marriage bed (sexual intercourse) in high esteem, v. 4.

2.      Learn contentment over covetousness, v. 5-6

-          Today, greed and covetousness are excused as ambition. Contentment is learned, Phil 4:11-13, “Whatever state I am in, I have learned to be content.”

-          Hopelessness is foreign to Christians because they have confidence in God’s presence; help; and security. Real contentment comes when we understand who God is and by trusting Him to meet our needs, v. 6.

3.      Christian leadership, v. 7-8

-          As Christians, we are urged to recognize, consider and follow godly leadership in the church; godly leadership is shown by faithfulness to God’s word and conduct. Specifically, the faith of the godly leaders is singled out. It’s their faith especially, we should imitate.

-          Succinctly, the author turns his thoughts to Christ as the as our ultimate example of faith, v. 8. Godly leaders come and go but Jesus is unchangeable. The enduring principle is this: “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever more.” Thus, our conduct and faith is based on this certainty that Christ will never be out-dated.

4.      Refuse curious diversities and novel teaching, v. 9-16

-          The grace of God is able to sustain not the ceremonial foods, v. 9. We are established by an understanding and appropriation of God's grace, and not by an assumed approval gained through keeping a list of rules or rituals such as ceremonial foods.

-          The author draw attention to Christ’s offering at the cross. An altar that those who insist on clinging to the Levitical system have no right to, v. 10-11.

-          “Jesus suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the camp (Judaism), bearing His reproach,” v. 12. Identifying with Jesus often means bearing His reproach and following Him, v.13.

-          Well identifying with Jesus is not easy but when we remember that the world we in is just temporary but we seek and belong to a permanent city yet to come we will be inspired and motivated to strive for an abiding city, v. 14.

5.      Our sacrifice, v. 15-16

-          It is through Jesus men offer acceptable spiritual sacrifice, v. 15

-          The sacrifice consists of:

o   Continual praise, v. 15a

o   Acknowledging His name, v. 15b

o   Doing good, v. 16a

o   Sharing such things as we have, v. 16b

6.      Christian obedience and submission to leadership, v. 17

-          God has made some people to be leaders; they have qualities mentioned in v. 7, i.e. they are faithful in God’s word and have good conduct.

-          Christians have a responsibility to obey and submit to those currently in places of authority because God has put them in place or responsibility and accountability over us, v. 17a.

-          By being obedient and submissive to the leaders God has put over us, it’s not only a joy to the leaders but profiting to the body of Christ, v. 17b.

7.      Appeal for Prayer and doxology, v. 18-21

-          Prayer is an imperative and continuous activity and a powerful force, v. 18a

-          We all need and should welcome the prayers of others.

-          First, the doxology recognizes attributes of God: peace; power, loving care, v.20. Second, the prayer is that God will equip the readers with everything good for doing God’s will, v. 21.

8.      Final exhortation, v. 22-25

-          The writer to the Hebrews reminds us of his purpose- a word of exhortation to encourage discouraged Christians, both then and now, v. 22. V. 23-24, tells us that the author knew Timothy.

-          He closes the epistle with prayer for grace

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 12: The Certainty of Di...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 12: The Certainty of Di...: Dear Diary, Friend, we are almost coming to the close of the Christology of Hebrews. In this second last chapter, the author...

The Christology of Hebrews 12: The Certainty of Difficult Times and God’s Discipline

Dear Diary,

Friend, we are almost coming to the close of the Christology of Hebrews. In this second last chapter, the author exhorts his audience to a variety of Christian onuses.

The RACE marked out for us, v. 1-3,

You remember in the preceding chapters we encountered the patriarchs and matriarchs of faith? Now, the author envisions these previous champions of faith as having finished their race, handed over the baton to their successors (you and me) and are cheering us on as we endeavour to finish the race. Certainly, they are witnesses to us of faith and resilience, v.1a. You know, in the age we are living in there are challenges, snares, weights and sins that can easily get us entangled but the author appeals to us to lay them aside, v. 1b. Then what? Run with perseverance the race marked out for us, v. 1c. “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus,” Philippians 1:6. The race is already set before us; to finish it successfully, we must throw off every form of hindrance-unnecessary weights and crippling sin; we must make a sustained effort, endure, persist and be determined to finish the race right and strongly.

Our ultimate perfect example-Jesus Christ, v. 2-3

Well, the previous champions of faith were not perfect; a time they stumbled and fell. With the great gallery of witnesses about us, we can be tempted to keep our eyes on them but the ultimate example is Christ. He is the goal we are running toward so our eyes must be focused on Him. He trod the path of faith perfectly and brought it to completion. He endured the Cross, scorning its shame then He sat down at the right hand of the throne of God having completed His work of redemption, v. 2. The author invites us to take account of/consider Jesus as the one who endured. He didn’t stumble and/or fall. He is the ultimate example of endurance, v. 3.

The certainty of difficult times and why God allows it, v. 4-11

Well, some sad news here it seems! The readers of Hebrews must be ready for difficult days. In times of discouragements and difficult times we tend to ask, “Why me God?” Certainly, God is not the author of evil, but He does allow suffering to happen. One of the reasons God allows us to go through difficult times is to chastise us. The certainty of suffering should encourage the believer rather than horrifying him/her, v. 4. Scripture links suffering and sonship. Consequently, the believer is not to belittle the significance of his suffering or be horrified in the face of God’s correction. No matter how discouraged you might feel, never forget that God's chastening is not a sign of rejection. It is rather a sign of His treating us as His children, v. 5-8. In fact, those who fancy themselves outside God's chastening mark themselves as illegitimate sons, v. 8.

The superiority of God’s discipline, v. 9-10

We have human fathers who correct us and we pay them respect, v. 9. How much more should we be submissive and respectful to our Heavenly Father's correction? Human fathers, even with the best of intention, can only discipline poorly but the all-knowing God chastens us perfectly, with better and more lasting results than even the best earthly father, v. 10.

The results vs the process of God’s chastisement, v. 11

In fact, the nature of heavenly discipline isn’t pleasant, v. 11a. However, looking beyond the process, the fruit of the discipline is evidenced by a harvest of righteousness and peace, v.11b

Application, v. 12-17

Now that we know about God’s discipline, what do we do? Stop being spiritually paralyzed. Strengthen your feeble bones and weak knees, v. 12; make level paths for your feet and be in the right standing with God, v. 13; make an effort to live in peace with all men coupled with holiness, v.14; watch out not to miss the grace of God and rid yourself of bitterness, v. 15; watch out against sexual immorality and godlessness, v. 16-17.

Note that our relationship and experience with God is not modelled after Israel's experience on Mount Sinai. We know the experience at Mount Sinai was scary: it was marked with fear and terror; only one man, Moses was invited to draw near to God and be the mediator; it was about the law. But now we come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God- in joyful assembly; where Jesus is the mediator of the New Covenant and whose blood speaks better things than the blood of Abel, v. 22-24.

Accordingly, watch out that you don’t refuse Him who speaks because the consequences are dire-a shaking that will remove all that can be removed, v. 25-26. Only the Kingdom of God is unshakable, v. 27. Finally, let us not trifle with God who is the Consuming fire but be thankful and worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, v. 28-29.

Faithful Scribbler,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: #What_Does_Jesus_Want_This_Christmas?

KACHELBELA: #What_Does_Jesus_Want_This_Christmas?: Dear Diary, # 129Days_to_Christmas On 10th August was my Birthday and I celebrated it accordingly. I bought myself coffee and a ba...