“Evangelicals worldwide have a lot to be ashamed of … We need a second Reformation!” This challenge from Chris Wright received immediate applause in the plenary session.
Identifying Idols in Evangelical Churches The plight of today’s church was compared to the pre-Reformation church of the 16th Century. The main stumbling blocks that hinder others from coming to Christ are not found outside the church. It is neither persecution nor false religions, but the integrity of Christian leaders which is hurting the Christian cause the most: “The failure, disobedience and rebellion” of church leaders. “The idolatry of the church” was emphasised, “especially seductive, even for Evangelical Christians: the idol of power and pride; the idol of popularity and success; the idol of wealth and greed.”
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The Gospel of Jesus Christ is life changing, history making and nation transforming! If it doesn’t change your life and the lives of those around you then it’s not the Biblical Gospel.
The 19th Century was the greatest century for missions. In 1793 the modern missionary movement was launched by William Carey. In just 100 years: Bible translations multiplied from 50 to 250 and mission organisations from 7 to 100. Protestant missionaries were sent out to every corner of the world, Whole tribes were converted and nations discipled. Within a century, by 1900, the number of professing Christians had more than doubled from 215 million to 500 million. "If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out, or you will be destroyed by each other."
Galatians 5:15 The number one reason for missionaries failing and giving up is interpersonal conflict. Interpersonal conflicts are a primary source of disruption in Christian ministries and churches. Some come to the field with serious character flaws, fears and phobias, which lead to major relationship problems. There are dependent people who need constant support and direction and, rather than contribute to the team, they sap its energy. Every year I am approached by many people offering their sevices to the Frontline Fellowship. “I want to work for the Lord”, they say. Or, “I’m called into full-time service”. Or, “I want God to use me in His Service”.
My first reaction used to be joy and excitement, for truly, “the harvest is large and the workers are few”, however, for every hundred who voiced their desire to enter Christian service, only a few would make it and, even then, the amount of those who “putting their hands to the plow” look back and give up is depressing. Dr. James Kennedy continues to be a tremendous example and inspiration to us in Africa. He was one of our best, most faithful and dependable friends. It constantly amazed us to see how such a busy and productive leader as Dr. Kennedy could still find time to be so thoughtful and helpful to small ministries and missions in Africa.
I first learnt about the ministry of Dr. James Kennedy as a brand new Christian. Having been brought up amidst the war in Rhodesia, I was converted to Christ in Cape Town, South Africa, Easter 1977. Almost immediately I was introduced to the ministry of Evangelism Explosion as Baptist evangelist Rev. Roger Voke took those of us who had volunteered to be counsellors for an upcoming evangelistic crusade through the EE programme. I was inspired by the 16mm film shown to us: Like a Mighty Army.We learned the diagnostic questions which I have used countless hundreds of times throughout my ministry since. In the Pastoral Epistles, which were written to instruct ministers and missionaries, the Apostle Paul wrote of those who were teaching false doctrines, devoting themselves to myths and promoting controversies rather than God's Word, and of those who had "wandered away" and "turned to meaningless talk" (1 Timothy 1:3 - 7).
David Livingstone was one of the greatest missionary pioneer pathfinders of the greatest century of missionary advance. His primary goals were reached only after his death: the cessation of the pervasive Islamic slave trade and the opening up of Africa to Christianity and lawful commerce. He had the grace to see that his mission was part of a divine plan to set many souls free from slavery, both physical and spiritual. Livingstone’s great goal of bringing to the world's attention the plight of the Islamic slave trade in Africa was achieved largely through the work of his convert, American journalist Henry Morton Stanley. 2007 is the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade by the British Parliament. To mark this monumental turning point in world history a major film on William Wilberforce and the campaign to abolish the slave trade is soon to be released: AMAZING GRACE For the Inspiring story behind this important film and landmark event read the incredible story of the man who ended the slave trade. As we battle against great social evils such as abortion and pornography and work for Reformation, the overwhelming opposition and pressures can drive one to exhaustion and a temptation to give up the fight. William Wilberforce – the Reformer who led the campaign to abolish the slave trade and to set those in bondage free – was persistently slandered in the media, threatened, physically assaulted and even the target of attempted murder. Yet he persevered and, after a lifetime crusade, his steadfastness was rewarded with the liberation of all slaves in the British Empire. At this critical stage in history (this year 2007 is the 200th anniversary of the obolition of the slave trade by the British Parliament) Christians need to learn from one of the greatest Christian statesmen and how, in the face of constant division and opposition, he succeeded in abolishing the slave trade. Caleb had represented Judah among the twelve spies sent out by Moses from Kadesh Barnea into the land of Canaan (Numbers 13). Caleb and Joshua had the distinction of being the only two who on that strategic occasion believed that God would enable His people to overcome the Canaanites in battle. So Caleb and Joshua were blessed by God to outlive their critics and the defeatists who said it couldn’t be done. Now most of the promised land has been conquered. Caleb is eighty five years old. Surely Caleb is long overdue for retirement – but no! Caleb declares "I am as strong this day . . . for war . . . Now, therefore, give me this mountain . . ." Joshua 14:11-12. Caleb wasn’t interested in the flat plains or any easy task, nor was he going to hide behind any excuses for indemnity, he wanted the mountain, and not just any mountain. This included great fortified cities protected by the feared giants of the Anakim. For Caleb, faith in God’s promises was not expressed in human passivity, but in active obedience. Not only did Caleb attempt great things for God in his later years, but he accomplished great things . . . "because he wholly followed the Lord God . . ." Joshua 14:14. Volume 5 1990 A CAPTIVATING VISION
The closest that I have come to the West African state of Mali was in Cell 11 of Lusaka Central Prison. One of my cell mates was a tall Muslim businessman from Timbuktu. He recounted how, not long ago, a tribal chief in MALI “had a vision”. The chief captivated his tribe with his “vision from Allah” that he had been chosen to lead his people “in search of the holy land”. The entire village followed him across the vast Sahara desert in search of the promised land. When they arrived in Libya the chief promptly sold all his people into Arabic slavery to pay for his lavish retirement. |
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