admincircumstances.
Notwithstanding, as we continue to sing, “Ngarifambe vhangeri . . . !” (Let the preaching of the gospel not stop), last weekend was no exception. A lot happened, by the Lord’s grace.
I saw a call to pray for the nation where leaders from the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Catholic Church and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches co-ordinated an initiative called Trumpeted Call! – Churches Together for Transformation.
Trumpet Call! called on the church, across all denominations and vocations, to a worship and prayer. The prayer session was held at the East End Hall, Harare Show grounds, a venue that now deserves special focus since many souls meet there every week.
This week’s issue is about the goings-on in the church – some soul searching. The church continues to be a newsmaker, both in the mainstream media and the street corner press, but what kind of news?
That is also not surprising because the Word of God should be the leading story anywhere, everywhere, any time.
Vocal Bible teacher Dr J Vernon McGee in Guidelines for Understanding of the Scriptures gives a good illustration: ” . . . The four (gospels) constitute a modern newspaper: Matthew contains the announcements and advertising, ‘Behold, the kingdom of God is at hand’; Mark carries the flaming headlines, ‘Behold my servant’ (we need to know the headlines, at least of God’s programme); Luke has the special features – he alone records the songs connected with the birth of Christ, stories of the good Samaritan and on the prodigal son; John has the editorial section – he has written on the bread of life, the water of life, the water of life, the true vine, and the Christian life”.
Despite a lot of Spirit-led activities going on in the body of Christ I have a few questions to the Christian fraternity: “What really is going on? Why are personalities taking centre-stage over and above the Lord Jesus Christ?
Why are Christians throwing brick bats at one another at the expense of spreading the gospel? Why is the Lord’s counsel to the Pharisees (John 8:7) concerning the woman caught in adultery being ignored: “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
I cite excerpts from scriptures to explain the discordance that we are witnessing:
Only one kingdom of God
But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebub, the prince of demons that this fellow drives out demons.” Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.
If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand? And if I drive out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your people drive them out? So then, they will be your judges. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:24-28, NIV)
Gamaliel’s caution still applicable
When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.
Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him.
He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:34-42, NIV)
Slandering one another
Brothers and sisters (Greek adelphos – believer), do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it.
When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbour? (James 4:11-12, NIV)
True and false Spirit
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognise the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (1 John 4:1-3, NIV)
The power of love
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
The church is a theocracy which does not need talks or frameworks like the Global Political Agreement to ensure unity and peace.
Forthcoming events
Event: Life Transforming Miracle Crusade – AFM Zimbabwe, Braeside Assembly
Date: July 11 – 16
Venue: Braeside Shopping Centre
Time: 6-8pm
Theme: Living with a Kingdom mentality
Guests: Evangelist Paul and Winnie Saungweme
Hosts: Rev M and Mrs Nengomasha
Contact: 0773626850/0772222396/0773911123
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Event: Crusade – Glad Tidings Fellowship
Date: July 11 – 16
Venue: 99 Parklane
Time: 5:30 – 7:30pm
Theme: The Word of God that sets you free from the power of Satan and sin!
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Event: Healing and deliverance service
Date: July 2011
Time: 8.20am – 11am
Venue: Cinema 2, Sterkinekor Theatres, Wynne Street/Robert Mugabe Rd, Harare
Host: Davison Kanokanga SC, Impact Christian Centre
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Event: Revival – The Season of Power
Date: July 11 – 17; July 25 – 31
Venue: AFM City Worship Centre
Time: 5:30pm – 8pm
Speaker: Pastor Sigauke; Rev Sasa; Pastor Magweju
Host: Pastor Kudita
Contact: 0772402571
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Event: Apostolic/Prophetic Conference Year of Action 2011
Date: August 1 – 7
Venue: Queens Sports Ground, Bulawayo
Theme: “Why sit we here until we die?” (2 Kings 7:4)
Speakers: Apostle Eunor Guti, Bishop Tudor Bismark, Pastor Tom Deuschle, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Bishop Dag Hewad Mills
Hosts: Apostle Colin and Sarah Nyathi, Harvest House International Church
Contact: 09-881131-3/0777776037
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Event: Live in Concert: 1912-2012 Centenary Launch Show
Date: July 31
Featuring: Ethel Kamwendo Banda (Malawi), Mahendere Brothers, CCAP Mbare Voice, CCAP Sakubva Voice and many more
Venue: Harare Gardens
Time: 10:30am – 6pm
Hosts: CCAP – Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Harare Synod
Contact: 04-703719/0733387268/0713298804
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Event: God’s Transforming Presence Conference
Theme: Building supernaturally (Isaiah 54:1-4)
Dates: August 2 – 5
Venue: City Sports Centre
Time: 9am – 9pm
Speakers: Pastors Matthew Ashimolowo and Xola Nzo
Hosts: Apostle Charles and Pastor Petunia Chiriseri, His Presence International Ministries
Contact: 0772100398
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Event: Joyous Celebration Concert
Date: August 7
Venue: Queens Sports Ground (Cricket Ground), Bulawayo
Hosts: Harvest House International Church
Contact: 09-881131-3/0777776037
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Event: Mabasa Ezviratidzo – Musangano weMatumba (Last meeting of the year)
Date: August 12 – 21
Venue: Kasanze Videc Hall, Murombedzi, Zvimba
Theme: Thanksgiving
Speaker: Bishop Colin Mutasa
Contact: 0772958814/0733230868/ 05-568280
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Event: Catch the Fire Conference – Supernatural Overflow
Date: August 15 – 21
Venue: National Sports Stadium
Theme: We Welcome You Father
Speakers: Apostle Robert Kayanja (Uganda); Prophet E Makandiwa
Host: Apostle T Vutabwashe, Heartfelt International Ministries
Contact: 04-785906-8
Regarding prophets: “You may say to yourselves, ‘How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the Lord?’ If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” (Deuteronomy 18: 14-22, NIV)
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