lubumba pastors blog

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan continues teaching on the book of Acts. Chapter 27 concludes with God's fulfilling his promise to Paul that all the men onboard ship with him would survive the storm and subsequent shipwreck. Was this mere coincidence, or do we see that Paul was concerned about his shipmates during the storm? What does this teach about the correct perspective for a Christian's pra...

Recorded for Impact and UBC Radio Broadcasts week of November 11th 2024.

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on Proverbs 21:1, a verse that declares God's complete control over the world's ruling powers. What should be a Christian's view towards government and how can we avoid becoming afraid when evil people seem to prevail? What's a Christian's duty no matter his or her political circumstances? Find out in another study of transforming our thinking through the...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on Paul's encouragement to the men on board his storm-tossed ship to "be cheerful." The Bible tells us the storm had continued for so long and with such violence that all hope of survival had been lost. From where then did Paul find this resource of encouragement? And what is the resource God has given to all believers to keep them from fear and despair? F...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan continues his series in Acts. Acts 27 narrates the beginning of Paul's voyage to Rome and the subsequent shipwreck on the island of Malta. After the voyage was underway, Paul warned the leaders that he thought they had better wait because of the late season and contrary winds. Did God give Paul a specific warning that a shipwreck was coming, or did Paul merely dis...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches from Paul's testimony before Festus, King Agrippa, and Agrippa's sister Bernice. The occasion is yet another example of mature Christian perspective about our circumstances. Though the meeting is somewhat of a trial setting, Paul doesn't focus on defending himself, but rather preaching the good news of salvation and the hope of resurrection in Jesus Christ...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on Paul's first appearance before Festus. Once again, the Jews make accusations that they can't prove. It seems likely that Festus must release Paul after a later trial in Jerusalem. But Paul appeals to be tried by Caesar, which ensures that he must be kept a prisoner for an indefinitely longer period of time. Why did Paul do this and what challenge does i...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches from John 5:24-25, a passage where Jesus proclaims the way that sinners can pass from spiritual death to eternal life. What is the Bible's description about the way a person can be saved and what ways do many people contradict this? Find out in another study of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Recorded for Impact Radio and UBC Radio broadcasts week of October 28, 2024.

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on Proverbs 28:21, a text which warns us about how easily a person's integrity can be compromised by sinful enticement.

Recorded for Impact and UBC radio broadcasts week of October 21, 2024.

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on the conclusion of Acts 24, where we find Felix keeping Paul a prisoner for 2 years in the hopes that Paul would bribe him to be released. Jesus had earlier told Paul that he would also testify about Christ in Rome. And yet, Paul found himself unlawfully held as a prisoner for 2 years. Paul's behavior in this period gives us a wonderful lesson on God's c...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on Paul's interaction with Felix and Drusilla, recorded in Acts 24. Perhaps some of us would feel a bit shy to speak boldly to one who had legal authority to pass judgment on us. Sometimes as Christians, we can be somewhat passive in our efforts to speak the truth of the gospel to a person. What does Paul's example in this conversation teach us about perso...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on Paul's trial before Felix. The Jews make another false accusation against Paul, and there are interesting insights to gain from why Paul was able to refute their accusation. When believers face scrutiny from the world, how does Satan seek to dismiss their credibility when he can't object to the truth of their message? Find out in another study of transf...

In this study from John 5:22-23, Musumba Jonathan teaches on Jesus' statement that it is the Father's will that the Son receive the same honor the Father himself receives. This is yet another profound claim proving that Jesus never shied away from declaring he was God in the flesh. This of course demands a response from every audience of his throughout history. Consider these things in another epi...

Recorded for Impact and UBC Radio broadcasts week of October 14th, 2024.

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on John 5:27-29, as he continues to elaborate on Jesus' statements about his own authority that prove his deity. Something restricted throughout scripture to God alone is the authority of final judgment. But in this lesson's text, and many other places in the NT, we find that the Father has committed all judgment to the Son. Many atheists question why the...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on John 5:21's implication about the deity of Christ. Jesus stated that just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so he also gives life to whom he will. Some Christians miss the fact that the resurrection is a consistent part of the narrative of scripture, both in the Old Testament and, of course, in the New Testament. What does this statement fro...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan continues his study on Jesus' statements in John 5 in response to the Jews' attack against him for making himself equal with God. In the modern church, there's a great tendency to exalt our own importance when describing Jesus' motives for why he came to earth to die in our place. But what did Jesus actually say was his motive for coming and how should this contro...

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on two common behaviors that hinder us from being transformed by the truth of God's Word. How does God tell us to relate to him and understand him? Some people think they must look inside themselves to understand God, others might suggest sitting on a mountaintop to meditate. The Bible tells us how we can be sure we know and understand God - by rationally...

Recorded for Impact and UBC Radio broadcasts week of October 7, 2024.

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan continues the narrative following Paul's arrest in Jerusalem. Acts 23 details the Jews' conspiracy to assassinate Paul, after he was rescued from Jews by the Roman tribune. The story is filled with irony. The Jewish leaders were accusing Paul of breaking the law, while they engaged in several unlawful acts to finally decide their best option was to commit murder....

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan teaches on Proverbs 6:23-35, a passage which warns men about the consequences of allowing sexual impurity to control them. In light of recent failings among evangelical leaders, this passage is an important reminder about what believers must do to walk in righteousness and so fulfill their role as being the light of Christ to the world. Consider these things in an...

Recorded for Impact and UBC Radio broadcasts week of October 1, 2024.

In this episode, Musumba Jonathan continues his series on Acts. This lesson focuses on Paul's statement about his hope in the resurrection and the response from the parties of the Pharisees and Sadducees who had come to accuse Paul. These two factions in the Jewish leadership had differing theology, but were both equally lost. What can we learn from their religious pretense and the Christian's tru...