lubumba pastors blog

In 1 Corinthians 15:29-34, Paul adds another proof in his argument for the Christian hope of literal resurrection. If Christianity pertains only to this life, why would anyone be influenced to follow Christ, when even Christ himself was killed? In other words, what about a Christian's death would be persuasive to convert another person to Christianity if there was no true hope for life after d...

In V23-28 of 1 Corinthians 15, the Apostle Paul suddenly jumps from speaking of the event of the resurrection of Christ to describing events at the return of Christ. At first, this might seem odd and off-topic, but when we follow the progression of Paul's instruction and remember the context is refuting those who say there is no resurrection, we can better grasp our hope of resurrection in the...

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 explains that just as we can be sure that sin and death have come to us through Adam's transgression, we can also be assured that resurrection will come to us through the righteousness of Jesus Christ. How does this parallel help us understand the importance of hope in a literal resurrection? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of G...

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 begins Paul's correction of some members of the Corinthian church claiming there was no actual resurrection. Why is this such a dangerous and unsound position in light of scripture's gospel claims? How does this false claim still affect the church and its witness today? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the powe...

There are several warnings in the NT for professing Christians to examine themselves to see whether they are truly in the faith. This can be an intimidating instruction, especially due to how false presentations of the gospel have emphasized a basis of salvation on human merit rather than the atoning work of Christ. Why is it important that we understand not only the method of salvation, but God&#...

1 Corinthians 15 is the lengthiest and most elaborative chapter in scripture on the believer's hope of resurrection. But even in the days of the early church, the concept of a literal resurrection presented challenges for some people, even those who might genuinely saved. So, to begin his explanation on this doctrine, the Apostle Paul lists several components he describes "as of first imp...

The Apostle Paul described himself as "Chief of sinners" in his first letter to Timothy. We know from scripture's record and Paul's own statements that he violently persecuted the church demanding the execution of believers and even trying to get them to deny the name of the Lord Jesus. And yet, Jesus described Paul as "a chosen vessel." What does this mercy to Paul dem...

The world measures people's value and greatness by their ability, knowledge, and accomplishments. Because we grow up experiencing this reality, and because our flesh agrees with it, we tend to apply the same sort of thinking about what it means to be great in God's kingdom. But what does Jesus say God desires in his followers? What makes them truly great in his perspective? Consider this q...

In the Ugandan church, few professing Christians understand the finality of the gospel and salvation through the gospel. You hear people talking of needing to "give their life to Christ again," or "I haven't done enough yet to be sure I'm going to heaven." What does the Bible say about the redeeming work of Christ? How does he save us and is there any end to this salvat...

One of the bitter realities of life is the occurrence of injustice that seems to go unpunished. Sometimes, the wicked seem to be the most prosperous people, while the righteous suffer to eek out a living. History testifies of wicked leaders who lived to an old age in luxury and self-indulgence while oppressing the poor of their land. What does the Bible tell us that assures believers there will be...

A very clear but increasingly unpopular command in scripture is the restriction on women from having teaching/pastoral ministry in the church. Can this command really be debated or described as having "different interpretations?" If it is so clear, what causes people to struggle with obeying it? What ramifications does disobedience to it have for professing followers of Jesus? Find out i...

The Bible describes every person as a sinner. To be a sinner essentially means to love self most. Since Jesus said the fulfillment of the law is to love God most and your neighbor as yourself, it makes sense that all sin comes through loving ourselves more than God and others. This selfishness comes out in a variety of ways. Today, we focus on one specific area where the Bible exhorts believers to...

The NT describes the existence and office of a "prophet" in the early church, but not very much detail is given in reference to this office. Along with this lack of detail is the issue of people, throughout church history, claiming to be a prophet revealing a message from God. What does the Bible tell us prophets did, and is this function still necessary for the church today? Consider this and mor...

Many believers wonder how they can be sure they are "full of the Holy Spirit." In Uganda, most people associate being full of the Spirit with certain "spiritual experiences and highs." But what does the Bible tell us it means to be filled with the Spirit and how does God say we can be sure we are full of him? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the...

One of the most glorious titles God gives to believers is the title "saints." This is a term most often associated with its usage in certain denominations, but what does this term actually signify about us and what is the only way this title can truly be obtained? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Suffering and hardship are universal realities among human experience. Although there are certainly greatly varying degrees of circumstances and life experiences, every person goes through challenges that wound them. How does Satan seek to use these difficulties to imprison people? What are some of the reactions people can have to trouble that keep them from ever knowing God? How might we limit ex...

2 Corinthians 2:15-16 describe Christians as a fragrance of life to those who believe in Christ, but a fragrance of death to those who reject his lordship in their lives. How does God orchestrate our lives and use us to exude his presence upon the people we interact with? What implications does this responsibility have for Christians in their day to day living? Find out in another study of transfo...

The more our knowledge grows, the better we should be able to recognize falsehood and rejoice in truth. However, the Bible warns that knowledge can have the effect of "puffing us up." What does the Bible tell us is the way to see this foolishness coming out in ourselves? How good are you at listening and benefitting from someone who has similar giftings to yourself? Can you glean something or are...

In the letter of 2 Corinthians, Paul said that he and his co-laborers were "not ignorant of Satan's designs." But sometimes it seems, the average Christian is quite unaware of his enemy's tactics, and what type of struggle he is in. What information does the Bible give about our enemy, and we ourselves, that helps us prepare for the spiritual battleground of the Christian life? C...

In this episode, we breakdown the rules set out for the practice of the gift of tongues in the assembly of the church. Many churches in Uganda often disregard scripture under the guise of "being led by the Spirit." But if we are truly being led by the Holy Spirit, won't we do things in agreement with his commands for us? Does the Bible go so far as to tell us that "tongues have...

In the Israelite wanderings through the wilderness, a consistent theme in the perspective of the people is that they believed they were really never at fault for the judgments and circumstances that came upon them. One story where this was graphically illustrated is in the rebellion of Korah, and some other Levite men, who challenged Moses and Aaron's authority over them. The men went so far a...

1 Corinthians 12 shows us that each and every child of God is given gifts by the Holy Spirit to glorify God and build up fellow believers in the body of Christ. In 2 Timothy, Paul urged Timothy "to fan into flame" the gifts that God had given him. Is it possible to have gifts that we don't use? What happens to our service for the Lord and our gifts when we are eagerly exercising them...

James 4 warns us that much of the division that occurs within the body of Christ comes from our selfish motives. The Apostle John once mentioned a man who wouldn't submit to the apostles' authority because he liked to have "preeminence" in the church. Such statements warn us that even while serving the Lord, selfish-ambition and pride in our hearts can be lurking just below the s...

One objection opponents of God sometimes raise is the idea that "all religions are essentially the same and only superficially different." While this shows a rather lazy inquest into the subject, there is a part of this statement somewhat true. That is that all manmade religions are essentially the same and only superficially different. When considered side by side with the gospel of Jesus Christ,...

In Uganda, many churches mandate tithing as a must for church membership, some going so far as to insist that members publicly state their income so the church can account for their full tithe. Many teachers quote from Malachi 3, where God showed Israel was robbing him for not bringing their full tithe, to urge people to tithe in church. But is the command to tithe present in NT instruction to the...