So much of what has been called a ministry unto Jesus has now become a career obsession to climbing the corporate ladder in the kingdom of “I’m successful-look at me”. I’m ashamed to say I too fell into this trap of this make-believe world of serving self in the name of Christ.

The hope of leaving a legacy, or the guidance of building a purpose driven church, or maybe how to live my best life now are all too familiar for building a strategic development for worldly success. Therefore it’s not surprising that the question now asked in this generation is “Do you know Jesus?”. Would YOU like to make Him Lord of your life?... Hogwash!... It’s hogwash I warn you!

The real question should be “does Jesus know you?”! This isn’t one of those promiscuous relationships we have, rather it is of God extending His love and His grace upon His beloved. So as long as you act like the world, you are at enmity with God. Yes, you are a hostile creature to His Will and are performing great “ministry” but who will save you? You don’t know God for the very good reason - you are estranged from Him because Adam’s nature of sin is your fabric and the heart of stone hasn’t changed.

So now, you are in God’s work but lost, no feelings and your can’t feel your faith so what do you do? You have to depend on gimmicks and amusements to keep your employers (church board) believing in you, for many of them are using you like Micah from the book of Judges as the mediator for Christ, who is too real to exposing all the leadership sin as He writes on the dirt as now no one talks of Holiness - not even the pastor!

During the darkest period of my life I had no one to say “Brother, how is your faith? Is Christ alive in your life? Are you lawless and doing your own thing? Brendon do you know that if you are carrying on in your sin and ignore God’s will - Jesus will say to you, ‘depart from me you lawless one - I don’t know you!’”.

So Pastors, Elders, Deacons or whatever position you hold in your institution - how is your spiritual life? Is Jesus reigning? Are you reading God’s Word? Are you speaking to God as one who speaks to his heavenly Father or a friend or is it liturgies and repeated phases like the Pharisees?

If things aren’t looking too bright... come back to God! Conquer from the position of bender knees!

For God so loved YOU! Not anyone or for anyone... Just YOU!

我们常常称之为“事奉耶稣”的工作，却变成了追求职业发展的手段----在“看我多成功”的国度中攀登属灵的“事业阶梯”。我羞愧地承认，我也曾掉入过这个陷阱，以事奉基督的名义实则在服侍自己。

遗留下遗产、建立一间“目标导向”的教会，或者追求“活出最好的自己”这些理念，听起来是熟悉的成功之道。但在追求这些目标的过程中，我们却失去了真正的呼召。难怪这一代人常问的一个问题是：“你认识耶稣吗？”

然而，我恳请你停下来思考。这其实是个错误的问题。真正的问题应该是：“耶稣认识你吗？” 这不是一种随意的、表面的关系。这是上帝在向祂所爱的子民展现祂的爱与恩典。但只要我们仍效法这世界的样式，我们就是与神为敌。在罪中，我们与祂疏远，甚至敌对祂的旨意。我们表面上似乎在服侍祂，但实际上却是迷失的。

于是，我们忙于事奉，但在属灵上却失去了方向。心灵麻木、与神隔绝，甚至无法感受到自己的信仰。此时我们该怎么办？许多人转向依赖噱头和娱乐来满足教会董事会和会众的期望。但这难道不像《士师记》中的米迦吗？他为自己创造了与神之间的中保，而不是真正地顺服神。

让我们诚实面对：圣洁已不再是许多事工的核心----甚至连牧师也不例外。如今，几乎没有人敢提出那些尖锐的问题。在我人生最黑暗的时期，我渴望有人对我说：“弟兄，你的信仰如何？基督活在你里面吗？你是否在过圣洁的生活，还是在随心所欲地行事？布伦登，你知道如果你继续犯罪、无视神的旨意，耶稣会对你说，‘离开我吧，你这作恶的人！我不认识你！’”

所以，今天我来问你----无论你是牧师、长老、执事，还是教会中的任何领袖----你的属灵生命如何？ 耶稣是否真正掌权在你心里？你是否常常浸泡在神的话语中？你是否像对天父、朋友那样与祂亲密交谈？还是你的祷告变得空洞，充满了法利赛人式的机械重复？

如果你发现自己的生命光景黯淡，请听从这个呼召：回到神面前！ 真正的得胜始于跪下祷告的时刻。降服于祂，让祂重新掌权在你的生命中。

因为神爱你。祂爱你，不是因为你的事工，不是因为你的表现，而是因为你。

回来吧。认识祂，并被祂所认识。

In this episode of Living Theology, Brendon Naicker unpacks the deep and often overlooked history of Christianity in Africa. Far from being introduced by European missionaries, Christianity has ancient roots in Africa, thriving long before colonial times. Join us as we explore how indigenous Christian traditions, from Ethiopian Orthodoxy to African Independent Churches, resisted Western impositions and reshaped the faith on their own terms. Discover how African theologians like John Mbiti and Kwame Bediako have reclaimed this rich heritage, reminding us that Christianity in Africa is vibrant, contextual, and enduring.

#AfricanChristianity #LivingTheology #ChurchHistory #EthiopianOrthodoxy #AfricanIndependentChurches #PostcolonialTheology #KwameBediako #JohnMbiti #ChristianHeritage #FaithAndCulture #TheologicalResistance #AncientChurch #AfricanTheology #ChristianPodcast #BrendonNaicker

A recent bill on assisted dying, introduced by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, is under consideration in the UK. The bill, which focuses on England and Wales, would allow terminally ill adults to request assistance in dying. The bill is expected to be debated on November 29, with a potential implementation in 2-3 years after further consultations .

This podcast examines the ethical, theological, and political challenges posed by assisted dying, including euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS). It highlights traditional Protestant objections to assisted dying, rooted in the sanctity of life, divine sovereignty, and the redemptive purpose of suffering. The analysis critiques contemporary arguments for autonomy and compassion, exposing their deviation from biblical principles and potential to devalue human life. Additionally, the podcast addresses the political and economic dimensions of the debate, warning against societal pressures that frame assisted dying as a utilitarian solution. The study concludes with a robust biblical response, affirming the inherent dignity of all human life and calling for compassionate care that honours God’s design and purpose. #AssistedDying #Euthanasia #ProtestantEthics #SanctityOfLife #ChristianTheology #Bioethics #brendonnaicker #theologyschool #CompassionInSuffering #DivineSovereignty #BiblicalEthics #MoralTheology

The relationship between mental illness and demonic possession has long been debated in religious and medical circles. This paper investigates New Testament accounts of possession that share characteristics with contemporary understandings of mental illness. It investigates how Jesus' ministry addressed these issues holistically and compares it to modern medical interventions. By examining the relationship between spiritual deliverance and medical treatment, this study emphasises the importance of combining theological insights with scientific advances in addressing human suffering.

War has historically provoked significant theological and ethical enquiries within Christian traditions. The Christian response to war ranges from pacifism to just war theory, with both perspectives rooted in Scripture and refined through theological contemplation. This paper analyses biblical doctrines, historical progressions, and contemporary applications, emphasising the appropriate Christian response to the prospect of war. We will explore Christian perspectives on war and peace by referencing esteemed scholars and ethical frameworks, while also offering practical guidance for addressing the moral dilemmas associated with conflict.

#war #brendonnaicker #warethics #theology

The Church's relationship with technological innovations has always been characterised by a complex mix of scepticism, cautious acceptance, and occasional outright fear. The relationship, which was visible during revolutionary eras such as the Renaissance, Enlightenment, and Industrial Revolution, demonstrates a long- standing tension between the Church's adherence to theological doctrines and its response to societal change. This article will examine the historical evolution, emphasise the societal benefits derived from numerous breakthroughs, and draw parallels to the current AI revolution, ultimately providing a Christian perspective on using AI to spread the gospel.

The amalgamation of AI and other sophisticated technologies necessitates a redefined comprehension of human identity, one that recognises the influence of technology while maintaining awareness of divine intent. By utilising these instruments with intention and spirituality, Christians can traverse the modern era in a way that conforms to divine purposes, encouraging both human and spiritual development.

结论：拥抱基督徒生命的丰盛

在我们完成对基督信仰关键方面的探索时，尤其要强调社区和门徒训练的重要性。加入教会不仅仅是参加聚会；它是融入一个属灵的家庭，在那里你可以成长、服事，并在信仰中得到滋养。

教会的角色

教会在信徒的生命中扮演着至关重要的角色。它是一个接受纯正教导、参与有意义的敬拜、并与其他信徒建立团契的地方。《希伯来书》10:25勉励我们：“不可停止聚会，好像那些停止惯了的人，倒要彼此劝勉；既知道那日子临近，就更当如此。”成为教会群体中的积极成员可以巩固你的信仰，提供属灵上的监督，并给予服事和属灵成长的机会。

门徒训练的重要性

门徒训练是基督徒生命中至关重要的部分。它包括接受他人的带领并带领他人，学习和教导信仰的真理，并在属灵成熟中成长。耶稣在大使命中命令我们“去使万民作我的门徒”（马太福音28:19）。这是一个终身的学习旅程，运用圣经原则，并帮助他人同样去实践。通过门徒训练，你可以加深对神话语的理解，发展属灵的恩赐，并增强与基督同行的力量。

在基督已完成的救赎中安息

基督徒的生命并不在于靠自己努力奋斗或受一时的情感驱使，而在于安息在基督已完成的救赎中。耶稣在十字架上宣告：“成了”（约翰福音19:30），表明救赎工作已然完成。我们的角色是相信这一成就，并凭信心活出我们的信仰，确信我们的得救不是靠行为，而是神的恩典。《以弗所书》2:8-9提醒我们：“你们得救是本乎恩，也因着信；这并不是出于自己，乃是神所赐的；也不是出于行为，免得有人自夸。”

被圣灵引导和赋能

圣灵是我们的帮助者、引导者和力量的源泉。作为信徒，我们被召去过着被圣灵引导和赋能的生活。《加拉太书》5:16鼓励我们：“我说，你们当顺着圣灵而行，就不放纵肉体的情欲了。”圣灵帮助我们理解神的话语，使我们知罪，并赋予我们过公义生活的力量。依靠圣灵，我们可以经历基督徒生命的丰盛，充满爱、喜乐、和平，以及所有圣灵的果子（加拉太书5:22-23）。

行动的呼召

鉴于这些真理，我鼓励你迈出属灵旅程的下一步。如果你还不是教会的一员，寻找一个本地教会，在那里你可以归属并成长。参与门徒训练，既接受指导也给予指导，以促进属灵上的成熟。记住，你的信仰不在于感觉或行为，而在于安息在基督已完成的救赎中，并被圣灵引导。

满怀信心地拥抱这段旅程，确信神的恩典足够，他的灵与每一步同在。当你融入教会生活并委身于门徒训练，你将发现为神的荣耀而活的生命所具有的丰盛和深度。信靠他的应许，依赖他的力量，行在他爱的丰盛与恩典中。

第十五章：理解罪与堕落在基督信仰中的意义

犯罪后会发生什么？

即使成为基督徒，犯罪仍然是一个现实，因为信徒仍在与罪性斗争。然而，圣经为应对罪提供了安慰和指导。

忏悔与宽恕

当信徒犯罪时，他们应向上帝承认自己的罪，上帝会信实地赦免并洁净他们的一切不义。

• “我们若认自己的罪，神是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗净我们一切的不义。”（约翰一书1:9）

• “遮掩自己罪过的，必不亨通；承认离弃罪过的，必蒙怜恤。”（箴言28:13）

悔改

真正的悔改意味着内心的转变和远离罪恶，努力过讨上帝喜悦的生活。

• “所以，你们当悔改归正，使你们的罪得以涂抹，这样，那安舒的日子就必从主面前来到。”（使徒行传3:19）

• “因为依着神的意思忧愁，就生出没有后悔的悔改，以致得救；但世俗的忧愁是叫人死。”（哥林多后书7:10）

宽恕的确据

信徒可以确信，上帝会通过耶稣基督赦免他们的罪。

• “如今，那些在基督耶稣里的就不定罪了。”（罗马书8:1）

• “东离西有多远，他叫我们的过犯离我们也有多远。”（诗篇103:12）

如果堕落会发生什么？

堕落（即背道）的概念使人对得救和信仰的持久性产生深切关注。以下是一些关键点：

圣徒的坚忍

圣经教导，真正的信徒会在信仰中持守到底。这一教义被称为圣徒的坚忍。

• “我又赐给他们永生，他们永不灭亡，谁也不能从我手里把他们夺去。我的父把羊赐给我，他比万有都大，谁也不能从我父手里把他们夺去。”（约翰福音10:28-29）

• “我深信那在你们心里动了善工的，必成全这工，直到耶稣基督的日子。”（腓立比书1:6）

真信心的表现

真信徒的生命会显出真信心的表现，通过持续的悔改、圣洁的成长和圣灵的果子。

• “所以，凭着他们的果子就可以认出他们来。”（马太福音7:20）

• “圣灵所结的果子，就是仁爱、喜乐、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信实、温柔、节制；这样的事没有律法禁止。”（加拉太书5:22-23）

警戒避免堕落

圣经包含对堕落的警戒，以鼓励信徒保持忠诚并警醒于与基督同行。

• “论到那些已经蒙了光照、尝过天恩的滋味、又于圣灵有分，并尝过神善道的滋味、觉悟来世权能的人，若是离弃道理，就不能叫他们重新懊悔了；因为他们把神的儿子重钉十字架，明明地羞辱他。”（希伯来书6:4-6）

• “所以，自己以为站得稳的，须要谨慎，免得跌倒。”（哥林多前书10:12）

恢复

若信徒跌倒或退步，通过悔改和寻求神的恩典可以得到恢复。

• “我的弟兄们，你们中间若有人迷失真道，有人使他回转，这人该知道，叫一个罪人从迷路上转回，便是救一个灵魂不死，并且遮盖许多的罪。”（雅各书5:19-20）

• “弟兄们，若有人偶然被过犯所胜，你们属灵的人就当用温柔的心把他挽回过来；又当自己小心，恐怕也被引诱。”（加拉太书6:1）

确据与鼓励

对于那些担心自己属灵状态的人，抓住上帝的应许并通过圣经和祷告寻求安慰是至关重要的。

神的信实

上帝对他的应许是信实的，不会抛弃他的子民。

• “我们纵然失信，他仍是可信的，因为他不能背乎自己。”（提摩太后书2:13）

寻求神

通过祷告、研读圣经和与其他信徒的团契不断寻求上帝，以巩固信仰和委身。

• “你们寻求我，若专心寻求我，就必寻见。”（耶利米书29:13）

• “你们不可停止聚会，好像那些停止惯了的人，倒要彼此劝勉；既知道那日子临近，就更当如此。”（希伯来书10:25）

结论

罪和堕落是严肃的问题，但圣经通过忏悔、悔改和对耶稣基督的信心提供了恢复的道路。真正的信徒得蒙上帝的信实保障，能持守信仰。不断成长、警醒和依靠神的恩典，对维持与上帝坚固持久的关系至关重要。若跌倒，记住神的恩典足够，通过悔改和寻求他的宽恕，总能获得恢复。抓住上帝的应许，持守信仰，信徒便能体验到神的爱与恩典的丰盛。