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Introducing Thru’ The Bible 2024

What is Thru’ The Bible 2024?

“Thru’ the Bible 2024” is an initiative by Bible Call Ministries designed to encourage you to cultivate and sustain a habit of reading the Bible. For more information on this click here.

Why You Should Join Thru’ The Bible 2024

The Bible, as the foundational text of Christianity, holds immense significance for believers around the world. It is the inspired word of God, providing guidance, wisdom, and a deeper understanding of faith. While attending church services and participating in communal worship are essential aspects of the Christian experience, more importance should be placed on individual Christians reading the Bible for themselves as it is the very voice of God. This week, we explore the reasons why personal engagement with the Bible is crucial for your spiritual growth and development. You Should Join Thru’ The Bible 2024 for the following reasons:

  1. Understand God’s Word

Personal Bible reading allows you to delve into the sacred scriptures, gaining a direct understanding of God’s word. Reading it personally enables you to engage with its message, discern the context, and grasp the intended meaning of each passage. This first-hand encounter fosters a deeper connection with God.

  1. Spiritual nourishment

Just as physical nourishment is vital for the well-being of the body, spiritual nourishment is essential for the health of the soul. Personal Bible reading serves as a source of spiritual sustenance, providing encouragement, comfort, and inspiration. The Bible addresses the multifaceted aspects of human existence, offering solace during times of distress, guidance in decision-making, and hope in moments of despair. When you read the Bible for yourself, you open the door to a reservoir of spiritual strength that can sustain you through life’s challenges.

  1. Formation of Christian Identity

The Bible plays a foundational role in shaping your identity. By personally engaging with the scriptures, you develop a unique and personal connection to the narrative of salvation history. The stories of faith, the teachings of Jesus, and the ethical principles outlined in the Bible contribute to the formation of a distinct Christian identity. This identity serves as a compass, guiding you in your relationships, moral choices, and worldview. Personal Bible reading, therefore, is instrumental in the ongoing process of Christian formation.

  1. Deepening Relationship with God

Christianity emphasizes a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Personal Bible reading is a key means by which you can deepen this relationship. The scriptures serve as a bridge between the finite and the infinite, allowing you to commune with God through prayerful reflection on the Word. The Bible is not merely a historical document or a set of rules; it is a living and dynamic revelation that invites you into an ongoing conversation with God. Personal engagement with the Bible fosters a more profound intimacy with God as you encounter the transformative power of His Word.

  1. Guarding Against Misinterpretation

In a world filled with churches with heretical interpretations of the Bible, personal Bible reading empowers you to critically engage with the scriptures and guard against misinterpretation. While guidance from pastors, theologians, and scholars is valuable, you have the responsibility to discern the truth for yourself. This discernment is cultivated through a combination of prayer, study, and personal reflection on the Bible. The ability to navigate the scriptures independently contributes to a more robust and well-informed faith.

Conclusion

The importance of you reading the Bible for yourself cannot be overstated. Personal engagement with the scriptures is integral to understanding God’s word, receiving spiritual nourishment, forming a Christian identity, deepening one’s relationship with God, and guarding against misinterpretation. While communal worship and participation in church life are vital components of the Christian experience, personal Bible reading enhances and enriches these communal practices. It is only through the pages of the Bible that you can embark on a transformative journey, gaining insight, wisdom, and a profound connection with God.

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Unveiling the Charismatic Misconception about the Blessing of Abraham

Unveiling the Charismatic Misconception About the Blessing of Abraham

“… so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith” – Galatians 3:14 (ESV)

The concept of the blessing of Abraham has deep historical and religious roots within Christianity. Often, it is perceived as a promise of material prosperity—a misconception that has prevailed in most interpretations. However, it is essential to recognize that, in the context of the New Testament, the blessing of Abraham has nothing to do with mere material wealth. This week, we will delve into the nature of this blessing and explore why it is not about material prosperity.

The Spiritual Nature of the Blessing

  1. Paul’s perspective

“Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith — just as Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness’? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.  And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’  So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” – Galatians 3:5-9 (ESV).

Galatians 3:5–9 is a passage from the New Testament that holds great theological significance in understanding the blessing of Abraham. It is part of the Apostle Paul’s argument in his letter to the Galatians, where he addresses the issues of legalism, faith, and the role of the law in the Christian faith.

In truth, the blessing of Abraham is fundamentally a spiritual blessing. In the biblical narrative, the essence of Abraham’s faith and obedience is pivotal. Genesis 15:6 states that “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” This declaration underscores the significance of faith as the key element in receiving the blessing. The blessing of Abraham is not about accumulating riches but about establishing a right relationship with God through faith.

The Abrahamic blessing emphasizes divine favour, guidance, and protection in the believer’s journey of faith. This spiritual aspect of the blessing is closely linked to the idea of a covenantal relationship, where God promises to be with His people, guiding them through life’s challenges and offering His presence as a source of comfort and strength. This spiritual guidance goes beyond any material possessions.

The truth that Paul was communicating in Galatians 3:5–9 was that salvation is not earned through a checklist of actions but rather through a genuine and unwavering trust in the Saviour Jesus Christ. Abraham’s life journey, as recorded in the book of Genesis, shows an imperfect man enjoying a right relationship with God through his faith in a God who justifies all who place their trust in Him. Despite his imperfections and moments of doubt, Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises became the cornerstone of a solid relationship characterized by righteousness. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the blessing of Abraham.

  1. Peter’s perspective

You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed” – Acts 3:25 (ESV).

Acts 3:25 is a verse from the New Testament that is part of a sermon given by the apostle Peter following the healing of a lame man at the temple gate. In this verse, Peter is addressing a Jewish audience, explaining the significance of Jesus Christ in the context of their faith and God’s covenant with their ancestors.

Peter emphasizes that the Jewish people are inheritors of the covenant God made with their forefathers, particularly the covenant made with Abraham. This covenant, originating in Genesis 12:3, declares that through Abraham’s seed, all the nations of the world will be blessed. This covenant was passed down through generations, and Peter is reminding his audience of its enduring significance.

We can easily see that Peter’s unequivocal message to his audience was not that their future prosperity as millionaires was guaranteed. Instead, the contextual essence of his address underscores the message Peter was imparting. The message is that justification can be achieved through faith, as opposed to reliance on one’s works, predicated on a steadfast belief in Jesus. This is the blessing that Abraham enjoyed.

Why the Erroneous Interpretation?

The interpretation of the blessing of Abraham being material, emphasizing worldly wealth and prosperity, appeals to many preachers and their audiences for the following reasons:

  1. The Desire for Prosperity: One of the main reasons preachers interpret the blessing of Abraham in materialistic terms is the natural human desire for prosperity. Many people aspire to have financial security, good health, and comfortable lives. Preachers recognize this yearning within their congregations and quickly conclude that a message that promises material blessings can resonate strongly with the audience. Given that their congregations are equally greedy for material gain, this misleading message is readily accepted and embraced hook, line, and sinker.
  2. Tangible Evidence of Faith: In a materialistic interpretation of the blessing of Abraham, wealth and success are seen as tangible evidence of one’s faith. Preachers argue that God rewards those who faithfully follow His teachings with material blessings. This interpretation motivates individuals to strengthen their faith and dedication to their religious beliefs in the hope of receiving these blessings.
  3. Marketability: The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham is extremely marketable. It attracts larger audiences and financial support for religious institutions. Preachers understand that messages promising financial prosperity can draw more people to their congregations, leading to increased donations and church growth.
  4. Popularity and Competition: In the competitive world of religious leadership, preachers are under pressure to attract and retain members. The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham is a response to this competitive environment. Preachers feel compelled to provide what their congregations want to hear, even if it means preaching a heretical doctrine.

Conclusion

The material interpretation of the blessing of Abraham in preaching is undoubtedly influenced by the desires and expectations of congregations. Preachers recognize the natural human desire for prosperity and security, and they often tailor their messages to address these aspirations. The misinterpretation of the blessing of Abraham has given rise to individuals who, as false believers, engage in Christian activities solely to attract material wealth rather than striving to embody the teachings of Christ. Ultimately, the blessing of Abraham lies in being placed in right standing with God, not through religious and good works but by having faith in the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

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The Prosperity Gospel: The Modern-Day Golden Calf

The Prosperity Gospel: The Modern-Day Golden Calf

Across Africa, there are many churches preaching this false gospel. It is a dangerous lie wrapped in a covering of religion. Those affected by it are being led away from God’s good news to a man-centered deception” – Michael Otieno Maura et all in the book ‘Prosperity: Seeking the True Gospel.’

The Prosperity Gospel, an impious doctrine that has gained prominence in recent decades, is a heretical gospel that focuses on material wealth, financial success, and the idea that God rewards faith with financial prosperity. This theological viewpoint, however, bears a striking resemblance to the biblical story of the Golden Calf, an idol worshipped by the Israelites in the book of Exodus. This week we shall explore the similarities between the Prosperity Gospel and the Golden Calf, highlighting the dangers of equating faith with financial gain and the potential consequences for individual believers.

  1. Materialism and the Prosperity Gospel

So Aaron said to them, ‘Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me’” – Exodus 32:2 (ESV).

The Prosperity Gospel preaches a message that places an inordinate emphasis on material wealth and financial success. Adherents are often told that faith and prayer can lead to prosperity in this world, both financially and in terms of health and success. While there is nothing inherently wrong with desiring material well-being, the Prosperity Gospel takes this to an extreme, suggesting that financial success is not just a blessing but a divine right.

The Prosperity Gospel’s focus on materialism closely resembles the Israelites’ actions in the biblical story of the Golden Calf. In Exodus 32, when Moses ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments, the Israelites grew impatient and created a golden calf to worship. Their motivation was driven by a desire for a tangible, material representation of the divine. Similarly, the Prosperity Gospel encourages believers to seek a tangible, material representation of God’s blessings in the form of wealth and prosperity. This fixation on materialism diverts attention from deeper spiritual matters and values. In John Piper’s words, “[Material] prosperity cannot be proof of God’s favour for this is what the Devil promises to those who worship him.”

  1. A Creation by Religious Leaders

And he [Aaron] received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’  When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, ‘Tomorrow shall be a feast to the Lord’” – Exodus 32:4-5 (ESV).

The story of the Golden Calf reveals a significant parallel with the dynamics of the Prosperity Gospel. In both cases, it is evident that leaders played a pivotal role in crafting and promoting these concepts to draw the crowd’s attention away from a more traditional and spiritually centred figure. Just as the Israelite leaders encouraged the creation and worship of the Golden Calf to draw the crowd to themselves away from Moses and his moral God, so have the proponents of the Prosperity Gospel drawn congregants away from Christ to themselves, promising earthly riches and success. Modern-day pastors attract followers by redirecting their devotion and focus from Christ and His teachings that touch on the supremacy of spiritual wealth, the dangers of greed, and Christ’s call to generosity and self-sacrifice for those in need. They replace Christ’s teachings with a more self-serving, materialistic approach, emphasizing their personal authority and influence.

  1. Moral Laxity

And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play” – Exodus 32:6 (ESV).

The religion centred around the Golden Calf in the biblical narrative had the troubling ability to combine the worship of God with loose moral living. While the Israelites initially intended to use the golden calf as a symbol of God, their revelry and indulgence showed how a false religion curtain-raises for moral laxity. The festivities that accompanied the worship of the calf, as described in Exodus 32, included feasting and revelry, indicating a disregard for the moral and ethical standards that God had given them through Moses.

Likewise, the Prosperity Gospel, with its emphasis on material success and financial prosperity, is lax on the issue of sin. This theological framework frequently downplays the importance of addressing and repenting for one’s moral transgressions, focusing instead on the acquisition of wealth and personal gain. By promoting the idea that financial success is an indicator of God’s blessing, it inadvertently encourages a disregard for the significance of personal responsibility, accountability, and the moral consequences of one’s actions. This lax approach to sin leads to a superficial faith that prioritizes material prosperity over genuine spiritual growth and moral rectitude, potentially missing the central message of repentance and forgiveness that is integral to Christianity. In their book Prosperity: Seeking The True Gospel, Michael Otieno Maura et al, write: “Some preachers are making promises of worldly prosperity to men and women and leading them far away from the Lord Jesus Christ and the genuine gospel that is found in the Bible. So widespread is this false teaching that many people may not even realise that they have been influenced by it.”

  1. False Converts

Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, ‘Who is on the Lord’s side? Come to me.’ And all the sons of Levi gathered around him” – Exodus 32:26 (ESV).

Moses’ call to separate the faithful from the false demonstrates the presence of false converts within the Israelite congregation. Not all who had escaped from Egypt were truly devoted to the Lord’s commandments and covenant. The fact that Moses needed to make this proclamation underscores that many among the people had never given their allegiance to the true God and, consequently, had been swayed by the allure of the Golden Calf. Their commitment to the one true God was superficial, and thus they were easily led astray. Hence, the existence of the Golden Calf functioned as a mechanism to unveil the spiritual corruption within the Israelite nation, revealing the presence of insincere adherents.

In a manner analogous to the situation involving the Golden Calf, the Prosperity Gospel exposes the sad reality that the Church, encompassing both its congregation and clergy, is populated by individuals who do not genuinely adhere to the true Gospel. The Prosperity Gospel, with its emphasis on the pursuit of material wealth and success as a sign of divine favour, has spawned false believers in our churches today. It fosters a distorted version of faith, where individuals are drawn primarily by the promise of financial prosperity rather than a genuine, wholehearted commitment to the teachings of Christ. In his book Apostasy! Jeff Kluttz writes: “I have no doubt that those who are in pursuit of material wealth, health, glory and godhood will continue to gather around the Word-Faith message. But if your desire is for true spiritual regeneration and eternal glory, the WoF [Word of Faith] doctrine has nothing to offer you. Its teaching is devoid of a right gospel.”

In this context, the pursuit of wealth can become the primary motivation for adherents, overshadowing the importance of selflessness, compassion, and genuine spiritual growth. This distortion can lead to a shallow, self-serving faith, where individuals may claim to be believers but often prioritize personal gain over the core principles of humility, service, and love for others that are central to the Christian faith. The Prosperity Gospel’s focus on material success produces a form of faith that is more about personal enrichment than a true, transformative relationship with God.

  1. The Consequences

Then the Lord sent a plague on the people, because they made the calf, the one that Aaron made” – Exodus 32:35 (ESV).

In the biblical story, the worship of the Golden Calf had severe consequences for the Israelites. God’s anger resulted in divine punishment, highlighting the dangers of straying from the true path of faith. In a similar vein, the Prosperity Gospel can have detrimental effects on both individual believers and society as a whole.

Just as God’s judgment was pronounced upon the followers of the Golden Calf in the biblical account, a similar judgment awaits all who subscribe to the Prosperity Gospel. This is because a faith centred on the pursuit of prosperity, where personal gain takes precedence over spiritual growth, compassion, and ethical conduct, is a false faith. True believers are characterized by a deeper commitment to the values and teachings of Christ that include humility, selflessness, and a genuine relationship with God rather than an unwavering pursuit of material wealth. To false prosperity gospel believers Jesus has this to say: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.  I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see” – Revelation 3:17-18 (NIV).

Conclusion

In their book Prosperity: Seeking The True Gospel, Michael Otieno Maura et al, write: “The prosperity gospel distracts people from the God-centred truth of the gospel. It diverts their focus away from the death of the Lord Jesus at Calvary. It distracts from the substitutionary atonement, the crucified life, and holiness. It obscures the great future hope of Christ’s return and the age to come when we will be with Him.”

The Prosperity Gospel, with its emphasis on material wealth, bears a striking resemblance to the biblical story of the Golden Calf. Both place material gain at the centre of religious faith, leading to the idolatry of wealth and potential negative consequences for individuals and society. While it is essential to seek spiritual and material well-being, equating faith with financial success can be spiritually and morally hazardous. In our modern world, it is essential to recognize the potential pitfalls of the Prosperity Gospel and reevaluate the true priorities of faith and ethical living.

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The Erosion of Salvation by the Prosperity Gospel: A Distorted Message

The Erosion of Salvation by the Prosperity Gospel: A Distorted Message

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” – 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)

The message of Christianity is rooted in the marvelous truth that Jesus Christ came into the world to offer salvation to sinners, not to guarantee worldly success or material prosperity. This essential aspect of the Christian faith often gets misunderstood in the context of modern-day interpretations of Christianity that place an undue emphasis on success, wealth, and prosperity. In recent years, the rise of the prosperity gospel has seen the message of salvation become overshadowed and, in some cases, even replaced by the pursuit of material wealth and worldly success.

1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV) states, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” This week, we shall explore the depth and significance of this verse, analyzing its context, key themes, and implications for the Christian  faith.

  1. Context and Background:

To fully grasp the meaning of 1 Timothy 1:15, it is essential to understand its context. The first epistle to Timothy is one of the pastoral letters written by the Apostle Paul. It was written to Timothy, a young leader in the early Christian church, and contains guidance and instructions for church leadership and the Christian community. In the preceding verses, Paul addresses issues related to false teaching and the law, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine and moral living.

  1. Christ’s Primary Mission:

At the heart of the Christian faith is the understanding that Jesus Christ’s primary mission was to reconcile humanity with God. The Bible is clear in its message that all human beings are born with a sinful nature (Romans 3:23) and are in need of salvation. Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection were the means through which God provided redemption and reconciliation with Himself. Jesus Himself stated in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost,” underscoring His mission to save sinners.

  1. The Nature of Worldly Success:

Worldly success, often defined by financial prosperity, fame, and material possessions, is not the ultimate goal of Christianity. While these achievements are not inherently wrong, they should not be confused with the core purpose of the Christian faith. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 6:19-21 that earthly treasures are temporary and that true success is found in storing up treasures in heaven through a relationship with God and righteous living.

  1. The Prosperity Gospel Cancer:

In recent years, a heresy known as the “prosperity gospel” has gained prominence, which wrongly teaches that faith in God guarantees worldly success and financial wealth. This heresy promotes the idea that faith in God guarantees financial prosperity, health, and success in every aspect of life. The prosperity gospel has gained popularity through the teachings of some prominent preachers and televangelists who have promised miraculous blessings to those who sow “seed money” into their ministries. This ideology deviates from the biblical message and can lead believers astray by placing emphasis on material gain and personal success.

The most significant distortion caused by the prosperity gospel is the misplacement of emphasis. Instead of focusing on salvation from sin and the transformation of hearts through faith in Jesus Christ, the prosperity gospel shifts the spotlight to worldly gain. Followers are encouraged to seek financial prosperity as a sign of God’s favour, rather than seeking a personal relationship with God based on repentance, grace, and redemption.

  1. Spiritual Success and Transformation:

While the Bible does not promise material wealth or worldly success, it does offer the promise of spiritual transformation, inner peace, and eternal life. Christ’s mission to save sinners is primarily concerned with reconciling us with God and transforming our hearts and lives. This spiritual success is immeasurably more valuable than any temporal achievements.

Conclusion:

The core message of Christianity, as exemplified by 1 Timothy 1:15, is that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. While worldly success may come to some and is not inherently wrong, it should not be the primary focus of the Christian faith. The essence of Christianity is found in the transformation of the heart, reconciliation with God, and the pursuit of eternal life. Christians are called to live in obedience to God’s will, to love one another, and to share the message of salvation with the world. In doing so, they fulfill Christ’s true mission and find fulfillment in spiritual success, even if it does not align with the world’s standards of success.

Through

About Thru’ The Bible

About Thru’ The Bible

Thru' The Bible

“The more you read the Bible, the more it reads you.”

“In the pages of the Bible, we find strength, hope, and guidance.”

In the spirit of spiritual enrichment and scriptural exploration, Bible Call is embarking on a momentous journey, one that is set to span the entire year of 2024. We are proud to introduce the “Thru’ The Bible” initiative, an ambitious and transformative undertaking that will guide us through the pages of the Holy Bible, from the book of Genesis to the grand culmination in the book of Revelation.

Indepth Study

As we prepare to embark on this enlightening odyssey, we are reminded of the profound importance of this timeless text in the lives of believers. The Bible, a repository of wisdom, faith, and guidance, has, for millennia, been a source of inspiration and solace for individuals seeking a deeper connection with their faith and spirituality.

Throughout the course of the year, participants in the “Thru’ The Bible” initiative will engage in a systematic and dedicated exploration of the scriptures. Each week, a carefully selected scripture text will serve as a focal point, guiding us through the unfolding narrative and teachings of the Bible. From the creation story in Genesis to the apocalyptic visions in Revelation, we will traverse the vast spectrum of biblical wisdom.

Our Journal

This journey is not merely a passive reading exercise; it is an immersive and participatory experience. To aid in comprehension and reflection, we have developed a specially designed one-page journal, the “Thru’ The Bible Journal.” Here, you will find resources to assist in your understanding and engagement with the scriptures. Each week, readers will read a scripture text, be provided with a description of its context, and engage with comprehensive questions that aid in mastering the passage.

Whatsapp Group

We believe that this initiative will foster a deep sense of community and shared spiritual growth as we embark on this collective endeavour. The “Thru’ The Bible” journey is an invitation to engage with the Word of God in a profound and meaningful way, to gain insights, and to chart a path towards spiritual enlightenment. Through the Thru’ The Bible Whatsapp group, you will have an opportunity to connect with others who share this profound reverence for the Bible and its teachings.

What to Expect

As we prepare to delve into the pages of the Bible, we do so with great anticipation and a sense of reverence. The year 2024 promises to be a year of deep spiritual growth, reflection, and revelation. Together, we will embrace the wisdom of the ages and draw inspiration from the timeless stories and teachings that have shaped the lives of countless believers.

The “Thru’ The Bible” initiative is an opportunity to journey through the sacred text, one section at a time, and to find a profound sense of meaning and purpose in the process. We invite you to join us on this transformative expedition, as together we traverse the landscape of the Bible and discover the profound lessons it has to offer.