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Vineyard Donation - 27 September 2020
Vineyard, a BICC Lobengula partner donates Veg Packs to the needy
Sunday the 27th of September was not only a worship Sunday for Brethren In Christ Church Lobengula but a day of receiving ‘blessings’ from the Lord through one of the Church’s strategic partners Vineyard. A donation of Vegetable Packs was received on behalf of the needy in the church from Vineyard.
Speaking after receiving the donation Rev. S. Dube the Pastor at BICC Lobengula said, “The donation will go a long way in alleviating the lives of the needy members of the church. It came at the opportune time as we are faced with the global pandemic of COVID-19 that has not only taken the lives of many but has affected the day to day livelihood of people. As a church we greatly appreciate our partners (Vineyard) for their helping hand”
The beneficiaries who were predominantly the elderly were elated by this kind and thoughtful gesture.
It's Christmas Time Again!
BICC Lobengula – 11 December 2020
In the picture is the Church Assistant Administrator Mrs Hylet Nkomo receiving Christmas groceries on behalf of the church which are to be distributed to the less privileged and the elderly in the church
In fulfilment of objective number 11 of our Strategic plan which is to meet the holistic needs particularly of the vulnerable group, we have partnered with like-minded organizations like Qoki ZiNdlovukazi represented by Bekkie Nyamambi who today, for the 2nd year running, have donated food packs for our beloved brethren.
Christmas day would not be the same for our brethren thanks to Qoki ZiNdlovukaziwho continue to faithfully share that which the Lord has blessed them with. More groceries are still coming even from local brethren in the church, which are to be distributed to the beneficiaries on a special Christmas Eve Service. More such gestures are very much greatly appreciated as they minister the love of God and show the significance of Christmas.
Turning the Tractor on
Group photo after the presentation
Group photo after the presentation
Dr. L. B. Hadebe (behind the steering) is assisted by Mr Mpabanga to turn the Tractor on
Group photo after the presentation
Group photo after the presentation
Group photo after the presentation
The leadership, staff, church members and Rev A. & Mrs E. Ndlovu pose for a photo after the presentation
Presentation
Cutting the ribbon
Cutting the ribbon
Pst G. Ncube (left) and Mr. D. Mpabanga (right) make presentations during the handover ceremony
Cutting the ribbon
Cutting the ribbon
Cutting the ribbon
Bulawayo District Overseer Rev. Andrea Sibindi cuts the ribbon to officially hand over the Tractor to Rev. A. Ndlovu
Officially handing over the Tractor keys
Officially handing over the Tractor keys
Officially handing over the Tractor keys
Bulawayo District Overseer Rev. Andrea Sibindi officially hands over the Tractor keys to Rev. A. Ndlovu
Prayer of dedication
Officially handing over the Tractor keys
Officially handing over the Tractor keys
Overseer A. Sibindi leads a prayer of dedication along with the local church Pastors.
2020 - What a year
As we draw closer to the end of the year 2020 we look back and reflect on the year that has come and is drawing towards the end. The year began with many of us having great expectations and on a hopeful note. So many Christians across the world had set resolutions for the year as is the custom. Probably no one could have expected that there would be such drastic changes to the normal life people were used to. David says in Ps 65:11, “You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow with abundance”. NIV. It would probably be a hard thing to try and reconcile this verse with the way 2020 has been, considering that we had the COVID-19 pandemic that led to loss of so many lives, jobs, businesses crumbling down, lockdowns, and the largest global recession since the 1930s. So one would ask - has 2020 been a year crowned with the Lord’s bounty? Can this year be a year that I can say it has been a good year? These and more questions easily come to mind when making this years’ evaluation.
As a church, plans were set in place at the beginning of the year and several projects lined up. The theme for the year has been, “A church that loves God and loves people” with sub themes on Empowered worldview, pursuing peace, holiness and thanksgiving addressed. Church saw a drastic shift to a ‘new norm’ at the advent of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The traditional Sunday morning gatherings which all members had grown into and loved were all of a sudden ceased and virtual services introduced. The scripture that says in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” NIV probably became a reality in this year in the context of the church having to embrace online worship whilst still trying to come to terms with the reality of suspended gatherings. Social Media platforms had to be hastily opened so as to ‘keep the church going’ considering the restrictions that had been enforced due to the spread of the pandemic. New online programs like AsikhulumeTalkshow, Sunday Morning Services on Facebook and YouTube and Morning devotions on the Church Whatsap group had to be started to facilitate ministry.
Whilst so many lives were lost globally (over 1.6million), an unprecedented tragedy, The Lord remains God and worthy of all the honour and appreciation. So as the year draws towards an end and Christmas is beckoning; there is still a reason to rejoice in the Lord in the year 2020. Habakkuk 3:17-19 “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. KJV
As much as there may have been sad moments this year God still loves us and we are still a ‘church that loves God and loves people’. 2020 Christmas is still worth celebrating because Jesus Christ the Son of God was born and He is “the same yesterday today and forever”; He is not moved or changed by circumstances. Let’s come together as families and responsible celebrate, share, thank God together and look forward in faith to the coming year 2021.
Merry Christmas to you all
Fear Not
Count the stars if you can,
Or try the sand if you prefer.
Catch the wind if you want,
Or measure the seas if you dare!
For all are works of God’s fingers,
His manifest greatness for all to see.
Ask Pharaoh where his army is,
Look for the records of his horses of war.
Interrogate the architects of Jericho,
Let them tell you whose strength tore down their wall.
Ask Ben Hadad what becomes of scoffers,
Or better still, Let Sanbalat give you counsel!
Who formed the paths of the planets and fixed the bounds of the sea?
Who thundered and kindled coals of fire?
Who formed nations and drives all the affairs of men?
Who holds humanity in his hands?
Fear not!
Such a great God is your God!
A great rock that knows no limits.
A solid foundation, unshakable for those who stand on it.
A shield that takes hit after hit to never wear out!
What can separate us from his love?
Do you still remember those words?
The commitment he made that he will never forsake.
The promises he gave, that he won’t shun from fulfilling.
The battles he fought, for your sake and mine.
The sacrifice he paid, once for all time!
Fear not!
Though the waves rise further than those that terrified Peter,
Though the fire blaze as hot as the one that threatened Daniel’s friends.
Though hunger ravages and leaves you desperate like Hagar,
Though trouble surround you on every side like Elisha
Fear not!
For there are more that are for us than those that are against us!
Do you still remember those words?
What should you say when life turns on you?
When fears creeps at you from every side.
Death always crawling somewhere next to you,
Despair thick in the very air you breathe.
Greater is he that is in me, than he that is in the world!
Do you still remember those words?
Fear not for you have overcome
Death and the grave are defeated by your Lord.
The victory inherited with life eternal
Stand firm and blow the trumpet to other warriors
Find your victory and your voice to proclaim to others, Fear not!
Bind up the broken hearted and pick up the wounded.
Encourage the weary and strengthen the weak
Tell them the words of the king, shout out, do not remain silent.
Proclaim the words, “Fear not!” For all to hear.
Let all the ranks find new strength and comfort from the king
And lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age…
You should never forget those words?
What can separate us from the love of Christ?
What can make us advance in the face of evil?
What can feed our joy in the midst of chaos?
What can sustain us in the thick of epidemics and pandemics?
What can impart courage in the cloud of fear and despair?
What words can comfort and strengthen in the midst of such great odds against us?
Fear not, for I am with you!
Author: Sizo Maphosa Brethren In Christ Church Lobengula
From the Senior Pastor's Desk
Rev. Siphetho Dube - Senior Pastor BICC Lobengula
Greetings Brethren, it is with pleasure that I find you well in Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. As we begin the year, I want to encourage us to stand on God’s promises.
We are faced with the global pandemic, COVID-19, and the big question is, where is God in all of this? Is He in charge or in control? Is He a powerless God? Sometimes we doubt God when we are faced with fearful giants in our lives.
John 16:33 (Good News Bible)
“I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to. They will make you suffer .But be brave! I have defeated the worlds.”
May I encourage you as we begin the year 2021 that God is in control, fear not Stand upon God’s promises. He is a faithful and just God who respects his word.
Jeremiah 1:12
Then he said to me, “You have seen, well, I for I am watching over my word to perform it.”
The world today is crying out for help like never before, it’s chronicling news that bring fear, despair, hopelessness. However, to us our help comes from God who created Heaven and Earth.
“David’s quote”
He has promised:
I will be with you
I will not forsake you
I will protect you
I will bless you
I will heal you
Please be reminded that when you are faced with challenges in your life, know that they are actually preparing you for the giants to come your way. Just like in the story of David and Goliath.
Let’s look at Abraham
Hebrews 6:13-14 (Good News Bible)
“When God made his promise to Abraham he made a vow to do what he had promised. Since there was no one greater than himself he used his own name. He said “I promise you that I will bless you and give you many descendants. “
The Abrahamic story is true today to us all. He waited patiently that God would fulfil His promises. He was called the Father of Faith.
What kind of challenges are you faced with today? Why not take your Bible, the word of God and encircle those verses that speak about your promises. Meditate on them until they are part of you. His promises are AMEN in Jesus Christ. Everything might fail but not his word. Everything will pass away (Matthew 24:35)
Furthermore, may I invite you to join us every Sunday of 2021 through our Media platforms (Facebook/YouTube) as we explore our theme for the year;
“A CHURCH THAT IS FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT.” (Ephesians 5:18)
I pray that the sub topics that will be covered will answer your questions about God, The Holy Spirit in the new covenant in the life of believers.
To all of us He has come to abide in us. He is forever present in our lives, providing the power to be a witness and overcome temptations in fulfilment of the great commission. (Matthew 28:16-20)
May I conclude by inviting you to partner with us in the following Key Results Areas;
1. Church Growth
2. Leadership Development
3. Church Assets
4. Social Responsibility (the vulnerable groups, Fees and Needy Basket)
5. Business and Finance
6. Networking and Partnership
God bless you all
The Holy Spirit IN you
By Maqhawenkosi Mhlanga June 2021
Scripture Ref:
John 14v16-17 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” NIV
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body”. NIV
Introduction: Towards the last days of Jesus here on earth, he spoke to his disciples a lot of what was yet to happen. One of the main messages he shared with them was that of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus explained to them as he could see in them distress and worry. In Chapter 16:7 he tells them that it is for their own good that He goes away as that would mean the coming of The Holy Spirit. At the fullness of time, The Holy Spirit came and he is not only with us as Jesus said of the disciples (14v16) but He is IN every believer!
Before going into what His ministry is in the life of a believer it would be necessary to set a foundation by clarifying his deity.
- A. He is God – Acts 5v3-4. Peter had to clarify to Ananias and Sapphira that The Holy Spirit is not a mere man but He is God. This is an important truth that we all need to have as it makes us view him in a totally different way.
- Because He is God, He is equal with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son.
- We baptise in the name of The Father, The Son and of The Holy Ghost. He is God.
- They work hand in hand – as Jesus was being baptized, the Holy Spirit descended on Him, and God spoke: “And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. Matthew 3:16-17
- B. The Holy Spirit is a person or has a personality - Jesus spoke of The Holy Spirit in John 14v17, 26, 6v13-15. He addressed The Holy Spirit as He, Him or Himself.
- The Greeks have a pronoun that is gender neutral that refers to He, Him, or Himself and that is the pronoun Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit.
- He says He and not “it” like many people usually think he is.
Are you a believer? He dwells IN you!
This is critical to understand because so many people have erroneously taught that there are some churches that DO NOT have The Holy Spirit because they do not speak in tongues, or they do not ‘move’ in the gifts of The Holy Ghost. Whilst speaking in tongues and manifesting the gifts of the Spirit are an evidence of the presence of The Holy Spirit; it does not mean that when such is not yet evident one does not have His indwelling presence.
This I qualify through this scripture: “You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 3 Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit”. NIV 1 Corinth 12:2-3.
For you to have said that Jesus is Lord; it was through The Holy Spirit. He convicted you, and you responded, therefore he dwells in you. Jesus promised that when he comes, he would be IN US Praise God! John 14v17.
Believers are the residence of The Holy Spirit – 1 Corinth 6v19
This point is further explained through this text where Paul the Apostle asks the church an important question; “Do you not know that your bodies are the temple of The Holy Spirit who dwells IN you…?”
When a person gets born again, they receive Jesus into their life. Jesus INDWELLS a believer when they get born again. That is why Paul says, “...Christ IN you, the hope of Glory”. So you have Jesus IN your life but he said to The Disciples, “But I tell you the truth: It is for your own good that I am going away...” He returned to The Father and The Holy Spirit came to be His representation in the life of a believer. He comes and dwells in that person THROUGH The Holy Spirit.
HIS WORK/MINISTRY IN YOU?
A. He is IN you to convict you of sin - John 16v8-10. “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; 10 in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned”. NIV
- To be convicted means to be proven guilty, to be shown your fault. The Holy Spirit will show you your faults, not to condemn you but for the sack of helping you to come to a point of converting to Christ. When you are convicted you are ‘pricked in your heart…” Acts 2:37. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?KJV
- The reason you turn your life to God after realising you had been in sin is all because The Holy Spirit would have convicted you.
B. He is IN you to convert you from a sinner to Christ– 1 Cor 12:3, Ps 51:13
“Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, "Jesus be cursed," and no one can say, "Jesus is Lord," except by the Holy Spirit”.
Ps 51:13 “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Your confession of Christ as Lord was inspired by The Holy Spirit. You did not just do it on your own. He was behind you! Salvation is not by might nor by power, salvation is a work of grace, it is a work of The Holy Spirit.
He is responsible for the conversion of sinners. This is not the work of man, but of God. So understand that whoever you may have preached to for so long and they are not yet born again, it’s not your responsibility to convert them, but The Holy Spirit. It is the responsibility of the believer to preach the word and that of The Holy Spirit to convict and convert the sinner to saint!
C. He COMFORTS in times of distress – John 14v15-17, 26, 15v26, 16v7.
John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you ANOTHER COUNSELOR to be with you forever”
He is primarily introduced to us as The Comforter or Another Counsellor Paraclete in Greek meaning the one that walks alongside with you.
He is referred to as the Comforter that will be with you forever! 14:16. This is comforting to know that you can never be alone. It is important to embrace the reality that He is present with you IN you for that matter; even when you do not feel him.
He is also such a Comforter that teaches all things as 14:26says. Such a teaching that involves reminding you of that which Jesus taught. Such comfort that helps you come to terms with the promises of God about your life.
The Holy Spirit is working IN you and you need to be conscious of his work IN your life and acquaint with him.
Pray this prayer with me;
Holy Spirit point me to the wrongs I do
Help me turn away from sin
Give me strength to walk in the way of The Lord and yield to your comfort IN me
Teach me the truth of God’s word and remind me of what My Saviour has said
In Jesus name
Amen!
