PERSPECTIVES
THE SPIRITUAL BATTLE FOR SOUTH AFRICA
20 JULY 2021 – What we see happening in South Africa is the physical manifestation of what is happening in the spiritual realm. The reality is that a spiritual battle is raging across South Africa, and it is being manifested through riots, arson, gang violence, taxi violence, farm murders, etc. When confronted with the scenes of this past week, we must guard our hearts and minds against looking at it purely from a physical perspective.
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SOUTH AFRICA’S PROPOSED ‘PEPUDA’ AMENDMENT BILL RAISES CONCERNS
21 JUNE 2021 – While the South African government’s dual objective of promoting equality and preventing unfair discrimination may be well-intended, how the proposed amendments aim to achieve this purpose has been widely criticised by multiple sectors of society.
THE KINGDOM IMPACT OF CHINA’S INCREASED CONTROL OVER HONG KONG
23 MARCH 2021 – China’s increased boldness in exerting its control and authority over Hong Kong – despite the ‘guarantees’ of the “one country, two systems” policy – begs answers to some critical Kingdom questions. How will this impact the Church in Hong Kong, mainland China and Taiwan?
US-MEXICO BORDER: IMMIGRATION CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
6 FEBRUARY 2021 – US President Joe Biden recently signed three executive orders on the issue of immigration at the US-Mexico border. This article takes a closer look at the plight of Central American asylum seekers, and the opportunities it represents for the American Church. There are also lessons to be learnt for the larger Body of Christ in their context when it comes to refugees and migrants in their midst.
COVID-19 VACCINES: 'Mark of the beast' or God’s provision?
20 JANUARY 2021 – Over the past month, COVID-19 vaccines have been a hot topic. The debate around whether to use a COVID-19 vaccine or not, was already a common topic of discussion even before the first vaccine was approved. However, the moment it was officially approved and in use, the number of opinions, posts, and discussions skyrocketed. The sad reality about this heated debate is that the Church has not been spared – it has already caused widespread division, confusion, and fear among Christians. REVISED ON 20 JANUARY TO ADD ADDITIONAL CLARIFICATION
CHURCH BUILDINGS – DO THEY MATTER?
28 JULY 2020 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s unprecedented decree (10 July) converting Hagia Sophia once again into a mosque continues to reverberate across the region and beyond. The controversy raises some interesting questions regarding church buildings. Where do church buildings fit in? What is their purpose in the life of a Christian? Are they necessary? And if so, in what way? In the midst of the current COVID-19 pandemic, many church buildings have been closed for months and some wonder what the future holds for traditional church buildings?
USA PROTESTS: THE STING OF DESTRUCTION AND THE BEAUTY OF UNITY
5 JUNE 2020 – In a time that has been mired with sickness, isolation, and national quarantine, the U.S is experiencing both the sting of destruction and chaos and the beauty of unity and action. So, as Christians, how do we respond in the current climate? What are our rights, and what are our responsibilities?
THE IMPACT OF THE CORONAVIRUS ON GLOBAL MISSIONS
20 MAY 2020 – Over the past five months, the world as we knew it changed forever. The coronavirus brought about changes to humanity on an unprecedented scale. The Church has not been exempted from these changes. Although most Christians were affected by the changes brought upon their own congregations, not many are necessarily aware of the impact the coronavirus has had on the mission field. This article aims to shed some light on this area of Christian society.
THE POWER OF WORDS: CORONAVIRUS FEARS - REALITY OR PERCEIVED REALITY?
10 MARCH 2020 – Words have the power to change the way we understand and relate to the world. The coronavirus outbreak serves as a timely reminder that the use of words can either strengthen hope, or place entire populations in fear. It either gives life or drains life, there is never a neutral exchange. The words used to describe the COVID-19 coronavirus – its communicability and the risk of death – have caused widespread fear and uncertainty. For Christians, who find their hope in Christ, the outbreak of the virus should be seen as an opportunity.
ROBERT MUGABE: MOURNING THE LOSS OF A LIBERATOR OR CELEBRATING THE DEATH OF A DICTATOR? A CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
