About Us

Mission Work

Bible Teaching

G.B. and Ruth

Shelburne

Ruth and I spent 19 years as missionaries in Malawi, Africa. Our mission provided ministry trainining to church workers, plus educational and medical help. Below is the first issue of a free electronic magazine I edit and publish for Malawians and others who want to receive it. "Uthenga" means Message.

Uthenga
Issue 1 January 2019

Welcome to Uthenga

We are thankful to have you as a reader of Uthenga. This electronic magazine is sent free of charge to Malawians, surrounding nations and anywhere else it is requested.

Please forward this email to friends who might want to read Uthenga. Or send us their names and email addresses for our monthly mailing list.

A person can subscribe to receive Uthenga every month by sending their name and email address to bshelb@shelburnes.com

In the next issue we will supply an internet link where past issues of Uthenga can be read.

We are sorry this first issue is going out late because of illness, travel, other ministry, and having to learn technology

In This Issue

Editorial
Uthenga's Editorial Policy
Viewing Uthenga on Small Devices
. . . But God Said Yes by Dennis Okoth
Two Devotionals by Frank Gondwe
Nuggets 1: "Open Our Eyes, Lord"
Bringing Up Children in the Lord by Ann Thiesen Barganier
History of the Restoration Movement 1 By Thomas A. Langford
Great Bible Doctrines 1: The Doctrine of God
The Life and Work of a Minister - Lesson 1
Ministry Tools
Remembering Moses Mangochi
News of Malawi Churches of Christ
Moyo Wosandulika (The Transformed Life) 1
Suggestions and Guidelines for Writers

Uthenga January 2019

Editorial

In February, 1936, the month that I was born, my father, who was a gospel preacher in Churches of Christ, published the first issue of a new monthly magazine called Gospel Tidings. In the early 1950’s a copy of Gospel Tidings somehow came into the hands of a Malawian preacher named Garnett Limani who lived near Jali in Zomba District. Brother Limani wrote letters asking for missionaries. My wife Ruth and I, along with Roland and Wanda Hayes, moved to Thondwe, Zomba District in 1961 and established Namikango Mission. Ruth and I lived at Namikango for 19 years and I have made many teaching visits since. I will always love Malawi.

At the time Gospel Tidings began, our churches in America were fighting and dividing over human opinions. In the very first issue of Gospel Tidings my father said clearly that the magazine would not be used for fighting fellow-Christians but for encouraging peace and unity, building up the church and reaching out to the lost. Many Christians were tired of the fighting. My father served faithfully in gospel ministry for over 60 years. He was very careful to teach and obey the plain teachings of the Bible and to obey the beliefs of his own conscience, but he believed God’s people could have different human opinions (read Romans 14) and still be one in Christ. All four of my father’s sons became preachers and from him they all learned to love and teach unity.

I was the first editor of Mbiri ya Kalata, published at Namikango from 1978. Back in America Gospel Tidings was passed on from my father to a long series of editors. In 2012 I was asked to become its editor, and did so until the end of 2018. I am now old and my time on earth is short. I love the churches in Malawi. In whatever time remains I want to encourage my African brothers and sisters in serving Christ. Following the example of my father, I do not want Uthenga to serve division but grace and truth. Please pray that Uthenga will faithfully serve the Lord and bless his people.

In future issues of Uthenga I will welcome writing from Christians who have the gift and ability from God to write well, and who have the love of Christ. There will also be articles from missionaries you have known and loved. And articles from helpful writers in other countries. And series of valuable Bible lessons that have already been written but need to be shared. Most articles will be in English but a few Chichewa and Chitumbuka items will be used. I also welcome you to send news items about churches and workers, and articles remembering faithful workers who have passed on to be with God. I will write about one of those in this issue.

I would like to help new writers develop their skills and I plan to offer pointers and advice to potential writers. Another way to discover and motivate gifted writers is a writing contest. God willing, later this year I hope to have a writing contest with nice prizes for the best articles. Look at the very end of this issue for a more detailed invitation to write for Uthenga.

I am very aware of the awful responsibility I have to God as I send out such a magazine. So this is my prayer as I begin this ministry with Uthenga:

Father, you alone are holy, righteous, faithful and true. May this Uthenga ministry honor you. You are perfect in all your ways. But we your children are weak and are still learning. Please forgive our failings. Help us to understand and put away our sins. Help us to remain teachable so we can grow. Keep us from everything that would cause others to fall, or would hurt anyone, or would hinder the gospel. Help us to be as redemptive as possible, to build people up, not tear them down. May we obey Jesus’ command to be wise as snakes and harmless as doves. Father, we thank you for our readers and our writers and ask you to bless them all. Bless all of the teachers and leaders among the churches who with a pure heart lead your people. Through Jesus we pray. Amen.

Uthenga's Editorial Policy

We will consider for publication articles that are sent to us. For each monthly issue of the magazine most of the articles will already have been chosen or assigned in advance. Preference will be given to articles which have been assigned/requested by us. Articles will be considered on the basis of respectful, Christ-like attitude, appropriateness and scripturalness, timeliness, clear communication, quality of the writing (not all of God’s workers have the same gift), quality of English, and whether the subject is already being covered in the magazine. We say this respectfully, but we will not publish articles that are part of an endless fight over opinions. See more suggestions for writers at the end of this issue.

We may receive many articles and there is not room for all of them to be published. Please understand that this is normal with magazines, and forgive us if we cannot use your article.

Sometimes where time allows we may return an article to its author with suggestions for improvement. We want to see writers grow. Perhaps that is one thing God wants to do through Uthenga. As with all magazines, every article may undergo edits by the editor where needed (editing is what an editor is for, right?). And please note: Articles published in Uthenga generally represent the beliefs we hold, but we do not necessarily agree with every thought expressed by our writers.

Viewing Uthenga on Small Devices

We are aware that some of our readers will be reading Uthenga on telephones and small devices. Although the magazine is in proper format when sent out, the format may change when viewed on small devices such as telephones, and may not appear as it should. Also it may be harder to read on a small screen. I have been researching ways to make it easier to view the magazine on such devices. I suggest adjusting the zoom upward on your phone display if the letters are too small, and also holding your phone horizontally (for those whose displays rotate). I know it may be more difficult for those using smaller and simpler phones. Also at the top of every issue of Uthenga there is a link "View this email in your browser." That might work better for you. Email us at bshelb@shelburnes.com to tell us about your problems with viewing. Let us know if the print type in the magazine is too small for you.

If your friend is having trouble reading Uthenga and you have a larger phone or device, perhaps you can allow them to read Uthenga on your device. If you have access to a printer, perhaps you can print out the pages of Uthenga for the person who is having trouble on his own device. The pages are laid out on A4 page size which is the most common in Africa. I am sorry that because the magazine is being published free and with zero funding, we can only send it electronically.

If you want a better-formatted copy of any Uthenga lesson or article in an MS Word file, email bshelb@shelburnes.com and we will return the file to you as an email attachment. Please specify exactly which lesson or article you are requesting.

Uthenga January 2019

. . . But God Said Yes

By Dennis Okoth

I was born in Kenya some 60 years ago and have been a Missionary in Uganda for the last ten years. I currently serve with the Mbale Mission Team as Missions Director as well as the Principal of Messiah Theological Institute.

I was asked to share my story. The events of the testimony I am going to give took place in June of 1979 when I received Jesus Christ into my heart and was baptized to take up my new faith. I was just 22 years old then. It was a revolutionary turning in my life which I look back on with fond but scary memories.

To the best of my knowledge, I was the very first person that Christ chose to walk with in that remote village of Odendo in Western Kenya. I am a living testimony that no evil can frustrate God's determination to execute his plans.

I was called crazy by my own parents when I became loud, very, very loud for Jesus in my community. I basically rattled the status quo in the whole village beyond repair. It took me many years to understand that I was truly crazy, and I believe I still am. The life that Jesus called me to is absolute craziness to the world. I quickly learned that if one chooses to walk with Jesus, he has no time to run with the world.

My pagan Dad, who was the Traditional Clan Leader presiding over all spiritual rituals that soothed the ancestral spirits, could not tolerate this. I was a daily threat to his traditional authority and prestige. He decided that the only way to kick Jesus out of the Community was to eliminate me--to put me to sleep like you would do to a good-for-nothing dog.

He hired six strong men who ambushed me, bound me with an ox plough chain and padlocked the chain around my legs as he looked for a quack to finish the job. The next day, late in the evening, he came with one after negotiating the payment for the deal. This man injected me with a poisonous whitish substance which put me into instant unconsciousness.

But my body continued to twitch throughout the night and into the several days that followed with no one to attend to me. I was left for dead. No burial took place. It was difficult for them to do so when my body kept twitching like that. When I gained reasonable consciousness, I sneaked away from the village and found myself testifying about Christ in other villages.

At that moment of pain, God brought to me two caring Missionaries in the names of Hilton Merritt and Larry Stephens who helped me learn more about Christ. But I never told them what I had gone through until many years later when they heard it themselves from those who witnessed the ordeal.

I came back to my father and family and still preached Christ to them. I was a living dead man. Everyone who saw me was afraid of me, but listened to me talk about the saving power of Jesus Christ anyway.

I want you to know that my father was just protecting the authority of the traditional ancestral spirits. This was a power show or contest between good and evil. Eight years later, my father and my mum confessed Christ, and several members of my family including my Dad and Mum were baptized. He attended with the Lord's people until he died in the year 2005.

Living a Christian life has always been like swimming upstream to me...It is like swimming against the currents.

My determination to live a Christian life was motivated by learning through the Bible that Christ did not promise me security from harm when I became His follower. I learned that real faith is refined by the fires and storms of pain.

I could not imagine abandoning the Jesus who knows my faults and still loves me anyway. God's gracious love left me no choice but to love Him crazily with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Looking back: I have involved myself in numerous evangelistic ministries, baptizing people and planting churches, and training leaders for the Lord's Church over the years. We reach out to remote animistic villages for Christ with video using the GNPI Solar Packs and tens of people get baptized and saved. I have helped establish partnership with various Christian ministries that help us reach out for Christ.

To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness I enjoy. I see my life as an opportunity to contribute love in my own way. I have practically learned that the Gospel of Jesus is very contagious, and the only reasonable thing to do with it is to spread it.

Surely, there is much in taking Christ at his word. Yes, nobody can frustrate God. The safest place to be when your whole life seems to be collapsing is in the loving arms of God, even if it feels crazy to the world! Jesus is alive and he saves. Victory over all evil belongs to Him.

[Photo of Dennis Okoth] Dennis Okoth is a teacher by profession. He holds a Masters Degree in Special Ed fromBethel University in St. Paul, MN. He has served as a professor at Daystar University and as principal of the Great Commission School in Nairobi, Kenya. He and his wife Mary and three children now serve as valued members of the Churches of Christ mission team at Mbale, Uganda.

Uthenga January 2019

Two Devotionals
By Frank Gondwe

4 January 2019

               Daniel 3:20-30 -- And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego and cast them into a burning fiery furnace….Look! he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the son of God.”

LESSON: MORE FAITH IN THE LORD IN 2019
The book of Daniel is the second most difficult book after the book of Revelation. Words like “four great beasts came up, the lion with eagle’s wings, another beast like a bear, a leopard with wings of a bird, a beast very dreadful and terrible with iron teeth etc… No teacher or preacher with little knowledge of the book can dare it. It’s difficult BUT has vast revelations from God and fulfilled prophecies. The book of Daniel was written to offer hope and consolation to the Jews who were suffering persecution. The book summarises the truth that loyalty to God brings victory over persecutors. The second part of the book says, in a series of visions, that the fate of the righteous is in the hands of God and God can be trusted to keep the future safe for His people.

Brethren, 2018 had its own challenges but our faithful Father has made us sail through. We have lost many of our relations and friends. Do you think we left alive are very special? No! It’s His love and mercy upon us all. We still have a task to accomplish in this world. King Nebuchadnezzar commanded three people to be thrown into the burning fiery furnace. But surprisingly these guys were freely walking in the fire, and more surprising and amazing was the Fourth Person with them in the fire, the Son of God. There is no better prophecy of the Son of God, Jesus, than this one we read in the book of Daniel. All this happened because the three people had abundant faith in God. Brethren if we have true faith in God, you don’t bother fighting with your enemies; instead our Almighty God fights them off. Abundant faith makes you fear nobody on earth but only God. 2019 is a year of its own challenges but if we put all our faith in God as Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego did, I can assure you all challenges will pass and we will welcome year 2020 stronger in faith than before. May you all meditate upon these words and ask our Lord to be with us in the New year. It is time to completely repent and turn to God. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST SON OF DAVID! AMEN!

11 January 2019

               John 19:38-39 -- Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews .... He was accompanied by Nicodemus.

LESSON: YEAR OF MAKING A LEGACY
Joseph and Nicodemus though not among the apostles brought themselves together and with determination made a decision during dangerous times to ask for the body of Jesus for burial, and so made a legacy. Its during dangerous times, hard times that those who want to make a legacy appear on the scene. Luke 8:1-3 tells us how a few women also made a legacy by determining to support the ministry of Jesus with their resources. Jesus fed thousands miraculously but these few women are spotted to have made a legacy. Brethren, be among the few to be spotted by God. When times are hard, that’s when you can make a legacy. Do the unusual just as Joseph and Nicodemus did in that deadly hour. When people say it’s scary to donate blood considering how the virus has ravaged many homes, true Christians would willingly enter blood transfusion offices and donate blood. When poor citizens look up to government to build them decent houses, Christians who want to make a legacy would line up a few houses to be built this year for poorest citizens. Brethren, at this time floods have already started causing mayhem in most locations. Christians must do the extraordinary to make a legacy. Just pick one or two families and build a simple house. It will be news not only in the church but even in all political circles. You make a legacy when you do the unexpected. When all the Apostles left the place, no one was in sight for fear of ruthless soldiers. That’s when little known Joseph and Nicodemus took courage to ask for the body of Jesus. When the Bible was being compiled, the action of the two courageous men found space in the book of John.

Brethren, in 2019 we all have to do the unusual for the kingdom of God. I pray that this year we will all start focusing on a bigger picture of our faith in the Lord. We have done many small things for the Lord but now let us join the league of Joseph, Nicodemus and the three women in Luke chapter 8. Make a legacy, do something unique for the kingdom. Have a glorious weekend in the name of Jesus Son of David! AMEN!

[photo of Frank Gondwe] A new devotional by Brother Frank Gondwe is published every week on the Facebook Page entitled Friends of Namikango Mission. We thank Brother Gondwe for allowing Uthenga to publish some of the devotionals. Facebook is found on the Internet at facebook.com You can communicate with Brother Gondwe through the comment box on the Facebook page, or email him at chivwattigondwe@yahoo.co.uk Please note that the Friends of Namikango Facebook page is not operated by Namikango Mission but independently by some Namikango friends who wanted a place to chat and share ideas. Some things may be posted there which do not come from Namikango’s beliefs.

Uthenga January 2019

Nuggets 1: "Open Our Eyes, Lord"

I discovered that I was not alone in the house. A small bird had flown in through the propped-open front door while I was unloading my luggage. How could I get the bird outside? Maybe I could throw a towel over it and capture it. But every time I approached the bird, it darted to another perch. The more I tried to help it, the more terrified it became. It evaded my every effort to set it free. Finally it flew to some nook I couldn't find, and I gave up and went to bed.

Next morning I found the bird cowering in a corner behind the refrigerator. It flew up and we resumed our game of hide and seek. If only the bird could understand that I was trying to help it! Eventually I propped open the front door and shooed the bird into the front room. It landed in a sunny spot on the carpet near the door. Suddenly it discovered the open door and flew away to freedom.

Often we are trapped by bad choices, bitter memories, stubborn weaknesses. God so much wants to give us back our life and set us free. But we are as afraid of God as the bird was of me. We avoid opening ourselves to God's word and his Spirit, and to the ministry of others (as in small groups). Will we spend our remaining years half living, or will we open our eyes and let God come close enough to free us?

Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 23:37; Deuteronomy 5:29; Matthew 11:28-30; Isaiah 1:18; Hebrews 10:25
© by G.B. Shelburne, III. May be reproduced for non-profit, non-publishing instructional purposes provided this full copyright notice is included and document content is not altered (format may be altered).

Uthenga January 2019

Bringing Up Children in the Lord
By Ann Thiesen Barganier

--------INTRODUCTION---------
1. What do we want for our children?
2. Only the best of everything, both materially and spiritually.
3. We want a good life for them.
4. A happy, contented, secure life.
5. What can we do to give them these things?
6. Mainly, I want to deal with the spiritual side.
Questions to consider:

1. WHAT CAN I DO TO BE SURE MY CHILD IS RECEIVING PROPER TRAINING?
A. Your child's behavior will show what his or her special needs are. My late husband and I have raised five children and we soon found out that each one of them was different. So we had to correct each one of them in a different way. For the stubborn child we could talk with them and do better by trying to reason with them. With the sensitive ones only one word of correction and they would burst into tears and that seemed to work. With some it may take a much firmer correction, such as taking some privilege away from them. Or the punishment may be to hoe an extra row in the garden.

B. The child’s attitudes toward you and others will pinpoint his or her strong and weak points. Some children have an attitude problem. They seem to not have respect for anyone, even adults. It could be that respect has not been taught in the home from an early age or it could be this is their natural tendency. We may have to work really hard to correct this. However, do not give up on them. I believe with kind words, Bible teaching, and lots of love they can be changed. Even some adults need some work on this.

C. Use God's word as your guide in teaching and correcting him or her:

(1) Bring him or her up "in the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4)
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." (ESVUK – English Standard Version Anglicised)

Many years ago when I was first married and was not a mother yet I went to visit a neighbor who had several children. What an experience this was! The father had a belt in his hand and as one boy went by he tried to hit the child for no apparent reason. The young boy ran and the father laughed. I really believe this was an example of provoking your child to anger. (These people did not profess to be Christians.) This is not what we want to do.

(2) Like Timothy: "From a child" (2 Timothy 3:15)
"…and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."

This teaches us mothers to teach our children from a young age. One preacher told me "from the cradle up to teach them." I strongly agree! From the scripture we have just quoted Timothy was taught early in his life. I love the scripture in 2 Timothy 1:5 where he says: "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.”

Young Timothy had the teaching from them it is obvious. It does not even show he was taught by a father. So we moms can do it too. Sometimes we may not have a husband in the home to help us but we CAN do it, with God's help of course.
2. HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE BE GIVING HIM OR HER THIS TRAINING?

A. Children need daily training in the Lord, just like we adults do. (Hebrews 3:13)
"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."

Another wonderful scripture that I can think of is Proverbs 22:6 in which he says , “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” I believe we need this spiritual food for our children, as much as the physical. In fact even more. We would not think of not giving our children their physical food each day but may be tempted to not give them the spiritual.

(1) Pray with him or her daily (1 Thessalonians 1:17). This scripture says to us, "Pray without ceasing." We need to be praying for our Lord to help us daily to raise our kids in a godly way. It is also very important to continue to pray for our children even when they are grown, as they will continue to have temptations and troubles even then.

(2) A daily bible lesson or devotion often reveals what is in your child's heart. I remember so well how one night I was doing a devotion with my youngest daughter Kimberly. I had just decided what lesson to do that night with her when she told me she was wanting to become a Christian and just had not done it yet. What a wonderful night this was! As soon as her father came back from the church building where he was training some preachers on how to preach, he baptized her in our big old-fashioned tub. So this was a time when she revealed her heart to me. I may not have known this if we had not been having the devotion.

3. HOW STRICT SHOULD I BE WITH MY CHILD?

A. Strict in all of God's commandments. (Don't be afraid to say "no").

B. As long as he or she is in our home, we do (or should) have control. Proverbs 13:24 teaches us quite well that “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” We know this scripture is not teaching abuse here but teaching us to correct our child. Our child does not have the wisdom that we do in how he needs to behave.

1) We should not allow him or her to hang around with the wrong friends (1 Corinthians 15:33). This scripture says – “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.’” This plainly tells us to stay away from bad people or they will have you doing the same things they are doing. If our children start hanging out with those who drink beer, they too will be drinkers. Or if their friends are thieves, soon they will teach your child to steal. There have been good kids that have been led astray by an evil friend. Children want to be accepted by their friends so much, it is easy for them to be led astray.

(2) We must not permit him or her to take up harmful habits or addictions. We need to teach our children early in their life that addictions are so hard to get rid of. Smoking can ruin your child's lungs and if your child starts smoking marijuana he can damage his brain and it can lead to using even worse drugs. We need to take time to alert them of these things as well as teach them that as Christians God expects them to be good examples, as well as he does us. Our children will not know the dangers of addictions like we do. Most alcoholics started during their teen years drinking and they became addicted.

C. But do not be unnecessarily strict in other matters.

(1) Give your children freedom to grow. It is good to let your child be a child and enjoy it. we don't always have to say "no" to them as long as their actions do not hurt them or anyone else.

(2) Avoid excessive rule-making. Sometimes we can just get in the habit of making rules that are not necessary. I remember one such mother who had so many rules that all of her children rebelled when they became older and she has had untold grief with them. Let us try our best not to do that!

(3) Say "yes" as much as possible. We need to try to get in the habit of saying "yes" as much as we possibly can. Our children are going to hear lots of "no" in their lives, so if it does not hurt them or cause a problem, just say "yes.”
4. TEACH YOUR CHILD REVERENCE FOR GOD

A. This is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes (12:13). This scripture says,
"The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."
B. Take your child with you to all the worship services and the bible studies of the church. I do know it is difficult to take young ones to worship, as they do not want to keep quiet. I remember in the early days I did not always hear much of what the preacher was saying but God knew I was trying. You not only set the example for your children but for all the other Christians that are there. I have heard more than one preacher say they wanted those children there even if they do make a bit of noise. Let us keep our kids in worship every time the church meets. I know most of you have worked so hard getting school fees for your kids to go to school and we do not want them to miss school one time if we can help it. God and his church are much more important even than going to school. I definitely believe school is very important so I am not saying that it is not important.
5. MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, IN YOUR OWN LIFE SET THE EXAMPLE FOR YOUR CHILD IN ALL THESE THINGS.

A. What you do speaks louder than what you say. I have seen some moms down through the years who send their kids to church but do not go themselves. They want to stay home to either sweep their yards so they look nice or cook their lunch while the family is at worship. This is not a good idea. I know it is difficult to go to church when we have so much to do. We can do it though if we plan ahead. We must put God first!

B. Children imitate their parents. As a rule our children are just like we are, as they grow older especially. Set the best example that you can in worship attendance. Most kids love going to church. When our children are grown they will remember that we were always at worship every time the church met. They will be grateful to you for the way you lived in front of them.

C. Treat your child with respect as you do with all other people (Matthew 7:12). Jesus tells us, "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." This applies to how we treat our children as well.
(1) Listen to him or her when they speak! We as moms are with our children all the time so it is easy to tune them out just like we turn our wireless off. When they are speaking we do need to listen to them just like we do to others.

---------CONCLUSION---------
1. Let's bring our children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
2. This is the greatest gift we can give them, resulting in a happy life in the here and now, and in the end eternal life together for both them and us.

All scripture quotes are from the English Standard Version Anglicised (ESVUK).

[Photo of Ann Barganier] Ann Thiesen Barganier and her first husband John Thiesen lived as missionaries in Northern Malawi from 1969 to 1991 and returned later for short stays. They were known and loved for their faithful work. After John died in 2006, Ann returned several times to Malawi and taught lessons for women, like the lesson above. Ann and her new husband Clyde Barganier live in Prattsville, Alabama, USA. Ann can be contacted by email at thiesenann@yahoo.com

Uthenga January 2019

History of the Restoration Movement - 1
By Thomas A. Langford

Preface

Among Churches of Christ, the late Dr. Thomas A. Langford was one of the outstanding authorities on the Restoration Movement. He wrote a series of articles on the subject in the periodical Gospel Tidings. God willing, the articles will be reprinted here in Uthenga one by one. Dr. Thomas Langford was an elder at Quaker Avenue Church of Christ for many years. He passed away in 2008. We thank his son Dr. David Langford for permission to reproduce these articles.

American and British Churches of Christ have historical roots in the Restoration Movement which arose in the early 19th Century. This movement called for believers in Christ to stop following conflicting human creeds which divided them and unite around the authority of scripture. We will understand better the issues of today, as well as who we are, if we study the history of the Restoration Movement.

G.B. Shelburne

1: The Restoration Ideal
This is the first of a series of articles having to do with the principle of “restoration.” Most of the readers of this magazine are more or less familiar with what is called the Restoration Movement and its plea for turning away from human creeds and institutions and for recovering the freshness and integrity of first-century Christianity. This movement began about the first of the nineteenth century and sought to go back to the Bible, sweeping away the theological debris that had accumulated through the centuries, beclouding the simplicity and beauty of Christ’s teaching. This series will not, however, concern itself exclusively with that movement in itself, though it is supremely interesting; rather, we will focus on the scriptural principle which made the movement “move.” We may be losing sight of this principle in our temptation to assume a place as just another denomination and to develop uniform “brotherhood positions.” We must continually return to the Bible, measuring every position and practice, not in terms of the brotherhood, but by the standard of the Book.

It will thus be the purpose of these meditations to talk about “restoration,” not the restoration “of” the church, for the gates of hell have never prevailed against it, but restoration to the church of its primitive ideals and doctrinal patterns. Our study will rest on the conviction that the new covenant scriptures contain not only the record of the establishment and growth of the church of the first century, but also the spiritual constitution for the church in every age. Our further conviction is that the divisions and impotence of Christendom today arise from failures to accept and implement the simple “way” of the New Testament scriptures. Human wisdom and promotional ingenuity may seem for a time to fulfill the good intentions of eager Christians, but it will finally be evident that no “improvement” upon the apostolic way is possible. The true significance of restoration thought is in its attitude toward the Word and in its commitment to the final authority of that Word in all aspects of the church’s life and work.

One of the mottoes of the early years of the movement was, “We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent.” That was a noble aim and worthy of our acceptance today. It is in line with the Apostle Peter’s admonition, “If any man speak let him speak as the oracles of God.” (1 Peter 4:11).

Our next column will deal with some historical roots of the Restoration principle, helping us to see the validity of that principle for today. Since none of us can appropriately claim that we are perfect, or that the restoration process is complete, it behooves us to continue the cry, “away with human wisdom; back to the Bible for faith and practice!” We invite all who are interested in restoration to study with us.

Dr. Thomas Langford    1930 - 2008

[Dr Thomas Langford Photo]

Uthenga January 2019

Great Bible Doctrines 1:
The Doctrine of God

Introduction: Psalm 100:3---"Know that the Lord is God! It is He that made us, and we are His..."
1. The Existence of God

A. The Bible begins with God - Genesis 1:1 - and is full of Him. The Bible does not argue the existence of God. It assumes it as an evident fact.
  1) "The fool says...there is no God" - Psalm 14:1.
  2) "Anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek Him" - Hebrews 11:6.
  3) God is the first and greatest reality, the ground of all other being ("I am") – Exodus 3:14.

B. Logical arguments for God's existence
  1) Intuition - All cultures have believed in a supreme being - Ecclesiastes 3:11.
  2) Cause - Every effect requires a cause. A tree requires a seed; a house requires a builder; so the creation requires a Creator.
  3) Design - A watch requires a designer; a novel requires an author. These could not come by accident. So also the wonderful universe and our wonderful bodies require an intelligent Designer.
  4) Morality - Humans have a moral conscience, a sense of right and wrong. The animals do not have this. It must have come from God who is the perfect standard of morality.
5) Prophecy - The hundreds of fulfilled prophecies in scripture could only have come from God, for humans cannot foretell the future.
6) Christ - Humans could not have invented the character and teachings of Jesus. And there is plenty of solid, eyewitness evidence that Christ rose from the dead. Only God could do this.
7) Experience - Sober and credible people all through history have testified to their experience of God. God is proved when his promises come true.
Inert matter does not purpose or act by itself. It must be moved or affected by mind. It is far more reasonable to believe that behind all matter and all creation there is a great eternal mind that we call God. The assumptions of the atheist require far more faith than those of the Christian.
2. God's nature

A. God is spirit - John 4:24; Acts 17:29. (We can know about God with the mind but can only know him with our spirit through the Holy Spirit - 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Corinthians 6:17; Ephesians 2:18; 6:18; Jude 20; Romans 8:26,27.)

B. God is a person - not just "mind" or "goodness" or "a principle" or "a force".
1) His names in scripture:
a) El --the mighty or powerful one (first appears in Genesis 14:18). This is a title rather than a personal name.
b) Elohim - plural of El - Genesis 1:1.
c) Ya or Yahweh (or Jehovah) --the eternal, self-existent One; the personal, covenant, revealing God, companion of man. (This is God's memorial name - compare Exodus 3:14,15. The ASV translates it "Jehovah;" the AV, RSV, NASB, and NIV translate it "LORD" (in capital letters). It is written in the Hebrew, "YHWH" (tetragrammaton).
   1. YHWH-Jireh: The LORD Will Provide - Genesis 22:13,14.
   2. YHWH-Rapha: The LORD Your Healer - Exodus 15:26.
   3. YHWH-Nissi: The LORD My Banner - Exodus 17:8-15.
   4. YHWH-Shalom: The LORD Our Peace - Judges 6:24.
   5. YHWH-Ra-ah: The LORD My Shepherd - Psalm 23:1.
   6. YHWH-Tsidkenu: The LORD Our Righteousness - Jeremiah 23:6.
   7. YHWH-Shammah: The LORD is Present - Ezekiel 48:35.
  2) The Scriptures ascribe personal attributes to God: He thinks - Romans 11:34; He has free will - James 4:5; He is sorry - Genesis 6:6; is angry - 1 Kings 11:9; grieves - Genesis 6:6; is jealous - Deuteronomy 6:15; loves - Revelation 3:19; hates - Proverbs 6:16.
3) We are created in God's image - Genesis 1:27 - and we have personality; therefore God has personality.
4) There is only one true God - Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Ephesians 4:4-6. (There are three persons within his oneness - Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).
3. The attributes of God

A. Attributes that arise from his nature:
1) Perfect knowledge (omniscience) - Job 37:16; Psalm 147:4,5; Romans 11:33;   1 Samuel 16:7; Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13; Isaiah 46:9,10).
2) Limitless power (omnipotence) - Job 42:2; Genesis 17:1; 18:14; Matthew 19:26; Psalm 135:6; the exception being that God cannot do something contrary to his nature, such as lying - Hebrews 6:18; Titus 1:2.
3) Present everywhere (omnipresence) - Jeremiah 23:23,24; Psalm 139:7-12;
Acts 17:27.
4) Eternal, having neither beginning nor ending - Psalm 90:2; Exodus 3:14; Revelation 1:8.
5) Unchanging (immutable) - Malachi 3:6; Psalm 102:27; James 1:17;
Hebrews 13:8.

B. Some attributes that arise from his character:
1) Infinite holiness - Isaiah 6:3; 57:15; Revelation 4:8; 1 Peter 1:15,16;
James 1:13.
2) Infinite goodness - Psalm 145:9; Matthew 19:17.
3) Infinite righteousness - Psalm 116:5; 145:17; Romans 2:6,11.
4) Infinite mercy and loving kindness - Psalm 103:8; Ephesians 2:4; Romans 5:8.
5) Infinite love - 1 John 4:8; John 3:16; Romans 8:38,39.
6) Infinite faithfulness - 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 3:9.
7) Infinite orderliness - 1 Corinthians 14:33.
8) Infinite wisdom - Romans 16:27; 11:33; Daniel 2:20; 1 Corinthians 1:25.

4. Our relationship to God.

A. We should "have faith in God" and trust him as a Father - Mark 11:22; Hebrews 11:6; Psalm 14:1; Matthew 6:9-13. No other is as trustworthy as God.
B. We should recognize God as our Creator and Lord and humble ourselves before him - Ephesians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5,6; Genesis 1:26, 27.
C. We should reverence him and serve him in godly fear - Hebrews 12:28; Psalm 89:7.

D. We should worship him in spirit and truth - John 4:24; Ephesians 2:18; 6:18;
Romans 8:15,16; Matthew 15:8,9.

E. We should realize that all blessings come from him and should be thankful - James 1:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 1:21.

F. We should have "no other gods before him" - Exodus 20:3; Matthew 4:10; Romans 1:25.

G. We should seek to obey him in all things - Ecclesiastes 12:13.

H. We should realize that we are accountable to him - Romans 14:10-12; Hebrews 12:23.
Conclusion: Particularly let us think of God as our Creator, Father, and Judge. Let us thank and reverence him as Creator, trust and love him as our Father, and fear and obey him as our righteous Judge.
Thought questions for discussion:
1. What has caused “doctrine” to be a negative word in many people’s minds today? Is “doctrine” used as a negative word in scripture? What is “doctrine” from a Biblical standpoint, and what is the good sense of the word?
2. Is fear of God good?
3. Do you have trouble humbling yourself before God when your will and his will conflict? What can you do about this?
4. Do you have trouble expressing reverence to God? In what concrete ways can you show reverence?
5. What causes some people to get distorted, bad and unbiblical concepts of God? How do these misimpressions of God affect people’s lives? What can be done to correct the wrong ideas of God?
5. When we understand God accurately as the scriptures present him, what will be the result?
6. Why does modern man not want to believe in God?

All scripture quotes are from New International Version (NIV)

This lesson is from a South Houston Bible Institute distance learning course. © by G.B. Shelburne, III. May be reproduced for non-profit, non-publishing instructional purposes provided this full copyright notice is included and document content is not altered (format may be altered).

Uthenga January 2019

The Life and Work of a Minister - Lesson 1:
The Calling and Qualifications of a Minister

Does God call gospel ministers?

Certainly God providentially leads some into the ministry. See Jeremiah 1:5-9; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 1:18; 4:14. This does not mean one has to hear a voice or see a vision. But God gives the desire to do ministry and opens the way. God would have to be involved in a work so important.
2. Deciding to enter the ministry:

A. There must be the will of the candidate, the will of the church, and the will of God. It is God's work.

B. It is said, "Don't preach if you can help it." Passion for ministry carries the minister through trials and discouragements - Acts 4:18-23.

C. Avoid entering the ministry from wrong motives - James 3:1; Philippians 1:16,17; 1 Timothy 6:5 (compare 1 Timothy 3:3d); Matthew 23:5,6; Acts 20:30; Ezekiel 34:1-10; 2 Peter 2:13-16; Titus 3:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10; Romans 12:11.

D. Preaching must not be viewed merely as a profession but as a ministry. (Today's minister does not reveal new salvation truths from God (Jude 3; Galatians 1:6-9), but he does speak for God, passing on the gospel faith which was once revealed. The minister should expect the purpose of God to be worked out in every encounter with people. Every encounter should be the subject of prayer and preparation as far as possible. "Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" - 1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV. "Since, then we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men [people]" – 2 Corinthians 5:11 NIV. The minister should see himself as God's worker, accountable to God - 2 Timothy 2:15; James 3:1; Malachi 2:8; Matthew 18:6-9.

E. Know the cost before you begin - the cost of preaching and the cost of not preaching - Luke 14:25-33.
1) Stricter judgment - James 3:1.
  2) A cross - Luke 9:20-24; Acts 20:23; 21:10-14.
  3) Financial sacrifice - Luke 9:57,58.
  4) Emotional sacrifice - Luke 9:59-62.
  5) Sacrifice of rights - Romans 15:1-3; compare Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 16:24,25; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.
  6) Sometimes persecution – John 15:18-16:4; 2 Timothy 3:12.

   Note: Those married to ministers should also know the cost and accept it. The minister will be owned by Christ, the church and the lost. Some ministers have failed because they were married to someone who would not pay the price, who did not feel the same call to ministry that the husband does. The wife may not be willing to share her husband with those who need his attention in ministry. The couple must be partners with the same heart in devotion and sacrifice.

F. But God always gives back more than we give up - Mark 10:28-30; Luke 6:38. The minister and family should accept the sacrifices willingly, be at peace, and leave it to God to supply personal needs as God wills.
3. Scriptural qualifications of ministers:

A. Knows God personally - 2 Timothy 1:12; John 14:23. Does not just know about God but walks with God as a friend (compare Abraham - James 2:23; Enoch – Genesis 5:24)
1) Fears God and never takes the work lightly.
2) Loves God - the only motivation strong enough to keep a minister going through trials - 2 Corinthians 5:14.
3) Trusts God to supply needs, overcome obstinate barriers, protect from threats and dangers, and achieve the impossible.

B. Knows and loves the scriptures - 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:15-17. Knowledge of God and the scriptures enables the minister to speak with authority - Matthew 7:28,29.

C. Full of the Spirit - Ephesians 5:18; compare Acts 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:7,14.

D. Able to teach - 1 Timothy 1:3; 4:11; 2 Timothy 2:2.

E. Loves people and souls - Philippians 2:19-22; 1 Corinthians 9:22.

F. Carefully avoids everything that would cause sin or stumbling - John 17:19;   Matthew 18:6-10; Psalm 73:13-15; Romans 15;1-3 - and feeds, maintains and quickly repairs relationships - Matthew 18; Romans 12:17-21.

G. Able to endure - 2 Timothy 2:3; 4:5.

H. Self-disciplined - 1 Timothy 4:7,8,16.

I. A good example - 1 Timothy 4:12.

J. Courage and leadership - 2 Timothy 1:7; 4:2; Titus 3:8.; 2:15

K. Pure heart and life - 2 Timothy 2:20-22; 1 Timothy 5:1.

L. Sober and careful-minded - 2 Timothy 4:5.

M. Fair and just, not partial - 1 Timothy 5:21

N. Gentle and patient - 2 Timothy 2:24,25; Compare Matthew 12:18-21.

O. Wise - 1 Timothy 5:22; Matthew 10:16

P. Faithful in family matters if married - Acts 21:8,9.
4. In the time of the New Testament scriptures, the preacher (evangelist, minister of the gospel) was ordained by the elders of a local church - 1 Timothy 4:13,14; compare Ephesians 3:7,8; 4:7,8,11. Ordination gives the evangelist authority to function in the church, makes the minister especially accountable, and also gives ability in certain legal matters.
5. Some ministers preach for false motives - Philippians 1:15-17; 2:21; Titus 1:10,11; 3 John 9; Peter 2:1,14. The only true motives for preaching are the fear and love of God and the love of souls – 2 Corinthians 5:11,14,20; 1 Corinthians 9:19-22.

Conclusion: If we minister always for Christ's sake and seek souls to the point of sacrifice as he did, we will someday "shine like stars forever" - Daniel 12:3.

This lesson is from a South Houston Bible Institute distance learning course. © by G.B. Shelburne, III. May be reproduced for non-profit, non-publishing instructional purposes provided this full copyright notice is included and document content is not altered (format may be altered)

Uthenga January 2019

Ministry Tools
By G.B. Shelburne

Online Bible Study Tools

If you have only your one Bible, you can still study it. But there are tools which help you to find scriptures more quickly and understand them better. If you want to start adding tools for better Bible study, you might first of all get one or several different translations of the Bible for comparison. Then a Bible concordance, which lists most of the Bible verses where a certain word, such as "baptism" or "prayer" appears. Then a Bible dictionary which gives brief information on persons, places and words used in the Bible. Then a Bible atlas containing maps of Bible lands. Then Bible introductions, and commentaries by scholars on the meaning of the Bible text. Then books that help us to understand the Hebrew and Greek used by the original Bible writers. And on and on.

All of these extra books would cost a lot of money and take up a lot of space for storage. But now in the electronic age, if you have a smart telephone or a pad or a computer, you can view and read from internet sites that provide all of the above-named study tools and many more, all free of charge. You can find every scripture that uses a certain word. You can see the same verses in dozens of different translations/versions, and even compare the translations side by side. You can read a whole chapter or parts of a chapter. You can electronically copy certain Bible verses and electronically "paste" them into a study outline or sermon you are preparing for next Sunday without having to type them letter by letter. You can look at Bible maps. You can read information about any town or person mentioned in scripture. You can read several commentaries to see what bible scholars think a certain scripture means. Some of these Bible study sites also offer an "app" (application) which you can download and install in your smartphone or tablet or computer to give easier access to the study tools.

You should always remember that concordances, dictionaries and commentaries are not the word of God. They are humanly written tools to help with Bible study and they are very useful and helpful but not perfect. They may contain ideas and thoughts that do not agree with scripture itself, so the Bible itself must remain your first source, and every other book or study tool must be measured and tested by the Bible itself. Many Bible study websites are careful and do their best to handle Bible study honestly, but on any website, as with any humanly-written book, you will find some things that you will not agree with. Be especially careful about some study sites that are especially devoted to strongly teaching certain systems of sectarian and even cultic doctrine that may differ greatly from the Bible.

Some may feel that it is more dangerous to use study helps from the internet. But what is the difference between reading a certain commentary as a book in your hands and reading the same commentary on the internet? Even preaching you hear in church needs to be tested by scripture (Acts 17:11). Nothing that comes from human minds is perfect but many things can be helpful as long as they are used with care. Eat the fish but spit out the bones.

Below is a list of safer and more dependable websites offering a variety of Bible study helps and tools. Again, we cannot recommend or agree with everything said on these sites. But some of them even offer access to commentaries by writers from our own background, such as J.W. McGarvey.

bible.org
bibleresources.org
biblestudytools.com
biblegateway.com
biblos.com
blueletterbible.org
ccel.org
ebible.com
ebibleteacher.com
faithcomesbyhearing.com
lumina.bible.org
studylight.org
wordsearchbible.com
youversion.com

Uthenga January 2019

Remembering Moses Mangochi
By G.B. Shelburne

I first met Moses Mangochi in the early 1960’s. We had established Namikango Mission in 1961 at the request of Garnett Limani, a Malawian preacher. In the Southern Region there were many small groupings of Churches of Christ who had broken away from the British Churches of Christ mission and also from each other. At first we only worked with a small network of village churches connected with Brother Limani. But soon other independent congregations and groups of congregations of Churches of Christ began to introduce themselves to us.

George Masangano, one of the earliest preachers of Churches of Christ in Malawi, came to us at Namikango and said, “I am very old. Soon I will not be here to help the churches which are closely connected with me. I want you to help them after I die.”

[Photo of Moses Mangochi] Brother Masangano introduced about 25 preachers to us. One of those was Moses Mangochi. Brother Mangochi was a preacher, farmer and successful businessman who lived and worshiped east of Zomba at Muocha, very near Lake Chilwa. We came to know him well because he attended leadership seminars at Namikango and sometimes traveled with us to visit village congregations. He was respected among the churches and became one of those leaders from whom we asked advice as we worked with the Malawian churches.

Years later I became editor of a mission newsletter called Mbiri ya Kalata. It contained Bible lessons and news from churches. A preacher in another part of Malawi became offended at me because of a news item I had written in the newsletter. I was not sure I had done anything wrong. I discussed with preachers at the mission whether I should go and meet with the troubled preacher.

Brother Mangochi asked to talk with me privately. He advised me to go and meet with the brother. He said, “The scriptures teach us that sometimes we have to be fools for Christ.” I was amazed. We missionaries had come to teach Malawians and here was a Malawian who was teaching me the deep things of Christ! We did go meet with the troubled preacher. I told him I had not intended to hurt him and was sorry that what I had printed was hurtful to him. The matter ended peacefully.

Almost every Sunday we missionaries visited one or another village congregation. After the worship service ended it was the custom to allow visitors like ourselves to greet the church. When Brother Moses Mangochi was with us, he would stand up and say, “Brothers and sisters, love one another.” I felt as if I were back in Asia in the first century of the church, hearing the Apostle John say to the Christians, as he so often did, “Love one another.” I thank God that he allowed me to know Brother Mangochi and I look forward to seeing him again soon in heaven.

Scripture tells us, "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith" - Hebrews 13:7 ESVUK. We would like each month to remember some past leader in God's work. You may send us an article about such a leader (or about a leader's wife who was his faithful helpmate), giving name, dates of birth and death where possible, where they lived, the church or area where the leader served, what their position and ministry was, what they are especially remembered for, and any interesting story from their life. Send a digital picture of the person if possible. If you only have a printed picture, find a place with good light and carefully take 2 or 3 digital photos of the picture and email them along with your story to bshelb@shelburnes.com - Make sure the camera lens is clear, and clean with a soft cloth if necessary, so that the picture will be clear and not "cloudy."

Uthenga    January, 2019

News of Malawi Churches of Christ

Departures
Luke Chitata Chirwa of Lilongwe, a preacher widely known in Malawi, died Oct. 15. Brother Moster Kanyinji wrote, "We will miss the great soldier of the gospel in this part of Malawi. Every one can agree with me for more years he travelled with the gospel and baptized thousands of World Bible School students in all districts of Malawi. Luke Chitata Chirwa could walk seeking souls in towns and rural areas holding WBS seminars in high schools. May his spirit rest in peace. He has finished his good fight in Christ.” Brother Priestly Nkhonjera wrote: "As a preacher, I would not be where I am without Luke. He inspired me to be a preacher. I learned a lot from him. He was as fearless with the gospel as Paul. What a LOSS! My heart is wholly dampened. However I find solace in the fact that he has died in the Lord and gone to his glorious reward. He did his part, let's do ours."

McP [photo of Alfred Kabinda] eit Alfred Kabinda, father of Chester Kabinda Mbewe, died on the night of 10 January at the age of 94 years. Alfred Kabinda worked for many decades in the Central Region and into Mozambique. Alfred's father was one of the first Malawian converts in Churches of Christ and was trained by John Sherriff in Zimbabwe. Alfred Kabinda was part of the original group of preachers trained in the Central Region (including Brothers Mhango, Makwakwa, Chathamthumba and others). He was the last surviving member of that group. He served as a preacher particularly in Dedza, Balaka, Ntcheu and Mozambique since 1965 and also helped with church planting in Blantyre. He was laid to rest on Saturday the 12th of January, 2019. We thank God for this faithful servant.

Ministry News
On 20-23 November, youth Bible studies were taught at Embangweni by Brother Mavuto Lungu, assisted by Frank and by S.K. Nyirenda.

About Missionaries
As most of you know, Brother Doyle Gilliam, long-time missionary to Malawi, passed away in June 2017. His wife Louise is in a nursing care facility in San Antonio, Texas, near one of her daughters. Because of her age she has trouble with memory, but she still loves the Lord, fellow Christians and her family. She also loves the people of Malawi. Please remember her in your prayers.

Mark Thiesen and his wife Ginger live at Vancouver, Washington. Mark serves as minister at Hazel Dell Church of Christ. He and Ginger make a teaching visit to Malawi each year in July or August and plan to go again this year.

After GB and Ruth Shelburne finished their work in Malawi in 1980 they moved to Houston, Texas. GB served as president of South Houston Bible Institute from 1980 to 2008, and although semi-retired, has worked part time with SHBI until the present time. The Shelburnes moved to Lubbock, Texas in 2012 and worship at Quaker Avenue Church of Christ. GB teaches SHBI extension classes in Lubbock and still directs the Distance Learning program for SHBI. GB has made many return visits to Malawi.

Namikango Bible School Will Offer Bible Courses in English
In recent years Chichewa Bible courses have been taught in up to 24 village study centers. Recently these Chichewa Bible courses were suspended temporarily while preparation is made for a new section of Bible training classes taught in English. The new courses will be taught at Namikango. More news: The AIDS clinic at Namikango is being upgraded to a full medical clinic.
New Aid Organization for Malawi
Malawi Project has for years been an important channel for various kinds of aid for Malawi. A new Malawian-run organization, Action for Progress, was recently formed to help create a sustainable future for its people. Action for Progress, organized under the leadership of Brother Wilson Tembo, will work in close cooperation with MP. Construction is to begin soon on a new aid distribution hub facility, located near Lilongwe International Airport.

Uthenga    January 2019

Moyo Wosandulika - Phunziro 1

From a South Houston Bible Institute Distance Learning course. Translated by Rodrick Maluwa.

Phunziro 1 - Mutha Kusintha

Mawu oyamba: Zofooka zathu ndi kusakhwima m’nzeru kwathu, kumatibweretsera kuzunzika kwakukulu. Chifukwa cha zimenezi, timasowa zinthu zambiri zabwino. Timadziwa momwe tiyenera kukhalira ndi kuchitira koma timangolepherabe mu njira zomwezo. Timafuna titathana nako kulephera kwathuko ndi kuyamba kukula mwa Ambuye. Koma kapena mwina tinayamba tayesera, koma timangolepherabe. Ena a ife mwina tataya kale mtima pankhani yofuna kuthana ndi mavuto a khalidwe lathu lofookalo, maonekedwe athu, kapena ubale wathu ndi Mulungu.
Mawu a Mulungu amakulimbikitsani ndi kukutsimikizirani kuti mungathe kusintha inu! Mungathe kukula ndi kukulirabe mofanana naye Mulungu ndi kukhala ndi moyo wapumphu wochuruka zedi. Phunziroli likhudza magawo ozama kwambiri ndi mkatikati mwa miyoyo yathu, komanso zofuna kupirira pomvetsera, koma zotsatira zake ndi zopindulitsa koposa.

Muphunziroli, tigwiritsa ntchito malemba awa:
Yohane 1:12 -
“Koma onse amene anamlandira Iye, kwa iwo anapatsa mphamvu ya kukhala ana a Mulungu, kwa iwotu, akukhulupirira dzina lake.
Mateyu 5:6 –
"Odala ali akumva njala ndi ludzu la chilungamo; chifukwa adzakhuta.
Yohane 7:37-39 –
“Ngati pali munthu akumva ludzu, adze kwa Ine, namwe. Iye wokhulupirira Ine, monga chilembo chinati, Mitsinje ya madzi amoyo idzayenda, kuturuka m’kati mwake. Koma ichi anati za Mzimu amene iwo akukhulupirira Iye anati adzalandira."
2 Akorinto 3:17,18 –
"Koma Ambuye ndiye Mzimuyo; ndipo pamene pali Mzimu wa Ambuye pali ufulu. Koma ife tonse ndi nkhope yosaphimbika popenyerera monga mwa kalirole ulemerero wa Ambuye, tisandulika m’chithunzi thunzi chomwechi kuchokera kuulemerero kumka kuulemerero, monga ngati kuchokera kwa Ambuye Mzimu.”
1. Ngati ndalepherapo Kale, nchifukwa chiyani ndingathe kukula nthawi ino? Mungathe chifukwa:

  A. Mungathe kumvetsa bwino ndi kuzindikira kutanthauza kwa zinthu zambiri tsopano, kusiyana ndi kale.

B. Mungathe kukhala ndi zolinga za mphamvu tsopano kusiyana ndi kale.

C. Mungathe kulandira malangizo ndi zithandizo zabwino kuchokera kwa ena kusiyana ndi nthawi za kale zija.

D. Mungathe kukhala pafupi kwambiri ndi Mulungu koposa kale lija.
M’mawu a Mulungu muli nzeru ndi luntha lomwe lingachize ndi kuthana ndi vuto la mtundu uliwonse, kapenanso kufooka kwa mtundu uliwonse, m’moyo wanu wa mzimu.

Ngakhale kuti panali nthawi zina zomwe mwakhala mu kusakaza ndi kuononga moyo wanu, kaya kuti kulephera kwanu kwakhala kwa mtundu woipitsitsa chotani, pali njira yochokera pamene inu mwaimapo nthawi ino, kupita kutsogolo kukafika pa ubwino wapumphu, chimwemwe ndi mtendere mwa Ambuye, ngati muli ndi chidwi chofuna kugonjera ndi kukhala pansi pa ufumu wake wa Yesu, monga Ambuye wanu, ndi kuyenda m’njira yomwe iye wapereka ija.
2. Mawu a Mulungu amalonjeza kuti tingathe kukula. Iwo amanena za:

A. Kuleka moyo wakale ndi kuyamba moyo watsopano.
1) Mwa kubadwa mwatsopano - Yohane 3:3-5.
2) Mwa kukhala wolengedwa watsopano - 2 Akorinto 5:17.
3) Mwa “kufa” ku munthu wa machimo, ndi kukhala “amoyo” kwa Mulungu- Aroma 6:1-14.
4) Mwa kuvula munthu wakale, ndi kuvala munthu wina watsopano - Akolose 3:5-14; Aefeso 4:22-32; 5:1-21.
5) Mbiya yoonongeka yomwe woumba uja atha kuumbanso - Yeremiya 18:1-10.
B. Kufananira fananirabe ndi Yesu.
1) Kuyang’anitsitsa Yesu ndi kusinthika pofuna kufanana naye - 2 Akorinto 3:17,18.
2) Chipatso cha Mzimu chibadwa mwa ife - Agalatiya 5:22,23.
3) Chifaniziro cha Mulungu chomwe chinatayika chibwezeretsedwa mu umunthu watsopano - Akolose 3:10; Aefeso 4:22-24.
4) Kutenga gawo pa moyo wake - 2 Petro 1:4-7.
5) Tikulamulidwa kuti tikule, choncho ichi chitanthauza kuti tingathe - 2 Petro 3:18.

C. Kuthandizana ndi Kulimbikitsana:
1) Alipo mautumiki operekedwa kuti atithandize kukula ndi kufanana ndi Yesu - Aefeso 4:11-13.
2) Kuliponso kulimbikitsa kochokera kwa Akhristu anzathu - Ahebri 10:24,25; Aroma 15:1-3.
3) Kuthetsa chizolowezi cha thupi ndi zofooka zake - Aroma 7 and 8.
4) Malamulo a Mulungu olembedwa pa mitima yathu (kumvera kuchokera pansi pamitima) - Yeremiya 31:31-34.
5) Kupumula ku zolemetsa ndi zothodwetsa zathu - Mateyu 11:28-30.
6) Kumasulidwa ku ukapolo wa machimo - Luka 4:18,19.
7) Kuthana ndi machimo mothandizidwa ndi Mzimu Woyera - Aroma 8:13.
8) Moyo wochuluka - Yohane 10:10.
9) Mulungu amene anayamba ntchito yabwinoyi mwa ife, adzaitsiriza yekha - Afilipi 1:6.

3. Ziphunzitso Zina Zothandiza Posintha mwa Uzimu ndi Kukula mwa Uzimu:

A. Kukula mu uzimu kumayamba pang’ono pang’ono, sichinthu cha lero ndi lero ayi – Marko 4:26-29; 2 Akorinto 3:17,18.

B. Mayesero amabweretsa chipiriro, kulimba ndinso kukhwima - Yakobo 1:2,3; Aroma 5:3,4; ndiponso amatiyeretsa nachotsa zoipa nakhazikitsa zabwino - Yohane 15:1,2; Ahebri 12:5-11; Malaki 3:3.

C. Kasankhidwe kathu kamatibweretsera zizolowezi zina. Zizolowezi zimapanga khalidwe. Choncho kukula, kumadaliranso kasankhidwe koyenera kwa zinthu zowoneka ngati zazing’ono pa moyo wathu watsiku ndi tsiku kusintha kumayamba pomwepo.

D. Sinthani maganizo anu ndipo mudzasinthanso machitidwe anu - Miyambo 4:23; Afilipi 4:8. Komanso kusinthika mu machitidwe kudzasinthanso momwe mtima wanu umamvera.

E. Pamene mukula ndi pamenenso mungathe kukulirabe. Ngati simulabadira kukula kwanu mu uzimu, kukhalanso kovuta kuti inu mukule - Mark 4:24,25. Mutha kubwereranso ku moyo wanu wa uzimu woona ngakhale munatayika ndi kulowerera kodetsa nkhawa. Koma ngati munthu aumitsa mtima wake nazolowera tchimo ngati chosewera nacho chabe ndi kutayirira, ndi pamenenso kumakhala kovuta kwambiri kuti abwerere ndi kulapanso. Choncho mukuona kufunikira kwake kosankha nthawi yomwe ino poyamba kutsata njira zoyenerera zotithandiza kuchotsa kalikonse komwe kangatichedwetse kuyamba kukula m’moyo wa Chikhristu - Luka 15:17-19; Ahebri 12:1.

F. Kukhulupirka m’zinthu zazing’ono, kumapherezera mu kukhulupirika m’zinthu zazikulu - Luka 16:10-12; 19:17.

G. Kumzimu, iripo yoyesera, kapena kupirira, kudziwa vuto lenileni ndi kuchizira monga momwe zimakhalira ku thupi. Munthu aliyense ayenera adziyese yekha m’moyo wake wa iye yekha, ndipo mwa pemphero angafune kukambirana za mavuto ake a uzimu ndi oyang’anira mpingo, aphunzitsi kapena aliyense yemwe ndi Mkhristu wodalilika, wokhulupirika ndi wokhwima - 2 Akorinto 13:5; Ahebri 4:12; Masalimo 139:23,24; Yakobo 5:16; Marko 10:17-21.
4. Zinthu Zina Zoyenera Kukhala Nazo kuti Mukule Bwino.

A. Kubadwa. Kodi “munabadwadi kachiwiri” “mwa madzi ndi Mzimu Woyera?” Kodi mumayanjanadi ndi Mulungu yemwe ali moyo? Yohane 3:3-5; Machitidwe 2:38; 1 Yohane 1:7,9.

B. Kukhala mozunguliridwa ndi zinthu ndi anthu abwino zothandiza pa kukula – Ahebri 10:24-25; 1 Akorinto 15:33.

C. Chakudya ndi chakumwa chabwino - Ahebri 5:11-14; 6:1-3; Chibvumbulutso 22:17; Yohane 6:35; Afilipi 4:8; Masalmo 119:97,103.

D. Moyo wa ukhondo - Marko 7:20-23; 2 Akorinto 6:14-7:1; 2 Timoteo 2:20-22.

E. Kugwiragwira ndi kuyesayesa kuti mukhale olimba - Ahebri 5:14; Mateyu 7:24-27.
5. Zinthu Zolimbana ndi Kuchedwetsa Kukula mu Chikhristu.

A. "Zilakolako zathupi, za maso, kunyadira za thupi kapena moyo wa dziko” - 1 Yohane 2:15-17; Agalatiya 5:17; Yakobo 4:4-10; Aroma 8:5-8.

B. Mitima youma, kusadzipereka kotheratu, kutanganidwa ndi zokoma zadziko - Luke 8:4-15.
6. Makhalidwe ndi Zochita za Munthu Wokhwima m’Chikhristu.

A. Kusamalira zamkati koposa zooneka kunja; pochita ndi mtima wonse osakhala kungochita “mwachinyenga mphunzitsi” kuti andione - Luka 17:20; 1 Samueli 16:7; Luka 11:37-42.

B. Mtima wofuna kupulumutsa ena, wofuna kutumikira, woganizira ena, osadziganizira ndi kudzifunira zabwino inu nokha - Afilipi 2:5-11; Aroma 15:1-3.

C. Wotha kupereka zinthu zina ndi maufulu ena ndi cholinga chofuna kupeza zinthu zina zabwino koposa. Wosafuna kuti ziri zonse zabwino zikubwera zikhale zake.

D. Wotha kubvomereza kulakwitsa kwake kuti zinthu zionongeke – osati wongotchula ena kuti ndiwo amulakwitsa, kapena zinthu zina, kuti ndizo zamulakwitsa, kapena chilichonse.

E. Wotha kulolera kutumikira pa nthawi yovuta ndi yoopsa, ndi cholinga chofuna kuchita bwino pa uzimu - Luka 19:11-26.

F. Wokhoza kutsata cholinga chenicheni cha ziphunzitso za Mulungu, osati kungosamala maonekedwe chabe.

G. Wotha kulamula ndi kugonjetsa zomvedwa mu mtima m’malo molamulidwa iyeyo; wotha kusankha kuchita zinthu zovuta kuchita, zoti iye sanali wokonzeka kuchita.
7. Zoyenera Kuyang’anitsitsidwa mu Phunziroli:

A. Kukonza zolakwa zanu zonse zakale, ndi kukonzanso ubale womwe unaonongeka m’mbuyomo.

B. Kuchotsa zokayikitsa zonse zomwe zimafooketsa chikhulupiriro chanu, ndi kukulepheretsani kugwira ntchito ya Ambuye.

C. Kuthana nawo ukapolo wa zilakolako za thupi, zokondweretsa za dziko, malingaliro oyipa ndi zina zotere.

D. Kupachika pa mtanda munthu wakale, kuti muchepetse moyo wolimbana ndi anzanu, ndipo potero mutha ndithu kumvera Mulungu.

E. Kuphunzira kudzisunga nokha ndi kudzilamulira nokha, kuti muthe kuthetsa zilakolako zanu zokupangitsani kukhala osabala kanthu mwa uzimu.

F. Kuphunzira kulamulira ndi kuwongolera zofuna zanu m’malo molamulidwa ndi zofunazo.

G. Kuphunzira kukhala wodzisungira ulemu ndi kudzikhulupirira nokha, kotero kuti tikhale wokonda ndi kugwira ntchito bwino ndi anzathu.

H. Kukhala wopanga chisankho cholondola, wamaganizo achindunji kuti tikhale wodziwa zolinga ndi zofunika kuzichita.

I. Kuzindikira zofunikira zenizeni kuti tisanyengeke ndi kutaya miyoyo yathu motsata zinthu zachabe.

J. Kuika zokhudzana ndi ufumu wa Mulungu koyambirira kotero kuti zofunikira kwambiri zichitidwe ndi kukwaniritsidwa.

K. Kusunga ubale wabwino ndi wobvomerezeka ndi anthu onse, kuthetsa moyo wolimbana ndi ena.

L. Kusankha mnzanu wokwatirana naye, woyenera ndi wabwino (nkhani iyi ndi nkhani yaikuru kwambiri pa moyo wa munthu).

M. Kutsatira utsogoleri ndi ulamuliro wa Mulungu; momwe mungatsimikizire chifuniro ndi cholinga chake nchotani.

N. Kumangiririka pa maziko a chiphunzitso cha choonadi, ndi kuzindikira choyenera kukhulupirira.
Potsiriza: Ngakhale tiri ndi malire kapena pothera pake pa mphamvu ya kaganizidwe kathu chifukwa cha chibadwa chathu ndi malo omwe takulira, dziwani kuti tiri nazonso mphatso. Mpata waukulu ulipo woti titha kukula ndithu. Ndipo aliyense wosankha bwino angathe kukula, kukhala wolimba, wokhwima, wa chimwemwe, wa moyo wochuruka, koposa china chirichonse chomwe angachiganizire. Moyo wathu utha kukhala wabwino koposa!

Translated from a lesson in a South Houston Bible Institute distance learning course, "The Transformed Life." © by G.B. Shelburne, III. May be reproduced for non-profit, non-publishing instructional purposes provided this full copyright notice is included and document content is not altered (format may be altered)

Pofuna kuwerenga phunziroli m’Chingerezi, khudzani pano.

Uthenga    January 2019

Suggestions and
Guidelines for Writers

1. A teaching article written for Uthenga should normally be 1200 words or less. We may publish some special topics that are longer, but 1200 words is standard.

2. Assemble and use important key scriptures on your chosen topic. When you write, do not abbreviate the Bible book name but write it in full (not Matt but Matthew).

3. As Jesus did, illustrate your points with stories that keep the reader’s attention so they can learn. True but boring articles lose their power to teach.
4. Keep your points brief and clear. After finishing the first draft of your article, go back through more than once and see if there is a shorter or clearer way to say it.

5. In developing your article, it might be helpful to sit down with friends, share the ideas of the article with them, and see what good things they might add and what suggestions they might make.

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A Writer’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for opportunities to teach by writing. But who are we, that we should teach your people? We know that we who teach are under stricter judgment. Help us to write as people who are accountable to you. When writing, we are tempted to glorify ourselves. May the glory be to you and not to us. May we write things that build people up, not tear them down. Help us not to attack people and thus close their hearts, but help us to reach inside their hearts by sincerity, gentleness, humility and the servant spirit of Christ. Remind us that there are many things we do not know. May we love people enough to tell them the truth. May we never mislead people or cause them to stumble. When we write to correct others, help us remember that we ourselves are sinners depending on God's grace. Remind us that how we say something is as important as what we say. May we be willing to do the necessary work and study. May we handle the scriptures rightly and not twist them. Help us see the difference between God's word and our own opinions. When we teach your word faithfully, please do not let the evil one steal it away, but may it reach the persons who need it and bear the fruit you desire.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.

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