Greetings in the Mighty Name
of Jesus Christ – Lord over all!
FBF Sons of Thunder has a new look and feel for
the Pastoral Letter ... which is now
available on line anytime at:
We wish you all
the very best in your ministrations for
this coming year.
We at FBF would like to Thank you again for
your prayers and encouragements as the Teams in East, Central and Western Africa
are experiencing many advances and serious revival that continues in the East
and Central sections... all Glory to God! East India continues to open up new
territories with the Gospel, and the Open Air preach continues in the US. All
teams are training new recruits at this time. We thank the LORD for the good
work of participating with His Kingdom advance... and with all His Church Bride
who is eagerly awaiting His soon return. This is the hour for all of God’s
children to ‘rise up’ for the gospel of Jesus Christ! Amen.
The focus of the Pastoral Letter (PL) will
be along the lines of generally encouraging brethren to establish more of Christ
in our lives, promoting the Kingdom of God where ever we go, mission updates
(Africa, India, US), missions reports, focus points, teaching, exposition, a
short list of mail-ins (with some excerpts). We are committed to the Great
Co-Mission for all, as being salt and light are not an option Matt 5:13-16 ...
and continue to bless all those who are at work in the advancement of the
Kingdom of God... for Jesus sake. Matt 6.33
May the LORD leave His richest blessings upon each one of you
as you Press On with Jesus!
East Africa Regional--Bro James (right)
Gives a vision/ training update:
Gives a vision/ training update:
Preaching the Kingdom of God in every Place... Brother James
draws a crowd
12-12 East Africa Regional Bro James, Encouraged in the
progress of training the strong men of FBF Sons of Thunder.
Dear Rev. Robert,
I trust you press forward in this work of the Kingdom!
How is everything? Please as you mentioned, it has been busy
on us to see the Kingdom is expanded. After our last mission out, we had a
leaders training which we are aiming to train the strong men/ Sons of Thunder
for a year and send them out just as we have been doing with the other leaders
we are ‘setting on fire’ to go and reach
the world with the gospel of truth. So, therefore, just as you
mentioned, it has been occupying much of our time as schedules have been long
and pressed... many have prospered.
Just to mention, it was great to read the Dec PL ... and very
wonderful, my brother Roy was the first to read the Pastoral Letter, and call me
when he was in Nairobi. This is blessing many people including Politicians he
works with... and this is what is needed, since kenya for the recent past has
had a fragile political situation whereby the risk that things could end up
blasting bombs in to the political divide between the parties and
supporters.
Praise God for men like you who have stood firm with Kenya in
prayers and support to stand the original picture of Christ-likeness seen in the
lives and this had really motivated the co-laborers in Christ. Please, I have been looking around and finding favor to see
ourselves having 3-4 week mission in early Feb or March ... that could take us
to Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo or Rwanda.
Please, I also received a phone call from our friend and FBF
brother in Zanzibar, Pastor Paul, who also wants us to reach there once we go to
Dar Esaalam then this will be possible since they are neighbors only 35 minutes
away form each other.
Let it be known that I am also very grateful to accept the
honour to be promoted to new areas of responsibility, and I appreciate you very
much. This is the year of the Lord’s declaration. May God Bless you my Dear
Brother.
Pastor James
TEACHING from the REVELATION
We have taken some time out from our usual teaching and
exposition of the Book of Matthew to bring some fresh attention to a few
Focus Points from the Revelation.
This letter to the Laodicean church mirrors
closely the age that we now live in... and calls us to mind our attitudes to be
watching and waiting for the soon return of Jesus Christ. This luke-warm church
lost actual contact with Christ through many compromises, materialism,
distractions, Western thinking and living... so much so, that Jesus actually
REMOVED HIMSELF’ from their midst, and is last seen addressing individual saints
from the outside of that church! Not a good testimony. May we take head to the
warnings from those who live with such a complacent attitude toward the second
coming and the Holy things of Christ Jesus... and make haste to correct all
matters, and get back into right standing with Our Royal King and LORD of All.
Amen.
The Church at
Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22)
THE COMPLACENT CHURCH
Christ
introduced himself to the church at Laodicea as "the Amen, the faithful and true
witness, the ruler of God’s creation" (3:14). These titles were not taken from
the description of Christ in chapter 1. Neither do they have any parallels in
the final chapters. However, the ideas in the names are implied in the book of
Revelation as a whole.
Jesus
is the faithful and true witness. Throughout his earthly ministry, He
was consistent and without misrepresentation. Perhaps here He is striking
a difference to the Luke-warm Loadicean churchman with an unclear witness, as
opposed to that of the All Faithful and True Jesus Himself! He spoke and did
only what the Father commanded him, no matter the consequences (John 3:34; 5:36;
12:49). Christ as faithful witness was a sharp contrast to the Laodiceans who
witnessed only to their own supposed spiritual works.
Problems at Laodicea (3:15-19)
Like
the church at Sardis, Laodicea had been bitten by the bug of complacency. But
this church was also spiritually arrogant in its self-satisfaction. It was the
only church about which Christ had nothing good to say. Tragic, indeed!
The
church thought of itself as rich and in need of
nothing from Christ. The "wealth" it claimed for itself would, no
doubt, be spiritual, though many of the members might have also been materially
rich. In any case, what is in view here is Laodicea’s spiritual
pride and complacency.
The
members needed to buy true riches in the very areas of life where they felt they
had no lack. This is explained in metaphorical terms as gold refined in the fire
(3:18). Christ is the refiner of the human soul, which he purifies as the
refiner does gold (Malachi 3:3). What needed refining was Laodicea’s
faith so that it would become GENUINE, ACTIVE AND
DAILY! (1 Peter 1:7).
Laodicea
also needed white clothes to cover its spiritual
nakedness (3:18). White garments are used as a symbol of
righteousness throughout Revelation (3:4, 5; 4:4;
6:11; 7:9, 13-14; 19:14). They also represent the proper apparel to wear at
important festivities. The church cannot gain the righteousness of
Christ through its own effort. The white garments are spoken of as
given to the saints (6:11; 19:8). They are made white by being washed in the
justifying red blood of the Lamb (7:14). Without the white garments of
righteousness, the church is spiritually naked. Nakedness is a symbol of
spiritual shame and worthlessness (Ezekiel 16:35; 2 Corinthians 5:3).
The
Laodicean church was spiritually blind. Of course, its members
thought they could see clearly – thought that they were rich and without any
needs. But Christ counseled them to apply a spiritual eye-salve so that they
could see how far they had fallen. In short, they needed to be earnest and
repent (3:19).
Laodicea’s
spiritual works are said to be neither cold nor hot (3:15-16). This may refer to
the various kinds of water supply available in Laodicea and two nearby cities,
Hierapolis and Colossae. Hierapolis was the site of hot, spa-like waters, used
for medicinal purposes. Nearby Colossae was known for its cold and pure drinking
water. But the waters of Laodicea were considered nauseous and undrinkable, not
useful for any meaningful purpose. Like the city’s water supply, the church is
useless in its service to the Lord, and Christ is about to spit it from his
mouth.
The
church does not show forth the power of Christ and the Holy
Spirit. The metaphor of the water supply says not so much that the
church is half-hearted, but that its works are barren in terms of God’s power.
The church reflected human ways and aspirations, not Christ’s. It was far from
the living water it desperately needed from him (John 4:10-14; 7:38-39).
Promise to Laodicea (3:20-21)
In
the letter, Christ used a metaphor of himself standing at the door and knocking
on the minds and hearts of the smug Laodiceans. Someone or something standing by
a door is a well-known biblical metaphor... waiting to gain
entrance!
Jesus
used the door figure in the context of his disciples’ urgent need to
stay spiritually alert (Mark 13:29). James pictured Christ as the
Judge standing at the door (5:9). Jesus spoke of his disciples as waiting
expectantly for the master so they could open the door to him (Luke 12:36).
The
image of Christ standing outside and knocking may also imply that the Laodiceans
have locked him out of their church! But the metaphor is also a symbol of
promise. Christ is waiting outside, hoping the Laodiceans will be open to his
correction and change their ways. If they do, he will come in and share the
principal meal with them (3:20). The fellowship meal figures prominently as a
symbol of togetherness with Christ in the kingdom (19:9).
This
leads easily to the final promise – a place on Christ’s throne, the symbol of
his ruling authority (3:21). If the members of the church repent,
they can eat and drink at Christ’s table in his kingdom and sit on thrones of
judgment (Luke 22:30). Oh... what a saviour we have! Who can
offer backslidden Laodiceans a place with HIm on His very Throne! Oh... the
depths of His love and MERCY towards them that repent... and overcome!
The
fulfillment of this promise is described under the millennial rule of Christ
(20:4) and in the eternal new creation (22:5). But the Laodiceans must overcome
in Christ, and therefore in the same way he overcame. Because he conquered
himself, he has been given royal authority – which the church can have as well
(3:21).
Summary
In summary,
from the chapters 2 and 3—we have seen the deep spiritual problems in the
church, at least in the Roman province of Asia, at the of end of the first
century (assuming Revelation was not written earlier). The cares of this life,
the penetrating power of the society around the members and wrong spiritual
attitudes have blocked out the church’s view of Christ to one degree or
another. There is still some time to get these things right.
To
many members in the seven churches, the world seemed to be the only compelling
reality. They had a desperate need to see behind the scenes, as it were, and
discover the unseen reality of Christ and God. Members
needed to refocus their minds on the real power of the universe, the
place where salvation lies – in Jesus Christ, our Savior.
Revelation
continues in chapters 4 and 5, revealing where the true salvation of the church
lies, which is in the heavenly rule of God and the salvation work of the Lamb.
The world system of evil to which many were falling prey will be judged by God
and replaced by his eternal kingdom, the New Heavens and New Earth. That’s the
rest of the story in Revelation. By Bro Paul K. Bro Robert – edit.
Foot
note:
May we
consider these things carefully as many work with church teaching, planting and
supervision... for our God is watching! Jesus may be standing outside...
knocking to get in! Oh how GREAT is His Mercy towards us!
May we run to the door when He knocks... and open
unto Him... ever ready to amend our ways, in ever way He asks. May the LORD
bless and keep you as you grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ...
and may His Peace and His Presence go with you this day. Amen.
Bro Wachana
North East Uganda – Expanding the Kingdom
4 new leaders, trained and established for Karamja
region
Bro Wachana is a strong church planter and responsible discipler
Report from
Bro Wachana in N-East Uganda
Thank you
brother Robert
Our
Evangelist /Founder FBF missions.
I received
something you sent to help us get transportation to areas that I have not been
able to get for a while.
I thank our
God every time, I remember you brother. In all my prayers for you, always pray
with joy because of your partnership in the gospel /FBF from the first day I saw
you until now,. Being confident of the ministry that he who began a good work in
you will carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Therefore,
regardless of the challenges each one has uncounted in the field, this desire of
your coming back in Uganda to see us will refresh, inspire, strengthen and
propel us to do more for God’s glory.
The transport
you gave to me helped a lot because on 23th/Dec/ 2011 I moved up to
Karamja region and I even bought some 4 Luganda bibles and distributed
them. They were very happy to receive a grate gift from the token and example
that you are to me.
We are very happy and we do welcome you once again in Uganda.
We have also attached a photo which shows 4 pastors from deep in
the village... the ones who received the bibles.
Brother
Robert thank you for being part of the great move of God here.
God
bless.
Bro Wachana –
E & N Uganda Coordinator
PS.
Subject: Thanks and progress of God's work in Uganda
The message I shared with the saints of Karamoja is as
below:-
THE BIBLE IS NECESSARY FOR MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Jesus says IN Matt. 4:4 (quoting Deut:8:3) Man shall not live
on bread
alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of
God. Here
Jesus indicates that our spiritual life is maintained by
daily
nourishment with physical lives are maintained by daily
nourishment
with physical food. To neglect regular reading of God's word
as
detrimental to the health of our souls as the neglect of
physical
food is detrimental to the health of our bodies.
Accra, Ghana Bro Francis (left)
Report on planting a new church
Dear brother Robert,
Praise the Lord
for given us more grace to enter into 2012 the year of our Lord. I was praying
and i heard a voice clear that said, this year "may the will of GOD be done"! I
believed it is a WORD from the Lord for us this year and beyond. That was the
theme of our Iron sharping Iron conference that i told. Indeed it was very
successful. About 20 pastors and 30 church workers attended. A lot of words of
encouragement and inspirational shared and we eat and drank as well. Most people
left very encouraged and happy.
Concerning the Church here, our number is
close to 25. We just started 8 months ago. But we have a number of Churches
which pastors we have trained in our Bibles schools since 2005 in Accra only. We
also have some trained in three other regions. I think i will be able to send
some pictures sooner or later. On Sundays our service travels from 9am-11:30
am. Bible school is from Monday to Friday intensive, 3 hrs each day from
5pm-8pm. We also have 15 students. This batch will graduate on 10th Much 2012.
Finally i will say that the Church in Ghana
is very vibrant, but, unfortunately most of them centered their messages on
prosperity and the so call prophetic, but lacking holiness and
righteousness.
We here want to make a difference with the
clear, simple gospel as we read in the New Testament, emphasizing Jesus Christ
as Saviour and Lord. Amen.
I pray that the Lord will make all things
possible for you in the new year so that you will fulfilled His WILL
only.
Thanks you and have a blessed new year
brother.
In His service,
Brother Francis
Much emphasis is given by our LORD and the Apostles in their teaching on the importance of the PREACHING or DECLARING the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It is the POWER of God on earth as given to men (Rom 1.16)... as it provides the most coverage in every area.
The words used for PREACH, PREACHING carry with it the Open Air Proclamation just as a TOWN CRIER! It is never a 2 eay conversation... but a DECLARATION TO ALL! The Church Bride of Christ is to be the VOICE of the Bride and the Bridegroom in this untoward generation.
It has been, and remains the privilege of this ministry to expose men to this dimension of the Gospel as prescribed by our LORD JESUS CHRIST! May we present the Truth in Love... as Jesus did. Amen.
Mark 16:15-16, 1:14, Matt 9:35, 24:12-14, Luke 4:18, 4:43, 24:47,
Acts 5:42, 10:42, 1 Cor 1:18
FBF Admin Staff, Bro Robert edit FBF - Sons of thunder - Time for Christ www.timeforchrist.org www.sonsofthunder.cc  ________ * ________ ~ we welcome all your comments and inquires ~ fbfsonsofthunder@gmail.com |
