Monday, December 27, 2010

MY NEW YEAR DESIRE Part 1

"Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved." Romans 10:1
DESIRE- "...he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Psalm 37:4
These were serious utterances coming out of the very bottom of Apostle Paul's heart. He meant every word he said and was prepared to die for it. Please for the purposes of this article replace Israel with Africa.
Every beginning of a new year starts with new year resolutions. I was reading an article in one of our daily newspapers and the columnist advised that it is better not to make any so that you are not made to feel guilty at the end of the year for fulfilling none. I choose to make what is not necessarily a resolution but a 2011 desire and prayer. I have a desire to see Africa saved and  many people ask me how I shall accomplish it. I tell them that it is a daunting task that only faith in God can enable one achieve. I take comfort in the omnipotence of my God. I get courage in the knowledge that with God all things are possible. My faith is anchored in the promises of a faithful God. I am unshakable because I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.I know it is a battle but I rejoice because it does not belong to me but to God who has never lost a single fight. I can therefore desire, I can entertain spiritual desires in my heart. I tell you that I can not be accused of desiring for anything that glorifies God. I am but a vessel of clay, very weak but with a Mighty God who shall grant me the desires of my heart.The same I believe applies to you. Let us earnestly and openly express our desires this coming year for there is power in the words that we utter. 2011 is the year for the bold in faith.
PRAYER- "...men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Luke 18:1
It is not just a desire that I shall keep to myself. I must pray, I must verbalize my heart's desire before the throne of grace so that I may obtain mercy from the King of kings who seats on the throne. I must have faith because "...without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Hebrew 11:6. By faith I must make the following  statement prompted by faith in an awesome God.  2011 is the year of answered prayers. Oops! You are shocked by that? God is going to answer every prayer I make this year and not just mine but yours too. He shall equip you and I for the task. He shall pour a fresh anointing for service on us. He shall surround us with people with a vision for His ministry. His hand of favor shall be upon us. We shall walk through open doors and do that which honors Him. For 365 days of 2011 He shall whisper into our tiny ears, " Fear not" and hold us by His hand. Our discernment shall be sharper and we shall see more than we ordinarily see. He shall grant us wisdom above our years for the task ahead demands it. He is a very very good God.
SALVATION- "...that the world through him might be saved." John 3:17
Having a desire is very important to us in 2011 because it defines our being. Praying should be our lifestyle in 2011 because it gives us the spiritual power to accomplish the desire. The sole goal for these is the salvation of souls. Sinners shall come to the saving knowledge of the savior. We shall call on the Lord in our homes, churches, fellowships and on every platform He gives us to beseech Him to save souls. We shall mention names before Him of friends, relatives, neighbors et al to save. We shall distribute tracts, knock doors, preach in open-air meetings, speak of His saving grace from our pulpits and engage technology and social networks to reach the continent. Salvation of souls is what made Christ leave the Shekinah glory be incarnated and die on the cross of Calvary. All Christians are commissioned to go and make disciples. Going to win souls is an imperative. Africa must be saved.
CONCLUSION
What is your godly desire for 2011? Are you by faith going to verbalize this desire in prayer? Do you know that God has commissioned you for soul winning? God loves you and has a good plan for you in 2011. Let us join hands and do what heaven expects of us in 2011.

Monday, December 20, 2010

BE WISE THIS CHRISTMAS LIKE THE THREE WOMEN

We thank the Lord for yesterdays Christmas service. Let me explain that we deliberately chose as a church to celebrate early in order to give families time together on Saturday 25th, December.
This year's Christmas was so different from what we are used to. The church was full to capacity and the climax was the sermon on "The Three Wise Women" followed by the salvation of two ladies.During the invitation the altar was full with Christians pouring their hearts out to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The three wise women challenged our hearts because they were able to acknowledge and accept the Lordship of Jesus before His birth and even led others to Him.
To Elizabeth, Mary was the mother of her LORD. Jesus was Elizabeth's Lord before He was even physical born( incarnated), Elizabeth's focus was what was in Mary's womb and not Mary. (Luke 1:43). Wasn't this woman wise? Wisdom is not found in university papers but in the personal knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ.
Mary in her magnificat acknowledges Jesus as her savior while still in her womb, she saw the baby in her womb as her Savior and deliverer (Luke 1 : 47).It is very sad that Roman Catholicism has built a Mary cult that has no basis in scripture. Mary accepted the sovereignty of God to use a handmaid of low estate. Mary does not qualify and neither does she ask for any worship. Wisdom is knowing that Jesus is the only Savior ( John 14:6).
Lastly is the wise old woman and prophetess Anna who spoke of Jesus as redeemer in Jerusalem,( Luke 2: 38) she pointed people to Christ thirty years before John the baptist came into the scene and shouted " Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" John 1:29. Wisdom is directing people to the only available redeemer of mankind the Lord Jesus Christ. The pentecostal church like the Roman Cats have a skewed understand of prophecy and prophets. Let me spare that discussion for another day.
Two Sunday schools classes presented Christmas skits that were well received by the congregation. Several families sung carols in different languages and that is the beauty of our church, the different tribal languages joined together into one body  by the blood of Jesus.
We had a sumptuous meal cooked by our own kitchen catering department. We cannot thank God enough for the chapatis, rice, peas, beef, soda and  bananas. When we thought the day was ended we were again asked to go back to the church hall and this is where yet another miracle awaited us. At the pulpit were bundles of wheat flour, packets of rice and bottles of one litre quality ( Elianto) cooking oil. Every family left the church with enough foodstuff for the 25th, December. The mood was celebratory in every way. There was an outpouring of thanksgiving and we all broke in prayer on behalf of those whom the Lord had used to make this possible. It was emotional. I asked the church for a photo session in memory of a great birthday party of our One and Only True Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
What a day, what a function and what a great Savior we have!
The wise men went to Jesus, Wise men and women always go to Jesus.
ARE YOU WISE?

Saturday, December 4, 2010

YOUTH TEACHING/FUN DAY

" For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." Acts. 20: 27

It is 11:24 pm and my mind and heart are on tomorrows youth day. We are expecting about thirty to attend and receive teachings that will change their lives. For those who are not born again, may it be an opportunity to receive Jesus Christ in their hearts and for the rest an opportunity to recommit their lives to God. I have invited my good friends and a wonderful missionary couple Daniel Shaw and Kenia Shaw to facilitate. Please remember them in prayers as they serve the Lord in a new environment far from their home. Remember too the youth from our youngest church ( Aberdare Baptist Church) as they trust God for their fare to the venue.
 I am trusting God for a vibrant youth program next year that shall see the church full of activities. The youth loathe dullness and fun activities coupled with bible lessons shall bring immense positive changes in their lives. Independent Fundamental Baptist churches in Africa have to wake up lest they loose out to false teachings on the continent.  Without compromising on our doctrines we must accept that the youth of yesterdays is different from the one we see today. Today's youth is IT savvy and has the world at his finger-tips hence vulnerable to internet influence which in most instances is negative. Today's youth should be handled differently from the way my pastor did to me when I enjoyed societal innocence. We must boldly confront modern day challenges head-on without fear or shame. Like the proverbial ostrich we have buried our heads in the sand for a long time. Who has the guts to speak to them on matters sexual? I looked at my daughter's past examination papers that she took when  in primary school and was shocked to see questions on areas I would never have wanted mentioned in my house. I thought she had never heard certain things just to realize that they were being taught at that tender age. The church has a responsibility to teach the same from a biblical standpoint just as it taught creation to counter evolution  in schools.  Pray with us that we shall have the grace to speak the whole counsel of God to this generation.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

I HAVE AN EXCELLENT FATHER.

"After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." Matt. 6:9

One time my son Zechariah asked me why I always ask most kids in our church to greet their mums when they get back home but I never sent greetings to their dads. When we got home I explained to him that they did not have  fathers, they were from single parents because of the immorality around our church compound. We neighbor a slum that harbors crime, prostitution, illicit drinks and drugs. Out of this cesspool are born beautiful children that we love and extend a modicum of fatherly care. 
The disciples had heard Jesus call God his Father and now there was going to be a paradigm shift. They were to call on God as their Father. The same thing applies to all those who are washed by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Are you born again? How is your earthly father? Let me assure you that you have an excellent Father in heaven who;

1. LOVES UNCONDITIONALLY-( 1 John.4:16)

       Love here on earth is pegged on so many things, money, educational achievements, connections in society, looks and abilities and many other trivialities. You guessed right, you have a Father in Heaven who loves you without all of the above. He loves you the  way you are. Listen to this, " Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." 1 Peter. 5: 7

2.LISTENS UNTIRINGLY-(Psalm.55:16-17)

      Does your earthly father give you an ear? With our large families and accompanying poverty your father has no time and resources to solve your needs.With the fast life and putting many working hour in order to place food on the table who shall listen to you other than your Father in heaven? Again listen to this,              " Evening, and morning, and at noon,will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." Psalm.55:17 Do not just call Him ones a day but as many times because your prayers are a sweet incense in His presence.

 3.SLEEPETH NOT-( Psalm. 121:3-5)

"Come back next time, the boss is not able to attend to you he is unwell".You are now familiar with this when in need. Your dad might be limited in giving you support or he might be down with malaria. When you are weak, asleep in Mogadishu or in a slum somewhere your heavenly Father is alert and focused on your security and infirmity. " Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. the LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalm 121:4-8

4. CHASTENETH LOVINGLY-( Hebrew.12:6-8)

I am now tired of the many cases of parents who have hacked their children to death because of  very small misunderstandings. God will chasten you not out of any other motivation but love. The chastening is proof of His relationship with you and His work of sanctification your life. He is holy and and wants us holy. " For whom the LORD loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth." Hebrew. 12:6
I sense the fatherhood of God in His chastening, be worried when you sin and nothing happens, " But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." Hebrews.12:8

CONCLUSION.

The conduct of your earthly father can obscure your view of a loving and caring heavenly Father. Believe what the Bible say about His Fatherhood. Do you call Him "My Father?" You can only do so if you are saved/born-again. "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John. 1:12

                      "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." John.3:7

Thursday, November 25, 2010

WHY AFRICA?

"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!" Romans 10:15.

There are several reasons why I am persuaded that you need to subscribed to this cause. To be precise you are already by the fact of your salvation conscripted into it but disobedience has gotten a hold of many brethren.

The First reason is because the great commission is a command to all that are born-again even in difficult places and times.
I interact so closely with a number of missionaries from America and you might not believe the sacrifice they make just to see a soul saved and Hell depopulated. How I wish I had their permission to let you into the details. One young American lady drove alone late in the afternoon for over one hundred kilometers after conducting  a Sunday School Teachers seminar in our church. Her car broke down on the way but the Lord enabled her to get to Nanyuki safe. She took a risk most would not dare knowing the insecurity on our highways. I imagine the blessings of God not just upon her but even on those who support her work in Kenya. We must come out of our comfort for the gospel.


The Second reason is because the continent  has not known peace in its entire history.
Peace is a basic ingredient to any meaningful development. Its absence has been conspicuous. Africa's peace can only come from the Prince of peace. The western democratic principles have given us a semblence of peace that turns like a pendulum; one time you have it and a new regime comes to power and withdraws it."Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph." Exodus 1:8. Africa has had a fair share of such political kings. I submit to you that it is only the gospel that can change this continent. The gospel has the penetrating  power to change mankind in totality. " Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new." 2 Corinthians 5: 17. The gospel is the power of God that makes nuclear arsenal look like a kids toy.This is what needs to resonate from Cairo to Cape town and from Dakar to Nairobi. Watch any international television station, there is hardly any glad tidings from this continent. It is either political chaos or genocide in Rwanda that is followed by Hollywood movie producers out to make a windfall  with a box-office horror movie shot on site. As the rapture of the church nears, I see the Lord turning the tide. " ...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Heb.13:5. They shall be a great revival in our days that shall change the spiritual cause of this beautiful continent. American was changed by the men of God who plunged into the deep. Billy Sunday, D.L. Moody, John Rice, Lee Robertson set examples that we can all follow. They could say with Apostle Paul, " Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ." 1 Cor. 11:1 It is Africa's turn to organize great monthly evangelistic crusades that leave an entire town, village or city surrendered to Jesus. The old-time religion is back and with the blessings of the Almighty we shall do exploits to the glory of God.

The Third reason is because we have been sent.
  God can never send you anywhere without supplying you with the necessary grace. God has set apart a people for this task. We know that we are not alone. Other than His promises, "...I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt.28:20 I am convinced that there are so many others on the continent and beyond the Lord has burdened for the spiritual cause of Africa. Some have been  sent to come to Africa, others are praying and supporting the work here. We have the high calling of God to serve in the remotest and the most neglected parts of Africa. I see the Lord bringing His army together for a conference to chart the way forward.

The Fourth reason is because of our feet.
We all love our pedicure. Our stylist is the Lord Himself. When we shall appear before God He shall look at the feet of those who stood for the cause of the gospel and declare their feet beautiful. Do you want to have your feet beautiful before men or God? If you spend a life time in a beauty parlor and fail to have a missions heart  your feet shall  be an eyesore before your creator.I want my feet beautiful and I believe the same applies to you. Join us in Africa as we with our feet carry good news that saith unto  the continent, " Thy God reigneth!" Isaiah 52:7
Conclusion.
You are not reading this blog by accident. The Lord must be saying something to you. I kindly ask you not to harden your heart as they did in the wilderness. If you are not born-again you have an opportunity to welcome Christ Jesus into your heart and serve Him with joy forever." For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10: 13. If Christ is Lord and Savior trust Him for ministry for there is a reason to be saved. God loves you and we love you too.

Pastor Philip & Gladys Warutere,

"Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly."  Heb.13:18

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

WELCOME

Dear Reader,
You are a very important person to us and even more important before your creator God. This blog is intended to let you into God's work in Africa with special emphasis on Kenya. We will highly appreciate your  making this journey of faith with us.
I am pastor Philip Warutere of the Bible Baptist Church Nyahururu, Kenya. I am married to Gladys Kanze the most beautiful woman on planet earth. We are blessed with two children, Vanessa Muringi 18 and Zechariah Githinji 12. God has recently given us the burden to plant Bible believing churches in Africa. The Lord has taught us to put our trust in Him, attempt great things for Him and expect great things from Him. We are sure that He shall supply all our church- planting needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. We are daring to do what for long has been thought to be a preserve of Western missionaries. We shall forever remain grateful to the foundational work done by Independent Fundamental Baptist missionaries from the West. But it has become necessary to sense and appreciate the current move of God in Africa today. There has emerged a group of national pastors with clear instructions to build on the excellent work done by foreign missionaries and take the church to the next level. Missionaries have laid a biblical foundation and the people who are from this culture must keep the fire of the Holy Spirit burning and get to places that missionaries could and cannot reach.This is not to say that the missionaries on the ground should pack on go. On the contrary, we still need them in some parts of Africa. We must integrate the national pastors ministry with experienced pastors, evangelists, conference speakers and Bible institute lecturers from the Western world. Independent Fundamental Baptist National Conferences focused on the development of the national pastors are needed today.This should be annual and geared towards bringing us out of the cocoons we have been previously condemned into. Amongst many things this blog is intended to do is to link up with Independent Fundamental Baptist churches with a passion to see souls saved in Africa and facilitate them obey God's command to them.
If you are interested in what God is doing in Africa then this is your blog. Please feel free to make comments and positive criticism that will keep us in the straight and the narrow. May the Lord find us faithful.We covet your prayers. We love you.
Pastor Philip & Gladys Warutere
Matthew 28:18-20