The Africa Center for Apologetics Research

How Not To Respond To Church Hurt // Chopo Mwanza - TGC Africa

Practical wisdom:

How Not To Respond To Church Hurt // Chopo Mwanza - TGC Africa Someone hurt you in church. How do you respond? Chopo Mwanza explores our instinctive reactions, and why Christians often need to live counter-intuitively.

Abaikiriza, nibabasa kubaihwabeihwa? (Abakolosai 2:1–5)

Abaikiriza, nibabasa kubaihwabeihwa? (Abakolosai 2:1–5)

Abaikiriza, nibabasa kubaihwabeihwa? (Abakolosai 2:1–5) “Can Believers Be Deceived?” (Part 1)—Runyankore

Contending for the Faith in Theological Education - Radio Tambua

Contending for the Faith in Theological Education - Radio Tambua Africa needs both general and counter-cult apologetics—but are seminaries and Bible colleges addressing this urgent challenge? Rodgers Atwebembeire of ACFAR reviews the current situation and proposes an effective way forward. This message was orig...

Darkness in a lighthouse: Pastors recount abuse and trauma (Pt.1)

Serious concerns about Dag Heward-Mills:

Darkness in a lighthouse: Pastors recount abuse and trauma (Pt.1) Darkness in a lighthouse: 45 is a number that forces him to take his life and those of his dependents into account.

Recognizing Neo-Pentecostal Influence in Your Sermon Preparation - AB316

Pastor, if you find that a primary focus in preparing sermons is to find promises of spiritual/economic/social power, you are likely laboring under the heavy influence of Neo-Pentecostalism.

Recognizing Neo-Pentecostal Influence in Your Sermon Preparation - AB316 One of the most challenging things for all of us called to teach and preach God’s Word is to learn to silence our biases and cultural expectations sufficiently to see what the Word actually says rather than what we expect it or want it to say. Here are three common hermeneutical and homiletical tr...

Army pastor arrested over charging money for 'forgiveness' - The Namibian

“…in their greed they will exploit you with false words…” (2 Peter 2:3)

Army pastor arrested over charging money for 'forgiveness' - The Namibian A MEMBER of the clergy of the Lutheran Church assigned to the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) was arrested at Walvis Bay on Saturday for charging community members a fee in exchange for forgiving their

Introduction to the Word-Faith Movement (“Prosperity Gospel”) - Radio Tambua

Do you understand the “Prosperity Gospel” and its errors? Start here:

Introduction to the Word-Faith Movement (“Prosperity Gospel”) - Radio Tambua We’ve all heard about the “Prosperity Gospel” (or “Word-Faith Movement”). What many don’t realize is that the deceptive and destructive beliefs of this movement clearly depart from historic Pentecostalism. Rodgers Atwebembeire explains.

Rite TV Uganda Live Stream

New television program: “The Truth Be Known,” with Rodgers Atwebembeire of ACFAR

Rite TV Uganda Live Stream SHIELD OF FAITH

Unexplaining the Mormon Priesthood Ban on Blacks – Mormonism Research Ministry

Remembering June 9th, 1978:

Unexplaining the Mormon Priesthood Ban on Blacks – Mormonism Research Ministry For much of its history, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had a fairly standard explanation as to why those of African heritage were prohibited from holding any priesthood office in the church. The ban was officially lifted in June 1978 by the First Presidency, the top lead...

From TB Joshua to Oyakhilome: Prophecies missing the mark in 2020

From TB Joshua to Oyakhilome: Prophecies missing the mark in 2020 From Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye to other Nigerian clergymen, there were records of failed prophecies in their statement which was made about the year 2020.

Nigerian pastor TB Joshua dies, aged 57

“Joshua was a controversial, self-proclaimed prophet. Many had called for him to be held accountable after the September 2014 collapse of his church, the Synagogue of All Nations, when more than 80 South Africans died. …Last year, Joshua falsely claimed he could ‘flush out’ Covid-19.”

Nigerian pastor TB Joshua dies, aged 57 TB Joshua Ministries said on Sunday the Nigerian evangelist has died at the age of 57, a week before his birthday.

Pastor, Be One In A Thousand // Daniel Gachuki - TGC Africa

We are servants, not superintendents. We are teachers, not tricksters. We are shepherds, not shearers. We are brothers, not bosses. We are evangelists, not entrepreneurs.

Pastor, Be One In A Thousand // Daniel Gachuki - TGC Africa Are you a one in a thousand pastor? God desires leaders who are faithful, reliable and caring. Here are 5 thoughts to help you pursue this in your context.

Glory Hogs, Celebrity Culture, & the Local Church - For the Gospel

Is it really all about the “Anointed”?

Glory Hogs, Celebrity Culture, & the Local Church - For the Gospel There is a song called, Made to Worship, and the lyrics in one portion sum up every ounce of grace that God has poured out on our lives. All we are and all we haveIs all a gift from God that we receiveBrought to life we open up our eyesTo see the majesty and glory of the […]

Be Careful About Calling Somebody a Heretic - The Gospel Coalition | Canada

“Heresy exists, and we must identify it and teach against it. But not every disagreement rises to the level of heresy.”

Be Careful About Calling Somebody a Heretic - The Gospel Coalition | Canada To preserve the notion of heresy, and for the sake of our own integrity, be careful before you call someone who disagrees with you a heretic.

Deliverance Ministry: Learning From Jesus’ Example - TGC Africa

“Does the Bible talk about demons and spirits? Yes! Does the Bible show Jesus involved in the ministry of deliverance? Yes! But is the same ministry we see in the Bible what we are seeing in the Church in Africa today? Unfortunately, no.”

Deliverance Ministry: Learning From Jesus’ Example - TGC Africa The Bible clearly shows Jesus involved in deliverance ministry. We can learn from his example to ensure exorcism is redemptive, restorative, and enriching.

I’ve new orders from God, woman ‘wedded’ to Holy Spirit says

I’ve new orders from God, woman ‘wedded’ to Holy Spirit says She was spotted in Ng’otut area, Kasei Ward in North Pokot along the Kenya-Uganda border.

Is It OK for Christians to Be Superstitious?

Is It OK for Christians to Be Superstitious? At the heart of African traditional thinking and philosophy is the fear of the supernatural and the spirit world. Sadly, many who become Christians carry sup...

How to Spot a Christian Cult

How to Spot a Christian Cult by Rodgers Atwebembeire How do I spot a cult? Or what one could call a false religious group? What are some of those characteristics that I can look at that can tell me that a certain religious group, or church, or organisation is in error theologically or sociologically and therefore Christians, or...

What is Seventh-day Adventism?

Understanding and answering Adventism’s aberrant “Great Controversy” worldview:

What is Seventh-day Adventism? The fall of 2015 has proven to be historic in unexpected ways. One of the most surprising unfolding events has been the campaign of retired Seventh-day Adventist neurosurgeon Ben Carson for the Republican nomination for the United States presidential election to be held in 2016. News outlets have be...

Cruciformed Disciples and the Prosperity Gospel - Bya Mukama

“…we also recoil from such a Messiah because we fear what He may in turn ask us to be and do. Christ redefines who we are and where we find identity and joy.”

Cruciformed Disciples and the Prosperity Gospel - Bya Mukama Cruciformed disciples reject the Prosperity Gospel. By “cruciformed” I refer to a life shaped by the cross. And what I am saying is that we cannot be shaped by the cross and adhere to the Prosperity Gospel. At least that is what Mark’s Gospel teaches us. Now, if this makes you a bit uneasy, pl...

“When It Ends” : Wrong Doctrines Misleading Christians

“In Africa…school drop outs, native doctors, amongst others have resorted to using the Bible to preach wrong doctrine to Christians. This is mostly through the use of fake prophecy and interpretation of the scriptures to fit their ideologies.”

“When It Ends” : Wrong Doctrines Misleading Christians The film reveals the sometimes wrong doctrines church leaders teach couples.

“True discernment means not only distinguishing right from wrong in terms of ethics; it means distinguishing the primary from the secondary, the essential from the indifferent, and the permanent from the transient. Those who discern learn to think God’s thoughts after Him with a sense of outlook through God’s own eyes.” (Dr. Julius Twongyeirwe)

“True discernment means not only distinguishing right from wrong in terms of ethics; it means distinguishing the primary from the secondary, the essential from the indifferent, and the permanent from the transient. Those who discern learn to think God’s thoughts after Him with a sense of outlook through God’s own eyes.” (Dr. Julius Twongyeirwe)

The Abandoned Gospel: Confronting Neo-Pentecostalism and the Prosperity Gospel in Sub-Saharan Africa

New and important:

The Abandoned Gospel: Confronting Neo-Pentecostalism and the Prosperity Gospel in Sub-Saharan Africa The Abandoned Gospel: Confronting Neo-Pentecostalism and the Prosperity Gospel in Sub-Saharan Africa

How to Help Your Loved One in a Cult - Radio Tambua

How to Help Your Loved One in a Cult - Radio Tambua How do I carefully, lovingly, yet biblically, help someone trapped in a cult? Rodgers Atwebembeire offers seven things to remember, and five ways to share the truth in love.www.ACFAR.org Reposted by kind permission of The Gospel Coalition—Africa.

6 Sins that Enable Abuse

6 Sins that Enable Abuse These six “ordinary” sins have led many to remain silent in the face of evil.

‘Prophetess’ arrested over flogging follower to death

The suspect reportedly told the deceased that “besides prayer, a demon possessing her required that she be caned to chase them away.”

‘Prophetess’ arrested over flogging follower to death The suspect, in the process of ‘exorcising the evil spirits,’ reportedly beat up the deceased with sticks until she collapsed

Exorcism & Deliverance: What You Need to Know

Exorcism & Deliverance: What You Need to Know Exorcism—also commonly known as the “ministry of deliverance”—has become one of the major defining aspects of African Christianity. In fact, most charismatic...

THE COMMISSION: Pastors and Discernment - Radio Tambua

Pastors, are you equipping your flocks for the spiritual survival skill known as biblical discernment?

THE COMMISSION: Pastors and Discernment - Radio Tambua What is the role of the pastor in equipping his flock for the survival skill of biblical discernment? Rodgers Atwebembeire brings a stirring and timely challenge to forty pastors from across East Africa in this new message.

Who decided which books made it into the New Testament and which ones didn’t? How do we know they got it right?

This is a question about the New Testament canon, a term that describes which books have been accepted as official and are therefore included in the Bible. I raised this issue with renowned New Testament scholar Bruce Metzger when I interviewed him for The Case for Christ.

“How did the early church leaders determine which books would be considered authorita¬tive and which would be discarded?” I asked. “And what criteria did they use in determining which documents would be included in the New Testament?”

“Basically, the early church had three criteria,” he said. “First, the books must have apostolic authority—that is, they must have been written either by apostles themselves, who were eyewitnesses to what they wrote about, or by followers of apostles.

“Second, there was the criterion of conformity to what was called the rule of faith. That is, was the document congruent with the basic Christian tradition that the church recognized as normative?

“And third, there was the criterion of whether a document had had continuous acceptance and usage by the church at large.

“What’s remarkable,” Metzger continued, “is that even though the fringes of the canon remained unsettled for a while, there was actually a high degree of unanimity concerning the greater part of the New Testament within the first two centuries. And this was true among very diverse congregations scattered over a wide area.”

Another authority in this area, F. F. Bruce, added in his book The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? “The historic Christian belief is that the Holy Spirit, who controlled the writing of the individual books, also controlled their selection and collection, thus continuing to fulfill our Lord’s promise that he would guide his disciples ‘into all the truth’ (John 16:13).”

So we can see there was both divine and human care in collecting the canon of books that we now know as the New Testament Scriptures.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16–17

This week's essay is drawn from "The Case for Christianity Answer Book" by Lee Strobel.

https://link.biblegateway.com/view/5ef53137a7fe0d486463408de5q2r.iz7/76d92db7

Who decided which books made it into the New Testament and which ones didn’t? How do we know they got it right?

This is a question about the New Testament canon, a term that describes which books have been accepted as official and are therefore included in the Bible. I raised this issue with renowned New Testament scholar Bruce Metzger when I interviewed him for The Case for Christ.

“How did the early church leaders determine which books would be considered authorita¬tive and which would be discarded?” I asked. “And what criteria did they use in determining which documents would be included in the New Testament?”

“Basically, the early church had three criteria,” he said. “First, the books must have apostolic authority—that is, they must have been written either by apostles themselves, who were eyewitnesses to what they wrote about, or by followers of apostles.

“Second, there was the criterion of conformity to what was called the rule of faith. That is, was the document congruent with the basic Christian tradition that the church recognized as normative?

“And third, there was the criterion of whether a document had had continuous acceptance and usage by the church at large.

“What’s remarkable,” Metzger continued, “is that even though the fringes of the canon remained unsettled for a while, there was actually a high degree of unanimity concerning the greater part of the New Testament within the first two centuries. And this was true among very diverse congregations scattered over a wide area.”

Another authority in this area, F. F. Bruce, added in his book The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? “The historic Christian belief is that the Holy Spirit, who controlled the writing of the individual books, also controlled their selection and collection, thus continuing to fulfill our Lord’s promise that he would guide his disciples ‘into all the truth’ (John 16:13).”

So we can see there was both divine and human care in collecting the canon of books that we now know as the New Testament Scriptures.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3:16–17

This week's essay is drawn from "The Case for Christianity Answer Book" by Lee Strobel.

https://link.biblegateway.com/view/5ef53137a7fe0d486463408de5q2r.iz7/76d92db7

My Loved One Is In A Cult - How Do I Help Them? - TGC Africa

My Loved One Is In A Cult - How Do I Help Them? - TGC Africa "How do I carefully, lovingly, yet biblically, help someone trapped in a cult?" Here are 7 things to remember, and 5 ways to share the truth in love.

Prophet (31) In Trouble Over Using Python To Fake Exorcisms - NewZimbabwe.com

Prophet (31) In Trouble Over Using Python To Fake Exorcisms - NewZimbabwe.com Spread This NewsBy James Muonwa, Mashonaland West Correspondent A SELF-STYLED prophet was Wednesday dragged to court for illegal possession of a two-metre-long African rock python that he used as part of his paraphernalia to fake exorcisms. The endangered snake species is valued at US$5 000. Chusi B...

Can I Speak Against The Lord’s Anointed? - TGC Africa

“Your pastor might call himself the ‘Lord’s anointed.’ For all intents and purposes he may be a mighty man of God. But if that means he’s beyond challenge and correction, perhaps he is not the great leader he claims to be.”

Can I Speak Against The Lord’s Anointed? - TGC Africa Does your pastor call himself the ‘Lord’s Anointed’? Does he seem beyond challenge or correction? Perhaps he's not the great leader he claims to be.

The Threat of Cults—and What Christians Can Do - Radio Tambua

Why you must “test before you trust!"

The Threat of Cults—and What Christians Can Do - Radio Tambua Do we still have dangerous cults today? If so, what challenges do Christians face—and how must the church respond? Many lives are at stake! ACFAR team member Nehemiah Kithathutha sheds valuable light on the situation and the way forward.