Tabla de contenidos para July 2024 en JOY! Magazine

Vision JOY! Magazine seeks to glorify God by educating and informing Christians of a biblical worldview and applying the Lordship of Jesus Christ to all areas of life. Values Strive for excellence and integrity in all things • Provide interesting, accurate, and honest reporting at all times • Respect all Christian denominations • Encourage reader participation • Take personal responsibility • Always seek to unite the Body of Christ • Evaluate everything in the light of the Bible • Provoke readers to ful l the biblical mandate to be salt and light in society • Motivate readers to action • Be solution-focused…

WORD SEARCH GENESIS 17:5-27 ABRAHAMABRAMBEGETBLESSCHILDCIRCUMCISEDCOVENANTDESCENDANTSESTABLISHEDEVERLASTINGEXCEEDINGLY FACEFINISHEDFLESHFOREIGNERFORESKINGENERATIONSHOUSEISAACISMAELLAUGHEDMONEY MOTHERNATIONSPOSSESSIONPRINCESSARAHSARAITALKINGTWELVEWIFE This word search was crafted by Theresa Denson Jones, a Cape Town-based author. Theresa has recently brought out her own fun book of biblical word searches and multiple choice questions. If you would like to order a copy for only R90, email holyspiritinspirations@gmail.com Test your BIBLE KNOWLEDGE See how many of these you can fill in before checking the answers on page 73. After you test yourself, try reading the questions aloud to a friend or family member and see how they do! 1 What is the name for the first five books of the Bible? ____________ 2 Who was the first man to translate the Bible into English? ____________ 3 What does the word “testament” mean? ____________ 4 Which is the…

Children are everything. They are our future, our legacy, the ones we would do anything for. As such, we want only to see them flourish into bright and wholesome members of God’s Kingdom. Unfortunately, however, there are forces at work that would undermine our efforts to build up incredible individuals. One such force is the gender ideology movement. Gender ideology movement The current gender ideology movement is dramatically impacting the human condition. It is like a steady storm that has gathered momentum and, whilst the warnings signs have always been present, only now that it is making landfall do we see it for the hurricane it really is. The assault on young children at a time when they are supposed to be innocently discovering their wonderful identity in Christ, is…

God’s interactions in the Old Testament often involve people in desperate situations. Our character for this month, Sarah, is one of those early encounters. Attractive features Sarah features prominently in Abraham’s account in Genesis, and several important character qualities are evident. First, she is the patriarch Abraham’s wife; she bears him Isaac, the promised son of the covenant. Along with this, she was a wife of a man who had a substantial household, one that produced 318 “trained servants who were born in his own house” (Gen 14:14). She must have been an extremely capable woman. Second, Sarah was renowned for her hospitality (see Gen 18) and beauty. She must have been decidedly attractive as Sarah caught the eye of two important leaders in that day: Pharaoh, the king of…

As I child, I was exposed to violence and adults battling addiction. I was kidnapped from my mother, went to many different schools, and had very painful feelings of abandonment. At seven, I was raped by the dad of some friends. “My path had pain, but it’ s produced fruit that people are eating.” When I needed peace, I walked into the nearest garden I could see and I found it there. One birthday, my mom took me to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where I remember seeing the dell, a haven of tall trees, cool shade, and a mountain stream. It’s one of the most beautiful memories I have. I became passionate about Cape Town plant life. There’s such an explosion of colour and diversity here, in fact there are more…

The dictionary’s definition of transformation is “a marked change in form, nature, or appearance”. If one goes into an etymological study of the word, we discover a synonym – “metamorphosis”. The Greek word for biblical transformation is metamorphoo. The best example and demonstration of this process is the butterfly that metamorphosises from a caterpillar/worm. What do butterflies do? For the plant world, they carry pollen from plant to plant, helping fruits, vegetables, and flowers to produce new seeds. The caterpillar doesn’t just become a butterfly overnight though. It goes through several stages and phases of change. Biblical transformation will always yield positive results. The transformation of creation The butterfly is not the only thing that transforms. God, our Creator, allows His creation to go through developmental and transformative processes. Human,…

In Acts 17:15-34, Paul perceived that the people in Athens were very religious and found them operating from a misguided place within their respective spheres of life. As Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy to join him on his mission, his spirit was stirred regarding the idol worship in Athens. When certain philosophers heard him preaching the Gospel, they approached him, perceiving him to also be a philosopher, and sought academic explanations regarding the nature of the Church, and how Christianity would engage with the bigger world outside the Church. Pleasure was their ultimate purpose The Epicureans believed in a god that only existed in name and no relation. They denied that there is a God who exercises governance over the world and people. They saw God as being…

Why is it so difficult to do what the above verse commands? We all know people who are struggling; it may even be you. Life has become increasingly challenging as societal values decline, and the effects are evident in our lives. As Christians, we are called to listen and pray for the hurting and bring God’s Word into their situation. Furthermore, we are to admonish, encourage, and do our best to convince our friends and family members to trust and obey the Word of God. But often, despite our efforts, they come back the next week with the same struggles. Why? Lord of ALL When we make Jesus our Lord (and not just our Saviour) – Lord of all and everything in our lives – it becomes much easier to…

Comedian and actor Russell Brand gets baptised at River Thames Comedian Russell Brand recently shared his profound experience of being baptised in the River Thames, months after expressing interest in Christianity. Brand described the ceremony as transformative, remarking on feeling changed and transitioned. Despite varied responses, he expressed gratitude and a sense of being surrendered in Christ. This spiritual journey follows months of exploring Christianity, marked by reading Christian literature and visiting churches. Brand’s openness about his spiritual quest contrasts with past struggles. Pray for this new convert – that he stays true to the Word and uses his influence to bring light into the darkness. MARIE SUKERS "Driving in the dark into a storm on an unknown road between towns -it struck me that many times in life we…

FEATURE Digital addiction has always been a serious issue, but it has only continued to worsen. It has been shown that brain scans of digital addicts are the same as cocaine or heroin addicts. Of course, no parent wants to consider their child a drug addict – that is understandable. But unfortunately, this can sometimes be the case. There tends to be a common thread amongst parents who are presented with this information: “Thank God my child is not like that”. In reality, they absolutely could be. Excessive screen time Brain scans clearly show that screen addiction leads to a restriction of blood flow and a decrease in normal mental activity. Yet, I find most people in my audiences believe they and their children are the exception and continue with…

Media reports have recently highlighted Richard Dawkins’ comments that he considers himself to be a cultural Christian. This was in a London Broadcasting Company (LBC) radio interview over the Easter weekend (1 April 2024), with Rachel Johnson, sister of former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Good news you may think, but it doesn’t mean that he has given up on his belief in atheism and evolution, or his attacks on biblical creationism which he referred to as “pernicious nonsense” in the interview. It is, of course, good that he has moved to find Christianity appealing culturally, but what about the deeper reality of faith? “I’m a cultural Christian … I’m not one of those who wants to purge our society of our Christian history.” – Richard Dawkins Dawkins and cultural…

Dear readers, we love to hear your thoughts on the stories that we publish, what is going on around the world, and what the Lord has placed on your heart! Email your letter through to editor@joymag.co.za for a chance to be featured – please try to keep letters to 150 words as we have limited space. A letter to all readers The world is really in a mess, and it seems to get worse every day. The 21 st century has to go down as the most humanistic, self-serving, anti-Christ era in history. I think of the warning in 2 Timothy 3:1-5, “People will be self-centered lovers of themselves and obsessed with money. They will boast of great things as they strut around in their arrogant pride and…

Scan this QR code on your smartphone to sign up to our newsletters www.joynews.co.za Franklin Graham donates helicopter to Wycliffe Bible Translators Evangelist Franklin Graham took to Facebook to announce the donation of a Bell 206 helicopter to Wycliffe Bible Translators USA, a renowned mission organisation responsible for translating the Bible into over 700 languages. The helicopter, previously used by Samaritan’s Purse, received a new engine and is now ready to serve JAARS, Wycliffe’s aviation arm. Graham expressed gratitude for Wycliffe’s vital work and prayed for continued blessings on their ministry. Revival sweeps South Africa with WOWZA crusades Evangelist Tamryn Klintworth of In His Name Ministries is leading a national evangelism initiative, WOWZA, envisioning wave upon wave of salvation across South Africa. Through 19 recent crusades, tens of thousands have…

In 1997, computer company Apple Computer Inc. launched an advertising campaign unveiling the tagline “Think Different”. The slogan has been widely taken as a response to the IBM computer company’s slogan which was “Think”. The statement “Think Different” still defines the culture at Apple (now known as Apple Inc). The intended thought process of the advertising campaign was to move people away from the status quo and to think beyond what the masses were doing and discover that there was and is a different way to do computing. Do not be sucked into the status quo being promoted by secular society. Changing the status quo Fast forward to 2024 as we witness not just the ongoing success of Apple Inc. as an enduring brand, but also the way in which…

Cultural Christianity is religion that superficially identifies itself as “Christianity” but does not truly adhere to the faith. A “cultural Christian” is a nominal believer – he wears the label “Christian”, but the label has more to do with his family background and upbringing than any personal conviction that Jesus is Lord. Cultural Christianity is more social than spiritual. A cultural Christian identifies with certain aspects of Christianity, such as the good works of Jesus, but rejects the spiritual aspects required to be a biblically defined Christian. Some people consider themselves “Christians” because of family background, personal experience, country of residence, or social environment. Others identify as “Christian” as a way of declaring a religious affiliation, as opposed to being “Muslim” or “Buddhist”. Cultural Christianity is religion that superficially identifies…

Leon du Preez is an influential Christian leader growing in prominence within South Africa. Known for his dynamic preaching and passionate ministry, Leon has seen his global reach expand through an online ministry and locally through their five church plants across South Africa. Happily married to Este-Lee for 13 years, the couple have two daughters and are the founders of Encounter Church. “As a prophet in the fivefold ministry, my role is to reveal the heart and mind of God to His people.” Working for God’s glory Growing up in a traditional religious household, Leon knows firsthand how “dead religion” drives one further from God, and how a touch of the supernatural power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit can change one’s life in an instant. Because signs, wonders, and…

Dorothy is a remarkable woman whose journey of faith, love, and family is nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up under challenging circumstances in the small fishing village of Mount Pleasant, Hermanus, Dorothy’s life was marked by the early loss of her father and the sacrifices of her dedicated mother. Despite these hardships, her unwavering faith in God and her courageous steps towards discovering her heritage led her to unexpected blessings and deep familial connections. Q How would you describe yourself? I’m the only child of my mother, Rachel, who was a single parent. My father drowned while she was pregnant. I grew up with my grandmother in a small fisherman’s village. We were very poor, so mom left for Cape Town to find employment as a domestic worker. Every end…

FEATURE Effective evangelism has always been a core focus of senior pastor David Grobler’s vision for Unite180. Based on the original strategic architecture that he designed in 2013, he identified the small groups, known as uGroups, to be the most effective channel in reaching people with the Gospel as well as growing the reach of Unite180. Effective evangelism has always been a core focus of Unite180. Introduction to Unite180’s mission in Potchefstroom Towards developing these uGroups as a core focus, significant energy and resources were committed to leadership development. Over time, many uGroup leaders have relocated across South Africa due to work or study opportunities. This paved the way for the first Potchefstroom uGroup in 2015, proving the methodology for growth and evangelism to be effective. Soon after, these uGroups…

CREATION You wouldn’t think it would pay to be a meerkat. These animals will postpone meals to help with the babysitting and will stay home so their family and friends can go out to supper. Helpful animals? Whatever happened to the evolutionary idea of “survival of the fittest”? Helpful watchman And what about the helpful “watchman” bird that lets out a loud squawk when it sees a hawk approaching? All the neighbouring flocks know to fly off quickly, which confuses the advancing predator. Yet the vigilant alarm-caller puts itself in extreme danger by its conspicuousness. Its give-away squawk may make it an instant target for attack, while those who heed its alarm get away and survive. Helpful birds? That seems contrary to “survival of the fittest” too. Pied babblers live…