Tabla de contenidos para September 2024 en JOY! Magazine

Short testimony In May 2023 I was in a car accident, which was 100% due to me being distracted. Thankfully, no one got hurt, but my Hyundai Atos was written off. The Lord, very lovingly, covered the whole situation with His grace and showed me His goodness in many ways. His presence was so tangible through it all. Resting in God’s grace Insurance paid out (a testimony in itself ), but not nearly enough to buy another car. Scripture says to “owe no man anything but love”, so I believed that it must be possible to not go into debt for a new car. However, I knew that it would require a miracle. As I was asking God what I should do, I experienced Him saying I must rest in…

Nestled in the picturesque island of Mauritius, Églises Chrétiennes Océan Indien (ECOI) stands as a beacon of faith and community. Dedicated to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every corner of the island, ECOI ensures that everyone is given the opportunity to hear the Word of God, whether in person or online. This vibrant church offers Sunday services in Creole, French, and English, along with various activities for children, youth, couples, and the elderly. The multi-cultural landscape of Mauritius Mauritius is a multi-cultural society with a rich tapestry of religions. Hinduism is the largest religion on the island at 48,3%, Christianity is at 32,2% (with Catholicism as the largest Christian denomination), followed by Islam at 17,9%. This diversity creates a unique environment where multiple faiths coexist, but it also…

In a world that often celebrates pride and self-promotion, the essence of a true Christian life is found in humility. This profound quality, often misunderstood, holds the key to fostering trust, growth, and unity within the body of Christ. Therefore, it is necessary to revisit this enduring virtue, deeply rooted in biblical teachings, to gain an understanding that can transform and impact our daily lives and society. What is humility? Contemporary definitions of humility often describe it as having no special importance or lacking pride. For instance, dictionaries frequently define humility as “the feeling or attitude that you have no special importance that makes you better than others; lack of pride”. However, this view falls short of the biblical perspective. Theologically, humility is not about self-deprecation, but about recognising one’s…

FEATURE For Scripture Union South Africa (SU), celebrating 100 years of transforming lives and spreading the message of hope is a testament to our enduring commitment to our mission – leading young people to know and walk with God. Let’s explore the vibrant array of some of Scripture Union’s initiatives that continue to shape and inspire communities today. Holiday clubs There is no denying that holiday clubs are landmark moments of fun and spiritual growth. SU has perfected a model that is relational, Bible-based, fun, safe, affordable, and rooted in local churches. These clubs enrich communities, often uniting churches across denominations for common good. They also provide ideal opportunities for local church members to engage in mission work. The possibilities for serving are endless, and SU offers training to support…

During June and July, CfaN conducted 15 Gospel campaigns in Uganda. In this report, we look at what God did in the first seven of these campaigns. There’s no holding back as we reach for our goal of 50 Gospel campaigns in our 50th year! Mass Gospel campaigns CfaN conducted mass Gospel campaigns in the cities of Hoima, Busia, Lira, Kampala, Gulu, Iganga, and Mbale. Each campaign was five nights long. In each location, CfaN-trained evangelists were stationed for the whole campaign. Evangelist Daniel Kolenda travelled during the days, preaching at a different location each night. Confronting strongholds Hoima is the capital city of Bunyoro Region, West Uganda. This place is known for witchcraft and deep occult darkness. Just one hour away in Kagadi, there is a famous cult led…

Good day, precious friends. Look at this wonderful scripture. “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:1-2). The joy ahead Often, our focus can be on the pressures, pain, or challenges of the present, rather than on Jesus and the joy that awaits us (“the prize” in the AMPC version). The sacrifice of laying aside every weight…

Surviving the lion’s den God shut the mouths of the lions when Daniel was thrown into the den as punishment for praying to God (Dan 6:16-23). Long day God caused the sun and moon to stand still for about a whole day to allow Joshua to defeat his enemies (Josh 10:12-14). The coin in the fish’s mouth Jesus instructed Peter to catch a fish, and inside its mouth, he found a coin to pay the temple tax (Matt 17:24-27). Lifespans • The longest lifespan recorded in the Bible is that of Methuselah (969 years). • The shortest lifespan recorded in the Bible is that of a stillborn child who was not named (2 Samuel 12:15-23). Hosea & Gomer Hosea’s marriage to omer served as a symbolic representation of God’s relationship…

Evangelist Tamryn Klintworth declares, ‘New York belongs to Jesus!’ One of South Africa’s beloved evangelists, Tamryn Klintworth, is travelling the world sharing the Good News of Jesus. Recently, she preached a message in New York and prayed for healing for those attending. In a Facebook post Tamryn shared, “WOW!! I could not be prouder of Faith Assembly New York. They held an open-air crusade in Queens and the Spirit moved mightily. I preached the Gospel and the response was terrific. We laid hands on those needing prayer and many were marvellously touched by the power of God. New York belongs to Jesus!” ERIN GEORGIOU “Don’t put your pastor on a pedestal where he can be noc ed o . Put him on your prayer list where he can be lifted…

Last month, at the opening ceremony of the Olympic games, you would have noticed a significant uproar over the mockery of the Last Supper. This incident sparked anger within me, highlighting a troubling narrative: while inclusivity is championed for many groups, it often seems to exclude the Christian faith. Differing responses from believers Many Christians were outraged, while others believed we should respond with love and follow Jesus’ example. However, numerous Bible passages were quoted out of context, promoting a version of Christianity that seemed spineless. This is not the Christianity I read about in the Bible. In fact, when studying the Word, I see many instances where Jesus and Paul rebuked brethren and reminded sinners to repent. Jesus even called the Pharisees “a brood of vipers”, yet, when it…

1 THERAPEUTIC CONVERSION A therapeutic conversion is one in which a person sees faith in Christ as a way of coping with life’s stress, anxiety, disappointment, or guilt. They see faith as an opportunity for a fresh start, a chance to put the messiness of their lives behind them and to start over. They see religion as a way for them to feel better about their lives. 2 IDEOLOGICAL CONVERSION An ideological conversion is one in which a person claims to have converted to Christ because they have been attracted to the philosophical ideas and ethical standards of the Christian religion. Such a person is typically disillusioned with the emptiness of secularism and worried about the moral direction of society. They crave the certainty of the transcendent truth claims of…

With this month’s parable, we’re in the last week of Jesus’ earthly ministry before His crucifixion. He has made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, cleared the temple of the moneychangers, and cursed the fig tree. As a result, the chief priests and elders confronted Jesus, asking Him, “By what authority are You doing these things?” (Matt 21:23). Jesus’ reply includes two parables that end Matthew 21. The invitation But Jesus isn’t done. He gives the Jewish religious leaders another parable, one about a great wedding feast. The invitation goes out for a prince’s marriage, but those who have been invited are unwilling to attend. Some even become violent towards the messengers bringing the invitation. So, the king extends the invitation to others not originally included in the invite. Jesus has…

PART 1 EPHESUS This article is the first of a new series called “Christ amongst the 7 churches of Revelation”, based on scriptures found in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. Although it is a historical book, the content is still extremely relevant for the 21st-century Church. The entire book of Revelation focuses on the testimony of the victorious reigning Christ. Christ’s appearance among the seven churches is mostly in a high priestly capacity. The Lord praised the Ephesian church for its perseverance and patience. Inspired writings from prison John, the last living apostle who walked with Jesus during His earthly ministry, received the revelation of Jesus Christ while imprisoned by the government at the time on the island of Patmos. The ascended Christ mandated him to write seven letters to…

ADVICE I remember when I first got engaged to my (now) husband, Tyler. We were just “children”, I was only 23 at the time. After dating for four and a half years, I knew with every fibre in my body that this was the man I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. We were so young, so in love, and in many peoples’ opinions, so “naïve”. I will never forget the amount of people, mostly older family friends, who criticised us when we got engaged. Comments ranged from, “You are so young, are you SURE that this is what you really want?” to “You still have your whole life ahead of you, don’t rush into marriage”, to the most memorable, “Marriage is tough. This honeymoon phase will…

Email your questions to: info@joymag.co.za There is a video on social media by a young girl who says she has visited heaven often since ten years of age. She says that she knows what Jesus looks like. Can that be true? The Lord Jesus Christ said plainly, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven” (John 3:13). He also said, “No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:18). I believe we can trust His Word, in spite of claims to the contrary by people. Bible scholars believe the Apostle Paul was sharing his own experience when he…

Quick facts • Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean known for its stunning landscapes and diverse culture. • POPULATION: Approximately 1,3 million, with a unique blend of ethnicities including Indian, African, European, and Chinese descent. • The country exhibits a high level of religious tolerance, with Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Buddhism co-existing peacefully. • It is estimated that there are around 30 000 South African expatriates in Mauritius. South Africans are drawn to Mauritius for its natural beauty, tax regime, low crime rates, and other advantages. Footprint of Christianity Christianity in Mauritius was established primarily through the French who controlled the island during the 18th century. The British later contributed to its spread during their colonial rule. Today, around 32% of the population is Christian, with…

In 1970, Hal Lindsey published The Late Great Planet Earth. The book sold millions of copies and introduced a generation to the miraculous fulfilment of Bible prophecy throughout the ages and right up to the present time. Coming on the heels of World War II, the rebirth of Israel, the Six Day War, and widespread societal upheaval, many were convinced the rapture would take place before the end of the decade. But the 1970s came and went, and Jesus did not return. Then, in the 1980s and 1990s, numerous Bible prophecy books with titles like Countdown to Armageddon and Final Warning sold all over the world. Again, many people were convinced Jesus would return before the end of the century. Yet Jesus didn’t come. Then the world experienced Y2K, terrorist…

TESTIMONY In a world filled with hopelessness and despair, there is still hope to be found. If we look long and hard enough, we will find a glimpse of hope. A vision for hope Siblings Cleo and Lisa Solomons, known as “PKs” (pastor’s kids), hail from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). During the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, they decided to make a difference by using their creative skills and gifts to connect people with the Lord Jesus. Hope City meets at various beaches, taking praise and worship into these spaces. Hope carriers They started what is now known as Hope City South Africa, a movement for this generation. They began by inviting people from all walks of life to an overnight worship, prayer, and praise event in Port Elizabeth harbour on the…

As we approach Braai Day on the 24th of September, a public holiday cherished by South Africans, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the significance of fellowship, gratitude, and the joy of sharing meals together. This day, celebrated with the aroma of sizzling meat and laughter filling the air, provides a wonderful parallel to the communal meals shared in the Bible. The importance of fellowship In Acts 2:46, we read, “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of“Braai Day”. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the community. Just as the early Christians gathered to share meals and strengthen their bonds, Braai Day offers us a chance to connect with family, friends, and neighbours, fostering…

When we consider the marvellous design aspects of bird flight, flightless birds like the ostrich provide an unusual counterpoint. Were they created that way, or has flightlessness resulted from degeneration causing loss of function? Flightless birds Creationist biologists generally think that most flightless birds, if not all, had flying ancestors – and this includes the ostrich. And in this they are in general agreement with evolutionists. The ostrich is one of the ratites – a group of flightless birds consisting also of cassowaries, emus, kiwis, rheas, and the extinct moa and elephant bird. Evolutionists once thought that all of these belonged to the same order, Struthioniformes, descended from one ancestor that had lost the ability to fly. However, genetic analysis has caused a rethink. For one thing, the huge moas…