Why did we start a pastors’ blog for eMalahleni Lighthouse Tabernacle? I’m glad you asked.

For me, one of the things I most enjoy in my role as a pastor (and as a father, and as a friend) is helping people apply Scripture to their practical lives. It’s absolutely critical that we think biblically about the world in which we live and the way in which we live in it. What does the Scripture say? What does it mean? How does this Scripture apply to this particular situation? What does Brother Branham say about this particular situation? These are important questions. And that’s what I hope this space will provide––another opportunity for us to think biblically about life together, another space for us to be able to work through these important questions, often in light of very particular circumstances.

Of course, we do that on Sundays as we meet together at Lighthouse Tabernacle. So why start a pastors’ blog? I can think several reasons, but let me briefly mention four:

Because reading helps us think and thinking biblically helps us grow in Christlikeness.

Since we’re commanded to “love God with all [our] … mind”, we should cultivate right thinking about God and right thinking about God’s world. Growing in Christlikeness involves more than biblical thinking, but not less. This means that Christians are to be thinkers. As we think through the questions mentioned above and then do the work of applying the Word of God to our lives, we grow increasingly into the likeness of Christ. My hope is that this blog will provide a place where we can do just that, spurring us on toward Christlikeness.

Because not everything needs to be a sermon, but many things that aren’t in sermons need to be said.

There are some things that we need to hear and consider that may not be covered in sermons on particular Wednesdays and Sundays, but may need clarity in a written form at the time. This blog gives us a place to think about these things that might not be in a sermon, but still need to be said.

Because your friends might need biblical encouragement. 

We all have friends, family, co-workers, neighbours, and those random people on social media platforms who we don’t really know, and all of them at some point or another could use some encouragement. Quite simply, I’m hoping that from time to time you’ll read something here and think, “That was encouraging. I should share that.” Who knows? Maybe you’ll send the encouragement to someone who needs, or maybe this will help you start a conversation that bears fruit in someone’s life.

Because I enjoy writing.

Okay, so this last one’s a little selfish. But I enjoy writing. I really do. I’m not making the case that I’m a good writer, but I am someone who enjoys writing. On a personal level, this allows me the opportunity to write more, which I’m looking forward to. More than that, we’re may be blessed to have some talented writers and very sharp thinkers who may be featured as guest-writers, and I’m looking forward to their contributions from time to time as well.

So thanks for reading this first post at the Lighthouse House Pastors’ Blog. I pray that what’s to come will be a blessing to you.