Motivational College

Reflecting on the Glorious Resurrection Today!

As Christians around the world celebrate Easter, our hearts overflow with the joy of the resurrection! This day marks the triumph of life over death, hope over despair, and love over darkness.

The empty tomb is a powerful reminder that Jesus Christ conquered death, fulfilling his promise and solidifying his divinity. Without the resurrection, Christianity loses its very core. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross holds immense power, but it's the resurrection that validates its purpose and offers us the promise of eternal life, as 1 Corinthians 15:17-18 tells us: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost."

Because He lives, we can live too!

This day brings immense hope. We know that death is not the end, and that through faith in Jesus, we too shall rise again. Romans 8:11 says: "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

Let us share this message of hope and celebrate the risen Christ with our loved ones!

"Life's a long journey, but with a clear vision and dedication, you can shape who you want to be. Nurture your relationships – they'll be your support system. Stay committed, and success will unfold."

- Karabo M.

"Life throws a lot at you - different jobs, new people, constant risks. I've learned the hard way that stability comes with time. There will be ups and downs, good days and bad, but just like anything growing, it takes time to mature. The journey is long, so enjoy the ride!"

- Karabo M.

"Great fortunes often have humble beginnings. Someone, somewhere, laid the groundwork through hard work and sacrifice. Building something lasting takes time. Patience is key – a strong foundation ensures long-term success."

- Karabo M.

"Shouts out to the parents, siblings, everyone who grinds for their families despite the tough economy. You make ends meet, and that's incredible. Respect. Keep your heads high, keep hustling – things will turn around. Don't let anyone make you feel less for what you have. Hard work is its own reward, and we're all in this together. Let's keep pushing!"

- Karabo M.

If you're going through a tough time, reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support. Sharing on social media might not be the answer, and your problems are often more personal than needing a public audience. Take responsibility for your well-being and find healthy ways to cope.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
The Power and Purpose of Scripture

The apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, reminds us of the profound significance of Scripture. He states that all Scripture is not merely human words, but divinely inspired by God himself – "breathed out by God." This inspiration elevates Scripture far above any other writing, imbuing it with an unmatched authority and truth.

But the importance of Scripture goes beyond its origin. Paul highlights its immense practicality, describing it as "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." Imagine a resource that can effectively teach us God's ways, rebuke our wrongdoings, guide us towards correction, and ultimately train us to live righteously. This is the power of Scripture!

This comprehensive equipping doesn't stop at personal growth. The ultimate goal, Paul tells us, is to make "the man of God" – referring to any believer – "complete, equipped for every good work." Through faithfully studying and applying Scripture, we become well-rounded individuals, prepared to undertake all the good works God calls us to do.

"The pulpit's purpose is to teach God's word and train people in righteousness. By faithfully honoring this purpose, the church can grow spiritually. Entertainment shouldn't be the focus, because people's souls are at stake. Let's prioritize teaching the Bible's message."

- Karabo M

"The preacher's role is to faithfully deliver God's message from scripture. When we gather on Sundays, it's an opportunity to learn and be challenged by the Bible itself. The preacher's insights and experiences can be valuable, but the foundation is always God's word. This equips us for our walk in Christ."

- Karabo M.

"As a Reformed Christian, I know I'm not perfect. But through studying God's word, the Holy Spirit shapes my character to become more like Christ. It's a continuous effort, working out my salvation with the Spirit's guidance. Thankfully, God sees my perfection in Christ, who took my place. My salvation isn't based on my actions, but on his grace. By that grace, I may stumble, but I will always rise again, relying on Jesus' redemption and his sustaining power on my walk with him."

- K Masemola

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God hath given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends.

In the context of South Africa, where there is a prevalence of false teachings and individuals adding their own interpretations to scripture, understanding the concept of doctrine and its significance in the church becomes even more crucial.

Doctrine, derived from the Latin word "doctrina" meaning "teaching," refers to the core beliefs and teachings of a particular faith or denomination. It serves as a foundation for understanding the faith, guiding its practices, and shaping the collective identity of its adherents.

In the Christian context, doctrine is primarily based on the teachings of the Bible, interpreted and summarized by theologians and church leaders over centuries. It encompasses fundamental concepts such as the nature of God, the person and work of Jesus Christ, salvation, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the afterlife.

Doctrine plays a vital role in the church, particularly in South Africa, for several reasons:

Preserving the Integrity of the Faith: Doctrine safeguards the integrity of the Christian faith by providing a clear and consistent framework for understanding its teachings. It prevents individuals from misinterpreting or distorting scripture to suit their own agendas.

Uniting the Church: Doctrine serves as a unifying force for the church, providing a common ground for believers from diverse backgrounds and denominations. It fosters a sense of shared identity and purpose.

Guiding Christian Practice: Doctrine guides Christian practice by providing principles for moral and ethical decision-making. It helps believers navigate the complexities of life in accordance with their faith.

Protecting Against False Teachings: Doctrine equips believers to discern true teachings from false ones. It provides a basis for evaluating new ideas and interpretations of scripture, preventing individuals from falling prey to misleading or harmful doctrines.

In South Africa, where false teachings and personal interpretations have proliferated, upholding sound doctrine is essential for the health and growth of the church. By adhering to the core teachings of the faith as articulated in doctrine, Christians can protect themselves from deception and ensure that their beliefs are rooted in biblical truth.

Church leaders play a critical role in promoting sound doctrine by faithfully teaching the Bible, engaging in theological discussions, and upholding the integrity of the faith. They must be vigilant in identifying and addressing false teachings, ensuring that the church remains a beacon of truth and righteousness.

Moreover, individual Christians have a responsibility to study the scriptures, seek guidance from trusted leaders, and engage in discussions with fellow believers to deepen their understanding of doctrine. By being well-grounded in the teachings of their faith, they can become discerning disciples, capable of distinguishing truth from error.

In conclusion, doctrine is an indispensable element of the church, providing a foundation for understanding faith, guiding practice, and protecting against false teachings. In the context of South Africa, where the threat of falsehood is prevalent, upholding sound doctrine is crucial for the spiritual well-being of individuals and the integrity of the church as a whole.

Affliction and suffering have been appointed by God as instruments He uses to make us more holy, to make us more like Jesus. They remind us that we are weak and we must rely not on ourselves, but on Jesus. They remind us that this world is not our home but that we are only passing through toward our real home in heaven with our Father, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and our Comforter, the Holy Spirit.

Proverb 1:20-33

This passage from Proverbs begins by personifying wisdom as a woman who is calling out in public spaces, hoping to be heard by all who pass by. The message she is trying to convey is a warning against ignoring knowledge and turning away from wise counsel, which can ultimately lead to disaster.

She addresses those who are "simple," or lack understanding, as well as "scoffers" who mock wisdom and "fools" who hate knowledge. She urges them to turn away from their foolish ways and listen to her instructions, promising that those who do will be rewarded with a pouring out of her spirit and understanding of her words.

However, those who ignore her warnings and refuse to listen will ultimately suffer the consequences of their actions. Wisdom warns that they will face calamity and distress, and when they call out for help, they will not receive an answer. This is because they have chosen to ignore knowledge and have rejected the fear of the Lord and wise counsel.

The passage ends with a warning that those who are complacent and refuse to listen to wisdom are ultimately responsible for their own destruction, while those who heed her words will dwell in security and without fear of disaster.

Overall, this passage emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and wise counsel in life, and the consequences that can arise from ignoring these valuable resources.

"As Christians, one of the most significant events of our faith is the Ascension Day. According to scripture, after Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, He spent forty days on Earth teaching, healing, and being with His disciples. On the fortieth day, Jesus guided His disciples to the Mount of Olives, where He blessed them and ascended into heaven in their presence.

The ascension of Jesus Christ marks a crucial point in His ministry as it shows His victory over sin, death, and Satan. It was the beginning of His reign as our eternal King and reminded His disciples that He would always be with them, even if not physically present. After His ascension, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to His disciples, fulfilling His promise to empower them to share the Gospel and be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.

As we celebrate Ascension Day, let us remember the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ and follow His example in our daily lives. Let us also be encouraged that, just as Jesus promised, He is always with us and will guide us through every season of life.

What is Ascension Day?

Ascension Day is the celebration of Christ ascending into heaven after His death, burial and resurrection. Ascension Day is observed primarily in Catholic and Anglican churches, and it occurs on the Thursday 40 days after Easter. Ascension Day is also called the Feast of Ascension.

The story of Jesus’ Ascension is told in Luke 24:50-53, Mark 16:19 and Acts 1:3, 9. Putting these accounts together, we find that after His resurrection, Jesus appeared several times to His disciples and others. During this time, He spoke to them further about the kingdom of God and the coming of the Holy Spirit, for whom they were to wait (Acts 1:2-9). After 40 days of these appearances, He was taken up to heaven for the last time (Acts 1:9-11). As the disciples watched Him go, two angels appeared and declared to them that, just as He ascended, Jesus would return in glory.

According to one of the early church fathers, Augustine of Hippo, the Feast of Ascension originated with the Apostles. It may be one of the oldest feasts practiced by the Church, possibly going as far back as AD 68. There is no written evidence, however, of the church honoring Ascension Day until Augustine's time in the fourth century. Churches around the world have observed Ascension Day Feasts for centuries, including ceremonies and traditions including processions, prayer vigils, and Catholic masses.

Whether or not we actually celebrate Ascension Day, its significance is that it reminds us that the glorious and triumphant return of Christ is near. It is a reminder of the Kingdom of God within our hearts, and of the ever-present Holy Spirit, watching over and protecting us as we spread the light of Jesus' truth throughout the world. The fact that Jesus was resurrected from the grave and ascended to the right hand of the Father is the source of our hope (1 Peter 1:3). We know that those who belong to Him by faith will one day be with Him in heaven.

Why people believe in the need to be saved and come into Christ, and repent from their sins.

According to Christian theology, all humans are born with a sinful nature that separates them from God. This sin stems from the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and it means that everyone has fallen short of God's perfect standard. Our sins create a barrier between us and God, which we cannot overcome on our own. But, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, believers can receive forgiveness and be made right with God.

To enter into a relationship with God, Christians believe that people must first acknowledge and confess their sins, recognizing that they are unable to save themselves. This repentance leads to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, who forgives and cleanses us from our sins through His sacrifice on the cross. Through this faith, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live a new and transformed life that reflects the character of Christ.

Overall, the belief in the need to be saved and repent from sins is rooted in the understanding that we are all broken and in need of God's forgiveness and grace. Through faith in Jesus, we can experience true freedom and restoration, being reconciled to God and living a life that honors Him.

Dr. John MacArthur is a well-known theologian, pastor, and author who has written extensively on the topic of hearing the voice of God. According to Dr. MacArthur, there are a few key principles that can help us to hear God's voice as revealed in Scripture.

1. Knowing the Word of God: MacArthur emphasizes the importance of knowing the Bible in order to hear the voice of God. The Bible is where we find God's revelation and truth, and it provides a solid foundation for discerning God's will. Reading the Bible regularly and studying it deeply can help us to understand God's character and His plan for our lives.

2. Praying According to God's Will: Dr. MacArthur emphasizes that prayer is a key way to hear God's voice. However, it is important to pray in accordance with God's will, rather than trying to manipulate circumstances or outcomes. When we pray according to God's will, we can trust that He will answer our prayers in the way that is best for us.

3. Listening for the Holy Spirit: Dr. MacArthur emphasizes the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit, who guides us in our spiritual journey. The Holy Spirit provides us with understanding and insight into God's will, and He can convict us when we are following the wrong path.

4. Seeking Wise Counsel: Dr. MacArthur also stresses the importance of seeking out wise counsel from trusted Christians who have a deep understanding of Scripture and are walking closely with God. These people can offer guidance and perspective that can help us to discern God's voice more clearly.

Overall, Dr. MacArthur encourages us to seek God's will with humility and a teachable spirit. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, praying, listening to the Holy Spirit, and seeking wise counsel, we can grow in our ability to hear God's voice and discern His will for our lives.

How can one understand the spirit of God according to scripture ?

The Spirit of God, also known as the Holy Spirit, is a divine being and the third person of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). In the Bible, the Spirit of God is described as a force that moves over the waters of creation (Genesis 1:2), endows people with wisdom and understanding (Isaiah 11:2), and fills believers with power and strength (Acts 1:8).

The Spirit of God is also depicted as a comforter, helper, and guide to believers (John 14:26). According to the New Testament, the Spirit is a gift from God that dwells within believers (1 Corinthians 3:16) and empowers them to live a righteous and holy life. The Spirit of God is also said to help believers pray and intercede on their behalf (Romans 8:26-27).

Overall, the Spirit of God is described as a divine being who empowers and comforts believers, gives them wisdom and understanding, and guides them in their spiritual journey.

Thomas Sowell's position on how black society can grow financially.

According to Thomas Sowell, the key to black society's economic growth is education and entrepreneurship. He argues that education is critical in enabling individuals to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to create wealth and build strong communities. Additionally, he believes that entrepreneurship is key to economic growth and stability, as it creates jobs and fuels innovation.

Sowell also notes that government policies that promote economic growth, such as tax cuts, deregulation, and property rights protection, can significantly benefit black communities. In his view, these policies are crucial in creating an environment that fosters economic growth and encourages investment.

Finally, Sowell emphasises the importance of personal responsibility and hard work in achieving economic success. He encourages individuals to take control of their own financial futures and rely on their own abilities and skills to achieve success in life.

Being Filled with Mercy

"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (Matt. 5:7).

Mercy is a characteristic of true believers.

Like the other beatitudes, Matthew 5:7 contains a twofold message: to enter the kingdom you must seek mercy. Once there, you must show mercy to others.

The thought of showing mercy probably surprised Christ's audience because both the Jews and the Romans tended to be merciless. The Romans exalted justice, courage, discipline, and power. To them mercy was a sign of weakness. For example, if a Roman father wanted his newborn child to live, he simply held his thumb up; if he wanted it to die, he held his thumb down.

Jesus repeatedly rebuked the Jewish religious leaders for their egotistical, self-righteous, and condemning attitudes. They were intolerant of anyone who failed to live by their traditions. They even withheld financial support from their own needy parents (Matt. 15:3-9).

Like the people of Jesus' time, many people today also lack mercy. Some are outright cruel and unkind, but most are so consumed with their quest for self-gratification that they simply neglect others.

Christians, on the other hand, should be characterized by mercy. In fact, James used mercy to illustrate true faith: "What use is it, my brethren, if a man says he has faith, but he has no works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself" (James 2:14- 17). He also said mercy is characteristic of godly wisdom: "The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy" (3:17).

As one who has received mercy from God, let mercy be the hallmark of your life.

Why did God allow Satan and the demons to sin?

With both the angels and humanity, God chose to present a choice. While the Bible does not give many details regarding the rebellion of Satan and the fallen angels, it seems that Satan—probably the greatest of all the angels (Ezekiel 28:12-18)—in pride chose to rebel against God in order to seek to become his own god. Satan (Lucifer) did not want to worship or obey God; he wanted to be God (Isaiah 14:12-14). Revelation 12:4 is understood to be a figurative description of one third of the angels choosing to follow Satan in his rebellion, becoming the fallen angels—demons.

Unlike humanity, however, the choice the angels had to follow Satan or remain faithful to God was an eternal choice. The Bible presents no opportunity for the fallen angels to repent and be forgiven. Nor does the Bible indicate that it is possible for more of the angels to sin. The angels who remain faithful to God are described as the "elect angels" (1 Timothy 5:21). Satan and the fallen angels knew God in all His glory. For them to rebel, despite what they knew about God, was the utmost of evil. As a result, God does not give Satan and the other fallen angels the opportunity to repent. Further, the Bible gives us no reason to believe they would repent even if God gave them the chance (1 Peter 5:8). God gave Satan and the angels the same choice He gave Adam and Eve, to obey Him or not. The angels had a free-will choice to make; God did not force or encourage any of the angels to sin. Satan and the fallen angels sinned of their own free will and therefore are worthy of God's eternal wrath in the lake of fire.

Why did God give the angels this choice, when He knew what the results would be? God knew that one-third of the angels would rebel and therefore be cursed to the eternal fire. God also knew that Satan would further his rebellion by tempting humanity into sin. So, why did God allow it? The Bible does not explicitly give the answer to this question. The same can be asked of almost any evil action. Why does God allow it? Ultimately, it comes back to God's sovereignty over His creation. The Psalmist tells us, "As for God, His way is perfect" (Psalm 18:30). If God's ways are "perfect," then we can trust that whatever He does—and whatever He allows—is also perfect. So the perfect plan from our perfect God was to allow sin. Our minds are not God's mind, nor are our ways His ways, as He reminds us in Isaiah 55:8-9.

What was the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament?

The role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament is much like His role in the New Testament. When we speak of the role of the Holy Spirit, we can discern four general areas in which the Holy Spirit works: 1) regeneration, 2) indwelling (or filling), 3) restraint, and 4) empowerment for service. Evidence of these areas of the Holy Spirit’s work is just as present in the Old Testament as it is in the New Testament.

The first area of the Spirit’s work is in the process of regeneration. Another word for regeneration is “rebirth,” from which we get the concept of being “born again.” The classic proof text for this can be found in John’s gospel: “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). This begs the question: what does this have to do with the Holy Spirit’s work in the Old Testament? Later on in His dialogue with Nicodemus, Jesus has this to say to him: “You are Israel's teacher…and do you not understand these things?” (John 3:10). The point Jesus was making is that Nicodemus should have known the truth that the Holy Spirit is the source of new life because it is revealed in the Old Testament. For instance, Moses told the Israelites prior to entering the Promised Land that “The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live” (Deuteronomy 30:6). This circumcision of the heart is the work of God’s Spirit and can be accomplished only by Him. We also see the theme of regeneration in Ezekiel 11:19-20 and Ezekiel 36:26-29.

The fruit of the Spirit’s regenerating work is faith (Ephesians 2:8). Now we know that there were men of faith in the Old Testament because Hebrews 11 names many of them. If faith is produced by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, then this must be the case for Old Testament saints who looked ahead to the cross, believing that what God had promised in regard to their redemption would come to pass. They saw the promises and “welcomed them from a distance” (Hebrews 11:13), accepting by faith that what God had promised, He would also bring to pass.

The second aspect of the Spirit’s work in the Old Testament is indwelling, or filling. Here is where the major difference between the Spirit’s roles in the Old and New Testaments is apparent. The New Testament teaches the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20). When we place our faith in Christ for salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. The apostle Paul calls this permanent indwelling the “guarantee of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:13-14). In contrast to this work in the New Testament, the indwelling in the Old Testament was selective and temporary. The Spirit “came upon” such Old Testament people as Joshua (Numbers 27:18), David (1 Samuel 16:12-13) and even Saul (1 Samuel 10:10). In the book of Judges, we see the Spirit “coming upon” the various judges whom God raised up to deliver Israel from their oppressors. The Holy Spirit came upon these individuals for specific tasks. The indwelling was a sign of God’s favor upon that individual (in the case of David), and if God’s favor left an individual, the Spirit would depart (e.g., in Saul’s case in 1 Samuel 16:14). Finally, the Spirit “coming upon” an individual doesn’t always indicate that person’s spiritual condition (e.g., Saul, Samson, and many of the judges). So, while in the New Testament the Spirit only indwells believers and that indwelling is permanent, the Spirit came upon certain Old Testament individuals for a specific task, irrespective of their spiritual condition. Once the task was completed, the Spirit presumably departed from that person.

The third aspect of the Spirit’s work in the Old Testament is His restraint of sin. Genesis 6:3 would seem to indicate that the Holy Spirit restrains man’s sinfulness, and that restraint can be removed when God’s patience regarding sin reaches a "boiling point." This thought is echoed in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8, when in the end times a growing apostasy will signal the coming of God’s judgment. Until the preordained time when the “man of lawlessness” (v. 3) will be revealed, the Holy Spirit restrains the power of Satan and will release it only when it suits His purposes to do so.

The fourth and final aspect of the Spirit’s work in the Old Testament is the granting of ability for service. Much like the way the spiritual gifts operate in the New Testament, the Spirit would gift certain individuals for service. Consider the example of Bezalel in Exodus 31:2-5 who was gifted to do much of the artwork relating to the Tabernacle. Furthermore, recalling the selective and temporary indwelling of the Holy Spirit discussed above, we see that these individuals were gifted to perform certain tasks, such as ruling over the people of Israel (e.g., Saul and David).

We could also mention the Spirit’s role in creation. Genesis 1:2 speaks of the Spirit “hovering over the waters” and superintending the work of creation. In a similar fashion, the Spirit is responsible for the work of the new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) as He is bringing people into the kingdom of God through regeneration.

All in all, the Spirit performs much of the same functions in Old Testament times as He does in this current age. The major difference is the permanent indwelling of the Spirit in believers now. As Jesus said regarding this change in the Spirit’s ministry, “But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17).

What does the Bible say about depression? How can a Christian overcome depression?

Depression is a widespread condition, affecting millions of people, Christians and non-Christians alike. Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed. Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, such as a loss of job, death of a loved one, divorce, or psychological problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.

The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11), so God apparently intends for us all to live joyful lives. This is not easy for someone suffering from situational depression, but it can be remedied through God's gifts of prayer, Bible study and application, support groups, fellowship among believers, confession, forgiveness, and counseling. We must make the conscious effort to not be absorbed in ourselves, but to turn our efforts outward. Feelings of depression can often be solved when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Christ and others.

Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. It may not be caused by unfortunate life circumstances, nor can the symptoms be alleviated by one's own will. Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always caused by sin. Depression can sometimes be caused by a physical disorder that needs to be treated with medication and/or counseling. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder. However, in some cases, seeing a doctor for depression is no different than seeing a doctor for an injury.

There are some things that those who suffer from depression can do to alleviate their anxiety. They should make sure that they are staying in the Word, even when they do not feel like it. Emotions can lead us astray, but God's Word stands firm and unchanging. We must maintain strong faith in God and hold even more tightly to Him when we undergo trials and temptations. The Bible tells us that God will never allow temptations into our lives that are too much for us to handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). Although being depressed is not a sin, one is still accountable for the response to the affliction, including getting the professional help that is needed. "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise"the fruit of lips that confess his name" (Hebrews 13:15).