Author Archives: Paul Schlehlein

Unknown's avatar

About Paul Schlehlein

Jesus is Lord. Husband to Lindy. Father of eight. Missionary church-planter to the Tsongas in rural South Africa.

A Judas of a Mother: When Greed Masquerades as Opportunity

Posted on by
Reply

–– Gideon Mpeni

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The mother of a South African girl, who disappeared aged six more than a year ago, has been convicted of kidnapping and trafficking her daughter.

Kelly Smith and other suspects were arrested after her daughter, Joshlin, went missing from outside her home in Saldanha Bay, near Cape Town, in February last year. The drama unfolded as court proceedings were conducted. Evidence unmasked the depraved heart of the once dear mother, now caught up in the demonic act of child trafficking. 

Continue reading →

Abortifacients and the Church’s Alarming Silence on “Christian Abortion”

Posted on by
2

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Who could be responsible for the majority of worldwide killings? The answer may surprise you.

Today’s greatest global holocaust comes not from Muslim fanatics against Christians, or gun-toting killers against their victims, or even abortion doctors against babies. The most common murders may come from mothers, sometimes Christians, against their own children through abortifacient birth control. 

Continue reading →

Should Christians Celebrate Ancestor’s Day?

Posted on by
Reply

–– Tim Cantrell

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Traditional leaders and political voices in South Africa keep calling for 8 May to become a public holiday, “Ancestor’s Day”, so as to decolonise the Christian calendar with pagan celebrations.  How should the Christian respond to such proposals?  Why do many professing Christians in Africa still worship the ancestors in times of trouble or to ward off evil?  How do believers handle family pressure to join in blood sacrifices to appease and honour the forefathers?  God’s Word offers solid answers to these burning questions.

Christian, could you explain the difference between the blood required by pagan religions compared to Christianity?  The Book of Hebrews often tells us how the blood of Christ was “better”, better than the blood of Abel, better than the blood of bulls and goats, better than the old covenant.  But how is the blood of Christ also better than African Traditional Religion (ATR) sacrifices? 

Continue reading →

Ten Types of Hypocrisy Parents Should Look for in Their Kids

Posted on by
Reply

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Some worldwide statistics say two out of every three teens leave the church after high school. In countries where Christianity is growing, parents are tempted to dismiss these numbers as not applicable to them. For example, among the twenty countries where Christianity is growing the most, seven are in Africa: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Mozambique, and Tanzania. 

Christians usually enjoy immense freedom of religion in places where Christianity is growing. While this is a blessing, freedom of religion can also be a detriment. Hypocrisy among Christians is much less common in countries where believers will be persecuted for following Christ.

For example, how many fake Christians do you think live in the Muslim areas of Uganda, where a Christian couple was recently poisoned by a Muslim woman? Or how about Burkina Faso, where Christians face attacks by militant Islamists? Then there is the Congo DRC, where a batch of seventy and then another forty-seven Christians were just recently murdered by devout Muslims. 

Continue reading →

On What Did Jesus Ride into Jerusalem?

Posted on by
Reply

Answering 439 Bible Contradictions 

Answer: Jesus rode upon a young, male donkey into Jerusalem.

Problem: One text of Scripture mentions two donkeys, whereas three other passages reference only one.

Explanation: Jesus prepares for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the fashion of Zechariah 9:9, which prophesies that the Messiah will come riding on a donkey—specifically a colt, which is a young male donkey.

Although at this time Jesus had reached the climax of his popularity, He knew the crowds were fickle. In a matter of moments they would cry “Hosanna” (save now), but within days the same crowd would roar “crucify” (kill now). Continue reading →

Was Asa Perfect?

Posted on by
1

Answering 439 Bible Contradictions 

Answer: Though King Asa’s morality waned in his later years, whole-hearted devotion to the Lord marked the overall trajectory of his life.

Problem: Twice Scripture says Asa’s heart was “perfect” toward the Lord all his days (1Kng. 15:14; 2Chr. 15:17, KJV), even though he sinned in serious ways.  

Explanation: Asa was the third king of Judah, the son of King Abijah and the grandson of King Rehoboam—Solomon’s only son. Under the rule of Rehoboam (who reigned seventeen years) and Abijah (who reigned three years), Judah—Israel’s southern kingdom—had fallen into moral and spiritual decay. Continue reading →

Where did Jesus First Appear to the Eleven Disciples after the Resurrection?

Posted on by
Reply

Answering 439 Bible Contradictions 

Answer: The resurrected Jesus first appeared to the eleven behind closed doors in Jerusalem (Jn. 20:26-29), then days later on a mount in Galilee (Mt. 28:16).

Problem: One gospel account says Jesus appeared to the eleven while on a mountain in Galilee while other gospel accounts say Jesus appeared to them in Jerusalem.

Explanation: The resurrected Jesus appeared at least eleven different times and to over five hundred people, including the eleven disciples on numerous occasions.

As the timeline below of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances shows us, the answer to this question is a simple matter of putting the synoptic accounts together. There is no contradiction whatsoever, just as the mother of Jim could correctly say she saw her son at school and the father of Jim could correctly say he saw his son at the game on the same day. Continue reading →

‘Whites Only’ in this Town—A Christian Response

Posted on by
2

–– Seth Meyers

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

A small town about 250 kilometers from Bloemfontein does not allow black people to live in it. Recently, an articulate black woman named Katlego discussed this phenomenon. Other men are trying to promote the idea of Afrikaner preservation as well. 

Do ethnic groups have a right to self-preservation? Can a people group self-segregate? Do they have a responsibility to integrate with all the people around them? Is it kind, loving, or Christian to block people out? Or is it good to make a special place where your values and heritage can be passed on? 

Continue reading →

Is Abortion Ever Justified?

Posted on by
Reply

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

In light of President Trump’s recent cuts of abortion aid across Africa, questions continue to rise about the morality of infanticide.

Abortion is unconditionally legal in only a few countries in Africa, including Benin, Tunisia, and South Africa. Most other African nations allow for abortion under certain circumstances, such as rape and fetal impairment. 

This prompts questions. Is abortion ever justified? Is it ever valid or morally permissible under certain circumstances? If so, which exceptions are reasonable? 

Continue reading →

Should You Answer a Fool According to His Folly?

Posted on by
1

Answering 439 Bible Contradictions 

Answer: Sometimes a wise man should respond to a fool in order to protect the truth, while at other times he should ignore foolish arguments to avoid similar idiotic behavior.

Problem: Proverbs 26:4 forbids answering a fool, while the next verse insists we respond to him.

Explanation: When responding to an idiot, there are two key principles to follow.

First, you should never respond to a fool if it means lowering yourself to his biblically immoral and foolish behavior. Even if you win the argument, if you’ll end up looking like him, don’t do it.

When a driver with road rage rolls down his window and shout insults, don’t respond in kind. If your neighbor squeals his tires while passing your house each morning, don’t gather your buddies to go drag racing by his home. Don’t lie about atheism because he lied about Christianity. You’ll look like a bonehead just like him. Continue reading →

The Fair Works of False Prophets

Posted on by
Reply

–– Brino Kumwenda

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Shepherd Bushiri, also known as “Major 1,” is a prominent self-proclaimed prophet from Malawi. He is the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), a non-denominational charismatic church headquartered in Lilongwe, Malawi. The church has grown into a megachurch with branches across Africa and beyond, attracting hundreds of thousands of members. 

Some false prophets today have enough guile and craft to manoeuvre their way in ministry without scandal. Bushiri has found himself lacking in this area and has left a trail of damning controversy in his wake. However, he makes use of an age-old tactic to cover up his flagrant sin, and this brings hordes of his followers to defend his image. 

Continue reading →

Zimbabwe Shuts Down – Yet Again!

Posted on by
Reply

–– Joe Shoko

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Recently, Zimbabwe was plunged into yet another shutdown. What is meant by shutdown is when a country comes to a standstill. The usually noisy streets were empty and quiet, the central business district (CBD) resembled a ghost town, and in a sense, being in the middle of it on that day was scary.

For decades, Zimbabwe has been on a downward spiral morally, economically, and politically. The country is no stranger to grabbing international attention through its myriad problems. Imagine a country where state-run hospitals have neither running water nor basic medication such as painkillers. As if that were not enough, extortion, bribery and “back door deals” are the order of the day. It’s normal to see street vendors fleeing from police in the CBD and the outskirts on a daily basis. 

Continue reading →

How Long Does God’s Anger Last?

Posted on by
Reply

Answering 439 Bible Contradictions

Answer: God’s anger upon his children is temporary, while His wrath up His enemies will carry on forever.

Problem: Some passages say God’s anger lasts but for a moment, while other Scriptures teach God’s wrath is eternal.

Explanation: The nature, intensity, and extent of God’s wrath differs depending on which of His two audiences He is addressing. In the first case, God limits His anger towards His children, whom He loves. Psalm 30:5 illustrates this: “For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.”

Plagues came on Jerusalem because of King David’s sins. But once repentance followed, God’s wrath was brief because He is merciful and slow to anger. Saints of old often spoke of God’s judgment in terms of a rod, a switch God uses to discipline His children the way a father would his son. But when his boy sheds a tear and asks for pardon, the father embraces him. Thus, Spurgeon could say: “God puts up his rod with great readiness as soon as its work is done.” Continue reading →

Sullivan’s Kidnapping and a Lesson on Risk

Posted on by
3

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

On Thursday, 10 April, in a coastal town in South Africa, American missionary Josh Sullivan was kidnapped by four armed suspects. The location was Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, a large township in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) in the Eastern Cape. The men apparently entered the church during a prayer service that Sullivan was leading, abducting him and taking his Toyota Fortuner. Sullivan’s wife and young children were not harmed. There are reports that he is being held for ransom.

According to police statistics, there has been a 264% increase in kidnappings in South Africa over the past decade. 

Continue reading →

South Africa’s National Sin & Stain of Abortion

Posted on by
1

–– Tim Cantrell

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Recently I was struck with two solemn reminders of the scourge of abortion upon South Africa and our world today:

(a) A recent Sunday evening sermon at our church was on Genesis 9 and God instituting the death penalty for all murders so that the sanctity of human life would be upheld as made in His very image.

(b) In our adult Sunday School ethics course, one of the doctors in our church recounted in detail the current stats on abortion. Worldwide, a horrific 73 million infants are murdered annually; in South Africa, it’s abominable that 260,000 babies are slain in their own mother’s womb, one out of every three pregnancies!  

Continue reading →

Did Jesus Tell His Disciples Everything?

Posted on by
Reply

Answering 439 Bible Contradictions

Answer: Jesus told His disciples everything they could bear, though more truth followed after His resurrection through the Holy Spirit’s illumination and inspiration.

Problem: Jesus says in John 15:15 that He had revealed all things to His disciples, while in John 16:12 He informs the disciples there’s far more He’s yet to tell them.

Explanation: In John 15, Jesus calls his disciples “friends” instead of slaves. This must have shocked them, because as of yet, only Abraham had been called a friend of God in Scripture (Jms. 2:23). Never is God referred to as a friend of man.

While slaves are expected to obey commands without explanation, comrades share motives and plans with each other. A captain tells his servant: “Climb to the top of the mountain.” The only valid response is: “Yes, sir!” But a friend explains why scaling the peak is important. Continue reading →

Black Tax: How Christians Should Care for Ageing Parents (Part 5)

Posted on by
Reply

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The Black Tax has become such a pervasive issue in South Africa over the past several decades that books like Handle Black Tax Like a Pro have become a thing. 

High earning blacks feel such a heavy duty to provide for lesser privileged family members that they often feel lost at sea as to how much and to whom they are bound to give. In this series we’ve observed pertinent biblical passages that address this issue. 

Continue reading →

Literacy, Reading, and Missions

Posted on by
Reply

–– Seth Meyers

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Who can be a Christian without reading? Some could hear the Word and respond in faith, but without a broad base of careful readers, no church will endure in a culture. If a group were converted simply by listening, could they grow and reproduce on a national scale without first becoming very Bible-centered? 

Paul told Timothy that pastors must give care to reading the Word both in public and private (1 Tim. 4:13 and 15). Individual believers must search the Scriptures to weigh a teacher’s words against the original standard (Acts 17:11). Because man does not live by bread alone, but by the words of God (Matt. 4:4), he must grow as a Christian until he is habitually literate. 

Continue reading →

Does God Want Some to Go to Hell?

Posted on by
2

Answering 439 Bible Contradictions

Answer: God decrees all things that come to pass, including unbelievers spending eternity in hell.

Problem: Some Scriptures say God wants all to be saved and is not willing that any should perish, while other verses say He hardens sinners and creates them for destruction.

Explanation: These apparent contradictions are not difficult to reconcile if the student of Scripture maintains honesty with each text. We’ll address two important theological principles first and then apply these principles to the individual passages.

Two Principles

The first principle is that the word “all” in Scripture may mean “all without exception” or “all without distinction”. It depends on the context. When the Lord told Noah to take “all” of his household into the ark, He meant all without exception. But when Romans 11:32 says God would have “mercy on all”, it doesn’t mean all without exception (mercy on every single person) but all without distinction (both Jews and Gentiles). He shows no partiality (Ac. 10:34). Colossians 3:11 says Christ is “in all”, certainly not meaning that Christ is in every single person. Continue reading →

South Africa’s Sovereignty: Rage or Repentance?

Posted on by
Reply

–– Jonathan Klimek

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

As South Africans, we have heard members of the South African government assert that our nation “will not be bullied” and must safeguard its sovereignty, national interests, and constitutional democracy. In his 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ramaphosa rallied the nation to unite against external pressures [1]. These are stirring words, but do they align with God’s design for righteous governance? South Africa stands at a pivotal period in history: Will we cling to alliances and policies that defy Divine justice, or will we repent and pursue the grace and peace God promises to those who honour Him? Scripture offers both a warning and a way forward—if we have the courage to listen.

Continue reading →

African Media: The Flight From Truth

Posted on by
Reply

–– David de Bruyn

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The past few weeks have moved South Africa into the international spotlight as U.S. President Donald Trump accused South Africa of expropriating property and mistreating various groups. He then offered a form of refugee status to Afrikaner farmers affected by the South African government’s actions.

This produced howls of opposition and derision from liberal media and commentators in South Africa, variously accusing the American administration of lying, deceit and, unsurprisingly, racism. People were quick to ‘fact-check’ the U.S. President and respond with everything from crying foul to thumbing their nose at the cancellation of U.S. money sent to South Africa. Conservatives applauded the U.S. for finally revealing the racism in South African politics and law.

Continue reading →

Is it Wrong to Commit Adultery?

Posted on by
Reply

Answering 439 Bible Contradictions

Answer: Yes, all immorality—including sexual activity outside of marriage—is sinful.

Problem: The Ten Commandments condemn adultery in every form, while some Old Testament passages seem to encourage immoral unions, such as God commanding Hosea to marry a prostitute.

Explanation: The author of Hebrews calls for purity in marriage, insisting it be “held in honor” (13:4). God “will judge sexual immorality”, which is sexual impurity while unmarried, and “adulterous” activity, which is unfaithfulness to a spouse. Jesus extends adultery to lust (Mt. 5:18). Continue reading →

Black Tax: How Christians Should Care for Ageing Parents (Part 4)

Posted on by
Reply

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The black tax refers to the money black Africans feel obligated to pay in order to support their parents and siblings. Zimbabwean Masimba Musodza says the black tax is “when one person is seen as having made it and is obligated to support all the less well-off relatives, no matter how distantly related.” 

So ingrained is the black tax in African culture that to request absolution from such expectations is like asking a cat to bark. Pardon from the black tax is impossible and should a man ignore it, he best prepare himself to be bête noire. 

Continue reading →

Money Games in the Church

Posted on by
Reply

–– Joe Shoko

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

When self-styled ‘prophets’ don’t spend time reading and preaching from the holy Word of God, they will begin to look for ways to continue keeping their followers hooked.  These cleverly devised schemes would compete with any of the soap operas on television.

Emmanuel Makandiwa of United Family International Church, who has an insatiable craving for media attention was back at it again, this time with a more bizarre challenge. In recent years this blasphemous man has uttered statements like, “I am more gifted than God” and “If you go to heaven and do not find me there you have gone to hell”, yet his followers and his adherents continue to applaud in amusement and support.

Makandiwa is one of the most influential men in Zimbabwe. The services that he holds every Sunday are filled to capacity and that does not show any signs of slowing down. The auditorium can accommodate 10,000 people. This means that 10,000 souls are flocking to hear blasphemy week in and week out. 

Continue reading →

Black Tax: How Christians Should Care for Ageing Parents (Part 3)

Posted on by
Reply

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

According to Visual Capitalist, South Africa has one of the lowest effective retirement ages in the world, defined as the average age of exit from the labour force for workers aged 40 years or more. The lowest age in the world is fifty-nine from the country of Luxembourg. South Africa is just a year older at age sixty. 

Luxembourg makes sense, since it has by far the world’s highest per capita GDP at $129,000 per year. But South Africa’s per capita GDP is about one hundred spots lower at $6,000 per year. How can such an early retirement coexist with such a low GDP per capita?

Continue reading →

The Tyranny of Titles—What to Call Your Pastor

Posted on by
Reply

–– Tim Cantrell

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Cultures vary greatly in the food, music, and fashion they enjoy.  But the love of titles seems universal.  South Africa is a beautiful ‘Rainbow Nation’ of cultural diversity; yet our religious landscape is littered with ministerial titles, with pastors and bishops dying by degrees and drowning in flattery.  You can’t leave your home without seeing a poster advertising the next conference, featuring “Reverend Doctor Umfundisi Apostle Prophet  Major 1 Moruti So-and-So”!   

Raise any concern about this idolatry and you will be told, ‘Touch not the Lord’s anointed.  Leave our high and mighty Man of God alone!’  These arrogant, unapproachable false teachers are surrounded by their bouncers, luxury cars, jets and mansions, wearing their fancy clothes, seated at separate tables or thrones, waiting to be served, not to serve.   

Continue reading →

Black Tax: How Christians Should Care for their Ageing Parents (Part 2)

Posted on by
Reply

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

In a now-deleted Tiktok rant, Elsa Majimbo roared to one of her parents: “I was born, I was raised, I grew up, now you’re asking me for money – you lazy [expletive]. I’m not feeding your habits.”

This is how some African adults feel today. They rage at the thought of supporting their parents, especially if it’s a delinquent Dad or Mom. 

What should be the realistic expectations for adult children in caring for their parents? This is a common conundrum in Africa, where fathers and mothers often insist that their children finance them until death. But it’s not only about money. How should children interact with their parents’ transgressions?

Continue reading →

An Easy Ten-Step Pattern for Family Worship 

Posted on by
Reply

Listen to the podcast discussion on this topic here: Spotify — Apple Podcasts — Youtube

Christian homes should gather for family worship every morning or evening, if not both. Some don’t know how. 

Below is a guide you may want to follow. By God’s grace, our family accomplishes these ten steps in 30 minutes most mornings.   

1.    Sing a song or two. Distribute hymnbooks if available. Use instruments if you can. Fathers should model singing with gusto. Assign hymnbook collection duties to the smallest children.

2.    Begin with a brief prayer, perhaps by praying a verse like Psalm 67:1, “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah.”

Continue reading →

The European Union Pays to Kill Africans

Posted on by
Reply

–– Seth Meyers

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

The South African Constitution guarantees that any baby can be murdered under certain circumstances. Specifically, Section 27 reads: 

“Everyone has the right to have access to health care services, including reproductive health care…” (emphasis added)

This phrase “reproductive health care” is intentionally deceptive because the actual names would be far too offensive. But we can be very sure what they mean by this diabolical term. In a crude video titled “Abortion, Un-pregnant” this term is used to describe a 15-year-old who wants to murder her and her boyfriend’s baby. She and her friends gather on a “merry-go-round” as if they were mere children to discuss how best to do this without her parents’ knowledge. 

Continue reading →

Black Tax: How Christians Should Care for their Aging Parents (Part I)

Posted on by
Reply

–– Paul Schlehlein

The audio version of this article is available here: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

These days, many Africans are feeling the pressure of the “black tax”, a colloquial term referring to the obligation of children to provide for their parents on a continual basis. 

Poverty in Africa adds to the anxiety but sometimes wealth only makes the black tax worse. Some even call it an epidemic. The layers of difficulty are many, especially with first-generation Christians who feel torn about how to help unbelieving relatives, some of whom face financial difficulties of their own making. 

Continue reading →