JAN PASTORAL LETTER 2012

Greetings in the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ – Lord over all!

FBF Sons of Thunder has a new look and feel for the Pastoral Letter ... which is now available on line anytime at:

www.sonsofthunder.cc

We wish you all the very best in your ministrations for

this coming year.

We at FBF would like to Thank you again for your prayers and encouragements as the Teams in East, Central and Western Africa are experiencing many advances and serious revival that continues in the East and Central sections... all Glory to God! East India continues to open up new territories with the Gospel, and the Open Air preach continues in the US. All teams are training new recruits at this time. We thank the LORD for the good work of participating with His Kingdom advance... and with all His Church Bride who is eagerly awaiting His soon return. This is the hour for all of God’s children to ‘rise up’ for the gospel of Jesus Christ! Amen.

The focus of the Pastoral Letter (PL) will be along the lines of generally encouraging brethren to establish more of Christ in our lives, promoting the Kingdom of God where ever we go, mission updates (Africa, India, US), missions reports, focus points, teaching, exposition, a short list of mail-ins (with some excerpts). We are committed to the Great Co-Mission for all, as being salt and light are not an option Matt 5:13-16 ... and continue to bless all those who are at work in the advancement of the Kingdom of God... for Jesus sake. Matt 6.33

May the LORD leave His richest blessings upon each one of you as you Press On with Jesus!

East Africa Regional--Bro James (right)
Gives a vision/ training update:

Preaching the Kingdom of God in every Place... Brother James draws a crowd

12-12 East Africa Regional Bro James, Encouraged in the progress of training the strong men of FBF Sons of Thunder.

Dear Rev. Robert,

I trust you press forward in this work of the Kingdom!

How is everything? Please as you mentioned, it has been busy on us to see the Kingdom is expanded. After our last mission out, we had a leaders training which we are aiming to train the strong men/ Sons of Thunder for a year and send them out just as we have been doing with the other leaders we are ‘setting on fire’ to go and reach the world with the gospel of truth. So, therefore, just as you mentioned, it has been occupying much of our time as schedules have been long and pressed... many have prospered.

Just to mention, it was great to read the Dec PL ... and very wonderful, my brother Roy was the first to read the Pastoral Letter, and call me when he was in Nairobi. This is blessing many people including Politicians he works with... and this is what is needed, since kenya for the recent past has had a fragile political situation whereby the risk that things could end up blasting bombs in to the political divide between the parties and supporters.

Praise God for men like you who have stood firm with Kenya in prayers and support to stand the original picture of Christ-likeness seen in the lives and this had really motivated the co-laborers in Christ. Please, I have been looking around and finding favor to see ourselves having 3-4 week mission in early Feb or March ... that could take us to Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo or Rwanda.

Please, I also received a phone call from our friend and FBF brother in Zanzibar, Pastor Paul, who also wants us to reach there once we go to Dar Esaalam then this will be possible since they are neighbors only 35 minutes away form each other.

Let it be known that I am also very grateful to accept the honour to be promoted to new areas of responsibility, and I appreciate you very much. This is the year of the Lord’s declaration. May God Bless you my Dear Brother.

Pastor James

TEACHING from the REVELATION

We have taken some time out from our usual teaching and exposition of the Book of Matthew to bring some fresh attention to a few Focus Points from the Revelation.

This letter to the Laodicean church mirrors closely the age that we now live in... and calls us to mind our attitudes to be watching and waiting for the soon return of Jesus Christ. This luke-warm church lost actual contact with Christ through many compromises, materialism, distractions, Western thinking and living... so much so, that Jesus actually REMOVED HIMSELF’ from their midst, and is last seen addressing individual saints from the outside of that church! Not a good testimony. May we take head to the warnings from those who live with such a complacent attitude toward the second coming and the Holy things of Christ Jesus... and make haste to correct all matters, and get back into right standing with Our Royal King and LORD of All. Amen.

The Church at Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22)

THE COMPLACENT CHURCH

Christ introduced himself to the church at Laodicea as "the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation" (3:14). These titles were not taken from the description of Christ in chapter 1. Neither do they have any parallels in the final chapters. However, the ideas in the names are implied in the book of Revelation as a whole.

Jesus is the faithful and true witness. Throughout his earthly ministry, He was consistent and without misrepresentation. Perhaps here He is striking a difference to the Luke-warm Loadicean churchman with an unclear witness, as opposed to that of the All Faithful and True Jesus Himself! He spoke and did only what the Father commanded him, no matter the consequences (John 3:34; 5:36; 12:49). Christ as faithful witness was a sharp contrast to the Laodiceans who witnessed only to their own supposed spiritual works.

Problems at Laodicea (3:15-19)

Like the church at Sardis, Laodicea had been bitten by the bug of complacency. But this church was also spiritually arrogant in its self-satisfaction. It was the only church about which Christ had nothing good to say. Tragic, indeed!

The church thought of itself as rich and in need of nothing from Christ. The "wealth" it claimed for itself would, no doubt, be spiritual, though many of the members might have also been materially rich. In any case, what is in view here is Laodicea’s spiritual pride and complacency.

The members needed to buy true riches in the very areas of life where they felt they had no lack. This is explained in metaphorical terms as gold refined in the fire (3:18). Christ is the refiner of the human soul, which he purifies as the refiner does gold (Malachi 3:3). What needed refining was Laodicea’s faith so that it would become GENUINE, ACTIVE AND DAILY! (1 Peter 1:7).

Laodicea also needed white clothes to cover its spiritual nakedness (3:18). White garments are used as a symbol of righteousness throughout Revelation (3:4, 5; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9, 13-14; 19:14). They also represent the proper apparel to wear at important festivities. The church cannot gain the righteousness of Christ through its own effort. The white garments are spoken of as given to the saints (6:11; 19:8). They are made white by being washed in the justifying red blood of the Lamb (7:14). Without the white garments of righteousness, the church is spiritually naked. Nakedness is a symbol of spiritual shame and worthlessness (Ezekiel 16:35; 2 Corinthians 5:3).

The Laodicean church was spiritually blind. Of course, its members thought they could see clearly – thought that they were rich and without any needs. But Christ counseled them to apply a spiritual eye-salve so that they could see how far they had fallen. In short, they needed to be earnest and repent (3:19).

Laodicea’s spiritual works are said to be neither cold nor hot (3:15-16). This may refer to the various kinds of water supply available in Laodicea and two nearby cities, Hierapolis and Colossae. Hierapolis was the site of hot, spa-like waters, used for medicinal purposes. Nearby Colossae was known for its cold and pure drinking water. But the waters of Laodicea were considered nauseous and undrinkable, not useful for any meaningful purpose. Like the city’s water supply, the church is useless in its service to the Lord, and Christ is about to spit it from his mouth.

The church does not show forth the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit. The metaphor of the water supply says not so much that the church is half-hearted, but that its works are barren in terms of God’s power. The church reflected human ways and aspirations, not Christ’s. It was far from the living water it desperately needed from him (John 4:10-14; 7:38-39).

Promise to Laodicea (3:20-21)

In the letter, Christ used a metaphor of himself standing at the door and knocking on the minds and hearts of the smug Laodiceans. Someone or something standing by a door is a well-known biblical metaphor... waiting to gain entrance!

Jesus used the door figure in the context of his disciples’ urgent need to stay spiritually alert (Mark 13:29). James pictured Christ as the Judge standing at the door (5:9). Jesus spoke of his disciples as waiting expectantly for the master so they could open the door to him (Luke 12:36).

The image of Christ standing outside and knocking may also imply that the Laodiceans have locked him out of their church! But the metaphor is also a symbol of promise. Christ is waiting outside, hoping the Laodiceans will be open to his correction and change their ways. If they do, he will come in and share the principal meal with them (3:20). The fellowship meal figures prominently as a symbol of togetherness with Christ in the kingdom (19:9).

This leads easily to the final promise – a place on Christ’s throne, the symbol of his ruling authority (3:21). If the members of the church repent, they can eat and drink at Christ’s table in his kingdom and sit on thrones of judgment (Luke 22:30). Oh... what a saviour we have! Who can offer backslidden Laodiceans a place with HIm on His very Throne! Oh... the depths of His love and MERCY towards them that repent... and overcome!

The fulfillment of this promise is described under the millennial rule of Christ (20:4) and in the eternal new creation (22:5). But the Laodiceans must overcome in Christ, and therefore in the same way he overcame. Because he conquered himself, he has been given royal authority – which the church can have as well (3:21).

Summary

In summary, from the chapters 2 and 3—we have seen the deep spiritual problems in the church, at least in the Roman province of Asia, at the of end of the first century (assuming Revelation was not written earlier). The cares of this life, the penetrating power of the society around the members and wrong spiritual attitudes have blocked out the church’s view of Christ to one degree or another. There is still some time to get these things right.

To many members in the seven churches, the world seemed to be the only compelling reality. They had a desperate need to see behind the scenes, as it were, and discover the unseen reality of Christ and God. Members needed to refocus their minds on the real power of the universe, the place where salvation lies – in Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Revelation continues in chapters 4 and 5, revealing where the true salvation of the church lies, which is in the heavenly rule of God and the salvation work of the Lamb. The world system of evil to which many were falling prey will be judged by God and replaced by his eternal kingdom, the New Heavens and New Earth. That’s the rest of the story in Revelation. By Bro Paul K. Bro Robert – edit.

Foot note:

May we consider these things carefully as many work with church teaching, planting and supervision... for our God is watching! Jesus may be standing outside... knocking to get in! Oh how GREAT is His Mercy towards us!

May we run to the door when He knocks... and open unto Him... ever ready to amend our ways, in ever way He asks. May the LORD bless and keep you as you grow in the grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ... and may His Peace and His Presence go with you this day. Amen.

Bro Wachana
North East Uganda – Expanding the Kingdom

4 new leaders, trained and established for Karamja region

New Leadership that will serve new churches in this region
Bro Wachana is a strong church planter and responsible discipler

Report from Bro Wachana in N-East Uganda

Thank you brother Robert

Our Evangelist /Founder FBF missions.

I received something you sent to help us get transportation to areas that I have not been able to get for a while.

I thank our God every time, I remember you brother. In all my prayers for you, always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel /FBF from the first day I saw you until now,. Being confident of the ministry that he who began a good work in you will carry on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Therefore, regardless of the challenges each one has uncounted in the field, this desire of your coming back in Uganda to see us will refresh, inspire, strengthen and propel us to do more for God’s glory.

The transport you gave to me helped a lot because on 23th/Dec/ 2011 I moved up to Karamja region and I even bought some 4 Luganda bibles and distributed them. They were very happy to receive a grate gift from the token and example that you are to me.

We are very happy and we do welcome you once again in Uganda.

We have also attached a photo which shows 4 pastors from deep in the village... the ones who received the bibles.

Brother Robert thank you for being part of the great move of God here.

God bless.

Bro Wachana – E & N Uganda Coordinator

PS.

Subject: Thanks and progress of God's work in Uganda

The message I shared with the saints of Karamoja is as below:-

THE BIBLE IS NECESSARY FOR MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL LIFE.

Jesus says IN Matt. 4:4 (quoting Deut:8:3) Man shall not live on bread

alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Here

Jesus indicates that our spiritual life is maintained by daily

nourishment with physical lives are maintained by daily nourishment

with physical food. To neglect regular reading of God's word as

detrimental to the health of our souls as the neglect of physical

food is detrimental to the health of our bodies.

Accra, Ghana Bro Francis (left)

Report on planting a new church

Dear brother Robert,

Praise the Lord for given us more grace to enter into 2012 the year of our Lord. I was praying and i heard a voice clear that said, this year "may the will of GOD be done"! I believed it is a WORD from the Lord for us this year and beyond. That was the theme of our Iron sharping Iron conference that i told. Indeed it was very successful. About 20 pastors and 30 church workers attended. A lot of words of encouragement and inspirational shared and we eat and drank as well. Most people left very encouraged and happy.

Concerning the Church here, our number is close to 25. We just started 8 months ago. But we have a number of Churches which pastors we have trained in our Bibles schools since 2005 in Accra only. We also have some trained in three other regions. I think i will be able to send some pictures sooner or later. On Sundays our service travels from 9am-11:30 am. Bible school is from Monday to Friday intensive, 3 hrs each day from 5pm-8pm. We also have 15 students. This batch will graduate on 10th Much 2012.

Finally i will say that the Church in Ghana is very vibrant, but, unfortunately most of them centered their messages on prosperity and the so call prophetic, but lacking holiness and righteousness.

We here want to make a difference with the clear, simple gospel as we read in the New Testament, emphasizing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Amen.

I pray that the Lord will make all things possible for you in the new year so that you will fulfilled His WILL only.

Thanks you and have a blessed new year brother.

In His service,

Brother Francis

Much emphasis is given by our LORD and the Apostles in their teaching on the importance of the PREACHING or DECLARING the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It is the POWER of God on earth as given to men (Rom 1.16)... as it provides the most coverage in every area.

The words used for PREACH, PREACHING carry with it the Open Air Proclamation just as a TOWN CRIER! It is never a 2 eay conversation... but a DECLARATION TO ALL! The Church Bride of Christ is to be the VOICE of the Bride and the Bridegroom in this untoward generation.

It has been, and remains the privilege of this ministry to expose men to this dimension of the Gospel as prescribed by our LORD JESUS CHRIST! May we present the Truth in Love... as Jesus did. Amen.

Mark 16:15-16, 1:14, Matt 9:35, 24:12-14, Luke 4:18, 4:43, 24:47,

Acts 5:42, 10:42, 1 Cor 1:18