lubumba pastors blog

Have you ever talked to a person about the gospel and they seem interested but they "put off the conversation until a more convenient time?" Why do people do this when they feel the conviction of the Holy Spirit? What does scripture teach we must do in the "favorable time and day of salvation?" Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In 2 Corinthians 6:1, the Apostle Paul implores his audience "not to receive the grace of God in vain." The word vain refers to something being useless or empty. How can receiving God's grace ever be an empty experience for any person? Are there some examples of this from scripture where we see this taking place with people and individuals? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

Recorded for Impact Radio broadcast week of May 12th, 2026.

Recorded for Impact Radio broadcast week of May 6th, 2026.

2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us that it has pleased God to make us his ambassadors. What does an ambassador do? Who do they represent? What is unique about their purpose, and how do these things inform us about our role in the world as Christians? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

2 Corinthians 5 tells us that we have been reconciled to God through Christ. What does this word reconcile mean and what does that meaning help us understand about our condition before Christ and in Christ? Consider this question and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In recent years, an old attack on God's method of salvation by grace through faith in Christ has reemerged under the guise of claiming the church has misunderstood the Bible's statements on what justifies a person before God. In this study, we'll examine several passages of scripture that make clear what a person needs to be declared innocent before God, and the only way in which this can be accomplished. We hope you are blessed by another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that "if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." What implications does this statement have for the Christian life? How do Christians demonstrate what God's still coming creation is to be? Are we sometimes hindered by holding on to what is "old" and supposedly has "passed away?" Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

2 Corinthians 5:16 tells us that before we were saved, we viewed people and Christ "according to the flesh." What does this mean and what impact does it have in the way we relate to people and even how we might mistakenly relate to Jesus? If we no longer regard anyone according to the flesh, what is the new perspective that the gospel gives us? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

2 Corinthians 5:15 tells us that Jesus "died for all that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." The NT consistently describes a pattern of true Christian living as one of total transformation. A life that is "new" where the "old" has passed away. What are the key areas of necessary transformation we see from V15? What controls all sinners and what way is salvation meant to change this? Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

2 Corinthians 5:14 states that "the love of Christ controls us." What does it look like when a person is truly overcome by the love of Christ? How does this help us to understand what's truly in people's hearts, including our own heart? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." Which group is Paul addressing when he says "we all" and what is this judgment of Christ? Will there be a reckoning for the ways in which Christians served, or failed to serve, their Lord and Savior? We consider these questions and more in today's episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Article 4 of the Africa Statement on the Prosperity Gospel and Word of Faith Theology. Recorded for Impact Radio broadcast week of April 23, 2026.

In 2 Corinthians 5 verses 6 and 8, Paul twice describes a believer's condition as "good courage" or "confident." Sandwiched between these statements is the declaration that we "walk by faith and not by sight." Trusting in the promises of God is the very thing that gives Christians bold-confidence. Even so, many Christians struggle with anxiety, discouragement, and depression. What are some things that might cause us to lose our confidence? Are you walking in the confidence produced by faith? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

What does it mean to walk by faith and not by sight? Most people spend their lives under the stress of preparing for future problems. There are certain things we convince ourselves we must have whether we can justify them from scripture or not. Who did Jesus say defines what we need? Are there some examples from scripture that suggest what walking by faith means? What do these examples show you about your own walk? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

When we read the progressive revelation of the biblical record, a question arises: "How were Old Testament saints saved since Jesus hadn't yet come to make atonement for our sin?" Some even might ask, "Why were Old Testament people saved by the law if the law was only temporary?" Does scripture actually say the law ever saved anyone? What then was, is, and always will be, the only means of covenant establishment between God and man? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In 2 Corinthians 5:7, the Bible tells us that believers walk by faith, not by sight. Many people ask what is faith? Some suggest that having faith in something is only required when there's no real evidence to prove something exists. Is this really the case? Is it only religious people that trust or believe in some things they can't 100% prove in a "hard-evidence" way? Or do we see people exercising faith in things all the time? How does the Bible define faith and why is it actually the most "reasonable" thing to believe the promises of God? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

Recorded for Impact Radio broadcast week of Wednesday, April 8th, 2026.

Many people wonder about the sequence of events after death. Do followers of Christ immediately enter God's presence, or do we "fall asleep" as some suggest and wait unconsciously for the resurrection? Do unbelievers face immediate judgment? Is there any opportunity for salvation after a person dies? In 2 Corinthians 5:1-10, the Bible gives us one of several statements that help us answer these questions conclusively. That is the focus of today's episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In 2 Corinthians 5:1-9, Paul continues his thought on the expectation believers look forward to in coming glory. What do you look forward to when you think about heaven? Most of us would probably say we look forward to the removal of trouble, sorrow, and pain. Maybe some of us would say we look forward to seeing what paradise is like and to receive our promised inheritance. In today's passage, the Apostle Paul gives his own perspective on what we "groan" for in eager expectation of heaven. His perspective might be something you haven't even really considered. Be blessed through another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Paul makes this surprising, and perhaps ridiculously sounding, statement that the affliction we are passing through is simply light and momentary. This came from a man who experienced imprisonment, beatings, whippings, and even being stoned and left for dead. How could such a person then say afflictions in life are "light and momentary?" Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul describes the Christian life with terms such as "affliction, persecution," and being "struck down." But when he reaches V16, he says "So we do not lose heart." We are prompted by an obvious question - "How can we not lose heart in the face of such difficulties?" And perhaps further, "Why shouldn't we lose heart?" In today's text, we unpack 3 keys that are essential for Christians to be renewed day by day, even in the midst of present distress. Be blessed by another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

2 Corinthians 4:10 tells us that believers "always carry in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our bodies." Why is suffering an essential part of Christian witness? What does suffering well say about the hope believers have in Christ? Is this a hope you share? Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul describes believers as possessing God's power in "jars of clay." How do we typically measure people in life? When we are considering someone for an important position, what skills/attributes do we look for? Does God have the same perspective? Does he save and use the people whom he notices are extremely gifted? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

2 Corinthians 4:3-6 describes how Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers to keep them from believing the gospel. It also states that the reason believers know Christ is because God has shone in our hearts. This leads some people to ask, "how then can a person be blamed for his response to God's truth?" The concepts of God being the author and finisher of salvation and man's response to God's offer of salvation are sometimes challenging to understand. Does scripture release people from accountability for their response to God's call to repentance? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

In 2 Corinthians 4:1-2, the Apostle Paul makes another contrast between true and false ministers of the gospel. How do false teachers handle the word of God? In their exposition, what comes out as their motivation for the truths they proclaim? How do these details help us discern between true and false ministers? Consider these questions in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's word.

Can people change themselves? We know from life experience that we, and most other people, have ways we would like to change or improve ourselves. When do you see successful change or improvement happening in a person? What does this teach us about spiritual transformation? Is it possible for a sinner to conform to God's commands merely by being knowledgeable about God's commands? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

In 2 Corinthians 3:17, the Apostle Paul tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. What type of freedom is Paul referring to? Does he mean that since we are no longer under the law, Christians are free to create their own version of a religious life? Does it mean Christians don't have to worry about keeping commands like the law required? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Recorded for Impact Radio Uganda broadcast on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

How much control does a person have over his or her thinking? Where do our thoughts come from? Are there any external and internal sources that influence our thinking? These are important questions for Christians to consider. In this episode, we consider the Bible's instructions for us to carefully consider God's Word so that its control over our thinking is supreme.

An ironic tendency people have is to try to add works from the old covenant (the covenant of the law) into the work of Christ as a necessary part of "receiving the grace of Christ." This is obviously paradoxical reasoning that leads to inconsistent soteriology. In 2 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul makes several powerful statements about the "ministry of righteousness" compared to that of "the ministry of condemnation" and "the ministry of death." What qualifies a person to stand before God and be acquitted as innocent, or, "counted as righteous?" Who alone could establish such a basis when every single person sins? Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

What is the meaning of the word covenant? Most Christians have a basic understanding of "the old and new covenants," but many are unaware of the significance of the term's meaning and the purpose the Bible states for why God allowed Israel to first fail under the old covenant before establishing the new. In 2 Corinthians 3:6, Paul makes a statement contrasting the results of each of these covenants. That is our focus of today's episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

The responsibility of new covenant ministry should be a somewhat daunting task for believers. We have been entrusted with what scripture calls "the ministry of reconciliation." The object of our ministry? The thing the Bible says is the most valuable of all creation, the souls of our fellow people. As Paul asks, "Who is sufficient for these things?" What's the answer to that question? And what is every believer's resource so that they can be bold and confident in gospel ministry? Consider these questions in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

In the beginning of 2 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul asks the church whether he needs a "letter of recommendation" to them, as if his credentials had somehow been called into question. He then goes on to tell them what his true letter of recommendation was. How does this help us with discerning which people are truly serving the Lord and have been qualified to do so by God and not men? Consider this question and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

The past several years have given us strong reminders of what Jesus predicted would come in the course of human history. In the midst of various cultural and political conversations and turmoil, what should anchor a Christian's perspective in how they engage with things like injustice, corrupt morality, law-breaking, and other ongoing parts of reality in a fallen world? What is the primary need of a person who doesn't know Christ and how does a Christian bring that need to a person's attention in fruitful discourse? Consider these questions and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Some of the primary content in 2 Corinthians is the descriptions and contrasts between supposed ministers of God and true ministers of God. How can we recognize false servants and those who truly serve the Lord? 2 Corinthians 2:17 gives us several phrases that help us begin to consider this topic, which will be expanded on as we continue through this letter. Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Many Christians desire to simply live a life of relative homeostasis. They want to avoid confrontation and things that might lead to personal animosity towards them. But does God describe the Christian life in terms of silent and passive presence in the world, or distinct and standing out in a peculiar fashion? In today's passage, we consider the ramifications of God describing believers as an aroma of life for those who believe and death for those who have rejected Christ. Consider this and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Do you ever worry about whether you're making the right decision in the midst of uncertain circumstances? Do you ever fear that even as you're seeking to serve God, somehow you've failed to recognize what God truly wants you to do? You're not alone in those questions. In 2 Corinthians 2, the Apostle Paul relates an experience he had where he was very anxious over the circumstances he and his fellow ministers were facing. And in that anxiety, God remind him of an important truth, that God in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession. What does this statement mean for us in the Christian life? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

2 Corinthians 2:5-11 gives instructions to the Corinthian church to forgive a man in their congregation who was grieved over sin he had committed. Church discipline is not an easy practice to follow. Many leaders struggle to confront sin. Some fellowships are willing to confront sin but do so out of being offended by someone's sin rather than seeking that person's restoration to Christ. What does God teach us about rebuking and forgiving sin and what does he warn us can happen when we fail to implement these instructions? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Many Christians, especially those younger or totally new to the faith, wonder why their gifts and experience in the faith, don't exactly mirror the record of the early church in the book of Acts. Some wonder if they are missing something they need to find in order to receive the same gifts we see God gave to some Christians. 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 gives us very reassuring and informative statements about the certainty of the Holy Spirit's presence in us and how his presence makes us certain for our future hope of resurrection. Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

A major theme of Paul's writing his second letter to the church at Corinth was concern for how his first letter would be received, and how the believers would respond to its contents. Within his writing to the Corinthians, Paul reminded them of how he and his companions had labored among the Corinthians and behaved towards them. In that description comes an important truth about something that should be a source of maintaining and strengthening our relationships, even in the midst of necessary rebuke over sinful mistakes. Consider these things in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Recent political events in Uganda and the United States have prompted many believers to share their questions and views about what they believe is right and wrong in the varying situations. These questions, statements, and events are the focus point of this study. How should believers view human government? Do Christians have any responsibility towards their government? What if a government is an evil government that contradicts God's commands? What do Christians do in such situations and where might their source of hope be even if residing beneath corrupt regimes? We consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

What is affliction meant to produce in a believer's life and how might it affect us in the opposite way when we fail to apply proper faith perspective on our circumstances? In this episode, we consider an example from the life of Paul that shows God uses trials in the Christian life to cause us to rely on him and increase our trust in him for the future.

2 Corinthians 1:3-7 gives us several points about God's comfort in a believer's affliction. In this study, we expound on these points: The source of all true comfort, the extent of God's comfort, the purpose of God's comfort, mirroring Christ's affliction and comfort, and the conditional requirement for experiencing God's comfort. Be blessed in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Merry Christmas! In his opening statements of this letter, the Apostle Paul describes God as the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. What do those two words mean - mercy and comfort? Why do believers need mercy and comfort? What doe these things imply about the reality of affliction in the Christian life and the needs of a lost person for salvation? Consider these questions in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

In V2 of chapter 1, Paul declares grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ to the believers at Corinth. As we approach the Christmas season, those words ring out with the echo of the angels' announcement of the grace and peace bestowed upon men, and among men, through the birth of our Savior. Even so, many believers stumble and struggle with fear in their relationship with God, not laying hold of the true grace given to us through Christ, nor understanding the peace that grace procures for us. So then, what is the meaning of these words "grace and peace" and what implications do they have for Christians? Find out in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

The letter of 2 Corinthians opens with a pretty typical greeting from one of the Lord's apostles. However, in light of the context of the letter in Paul dealing with opposition in the church from men claiming to be apostles, what is the significance of him describing himself as an apostle "by the will of God?" What is the authority that the office of an apostle chosen by Christ carried? What does the motivation of these men and the description of their lives and ministry's teach us about true church leadership? Consider these things in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

This is an introductory study beginning a series on the letter of 2 Corinthians. While 1 Corinthians is quite easy to follow with its structure of Paul addressing issues in the church one-by one, the letter of 2 Corinthians is a bit less straightforward in seeing it as a whole. It includes much biographical data about Paul, and some surprising statements, such as when Paul lists himself as a "better servant of Christ than others" and also saying "he is talking like a madman." This lesson seeks to give us an understanding of the purpose and heart of this letter so we understand its contents more richly. Be blessed by another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Article 14 brings the statement to a conclusion by focusing on the faulty motives underlying prosperity theology. The doctrines of prosperity theology are not derived from careful study of scripture, but rather a corrupt motivation for worldly things. What does the Bible tell Christians about desires for things of this world and desire for God? Can those desires coincide? What corruption has occurred in our desires through sin's presence in us? Consider these things and more in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.

Article 13 of the statement responds to the issue of overreaching claims of authorities made by leaders within the prosperity circle. This overreach goes hand in hand with leaders' rejection of any accountability in their positions of oversight in the church. What is the extent of an elder's authority over Christians in the church? How can we know whether this leader really has our best interest at heart or not? Consider these things in another episode of transforming our thinking through the power of God's Word.