English Articles by Johan Malan
Late Prof Johan Malan was a professor in anthropology at the University of Limpopo. He connected his interest in the Bible and religion to scientific studies of various cultures. These studies led to numerous articles and books including Patmos Letters, Israel, and Messages on Pentecost. Johan was an evangelical Christian and advocate for the historical-grammatical interpretation of the Bible.
A Storm out at Sea
In Matthew 14 we read of a difficult situation in which the Lord Jesus had put His disciples. While a contrary wind was rising and a storm brewing, they were made to cross the Sea of Galilee towards evening time in a small rowing boat:
A Winning Plan for Life
True believers in Jesus Christ wish to be successful in all their endeavors and to live victorious spiritual lives. In Galatians 5, the Bible offers us such a winning plan for life.
An Interfaith Movement is Taking Root Worldwide
The Bible is very clear on the fact that, during the coming tribulation, the supporters of all faiths will follow and worship the same world messiah. In the book of Revelation John describes him as the beast who will have dominion over the whole earth:
Angus Buchan: Evangelist or Revivalist?
Angus Buchan is an evangelist and not a revivalist. An evangelist is involved with basic or first phase evangelism and usually addresses a particular group of people only once, or perhaps a few times during a weekend rally. After his listeners have indicated that they accepted Christ as Saviour, he regards his duty as done and then moves on to his next appointment.
Beer and Wine: The Bible’s Counsel
Doesn't the Bible refer in a number of places to wine and strong drink? Don't we quite often find people drinking alcohol in the Bible? Can't we assume, then, that Scripture generally does not condemn drinking alcoholic beverages?
Challenges to True Evangelists
Paul gave certain directives to Timothy on how to remain true to Christ, to the Word, and to his calling as an evangelist. They include a steadfast commitment to preach the truth, even in the face of severe opposition from false teachers who deviated from the truth.
Christian Fundamentalism
There are so many variations of Christianity with regard to its practices and creeds that the question is often asked: which is the correct one? Christians who strongly adhere to basic Scriptural pronouncements, principles and values are referred to as fundamental, conservative or evangelical believers. The characteristics of this disposition will be reviewed in terms of its relevancy to a sound faith.
Conformity to the Image of Christ
During His creation, the Triune God, Elohim, said: Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness (Gen. 1:26). This likeness refers in the first instance to the spiritual part of our existence. God is a Spirit (John 4:24) and He created a being with an immortal spirit and soul, with whom He could communicate.
Death-bed Experiences
In the preface of his book, Voices from the Edge of Eternity, John Meyers says, Death is a subject no one can treat lightly. It is too final for that. Beauty, honour, wealth, earthly power, hopes, and dreams all are swallowed up in that finality.
Demonic Attacks on Believers’ Faith throughout the Ages
Biblical faith refers to the essential spiritual bond or relationship between a saved person and God: Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
End-time Deception in the Emerging Church
We are living in a time when increased pressure is exerted upon all churches to fundamentally change their doctrines. The Bible is considered less dogmatic since modern humanity is not prepared to restrict its freedom by a narrow and literal interpretation of Scripture.
Faith and Repentance
In the New Testament doctrine on salvation there is a mutual relationship between the concepts of “faith in Christ” and “repentance”. If we truly believe in Christ, repenting from our evil and selfish ways is inevitable.
Great Significance of the Atonement
All people are sinners upon whom the curse of the death penalty has been pronounced: For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.
Human Reactions during Times of Severe Distress
During the coming great tribulation, survival on earth will be threatened by unequalled natural disasters. Many people will be afflicted by fear and despair in reaction to these disasters. Some will become wicked and violent, while also taking refuge in liquor abuse in an effort to forget their serious problems. Others will be overcome by their sorrows and die of heart failure.
Impending Wars in the Middle East
The Lord says that His wayward people, Israel, will only seek Him and be spiritually restored during perilous times when their enemies threaten to destroy them. In Hosea 5:15 He says, In their affliction they will diligently seek Me. Jeremiah also refers to Israels end-time distress: It is the time of Jacobs trouble, but he shall be saved out of it (Jer. 30:7).
Justification and Sanctification
Paul uses the parable of the building of a house to demonstrate the two basic aspects of our spiritual life, i.e. justification and sanctification. The foundation is absolutely unique and indispensable: “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11).
Persevere in Faith
How should we defend ourselves against all the lies and deception that are proclaimed about the Christian faith? We should convince, rebuke, and exhort the wayward ones with all longsuffering and teaching (2 Tim. 4:2), thereby fulfilling our call to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). The unfruitful works of darkness must be exposed (Eph. 5:11).
Privileges and Responsibilities of the Bride of Christ
The relationship between the Lord Jesus and His bridal congregation is strikingly described in terms of Jewish marriage customs in biblical times. In this article, the main emphasis is on the responsibilities that rested upon the bride during the long absence of the bridegroom.
Religious Deception
Abstract: The kingdom of darkness infiltrated the Christian church with a view to adulterating it by proclaiming a counterfeit Jesus, a counterfeit spirit and a counterfeit gospel.
Sanctification: What Does the Lord Expect of Us?
The Bible unequivocally states that we should be completely sanctified with a view to the second coming of Jesus Christ. A further work of grace is needed in our lives to share in this blessing. Pauls prayer for the Thessalonians is that the Lord may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints (1 Thess. 3:13).
Serious Deception of Falling in the Spirit
The phenomenon of falling (being slain) in the Spirit is an unbiblical practice which surfaced in the charismatic movement for the first time during the second half of the 20th century. Since then it has spread all over the world and become an instrument in the hands of the devil to establish a false kind of mystical spirituality in the lives of millions of people.
Slaves of Sin
But there is another, more abstract form of slavery by an invisible enemy, to which most people are subjected for their entire life, and that is spiritual and moral slavery. This is a problem which faces all people as all of us are slaves of sin because of the fallen nature which we have inherited from Adam.
Spiritual Backsliding
It is important that one understands the phenomenon of apostatising, or backsliding, as every believer should be able to identify and counter this backward course in his or her spiritual life whenever it occurs.
Stumbling-blocks on the Way to Sanctification
Every Christian is called to a life of holiness, victory, and unimpeded service to the Lord. However, much perseverance and commitment are needed before this life will become a reality. Paul says that we should enter into a new phase of obedience in our lives, put down every obstacle and, with perseverance, pursue complete sanctification.
Ten Kinds of Spiritual Foolishness
The knowledge of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). Contrary to this, the beginning of foolishness is to deny God and think and live according to one’s own, limited understanding.
The Christian New World Order
There are clear promises in the Bible about a Christian new world order which will be instituted after the second coming of Christ. Satan will be bound and Jesus Christ will rule the world with His glorified saints.
The Corn of Wheat Must Die
If we are not prepared to die for the world, the flesh and sin we cannot be useful disciples of Jesus Christ. In such a state we will be “alone” and “barren” (unable to bare fruit) and not meet our purpose as Christians. The Lord Jesus said: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24).
The Dispensations of God – Do You Have the Correct Perspective?
There is a progressive revelation of God and His plan for the ages in human history on earth since Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden until the end of time when humanity will reach its final destination. Seven clear dispensations can be distinguished by the counsel of God, and they are characterised by increasing knowledge of good and evil.
The False Theory of Generation Curses
The modern fad of generation curses as an excuse for sin is a major cause of many peoples deception.
The Five Wonders of the Gospel
John 3:16 is one of the most widely quoted verses from the Bible. This famous verse is also called “the gospel in a nutshell” because it is considered a summary of the foundational New Testament doctrine of salvation:
The Great Commission of Jesus Christ
The Godly mandate of the mission command embraces three different activities that must be carried out.
The Greatness of God’s Love and Grace
God is the source and personification of true love. All those who wish to belong to Him must receive His divine love in their hearts and live according to its noble principles.
The Importance of Prayer
Prayer is one of the most important Christian activities. Through prayer, one maintains an intimate walk with the Lord and lays the foundation for success in other spiritual activities.
The Judgement Seat of Christ
All Christians have an appointment to appear before the Judgement Seat of Christ to give account of their lives and stewardship as believers. This judgement is distinct from the final judgement before the great white throne.
The Necessity of Rebirth
Nicodemus was one of the moderate and more open-minded members of the Sanhedrin in Israel. He was impressed with the ministry of Jesus, particularly with His divine power to do miracles, and wanted to find out more about it.
The Pretribulation Rapture and a Perspective on Trumpets
There are quite a number of biblical promises on the rapture of true believers, before the start of the seven-year-long tribulation period when the Antichrist will rule over the world. Some of these promises are implicitly evident from certain scriptures while, in other cases, it is explicitly stated as a fact that believers will escape the coming tribulation.
The Rapture
Abstract: The secret meeting between Christ and His church, as opposed to His public appearance when every eye shall see Him.
The Rejection of Christian Doctrines
We live at a time of great apostatising from biblical truth, shortly before the revelation of the Antichrist as world leader and false messiah, who will be followed, honoured and worshipped by a completely deceived world (2 Thess. 2:3; Rev. 13:3-4).
The Role of Signs and Wonders
Signs and wonders are supernatural acts by which God demonstrates His omnipotence to miraculously save believers, to subdue His enemies, and to reveal aspects of His counsel. As in the time of Noah and Lot, divine judgements were at times poured out upon rebellious societies.
The Sin of Homosexuality
According to Scripture, homosexual activity in any form is sin and is strongly condemned. It is first spoken of with reference to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.
The Word of God
In this article, 14 characteristics of the Word of God are described. These statements are most significant in view of the fact that a large body of modern theologians has, through their prejudice and destructive criticism, relegated the Bible to the level of highly contentious and disputed writings of human origin.
Three Steps to Higher Heights
We are commanded to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus (2 Pet. 3:8), which commits us to develop spiritually from a basic to a more advanced knowledge of God and HisWord. The implication is that we should not remain small children in Christ who are tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, but, through various stages, grow up to the mature man or woman in Christ (Eph. 4:13-14).
True and Deceived Followers of Jesus
There are many views about Jesus among the millions of His followers. These diverging opinions form the basis of a wide range of relationships with Him. Included among those who regard themselves as Christians, is a large group of deceived believers who are convinced that they follow and serve Jesus.
Twelve Reasons for the Rapture
Abstract: The rapture is a very important promise in the chronology of end-time events. It must be properly understood if we wish to be ready and worthy to escape the coming tribulation period.
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