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CONTENTS 02
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EDITORS NOTE
SALVATION IS PERSONAL
BREAST CANCER AWERNESS MONTH
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WORD THERAPY
COVER STORY
COMPLAINING VS PRAYING
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TESTIMONY CORNER
NEWS FEED
MATRIC EXAMS
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EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the fourth edition of AGAPE where we talk about everything Christian. AGAPE is a Greek word that means God's love. In this edition. We continue to express his love through thought-provoking articles, exclusive interviews, news, testimonies, and so much more. I was preparing for this issue when God reminded me that "Nothing can separate me from his love". I took this as an instruction that I should remind his children about his unconditional love for them. Do you ever worry about losing your salvation? Do you sometimes hide from God because you are worried that he will stop loving you? Perhaps you are still haunted by your past mistakes? Is your deep sense of guilt stopping you from repenting? Firstly, let me express the fact that our Father in heaven is God because of his word, and he is not a man that he should lie. His word assures that nothing will separate us from his love once we accept Christ as our Lord and Saviour (Romans 38:39 KJV). Psalm 103:12 KJV says: “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." God's grace is sufficient to forgive all our sins that is why he encourages us to face each day with confidence knowing that his Grace will carry us through any challenges (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). He has an immeasurable love; “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” John 3:16 KJV. Therefore, cheer up, be confident, and rest assured that your future is secured.
Stay Blessed & Stay Winning!
Audrey Tshabalala
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SALVATION IS PERSONAL FOR THOUGHT
By Audrey Tshabalala
We have limited time on earth. Let us make the most out of it by living according to God's will and purpose for our lives. Let us respond to God's word daily because we will account for our time on earth when we see the Lord. Can we confidently stand in front of him like Paul and say; "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith..."? 2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV It is important to work our personal salvation by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) so that we can teach others about salvation. Philippians 2:12 NIV says: "Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling". We live amongst wolves, and the world is not our home. Therefore, let us live above worldly standards by enforcing God’s Kingdom on earth. How do we enforce the Kingdom? By preaching the Good News of reconciliation between God and his people (Isaiah 61:1). Most people are unbelievers simply because they have not been exposed to the Good News. Romans 10:14 KJV says: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" They need to receive this message so that they can be freed from earthly bondage and make their relationship with God personal. 3
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BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
MONTH
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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT CANCER? Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) creates a global spotlight on measures to detect and treat this disease.
There are over a million people that get diagnosed, and close to 500 000 that succumb to this disease yearly worldwide. It is by far the most common cancer in women from different backgrounds and walks of life. Medical experts don't have sufficient knowledge about the cause, but they are constantly developing early detection, adequate diagnosis, and affordable treatment methods to combat breast cancer.
WHAT DOES THE WORD OF GOD SAY ABOUT BREAST CANCER? Philippians 2:10-11 KJV: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Cancer bows down to the name of Jesus.
“Most people mistake righteousness for selfperfection Christ gave his life and resurrected so that we are freed from sickness and infirmity. It is God's will, love, and desire for everyone to live a balanced healthy life. 3 John 1:2 KJV says; "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth". The Bible also tells us that the Lord came so we may have life in abundance (John 10:10). Divine health is part of the abundant life.
Another aspect to note is that we are the products of words. We need to work on our speech. Let us speak the word against cancer. The word of God should not only remain on biblical pages, but it should always be on on our tongue. Proverbs 18:21 KJV: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." The word is the sword of the Spirit that discomforts the adversary. God has given us everything; "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” - 2 Peter 1:3 KJV. Don't allow sickness to rule over you. Despite the symptoms or the doctor's medical report. Declare your divine health without wavering!
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WORD THERAPY
RIGHTEOUSNESS By Audrey Tshabalala
Written by Audrey Tshabalala
“Therefore,
since we are justified (acquitted, declared righteous, and given a right standing with God) through faith, let us [grasp the fact that we] have [the peace of reconciliation to hold and to enjoy] peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).” Romans 5:1 AMPC. Most people mistake righteousness for self-perfection. This is wrong because no one is perfect through their works. Self-perfection leads to condemnation. It has nothing to do with us, but it has everything to do with Christ and what he has done for us at the cross in Calvary. Why am I saying this? The Bible regards righteousness as a gift (Romans 5:17). It also states that we are the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). This means that righteousness can only be acquired by accepting the Lord Jesus as the Lord and Savior. It for our benefit to always know that we are righteous through Christ Jesus because we gain boldness, confidence, and hope that our prayers will be answered. This will then bring forth faith, and through faith, we always please God (Hebrews 11:6). It does not matter where you have been, what you have done. You need to embrace God's righteousness. God’s righteousness has nothing to do with our works or performance before God. In conclusion, we don't judge righteousness by actions but by God's finished work at the cross.
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY
PRAY FOR AFRICA The year 2020 made it evident that the world needs God more than ever. Who knew that this time this year that the world at large will be facing a pandemic, financial crisis, and uncertainty. Several African countries made headlines, as citizens were calling for change and justice in the continent. Social media hashtags were created to raise awareness and fuel support against these issues.
SOUTH AFRICA: #StopGBV #EndHumanTraffickingInSA
South Africa is facing a femicide crisis. Over 2,700 women died in the hands of men last year alone. South Africans amplified their voices against what seems to be a war against women with the hashtag #StopGBV. The country is also experiencing an increase in claims regarding human trafficking and child kidnappings. Video and voice clips about these crimes circulated in various mediums which led to social media users coming up with the hashtag #EndHumanTraffickingInSA to create awareness
NIGERIA: #EndSars
A month of celebration turned to a month of chaos and unrest in Nigeria. A video of Nigeria's Special-Anti-Robbery-Squad (SARS) killing a man sparked a worldwide protest against the federal police force. A hashtag #EndSars was created on social media, and it went viral, bringing the country into the global eye. High profile influencers and some ministers of the Gospel such as Bishop TD Jakes, Sinach, Ada, Sarah Jakes Roberts, took to social media to show their support and create awareness about the movement. President Muhammadu Buhari succumbed to the pressure, and he publicly disbanded the SARS unit. This action by the president was not enough to quell the anger of the citizens. The question remains: "how can a democratic country allow state security agents to kill and abuse people with impunity?�
ZIMBABWE: #ZimbabweanLivesMatter
#ZimbabweanLivesMatter quickly became an online movement to protest against human rights violations and media censorship at the hands of the Zimbabwean Government. The hope that permeated the air after long time President Robert Mugabe stepped down now seems like a distant memory. Mass arrests, documented police brutality, the online movement continue in the country, however, the government still maintains that the is no national crisis.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: #CongoIsBleeding
Did you know that without the DRC we might not have mobile phones? This is because the country supplies more than 80% of coltan a material used in many electronic devices including mobile phones. The demand for this mineral has led to corruption, child slavery, and violent conflicts that have devastated the country. The hashtag #CongoIsBleeding trended across social media platforms as a call for global leaders to intervene.
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COVER STORY
NAMIBIA #ShutItAllDown
Namibians held protests around the country to voice out their concerns regarding the increase of sexual and gender-based violence. #ShutItAllDown called the Government to take action against this crisis or everything will come to a standstill.
CAMEROON #EndAnglophoneCrisis
Cameroon has been in the midst of a humanitarian crisis for the past four years. The Anglophone leaders have been killed, tortured, and wrongly arrested for protesting against the Government of Paul Biya. The hashtag #EndAnglophoneCrisis was created to bring the global spotlight to this injustice.
LIBERIA #RapeNationalEmergency
Sexual violence against women and children increased by 50% in Liberia. President George Weah released a statement on the 11th of September declaring rape as a national emergency. The #RapeNationalEmergency was shared on digital platforms to encourage the Government to act quickly.
Pray for peace in Africa. It is our mandate to intercede for nations. Men ought always to pray and not faint. Let there be peace inside and safety within the walls of Africa (Psalm 122:68). May all the nations find comfort in the Word of God during these testing times. “We are often troubled, but not crushed; sometimes in doubt, but never in despair; there are many enemies, but we are never without a friend; and though badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed". 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 GNT.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
By Audrey Tshabalala
COMPLAINING VS PRAYING If you face a challenge do you pray or complain first? Most people complain first and maybe pray later. Some people might even argue to say that it is human nature to react first and pray after. Complaining does not yield any positive results in most cases, but prayer always changes things. Christ even said that we can move mountains as long as we believe (Mark 11:23). God answers prayers and not complains. Philippians 2:14-1 KJV says; "Do everything without complaining and arguing so that you may be blameless and pure, innocent children of God...".The bible also declared that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16). The sun shines above the clouds in stormy seasons. We should keep on shining even when facing challenges.
PICTURE FROM: PEAKS OF AFRICA
Don’t be afraid or too proud to turn to God. Convert your worries into prayer. If prayer becomes our first response, we bear fruits of self control, positive thinking, and constructive speech. Let us use our mouth to build our inner being and not destroy our surroundings. Proverbs 21:23 AMPC says: "He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles." Yes, complaining drives one into deep trouble. The perfect example is the story of Moses and the children Israel in the wilderness. God freed them from slavery, he parted the sea, he provided food from heaven, and many other miracles, but still the children of Israel complained about God. They even said words like: "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death." - Exodus 16:3 NIV. This generation of Israelites didn't enter the promised land because they were always complaining. Refrain from complaining and start praying.
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TESTIMONY
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.� -Revelations 12:11 KJV
BY HIS STRIPES, I AM HEALED I was in 6th Grade when I had a lifethreatening experience. It was after school when my face started swelling up. I thought maybe it was a mere bee sting, but I started running out of breath. I gathered the strength to get to our neighbours where I got help. Fortunately enough the neighbour was a doctor, and he was able to stabilise me for the day and he managed to admit me in his practice. I was diagnosed with asthma after several tests. I had to stop participating in any physical sports and I had to use an asthma pump 3 times a day. Fast forward to the year 2012 I got hold of the book "Christ the Healer" by F.F. Bosworth. I learned that by Jesus Christ's stripes I am healed. I started meditating and confessing to this powerful truth. I started depending less on the asthma pump, and sometimes I will even misplace it. I completely stopped using the asthma pump months later. it's been 8 years now and I am asthma free. Glory To God.
~Anonymous
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CORNER
I SURVIVED My stepfather raped me when I was 16 years old. I informed my mother about it, but she didn't believe me, I even went to the police, but I didn't receive any help. I had to live my life in fear because the monster that did this to me was roaming the streets freely. I didn't feel safe anymore, I lost trust in everyone, and I started having suicidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts turned into attempts, and every time I tried to take my life I will get caught. Instead of getting help, I was labelled as a weakling and a coward. I had lost all hope until I met Jesus Christ. I accepted him as my Lord and Saviour, and everything changed for the best. He gave me peace that surpassed all understanding. I even received the courage to open my own NGO to support and empower rape victims. I am a living testimony that I am what God says I am, and I refuse to be a victim of circumstance.
~Anonymous
IF YOU WANT TO GET MORE INFORMATION OR SUPPORT THIS NGO CONTACT US AT AGAPEMAGAZINE@WEBMAIL.CO.ZA, AND WE WILL GET YOU IN TOUCH WITH THE FOUNDER.
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NEWS FEED
THE US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS 2020
By Audrey Tshabalala
There was a global call for
Christians to pray for America during the months leading to the USA's 2020 presidential elections. Why pray for the elections? The bible teaches us that we need to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-4). This is because leaders & presidents have the authority to make policies that impact the movement of the gospel. These policies can impact our evangelism positively or even negatively. Therefore, we must pray for leaders that are in line with the gospel to be in power.
Why is it imperative for the right president to hold office? Proverbs 14:34 NIV: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people. "A leader that is righteous through Christ must hold office because that allows the nation to prosper. You can imagine if a leader that is not in line with God's word becomes the president of the US? That will pose a great danger to the Christian community around the world.
I am not saying Mr. Trump or Mr. Biden or any other candidates deserve or don't deserve the seat. I am highlighting the power that our prayers hold in the administration of our nations. Let us adopt the culture of praying for peaceful elections and the right leaders not only for the US but for every country in the world.
News Feed
Picture From: twimg.com
Miss South Africa 2020 Finals
Shudufhadzo Musida was crowned Miss South Africa 2020 at the Table Bay hotel in Cape Town on the 24th of October. Ten finalists came to compete, but Shudufhadzo went home with the crown. When the moment came for her to give her acceptance speech she said; “It took an entire village to get me here, and I would like to thank all of you for being my village. I stand here today as your Miss South Africa with immense pride and joy to be representing such a beautiful nation – one of the first Venda women, but certainly not the last – to become Miss South Africa. I stand here as an advocate for the educational and economic empowerment of women and children and mental health awareness – honoured to be an ambassador of this beautiful nation. God changes the narrative irrespective of your surroundings, and I am proof of that." Fellow contestant, Thato Mosehle was the first runner-up followed by Natasha Joubert the second runner-up. All three ladies will represent South Africa at Miss World, Miss Universe, and Miss Supranational pageants. We wish them all the best.
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News Feed
Matric 2020 Exams
The Minister of Basic Education Mrs Angie Motshekga released a media statement on the 1st of October addressing the changes affecting the education sector under level 1 as well as officially counting down to the 2020 Matric exams. The following is taken directly from the statement concerning the examinations. The advent of COVID-19, has necessitated the need to reschedule the 2020 National Senior Certificate examinations, to accommodate the disruptions caused by the pandemic. As we had already announced before, the June Senior Certificate (SC) examination was postponed, and will now be written together with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination in November 2020. The examination timetable for the combined June and November examination, had to be amended; so that this examination commences in November, instead of October 2020, as was initially planned. The late start of the examination, is intended to allow as much time as possible to cover critical curriculum content, and to ensure that all examination processes are appropriately managed. The combined examination, makes this the largest public examination that has been administered in our country. More than 1 million (1 058, 699) candidates, will sit for the examinations; and we certainly have never had to manage a number that large before. It is going to be a huge task, but one that we will need to ensure it is managed and coordinated smoothly. The writing of the 2020 NSC examination, will commence on 05 November 2020, and conclude on the 15 December 2020.
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All examination centres, both public and independent, have been audited, in preparation for the 2020 combined examination. A protocol, to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols, has been developed and distributed, to guide all the Chief Invigilators, Invigilators and all other officials involved in the management of the conduct and administration of the examination. All Provincial Education Departments have secured the extra rooms at existing examination centres, that are needed for the writing of the combined 2020 November Grade 12 examinations. The minister has appeal ed to both parents, guardians, and communities to rally behind all the candidates who will be writing their final exams this year. It is an extra-ordinary time for them and all of us; but they need the support more. The matric results will be released on the 23rd of February 2021. Source: https://www.gov.za/speeches/minist er-angie-motshekga-developmentsbasic-education-sector-and-2020matric-exam-countdown
Exam season can be very stressful, overwhelming, and daunting for several students. The might be many study tips, stress management tools, or instruments online. However, God is the best source to overcome anxiety, prepare accordingly, and ace exams. The Lord will never fail you. He is worthy of your trust and praise! “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” -Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV Always remember that your success in exams come from seeking the Lord, not from trying to achieve out of my own human strength for the bible says trust in me and do not lean on your own understanding.
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IF YOU ARE NOT BORN AGAIN… WE INVITE YOU TO MAKE JESUS CHRIST THE LORD OF YOUR LIFE BY PRAYING THIS SIMPLE PRAYER NOW “O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
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