Kenneth Malenge

THEME: GOD WHO RULES AND OVERRULES ALL. Sermon Title: " God rules over opposition , and  overrules delay " Text:  Ezra 4:1–5:1 (background), Haggai 1 & 2 Series:   God Who Rules and Overrules All. Sermon Goal: To show how God sovereignly overrules delay, discouragement, and disobedience by stirring His people through His Word and Spirit to accomplish His redemptive plan—even when they had stopped building. Introduction. Sometimes in our walk with God—individually and as a church—we start strong, but somewhere along the way we slow down, get distracted, or even stop altogether. That’s what happened to the Jews who returned from exile. They had a clear mission from God: rebuild the temple. But opposition came, discouragement set in, and the work stopped for 16 years. But God never stops working, even when we do. Ezra 5:1 tells us that the work began again, and what was the turning point? The Word of the Lord came through the prophets— Haggai and Zechariah —and ...

Ordo Salutis (The Order of Salvation) How God Saves Sinners by Sovereign Grace The Ordo Salutis (Latin for "Order of Salvation") refers to the logical and theological sequence by which God applies the benefits of Christ’s redemption to individuals. Scripture reveals that salvation is entirely the work of God—from beginning to end. Man responds, but only because God first acts. Below is a step-by-step outline emphasizing God's initiative and man's dependent response. 1. Election – God Chooses by Grace Before the foundation of the world, God graciously chose specific individuals to be saved—not based on foreseen merit, but according to His own will. "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world..." — Ephesians 1:4 👉 God acts : God chooses 👉 Man’s role : None—this happens before birth, by grace alone. 2. Atonement – God Purchases in Christ Through Christ’s sacrificial death, God paid the full price for the redempti...

  God’s Big Story of Redemption Theme Verse: “That in all things he might have the preeminence.” — Colossians 1:18 (KJV) Big Idea: The Bible is one great story—from creation to new creation—showing how God is saving sinners through Jesus Christ. Day 1: Creation – God Made Everything Good Main Text: Genesis 1–2 Memory Verse: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1 Key Truths: God is the Creator of all things—He made the world, animals, and people. Everything God made was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). God made man in His image to know Him and glorify Him (Genesis 1:26–27). Application: God made you and knows you. Your life has value because you're made in His image. We are made to worship and obey God. Day 2: The Fall – Sin Entered the World Main Text: Genesis 3 Memory Verse: “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin...” — Romans 5:12 Key Truths: Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command and sin...

  CHURCH HISTORY INTRO SERIES Lesson 1: The Origin and Meaning of the Church Objective: To understand what the “church” means, its origin, and how God’s people have gathered for worship throughout the Bible, leading up to the church in the New Testament. 1. What Is the Church? Definition of "Church" in Different Languages: Hebrew (קָהָל - qahal ) – means an “assembly” or “gathering.” It referred to the people of Israel when they assembled before God (e.g., Deut. 9:10). Greek (ἐκκλησία - ekklēsia ) – literally means “called out ones” or “assembly.” Used in the New Testament to refer to the community of believers in Christ (Matt. 16:18). Latin (ecclesia) – adopted from Greek, keeping the same meaning. English (Church) – comes from the Greek word kyriakon meaning “belonging to the Lord.” So the Church is “the people who belong to the Lord.” ✅ Key Verse (Memory) : Matthew 16:18 – “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will buil...

Alcoholism in the Bible: A Biblical and Cultural Examination Introduction Alcohol is one of the oldest substances known to man, mentioned throughout the Bible. While Scripture does not explicitly forbid the use of alcohol, it clearly and repeatedly warns against abuse —especially drunkenness (alcoholism) . In this paper, we will examine the biblical view of alcohol, show how alcoholism is portrayed as sinful and ungodly , and address confusing passages that some may wrongly interpret as allowing unrestricted drinking. We will also contrast the biblical cultural context with contemporary attitudes toward alcohol. 1. Defining Alcoholism Biblically The Bible does not use the modern word alcoholism , but it describes the behavior and its effects. In Scripture, drunkenness refers to the state of being controlled or impaired by wine or strong drink. The modern term alcoholism refers to habitual and uncontrolled drinking that impairs judgment, destroys health, and leads to sinful be...

  Biblical Distinction Between Righteousness and Holiness An Examination from Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and English Usage Introduction In Christian theology and biblical interpretation, the terms righteousness and holiness are often used together and sometimes interchangeably. However, Scripture treats them as distinct concepts with different emphases. Both are attributes of God and essential aspects of Christian life, yet they differ in meaning, origin, and application. This paper explores the linguistic and theological distinction between righteousness and holiness , drawing from Hebrew (Old Testament), Greek (New Testament), Latin (Vulgate), and English to give a precise understanding rooted in Scripture. I. Righteousness in Scripture A. Hebrew: צֶדֶק ( tsedeq ) / צְדָקָה ( tsedaqah ) Meaning : Conformity to a standard; that which is morally right or just. Used of both God’s justice (Gen. 18:25, Ps. 11:7) and man's upright conduct (Deut. 6:25). Also conveys legal...

CHURCH AND STATE  One Lord, Two Realms: Guarding the Distinction Between Church and State In every age, the Church is tested—not only by persecution or false teaching, but by the subtle temptation to merge with political power. This often comes as opportunity: when the State favors the Church or offers to fund its work. At times, Christian leaders, though well-intentioned, seek spiritual influence through political alliances. Recent remarks by Kenya’s president about building a multi-billion-shilling church in State House are one example of this ongoing challenge. The goal here is not to judge his intentions, but to use this moment to stir the Church toward truth, clarity, and doctrinal faithfulness. What does Scripture teach about the relationship between Church and State? How have God’s people misunderstood or abused this relationship? And why must we guard this distinction—not only for the Church’s purity but also for society’s peace? In Matthew 22:21 , Jesus gives one of t...