The Disciple and the Law

Imanuel G. Christian

In the context of salvation by grace and not by keeping the Law, is there nothing expected of us any further? Is all that God said to His people in the Old Testament about how they were to live in relationship to Him no longer applicable? Do we understand anything in the Old Testament, such as life principles to live by, as “law”? Or was it all simply ceremonial Law that looked forward to Christ? Is the law a good thing or bad? Are we supposed to keep the law or discard it? Are we, as believers, totally free from keeping the law?

            As we read the New Testament sometimes it creates an impression that we as believers are totally free from keeping the law. Believers died to the law (Romans 7:1-4). We are released from the law (7:6). Christ is the end of the law (1o:4). Redeemed from under the law (Galatians 4:5). We are not under the law (5:18). The law is not for good people (1 Timothy 1:9)!

            Similarly, Christ blasted the Pharisees for their keeping the letter of the law and loading it up with their traditions making it a heavy burden to bear (Matthew 23:4; Luke 11:46). In the first church council in Jerusalem, Peter too said the law was “a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear” (Acts 15:10). Later Paul called the law “a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

            The theological doctrines of saved by grace and not by keeping the works of the law and the eternal security of the believer also add to the general impression that the law is not for the believers and we are now free from the law. The first of these two makes the law useless and the second unnecessary. As one comes to the cross, there is no difference between the thief on the cross and Saul of Tarsus. Or, to say it in modern terms, between Adolf Hitler and Imanuel Christian, except that Hitler did not become a believer (as far we can know).

            The result of this, of course, is obvious. There is no need for a marked difference in the lifestyle of those who claim to be believers and those who do not. There is no fear of God and no need to live a holy life. Flesh becomes an easy excuse, Satan a readily available target, environment and circumstances easy temptations and eternal security a license to live our own way. This has made the Christian life appear to be easy and cheap. In that context we need to grasp the significance of the law in the life of a believer. And, we are speaking only in relation to the believer, as in all these monthly articles.

            First of all, Christ did not abolish the law. He said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17; Read vv. 17-19). What He did is He shifted the focus of righteousness simply from outward behavior to inward character and the motivation from seeking the approval from man to seeking the approval from God. On the one hand Christ simplified the law by condensing it in the two basic commandments; love the Lord and your neighbor. And on the other hand, by giving the deeper meaning of the law in the Sermon on the Mount, He demonstrated that there is no person on earth who can fully satisfy the requirements of the law.

            Secondly, the main point in Paul’s writings, especially in the letters to the Romans and Galatians, is that no one can fully meet the requirements of the law to earn his salvation; and the law was never meant as a way of gaining salvation. Whether in the Old Testament or in the New Testament, the way to salvation was always by trusting God, in faith, , not by keeping the law (Romans Chapter 4). Salvation is by grace alone through faith in the finished work of Christ, and not by works of the law (Ephesians 2:8-9).

            However, Paul vehemently denies that a believer is free to live in any way he may like; he is bound to live by the moral code provided in the law, except that now he has the Holy Spirit who enables him to live by God’s law and his motivation is now different; it is not for outward show to please man, but an inward attitude, the fruit that the Spirit produces in him, living life that is pleasing to God.

            Third, when Peter said the law was “a yoke that neither we or our fathers have been able to bear” (Acts 15:10), he referred to the ceremonial law and cultic practices required as a part of the Old Testament system of Law; not to the moral law that God has placed in everyone’s heart. “He” (God), Peter said, “accepts men who fear him and do what is right” (Acts 10:35). Similarly in the Book of Hebrews the point is, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:8) and so it was necessary for Christ to shed His blood. But the author later emphasizes life still lived in reverence and awe of God, for God is a consuming fire.

            My point is, nowhere in the New Testament are we told, directly or indirectly, that the moral code God gave to His people Israel in the Old Testament now does not apply to the New Testament believer. What Moses said in the Old Testament to the people of Israel (for example Deuteronomy 6:4-7; etc.) is as valid today as it was when Moses initially gave it. Whether the Old Testament or the New, God’s character does not change and He has the same set of rules that He expects every person to live by (Leviticus 11:14ff; 1 Peter 1:15-16).

            If you are under any impression that the law given to the people of Israel in the Old Testament was a heavy burden and a drudgery that Christ has relieved us from and we now do not have to live by the law given in the Old Testament, I would encourage you to slowly and meditatively read the 119^th psalm. It is no accident that the longest chapter in the entire Bible, that is placed exactly in the centre of the Bible, is a love poem about God’s law! The psalmist uses eight different words for the law---law, statutes, precepts, decrees, commands, word or words of God and way or ways of God---a total of 173 times in 176 verses. Law of God for the psalmist does not merely mean rules. “It expresses the totality of God’s written instructions. The poet sees life full of uncertainties, of enemies, of pain. But God has given a reliable guide for living—like pavement underfoot after you have been stuck in mud. God’s law to the psalmist beckons toward freedom, not slavery” (NIV Student Bible; Notes by Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford).

            As we live in a culture that is progressively becoming more and more lawless, we have to commit ourselves to live by the Book, by the moral code that God has given in His Book. Christ did not abolish this law, He gave to it deeper meaning and different perspective. Grace does not give us a license but gives an added incentive to live by God’s law. Eternal security does not take away our responsibility to live life that is pleasing to God. Living by the law of God is the life and responsibility of every believer. Like the string that enables the kite to soar, God’s law binds us to God and enables us to go on the heights and live life to its fullest. “Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD. Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart” (Psalm 119:1-2). 

The Disciple and the Peleg Principle

The Disciple and the Peleg Principle

Imanuel G. Christian

June 2012

The names in the Bible, whether person or place, especially in the Old Testament, have special significance. The Bible does not always provide the meaning for every name. But when it does, the name and its meaning carry an additional significance, as for example, Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:24-26; 27:36), or Nabal (1 Samuel 25:25), or place names like Kibroth Hattaavah or Meribah (Numbers 11:34; 20:13).

          Some of such names and their meaning are not very familiar to us and often they are lost in obscurity, buried under other details that we sometimes consider insignificant. One such name, buried under a list of genealogical record of Noah’s three sons, is Peleg (Genesis 10:21-26; 11:10-26; 1 Chronicles 1:17-27). The Hebrew word ‘Peleg’ means “division” and the reason is given for such a name, “because in his time the earth was divided” (Genesis 10:25; 1 Chronicles 1:19).

          Although some scholars take the dividing of the earth in the sense of geological division, the division of the earth in two hemispheres, obviously here it does not mean that. The very next chapter (Genesis 11) gives us the details about the division of the earth; not a geological division, but the division of the people of the world into various language groups and scattering them all over the earth. Also, 10:32 makes it clear that this is division of people on the earth. This happened during the lifetime of Peleg (ca. 2247 B.C.).

          As we are told in Genesis 9:19 and 10:32, all the people of the world, after the Flood, were descendants of Noah’s three sons. They were originally part of one family, one culture and one language. However, because of their desire to use their family unity to excel and to make their name great, God divided them and scattered them all over the world (11:5-9). Unity is good and the unity in the family is something to be desired (Psalm 133:1-3). But when men become united in their rebellion against God, God breaks down their unity and frustrates their plans. No plan formed against God can ever succeed.

          But the Peleg factor we want to consider here goes much deeper than dividing people into various language groups. If Genesis Eleven speaks about separating people into various language groups, Genesis Twelve further speaks about separating out one individual, and later his descendants, from the rest of the people of the world.

          When God called Abram, he lived in Ur of Chaldees, an idolatrous city, and his father Terah was an idol worshipper (Joshua 24:2). God separated him from his country, his people and his father’s household (Genesis 12:1). Actually, God had Abram and the plan to separate him from his roots in mind long before he was born (as He does each one of us: Psalm 139:16; Revelation 13:8; 17:8). Two hundred and twenty-three years before Abram was born, Peleg’s father Eber was born, from whom the Hebrews derived their name (‘Hebrews’ because others referred to them as ‘descendants of Eber’, Genesis 10:21), and God had this plan of separating these people out of the rest of the world. Later, as we know, God renamed Abram as Abraham and made him the father of the nation Israel. God called the nation Israel as His own people, separated from the rest of the peoples of the world: “…out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy (separated for God) nation” (Exodus 19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 26:19).

          And that is the deeper sense of the division of the people into two groups; the people of God, those who are separated unto God, who are committed to Him and live for His glory, and the rest of the people of the world, who do not follow God. God expected His people to bring glory to Him and be light and blessing to the rest of the people of the world.

          Because of God’s special call and dealing with them in a special way, the nation Israel ethnically remained a distinct nation and people. The Gentile nations too looked at them as a distinct nation and people. The word ‘Hebrew’ or ‘Hebrews’ in the Old Testament is mainly found in the speech of foreigners, notably the Egyptians and the Philistines, who contemptuously referred them as the Hebrews (Genesis 39:14, 17; 41:12; Exodus 2:6; 1 Samuel 4:6, 9; 14:11). Or it was used by Israelites to identify themselves as foreigners (Genesis 40:15; Exodus 3:18; 5:3; 7:16). Similarly, the word ‘Jews’ is not found in the Old Testament until the time of the Babylonian Exile, when they were looked upon as refugees.

          Whether in Egypt or in Canaan or during their captivity in Babylon, Israel maintained their separate identity and other people too looked at them as a distinct people. However, God’s basic purpose for their separation was that they become a holy nation, separated unto Himself and through them all the people of the world would come to know Him. But the history of Israel tells us that they did not maintain their distinct identity morally and spiritually. Whether in Egypt or in Canaan, they were influenced by the pagan cultures and worshipped heathen gods. That created the problem: “wherever they went among the nations they profaned my holy name, for it was said of them, ‘These are the LORD’s people, and yet they had to leave his land’ ” (Ezekiel 36:20). They failed to observe the Peleg principle in the life of the nation.

          The Peleg factor is as valid today in the life of a believer and the church as it was when God separated His people, the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, from the rest of the people of the world. The Greek word for ‘church’ is ekklesia, which literally means, “called-out assembly”, people called out and separated from the world as a distinct group committed to God and to a radically different lifestyle than the rest of the people of the world. Just as the other people looked to Israel as a distinct people, the people of the world have looked at the church as a distinct group of people and expect a different kind of lifestyle from them. As the words ‘Hebrew’ and ‘Jews’ were mainly used by non-Israelites, so too the term ‘Christians’ was actually coined by non-Christians (Acts 11:26).

          It was in this context that Jesus told His disciples that they were the salt and the light of the world and, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16, which is placed between the Beatitudes that describe the ideal lifestyle of the disciple, Vv. 1-12, and the deeper and meaningful fulfillment of the Old Testament moral code, Vv. 21-48). Paul expressed the same idea both in a negative and positive way: “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). We as the disciples of Christ have to follow the Peleg principle in life, each one of us responsible to live a life set apart from the rest of the world, one that conforms to the ethical and moral values of the Word (1 Peter 1:13-16; 2:11-14) and not of the world. 

Crafty...!

This is what we read in Genesis 3:4. The serpent was more crafty than any other animals of the field. It deceived Eve by its crafty talk! It just made Eve believe that what ever God said was not true; In my bible study at church, we discussed the serpent did not even pick the fruit and give it to Eve! All it did was to talk about the fruit. Then Eve by herself went and picked the fruit and ate and gave it to Adam!

The serpent is still alive, and the serpent is still CRAFTY.. ! But its CRAFTINESS become modern....! And this serpent easily adopts to modern technology and trends.

So What are the modern CRAFTY language this serpent uses? I can think of a few things that stands out to me. Even after I understand the craftiness of the serpent, I still feel, it is all good.. because 'KNOWLEDGE puffs up'.I feel I master over these craftiness, and I know exactly where to cut the line, but unfortunately, I fall into this well crafted duplicates and miss the originals!

Yes, 'Santa Clause'. Today the kids looking forward for Christmas only to expect what Santa is going to bring. How did we get here? How CRAFTY Satan is today, in distorting the truth of Christmas with the fiction of Santa! How are we going to tell our kids that Christ is real and Santa is not real? What is our stands on the realistic relationship with Christ? Or is that too a fiction in our lives?

This is just a fun activity for Kids...! It is spring time, new life emerges, and that is what the 'Eggs' represent. How does it relate to Easter? Who coined the word 'Easter Eggs'? What a CRAFTY word to distort the TRUTH of Easter in our kids' minds to bring in the concept of 'Egg Hunt', and it hunts you down to eat more Sugar.. ?!Are we looking towards the 'Risen Lord' or are we looking for the 'Hidden Eggs'?

The word 'FUN' is the most crafty word that our modern day serpent is using, not necessarily to the the world, but also the craftiness creeps into the Christian Lives in the form of FUN. Yes, Movies that are in-appropriate but we say it is just fun... Alcoholic drinks, we say it is ok in moderation... same-sex marriage- we say, we need to be tolerant.. and much more..!

The serpent was more “crafty” (‘arum ) than any of the creatures. The word ‘arum is not primarily a negative term in the Bible but suggests wisdom and skill. (Besides its use here, it occurs eight times in Proverbs and twice in Job).Man’s disobedience is not so much shown as an act of great wickedness or a great transgression as much as it is an act of great folly. He had all the “good” he would have needed, but he wanted more—he wanted to be like God.The forbidden tree is the tree of the knowledge of “good and evil”. When the woman and the man took of the tree and ate, it was because she “saw that the tree was desirable for gaining wisdom“.

The serpent that was CRAFTY on Eve's Garden, is still active in our own gardens...in our minds.. in our moden day cultures... ! Lets not fall prey to his craftiness..! Lets not waste our lives! Let's put on the armor of God and tell the serpents of this world, 'Get Away From Me satan' (Mat 4:10) just as Jesus did, on the wilderness!

The Disciple and the End of the World on 12-21-12

Imanuel G. Christian

February 2012

You may have heard, or, will certainly hear, about the predicted end of the world on December 21, 2012. There has been so much hype and hoopla on this subject. Web sites, articles, books, YouTube videos and major motion pictures are spreading the message of an imminent destruction of the world as we know it. If you do a Google search on “2012 end of the world” you would find millions of web sites. People are selling things like survival kits and shelters and T-shirts. YouTube has hundreds of thousands of videos informing and warning people of the coming doom in 2012. You can even get an app on your iPhone that features an animated countdown to 12-21-12. As the time draws near we will be bombarded more and more, even by the main line media.

All this is based on the Mayan calendar. The Mayan Long Count Calendar has five “world cycles” and each of these is made up of 5,160 years totaling 25,800 years. According to Mayan belief each of these cycles ends with world destruction and beginning a new world order. The mythical creation of the Mayans is believed to be August 11, 3114 B. C. That is Day One on the Mayan Long Calendar. The fifth and final cycle is supposed to end on December 21, 2012 (Day Last). So, the Mayan alarm clock of the doomsday is set to go off on 12-21-12.

Along with the Mayan calendar, the year 2012 coincides with the “galactic alignment” of the sun and the earth with the “galactic equator” that bisects the black hole at the center of the universe. This rare alignment occurs once every 26,000 years, the time it takes the earth to complete one wobble around its axis. As the earth rotates on its axis, it wobbles very slightly. This wobble creates a small circle in the galaxy. The earth wobbles one degree every seventy two years. It takes 25,800 (around 26,000) years to complete one full circle, exactly the total number of years of the five cycles of the Mayan calendar. So, the scientists are thinking that maybe there is something to the Mayan calendar and something unusual is going to happen when this takes place on 12-21-12. Amazingly, the Mayans were able to figure all this out without the use of even the simplest telescope, what we now can know only by using our advanced computer technology and powerful telescopes.

And mix with this the current world situation: The rogue nations gaining an upper hand and acquiring nuclear power, the Middle-East crisis, especially nations rising up against Israel and the West, the shortage of oil, food supply and vital natural resources, the economic meltdown, wars and rumors of wars and rising terrorism, the erratic weather patterns that create unprecedented earthquakes and tsunamis. All these have created frenzy like sense of an impending world crisis like an enormous volcano ready to erupt any moment.

So, how much should we be concerned about the end of the world this year? Not much! Will the world as we know it end on 12-21-12? Certainly not! Nothing as predicted by the 2012 fanatics is going to happen!

How can we be so sure? Let me give you just three reasons. One, although the Mayan calendar cycle seems to exactly coincide with the earth cycle, as the modern scientists have calculated, there is no scientific basis for the end of the world at the end of the Mayan calendar cycle. The hypothesis of the end of the world is based not on astronomy, but on astrology, on the New Age thinking. Most of the 12-21-12 doomsday predictors are New Age followers. The New Age followers are commonly associated with the movements of the constellations and cosmic convergences with the help of demonic practices. Their idea is that the end of the present world will usher in a new beginning, the dawn of a new golden age, an age of awakening, of higher consciousness, a new plane of existence, much like what the Serpent promised Adam and Eve in the Garden (Genesis 3:5).

How could the Mayans come up with such an elaborate calculation of the solar system without the aid of even the simplest telescope or computer technology? We do not know. But because of the New Age ideology behind it, we can safely assume that demonic sources are behind it, like the prophesying spirits in Paul’s time (Acts 16:16-18).

Of course, the world is hurling towards a precipice and that may lead to many catastrophic events like major wars or major natural catastrophes, as we noted above. But that has nothing to do with the 12-21-12 hypothesis.

Secondly, nobody knows, or, can know, exactly when the end of the world will be. In the past, many such dates have been set. According to one web site there have been 242 past predictions about the end of the world. They all have come and gone. Similar hoopla was created about Y2K, predicting that we would experience crisis of a mammoth proportion and even the end of the civilization as we know it. Many, including believers, were caught up in that frenzy, storing up enough food and water supply to last for months. Nothing happened! As Jesus said no one knows that day except the Father (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32; Acts 1:7).

Thirdly, the prediction of the end of the world on 12-21-12 does not match with the end time calendar that God has given us in His Word. Before the end of the world happens as described in 2 Peter 3:10, there will be the rapture of the church, the seven year tribulation, the second coming of Christ and His one-thousand-year reign. The next major event on the eschatological calendar is the rapture, not the end of the world.

So, we do not have to panic as the people of the world who ignore the Word of God do. Nor do we have to go into frenzied preparation or in hiding in a remote mountain place as many, even believers, did during the so called Y2K crisis. BUT, we do have to be ready for the coming of the Lord to take His Bride. We can be sure that the world will not end on 12-21-12. But we do know for sure that some day it is going to end and this world is not our home. “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:10-13).

(Information for this article was gleaned from various web sites and the book 2012, The Bible and the End of the World by Mark Hitchcock; Harvest House, 2009)

EVERY WORD OF GOD IS FLAWLESS; HE IS A SHIELD TO THOSE WHO TAKE REFUGE IN HIM (Prov. 30:35)

The Disciple and His Perfect Peace

Imanuel G. Christian

January 2012

Last month we noted that the birth of Christ in our hearts prepares the way for us to fulfill the longing of our human hearts. At the same time, we also noted that we are still groaning with the eager expectations of our final redemption, and our prayer still is, “Come, Thou long expected Jesus”. Even after the Son of righteousness has been born in our hearts, we continue to live in the “world with devils filled that threaten to undo us” and face all kinds of problems and heartaches that are common to humanity. As we begin the year 2012 we do not know how the year will go and what kinds of problems we will face. In this situation how can we have the perfect peace that is promised in the Word of God?

Yes, the Word of God does promise perfect peace and overflowing joy. The prophet Isaiah described this perfect peace and overflowing joy in beautiful poetry, “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; (so much joy and peace that) the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Isaiah 55:12).

Although Isaiah is describing this in the context of the millennial kingdom, in some ways we can experience that perfect peace and overflowing joy even today. As believers we do not have to wait to experience all the blessings of heaven until after we die and go to be in the presence of the Lord where there is fullness of joy and eternal pleasures (Psalm 16:11). We can, at least in some measure, experience these blessing even in this life. Eternity begins at the moment we come into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

In the New Year how can we experience the heavenly joy and peace in spite of us living in the world that is still under the grip of the evil one? First of all, we need to change our focus. Much of the time we focus on our own life surrounded by problems, on the evil that surrounds us, on our disappointments and frustrations. All these things weigh us down and rob us of our joy and peace.

Instead of that, our focus should be on God in whom and through whom all our questions are answered and problems resolved. When the psalmist focused on the evil around him (Psalm 73), his heart was grieved and his spirit became bitter (v. 21). But when he changed his focus to be on God he realized, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (vv. 25-26). As Isaiah said, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).

Secondly, we need to change our priorities. Much of our life is spent on making a living and not enjoying life, in worrying about things we do not have, and in taking care of things we do have. Like our garages, our life is cluttered with so many things and activities that drain our energy, use up our time and resources, and rob us of our joy and peace. We believers, too, have been dragged into a consumer mindset and try to find our joy in having

a certain standard of living, so when things change and we cannot maintain it, our world goes upside down. Contentment is not having everything we want, but enjoying things we have; learning “the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12). It is in this context that Paul makes the next statement; “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (v. 13).

Instead of focusing on the things of this world, our priorities should be focused on eternal things: serving the Lord, being a joy and blessing to others, and accumulating eternal treasures. Things of this world are temporary, but they can be used to build up eternal treasures. If this is our priority, we can trust God to meet all our basic needs. David said, “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed” (Psalm 37:25-26). It is rare that we have to worry about our basic needs like shelter, clothes and food. Most of our worries are about things beyond our basic needs.

Thirdly, we have to live a life that is totally pleasing to the Lord. No believer can have the joy and peace promised in the Word of God as long as there is an unforgiven sin in his/her life. As David said, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer” (Psalm 32:3-4). Of course, as long as we are in this life, we cannot live a sinless life. But as we grow in the Lord we sin less and less and the goal is, like Job, to live a life that is blameless and upright, fearing God and turning away from evil (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). If there is any sin in our life we have to immediately ask forgiveness from God and, if necessary, from others whom we may have offended.

Finally, the goal of the believer’s life is not just to enjoy this life, although there is nothing wrong in that as God allows us to enjoy it (Ecclesiastes 2:24-25; 3:22; 5:18-20), but to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Because it is only in a relationship with Him that this life not only becomes meaningful, but also joyful. As Solomon said, “For without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (Ecclesiastes 2:25). No One! As children of God we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing, with the things that really matter from the eternal perspective.

If we make God our focus in 2012, and make knowing Him, loving Him and serving Him our priority, then the things of this world will grow strangely dim and we will be able not only to appreciate our spiritual blessings, but also to be able to enjoy this life and the things of this world, and our life will be more and more filled with the joy and peace that God desires us to have.

O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.

(Helen H. Lemmel, 1922)

(Next month: End of the world on 12-21-12?)

How beautiful the hands that served...!

I dedicate this blog to our Dear Achen Ninan & our Dear Pastor Sherwin...! Pastor, We appreciate you!

October.. is the 'CLERGY APPRECIATION' month! I am glad somebody had dedicated this WHOLE month for appreciating our pastors, instead of just one day! That shows us that one day is not enough to appreciate the Pastors!

Why should we appreciate our Pastors? The reasons are so many; I know I am trying a 'failure attempt' to write only a few things; they mean more than what these words can express!

While they are sick, they visit church members who are sick, to utter the words of assurance and healing, showing no signs of their own sufferings!

While they grieve for their personal situation, they go and celebrate the joyous occasion of the church members, showing no signs of their own pains!

While they need several helping hands, I have noticed, they go out and help the needy, showing no signs of self-needs, but just pointing to other's needs!

While they are 'stoned at' for anything they did, they pray for me and love me, as if I did nothing wrong against them.. oh boy.. this means a lot to me!

While they toil day and night to prepare the sermon and deliver it on Sundays, I just summarize them in one line saying 'it is not an effective sermon', because they don't use technology..! I apologize; I no more try summarize the sermons, but I just surrender & submit in His presence!

While the whole city was 'stand-still' during the ice storm, they went out, driving on the risky-icy-slippery roads, to pray for me and help me out; I told them 'I am contagious' they said, that is fine! I thought they are crazy.. Yes! They are! For your sake!

While I complained about their leadership style, they exemplified the servant leadership, 'do not follow men', 'just follow Jesus', a better way to Christian Maturity..!

While they were neither my friends, nor my family, but they act like one, leaving room for me to fail but learn, leaving room for me to be 'me', but follow Jesus!

While I stand 'TALL' and look down on them (some times), I realize the very reason I stand tall today, because they knelt and BEND down for me in their personal closet and prayed for me; And they continue to do it for others...! That is why I still see them kneeling in His presence..!

While I HIGHLIGHT their 'one' weakness among their 100 strengths, they were waiting to compliment me for the ONE thing I do right among the 100 things I do wrong! They are still waiting...! (Why did my eyes get wet as I write this....? They deserve my respect!)

While I am impatient, in-tolerant, proud and lethargic, they were patient, tolerant, and humble, in not just accepting me as I am, but continue to support me and teaching me 'His Purpose' for me...

This song comes to my mind when I think about them...

How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross - Twila Paris

They deserve our appreciation -everyday, they deserve our respect -all the time, they deserve our love un-conditionally, they deserve our helping hand- to lift up others, they deserve our support- in their loneliness, they deserve our faithfulness -in serving, they deserve our commitment to Christ ...after all that was their only aim to make us go there..!

Now it is your turn....! Take your phone and call them or take a blank sheet of paper and fill it with your heart felt thanks... a few tear drops...may wet the papers and I think it is fine, they are used to those moisture papers... ! To Any Pastors or missionaries who touched your life...! They deserve a 'THANK YOU' from you!

The Disciple and His Common Sense

Imanuel G. Christian
October 2011

For the past few months we have been thinking about the ways to know the will of God for a particular situation in life. This month we will deal with common sense. How does common sense come into the picture as we try to discern the will of God? This article will be the last in this series (If you would like to get all of the previous five articles together, let me know).

Common sense means sound and prudent judgment in practical matters; the basic level of practical knowledge that we all need to help us to live in a reasonable and safe way. God has given
common sense to every one of us, and it is our responsibility to use it for sensible living. When we want to know the will of God, we have to use our common sense. In our past articles we have noted that the Word of God is the most basic tool to help us know the will of God. But that does not mean that we have to totally lay aside our common sense.

The Word of God tells us to use our common sense. Peter says, “Prepare your minds for action” (1 Peter 1:13), and, “The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7). In both of these verses the original meaning is to use discernment, right judgment which we would call common sense. Similarly, Paul says that the grace of God teaches us, “to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:12). And, “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7), where self-discipline means living sensibly, with careful thinking.

The prophet Isaiah gives a beautiful example of the common sense of farmers. A farmer knows when to plow, what kind of seed to sow in what kind of soil. He knows that different crops require different farming techniques because, “His God instructs him and teaches him the right way”. He uses God-given common sense (Isaiah 28:24-29). Similarly, by common sense we know the proper time for different activities, how to behave, what to say and what not to say, and how to relate to people in different situations.

By common sense we know that during the extreme cold of the winter we should not go out without wearing heavy warm clothes. But if we go out with those clothes during the extreme heat of the summer, people would think we are out of our minds. If we are sick we have to consult a doctor. If we are a student we have to study hard to get good grades. We have to avoid some situations that put us either in physical or moral danger. These are things we know through our common sense and we do not need to know the will of God in such matters.

The Bible does not give any help in the matters which we can decide simply by using our common sense; it leaves those things to us to decide. For example, when an angel took Peter out of the prison, they passed two sets of guards and came to the iron gate which miraculously opened and Peter went out of the jail. At that moment the angel left Peter and disappeared. Now Peter was on his own and he had to use his common sense to decide what he should do next and where to go (Acts 12:5-19).

However, as it has been said, common sense is not very common. We all have done and said things that do not always make sense. Our foot is more often in our mouth than on the solid ground of our common sense! Think of a criminal who called a bank telling them to put all their cash in a sack for him and he would pick it up in fifteen minutes. Or, a Wal-Mart customer who filed a police report about his I-pod being stolen from his car in the parking lot. He had locked the doors, put the windows up, and set the alarm, but had left the top of his convertible open and the I-pod sitting on the passenger seat. Or, the jury that awarded two million dollars to a lady who carelessly spilled hot coffee in her lap while driving; and now there is a warning on McDonald coffee cups “Warning—Hot Coffee”!

Even if we are wise enough to use common sense most of the time, man’s common sense, like we noted in the case of man’s conscience, has limitations in knowing and following the will of God. The main problem is that our common sense has been trained in the wisdom of the world and many a time we consider everything in the way that the world thinks, thinking in terms of the gains in this life rather than in relation to eternal values. As Paul writes, “The sinful mind is hostile toward God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God” (Romans 8:7-8). That is why Solomon says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (common sense). Do not be wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:5, 7). But be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil (Romans 16:19).

We need to train our common sense according to the principles, ideals and morals of the Word of God rather than of the world. Not to confirm to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds so we can test and approve what is pleasing in the sight of God (Romans 12:2).

God sometimes leads us in a way that may not make sense to our common sense or even seems outright foolish and contrary to our common sense. Noah’s building of the ark, which took him a hundred and twenty years, must have seemed foolish to everybody around him at the time when people did not even know what “rain” was. Or, it must have seemed foolish to Abraham’s extended family and friends when he totally uprooted himself and left to go to a place he did not know (Hebrews 11:8). Just imagine a friend asking him, “Abraham, where are you going?” and his response, “Well, I don’t really know!”

I was a college professor when I felt led by the Lord to go into full time ministry and applied to Dallas Theological Seminary. The only idea about ministry that I had was to be a pastor, and pastors in India at that time received less than one-third of what I was getting as a professor (today it is less than one-fifth since professors’ salaries have sky-rocketed while pastors’ have not). When I went to the U. S. Consulate to get a student visa and I told this to the man there in response to his questions about my future plans, he shook his head and said, ”This doesn’t make sense. Why would anyone leave a well-paying job and spend four years of his life in further training to get a job that pays only one-third of what he is getting now?” They denied me the visa. Only after I wrote a long letter (in whatever broken English I knew then!) giving testimony of my conversion and commitment to the ministry, and the Seminary wrote a recommendation letter to them based on my written testimony sent to the Seminary earlier, did I get the visa. (I am convinced that those two letters, by God’s providence, must have fallen into the hands of a believer in the consulate office!). I am sure we can find examples without number from many a servants of God where what they were doing seemed foolish to the people around them.

There are many things in the Word of God and in a believer’s life that do not match with human common sense. “The message of the cross is foolishness” to the people of the world, and, “the man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2:14).

And so, as we live in the world we do have to use our God given common sense. We cannot jump off a cliff just because we know God can and does take care of His children. But we have to remember that the things of God are from out of this world and they are not always discerned by our common sense (Isaiah 55:8-9). We must always live by faith and not by sight (1 Corinthians 5:7) and trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own common sense.

The ABC of teaching Sunday School...!

(by Mary Ellen Drushal )

So what are the ABCs of teaching? You may already have all 26 letters in your teaching primer. Or as you read this alphabet of teaching qualities and skills, you may discover new combinations of letters you need to be an effective teacher.

The ABCs that are foundational to teaching:

Availability: Don't turn off when the last "bell" rings. Kids still need hugs and attention when they see you in the hallway. And be available for training. It's the best way to become a better teacher. Make it a goal to incorporate one new idea from each training session you attend.

Boasting: Be proud of your children. They need someone who thinks they're special and who says so. Let your children hear your praises of them.

Coping: Many children have difficult lives. You need to be able to cope with what's happening to them. Don't avoid children with problems, but embrace them and counsel them when necessary. When a child makes a need known to you, pray for that need and seek to minister to that child.

Discovery: Explore biblical truth with your kids in every lesson. You're an expedition guide into the most exciting territory ever for kids: the Bible.

Encouragement: Your positive support will encourage learners to risk new things. Pepper your speech with comments such as, "I appreciate the way you tackled that mural" or "You worked hard during that game."

Flexibility: Children develop at different rates -- even children of the same age. Be patient with them while they develop. Don't ask them to do things beyond their physical or intellectual capacity. Praise them for trying rather than only for achieving.

Guidance: Proverbs 22:6 says if we guide children biblically, they'll not depart from the training when they get old. That's a promise for every teacher and parent!

Hesitation: When you ask a question, wait for children's responses. After ample thinking time and if someone doesn't attempt a response, rephrase the question.

Interaction: Don't lecture! One of the most effective teaching methods Jesus used was dialogue. Take turns in talking and listening. Maintain eye contact to underscore your interest in what the child says.

Joviality: A good sense of humor that leads to hearty laughter is good medicine for everyone. Remember to laugh with children and not at them.

Knowledge: Learn about developmental characteristics and effective teaching methods. Put your knowledge into practice to develop age-appropriate lessons for kids.

Love: Your children must feel you love them by how you act, what you say and the tone of your voice. Love costs us nothing, but it can make all the difference to a child.

Modeling: You are Jesus to your children. Jesus welcomed the children with open arms. He had standards and expectations for them, but he'd forgive them without fail. Model Christlikeness.

Naturalness: Don't read the lesson as written by an editor 2,000 miles away; teach the lesson in your words. Familiarize yourself with the content, write specific questions and don't read the curriculum word for word.

Order: Children constantly ask non-verbally, "Who's in charge here?" Discipline is maintained through a loving relationship with each child, not by authoritarian power. If a child is misbehaving, pull the child aside, and kindly remind him or her of the classroom rules.

Preparation: The "Saturday night scramble" can be avoided if you start lesson planning early in the week. Begin on Monday. Review your lesson and start gathering supplies. Through the week the Holy Spirit will provide real situations to illustrate the lesson objectives and provide quality learning for you and your children.

Question asking: Ask questions beyond who, what, when and where. Help your children understand the causes behind the story and make present-day applications. Encourage kids to put themselves in a character's shoes. Ask how they would feel had they been that person.

Respect: Children are God's gifts to us and are entrusted to our care for only a short while. Give them choices and respect their opinions.

Spirituality: Make sure your well doesn't run dry. Daily Bible reading and prayer will keep your pump primed to give to the kids in your class.

Tolerance: Children will misbehave. Expect it, deal with it appropriately and forgive it. Whatever you do, don't leave kids with the impression that church is a place for punishment.

Understanding: Children are unique genetically, socially, intellectually, physically and spiritually. Appreciate and respect their differences, and provide ways for each child to contribute to the class.

Vitality: Teachers who bore children with the Bible should sing in the choir instead! Enthusiasm for God's Word is contagious. Teachers don't have to be cheerleaders but neither should they be as dead as King Henry!

Warmth: Sunday school should be a good place to be -- like going to grandma's. The classroom should be "child friendly" with materials and resources easily accessible. The surroundings should be pleasing to the eye, ear and touch.

XP: These Greek letters represent Christ -- and so do you. You are Christ's ambassador. Disciple, train and teach children as Jesus would.

Yoking Up: Don't go it alone. You need a partner who'll pray for you. Teaching children is a tremendous task, and the extra support you get from having a prayer partner will be invaluable.

Zeal: Teachers shape the attitudes and values of future generations. And Christian teachers have a direct impact on children and eternity. Get a vision for the difference you're making in each child's life.

The Disciple and His Conscience - By Imanuel G. Christian

September 2011

For the last four months we have been dealing with the topic, knowing the will of God. In the last article we noted four things that help us know His will. These are the Word of God, the Spirit of God, the people of God, and finally the peace of God as we prayerfully seek God’s guidance in this matter. Another related topic is the conscience of man and what role it plays in discerning whether what we are doing is according to the will of God and pleasing to Him or not. Actually, the conscience is involved in the fourth step above: the peace of God. If we come to the right decision that is pleasing to God, our conscience will be at peace about that decision. Man’s conscience is a gift of God, a voice telling him what is right and good and what is not. When we do something that is right, our conscience is at peace; and when we do not, our conscience goads us. It is an instinctive sense of right and wrong that produces a sense of guilt when violated.

Every person is born with a conscience. It is a stamp of God’s image in every human being that separates us from the rest of the creation. It is the conscience that guides man, even the pagans, to discern the difference between right and wrong and through it man knows the moral law of God, the will of God, and feel a sense of guilt when it is not followed (Romans 2:14-15).

However, the conscience is not the best or fool-proof guide in discerning the will of God and knowing the difference between right and wrong. Because of man’s sin nature it is possible that his conscience may not always lead him to the right choice and he may not feel a sense of guilt even when he is doing something morally wrong. Man’s conscience may not always spoil the pleasure of sin, or render a wicked person miserable, and may not force man to confess his wrongs.

Paul uses terms like “seared” conscience (1 Timothy 4:2) and “corrupted” conscience (Titus 1:15). When a person continues to ignore the voice of his conscience and continues to follow evil ways, his conscience becomes so seared, calloused and cauterized that it loses the sensitivity of good and evil and so does not feel the shame or guilt of following evil ways. As Paul describes, “Having lost all sensitivity they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more” (Ephesians 4:19).

History provides ample examples of the dead conscience of man. How could the Nazis participate in the wholesale slaughter of the Jewish community? Or, think of the many instances of genocide around the world in recent years. According to one account, during the twentieth century alone more than a hundred million people have been slaughtered this way, more than the causalities in all the wars in the whole world combined. Or, how can we understand all the terrorist activities around the world today unless their conscience has gone awry.

On the other hand, a person’s conscience may be “weak” and may easily be offended even when doing things that are not really morally offensive. In Paul’s days, for example, some people with weak consciences were troubled about matters such as eating meat and determining which days should be considered special (1 Corinthians 8:7-12; Romans 14:1-6).

Now we want to raise a few questions regarding the relationship of the conscience and the Holy Spirit. Are they either the same or different entities? What is the work of the Holy Spirit towards the unbeliever’s conscience? How does the Holy Spirit affect the believer’s conscience? What is the responsibility of the believer’s conscience towards the work of the Holy Spirit?

Obviously, the conscience and the Holy Spirit are not one and the same. As we noted above, the conscience is a part of every human being, whether a believer or an unbeliever. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit is given only to those who have become a part of God’s family by believing in Jesus Christ. Only the believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Ephesians 2:22; etc.).

However, this does not mean that the Holy Spirit has nothing to do with the unbeliever’s conscience. Not only is it the Spirit that restrains the sin in the world in general (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7), but He also convicts the unbeliever of his sin, tells his conscience of God’s righteousness, and informs him of God’s judgment if that righteousness is not carried out (Romans 2:15-16). As Jesus told His disciples, “When he (the Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). However, that does not always lead the unbeliever to do what his conscience requires.

On the other hand, the work of the Sprit in relation to the believer’s conscience is much more extensive and effective. First of all, through the work of the Spirit the believer’s conscience is cleared of any feeling of guilt of past sins (Hebrews 9:14). Secondly, the Spirit helps the believer to keep his conscience clear. The believer maintains a clear conscience by living in harmony with the truth of the Word of God as he is guided by the Spirit (John 16:13-15; 2 Corinthians 1:12-13). As the believer grows in his relationship with God through his time in the Word, his conscience is sharpened and is more sensitive to sin and to what grieves the Spirit of God. Thirdly, the Holy Spirit provides the strength that is needed to keep the conscience clear of sin and to guard it against temptations (1 John 4:4). It is through the work of the Spirit that the believer is released from the power and slavery of sin (Romans 7:24-25).

The believer has a greater revelation. He not only has his conscience which is a mark of God’s image in man, but was defiled because of the Fall, but he also has the Holy Spirit who guides him into the truth. With greater revelation comes greater responsibility. Now the believer’s responsibility is to make sure that he does not grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) and, like Paul, strives always to keep his conscience clear before God and man (Acts 24:16). The goal is to live with a pure heart and a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:5), and, as a result, to have no regrets at the end.

The Disciple and Knowing the Will of God
Imanuel G. Christian
August 2011

For the last three months we have been dealing with the topic, how to know the will of God in a specific situation in life. We noted that some of the methods used in the Old Testament, putting out a fleece and casting lots, do not always help in discerning the will of God in a very clear and unambiguous way. How shall we, then, know the will of God in life’s major decisions?

One of the foremost and most important principles about knowing the will of God, as we noted last month, is to actually be doing the will of God that is explicitly taught in the Word of God. It is obvious that those who want to know the will of God have to be living by the will of God. Otherwise, why would God make His will known? I am convinced that those who live by the will of God in those five areas we mentioned last month will have the spiritual maturity and Godly wisdom to discern the will of God in the personal and complicated issues of life. God reveals Himself to those who are seeking Him and wants to show the way forward to those who are walking in His way. If we are living pleasing to the Lord in every area of our life, then, as Paul said, we “will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:1-2).

Now those who have taken that first step of obeying the known will of God can take the following four steps to discern the will of God in a particular situation in life. We can have clear and definite direction from the Lord by studying the Word of God, prayerfully asking for the guidance of the Spirit of God, and getting advice from the people of God. And as a result we will have the peace of God in the decision made.

First and foremost is the Word of God. The Word of God provides clear and definite direction for every aspect of our life and helps us to make important and right decisions. “Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him” (Psalm 25:12; also Psalm 32:8). Also, the psalmist said, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105), and “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130). The Lord said through the prophet Isaiah, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:21). And so Solomon’s wise advice is, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). The Word of God guides us and helps us to choose good over evil, eternal over temporal, things that would be a blessing to others over selfish desires, His kingdom and His righteousness over the things of this world.

The Word of God has an answer to all the problems and puzzles in life. But many times we may not find a direct answer to a very specific situation in life. For that we cannot make a decision just by looking at one or two verses at random, but it requires an overall knowledge of the Word of God. We have to have our hearts and minds saturated with the Word of God so that in a critical moment we are not in a situation of “digging a well when our house is on fire” (a Gujarati proverb!). Like Moses said, …the Word is very near us; it is in our mouth and in our heart (Deuteronomy 30:14), and therefore the wisdom needed to make the right decision whenever we are in that situation will be available to us. Paul told Timothy, “…from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:15-16), and also for every right decision.

Another resource connected to the Word of God is the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God not only helps us to understand and to grasp the deep truth of the Word of God, but He reminds us of this truth at a very critical moment guiding us to the right path. As Jesus told His disciples, “The Holy Spirit…will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you” (John 14:26), and “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). The apostle John writes in his letter, “As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things…remain in him” (1 John 2:27).

It is worth noting that one of the methods used in the Old Testament, casting lots, was also used once by the apostles for selecting the replacement for Judas Iscariot. But this was the last incident in the New Testament where this method was used and it took place before the Holy Spirit was given to the disciples. After that they followed the leading of the Spirit and never reverted back to the method of casting lots.

The third resource that can help us in making the right decision is conferring with other people of God, people who are wise, spiritually mature, well versed in the Word of God, and living lives that are pleasing to the Lord. We can tell them about our decision but should be willing to change it if they think differently than we do. As Solomon said, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22), and, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise” (Proverbs 19:20; also 20:18; 24:6; etc.).

All this has to be done prayerfully seeking God’s leading as we search the Scripture, follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and discuss the matter with spiritually mature friends. One thing we have to make sure of is that whatever advice we get from others or whatever decision we arrive at in the end, it should not be contrary to the principles of the Word of God, because whatever is contrary to the Word of God is certainly contrary to the will of God.

When we come to the final decision that has been arrived at by following these steps, we will have the peace of God. The peace of God would be the natural outcome of the right decision. But if we still have some doubt and are not sure about the decision, we should continue to follow the above mentioned three steps until we arrive at the decision that gives us the peace of God. If we have made the decision considering, “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” then, “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:8, 7).