Stephen-on-Bible

The Day of the LORD like the Days of Noah

2009-11-04T23:34:00.000-08:00

The Day of the LORD like the Days of Noah - Part 1

The Day of the LORD like the Days of Noah - Part 2

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Where is the Money of the Church Going? - Part 4

2009-11-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

(Continuation of Part 3)

We have been exploring the Scriptures about how the church’s finance was and should be used. We looked into the word of God and learned the importance given to the aspect of giving and sharing with the poor and needy, and also supporting the laborious Christian workers. There are few more things that are on my heart to share with you in order to give better clarity to the message.

Priority
There are so many poor and needy people existing in the world. Can we help all of them? Practically speaking, we are aware it is beyond our ability to help every needy person. Nevertheless, there is one thing we can do—we can prioritize. The Holy Bible does give an answer about who are mostly entitled to receive our help.

I shared in the first part of these series of messages—the explicit and general Scriptures, individual and corporate examples—about the importance of giving to the needy people. If we carefully notice all these Scriptures, we witness that people within the body of Christ stand first in the priority list. May I share some of them with you again for your keen observation:

Romans 12:13 – Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Galatians 6:9-10 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Hebrews 6:10-11 - God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.
James 2:15-17 - Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
1 John 3:16-18 - This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
1 Corinthians 16:1-3 - Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do…..
2 Corinthians 9:1-2 - There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints…

The above Scriptures make it evident to us that God’s people are our priority when it comes to giving and helping. The church is God’s family and the believers are undoubtedly our family members. After our physical family, doesn’t our spiritual family (church) come next? Therefore, we need to see that the poor and needy believers in the body of Christ are given foremost attention in charity. Such priority given to one’s own community is found even in the Old Testament wherein God said, “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land” (Deuteronomy 15:11).

This being understood, I suppose, we need more clarification about what kind of people can be prioritized even within the body of Christ. The Holy Scripture speaks about the church in two different manners—universal and local. All believers in the world who biblically believed in the Lord Jesus Christ fall into the category of universal church. And the regular assembling of saints in a given location is called a local church. So here is how it can work:

When it comes to helping the needy, we need to give priority to those needy believers within our local church. If we see any brother or sister in our own church, either poor needing help or needy because of some dire situation, let us give attention to help that person. The local church is our immediate spiritual family and such members cannot be neglected, for they are always our first concern in receiving our help.
The second priority can be given to the churches with whom the local church is associated. This association does not necessarily mean churches within a particular organization. If a local church knows other churches or has some kind of relationship with them, the needy ones in those churches may fall second in the priority list of financial or material help. For example, when our church comes to know anyone who is in genuine need and belongs to another church we personally know, we take it as our privilege to meet that need in whatever way we can.
The needy ones in the churches that are in the other parts of the country or the world may come third in our priority. There are numerous poor and needy people in the churches that are in other parts of the world to whom the spiritually as well as physically blessed churches can make a great contribution to help them. There may be local churches in which there are no poor or needy believers and such churches can considering giving to the needy people of other lands. For instance, how wonderful it is to see few churches from America helping many needy believers in India! Of course, in doing charity to the churches we do not personally know, much scrutiny is required to know the credibility of the mediators and the receivers.

Finally, the poor and needy, outside the body of Christ (unbelievers), cannot be neglected. They are our priority too, after God’s people. Although they may not belong to the family of Christ, they are still God’s creation and for whom Christ laid His life on the Cross. God loves them and loves to help them through us. Therefore, it is a great privilege to witness the love of Christ to the unbelievers through our physical help. We are the representatives of Christ, not only in calling the world to find salvation through the preaching of the gospel, but also in demonstrating His compassion through charity. John MacArthur well-commented:

The primary purpose of giving, as taught in the New Testament, is for the support of the saints, the church. A Christian’s first obligation is to support fellow believers, individually and collectively. The church’s first financial responsibility is to invest in its own life and its own people (cf. 2 Cor. 8:1-5; 9:12-15; Phil. 4:14-16).

Obviously that is not the only economic obligation we have. The parable of the Good Samaritan makes it clear that we should minister personally and financially to anyone in need, regardless of religion, culture, or circumstances (Luke 10:25-37). Paul also teaches that we should “do good to all men” (Gal. 6:10). But in the same verse he goes on to say, “And especially to those who are of the household of faith” (cf. 1 John 3:17). In 2 Corinthians 9:13 the apostles calls for a generous distribution “to all.” Support of the poor and needy in the world in the name of the Lord is a high-priority Christian activity by Scriptural standards. (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians. Chicago: Moody Press, 1984, 451).

Now, when it comes to helping the unbelievers, there are two important things I want to share:

1) We need to understand that salvation of the souls is more important than just meeting the physical needs of the people. What is the point in helping people just physically while eventually letting them go to hell! It is said that Christianity has often fallen into two extremes: treating a person either as a soul without body or a body without soul. Therefore, let us help the poor and needy with prime intention and effort to save the souls.

I believe, just giving our focus to the poor while neglecting evangelism is unbiblical. We need to strike the balance, saving the souls and meeting the physical needs. Remember, charity is not a substitute for evangelism. If Christians just focus on meeting the physical needs of the people while neglecting gospel preaching, they are no better than other religious people. And if Christians just preach the gospel and manifest no compassion in meeting the physical needs of the people, they are worse than other religious folks.

2) It is important that we need to preach the gospel, do evangelism, for this is our biblical mandate. However, let us not reject our physical help to people because of their denial to believe in Christ. Although we help others with a concern for their eternal security, we don't cease to help them if they reject our message, for our Heavenly Father causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matt. 5:45). If anyone withdraws his physical help when others deny the gospel message, he/she is not manifesting Christ-like compassion, but trying to bribe others with their material things with a passion to win souls in an unbiblical manner.

So, let us continue to preach the gospel in spite of rejection and continue helping others irrespective of their positive or negative response to the gospel we preach. And who knows whether these people, after witnessing our unconditional love for them, may turn to Christ someday! May I end this section with a quote by an esteemed theologian of our day, Wayne Grudem:

The evangelistic work of declaring the gospel is the primary ministry that the church has toward the world. Yet accompanying the work of evangelism is also a ministry of mercy, a ministry that includes caring for the poor and needy in the name of the Lord. Although the emphasis of the New Testament is one giving material help to those who are part of the church (Acts 11:29; 2 Cor. 8:4; 1 Jn. 3:17), there is still an affirmation that is right to help unbelievers even if they do not respond with gratitude or acceptance of the gospel message.
Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:35-36) (Systematic Theology. Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1994, 868)

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TO BE CONTINUED.....

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Where is the Money of the Church Going? - Part 3

2009-10-24T02:14:00.000-07:00

(Continuation of Part 2)

We have learned till now how the poor and needy were on the priority list of the early church’s financial budget. The book of Acts reveals how some believers gave up even their property to help the needy (Acts 4:32ff). But is there place in the church’s finance to support Christian servant leaders? Of course, there is! Although the money in the early church was used primarily to help the poor and needy, giving priority to those within the family of God, there are few exhortations which speak about assisting Christian leaders too. Those who give themselves to the extensive ministry of the Word and labor in expanding His Kingdom are worthy of generous support. Let us look at the following Scriptures:

• 1 Corinthians 9:14 - In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. (Said within the context of the rights of an apostle)

• Gal. 6:6 - Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. (Of course, this text is debated among biblical scholars whether it refers to sharing monetary things with the instructors. The language isn’t readily apparent, leaving room for different opinions)

• 3 John 5-8 – Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth. (cf. Tit. 3:13-14) (Written about traveling evangelists and apostles)

• 1 Timothy 5:17 - The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. (Spoken about the shepherds of the church)

Now, let us come to the issue about how the early churches, although generally lacking affluence, were able give so much priority to the poor and needy people, without neglecting to support the laborious preachers and teachers of the word. There are two reasons why this was possible:

First, the early church gathered as small communities in a simple, informal structure, like a house (Acts 2:46; 8:3; 12:5, 12; 16:40; 20:7-8; Rom. 16:3,5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15; Phm.1-2; 2 Jn. 10). There was no huge investment for buying properties and constructing buildings for church gathering, including for its maintenance. In fact, they sold their property and gave to the needy people rather than taking money from people to acquire property.

It is a well known fact of our day that most of the church’s money is spent in constructing buildings and maintaining them rather than meeting the needs of the poor and missions. I appreciate those few churches, besides investing in buildings and salaries, giving generously to help the needy. But I am sad at those many churches that neglect the poor, needy and missions, and just increase the offerings in their bank account month after month and spend for structures than to support people. I am also troubled by those leaders who emphasize to believers on bringing tithes unto them while ignoring to motivate them to help the needy and to support missions.

Well, keeping all these troubles and sad examples aside, isn’t it still a good model to gather as small communities in an informal structure, like in a spacious house, or in an economical rented place, or build a simple hall, and use money for better purposes? The commentators of Life Application Bible Commentary of Mark, warned, “If our churches spend large amounts on their physical buildings and ignore missions, evangelism, and CARE FOR THE POOR, they will likewise come under God’s judgment” (Brue B. Baton, et.al., - Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 1994, 319)

Secondly, it is important to note that in the early church there were primarily two kinds of ministries— itinerant and local ministry. Gordon Fee, a highly respected New Testament scholar and commentator, points out that leadership in the New Testament was generally of two kinds – itinerant and local. (Listening to the Spirit in the Text (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1959, 141)

The itinerant teachers, evangelists and church planters were constantly on the move and therefore required help from the churches. But the local church leaders who were settled in their own locale, known as elders or pastors, were generally bi-vocational, which means, shepherding the church as a volunteer with another occupation to support themselves. To these local leaders, Paul exhorted, “You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:34-35)

Of course, Paul did say in 1 Tim. 5:17, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work (literally in Greek, 'labor,' i.e. work until exhaustion) is preaching and teaching.” There are workers, though not all, in the body of Christ who labor extensively in preaching and teaching and such laborers ought to be helped by the church (we need to think whether giving a sermon on Sunday with few activities during the week is truly what labor is in ministry?). But to claim that whosoever aspires to lead a church must resign from his job and be completely dependent on the church for his sustenance is something not known or taught in the New Testament Scriptures.

Jackson W. Carroll, Professor Emeritus of Religion and Society at Duke University Divinity School, notes, “Christianity has a long tradition of bivocational pastoral leadership… Indeed, most pastoral leaders in the early church were bivocational.” (God's Potters: Pastoral Leadership and the Shaping of Congregations (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2006, 79)

Well-known author of Understanding and Applying the Bible, Robertson McQuilkin, implies that one reason why the early church gave more to help the poor and also to support missions is that there were no church buildings and the local ministers were bivocational. (Five Smooth Stones: Essentials Principes for Biblical Ministry (Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing Group, 2007, 139). Space would not be sufficient to provide plethora of evidences on how the early local church leaders were practicing bi-vocational church ministry.

Well, what is the point I am trying to make? I am in no way condemning the traditional practice of church buildings and salaried local shepherds. My whole concern is how best we can use the resources of God—in helping the poor and needy, supporting itinerant teachers and missionaries and also helping those few local church leaders who labor in preaching and teaching—by practicing the simple, yet efficient, model of the early church.

One of the best contemporary models I have seen and studied are the churches planted by Dr. Joy David. He is a native of India, born and brought up in the state of Kerala. He had done his PhD in Engineering and while working as a professor in a university, he felt the leading of God to commit himself to missionary work. He took voluntary retirement service and gave himself to planting churches and building them since twenty three years. He, along with his team, had planted some good churches, especially in south India, and raised many leaders. I am glad to know him personally and am blessed through his exemplary lifestyle.

Unlike many I have witnessed, it is amazing to see how the churches Dr. Joy David had planted are faithful stewards of God’s resources. The churches generally gather in simple structures, as small communities, and follow the NT pattern of plural leadership. With very few being in full-time preaching and teaching, most of the local leaders are bi-vocational. Therefore, all the money that comes to these churches are used to help the needy, missions, the orphans, and also to support itinerant workers….etc. Since the believers know how carefully and generously the money is spent to meet the appropriate needs, thousands of rupees from all the churches are given every month as love offerings, even without any emphasis of giving from the leaders.

May the Lord plant such charity-mission-centered churches that would use its finances in a way God honored in His word!

TO BE CONTINUED.....

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Where is the Money of the Church Going? - Part 2

2009-09-07T05:58:00.000-07:00

(Continuation of Part 1)

What do we observe in the above Scriptures (see Part 1)? We need to understand that these exhortations were not written to social organizations or charitable groups; these were written to the local churches of Christ Jesus. When we examine all the exhortations on giving in the New Testament, which need takes prominence in the priority list? Where did the money in the early church primarily go?

It is quite obvious from the Scriptures—the poor and needy people were of primary importance to the early church. John MacArthur in The MacArthur New Testament Commentary 1 Corinthians (pg. 451), comments, “The primary purpose of giving, as taught in the New Testament, is for the support of the saints, the church.” Also, Church historian Earle E. Cairns, in Christianity Through The Centuries, notes that even during the middle part of the second century the collection was primarily taken to help the poor and needy people. According to the information found in First Apology by Justin Martyr and Didache, Earle E. Cairns mentions that at the end of the fellowship of the church, “They finally took up a collection for aid to widows and orphans, the sick, the prisoners, and strangers. The meeting was then dismissed, and all the people made their way to their homes” (pg. 84)

Besides the New Testament’s emphasis on helping the needy, even in the Old Testament, wherein tithing was an act of obedience to the law, there was a special tithe which the Lord ordained to help the poor people. Interestingly, those who emphasize on the mandatory practice of tithing today rarely mention this Scripture, much less practice.

At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. (Deut. 14:28-29)

Sadly, where is most of the money going today? Are poor and needy in the priority list of the modern day churches? Sometime back, I did a survey of some churches in my city to rate their overall activity in charity. Do you know what the result was? Not more than 8% of the churches are active in doing service to the poor and the needy.

It seems most of the money is going towards buildings, administration and programs, but the poor and needy are greatly neglected by the churches when they should be on their priority list. We need to ask, “Is this pleasing to God for whom the church exists? There is a great necessity to do the former which is our highest priority.

We need a reformation in the way we use the finance of the church. The preachers and teachers of our day must realize the importance of the poor and raise their voice to wake up the churches. Someone rightly commented, “No kind of religious services paid to the Deity can be of any avail, if we neglect the royal law of charity.” Our words have no value if we do not practically demonstrate the love of God. So the leaders must change and bring change into the churches.

The churches must take heed to what John MacArthur said, “Support of the poor and needy in the world in the name of the Lord is a high-priority Christian activity by Scriptural standards.” May God’s people and churches wake up to walk worthy according to the good purpose for which God has prepared us in advance – "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Eph. 2:10)!

But some may question—what about giving to missions? What about supporting the pastors? How did the early church give much to the needy when it seems to be highly difficult in our modern day church?

TO BE CONTINUED.....

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Where is the Money of the Church Going? - Part 1

2009-07-17T03:33:00.000-07:00

Did you ever think about how the early churches had spent their finance? When I asked this question to a vice-principle of a Bible College, he said, “I never thought about it; I don’t know.” I appreciate the honest confession of this man, for it is not easy to be in such a position and admit, “I don’t know.”

I wonder how many believers and leaders truly thought about this matter. And if they thought about this issue and know the answer then I wonder how many are serious enough to follow the example of the early church.

Incidentally, it is obvious in the early churches of the New Testament that they didn’t practice the concept of tithing, for they were not under the finite system of law but in the infinite freedom of grace. The renowned bible teacher, Ray C. Stedman wrote, “Nowhere in the New Testament do you find tithing taught or laid upon Christians.”[1] Does this mean they didn’t practice giving at all?

Certainly not!

The fact is that the early church gave more than a tithe. They practiced generous giving, for they were taught to live by grace. Paul wrote, "But just as you excel in everything-- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving." (2 Cor. 8:7) We need to think - Is grace motivated by unconditional love or by conditional law?

However, there is nothing wrong to set aside tithe as a minimum act of discipline but one should know that it is not a maximum offering. The principle of the New Testament is this: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Cor. 9:6) Based on this principle, one must examine whether the concept of tithing is sparingly sowing or generously sowing.

Let us come back to our topic to where money in the early church was primarily directed. After examining the following Scriptures the readers themselves would be able to clearly understand the precise answer.

A. EXPLICIT EXHORTATIONS ON GIVING

* Romans 12:13 – Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

* Galatians 6:9-10 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

* Titus 3:8 - This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

* Hebrews 6:10-11 - God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure.

* Hebrews 13:2 - Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

* Hebrews 13:3 – Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Albert Barnes writes that remembering those in prison and those who are mistreated means:

(1) To feel deep compassion for them;
(2) We are to remember them in our prayers;
(3) We are to remember them, as far as practicable, with aid for their relief.

* Hebrews 13:15-16 - Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-- the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

* James 1:27 - Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

* James 2:15-17 - Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

* 1 Peter 4:9 - Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

* 1 John 3:16-18 - This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

B. GENERAL SCRIPTURES ON GIVING

* 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 - Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.

Comment: Paul told the church to set aside a sum of money on the first day of every week (Sunday) so that this relief offering can be sent to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem.

* 2 Corinthians 9:1-2 - There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

* 2 Corinthians 9:7 - Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (Isn't this one of the most often quoted verses from the Holy Bible???)

Comment: Remember that Paul gave these exhortations to the Corinthian church in the context of raising relief fund to help the poor Christians.

* Galatians 2:9-10 - James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews. All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

* Acts 20:34-35 - You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'

Also, one of the primary qualifications of a leader is to be generous. Along with the above Scripture, consider the following Scriptures:

* 1 Timothy 3:2 - Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach…

* Titus 1:8 - Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.

C. INDIVIDUAL EXAMPLES

* Acts 4:36-37 - Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

Comment: Remember that these offerings that were put at the apostles' feet were distributed to the needy people (See Acts 4:35).

* Acts 9:36 - In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor.

* Acts 10:1-4 - At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked. The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God."

* 1 Cor. 16:15 - You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.

* Philemon 7 – “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” It is also written in Pro. 11:25, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

D. CORPORATE EXAMPLES

* Acts 2:45 – Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need.

* Acts 4:32-35 - All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they share everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

* Acts 6:1-4 - In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

Comment: In the above Scripture, it becomes quite clear that the apostles counted helping the needy and the ministry of the word as quite important. They chose seven men so that helping the needy would not be neglected while doing the ministry of the word. How many leaders in our day are balanced in this way, meeting both the physical and spiritual needs?

* Acts 11:28-30 - One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

* Acts 24:17 - After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings.

* Romans 15:25-27 - Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.

* 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

Also, meditating on Jesus’ teaching reveals to us the importance of helping the needy: Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan); Luke 12:32 (Giving to the Poor); Luke 14:1-14 (Inviting the Poor to the banquet); Luke 16:19-31 (Rich and the Lazarus); Mark 10:17-22 (Rich Young man to sell everything and give to the Poor); Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goat).

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Feel free to post your comments below or you may write to :

friendsofchrist@gmail.com

--------------------
Notes:
[1} Ray C. Stedman, Giving and Living http://www.raystedman.org/1corinthians/3608.html

Who Planted the Church of Antioch - Ordinary Believers or Unique Apostles?

2009-07-10T22:32:00.000-07:00

The city of Antioch was placed in the north of Syria. Needless to say, great movements occurred here. The church of Antioch is known to be one of the remarkable churches in the history of Christianity. It was in Antioch that the followers of Christ were first called as Christians (Acts 11:26).

When I ask the question who planted the church of Antioch, the general response from people would be, "Paul" or "Barnabas" or "Peter." But is it what the Scripture says? Many suppose church planting in the early church was done only by the apostles. But is it true?

One major mistake people commit in their study of the Holy Bible is this - instead of reading and interpreting the Scripture in the light of historical context they read and interpret the text in the light of contemporary church practice. Consequently, many miss the insight of how the whole people of God were involved in building God's community.

Acts 8
Let's come back to our question, "Who planted the church of Antioch?" To answer this it is important that we start our study from Acts chapter 8. When Saul gave approval to Stephen's death, "a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria" (8:1). It must be noted here that the apostles remained in Jerusalem while the rest of the believers had scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.

So what were these scattered believers doing? It is written, "those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went" (8:4). Imagine how our present generation would be reached with the gospel of Christ if the believers preach the word wherever they are and whichever place they go. Preachers, pastors and leaders alone will never impact the nations for Christ. This would only be possible along with the active involvement of the whole people God, i.e. every believer in Christ Jesus.

One primary reason for the early church to advance so exponentially is that every believer was involved in the ministry of preaching the gospel. Wherever they went they felt responsible to witness for Christ. They were not inactive like many in the modern day churches. They saw themselves as John Stott pointed out, "Every Christian is both a servant and an apostle . . . sent out into the world as Christ's ambassadors and witnesses, to share in the apostolic mission of the whole church."[1]

Furthermore, there was no clergy and laity distinction wherein only the former were active in ministry while the latter remained passive. If we want to use the word layman in its traditional sense then the founder of Christianity Himself was a layman (without no priestly heritage). E. Stanley Jones, that great missionary to India, said it right, "The fact is that Christian faith is a lay moment. Jesus was a layman. The religious system of the day gave Him no license or credentials. His call was from God and not from man."[2]

Acts 11
Now let's come further to Acts 11:19, "those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews." Who were these scattered believers? It is obvious that these were not apostles. They were the ones who had been scattered by persecution in Acts 8. From these people "some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus" (11:21). And "the Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord" (11:21).

Hallelujah!

So who do you suppose had reached Antioch and planted a church there? Peter? Paul? Barnabas? It was ordinary believers, whose names are not even mentioned, who did this marvelous ministry. F. B. Meyer wrote, "Antioch will ever be famous in Christian annals, because a number of unordained and unnamed disciples, fleeing from Jerusalem in the face of Saul's persecution, dared to preach the gospel to Greeks and to gather the converts into a church in entire disregard of the initial rite of Judaism."[3]

Later the "news of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch" (11:22). Barnabas and Saul together had discipled the church of Antioch for a whole year (11:26). When their work was finished, the Holy Spirit called them for a different task (13:2). The church of Antioch grew powerfully and was blessed with prophets and teachers (13:1) and later had elders (shepherds) (14:21-23). It became a great missionary-sending church. It was this church which also played a major role to trigger the great council at Jerusalem (chapter 15).

Ed Stetzer describes, "A study of Acts reveals that laypersons affected early church planting (8:1, 4). They performed mass evangelism (8:5-6, 12) as well as village evangelism (8:25). Through this lay movement churches multiplied (9:31). Miracles enhanced the growth of the church (9:35-42), and salvation reached increasing numbers of Gentiles (10:44-48). Later, lay Christians from Jerusalem witnessed about Christ and planted a Gentile-Jewish church in Antioch (11:20-21)." [4] Moreover, Bible scholars even believe that the people who were converted at Pentecost, the Jews and proselytes who came to Jerusalem from Rome, were possibly the ones who started their fellowship in Rome.[5]

Acts 29
Like the early church, we need believers in our age to get active in evangelism and in planting churches as well as the gifted teachers and leaders to nurture the gathered church. Planting churches is not just the responsibility of missionaries and pastors but of believers too. In fact, church planting becomes much effective when believers are motivated and involved in this glorious task.

It is important to understand that believers are not called to settle in pews. Their work is not just to listen to sermons, sing songs and give tithes and offerings. They are called to be difference makers (Matt. 5:14). They are priests of God who have the godly potentiality to transform nations. There is a great need to help believers realize who they are - they are gospel preachers, disciple-makers, church planters, social workers and God-glorifying people involved in His Kingdom activity. And it is the responsibility of the leaders to equip the saints for God's ministry (Eph. 4:11-12). How wonderful it would be if the great movement in our generation is recorded in heaven as Acts chapter29!

Feel free to post your comments below or you may write to :

friendsofchrist@gmail.com

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Notes:
[1} John R. W. Stott, God's New Society, pg. 160
[2] E. Stanley Jones, The Word Became Flesh (Tiruvalla, India: SuVartha Bhavan, 2001), pg. 316
[3] Cited by Alex Rattray Hay, The New Testament Order for Church and Missionary (Alexander Rattray Hay, 1947), pg. 60
[4] Ed Stetzer, Planting Missional Churches (Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2006), pg. 50
[5] For example, see Robert E. Picirilli, Paul the Apostle (Chicago: Moody Press, 1986), pg. 157ff

Word to the Leaders

2009-07-05T02:35:00.000-07:00

Great leaders are great givers.
– said John Maxwell

Living in India, I always used to wonder by looking at palm readers and soothsayers. I heard them emphatically telling people about their future prosperity and I thought, “When they tell others about prosperity, why they themselves are not prosperous?”

Keeping this aside, when I see some leaders motivating believers to give so that they would become prosperous, I cannot help but ask, “When believers can give and prosper why can’t leaders also give and see prosperity? Why do they want to prosper by taking from others rather than by giving to them?” Doesn’t the principle, “Give and it shall be given to you and blessed are those who give than who receive” primarily apply to leaders?

We come to know through the Holy Scriptures that one of the primary qualifications of a leader is to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). However, can we imagine hospitality without being generous? Reflecting on the life and ministry of Paul—an apostle of Christ and a laborer in Christ’s service—we notice that many times he worked with his own hands and was generous with his earnings. He himself acknowledged:

You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:34-35)

We are well acquainted with this Scripture, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” especially in our preaching to others. But let’s look into the context and consider to whom it was actually exhorted.

When Paul was in Miletus, he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church (Acts 20:17). Now in the New Testament, the terms - elders, pastors, overseers and shepherds - were used synonymously. Eminent theologian Wayne Grudem, in his classic Systematic Theology, notes, “Elders are also called “pastors” or “bishops” or “overseers” in the New Testament.”[1] So, after the arrival of the pastors, Paul began to give various instructions to them (20:17ff). At the climax of his instructions, Paul exhorted the leaders, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (20:35). Later, he knelt with all of them, prayed and departed (20:36-38).

By instruction and example, Paul taught the leaders of the church to be generous givers. He had to especially remind them, “It is more blessed to give than to receive,” as they probably are the ones who will be receiving more from others. Sad to say, these days, this Scripture is often used as a means to raise money from the believers while neglecting to follow it themselves, for it was first exhorted to the church leaders. Isn't it obvious that this Scripture primarily apply to the leaders and then to the believers of Christ Jesus?

It is regretful to acknowledge that, generally, leaders are well known for receiving than for giving. There are those who are known for their eloquent preaching, sound knowledge, great talents, good fund raising and skillful administration but not for generous living. Before exhorting others to give, shouldn’t leaders first model themselves in giving? Are they not called to be examples of every good act?

God’s word speaks that the leaders must rise up first to live a sacrificial life by their generous giving. Then the believers will learn the pleasure of giving to the poor and to the Lord’s mission by seeing (not just by hearing) the good acts of their leaders. When leaders model generosity in their lives, then they can challenge the churches to follow after their example. Even the Scripture says to observe the lifestyle of the leaders before following them - “Remember your leaders, who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith” (Hebrews 13:7, NLT).

Moreover, people will be inspired to give more when they know that their leaders are generous with what is received. Why do you think people sold their property and put it at apostles’ feet? Because the apostles were generously distributing to anyone as he had need (Acts 4:34-35). One major reason for poor givers to exist in the church is because there is a lack of generous leaders. To the leaders, “What we are, they will become,” isn’t said in vain.

Here is a challenge to us, the servant leaders, from the life of John Wesley. Wesley’s simplicity and frugality enabled him to limit his living expenses to a very small sum so that he would have more money to give to the needy.

One year, when his income was 30 pounds, he lived on 28 pounds and gave away 2 pounds. The next year he received 60 pounds, the year after that 90 pounds, and the year after that 120 pounds. And yet in each year he spent only 28 pounds on himself and gave all the rest to the needy. It is calculated that in his lifetime he gave away at least 30,000 pounds. On one occasion, when the Tax Collectors paid him a visit, it was found that four spoons were the only silver plate that he possessed.[2]

Wesley lived what he preached. Sales of his books often earned him 1,400 pounds annually, but he spent only 30 pounds on himself. The rest he gave away. He always wore inexpensive clothes and dined on simple food. “If I leave behind me 10 pounds,”he once wrote, “you and all mankind bear witness against me that I lived and died a thief and a robber.”[3]

How blessed it is to have such wonderful and generous leaders these days! May the Lord enable us to live a life of generosity for His glory and to be a blessing to people!

Feel free to post your comments below or you may write to :

friendsofchrist@gmail.com

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Notes:
[1] Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 913-914
[2] Robert Backhouse, 1500 Illustrations for Preaching and Teaching (London:
Marshall Pickering Publishers), pg. 154.
[3] Ronald J. Sider, Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger (Illinois: Inter-Varsity
Press, 1984), pg. 164.

Suicide in India

2009-06-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Global
Over the last five decades, suicide has risen dramatically with alarming rate. According to the widely circulated daily newspaper, The Times of India—worldwide, suicide rates have increased by 60% in the past 50 years, mainly in the developing countries. Globally, one million people die from suicide every year -- a mortality rate of 16 per 100,000, or one death every 40 seconds. These figures do not include suicide attempts which are up to 20 times more frequent than completed suicide. Most suicides in the world occur in Asia, which is estimated to account for up to 60% of all suicides. On the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day 2008, WHO says—China, India and Japan may account for 40% of all world suicides. [1]

According to WHO estimates for the year 2020 and based on current trends, approximately 1.53 million people will die from suicide, and 10-20 times more people will attempt suicide worldwide. This represents, on an average, one death every 20 seconds and one attempt every 1-2 seconds. [2]

India
India, the second most populous country, is known today as one of the fastest developing nations in the world. Along with the increase in economy, there is also increasing number of people who are dying from suicide every year. As per estimation of WHO's latest suicide rate, India along with China, holds the dubious distinction of having the highest suicide rates in the world. In India 98 out of every 100,000 people commit suicide annually. According to Union health ministry's estimates—as many as 1.2 lakh people end their lives every year in India by committing suicide. Besides that, more than four lakh people attempt to commit suicide. [3]

Suicide is said to be the third-leading cause of death in India.[4] Isn’t it astonishing to know that a mortality rate of 1.2 lakh people committing suicide in India would mean more than 300 suicides per day, not less than 14 suicides per hour and one suicide in every five minutes? Moreover, isn’t it heartbreaking to come to know more than four lakh people attempting to commit suicide in India would disclose about 1100 attempted suicides per day, about 46 attempted suicides per hour and one suicide attempt in every one minute and thirty seconds?

What we are hearing is just what we have come to know through news and reports, and there may be many more suicides, both committed and attempted, of which we aren’t aware of because they haven’t been reported or detected by the media and police. The reason for many suicide cases, which doesn’t reach police and media, is to avoid the hassle of interrogation, embarrassment and social stigma. Another reason is:

Attempted suicide and suicide is illegal in the Indian penal code. The most families will not report about attempted suicides (Venkoba Rao 1983: 212). It is a problem that families very often cover up suicides as accidents, because for fear of being punished by law. Therefore the estimated number of unknown cases must be very high.[5]

Such disturbing statistics within our nation calls for a serious response to the prevention of suicide. Unfortunately, despite the high rates of suicides occurring every year in India, it is reported that there is no special national policy for suicide prevention.[6] It is no wonder why much attention isn’t given to the preventive aspects of suicide in India. Even the churches are unaware, untrained and unequipped to face this challenging task. Leading magazine, India Today, observed it right, “Unlike the West, counseling facilities in India are almost non-existent.”[7] Let not this plea go unheeded, “The need of the hour is a robust counseling system equipped to pick up distress signals in people and help them out of their entrapments.”[8]

Prayer Request: If God willing, it is my desire to start a HELPLINE for severely depressed and suicidal people. This would be a powerful tool to give eternal hope to those struggling for survival in this temporal world. Kindly pray for God's wisdom, providence and guidance in this matter.

Feel free to post your comments below or you may write to :

friendsofchrist@gmail.com

--------------------

Notes:
[1] “India, China have highest suicide rates in the world.” The Times of India (11 October 2008). http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/India_China_have_highest_suicide_rates_in_the_world
/rssarticleshow/3582342.cms
[2] J. M. Bertolote and A. Fleischmann, Suicide Prevention: Meeting the Challenge Together (Hyderabad: Orient Blackswan, 2004), 7
[3] Ibid.
[4] Paul Watson, “In South India, the Way Out Is Often Suicide.” Los Angeles Times (May 30, 2004).
http://articles.latimes.com/2004/may/30/world/fg-suicide30?pg=2
[5] See Marion Zimmermann, “Suicide in India in a Religious, Political and Social Context.” Ethnology Essay, 2002, 36 pages.
[6] Lakshmi Vijayakumar, Suicide Prevention: Meeting the Challenge Together (Orient Blackswan, 2004), 99
[7] Malini Bhupta and Aditi Pai. “Crimes of Passion.” India Today (July 13, 2008). http://indiatoday.intoday.in/content_mail.php?option=com_content&name=print&id=9758
[8] Ibid.

Joyous Moments with JOY

2009-06-13T01:38:00.001-07:00

There are many unforgettable events in our life and June 10, 2004, is one such of my life. I was in my friend’s house then. I got a call at midnight which left me tensed. I immediately got ready and rushed to hospital, driving for about one hour. By the time I reached, my wife had already left for surgery. I didn’t know what to do. I was silent and felt apprehensive about what was going to happen. Praying to God I was eagerly waiting outside the operation room. Then I heard a thin and raspy noise from the operation room. A nurse brought out a wondrous little baby, wrinkled and bright. I was overwhelmed with excitement to look at this cute little one, my firstborn son. What a joy to become a father! As this event brought so much of joy in my life, I named him ‘JOY’. I didn’t stop giving thanks to God for him since then.

This year, on June 10, 2009, he had completed five years and entered into six. When he was five, I started to write some joyous times I had with him (between June 10, 2008-2009). I hope you would enjoy reading my joyous moments with JOY.

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Joy was suffering from cough and cold. I felt concerned for him, took him on my lap and prayed for him. I prayed something like this, “Jesus, help Joy. Heal his cough and make him well. Amen.” After I eagerly prayed, my son turned to me and asked, “What about cold then?” Oops! I prayed again for his cold.

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Sometime back we bought a very old car (about 13 years old). One day, Joy and I were waiting for my wife in the car. Since we had some time, I was talking to him about the coming of Christ Jesus. I was telling him that Jesus is coming soon and will take us to His beautiful home. Then my son curiously asked me, “But how to get our car there?”

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Last year, when we joined our Joy in school, he at first resisted going to school. When he was about to go bed at night his only worry was that he has to wake up in the morning and go to school. One night I was trying to explain to him about heaven. I was struggling for words and wondering how to help him understand. The Scripture says that in heaven there is no pain, no crying, no death, but how would my little son understand the pleasure of absence of these things. Suddenly I got a thought and told my son, “In heaven there is no need to go to school.”

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I was in a difficult situation and the Lord graciously provided and met my need. I was sharing with my son about how I was in need and how the Lord provided me the money. He looked at me and asked by making gesture with his hand, “Did Jesus throw money from above…Does He create money?”

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My son, Joy, has a habit of keeping his thumb in his mouth and suck it. I tried many times to break that habit but couldn’t. So I told him that if he persisted to keep doing this he will get buck teeth and his friends would mock at him. He turned to me and said, “Jesus will heal me anyways, right?”

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I was so hungry during the dinner time that after serving food for myself and for my son Joy, I hurriedly started to eat. My son sat before me and prayed, “Thank you Jesus for this food.” I stood still and felt ashamed of eating without praying.

Another interesting thing is I never heard anyone praying specifically like him while giving thanks to God for food. For example, "If there is noodles or biryani before him, he prays, "Jesus, I thank you for this noodles or for this biryani."

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Once Joy and I were playing cricket. I hit a shot and shouted “it’s six.” My son took the ball, looked at me and to encourage me he said, “Papa, now you hit seven.” (for those who don’t know the rules of cricket six is the maximum shot you can hit)

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One day my wife told my son there is no school. My son said, “No mummy, the school is there. I have seen it three times today.”

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I asked my son, “How many students are there in your classroom?” He said, “I don’t know.” Then I asked him, “How many girls are in your class?” He told the number along with all the names of girls.

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Joy and I were having breakfast in a restaurant. As we were eating, I asked him, “What is it that you don’t like in me?” It didn’t take a long time for him to answer. He said, “I don’t like you spanking me.” I smiled and asked, “Then what do you want me to do when you commit mistakes?” He was silent. I questioned him again, “Do you want me to kiss you when you commit mistakes?” He said, “No.” Then what do you want me to do?” I asked. He firmly said, “Forgive.”

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Joy is fond of cool drinks. If I happen to pass by a shop, he would nudge me, “Papa, I want a cool drink.” So once I told him not to have cool drinks with preservatives because they aren’t fruitful to health; rather he can have fruit juices which are good for health. After I told him, there came a situation where I was quite thirsty. I went to a bakery, grabbed a cool drink and started to drink. My son gave a curious look at me, then came running to me he asked, “Papa, I think cool drink isn’t good for health. Why are you having it?”

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I went to a shop along with Joy. As I was leaving, he looked at a cool drink and wanted to have it. I told him, “That drink isn’t good. I will make a good one at home.” But when he persisted to have that drink, I said, “Don’t you believe me Joy that I will make a good drink for you?” He looked at me and said, “Why should I believe in you Papa when I already believed in Jesus?”

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PLEASE PRAY THAT MY SON, JOY, WOULD GROW IN WISDOM AND STATURE, AND IN FAVOR WITH GOD AND MEN.

Feel free to post your comments below or you may write to :

friendsofchrist@gmail.com

Biblical Principles for Healthy Communication

2009-03-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

Who doesn’t agree that one of the greatest problems we are facing today in interpersonal relationships is unhealthy communication? Who doesn’t confront difficulties in family, in workplace and in neighborhood because of lack of good communication? Who isn't aware of the fact that conflicts in relationships are usually flared up due to ill-mannered communication? In spite of so much of advancement in technical communication isn't man still lacking the discernment to speak well?

There are surplus books on communication in our day but nothing like the wisdom we find in that Old Book which is as old as sun and as fresh as the dawn. Indeed all communication skills echo the truth we find in the Holy Scripture. Have you miserably failed like me in apt communication and struggling to improve your attitude and skills for healthy communication? Then join with me in considering and obeying the following exhortations of the Scripture:

BIBLICAL PRINCIPLES FOR HEALTHY COMMUNICATION

Guard Your Tongue when You Talk
He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity. (Pro. 21:23)

Listen Well before Answering
He who answers before listening-- that is his folly and his shame. (Pro. 18:13)

Think before Speaking & Answering
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. (Pro. 15:28)

Speak not in Haste
Do you see a man who speaks in haste?
There is more hope for a fool than for him. (Pro. 29:20)

Speak the Right Words at the Right Time
A man finds joy in giving an apt reply-- and how good is a timely word! (Pro. 15:23)

Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (Jas. 1:19)

Speak the Truth in Love
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. (Eph. 4:15)

Be Truthful in Your Conversations
Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices. (Col. 3:9)

Speak Words of Edification
Do not let any corrupt talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Eph. 4:29)

Avoid Quarrelsome Talk
Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. (Pro. 17:14)

Stay Silent when Necessary
Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
(Pro. 17:28)

Beware of Being Talkative
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (Pro. 10:19)

Understand Others’ Words and Feelings
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.
(Pro. 14:29)

Speak Pleasant Words
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Pro. 16:24)

Communicate Gently
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Pro. 15:1)

Resist Using Reckless Words
Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (Pro. 12:18)

Let Your Speech be Sound, Gracious and Enthralling
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col. 4:6)

When You are in the Wrong, Don't Use Defensive and Justifying Words,
but only Words of Apology
Confess your sins to each other. (Jas. 5:16)

Avoid Nagging and Grumbling about Others’ Faults
He who covers over an offense promotes love,
but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (Pro. 17:9)

Condemn not Others if They are Different
Let us stop condemning each other. Instead, make up your mind to live in such a way that you would not put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. (Rom. 14:13)

Deny using Vengeful Words and Reacting Angrily
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. (1 Pet. 3:9)

Keep Yourself Away from Gossiping about Others
A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends. (Pro. 16:28)

Speak not without Knowing the Facts
A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps. (Pro. 14:15)

Correct not a Person’s Alleged Faults without Careful Examination
One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. (Deut. 19:15)

Prayer:
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14)

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Feel free to post your comments below or you may write to :

friendsofchrist@gmail.com

Answer to the Point (Guarding Peace at Home)

2009-03-24T03:59:00.000-07:00

In conversing with your spouse or vice versa, does this question sound familiar, “Why don’t you answer to the point?”

I was planning to go to Operation Mobilization library to spend the entire day to study and write. It takes one-hour drive from my house or even more depending on the traffic. To me this journey is often hard, for it is a busy road and I cannot avoid pollution and traffic hassle. So as I was getting ready and informed my wife about my day’s schedule, she curiously asked me, “Are you coming back in the afternoon?” Boom! “What on earth are you asking,” I thought to myself. That questioned annoyed me beyond reason. Think—by the time I go there, after traveling hard, I will be just two hours ahead before afternoon. And this woman, I thought, is asking me whether I will be coming back in the afternoon, as if it is something behind the house.

After hearing her, I blurted out, “How can you ask me such a question? How do you think I will come back by afternoon?” What a reckless response that was! Although some questions sound silly, such fretful response can easily put me into conflict with my wife, wrecking my entire day. After that incident, the Spirit of God started to deal with my heart with these convicting thoughts – Is it necessary to answer recklessly, although the question may seem funny? Can’t I just say, “No, dear. I will be coming in the evening”? There might be something on her mind to ask that question, so I can go a little further and ask, “Is there anything important you have for me?” What great peace such a gracious response would save for the day!

I can relate many such ungracious responses that quickly wreck peace at home. And I think you may relate such too. How many times have we been irritated at home because of some questions we think are weird! Consider the following:

Question: Where is my phone?
Ungracious response: Can’t you see, it is on the TV?

Question: When is he coming?
Ungracious response: How many times should I tell you?

Question: Are we going out today?
Ungracious response: Why do you ask such a question? Are you not interested to come?

Question: What happened to…..?
Ungracious response: Are you not aware? Should I tell you something new again?

These are just a few examples. There will be volumes if we probe and open up. Have you been in a situation where you were on a smooth drive and suddenly, to your shock, some vehicle pops out from the other side, making you scared to death? Such responses, as mentioned above, are like that threatening vehicle when somebody asks a smooth question. Did you experience how an ungracious response provokes a person to anger, eventually leading to quarrel? Is it worth responding in such a way?

Can’t we be patient enough to respond kindly? What do we lose if we gently answer to questions which seems unreasonable and irritating to us? What is patience by the way—is it not putting up with the unpleasant situations? Will not a little patience in our response save us from insurmountable troubles? Did we seriously ponder over these words, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Pro. 15:1)?

To cultivate respectful communication and peaceful atmosphere in the house, I have learned this—gently answer to the point. Period. No extra questioning. No unnecessary answers. Why should I foolishly put myself into speaking so many words of offense and later, to rectify my folly, speak so many words of apology when I can politely answer few words to the point! It is always good and beneficial to respond kindly straight to the thing, even though the question may seem pointless. After all, are we not saving the energy (of our tongue) and peace (of our heart) in answering right to the point?

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Feel free to post your comments below or you may write to : friendsofchrist@gmail.com

The Great Commission - Part 3

2009-02-17T20:27:00.000-08:00

(Continuation of Part 2)

Teach
Jesus Christ had given the commission to His disciples to teach people to obey everything He had commanded. He said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). If the task of fulfilling the Great Commission applies to every Christian then every believer has the responsibility to teach and equip others. Discipleship includes teaching and this is not confined to the professional ministers only. In the early church of the New Testament every person was a functioning member, not a mere attender (1 Cor. 12:27; 14:26). It wasn’t ‘one man over others’ but ‘one another church’. They were teaching and exhorting one another (Col. 3:16; Rom. 15:14).

In the epistle of Hebrews, the inspired author rebukes the Jewish Christians, “In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” (Heb. 5:12). The author meant to say, “You have been disciples long enough to be able to teach others, but still need some one to teach you.” Now this is not to say all should become gifted teachers, involving exclusively in teaching, for according to Rom.12:7; Eph. 4:11 & 1 Cor. 12:28-29 there are some who are specially gifted with intense teaching, functioning extensively for the edification of the body of Christ.

However, all must reach a certain level of maturity wherein all will be able to generally instruct and teach one-on-one. For example, God has given evangelists to the church who function extensively in evangelism (Eph. 4:11), yet all Christians are generally required to personally preach the gospel (Mk. 16:15). Jesus said to make disciples by teaching people to obey everything He had commanded (Matt. 28:20). Well, how many Christians do we find, who obey their Lord in making disciples by teaching His word? Oh, how many are still babes in the churches for years!

We are deeply entrenched in such an ecclesiastical system that even though we believe the Great Commission pertains to every Christian, it is still difficult to practically witness that along with the preaching of the gospel—every Christian can make disciples, baptize and teach them the word of God. It is sorrowful that we have divided the Great Commission—delegating the responsibility of preaching the gospel by all Christians but confining baptism and teaching to a special class of people who are called ‘leaders’ ‘pastors’ or ‘fulltime ministers’. Where did Jesus make such a distinction?

Priesthood of All Believers
I read elsewhere, “It seems that a layman (i.e. a believer) cannot baptize, because to baptize belongs properly to the priestly order (i.e. the clergy).” This is a faulty notion. The unbiblical concept of clergy and laity has done great damage to the body of Christ, thereby producing passive Christianity. The believers are paralyzed in the pews without knowing their great responsibility in Christ Jesus, whereas the ministers have become overly active in the pulpit (I am speaking against the system, not people).

Believers are not ordinary people; they are chosen by God to declare His Excellencies. They are kings and priests of God (1 Peter 2:9; Rev. 1:6). All believers are clergy. Though not all have the same function, yet every person in the body of Christ has some contributing function (Rom. 12:4-5). Ironically, we believe in the doctrine of priesthood of all believers without the priestly functioning of all believers! The Reformers, during and before 16th century, fought against the church authorities of their time to restore the doctrine of priesthood of all believers. A believer at that time cannot even personally possess and interpret the Holy Bible. It was an abomination and heresy to the church authorities then to count all believers as priests of God and even to read the Holy Bible themselves.

I wonder how many would count this teaching in our day a heresy if the believers are motivated to make disciples, baptize and teach others God’s word. We need another reformation today to reinstate the right of God’s people to completely fulfill the Great Commission by every genuine Christian. Imagine what would happen on this earth if every member of the body of Christ passionately function to fulfill the Great Commission! Oh, I look forward to seeing the glorious days where every Christian—filled with the power of Holy Spirit—will lead the people to Jesus Christ, baptizing and teaching them what God had commanded!

Final Words
My dear people of God, no matter how many gospel meetings we conduct, pastors’ conferences and seminars we hold, churches we plant—if the responsibility of personally making disciples is not taken by every Christian or at least by the most, the world would still remain unreached. As long as ministry is restricted to the “pastoral class”, the people of all nations would still be spiritually starving to death without being thoroughly discipled. There is no other effective method for world evangelization than personal discipleship. May God revive His children to take the task of discipleship seriously!

“The great mark of a healthy church is not in its attending capacity, but in its discipling audacity.”

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Contact: friendsofchrist@gmail.com

The Great Commission - Part 2

2009-02-03T02:21:00.001-08:00

(Continuation of Part 1)

THE GREAT DIVISION

Now how can we make disciples? Did Jesus give us a basic pattern? Of course, He did. He said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). It is important to note here that the command to make disciples is followed by, connected to and contingent upon two participles—“baptizing” and “teaching.” It is obvious here that making disciples is done by baptizing the people in the name of Trinity and by continuously teaching them to obey Christ’s commands.

Regretfully, the Great Commission has not only become the great omission but also the great division. In fact, I must say the Great Commission has become the great omission because of the great division. Why do I make such an assertion? When I take seminars on the New Testament Ministry, I often ask the pastors and the believers, “Do you believe the Great Commission applies to every Christian?” All of them would undoubtedly respond, “Yes”. I continue to ask them, “Do you believe every Christian has the responsibility to preach the gospel and to make disciples?” Again the people would assuredly respond, “Yes”. Still further, “Do you believe every Christian can baptize others?” Now there would be almost absolute silence! Finally, I ask them, “Do you believe that every Christian is called to teach others?” Again, no certain response!

Baptize
I come across many who teach on the necessity of carrying the Great Commission by every Christian without specifically addressing how it can be done (perhaps they are afraid of disturbing or may be ignorant themselves). One of my friends testified of attending a wonderful conference on “The Great Commission”. Many ministers happened to be present and were greatly challenged. I asked my friend, “Did the speaker mention that every Christian can make disciples, baptize and teach them God’s word?” He replied, “No”. Well, it troubles me when this is ignored. How is it that the one part of the command, i.e. go and make disciples, applies to all Christians yet the other part of the command, i.e. baptize and teach, does not apply to all! Where in the Scripture does it say such ministerial activities ought to be constrained only by the “separate class of ministers”?

Indeed, the Holy Bible reveals that the purpose of God to raise some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors-teachers is to equip God’s people for ministry (Eph. 4:11-12). Praise God for these equippers of the church! We are called to the ministry of equipping the believers for ministry. Sadly, due to this negligence, the believers are only focused on being ministered to rather than also ministering to others; they have become passive rather than active; they have become church attending members, not the ambassadors of God’s kingdom. But blessed are the ministers who pray, “O Lord, give me men and women who can exceed my ministry.”

In one of the theological forums, when the question was asked, “Who has an authority to baptize?”, the response was, “Some believe it must be a pastor or priest, but I don´t think the Bible supports that. I think anyone who is a born again follower of Jesus Christ can baptize another new believer. Personally, if I had to do it all over again, I think it would be neat to have the man who led me to Christ baptize me instead of the pastor.” Yes, I agree with this response. When a believer leads a person to Jesus Christ, why can’t he baptize and disciple him? There is no need of man-induced ordination when God has already given the commission to all His children to go and baptize. The church today is shackled by a lot of traditional teachings, missing the freedom of living according to God’s word. Sadly, what was simple in the early church we made it too formal and complicated!

Moreover, it is intriguing to see some preachers being crazy to baptize people when in fact Jesus and Paul allowed even other disciples to baptize (John 4:1-2; 1 Cor. 1:14-17). How many preachers boast and take the credit of baptizing so many people without even personally leading at least few souls to Jesus Christ! To witness the effective fulfillment of the Great Commission, I believe, believers must be released and motivated to make disciples by baptizing and teaching. For further reflection, you may give careful thought to the questions below:

1. Is there a single Scripture wherein a pastor or an elder giving baptism? Note: Apostles are different from local pastors.

2. Is there a single Scripture wherein a pastor or an elder was exhorted to baptize? In his leadership epistles, i.e. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus, did Paul delegate the responsibility of giving baptism to the elders or pastors?

3. Does the Bible give prominence (anywhere) to who should give baptism or to the importance of baptism itself?

4. Does Great Commission apply to every Christian? If yes, according to Jesus’ exhortation in Matthew 28:19-20, how do we make disciples?

5. Acts 8: Philip gave baptism to Eunuch? Who was Philip? At that time was he chosen to help in feeding the widows or to any higher ecclesiastical office?

6. Acts 9: Who gave baptism to Paul and what was he? Remember, the term disciple and believer are used interchangeably for the followers of Christ.

7. Did Jesus give baptism or did he allow his disciples (who were still trainees) to baptize too? Read John 4:1-2.

8. In Acts 8:1,8 it is said that except the apostles all the people were scattered and preached the word? Do you suppose the scattered believers preached the gospel without giving baptism to those who believed? When thousands of believers were coming to the Lord do you think only the selected few had the responsibility to baptize them?

9. 1 Cor 1:16 - Was Paul passionate to give baptism or to lead people to repentance? The church of Corinth was founded by Paul, so how many people were baptized by Paul in Corinth?

10. According to the Holy Bible, which one is a challenging responsibility? Leading a person to repentance or baptizing people?

11. If a believer comes to know that the person who baptized him in the past was not really a born-again person (not everyone who is doing church ministry is really born-again), is the baptism still valid or should he be re-baptized? This question is posed to understand whether the significance is in the baptism itself or the person who gives. (Note: This question is not intended to be stretched too far, implying that anybody, i.e. even a person who is not born-again, can give baptism.)

12. Finally, which one is more effective in the fulfillment of the Great Commission—only the pastors giving baptism & making disciples or even the believers doing the same? Note: True, pastors and leaders have a greater responsibility in the church and we need to hold them in high regard because of their work; nevertheless, no where does it say that giving baptism and discipling people belong to that class alone. The Great Commission, its exhortation and pattern, applies to every Christian.

(To be continued.....)

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Contact: friendsofchrist@gmail.com

The Great Commission - Part 1

2009-01-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

Jesus said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20)

One of the greatest responsibilities the Lord Jesus Christ has left to the church is to go and make disciples of all nations. This is not just the responsibility of the pastors, evangelists, teachers and preachers but of every Christian saved by the grace of God. This is not an option but a command. Hudson Taylor, a sacrificial missionary to China, rightly said, “The great commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”

THE GREAT OMISSION

Not doing what we should is as serious as doing that which we shouldn’t. Omitting this Great Commission is as sinful as committing adultery and murder! In saying this I am not bringing condemnation but a challenge to all so that we would repent and take the task of discipleship as seriously as it was intended of the Lord to be taken by us. Most of our convictions are overruled by minor issues while being desensitized to that which is greater. For instance, if an average Christian of our day fails to attend a Sunday service once or twice he feels extremely guilty; however, he doesn’t feel an ounce of guilt for living a life for years without discipling anyone. Why is it so? There must be something terribly wrong with our present day church system.

Christian Life and Ministry
To many believers, Christian life is no more than offering a daily word of prayer, reading the Holy Bible (frequently or occasionally), attending Sunday service, singing songs together, listening to a sermon and giving offerings. The thought of discipling people commanded by Jesus Christ never occurred in their mind. In fact, this is unknown and even untaught to many. Believe me, it will be quite a strange question to many Christians if they are asked, “Are you making disciples?” This does not at all exist in their dictionary.

Besides, even the pastors and preachers are neglecting this Great Commission. To some, ministry is no more than preaching from the pulpit or perhaps praying for those who request or sometimes visiting houses. Generally, there is no personal discipleship happening on a relational level. I hear some ministers say, “I go to preach in various places; I baptized so many people and I planted so and so churches.” Seldom do I hear them saying, “I discipled these many people.” Jesus didn’t say, “Go and preach every Sunday to the people and have good services”; He said, “Go and make disciples!”

Arise and Go
Being an itinerant teacher, man of prayer and a miracle worker, Jesus still took time to personally disciple. He made disciples and taught His disciples to make disciples. He knew this is God’s way of bringing His kingdom on earth. God is seeking for disciples and disciple makers, not for church goers and mere preachers in the church. If a survey is taken today, I suppose, 95% of the Christians, including the pastors, will be found neglecting the great commission. What a pathetic state the church is in! Oswald J. Smith hit the nail right on the head when he said, “Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist.”

Dear Christian, you are not called to settle down as a passive believer in the pews. You are God’s priest and His mighty instrument to impact the world (Matt. 5:14-16; 1 Pet. 2:9). Therefore, rise up, go and make disciples for Christ. You don’t need a special calling (for you are already called); you don’t have to have a formal training (for you can learn without necessarily going to an institution); you do not have to leave your job or studies (for you have to support your family, yourself and the needy)—to fulfill the great commission. Remember, the command in the Great Commission passage is not "go" but to "make disciples." Therefore, wherever you are and whatever you do—you are God’s witness to fulfill His commission.

Dear pastors, make disciples and encourage your people to do likewise. Desire that your people would do greater works than you. Have an attitude that you would descend and they would ascend. I urge you in Christ not to control and lord over their lives but as a servant and facilitator assist them to be used by the Holy Spirit. If the pastors encourage the people on making disciples as much as they motivate them to attend Sunday service, the church will be on fire for God.

(To be continued.....)

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QUOTES FOR CONTEMPLATION!

“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed” – Hudson Taylor, a sacrificial missionary to China.

"Any church that is not seriously involved in helping fulfill the Great Commission has forfeited its biblical right to exist." -- Oswald J. Smith.

“The Great Commission was given to every follower of Christ” -- Rick Warren.

"I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light" -- John Keith Falconer

"People who don't believe in missions have not read the New Testament. Right from the beginning Jesus said the field is the world. The early church took Him at His word and went East, West, North and South." -- J. Howard Edington

"In our lifetime, wouldn't it be sad if we spent more time washing dishes or swatting flies or mowing the yard or watching television than praying for world missions?" -- Dave Davidson

"Missions is not the 'ministry of choice' for a few hyperactive Christians in the church. Missions is the purpose of the church." -- Unknown

"The Bible is not the basis of missions; missions is the basis of the Bible" -- Ralph Winter, U.S. Center for World Mission

"The mission of the church is missions" -- Oswald J. Smith

"Only as the church fulfills her missionary obligation does she justify her existence." – Unknown

"The command has been to 'go,' but we have stayed -- in body, gifts, prayer and influence. He has asked us to be witnesses unto the uttermost parts of the earth ... but 99% of Christians have kept puttering around in the homeland." -- Robert Savage, Latin American Mission

''Go ye' is as much a part of Christ's Gospel as 'Come unto Me.' You are not even a Christian until you have honestly faced your responsibility in regard to the carrying of the Gospel to the ends of the earth." -- J. Stuart Holden

"The best remedy for a sick church is to put it on a missionary diet." – Unknown

"The Church must send or the church will end." -- Mendell Taylor

"We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God." -- John Stott

"Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ. It remains an abstract idea, a myth which has a place for the Fatherhood of God, but omits Christ as the living Son. … There is trust in God, but no following of Christ." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God" – William Carey, who is called the father of modern missions.

"The great mark of a healthy church is not in its seating capacity but in its discipling audacity" – Stephen David C.

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Contact: friendsofchrist@gmail.com

Why Do I Miss Him?

2008-10-24T21:26:00.000-07:00

Chinappa Moses David! He wasn’t popular. He wasn’t polished in education. He wasn’t prosperous. His work wasn’t professional. He wasn’t even a preacher. He didn’t possess any fascinating expertise according to the standards of the world. On the contrary, he was born to a poor family on October 24, 1940. He lost his father when he was a child. Life wasn’t easy for him. He was brought up under rugged circumstances. He was unloved, abused and neglected. He worked as an ordinary bus driver till the last day of his existence on earth. So what makes me to write about this person? Why should you read about this man?

It’s because he was a great Dad. He is my wonderful Papa. He was a strong, diligent, tough, loving, not to mention handsome, man I knew. He was a great person of my family, leaving an indelible influence on my life. In memory of his birthday on 24th October, having an honor of being his son, I thought to share about my Papa with few dads with a hope that they may be blessed through his life. I think everyone has a story about their dads—some are good and some are sad. My Papa passed away five years ago but is still alive in my memory for being a great Dad. I trust you agree with me that an exemplary person still speaks even though he is dead.

My Papa rested from this tumultuous world on January 22, 2003. It was the most painful experience of my life. I cannot forget, few hours before his death, how he asked me to lie down beside him and held me to his side. He felt my need so much. At times he was like a child. I cannot express how much I miss him now. I could not write these few words about him without tears as I reflect on the wonderful characteristics of my Papa. The remarkable memory he left in my life shows what a blessing he was to my family. I hope, as you read about him, you will not be left uninspired.

HEALTHY SELF-ESTEEM: Parents often despise their children when they don’t rise up to their expectations. How true it is that children learn to respect and accept themselves by the way their parents treat them. I am glad I had a Papa who treated his son in a way that built within him a healthy self-esteem. He was always proud of me. He used to take great delight in me. I was his hero. To put exactly in my Papa’s words, he had three lions (In Hindi “Theen Sher”)—James Antony, Nelson David and Stephen David. Though I am his son, far younger than him, he had great respect for me, especially because I am a servant of Christ Jesus.

Not many parents are mature enough in disciplining their children without despising them. I can hardly remember my Papa despising me. The way he used to regard me before others built a healthy respect within me. For instance, at times I used to get into my Papa’s bus. What a joy it was to travel when he drove the bus! He would gladly and proudly introduce me to the conductors and to his regular passengers. I recollect how he stopped the bus when he found some shops on the way, giving me money to go and buy something to eat for myself in the bus. I felt uneasy to go as the passengers inside the bus looked at me with curiosity. Nevertheless, for my Papa his children were his treasure and our well-being was his pleasure.

HOSPITALITY: My Papa is well known for his spirit of hospitality. When my friends or guests came to home, he was generally the first person to cook and serve them. He had a wonderful welcoming attitude. He neither gave superficial smile nor did he grumble to serve my friends. I have learned the significance of hospitality, first from the Holy Bible and second from my Papa. Almost every friend of mine who met my Papa could hardly forget his cheerful spirit and hospitable service. He lived a life worth remembering by others.

A friend of mine testified to me personally that he never felt comfortable visiting others’ house. However, he always felt at home when he visited our house because of my Papa’s hospitality. Besides, every Sunday morning, he used to sit before the stove and make chapattis for all my friends who were in the hostel, including my family. They too fondly called him Papa. What a patience he had in serving people! He was truly a jolly man. I am proud of him for setting a great example to me in hospitality.

CARE: One of the best memories I have of him is his lovely kiss. I could sense his overwhelming love for me in his kiss. He cared for us immensely. When he had good food outside he used to remember us, and wondering what we would be eating he would bring some for us. He used to say, “I could not eat this biryani without you.” He always made sure to share his joyful events with his family. I still remember the marriage of a certain political leader’s daughter. My Papa was a driver to the bus which was hired for marriage. He took the effort to come home and took my brother and me to the party because we rarely used to have such grand food. He was always concerned to see us in good state.

Although he was a man without good education he was far educated in caring for his family. During my college years, my family was under dire financial struggles. My father went to United Arab Emirates to earn some money to support my family but regretfully he was deceived by the agent. He suffered terribly in the desert and lost his health. My father went to the extent of selling his kidney in UAE to help us in our desperate condition but the doctors had to reject his plea because he had acquired diabetes. Removing his kidney would inevitably cost his life. He always labored for the welfare of his family, although it meant giving up his own comfort.

FRIENDLINESS: Like any other men my Papa was at times hot-tempered, but he was generally quite friendly. I remember, when I was in my teens, how we used to play together (like caroms…etc) and sometimes watch movies together. How true it is that the best memory children cherish of their parents is the time they spent with them. I am glad to testify about my Papa that he wasn’t bossy or authoritative but challenging and motivating. He never let me think that I am an ordinary person. His pride in me boosted my confidence to excel. What Robert H. Shaffer said is quite true, “We must view young people not as empty bottles to be filled, but as candles to be lit.”

Is there anything wonderful than having a Papa who was caring, loving and friendly? I cannot forget his humble spirit in serving and taking caring of my family. He cooked for us, served us, washed vessels and didn’t mind to wash my clothes, even my wife’s. Tears come to my heart when I remember the pains he took for me. Of course, he was stern in disciplining me and I revere him for that. Yet when I think of my Papa I don’t think of him as a man with a hit out attitude. It is difficult for parents to discipline without nagging and love without spoiling. My Papa didn’t have the habit of despising, controlling or being sarcastic at me. He loved me with all his heart, leaving an inspiring influence on my life.

FAMILY: If somebody asks me, “Besides work, where did your Papa spend much of his time? Without pondering my instant reply would be, “With his family.” His home was his sanctuary. Most of the time he spent was in the house, busy doing something or the other. He gave his family the utmost priority. He often used to come home right away after his work. To him his family was his world. He really functioned as the head of our family. I cannot forget the words he said to me that as long as there is strength in him he would work hard to take care of us. He really did labor, often working overtime to provide sufficiently for his family.

What a joy it was for him to see his family around! Our house was bright when he was at home. His presence used to give us a sense of confidence and comfort except when he was exasperated. Some of the best times I remember of him were when he used to sit before the stove and make hot food for us. We used to sit and enjoy eating as he made variety of dishes. What a delight it was to savor his mouth-watering food! As he earned a meager salary he didn’t leave for us great material things to relish but he nevertheless left memorable events to cherish. Usually, the fathers are held responsible for neglecting to spend time with their children. However, in my case, I deeply regret for neglecting my father who cherished me so much. Now, as a father, I observe that it is easy to die for our children than live for them, especially by spending time with them.

FINAL WORDS: In saying all these I don’t say he was a man without weaknesses. He had flaws, some of them serious, yet his best strengths surpassed his worst weaknesses. I have seen many people having a good testimony outside but not in the family. How easy it is to have success in the world while being a failure at home! My Papa is the one who was admired, not only by the people outside, but also by those within the family. If I were to get a chance to see him only for two seconds I would fix my eyes on him and say, “I love you Papa.” When my first son was born I wanted him to call me ‘Papa’ so that I would often be reminded of my Papa. Now I have two wonderful sons, Joy and Joe. My heart leaps with joy when they call me ‘Papa’.

Finally, I thank my Lord Jesus for my dear Papa. If it weren’t for Jesus I would have lost my Papa forever. It was my Jesus who taught me the value of fatherhood. Initially, my Papa was resistant to believe in Jesus alone. It was difficult for him to give up his cherished traditional beliefs and practices. Well, the day came when he trusted Jesus as his only Savior, got baptized in His Name and is now eternally safe because of his trust in what Christ did on the Cross. Because of Jesus I assuredly say, “I haven’t lost my Papa; I only miss him for a while.” I look forward towards the day when I see him again in the presence of my beloved Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My rich tributes to the one who led a life so sublime! Love you Papa! See you soon!

Contact: friendsofchrist@gmail.com

Insights from Genesis 3 - Part 7

2008-10-04T07:04:00.000-07:00

7. Blame Game

Genesis 3:12, "The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate."
Genesis 3:13, "And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

Hubert H. Humphrey, the thirty-eighth Vice President of the United States, once said, “We believe that to err is human. To blame it on someone else is politics.” If what Hubert said is true then politics began in the Garden of Eden. The first man and woman were great politicians in blame game. It is no wonder to see this attitude in men and women today. When the Lord God asked Adam, “Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, "The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate" (Gen. 3:11-12).

If we observe carefully, it seems Adam blamed two persons. He first blamed God. He said, “The woman whom You gave…” It appears Adam was blaming God for giving Eve to be with him. Perhaps, he is saying, he would have been an obedient man if God didn’t have given him the woman; his life would have been smooth if God had not brought this woman into his life. How sad it is that people still blame God today! I have seen folks blaming God more for putting the knowledge of the tree of good and evil in the Garden of Eden than holding Adam responsible for his disobedience.

It saddens my heart when I look at people making their own choices against the wisdom of God and then blaming Him for putting them in crisis. I am reminded of a Scripture in Proverbs, “People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD” (Pro. 19:3, NLT). Are you blaming God for the consequences of your choice? Are you questioning, “Why did God put me into this situation? Why did He let this happen to me?” Perhaps it is because you made wrong choices. Examine the root cause and make amends. Life turns beautiful if we learn to thank God and repent of our unwise choices than blame Him and continue to make foolish mistakes. There is a proverb from India, “Do not blame God for having created the tiger, but thank him for not having given it wings.”

The second person Adam blamed was Eve. He said that it is the woman who gave him the fruit (Gen. 3:12). To put it different, Adam is saying, if this woman had not given me the fruit I wouldn’t have eaten it. Well, didn’t Adam have the freedom to deny Eve’s offer? Was he a sucking baby in a stroller or a mature man to make his own choice? How often is this blaming attitude manifested in interpersonal relationships! Bear this in mind, no one can spoil us without our permission. Of course, others may influence us but it we who allow ourselves to be influenced. When facing conflicts how easy it is to blame others and deny taking personal responsibility! Blaming each other will never make things better – in fact, it only worsens. Someone rightly said, “When you blame others, you give up power to change.”

Charles R. Swindoll well pointed out, "Three of the hardest words in the English language are "You are right." The other three are "I am wrong!" I wonder how many broken relationships can be healed if we learn to stop blaming each other and start accepting personal responsibility. The more we blame the more we make ourselves lame. As much as we are eager to take credit for success, if we show the same eagerness in taking personal responsibility for failures, things would turn out quite different. Unfortunately, our tendency is to take credit when it comes to success (even when we don’t deserve) and blame others when it comes to failures (when we deserve). I appreciate the person who put this question, “If you blame others for your failures, do you credit them with your success?”

And the last thing that was blamed in the fall of man was the serpent. When God asked Eve, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate" (Gen. 3:13). As someone humorously put it, “Adam blamed his wife, his wife blamed the serpent, and the serpent didn’t have a leg to stand on.” Now, did not Eve have the freedom to rebuke the serpent’s temptation and trust in God’s words? Doesn’t the Scripture say to us, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7)? Yet it is the devil who is often blamed when people fall in temptation. Remember, Satan won’t pull our collar to commit sin. He only entices us. We are solely responsible for making a choice to yield to the luring temptations.

Finally, do you know the saddest thing in this incident? Neither Adam nor Eve took personal responsibility to confess their sin. They didn’t show any sign of repentance. They were busy blaming the other person. They felt shame within but didn’t admit their sin. Don’t we often feel that shame within when we commit sins or mistakes but refuse admitting them? When we do something wrong our ego or pride immediately rises to justify our folly. We do all that we can by blaming people, devil and even God but deny taking responsibility for our sins. It is good for us if we stop playing blame game and heed to this Scripture, “He who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy” (Pro. 28:13).

(To be continued.....)

(Previous reading - Part 6)

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Insights from Genesis 3 - Part 6

2008-09-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

6. Sin is Sin

Genesis 3:6, "She took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it."

Whether you throw a pebble or a rock both will sink into the water, right? It is our tendency to quickly justify ourselves, saying, “What great sin did I commit! It was just a little thing!” Remember, whether small or great, sin is sin. Read these words carefully: "She took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it" (Genesis 3:6). And when God asked Adam, "What have you done?" he replied, "The woman you put here with me--she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it" (3:12).

Eve did not eat the complete fruit. She ate only some and so did Adam. However, her actions were not belittled just because she ate little. There was no way for Eve to justify herself before God, “Lord, I didn’t eat the complete fruit. It was only little that I ate. Don’t take it too serious!” Doesn’t this attitude sound familiar? How often do we consider some sins with ‘take it easy attitude’ simply because we view them as something “small” or “little.” Oh, by the way, do you remember Saul’s mission? God told him to completely destroy the wicked Amalekites. Saul did destroy Amalekites but he spared Agag king of Amalekites and the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and lambs-- everything that was good.

When Samuel rebuked Saul of his disobedience are you aware of how he responded? Saul justified himself saying, “But I did obey the LORD," Saul said. "I went on the mission the LORD assigned me. I completely destroyed the Amalekites and brought back Agag their king. The soldiers took sheep and cattle from the plunder, the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal" (1 Samuel 15:20-21). Saul didn’t yet understand his sin. He still was under the impression that he obeyed God. He didn’t realize that “half obedience (little obedience) is no obedience at all.” He didn't grasp that little sin is still sin in the sight of God.

Furthermore, when we study the life of King Saul and King David, whose sin appears greater to us? Of course, David’s. He committed an immoral act by sleeping with another man’s wife and worse still, killing that man to take his wife. Saul’s sin seems to be smaller compared to David’s. Yet, Saul received a greater judgment than David. Why is it so? When prophet Samuel rebuked Saul he justified himself before others but when prophet Nathan rebuked David he humbly repented before God. No matter how great or small our sins are, when we honestly admit our sins and repent, God is gracious enough to forgive us.

How often do we take sin lightly or consider sin “little”, only to continue living in sin! The Holy Bible doesn’t weigh sin in terms of great or small; it just addressed sin as sin. May we dare not take sin lightly, saying, “It was just a lie, not a plunder; just a lustful thought or look, not an adulterous action; just an anger, not a violent fight; just hatred, not murder; just an unkind word, not an abominable speech; just unforgiveness, not vengeance; just premarital sex, not prostitution…etc.” Jesus’ exhortations in His Sermon on the Mount are related to what humans consider trivial. May we educate our conscience to see sin from God’s point of view, not from the world’s perspective!

James was straightforward in letting us know, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it" (Jas 2:10; cf. 1Jn 3:4). Can we live our entire life without stumbling at one law? For this reason, however holy we may seek to live we can never claim of being perfect in this sinful world. We may not commit sins which appear mountainous before people but are we not prone to commit sins which are like anthill? Anyways, sin is sin. We are saved by grace from the penalty of sin and live by grace on earth and enter in heaven by grace alone. Our life on earth is a journey towards perfection. Paul urged the Corinthians, “Aim for perfection” (2 Corinthians 13:11). Therefore, we must constantly seek God’s holiness, always examine ourselves in the light of the Holy Spirit, honestly repent of our sins (great or small) and keep growing in the likeness of Christ.

Well, I am not arguing here that all sins are equal in the intensity of offense or damage and that all sins have the same consequences. My point is—let us stop weighing sin (so to justify our actions) and take responsibility to confess and repent of any sin we commit, whether small or great. One of the great signs of a holy person—he is not flippant in his attitude towards sin. May we understand that sin, whether great or small, is still sin in God’s sight. Therefore, may we humble ourselves and “let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete purity because we fear God” (2 Corinthians 7:1, NLT).

(To be continued.....)

(Previous reading - Part 5)

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Insights from Genesis 3 - Part 5

2008-08-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

5. Sin is Contagious

Genesis 3:6, "When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it".

Do you know one of the tragic realities of sin? IT INFLUENCES THOSE AROUND US. Sin is terribly contagious. It is more dangerous and rapidly spreads than AIDs virus. The Holy Bible often likened sin to yeast in bread which symbolizes the power of corruption. When Eve sinned, she also involved Adam in her sinful act. She didn’t sin without immediately influencing Adam. She got spoiled and also spoiled the one with her. Perhaps Eve had best intentions in sharing the fruit with Adam but what she did was a worst action in the sight of the Almighty God. To quote Irish poet Oscar Wilde (a great thinker who lived a pathetic life), “It is always with the best intentions that the worst work is done.”

What Eve did continues to this day. It is human disposition that when we do something sinful we will inevitably cause others to partake in it. He who yields to the temptation will also become a temptation to others. For example, the one who commits adultery will seduce the other person to take part in the act. People cannot gossip without a partner. Women cannot grumble without spreading the bitterness into others. Men cannot walk in falsity without misleading others. We cannot live a bad life without leaving bad steps for others to follow; at least few people will be influenced, especially the ones who are close to us, like family members and friends. And there is no part in our body which is as influential as our tongue. For this reason it is written, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Pro. 18:21).

Some may say, “I can sin in isolation, i.e. in my mind; what I think or imagine is confined to myself.” True, but our thoughts and imagination does impact our words and actions, eventually influencing others. We influence ourselves with our sight and thoughts and others with our words and actions. Never forget—SIN IN ME BREEDS SIN IN OTHERS. SIN GROWS IN ME AND MULTIPLIES IN OTHERS. AH, THE SIN THAT TAKES ROOT IN ME WILL NOT FAIL TO BEAR FRUIT IN OTHERS! Ravi Zacharias was right in saying, “Sin has a ripple effect. You will never ever sin alone because when you sin you are changed and when you are changed you will affect somebody else.”

Here is one of the deceptive statements by some – “I don’t live a good life and nor will I influence others with my sinful lifestyle.” Every person is a channel, either of good or bad. Remember, there is no neutrality when it comes to sin. We may (at times) sin in isolation but we cannot live a sinful lifestyle in isolation. I need to yet meet a person who sins without dragging others into sin. Moreover, we may not necessarily have to become preachers or teachers to cause impact on others. The way we live is far influential than the words we speak, and especially the impact of a sinful lifestyle spreads like wildfire. The Holy Scripture is replete with examples, teaching us that the affect of a sinful life is much easier and swift than holy life.

Dear brothers and sisters, what kind of life are we living? How are we influencing those around us? What is it that others are learning from us? Are we setting up a good model or a bad example to others? Let me make it plain—to continue to live deliberately in sin is to inevitably have devastating affect on others, whether intentionally or unintentionally, consciously or unconsciously. The Holy Bible has surplus examples and instructions about not being influenced by or influencing others with something bad. Here are some of them:

Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. (Lu. 17:1-2)

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. (Rom. 14:13)

Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? (1 Cor. 5:6)

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Cor. 15:33)

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Cor. 8:9)

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. (Rom. 16:17)

We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. (2 Cor. 6:3)

See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (Heb. 12:15)

Application: The only way to evade bad influence upon others is to live a holy and loving life. May we be quick to recognize our sins, confess them to God and repent before we are tempted to pollute those around us.

(To be continued.....)

(Previous reading - Part 4)

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Insights from Genesis 3 - Part 4

2008-07-20T07:02:00.001-07:00

4. Pleasure and Peril of Sin

Genesis 3:6, “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”

Do you know why we people love to commit sin? Because it is pleasing, alluring and exhilarating. When the woman saw the fruit of the tree it seemed irresistibly pleasing to her eye. I think she did not eat the fruit immediately after looking at it. She gazed at it and the more she had intent look at it the more it appealed to her. She couldn’t control herself anymore from eating the forbidden fruit and finally gave in to the trap of sin. Eve stands as an example of how one can be deluded by the fascination of sin, failing to see beyond its pleasure. Someone rightly said, “Sin will always expose to you, the pleasure that lies immediately in front of you, it blinds to the destruction that lies ahead of you.” Sin is attractive but destructive too; it is fascinating but also devastating.

Now here is a caution: If Eve was fascinated towards sin in her sinless state what about us who battle with our sinful nature? Don’t dwell on something that is forbidden. To do so is to get captivated by it. Sin is such a powerful force that once we are caught in its lure we are left defenseless to resist. Therefore, beware of yielding to the cravings of the eye, for it comes not from the Father but from the world (1 Jn. 2:16). Jesus said, “Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body also is full of darkness” (Luke 11:34). Yes, our eyes direct our body. The eye is the organ whereby we look at something and signals the mind to think and move; the body becomes active by the mind to feel and act accordingly. I think we may abstain from committing most of the terrible sins if our eyes become blind.

For this reason Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away” (Matt. 5:27). What did he mean in saying this? Did he say to literally pluck our eyes? Certainly not! In his paraphrased Bible “The Message” Eugene H. Peterson translated it well, “If you want to live a morally pure life, here's what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it in a lustful leer.” I know by experience that to turn my eyes immediately from the pleasure of sin is like plucking my eyes; it’s really painful. However, this is what I have observed: To resist sin is painful for a moment but fruitful thereafter; to yield to sin is pleasurable awhile but proves perilous later. So, if our eyes are caught up in a sinful sight we have to instantly turn away and focus on something that is good (Phi. 4:8). Eve’s eyes were caught by the pleasure of sin, eventually leading her into peril.

Friends, if we fail to discipline the way we look at things with our eyes the power of temptation becomes uncontrollable. What do we do when we look at things that are pleasing to our sight? Did we school our eyes and mind? How do we look at magazines, television, women, men, unwanted material things, forbidden objects…etc? Many are in pursuit to get what is seemingly good, pleasant and desirable to their eyes and consequently getting into misery and heavy burdens. It's true that sin is fascinating and luring, but it is also true that it is dangerous and destructive. Sin is quite attractive but by yielding unto it, we put ourselves into its ugliness. Ah, sin has pleasant lips with poisonous teeth!

It was Samuel Smiles who said, “Sow a thought and you reap an act. Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny.” If I am permitted I wish to put at first, “Sow a sight and you reap a thought.” Sight and imagination work inseparably to cause feelings and actions. Take a note, what we watch is what we catch; what we catch is what we hatch. If we don’t control the way we look at things what we look will take control over us.

(To be continued.....)

(Previous reading - Part 3)

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Insights from Genesis 3 - Part 3

2008-07-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

3. Discontentment

Genesis 3:6, “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.”

How “blessed” Eve and Adam were! They had everything to taste and enjoy in the world God created for them. They had all the freedom to eat the best fruits from all the trees in the garden and had only one commandment to obey, i.e. not to eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. However, Eve didn't remain content with all that God had given her and craved for something more which was forbidden. She forgot all the best she received from the gracious hand of God, and instead, focused on that one thing she didn't have. She failed to acknowledge, “God has given us the best and I am content with what I have.” She allowed dissatisfaction to reign her heart. Make a note—discontentment was the ruination of our first parents.

What about us? Even today the devil is taking advantage of people’s dissatisfaction by luring them into unwanted things. No wonder many are chasing things that are forbidden by God. The mankind is in misery because there is no contentment. Solomon observed it well, “All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied” (Ecc. 6:7). How disillusioned people have become in seeking to satisfy their passions and appetite! Never forget, the vast sea has boundaries but there are no limits to the desires of our heart. It may be easier to empty the mighty ocean than to fulfill our heart’s desires. To try to satisfy our passions and cravings is like chasing after the wind.

We Christians succumb to devil’s temptation when we remain dissatisfied with the few things we don't have when God has blessed us with countless blessings. It is the devil’s pleasure to see us regretting for things that we do not have than rejoice for the things we already have. When it comes to earthly things, therefore, the Holy Scripture exhorts, "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction" (1Tim. 6:6-9).

The Holy Bible teaches us that if we have the basic necessities of life we have everything to survive and to be happy on earth. Some are discouraged with God because of unanswered prayers; they didn’t get what they wanted. Well, we need to understand that God did not promise to satisfy our greed but to provide all that we need (Phi. 4:18-19). So whenever you are tempted to doubt the faithfulness of God, ask yourself, “Did God fail in providing me the basic necessities of life?” And remember, do not allow what others possess to direct your life and prayers. Solomon made an apt statement, “And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecc. 4:4).

Do not imitate the world, for the world is obsessed with materialism. As the world is advancing and so are people's cravings. Success is defined by what you gain, not with what you remain. But who are the blessed, successful and happy ones according to God’s word? Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness and are content with physical things (Matt. 5:6; 1 Tim. 6:6-9) Sadly, rather than being content physically and craving to grow spiritually many are physically discontent and spiritually complacent. I fear the things that are below are dominating our lives more than the things that are above (Col. 3:2).

In the place where I live we have a chain store named, “MORE for you.” I don’t know with what intention that name was kept but that speaks a lot about what people are seeking today. People want MORE sex (outside marriage), MORE money, MORE pleasures, MORE power, MORE fame, MORE food, MORE comfort, MORE things, MORE prosperity, MORE and MORE and MORE ... Do we realize the tragedy of discontentment—the more we get the more we become desperate to get more? True joy is not in receiving what we want but in being content with what we have.

Now, added to the struggle of innate greed is the prosperity teaching which triggers more craving for the things of the world. This dangerous teaching is making many Christians carnal, selfish and greedy. Instead of giving up everything to follow Christ people are following Christ to get everything (Lu. 14:33). In these last days, without becoming victims of these false teachings which infiltrated the church we have to discipline the desires of our heart and make it submissive to God's Word. In doing so, we resist the temptation of the devil to be discontent. When we feel dissatisfied, consider all we have and thank God for His mercies that never cease. This keeps us from grumbling, greed and from ingratitude. We need to learn the prayer of George Herbert, “Thou hast given so much to me…give me one thing more—a grateful heart.”

Finally, we are well aware of the saying, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb 13:5). I see this verse hanging in many houses. But did we consider the context in which it is written? Please read the preceding words, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have because God said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you" (Heb 13:5). In other words it implies, “Don’t live a discontent life because God is all-sufficient.” Yet, how many Christians are living a discontent life because they just believe in God but are not satisfied by having Him who is all-sufficient? Remember, we are created by Christ and for His pleasure, not for the world and for its pleasures (Col. 1:16). Our ultimate satisfaction is in living for the pleasure of Christ, not in getting the pleasures of the world.

(To be continued.....)

(Previous reading - Part 2)

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Insights from Genesis 3 - Part 2

2008-07-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

2. Diluting the Consequences of Sin

Genesis 3:1-4, "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?" The woman said to the serpent, "We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, but God did say, 'You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.'" "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman."

One of the subtle strategies of the devil in enticing people to destroy their relationship with God is by diluting the consequences of sin. When God told, “You will die,” the devil said, “You will not surely die.” Eve took seriously the words of Satan than the words of God. She ate the fruit thinking that nothing God warned would happen. She failed to understand that God is not like a man who is casual in his words. She allowed the father of lies to fool her.

Even today the devil is continuing to fool multitudes by blurring their understanding towards sin and its consequences. He lied in the minds of many, “How can a loving God send you to hell? How would a merciful God punish you for your sins? Jesus died for your sins, so you don’t have to be concerned about how to conduct your life according to God’s word. Live the way you want and you will certainly not die; nothing will happen; God’s grace is all-sufficient to cover your sins.”

So people made their mind to focus on a God who is always loving, gives whatever people ask, blesses everyone, forgives whenever people sin, gives good health and wealth, offers peace and joy. Now that’s true! However, the devil has fooled people to ignore the other undeniable aspects of God’s character - such as holiness, justice, discipline and judgment. The devil has been successful in tempting people to direct their complete attention on God’s love without holiness, blessings without obedience, forgiveness without repentance, heavenly joy without godly sorrow, crown without cross, peace without righteousness, grace without godliness and faith in Jesus without fear of God.

It is regretful to see countless Christians living a compromising and easy-going life by claiming to believe in the loving God. To the Romans, who had partial understanding of God's nature, Paul exhorted, “Consider therefore the KINDNESS and STERNNESS of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off” (Rom. 11:22). Here is a caution that God would not spare anyone if we abuse His kindness for self-indulgence. In the same epistle Paul also cautioned, “Do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Rom. 2:4)

Dear brothers and sisters, God poured out His abundant grace and kindness upon us so that we would repent (without wallowing in self-condemnation) and change our lifestyle (without giving excuses to live a sinful life). We may not be entirely perfect but there is ongoing repentance and progressive growth in the holiness of God in all those who pursue His kingdom and righteousness. Moreover, the fall of man should constantly remind us that God is awesome; He cannot compromise with sin! Isn’t it amazing that the entire humanity was cursed because of one disobedient act of our first parents? What does this speak about God's view of sin? And what about the horrible death of Christ on the cross? Shouldn’t that bring to our mind that God put himself in terrible agony to provide forgiveness for our sins, revealing that He is never casual with sin and neither should His children be?

What about us? Do we take light of God’s warnings? Are we fearing God and shunning evil? Isaiah cried, "Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word" (Isa. 66:5). I am afraid to see many Christians losing the fear of God and becoming desensitized to the conviction of the Holy Spirit in regard to sin and righteousness. Do we seriously consider the exhortations and encouragement of God given in His Word or are we philosophizing our own view about who God is? One of the frequent exhortations given in God's word is, "Do not be deceived."

Are we seriously considering the sober teachings of the Holy Scriptures on the destructive nature of sin? If unrepentant, the Holy Bible explicitly teaches that – “the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexual offenders, impure, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers, the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, those who practice magic arts, the liars, the envious, the aggressors will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Revelation 21:8; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5). Therefore, let us renounce every deceptive belief of the devil that ignores holiness and encourages people to sin and face terrible consequences.

(To be continued.....)

(Previous reading - Part 1)

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Insights from Genesis 3 - Part 1

2008-06-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

1. Doubting the Goodness of God

Genesis 3:4-5, "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

How crafty the devil is! His goal is to rob the people from their Maker by making them doubt God’s very character. Here's the devil’s counsel to his co-workers, “If you want to mislead the people from their Creator, it’s quite simple - just make use of the opportunities to let them doubt His love and goodness.” The serpent had been successful in tempting Eve by having her doubt the goodness and faithfulness of God. He implied that God is selfish and doesn't want to share His knowledge of good and evil with them. He deceived her into believing that God withheld from her the best. Regretfully, Eve believed the lie of the devil and did that which God had forbidden her.

Ever since then the devil has been busy in getting people to doubt the goodness and faithfulness of God. When things don’t happen according to our expectations or when situations seem to be unfair, we are always tempted to ask, “Why did God do this to me?” The serpent lies in our mind: “If God really loves you then why did he put you in such a difficult situation? If God really cares for you then why is He not answering your prayers? If God is in control of your life then why all things are not going well with you?” By having us believe such lies, he turns us to get bitter against God and do things that which He has forbidden.

Dear friends, we have to destroy the devil's lie by the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17). For it is written, "God is good and His love endures forever" (Ps 118:1). When tempted Eve failed to acknowledge that God gave her the best. She couldn’t believe that He works all things for good. She couldn’t trust God’s love for her. Oswald Chambers once said, "The root of sin is the suspicion that God is not good."

How painful it would be for God to see His children doubting His goodness in their lives! In most cases, the root cause for worry, disappointment, loneliness and depression is our failure to acknowledge who God is. The state of our mind and heart speaks more of what we believe about God than our statements. Whenever you are tempted to doubt God’s love and goodness in your life gear yourself up to cling to the following Scriptures:

Romans 8:32 - He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-- how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

Matthew 7:9-11 - Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

(To be continued.....)

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He Transformed My Life

2008-06-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

Stephen David's interview by CBN on how he was encountered by Christ Jesus.

"Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous Deeds."
(Psalm 71:17)

It is written in the Holy Bible, “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:3). I gladly take this great privilege to testify of the goodness and the greatness of God in my life. The following message is a brief testimony of my life and most importantly, of His grace upon me.

LIFE BEFORE CHRIST

Family Background
I was born in the year 1976, on September 30th, in a lower class family. We lived in an inner-city slum for years. Half of my life was spent there and I remember the difficult times our family went through. My papa was a bus driver and poured his entire life for the upbringing of our family. My mom was a housewife and she too sacrificed her life for the service of her children and husband. My parents begat three sons and one daughter, also adopted two cousins. I am the youngest and of course, the most pampered son.

Religious Upbringing
Our family was not very religious and I did not know what it was to grow in a godly family. Our religious background was basically Roman Catholicism, however, my family believed in polytheism and therefore all of us were idolaters. I still remember how as a child I used to go with my family to various religious places of different religions. We worshipped anything or anyone the crowd followed.

My elder brother, in his teens, happened to become a devotee of one of the admired gods of India, ‘Shirdi Sai Baba.’ Not only did he lead others to become the followers of Baba, in the year 1990, he also won me over to become Baba’s follower. I became an ardent worshipper of Baba and followed various rituals. To me all religions were various roads to God and I did not mind accepting anything that seemed to be appealing. Like many others, I did not care to examine my beliefs or practices as long as something good resulted according to what I had desired.

Secular Education
I suppose there is not much to speak about my academics. I was not a bright student and with much difficulty studied up to class 10th. I became too mischievous when I was in the 9th class and caused problems in the school. After coming to the 10th, I started to bunk classes to watch movies and loaf around. Because of my misconduct, my Principal almost decided to terminate me from the school. Due to my family’s pleading, he relented and gave me another chance to continue my studies. Nonetheless, I continued to live a rebellious life.

In the year 1991, I worked hard for a while and somehow managed to finish my matriculation. I do not take the credit of passing the exam because I cheated. Moreover, I was having affair with a girl at that time. Over the time of my entrance into the college, though I was unfit to take subjects relating to medicine, because my girl friend chose to do Bi.P.C, I too opted the same. Sadly, I could not finish my college while my girl friend went through and eventually became a physiotherapist.

During my college years, my family was under dire financial struggles. My father went to United Arab Emirates to earn considerable amount of money to support my family. Regretfully he was deceived by the agent. He suffered terribly in the desert and lost his health. With a hope that our father is going to send surplus money, my family went ahead and got my sister married. You know how expensive it is to have a woman get married in India, for it involves dowry and numerous other expenses. After her marriage, our hopes were shattered and our family went into debts and faced severe accusations and insults from the creditors.

Troubled by our afflictions, my father went to the extent of selling his kidney in UAE to help us in our desperate condition but the doctors had to reject his plea because he had acquired diabetes. Removing his kidney will inevitably cost his life. Here in India, not knowing what to do, my mother and brother virtually decided to commit suicide, after giving poison to the rest of the family members. Thankfully, by the grace of Jesus Christ, things did not happen as they desired for my brother Nelson was saved at that time. Eventually, it took almost eight painful years to come out of our debts.

During those pathetic circumstances, I stopped going to college and started to work as a waiter in a pub where there was a cabaret act. I almost lost interest in studies by then and was caught up in a mood to earn money and enjoy life. If asked today about my secular academic studies, I must honestly admit that I am not a well-educated person, having only a tenth class certificate, that too passed in first class by cheating in the exam.

Indulgence in Wickedness and Evil Habits
Encircled by the poverty in my family, I supposed money to be the answer for life. I resolved to earn as much money as I could, be it through good or evil ways, to live a carefree and pleasurable life. Through lying and by producing fake educational certificates I secured work in an eminent hospital. There I began to misappropriate money. Once caught without sufficient proof, I was transferred to the main branch under disciplinary action. However, that would not restrain a person who had already committed himself to acquire riches by any and all means. My only aim was to become an affluent person through whatever means. I was pursuing various illegal ways to reach my goal. In 1995, one person, whom I suppose to be a maoist, had observed my radical life and offered me money to commit a murder. Without taking time, I immediately consented to do anything for money. However, we both had a conflict later and the plan to murder failed. I thank God for not letting that happen.

In my wild passion to obtain more money and pleasure, I began to sink lower and lower in behavior and morality. I got addicted to smoking and loved to drink. Once I got drunk to such an extent that I almost behaved like an animal and fell unconscious on the road. My friends carried me to my house and I slept like a dead man for more than normal hours. Due to smoking, even today if I run fast for a little distance, I struggle to breathe normally for at least half an hour. I was earning a lot of money in an improper way and lived a hedonistic life. There were times I ended up in a police station twice and in a court case on petty issue. I was lured into pornography and lost the basic moral senses of humanity. My heart was wretched, my speech abusive and my lifestyle horrible.

ENCOUNTERING JESUS CHRIST

In living a wicked life, my heart became terribly restless and I started to question myself about where I was heading. I was told about Jesus Christ but I was reluctant to either hear or believe. To me, money and pleasure was the answer for life. Believe me, my family was scared of my lifestyle and some of them, who already came to the knowledge of the Savior, started praying for me.

There came a time when I was preparing to commit a crime along with my friends. During that process, on June 26th 1996, something happened to me that changed the rest of my life. A heavy conviction came on my heart when I woke up in the morning and my mind was bombarded with questions about my life and future. There was nothing auspicious or a miraculous encounter to think about God. On that day I happened to go to the temple of Sai Baba, along with my relatives, and stood before the idol as the devotees were coming in one by one to worship. To me all gods were one and I found nothing wrong in differing religious practices.

However, on that day a powerful conviction gripped my heart and my sins emerged before me. I could clearly sense my evil heart. The Holy Bible actually condemns idolatry. The thoughts about Jesus were becoming more real to me. With a repentant heart, there in the Baba’s temple, I knelt and gave my life to Christ and became His follower. Oh, I was born-again! It amazes me even today how God visits in unexpected places.

LIFE AFTER CHRIST

When I became a Christian, my life drastically changed. Jesus transformed a horrible beast like me. I came to know that there is only one God and none other and salvation is only in Jesus’ name (Isaiah 45:22; Acts 4:12). When I shared this with my friends they mocked at me and abandoned me for taking a decision to follow Christ. I wasn’t disturbed much because the love of God was all-sufficient for me. During that time, I learned, “People may love me thinking that I am good but God loves me knowing that I am bad.”

After being saved by Jesus Christ, I was passionate to know God more and more. I knew nothing about God and the Holy Bible except the gospel of Jesus Christ. The only thing I knew was that Jesus loves me, laid His life for me on the Cross and rose on the third day and that He was the only Savior and hope for the perishing world. Well, the Lord made a way for me to join in a Bible college. I wasn’t good at speaking English and I struggled a lot to learn there. During my theological studies, initially, I could not preach well in English due to language barrier.

Thankfully, God gave me the grace to become a diligent reader of the Holy Bible. For the first time in my life I started to spend long hours in reading the books in library. Finally, after three years, I completed my graduation in theology and lectured there for a while. Later, I started a ministry and am continuing to upgrade my theological education. Currently the Lord has blessed me with preaching, teaching and writing ministry.

I must also mention that there were ups and downs in my Christian life. There were times I turned my back on the Lord and grieved His heart. Nevertheless, God chased me in His love and persevered patiently with me. He is constantly working in my life and now I cannot imagine my life without Jesus. The joy that I have in Him now is nothing compared to what I was pursuing in the world before coming to Christ. I am eternally grateful to know that the Lord Jesus Christ alone is the answer for life.

Final Words
Once in a hopeless condition, our family is now a mighty witness of Jesus Christ. My elder brother, C. Nelson David (a former devotee of Sai Baba), was the first person in our family to believe in Christ. Today he is an outstanding servant of God and a wonderful preacher of God's word. My papa trusted Jesus in his latter days and went to be with the Lord in the year 2003. My cousin sister, Vinolia, is active in ministry. My mom has an evangelistic heart and passionately shares about Jesus with many women. My girl friend, Chaitanya Devi, trusted Christ in 1997 and we both got married in 1998. We are now blessed with two wonderful sons, Joy and Joe.

Dear reader, if I was not saved by the grace of Jesus Christ, I would have become either a smuggler or a criminal. Jesus is the One who is able to save and change sinful lives. You may not be as worst as I was but the Holy Bible says that we are all sinners and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23); and the wages of sin is death (6:23). When we repent of our sins and trust in the Lord’s finished work on the Cross for the atonement of our sins, our sins are forgiven, our lives are transformed and we have eternal life.

My life is a testimony of what God can do through a man who can do nothing by himself. Yes, He can bring the best out of the worst. The following Scripture is something I ought not to forget in my life: “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1: 26-29).

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Biggest Killer of Interpersonal Relationships - Part 3

2008-05-25T03:08:00.000-07:00

CONSEQUENCES OF GOSSIP

There was a man who told so many malicious untruths about the local rabbi that, overcome by remorse, he begged the rabbi to forgive him. “And, Rebbe, tell me how I can make amends.”

The rabbi sighed, “Take two pillows, go to the public square and there cut the pillows open. Wave them in the air. Then come back.”

The rumormonger quickly went home, got two pillows and a knife, hastened to the square, cut the pillows open, waved them in the air and hastened back to the rabbi’s chambers. “I did just what you said, Rebbe!”

“Good.” The rabbi smiled. “Now, to realize how much harm is done by gossip, go back to the square...”

“And?”

“And collect all your feathers.” [1]
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Gossip often reaps irreparable consequences, yet focusing on the weaknesses of other people and gossiping about them has become a disposition of the majority of Christians. In doing so, many relationships are shallow, weak and dismantled. The intriguing thing is that people find great pleasure in gossiping and also listen with great curiosity and delight. It is said, “The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food. People like to gobble them up” (Pro. 18:8, NCV). Yes, speaking ill of others appeases one’s 'self.' To many, gossip is a kind of great pleasure and quite difficult to avoid. Nevertheless, the Holy Scripture offers few warnings regarding the consequences of gossip which every Christian need to seriously consider:

a) Those who gossip cannot enjoy the holy presence of God in their lives. God hates gossip and His manifesting presence is far from gossipers. It is written, “Lord, who may enter your Holy Tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? Only those who are innocent and who do what is right. Such people speak the truth from their hearts and do not tell lies about others. They do no wrong to their neighbors and do not gossip (Pro. 15:1-3, NCV).

b) A gossiper is an untrustworthy person, lacks confidentiality and is therefore to be avoided. It is written, “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much” (Pro. 20:19).

c) Gossip ruins healthy relationship and wrecks one’s reputation. It is written, “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends” (Pro. 16:28).

d) Gossip stirs up anger in interpersonal relationships. It is written, “The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue, an angry countenance” (Pro. 25:23, NASB).

e) Entertaining gossips is to invite insurmountable problems in relationships. It is written, “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down” (Pro. 26:20).

f) The one who gossips is a troublemaker, not a peacemaker. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9).

Let us give thought to the above consequences before we attempt to gossip.

OVERCOMING GOSSIP

Most of us know that gossip is sin, yet most of us gossip. Remember - Gossip is like the fireworks, for it explodes valuable relationships. It is never a solution to the problems; instead it adds misery. As we are called to make every effort to live at peace with all men, we ought to deal with interpersonal problems according to God’s instructions. God knows our every problem and He has revealed in His Word how to deal with problematic situations. We have to approach issues without staining our mouths with gossip - after all, what good it does to stain ourselves by throwing stones of gossip into the flaws of others. Therefore, to those who are willing to live in obedient to God's word, the following are some of the practical guidelines to overcome the problem of gossip:

a) Determine not to gossip: Make a firm resolution not to gossip about others. It is written about Daniel that he, “resolved not to defile himself” (Dan. 1:8a). Dave Hunt wrote, “Obedience begins with a determination to obey.”[2] Who can help an unwilling heart! There is no transformation without firm determination. To overcome gossip one must seriously resolve not to speak unnecessarily about the weaknesses and affairs of other people. We must not say, "I cannot help myself from gossiping" but "I can overcome gossip through Christ who strengthens me."

b) Discipline to mind one’s own business: People generally mind their own business when it comes to caring others but try to meddle in with other people’s private affairs. It is written in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders....” The admonition “lead a quiet life” is the translation of Greek [hesuchazo], "to refrain from gossip or meddlesomeness."[3] We must focus on what we have to do and do it than worry about what others are not doing and start gossiping. Discipline yourself to stay focussed on your work and responsibilities without meddling in with superfluous issues. Be hard on yourself to become kind to others.

c) Deny those who gossip: One reason why people gossip more is because of eager listeners. Gossip must be firmly avoided, or else it will inevitably influence and entrap those who listen. We must not fear of hurting the people who gossip to us (when the hurt is actually for good) by firmly refusing them to gossip. If gossiping is dumping garbage on others then listening to gossip is to become a garbage can. So don't become a trash can but a vase of flowers. Listen to Paul’s counsel, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor. 15:33). Warn a gossip gently to cease gossiping and if needed, firmly rebuke. If no change, avoid a person who gossips. God's word exhorts, "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much" (Pro. 20:19).

d) Directly confront in love: Some people try to justify gossip by claiming what they speak is really the truth. Whether truth or false - gossip is harmful. If any problem occur in interpersonal relationships there is a way for restoration and must be dealt according to the set pattern given in the Holy Bible. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus taught, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault just between the two of you.” This is the most significant and appropriate method for restoration (Of course there is room to share with confidential people who can help in counseling or solving the interpersonal problems. Matt. 18:16). If others sin against us, we must take initiation to correct them personally in love than gossip about them publicly.

It is always good and healthy to speak to the person regarding the problem rather than speak about the person before others. But some give excuses, “This doesn’t work; people won’t accept correction.” Our goal is to do all that we can, make every effort possible, to be in good relationship with others. It is not good to come to conclusions before facing the results. God always expects us to do our best and leave the rest to Him.

It’s true that all do not have the attitude to change but there is a great possibility of building sound relationships through this kind of approach. Though correcting others may not work all the time but there is all possibility for resolving conflicts and to build healthy relationships. Never forget this wise counsel, “If there are problems that need to be addressed, it is better to confront in love than to gossip.”[4] If we do not have boldness and respect to confront the person directly it is better to shut our mouth rather than gossip.

e) Do know yourself: I have learned that when I don’t examine myself and recognize my own weaknesses I am easily prone to gossip about others. He who does not examine himself will always sneak to criticize others’ faults! If I know my own weaknesses and failures I will fear to speak ill about others. He who knows himself well will not be hasty to speak ill about others. When I truly understand how much God is gracious towards me I will refuse to be unkind toward others. I have observed that if I unkindly gossip about others the Lord will not shower His grace upon me, however desperately I cry, to overcome my own weaknesses.

I believe it is quite important that we always examine ourselves and know ourselves well, for doing this will help us to abstain from gossip. The more we understand our struggles with our own imperfections the more we would learn to speak kindly about others. Very rarely do people speak about others' weaknesses with a concerned heart. Gossip usually comes out of a ruthless heart. Let us never forget the words of our Lord, “Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7). Gossip is a sign of merciless heart, so let us learn to be merciful.

f) Dominate your tongue: I think most of the sins that we commit are with our tongue. We have to learn to dominate or tame our tongue. No wonder it is written, "When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise" (Pro. 10:19). Charles Swindoll was right when he said, “More than any slanderous event, any immoral act, any unwise financial dealings, that which breaks up a church quickest is an unchecked tongue.”[5] Not only the church, an uncontrolled and unchecked tongue wrecks any relationship. Therefore, let us consider carefully before we speak. Alan Redpath suggested that before we speak - THINK:

T—Is it true?
H—Is it helpful?
I—Is it inspiring?
N—Is it necessary?
K—Is it kind?

If what I am about to say does not pass those tests, I will keep my mouth shut![6]

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[1] http://net.bible.org/illustration.php?topic=664
[2] Dave Hunt, Loving God (Bend Oregon: The Berean Call, Novermeber, 2004), pg. 4.
[3] International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic text and markup copyright 1998 by Epiphany Software.
[4] Life Application Study Bible, New International Version (Co-published by, Wheaton, IL: Tyndale Hous Publishers, Inc. & Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991), pg. 2124.
[5] Charles R. Swindoll, Three Steps Forward Two Steps Back (New York: Bantam Books, 1982), pg. 166.
[6] Alan Redpath, Daily Christian Quote (March, 2005).
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Biggest Killer of Interpersonal Relationships - Part 2

2008-05-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

REASONS FOR GOSSIP

There are reasons why people love to gossip. These reasons do not justify the sin of gossip but should rather caution us to avoid gossip when we find ourselves in such situations. Some of them are:

a) Problems: People generally gossip when they confront problems with others. Gossip is often the reaction of an offended heart. No problems, no gossip. At times problems may not necessarily be with others but with themselves, for there are times the real problem doesn’t exist in a situation but in perception. Of course, there are rare situations when people gossip even when there are no problems, only to create problems.

b) To seek comfort and attention from others: When people are hurt by someone what they often do is to try to seek comfort from others by gossiping about the offensive one. They want others to feel sorry for them.

c) To release bitterness: Gossip is a release of bitterness from one’s heart against someone. This release isn’t about “freeing from bitterness” but “spreading of bitterness”. In most cases, people gossip, not to get the right counsel in order to approach the problem, but to spread their bitterness to others.

d) To justify themselves: Those who gossip do so to justify themselves before others. When their ‘ego’ is under disrepute or under threat, people gossip to prove that they are right and good by defaming others.

e) To idle away the time: Some gossip to idle away their time. They are sluggards and idle talkers who relish gossiping about the affairs of other people—after all, gossiping is the best way to pass time. About such people the Holy Bible says, “Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to” (1 Timothy 5:13).

Those who know how to use their time wisely do not get into superfluous talk.

(To be continued.....)

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