Joseph Hanse

LEADERSHIP QUALITY

2014-11-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

Good Leadership

Having a great idea and assembling a team to bring that concept to life is the first step in creating a successful business venture. While finding a new and unique idea is rare enough; the ability to successfully execute this idea is what separates the dreamers from the entrepreneurs.

However you see yourself, whatever your age may be, as soon as you make that exciting first hire, you have taken the first steps in becoming a powerful leader. When money is tight, stress levels are high, and the visions of instant success don’t happen like you thought, it’s easy to let those emotions get to you, and thereby your team. Take a breath, calm yourself down, and remind yourself of the leader you are and would like to become. Here are some key qualities that every good leader should possess, and learn to emphasize.

Honesty
Whatever ethical plane you hold yourself to, when you are responsible for a team of people, its important to raise the bar even higher. Your business and its employees are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior a key value, your team will follow suit.
As we do at Onevest, the crowdfunding platform for entrepreneurs and small businesses I co-founded, try to make a list of values and core beliefs that both you and your brand represent, and post this in your office. Promote a healthy interoffice lifestyle, and encourage your team to live up to these standards. By emphasizing these standards, and displaying them yourself, you will hopefully influence the office environment into a friendly and helpful workspace.

Ability to Delegate
Finessing your brand vision is essential to creating an organized and efficient business, but if you don’t learn to trust your team with that vision, you might never progress to the next stage. Its important to remember that trusting your team with your idea is a sign of strength, not weakness. Delegating tasks to the appropriate departments is one of the most important skills you can develop as your business grows. The emails and tasks will begin to pile up, and the more you stretch yourself thin, the lower the quality of your work will become, and the less you will produce.

The key to delegation is identifying the strengths of your team, and capitalizing on them. Find out what each team member enjoys doing most. Chances are if they find that task more enjoyable, they will likely put more thought and effort behind it. This will not only prove to your team that you trust and believe in them, but will also free up your time to focus on the higher level tasks, that should not be delegated. It’s a fine balance, but one that will have a huge impact on the productivity of your business.

Communication
Knowing what you want accomplished may seem clear in your head, but if you try to explain it to someone else and are met with a blank expression, you know there is a problem. If this has been your experience, then you may want to focus on honing your communication skills. Being able to clearly and succinctly describe what you want done is extremely important. If you can’t relate your vision to your team, you won’t all be working towards the same goal.
Training new members and creating a productive work environment all depend on healthy lines of communication. Whether that stems from an open door policy to your office, or making it a point to talk to your staff on a daily basis, making yourself available to discuss interoffice issues is vital. Your team will learn to trust and depend on you, and will be less hesitant to work harder.

Sense of Humor
If your website crashes, you lose that major client, or your funding dries up, guiding your team through the process without panicking is as challenging as it is important. Morale is linked to productivity, and it’s your job as the team leader to instill a positive energy. That’s where your sense of humor will finally pay off. Encourage your team to laugh at the mistakes instead of crying. If you are constantly learning to find the humor in the struggles, your work environment will become a happy and healthy space, where your employees look forward to working in, rather than dreading it. Make it a point to crack jokes with your team and encourage personal discussions of weekend plans and trips. It’s these short breaks from the task at hand that help keep productivity levels high and morale even higher.

At Onevest, we place a huge emphasis on humor and a light atmosphere. Our office is dog friendly, and we really believe it is the small, light hearted moments in the day that help keep our work creative and fresh. One tradition that we like to do and brings the team closer is we plan a fun prank on all new employees, on their first day. It breaks the ice and immediately creates that sense of familiarity.

Confidence
There may be days where the future of your brand is worrisome and things aren’t going according to plan. This is true with any business, large or small, and the most important thing is not to panic. Part of your job as a leader is to put out fires and maintain the team morale. Keep up your confidence level, and assure everyone that setbacks are natural and the important thing is to focus on the larger goal. As the leader, by staying calm and confident, you will help keep the team feeling the same. Remember, your team will take cues from you, so if you exude a level of calm damage control, your team will pick up on that feeling. The key objective is to keep everyone working and moving ahead.

Commitment
If you expect your team to work hard and produce quality content, you’re going to need to lead by example. There is no greater motivation than seeing the boss down in the trenches working alongside everyone else, showing that hard work is being done on every level. By proving your commitment to the brand and your role, you will not only earn the respect of your team, but will also instill that same hardworking energy among your staff. It’s important to show your commitment not only to the work at hand, but also to your promises. If you pledged to host a holiday party, or uphold summer Fridays, keep your word. You want to create a reputation for not just working hard, but also be known as a fair leader. Once you have gained the respect of your team, they are more likely to deliver the peak amount of quality work possible.

Positive Attitude
You want to keep your team motivated towards the continued success of the company, and keep the energy levels up. Whether that means providing snacks, coffee, relationship advice, or even just an occasional beer in the office, remember that everyone on your team is a person. Keep the office mood a fine balance between productivity and playfulness.
If your team is feeling happy and upbeat, chances are they won’t mind staying that extra hour to finish a report, or devoting their best work to the brand.

Creativity
Some decisions will not always be so clear-cut. You may be forced at times to deviate from your set course and make an on the fly decision. This is where your creativity will prove to be vital. It is during these critical situations that your team will look to you for guidance and you may be forced to make a quick decision. As a leader, its important to learn to think outside the box and to choose which of two bad choices is the best option. Don’t immediately choose the first or easiest possibility; sometimes its best to give these issues some thought, and even turn to your team for guidance. By utilizing all possible options before making a rash decision, you can typically reach the end conclusion you were aiming for.

Ability to Inspire
Creating a business often involves a bit of forecasting. Especially in the beginning stages of a startup, inspiring your team to see the vision of the successes to come is vital. Make your team feel invested in the accomplishments of the company. Whether everyone owns a piece of equity, or you operate on a bonus system, generating enthusiasm for the hard work you are all putting in is so important. Being able to inspire your team is great for focusing on the future goals, but it is also important for the current issues. When you are all mired deep in work, morale is low, and energy levels are fading, recognize that everyone needs a break now and then. Acknowledge the work that everyone has dedicated and commend the team on each of their efforts. It is your job to keep spirits up, and that begins with an appreciation for the hard work.

Graduation Photos, 2013

2013-05-05T08:29:00.002-07:00

The Institute of Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Dehradun in the state of Uttarakhand held Graduation Service at the Auditorium Hall in PTS campus on May 04th 2013. 24 students were graduated from the Seminary. Dr. Barnes from US was the speaker on the Occasion of Graduation Service was. It was a great time for all the graduating students who are preparing for the Ministry in different places in this world. God is so gracious to all the PTS students who are learning not only just the Theology but also of different ways of interacting, interpreting the truth of the Bible principle. It also built a good harmony within the society as well as within the Community. Thank You Lord for such a great mercies to prepare your ministry for your glory.

Joseph Hanse & Mary Timungpi

Mary, Judy Chacko and Joseph

With Mr. James Lalthamuon Thiek

Northeast Students

Northeast Family

Graduating Students

Bechalor of Theology Students

Joseph Hanse Family

With Mr. Thangkhan Muan

With Muan, Lal & Vijay Sherpa

Mr. Muan, Joseph Hanse & Lal

With Mr. Pau Gualnam family Board Member of PTS

Joseph Hanse

With Mr. John Ellis

PTS Teacher & Staffs

With Mr. Steve Paulman & Mr. Griffin

With Mr. Yohannan family

With Mr. Dainiel Prakash

With Mr. Lalthangsang Varte wife

Graduation Dinner Party at Mt. Zion

2013-05-02T09:58:00.005-07:00

Graduation Dinner Party

Joseph Hanse & Mary Timungpi

Joseph Hanse & Mary

With Mrs. Lee, Jennifar & Mrs. Moi Hrangchal

Ms. Masaphy, Mary, Mrs. Lee & Mrs. Ellis

Prerna, Masaphy, Mary, Mrs. Lee & Mrs. Ellis

Joseph Hanse

Joseph Hanse & Mary Timungpi

With Mrs. Ellis & friends

With Mr.Ravi Chandran & his wife

Mary, Jaya & Ruth Sungte

Joseph Khawbung, Mikhael & Me

With friends

With Mr. & Mrs. Yohannan

With Daniel Prakash

With Mr. & Mrs. Paulman

Mary Timungpi with friends in Dinner Pary

Triple Joseph

Mary Timungpi with her Friends

With Dr. Joseph I Park with his wife

With Dr. Ebenezer & his wife

With Mr. Strom Daughter

The Reformation History

2013-03-10T23:05:00.005-07:00

Introduction:

Reformation was a great movement beginning from the 13^th century A-D. The purpose was to reform the church morally and doctrinally on the basis of the scripture. That was far reaching effects in political, economic and social. Reformation was begun in Germany. In this paper we are going to discuss about the need for reformation, the Renaissance and Prominent People involved, The Reformers and the people who reformed the Church.

The Need For Reformation:

The need for reformation was great and especially urgent in the case of papal finance. The pope could not live on his own salary, and the traditional revenue has no longer sufficient for the increase of papal administration, he used the same expedient as lay rulers. He sells the office which was known as simony, he introduce the doctrine about purgatory, the four sacrament which deals with the forgiveness and removal of sin and the cancellation of the punishment of their sin. These sacraments are baptism, Eucharist, penance and anointment of the sick. The sacrament of penance involves three acts the contrition, confess to a priest and satisfaction.[1] “The introduction of the indulgence which was a reflecting of the punishment imposes by the church for transgression against some religious commandment.”[2] This purpose of indulgence was first refers upon those who risk their life in fighting. But this system was extended to financial gifts for wealthy spiritual causes. Further more pope Beneface viii put forward about indulgence that “the power to remit the punishment for the transgression’s well as to absolve all guilt incurred in sinning. Thus by buying indulgence man had the right to expect God’s mercy.”[3] During the fifteenth century the saint become more and more popular, children were given then the name of saints ladies followed the virginity of Mary and become nun leaving their houses.[4]

All this misbehavior in the Roman Catholic Church by the leader leads reformation and renaissance in the church.

The Renaissance:

Apart from above factor other than religious movement which prepared for the reformation was the great movement called renaissance, it was not a religious movement but prepared for the reformed movement. The used of printing press spread knowledge among the masses. The scholasticism was replaced by the method of genuine science which is new and precious discoveries when Constantinople fell to the truks in 1453. Most of the reformers fled into the west bringing with them knowledge, Greek literature which have been carefully preserved throughout the year. Most of the popes during this era were interested in new learning and arts. Nicolas v was the founder of Vatican library and was the first pope who was interested in the renaissance. He ordered many Greek classic to be translated into Latin.

Some of the Renaissances during 1452-1536 are

Savonarola (1452-1498). Although he accepted mediaeval theology he effect the life of many scholars when renaissance had lead many members into sensualist of paganism in his native Italy. His stainless and earnest preaching affected the masses and caused fashionable women vanities. He was condemned as heresy and was burnt by the Roman Catholic.

John Colet (1466-1519). John was one of the groups of a brilliant humanist at oxford and was influenced by Savonarola. He broke the methods of scholastics and lectures on Paul epistles. He taught the students the important thing in human life was to keep the bible and the apostle’s creed. He believed that there is no priest hood and denies transubstantiation. He has a lot of followers one of his faithful students was Erasmus. He was declares as heresy and burnt in the stake.

Desiderius Erasmus (1467-1536). Erasmus was born at Rotterdam and later become one of the greatest in humanist. He was a professor in divinity and Greek at Cambridge. His aim was to reform the Church in Rome. But during reformation many followers were living him. He was accused by the Roman Catholic and the protestant as lack of courage.[5]

The Reformation

Before Luther reformation, there were some people who pay their life in reformation. Erasmus became the most prominent exponent; he protests Devotio Moderna and Humanist; John Wycliffe and John Huss protest the rank of the secular clergy but they fail to reform the church. Wycliffe was too radical during his time. He lost much of his earlier support when he concluded that the pope was the Anti Christ and harshness on the Babylonian captivity (ca 1304 -1377) and the papal Schism. The burning of Huss (in1415) and Jerome of prayer 1416 was, “decreed by the council of Constance (1414-1418), this effect the Reformation. This Reformation could not occur sooner because of lack of an effective medium from spreading, but this was succeeded due to the work of those who preached reform before Luther[6]. For more than three hundred years the church had violent turmoil in many areas. There had been developed many parties like Albegenses and the Waldenses. During the 14^th century the successor of Pope Boniface viii were captive for seventy years.

In England there are some people who tried to reforms the church as we see above like Wycliffe and the Lollard John Huss in Bohemia. After a year the Dominicans became into power in the church. The Turks in the fifteenth century captured Eastern Europe and the Constantinople. The pope began to rule all the empire and began to change all the doctrine of the church. They made the doctrine which were not found in the scripture of the bible, such as doctrine of purgatory, Transubstantiation, indulgence, and declare the pope as the successor of Apostle Paul. When the renaissance started many scholars and the students look back to the church father writing. They began to read the scriptures in the original language and found that some of the doctrines were not found in the scripture and they began to doubts the church practice.

Some of the reformers during 1320-1564

John Wycliffe (1320-1384): he was born in England in the year 1320. He studied in Oxford University and later he became professor in that institution and began to criticize the clergy in 1376. He said that “wealth and political had so corrupted the church that a radical reform was necessary.”[7] He also called the pope Anti Christ. He declared the bible as the authority rather than the church. He began to translate the bible into English. He had many followers and they began to spread throughout England. Event though he opposed the pope and the church, he was not died as martyr because the people of England were sympathy to him as well as his followers so the people in England protected Wycliffe and his followers. He died in natural death in the year 1384.

John Huss (1369-1415): he was born in Bohemia in 1369. Huss trained for priesthood in his own birth place. He began to work as a dean in theological seminary in Prague University. Later he became the head in that university. He accepted Wycliffe and began to teach his theology. He preached about the corruption of clergy and against the teaching of indulgence. In the year 1414 general council was held in Constance conducted by emperor Sigismud to make an end of the schism. Huss was invited to attend this meeting. After the meeting was over Huss was put into prison as a heresy. On July 1415 he was tied in a stake surrounded by the firewood and the flame licked his body and died as a martyr death.

Martin Luther (1483-1546): He was born in Eisleben, in Germany on 10th of November 1483. His father worked in mining industry. Martin received his elementary education in Erfurt and obtained his master degree in 1505. His father wanted him as a lawyer, but martin did not interest as a lawyer so he dropped his study and entered in Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in the year 1507. He studied theology and became a tutor in Wittenburg. Martin was a devoted catholic church. On one occasion he climbed in his knees at the step called Scala Santa (a stairway which was said to be the one which Jesus climbed to reached Pilate). Some books reported that on his way he have the sense of hearing a voice “the just shall live by faith.” He was shocked at that moment so he got up and worked down from the stair way. Some said that his conversion was not on the stairway. His conversion was on 1512 when he began to read the epistle of Paul to the Romans, 1:17. His heard become joy and happiness and become new believers in Christ. In his life he started to see the false doctrine made by the church. He started to appose the selling of indulgence. To appose this indulgence he published his ninety-five thesis and pasted on the door in wittenburg church. He also apposed much catholic practice. He also debated with many catholic monks but they could not stop him. Instead he received many followers from the people. On June 15.1520, Pope Leo excommunicated Luther and sign the bull as heretic. He also stands before the diet of worm but they could not put Luther down. He wrote many books as well as songs, one of his popular songs was “A Mighty fortress is our God.” he also translated many bible from the original copy. He married a nun name Catherine Van Baron[8]. In 1564 he was asked to go to Eisleben due to the quarrelling of the two princes. He was old and become ill, but he moved on under the snowy winter leaving his wife and children. He was died in Eisleben the place he was born on February 18, 1546.[9]

Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531): He was born in Switzerland on 1 January 1484. He did not live like a monk in a convent. He received his education under the influence of renaissance and was interested in ancient writing of Greek and Latin. He studied in Basil, Bern and Vienna. In 1506 he received Master of Arts and become pastor in the church in Zurich in 1519. He was also a Chaplian in the army. He was strongly under the influence of Erasmus. In 1518 he attacked indulgence and was also a great inspired by Luther activity in burning the papal bull and the leipzing debate. But he was differing on the Lord’s Supper. He taught that Christ body was in heaven and the word this is my body signifies the symbol of Christ body and blood. In October 1529, Luther and Zwingli held a conference in Marburg but they could not come into agreement. He was died in the battle on 1531.

John Calvin, (1509-1564): Calvin was born in Noyon on July 10, 1509. His father was secretary of Noyon bishop. When he was just twenty six years he published a book “institute of the Christian religion.” He met with Farel in Geneva and worked with him to reformation. He became pastor among the French refugees. After Calvin left Geneva the church become confusion and disorder. When his friends in Geneva come into political power they invited him to come back to Geneva. He entered to Geneva for the second time on September 13, 1541. He started to renew the church order and set some rules in for the church. The rule was best upon the teaching from the scripture. He chooses elders to govern the church. He set up Protestant University in Geneva. He died in May 27, 1564.

Conclusion

Reformation was a great event for the protestant; because of their hard working we can receive the real gospel. If they did not reform the church we will not know the real gospel from the bible. Now we are here because of their hard working in reforming the church. They teach us that we need to be aware of the false teaching within the church because, like the early church people may preached about the false doctrine and we are here to correct them, to teach the people about the truth of the gospel.

References:

[1]B K. Kuiper, The Church in History (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1966), p158.

[2] George L. Mosse, The Reformation (USA: Henry Holt and company, inc. published, 1953), p04.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Hans J. Hiller brands, the reformation: a narrative history related by contemporary observer and participants (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House Published, 1972) p17.

[5] AM Renwick, The Story of the Church (London: Inter-Varsity fellowship published, 1968),p

[6] William R. Estep, Renaissance and Reformation (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1986), p58.

[7] B K. Kuiper, The Church in History (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1966), p143.

[8] B K. Kuiper, The Church in History (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1966), pp143-186

[9] The New Encyclopedia Britannica. Vol. 30 (Chicago: Henry Heming Way Benton Published, 1974), p195.

Mary Timungpi Ministry among Youth

2012-12-29T12:17:00.002-08:00

Mrs. Mary Timungpi with her ministry freinds

This are Mary Timungpi photos which she did her ministry at Clement Town, Dehradun, 2012 during summer vocation. She did her ministry tremendously well and hard. She's dedicated her life for the ministry for the extension of God's Kingdom. Her aimed in her life is to do full time ministry among the children as well as among the youth.

Mary Timungpi with her team

With Ministry Team

Ministry among children

Teaching some story

Kenyearson Hanse

Action song performance

Action song practice with children

Mary Timungpi

Kenyearson & Jechobed Klarmir Hansepi

Teaching some action song for youth

Project show

With Youth practing some action songs

Taught the youth how to pray

Song presentation

Mary Timungpi attended in Christmas carol

Rev. John Ellis Preached in the Christmas Carol

Mrs. Ellis & Mrs. D. Prakash

Beauty of Natures

2012-11-16T10:10:00.003-08:00

Buddhist Temple

Minar of the Buddhist Temple, Dehradun

Buddhist Temple

Pillar of Buddhist Temple

Add caption

Mossurie, Dehradun

Mussorie Route

Way to Mossurie

Covenant English School, Hapjan, K/A

City of Dehradun

Ministry Photo's

2012-10-31T11:55:00.000-07:00

Me, Birjulal, Solomon and Laremruot Hmar

Joseph Hanse

My friend & myself

Driving bike

Friends & myself Coming from ministry

With Some church members of Jagadhri

Ashish and me

While I was preaching

Jagadhri Church members

With Jagadhri Church Members & Pastor Charan Das

Photos of Kenyearson and Jachobed

2012-10-15T03:33:00.001-07:00

Keny & Jechobed

Jechoed Klarmir Hansepi

Jechobed Klarmir Hansepi

Kenyearson Hanse

Brother & Sister

Jechobed, 3 years old image

Kenyearson Hanse

Kenyearson & his sister

Kenyearson Hanse

Family photo gallery

2012-10-15T02:41:00.003-07:00

Mr. Kenyearson Hanse & his siter

Kenyearson & Jechobed Klarmir

Mary Timunpi

Family

Mrs. Mary & Jechobed

Bother & Sister

Mrs. Mary & Kenyearson

Mrs. Mary Timungpi

Jechobed Klarmir Hansepi

Kenyearson Hanse

Mr. Joseph Hanse

Mr. Joseph Hanse & Arjun Kumar

With Mr. Vijay Kumar

Keny & Jechobed

Jechobed Klarmir Hansepi

Jechobed Klarmir

Kenyearson Hanse

Mrs. Mary Timungpi

Photos Galleries

2012-10-14T11:31:00.002-07:00

Photos Gallery

Mr. Joseph Hanse & Mrs. Mary Timungpi


Miss. Jechobed Hansepi Birthday Celebration, 2012

Mr. Kenyearson Hanse & Friends

Family

Mrs. Mary Timungpi, Kenyearson & Jechobed at Pts Chapel

With Mr. Khan Pau Tonsing Family

Mourn

2012-09-16T03:54:00.003-07:00

MOURN

Introduction:

Many people have different thought and opinion about mourn. They defined or expressed in different meaning for the word “mourn”. Let us see what mourn is according to the Bible and cultural perspective and understand about the word.

Definition:

The word “mourn” comes from the Greek word “mermeros” meaning ‘worried’. In the oxford Dictionary defines the words mourn in (N) means to feel deep sorrow following the death or loss of something. Another meaning for mourn is to make a low, indistinct, mournful sound which is especially used of a dove. And even when we see in (transitive verb) it also defines that to feel or expressed grief or sorrow or grieves over someone who has died.

Causes for mourn:

Mourn can be of different causes, it can be because of death we see in Joseph life. Joseph son of Jacob mourned for his father death for seven days recorded in (Gen 50:10). And some may be because of defection in (I Sam 15:35; 16:1). Saul mourned for Samuel before he died because he thought that he won’t be able to see Samuel again. We also see the prophet Ezra mourned for the disobedience Israel whose sins were very high and great (Ezra 9:4-7). Moreover, we also see that the people of Israel’s mourned for desolation, because the grain offering and drink offering was cut off from the house of the Lord; the fields were ruined, the ground and the new wine had been dried up (Joel 1:9, 10). The Israelites also mourned for diseases. Job got very painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it (Job 2:5-8).

The sign of mourns:

Many people in the history of Israel we found that they used some rage clothes, and some were putting a sack clothes (Gen 37:34) when they mourn for the death particularly. And some of them by tearing his own clothes (2 Sam 3:31, 32) lay down on the floor, putting ashes on his head (2 Sam 13:19) and some were apparel head shaves (Jer 16:6, 7). In this way many Israelites did in their mourning. This mourning is to signify that they love for the death person or commemorate for him. Through the using of sack clothes, tearing clothes and putting ashes tells us that their mourning is not just for the name sake but it gives a deep meaning of love for the death memorial of the mourners. This also express their sadness or grieve to the public.

Mourn transformed:

When we look to the Israelites history we see that many people observed the days for mourning. Mourning for death, diseases, affliction, desolation etc but the most amazing things we found in the Bible is that mourn transform into gladness. In (Is 51:11; 35:10) we finds that Isaiah was mourned for the gladness because he believed that one day the ransom of the lord will return entering the Zion with singing everlasting joy. And now that’s Christ who came and saved us from the bondage of sins. And he became the everlasting joy for us today. And through this mourn it also give us a hope for the future. In (John 11:23-28), we see that Lazarus was death and his sisters were mourning for him for three days. Jesus had given Lazarus alive for Mary and Martha. This resurrection also tells us that one day we too will die physically but will arise as Christ arose from the death. This is the hope for us today.

Cultural context:

Culturally, at present this mourns is still continuing in some part of Northeast India. Some tribes observed to use black clothes during mourning for the death. Some people mourn in order to express their sadness or grieve in a public so that people may know that someone had loss or death. And this was done in order to commemorate his death or loss. In the ancient days, many people mourn for the death and that mourn was the important part of their cultures. They observed 5 to10 days for mourning. When we look in the culture of our state, we can find many places that are still continuing to mourn for the death person. E.g: - the Karbi tribe. The Karbi tribe observed mourn as the especial occasion for the death person for memory. They mourn for 5/6 days whenever some one had died in the village or town. During this mourning, the mourner will not eat food nor drink water until the end of the mourning days. But when we look the context of the ancient days, the Israelites mourn for many days in order to show their sadness to the public [Gen: 50:10]. In the history of the Israel, mourn is very common in the culture and observed as a practice of their especial day. In the book of (Zac 12:10-14) tells us that all the people of Israel will mourn for the one they have pierced.

Conclusion:

Let me conclude my writing on mourn by saying few words. When we think of mourn, we naturally thought that mourn is simplicity and many people take it lightly, but it’s very important some of the tribes especially the Israelites. Sometime it’s a painful thing that the ancient day’s people practiced in their life. Mourn was considered as the big occasion for the living in order to remember the death person. Sometimes it’s not much applicable for the modern day because many of us didn’t practice how we should mourn and when we should mourn in the mourner life. Mourn is also part in the Israelite custom.

Outline of Nehemiah

2012-09-16T03:47:00.003-07:00

                                      Outline of Nehemiah

The book of Nehemiah continues the account of the return of the exiles by covering the third phase of the return. Remember: Three Phases of Exile Three Phases of Return
                        605 B.C. (Daniel) 538 B.C. (Zerubbabel)
                        597 B.C. (Jehoiachin) 458 B.C. (Ezra)
                        586 B.C. (Zedekiah) 444 B.C. (Nehemiah)
In the third phase of the return the rebuilding of the city and the especially the wall is the focus. Nehemiah enacted reforms in the political and economic system as well. The book begins in late 445 B.C. in chapter 1. The decree “to restore and to build Jerusalem” (Daniel 9:25) was given shortly later in 444 B.C. You recall that this date is important in Biblical prophecy because 483 prophetic (360-day) years from this decree, Daniel prophesies that “Messiah the Prince” will appear and will be killed (9:25-26).
I. Third phase of return: Nehemiah leads in rebuilding the wall.........1:1-7:73
                     A. Nehemiah’s prayer to re-gather Israel around Jerusalem........1:1-11
                     B. Artaxerxes I grants favor to Nehemiah to rebuild the city......2:1-10
                     C. Nehemiah convinces the people to build...............................2:11-20
                     D. The list of people who built.....................................................3:1-32
                     E. Opposition by Sanballat, Tobiah and Nehemiah’s response...4:1-23
                     F. Economic reforms ...................................................................5:1-19
                     G. More opposition and completion of the wall ..........................6:1-19
                     H. The people who returned.........................................................7:1-73
II. Further Reforms involving Ezra and Nehemiah ............................8:1-13:31
                    A. Reading of the Law; re-institution of feast of booths..............8:1-18
                    B. Prayer of Levites (review of God’s goodness, confession).....9:1-38
                    C. Resolve to keep the law and provide for Levites ..................10:1-39
                    D. Census of people living throughout Israel.............................11:1-36
                    E. Records of those who came in the first wave........................12:1-26
                    F. Walls Dedicated; temple functions re-instituted .................12:27-47
                    G. More reforms of Nehemiah...................................................13:1-31
Notes:
A set of historical documents called the Elephantine Papyri, discovered in 1903, mention Sanballat and Johanan and also show that Nehemiah was not the governor of Judah after 408 B.C. There are many other confirmations of Biblical information—no need to be ashamed of the Bible! Note how Nehemiah prays in 1:8-9. What do you notice? Notice also that he is not focused on the land or the city, but on their relationship with God. Yes, the sad state of Jerusalem is the occasion for his prayer, but he hardly mentions that in his prayer. Notice Nehemiah’s response (4:4) to the opposition in 4:1 -3. Chapters 4-6 are interesting because they give a view of external as well as internal conflict. Nehemiah faced both. See also 6:17-19 for more complicated problems. In chapter 6, the opposition makes up the claim that Jerusalem will revolt against the king (6:5-7). Does this sound familiar? (Ezra 4:12-13). Notice the relationship of Nehemiah 7:64-65 and 2:62-63 (and surrounding verses). Significant verses: 8:8. Notice the emphasis on understanding in chapter 8: verses 2, 3, 7, 8, 12. Upon their understanding, they wept (8:9). Nehemiah demonstrates an understanding of history and not wanting to repeat it (13:23-
27). There are a number of occurrences of the phrase “Remember…O my God…” Why are
these here? See 5:19, 13:14, 22, 29, 31. Also notice some other little prayers Nehemiah offers: 2:4, 6:9.

Sis-in-Law Married

2012-09-08T03:44:00.000-07:00

Sis-in-Law Married

Mrs. Anima Timungpi is a worker of NGO which run under the Mission Project as a Project Surveyer in Diphu Karbi Anglong District. The project is running to set up new core team for the project. At present 10 project has been already set up in the District. Anima Timungpi got married with Mr. Redeemson Engti. The Maried ceremony was held at Diphu as well as Bakaliaghat, Karbi Anglong.

Mr. Redimson Engti & Anima Timungpi

Mr. Bikramsing Timung & Mrs. Anima

Mrs. Anima Timungpi & Mrs. Rina Timungpi

Mr. Joseph, Thong, Samson & Nain

Husband & Wife

Mrs. Anima Timungpi & Sisters

Family

With my FAMILY

My family along with Mrs. Anima

Mrs. Anima Timungpi with Husband

Rev. Lalrawnthang with friends

Party

Miss. Sanam

Miss. Hannah Hansepi with friends

Miss. Jachobed Hanse

Husband & Wife

Miss. Jachobed Hanse & Elyn Hansepi

Photo Collections

2012-09-08T02:49:00.003-07:00

Photo Collections

Me & Mr. Daniel Prakash

Me at Presbyterian Theological Seminary

Keny & Jachobed

Keny and Jachobed

Kenyearson Hanse

My Brother & Sister

Withe my Brother

My Dad & Mom

My Family

The Baptist Mission

2012-08-12T01:58:00.001-07:00

The Baptist Mission

Introduction:

There are many domination who teach about the faith but they characterized it in different ways. The Church after the reformation there was in a great misunderstanding. It was not only confusion in the Church but also in the state, in the economic, education and in any cultures when the reformation was taken place in the 16^th centuries. Dr. Richard P. Bucher defined in his book that “All the Christians claim that their teaching was derived from the Bible and yet there are many differences in understanding and explaining the Bible.” [1] The reformations became more powerful in the missions, theological education, worship and evangelism in the entire world. The main points of the most complicated were in the meaning of the Bible in many churches in the city of Rome. Apart from that let us talk about the Baptist from where it came from? Who are the prominent peoples involve in this denomination? And we will see the distinction of the Baptist church. The following are some few points which detailed about the Baptist.

The origin of the Baptists:

There are several theories on the origin of the Baptists defined by several scholars. Among all these, the most believable theory and most of the Baptist historians hold is that Baptist originated from the English Separatist (Anglican) movement at the end of the sixteenth century. In the doctrine and worship, they were more similar with the Calvinist. In the 16^th centuries, Robert Browne spread the ideas of Congregational in England. He organized the congregational church in Norwich in the year 1581 and he was cased put into prison. After he was set free from the prison, he refuge in Middelburg, Netherland. He published a work book called “A Booke Which Sheweth the Life and Manners of All True Christians.” [2] In this book he wrote the principles of the Congregational Church government.

In 1587 the Congregationalist leader like Henry Borrowe, a London lawyer, and John Greenwood a clergyman were also imprison for holding the meetings in London. While they were imprisoned the Anglican wrote a certain treaties to set forth the principles of the congregationalism. These treaties were much spread throughout Holland.

In 1603 the Anglican and the Puritans addressed James I for the New King. The conference between the Puritans and the Anglican bishop were held in the presence of the King. But no change in the concern of the church desire by the Puritans. And in 1602 the movement of Separatist was very small in the beginning but which they destine to have been in a great important. John Smyth was a clergyman in the Church of England at that time. He adopted the principles of separatist and gathered the congregation in Gainsborough. And John Robinson also the clergyman in the Church of England at that time, and he also adopted the principles of separatist. The Baptist started by the congregational church of Gainsborough in Amsterdam, Holland in 1608. It was a largely made up of the British persons led by John Smyth sought to set up the group according to the New Testament pattern. There was an emphasis placed on a personal faith and on the baptism, which was to be given to individuals who had personally professed faith in Christ. And in 1611-1612 they established the first permanent church in London. And Dr. Richard P. Bucher also says that “Robert Browne and John Smyth were often viewed as fathers of the Baptist church”. [3]

In 1644 was often viewed as the year of its origin for the Baptist Churches. It was distinctive into two organizations- the General and the Particular Baptist. In that year the particular Baptist Churches authored “the London confession.” This confession stated their faith and rejected the teachings of the Anabaptist and the General Baptist. But the contrary we found is that “John Smyth had sought refuge in Amsterdam became familiar with the influenced of Mennonites. Under his influenced the principles of Baptist has been adopted.”[4] In the middle of 1611-1612 the first establishment of a Permanent Baptist Church in England which was going through turmoil of reformation separating from the Roman Catholic Church.

Though it took several years to develop the reconstitute hard work of Smyth, and others gave a typical form not only to a group’s belief and practice, but the various others which come out from it. “Some associated groups started when the members of the Amsterdam group went back to Britain and took the name Baptist to identify themselves. They did it by distinctive approach to the meaning and the mode of Baptism”. [5]

Its development:

In 1631 Roger William came to the land at the port of Boston with his wife. At that time the congregational church established the state church in Massachusetts colony. He then became the minister of the Pilgrim church at Plymouth. At this time he made a good friend name Narragansett Indians. Narragansett is one of the significant persons of Massachusetts. He learned his friend language very well so that through him many would influence.

In 1634 he was called to the congregational church at Salem and work for 2 years. And he won many members to his view for the separation of the church and the state. And in the next year, 1635 he was sentenced to leave the colony as soon as possible. He left his two sons including his wife and wandering for a year. According to Kuiper, he says in his book that “Later he purchased a plot of land following from the mouth of Moshassuck River. Soon then his followers came to him and gathered together and founded the Providence, which is called Rhode Island.” [6] In 1638 the church organized at that place and he was re-baptized by Mr. Holliman who was a member of the church in Salem. The Baptist congregation later in the 18^th century the Church growth throughout England and was a wide spread almost all over the state.

In 1775, the Baptists appeared in this mighty West of America. It was at a period that the most meaningful in the world's history. The storms of confusion were sweeping over the colonies, spreading calamity and darkness. Nowhere did the contest rage more fearfully than in Virginia, and nowhere did the opposing parties put forth mightier efforts. It was the battle of truth, of principle, of national life, fought not for America alone, but for the world. But the Methodist revival church took place together with the congregational and the Baptist Church has profited greatly by the new impulse supplied. “This movement get a great a numbers of memberships and gained a new life and established many Churches. They established Sunday school work, circulating the Bible and religious literature and in various works of Charity.” [7]

The Congregationalist of England was becoming very powerful body. They have a large number of learned men, well capable of educational institutions, many societies for denominational work and excellent book. They introduced in singing hymn version of psalm in their Church services. The Baptist even goes further than the Congregationalist in rejecting the authority and binding character of creeds. During the second half of nineteenth century there were very few preachers in the entire world. In only one respect was a Spurgeon is a Baptist.

The Baptist mission in India:

In 1812 Rev. Adoniram Judson and his wife Ann Hasseltine Judson with Rev. Luther Rice were came to India, who were appointed by the American Board of Commission for Foreigner Mission. They established a mission in India. They trip (journey) in different part of India without any consult of other, they examined the New Testament teaching on Baptism. The result they both were adopted the views of the Baptist. They went to Calcutta in preaching the gospel and many peoples baptised there. At once their supporter changed their decision and ceased to support them.

Mr. Rice returned to United State and awaked the people to zeal for the establishment of the mission in India. He travelled from Boston through the Middle of Southern State. He addressed the condition of India with more enthusiasm. The American Board called for the convention, they gather together and compose of thirty six delegates from the state for the ministry in India on 18^th Jan, 1814. They formed a society called “The Baptist General Convention for Foreigner Mission.” [8] Dr. Furman was the president, and Dr. Baldwin of Massachusetts was the secretary of that society or body. In this convention Mr. And Mrs. Judson was chosen to continue his service in the United State for a reasonable time, in order to excite the public and to encourage the people to engage in the missionary; and to assist in this organization. In this convention they proposed to meet once in three years. The board of this convention was located in Boston. They train many people for the missionary purposes to send in India. In 1816 they came to Calcutta but because of the intolerance (narrow minded) by the govt of Bengal they were driven out of India and went to Burma in Rangoon a sea port of Burma.

The Baptist denomination in Assam:

The first mission in Assam was opened by Messrs, Nathan Brown and O. T. Cutter, in 1836. The first station of the mission was placed in Sadiya, 400 miles north of Ava, and about 200 miles from Yunnan, on the borders of China. But at present is on the south side of the Brahmaputra. Dr. Brown was translated a New testament Bible into Assamese and the printing-press was established by Mr. Cutter in 1^st Jan, 1838. They extended their mission to different places in the state of Assam. Mr. Bronson undertook to open a mission amongst the Nagas, in their hills, but on account of the terrible condition he changed his residence to Nowgong, where he baptized the first Assamese convert, June 13, 1841. They established one of the institutions called “Nowgong Orphan Institution” which was a fruitful part of the mission work. By this institution many peoples were converted and trained for usefulness. The school was dispersed after twelve years, but more native helpers were brought out of this school than from any other source.

In 1851 the second edition of the New Testament was issued, and revivals of religion, with large additions to the Churches, followed. In 1857, at the time of the Indian revolt, much uneasiness was felt; but the terrible passed and not any missionary was faced in difficulties. “GAROS is one of a tribal tribe living in Assam state were the first receivers of the Gospel in 1857, is the history of the mission to Assam.” [9] And in 1867, a Church was formed amongst them, numbering 40 members. The next year the number increased to 81, and in 1869 to 140. Two Assamese native preachers and one Garo have visited the United States, and the latter, they had learned English, spent a year in the “Newton Theological Institution.” In 1886 the statistics show that those 30 churches, 1,889 members, and 27 native preachers, with 7 stations and 21 missionaries, male and female. The stations of the Assam Mission are divided into three Assam, three Naga, and one Garo, amongst which there are 72 schools and 1,229 pupils. Later year the people of different tribes gradually and gradually became converted into Christian and throughout the district of Assam. At present different types of Baptist denomination exist in the state of Assam. Those denominations are- Nihang Karbi Baptist Association (NKBA), Evangelical Baptist Convention Church (EBCC), Garo’s Baptist Church and West Baptist Church (WBC) etc. Their rules and church govern are also different from the Reformed Church. Among all the denomination, EBCC is only the most similar with the Reformed Church in doctrine and Confession of faith.

The prominent peoples:

The prominent peoples like John Smyth and Robert Browne were considered as the Church father of the Baptist in 16^th century. They brought the name of General Baptist (Arminians). Their teachings were almost often Calvinist. It’s also has a characteristic of the Church into two parts, the particular and the General Baptist. John Bunyan who was the author of “the Pilgrim’s Progress” was also apart of this General Church. And Charles H. Spurgeon was a particular Baptist who was strong believer of Baptist in England in 1891. He claims that “the Baptists are the original Christians, and they were existing before Luther and Calvin were born. The Baptist was existence at the reformation and they never came from the Church of Rome. And he proudly said that the Baptist existed from the day of Christ, and our principles.” [10] After 18^th century there was many peoples who continue and involved the work after these, we don’t know further more.

The distinctive in their teaching:

The doctrine was almost similar with the teaching of Calvin though they reject the doctrine of election. Their believed in baptism is also very dissimilar with the Reformed Presbyterian Church. The Reformed Church believed in child baptism but the Baptist believes in adult baptism. And even in the response of confession and creeds also not similar. They didn’t use any creeds in the congregation of the church as the Presbyterian follow. Most of the Baptists, they even didn’t used or say the confession of faith. They individually confessed their own faith.

Its contribution prospective and organizations:

All the Baptists believe in the final capability and self-government of each individual Christian to interpret the Bible for himself. Neither of creeds, clergy, and confessions council nor any Church organization has the authority over the conscience of the individual Baptist. This has led to the variety of theological world wide views and one will find both moderate and conservative Baptists. Because of their understanding of the full independence of individuals to interpret scripture for themselves, “Baptists are anti-creedal and anti-denominational.

They refused to force their members to subscribe to creeds or confessions of any kind. They refer themselves as Associations, Conventions or Conferences”. [11]

The second prospective was that “the Bible is viewed as the only source and authority for all Christian’s faith and life. Most of the Baptists believed in verbal inspiration and the inerrancy of the Bible as do members of the Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod.” [12] Following Calvinism, Baptists have tended to be very literalistic and legalistic in interpreting the Bible. Many of them followed this principle that whatever is not specifically commanded is sinful. They believed that individual congregation have a complete and total authority. Their polity is very strong in congregation and individualistic.

Conclusion:

In my conclusion I would like to say that Christ is the first person who brought the establishment of the Church for the people of all nations. He is the sovereign authority of the heaven and earth. But the people of the earth are just to glorify God and enjoy with him forever. Those reformers knowledge and wisdom are given by God to think and investigate the way of God grace and love. Their faith in Christ is equal with what we believed today. The differences causes for those people is only quoting and taking the similarities which is applicable for the conscience and belief. They believe in different ways of concerning the activities in the Church. If there is more educated peoples the more thinking power and policy extend in a higher level. I didn’t favour that Calvin is the best or John Smyth is the best nor the others, though they concern their faith and teaching is from the Bible. If we see according to their mission structure on the organization, they always teach what they believed. It is a challenging for us of their work that they established most of the places in all over the world. And it is more appreciated that they work very hard and in a challengeable way for us today.

References:

[1]. http://www.reformedreader.org/baptists.html

[2]. B. K. Kuiper. The Church in History. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1966), p-262

[3]. Ibid, p-262

[4]. Ibid, p-263

[5]. S.H. Ford. The Origin of the Baptist. Nashville, 1860 v-9.

[6]. B. K. Kuiper. The Church in History. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company,1966), p-330-331

[7]. Ibid, p-263-265

[8]. Thomas, Armitage. A History of the Baptist. 1887 (Ch-13)

[9]. Thomas, Armitage. A History of the Baptist Church. 1887 (ch-13)

[10]. http://www.reformedreader.org/history/list.html

[11]. Ibid¹

[12]. Ibid²

The Equipping Work of the Holy Spirit

2012-08-12T01:46:00.000-07:00

The Equipping Work of the Holy Spirit

The references to the work of the Spirit in the OT are fewer in comparison to the New Testament. However, we must not conclude from this that they are less significant. The NT in general has a more narrowly soteriological [=salvation] interest, whereas in the OT we find God teaching his people how to live in the world. And this includes attention to what is commonly considered “secular” issues. We will look at a few instances where the enabling, equipping work of the Spirit has been noted.

Wisdom, Administrative Skills

A number of texts in the OT associate specific skills, wisdom, etc. to people in specific circumstances. In Gen 41:38, the Pharaoh exclaims to his servants regarding Joseph: “Can we find a man like this in whom is the Spirit of God?” We cannot be sure how much the Pharaoh understood what he is saying. But the following verse makes clear what the Pharaoh might have considered as evidence of the Spirit of God. Joseph was “discerning and wise”. The reference to discernment and wisdom, most likely, is to Joseph’s ability in interpreting the dreams that others could not. But we see Joseph’s wisdom demonstrated also in the counsel he gave the Pharaoh (41:33-46). (It is unlikely that the Pharaoh would have heard of Joseph’s ability from Potiphar.) The Pharaoh connected this ability with the Spirit of God because Joseph attributed his skills not to himself but to God (Gen 41:16, 25). The point to note here is that the work of the Spirit highlighted in the life of Joseph is seen with regard to his ability to discern and wisdom in planning and administration.

Artistic, Creative Skills

The instructions that God had given for the building of the tabernacle were meticulous [=elaborate] and detailed. God did not leave the execution of these details to chance. In Ex 35:30-36:1 we see two master craftsmen were special recipients of the Spirit. Bezalel was “called by name” and “filled … with the Spirit of God” and God “inspired him to teach” others (35:30-31, 34) – words that are used in the New Testament with regard to special activities of the Spirit. But the context makes it clear that this work of the Spirit was in equipping them with skill, intelligence, knowledge and craftsmanship “to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for every work in skilled craft” (35:31-33). Similarly, Oholiab was equipped with skill and intelligence in embroidery and related fields. “Filled with the Spirit” and “filled with skill” stand adjacently in these passages.

Military Skills

In a few instances in the Book of Judges, the work of the Spirit is linked with military skills and exploits. The judges were also deliverers of God’s people. God raised them up when the people cried out for deliverance from oppression. They went out to fight against their enemies – the Mesopotamians, Midianites, etc. We may assume that this activity included not merely skill to use a sword or other weapons, but also ability to recruit people, boost up their morale, planning battle strategy, courage to lead them, etc. The judgeship of Othniel (3:7-11), Gideon (6:1-8:35), Jephthah (10:6-12:7), and perhaps Deborah (though there is no mention of the Holy Spirit in her account, she was clearly a prophetess) are examples of this category.

Physical Strength

In the case of Samson, the gift of physical strength overshadows whatever other gifts he may have had (Judges 13:1-16:31). The Spirit of the LORD “came in power” upon Samson resulting in amazing strength to kill a lion and men, and to break off fetters. The Spirit of God is often associated with power and strength. So it should not be amazing that Samson was filled with super-human strength when the Spirit of God came upon him.

What can we learn from these instances?

For one thing, we can understand that the Holy Spirit did not start his equipping work only in the NT. The Holy Spirit was at work in the OT as well.

Secondly, this means that the Spirit’s equipping is not restricted [=limited] to “religious” things in the narrow sense. Human beings can be gifted for the so-called “secular” vocations [=callings]. It is a common misunderstanding that the work of God and the Spirit is limited to the narrowly religious, devotional, or soteriological functions. But this is far from the truth. The theology behind such assumptions is more Gnostic than biblical. The Reformed tradition has always affirmed the work of the Holy Spirit in every realm and area of God’s Kingdom. If we put together a biblical theology with the following elements, this idea becomes very sensible. The world is God’s creation. His might and wisdom are displayed in Creation. The world is shaped by the Spirit. Human beings are created in the image of God, which in some sense includes also a reflection of God’s creative power. Human beings are commanded to cultivate, multiply, develop, exercise dominion over creation. If these are biblical truths, it should not be thought strange that God and His Spirit works in all realms, not just in the realm of faith.

Thirdly, equipping of the Spirit is still within the framework of God’s redemption plan. Having said that the work of the Spirit extends beyond the “narrowly soteriological”, we must still observe that today the exercise of the Spirit’s work fits in with God’s overall plan for salvation. There is no work of the Spirit today independent of God’s plan to bring salvation. (Once again, salvation should not be considered in terms that are too narrow or merely as a crisis experience.)

Fourthly, it may be significant that many of the references to the equipping work of the Spirit are in the Book of Judges. This was a period of chaos in society (“everyone did what was right in his own eyes”) and a period of oppression. The pattern of Judges clearly follows the situation in Egypt and God’s redemption. In the Book of Judges also, God is teaching that the work of redemption is God’s work. It is by the power of the Spirit that God would carry out the work of redemption. The cry of the people is a factor, but the saving work belongs to the Spirit.

Fifthly, the bestowing of the HS was for specific tasks and for fixed periods in this early stage of God’s work. It was not an ongoing experience. At the appropriate time, the Spirit would “come upon” the particular person. This changed later on in history. But it underlines the fact that the equipping work of the Spirit is primarily task-oriented.

Sixthly, the equipping of the Holy Spirit does not result in a permanent moral or spiritual change in the recipient. In fact, we see many who received the Spirit committing foolish mistakes, grievous sins and making unwise judgments. Samson and Jephthah are good examples of this. This truth is relevant today also. One may do mighty deeds in the name of Christ, and yet be a stranger to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit. Some of these points we may consider in relation to the discussion of the gifts of the Sprit later on.

For Reflection and Review:

Were Bezalel and Oholiab “filled with the Spirit” because they were called to build the tabernacle? Or, can we say that such activity of the Spirit is not limited to a “religious” purpose? May we say that the craftsmen who built the Taj Mahal were inspired or filled by the Spirit?

Is it correct to say that great political leaders, administrators, scientists, etc. (examples: Gandhi, Nehru) were equipped by the Spirit of God? Is there any connection between their work and the work of salvation?

Is it possible that a person may preach powerfully and perform miracles, leading many to Christ, and yet be lost himself?

Q.What does the author mean by that?

Q.Write 2 or 3 sentences about the work of the Holy Spirit in the Judges.

Q.What did David mean when he prayed, “Do not take your Holy Spirit from me” (60-61)?

Notes: The Holy Spirit (Pneumatalogy) worked of Dr. Mohan Chacko, Principal of Presbyterian Theological Seminary, DDun.

Photo's

2012-06-12T06:29:00.001-07:00

With Rev. Ros Infimate

With Rev.Steve Paulman

Mr. Kenyearson Hanse

Miss. Jechobed Klarmir Hansepi Baptism by Rev. Roshyama

Miss. Jechobed Klarmir Hansepi

With my wife

With my Children

Children Minstry at Clement Town, Dehradun

Children Ministry

With Mr. Thangkhan Muan Paite

With Mr. Dongkhan Khup Family

With Mr. Khup Family

Preaching at Hamren RPCNEI

With Hamren Church Members (RPCNEI)

Church Visiting at Hamren RPCNEI

My Children with Mr. Khup Children

The Joy of Christmas

2012-06-11T11:28:00.002-07:00

                              The Joy of Christmas
                                                         by Stan Coffey
                                              Luke 2:8-20

God has so richly blessed us this year. And part of the joy of Christmas for me is the joy of being the pastor of this church. It seems that almost anytime we open the doors we have a great crowd and it is because our people love the Lord and that is why they come. Because they want to serve Jesus and they love Him so very much. And I can't tell you how much joy that gives me as a pastor to share this message with about "The Joy Of Christmas". I want to refer to the passage where the Bible says "fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people; for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior which is Christ the Lord".

The Bible says "there were in the same country shepherds keeping watch over their flocks by night." It was night on that first Christmas. It was night when Jesus was born into this world and I want you to know that not only was it night by the sun because the sun had gone down, but it was night in many other ways.

It was night politically when Jesus was born. For the world was under domination of the Roman hand. Those Romans who ruled with hand of iron, those Romans who said you will do it our way, which conquered the world. It was night politically. The world was ruled by a mad man. The Bible tells us in the days of Caesar Augustus it came to pass that all the world should be taxed. Imagine living in a world ruled by a tyrant, by a dictator. It was night politically.

Not only was it night politically but also it was night morally. Sin had so taken the grip of the Roman Empire that someone has said it was the most immoral day that the world has ever seen. It was night morally; it was night in the hearts of men and women in whose lives sin had come to rule and to reign ruthlessly.

But not only was it night politically and morally, but it was night spiritually. For it had been four hundred years since a prophet of God had stood to speak words from the Lord. The world had heard no message for four hundred years. There was blackness and a silence from heaven for God had not spoken. It was night when Jesus came.

It was night socially when He came, for there were only two classes of people. It is hard for us to understand here in America but you see there were not a lower class, a middle class, and an upper class. There were only those who had and those who had not. There were only the poor and the rich. And there were just a few who were rich and there were many thousands upon thousands upon thousands of people who were poor, whose backs were bent under heart breaking labor. It was night when Jesus came.

I. THE JOY OF GOOD NEWS
But I want you to know that the Bible says
the light shined in the darkness
and the darkness could not overcome it;
bride brings you good tidings of great joy.
I want you to notice
what the angel said in this message of the gospel....

Biography on John Calvin

2012-03-24T11:52:00.001-07:00

Biography on John Calvin

His Early Life And Achievement

He was born on July 10, 1509 in Noyon; a little town on northern France his father was a secretary in the bishop of Noyon. Calvin was appointed as chaplaincy when he was eleven years old. His mother was dead when he was young. He grew up in his neighbor’s house. When he was just fourteen years he entered in the University of Paris.

In 1528 he received his master degree in arts and was greatly influence by humanist. In 1532 he published his writing “on clemency” a work on the political ethics. In 1536 he published another writing “Institutes of the Christian religion”.

His Work In Reforming The Church

On august 1536 he enter Geneva here he met with French evangelical preacher Guillaume Farel. Both of them work together in the reformation. They set up a system of instruction in the church and pressed for a closed relation between citizen and the church membership, this letter was based on a creedal test. They subject the citizen a strict religious practice. In Strasbourg he had three fruitful years. In August 1540, he married one of his parishioners while serving in Parish. But his life was not significant and comforting as Luther she was seriously sick and died quiet early.[1]

When Calvin left Geneva from Germany all the citizen become confuse and disorder. The church was going from bad to worse. This is mainly because of Cardinal Sadoleto who wants to make Geneva to return to her mother church. In 1539 a treaty in which the party that make Calvin expulsion were defeated in the election. The party which was favor to Calvin became into power and asked Calvin to return to Geneva. On September 13, 1542 Calvin returned to Geneva for the second time. He restore all the church orders in his second return this was best upon the teaching from the scripture that Christ has ordained four offices in the church: pastors, teacher of professors, elders and deacons. He set up Geneva Academy, the first protestant university. This was built not from the money given from foreign king but by the sacrificial giving of the common people of Geneva.

Calvin was simply a minister of the gospel and theological professor, through him the light of the gospel related from the life city of Geneva into every corner of Europe. He was the only international reformer from the beginning of reformation to till his death. He could do some enormous in all amazing thing because he was frail of body, and much of his time suffered exceedingly from a complication of painful diseases. By the always triumphed over all difficulties and obstacles, because he knew that God was working with him. He died in May 27, 1564. When he lives his motto was “My heart for the cause I offer thee, Lord, promptly and sincerely.” He spent his life was in keeping with his motto.[2]

Evaluation:

John Calvin great reformers of Geneva taught that lord supper should be served only to the true believers. He opposed the mere believers to take the lord supper. He also led the believers in the right doctrine taken from the bible. Here he taught that we need to take the bible as our first priority in the church. Some people make a doctrine from outside the bible and lead their people for the worldly pleasure. As a Christian or leader we need to focus on the right doctrine and followed the right instruction from the scripture.

[1] Karl H. Dannenfeldt, The Church of the Renaissance and Reformation (London: Concordia

Publishing House, 1970), p77.

[2] B K. Kuiper, The Church in History (Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company,

1966), p196-200.

Ministry in Youth Retreat, 2012 at Purkalgaon, Dehradun

2012-02-26T05:50:00.000-08:00

Youth Retreat Photo's

On 25th Feb, 2012 held Youth Retreat at Purkalgaon, Dehradun. 61 of the Total Youth gather in the Program. Mr. Vijay Lal (Mess In charge at P.T.Seminary), he read Psalm 103 gives short speech and concluded his time. Mr. Vijay Mint (Professor at PTS) also gives a short speech about how youth should go forward in the future and end up his time by prayer. Rev. Fredy Taylor (chief guest) was the speaker in the Program. He read the scripture taken from

Ecclesiastes 12: 1-8. gives encourage to them. He spoke many things about youth; and After the speech, he concluded by prayer. The program was going on well by the grace of God. In the meeting, some of them were born again through this program.

Queue for Lunch

Lunch

These were Grace Academy student in queue for Lunch on Youth Retreat Day.

My friends

We are so excited on this occasion, we glorify God by singing and praying. we also have time for discussion especially for youth at the age of 12-29 years old for both Boys and Girls. We open time for every single young boy and girl for separate discussion.

Calvin Mission Theology

2012-02-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

Calvin Mission Theology

Introduction:

As we know many church father’s involved in mission but of different views on their prospective thinking and leading for the congregation. That’s why the church today in many places is conflicted about the Missions. Distinction was argued for the terms “Mission”, “Missions” and “mission dei”. In the book called “Introducing the Missional Church: What it is, Why it Matters, by Roxburgh and Boren explained that the terms “Missional” cannot be defined.” [1] Some argue that the American Church is becoming inward focused, moving away from the Local and overseas missions in both sending qualified mission people and support. That’s why many Christians were avoiding sharing their faith at home as well as at the other society. [2] Therefore, a survey of missions was begins from the Old Testament through Abraham and continued in the New Testaments by the Apostles.

Calvin Missionary Methods and his Theology:

Calvin's missionary method was to explain the Scriptures systematically. He would preach almost every day in the morning and in the afternoon, meditated the Old Testament during the week and the New Testament on Sundays. Calvin’s also spent his time in formulating the truth of the Bible in the orderly way. He also preached without notes directly from the Hebrew or the Greek. And he sometime preached in a secret place as well as to the mass. He sometime preached the gospel in agreement with the situation of the places. He didn’t spend his time in unnecessarily. Calvin’s sometimes spent his time on writing books and studies the church father writing. During this time he wrote his first book called “Institutes of the Christian Religion” in 1536. [3] His expositions were written down by scribes.

The great deed of Calvin’s was in Geneva. Here he plans to make Geneva as a city of God. He labours very hard in his mission that he achieved great honours in Geneva. And in his mission theology he said that one must be saved through by faith in Christ (predestination) but not of works. He defined that all the works is for the Glory of God not of our good works. He said “Though we are not all called to the ministry of Pastor, Christian. Teacher and Writer, we are all called by God to share our faith (witness) with those who are not Christians. [4] His teaching was adopted as the fundamental teaching of faith and to study of the Bible. He also said that the church organization was permanent split, that was not their intention; and it is far more important that the church of God be scriptural than that it be united under one organization. [5] This is how his valuable mission theology came into being. He also kept up a huge correspondence. Up to 1553 much of his time was spent working at reformation in Geneva. Thereafter up until the time of his death in 1564 aged 54 he concentrated on the evangelisation of France.

Theology belief in Predestination:

According to him the predestination or the doctrine of the elect defined that salvation was predestined by God for a particular person before he was born or birth. There’s no element of human choice or free will in the salvation. [6] If you are not part of it then you will not be saved. He also said that “no one who wishes to be thought religious dares simply deny predestination, by which God adopt some to hope of life, and sentences other to eternal death.” [7] He also belief in the absolute power and the supremacy of God’s over all the creatures. He said that man was so depraved that it could only approach God through having faith in Christ, not through mass and pilgrimage. [8]

Calvin’s Mission Statement:
Calvin’s the Presbyter is the great founder of Presbyterian Church congregation and of persons who affirmed the Lordship of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scripture. We are bonded together by God's love and grace as a family in Jesus Christ, responsible for bringing and taking the Good News to the World. We gather to worship God and to take care of and support one another in Christian faith and in our personal life. We spread out here and there to serve God for his glory, individually and corporately, by proclaiming the Word and sharing Christ's peace in an uneasy world. [9]

Missionaries sent into France:

It is widely believed that the Reformers of the sixteenth century were not involved in missionary activity. [10] That is simply not the case. John Calvin was involved in the work of sending missionaries to Brazil. Doors into Brazil did not open at that time and those involved in the attempt lost their lives. However the mission field is not only lands far off. Indeed France constituted a mission field. [11]

Unlike in the present day in France, which is almost entirely secular in outlook, the France of the 16th century was religious but dominated by the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church. Persecution by the priests against evangelicals was violent. It could cost your life to actively spread the evangelical faith. However within the Roman Church a very considerable Biblical movement had taken place through the secret reading of books by Luther as well as through the teaching of a well-known Catholic, Lefèvre d' Etaples. A great spiritual harvest was there to be reaped. [12]

From 1555 to 1562 we know for sure that 88 preachers were sent from Geneva into France. Of these, nine laid down their lives in martyrs. There may have been more than 88. Historical research is in a weak position by the fact that everything in that period was done in a mysterious way for safety reasons. Also we must account for many short term missions into the France.

Those who were ordained and sent out as church planters were exceptionally gifted men. Some of them were from noble families and most were from a well-educated upper middle class background in France. Very few were from artisan origin and some of them from a peasant background. With the exception of Pierre Viret who was a Swiss, (he became the pastor of the largest church of 8,000 communicants at Nimes), these church planting missionaries originated from almost every province of France. [13] This fact helps in explaining how it was that almost all regions of France were introduced with the gospel. [14]

Of these missionaries those who were not already accredited pastors were obliged to conform to exact standards set up by Calvin. The moral life of the candidate, his theological integrity and his preaching ability were subject to careful examination. With regard to moral discipline a system was established by which the pastors were responsible to each other. There was an exacting code listing offences that were not to be tolerated in a minister. Offences in money, dishonesty or sexual misconduct meant instant dismissal. [15]

Calvin gave Theology training:

All Calvin's students had to be fully proficient in Latin, Hebrew and Greek, in order to be thoroughly proficient in line by line exegesis of the Scriptures. They were required to be trained in Church History and Systematic Theology. Character training was paramount. These pastors had to face the reality of martyrdom. Only when Calvin judged a man to possess the necessary and staying power would be sent into France to preach and plant churches. Each church began by a group gathering in a home, and then out of that a fully disciplined church would be constituted. Such was termed ‘a dressed church’.

In 1555 there was only one 'dressed church'. Seven years later, in 1562, there were 2150 such churches! This represents growth of extraordinary proportions. Eventually there were over two million Protestant church members out of a French population of twenty million. This multiplication came in spite of fierce persecution. For instance in 1572, 70,000 Protestants lost their lives. The church order used was Presbyterian. [16]

There were 29 national synods from about 1562 to 1685 when persecution forced most of the believers to leave France. The real character of John Calvin is revealed in his letter-writing which was very extensive and pastoral in character. Besides personal letters he also wrote to the French churches as a whole. For instance in November 1559 he wrote: “Persecutions are the real battles of Christians, to test the constancy and firmness of their faith; we should hold in high esteem the blood of the martyrs shed for a testimony to the truth.” [17]

Conclusion:

Even though regardless of the motif one’s mission theology might prefer, it is important that one have a mission theology that leads us to live sent, on biblical mission. We should consider ourselves that God’s mission is assigned upon conversion; it applies to the missionaries, church leaders, and layperson alike. This paper may only offers a brief survey of the vast material in mission theology of Calvin’s, most of which is worth further looking at. However, one most eventually leave the imaginary and engage in the practical, as did the many missionaries of the Bible.

References:

[1]. Grudem, Wayne A. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England:

Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 674.

[2]. Ibid, p-674

[3]. B.K. Kuiper. The Church in History. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Comp, 1951)p-191

[4]. http://www.prayerfoundation.org/books/book_review_heroes_john_calvin.html

[5]. B. K. Kuiper. The Church in History. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Pub. Comp, 1951)p-202

[6]. http://www.enotes.com/topics/renaissance or

http//www.enotes.com/topics/renaissance/john-calvin

[7]. http://www.enotes.com/renaissance-reformation-biographies/calvin-john

[8]. http://worship.calvin.edu/about/mission/html or http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/John_Calvin.html

[9]. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112354532120930

5. Calvin's Institutes. The two volumes, edited by John T McNeil and translated by Ford Lewis Battles,

form part of the Library of Christian Classics. 1,500 pages, Westminster Press, USA.

[11]. Calvin's Institutes. The two volumes, edited by John T McNeil and translated by Ford Lewis Battles,

form part of the Library of Christian Classics. 1,500 pages, Westminster Press, USA.

[12]. John Calvin's enterprise in the evangelization of France is described by Jean-Marc Berthoud in a carefully researched treatise of 53 pages, Westminster Conference Papers .for 1992 obtainable from John Harris, 8 Back Knowl Road, Mirfield, WF14 9SA, UK £4.00 including postage. It is from this treatise that I have extracted the material about France.

[13]. B. K. Kuiper, The Church in History. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing

Comp. 1951) p-190-192

[14]. Ibid, p-190-193

[15]. John Calvin, Translated by John King, Calvin’s Commentaries, Vol 1., Genesis (Grand Rapids,

Michigan: Baker Books, 2009), 128.

[16]. B. K. Kuiper, The Church in History. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing

Comp. 1951)p-149-152

[17]. John Bratt. The Heritage of John Calvin. (Eerdmans, 1973), pages 40-73.

The story of Noah

2012-02-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

The story of Noah

Noah was the son of Lamech. Noah was borne when Lamech was 182 years. And his Father lived for 777 years old and he died. After when Noah was 500 years old he had a son’s- Shem, Ham and Japheth. Men become very large in number on the earth and daughters were borne them. In this way people growth with beautiful and handsome men and women on the earth. The people become more and more violence and corrupted to each other. They married each other without any account of relationship. They did and behaved as they wish. Their thought was become so evil in all times. That’s why God made less age for all mankind in this world (6:3).

God saw their violence and wickedness of the people in the world. The lord was grief and painful in His heart in seeing them like this. So the Lord said to Noah that God will wipe off the wicked people in this world. And God also said that “He was grieved that He has made them”.

The account of Noah:

Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he was walking with God. The earth was so corrupted and violence in their ways of living. One day God spoke to Noah that “He will put an end to the people, for the earth was filled with full of violence and corrupted”. So God told Noah to build an Ark of Cypress wood for them. God also told him to make a room in it and coated with pitch inside and out. God give the concept of the Ark that its length should be 450 feet, 75 feet wide and 45 feet high. And the Ark to within 18 inches of top, and he should put the door in the side of the Ark and make lower, middle and upper desk. But God will establish His covenant with Noah and they will enter it with his family and different animals, birds and every kind of creature on the earth. God told him to take one pair of each kind of animals, birds and every kind of creatures. And he takes the food for themselves and food for all kinds of animals and birds etc.

The flood:

Then the Lord told them to enter in the ARK, because God found him righteous in that generation (7:1). And to take 7 of every kind of clean animal, male and it mate, and 2 of every unclean animal, male and it mate. And 7 of every kind of Bird, male and female so that its keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth. God shut the door of the Ark. The God poured the rain continually for forty days and forty nights. The earth was filled with full of water and there were no tree were found. All were under the water.

Noah was 600 years old when the flood came on earth. The water kept increasing on the earth and as the water rose higher and higher, the water lifted up the ARK high above the earth. All the tress and land were covered by the water. Then every living creature was perished. Everything on the earth was died. Only Noah family and those with him in the Ark were saved. The water was flooded on the earth for 150 days.

Now after 150 days, the floodgate of heaven had been closed. And gradually the water on the earth receded. And at the end of 150 days on the 17^th days of the 7 months, the ARK came at rest on the mountains Ararat. The water continues receding until the 10^th months, and on the 1^st day of the 10^th months the tops of the mountain became visible.

After 40 days Noah opened the window and sent the RAVEN and it keep flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. Then he sent the DOVE but the dove could find her place to perch and return back to Noah. He waited for 7 more days and again sent out the DOVE from the ARK. When the Dove returns in the evening there in its beak was a fresh pluck olive leaf. Then Noah knew that the water receding from the earth. He again waited for 7 days and sent out the dove, but this time she never return back to Noah.

In the 1^st day of the 1^st month of Noah 600years and 1^st years the water dried up from the earth. Noah then removed the covering from the ARK and saw the surface of the earth and ground. On the 27 days of the 2^nd months the water was completely dried. The God said to Noah told them to come out of the Ark with all the difference kind of creatures. And all the living creatures move along the ground. Then Noah built an ALTAR to the Lord, taking some clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burn offering on it. When God got the pleasing aroma from the offering, he said in His heart that He will not curse the ground because of man. And never destroy again the living creature as he has done.

God blessed the earth that seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Then God also blessed Noah and his son to be fruitful and increase on the earth. God established his Covenant that never be destroy by flood. And God said He set RAINBOW in the clouds and it will be the sign of the Covenant between Noah and God. And God also told that whenever He brings clouds, the Rainbow will appear in the sky. And He will remember the everlasting Covenant between Noah and all the life of creatures on the earth.

These are the evidence found by the Archeologist discovered about the Ancient events in time of Noah building an Ark.

Sermon on John 21:15-23

2012-02-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

Sermon on John 21:15-23

Introduction:

Today we are going to talk about the gospel of John and it was about the third appearance of Jesus Christ in Galilee. Here the Apostle John want to describe that Jesus did appeared to his disciples to manifest himself; and had a communication to his disciples as well as to Peter. Jesus did this so that they may know that after dead we too would raise in a living forms as Jesus himself. And also Jesus let his disciples remember that what he had promise to his disciples when they were in a last lord supper. Now this is the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after he was risen from the dead [Jn 21:14]. So, John records the first three times. Jesus did appear on other occasions after this, but this was the third time in order. Then now let us see what was happening at that time.

Outlines:

1. Submitting to Christ. V 15-17

2. Following Christ in the midst of suffering. V 18-19

3. The blessing of Christ v 20-23

Brief background:

When Peter and with his friends were hauled the net in the Sea of Galilee for the whole night. They were hauling the net for the whole night but they found nothing. It was dawn when Jesus appeared to them. They saw Jesus stood on the sea shore. They didn’t recognize that he was Jesus. Jesus came nearer to them and told them to haul on the right hand side of the boat. They found 153 fishes. They brought to Jesus and sat near a charcoal fire. But they didn’t dare to ask him. They knew that it was Jesus not anyone else. Jesus took the fish break it and share to one another. This might be the third times that he revealed himself as living forms to his disciples after he rose from the dead.

On the other hand, they were very diligent in their profession. They even didn’t notice that lord Jesus would arise. They might already forget Jesus when the happening was over. They were busy in their own profession or domestic work. But Jesus himself also didn’t even say that he was Jesus. He directly steps near to them and have prepare for the breakfast as they usually do. Nor he shows them the marks of crucifixion. He stayed with them as usual way they live. According to this, we can say that they might know him when Jesus told them to haul the net on the right hand and found it many fishes. From this they might recognized him well that he was Jesus. Peter would be remembering about his first meet with Jesus. Otherwise they would ask many questions to him.

1. Submitting to Christ v 15-17

Submitting to Christ is that the zeal of love with our inner heart which means brotherly love or true love or earnestly loves. It can also distinct it into two ways – True and Materialistic love. Here Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, Do you love me more than these? [Jn 21:15]. The word “love” used here is very deep of God's divine love. Or it is a very strong love. We can distinguish by saying that do you love me more than your livelihood? Or do you love me more than your profession? Or it could be referring to the other disciples whom Peter had avowed that he loved the Lord really more than them. For Jesus had said to His disciples that, all of you are going to be offended tonight because of me. And Peter said, Lord, though they may all be offended, I will never be offended. In his essence of saying this Lord, I am more faithful, and I love you more than the others. And Jesus said to Peter, before the cock crows, you will deny me three times. He said it is not possible for me Lord. If they would kill me also, I would never deny you [John 13:36-38]. [1] But he did. Here Jesus might be recalling his faith in Christ that failure when He said to Peter. We don't know because we weren't there to see what Jesus was looking at, or action towards. Or it could be for another reason he revealed himself to them perhaps Peter is very necessary in his mission to continue his teaching to the nations that which Jesus told him.

On the other hands, we see that Jesus told to Peter that “you are Peter, and on this rockI will build my church, and the gates of hellshall not prevail against it”. [Matt 16:18]. Peter himself also said that “Lord I will lay down my life for you; I will follow you where you go” [John 13:37]. Or Jesus might be having some thing to comment them to do in this world in the days to come. Otherwise Jesus will not ask Peter “Do you love me?” repeatedly. Perhaps Jesus spoke this to signify by what death he would be glorifies God. And Jesus has given them a great commission for his disciples to proclaim the good news to all nations and to the end of the earth along with his promises holy spirit to sent and stay with them [Matt 28:19, 20] before his dead. For this conclusion we can just assume that why Jesus chose Peter’s to be accomplished his command. He might be for his great plan on commissioning that he gave to his disciples to makes disciples and preach the good news. Their task might be vital to accomplish what they have heard from Lord Jesus.

2. Following Christ in the midst of suffering: v- 18-19

Here after he asked Peter’s thrice times Jesus also said again unto him, “Feed my lambs” [Jn 21:15] means that the Lord is interested that His lambs would be fed. Or The Lord would give the knowledge and understanding to feed his children of God. [2] Thus the phrases sound like there are three responsibilities for peter to take care of God’s peoples. We can just assume that this passage is a pastoral task. Here the phrase “feed my lambs” and “feed my sheep” meaning is very similar. Except the word “lambs” and “sheep” is the different. These words mean to his peoples of the world of all the believers. The phrases used in a plural form for the word “lambs”. As we know that Jesus used the word sheep, lamb and flock are as for the peoples of God. Then we can clearly think that if the word is “lambs” then it might be referring for the new believers who were not very strong in their faith in Christ. Or who had been newly believed and not firms in their believed.

Secondly Jesus used in his saying “feed my sheep” which mean the peoples of God or believers. Jesus might want to reaffirm Peter reply so that he would be clear or please in his mind with satisfactory. This is the second responsibility for Peter to take care of the Godly peoples in a very special way. As we knew that “Jesus is the good shepherd” [John 10:11]; and here it’s likely that Peter is a subordinate shepherd who should take care the flock of sheep or the congregational peoples. A good shepherd used to take care after the flock of sheep from any danger or attacked. We may also know that in the midst of doing missionary we surely face suffering and trouble in our life. It’s his great responsible given by the Lord Jesus to Peter. Peter’s himself said that suffering is valuable for our life [I Peter 1:6-7; 2:19-20; 4:14] and he also says that we should rejoice in suffering [I Peter 4:13]. That’s means we have to do God’s work until dead, though it is in the midst of suffering.

In the verse 18, we looks at that Jesus used the word “young and old” also, perhaps he used this in order to compare the strength of the faith in Christ. Because when we were young, we need not to depend on anybody, we do it by ourselves. But if we think in a literal sense, now we are old we have not enough strong to take care of ourselves or work so hard. Or in the other way, when we were young we didn’t care of God love but now we have understood the love and grace of God; and he chose us to be his faithful servant. Or here it might be because of Peter vow to lord Jesus Christ when he asked him before betraying Jesus. This might be very significant for Peter that he is going to be crucified. (ESV) “When you were young, you dressed yourself and you went where you wanted, but one of these days others are going to dress you and they're going to take you where you don't want to go”[V-19]. They were going to take you to a cross. And sure enough in the years to come, when Peter was in Rome, he was sentenced to die on a cross. And Peter was crucifying upside down; he says he was not worthy to die as did the Lord. And he was crucified upside down. It is interesting that Jesus here tells him by what death he's going to die. And immediately after telling to him, Jesus told him to follow. [3]

3. The blessing of Christ v-20-23

Here Peter asks to Jesus that “Lord who is going to betray you? And he again asks him what about him?”[v-20], here it seems that, Peter was very careful for Jesus. That’s why Jesus ask him, why you think for others. Or perhaps he should think for himself that he was chose to be a shepherd. He might want to be peaceful in their lives and want them to follow him right away. Or Jesus might say for eternal life or he want to say that why should you worry for the other, it doesn’t matter for you. Think of yourself. Here Jesus says (NIV) “if I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you” [v-21 & 23] for two times repeatedly.

And it is also seemed that Jesus is very serious and wants them not to remember what had happened in the paste life. He might also encourage them to be more concentrate in what they have to do in their future. Jesus even virtually telling him to mind owns his business to proclaim the Gospel. Because everybody knew that he was already dead and Jesus might want them to forget those things or issue. Jesus said in essence, Peter, that's none of your business. I'm talking to you about you. You worry about yourself.

Don't worry about him. It is likely that, that “if I should will that he lived until I come again, what difference that makes you?” [V-23]

Now, the Lord always wants to deal with each of them personally, and that personal relationship with them. The Lord will talk to them and tell them about him, and the Lord will talk to you and tell about you.
Illustration:

One of a Pastor’s in my home town, working two in one business. He engaged in the mission field as well as involving a dangerous business. He used to supplied arms, bullets etc, and many others thing along with his profession. He has been working for 6/7 years already. He used his professional identity to safe himself from any terrible and danger. He is very kind and much helpful to the congregation but his profession is not matches him to be like this. He is very good working in the church. He often rebuked for the way the other man do wrong and wants them in order to be good in the future days. He always thinks for the growth of the congregation. He donating money, and bought the necessary things for the church.

But unfortunately one day he was caught that he was doing such dangerous business. Many members of the church didn’t know and expect that he was such person. He was in trouble in everywhere. He was put in jail for 1 year. After 1 year he has been released from jail. He stopped his business and kept gaps for 2 years. The people of his church were uncertain about him and his work that he may start again at any time. This way the people expects him verily. He shouldn’t involve in those kind of business. Because, we have known that money and God can’t walk together. In the Bible Paul’s says “for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” [1 Tim 6:10]. Then now what can we say about these? Can we still engage with it? No, no one should be doing like that. So, if any one who do so, they are breaking the law of God.

What we can learn:

From this passage we can learn three things- firstly failing to look after the people of God and secondly how to guide in the godly way for the congregation. Thirdly, the true love for God is not only in the midst of suffering and pain, but also in time of our happiness. Failing to look after the people of God here I mean is that many times we failed to see what was going on the church. We never care for the church. In this passage Peter failed what he has to be done, but he didn’t. He never realized that God came to this world into being for his great purpose. He was busy in his profession. It seemed that he didn’t care the people to teach or proclaims the gospel to the people of the world. Likewise we too didn’t care what was assigned for you and me.

Secondly, we often neglected to give any advice or suggestion for those who are weak in the spiritual life as well as physical life. We think that we have nothing to do with the church. We also think that there is a leader in the congregation and thought it easily and lightly. We have a right to guide and lead them but we don’t do what we supposed to do. We have the responsibility to tell or teach them but we don’t. This is the weak point for those who have not fulfilled his responsibility. Then how much God would grief to us for we didn’t fulfill his commission to go and preach the Gospel to the world.

Conclusion:

For my conclusion I want to say that one should work a particular appointed work of Christian ministry with worthily. He shouldn’t involve in a very terrible business. If he is a pastor, he should be worthy of it for his job or ministry. He should work properly with honors and gentleness. He must know that he is a servant of God. He must give respect for his profession. As we have discuss how the Pastor problem in my home town. I boldly can say that rather than he there are many people who engage like that. Like working as Pastor Sake and doing such great and strange business in the church of our own home town.

And in addition to that, some Pastor have a very cruel mind and thought for the congregation or others members. And not only that working as Pastor but no used for him sometime. He didn’t do his profession properly in the church. He even can’t take his responsibilities to look after his church members well. So I therefore want to say that please let us not misunderstand what God has appointed us to do. Let us make the Christians develop our faith in Christ very effectively.

In the Bible we see that Peter profession was fishing fish. He fished in the River of Galilee at Tiberius when Jesus appeared after his resurrection. Jesus wants Peter's in occupation of fishing men in this world.

They thew their net for whole night but they couldn't get any fish.

The Bible is inspired or breathed by God

References:

[1]. Smith, Chuck. Smith Bible Commentary OT/NT (Through the Bible C 2000 Series).1986

[2]. Smith, Chuck. Smith Bible Commentary OT/NT (Through the Bible C 2000 Series).1986

[3]. Smith, Chuck. Smith Bible Commentary OT/NT (Through the Bible C 2000 Series).1986

Life of Abraham (the patriarch)

2012-02-04T18:51:00.000-08:00

Life of Abraham (the patriarch)

The early life of Abraham:

Abraham father name was Terah. He was borne when Terah was 130 years old in the land of Ur. He has two brothers and his brother’s names were Nahor and Haran. [1] Abraham was very faithful to God. He was known as the father of faithfulness. He was the exalted father of the nation. He was a middle age, prosperous, settled and thoroughly Pagans. He obeyed what God has command him to do. He was very friendly with God.

Abraham career:

Abraham was called as an epitome of faith recorded in the Bible according to the book of “The Bible knowledge of Commentary” by John F. Walvoord, page no.46-68. [2] He got married with Sarai his half sister. Their lifestyles were beautiful and living by peace in all day long. Abraham was very obedience to God, he never forsake God command. God also love him very much because of his faith. He was a dedicated person of that time. He has a concept of having real faith in God. His respond was very near to God oblige.

The called of Abraham:

God appeared to him and had two imperative each with result of the promised. God called him when he planned settled in the land of Ur. Along with calling God was promised him to be blessed and dominion over the nation. God want him for his special purposed. [3] The call of Abraham is to be found a new nation for the people of Israel. He built an Altar for God so that they would not break their promised. The called of Abraham has two purposed- first he promised to give great nation, secondly he promised to give blessing and lastly God want him to become a great Nation of the world.

The early life of Abraham:

Abraham career:

The called of Abraham:

The Life before the arrivals in the land of Canaan:

He settled in the land of Ur of the Chaldees in Mesopotamia. [4] He married Sarai half sister and migrated to the land of Canaan. God appeared to him already when he dwelt in the land of Haran. Now God’s want to confirm his promised to Abraham for he told him to bless and numerous his generation. This appeared to him to renew for the promised that he had with him. When he was at the age of 75 years, he departed from Haran to Canaan on behalf of God promised to him.

Unsettled life in the land of Canaan:

When God called him in Ur he went to Canaan and lived there for a few 10 years. And then he encamped at the land of Shechem of Bethel. [5] There it come a famine in the land of Canaan and went to sojourn in Egypt for a few years. He threatens his wife and pretended himself as her brother. He knew that Sarai was very beautiful in appearance, and when the Egyptians see her, they will say she was her wife; then they will kill him. That’s why he lied for the King of Egypt because in order to safe himself. The king thought that Abraham was her brother so the King took Sarai as for his wife. [6] The King treated him well and gave him herds, male servant and female servant. But the lord afflicted with a great plague. The people of Egypt were caused trouble because of Sarai, wife of Abraham. The King of Egypt gave his wife back to him.

Departure with his nephew lot:

When he was coming back from Egypt to Canaan, he met with his nephew lot. He told him to choose the land which favour for himself. Lot choose in the east side of the Canaan near the plain Jordan valley which called Sodom and Gomorrah. He deeds this because it was not enough to support and dwell for them together. Lot settled there with his wife, children and some herds in the east land near the plains of Canaan. Abram chose the place where God has said to him to live. God told him for all he seen God will give him and to his offspring forever. He set out his tent and moved to the oak of Mamreh at Hebron. [7] He settled in the land of Mamreh for 23/24 years. He built an Altar to the lord. He made a treaty with the King Amalek, Amorite and with Melchizedek.

The promised by God was tally confirmed for him to live in the land. And he also confirmed to inheritance his Covenant.

God confirmed the Covenant with Abraham:

His confirmation of the Covenant was by Circumcision of his child Isaac as well as for all the people of God. He circumcised Isaac at the age of 8 months as his Covenant with God. He was tested by God when his was grown up young. God asked his son to sacrifice for God. This Covenant was the sign of God promised to him. He also changes his name into Abraham (Gen 17).

Abraham Bosom (dead):

When he was completely 175 years old he died and was buried in the cave of Mach-pelah near Mamreh. [8] After Abraham dead, God pour out rich blessing upon his son Isaac. His grandson and grand daughter were scattered all over across the country from Havilah to Shur. And they were constantly at war with another country. Isaac inheritance everything from his father Abraham, including God wonderful promised to make his descendant growth into a great nation. [9]

Lesson from Abraham life:

Our faith in God should be confirmed.
Security doesn’t lie in the accumulation of goods.
All human being are intention and actions- for good or for evil.
Consequences are important to consider.
God is faithfulness to his promises, even when we complicate the process of God. Patience often brings good reward.

References:

[1]. John, D. Davis. “Davis Dictionary of the Bible”. (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Book

House. 1978) p-7-10

[2]. John, F. Walvoord. Roy, B. Zuck. “The Bible Knowledge Commentary”. (USA, Canada,

England, Victor Book, 1985) p-46-68

[3]. I. H. Marshall. A. R. Millard. J.I. Packer. D.J. Wiseman. “New Bible Dictionary”.

(Hyderabad, Authentic Books, 1982) p-7-9

[4]. John, D. Davis. “Davis Dictionary of the Bible”. (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Baker Book

House. 1978) p-7-10

[5]. I. H. Marshall. A. R. Millard. J.I. Packer. D.J. Wiseman. “New Bible Dictionary”.

(Hyderabad, Authentic Books, 1982) p-7-9

[6]. J. D. Douglas. Merrill C. Tenney. “The NID of the Bible”. (Grand Rapids, Zondervan

Publishing House, 1963) P-7, 8

[7]. John, F. Walvoord. Roy, B. Zuck. “The Bible Knowledge Commentary”. (USA, Canada,

England, Victor Book, 1985) p-46-68

[8]. J. D. Douglas. Merrill C. Tenney. “The NID of the Bible”. (Grand Rapids, ZondervaPublishing House, 1963) P-7, 8

[9]. “Life Application Bible Genesis”. (Wheaton, Illinois, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 1987), p-25-49

Christmas Characters:

2012-02-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas Characters: Jesus

Matthew 1:21-25

The characters of Christmas are very interesting to study as each one of them turns our focus toward the main meaning of Christmas. When the Lord Jesus was born, Mary His mother, is very important in the overall story. Then, there is Joseph, the strong, silent carpenter, who faithfully became her husband and the legal father of the Lord Jesus. When Jesus was born the wise men came from the east to worship Him. They have a part to play and they have a part in the meaning of the message of Christmas. Also, the shepherds came and they reminded us of many of the beautiful messages and meanings of Christmas. When Jesus was born the angels from heaven made a journey to this earth and made announcements relative to the purpose and meaning of Christmas.

But all of the characters of Christmas now point our focus to the little baby in that manger. That little baby, the Bible says, was named Jesus. The naming of a child is always an important occasion. When you named the children you have it was very important and very meaningful to you. Sometimes babies are named because they express the aspiration and the desires of the parents. Sometimes the names are given in honor and memory of certain family members or famous personalities.

In the Bible, especially, the giving of names was an important matter. Many times the naming of a child in the Bible had significance not only historically, but also spiritually. It was certainly true in the naming of this babe in the manger when the name was given Jesus. Actually, the name did not come from Mary. The name did not come from Joseph. The name was given by an angel, for the name had been brought to earth from heaven where God Himself gave the name to this baby.

There are many titles and names given to the Son of God in the Bible. Someone has estimated over 700 titles and names for Jesus can be found in the pages of the Bible. Of all of the names used for our Lord in the Bible, the one most often used is the name Jesus. Almost a thousand times is this name of the Son of God given. He shall be called Jesus.

Jesus is the name around which the whole Bible revolves. In one sense of the word you could say that the Bible is indeed a Jesus book. In the Old Testament Jesus is predicted. In the Gospels Jesus is presented. In the letters the Lord Jesus Christ is proclaimed and in the last book of the Bible, the book of The Revelation, the name of Jesus is praised.

So, we look at the central figure of the Christmas story in this message of Christmas. The One who gives the meaning to the message. The One who is central to the scene. The One indeed who is the reason for the season--Jesus.

I want to make some very down-to-earth and I hope very understandable statements about this name Jesus, as we approach the celebration of His birth on Christmas.

This name of Jesus is- I. A SIMPLE Name. It was a commonly used name in...

by Joseph Hanse