Volume 1 | Issue 1
MAY-JUNE 2019
KINGDOM
PERSPECTIVES
For Private Circulation Only
Comforting | Inspiring | Word of Life & Spirit
Parable of Hidden
TREASURE
Alive in
CHRIST Testimony of Sis. TARIKA SINGH
ABOUT US
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Kingdom Perspectives has been made available to you through the help and support of the friends and sponsors of GGM ministries. All Bible references are from King James Version, New Living Translation, Amplified Bible Classic Edition and Revised Standard Version (RSV). Kingdom Perspectives is published by Glorious Gospel Ministries, Bangalore, India. For more information visit our website www.gloriousgospel.in President: Blasson N Mathew Chief Editor: Sherin Johnson Design Director : Jose Valiyakalayil Subscription Coordinators: Roshin & Jithin, Kevin C.K. Special Thanks: Jessica Coutinho, Charly, Betty Joseph, Sibu Mathew, Glady Joseph
Kingdom Perspectives | May-June 2019
God called Evg. Blasson N. Mathew for the ministry of the Lord at the age of eighteen. Realizing God's calling up on his life he committed a couple of years to study God's word. Accordingly, God enabled him to engage himself in various ministries such as preaching and teaching at different places. In order to focus more on gospel ministries Evg. Blasson registered a team ministry called 'Glorious Gospel Ministries'- GGM on 2nd May, 2016. He is married to Blessy Joseph who is also passionate for God and His people in the ministry. Presently, the ministry carries out its various visions and missions under GGM- team Church by the doctrine of New Testament. During this short span of time we as a team witnessed transforming testimonials of many lives. GGM engages to progress in mission works, evangelism and social works in India and the globe at large. Since the gospel is the power of God for salvation for those who believe (Rom. 1:6), we commit to serve Him with the passion of God. Similarly, we believe God will establish and use you for the expansion of His Kingdom. gloriousgospel.in/aboutus kingdomperspectives77@gmail.com
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EDITORIAL Perfect peace is found no where except in heaven. Our expectation must be far reaching for a world of peace.
Every day we watch the news channels with anticipation for goodnews. However, the news we receive is full of fear and strife. At present the world has made far reaching developments due to information technology and innovations etc. However, there is no real peace in the world. The disparities are still as in the past except the developments in the world. Today, there are many lives who are under fear. Only our lifestyle has changed, whereas natural calamities and chaos in personalities are more real as days pass by.
SHERIN JOHNSON Chief Editor, Kingdom Perspectives
Perfect peace is found no where except in heaven. Our expectation must be far reaching for a world of peace. Hence, we find in the pages of the Bible about a peaceful kingdom and its immediate expedition. Moreover, those who are under the authority of that kingdom are promised with the divine peace that surpasses all mere mortal understanding (Phili. 4:7). No matter how much the devil planned his schemes in the world, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In this edition we bring your attention to some of such precepts of Jesus Christ for a better meaning to your life. The kingdom of God is exceptional and the principles about it by our Lord Jesus are also extraordinary. We seek for God's favor up on you as we pray for you today that every page you read enlightens you and brings real blessings of the Lord upon you. May God bless you.
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THE PARABLE OF THE HIDDEN TREASURE A PARADIGM OF KINGDOM INVESTMENTS (Mathew 13:44)
Evg. Blasson N. Mathew Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.( Matthew 13:44-46 (KJV) ) n secular terms, investment is the commitment of something like money, time, energy or effort to a task with the expectation of certain worthwhile profit. However, Jesus' precepts about investments are exceptional. The parable of the hidden treasure is one of such teachings about the mysteries of kingdom investments. It explicitly explains how the kingdom investors attain most lasting investment benefits. The advantage of the investment in the kingdom of God is not depending on how much is invested but on how appropriately it is invested. God does not merely seek for investors in worldly terms but faithful investors of the little who abound to be stewards of many lasting investments. Jesus used the most simple terms to compare the kingdom. However, its vast measure is understood while determining its meaning. Bible scholars interpreted the terms in the parable such as “the treasure” as Jesus Christ (Col 1:19, 2:3; John. 1:16) and “the field” as the word of God (Isa. 12:3, Proverb. 2:4,5, John. 5:39) and points to the fact that anybody
who searches for God in the word will find the greatest t r e a s u r e - Je s u s C h r i s t . F u r t h e r , t h e r e a r e immeasurable heavenly blessings for those who with joy invest in the kingdom (Heb 4:1, 12:15, Ps. 105:3). (Mathew Henry Commentary). While we understand the fact that Jesus Christ is the foremost greatest treasure in the whole world; we will change our attitude in serving Him all the more. However, we are often challenged by our circumstances to speculate about the reality of the kingdom and its immediate expedition. Further, as days pass by we have lost the taste and interest of this subject. As a result we are tempted to focus less about kingdom principles and kingdom benefits in this life and the life to come. Jesus Christ, through this parable tries to resolve some of such challenges.
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Kingdom Perspectives | May-June 2019
The challenge of the reality of the Kingdom is infact one of the very significant challenges. Many are not able to believe that there is going to be an everlasting kingdom ruled by Jesus Christ. Even though the Bible 4
A good investor always keeps a good portion of his profit to invest yet again. The man in the parable is not merely invested out of his profit rather whatever he has is invested to gain the kingdom so that his entire living becomes an everlasting investment. explicitly speaks about the existence of this kingdom Jews at Jesus' times did not believe in its reality. For instance, Jews including Jesus' disciples were expecting Jesus to establish an earthly kingdom and they thought that Jesus would free the Jews from bondages of foreign kings. Hence, we find Jesus telling them that “my kingdom is not of this world‌â€? (John 18:36). Even today, people find it irrational to think about the immediate expedition of God's kingdom and therefore they are not interested in spending their time, talents and wealth in God's kingdom. Jesus through this parable points out the fact that kingdom of God is hidden from many eyes but it is a reality just like the treasure is a reality and any one who sows in the kingdom of God is going to gain lasting benefits even if he has invested everything leaving nothing for himself. Moreover, kingdom of God is the greatest as it is an eternal kingdom which has foundations in contrast to the earthly kingdom which is passing and whose assets are impulsive. Father Abraham was looking for such a kingdom which has foundations while living in tents with his promised children (Heb 11:10). Kingdom of God is real and its investment as well. Therefore, spending our resources for kingdom benefits has consequent eternal effects. Jesus highly esteemed the reality of the kingdom by saying that the man in the parable found it reasonable to spend everything he had for a field that is really precious. We must direct our objectives and resources in this life for the welfare of the kingdom of God. Thus our living and serving in this life must not be ultimately for earthly goals but rather for
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something that is really lasting. The challenge of being a good observer is addressed in this parable by saying that the man in the parable found it interesting to buy the field as there is a treasure in it. Many of us don't know how much demanding the kingdom of God is because we have seldom observed its treasure. A good observation can only make fair investors. Unless we are born of water and spirit we cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Kingdom of God is for those who surrender their lives first and then everything else for the kingdom. Nobody has cleansed us like Jesus did with His pure blood on the cross of Calvary bearing our sins, sickness and curses. Further He defeated the power of death and was resurrected. Today He intercedes for us as a mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2.5). Since we are very sure about the profit of the earthly investments though it is unstable, how much more will God's promise in Christ be fulfilling for those who live a righteous life by faith in Him. God insist us to be good observers to reach the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ so that all our efforts may not be in vain. Challenge of highest benefit is dealt in this parable. Some individuals believe that there is going to be no difference if they live all their lives looking forward only for a spiritual world and its objectives. Jesus clarifies such negative observations of this modern world and brings our attention to the attitude of the man in the parable who sells off everything he has to gain the most valuable treasure. Even now very few
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people understand how precious the kingdom treasure is. However, once we understand this fact we will know the secret of blessing and success. For instance, once God said to Abraham you will be a blessing to many nations. The mystery of the success of the Israelites lies in the fact that they determined to be a people of blessing to many lives no matter how much the world hates them. When we determined to do good to others we are instrumental in the hand of a good God and He will make our life a success (Gal. 6.9, Heb. 13:16, Proverb. 3:27). Jesus says “even whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly …he shall not lose his reward” (Matt. 10:42). The contrast between earthly and heavenly investments is well addressed in this parable. Some consider it futile to live for something that is only spiritual and transcendental. On the other hand, some people occasionally think that they are blessed and successful in the earth therefore will be blessed and fortunate in heaven as well. Jesus clarifies a big mystery to the world through this parable that it is not the rich and successful in earthly terms who are successful and rich in heaven but those who are poor in heart and are righteous for the sake of the heavenly kingdom. (Matt. 5.3,10). Therefore it is not possible to achieve something from God if we walk in earthly terms. Since God deals with His kingdom principles in contrast with the earthly terms let us be mindful of God's perfect principles in life. Moreover it is those whom we considered the first in earthly terms are going to be the last in the kingdom of God (Matt. 19.30). However those who lead many people into righteousness will shine in the kingdom of God as stars (Dan 12.3). Let us look forward to invest something more for the world which is everlasting and has foundations where worms and thieves will not take away our investments (Matt 6.20). The Kingdom of God is real, its benefits are everlasting and there is great contrast between earthly investments and heavenly investments. Only a keen observer understands these facts. A good investor always keeps a good portion of his profit to invest yet again. The man in the parable is not merely invested out of his profit rather whatever he has is invested to gain the kingdom so that his entire living becomes an everlasting investment. Even blessings in this life and the life to come are depending on how meaningfully we lived for the kingdom of God. Therefore, let us be realistic about what Jesus says: “seek ye first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.” Moreover, God is expecting us to excel in kingdom principles because essentially it is the faithful in little that are going to become the steward of the more. After all, what is tested and well proved will be rewarded in heavenly kingdom. When our work for the kingdom is tested it should be like gold coming out of the fire with more glory in contrast to wood and straw that which will not remain in the test of fire. Let us therefore advance whole heartedly in the kingdom interests; for the Bible says: where your treasure there is your heart (Matt. 6.21). Moses says in Psalm 90.7 “we [the Israelites in the wilderness] are consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath are we troubled, overwhelmed, and frightened away.” Do not let our days and years pass in the after-effects of sin and in the anger of God due to transgressions. Let us repent and receive forgiveness from God. Live for a cause and let that cause be the kingdom of God. May our lives be surrounded by the favor of God.
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Do not let our days and years pass in the aftereffects of sin and in the anger of God due to transgressions. Let us repent and receive forgiveness from God. Live for a cause and let that cause be the kingdom of God. May our lives be surrounded by the favor of God.
Reason for the Season JANET E RANJITHA My sin My greatest enemy within My sins Drains me out of strength My sins Separates me from God forever My sins Satan's only clutch over me But My God Planned it all beforehand My God Sent Jesus to redeem me My Jesus Drank the cup filled with God's wrath Of my sins My Jesus Conquered Death and Satan I am now Saved Free Happy Protected In Christ Jesus
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Happy Resurrection “Jesus Died on the Cross for a cause, and we were the cause, For Our peace He became a ransom; He has resurrected to resurrect you; receive Him to receive eternal life”
GLORIOUSGOSPEL M I N I S T R I E S
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"When you change the standard of your giving God will change the standard of your living" Evg. Anu Jacob
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Alive in CHRIST TARIKA SINGH I couldn't see or understand anything about the real God until then. So I shouted at my friends and said that there is no God, and if there is any; what kind of Almighty God is He who took our mother away from us leaving us in miserable state. Does He have no mercy on people?
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n this materialistic busy and crowded world, all are rushing towards their goals, dreams. About seven years ago, I was also a part of this race. But today I am different. Here I would like to share how my life was before and how it is at present.
Subsequently, I realized what they had said was true by ascertaining the behavioral changes in my mother. After all the medical and religious practices we ended up loosing all the money. My mother passed away in the year 2008. My mother's death led me to deep depression. I asked myself a thousand of questions about God.
My name is Tarika Singh. I am from a Punjabi Jatt Sikh and from a hard core atheist family. I was born and raised up in Amritsar, North India. My parents were communist since their young age. We never performed any religious practices related to our religion or any other. My younger sister and myself fully believed that neither God nor the devil existed; instead we thought that the universe is all about us and all our achievements were determined by our hard works.
Many witch doctors told me that my mother's death was just the beginning of evils in our family. Further, they said that the entire family members will die one by one. It was my mother's dream that I should go abroad. About a year after her death, I decided to fulfill her dream about going abroad. However, on the other hand realizing my plans my father plan to arrange a marriage for me but I refused it. I decided to never get married since the witch doctors told me that I and my sister will by no means get married and even if we do that, it would end up in broken relationships and we will not have kids.
I have done a Bachelor's degree in commerce and fashion designing. I always wanted to be a fashion designer but sometimes things do not happen as we have planned and that was my case. It is written in the Bible that “For my thoughts are not your thoughts neither are your ways my ways� (Isaiah 55:8) and I believe it was so in my life. So it all started in the year 2006 when my mother got diagnosed with kidney failure. She was in this condition for more than one and a half years. We provided her all the best medical treatments available but nothing was helpful to save her life. Many people blamed us and said it was God's wrath as we were not religious in life. Hence, I initiated to visit many religious places like Sikh gurudwaras, Hindu temples and mosques. As I was not getting answers for my prayers and religious rituals, I ended up in witchcraft and blackmagic.
After long discussion in the family, I sorted out all troubles regarding it and I went to London to pursue my M.B.A study with my father's help. Though it was a new beginning to my life, the sadness, negative thoughts and scary dreams never left me. Here came the turning point in my life. I thought that I was only living to fulfill my mother's dreams. I never know that on the other side there is a supreme God who is in control of my life who is higher than my plans or dreams. He is the reason of my living and His name is Jesus Christ. I came to know about Jesus through my friends. One day I met with two of my classmates, who were from India at my college in London. However, we became good friends after knowing each other. Then they introduced the living Lord Jesus Christ to me. At that time I could not understand the words like Savior,
I came to know from all the witch doctors whom I approached that our family was cursed and someone had done witchcraft on us. I was afraid and couldn't believe when I came to know about it at the first instance.
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Lord, Redeemer, sins, forgiveness, hope and above all love of God. According to Bible, I was spiritually blind and until God himself opened my eyes. I couldn't see or understand anything about the real God until then. So I shouted at my friends and said that there is no God, and if there is any; what kind of Almighty God is He who took our mother away from us leaving us in miserable state. Doesn’t He have mercy on people? I asked them does this God is happy about people that are suffering, getting destroyed and dying. My friends told me that I can ask God directly and for sure He would answer me. Because it is written in the Bible for 'everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks will be opened (Mathew 7:8). I was living a fearful state under depression with all the thoughts of loosing the rest of my family members and sometimes even feeling like giving up. But one day I cried and asked: if there is any God then please tell me who you are? Where do you live? How do you look? A man or woman? young or old? And which religion on earth is good and how to find you. For anybody such questions may seem funny and silly to ask but trust me I really asked it to an invisible God. So it happened one night I had a dream and in the dream I saw the Lord Jesus holding up my hand and taking me to the other side of the shore of a great river as mentioned in the book of Revelation 22:1. That
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dream was a turning point in my life. I told my friends about that dream and I didn't know that it was in the Bible until they told me. From that day onwards I started reading the Bible and came to know that God loves me and all His creation as well. As the book of John says “for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son and whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life' (John. 3:16). I went to a Church in London and there God set me free from all demonic and evil spirits that attacked me for a long time and Jesus Christ gave me a new life. The Bible tells “whom the son has set free he is free indeed” (John. 8:36) and I am free for ever since then. All this happened in 2012 and after a few months later I got baptized and became a new creation in Christ. This is not the end my life but a bright new beginning of a blessed life. Right after coming to India, God led me to a marriage with a man of God named Jephin George. He was the one who introduced Lord Jesus to me and I understood our marriage was the plan of God for us. At present, we are settled in Bangalore and leading a wonderful married life. Now we both have one belief, one faith, one hope and one love in the Lord. Our marriage was in 2014 and now we are blessed with a beautiful daughter. The Lord is now blessing us with many spiritual as well as physical blessings and gifts of the spirit. Ever since then my
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Presently I keep my life busy serving people and sharing the good news of the Lord. I have no regrets or tension about life. The Lord has died for me on the cross and has forgiven my sins and raised me forever from death. He has sanctified me and redeemed me. The Lord is my teacher; he is the king of kings, Lord of lords and master of our family. family stood with me and supported me in my belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. It has been seven years I am walking with the Lord and I have never looked back for anything. As we are promised in the Bible that “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household' (Act 16:31). So it came to pass at the end of the year 2018 that my sister got diagnosed with ovarian cyst cancer. She has gone through lot of difficulties and got operated a few months ago. However, I told her to put her trust in the Lord Jesus for He is the only one who can save us. He is our redeemer and healer. She believed and surrendered her life to Jesus. We, as a family and our Elshaddai Church in Bangalore earnestly prayed for her. By the blessings of the Lord the biopsy result came in favor of us. God has healed her completely from cancer. It was great joy for us to see how God fulfilled His promise to us. At present we live for a new purpose and in God's new direction. I dreamed to be a designer in life but I couldn't do anything as such for a long time. I used to
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ask God about it and God spoke to me saying “Tarika, you are still doing your work but not in your ways but in my ways.” God has asked me to share about Jesus Christ and His grace for salvation to as many people as possible. Presently, I keep my life busy serving people and sharing the good news of the Lord. I have no regrets or tensions about life. The Lord has died for me on the cross and has forgiven my sins and raised me forever from death. He has sanctified me and redeemed me. The Lord is my teacher; he is the king of kings, Lord of lords and master of our family. He is the best friend I ever knew. As He promised He never leave us nor forsake us. I can never live without Him. I encourage you to believe in Him and pray to Him as He is more real like our life is real. He will answer you for sure. Knowing Him will help you know the purpose of your life. All the glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ. May God bless you with His greatness up on you and your family.
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Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.� John 11:25 (RSV).
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When you stand for God, He stands for you; and when He stands for you, nothing can stand against you. Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oomen
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