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KINGDOM PRINCIPLES for Kingdom’ Lifestyle!
FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
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PERSPECTIVES Gospel | Literature | Education
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ELIJAH'S PRAYER-LIFE
Editorial Sherin Johnson About Jesus Evg. Blasson N Mathew God’s Faithfulness for Successful Daily Living Evg. Blasson N Mathew Joseph- A Man of Kingdom Principle of Faithfulness Pr Benny Thomas
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Faithfulness OF GOD Sergy Biju The Dual Citizenship Nithin K Joseph
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Take Up Your Cross And Follow Me Merlin Daniel Elavummakkel
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Etymology: Faithfulness Shyam Raj
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Poem: Faithful Man – Parable Poem Bijoy Luke
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Be Unto the Feet of
JESUS Alive in
CHRIST Testimony of Sis. GLORY SURESH
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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 Kingdom Perspectives Ministries. All Bible references are from King James Version, New International Version, New Living Translation, Amplified Bible Classic Edition and Revised Standard Version (RSV). Kingdom Perspectives is published by Kingdom Perspectives Ministries, Bangalore, India. For more information visit our website: kingdomperspectives.in +91 9916782434 kingdomperspectives77@gmail.com
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President: Blasson N. Mathew Chief Editor: Sherin Johnson Creative Head: Jose Valiyakalayil Co-ordinator Overseas: Betty Joseph Subscription Co-ordinators: Roshin C. Raju, Jithin Abraham and Kevin C.K. Special Thanks: Jessica Coutinho, Michelle Knowles
Editorial
About Jesus J
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SHERIN JOHNSON Chief Editor
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PERSPECTIVES Gospel | Literature | Education
Kingdom Perspectives | Nov-Dec 2020
f you would like to see God's plans succeed in your lives you must be faithful to Him. Proverb 19.21 says “Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” Faithfulness is one of the most progressing characters that God desires to develop in His children. Moreover, We must be faithful to God, since He is so loyal to us. If we do not live in a love relationship with God we will not be able to be faithful to Him. Faithfulness can be compared to a palm tree. Palm trees on the beach sides experience the most severe storm conditions. However, through that stormy wind these Palm trees' roots grow deeper and serve as an anchor for the tree. Similarly, if we are deeply rooted in love with God we can be faithful to Him until the last breath. The Bible also tells us that “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Let us trust and find all the more confidence in God in the new year-2021, that the Lord is giving us. “Blessed is the one … whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither -- whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:1-3). Let us delight more in the word of God and let us faithfully bear more fruits day by day. May the Lord bless you. 4
Kingdom Perspectives | Sep-Oct 2020
BLASSON N. MATHEW President, Kingdom Perspectives
KINGDOM
PERSPECTIVES
esus is the faithful and just God. While on Earth, He showed grace to many sinners. One day a Pharisee invited Him to his house for dinner. Jesus went with him. A woman who lived a sinful life came to meet Jesus knowing that He is at the Pharisee's house for dinner. She bought an alabaster jar of perfume, stood by Jesus and wet His feet with her tears and wiped them with her precious hair. Above all she kissed Him and poured the precious perfume on Him. Every one over there, including the Pharisee judged her. Jesus knowing their intention told a parable and corrected them saying “whoever has been forgiven little, loves little” (Luke 7.36-50). It is interesting to note that even though Jesus was invited by the Pharisee, the woman who came to his house received the blessings of forgiveness and deliverance. The Pharisee who invited Jesus never found fault in himself rather he was in a mood to blame others and went back home without receiving forgiveness from the master. The lady who knew about Jesus came to Him and acknowledged her sins, repented and went back with joy as God Almighty had forgiven her. Let us not be in the judging mood when it is our season to meet with Jesus, rather get forgiveness since He only died for our sins and the sins of the world. Let me encourage you, if you haven't washed your sins in the precious blood of Jesus, receive it today. May you enter into the new year-2021 with your sins being washed, curses being broken and sickness being healed. May the year ahead bring you more fruitfulness. Forgive others and receive forgiveness for yourself. Your faith in Jesus today will free you. What you believe in God is very much appreciated and valued by our Lord. Do not be hesitant to receive Him as the Lord of your life. Let Him lead your life. Let His glory pass before you and let it decide your schedule and destiny. Your family's well being is safe in the mighty hand of God as you commit yourself to Him.
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faithfulness. Our success in daily living is His great unswerving love for us.
Evg. Blasson N. Mathew
God's Faithfulness for
Successful Daily Living Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23.6. rom the beginning till the end of the year and forward, we need the faithfulness of God. If you think your life is spare from all harm in 2021, then it is the grace of God. As the world is advancing in technology, many are not ready to acknowledge God and His care in their lives. Few people observe every occurrence in life as merely an incident and they do not draw, its claim neither to good nor to evil powers. However, God's faithfulness is an important subject, due to the fact that we are sustained in the universe because of His faithfulness and our subsistence in the future is also due to His great mercy. Hence, the holy Bible says we are the crown of His creation, created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1.26-27), to represent God in the world. God intends that we may also be like Him in faithfulness. We trust a lot in God but the more we are truehearted to God, the more God will entrust His responsibilities to us.
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God is trustworthy in fulfilling what He has promised to His children. For instance, the God who showed blessed dreams to Joseph was reliable enough to fulfill
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them one by one. There are times in Joseph' life where he had gone through fire and water kind of situations, but God spared his life for great purposes. You might have received many promises from God, heard many prophecies, whereas there might not have been any glimpses of it being fulfilled. However, the same God who safeguarded Joseph's life until he received what God had spoken, will help you also to taste the goodness of the Lord. Even though Joseph had the best dreams than anyone else, on one fine day his brothers planned to kill him and said let us see what becomes of his dreams (Genesis 37.20). Similarly, our enemy can challenge the plans that God has for us, but He cannot take it away from us, as our God is trustworthy who will fight for us. God who promised the best future for Joseph was truehearted to keep him alive to experience what He had promised to him. Even though Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver, God was loyal to keep him fed, well clothed, being sheltered and kept him in purity and morality of life in Potiphar's house. Potiphar was the captain of the palace guard of Egypt. A person in whom God is well pleased will be covered and protected with His
All the men of God in the Old Testament and New Testament trusted in God's faithfulness. For instance, the Psalmist prayed “Answer me, LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes” (Psalm 69.16,17). Let us pray with the same desire that God in His great mercy answers us and delivers us from every kind of challenge in life. It is the mercy of God that adds blessings to our lives. The Bible says “He redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” (Psalm 103.4). God nullifies the wise and the strong, God is pleased in the humble hearted who trust in God's faithfulness. God does not require the well qualified whereas, He qualifies the unqualified and uses them powerfully with His Spirit. What we need at this hour is trusting in the faithful Spirit of God. The holy word of God says "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). God is faithful to lead us unto good seasons of refreshments. Recognizing the seasons of God is very important for a child of God. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we read that “there is a season for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3.1). We need to be mindful of
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God is faithful to lead us unto good seasons of refreshments. Recognizing the seasons of God is very important for a child of God. In the book of Ecclesiastes, we read that “there is a season for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”
God's timing for miracles. “He has made everything beautiful in His time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3.11). In God's due time God feeds His creation in the Universe. “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time” (Psalm 145.15). In the due season when God opens His heavenly treasure, man's life is filled with God's blessings. “The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none” (Deuteronomy 28.12). God is the one who gives the seasons of harvest. The Bible says neither say they in their heart, let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest” (Jeremiah 5.24). Even when the ungodly roam around without God, the one who looks for God's faithfulness in his/her life will be successful. Our God is a promise keeping God. We learn more about it in the story of Joseph. God fulfilled all the dreams of Joseph one by one. Similarly, all the men of God in the Old Testament and New Testament experienced God's faithfulness. Protection, blessings and seasons of refreshments to men are due to God's faithfulness. Let us commit our lives to the hand of God and let him guide us according to His great faithfulness.
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are called to live with Kingdom principles. Great people in the Bible are with Kingdom principles; they cling to kingdom principles in every situation of their life, so it is no wonder they are remembered all through these generations.
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There is a story of a man, Tom Smith, who died without any earnings or even a house for his family. Before his death he called his children and advised them to follow his footsteps so that they can have peace of mind in all that they do. Once his daughter Sara said, “Daddy, it's unfortunate you are dying without any deposit in your bank. Other fathers' that you tag as being corrupt, thieves of public funds left houses and properties for their children; even this house we live in is a rented apartment.” After some days Smith died. Three years later, Sara went for an interview in a multinational company. At the interview the Chairman of the committee asked, "Which Smith are you...? Sara replied, “I am Sara Smith. My Dad Tom Smith is now late.” Chairman cuts in, “O my God, you are Tom Smith's daughter...? He continued “that man is responsible for where I'm sitting now. He signed my papers without taking any bribe, without asking me anything. He just looked at my merits, and he signed it. He recommended me. And that's what got me this job. Today I am sitting in this chair because of him. Young lady, consider your job is done.
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Sara Smith became the Corporate Affairs Manager of the company with two Cars with Drivers, Duplex attached to the office, and a salary of £1, 00,000 per month excluding allowances and other costs. In an interview, she was asked the secret of her success, with tears, she replied, “My Daddy paved these ways for me. It was after he died that I knew that he was financially poor but rich in integrity, discipline and honesty” It pays to build a name, the reward doesn't come quickly but it will come however long it may take and it lasts longer. Integrity, discipline, self-control and fear of God makes a man wealthy, not the fat bank account.
Faithfulness- Key factor in the Kingdom of God The account of Jacob is not only the story of a broken family restored but God's way to save the world. Jacob and his sons enjoyed God's protection and blessing. Also, during the famine, through Joseph's provision many 'people are blessed'. Because Joseph has a clear understanding of God, and Joseph believed in the Lord and he remained faithful to God in every situation. So he knew the purpose of his life, which is in the hands of his God. Hence, he was not sad about his miserable situations that were formed by many people. Moreover, he was consistent in following kingdom principles and he realized faithfulness is the key factor in the Kingdom of God.
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JOSEPH- A Man of Kingdom PRINCIPLE OF FAITHFULNESS
The account of Jacob is not only the story of a broken family restored but God's way to save the world. Jacob and his sons enjoyed God's protection and blessing. Also, during the famine, through Joseph's provision many 'people are blessed'. Because Joseph has a clear understanding of God, and Joseph believed in the Lord and he remained faithful to God in every situation.
Pr. Benny Thomas
Be faithful- in unfavorable situations
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Joseph was faithful in keeping Kingdom principles in his heart all through his life. It is easy to keep Kingdom principles in favorable situations such as in our own family, in the church, among our own people. But it is more important and necessary to keep Kingdom principles in unfavorable situations. We see many godly people in the Bible kept Kingdom principles in unfavorable and lonely situations such as Daniel and friends, Job, and Apostles, etc.
2. He shared to his family the dreams he saw (37:6, 9). Even though that troubled him more, and even questioned his survival in his own family. Truthful- not our benefit but of the kingdom- (I Corinthians 10:24)- “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others”
Joseph is the best example of the one who kept the kingdom principle of faithfulness in the lonely, abominable, ungodly foreign land. In all those situations he proved that he was a man with Kingdom principles. One of the significant things that pass through the account of Joseph's life is “the Lord was with him”- when he was a slave (39:2) when he was in the prison (39:21) of course in the palace because Joseph's skill in interpreting dreams was one of the indications that God was still with him (40:8). He was a man with Kingdom principles so it does not surprise us that God was with Joseph. Kingdom principle of faithfulness, “be faithful in small things” pulls him into several struggles in life:
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He informed his father about his brothers' mistakes without considering its consequence on him (37:2)
3. In Potiphar's house- faithful servant. Man never misused his opportunities and authorities-(39:9) “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” 4. In the prison (39:22) he remained an obedient and submissive prisoner. We understand God rewards our faithfulness and He remains faithful to us from generation to generation. Joseph remained faithful in all situations and he experienced God's faithfulness. So Joseph was a man with many kingdom principles. He stands as the link to the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise, savior of a generation in world history because of his faithfulness before God and the people. Let us live with the kingdom principle of faithfulness.
FAITHFULNESS OF GOD
Sergy Biju
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eing faithful is one of the best virtues we could develop - being a faithful spouse to your partner, a faithful parent to your children and a faithful believer to your God. Although people are quick to criticize the faithless partners and unfaithful stewards, we rarely hear compliments towards the faithful ones. We eagerly wait for the day when Jesus says, 'well done, good and faithful servant!' but we seldom meditate on our good and faithful God. So, I am taking this opportunity to write to you about His faithfulness.
Reciprocity of Faithfulness: When we are faithful to GOD God's ways are perfect, and he loves those who remain faithful to His commands. He is always just (Deut 32: 4) and does no wrong. The Lord is faithful in all He does (Psa 145: 13,17). God remains a faithful, unbiased witness in all of our dealings with other people (Jer 42: 5). God's faithful love will be with whom He has raised up as warriors of His kingdom (Psalm 89:19,24). He will remain faithful and loving towards us who keep the demands of his covenant (Psa 25:10). He shows faithfulness to us when we remain faithful to Him in our divine partnership (2 Sam 22: 26, Psa 18: 25). Faithfulness of God to the next generation The scroll of Isaiah says the Lord remains the same till our old age and he will faithfully care for us even then (Psa 43: 3). But does His faithfulness towards us end in this world, with our death? The answer is a resounding 'NO', as the scripture says His faithfulness will overflow to the next generation. He will faithfully love us who are of the lineage of King Jesus, Son of David (Is 55: 3). God is a faithful God who remembers His covenant of love to a thousand generations to those who love him and keep his commandments (Deut 7:9). God's faithfulness to His covenant keepers is unlimited as it will be imputed to thousands of generations that come after us. As the psalmist says He remains faithful forever (Psa 146: 6). God is faithful in all His ways towards us (Psa 33: 4).
What happens to God's Faithfulness when we are faithless? So we have established that God is immutably faithful and is committed to bless; God remains faithful to his commands. But 10
The JUSTICE OF GOD demands the destruction of contract breaches with us, but he has made a way for us to be RECONCILED TO HIM and make a new covenant for us in the sacrifice of his only BELOVED SON.
what happens when we fall? Does he break the covenant of faithfulness with us, the same way we did to him? What will God do when we surround him with lies and deception (Hos 11: 12)? Prophet Micah offers us the message of comfort that 'God will faithfully show his mercy to Israel and love to Abraham as he pledged an oath to our ancestors of faith even though we have been faithless'(Mic 7:20). He will subdue our iniquities in his compassion, thread our sins underfoot and hurl our iniquities in the depths of the sea (Mic 7:2, 18- 20). Let us remember that it is not us who found God, it is God who came seeking for his lost disobedient children in His faithful mercy. We cannot tempt God to be faithless by our unfaithfulness as he cannot disown himself (2 Ti 2: 13).
The Justice of God and his faithfulness The Justice of God demands the destruction of contract breaches with us, but he has made a way for us to be reconciled to him and make a new covenant for us in the sacrifice of his only beloved son. Our punishment was transferred to him so that we may have his blessings. So, His divine justice and grace has been reconciled through our Lord's death on the cross. As a result, God is faithful and just to forgive and purify us from all the sins and unrighteousness we confess to him (1 Jn 1: 9). When we confess our sins and cry out to him, he is faithful to send us abundant showers both autumn and spring rains as before (Joel 2: 23).
The Faithfulness of God: Applications in our life The faithfulness of God will help us to have faith like Sarah who by faith, even when she was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise (Heb 11:11). Though we are nothing, His
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faithfulness will make kings bow before us because God has chosen us (Is 49:7). The faithful God says 'Yes' to all His promises in Christ our Saviour. (2 Co 1: 18). And the Faithful One, will indeed do everything he has promised (1 Th 5:24). Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful (Heb 10:23). He is our merciful and faithful High Priest who took on humanity to make atonement for our sins in His faithfulness (Heb 2:17).
The faithfulness of God amid persecutions God will not abandon us halfway in the midst of persecution as he is faithful, who has called us into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Co 1:9). God is faithful to allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. In addition, the faithfulness of God will always make us a way out so that we can endure it (1 Co 10: 13). God's faithfulness will strengthen us and protect us from the evil one (2 Th 3:3). When we suffer, let us commit ourselves to our faithful Creator and continue to do good (1 Pe 4: 19). Let us also commit our spirits to him for He is faithful to deliver us (Psa 31: 5). In summary, His perfect faithfulness extends to many generations, it is just and applies to every aspect of our life including when we are persecuted. God remains faithful to His covenant towards humanity, to the descendants of Abraham despite their faithlessness. Nevertheless, let us not deceive ourselves by our unrepentant lifestyle, for God cannot be mocked and we shall reap what we sow (Gal 6:7). He who is called Faithful and True will ride on a white horse to judge and wage war against his faithless enemies (Rev 19: 11). So let us make every effort to be His faithful and blameless bride by submitting ourselves to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who is called the faithful and true witness (Rev 1: 5, 3: 14).
“Acknowledge Faithfulness of God at all time, since our wellbeing is in HIS FAITHFULNESS” Blasson N Mathew
THE DUAL CITIZENSHIP Nithin K, Joseph Faith and faithfulness are both linked. Faith means belief or trust in God, his word and truth. Faithfulness means living according to his truth. very person who is born into this world naturally comes under a kingdom. In spiritual terms this kingdom is called the “kingdom of Darkness”. The people under this kingdom are influenced and ruled by the rulers and principalities of this kingdom. As the name implies, the deeds and works of this kingdom are dark even though they may look attractive outwards. The real fruit produced by the people of this kingdom is immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger, disputes, envying, drunkenness and things like these (Galatians 5:19-21).
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But God Almighty in His mercy, love and faithfulness sent His one and only begotten son, Jesus Christ to save the people from the kingdom of darkness to his own kingdom, the” Kingdom of Light”. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and he suffered and took the sin, shame and guilt on himself on behalf of his people who are living in the kingdom of darkness. He was crucified on the cross absorbing the full measure and weight of the wrath of the living God and hence satisfying his Justice. Now Jesus redeemed and bought his people with a price from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (Ephesians 2:4-6). Jesus was so faithful in his commission given by his father to redeem his people from sin and bondage. After his death, on the third day he rose from the dead and he
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sent the Holy Spirit which he had promised to his people. When we are born again to the kingdom of light, we are appointed as kings by the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. The works and deeds of this kingdom is light. It's all about living a life of righteousness, peace and joy of the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Godhead (Romans 14:17). To obey the rules and principles of this new kingdom we need the power and help of the person,the Holy Spirit. We cannot attain or achieve it by our flesh. Flesh means our own effort and strength without the leading of the Holy Spirit. The kingdom of light cannot be seen with our natural eyes, it can be seen only when our spiritual eyes are opened. The people living in the kingdom of light are not walking according to the sight but according to faith. Faith and faithfulness are both linked. Faith means belief or trust in God, his word and truth. Faithfulness means living according to his truth. Faith leads to faithfulness. So are we faithful like our master Jesus Christ? Are we faithful in the relationship with our companion and helper, the person of the Holy Spirit? Are we faithful in the ministry that God has entrusted upon us? Are we faithful with the relationship God has given us? As you belong to the kingdom of light, May God help us to walk in a manner worthy of his calling with which you have been called (Ephesians 4:1).
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) Merlin Daniel Elavummakkel above words that Jesus Christ said, have a great and strong meaning that people never knew its actual meaning. People often take this Bible verse in an easy way without knowing the deep meaning which Jesus has meant. “Take up your cross and follow me” means being willing to die in order to follow Jesus. It's a call to absolute surrender. To surrender one's life for Jesus, they must be Faithful to Him. It is a commitment to Christ by taking up the cross daily, leaving aside all your dreams, hopes, possessions even your very life to live for Christ. When Jesus said those words to the people (Luke 9:23), He also said that those who deny themselves can take up the cross and follow Him. Denying oneself means to leave aside all their worldly pleasures because only those who can deny themselves and willingly take up the cross, can become His disciples. To become a disciple of Jesus, one must be committed to the decision they take. They must be obedient, must be fully willing to live and work for the Lord, must be faithful to the Lord as well as in what they are committed to do, the willingness to stay strong in the Lord in trials and problems etc. It is easy to say that I am a Disciple of Jesus and follow Him, but difficult to live, as our true commitment to Him is revealed during the trials we go through. One must show through their life, which will encourage others also to follow the path of Jesus. As the scripture says, “therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11), our life in Christ should also encourage others to come into that path. What Jesus showed us through taking up the cross is that, the life you choose by following Him is not easy and full of enjoyment, rather it will be difficult, will have trials, hardships, must have patience, may have to go through long sufferings etc. Jesus didn't say you will have an easy life as one thinks when you follow Him, because He calls on us to commit our whole life to Him- 'to Trust Him Alone', for our Salvation and then to follow Him as His disciples. No one will truly follow Christ who continues to be more interested in themselves than in Christ. In the life of Jesus, we can see that He was very faithful to what He was committed with the Heavenly Father and He never turned back from His focus on the Will of the Lord. If we need to be a Disciple of God, we need to
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be very faithful to Him and our focus on the Lord must be strong and stable. Because God gives tasks and the best, only to His faithful servants. The Scripture says, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.” (Luke 16:10). But it's not easy to be faithful to God. It's a commitment to God from our heart. You may have to go through many situations which will shake your faith in God. But your Faithfulness is tested during these trials, hardships, tribulations and long sufferings. To be Faithful to God is to be Faithful unto death. Any person, whether a follower of Jesus or not, will suffer frustration and pain in their life. Taking up one's cross and following Jesus is something which is completely different. What Jesus is referring to is, “Commitment to Him”, even unto death, obedience to the extreme measure and willingness to die in pursuit of obedience. The one who loses his life for Jesus is the Spiritual Winner. The implication is that even if obedience is painful and humiliating, we should be willing to endure it for Christ. The call is tough, but the eternal reward is well worth the temporary pain. As the scripture says, “For many are called but few are chosen.” (Mathew 22:14) as it is a call or an invitation of the Gospel which is preached to the whole world and it reaches to many, but only few of them respond effectively with the true faith to that call. In the Bible we can see many people like Abraham, David, Job, Daniel etc., whom God took and used them because they were very faithful to the Lord. God calls only the Faithful and He is looking for people who are Faithful to appoint them to do the Will of God in this Time. So, don't be satisfied with anything less, for there is no greater joy in life than following Christ every day. As one day I asked Jesus, “Jesus, you have blessed me in many ways where I am not even worthy to receive it. What should I give you in return for all you have done for me, because how much ever I give thanks to you, it's not enough.” And the Lord spoke to me saying, “Be Faithful, Be Thankful and Be Fruitful.” So, when you are Faithful to God, you will become Thankful to Him and when you are Thankful to God, only then you can be Fruitful to God. And remember, if you are Faithful to God, only then you can be Faithful to what you have committed to God. “For He Who Promised Is FAITHFUL.”
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Etymology
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For the word of the Lord is RIGHT AND TRUE; He is FAITHFULin all He does. Psalm 33.4
FAITHFULNESS
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aithfulness is the concept of unfailingly remaining loyal to someone or something. It is the state of being full of faith in the sense of steady devotion to a person, thing or concept. The Hebrew term 'emuwnah' means, - honesty; truth; faithfulness; firmness; official obligation, something as lasting or enduring.This term describes someone who always fulfills their obligations. It is frequently used while speaking of God's faithfulness and trustworthiness. The Greek term 'pistos' means believing, trusting; faithful; true. The term appears 4103 times in the Bible. 'Pisteuo' means to entrust oneself to an entity in complete confidence. To believe with the implication of total commitment to the one who is trusted. The word faithful in Hebrew pretty much means the same thing it does today. It describes someone who always does the right thing even when no one else is looking.This person will always be truthful.They are filled with integrity and will hold up their end of the deal no matter the sacrifice. The Lord is absolutely truthful and faithful, therefore we the people of God must be faithful in every walk of our life. Let us strive now, to live a life which pleases God, in order to hear those glorious words from Him saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant!You have been faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!� Amen
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Shyam Raj
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Professor in Theological Studies, Bangalore
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Faithful Man Based on the "Parable of the Talents," in Matthew 25:14–30
Master opened the door to the hall, Entered in holding a bag in hand. "Servants!" he made a wide call. Three men marched as in a row of band. He slipped his hand into the talent bag, Grabbed and shared the coins with all. The first one in line got five gold coins. He walked out happy with gratitude. The second one in the queue got two coins too. He grasped it tight and and uttered a thanks. The last man stretched his hand for knack, He nodded badly for getting one coin. The Master wished them all a good fortune, Then he went on his long road soon. When the days and the months had passed by. The first man got into trade. He did not show any heart for greed, And earned his profit more indeed. The second man in the business line, Who also had done all, best and fine. Let's check out with the last gentleman He bragged and cried then compared friends. "I only got a single piece. Others received more in mass. What will I do since it's less? I don't want to make it a mess."
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He couldn't forsee the consequence Then dug in the ground and hid it fresh. Master came with his account book. "Servants"! he made a wide call. Three men marched as a row of band. He called the roll and marked a tick. And asked them to declare the 'statement' quick. First man earned five as well. Sir admired him with praise and prize. If being faithful in the little things. Strength and honor it will bring. The second man then came forward fast This thankful heart had added up two. He kept his faith like his best wife. It had brought him the gain in life. The only one left had entered next. 'I don't care,' his outlook showed. Unused gold, he gave to him back. Faithless flee when time grows dark. Master threw him in the grim prison. And called the rest as, "All my son's." The faithful thrives in honesty. It will surge at the trusting stem. Which had moored in the love of God. In this way, we can serve him more. Well done, good and faithful man.
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JESUS IS FAITHFUL AND JUST
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
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