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THE topic of tithing can for sure generate a lot of heat and dust. There are those who believe that tithes should go only to the church. There are also those who counter it saying giving should be in response to the needs one sees around – if a Christian missionary or a ministry engaged in preaching and glorifying the name of the Lord needs it more than the church in a particular time, one's tithe should be given to them. How else will other ministries be supported, they ask. Then there are also those who are either happily ignorant about the need to tithe or so focused on themselves that they have hardly anything left to give either to the church or the parachurches. Is tithing an Old Testament teaching that has no relevance in the New Testament age? To understand it clearly, we need to see what tithing meant to the Israelites. There were three tithes prescribed in the Old Covenant. More often tithes were the crops. The Israelites offered grains, the fruit of the trees, new wine and oil every year besides the firstborn of their herds and flocks (Leviticus 27:30-33). The goods could be substituted by money if the place Israelites were to tithe was far away to carry their goods to. In that case, they could buy anything the owner chose such as wine, cattle or sheep (Deuteronomy 14:22-26). It is also interesting to find out the objective of tithing as God demanded it. Proponents of 'tithes are for churches' theory quote Malachi 3:10. The passage says “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house…' Why does God want food in His house? Deuteronomy 14:28-29 and Deuteronomy 26:12 give us the answer. It is for the Levite, the stranger, the orphan, the widow, the poor who were in their town to come and eat and be content. Those who quote Malachi 3:10 should do a sincere soul-searching and find out if our churches today are in the business of feeding the stranger, the orphan, the widow and the poor besides the Levite. We also need to examine what Jesus Christ said about tithing. In the New Testament tithe and tithing are found in Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42; 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-6,8-9). All of these passages refer to the Old Testament usage under the law. Tithing was still practiced under the law when Jesus lived on earth. However, the only time Jesus mentioned the tithe was a rebuke to the religious leaders (Matthew 23:23). Look at Jesus’ words. Tithing is important; it is a weighty matter but weightier than that are justice, mercy, faith and love of God. We are now under the new dispensation of grace (Romans 6:14). Although we are dead to the law (Romans 7:4) and released from it (Romans 7:6), Romans 13:8, 10 says love fulfills the law. As someone said once, you can give without loving but you can never love without giving. So, give! Give to the Lord. Give to the church. Give more than your tithe if your church's needs are great. Give to His chosen ones. Give to His work. Give to the poor. Give to the widow and the orphan. Strictures on how much and how often would only add to our legalese. Be led by the Holy Spirit in all your decisions. Above all, check your attitude in giving. It should not be only to receive something in return. Give because it is the right thing to do. And give happily because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). NOVEMBER 2011 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 1
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Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
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E encourage you to use these points in your daily prayer as a family, prayer group or an individual. We would be glad if you take copies of these prayer points and share them with other believers in your church, prayer group or workplace. If you have a specific prayer point that you would like us to pray for along with our readers, you can email it to us at christianmessenger.in@gmail.com Blessings, Editor. 4 Dedicate your country into God’s hands and pray today for peace and prosperity to abound in your land. If you are living away from your homeland, pray also for the land that is providing for you now. Pray for all evangelism efforts in your country. 4 Pray for Christians living in Egypt and Libya. The ouster of the dictators of those countries and the takeover of power by fundamentalist Islamic forces have only increased the level of persecution of Christians living there. 4 Pray for peace in the Middle East. Pray that Palestine’s latest strategy to grab international attention by applying for full membership of the United Nations as a state does not lead to renewed tension in the already troubled region. 4 Pray against the spirit of superstition prevailing in India. A newspaper report said desperate women, under pressure to produce male heirs, in villages in Salem district of Tamil Nadu still resort to feticide based on astrological predictions. God detests sorcery and fortunetelling (2 Kings 21:6; Isaiah 2:6). 4 Pray against the prevalence of sex education classes around the world. In schools in Washington, US, even 10 year old children are made aware of the use of condoms in the name of sex education. Pray Christians remain united against this abhorrent phenomenon and fight it tooth and nail.
4 Pray for peace between the Jacobite Church and the Orthodox Church in Kerala. These churches have been at loggerheads over property disputes for over four decades now. Recently, both churches sparred and approached court seeking rights over a church in Kolenchery, Kerala. 4 Pray for Christians living in Algeria. The government continues its crackdown on churches and has issued orders for several to be closed down. Meanwhile, an Algerian Christian is facing a five-year prison sentence for alleged blasphemy. 4 Schools in the western countries are increasingly coming under the attack of groups that are intent on banning anything to do with Christianity beginning from prayers, mention of Jesus Christ and Bible lessons. Pray that Christian families stand up together and plead their cause effectively. 4 Pray for peace in Israel. The Hezbollah and the Hamas opposed to Jews are believed to have capabilities to launch bio/chemical and nuke attacks against Israel from Iran or Syria. 4 Pray that churches will come forward and form a bloc against corruption prevailing in the country. The Bible makes a case against giving and accepting bribes and corruption. 4 Continue to uphold Asia Bibi in your prayers. The Christian wife and mother who was convicted of blasphemy charges in Pakistan is on death row since November 2010. Last month, there were reports that she was assaulted inside jail. 4 Pray for all leaders and those in authority. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, we are asked to pray for ‘kings and all who are in authority.’ 4 Let’s intercede for our country today. May every one of its peoples have an opportunity to hear the Gospel, read the Bible in their own language and come to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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4 Pray for all those you know who may be in debt. May God provide them a breakthrough this year, give them new opportunities and set them free. 4 Pray for Beulah and Priyashanthi. Pray that God will fulfill all the desires of their heart. Pray that they will be mighty witnesses at their workplace. 4 According to Ruchira Gupta, who works against sex trafficking, the sex industry in India has grown by 17 times in the past 15 years. She claims there are three million prostituted women and girls. Pray for Christian groups that work among sex workers. 4 Dengue fever is said to be on the rise in Chennai which reports 34 percent of the total number of cases in Tamil Nadu. This year the Chennai Corporation has reported 221 cases till July 14 against 648 cases from across the state this year. Pray for those who are infected and pray for His protection for your family. 4 One in 12 persons worldwide is living with either chronic hepatitis B or C, and a majority of those infected are unaware they are suffering from the liver ailment. Hepatitis kills more than one million people every year. Pray for God’s protection for you and your family. 4 Ponda, a municipal council in north Goa, has seen a 30 percent rise in suicide death cases in the first half of 2011 as compared to corresponding period in 2010. A total of 27 suicides have been reported so far this year. Pray that missions working in Goa would be able to focus on Ponda which lies about 29 km south-east of Panaji. 4 Pray for people who are caught in the grip of cult groups. May God open the eyes of those people who live under the deception of cult teachings. 4 Let us pray for our church leaders today. Pray for your pastor’s own walk of faith – his prayer life, for his faith, that he would grow spiritually and in his love for God. Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
RON Edmondson | THINKING ALOUD
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N my years of counseling and ministering to married couples, mostly in distress, I have learned some principles that run fairly consistent within each marriage. There are some common needs most men and women bring to a marriage in order to make the marriage the best it can be. I have found that we really not that different from each other. We may label these differently; even put them in different categories, but the needs themselves remain relatively similar from marriage to marriage. Over the years I’ve kept notes and in these posts I’ll share with you my findings, which I have shared in marriage retreats for years. So here are the greatest needs of a wife (in my opinion). Love Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” How did Christ love the church? 1 John 3:16 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”Do you love her above everything else including your work, your hobbies, your friends, family, and even the kids? Do your actions prove your words? Attention Wives want to be listened to (instead of the TV) and know that we believe what they have to say is important. Our wives would prefer to talk with us over other women, even though another woman might better understand. Protection Wives want their husbands to be the defender of the family; not just against the bumps in the night, but against all the threats in society. They want us to take the ownership in leading our family spiritually and in teaching our kids how to defend themselves and stay Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
strong in an evil world. Security/Commitment Are you going to be there forever? Can she trust you? Wives see their visually stimulated husbands looking at other women. Does she know you won’t cheat on her? Are you going to be faithful always? Appreciation/Value Wives want to be valued for who they are as much as for what they do. Most houses wouldn’t run as well without the wife. Could anyone find all our “stuff”? But, wives want to know we see them with value beyond just what she does around the house. Is she more important than anything else? Is she still beautiful? Compassion Wives want their husbands to understand them as “weaker vessels”. Of course this doesn’t mean they are less than men, but that men and women are different. Women are
going to respond differently to situations; cry more easily, take longer to resolve things emotionally, feel tired quicker. Also, wives want a little romance in the marriage. (For most of us, if we’ve been married over a week they already know that’s not going to happen with you.) We can all, however, be kind, loving, and occasionally romantic. We usually get good credit here just for honestly trying. Partners Most wives don’t want to do life alone. They want their husband’s participation in raising the kids, making decisions around the house and yes, sometimes even picking out curtain colors. Ron Edmondson is a pastor and has over 20 years business experience. He’s been in full time ministries for over eight years.
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TCM SURVEY ON TITHES & OFFERINGS
TCM NEWS DESK
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HEN we set out to do a survey on Christians’ attitude vis-à-vis tithing and offering, we were able to guess the outcome to an extent. What we didn’t know, of course, was the surprise element of the outcome. Some revelations came as completely mind blowing. The survey threw up some good news, some bad news and some eyeopeners. First, the good news! Although most Christians are not pretty uptight about giving to the church a fixed amount month after month, they walk the extra mile in supporting parachurch organizations. The bad news, of course, at least to the church leadership is that most people aren’t
regular in tithing. And even when they tithe, they split the 10 percent of their income to give to the church, missions and ministries and lay evangelists. The surprise element was the respondents’ assertion that the church needs to take an active interest in their career and finances. The all-pervasive gloom and financial turbulence around the world seems to have affected the average Christian just like anybody else. The Christian Messenger survey conducted in two cities (Mumbai and Hyderabad) along with an online poll threw up some startling findings that may help churches in knowing the needs of the congregation in the financial domain. The survey consisted of 7
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questions that sought to know the respondents’ attitude towards tithing, offering and financial management. To a question ‘Do you think the church needs to take an active interest in your career and finances,’ 53 percent of the respondents said ‘Yes.’ While 27 percent said ‘No’, 20 percent of the respondents were undecided and settled for ‘Can’t say.’ The response to this question may be an eye opener of sorts to the church leadership most of whom seem to think that money matters are a taboo topic to speak upon from the pulpit. While most of the mainline churches follow a fixed sermon calendar (formulated and ratified by their leadership) through the year, the non-denominational churches, albeit having less restrictions on sermon Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
topics, tend to play it safe dwelling upon purely theological subjects ignoring the real issues of the common man. While the church must look to building the inner man, it can ill afford to ignore the aspirations of the laity. Fifty-three percent of the respondents felt that the church has a role to play when it comes to advising them on money related issues. To a related question, ‘Do you think the church can give you advice on financial security and money management,’ 50 percent of the respondents replied in the affirmative. While 30 percent said ‘No’, 20 percent of the people could not make up their mind. While it may seem incredulous to some that the church can give financial advice to the laity, the fact of the matter is people seem to be hungry and thirsty for real solutions to real problems. While weighty Scriptural insights are appreciated, they also need to know if there are practical ways to tackle some of the most pressing challenges that life throws at them – finance being one of them. Importantly, the people who participated in the survey were overwhelmingly in favor of receiving financial advice from the church in watching their wallet. Asked ‘What type of financial advice would you like to receive from the church,’ 33 percent of the respondents said they would like the church to conduct money management seminars and workshops. While most of the churches in the country seem to pack their itinerary with leadership seminars and marriage workshops, they are yet to wake up to the need for holding workshops related to money management. To the same question, 30 percent of the respondents said they would like the church to counsel them on how to get out of debts. A simple inference of the data suggests that debts are a real problem among Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Christians as well. Credit cards, personal loans and shopping frenzy have not only affected the unbeliever but have also debilitated several people in the body of Christ. The reasons for this trend is not far to seek. It is not surprising to find fresh graduates landing plum jobs with handsome salaries. While most of them come from middle-class families where the salary of the head of the family would still be in t h e f o u r- d i g i t r a n g e , t h e s e youngsters, who speed down the highway of opulence, need to be enlightened of the boulders and ditches ahead. Twenty percent of the participants wanted to hear sermons related to money from the pastor. While some puritanical church leaders may scoff at this suggestion, it is important to
remember that financial advice based on Scriptural principles would ensure Gen Next doesn’t go bankrupt or astray and eventually lose their faith in the Creator. Grooming these youngsters in the right way would also benefit the church that stands to gain from the progress and prosperity of its own congregation. While 10 percent of the respondents wanted investment
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TCM SURVEY ON TITHES & OFFERINGS guide from professional financial advisors (drawn preferably from among the church members), a minuscule seven percent wanted guidance on filing tax! The survey also confirmed our fears that not many in the body of Christ are actually tithing. Most respondents revealed that they were indeed tight-fisted when it comes to giving. The church needs to do more in terms of educating people to open up their hands liberally not only to the cause of the church but also to other bodies that proclaim the Good News and aid the extension of the
Lord’s kingdom. To the question ‘Do you split your tithe to share it with your church and other Christian organizations or individuals’, 43.5 percent of the respondents replied in the affirmative while the majority of the participants said they give the tithes only to their churches. In what should come across as glad tidings to scores of parachurch organizations, 78.3 percent of the participants said besides their tithes, they support other ministries and Christian organizations. The survey, while not exhaustive
in nature or pan-India in distribution, is indicative of the general trend among Christians while it comes to the key question of giving – to whom, how much and when. The church leadership should wake up to educating the congregation on how to combine faith and finance. For if people cannot get honest answers to the most pressing questions on their mind from within the church, they would soon start looking outside for solutions. And that indeed would be dangerous for any solution not rooted in the Word of God would only result in doom and despair.
BY P VIJAYARAGHAVAN
High Priest- (Numbers 19:21-30). Backsliding Israel’s attitude in obeying the divine command for tithing was rebuked by God through Amos 4:4 that shows how much God was pained at the transgression of Israel. The explicit command, “every male should appear three times in a year” was violated and the tithes were withheld for over 3 years. During the time of restoration under Ezra and Nehemiah, the wholeheartedness in giving tithes became a part of the great revival of faith and activity. Prior to the revival, the priests had neglected the work of God because the practice of tithing was abandoned. Our Lord Jesus Christ was emphatic when He said: “These ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.” (Mathew 23:23). Thus tithing is as important as showing love and mercy. If under the Old Testament the Israelites and even the Levites were commanded to tithe as an act of worship, how much more in the New Testament this principle should be practiced as an act of worship and for the ministry to flourish. The early church had the practice of regular contribution of systematic giving of tithes and offerings. The Apostle Paul gives his command: 1 Cor. 16:1-2. This church order he brought into all the churches that he established and that came under his authority. The verse “Now
concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye” explains the uniformity of practice and conformity to the order. Besides being an act of worship, by which the worshipper acknowledges the Lord as the provider of all things to him, tithing is for the minister’s needs (not greed) and for the progression of the ministry. By tithing each one has contributed the basic requirement and so there is equality among the believers. A proper study of Hebrews 7:8 would reveal that the living Lord Jesus, the great High Priest in the order Melchizedek receives the tithes now from His worshippers. Divine approval is promised for faithfulness in tithing. In the same breath, divine displeasure is displayed in the words of retribution: “You have robbed Me” (Malachi 3:9). We find the principle of tithing woven in the fabric of worship right from Genesis to Malachi. Has God changed in the New Testament Age? No never! “I am the Lord and I change not” He has said in Malachi 3:6. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever. Lack of faith on the part of some (or even many for that matter) is not going to alter the spiritual truth. (The writer is the pastor of A p o s t o l i c F a i t h C h u rc h i n Purusawalkkam, Chennai)
CHRISTIAN faith is application of spiritual truth in practical living. Salvation is free by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to whomsoever that will come to Him in faith. But, that faith must manifest itself in actions. Without works faith is dead (J ames 2:26). The inw ard regeneration will be evidenced by outward deed. God has given clear instructions both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament about the principles and practices His worshippers should be governed by. They are so comprehensive as inclusive that it is not difficult to find them even on monetary matters. The believer wholly belongs to the Lord. (1 Cor 6:20). All that he is and has including his money and possessions belong to the Lord and a believer is only a trustee. On the day of the Lord’s appearing, the believer has to give an account to Him. (2 Cor 5:10). To acknowledge this fact is a sign of spiritual maturity; and to live by this principle is a great step of consecration. Tithing was a practice first foretold from the lives of the Patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 14:20 & 28:22). It became a divine command in the Levitical order (Deut 14:22-28). Under the Levitical priesthood no one was excluded. The believers were to tithe to the Levites and the Levites to the priests, right up to the
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Highlights
Venue MCC Campus
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Duration 4 Months
Age No bar
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CHRIS Elrod | CHURCH MANAGEMENT
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love Mondays. Many pastors don’t. I used to be one of those pastors who disliked Mondays. Toward the end of 2010, I made some changes that helped me overcome the ‘Monday blues’ that pastors get…and now I’m pumped up every Monday!!! Here’s what I did: 1. Limited Information: I no longer get weekly attendance and giving reports. They’re a crappy measuring stick for the impact of Sunday anyway. I now get a monthly attendance and giving average the last Thursday of each month. I also get a quarterly report which is where you can really see if things have gone well or not with attendance and giving. The only information I get on Mondays are the people that came to know Jesus, the people that signed up for one of our Bible studies, the people that signed up to be a volunteer and the prayer requests.
It’s a foolish leader that judges the organization by one day’s results. 2. Meetings: We schedule most of our meetings on Mondays. The morning meeting is a time of prayer, staff devotion, a time of sharing ‘wins’ from the previous week, a quick review of Sunday, what are our priority actions for the week and upcoming events or dates. Strategy meetings are scheduled for Monday afternoons… which are fun, exciting and creative. These meetings force me to ‘get back in the game’ and really get me pumped for the rest of the week. 3. Marathon Mindset: Leading a church is a marathon not a sprint. It took me nearly 7 years to come to grips with that…but it has been freeing. If Sunday was great…then we celebrate that. If Sunday sucked…then we celebrate the fact that we have next week to do better. 4. Celebrate Others: I love
reading blogs on Mondays. I love seeing what God is doing in other churches for His kingdom. I love knowing that the pastors and churches I prayed for on Saturday night had an amazing day on Sunday. I love knowing that people’s lives are being changed and folks are finding Jesus…even if it wasn’t at my own church. 5. Correspondence: Monday morning is a HUGE correspondence day for me. I get to the office early and spend about an hour hand writing some notes to our leaders, volunteers and those asking for prayer. It’s great way to be reminded of the wonderful people that God has blessed us with at Compass Point…and that any ‘issues’ I may be having pale in comparison to those asking for prayer. Chris Elrod is the pastor of Compass Point in Florida, US. Not getting your copy of the magazine? Call us at 7299063345.
T H E a r c h bishop of Mumbai, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, w a s elected last week as the new general secretary of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences. The decision was taken at the FABC central committee meeting on Oct. 21, at Bangkok, Thailand. Cardinal Gracias, who is also the President of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, will assume his new role from January 1, 2012. He succeeds Archbishop Orlando B Quevedo of Philippines who
completed his two terms of office on Dec. 31, 2011. Cardinal Gracias, who was ordained a priest on December 20, 1970, was elevated to the position of Cardinal on Oct 17, 2007. Earlier, he served as the Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay and as the Archbishop of Agra. The Federation of Asian Bishops’ C o n f e r e n c e s ( FA B C ) i s t h e association of bishops’ conferences in South, Southeast, East and Central Asia. Scattered among various Asian nations, FABC offices are focused on several key projects such as evangelization, social communication, laity and family, human development, education and faith formation, ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, among others.
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HEALTH
MORE than 5 million men in the U.S. experience depression each year. Clinical depression—in women or men—can cause sadness and a loss of interest in once pleasurable activities. But depression can sometimes manifest in different ways in different people. “While the symptoms used to diagnose depression are the same regardless of gender, often the chief complaint can be different among men and women,” says Ian A. Cook, MD, the Miller Family professor of psychiatry at the University of California–Los Angeles. Here are 12 signs of depression in men. Fatigue People who are depressed undergo a series of physical and emotional changes. They can experience fatigue, as well as psychomotor retardation, or a slowing down of chronic pain and digestive disorders physical movements, speech, and go hand in hand with depression, thought processes. according to focus groups conducted According to Josh Klapow, PhD, a by the National Institute of Mental clinical psychologist with the Health. Norman Sussman, MD, a University of Alabama at professor of psychiatry at the NYU Birmingham’s School of Public Langone Medical Center, says Health, men are more likely than people who are depressed do women to report fatigue and other genuinely feel bad physically. physical symptoms of depression as “It is a medical disorder,” says Dr. their chief complaints. Sussman. Sleeping too much or too little Irritability Sleep problems—such as Instead of seeming down, men insomnia, waking up very early in the who are depressed often show signs morning, or excessive sleeping—are of irritability. “If they talk about an common depression symptoms. emotional component, it could be “(Some people) sleep 12 hours a sadness with irritability,” says Dr. day and still feel exhausted or toss Cook. and turn and wake up every two In addition, says Klapow, negative hours,” says Dr. Cook. thoughts are a common aspect of Like fatigue, sleep troubles are one depression. “Men will report feeling of the main symptoms that depressed irritable because they are having men may discuss with their doctor, negative thoughts constantly,” he experts say. says. Stomachache or backache Difficulty concentrating Health problems such as Psychomotor retardation can slow constipation or diarrhea, as well as down a man’s ability to process headaches and back pain, are information, thereby impairing common in people who are concentration on work or other tasks. depressed. “Depression fills one with But men often don’t realize that 12 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w NOVEMBER 2011
negative thoughts, almost like an intrusion,” Klapow says. “You’re slowed down and constantly thinking about negative things in your world. As a result it makes it very difficult to focus on anything.” “I describe depression as a form of reversible brain failure,” Dr. Sussman says. “When you’re depressed, it’s like your CPU (central processing unit) isn’t working properly.” Anger or hostility Some men manifest depression by being hostile, angry, or aggressive, says. Dr. Sussman. “A man who realizes something is wrong may need to compensate by demonstrating that he is still strong or capable,” he says. Anger and hostility are different than irritability. “Anger tends to be a stronger emotion,” Klapow says. “Irritability is a crankiness.” Dr. Sussman says he’s also seen men become hostile when they have withdrawn as a result of their depression and feel under pressure by friends or family to rejoin society. “Men might be more likely to Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
report symptoms of depression as stress. It’s not that they have more stress; it’s that it’s more socially acceptable to report it,” Klapow says. According to Dr. Cook, stress and depression can also travel a two-way street. “It’s accurate to say that feeling stressed can be an indicator of having clinical depression but also be part of the cause,” he says. Research has shown that prolonged exposure to stress can lead to changes both in the body and brain, which can in turn lead to depression. Anxiety Research has shown a strong link between anxiety disorders and depression. Men may be no more likely than women to experience anxiety—in fact, anxiety disorders are about twice as prevalent in women—but it’s often easier for men to talk about feeling anxious rather than sad, Dr. Cook says. “Men may discuss concerns about work and whether the loss of a job will impede their ability to provide for themselves and their family. “It may be easier to put words to worries and fears,” Dr. Cook says.
Substance abuse Substance abuse frequently accompanies depression. Research has shown that alcoholics are almost twice as likely to suffer from major depression as people without a drinking problem. “It can happen for both men and women, but using drugs or alcohol to mask uncomfortable feelings is a strategy many men will employ instead of seeking health care,” says Dr. Cook. Sexual dysfunction Depression is a common reason for loss of desire and erectile dysfunction (ED), and it’s one symptom that men are inclined not to report. “Performance problems can come from depression and make depression worse,” Dr. Cook says. However, ED can be the result of other medical conditions or medications, and ED by itself does not signal depression. “My strong recommendation...is that you can’t go after one symptom; it’s a group of symptoms,” Klapow says. Indecision “I can’t count the number of people who have said, ‘I had money
in the bank but the phone got shut off because I couldn't bring myself to (pay the bill) or decide what to do and when.’ It gets overwhelming,” Dr. Cook says. Some people naturally have a hard time making decisions, so an inability to make choices is usually worrisome only if it’s a new behavior. “It’s an information-processing issue,” and depression slows down your ability to decide, Klapow says. Suicidal thoughts Women are more likely to attempt suicide, but men are more than four times as likely to die if they do attempt suicide. One reason is that men tend to choose more lethal methods. “They more often use firearms and kill themselves the first time they try,” Dr. Cook says. Older men are at highest risk for suicide, and doctors may miss depression symptoms in this group. In fact, more than 70% of older suicide victims saw their primary care physician within the month of their death.Depression is not a normal part of aging in men or women. (Courtesy: Health magazine)
smelly and was full of maggots (Exodus 16:20). 10. It had to be gathered early in the morning before the sun grew hot. Otherwise, it melted away (Exodus 16:21) 11. On the sixth day, Israelites could collect two omers for each person. Two omers are equivalent to
roughly 4.5 liters (Exodus 16:22). 12. The Israelites found one too many ways to cook it. Some ground it in a handmill, others crushed it in a mortar, while some cooked it in a pot, a few others made it into cakes (Numbers 11:8). 13. God supplied manna to the Israelites for 40 years, until they reached the border of Canaan (Exodus 16:35; Joshua 5:12). 14. God gave manna to Israelites to teach them man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4). 15. It was called as grain of heaven and bread of angels (Psalm 78:2425). 16. Jesus referred to it in John 6:31-35,49,58. 17. The Ark of the Covenant contained the gold jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4).
BIBLE STUDY NOTES 1. It’s a God-given food to the Israelites in the wilderness after they were redeemed from the bondage of Egypt (Exodus 16:14-36). 2. The meaning of the word ‘manna’ means ‘What is it?’ (Exodus 16:15). 3. It was white in color and looked like coriander seed (Exodus 16:31; Numbers 11:7). 4. It looked like thin flakes like frost on the ground (Exodus 16:14). 5. It tasted like wafers made with honey (Exodus 16:31). 6. It also tasted like something made with olive oil (Numbers 11:8) 7. Each one could take one omer (equivalent of two liters) of it (Exodus 16:16). 8. It was daily bread for Israelites. Storing for the next day was prohibited (Exodus 16: 19).9. If it was stored for the next day, it became Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
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JOHNSON V | GOD WORKS
THE parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:25-37, is a well known one, often quoted to children in schools and Sunday schools to illustrate that we should be helpful to those around us. But the wisdom that can be gleaned from the parable is worth much more than that. When our Lord Jesus spoke, His words carried tremendous value and an incredible depth of wisdom and power that changed lives. The background to the parable was that several Jewish people were beginning to take offense to Jesus and His teaching, especially after He sent out 70 of his disciples into the neighboring towns to cast our demons, heal the sick, and in general, advance the kingdom of God. These disciples returned victorious after having done the work that God sent them out to do. Many of the beneficiaries of these miracles were not Jewish peoples, hence the ruffling of Jewish feathers. The Bible says in verse 25 of Luke 10, that a ‘certain lawyer stood up and tempted Him’ (KJV). The Jews sought to trap Jesus because they didn’t like what He was saying and doing, and this ‘certain lawyer’ was part of that group. Let us never come to Church to test God, but let us always come to church to worship Him. The question the lawyer asked the Lord, was not overly complicated. In fact, he sought to provoke the Lord by asking Him a question that as a lawyer, he would have known the answer to. He didn’t ask the question to find out the answer, but to trap the Lord. And our Lord didn’t get provoked. Rather than get tied up in unnecessary arguments our Lord reached out to the person and didn’t really answer the question at all. In verse 28, our Lord says, ‘you will live’. But the question that the lawyer asked him was about eternal life. Praise God that He does not always answer our questions in the way we
expect Him to, but He will always answer us in the way that we need it, in the way that is most beneficial for us. The Good Samaritan parable is not a story about the way to heaven, it is a story about the way to live. Then the lawyer asked Him another obvious question. “Who are my neighbours?” And the Lord gave him a long explanation, which is popularly known as the story of the Good Samaritan. There are various actors in this story. The man waylaid by thieves – He was on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho. Generally Jewish people don’t go down that route. Whoever travelled that way, would have had to turn his back to God (Jerusalem). Spiritually, the journey from Jerusalem to Jericho is considered backsliding. Jerusalem is considered the city of God, it was where the Temple was situated. Geographically it was located on a higher plane. Jericho was a cursed city (Joshua 5). The Priest – a very respected figure in society. The priests represented the Law, religious authority, holiness and values of God. They were associated with the Temple. The Levite - represented sacrifice and traditions. They were the keepers of the Law. They were religious policemen. The Samaritan – Samaritan’s were from Samaria and were hated by the Jews, who thought they were an unclean race. Historically Samaritans were descendants of Jewish people who intermarried outside of the Jewish race. This was strictly forbidden in Old Testament times. Therefore the Jewish people considered them unclean and not holy. The man fell among thieves. Many people would have thought this was fitting punishment for a backslidden man on his way to Jericho. Our Lord goes on to say that the thieves left the
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man on the side of the road, in a half dead state and the Priest and Levite passed by the same way. Our Lord does not say whether they were going from Jerusalem to Jericho or the other way around. Both the Levite and Priest saw the man and passed on the other side. Religion went around the man and did nothing for him. Then came the Samaritan. Praise God that one who was not-so-perfect in man’s eyes, found a place in the story. That gives us hope that we too will find out names in the Book of Life in the final analysis. The Samaritan drew near the half dead man and had compassion on him. He bound his wounds and poured oil (signifying the provision of God) and wine (signifying the joy of the Holy Spirit). He took him to an inn and spent the night with him there caring for him. The next morning, he departed leaving the injured man in the care of the innkeeper and gave him some money, 2 coins. Some scholars say that the 2 coins are the Old and New Testaments and others say that the 2 coins denote the Law and Grace. There are 3 principles that we can learn from this parable. Be willing to give away to make your life better. Cultivate a desire to make someone else’s life better. Be willing to try and take a chance, even on the half-dead. Be willing to take meaningful risks. Take risks by faith, after praying. Be willing to offer help to people who may not be able to return the favour. Our favour comes from God. The Samaritan bears a resemblance to our Lord Jesus, who has compassion on each of us and takes care of us, binding our wounds and healing us in every area of our lives. This is what we are called to do. The writer is the pastor in-charge of Bethel AG International Worship Center in Bangalore, India. Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
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ROBIN Sam | MESSAGE OF THE MONTH
(Devotion passage: Joshua 11 to 13) like the word wholehearted. There’s something beautiful about it. The first rush of excitement at the sight of your loved one and the first pangs of a love breakup are felt in the heart, people who have been in and out of love would argue. These days, some of the popular back-of-the bus advertisements in Chennai, the city where I live, have to do with the heart too. They call it the 64-Slice CT. It’s touted as a big breakthrough in technology. Apparently, 64-Slice is ushering in a new era in CT imaging by giving physicians the ability to see more anatomical detail in only a fraction of the time. While traditional angiography takes four to five hours, the 64-Slice CT is said to take only 15 to 30 minutes! What more, the new angiography technology allows doctors to view even the smallest of arteries in the brain, heart, and peripheral vascular system. Whew! But I doubt if the 64-Slice angio can tell us about one’s heart’s condition in terms of love, devotion, commitment and obedience. Or the lack of them…I am kidding, of course. No breakthrough technology, however cutting-edge it is, can gauge one’s matters of the heart. The Bible is full of people who followed God wholeheartedly. Caleb, son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite and Joshua son of Nun followed the Lord wholeheartedly, Numbers 32:12 tells us. The Bible passage for our devotion today, Joshua 11-13, does not use the exact word but uses a set of words of phrases with similar meaning. You may want to look up verses 9, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 17 in Joshua 11 yourself to see what I am referring to. The passage (Joshua 11, 12 and 13) teaches us a few key things in
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life, the most important among them being this: 1) Key to total success? Total obedience After the fall of Jericho, Joshua and his people must have thought the conquest of Ai would be a cakewalk. Little did they know the sin of one man – Achan son of Carmi from the tribe of Judah. He did what was p r o h i b i t e d . H o w e v e r, w h e n restitution was done, the Lord turned from His fierce anger (Joshua 7:26). After the disastrous rout at the hands of the men of Ai, Joshua and his people were careful to do whatever was told of them. That’s where wholeheartedness enters the picture. When the Israelites completely obeyed God in annihilating the enemies, God gave them victory over not just one king but 31 kings (Joshua 12:9-24) Wholeheartedness in one’s devotion to God gets him wholesome blessings. 2) Victory as God deems and determines Although victory over negative forces is guaranteed to a child of God, it need not necessarily come as quickly as he or she expects. It need not even be the way he or she thinks. When Jabin king of Hazor ganged up against the Israelites against people from 14 other regions, God told Joshua that within 24 hours they would be handed over to Joshua and his men. Although the battle was won in a day, the war dragged on. In verse 18 of Joshua 11 we read: ‘Joshua waged war against all these kings for a l o n g t i m e . ’ Vi c t o r y o v e r circumstances, evil forces and men inimical to God is assured for a believer but God decides when and how it will be shaped. 3) God can also work in the enemy’s heart Our God is sovereign. He knows the devises of every heart – good or bad. He not only reads our thoughts but has power to shape them too. He
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is the righteous God who examines our inner thoughts and motives (Psalm 7:9). When the news of the defeat and the eventual assassination of the five Amorite kings spread far and wide, Jabin, king of Hazor, a provincial chieftain, summoned other chieftains and set out against the Israelites. There was no intelligence that the Israelites were planning to ambush him or others, Joshua had not sent anyone to spy Hazor or other regions yet. There was only a perceived threat from the Israelites. Why did this happen? Joshua 11:20 gives us the answer. Just as He had hardened the heart of the pharaoh, the Lord also put it in their hearts to war against Israel. Why? The same verse says ‘…so that he might destroy them totally, exterminating them without mercy, as the Lord had commanded Moses.’ The destruction of Israel’s enemies was conceived in the Lord’s mind. He will leave no stone unturned to accomplish it. 4) Fulfillment of all of God’s promises may not happen in our lifetime Hebrews 11:39 has a seemingly sad verse: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise…’ When I read it for the first time ever, I said to myself: ‘What’s the point of my faith then?’ Although our faith may seem like a hopeless entity, that’s precisely what is counted in our account. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1). Moses defeated 2 kings (Sihon, king of Amorites and Og, king of Bashan), it is mentioned in Joshua 12:1-6, whereas Joshua had a lot more conquests to his credit. Yet, again we read a seemingly sad verse in Joshua 13:1. When Joshua was old and well advanced in years, the Lord said to him. “You are very old, and there are Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
still very large areas of land to be taken over.” God, then goes on to draw out a verbal map of all the unconquered regions. Joshua had no reason to believe that he would be able to wrap up what he began after crossing the Jordan. He was old. Joshua knew it. There may come a time in your life when you will see a list of unfulfilled promises before you. Perhaps, your children have not made it yet in life. Perhaps, the vision of your ministry is still unachieved. That’s a fact that we must accept, hard though it is; but take heart for God is not finished with you yet. 5) God Himself will do the unfinished task 2 Peter 3:9 says God is not slack concerning His promises. What He promised, He will fulfill. Whether or not it occurs during our lifetime is not for us to know. We can be assured of one thing: He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). What may look like an unfinished task will be wrapped up by God Himself. That’s what God told Joshua, the old warrior (Joshua 13:6). After promising to Here are five simple steps you can take to begin a relationship with God: 1. Recognize your need. The Bible tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23, NASB). All of us are sinners, and we must admit our need for a Savior. 2. Repent of your sins. Because God is completely holy, our sins create a wall that separates us from Him. By confessing your sins you will find forgiveness. “Repent” means to make a 180-degree turnaround. The Bible promises: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). 3. Believe in Jesus. God worked a miracle when He sent His only Son to die for us. We don’t have to pay for our sins … Jesus paid it all! We can’t work for our salvation. It is a gift from God, and all He requires is that we believe. Put your faith in Him. The Bible says: “For God so loved Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
drive all out the Sidonians before the Israelites, God told Joshua: ‘Be sure to allocate this land to Israel for an inheritance, as I have instructed you, and divide it as an inheritance among the nine tribes and half of the tribe of Manasseh’ (verse 7). In other words, God had a new role for Joshua. From being a warrior leader, Joshua was now to be a family elder who had the power to sign the will and apportion the land for all the tribes of Israel. What must have appeared like an end-of-the-road situation to Joshua suddenly took a new turn. Joshua had a new role in line with his age and outlook. The conditions to fulfill God’s blessings are conditional. In Joshua 11:6, God told Joshua two things to claim victory over his enemies: ‘You are to hamstring their horses and burn their chariots.’ The conditions have great spiritual significance even today. Why did God ask Israelites to cramp the horses and burn the chariots of the enemy? There are at least three reasons 1) God did not want Israel to adapt the enemies’ war tactics and come to
rely on horses and chariots. Their reliance had to be on God always. Israel as a nation had to proclaim Psalm 20:7 always: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.’ 2) Isaiah 2 tells of the day of the Lord. The state of the land before the time is told in verses 6 to 8. There is no dearth of silver and gold and no end to the people’s treasures. The land is full of horses and chariots. The one thing that is missing from the land is the fear of God. 3) The kings from the 14 regions who surrounded Israelites under the leadership of Jabin, king of Hazor, had chariots and horses too. Yet, they were routed because the Lord was not with them. If you have not yielded your life to God, let me urge you to trust the Lord wholeheartedly and obey Him completely. You may not see all of His promises fulfilled in you or in your lifetime but He who promised will do it. If you have given your life over to God, may this be your prayer: ‘O Lord, teach me how you want me to live! Then I will obey your commands. Make me the world, that He gave His only wholeheartedly committed to you’ begotten Son, that whoever believes (Psalm 86:11). in Him shall not perish, but have In Jesus’ Name. Amen! eternal life” (John 3:16). WCC says need to 4. Receive His salvation. God has review Christian-Hindu given us this free gift, but we must accept it. Thank Him for sending relationships afresh Jesus to die on the cross for you. WITH the rise of religious Thank Him for His amazing love, fundamentalism and religious mercy and forgiveness. Then ask extremism in the world, as well as Him to live in your heart. His recently emerging tensions in India promise to us is sure: “But as many as over the issues of conversions, a received Him, to them He gave the genuine need exists to review right to become children of God...” Christian-Hindu relationships (John 1:12). afresh, according to the participants 5. Confess your faith. The Bible of a consultation organized by the assures us: “If you confess with your World Council of Churches (WCC) mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in on Christian self-understanding in your heart that God raised Him from the context of Hindu religion. the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. The consultation took place at the 10:9). You have been born again and Bossey Ecumenical Institute in are now part of God’s family. Tell Switzerland from 12 to 15 October, someone else what Jesus has done in with thirty participants of diverse your life! This amazing experience Christian backgrounds from India, can be yours. Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Embrace God’s love and receive Malaysia and Indonesia, where the salvation that only Jesus Christ Christians live with Hindus in close gives. proximity. NOVEMBER 2011 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 17
TRENDS A survey conducted among 2,000 Christians has revealed that one in four self-proclaimed Christians do not live according to Jesus Christ’s teachings. The survey conducted by Changing the Face of Christianity Inc., a non-profit organization that seeks to reverse negative Christian stereotypes, over a seven-month period beginning January 2011 and going up to July 2011. The assessment was done anonymously and consisted of 10 multiple choice questions that gave the score to the participants at the end. The score indicated to the participants if they were ‘Far from Christ’, a ‘Worldly Christian’, ‘A Good Christian’, or a ‘Spiritually Mature Christian’, which was the highest rank possible. The responses indicated that 23.7 percent of Christians in the pool of over 2,000 questioned were classified as ‘Worldly Christians’ or
themselves than they think about God and other people. Reading the Bible and praying aren’t a common practice. These are people that you would probably be surprised to find are Christian, if it weren’t for the cross around their neck. These people are in the sweet spot of where we need to do our work. Christians in name only, as defined by R. Brad White, the founder of Changing the Face of Christianity Inc. “When posed with a real world situation which tests their faith, they tend to do what the rest of the world does, instead of living as Jesus instructs,” White said about ‘Worldly Christians.’ “To be clear, these aren’t ‘bad’ people. The score results suggest they think much more about
We are here to walk along side them, love them, educate them, mentor them, and guide them into living their faith through their words and actions.” “We are currently piloting a revolutionary way of ‘doing’ Christian small groups, that helps Christians live their faith,” he said. “Instead of just doing Bible study after Bible study, our small groups platform gets people studying, praying and praising together.”
TV, game profanity can lead to cussing, meanness MOST pastors feel strongly that Mormons are not Christians, according to a survey by LifeWay Research. The survey polled 1,000 American Protestant pastors and asked them to respond to the statement: “I personally consider Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) to be Christians.” Three-quarters (75 percent) disagree with the statement, including 60 percent who strongly disagree and 15 percent who somewhat disagree. Just 11 percent somewhat agree, 6 percent strongly agree and 9 percent do not know. “Though pastors believe overwhelmingly that Mormonism is not Christianity, their opinions should not be [viewed as] personal scorn for Mormons,” said Ed Stetzer, vice president of research and ministry development at LifeWay Christian Resources. “A person can respect a religious group and even
appreciate their commitment to traditional moral values without equating their beliefs with Christian orthodoxy.” Mormonism has come into the public eye in recent years with the rise of prominent adherents like Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, US Senate majority leader Harry Reid and conservative talk show host Glenn Beck. According to a 2009 study by the Pew Research Center, Mormons comprise 1.7 percent of the U.S. adult population and 58 percent of Utah’s population -- the state founded by early Mormon leaders. In comparison, evangelical Protestants and Roman Catholics each make up about a quarter of the U.S. population (26 percent and 24 percent respectively). Seventy-six percent of the U.S. Mormon population is concentrated in the West, with 35 percent in Utah, 13 percent in California and 7 percent in Idaho.
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THE next time your child sits in front of the television to watch his favorite program, remember this: swearing in TV programs and video games can lead adolescents to adopt the coarse language. According to a study published recently in the journal Pediatrics, it can also influence aggressive behavior. “We didn’t know this before and I was really surprised because we’ve got all these ratings for television, film and video games for profanity,” said study author Sarah Coyne, Ph.D., assistant professor of family life at Brigham Young University and researcher of media and human development. The ratings, she said, were mostly incorrect. “I think as a society we’ve gotten really lax concerning profanity,” she added. “I think it’s in part because we hear it all over the media.” As many as 222 children took part in the survey. Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
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BOOK EXCERPTS
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following against his back. is an excerpt from The First He laughed and Gardener by Denise Hildreth Jones turned so he could (Tyndale). face her. His sixfoot frame towered Chapter One over her five-footTen days earlier four. He wrapped The heat of the stone bathroom one arm around her, floor warmed Mackenzie London’s entire body as she took her first steps lifted her chin, and of the day. Beauty surrounded her. wiped at a tear that Every fixture, fabric, element in this had left its wet trail home had been redone to perfection down the side of her by the previous occupant. The day cheek. “ I k n o w i t ’s she moved in, she had determined silly.” She dabbed a that she would appreciate every tissue at her nose. moment she spent in this exquisite place—because she knew those She had one in virtually every moments were numbered. pocket she owned. There might not be much certain in “ I t ’ s j u s t this world. But in Mackenzie’s world this much was certain: she would not kindergarten. But live here forever. She had known that maybe we should when she moved in. And her Italian- have waited until Irish heritage pushed her to embrace she was six. You know, five is every facet of life passionately, still really young.” wildly, and completely. She was “She’s an old determined not to waste one moment five, Mack.” of this opportunity she had been She leaned her given. head against his Today, however, the mansion was the last thing on her mind. chest. “She was an old two.” “My, my, that’s a good-looking He laughed. “Yeah, she was. But man standing in front of that mirror.” we talked about this, and she wants to She leaned against her side of the go. I know it’s going to be hard. It brown marble countertop and gave will be for me too, but it doesn’t her husband a sad smile. happen until tomorrow. So let’s enjoy Gray London leaned over his sink, today and deal with tomorrow, electric razor in one hand. The other tomorrow.” hand tugged at the base of his neck, She raised her head and batted her where salt-and-pepper stubble clung. eyes. The tears fell freely. She knew His blue eyes met hers, and she saw he was right, but it didn’t change the their delight in her arrival. “How’s way she felt. Natural childbirth had my girl?” been less painful. “Heartbroken.” She scooted up He leaned down and pressed his behind him, wrapping her arms lips against her face, then moved his around his waist and resting her mouth to her ear as one hand grazed hands against the top of the towel tied her stomach. “Plus, who knows? You around his hips. She laid her head might have another baby here in against his bare back and listened as about nine months.” the buzz of the razor evaporated. Her “I pray so.” heart felt heavy inside her chest. He leaned back. “So you want me He laid the razor down and placed to give you your shot before you get his hands on top of hers. “It’s a new in the shower?” stage of life, huh?” She moved her hands up to the soft She moved her cheek up and down curve in her hips, a smile fighting 20 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w NOVEMBER 2011
with the tears. “You just want to look at my bootie.” “Prettiest one I’ve ever seen.” The smile won. She reached for another tissue and swiped at her eyes, then walked back over to her side of the bathroom. The Pregnyl stayed in prominent sight in her top drawer. It had taken her and Gray almost ten years to conceive their Maddie—ten years plus four miscarriages and thousands of dollars. But when Maddie came along, Mackenzie finally had the one thing she felt her life was missing—a child. And now, five years later, she was desperate for another. Wanted it like an ache in the soul wants a healing balm. The latest round of fertility treatments had begun again almost a year ago. They’d bypassed the Clomid altogether this time and gone straight to the injections. Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
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DON Davis | DATELINE ISRAEL
What every Israel-supporting Christian should know!
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EOPLE from many cultures and beliefs have in the past and are currently spending time and money to defend Israel. But, is it really effective? And, why are these helpful attempts controversial or rejected by resident Israelis? To answer that question I must begin when Israel was reestablished as the Jewish homeland in 1948. Jews learned a shocking lesson from World War II. The sobering reality was that even in the 20th century the Jews couldn’t depend on anyone to protect them including most Christians. In fact, despite clear instructions in the Bible not to judge (Matthew 7:1-2) and not to take vengeance (Romans 12:19), many times throughout history Christians utilized Scripture for their own manmade schemes to justify torturing and butchering Jews. So, is it any wonder that the present-day Jews might have apprehensions about Christian ‘support’? Therefore, the Jewish State of Israel was set up after the exterminations of World War II primarily to protect people who are/were born Jewish, protect people with Jewish bloodline, and protect people who practice Judaism. In the beginning, many people immigrated to Israel from a war-torn Europe. Together, with the nation builders of modern-day Israel, they brought with them socialist customs and behavior. Thus Israel was fashioned as a democratic, socialist country with strong Middle Eastern characteristics. As a result, Israelis have certain social expectations of government responsibility pertaining to national insurance, national education, and national utility type companies (though limited privatization is progressing), and might have resistance to Capitalism or to specific western behavior and ideologies. In addition to the US, the European
culture is highly respected and valued in Israel. France was also a major Israeli ally and certain French individuals still maintain Israeli admiration and appreciation. But, how do the Israeli government and the typical Israeli citizen react to outside ‘supporters’? Nowadays, as a result of the conflicts, isolation and public relations traumas exerted on Israel, the Israeli government will welcome most support in many different forms. However, as in other socialist countries, Israel has not yet totally comprehended or fully utilized the vital significance and benefits of research, surveys, advertising, marketing and PR. Unlike the world and Arab anti-Israel and anti-Jewish PR machine, Israel doesn’t have a consistent or coordinated worldwide PR message to the constant assaults. They also don’t seem to grasp the importance of perception, imaging, continuity and investment particularly to positive PR for Israel, or how to deliver that message to gentiles who normally will not accept information from Israelis. The average Israeli has varied responses. Some are glad that anyone would support Israel. Some encourage Christian support. Some are apathetic concerning outside support while some simply question Christian motives. What’s more, even though Israel is a great tourist destination, Israel is not a religious theme park and should be treated with the dignity. It is the Israelis’ home and many are sick and tired of the decades of foreign selfserving, individuals, and religious a n d o rg a n i z a t i o n a l a g e n d a s . Additionally, Israelis are fed up with world pressures, advice and instructions - particularly from people who don’t live in Israel. They are outraged and distressed by the deliberate misrepresentation of Israel by the media (for there is no
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culture on earth as tolerant and rights conscientious as the Jews), and some Israelis are at their saturation point from awe-struck touring, conversion-conversation Christians intent on saving Jews. Be that as it may, many Israelis are willing to politely listen in order to debate. Besides, although Israel is a democratic country it also has laws protecting Judaism and rightly so because anyone worshiping God as a Jew has been in danger of being severely persecuted. This was a major factor in the re-creation of Israel. Indeed, anyone trying to convert a Jew in Israel could find themselves in trouble according to a 1977 anti-proselytizing law. The same is true for any Israeli Jew converting to another religion for then they are technically no longer a Jew. Accordingly, they might not be afforded the same recognition or may find living conditions a challenge in the land of the Jews. Moreover, a Jew which converts to another religion or believes anyone is God, other than the God of Moses can be branded ‘religiously’ as a traitor to God as in Deuteronomy 13:6-11. Jews that convert can literally be treated as if they ‘died’ (or banished from the family) and have no recognition from family or their everyday environment. Unfortunately, most Christians (exclusively gentiles, as Jews that believe Jesus is the Christ do not call themselves Christian) have no idea of the monumental trials that plague the average Jewish convert’s daily life. Furthermore, the Jews think we Christians are misguided and that we will change. They pray for us as the Jews believe it is the Christian which will convert to Judaism in the ‘Latter Days’ based on several Biblical scriptures and prophecy. Explicitly, Isaiah 14:1, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Ezekiel 39:25-29, Zechariah 8:23 but Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
specifically Ezekiel 40-47 when it is generally accepted that a Third Temple might be built and the priests begin to sacrifice again. This is also when some believe there is a place for gentiles to worship along with the Jews nearby the Temple. There are debates surrounding the Third Temple. Christian theologians debate if the Third Temple is simply a metaphor for the Body of Christ or refers to a physical structure. If it’s indeed a physical structure, will the Third Temple be built before or after the return of Jesus Christ? (some Jewish Scholars suggest the Temple will be rebuilt when the Messiah comes). We don’t know the answers for sure. Neither do we know why God would allow sacrificing in the future since Jesus Christ represents the ultimate and final sacrifice with His own blood for our sins. Nor, do we know the mind and ways of the Lord that provided His strict ordinances in Ezekiel 40-47 to rebuild the Temple and for the Jewish Priests (seed of Zadok) to begin sacrificing again. Although we don’t know for sure, both the Temple and sacrificing are unmistakably recorded after Ezekiel 38 & 39 which has widespread acknowledgement as happening in the future. If the chapters in Ezekiel do occur in chronological order then there will be a Third Temple. Consequently, I put this question to all that call themselves Christian whether you are Catholic, Orthodox or belong to one of the various denominations of Protestantism. If the Lord blesses Israel and the Jews during your lifetime according to the prophecy in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Joel and Zachariah, what will become of you if you have persecuted Israel and the Jews? When the Jews return to God and He showers Israel and His people with blessings and honor, how will you seek His forgiveness? Will Christians depend on their holiness, righteousness and deeds to save them? I hope not because I contend that the average Christian has failed miserably in his responsibility. Some Christians have been downright cruel and prejudiced against Jews and Israel so much so Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
that they carry out personal and organized vendettas. I also assert that if Jesus Christ were to return now, He would be disgusted (and angry) at our Christian conduct, delusions, gross sins, and the failures of our church that allow nearly every kind of appalling lifestyle and beliefs that (in some cases) do not include the Name or belief in Jesus Christ. I add as well that we Christians are in danger of behaving exactly (if not worse) like the self-centered, arrogant, greedy, merciless, and corrupt individuals Jesus Christ accused when He was on earth. Remember Christians, in the ‘Latter Days’ and when Jesus Christ returns His days of grace will be over! Anyone not in line with Christ will receive ruthless punishment and your title, your lineage or denomination would matter little with Him. Here is just one sample of the wrath of God as recorded in Zechariah 14:12. This prophecy should be a graphic warning to everyone including people who call themselves Christians: “This is the plague with which the Lord will strike all the nations that fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they are still standing on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths.” Christians better examine their own lives and pray they don’t experience the Lord’s fury and any of the (many) prophetic Biblical plagues. For those reasons, I strongly advise Christians to put aside theological differences and refrain from proselytizing to the Jews. We must rather enthusiastically support Israel in opposing anti-Israel governments and organizations, and against the continual harassing they face in the media. Here is where Christians can make a monumental difference because unless someone (non-Jewish) is already pro-Israel they normally will not change their opinion based on information from Israelis or Jews. In view of that, I encourage Christians to assist Israel and the Jews with positive public relations in your churches and
communities without preconditioned Christian agendas and expectations of anything in return. Instead, expect the Lord to reward you for supporting His chosen people and land. Finally, and most importantly, scrutinize your own relationship with the Lord making sure you are rightly related to Him and pray and trust in the Lord (as it is prophesied and written) that He will soon bring His people back to Himself. Don Davis is based in Israel and monitors and evaluates worldwide information on finance, technologies, and the military/political environment for a US company.
Church faces increasing hostility in Sudan EMBOLDENED by government calls for a Sudan based on Islamic law since the secession of South Sudan, Muslims long opposed to a church near Khartoum have attacked Christians trying to finish constructing their building, sources said. The Sudanese Church of Christ (SCOC) congregation in Omdurman West, across the Nile River from Khartoum, has continued to meet for Sunday worship in a building without a roof in spite of opposition from area Muslims and local authorities, the sources told Compass. Claiming that Christianity was no longer an accepted religion in the country, Muslims in the Hay al Sawra, Block 29 area of Omdurman West on Aug. 5 attacked SCOC members who were constructing the church building, the sources said. “We do not want any presence of churches in our area,” shouted members of the mob as they threw stones at the Christians. Muslims in the north, where an estimated 1 million Christians still live following the secession of South Sudan on July 9, fear the potential influence of the church, they said. “They want to reduce or restrict the number of churches, so that they can put more pressure on believers,” said a church leader on condition of anonymity.
NOVEMBER 2011 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 23
IN THE NEWS
Billy Graham reflects on growing old in new memoir FOR much of his 92 years, Billy Graham has had one title: evangelist. But in a new memoir, Graham reveals a lesser-known side of himself: a grieving and ailing widower who has difficulty getting up from a chair or putting on his shoes. “I can’t truthfully say that I have liked growing older,” Graham writes in Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and F i n i s h i n g We l l , w h i c h h i t s bookstores in October. “At times I wish I could still do everything I once did - but I can’t.” To be sure, his book includes his signature focus on evangelism, asking non-Christian readers numerous times to come to Jesus before it is too late. But most of the book’s 192 pages are filled with messages on growing old or preparing younger readers for the reality of old age. “All my life I was taught how to
die as a Christian, but no one ever taught me how I ought to live in the years before I die,” he writes in the introduction. “I wish they had because I am an old man now and believe me, it’s not easy.” So, a month before he turns 93, Graham has become a teacher of sorts in How to Grow Old 101. Stay involved, he recommends. And spend wisely. As the greatgrandfather of 43, he warns against going into debt buying expensive gifts for grandchildren.
Iranian pastor’s case referred to ayatollah
UID may aid communal targeting, says NAC member Aruna Roy
National Advisory Council THE case member Aruna Roy has said the UPA o f government’s Aadhaar unique imprisoned identity project is an ‘invasive act’ I r a n i a n and warned that the UID data will p a s t o r help ‘communal targeting of certain Y o u s e f communities’. Nadarkhani Speaking at an RTI seminar held at n o w h a s the International Centre Goa, Dona b e e n Paula, she said: “The UID is a referred to dangerous thing. I’m shocked I r a n ’ s minorities and other communities are s u p r e m e l e a d e r , Ay a t o l l a h not boycotting it.” Khamenei, AFP reported recently. “We have doubts about any of The ayatollah has ultimate t h e s e d e v i c e s ( s u c h a s authority in the Islamic Republic of UID)...technology will not work (to Iran, and AFP said the move to curb corruption),” she added. involve him in the case could mean a The UPA government and UIDAI delay in the final verdict, which had head Nandan Nilekani have claimed b e e n e x p e c t e d l a s t m o n t h . that the UID will eliminate Nadarkhani, 32, was arrested in 2009 corruption in the Mahatma Gandhi and charged with apostasy, an N a t i o n a l R u r a l E m p l o y m e n t offense punishable by hanging. Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and A lower court found that while he the public distribution system (PDS). had never been Muslim, he was However, Roy is critical of the guilty of apostasy because he came UID project. from a Muslim family. “How can you force the people to 24 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w NOVEMBER 2011
Prepare a will and medical directives to reduce family conflict after you’re gone, he advises. And look out for the ‘hidden perils’ of depression, anger and selfabsorption. Despite their limitations, he assures, the senior years can nevertheless be rewarding. “Are you willing to be used by God regardless of being bound by physical ailments, financial constraint, or the loneliness of growing old,” asks the man who once crisscrossed the world but now seldom leaves his home in the North Carolina mountains. Graham reserves his most poignant prose about grief for his beloved wife, Ruth, who died in 2007, two years after he held his last official crusade. He always thought she would outlive him. “Before long Ruth and I will be reunited in heaven,” he writes. “More than ever, I look forward to that day!”
give all this information ? The real intention of UID was integration with the National Intelligence G r i d (NATGRID). There should be a political debate on whether the state should collect all data about us and store it in a central silo,” she said. She also claimed that there was talk about the government thinking of permitting DNA sampling. Decrying the initiative Roy said “What is the point of giving us various freedoms on one hand and then undermining them (through projects like UID) on the other hand?” The government, she said, “is trying to lull us” into believing they are bringing these projects to benefit us. Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com
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