IMPACT by Disciples for Christ

Table Of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Editorial ......................................... p.2 Gazing To Glory ........................ p.5 Impact Through Prayer.............. p.11 Blessings, What Cost?............. p.13 Impact Of Prophecy................... p.14 Impact Of Body And Spirit..................................... p.18 Mission Field Report................ p. 22 Correspondence With CTS Readers........................... p. 23 Responding To News Report............................... p. 24

Christian Thought Series Jan-Feb 2015 Vol.12 Issue 03 Published by :

DISCIPLES FOR CHRIST

C/o Rev. Joshua Dhanabalan 1/3, Happy Home Flats, 17, Balfour Road, Kellys, Chennai - 10. Ph : 044 - 26602135 / 09380709875 Email : joshbalu@yahoo.com

Managing Editor Rev. Joshua Dhanabalan Publishing Associates Ms. Rita Dhanabalan Ms. Joanna Dhanabalan Literature Promotion/Coordination Mr. Clement S Mr. John Paul

Editorial...

he title you find on the front cover page is self-explanatory. There are two kinds of Christians – the serious and the curious! The serious ones have already made up their mind to work on with what they have decided or determined to do. Those who merely linger on with curiosity, the oaths and vows made at the dawn of the new year would soon seem to vanish as other priorities take over. It is good to quickly take a stock of what has been done in the past year. Commission and omission, failure or victory if taken in right stride will teach us valuable lessons.

Influence For a Christian believer, everything he does needs to be valued in terms of eternity. Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth and light of the world.” The essence

and effect are to be felt wherever a Christian is found. Christians must shun isolationism of all kinds. We must neither be bound by an exclusive deluxe class mentality – be it our churches, institutions, prayer or Bible-study groups. Nevertheless, our business must be one of which that is engaged in raising up the valley, levelling-up of the rugged

path and straightening out paths that are crooked. This way, we will consciously be preparing the way for the Lord (Isa.40:3,4). In this context, it seems appropriate, or even acceptable to make a claim over what we read in Isaiah 54:2: “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes”. Lesson Start right now. Procrastination prohibited!

Mentor Look around. There abounds crises of all sorts everywhere not of funds or infra-structure, but of able leadership. Age does not matter. Here is an example of King Josiah in 2 kings 22. He was just eight years old when he became the king. At the age of about twenty six, he renovated the temple, revived worship and reinstated the practice of obeying the law and commandments. Again we read: “The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation” (Isa.60:22). One man, generally considered and inexperienced by world’s standards had elevated the spiritual ethos which was lost for decades in Jerusalem. In order to mentor someone, you need to lead, provide direction, pave the way so others would follow. Teach and train those who do not possess the invaluable lessons you have acquired from able men. The apostle Paul was a great mentor. He was an ardent

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disciple maker. He relied on trustworthy men who shared his vision and work. Here is what he had to say to the young men whom he mentored: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Tim2:2). Lesson

Plan to offer your resources – both spiritual and natural in order to shape the life of someone...

Practice

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Lesson Walk the talk!

Authenticate A person, whether genuine or not can soon be detected or discovered by others. If an individual is not honest, such a person’s words, actions and even the body language can betray him or her. We live in a society with a culture of duplicity and hypocrisy. Celluloid smile covers up the guile that is within. True warmth and love is absent with the way we greet or smile at people. Hypocrisy is a way of life these days. We seem to find comfort in this. Due to fear, we tend to hide beneath the protective shells we have invented for our own convenience. It could be our own churches, denominational banner or our institutions. Most people find security through a sense of belonging to their own respective communities. Most of us suffer from unknown fear and insecurity. Therefore, we have formed ways and means to cope with them. Genuine men and women who are honest with themselves and others need not fear. They can be “real” men and women. Someone said: “Salvation is God’s way of making us real people. God does not so much appreciate fake or phoney people”. Looking at Nathaniel, Jesus could penetrate through his heart and declare:“Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false” (John 1 : 47).

In short, lead through example. It is a dangerous thing pretending to offer someone something that we do not possess ourselves. A lot many of are tempted to doing this. However knowledgeable or how skillful and gifted one may be, what counts at the end of the days is one’s integrity. When integrity fails at the basic level, the quality of discipleship is lowered. Sadly, this is what we find to a great extent in our missions and ministries – let alone our churches. Character building and exemplary life-style is not the criteria that is emphasized. What interests us is an outward charisma. Inward quality is often not evident on the outside. If one is known to be proud and arrogant, people would not welcome or hear such a person to speak passionately on the humility of Jesus Christ. Paul told Timothy, a younger man in the faith: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, Lesson Volume 12 Issue 3 Christian Thought Series

Shun falsehood

Confess Verbalize what you believe. Many Christians live as though they have nothing to do with Christ. They go to any length to please their worldly neighbours or non-Christian friends. But seldom do they make attempts to praise Christ or bring honour to Him through their confession. Too many Christians are ashamed to call themselves followers of Christ in their work place. It is imperative that we look for opportunities to speak up and to say what Christ means to us. Is our faith so private that we are not bothered to articulate it? In India, the newly formed government appears to be too antagonistic toward Christians. This makes some Christians feel all the more fearful. Why not we try being in jail for a couple of days or being beaten up for proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ? After all, our constitution provides fundamental rights - the freedom to profess or propagate our faith! “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven”. (Matt.10:32-33). Lesson Speak up for what you believe in.

Transform

God is in the business of re-creating his own creation. Paradise lost must

be regained. God is our deliverer. What had gone wrong in Eden was set right at Calvary. The work of regaining the lives of lost men had started since then. None of us can ever bring salvation . But we can show the way to the cross where men can find salvation. Until men and women come to the realization and give themselves to the saving power of Jesus Christ, there could be no transformation. Today, the reconciliatory work of God with men is being carried on by men who know their God. Have you had the joyful experience of knowing that someone whom you led to Christ is enjoying a life of abundant grace and bearing fruit for Him? How do you feel when they testify that their whole life had been transformed by the power of the gospel? “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation . We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Cor. 5:18,20). This kind of transformation that had begun at the cross will go on to bring radical change at all other levels – be it social, economic or political. Lesson Be a catalyst – an agent of change. -Joshua Dhanabalan

When God raises a man who would shake the very foundation of hell (like Elijah), the devil is also capable of raising a man or woman (like Jezebel), who comes as an off-spring of the Evil one in order to avenge or determine to destroy the very life of such a man of God. - J.D

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azing to lory...

ife, to most of us, is all about Moses was at the camp on sighting and seeking. I mean, Mount Sinai with God for forty that we tend to go merely by our days. What was the result? natural senses. Natural that Those who “He was not aware that we are as carnal humans, we look to Him his face was radiant because simply go after people. For are radiant. he had spoken with the Lord” some, their dependent level (Ps.34:5) (Ex.34:29). on others increases day by “Aaron and all the Israelites day. They have to either speak to saw Moses. His face was radiant” their kin or friends over the phone endlessly in order to keep their day (v.30). going. Older folks cry out their “They were afraid to come near heart’s woe of abandonment meted him” (v.30b). out to them by their children. We “They saw that his face was share our frustration or failure radiant” (v.35). to those whom we think can be This is an Old Testament trusted. As social beings, we need interaction of this kind which is account of what happened to healthy to our body and mind. Moses. Nevertheless, it was a Inter-dependence is not as same fading glory. as over-dependence. Many people (Off-the-track thought: Let’s consider think they will be helpless without this. There are two kinds of sinners. The their children, friends or relatives. repentant and the unrepentant. The This is both true and false. True, repentant sinners were drawn to Jesus that we need each other. False, through his love and forgiveness. It was because it is induced due to some perhaps, they were attracted to his psychological fear or a sense of radiant face. On the other hand, the insecurity. unrepentant sinners despised him and In times of our distress and finally crucified him. Even today, there sorrow we open up our heart to are those who may hate us for what we someone. They may appear to are. God’s children are like light in the empathize with us as long as we midst of darkness. “The light shines in remain in their good books. The the darkness, but the darkness has moment we offend them, it is time not understood it -John 1:5.” Light and for them to publish our story to darkness do not co-exist. These days, Christian homes are torn apart because the tabloid! We are admonished always of this reason. A bit of light and much of through the scriptures to seek darkness means total chaos. Often, it is after God’s face. Have we enjoyed darkness that seems to possess an upper the experience of gazing at His hand. A family with a little prayer and much of worldliness can cause more countenance? harm than good. “We do our family

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prayers daily,” some may say. Does Christ have pre-eminence over all the affairs in their home is the question in point. Perhaps, it is for this reason Jesus said that in a family of five, three will be divided against two and vice-versa on account of Him. Luke 12:29). In the context of ourselves gazing Christ’s glory, we are not talking about that kind of external beauty when we are referring to this kind of radiance. The Bible is explicit about inward quality that Christians need to possess. This essentially means that of one’s character which goes through transformation day by day through the working of the Holy Spirit. “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit”. (2 Cor. 3:18). The Bible clearly depicts the difference between the passing glory of the Old Testament covenant law and the surpassing splendor of covenant of grace. The transformation of character into the likeness of Christ comes not by painful striving, but by beholding the glory of Christ. Moses pleaded God: “Show me thy glory.” He never fully realized it. But John the apostle claims in his gospel: “We have seen His glory… full of grace and truth. (John 1:14). Paul again, on the other hand asserts that the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God may be seen in the face of Jesus Christ”.

(2 Cor.4:6). Do we see the face of Jesus Christ daily? The “sighting and seeking” can be done no where except through the records of the inspired Scriptures. John could exclaim: “What we have seen with our eyes… this we proclaim” (1 John 1:1). Years later, when he was exiled, John saw the glorified Lord and fell at his feet (Rev.1:17). He wrote that he “came to be in the Spirit,” – that state of ecstasy and elevated consciousness in which the prophet sees visions and hears words beyond his normal capacity to understand. Isn’t that the same John who was termed as a loving disciple known to be leaning on the bosom of Jesus? Again, Paul was the one who was struck with the dazzling light on the Damascus road. That was just the beginning part of his personal encounter with the risen Lord. But when he began to walk intimately with the Lord and longed to know him, he himself was transported to heavenly realms and enjoyed spiritual bliss that was unspeakable. (2 Cor.12:1-4). Here is a reminder of how Stephen’s spiritual eyes were opened just before his death: “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God”. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55). From Biblical accounts, we ascertain that when a person is

uthors , novelists or writers passionately engage themselves into writing because they may possess some fine experiences to share with the readers. The fine experiences may include that of first hand spine chilling, traumatic or tragic events. Or, it could also mean experiences that are exuberant, joyful or exhilarating. - J.D.

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entirely possessed and controlled by the Spirit, the outward world receded and the invisible world became tangible and real. Therefore, it appears that Paul was not regretful in saying this: Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day (4:16). Have we been gripped by much worry and anxiety by the wrinkles found on our faces due to aging? The sagging cheeks or arms may bother us. The ankle joints’ wear and tear with less than required natural lubricant to soothe the bones having dried up may cause excruciating pain early in the morning when one wakes up. Having spent sleepless nights, the mornings are dull and dreary. An appropriate hymn to sing at the point could be this:

Oh for a closer walk with God, A calm and heavenly frame, A light to shine upon the road, That leads me to the Lamb. Where is the blessedness I knew When first I saw the Lord? Where is the soul-refreshing view Of Jesus and His Word? What peaceful hours I once enjoyed! How sweet their memory still! But they have left an aching void The world can never fill. So shall my walk be close with God, Calm and serene my frame; So purer light shall mark the road That leads me to the Lamb. - William Cowper

(William Cowper - an English poet and hymnodist found refuge in a fervent evangelical Christianity, the inspiration behind his much-loved hymns. He often experienced doubt and feared that he was doomed to eternal damnation. His religious sentiment and association

with John Newton (who wrote the hymn “Amazing Grace”) led to much of the poetry for which he is best remembered. His poem “Light Shining out of Darkness” gave the English language the idiom “God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform.” Cowper himself suffered bouts of depression and haunted with tendency to committing suicide.) Someday, I would like to write a little more on “Sensory Deprivation and Spiritual Sublimation”. On similar thought and in simpler terms, it is easy to understand what our Lord taught about prayer in Matthew 6:6. But the implications our Lord made here are very deep. Further clue can be found in 2 Cor. 4:16. What is the ultimate goal of a Christian? Is it about success in business, family or finances? What is the ultimate purpose of God in having chosen us? Here is the answer: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). An average Christian is neither bothered nor interested to know what this means. We must clearly understand the gospel here. The very fact that God sent His Son to the world was not just to forgive us or provide us salvation. But through them all, we must be conformed to the image of God’s Son. It is a sad thing to see “Born again babes” who have been stunted in growth and suffering from spiritual malnourishment. In the case of many believers, the development of spiritual transformation which is so essential for maturity had long been ceased ever since the time of their conversion.

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We are emphasizing here the need for inward growth and spiritual development which result in Christ-likeness. Though it is purely the work of the Holy Spirit, (Sanctification), it is never to be understood as an automatic process. As the Word of God puts clarifies, it is possible for a believer either to fan the flame of the Spirit or quench the working of the Spirit. Inward growth and transformation of character is not possible in passive “daydreaming” about Christ. It involves endeavour and activity. We need to carefully understand between oneself being “restfully active,” and “positively striving” to the cause of Christ and His kingdom. If a Christian’s attitude is one of lethargy when confronted with exciting challenges and even risks that are involved in being active for God, there could be very little growth expected in terms of “changed into His likeness from one degree of glory to another.” In my very early years of ministry, I felt quite uncomfortable with a certain lady on whom the church and local believers looked up with a certain degree of respect. She had posed herself as very “spiritual” with her endless studies of the Bible and series of prayer sessions. She never dared to involve herself into the common

struggles of men and women in the outside world. To her, spirituality was all passive. Today, a lot many Christians, specially the older folks who are relatively healthy are indulging themselves into passive day-dreaming. They read much about Christ. But the readings themselves do not transform them into Christ-likeness. Moses left behind the comfort of Pharoah’s palace in order to suffer and struggle with his own people. On his Palace-to-Wilderness sojourn, in the heat of his day-today struggle, grazing his cattle, he also gazed at the burning bush. Was he not the one, about whom the Bible speaks later as the man who was speaking to God face to face? A child of God who is always in the habit of “looking up,” to the face of Jesus Christ does not have to put his or her head down in shame. “Lift up your heads…” encourages the Word of God. Though for a period, one has to go through life’s experiences that may be traumatic , painful or even shameful. “He saved others.. but couldn’t save himself,” was the scornful derision and verbal abuse over-heard by the dying Savior on the cross. But God raised Jesus as victor. Similarly, God has a way of raising up His children from prison to palace as that of Joseph in the appointed time.

efined spiritual leadership both in the O.T and in the N.T times did not contradict in any way the concept of the priesthood of all believers. Unfortunately, we find two extremes within the Church today. It is either of the leadership gathering to themselves disproportionate powers at the expense of the believers or the believers themselves claiming to be extra-spiritual and getting out of the boundary of the flock, ignoring the spiritual parameters of the discipline of any local church. In this case, there are also some evangelical para-church organizations who tend to weaken the Body concept of the Christian church by over-emphasizing the aspect of fellowship among their own clique groups at the expense of the larger context of the Body of Christ. - J.D.

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When the situation seems hard and unfavourable, it appears quite natural that we look for folks on whom we could rely upon. Sadly, our trusted friend turns a foe! (Ps. 55:12). How desperately we needed someone to whom we thought could unburden our sorrows. We looked around, but to no avail! No matter what, men and women, however godly can fail us. They are only our “cloud of witnesses” (Heb.12:1), which might dissipate after a time. However, we are reminded to keep on “looking at Jesus”, and “fix our eyes” on Him alone. We are encouraged to “look up” than looking around. The Psalmist could say: “I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth”. (Ps.121:1). The Old Testament records about a praying woman in the Book of Samuel. If her own husband fully understood her heart’s pain, we do not know. He loved her, says the Bible. But understanding is a matter of maturity. Perhaps, Hannah needed more of her husband’s

understanding than his loving words. Even when she went on to pray to God over her anguish, there too she was misunderstood by the priest. We misunderstand others’ silence. She prayed through her heart. There was some movement on her lips. But her prayer was not audible (I Sam.1:13). Sometimes, any spiritual act or activity done with a genuine motive can be misinterpreted by people who may view things differently. Even men and women of God may fail to recognize people or the situation they go through. Like the priest Eli, they may even be advanced in their years but lacking right judgment, at times even common sense. The net result of our looking up is the radiance of God’s goodness on our faces! In the case of Hannah, the Bible says, “Her face was no longer downcast” (I Sam. 1:18)

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of this world will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. Look up – Look Radiant!

- J.D.

any of the early disciples laid their lives as martyrs when cruel death snuffed out a brightly lit candle so abruptly. As it is written, in some cases, “They were sawed in two.” Tragic as it might be, the sovereign will of God saw it befitting, within His perfect plan as the best option for the furtherance of the gospel and the extension of God’s Kingdom. - J.D.

The following are the contributions we have received ear-marked for construction of compound wall for our training centre in Chennai. Proposed Budget/Cost for Building Rs.50 lakhs. Immediate need of raising Compound wall estimation Rs.2.75 lakhs. Mr. Ushapriyan- Rs.10,000/Mr. ImmanuelRaj Rs.2000/Mr. John Lobo Rs.500/Mr. R.Koshy Verghese Rs.5,000/Mr. Arun Paul Rs.1000/Building Fund Contributions may be sent to: Disciples For Christ. HDFC Bank A/c No.50200007377501/ IFSC HDFC0000124. Kellys Branch. Chennai-10. Thank You! Volume 12 Issue 3 Christian Thought Series

Help Us Extend God’s Work Beyond Boundaries Dear Brother Joshua,

(The following e-mails are self-explanatory)

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. My sincere thanks for your Magazine Christian Thought Series. I enjoy the articles. The topics are very relevant and of high quality. I believe every reader is blessed with sound teaching. I am glad to introduce Brother SANTA KAMEI, Impal West, Manipur. He was my student here at Chennai. He is now doing ministry in Manipur. He is very keen to have good Bible Teacher from South. God willing please make effort to visit him and help him. - Pastor. Sam Devanesam, Chennai. Dear Sir, At present I am working under ‘Prayer Life Seminar India’ for South Manipur. My salary is not sufficient and I have no fund as such for the programme. For the training we are planning to manage the expenses from the registration fees of only 50 trainees. Frankly, I will not be able to bear the travelling expenses of resource person. I am looking for one who would like to bear with me. I am very thankful to God for the responses and I thank you personally. And I believe God will provide for us according to our need. The date of the programme is from 24th to 26th of March 2015, at Imphal. - Santa kamei, Manipur. There have been number of requests such as this. We have worked extensively among North Indian states in the years past taking on our stride much of financial risking. As these burdens could not be borne for too long, we have slowed down now. There are requests for similar programmes in Madhya Pradesh (Bhopal) and Karnataka (Shimoga) before the end of March 2015. Adding a little more with the cost of Air-ticket, to and fro to Manipur, one can run a three day seminar in South India! For a three days’ seminar/training which would involve board and stay and incidental expenses for about 30 delegates, the cost would be Rs.30,000/Individuals, churches or prayer groups willing to sponsor a training programme for Grass-root workers/evangelist/pastors are requested to Contact Joshua Dhanabalan - 09380709875. Contributions may be sent to: Disciples For Christ, S.B A/c No.32694836912 IFSC:SBINOO11736, State Bank of India, Kellys Branch, Chennai 10. Christian Thought Series issue due for November – December 2014 could not be published. We notified hundreds (about 300) of readers about our financial strain and inability in bringing out the edition. Some have positively responded, few however, did so generously. We thank the following readers and partners for sharing in this need. We hope and pray that God’s work would not be disrupted this way in the future. We shall be able to sustain ourselves for a period now. Those who have not subscribed, kindly do so. - Joshua Dhanabalan. Rev. Prasanna Kumar – Rs.20,000/Mr.Prince Peters Rs.1000/Mr.Rajesh Rs.800/Mr. Ravi. K. Paul - Rs.5000/Mr. T. Prabhu Rs.1000/Mr.Titus Immanuel Rs.500/Mr. Muthumani –Rs.5000/Mr. Kannyalal Rs.1000/Mr. R.S. Roy Rs.500/Mr.Christopher Rs.2000/Mr. Kumaraswamy Rs.1000/Mr. Moses Rs.200/Anyone having sent on-line contribution and has not received acknowledgement from us may kindly notify us. Thank you. Those who have not yet responded, kindly renew your subscription - a minimum of Rs.100/- through M.O. Please find address at the back page.

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Impact Through Prayer

most, all of our prayers are far too self-centred. We do not begin our prayer with “Our Father,” but with our family or its needs. We do not generally s e e k God’s will through prayer, b u t quickly ask for sanctioning of all our wishes. There is much to be understood about His Kingdom, but seldom do we give thought to it. We are only keen on raising our own petty kingdoms here on the earth. What exactly do we offer to the Lord? Nothing really! Almost nothing when compared to the way we lavishly spend our resources – of time, money and every other material resources. We offer to God our pennies – a pittance out of our riches! We recognize this fact quite late in our lives. Too often, we have turned out to be those who are “Penny wise, Pound foolish!” Have we ever realized as to how much of our money goes down in the drains? This might be in terms of huge medical bills, accident recoveries, untoward damages, endless miscellaneous expenditures and so on. They are not limited to these alone. Much of our time, rest

and quietness is lost too. We must, no doubt, pray for our immediate and family needs. But we should look always “upward” – to God the Father who should be glorified at all times. His Kingdom priorities must become our own. His will must always be sought by His children. If we carry these thoughts through our daily deliberations, and place all of our earthly needs before His throne of grace, we will find fulfillment and deep satisfaction in our lives. Further, when we expand our horizon of prayer, it includes our need to intercede on behalf of others. This could be like how Paul prayed for every believer and Church that he planted – for their spiritual growth, knowledge and understand of Christ. “I have let down in my quiet time and I have suffered defeats,” said a returned missionary from China. Defeat in prayer meant defeat in practice. On the other hand a onetime Prime Minister of Canada said: “I am able to meet my files with confidence and poise when I have spend a quiet time each day with God”. A young woman had several breakdowns and was on the verge of another, went to her doctor and was surprised at his words: “Jane, I don’t know what to do for you. You had better go home and get on your knees and pray”. She did – and arose a new

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person. “Mother, wasn’t that strange for him to say that to me? She remarked. “No, it wasn’t, for experience had shown the doctor, skeptic though he was, that something happens in prayer – something very real. (Stanley Jones –The Way). Prayer of this sort impact our life, more so the lives of others. We must devote ourselves to quality prayer during this year. This means, we should make prayer our business with God. Through prayer, we must establish the vital means of communication with our Heavenly Father. The more we communicate, the more we understand the mind of God. In doing so, His purposes

are made clear to us both within and without. Our lives are no longer directed by self driven motives. A man or woman who had learned this exercise of going to God often through prayer will not be perturbed when faced with hardship. Such a person will possess quietness amidst turbulence. He/she will emerge victorious after a period of crisis. To an individual who had been through this experience of natural praying, prayer is much alike “inhale” or “exhale”. We do not have to scare away others by the way we pray. Prayer can be quiet and silent as it can be. - J.D.

he severity and intensity of the trial of faith weighs down on so many of us that it threatens our very lives with flaming arrows, piercing sword and crushing rocks! A believer often feels the hand of God too far away and as the prophets of old described: “The hand of the Lord lay heavily on me!” Perplexity, pain and perturbation may mark days, weeks, months and at times years! Is that the way a Christian life must end? Nay! The faith declaration made once again by those who trusted the Lord is this: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil. For you are with me.” - J.D.

Thank you...

Gen. Contributions received for the month of November–December 2014.

Ms. S.I. S. Evangeline Rs.10,000/- (Annual Contribution for 2013/2014 and Christmas Gift) Mr. R.K.V. Manual Rs.2000/- (Annual Contribution/Christmas Gift) Pastor. A. Victor Rs.1500/- (Honorarium) Mr. Samuel Rs.5000/- (Nov-Dec.) Mr.Joshua Devadoss Rs.3000/- (Nov-Dec) Mr.Ebenezer Rs. 2000/- (Nov-Dec) Mr.Gunasingh David Rs.1000/Mr. P.S. Prabhakar Rs. 5000/- (Oct 2014) This is the highest amount of contribution we have received during the year. Generally, contributions during the ensuing months, are quite confounding and low. Hence, we do not list them here. - J.D.

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Blessings,

W·h·a·t· C·o·s·t·? I

heard a preacher beginning his sermon quite well with an appropriate text. He highlighted the prospect of the power of God’s Word. Bur suddenly there was a dip. It was supposed to the promotional work of the organization he represented on that particular Sunday. He preached from the “Miraculous Catch Of Fish”- (Luke Chapter 5), and went on to explain how blessing would overflow if we obey God’s Word. Later, it was learnt that the blessings he mentioned were interpreted to be that of money and material goods only. And then, the Pastor added: “When you give this much, (and he suggested how much), the Lord returns this much!” The worship service that morning turned out to be a class room for material multiplication. The preacher who represented the organization said: “Ours is not a private ministry, but an Episcopal body.” I wondered: “Is that a Public Limited Company?” Though one may claim on behalf of “socialistic ideology,” many organizations indeed are privatized. In other words, it’s all capitalism! In principle and by the letter of the law, one may remain to be “common,” “open,” or “Public.” In practice, they decide and operate on their own. We must ask: “To which category did the apostle Paul belong?” Private or Public? Where did these things emerge from? Accountability and responsibility are virtues that should emerge from within.. True accountability is not based on mere book-keeping. It goes well beyond human handiwork. It is the matter of the heart. The fact of the matter is that God calls people differently. Elijah was a fiery prophet, was seen mostly as a loner. Elisha, the prophet was always going to places with the band of prophets. In the New Testament, we find the Jerusalem council, with Peter as the chief apostle. This was a kind of an organized structure – say Episcopal! Paul, who never got into this structure calls himself as the least of all apostles. But it appears that Paul achieved greater things for Christ than Peter. Private sectors are generally said to be performing much better than public sectors! Nevertheless, Paul never worked in isolation. Unfortunately today, the so-called Episcopal bodies reflect more like the corrupt government offices. One can make a difference between the tainted and much corrupt government offices and the corporate sectors. Private sectors do have their pitfalls too. Universally, privatization and liberalization help globalization! But we must not stretch this principle too far to apply to Christian values. However, the fact is that established churches and even the historic churches in Europe – more particularly in England and Germany have lost much of their ground. The churches are no more seen as places for spiritual activity. On the other hand, it is interesting to find many up-coming, vibrant, smaller Churches that are pervading everywhere. There are also unknown movements, springing up everywhere– not belonging to any monolithic Church sectors. Most of these groups find their places among the Non-Conformists. Here too, we must remember, there may have been cases of extremism, nepotism, negligence and so on. After all, they still remain to be largely made up of human elements. The point is this: We must not short-circuit the truth of God to material prosperity alone. Secondly, our structures, though important must never become an end in themselves. “Christ is all in all “ must be our motive. - J.D.

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Impact Of

Prophetic Ministry

n a world where some men claim to be prophets, they find themselves to be far-removed from the prophets of the Old Testament. One is tempted to ask them: “Are they the one’s filled with despair or sorrow?” “Are they the ones disappointed with God for His silence?” When desolation and destruction over takes God’s people, do they wail and mourn? Here is how prophet Jeremiah lamented: “Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn and horror grips me. Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?” (Jer.8:21,22).

Misunderstood Prophecy The Old Testament prophets were not so much involved in fore-telling about events there were about to happen. This was far more different from soothsaying or fortune-telling. However, God’s prophets announced events regarding imminent disaster, war or catastrophe. Much of the prophets’ business was to forth-tell – that was to proclaim the honour of God Almighty and deliver a message as it was received from God. Alas, the prophetic ministry today is like “two sparrows sold for a penny”. Prophetic ministry was more about bringing

stern warning about the impending danger or punishment or the urgent need for God’s people toward repentance. The prophets therefore, were forth-telling - urging people not to rent their clothes, but to rend their hearts. Not much of these are happening today.

Message Demonstrated God directed the prophets to enact a message before the people. He asked the prophet Hosea to marry a prostitute to express to the unfaithful people of God – Israel, how immensely and deeply God loved the nation. It was for Hosea to demonstrate the fact that the nation of Israel had departed from the Lord and was guilty of spiritual apostasy (Hosea 1:2). Ezekiel the prophet, on the other hand, enacted the parable by cooking the meat in a boiling pot (Ezek.24:3). It was to denote how the people of God had rebelled and to fore-tell them the destruction that awaited Jerusalem. In doing so, the prophets themselves shared their portion of agony and pain even while they were prophesying. The saddest event in the ministry of prophet Ezekiel was when his own wife died and God commanded him

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not to mourn Ezekiel in his loss was to be a sign of what God would strip His people of because of their departure from Him Die as a sign she did, and the morning after her death the prophet with grief buried in his heart sternly fulfilled the divine command. When chided by those who knew how he and his wife loved each other, he told them that the sorrowful experience was but a sign of the greater grief they were to endure, and that when such overwhelmed them they must “bear themselves bravely like men, not sink with despair, but by courage and repentance prepare the way for a national resurrection in the distant future”. The prominent truth for our hearts in the surrender Ezekiel was called to make is that “there are times in life when love and duty should always be paramount”. Our natural love and desires must be subject to a higher love. (Anonymous Scottish Poetess).

Ministry Carried High Cost Prophetic ministry of the Old Testament times involved personal pain and pathos, anguish of the heart and eyes full of tears. Among the Pentecostal circles today, men and women have under estimated the prophetic ministry very lightly to such an extent, that they have failed to measure the cost it involved. Any one, who reads the lament of prophet Jeremiah would be moved emotionally: “Oh, that my head were a spring of water and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day

and night for the slain of my people…” (Jer.9:1). At most, the first scene we encounter in the gospels, almost 400 years (The Inter-Testament Period), after Malachi, the last prophet, was a new kind of prophetic voice calling in the wilderness was John the Baptist. He was fore-telling people to prepare the way of the Lord – resounding the Old Testament prophecy again (Isa.40:3). In a sense, he was identifying himself as the voice calling in the desert (Matt.3:3). His primary message of fore-telling was toward repentance (v.1). If not the Old Testament prophets, we find the proto-type of that in John the Baptist. His message was stern, strong and even sounded harsh. But people repented and “went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptizing by him the Jordan river” (vs.5,6). In that sense, the prophetic message contained words of reproof, even rebuke. It was quite a natural outcome or reaction that many people of John’s time reacted negatively to his message. We read in Mark chapter 6, as to how John’s plain speaking against Herod’s immoral conduct costed the very life that resulted in the beheading of him by the king.

Ministry Of Error Aren’t our modern day self-styled prophets gloriously adorned and groomed? No camel’s hair clothing

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nor locusts and wild honey as food for them! They dine and wine in the plush hotels. Travel around in limousines and sleep and rest in luxury suites. There is neither any risk involved nor crying because of the sins of God’s people . At worse, they keep claiming to have seen the Lord on and off. They seem to create a sense of urgency in the minds of gullible Christians that the message the Lord had laid in their hearts must at once be unburdened. “The Lord said this to me,” say every prophet of our times. “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. But which of them has stood in the council of the Lord to see or hear his word? Who has listened and heard his Word? In the days to come, you will understand it clearly. I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied. (Jer.23:16,18, 21). Speaking out our mind is not necessarily a vision from God. All the marks of a false prophet should be understood by the Body of Believers and applied to our daily discernment of who ought to be believed and who ought to be rejected.

For every one that uses milk is unskilful in the Word of Righteousness: for he is a babe. “But Strong Meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:13-14). Remember that even false prophets are known to have successful fulfillment of their prophecies. “If there arose among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spoke unto you, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them” (Deut 13:1-2)”. So, fulfillment or lack of fulfillment must be viewed in light of the false prophets’ call to obvious disobedience of the LORD. The purpose of this article is simply to provide a basic understanding and differences between the true and false prophets. Prophetic ministry involves declaring the word of God (fore-telling) without fear or favour. The inspired Word of God provides scope for those involved in ministering to others. As such, the Word of God is to be used for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”. (2 Tim. 3:16). To me, it seems that nothing more prophetic can come out except

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through the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. It is imperative, therefore, that those of us who are called to the ministry of the Word must truly become prophetic in what we convey. If we are to raise once again the

question of whether we require a ministry of this sort today, the answer is a resounding yes. If understood clearly and carried on Biblically, the prophetic ministry can bring about such an impact of repentance and revival within the Church and without. -j.d.

od’s glory is complete and perfect. My praise to Him does not augment His glory any further. I praise Him- delighted and duty bound. I praise Him for my own spiritual well-being. Never should we say, “God deserves our praises.” God may delight in them. Let us remember: His angels and archangels- countless in numbers continually praise Him. That too, does not alter His glory! His attributes and unchangeable- theologically speaking, immutable. - J.D.

READERS WRITE...

Here are few letters and encouragements we have received from readers. Most Respected Rev. Dhanabalan, I am one of the many people who enjoy reading “Christian Thought Series” and am thankful for the effort put in to bring out this precious volumes. It is not right to find error for there is none in the message that it contains. It is simple and straight to the point; in fact its contents are Biblical and undiluted. In fact in your Volume 11 page 2 it clearly states “Faith that had never paid a price will never contribute anything” How true it is indeed. May the Lord our God; continue to bless you with inspiration and may His direction in your life bear much fruit. Like in Romans 4:3, Gal. 3:6 may God credit your good deeds as righteousness. Herman D’couto (Cochin – India.) Dear Rev. Joshua Dhanabalan, I am one of those who enjoy reading your magazine. I understand you are experiencing certain financial crisis in the ministry. I am sending my small contribution to support your cause. Enclosed is a cheque for Rs.5000/- Mr. Ravi Kumar Paul, Chennai.

Dear Brother, I have been blessed by Christian Thought Series. It is mere procrastination that did not prompt me to offer my financial assistance to the ministry. Today, I have sent Rs.5000/- to the account of Disciples For Christ. (Via mobile) Mr. Muthumani, Chennai. Dear Pastor. Dhanabalan, I have sent today Rs.10,000/- by cheque. Please acknowledge the same. Sorry, Rs.5000/- cheque sent to you last year was dishonoured. The total amount includes last years contribution of Rs5000/- and the remaining as Christmas gift. Praying for your ministry. Ms. S.I.S. Evangeline, Trichy. Dear Pastor, We are sending our greetings and a contribution of Rs.2000/- to your ministry. -R.K.V. Manual, Chennai. Dear brother Today I deposited Rs 20,000/ in your SBI A/C at Kellys branch for your ministry. It may take couple of days to get credited into your account. Greetings and blessings. - Rev. Prasanna Kumar. Chennai.

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ImpacT Of Body & Spirit s long as a believer tarries in A this earthly abode, he is torn in between the pull and pressure of the

dual nature, which is both of the body and spirit. The great dilemma of dichotomy is when one is caught up with forces of the earth and heaven all at the same time. At times, the child of God is found to be too downward and earth-bound when his body is pampered - exceedingly well beyond what is essential for one’s day to day living.

The Physical Realm One of the foremost spiritual principles taught by our Lord Jesus was this: Do not worry, saying, ‘What we shall eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ Or ‘What shall we wear?’ (Matt.6:31). We might call them rightly as our ‘Bodily Cares’. There are times when the body craves for more and more sensual pleasures. But aren’t they the ones that take over the spiritual man? While it must be understood that it is not at all a wrongful practice when one is permitted to enjoy any form of legitimate entertainment or leisure. They might, in fact, do a lot more

good to one’s weary body. But if one lingers on there and seeks to retreat there quite often, then it should be understood that sin is beginning to beset in the life of a child of God. When a desire occurs in an individual to seek after certain things more repeatedly, however legitimate they may appear to be, the very legitimate thing could even become an evil desire, leading to irresistible temptation. Believers are not exempt from the temptation of unnecessarily getting involved in certain things that may appear to be even spiritual. On the physical side, it may be food, clothing or any other form of physical care which may urge a person toward an excessive desire. It is then evil desire is conceived and sin entices a believer. There could be periods of prolonged practice of sin. Let us understand that such sins may not even denote adultery or murder. Surprisingly and subtly, forms that do not seem to appear sinful infact classified as deadly sins. They are, for example: gluttony, sloth or pride. They may look harmless on the outside. If goes on unchecked for years, it becomes a spiritual malady. It could be a time when a believer is bereft of all the joy and of what God

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has endowed him with. His spiritual resources may be locked up and had lost their flow. There have been cases of men and women of God who had become barren and dry. To those, it may have been a season of protracted p a i n , prolonged darkness, guilt and lack of fruitfulness. It might appear as though life had lost its meaning and purpose. Nevertheless, many of those might attempt to go on with their mundane activities which would have external Christian acceptance and association. Such activities may occur without much interruption but without the working of God. Such men and women, supposedly spiritual may be suffering from an acute disorder and chronic condition that might require intensive spiritual care. In many cases, the symptoms are only treated. Generally, there are three types or cases of men and women who had been through such an experience – the aftermath of which will be as follows: (1) Those, who had emerged victoriously after the dark period of spiritual crisis. (2) Having begun well in following Christ, there are those who have given-up in despair with a life of continual defeat. (3) Others, who swing in between two stages – of tasting the goodness of the Spirit and slipping away into dark periods of sin and sorrow

By now, we should be able to assess the stage we are in and place ourselves in any of the category.

The Spiritual Realm We must now consider the effects of pampering the inner man. Spiritual well-being is the result of inward care. When one is nurtured spiritually on regular intervals, the inward strength begins to manifest itself normally in the physical realm of life. It is essential, therefore, that the spirit of man must feed on the nourishing manna daily. This is why, as an essential part of Christian growth and nurture, emphasis had been placed on an individual’s daily devotion to God’s Word. Further, the individual must rejuvenate himself/ herself by constantly charging with the spiritual power from above. There could also be times of indulging in ecstatic experiences of heaven from time to time. A classic example is found in the hymn Fanny Crosby wrote even though she was blind: “Blessed Assurance... Oh what a foretaste of glory divine! Perfect delight… Visions of rapture burst on my sight Watching and waiting, looking above”. In a sense, Fanny was spiritually pampering herself with the thoughts of heavenly experience. It is sad that the contemporary Christian world has lost this mystic spiritual experience. There were great mystics who gazed on to the glory of Christ. The Christian church is

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filled with hundreds of such hymns that talk about heavenly bliss while being on the earth. We have come a long way in composing songs that are supposedly spiritual - but lack depth, essence, experience or expression. Have you been through a spiritual experience of those relaxed moments? Imagine, the eyes are closed- and you are comfortably stretching yourself in a couch, listening to an orchestral music flowing through your sound system. It is the symphony you love so much – its intricate trills, the crescendo, the progression, the finale – thrills you to the core! It is an elation of earthly joy. Similarly, there are spiritual experiences – of heavenly bliss a Christian may go through even while living here on the planet earth. These are simply foreshadows of more glorious things to come. If not physically felt, it is so true experientially when a spiritual man and woman often feel the pounding pressure and propulsion – the power to take off to a higher ground. Perhaps, this may be the reason why men and women sang: “I’ll fly away!” “We shall therefore, be caught up in the air” (I Thess. 4:17). Most pastors seem to preach a sermon out of this passage only when someone dies in their congregation.It appears to be a hopeless message of of gloom and doom! But to the early church believers, this thought was so predominant in their minds. We seldom think about the “hereafter”, but preoccupied with “here and now”.

Are there times in a believers life when he is elated to experiences of greater joy – the fore-sight of heaven itself? I wonder, if we have come to settle in Christian circles and have safely forgotten subjects of great interest – and of spiritual reality? At most, our Bible-studies turn out to be mechanical, out of balance set of principles laid down by certain men and women who have seldom know the Lord intimately or have experienced the basic spiritual realities. I wonder if some of the Bible study programmes we run happen to go on merely as a technical exercise? Paul phrases them as “letter of the Law”. When there is the “spirit of the Law”, there would be liberating power of Christ. We have more supposedly elitist groups (or those who force themselves to be part of such group), among the urban Christian fraternity who follow a system of study which may be excellent. But, the study itself had not transformed them inwardly. There exists pride, gossip and arrogance. The outcome of any Bible-study is Christ-likeness. I knew of such a man who was once our volunteer. To cover up his own complexes, he chose to be part of such elite Christian groups. Ultimately, he could not survive or show himself to be different. His true colours showed up. Then he had a nervous breakdown. Another lady who claimed to have studied the Bible in detail (Her claim: much more than the pastors themselves!), found herself to have been spiritually confused. She kept searching one preacher after another.

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What was wrong with such systems of studying the scriptures? Here is the answer: Jesus quoted prophet Isaiah and said: These people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. (Mark 7:7). These are carnal men and women who sit in the pews and preach from pulpits too. We have made earlier reference to such people who seek external Christian acceptance by their works – which are indeed works of the flesh. There could be no out working of the Spirit through the service of those who are so downward bound by their attachment to earthly things. But those of the Lord, being alive in this body of pain and sorrow, are

still able to experience the joy of the Lord. Though one may be filled with earthly sorrow, “joy unspeakable”, is an experience equally true in the life of a believer. “Grace Abounding” (Rom.5:20), and Grace Abundant (Acts 4:33) are clear evidences from the Scripture that possess the life of a believer. There is also something that one cannot easily figure out. Earthly sorrow never takes over a Christian. It is a paradox. As Paul says, “being joyful in sorrow,” is something the world does not know about. While the men of the world slump and slur when encountered with evil and hardship, men and women of God triumph through tragedy! -j.d

Binambra Jena- Missionary in Orissa He had worked alongside with me in Orissa hostels and had translated my teachings for Pastors in some districts earlier. Here is a news update from this brother: Respected in Christ, Greetings to you in the precious name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It’s really a wonderful time for me to write few words of my experiences that I am in such group working to build the kingdom of God in our state and nation. We need your prayer support as well as your presence might make them closer to see the blessings and presence of God. Please up hold us in your prayer and pray for the people group to God may hold them up and talk to those every individual to come closer to God. Please pray and plan to visit us and make us more to involve in the kingdom works of God. Your brother in the service of God. Binambra Jena, Bhubaneswar, New Mission Field Village name: Firkinali , Chandaka, Bhubaneswar. People Group: HO Tribe, (S.T) Family: Approximately 60 families. Population close to 300. Education: In fifty years just two boys have passed tenth class in 2012. Government primary school have classes one to five. For secondary school, one needs to walk 2 to 3 kilometers. Volume 12 Issue 3 Christian Thought Series

Language: HO (their own dialogue) and Odia. Occupation: Agricultural labourers - also very poor and needy. House pattern: Small hutments. Location: Situated close to reserve forests. Inhabited by wild elephants. Religion: Hindu. Health care: No medical facility available. Communication: Do not have telecommunication system or regular bus transport. Most people use their Bi-cycle. Some have bikes. Electricity: Still no Electricity or no power in the village. There is neither any sanitation system, or toilets built by the government. Water: There is no supply of water., just have two bore well (hand pump). Brief History: Since this people have been migrated from the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha and settled very close to this jungle.. Though this place is just about 20 kmfrom the capital city of the state of Odisha, Bhubaneswar. Chandaka is the place which is noted for herds of wild elephants. Firkinaly is very close to that place just about 2 to 3 k.m. Though chandaka has many schools, college and engineering college and having many ways of development but this Firkinali people are not having basic needs or other opportunities. This group has to have more leaders who can guide them, instruct them and give them a vision and mission in the world to development and have same privileges that other people are having in the society. Lots of awareness has to be done in their midst. People life’s styles are different in many ways, such as food, clothing, relationship, cleanliness. Most of the people get together and drink an intoxicant called Handia ( Alcohol). Women and man drink together. Requirements for Development: • We have morning and in the evening tuition classes. • We pray that God may open up some doors to provide some things like day care center. • Opening up new school project • To have a children home to build them up in the society and to educate them and make them leaders of tomorrow. • Health care center • Awareness programs • Youth programs God willing, and if provisions are made from above, we shall launch out some programme during this year. - Joshua Dhanabalan Please share with us what ways you can help us to involve more so that we may grow together in extending God’s Kingdom.

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COPY OF CIRCULAR LETTER SENT TO ABOUT 300 READERS. Dear Friends & Readers of CTS,

Nov.15, 2014.

We are grateful to God for enabling us to publish Christian Thought Series for the last 11 years. Bulk copies had been sent to book shops and scores of Bible Colleges/seminaries and their libraries all over the country. There are hundreds of individual names in our mailing list who regularly receive CTS. Churches, pastors and seminary students have testified about their blessing and spiritual benefit received through this publication. We are grateful to those few readers who sent in their mite from time to time to help us in this ministry. On the whole, the magazine was sent free of cost. We have specified the urgent need for readers’ prayer and participation through financial support. Sadly, the response had been lukewarm. As costs in printing, forwarding and mailing had escalated, it has become very difficult for us to continue this work. The annual expenditure for printing (free distribution of gospel tracts, Pastors’ Aids, DVDs etc.,) exceeds Rupees one lakh. Monthly contributions received are too meager and very confounding to be mentioned here. Therefore, with much reluctance and regret, we are forced to discontinue the issue due to be published for November-December 2014. We are constrained to focus on other priorities of our ministry apart from CTS publication. Disciples For Christ ministry of which CTS is an organ, is engaged in counseling, evangelistic work, training, caring HIV-AIDS patients etc., We are hopeful that with the readers’ support we shall be able to continue our publication in the beginning of 2015. Therefore, we are enclosing here a Money Order form which you may use to support this ministry. Your contribution will not only help us in publication, but other areas of our ministry as well. We hope you will respond to this earnest appeal at the earliest. Thank you. Yours sincerely, Rev. Joshua Dhanabalan - Editor. (Readers who had not responded to the appeal so far, may kindly do so at least now. Details of address –find in cover back page).

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It’s Time To Wake Up I have given here the exact contents of the letter sent to the Editor of a leading Newspaper. Many such letters are ignored and go unpublished. There had been many attempts made in the centuries past to put out the flame of Christian faith. But the gates of hell will never prevail against the Church of God. Our prayers will work wonders. Passive faith on the other hand, is harmful. What is required of a Christian during such moments is solidarity of faith.

Rev. Joshua Dhanabalan, 17, Balfour Road, Kellys, Chennai 10. Mobile 9380709875.

Nov. 13, 2014.

To The Editor, The Hindu, Chennai – 2. A BLATANT MORAL VIOLATION Dear Sir, The article by Parvathi Menon: ‘Jesus was married, had kids,’ (The Hindu, Nov.13, 2014, p14), is both outrageous and sacrilegious. It highlights Professor Wilsons’s evidence from third century which led him to co-author The Lost Gospel. The book’s preface says: ‘Jesus was married to Mary and they had children together. It appears ‘morsels of evidence had been fed into the press.’ If such an evidence had been found in 1847, why didn’t any one come out with this in the last 150 years or more? Sadly, yet surprisingly, such things emerge from a nation which was supposedly “Christian.” More Dan Browns’ will appear in the future to question the primary source (The Bible), with their latest invention of secondary sources available here and there. On the whole, this is a diabolical attempt to hurt the sentiments and challenge the faith of the world-wide Christian community. The faith of Christians everywhere alone will be strengthened by such attempts and Christ will continue to be their Lord and Master. Any article of this kind maligning other religious communities would have been received with severe backlash by the communal militants or terrorist groups. But Christians will pray; “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do!” Sincerely, Rev. Joshua Dhanabalan.

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