EDITORIAL
Are we Heralding or Hiding the Good News?
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n days of increasing prices, inflation, frustration and uncertainty, can there be good news of 'Food supplies at a very low cost?' Apparently 'No.' But the Word of God has sure means where kings and authorities have none. In the days of Elijah, King Ahab was clueless to feed the nation. But when Elijah prayed fervently, the heaven gave rain and earth yielded fruit. Jas 5:18. In the days of Elisha, king of Israel had no clue to tackle famine other than tearing his clothes. But Elisha the prophet declared that wheat and barley shall be sold at a low price the next morning and it happened so. 2 Kg 7:1, 18. Dear readers! as Indian people in general wait for election results, hoping leaders would organise supply of food grains at low prices, let us glean from 2 Kg 7 (A day of glad tidings) as we ponder over 'Great commission' in this issue.
A day of firm determination: Let us consider the devotion of those Four lepers. They were aware that death is certain for them whether inside or outside of the city. United on same purpose, they wanted to risk their lives. Look at their firm determination for every move.
Our remaining silent, indifferent, ignoring others.
This day is A day of glad tidings. Let us go and tell the king's household as well as the clown; - the simple and wise; literate and illiterate; cultured and uncultured; rich and poor. The Four did not waste time; they arose at twilight to go. Once they got full they rested not till next Now therefore come morning but conveyed the message and let us go' 2 Kg 7:4 to the 'gate keepers' same night. Why should we sit Gate keepers conveyed to the king's idle till we die? 2 Kg 7:3 household. King thought it Syrian strategy? But a king’s servant Let us go and tell proposed small risk of sending only the king's household 2 Kg 7:9 Five? 2Kg 7:13. Messengers As a result of their faith the Lord did returned and confirmed about food wonders. availability and absence of Syrians in camp. A day of full satisfaction: The Four came to Syrian camp and found no Let us consider our call and man there. The Lord had created challenge - 'Let us go.' 'Let us go noise of chariots and horses making and tell.' 'Let us send men''. Syrian armies afraid. They fled for 2Kg7:4,9,13.. life taking nothing with them and One last word: Next morning instead threw off garments and A day of Famine: We observe great vessels all the way to Jordan. There wheat and barley were available at a dearth or famine all across. Though was plenty to eat and drink in each low price. King’s officer had no faith 'Malls' and 'Super markets' supply tent. It was all of the Lord. The four in the Word of God and so he died. Yes, those who do not put their faith all sorts of food items both at home lepers got fully fed. Initially they in Jesus Christ - they perish. and hotels, yet the inner man gets went into a few tents and found nothing that satisfies his soul. Man food grains, garments and silver and The Gospel is not low-priced. It is spends money on bread that cannot gold. They began to store for rich and satisfying but it is FREE satisfy him. Isa 55:2. Christ Jesus the themselves. for the rich and poor. Let us son of Man alone can give us food preach and herald Gospel in What abundance? But can they that endures unto eternal life. Jn. season and out of season; alone eat? They started realising 6:27. He is the Bread of God, Bread irrespective of people's response. from heaven, Bread of life, Bread of that their doing was not right. How can they hear unless we eternal life, true Bread and Bread A day of proclamation (Fast preach? How will they preach which comes down giving us life – communication): Jesus Christ is unless they are sent? Rom 10:15. Jn. 6. Our blessed Lord, like a grain our bread of life, giver of garments This day is a day of Glad Tidings. of wheat falling into the earth to die, of salvation and our unsearchable was ground to death on Calvary but treasure and portion. (He gave us was raised from the dead and gave grain, garments and gold in spiritual Kadapa, A. P. us Eternal life Jn12:24. realm). What will then be not right? Guest Editor
V. Sambob,
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DEVOTIONAL
OF THE CROSS
- part 2
The Thief on the Cross :A Prized-Catch of the Redeemer – Koshy Mathew
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he cross influenced not only Simon of Cyrene, a law abiding Jew and a foreigner in Jerusalem but a hard core criminal also. Cross is powerful to bring about changes in the hearts of both civilians and criminals. Though all four Gospel writers records about the crucifixion of Christ along with two criminals the synoptic gospels give more details than John's Gospel(Lk.23:39-43; Mk.15:27; Mat.27:38; Jn.19:18). The narrative of the conversion of a thief on the cross is a beautiful description of what cross can do in the lives of even 'chief of the sinners'.
Antichrist and the people of Sodom- 'wicked and lawless one's (2 Thess. 2:8;2Pet.2:8). Luke also used the same original word to describe the thieves who
Judas said to the priests that he has sinned and went down into the eternal hell fire whereas this thief confessed his sin to Christ and got promoted to paradise.
plundered and manhandled the traveller from Jerusalem to Who were the thieves? Jericho, in the parable of Good Different words have been used by Samaritan. Probably they were the Gospel writers to describe the two notorious high way robbers of activities of these two hard core those days who use to loot the criminals. The words have been travellers. There was no fear of translated as 'thieves', God before their eyes. From the 'malefactors' or 'transgressors'. It conversation between the Lord can also mean robbers, and the thief, it is clear that he had plunderers, bandits, evil doers etc knowledge of the Messiah and His (2 Tim.2:9; Mk.15:28; Jn.18:40). coming Kingdom. He requested The same word is used for the Lord to make him the partaker 4
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of that Kingdom. So we can safely conclude that he was a Jew.
What motivated them to accuse Jesus Christ? Both Annas and Caiaphas along with the scribes and elders visited the site of crucifixion, to supervise the entire process. They mocked and reviled him by wagging their heads. The public who passed by and both the thieves too did the same (Mat.27:39-44; Mk.15:32; Lk.23:39 ). The thieves repeated what the public, chief Priests and scribes said (Mk.15:29-32). It is said that both these thieves railed and reviled at him which means speaking in a blasphemous manner and accusing vehemently. As all three were suffering in the same manner; in normal case they should show their solidarity in suffering. Instead thieves started accusing Christ. What made them to revile and accuse Him? In normal circumstances Jews won't allow crucifixion to take place on festival days. It takes a few days for a crucified person to
die. Jews will not allow the bodies him to fear God? In his whole to remain hanging on the festival lifetime he himself never feared days. So, instead of crucifying a God or man. Jewish criminal during a festival, Roman authorities would set free On that morning the a criminal of Jews' choice and thus thief was standing near pacify the Jewish community on such occasions. the mouth of hell but by During the festival days Jews gather together at Jerusalem from all over the world. So Jewish leaders thought it unwise to get Christ crucified on the festival day as the people might revolt uncontrollably.(Mat.26:4-5).But later on they conspired along with the Roman Governor and plotted to carry out the murder on the festival day. Roman authorities maintained extreme security alert during festivals to contain any possible revolt from the Jewish zealots. Personal presence of Pilate at Jerusalem was an indication of that. Normally Governor resides at Caesarea. Jewish leaders plotted to kill Jesus on the festival day as the extra Roman forces and Governor were present in the city.
evening he was transported through the pearly gate of Paradise! Though no miracle, no earth quake nor any extra ordinary event happened at that point of time, yet the thief might have observed Chief Priests, Scribes, Pharisees and General public accusing Christ and a few feeble women flock watching all these events from afar off sorrowfully.
At the same time he heard a wonderful prayer, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". This thief could not believe his ears. Christ, in spite of suffering the excruciating pain at the hands of enemies, was praying for them. Christ was arguing a Thieves knew that authorities will case for his enemies before the kill them but not on the festival Heavenly Father. It is an days. Sudden decision to crucify unpardonable crime to crucify an them might have surprised them innocent one. Yet like an advocate, and realized that it was because of Lord Jesus Christ was pleading for Jesus Christ. This might have them. This prayer might have caused the thieves to revile, moved the heart of that thief. More blaspheme and accuse Christ. over the writing on the cross, Sinners always think that their life "This is Jesus the King of the Jews" will prolong, but death comes and public opinion that 'he saved upon them unaware (Lk.12: others' caused the thief to change 16-21). his mind. His darkened mind was A criminal converted to Christ illuminated by 'knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Initially both the thieves reviled at Christ' (2 Cor.4:6). By faith he saw Christ. However one of the thieves the coming kingdom and started experiencing a change in confessed his sins and pleaded for heart. He rebuked the other one an entry to the Kingdom by and asked, "Does not thou fear accepting Christ as his King and God......" What may have caused Lord.
How he Died? Roman soldiers broke his legs to hasten the death. None came to claim his body. Though authorities buried him in the common grave, he along with the Lord entered into paradise (Isa.53:9).The only death bed confession in the Bible.
Marks of true repentance and confession In the conversation of the thief on the cross we can see all the marks of true repentance and confession. 1. First of all he admitted that he is a sinner. "We indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds:" the thief said Luke. 23:41. 2. He was gripped by the fear of God, "Dost not thou fear God," he advised the fellow thief. It is the mark of repentance. 3. He confessed the innocence of Christ." This man hath done nothing amiss", Luke.23:41. 4. He recognized Jesus Christ as the Lord and King of his life. 5. He believed in the literal second coming of Christ to establish the Kingdom." He said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom", Luke.23:42. 6. He was assured of his salvation. "Jesus said unto him, 'Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise'" Luke.23:43. 7. The thief kept his faith on the dying saviour where us we trusted on the risen LORD. Judas said to the priests that he has sinned and went down into the eternal hell fire whereas this
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5
FEATURE ARTICLE
Woe to Me If I Do Not Preach the Gospel – B.G. Pimplekar stands at the door and knocks has come with a gift; it is knock of the Savior, not that of the taskmaster. The Gospel is the news of the debt paid, though not he Right Hon. W.E. Gladstone, of the rent. It is a free gift offered three times Prime Minister of to all, though none deserved nor Britain once declared, “If I am could ever win by merit. (Romans asked what is the remedy for the 6:23; I Corinthians 15: 1,3,4). deepest sorrows of the human heart- I must point to an old, old What really is the Gospel? The word 'Gospel' etymologically can book, which is the greatest and be stated in three ways – firstly it best gift ever given to is 'God's Spell'. It is not man's mankind…talk about questions of the day, there is but one question and that is the Gospel. It will I have preached the correct everything that needs correction. My only hope for the gospel - not about world is in bringing the human the gospel - but the mind into contact with the divine gospel; the full, free, revelation.” (I Corinthians 9:16).
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Once a Christian worker walked up to and knocked on poor woman's house door several times but received no response; he eventually left disappointed. A few days later he happened to meet her and tell her of his fruitless visit to her house. With tears in her eyes the woman replied that she heard the knocks but she was afraid to face rent collector on opening door, as she had no money to pay. C.H. Spurgeon used the story while preaching the Gospel; He who 6
only begotten son as ransom, to die on the cross of Calvary. He was buried and was raised by God the Father on the third day.
There is a tremendous need to preach the Gospel, firstly 'Because of what man is' – All humans are sinners irrespective of caste, color or culture, . Sin is a universal disease and the cure for it, from monarch's to menials and from potentates to paupers, is from the Gospel alone. (Romans 3: 23; 1:15-17). Secondly, preach the Gospel 'Because of who God is' – God is Holy, Unchanging, Just, Merciful, Gracious and a Loving Savior. A servant of God once said “Time writes no wrinkles on the brow of the eternal.” (Romans 1: 17; 3: 26). Thirdly, preach the glorious gospel of Gospel 'Because of what the the Living Christ. Gospel is' – It is the ONLY true good news and God's power unto salvation. (Romans 1: 16). The idea but God's; news from God, Gospel alone has influenced the hence it is heavenly. Secondly it is culture and thought of the world. 'Good Spell'; it is good news to The Gospel has molded and the sinful and lost world. And dominated the modern thirdly it is news with a civilization. It has changed movement - not static! Hence we history lives of millions. Its are to 'Go & Spell' it! witness to redemption in Christ has provided hope, joy and The heart of the Gospel is God's purpose for all who have love for the sinful and appropriated it. Fourthly, preach condemned man. God gave His the Gospel 'Because of who
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Christ is' – He is the Lamb of God who died for us as a ransom yesterday; He is the theme of the Gospel today. Salvation is found only in Christ Jesus. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36; I John 5:12). Fifthly, preach the Gospel 'Because of what we Christians are' – All believers together in Christ form the body of Christ: the Assembly and are trustees and stewards of this immense wealth of God. We are debtors to fellow humans and ambassadors for Christ to herald the good tidings. (Romans 1:5,14; I Corinthians 4: 1; II Corinthians 5:20).
see Lazarus in heaven at Abraham's bosom and the rich man in hell, in torment. The rich man looks at Lazarus, recognizes as the man who ate crumbs from his table, but now in comfort while he himself is in torment. He asks Abraham for drop of water. But this help is denied. He then requests Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers and preach and avoid them from ending up in torment. However, this request too is denied. It's a heartbreaking cry from the ones suffering in fire – as they chose to leave this world without trusting Christ as personal saviour. The cry of rich man and Abraham's reply should pierce the heart of every true believer in Christ and motivate to preach the Gospel. Thirdly, preach because of the Apart from the above, we see 'Call from around'. In Acts 16:9another four important reasons 10, Paul sees a vision of a man to do so. Firstly, the need to from Macedonia praying to him to preach is a 'Command from come and help. Men and women above' – on the resurrection around are sin stricken, unable to morning, the angel told Mary find salvation and suffering under Magdalene and the other women the fear of physical death and the that Lord is risen and asked them fear of unknown eternity. The to 'Go and tell' this fact to the man in Paul's vision represents rest. Before ascension the Lord all the hopeless and helpless said in Mark 16:15-16, “Go ye human beings. They are pleading into all the world, and preach the every believer to 'come and help Gospel to every creature. He that them'. Like Paul, every believer believeth and is baptized shall be needs to give ear to their calls. saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” And in Fourthly and finally, we all MUST Matthew 28:19-20 it says, “Go ye preach the Gospel because of the therefore, and teach all nations, 'Constrain from within'- 2 Cor. baptizing them ……teaching them 5:14. We as children of God, with to observe all things whatsoever I Christ constraining us with His have commanded you...... Amen.” compassion and love from within, Christ Jesus, Himself commands must share the Gospel with those all of all times and at all places to that are lost. preach the Gospel. Secondly, Dr. Baldwin, who was pastor of a preach because of the 'Cry in Luke 16:27-28' – In the true story church for 41 years said, "I testify of the rich man and Lazarus, we that at thirty, after examining as
best I could the philosophies and religions of the world, I said, 'Nothing is better than the Gospel of Christ.' At forty, when burdens began to press heavily and years seemed to hasten, I said, 'Nothing is as good as the Gospel.' At fifty, when there were empty chairs in the home and the mound builders had done me service, I said, 'There is nothing to be compared with the Gospel.' At sixty, when my second sight saw through the delusions and vanities of earthly things, I said, 'There is nothing but the Gospel.' At seventy, amid many limitations and deprivations, I sing: "Should all the forms that men devise attack my faith with treacherous art, I'd call them vanities and lies, and bind the Gospel to my heart." C. H. Spurgeon once said: "People have often asked me, 'What is the secret of your success?' I always reply that I have no other secret but this, that I have preached the gospel - not about the gospel - but the gospel; the full, free, glorious gospel of the Living Christ, who is the Incarnation of the Good News. Preach Christ, brethren, always and everywhere." Having born and brought up in an orthodox Hindu Lingayat family, close to the end of my teenage years I diligently studied most of the Hindu religious books to find a remedy for my sins and attain peace. However, I could not find any solution! One day God amazingly brought one of His servants –Bro. B.B. Dakhle to meet me. He shared the Gospel of Christ with me. I pondered over the Gospel carefully and searched
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7
EVANGELISM
Strategies and Methods in Evangelism
– Thomson B Thomas
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he Lord Jesus gave to churches the mandate to evangelize the world when He said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Mt.28.19, 20). In this command authority is given to all believers to be partakers in heaven's work of building the
out unto 'regions beyond' have also found encouraging results. 2. Paul reached out to decision makers in community.
Though Paul was a person who could efficiently communicate to masses his strategy also included reaching out individually to the decision makers and the elite in reaching out to all the earth in a the society. In fact he was a comparatively shorter period of chosen vessel for such ministries. time. They provide guidelines for all time to all who are involved in At the time of Paul's conversion the Lord had said, “He is a chosen evangelism. vessel unto me, to bear my name The following facts emerge in the before the Gentiles, and kings” The important truth to Acts' narrative about Paul's (Acts. 9.15). The Lord provided notice is that churches strategies and methods in His servant with needed caliber need not invent any ministry. and capability to deal with such. It new strategy but only was this divinely bestowed 1. Paul preferred areas have to follow the acumen that made him stand unreached. before Felix, Festus, King Agrippa pattern provided in Paul revealed his strategy in and the Roman emperor. At the Acts of Apostles. ministry to the believers in Rome. Paphos, deputy of the country He said, “From Jerusalem, and Sergius Paulos believed in the round about unto Illyricum, I have gospel (Acts. 13). Even at Malta, church. This command cannot be fully preached the gospel of on the way to Rome, he dealt with taken frivolously. But the areas Christ. Yea, so have I strived to the chief man there (Acts.28.7). which are yet unreached after two preach the gospel, not where Reaching out to such was very millennia since the Great Christ was named, lest I should strategic. Once the chief men in Commission was given points to build upon another man's any place are won it paves way to the fact that churches have not foundation” (Rom.15.19, 20). This reach to others in the place with adequately risen up in obeying is evident in his movements in the the gospel. this command. In order to Acts. He sailed to places where the accomplish the task it is pertinent gospel was not heard. Where local 3. Paul's strategy was urban. to set strategies and follow proper testimonies were planted he methods. The important truth to This is a point worth trained new converts and notice is that churches need not consideration as the urbanization ordained divinely chosen men in invent any new strategy but only leadership and moved on reaching is at present a phenomenon in have to follow the pattern new places. This kind of a strategy every part of the world. Numbers provided in the Acts of Apostles. of cities are increasing. This took him and his companions to development should be seen as an places like Achaia, Philippi and The Acts presents strategies and impetus for evangelization. In Rome and even unto Spain. methods adopted by Paul in Always those who have ventured Paul's journeys he went to place 8
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like Antioch, which was considered as the third city in the empire. Philippi was a Roman colony and the first city in the province of Macedonia. Similarly, Thessalonica was a principal city in the same province. Corinth was the capital of Greece. Paphos was the centre of Roman rule in Cyprus. Ephesus, where he
came to know the gospel because also all the believers have a part of the ministry there (Acts 19.10). to play. God had not given pastors and other gifted men that they Paul also opted for sea ports may do all the ministries in the around Aegean Sea. These cities church. They should labor for the included Troas, Thessalonica, perfection of believers so that Athens, Corinth, Ephesus etc. together they may provide for the Their affinity to the Sea not only made them accessible but people edification of the church (Eph. 4. from far and wide came there and 11, 12). What are seen presently could hear the gospel. An example in many churches are the pastors is the conversion of Epaphras. He having the whole show for which Once the chief men in was from Colossae. At Ephesus he also he is paid! But the divine plan heard the gospel and came to his is by their ministry the people any place are won it should be equipped to do the own place and its neighborhood ministry. Only this would lead to paves way to reach to and planted churches. an exponential spread of the others in the place 4. Paul's strategy was also gospel, as it was in the apostolic provincial. with the gospel. times. The movements of Paul indicate The works accomplished in a that he touched every province short span of time by Paul and his labored for about three years, was with the gospel. He knew that companions remain as a challenge once the testimony is lit in one the principal city in Asia. These to all missionary endeavors of all don't seem to be just accidents in province it is its duty to send the times. But it was not the the journey but were strategically light to the places around in the strategies alone that makes the province. Again the example of chosen. gospel spread but also the use of the Thessalonians is apt here. various means and methods in This Pauline strategy of reaching They came to faith by the ministry evangelism. Paul preached, out to the urban areas doesn't of Paul and his companions. taught, debated and dialogued. He mean that he had no care for Having believed the gospel they used pulpits where ever available. villages and under developed reached out to the places around. He witnessed to masses and areas. He knew that once the They saturated Macedonia, their shared the word personally also. testimony is planted in a city as own province with the gospel. His use of literature is evident in there are movement of the This was followed by their the epistles he wrote. He reached populace between cities and the movement with the gospel to the out to the rich and the poor. The places around it the gospel would neighboring province, Achaia intellectuals and the illiterate also spread naturally. This plan (1Thes.1.8). wilted under the power of the really worked well for the speedy gospel. These are But one point to notice here is spread of the gospel in the apostolic time. About the ministry that this arrangement and choice encouragements to use all of places was not just human but avenues of communication in Thessalonica Paul says, “For available to spread the word. from you sounded out the word of divine. God directed their path. Whenever they were deviating the Lord not only in Macedonia The brief discussion above based and Achaia, but also in every place the Lord would redirect them. on Pauline pattern points to the There is no greater joy in ministry need for introspection on the your faith to God-ward is spread abroad� (1 Thes. 1.8). Similar was than knowing that one is in the state of affairs of the ministry and place where God intends for him. make amendments wherever the outcome of the ministry at Ephesus. It was the principal city, 5. Paul's strategy was involving needed which must lead to an though not the capital, of the evangelism-explosion in our life all believers. province of Asia. It was the place and times. Paul knew that as every cell in where people used to come for – Thomson B Thomas is an evangelist, human body provides for its one reason or the other. Thus a Bible Teacher and preacher based in growth, for the church growth Luke says that the whole Asia Mumbai. Harvest Times for Your Family May 2014/Volume 11 Issue 05
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BIBLE STUDY
The Donkey and His Master – Deepak Jariwala
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uke 19:29-31” ... And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, Saying, Go ye into the village over against you; in the which at your entering ye shall find a colt tied, whereon yet never man sat: loose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose him? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.” “ Zechariah 9:9 “.... Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” It is very strange that the Lord has need of a donkey.
The donkey could not go to the place of worship as it was an unclean animal.
The donkey has a very interesting Israel were in bondage for 430 biography in the Scriptures. years. We were in bondage to sin, The first occurrence of a Donkey satan and world before we came or an Ass is found in Genesis to The Lord. In Luke 19 also we 12:16 when Abraham and Sarah see the colt was tied. went to Egypt. It was here that The second occurrence of a Abraham got Donkeys from donkey is for Ishmael. He is called Pharaoh when Sarah was taken as a wild man. The word wild in into the house of Pharaoh and for sake of Sarah, Pharaoh dealt well Hebrew is ‡¯Ù pere' which means with Abraham. So we see Donkeys wild donkey. Genesis 16:12 says first coming from Egypt, which "And he will be a wild man; his speaks of bondage. The people of hand will be against every man, 10 Harvest Times for Your Family
May 2014/Volume 11 Issue 05
and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren". How true this is when we see around? The donkey was an unclean animal as per the law because it does not chew the cud. A clean animal had to chew the cud and have parted hoofs. When Abraham went to offer Isaac on Mount Moriah he told his servants in Genesis 22:5, "And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you". The donkey could not go to the place of worship as it was an unclean animal.
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FAMILY
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n this issue, let us look at the leadership role God has assigned to husbands. This subject can be a very sensitive and volatile one to discuss in the modern world. Even many so called Christian women also object to this clear teaching of the Bible. They are comfortable only with the concept of equality of husband and wife. On the other hand some husbands don't realize that God has ordained them for this role,
Headship' it is not "lording over" but watching over. It is not rank but responsibility; duty not dominion. while others don't understand how they should lead; still others are lazy and refuse to own up the responsibility. These are some of the problems faced by families all over the world. There is no excuse that God would ever accept for a husband for not being the leader of his home. All husbands should obey the call of
the Lord to take his commission to lead the family.
to be to their husbands in everything”-(Ephesians 5:22-24)
In stating the role of the husband, the Bible very clearly teaches the leadership position that is given to him. Look at the scriptures: “But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ”- (1 Cor. 11:3). “Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, and He Himself being the Savior of the body. But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought
The Bible also gives a clear organization structure of a family. It not only speaks of the headship of the husband, but also gives clear instructions as to how he should function as a leader in the family. Leadership position is not something the husband has to usurp or demand as per the world standards; it is as God Himself has ordained. 'Headship' is not to be dictatorship. It is neither male chauvinism nor husband playing the boss, where a man lords it over a woman and demands her
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total obedience to his wish and command. Biblical concept of headship is something totally different. It carries the idea of loving, protecting and providing. It is not "lording over" but watching over. It is not rank but responsibility; duty not dominion. But it always carries the idea of leadership. Bible does not classify women as lower rated citizens. Before God both men and women are equal in value, worth and dignity. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). The Bible gives a position of respect to the women. But it is a fact that wives want husbands to lead them. Christ is presented as the ultimate example of true leadership. If we want to have a happy marriage and relationship with our wives and families, follow the leadership model of Christ. He led by serving. He demonstrated it when he washed His disciples' feet (John 13:1-17). As the head of the Church, Christ is interested in the welfare of His bride, the Church. He is her protector and her savior. Let us now look at how husbands can lead as Christ did. We see in Eph.5:25 that Christ's leadership was based on his love for his bride. He even laid down his life for her. The 'agape' love spoken of in the verse is doing everything for the ultimate well being of the wife; a love not based on ' reward deserving' performance but His commitment. Christ though as a leader was strong and firm yet was gentle, tender and loving. The leadership of the Christian husband too should be marked by love, (Ephesians 5:25) the kind of 12
love that marked Christ's love for his church. When she gets the love of her husband, she will be more than willing to submit to his leadership. There will be no need for the husband to chase or drag his wife. She will submit, obey and follow joyfully.
Paul also believed in this kind of leadership and exhorted his followers to do the same when he said: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). A good example on the part of the husband would cause his wife and children to have a sincere respect for him as the leader of their Paul, talking about the leadership home. of the Corinthian church says “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be We also see that Christ led by serving others. In Mark 10:45 He It is to be noted that said “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, one who does not but to minister and to give his life serve his wife and a ransom for many”. In John 13 he demonstrated the truth of His family cannot serve saying by washing the feet of his the Lord and others. disciples (This was the work of the slaves in those days) He brave, be strong. Let all that you continued His teaching by saying do be done with love” (1 Cor. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, 16:13-14). Paul knew that have washed your feet, you also leading without loving would be ought to wash one another's feet. ineffective. For I have given you an example, John Mac Arthur in his article 'For that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to husbands only' says “Ask many Christian husbands to summarize you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent their biblical duty in one word, greater than he who sent him” and they will answer, (John 13:14-16). Biblical "Leadership." Scripture answers leadership is servant leadership. the question with a different A Christian husband must have word: love. There is no doubt that the heart of a servant, even the God's design for a husband mind of Christ. includes the aspect of leadership. But it is a leadership that flows from love and is always tempered A Christian husband does not live to be served, but lives to serve his by tender, caring affection. The wife and children. He will be husband's proper role as a loving, nurturing head is best epitomized attentive and sensitive to the by Christ, who took the servant's needs of others in the family and will be willing to meet those role to wash His disciples' feet” needs. It is to be noted that one who does not serve his wife and Then we see that Christ's family cannot serve the Lord and leadership was based on his own others. exemplary behaviour. He taught his disciples,“I have given you an – John Kurian is an evangelist, Bible example that you should do as I teacher and preacher based in Kerala. have done to you” (John 13:15).
Harvest Times for Your Family May 2014/Volume 11 Issue 05
PRACTICAL When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul. Psalm 94:19
“Comfort for the Weary Soul”
Antidote to anxiety! – Dr. Oommen Philip
T
here are times in our lives when we are unable to share some of our innermost or essential burdens with anyone else. These burdens stay in our minds and get enlarged and multiplied as they continue to dwell for a period of time and consequently become anxiety. Further, when we keep on thinking these burdens and the imaginary consequences more often, fear comes to take its cruel grip over us and start showing up the effects of the possible fierce results of anxiety. It leads to a compound phase, when the fear and anxiety keep multiplying with the fear effect increasingly suffocating us. It can be called a cascading chain effect. When we dwell more and more in it, negative thoughts increase to make us believe that what we were imagining might happen in reality. The pressure of anxiety will make us forget the fact that our Lord knows what these concerns and anxious thoughts are and that nothing can harm us without His knowledge and consent. He will
not allow His dear children to be hurt by the enemy. He knows the strategies of the enemy who tries to create snags on our way forward and block us from reaching the spiritual milestones that our Lord has planned for us. When our enemy tries to devour us with the fleshly tactics of various kinds, our Lord will be our buffer. The enemy will despise, ridicule and challenge us to try to come out of the traps that are laid around us. The enemy warns us about the consequences of the traps and tries to drain us of our spiritual energies through fear, doubt and anxiety to weaken our faith. The repeated attacks often take away our defense and make us lose our faith in our God. But in all situations and circumstances, our God has promised to keep us safe and secure. When we get tangled in anxious thoughts and try to use human methods to get away from such snares, He comes to console us with His comforting Word. His Word will strengthen us to keep going to accomplish His purpose in our lives in spite of our worrisome anxiety.
God's promises are potent antidote to destroy the fabricated and false power of anxiety. Dear friend, are you at the bottom of the valley of anxiety and fear because of the dreadful situations surrounding you? Are you slowly losing your hope and confidence of overcoming them in life? But even when you go deep down in the mire of anxiety and fear, God speaks to you and reassures you to hold your hands and lift you up, if only you hand over your situations to Him. He sends His Word of comfort and hope to console you. He reminds you today that He is in control of all situations and will guard you against all eventualities. His Word shall comfort and delight your soul and strengthen your heart. His Spirit will energize you to put
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all your faith in Him so as to take you forward. His promises will keep echoing in your heart to reassure you of His power which is guarding you. It was God's delightful consolations that kept David going in times of tumult and turbulence. God's consolations at Bethel helped Jacob to face up with hope and faith his unknown and uncertain future as God reshaped and resettled him in his life. God's promises strengthened Nehemiah to keep going without anxiety and fear all through the days of the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem. God's promises were pillars of strength to Paul through all his missionary journeys. Daniel found God's Word to be his source of encouragement and confidence in the lion's den. The Jewish youth
found the continued presence of God with them to be their resting place in the furnace of the emperor. God's promises provided Elijah the power to patiently wait for his daily bread which unfailingly reached to him both at Cherith and Zarephath.
Today the Lord sends His mighty messages of consolations for us too to delight in His ways. His Word helps us to forget the false Truth that challenges us to and fearful thoughts the enemy exercise our faith: God's brings to us. As we read and promises are potent antidote to meditate on these promises, the destroy the fabricated and false Spirit of God generates faith in us power of anxiety. and helps us to believe and get Truth to meditate upon: When consoled without doubt or fear. anxiety and fear saber rattle What a blessed privilege for us against us, we confide under the that we cancling on to these wings of the Almighty. potent promises and overcome the anxious thoughts. When we take our burdens to the Lord and – Dr. Oommen Philip, Lives in leave them there, all the anxieties Trivandrum
Woe to Me If I Do Not Preach the Gospel the Bible diligently for about two and half years. After getting convinced thoroughly in my heart and mind about the God, my Saviour, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and confessed that He died for my sins and was raised from dead. . I would like to say about the 'Gospel of salvation' God – Thought it Jesus Christ – Bought it The Bible – Taught it Faith – Brought it The Holy Spirit – Wrought it The Devil – Fought it But I – Got it; Glory Hallelujah! I left my Lecturer's job and I am a preacher of the glorious Gospel for more than 30 years now. In 14
vaporize in the blaze of His glory. So even in seemingly impossible circumstances and situations, we can 'laugh at the impossibilities of the world' and lean on to the Lord who makes it all possible for His children. Let us today accept and implement in our lives, the admonition of Peter to cast ALL our cares upon Jesus because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7)
contd. from Page No 7
conclusion, let me quote C.I. Scofield, “At this time, before we hear the shout of our descending Lord and rise to meet Him, shall we not come back with holiness of heart to the simplicity of our mission? Let us leave the civilizing of the world to the incidental effect of the presence there of the Gospel of Christ, and let us give our time, our strength, our talents, our money, all that we are and have, to make Christ known to every creature in every land.” (Romans 1: 15; 15: 19, 20; II Corinthians 10: 16). Praise be to God! – B.G. Pimplekar is an Evangelist lives in Pune, MS
Harvest Times for Your Family May 2014/Volume 11 Issue 05
Non Receipt of HT Subscribers may please note that, we regularly post HT on 1st or 2nd of every month. In case you have not received HT please contact us by email to admin@glsindia.com so that we can send you another copy.
CHALLENGERS
From Darkness to Marvelous light – Digvijay Kanchan
I
'm originally from Mangalore. My family worships the Hindu deities and kulla devtas (“ancestral” spirits). My grandmother used to sometimes get possessed by these deities and so was a respected spiritual figure in the village. People came to her for availing the power of deities. Villagers talked about seeing a bright glow above our ancestral house every night. I grew up in Thane, Maharashtra. Like many students from middleclass families, I was under a lot of pressure due to my studies. Due to this pressure, around the time of my final high school exams, I developed Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).To deal with OCD, a counselor suggested that I try Vipassana, a Buddhist form of meditation. I found that instead of overcoming my problems, I got a new addiction - meditation! If I missed doing it for even a single day, I'd have problems perceiving things, and become disoriented and sleepless. I tried Vipassana for two years, hoping it would help me overcome my stress, OCD, anger and so on, but it never did. After high school, I joined college, majoring in physiotherapy. I wanted to develop skills in alternative therapies to enhance
my knowledge, so I enrolled for an acupressure class. My instructor introduced me to reiki (a Japanese healing technique). I joined a reiki course with a wellknown reiki master in Mumbai. Her students had wonderful things to say about reiki's benefits for health and business prospects – even deliverance from suicidal tendencies. Her students even said that the teacher did not take any medicine for 15 years - she always used reiki to heal herself whenever she was sick. I studied reiki up to degree 3A, that is, just short of the qualification required to teach reiki. We reiki students were told that as the classes would progress and techniques were taught, we would gradually develop spiritual powers of healing. Evidently, the healing powers did not really depend on any "techniques" some entity out there was willing to give me the power to heal!
that would enable us to resolve quarrels and further enhance our healing powers. This was exhilarating! I practiced reiki more and more; that it also complimented my profession as a physiotherapist was an added advantage. Of course, there was more to learn. I had not yet come to the level of my teacher, who could predict the future, read minds, bend spoons, move objects, etc.
(Part 2)
After one and a half year into reiki, however, it started backfiring on me. My head seemed heavy; there was uneasiness, insomnia and lack of perception.
Reiki became such bondage that I began to look for ways to escape. I started listening to hip-hop and satanic music, watching gory and violent movies, playing violent video games, etc. I would be bound to my play-station for hours at a stretch. I started In the second degree we were smoking and drinking due to taught special symbols that would frustration and bad company. increase our powers. We would Nothing seemed to work. touch the patient, draw the Meditation, reiki - everything had symbols on his body, and this failed completely. A numerologist supposedly would send “universal told me to spell my name energy” through him. differently to attract good luck. The third degree saw us Even this failed! I was ready to introduced to a powerful symbol give up on life. Harvest Times for Your Family May 2014/Volume 11 Issue 05
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One day, while I was studying for my university exams, I heard a voice saying: "I have chosen you." I asked, "Who are you? Are you Allah? One of the Hindu gods? One of the kulladevtas?" The voice answered: "I am the Creator. I am the One who built a ship and put people and animals in it, one male and female of each kind." This seemed strange! Was it really the Creator of the universe talking to me? Although the story sounded strange, I experienced a sense of wellbeing that I'd never felt while being a reiki channel. I told my Roman Catholic roommate about this incident; he told me the Biblical story of Noah's Flood. I concluded that the God of the Bible spoke to me. Maybe there was hope! Three years later I joined as a physiotherapist at a hospital in Thane. I met an African patient who had a Bible. I read it and got curious. Christianity had always seemed phony to me. But I learned later that most of what passes off as Christianity has nothing to do with the true Christianity of the Bible. I visited a local church, wanting to buy a Bible. As I listened to the preacher delivering his sermon, I felt God was speaking through him to me. I experienced a comfort I had never experienced before. I was overwhelmed. I kept going again and again. This was the truth that I had been longing for all my life!
smoking addiction. After a week, I stopped drinking. Next to go were the anger problems. I was able to forgive my sister. Our bitter sibling rivalry ended. There was peace in our house! My sister and parents were amazed seeing the change in me. I sold my play-station. I stopped listening to unwholesome music. Gone were the hatred, the abusive language, and the pornography. Could this God get me out of reiki? I told a couple from church about my involvement with reiki and meditation. They told me that the only wholesome meditation is meditation on the word of God - pondering about the meaning of Biblical passages. That night I slept peacefully for the first time without doing reiki and meditation. Gradually, I understood that Jehovah, the God of the Bible, had sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for my sins. Jesus paid the penalty for my sins, and made me eligible to escape God's wrath. By submitting myself to Him in repentance and faith, I became His child. I was overwhelmed with love for God. What could be a greater privilege than to be lovingly accepted as a child by the Creator of the universe? What a contrast the God of the Bible was to the false gods that my family and I had devoutly worshiped for so long!
I understood from the Bible that God had created angels and humans. Those angels who One day, I was smoking. A voice told me: "You've got the strength rebelled against him try to keep humans from knowing the true to quit." For the first time, I felt I God. They are behind the false had a genuine choice to exercise. I gods that my family had been made a decision to quit smoking, worshipping! and that was the end of my 16
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I recognized Satan's hand in the entertainment industry. Satan wants you to be bombarded with entertainment so that you won't think about eternity. He takes a step further in filling media with anti-Christian themes. I also saw Satan's hand in reiki! The white light hardly seems surprising when the Bible tells us that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) as he craves worship from humans! I also noticed that the image in my reiki degree certificate is reminiscent of the heavenly city described in Revelation 22:1. There are no chakras, and there is no kundalini at the lower end of your spine. But there are demons out there, willing to give power to those who ask for it. Satan offers people the things that appeal to them. God offers us what we really need: eternal life. My old friends who goaded me into unhealthy habits drifted away. My new friends were disciples of Jesus Christ who had experienced his transforming power like I had. Today, I feel especially concerned about my relatives. For some Indians, idolatry is merely a ritual – appeasing gods to bring in money, luck, health, etc. but as a family, we were really devout idolaters, and I can recognize a consequent curse on us, (see Exodus 20:3-5). But God seeks to bless us, if only we are willing to turn to Him. Are you? This testimony is also available online at: www.truth-thatmatters.com/digvijay.htm – Digvijay Kanchan, Lives in Thane, Maharashtra.
KFC 1
I Am Special
“Ring… Ringg….. ringgggg……. .ringgggggggggggggg………………………… Oh, No..! "I don't want to get up!" Steeve switched off the alarm clock and pulled the blanket over his head. He thought, " I wish I could go back to where we used to live. There had been a good time with the friends." "Steeve ……" Mother called, "Time to get up." "Oh, No! I wish I could get more sleep" He thought in his mind, but no chance to sleep more, so he rolled out of bed , freshened up and got dressed. He slowly went into dining hall for his breakfast. After he finished, gathered as per time table and started off for school. Mother told him to have a good day. Mother wished him a good day. Steeve responded with a sad look. He thought, A good day? I wish it were night time. But He didn't say this to his mother. Instead, he said, " bye, mamma". Everything seemed to go wrong at school that morning. PT and art was usually steeve's favorite class. At start of PT Class, he moved away from marked up line and PT sir asked him to stand still in the corner of ground as punishment. Oh, No! I can't do anything right today. While coming back to class none talked to him and it hurt him more. As you imagined, Steeve was very glad when school ended for that day. On the way home he thought, No one likes me the way I am. I wish we were back in our old neighborhood. I miss my friends who liked me. And He kicked a stone along in front of him. That also caused him pain. That evening after supper, Steeve's family was sitting in the prayer room. It was a usual practice
– Susan Sam Joy that they all should share what had happened that day. Steeve liked this part on that day best. He correctly believed his Mom and Dad were his friends. Steeve told her parents that he had felt very unhappy that day. Due to his misbehave sir punished and his 45 minutes PT was ruined. And he felt that he had no friends to talk to. He misses his old friends and his old home in the other neighborhood. Mom and Dad often helped Steeve to see how God had been with him through each day. Sometimes Dad read some verses from the Bible to help Steeve see how God loves him. That day, Dad opened the Bible to the Book of Psalms. "Let me read you some words from a psalm written by David that has helped me through all the years of my life. Psalm 139:1 "O LORD, You have searched me and known me" 2: You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. 13 For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works" 15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, 17
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
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If I should count them, they would be people to think about, but He never forgets me." more in number than the sand; When I Suddenly Steeve was glad God had made him as He is awake, I am still with You." and he wondered what kind of Person God wanted "I have already loved that psalm too," said Mother him to become. Dad, asked Steeve, “What does it mean when it says Steeve prayed, "Dear God, thank you for loving me God saw me before I was born?" and accepting me. Thank you that You are helping me "It means that long before you were born, God become what You have planned for me to be. Amen." planned who you would be. He knew what you would look like, and what special things you would do. He knew the kind of person you would be." "God loves each one of us," Dad continued, "and He made each one special. And because He made us as we are, He accepts us and loves us just as we are. And we can be sure that He will help us find friends who accept us too."
Steeve felt happier. Surely he could trust God to do the best for him. Just before he fell asleep, Steeve thought, even though my friends laugh at me or will not talking to me, I will go to them to help them in their needs."
He thought, God loves me and knows me. He accept me as I am. God knows what is troubling me. He will help me by giving me what is best for me." "Oh! Then that's pretty great," cause God has millions of
My name is _____________________
Application
Have you been thinking about ways that God has made you special? Are you glad to learn that God "That's why we should be glad that God is our Friend. accepts you as He has made you? Does this make you We can thank Him for making us as He did. And we happy? What would you like to tell God about the way should thank Him that He is still helping us become He made you? what He planned for us to be. God doesn't stop even Let the Almighty God Help you to think about it and when we're grown up." to help you to take a right decision at the right time. After they had thanked God together, Steeve went upstairs to get ready for bed. When Steeve got to his room, He sat down on his bed to think.
I AM SPECIAL PASTE A PASSPORT SIZE PHOTO
Because _______________________________________________
_________________________________________ _________________________________________ _________________________________________ (Write why you are special)
– Susan Sam Joy, lives in Doha 18
Harvest Times for Your Family May 2014/Volume 11 Issue 05
The Donkey and His Master
contd. from Page No 10
Job 11:12 ... For vain man would The donkeys were lost and inspite be wise, though man be born like a of lot of searching they could not wild ass's colt. be found. When the 'desire of Israel' Saul enters the scene, he is Man is compared to a donkey. found searching for the donkeys. The Old Testament says that the Whereas when the 'man after firstborn of a donkey was God's Own heart' enters the scene redeemed by a lamb. Exodus it is said of him in 1 Sam 16:11 " ... 13:13.... And every firstling of an and Behold, he keepeth the ass thou shalt redeem with a lamb; and if thou wilt not redeem sheep" it, then thou shalt break his neck:and all the firstborn of man among thy children shalt thou redeem.
The donkey never received a proper burial. The dead carcass was just thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem. Jeremiah 22:19 ...He shall be buried with the burial of During the Passover night an ass, drawn and cast forth whichever house did not have beyond the gates of Jerusalem. A blood of the slain lamb upon the door post and lintel, the first born person who will die in his or her sins without Christ Jesus will be of that family was slain by the cast out similarly for eternity. angel of death. Matthew 22:13 ...Then said the The same price for the firstling of king to the servants, Bind him a donkey and for the first born of hand and foot, and take him away, a human. Not that the donkey is and cast him into outer darkness; increased in importance rather there shall be weeping and the reverse ... man has been gnashing of teeth. reduced to the level of a donkey. Sin has degraded us e.g. Proverbs Simple and sincere saints give a lot of honor and respect to the 6:26... For by means of a whorish ministers and servants of God. In woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress some parts of India, the saints even wash the feet of the servants will hunt for the precious life. of God. Sometimes such honor 1 Samuel 9:3-4 ... And the asses of which we do not deserve goes to Kish Saul's father were lost. And our head giving birth to pride Kish said to Saul his son, Take now which goes before a fall. When one of the servants with thee, and The Lord entered Jerusalem arise, go seek the asses. And he sitting on the donkey, the people passed through mount Ephraim, spread their robes on the street. and passed through the land of What if the donkey would have Shalisha, but they found them thought ' O, I am so beautiful. I am not:then they passed through the so important '. Then certainly he land of Shalim, and there they was thinking like a donkey. were not: and he passed through It is so touching that to fulfill the the land of the Benjamites, but prophecies hidden in Exodus 12 they found them not.
the Lord entered Jerusalem sitting on a donkey on the 10th day of the first month of the Jewish calendar. He was 'tested' by the Jewish religious leaders, Pilate, Herod, the thieves on the crosses, Pilate's wife and the Centurion in charge of the crucifixion and finally found to be without spot or blemish and was 'slain by the house of Israel' on the 14th day of the first month. When the disciples came to loose the colt which was tied and if the colt would have said “ I do not have time, I am too busy, I have lot of errands to complete, my boss is a taskmaster, I have lot of work in the kitchen “ ; then what would the disciples do ? Maybe they would have requested him once more. Perhaps then the Lord would have then picked another donkey. The Lord is looking for availability even if it is a donkey. In Isaiah 6, the Lord proclaimed “Who will go for us, whom shall I send “and Isaiah said “ Here I am , send me “. Such a one, the Lord will put His Words in his mouth and even open his mouth just like the donkey "And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? (Numbers 22:28) “ O Lord, here I am … break me, make me, use me and send me. – Deepak Jariwala is Regional Manager (South East Asia) at Spectral Dynamics Inc-USA.
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EXPLORERS
Words of gold – Cynthia John “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24
S
eema and Tina thought Vijay was too proud of himself.
“He's such a show-off!” Seema said. “Did you see him trying to tell Murali about his dad's cell phone?” When Vijay passed by, Seema giggled, and they made fun of his hairstyle. Another time, they laughed at his shoes. “He needs to be brought down a bit,” Seema said. “Yeah, we sure did that. You should have seen his face when we laughed at him. He looked like a monkey that had eaten ginger,” Tina said, laughing at her own translation of a saying in her mother tongue. As they walked on, they heard someone sobbing. They walked around some bushes and saw Vijay hiding behind a building wall, behind the bushes. His face was wet with tears and he was sobbing. His friend, Ramu, was sitting next to him. As soon as he saw them, Ramu got up. “What's wrong with you girls? Don't you know that Vijay is 20
having a tough time? His mother died just 6 months back, and he's just recovering.” Seema and Tina got a shock. They did not know about Vijay's mother. “We are so-sorry,” Tina stammered. “We were just doing it for fun. We di'dnt know...” “Is hurting others your idea of fun?” Ramu asked. The girls felt ashamed of themselves. Seema turned to Vijay. “We didn't mean to hurt you, Vijay. Please forgive us.” Vijay nodded. Ramu spoke again. “Vijay has been struggling to live and feel normal. He misses his mother so much. He tries to talk about his dad's things and everything he can think of to stop thinking about her.” “We can all play together every evening after school,” Seema suggested. “After all, we all live on the same road. May be Vijay will like to do that.” Vijay looked up. “That is the time I miss my mother the most, because I'm all alone till my dad comes at six. It will be wonderful
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if you all could come over to play.” “We'll definitely do that,” Tina said. It was the start of a wonderful friendship. Are you the kind who can't stop yakking if you have somebody to talk to? Or are you a silent person, who prefers to speak only when needed? Whatever the case, the Bible says several things about how we need to speak. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” What talk is 'unwholesome' talk? Anything that creates a negative effect, and does not constructively help others. This could be unnecessary criticism about the other person's work or looks that makes them feel bad. Or it could be gossip about somebody who is not there. Or it could be rude words to a person you don't like. God's children should be speaking helpful words instead – words that are
“helpful for building up others...” These could be words of praise and encouragement, which motivate others to continue doing something good. They could be words that remind someone about God's love and concern for us. They could be words that comfort someone who is sad or upset. There are so many ways to speak words that benefit others.
If God wants us to get rid of “filthy language,” we must. It may not be easy, but we need to take a conscious decision to avoid any kind of filthy language, no matter how common or cool it is. Obeying God is what is most important to us.
friends is planning to do the wrong thing, you can remind them to do the right thing. “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24
Words from the Bible are powerful to help you show others what God wants us to do. The Do you know people who make you feel good when you are with Bible has words for every Dirty language situation – when encouragement, them? There are people who correction, comfort or It's common to use words that are never fail to encourage you, and always speak positively. And there reassurance is needed. Words considered bad words or curse from the Bible can also be used to are people who remind you to words. Many find it cool to use give glory to God. Even if you are praise or glorify God. They can be dirty language. It can be difficult an introvert, you can help people used to resist the temptation to to avoid using it if most of your friends are using it. But the Bible by speaking the right words at the do something wrong, and put our fears away. right time. When a classmate is tells us, “But now you must also feeling low because no one rid yourselves of all such things supports something they have as these: anger, rage, malice, – Cynthia John is the author of several books, mostly for Children's Bible slander, and filthy language from done, you can speak words of Schools and Sunday School. encouragement. When a gang of your lips.” Colossians 3:8 Speak words of gold
The Thief on the Cross thief confessed his sin to Christ and got promoted to paradise. Here we see the wonder of the cross, the grace of God. On that morning the thief was standing near the mouth of hell but by evening he was transported through the pearly gate of Paradise! All throughout his life he was a robber, just before his death he even robbed paradise by faith. Greatest of all robbers! Saved by Grace No acts of this thief could save him. His hands were nailed and his legs were nailed. He could not do any good thing to be saved. Salvation is the free Gift of God. Only his heart was open and lips were free. He believed in his heart and confessed with his lips that Jesus Christ is his Lord.
contd. from Page No 5
The words of a great Puritan scholar,Alexander Smellie, ("The Hour of Silence" 1899) summarizes the beauty of this conversion in the following words. "Twas a thief, who said the last kind word to Christ. In the MORNING, the thief was OUT of Christ: far from God and far from righteousness, the helpless captive of sin, the child of despair and death. At NOON the thief was IN Christ: remembered graciously by the Savior of the lost, redeemed with an everlasting redemption, endowed with the new heart, and freely and perfectly justified. In the EVENING the thief was WITH Christ: gazing on the glories of paradise, safe at home with his
good Shepherd and adorable Redeemer. What a crowded and memorable day this was in his history! So much was pressed into these few hours. Such a glorious and unprecedented transition they brought, from the cruel cross--to Heaven's glory! OUT of Christ, then IN Christ, then WITH Christ! " Dear reader what is your state? Are you OUT of Christ? Come to Him, He is the Saviour of the world. IN Him is Hope and eternal life. Accept Him as the Lord and be WITH Christ in paradise for eternity. – Koshy Mathew is an itinerant Bible Teacher based in Mumbai.
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HER CORNER
Anna the Prophetess (Luke 2:36-38) – Felicity Mathew
A
nna was the first and the only prophetess named in the New Testament. Of course four daughters of Philip the Evangelist had the gift of prophecy but their names are not given. Anna means grace. She received abundant grace from above to face the challenges in her life. She was widowed at an early age. She had family life only for seven years and lived long into advanced age. Widows are often a neglected lot and it is generally difficult for them to carry on livelihoods. Anna belonged to the tribe of Asher. Gad and Asher were the children of Jacob through Zilpah. During Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan, Gad opted to stay back on the other side of river Jordan, but Asher opted to go and stay in the Promised Land. As a tribe, they journeyed spiritually towards a higher ground. Another incident which occurred during the time of King Hezekiah of Judah clearly attests their spiritual attitude. A great revival occurred during Hezekiah's time. Temple at Jerusalem was cleansed and worship service was restored. (2 Chro.29:16-17; 20-36). This event took place in the first month. Asher did not join Passover celebrations and in fact they had not been keeping Passover for a long time. King Hezekiah decided to celebrate the Passover again in second month to enable time for all Israel and 22
Judah to come to Jerusalem and not miss out as in the first month. Accordingly, he sent letters to all Israel and Judah. Many of the tribes "laughed them to scorn, and mocked them" who carried the posts. But the tribe of Asher humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Anna the prophetess inherited this spiritual legacy of her tribe (2 Chro. 30:10-11).
Trials made Anna's life bitter but she made it better by fasting and prayer. Anna did not depart from the temple Trials made Anna's life bitter but she made it better by fasting and prayer. In spite of her bitterness of widowhood she devoted her life for the Lord. In the midst of troubled and turbulent life, Anna could keep gazing at the Lord. She spent day and night in the presence of God. As Psalmist says, " One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple" (Ps.27:4). Circumstances could not defeat, disturb or disappoint her. She was
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just looking forward for Messiah and His Kingdom to come. In that long awaiting life for Messiah, she forgot the prickly thorns of her life. Words of Apostle Paul come to my mind, "one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before" (Phil.3:13). Many times in our poor human wisdom, we fail to understand God's plan and purposes for each one of us. We wonder or become numb when the events of the world take us into different turns or even a 'U turn'. But on every occasion, our heavenly loving Father keeps everything under His divine control though we fail to see His unseen HAND, feel His unseen presence, hear His divine still small voice. It reminds me the experience of a little boy and a mother. Little boy was sitting on the floor and his mother was sitting on a chair and doing needle work on a piece of
cloth. Boy lost his patience and asked, " Mamma, what are you doing"? Mamma answered, "I am designing a beautiful thread work". Boy could see only the lower side of the cloth, since he was sitting on the floor. According to him some jumbled threads are pulled here and there in a shabby irregular manner. He could not quench his inquisitive heart. He retorted, " Mamma, this shabby work, you call beautiful?" Mamma answered, " Go and play outside for some time, when I finish my work I will call you." After some time Mamma called him and put him on her lap and showed him the wonderful intricate piece of embroidery work. Son was astonished. Mamma told him, "Son, looking from far, you thought what I was doing just a messy thread work. But, I was pulling each thread to make a beautiful embroidery". It is no different with us. Far from earth, we cannot understand the divine handy work in our lives. At present we interpret happenings in our lives as jumbled and chaotic crisis. But when we reach the beautiful shore, our Heavenly Father will show the divine design He was preparing for us. Nothing happens to a believer accidentally, everything moves according to His perfect design. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans.8:28). A Caring and Compassionate God. Anna went through long years of loneliness, yet she was not subdued instead submitted herself to the mighty hand of the
Lord. She knew that "bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench" (Isa.42:3). Our God is one who dwells with him who has a contrite and humble spirit (Isa.57:15). He strengthened Anna and His ears were open to her cry. His grace sustained her throughout her widowhood. Our God is God of destitute and widows, He wipes our tears, will never leave us nor forsake us.
no might He increases strength" (Isa.40:28). In the splits of darkness or loneliness or wilderness, God is there to call out and ask you like "what ails you Hagar" or as to Mary Magdalene "Woman why are you weeping"? Anna worshipped and witnessed our Lord
God acknowledged the desire of Anna, He revealed His plan and purpose to her; she became Once LORD looked at the poor prophetess. As soon as she saw widow and said, "Truly I say to you that, this poor widow has put baby Jesus, she worshipped Him by pouring out in full adoration. in more than they all" (Lk.21:3). She did not stop there. She also Two mites according to God are witnessed and spoke of Him to all not the least but the most; God that looked for redemption. sees not only portion but proportion. When she received Messiah her When the widow of Nain was in a desperate condition, in great sorrow, Lord went to her with compassion and said, "WEEP NOT". Long lonely life did not dwindle Anna's love for God but kindled her aspiration to see Messiah. As the deer pants for water brook she panted to see God. With never failing heart she waited upon Lord. Nothing could discourage her. She had a tremendous faith in the wonder working powers of prayer. She prayed day and night; and did not depart from the temple.
joy could not be restrained. She started telling about her Lord, her Redeemer to everyone. Anna was the first woman to witness Lord Jesus Christ (on the 8th day of His birth), how great was her ministry. A widow destitute, helpless and hapless but privileged to have God reveal her a great truth. She responded by witnessing baby Jesus as the redeemer of the mankind. God used her as a mighty vessel to proclaim the truth of salvation. Anna, the old lived a blessed life. The one who called us is faithful; the one who has promised is righteous." And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you." (Isa.46:4).
Dear sisters, whatever state you may pass through, you are not alone. Unseen divine presence,divine touch encamp you. Sometimes you may chatter like a swallow or crane or mourn like a dove, but Lord will restore What a promise! you. "Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the (An abstract of the message delivered in earth, faints not, neither is weary, the North India Assembly sisters' conference at Bhopal) there is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to – Felicity Mathew, Mumbai the faint; and to them that have Harvest Times for Your Family May 2014/Volume 11 Issue 05
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BIOGRAPHY
Lonappan Upadeshi*
(1867-1967)
A pioneer missionary at Angamally, Kerala – Julie Varghese Mathew “For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory.” ( Romans 11:36 )
EARLY LIFE AND CALLING T.D. Lonappan alias Thayil Lonappan Upadeshi was born as the son of staunch CMS Church followers, Daniel and Achiamma , who lived in Kunnamkulam. Born in 1867, he was raised in the care of his parents until his life underwent a transformation upon hearing the gospel at the tender age of 18.
year 1905.He started his work in association with Lord's servants Abraham Nambi, who was already therefor quite some time and Mr. Taine, from Europe. Around the same time, Mr. V. Nagel too got associated with this
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MISSION FIELD After serving together during Lonappan Upadeshi's initial days of service, Abraham Nambi left Angamaly and the responsibility of evangelizing the whole commercial town, came heavily into the Upadeshi's hands. Angamalymeans -a place of weapons- and literally it
Forsaking all, he left his home and family and ventured out like Abraham hearkening to the still small voice of the Almighty. Prior to the marriage he explicitly told Aleyamma, (sister of the wellknown P. V. George) that she would have no easy married life with him as he possessed nothing in this world except "this big black book" (The Bible).
A PIONEER AT WORK In those days, a committee of gospel workers used to decide the place for the worker to minister and other modalities as to how to proclaim the good news. As per the decision of the committee, Lonappan Upadeshi came to Angamaly (in Kerala state), his appointed mission field in the
was E. P. Varghese, who became a mighty preacher in the later days.
team. Lonappan Upadeshi's clear and sound teachings from the Scriptures started influencing the new converts in getting assured of their born again status to be the children of God. Among them
was a place of constant fights and communal clashes. Spreading the gospel in such a place was indeed a herculean task. Even in the company of Mr. Taine, a white man, the problems against the gospel came up but they could be overcome. But once Tainetoo left for his native land, Lonappan Upadeshi was left exposed alone to face the wrath of the local people against the gospel. PERSECUTIONS ENDURED FOR HIS GLORY The severity of persecution he endured can be well perceived from the few following incidents.
(* Upadeshi - means teacher of Biblical doctrine. This is how locals addressed their pastors in those days).
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Once a group of ruffians, on the way back from a "palli perunal" (church festival) stopped him by the road side and asked him to preach to them. Suspecting some foul play, the Upadeshi told them that he would speak to them from the Word of God sometime later as he was a little tired after his long walk and badly in need of rest. But as per their preplan they took hold of him, formed a circle and began punching and even bounced him with blows from one to another as children pass a volley-ball around. Not satisfied, they later threw him to the ground and kicked and stomped over him and left him sprawling on the ground groaning in pain. Though the Upadeshi did not register any complaint with the authorities, the Government itself took this incident to court as an act of assault against an innocent citizen. In his judgment, the Judge noted that the victim was assaulted and left bleeding on the ground, yet he had not retaliated but prayed for the forgiveness of his assaulters in the footsteps of his master and Lord Jesus Christ. It was common then for the Christian funeral processions especially those of newly saved believers to get obstructed on the way to the cemetery and undergo unbearable pain. In the month of February of 1919, the Lord called Home the Upadeshis' couple of months old baby. The godly couple took assurance from the hope of seeing their child again one day in heaven. However, the day after the funeral took place, as the believers gathered together for Worship on Sunday morning, the
sight that met their eyes was a horrifying one -- the coffin containing the child's dead body was exhumed from where it was buried the previous day and placed on the side wall of the Upadeshis' house. Grief turned to trauma! The police took charge and got the body reburied in the backyard of the Upadeshis' own house. The Upadeshis never reacted to question why such an incident occurred to him. Many in the present generation maydisown the Lord for far less traumatic situations, yet it is noteworthy that in spite of all these difficulties and torture , Lonappan Upadeshi persevered on in his mission of spreading the Good News, thus, setting an example of discipleship for all to follow. SIMPLE YET UNIQUE LIFESTYLE The Upadeshi's typical attire consisted of a plain white "dhoti" which reached to a little above his ankles followed by a shirt and a high collared coat. His clothes were always immaculate as he always believed that one's clothes reflect one's character. Since they were fully involved in the Lord's work, the Upadeshi's family was given a small sum by the local church monthly so as to meet their physical needs. The Upadeshi and his wife exhibited wise stewardship catering to the needs of their family as well as to those in need around them with the paltry sum they received. Accustomed to entertaining God's servants at home, the Upadeshi had to borrow rice and other provisions many a time to feed the Lord's servants who
came for lunch and dinner but he was always very careful and particular to repay the same as soon as possible for he strongly believed that one who cannot give back should never borrow. MODUS OPERANDI IN GOSPEL WORK The Upadeshi preferred one-toone ministry to Convention speaking. On market-days (which used to be convenient for meeting people and also for social interaction), he took initiative to reach the market early and share the gospel with those present. If he found anyone interested in listening to him, he would go with them to their home and continue preaching the gospel. KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORD An interesting incident which throws light upon the Upadeshi's knowledge of The Word is seen in his reply to Korudh Vaidhyan, a renowned scholar and master of the Ayurvedic system of medicine. One day Korudh Vaidhyan came to Lonappan Upadeshi and told him that it was the ancient rishis who were responsible for discovering all knowledge on Ayurveda and that the Bible, which is supposed to be an all-inclusive revelation does not talk about such important issues at all. Without batting an eyelid, the Upadeshi told him that it was Solomon, the Wise Emperor of Israel, who first talked about the uses of ayurveda that is the use of plants and other vegetation for medicinal purposes, as was revealed to him by the One and Only true God who made heaven and earth and all that is in it. He then went on to read from the first book on Kings, Chapter 4,
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POEM verse 33, which states that King Solomon spoke of trees from the huge cedar trees that are in Lebanon even unto the tiny hyssop that grew upon the walls. The Upadeshi then turned to Korudh Vaidhyan and asked him whether there was any plant in ayurveda which does not fit into this category. The Vaidhyan went away with this new knowledge fretting at his own folly. However, this Vaidhyan too heard the gospel and came over to the Lord's side. HIS FAMILY His wife, Aleyamma, was a constant companion to him both in the joys and sorrows of his life. A woman given to hospitality, she took care of things at home and catered to the needs of her many guests at all times in spite of their meager finances. The Upadeshi and his wife were blessed with 5 children: 4 sons- John, George, Daniel and Samuel and the youngest, a daughter named Annamma.
IN SEARCH OF ANEW FIELD Finally, there came a day when the Upadeshi and his family, the youngest baby at that time being only 11 days old, were chased out of Angamaly by the enemies of the gospel. He realized that there were a strong group of believers, a church fully equipped to fight its own battle sans his help and constant care. The Church prayerfully sent the Upadeshi and Bro. C. T. Mathai to Perumbavoor, about 15 kilometers from Angamaly. The Assembly testimony at Perumbavoor too soon began to spread asLonappan Upadeshi and Bro. C.T. Mathai laboure dtirelessly for the extension of His kingdom. His Last Days and Home call
His age advancing and strength fading, Lonappan Upadeshi spent the last days of his life with his youngest son, Sri. Samuel Thayil in Perumbavoor. After the death of his dear wife Aleyamma (who was promoted to glory six years prior to Upadeshi's demise) he was lovingly taken care of by Mrs. His principle in disciplining his Ammini Samuel, wife of Samuel children was based upon the Holy Thayil. Among his children, his Spirit's advice to fathers found in only daughter Mrs. Annamma the Ephesians 6:4. It is amusing to Samuel survives to this day note that before he punished his (March 2014). kids he made it a point to make them tell him what mischief they Lonappan Upadeshi lived for 100 years and though in the last days had committed and what he had many an illness he did not punishment they need. suffer much. On the 18th of April Throughout his life, Lonappan 1967, the earthly journey of a Upadeshi remained committed to great man of God who left all he the cause he willingly undertook had in search of "a city which for his Master and remained as hath foundations, whose maker the backbone of the church, and builder was God",came to an which grew in the wake of end on this side and began on the persecutions reminding us of the other shore. Church in Smryna, which the Apostle John talks about in – Julie Varghese Mathew, lives in Revalation, the last book of the Bangalore Bible. 26 Harvest Times for Your Family
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Jesus Christ My Beloved Friend It is no secret what Jesus did for me, He loved me so much that He died for me. Every time I hurt, He made me whole, Every time I fell He lifted me. It is no secret that Jesus loved me. There were times I had no friend, There were times when no one cared, There were times when I was scared to be alone, Then Jesus became my friend. There were times I roamed aimlessly, My life had no goal, Like a ship without an anchor I drifted in the sea of life alone. I was tired of drifting aimless I was tired of searching, I was famished and needed Manna! It was then I met Jesus, And He became my goal! It is no secret what Jesus did for me, He loved me so much that he dies for me. He became my guardian and guide, It is no secret what Jesus means to me. - Mrs Sunita June Fowler, Hyderabad