renewing and enriching life
HOPE FOR A Pastor Dr. T. Valson Abraham Founder/President India Gospel Outreach
NEW YEAR
President India Bible College & Seminary
Hope
greater than mere optimism. Hope based upon the Word of God, upon His character that never fails. Hope as an assurance, a conviction, freedom from all doubt that God will “come through.”
We live in
dangerous times. How easy for us to become alarmed, discouraged, to despair that God has abandoned us. We all need hope in our times - hope greater than wishful thinking, knowledge based upon fact. Hope greater than mere optimism. Hope based upon the Word of God, upon His character that never fails. Hope as an assurance, a conviction, freedom from all doubt that God will “come through.” The apostle Paul lived in perilous times and faced personal dangers most of us never face. Yet he lived with great hope that rose above his circumstances. Consider his frequent sufferings from stoning, floggings, shipwreck, imprisonment, betrayal, hunger, thirst, a “thorn in the flesh.” He lived under a tyrannical emperor who murdered his own mother and threw Christians to the lions. Paul’s own beloved Jewish people despised his message. Based upon his circumstances alone, Paul had every reason to despair, yet he lived with great hope which continues to encourage us 2,000 years later.
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“Christ in you, the hope of glory”- this was Paul’s hope in the midst of his great trials. For him, this was not only a theological concept, but a living reality, a personal experience. What did he experience? In Colossians 1, we get a portrait of the Christ he experienced in the midst of his trials. He speaks of Christ, the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Christ, who created all
Christ,
the head of the body, the church. Christ, the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. Christ, the preeminent one. Christ, in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. Christ, who reconciled to himself all things on earth and in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, all thrones and dominions, rulers or authorities— all things were created through him and for him. Christ, who is before all things. Christ, in whom all things hold together. Christ, the head of the body, the church. Christ, the beginning, the firstborn from the dead. Christ, the preeminent one. Christ, in whom the fullness of God was pleased to dwell. Christ, who reconciled to himself all things on earth and in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
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All of this was more than a concept to Paul, but also an experience. How does one describe such an experience? How could Neil Armstrong fully describe that unprecedented moment he became the first man in history to walk on the moon? How does a bride describe the moment when the ring of her beloved slips over her finger, fulfilling the unspoken dream of her early girlhood? How do a father and mother fully describe the miracle of holding their first-born child for the first time? What these people know differs from that of bystanders who merely watch. These personal experiences cannot be described. Only personal experience brings full understanding. Such experience changes us forever and lifts us above our ordinary or negative circumstances to live on a higher plane. “Christ! In! You!” What Paul’s words embody, and what Paul experienced, dwarfs all other human experiences. Those without Christ know nothing of it. Often, too many believers know little of it either because they have fooled themselves (or have been fooled by Satan) to expect little from God. This should lead each of us to ask, how much do we expect of God? Our expectations of God are only as great as the vitality of our relationship with Him. Our vital relationship with Him determines our hope in Him. Paul makes clear that his experience of Christ in him is to become the experience of all believers, not just a select few “religious” people. Paul invites us “to comprehend with all the saints [you and me] what is the breadth and the length and height and depth, to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge…to be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:18-19). In whatever prison we find ourselves—and we all know these prisons--let us each accept Christ’s invitation to know and grow Paul’s experience for ourselves in our uncertain and stormy times. Then we will become more motivated to offer that Good News to others. *** Father God, as I begin this New Year, help me to experience you in ways I have never experienced you before. Open my eyes anew to the wonder of your Grace which put your Son on the cross to redeem me while I was still dead in sin. This year, help me to know what it means to hope in you, and in you alone. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
renewing and enriching life
Vol. 10 Issue No.1&2 Jan/Feb 2017
contents 5 just one minute
Rev. Dr. T. Valson Abraham
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Pauline Understanding of Hope
Rev.Shiju M. George
7 editorial
Pastor Dr. John K. Mathew
8 Hope that Goes Beyond the Curtain: A Biblical Theology of Hope Dr. Shaibu Abraham
11 Mrs. Mary Abraham, Our Beloved Mummy
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Hope for the Hopeless Christian response to Social issues
A magazine that will enrich and renew your spiritual life and give Christian perspective on current events. e-mail : revivemegod@gmail.com igotoibc@gmail.com visit us : www.revivemegod.org CHAIRMAN emeritus PASTOR T. S. ABRAHAM CHAIRMAN PASTOR Dr.T. VALSON ABRAHAM MEMBERS BRO. JACOB THOMAS BRO. SUNNY KODUMTHARA EDITOR PASTOR DR. JOHN K. MATHEW ADMINISTRATIVE EDITOR PASTOR SAJU JOSEPH ASSOCIATE EDITOR MRS. STARLA LUKOSE
Dr. Samson Gandhi
MANAGER PASTOR T. J. ABRAHAM
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JUNE THOMAS ANN ABRAHAM
THE BLESSED HOPE OF RESURRECTION
PUBLISHER, PRINTER & OWNER MAJOR V. I. LUKOSE (Retired) HEBRON, KUMBANAD, PATHANAMTHITTA, KERALA.
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The views and ideas expressed in each article are those of the writer. - Editor Pictures Courtesy : Google Funeral Pictures : Fotoflux, Kumbanad
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Letters
I like Christmas
Dear Editor, I was so impressed by the editorial of Dr. John K.Mathew ‘I like Christmas”. I agree with him that there is no clear testimony for celebrating Christmas in the early church. And also with his statement that in today’s context it is good to celebrate the birth of Jesus, in order to ascertain the historical reality of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. A good part of today's world tries to evade the evidences of Jesus’ historicity. In such a situation true Christians get the opportunity to introduce and establish the reality of Jesus, the purpose of his birth and the hope filled message He brought through His sacrificial death on the Cross. It is very true when the writer says,”Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind’s progress. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one solitary life!!! “.May God continue to bless the ministry of revive. James Mathew, Coimbatore
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Baptism and Righteousness Dear revive, Dr. R Stanley puts forward a very serious doctrinal truth for our perusals in your December. Many Christians believe that everything is made right with baptism, forgetting that baptism is just the entrance into a life of continuous righteous living for which Jesus was a model for us. What Dr. Stanley states about Jesus’ baptism and His life thereafter is worth considering. Jesus was extremely conscious of “righteousness” (holiness) from the beginning of His life and ministry. His voluntary act of submission to John’s water baptism was to fulfill all the “righteousness” of God . Our diluted doctrine emphasizes water baptism as an entry ticket to Heaven. We must not forget that baptism is merely the first step of obedience to commence a walk of righteousness. Apostle Peter confirms that it’s not a ceremonial act but the answer of a “good conscience”. At baptism we say 'no' to sin and 'yes' to walk in the “newness” of life. Therefore, as Christians, let’s walk a life of righteousness till our last breath on this earth. May God help all for the same. Varghese Mathew, Dubai
The Perfect Redeemer Dear revive, Jesus Christ is the perfect redeemer. It means that Jesus alone can save those who rely on Him and trust in His saving work which He accomplished on the Cross. Redemption is the focal subject of the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no need of anyone else’s help for the complete salvation which Christ gives. This fact proves the meaninglessness of trusting and depending on mediators for one’s salvation or to receive answers to prayer. This truth is emphasized in the article of Dr. T. P. Varghese. Unfortunately, as the result of disobedience of the first man, whole mankind fell into sin. God in his mercy, decided to save humanity from their sins. It was the
choice of God and the will of God. For this cause Jesus was ready to pay the penalty. By doing so He did justice to God and humanity. Jesus voluntarily took the sins of the world and made himself a sacrifice so that forgiveness may be attained for humanity from God the Father. A just God has to see to it that justice is established. At the same time, a sinner has to be forgiven God must punish sin The only way the justice of God could ever be satisfied is by the substitutionary sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through the effective ransom paid by His sinless blood, Jesus offered eternal life to those who accept the sacrifice by faith. Thus He became the perfect and only Redeemer. Let’s publish this truth for the glory of God. Kurian John, Mumbai
Immanuel Dear Editor, The article of Rev. Mathew Skariah in revive December issue brought new insights about the word 'Immanuel'. What impressed me the most is the truth conveyed through the imagery of the 'effect of a helpless child who becomes the sign of God’s mighty powers against the arrogant autocratic inhuman leaders of this world.' It is a matter of great hope to experience God’s presence that is so real within the turmoil and anxieties of human life. God’s presence is both saving and judging, but it carries us forward in hope towards the greater purposes of God. Christmas comes to us as the continuing presence of God and calls the Church to embody God’s presence to bring hope to the world. Another information the writer gives in the article is the meaning of Immanuel presented in the Gospel of Mathew. The Gospel begins with the announcement of the angel regarding the birth of Immanuel. The Gospel ends with the announcement of Jesus that he would be with his disciples till the end of the world. May God help all the readers of revive to enjoy the Immanuel today and forever. George Mathew, Bahrain
renewing and enriching life
Pastor Dr. John K. Mathew
Inwastheto city of London a fourteen year old girl succumbed to acute cancer. Her desire have her body preserved in the cryogenic system, hopeful that some day
medical science would find a remedy for her disease and that the doctors would be able to bring her back to life. We can't blame that girl for her desire to come back to life and continue living, until life comes to a natural conclusion. Hers was a hope. But somewhere inside our heart and head we think that it is not an authentic hope! We are not sure the age at which Job started problems in his life. We assume that it was at an advanced age.So he enjoyed and experienced life almost in its full length. His story is different from the fourteen - year- old London girl and out of comparison. However, Job's perspective on life and life after is quite different from the London girl. His hope was not anchored in medicine, medical science or human beings. His trust was in God. He says,"I know that my Redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I myself will see Him with my own eyes - I and not another. How my heart yearns within me'. (Job 19:25-27). In the Bible, the word ''hope'' most often designates a disposition of soul, the grounds for one's hope, or the outcome for which one hopes. According to Chuck Swindoll, "Hope is a wonderful gift from God, a source of strength and courage in the face of life's harshest trials. When we are trapped in a tunnel of misery, hope points to the light at the end. When we are overworked and exhausted, hope gives us fresh energy. When we are discouraged, hope lifts our spirits. When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us moving". Mere optimism assumes that bad circumstances will improve with the passing of time. In contrast, hope assumes that God is faithful and is convinced that he is able to bring about his good purpose. So, at its core, Biblical hope is hope in God, rooted in God's
Biblical
hope is hope in God, rooted in God's covenant faithfulness. Hope trusts God in the present and lives even now on the strength of God's future accomplishments.
covenant faithfulness. Hope trusts God in the present and lives even now on the strength of God's future accomplishments. In the New Testament, hope is closely associated with Christ and his saving work. Christians now live by hope in Christ. Indeed He is "Christ Jesus, our hope". The hope Jesus promises is for all. Trust in him, he is the hope of glory. January/February 2017
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Dr. Shaibu Abraham Faculty, India Bible College & Seminary, Kumbanad.
Hope that Goes
Beyond the Curtain A Biblical Theology of Hope
The God
who has fulfilled his promises to Israel in the past will continue to be faithful in the present and future. Hope that does not place its trust in God is false hope which God will eventually overthrow.
The Bible
as a whole provides true hope to disillusioned humanity by revealing how God, out of love, will renew all creation following the disruption caused by the rebellion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. While the early chapters of Genesis look back to the first creation to explain the present state of the cosmos, the final chapters of Revelation look forward to the re-creation of a new heaven and a new earth. Throughout the Bible hope is closely associated with God himself and the outworking of his purposes in history. Of the various terms which express hope or expectancy, the most frequently used and the richest in meaning in New Testament Greek are the noun 'elpis', the verb 'elpizo' and their derivatives. Both words denote the act of hoping and also the idea of the object hoped for. Thus ta elpizomena means the good things hoped for, and elpisthe object of good hope as well as the act of hope. Another word, the noun apokarado kiadenotes a longing, almost impatient expectancy. In several passages in which the hope of the faithful of Israel is expressed through the verb or noun Yahweh is named as the object of hope. "To hope in Yahweh", "to wait forYahweh" are expressions created by the OT writers. Those Babylonians whose prayers have come down to us never called their gods their "Hope". But an Israelite could pray, "For you are my hope, O Lord God" (Ps. 71: 5). Jeremiah spoke of "Thou hope of Israel" (14: 8; 17: 13).
1. Hope in the Old Testament In the OT hope is closely related to the character of God. Those who hope in God, trust God and his promises. Because God is the hope of the righteous, they can expect
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good things from God and wait patiently for his help and deliverance. This patient hope is firmly anchored in the history and narrative of Scripture. The God who has fulfilled his promises to Israel in the past will continue to be faithful in the present and future. Hope that does not place its trust in God is false hope which God will eventually overthrow. Moreover, Yahweh himself is the theological ground of human hope in the OT; for instance, Jeremiah ponders, "This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 'The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, 'Therefore I hope in Him!'" (Lam. 3:21–26). Thus Yahweh was the object, embodiment and guarantor of his people's hope. Moreover, while the OT has relatively little to say about life after death, there are indications that those who enjoy a positive relationship with Yahweh in this life will continue to enjoy this experience beyond death. Hope in God in the present is also a hope in God’s future eschatological intervention which will put an end to all earthly distress. This eschatological hope expressed itself as a conviction that all of history was in God’s hands and that God would fulfill his promise to establish David’s throne forever. This aspect of Israel’s hope gave rise to the messianic expectation of the OT, apocalyptic literature and the idea of the resurrection of the dead. The messianic age was seen as a time when Israel’s hope in God’s promises would be fulfilled, the kingdom of God would be given to the saints and the hopes of the ungodly would be destroyed by God’s judgment. For this reason, confidence in Yahweh provides hope for every OT believer regardless of personal circumstances.
2. Hope in the New Testament As we turn to the New Testament, the idea of hope takes wider and deeper theological nuances and meanings. The Christian hope is not merely a vague idea of trusting for life on earth or safety of our spirits after death but it is the definite idea of coming of a future where our physical bodies also will be part of the great event. Scripture recognizes that the human body is weak, weary, and sick because of the fall. But it also recognizes that because of Christ, our bodies, not just our souls, will be raised in glory, never again to experience suffering, sickness, or death.When Christ redeemed us he did not just redeem our spirits, he redeemed us as whole persons, and this includes the redemption of our bodies.Therefore the application of Christ’s work of redemption to us will not be complete until our bodies are entirely set free from the effects of the fall and brought to that state of perfection for which God created them. In fact, the redemption of our bodies will only occur when Christ returns and raises our bodies from the dead. But at this present time, Paul says that we wait for “the redemption of our bodies,” and then adds, “for in this hope we were saved” (Rom. 8:23–24). The stage in the application of redemption when we receive resurrection bodies is called glorification. Referring to that future day Paul says that we will be “glorified with him” (Rom. 8:17).The day we are glorified will be a day of great victory because on that day the last enemy, death, will be destroyed, just as Scripture predicts: “For he must reign until hehas put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Cor.15:25–26). In the context of a discussion of the resurrection of our bodies when Christ returns, Paul says, “Then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1 Cor. 15:54–55). When our bodies are raised from the dead we will experience complete victory over the death that came as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve. Then our redemption will be complete.
3. The Guarantee of Our Hope How does the hope of a believer come true? What is the guarantee our hope? Paul says, “We ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Rom. 8:23).This, the final stage in the process of salvation, is an inheritance guaranteed by the Holy Spirit: “In [Christ] you also, who have heard the wordof truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed
in him, we are sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, which is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory”(Eph. 1: 13-14). Peter also spoke of an inheritance: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ fromthe dead, and to an inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by Gods power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be
The Christian
hope is not merely a vague idea of trusting for life on earth or safety of our spirits after death but it is the definite idea of coming of a future where our physical bodies also will be part of the great event. revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5). Furthermore, the New Testament promises salvation from the wrath of God at the time of judgment: “Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Rom. 59-10). In short, the believer can look forward to a much greater experience, an experience variously characterized as adoption by January/February 2017
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God, redemption of the body, an undefiled inheritance guaranteed by the Spirit, salvation from God’s wrath. Several biblical references point to a future completion of the process begun in regeneration and continued in sanctification. One of the most direct of these statements is Colossians 1:22: “he has now reconciled [you] in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him.”
At the
second coming of Christ, all who have died in the Lord will be raised; and they, together with the surviving believers, will be transformed. 4. The Great Hope of Resurrection It is not only our spirits but our physical bodies also will be glorified. This will take place in connection with the resurrection of a believer. At the second coming of Christ, all who have died in the Lord will be raised; and they, together with the surviving believers, will be transformed. Paul notes that the great change which will take place at the time of the coming of Christ will be instantaneous: “Lo! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the deadwill be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed’ (w. 51-52).
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5. The Nature of Resurrection Bodies If Christ will raise our bodies from the dead when he returns, and if our bodies will be like his resurrection body (1 Cor. 15:20, 23, 49; Phil. 3:21), then what will our resurrection bodies be like? Using the example of sowing a seed in the ground and growing it into something much more wonderful, Paul explains in details what our resurrection bodies will be like: What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power. It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body... Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven (1 Cor. 15:42–44, 49). The fact that our new bodies will be “imperishable” means that they will not wear out or grow old or ever be subject to any kind of sickness or disease. They will becompletely healthy and strong forever. Moreover, since the gradual process of agingis part of the process by which our bodies now are subject to “corruption,” it is natural that our resurrection bodies will have no sign of aging, but will have the characteristics of youthful but mature manhood or womanhood forever. There will be no evidence of disease or injury, for all will be made perfect. In these resurrection bodies we will clearly see humanity asGod intended it to be. Paul also says our bodies will be raised “in glory.” When this term is contrasted with “dishonor,” there is a suggestion of the beauty or the attractiveness of appearance that our bodies will have. They will no longer be “dishonorable” or unattractive, but will look “glorious” in their beauty. Moreover, because the word“glory” is so frequently used in Scripture of the bright shining radiance that surrounds the presence of God himself, this term suggests that there will also be a kind of brightness or radiance surrounding our bodies that will be an appropriate outward evidence of the position of exaltation and rule over all creation that God has given tous. This is also suggested in Matthew 13:43, where Jesus says, “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Similarly, we read in Daniel’s vision, “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever” (Dan. 12:3). In a much greater way, the bright light that shone from Jesus at the transfiguration (Matt. 17:2), together with the fact that we will bear the image of Christ and be like him (1 Cor. 15:49), combine to suggest that there will actually be a visible brightness or radiance that surrounds us when we are in our resurrection bodies.Our bodies will also be raised “in power” (1 Cor. 15:43). This is in contrast to the“weakness” which we see in our bodies now. Our resurrection bodies will not only be free from disease and aging, they will also be given fullness of strength and power. Finally, Paul says that the body is raised a “spiritual body” (1 Cor. 15:44). In the Pauline epistles, the word “spiritual” seldom means“non physical” but rather “consistent with the character and activity of the Holy Spirit”.“It is sown a natural body subject to the characteristics and desires of this age, and governed by its own sinful will, but it is raised a spiritual body, completely subject to the will of the Holy Spirit and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.” Such a body is not at all “non physical,” but it is a physical body raised to the degree of perfection for which God originally intended it. In conclusion, when Christ returns he will give us new resurrection bodies to belike his resurrection body. “When he appears we shall be like him” (1 John 3:2; cf. 1 Cor. 15:49; also Rom. 8:29).
6. The Renewal of the Creation Finally, we should note the relationship between the believer’s glorification and the renewal of the creation. Because man is part of the creation, his sin and fall brought certain consequences to it as well as to himself (Gen. 3:14-19). Creation is presently in subjection to futility (Rom.8:18-25). Yet Paul tells us that “the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God”(v. 21). The nature of the transformation which is to take place is stated more specifically Continued on page 19
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the backbone to the successful ministries of dear Pappa, her children and the graduates whom she trained. We have been inspired through the virtues that we have seen in Mummy’s character. She showed total dedication and commitment to her responsibilities, meticulously planned her classes, and endeavored for the holistic development of her students. Mummy was an exemplary teacher who inculcated discipline as a way of life. The reverberations of the strict training that her students received through her classes have been felt in their future ministries. A pleasant disposition, well-mannered interactions, healthy conversation, timely acts of service, an immaculately elegant sense and style of dress are some qualities that the students have imbibed from
Mrs. Mary Abraham Our Beloved Mummy
Mrs. Mary Abraham
wholeheartedly dedicated her life in molding, shaping and training the younger generations both in the secular as well as the theological streams of education. The India Bible College and Seminary community stand united in sharing in the sorrow borne out of the departure of our beloved Mummy. Having taught here for the last 22 years, I have nurtured a close relationship with Mummy. She has left an indelible mark of her personality in the hearts and minds of all the teachers, staff and students. Both the teachers as well as the students who have gone out of the portals of this theological institution have vivid reminisces of our beloved Mummy. Mummy’s prayer life is worth emulating. Many teachers and students and I have regularly witnessed Mummy’s devotion to intercessory prayer as she set apart a specific hour every day in her room in the Hebron Bungalow. Her prayers have been
Mummy. These qualities have blessed the students by helping them sharpen the contours of their ministries. In this context, we recall the many years of commendable leadership that Mummy gave to the Sodari Samajam Bible School for ladies. Mummy owned a lifestyle that was simple and shorn of pageantry. She exhibited January/February 2017
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consistency in every enterprise that she undertook. Mummy never did anything for the sake of name or fame. She did not desire praise and publicity but rather disliked being extolled by others for her good deeds. She was also not resentful when she did not receive honor or credit due to her. Recognition and position always came in search of her. Mummy’s love and care to the teachers, staff and students
Mummy
had a very strong zeal for the gospel. She took the initiative to send many Bible school graduates to Andhra Pradesh and other places in need of evangelists. The IPC Attapadi area churches were birthed as a result of Mummy sharing with her students about the spiritual darkness that enveloped that tribal belt. was very valuable. Her timely intervention and encouragement to those students who wanted to discontinue their studies was tremendous. She boosted them up and they were used mightily by God in later years. She also gave detailed attention to the food and accommodation of the teachers who stayed on campus, especially the senior faculty. Even to her last days, she showed special interest to know the number of new
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students and their places of origin. She enquired about their well-being and their food arrangements. To the end, her only desire was to do the work of the Lord. Mummy had a very strong zeal for the gospel. She took the initiative to send many Bible school graduates to Andhra Pradesh and other places in need of evangelists. The IPC Attapadi area churches were birthed as a result of Mummy sharing with her students about the spiritual darkness that enveloped that tribal belt. Mummy not only ensured regular monthly financial support to the evangelists she consistently prayed for their ministries and also shared her prayer concerns with them as well. She kept in regular contact with them through letters and enquired about the status of their work. Whenever she got opportunities to speak in public fora, she would always touch upon issues related to the Lord’s work and about the evangelistic efforts of the church. We have learnt some pertinent life lessons from Mummy and her children while she was bed-ridden during her last days, just as we have valuable memories of her while she was in the prime of her life. We have witnessed firsthand the nurture and care shown by her children in ministering to her. Both Mercy aunty and Georgy uncle have gone the extra mile in providing the best medical care and were constantly by their side. We have all seen the manner in which they have encouraged and uplifted them spiritually and emotionally through their words of comfort and prayers. All of Mummy’s other children have poured out their love and care on her whenever they came home for vacations. These invaluable lessons from these experiences about honoring our parents and caring for the elderly remain ingrained in our hearts. The entire IBC&S community is sorrowful in the departure of our beloved Mummy who left behind some good memories that may be cherished. We are comforted and filled with hope that Mummy is resting in her eternal home awaiting the reward of the selfless labor she has done for the Lord. (Spoken by Pastor Saju Joseph at the Home Going Service of Mrs. Mary Abraham on 03rd Dec 2016. Pastor Saju Joseph serves as Director of India Bible College & Seminary. Translated into English by Evang. Abraham Chacko, Faculty, India Bible College and Seminary).
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First IPC Faith Home in Andhra Pradesh Back row: Pastor P. M. Philip, Sister Annamma Mammen, Sister Mary (Nagpur), Pastor T. K. Thomas. Sitting: Mrs. K. E. Abraham, Pastor P. M. Thomas, Pastor P. M. Samuel, Pastor P. T. Chacko, Mrs. Annamma Chacko. Sitting on ground: Aliamma (Mrs. Aliamma Cherian), Mary (Mrs. Mary Abraham), Joy (Mrs. Joy Abraham Samuel)
Mary Abraham receives the President of India’s Best Teacher Award, 1973 at Hyderabad
Pastor P. T. Chacko and Annamma with T. S. Abraham and Mary, Joy, Aliamma, Jeffreys & Susy
Pastor T. S. Abraham and family
T. Stephen Abraham and Mary as newlyweds
Mary Abraham’s messages and brief exhortations were always to the point and very encouraging January/February 2017
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More scenes from the Home-going service of Mrs. Mary Abraham
Dr. George Thomas
Mrs. Annamma Mathews, good friend and co-worker with Mary Abraham
Staff at Fellowship Mission Hospital chapel, Kumbanad sang songs of hope
Dr. B. Varghese, Principal, FTS, Manakala
Dr. Jaison Thomas, Principal, NIBS, Paippad
Dr. Mathew Finny, Kottayam
Bro. Thampy Mathew, USA
Suja, represents Mammoottil Family, Kumbanad
Providence Choir, Kumbanad
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Part of the gathering on 03 December
Pr. P. A. Mathew, Vice Principal India Bible College and Seminary
Finny P. Mathew, offered condolences representing Media
Jose Philip with Tehillim Singers
Pr. Jacob K. Thomas, USA
Pr. P. R. Baby, Senior Pastor of Faith City Church
IPC Hebron Sunday School-140+ students 22 teachers-pay their last respects
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Family members of Poozhikalayil, Kumbanad
Pr. Thomas George, President IPC, Australia
Mrs. Annie Stephen, neice of Pastor T. S. Abraham
Pr. P. G. Mathews, Church of God in India
Pr. Noel Samuel, President IPC Andhra Pradesh and Nephew of Mary Abraham
Pr. K. Joy
Pr. Benjamine Varghese
Pastors and beleivers from IPC Hyderabad
Pastor T. J. Abraham, Mr. Abraham Kalamannil, Raju Abraham, Member of Legislative Assembly
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renewing and enriching life
Rev.Shiju M. George Faculty, India Bible College & Seminary, Kumbanad
Pauline Understanding of Paul
Hope
used the concept of hope in the light of different situations of the churches to which he wrote the epistles. The believers of the churches had to go through persecution because they had come to the new faith; some had physical problems, mental struggles, and they had genuine questions about life after death because of their beloved ones who died in Christ. Since believers lived in the midst of pagan religion, Paul gives accurate description of pagans who had no hope (Eph. 2:12; cf. 1 Thes.4:13) and according to Paul they were 'without God'. This he writes to highlight the uniqueness of Christian hope. In such a context, Paul used the concept ‘hope’ not just as a psychological necessity without reason, but in the biblical sense of belief in the living God, who acts and intervenes in human life and who can be trusted to implement his promises. Moreover, this hope is based on Christ's resurrection as the in - breaking of the Kingdom and Jesus' Second Coming as it's fulfillment which is far beyond the transitory and illusionary hope of this world. Let us see how Paul exposes different aspects of Christian hope.
1. Tension in Hope: Now and Not Yet. Paul speaks in his letters that the believers experience hope here and now. At the same time his letters contains the description of hope in the future. This tension is seen in numerous places in his letters. Believers live in the time between the resurrection of Christ and the ultimate realization of the Kingdom of God. They are members of the community determined by the reality of a future that has already begun, but still
Paul used
the concept ‘hope’ not just as a psychological necessity without reason, but in the biblical sense of belief in the living God, who acts and intervenes in human life and who can be trusted to implement his promises. January/February 2017
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awaiting its final consummation. For example, Hope of redemption is in one sense something Paul and his readers already "have" but in another sense they still await redemption, "redemption of the body". Hence, the believers live in hope even if God's promise in Christ so often stand in contradiction to the reality around them.
The suffering
that believers undergo is also a part of this guarantee. Those who are joint heirs with Christ must suffer with him before they are to be glorified with him. But the glory is as sure as the suffering, and the Holy Spirit is a pledge that the suffering is not in vain.
2. Different Aspects of Hope Christian hope has important fundamental aspects in it. The reality of Hope is based on three things: faith in God, the reality of God's victory over evil in the death and resurrection of Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The attempt here is to discuss about them.
i) Key of Hope: Faith Hope, the basic biblical concept, is inseparable from faith in God. Paul's vision extends as deeply
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into the past as it does into the future which God has reserved for the world in Christ. The heroes of faith, for example, in Hebrews 11 are beacons of hope. As Paul gazes into salvific history, he focuses on Abraham, his father in faith, whom he characterizes as "hoping against hope". Abraham had faith in God. There was nothing found in Abraham to destroy his hope that Sarah would give birth to a son, but because he believed in God, he could 'in hope' believe 'against hope' (Rom 4:18) which is hope in God against all human evidence or odds. For Paul, Abraham's hope, as his own, was in the God "who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist" (Rom 4:17). Due to what God has done in the past, particularly in preparing for the coming of Christ, and because of what God has done and is now doing through Christ, the believers dares to expect future blessings at present (2 Cor 1:10).
ii) Ground of Hope - Jesus Christ The ones who put faith in God through Jesus Christ can have this hope. Pauline understanding of hope is grounded in God's act of salvation in Christ. Christ's death and resurrection was the beginning of his salvific work and its completion take place in his Parousia. In Romans 5: 1-5 Paul reminds the Roman church that in Christ they have already been justified by faith, have obtained access to the grace of God and can rejoice in their hope of sharing the glory of God. Christ in a believer is the hope of future glory. A believer's salvation rests on such hope (Rom 8:24); and this hope of salvation is a ‘helmet’, an essential part of his defensive armor in the struggle against evil (1 Thes. 5:8). Hope in Christ, to be sure, 'a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul', penetrating deep into the invisible eternal world. Because of faith in Christ, the believers have an assurance that the things he hopes for are real; and his hope never disappoints him (Rom 5:5) because of the gift of the Spirit. iii) Agent of Hope - Holy Spirit Holy Spirit is the inseparable agent of Christian hope. He as God’s gift provides an experiential basis for hope in the present. He enables the believers to live in His power and to move towards the full realization of the purpose of God. The Holy Spirit assures believers that they are fellow heirs with Christ because the giving of Spirit is a sign that Christ has already entered into his inheritance, it is a guarantee that the expectation of those who still wait will be fulfilled. The suffering that believers undergo is also a part of this guarantee. Those who are joint heirs with Christ must suffer with him before they are to be glorified with him. But the glory is as sure as the suffering, and the Holy Spirit is a pledge that the suffering is not in vain. The activity of the Spirit is proof that a new age has dawned and that the consummation of the age cannot be long delayed. The suffering that is characteristic of this age is the result of being faithful to Christ in a world that is hostile to him. The image of groaning and travailing in Romans 8 shows that creation’s present condition will result in a glorious occasion, which includes redemption of the cosmos. Believers in this travail possess the first fruits of the Spirit and can anticipate their future salvation, their adoption and the redemption of their bodies. The glory will be revealed is already present in the gift of the Spirit who intercedes for the believers according to the will of God. The Spirit helps Christians in their weakness by giving them assurance that their hope of glory is not vain. Romans 8:28-30 assures believers that nothing can destroy their ultimate glory, God will triumph in the face of adverse circumstances.
3. Hope in the Present Presence of the Spirit is an anchor of hope for the believers to live in today’s world of despair, sorrows and difficulties. Holy Spirit helps believers to have hope and enable them to live according to the will of God on this earth exhibiting certain virtues to
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possess the promises of God. Hope in the present is explained in the Pauline letters with three virtues. First, Be joyful. The indicator to know a believer’s hope at present depends on how a believer responds to debilitating and lethal situations in life. Paul in his writings encouraged the churches to be joyful amid suffering. Even though it is difficult to rejoice in the midst of reality of suffering, believers can rejoice even in their suffering since their experience is illuminated by the reality of future hope of glory. Second, Have Endurance. Paul constantly asked the believers to have endurance amid sufferings. This virtue, 'endurance' is vastly different from Stoic endurance, precisely because it is bound up with a hope unknown. Believers in Christ need to completely trust in God and move forward. If Christians hold on to this hope in the midst of suffering, their hope will grow and they will not be put to shame. Third, Love. Living a life in the Spirit by exercising the gifts in love will provide believers with an overwhelming assurance of their inclusion in a new age that has already dawn. Christian hope inspired by the Spirit frees a believer from all selfishness and enable the believer to love one another. The believer does not hope for the blessing of himself which he does not desire others to share. When he loves his fellow-human he hopes that they be recipients of the good things that he knows God longs to give them. Paul gave evidence of his hope just as much as his love and his faith when he returned the runaway slave Onesimus to his master Philemon.
4. Hope for the Future Hope is not defined by present realities but by God's purpose for the future. But when Paul writes about this future, it never becomes detached from the present experience of life in Christ (Col 1:27).The future believers anticipate is a consummation of activity that began in Christ's death and resurrection and continue in the present experience of the Spirit. The object of Christian hope is the coming manifestation of Christ. That is explicitly mentioned in Titus 2:13 as " the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour Jesus. Closely connected to the manifestation of glory is eternal life (Titus 1:2; 3:7) and the resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Cor 15). Christ's resurrection is the first fruit which guarantees the coming resurrection of all who are in Christ. At the same time, God's final purpose will be fulfilled and the kingdom will come in all its glory. This final resurrection is so certain that to deny resurrection is to deny the God who promised this glorious future. The death and resurrection of Christ and the sufferings undergone by believers led Paul to describe the object of Christian hope as a sharing in the glory of God (2 Cor 4:1618), which marks the state of risen Christ. In 2 Corinthians and elsewhere, when Paul describes his experience of tribulation, he uses the concept of "trust" or "confidence" in God to describe the hope that wells up in him (2 Cor 3:4,12 cf . Philemon ). Later, Paul describes all Christians as groaning in their anticipation of being clothed with the glory of the resurrection body (2 Cor 5). When in Philippians, Paul contemplates the possibility of his own death, he describes his hope as one of going to be with Christ in
Hope that Goes Beyond the Curtain: A Biblical Theology of Hope Continued from page 10 in Revelation 21: l-2: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” At that time God will declare, “Behold, I make all things new”(v.5). Man’s original dwelling was in the paradisaical setting of the Gardenof Eden;
that divine glory into which Jesus has already entered (Phil 1:23; cf.3: 20-21).
Conclusion For Paul, believers hope only finds meaning as a foretaste of something greater and more glorious. It sets out from the present reality of God's activity in raising Christ from the dead and giving the Spirit to believers, and proclaims the future of that reality.
Christian
hope inspired by the Spirit frees a believer from all selfishness and enable the believer to love one another. The believer does not hope for the blessing of himself which he does not desire others to share. Hope is an encouragement to believers in the midst of suffering, but it also prevents believers from being content with the present circumstances. It insists that believers rejoice, patiently wait, and love one another amid suffering with eager longing for the great day when all of God's promises are fulfilled.
his final dwelling will also be in a perfect setting-the new Jerusalem. Part of the glorification of man will be the provision of a perfect environment in which to dwell. January/February 2017
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Dr. Samson Gandhi Executive Director, Person to Person - Institute for Christian Counselling, Hyderabad
Hope for the Hopeless
Theologically speaking all pain is the result of the original sin of Adam, then generational sins of ancestors, collective sin of society and personal sin.
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Christian response to Social issues Pain is the chief human problem. Peace is the result of resolving such pain. There are many forms of pain but primarily physical and emotional. Doctors prescribe pain-killers
and sedatives to manage pain. A whole branch of medicine called palliative care is dedicated to the treatment of pain in terminally ill patients. But what about emotional pain? Theologically speaking all pain is the result of the original sin of Adam, then generational sins of ancestors, collective sin of society and personal sin. To negate that pain of guilt and provide peace, Jesus paid the price on the cross and ushered in the kingdom of God. It is the God of this kingdom and the subjects of this King who will facilitate peace that is full of hope.
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Anyone can be born blind, deaf and dumb or lame and become physically challenged. Some are born mentally retarded, autistic or intellectually challenged. A few others become physically or intellectually challenged due to biological disorders or accidents. Some others are stricken by cancers or become HIV+ and become AIDS affected. Whatever the cause, they become the responsibility of the so called able bodied and intellectually abled people. The main part of that responsibility is to be able to treat them with dignity. Then they feel valued. That is the first step of being human. Unfortunately, many such people are discriminated against and therefore feel rejected even humiliated. It is in our culture that guilt and shame is attached to disability. When a girl is born, there is no celebration. She is not provided the same opportunities as the boy in the family. When cancer strikes, it is blamed on karma, reaping the consequences of sins of past life. It is true that neither the Bible mentions such a belief nor is it taught in the churches. But as we live among our Hindu friends we absorb their beliefs and our beliefs affect our living. Jesus silenced such a prospect once for all when he said, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this has happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life (John 9:3).” Jesus not only delinks human suffering to either past sins or present but declares the outworking of God in such people. Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan was lame in both his feet. He was on invalid. Moreover, after the death of Saul, he was like a fugitive, on the run from King David. But David shows great kindness. He instructs that Mephibosheth always eats at the king’s table thereby ensuring that he is treated with dignity and respect and protected from all harm. David did not discriminate him based on his physical disability. Down the history we have many ‘heroes’ of faith who overcame their disability and became an inspiration to many. Helen Keller is one of them. She was born on June 27, 1880 and died on June 1, 1968. She was deaf and blind. In 1904, at the age of 24, she became the first graduate in arts from Radcliff College, Massachusetts, USA. She went on to become an American Author, political activist and lecturer. But who was behind her success? Anne Sullivan, an American teacher noticed Helen Keller’s desire and became her personal instructor and life-long companion. Anne Sullivan was able to see beyond her disability and helped realize her full potential. Celebrated author Mark Twain was an admirer of Helen Keller and facilitated her education. We see that caring people and accepting society had defining role in Helen Keller’s life. I like a quote that is attributed to her: “It is a terrible thing to see and have no vision.” Jethro is a modern day beacon of light for hope to all those who are disabled and to all who wait and serve them. Jethro was born on December 10th, 1995. He was a bundle of joy to his parents when he was born but soon the doctors pronounced the unimaginable. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and Microcephaly. Eventually, all his four limbs were useless; his speech was impaired totally. His head flopped and did not stand erect. He would drool saliva without sufficient control. Doctors cautioned his parents that Jethro would probably just a ‘vegetable’. His daunting parents and his indomitable sister never ignored him or neglected him. They restructured their entire lives to provide every comfort, attention and care to Jethro. Basking in their love, he blossomed in spite of being a ‘vegetable’. He even composed poems through a sign language of his shoulders. At four he composed this poem: “Little nose to the north; South hardly behind; East on the sunrise side; West opposite.”
At about sixteen, he composed eleven verses and one of that is: “Your mind is place where battles are fought; Your strengthen it with good, for you to be victor; You let it be filled with evil, for you to be a failure.” Not every deaf and blind person like Helen Keller can find a Anne Sullivan nor a ‘vegetable’like Jethro find a loving family. But then Christ came that we may all became the family of God and show love to such courageous
In Matthew
25: 31-46, Jesus talks about hungry, the thirsty, the strangers, the naked, the sick and the prisoners. There he clearly advocates action and compassion to such helpless and hopeless people. In fact, it is not an option but a commandment. souls who stretch beyond every limitation – physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual. The body of Christ – the church – must speak, inspire and act on behalf of such people. (For more on Jethro: jethrodaniel10.blog.com) In Matthew 25: 31-46, Jesus talks about hungry, the thirsty, the strangers, the naked, the sick and the prisoners. There he clearly advocates action and compassion to such helpless and hopeless people. In fact, it is not an option but a commandment. If we ignore it we stand condemned. Continued on page 24 January/February 2017
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Pastor P. J. Daniel, Trivandrum Faculty, India Bible College & Seminary, Kumbanad
HOPE
THE BLESSED OF RESURRECTION A believer’s
hope is beyond the blue. It never ends or gets extinguished with this earthly life.
Life after death is the blessed hope of a believer. A believer’s hope is beyond the blue. It never ends or gets extinguished with this earthly life. Apostle Paul exalts the
experience of resurrection in the resurrection hymn of 1 Corinthians chapter fifteen. Because Jesus is risen from the dead we also have the assurance that we also will be resurrected. If the life of Jesus was finished with the cross, then our life would have beenso miserable and wretched. But I praise God that He is resurrected on the third day by defeating death and hades. So it is our blessed assurance that our life will not be extinct with death but we have the blessed hope of glorious eternal life.
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As we learn the topic of resurrection we have to classify resurrection into two categories. One is the resurrection of the Just and the other is the resurrection of the Unjust. The following Bible verses will disclose this fact. 1) “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12: 2. 2) “Marvel not this: for the hour is coming, in which all are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” John 5: 28, 29. 3) “. . . . there will be resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked” Acts 24: 15. 4) “They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them.” Revelation 20: 4 – 6. The following table will give an explanation of these two resurrections No Reference
First resurrection (Just)
Second resurrection (Unjust)
1. Daniel 12:2 Everlasting life
To shame and everlasting contempt
2. John 5: 28, 29
Those who have done good to resurrection of life
Those who have done evil to resurrection of damnation.
3. Acts 24: 15
Resurrection of the Just
Resurrection of the unjust
4. Revelation 20: 4- 6
First resurrection Blessed and Holy
Second Resurrection Wicked and unfortunate
It is evident from this table that there will be two resurrections in its kind. According to Revelation chapter 20 verses 4 – 6,it is obvious that there are two resurrections. If there is a first resurrection, definitely there will be a second resurrection. The first resurrection is for the righteous and the second for the unrighteous. It is also evident from Revelation 20: 5 that there will be a gap of thousand years between first and second resurrections. When the first group enters into the hope of glory, the second group enters into misery and gloom. What a privilege we have in Christ that we will be with our beloved Master in glory forever and ever!!! Though we have seen that there are two resurrections in kind, according to Apostle Paul there are different ranks assigned in the resurrections (1 Corinthians 15: 20 – 24). “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruit of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man the resurrection of the dead come also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turns, Christ the first fruits; then when He comes, those who belong to Him, then the end will come”. From these verses it is obvious that all are not resurrected together, but each group has its own turn. The initial group is Jesus Christ as the first fruits. Second group has the turn when He comes. They are those who belong to him. The third rank is the end – the final resurrection. Here it is stated in an agricultural term. When we examine the state of resurrection body Paul narrates in term of agriculture (1 Corinthians 15: 17ff) – sowing seed. So we can classify it as follows: First fruit, harvest, gleanings, and the chaff in the fire. From this it is evident that the resurrection of the saint has three different ranks. Then at the end all the chaff, which are the wicked will be put in the lake of fire. The first rank is Christ the first fruits. Jesus was resurrected from the dead as
“first fruit”. In the harvesting term first fruit means the initial and primary harvesting, this promises us a great harvest to follow. It is apparent that because Christ is resurrected from the dead, the saints of Jesus also will have a resurrection, which can be termed as “Harvest”. It is to note here particularly the term “first fruits”. It is not in singular but in plural. It denotes that there was a group of saints
Christ is
resurrected from the dead, the saints of Jesus also will have a resurrection, which can be termed as “Harvest”. It is to note here particularly the term “first fruits”. It is not in singular but in plural. It denotes that there was a group of saints resurrected with Christ when he was resurrected. resurrected with Christ when he was resurrected. Matthews’s gospel 27: 52 - 53 corroborate this truth. Some of the Old Testament saints were resurrected with Jesus Christ, who appeared to the contemporaries who lived in Jerusalem, who were familiar to them. After they appeared to them, did not live with them and died again, but appeared to them as Jesus appeared to the disciples. This gave an assurance to the living saints that there will January/February 2017
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be a resurrection awaiting for them too. The second rank is those who belong to him at His coming. At this juncture we should know something about His return. In Acts 1: 11 we see two heavenly men proclaiming that Jesus would come again in the same manner as He had taken up. When we study the scripture keenly we will come to know that He has gone to the father twice, one in secretly and the other publicly. John’s gospel 20: 17 reveal that he went to the father secretly with the captives of the Old Testament saints, who were in the hades known as Abraham’s bosom, to the heavenly paradise. (Ephesians 4: 8). Then He ascended to the father visibly after40 days of His resurrection a second time, when all were looking to Him (Acts 1: 9 – 11). So his second coming also will be in the same manner. Mathew 24: 43, 44 say that Christ shall come like a thief, who comes in secret. Revelation 1: 7 reveals that He shall come visibly, that every eye shall see him. The first appearance will be in secret and the second will be in public. The first one is known as the rapture.
The second one is the revelation. The first one is the Parousia; the second one is the Epiphany. The first appearance is for receiving His own with him, and the second appearance is to return with his own. If it is so, the resurrection also should have two phases. The first resurrection will take place at his rapture. It will be a secret coming in the mid-air. I Thessalonians 4: 16 – 17 reveals that all the dead in Christ will be resurrected first. This will be a great harvest. All the Old Testament saints and the New Testament saints will be resurrected at this time. Old Testament saints were looking forward for a better resurrection (Hebrews 11: 35 – 40). But God has planned a better one for us. Though all the Old and New Testament saints will be resurrect together, we will have a better resurrection as the bride of Christ. This resurrection is known as the “harvest”. Then there will be a “gleaning”. This will take place at His visible appearance on mount Olive. All the martyrs of the tribulation period will be resurrected at this time (Revelation 20: 4 – 6). So this will be a gleaning. With this resurrection of the martyrs of the tribulation period, the resurrection of the saints or the first resurrection will be completed. The last resurrection will be for the wicked. They are the chaff and they will be put in the lake of fire (Revelation 20: 11 – 15). The first resurrection and the second resurrection will have a gap of thousand years. The first resurrection will be finished with the beginning of millennial reign of Christand the resurrection of the wicked will be taken place at the close of the millennial reign.Thus there will be a gap of thousand years in between the first and second resurrection. Our resurrection body will be distinctively different from each other. Our reward will be given according to our good works and our physical glory will be as per our holy life. Some will be like the sun and some others will be like moon and still others will be like stars (1 Corinthians 15: 40- 41). If we lead a holy life like Joseph and Daniel, we will shine like the sun and some others will be dim like moon and still others will blink like stars. Eternity will reveal how we led our life on earth. So, the resurrection of body is the culmination of our Salvation. Now our souls are only saved. Our body is not yet glorified. We are looking forward for the glorification of our body. So let us lead a holy and acceptable life before the Lord and one day we shall attain that glorious resurrected body.
Hope for the Hopeless Christian response to Social issues 4. Strike a conversation with them and talk about topics of their interest. Continued from page 21 Practically, we all can do our bit when we come across such people. 1. Be accepting of them. Show it in your attitude with a smile. 2. Be caring in giving priority to them in seating, allowing them to go ahead in the queues. 3. Be kind to them by opening doors for them.
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5. Find out from them if in some way you can help them. 6. Support institutions that care for them by giving you time, talent and treasure. 7. Involve yourself in advocacy. Speak up for them so that budgets are allocated to make better facilities for them. 8. To better appreciate their hardships try and live like them – become ‘blind’ for one hour; become ‘dumb and deaf’ for one hour. Try doing things without the use of your right hand or a leg. We will learn to better empathize with them. 9. Learn sign language and become a help to them. 10. Do the greatest of all: pray for them. If you truly pray, God will speak to you to get involved. Paul writing to Corinthians said, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Let us by faith in love give hope to the hopeless.
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Not All Christians Are Happy about 'The Shack' Movie A film version of the popular book The Shack will be released this spring, andmany Christians are concerned about its message. Although The Shack deals with Christian themes, many Christians have noted the heretical way it portrays God. Although the film has not yet been released for general audiences, Pastor Joe Schimmel told Christian News Network that if the film follows the book closely, Christians should be wary of its message. The Shack tells the story of a man whose daughter has been killed. He is given a mysterious message to meet at “the shack” where his daughter was apparently killed. While there, he encounters three characters who are meant to represent God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. These characters help him overcome his grief.
news
Schimmel even preached a message at his church titled “The Shack and the Seduction of the Church.” “Tragically, these heresies are reflected in the aberrant fictional theology presented in The Shack. These are not mere trivial matters but strike at the very heart of God’s character and the gospel that saves our eternal souls,” added James B. DeYoung, author of Burning Down The Shack: How the ‘Christian’ Bestseller is Deceiving Millions.
However, God is portrayed as a plump African-American woman and the Holy Spirit is portrayed as an Asian woman with a Hindu name. Young’s pretentious caricature of God as a heavy set, cushy, non-judgmental, African American woman called ‘Papa’ (who resembles the New Agey Oprah Winfrey far more than the one true God revealed through the Lord Jesus Christ— Hebrews 1:1-3), and his depiction of the Holy Spirit as a frail Asian woman with the Hindu name, Sarayu, lends itself to a dangerous and false image of God and idolatry,” stated Schimmel.
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QUIZ–49
THE COMPANY OF APOSTLES
1. 2. 3. 4.
What apostle was a tax collector from Capernaum? Who was the only one of the 12 apostles not from Galilee? Who was called the beloved disciple? Who, according to tradition, preached in Assyria and Persia and died a martyr in Persia? 5. Who was not one of the original 12, though he probably labored harder for the gospel than anyone else? 6. Of all the apostles, which is the only one who is supposed to have died a natural death? 7. Who is supposed to have provided the background information for the Gospel of Mark? 8. What hard-working companion of Paul was called an apostle? 9. Whom, in Romans 16, did Paul refer to as apostles? 10. Who preached at Pentecost?
Answers for Quiz - 48 Sign unto You 1. The swaddling clothes and the manger (Luke 2:12) 2. Tongues (I Cor. 14:22) 3. The Sabbath (Exo. 31:13) 4. Jonah’s (Mathew 16:4) 5. Gideon (Jud. 6:36-38) 6. Isaiah (7:14) 7. Joshua (4:6) 8. Egypt (Exo. 10:2) 9. Jeroboam (I Kings 13:5) 10. Jeremiah (6:1)
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The ABC of becoming a Christian 26 January/February 2017
Admit that you are in
need of someone to save you from guilt, shame and bondage or addictions. Admit that you have violated God’s Laws.
Believe that Jesus Christ is the
only One whois able to save you and to bring deliverence and offer forgiveness of sins. Believe that Jesus is the only One to conquer death and is the risen Saviour.
Confess with your
mouth that Jesus is your Lord and submit to His rulership in your life.