The Christian Messenger: December 2012 E-Mag

Vol. 9, No. 8

Pages 28

DECEMBER, 2012

The purpose of the news magazine is to report newsworthy religious events and activities within the local community, nationwide and around the world, to increase the awareness and activism of believers regarding the moral issues of today, to provide thought-provoking commentary, and to provide an effective advertising vehicle for Christian ministries and organizations, events and businesses that want to reach the Christian community. - Editor

The Team Managing Editor: Robin Sam Editor & Publisher: Elsy Robin Director (Strategy & Planning): Benjamin Ross Editorial Advisor: P I Samuel Production & Sales: S Saravanan Mission Fields: S A Peter, N Solai, (Tamil Nadu) Ashok Baghel (Chhattisgarh) Mohinder Lal (Jammu & Kashmir) Guest Columnists: Grace Ida Rajan, Joyce Braganza, Mathews George, Don Davis

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praise our Lord God Jesus Christ for graciously enabling us to publish the magazine in the last month of the year also. All praise to Him for helping us to bring out the Word of God, a few important prayer points, current Christian news and events through this edition of the magazine.

Last month, some fundamentalists attacked one of our colleagues in Chhattisgarh. Bro.Younus, who works along with Bro. Ashok Baghel in Chhattisgarh, was attacked by a mob of Hindu fundamentalists on Nov 11 when he was on the way to conduct Sunday service in Sirhaguda, where we recently started a prayer group. Younus was hardly 20 metres away from the place where believers had gathered for Sunday morning worship when a group of people accosted him and started raining blows on him. Even as Younus was being beaten up, a few believers who heard his cries rushed to his rescue. He managed to break free from his attackers. However, he had to go into hiding as the fundamentalists had threatened to lodge a police complaint against him for alleged religious conversion of villagers. I spoke to Bro. Younus after the incident. His courage and conviction impressed me. He has vowed to continue to work for the Lord in the area despite threats. Close to 15 people were coming together regularly to worship the Lord and study the Word of God in Sirhaguda until this incident. Continue to uphold the Chhattisgarh mission and the workers in your prayers.

In a couple of months, a few new believers will receive baptism in our Jammu mission field. These men and women who come from traditional Hindu background worship the Lord at our church in Jammu. I urge you to pray that God will soon create conditions favorable for their baptism.

The hostilities between Israel and Hamas are likely to come to an end even as I am writing this letter. In a peace deal brokered by Egypt, Israel and Hamas have agreed for a ceasefire. Hamas triggered the Israeli missile attacks in the Gaza region when they attacked Israel. Three Israeli soldiers were killed in that attack and Israel was left with no choice but to retaliate. I spoke to Don Davis, our columnist and analyst of Middle East affairs, a few days ago. He told me he was doing fine. We need to pray for Israel – that the recent attacks by both parties don’t blow out into a fullfledged war in the region. We are urged to pray especially for the peace of Jerusalem in Psalm 122:6-9. Let us stand in the gap and intercede that the Lord of Hosts will protect Israel and bring peace in the region.

Wars, rumors of wars and persecution are signs of the Lord’s imminent return. Are we ready to receive the Lord?

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E encourage you to use these points in your daily prayer as a family, prayer group or an individual.

We would be glad if you take copies of these prayer points and share them with other believers in your church, prayer group or workplace.

If you have a specific prayer point that you would like us to pray for along with our readers, you can send it to us by email at christianmessengerindia@ gmail.com Blessings, Editor. n The Bible warns us that love will be a casualty in the last days. Pray that we don’t become dispassionate or disillusioned but be optimists for Christ forever. n Riches in life can often hinder us from coming to Christ. What should be our mind-set when it comes to wealth? Proverbs 30:7-10 has a wonderful prayer that we can emulate. n Matthew 7:19 says every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Let us ask God to prune us periodically. n Pray for Bangalore city today. Despite its cosmopolitan outlook and pleasant environs, the city’s pub culture is causing havoc among young IT professionals and others. Two years ago, DNA put out a report that said HIV positive people descend on the city looking for young virgins in the hope that sex with them will cure their disease. n 2 Timothy 2:16 asks us to avoid godless chatters.

Those who indulge in it become more and more ungodly. Pray that all believers would pray like David in guarding their mouths. n What do you want your children or grandchildren to be? There is no greater joy than our progeny knowing the Lord closely and walking with Him. Luke 2:40 says what kind of boy Jesus was. ‘And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom.

And the favor of God was upon him.’ May this be our prayer for our children, too. n Will you pray for our ministry today? The Christian Messenger has opened a mission field in Chhattisgarh and is working among tribal people in two districts. The ministry has opened a mission post in Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu. Pray for our mission post in Jammu & Kashmir. Pray for our workers’ health, protection and guidance.

Pray that their efforts in reaching the lost will be met with success. n Pray for good rains in India this year. Although, the Meteorological Department has said the monsoon deficiency is expected to narrow down soon, the current deficiency is 22 percent. Monsoon rains are crucial for the agricultural sector, which contributes about 15 per cent to the country’s GDP.

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n Proverbs 28:19 talks about how hard work fetches good dividends. Let us pray that all the spirit of sloth be removed from our midst. n Pray for peace in Assam today. That state was rocked by ethnic violence in which several lives were lost. Curfew had to be imposed in two districts after Muslims and Bodo tribals clashed with each other. Close to two lakh people are said to be in relief camps while 11 people are still missing. n Growing number of teens and even younger children in the US who think they were born the wrong sex are getting support from parents and doctors who give them sex-changing treatments.

According to a report, as many as 97 girls and boys were treated between 1998 and 2010. Pray. n Pray for peace between India and Sri Lanka. In the recent past, the two neighbors have had more than their share of troubles the most niggling being the rights accorded to Sri Lankan Tamils by the government of the island nation. n Pray for peace in Pakistan. The nation continues to be tormented by bomb blasts orchestrated by fundamentalist groups and terrorist outfits. n Let us pray that material blessings of the world will not affect our spiritual growth in Jesus Christ.

Proverbs 30:8 has an excellent prayer for an earnest believer. n Pray for all you know who are involved in the Lord’s ministry, for their efforts to bear fruit, for their spiritual growth and for peace and harmony in their homes. n Pray for Goa. Tourists flock the tiny state for not only its idyllic beaches but also for the roaring liquor trade and sex trafficking. According to the book ‘Rape for Profit,’ girls mostly between the ages of 9 and 16 are sold to brothels. Pray for more churches led by the Holy Spirit to come up in Goa. n 2 Peter 3:11 says what sort of people ought we to be in holiness and godliness since the day of the Lord is nearer than we think. Pray that we are not caught up in laying up treasures for ourselves on earth or caught up in the worries of the world. n Pray for adequate water to be available throughout our country, containment of common summer diseases and God’s canopy of grace over us and our families. n Philippians 4:6 outlines the line of action expected of us by God. ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ Let us offer Him thanks, praise and continue to pray. God will meet us at the point of our need.

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INDIA REPORTS POPE Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop George Antonysamy, Apostolic nuncio to West African countries, as the new Archbishop of Madras and Mylapore. He succeeds Archbishop Malayappan Chinnappa, who has retired.

The announcement was made in the Vatican on Nov. 21, Chancellor Dr. Charles Kumar informed.

Archbishop Antonysamy, the Pope’s Ambassador to Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone, is the sixth archbishop of this ancient, historical and amalgamated archdiocese. He was born on February. 15, 1952, in Tiruchy, did his early school education there and soon joined St Augustine’s Minor Seminary.

After his Bachelor of Philosophy and Master of Theology in Urban University, Rome, he was ordained priest on November 19, 1980, in Tiruchy.

He had obtained his Doctorate in Theology from Lateran University, Licentiate in Canon Law from Pontifical Urban University, Rome, Italy. The archbishop-elect completed one year as assistant parish priest at the Holy Redeemer’s Minor Basilica, Tiruchy, and was sent to Rome for higher studies.

In 1987, he was chosen to the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See (Vatican) by Blessed Pope John Paul

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II and was posted in the Apostolic Nunciatures (Vatican Embassies) in different countries like Indonesia, Algeria, Tunis, Libya, Morocco, in North Africa, the Central African Republic, Congo, Chad in Central Africa, Bangladesh, the Baltic Countries – Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland in Europe.

In 2002, Pope John Paul II appointed him as the Charge d’Affaires of the Vatican Embassy in Jordan.

On August 4, 2005, Monsignor George Antonysamy was elected as Titular Archbishop of Sulci in Sardinia, Italy, by Pope Benedict XVI and had his Episcopal Ordination on September 21, 2005 in Tiruchy.

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COVER STORY

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”

King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, 'for this is what the prophet has written: ‘“But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.”’

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.

He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the 8 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2012

child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthew 2:1-12) years ago John H. Hopkins, Jr. penned the words and music of this haunting carol of the wise men: “We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts, we traverse afar...”

They weren’t kings. We’re pretty sure of that. Nor were there necessarily three of them. Nor did they go by the names Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. But who were they and why did they come? How do they fit into the story of Jesus’ infancy?

Who are the Magi?

Let’s follow the story as Matthew tells it: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com

came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him’.” (Matthew 2:1-2) All of a sudden an elaborate entourage from the East appears in Jerusalem at Herod’s court inquiring about the birth of the ‘King of the Jews.’

These men are described as ‘Wise men’ (NRSV, KJV) or ‘Magi’ (NIV). The word is ‘magos’, a (Persian, then also Babylonian) wise man and priest, who was expert in astrology, interpretation of dreams, and various other occult arts.”

Where were they from? The text says ‘the east’, the direction from which the sun rises. Where could that be? There are three main possibilities: •Parthia or Persia. The term magoi was first associated with the Medes and the Persians. We know that astrology flourished in this area and that the astral lore of the region was applied to royal births.

•Babylon. The Babylonians or Chaldeans had a well developed interest in astronomy and astrology. A large colony of Jews remained there, so astrologers could have learned of Jewish messianic expectations. Also, magoi are referred to in Daniel’s description of the Babylonian court.

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•Arabia or the Syrian desert. The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh are associated with desert camel trains coming from Midian in northwest Arabia or Sheba in southwest Arabia.

Astrology was not unknown and Jewish colonies existed in various cities.

Which of these is most likely? We can’t really say.

At any rate, they were men of wisdom and learning from an exotic, far away land bringing a caravan into the capital city of the Jews, seeking a newborn king.

They must have attracted attention.

What kind of Star did they see? “... and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been

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COVER STORY born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’”

‘Star’ (astēr ) wasn’t used in a modern scientific sense. Rather it referred to ‘a luminous body (other than the sun) visible in the sky, star, single star, planet.’

Werner Foerster notes, “astēr almost always denotes a single ‘star,’ whereas astron can also be used for a ‘constellation.’ The phrase ‘in the east’ (NIV, KJV, anatolē) in verses 2 and 9 may well carry the meaning ‘at its rising’ (NRSV), of the ‘upward movement of celestial bodies.’

Here are some of the possibilities: A supernova or ‘new star’: A supernova is an explosion in an existing star that for several weeks or months gives out a great deal of light, sometimes even visible during the day. A dozen novae are discovered each year, but those visible to the naked eye are rare. There is no historical record of a supernova just before Jesus’ birth date.

A comet: Throughout history, comets have captured human imagination. A comet’s nucleus is made up of rock, dust, and ices. Its tail can be spectacular. The sun’s radiation pressure and solar wind cause an very long tail to form, which points away from the sun. Astronomers have calculated that Halley’s comet would have been visible 12-11 BC, years before Jesus’ birth about 6 BC. A planetary conjunction: Astrologers pay attention to the planets. Apparently there was a conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars that occurred in 7-6 BC, and mention seems to have been made of this in cuneiform texts. Some have gone farther. This series of conjunctions over several months took place in the zodiacal constellation of Pisces, which may have been associated with the last days and with the Hebrews. Jupiter was associated with the world ruler among Parthian astrologers.

Saturn was identified as the star of the Amorites of the Syrian-Palestine region. These three indicators could have pointed to a world ruler among the Hebrews in the last days. But this is purely speculative, astrology by hindsight. Nor do we have any evidence that such a conjunction of planets would have been actually referred to as a ‘star.’

We just don’t know enough to say authoritatively exactly what the Star of Bethlehem was.

There is a star spoken of in prophecy, however, in a prophecy of Balaam, the errant prophet: “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.

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A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.”

(Numbers 24:17) The initial reference seems to be to David. Prior to Christ, Jews of the Qumran community saw this prophecy as messianic. Later Judaism considered the messianic claims of Simon bar Kochba (‘son of the star’, 132-135 AD). Could the messianic expectation based on this verse among Jewish communities in the East be the basis of the Magi’s interpretation of the star? We don’t know.

Why was Herod disturbed?

“When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.” (Matthew 2:3) A delegation of important people coming to Jerusalem to honor the king or to worship in the temple wouldn’t be uncommon. But the Magi’s search for a newborn king based on an astronomical phenomenon caused quite a stir. The passive of tarassō means to ‘be troubled, frightened, terrified.’

Herod was troubled because he saw this newborn as a threat to his own throne. The people were troubled because they had seen what their paranoid king had done when he felt his throne threatened. A later Roman philosopher quotes Roman emperor Caesar Augustus as joking “I’d rather be Herod’s sow than Herod's son.” Herod didn’t eat pigs, but he murdered his sons. Afraid of intrigue among his many sons to become king, two were tried and executed by strangulation just the year before Jesus’ birth - about 7 BC. A third was executed five days before Herod’s death in 4 BC. Matthew’s report of both Herod and his citizens being ‘disturbed’ at the Magi’s report rings true.

Where was the Messiah to be born?

Herod takes the Magi’s quest seriously.

“When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: “But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.” (Matthew 2:4-6) Note that the Magi came seeking ‘the one who has been born king of the Jews’ (2:1), but Herod asked the scholars where the Messiah (Greek Christos) would be born (2:4). He understood immediately that this child they sought was no normal king, but the Messiah himself.

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Herod wasn’t a descendent of David. He was rather an Edomite (Idumean) son of a ruling family in whom the Romans had seen a talent for controlling the populace. He had been appointed governor of Galilee (47 BC) and later King of the Jews (37 BC). He realized that if a descendent of David were to rise, his reign and that of his descendents would be over. Messiah or not, this child must be destroyed.

Herod’s plot The prophet Malachi (5:2) made it clear that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah, so in Bethlehem the quest would continue.

“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.

He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him.’”

(Matthew 2:7-8) Herod’s questioning of the scholars was public, but his interrogation of the Magi is secret. He finds out precisely when the star appeared. Later he uses this information to slaughter all the boy babies in Bethlehem two years and under (Matthew 2:16).

Apparently the Magi had seen the sign two years previous.

Now Herod seeks to enlist the Magi as his secret

DATE:

agents: “As soon as you find him, report to me....”

He claims to desire to worship the newborn Messiah, but his real desire is assassination. ‘Worship’ (NIV, KJV) or ‘pay homage’ (NRSV) is proskuneō, literally, ‘kiss towards.’ It means ‘to express in attitude or gesture one’s complete dependence on or submission to a high authority figure, (fall down and) worship, do obeisance to, prostrate oneself before, do reverence to, welcome respectfully.’

Led by the Star “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” (Matthew 2:9-10) It seems that they had seen the star ‘at its rising’ (or ‘in the East’) and had come to Jerusalem, since that is where they expected to find a newborn King of the Jews. But now the star, which seems to have disappeared for a while, now reappears and ‘went ahead of them.’ Proagō means ‘to move ahead or in front of, go before, lead the way, precede.’ Finally it ‘stopped’ (NIV, NRSV) or ‘stood’ (KJV) over the place where the child was.’ Histēmi, ‘set, place,’ here means ‘to desist from movement and be in a stationary position, stand still, stop.’

The star that inspired their trip in the first place

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Bishop Manickam Hall, TELC Arulnathar Church, 41, Harleys Road, Kilpauk, Chennai 10 (Near Nagappa Motors) Ph.:+91-44-2661 3242/4264 0111 Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com

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COVER STORY now leads them directly to the very home where the Christ-child dwelt.

Worshipping the King “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:11) By this time, presumably nearly two years after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph were living in a house.

While most nativity scenes have shepherds bumping into wise men and angels, this almost certainly was not the case. The Holy Family had left the stable and found a house. Probably Joseph had found employment as a carpenter. They had apparently decided not to return to Nazareth, perhaps because of the scandal over Mary’s pregnancy prior to marriage. Even though Joseph publicly accepted the child as his own, premarital relations were considered a sin; the couple would have had to deal with considerable prejudice.

But now, outside their home, a caravan of exotic travelers has stopped. Strangely dressed men are approaching while their camels are attended by servants, while other servants are carrying gifts in their hands. Mary scurries around to straighten up while Joseph goes out to meet the strangers.

We're not told the details, of course, but when the Magi see the child, now a toddler, they bow down (piptō) and worship (proskuneō) him. Imagine these old men, finely dressed, prostrating themselves on a dirt floor before a small child. They had seen the star and it had reappeared to guide them. These men were convinced -- rightly -- that they were standing before the Messiah, the King of the Jews. Their obeisance was fitting.

Offering gifts to the King After lying prostrate for some time, they rise, perhaps at the urging of Joseph.

“Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.”

(Matthew 2:11b) Whenever foreign dignitaries would appear before a great king they would bring gifts as a sign of obeisance and honor. ‘Treasures’ (NIV, KJV) is

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probably better translated ‘treasure chests’ (NRSV).

And as the lids were lifted, the glitter of gold and aroma of precious spices filled the room.

• Gold, of course, was the most precious and valued metal known. It was highly prized. It was not found in Palestine, but had to be imported from the mines of Ophir and elsewhere.

• Frankincense is derived from three species of the genus Boswellia -- B. carterii, B. papyri-fera, and B. thurifera -- which grow in southern Arabia, India, and elsewhere. The gum is exuded from the incised bark in pale glittering drops. It had a bitter flavor and a strong balsamic odor when heated. The Egyptians used it for fumigation and embalming; the Israelites used it in worship in the Holy Place of the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 30:34).

• Myrrh is valuable as a perfume and a constituent of sacred anointing oil (Exodus 30:23). Several shrubs produce a perfumed resinous substance described as myrrh, but the one compounded in the anointing oil was probably from Commiphora myrrha or perhaps Balsamodendron myrrha, a low thorny tree distributed across south Arabia and Ethiopia. The sap is pleasantly scented and dries into a solid resin. It could be diluted to form a liquid cosmetic product and may have been used by Egyptians in embalming.

These may seem inappropriate gifts for a baby, but as munificent gifts from distinguished personages appearing before a king, they would be considered quite appropriate, perhaps as specimens of the products of their country. Later Christian writers, including John H. Hopkins, Jr. who wrote ‘We Three Kings’, have seen significance in gold for Christ’s royalty, frankincense for his deity, and myrrh for his humanity, ultimately his burial, though none of this Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com

is in Matthew’s account. I can’t help think of the song ‘The Little Drummer Boy’: “I have no gift to bring ... that’s fit to give the King ... I played my drum for Him ... I played my best for Him ... Then He smiled at me ... me and my drum.”

The song is popular, though the sentiment is profound. Our best, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is what we owe the King. That is what characterized the Magi’s gifts.

Though the Magi’s quest had brought Herod’s scrutiny upon the child, these gifts were probably sold gradually to provide for the Holy Family during three years of exile in Egypt where they fled to escape Herod’s wrath.

Disobeying Herod “And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” (Matthew 2:12) Though Herod had recruited the Magi for his evil plot, God warned them in a dream not to participate, so they left the area without returning through Jerusalem, only six miles to the north. This probably bought the Holy Family a day or two of time to make good their escape.

The story concludes in Matthew 2:13-23 with Joseph being warned in a dream and that very night taking his young family - with the treasures - and

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fleeing for Egypt, out of Herod’s jurisdiction and reach. It was good that they did flee rather than question God’s messenger. As soon as Herod discovered that the Magi had betrayed him, in a furious rage he gave orders to kill all the male children in Bethlehem who were two years of age or under. This amounted to perhaps 20 baby boys, the first martyrs for the Messiah.

What does all this mean?

Why does Matthew include the story of the wise men in his Gospel? There were many incidents that he chose to exclude that we find, for example, in Luke’s and John’s gospels. I see in this account several themes: The King heralded by a Star: Matthew points to the fulfillment (without saying so) of Balaam’s ancient prophecy that ‘A star will come forth from Jacob, and a scepter will rise from Israel’ (Numbers 24:17).

The King honored by foreign nations: One of Matthew’s themes is that Christ fulfilled Old Testament prophecy. Here the prophecy isn’t cited, but only alluded to: that of foreign rulers bringing their riches to honor the King of Israel (1 Kings 10:2, 10; Psalm 72:10-11, 15; Isaiah 60:5-6, 11). This account points to Jesus’ royalty as King of the Jews.

Enemies of Christ seek His death: Here in

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COVER STORY chapter 2 is the beginning of Jesus’ enemies. Herod clearly covets Jesus’ claim to be Messiah and seeks to kill him before he can become a threat. Later in Matthew’s gospel the ‘chief priests and teachers of the law’ who pointed to his birthplace in Bethlehem conspire to take his life. And ultimately he is crucified for this very charge of being King of the Jews (Matthew 27:11, 37; John 18:33-37; 19:19-22).

Explanation of Jesus’ infant sojourns: From Nazareth to Bethlehem, from Bethlehem to Egypt, and then back to Nazareth where he was raised – Jesus’ journeys as an infant needed an explanation in the face of Jewish belittling him as a citizen of Nazareth (John 1:45-46), not from the royal city of Bethlehem.

The Gospel to the Gentiles: This account also points to another important theme - that Jesus came to the Jews, but had a mission beyond Israel to the Gentiles (Genesis 12:3; 22:18; 28:14; 49:10; Psalm 22:27; 98:3; Isaiah 49:6; 66:19) In parable (Matthew 21:33-44; 22:2-13), action (Matthew 8:5-13), prophecy (Matthew 24:14), and command (Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8), Jesus underscores that the gospel must be preached to - and will be embraced by - the Gentiles.

Devotion by men of wisdom: That wise men recognize the Messiah and bow at his feet is also an

example to ‘the wisdom of this world’ (1 Corinthians 2:6).

The Sovereignty of God: Finally, we see in Joseph an obedient servant of God, who hears the angel’s warnings in dreams and takes immediate action to protect the Christ-child in his charge.

Though the powers of this world may array themselves against the Christ and His people, God is fully able of protecting and preserving them until they have completed their mission. The gifts of the wise men serve to honor the boy-King and to provide for his shelter for years to come. Where one door closes, another opens. God provides!

Prayer Father, thank you for letting us hear the story of the Magi who knelt before you with devotion and brought you rich gifts. Let us have that kind of wisdom, that we may bring before you with extravagant worship the gifts you have given to us.

We love you, Lord Jesus. In Your holy Name, we pray. Amen.

BY HOWARD GWARTNEY ’m amazed at how our society is trying to deChristianize everything, including Christmas.

We can say Happy Hanukkah or Happy Kwanzaa, etc. But don’t say “Merry Christmas.”

There is an attempt to “sanitize” Christmas of its Christlikeness. Despite the origin of Christmas from a religious or a secular viewpoint, Jesus Christ was born! Praise God for that!

But what if Jesus had not come? What if He had not been born as the Scripture accurately states and historians attest it?

1. THE SECULAR VIEWPOINT Regardless of your background or where you come from just about everybody “gets in” on the secular Christmas celebration. In fact, this week on the radio, I heard a man who described himself as Jewish in religion made this statement: “Christmas is a time for kids! We all ought to enjoy it.”

This was a man who did not even claim to be Christian and yet he enjoyed the secular celebration of Christmas. A lot of people get in on this. But think about it: Even from a secular point of view, what if Jesus had not been born?

NO SALES – you wouldn’t have early Christmas,

pre-Christmas, or after-Christmas sales! Many businesses make the most money they’ll make all year during the Christmas season.

NO SERVICE – isn’t it kind of nice that some people will go out of their way at Christmas time to be of service in the community. They’ll deliver toys to children in the hospital or take gifts to shut-ins or nursing homes. Help out in the “Toys for Tots” drives, etc. If Jesus had not been born, there wouldn’t be any service like this.

NO SCROOGE – No bad guy who changes his ways.

NO SEASON of Good Will – Not everybody, but some people do seem to “act” extra nice during this time of year.

NO SONGS like “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”, “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” or “I’ll Be Home For Christmas, If Only in My Dreams” etc.

“We Wish You a Merry Saturnalia” just does get it, does it?

NO SCENES of the Manger, Mary, Joseph, etc.

Think how terrible that would be! The ACLU would have one less thing to try to get out of public domain.

NO STORY of Christmas! There would be no

I

14 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2012

Though Herod had recruited the Magi for his evil plot, God warned them not to participate, so they left the area without returning through Jerusalem.

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DECEMBER 2012 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 15

GUEST COLUMN story to tell if Jesus had not come to this earth.

2. THE SCRIPTURAL VIEWPOINT As far as the story in the Bible is concerned, if Jesus had not been born, there would be: NO SPECIAL FORERUNNER – John to the Baptist who would announce, “prepare ye the way of the Lord,” “repent,” etc.

NO SHEPHERDS – who lefts their flocks and went to visit the Christ-child that wonderful night.

NO STAR – to shine in the night and guide those travelers to the manger in Bethlehem.

NO SEARCHING MAGI – who left their homes on a long and difficult journey to pay homage to the newborn King.

NO SPECIAL GIFTS – gold, frankincense, myrrh NO SAYING by the angels – “glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.”

3. THE SON’S VIEWPOINT If Jesus had not been born of the virgin Mary, think about this: NO SUBSERVIANT BIRTH – Jesus would not have had to leave the glory of Heaven and take on human flesh and all of its pain.

NO SPITTING upon him by His enemies.

NO REED SCEPTRE that was handed to Him in mockery of His claim to be the King of Kings and Lord of lords.

NO SUFFERING – of Jesus when He “became sin for us who knew no sin.”

NO SPEAR – in His side from which blood and water came forth.

NO SEPULCHRE – in which to be buried for only 3 days and now is still empty.

4. THE SPIRITUAL VIEWPOINT NO SENSE to the OT Prophets and the prophecies of the coming Messiah of Israel.

NO SINGING of songs like “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night,” “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear,” no “Joy To The World.” There would be no “Angels We Have Heard On High” nor “We Three Kings,” etc. Of course, that also means there would be no “Just As I Am” or “Amazing Grace” or “How Great Thou Art” or “O, For A Thousand Tongues To Sing my great Redeemer's praise. There would be nothing to sing about, folks! Why? NO SIN OFFERING – Nothing to pay the debt of sin that we owe.

5. THE SAINTS and SINNERS’ VIEWPOINT I started to make two separate points of these two, but I got to thinking, if Jesus had not been born, there wouldn’t be any saints, only sinners!! What if Jesus had not been born and how does that affect the sinner? Well, of course, first of all, there would be…

NO SAINTS - there would be no saints 16 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2012

NO SUNDAY SERVICES – in which you can come together for fellowship and for instruction in the Word NO SCRIPTURE to comfort, encourage, correct and challenge us.

NO SERENITY – or peace in the middle of trouble.

NO SHELTER in the time of storm.

NO SAFETY NO SECURITY – NO SUBSTITUTE – to stand in my place and pay the price for my sin.

NO SAVIOR – NO HOLY SPIRIT to live inside me and teach me and guide me and comfort me, etc.

NO SHOUTING when a sinner gets saved.

NO SALVATION – which means there would be No Heralds, No Healing, No Heaven and No Hope.

But, folks, Jesus DID come to this earth!

He IS the fulfillment of every OT prophecy.

He WAS born of a virgin in Bethlehem.

He WAS wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Heavenly angels announced His birth.

Shepherds visited him.

He DID live a perfect life.

He TOUCHED people and healed them.

He RAISED people from the dead.

He DID walk on water.

He HAS fed the multitudes.

He DID die on the cross.

He HAS risen from the dead.

He HAS paid our sin debt.

He IS seated at the right hand of the Father.

He IS NOW making intercession for you and me.

He LISTENS to the cry of your heart.

He LOVES you with an everlasting love.

He WANTS to forgive your sin.

He LONGS to be your Savior.

And HE WILL BE your Savior…IF you’re willing to confess your sin and trust Him to be the Savior of your soul.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT In view of the increase in the cost of newsprint, art paper and rise in the printing expenses, the management of this magazine has decided to revise the advertisement tariff with effect from December, 2012. However, the ad tariff revision is only marginal when compared to the steep rise of the expenses involved. We hope our advertisers will continue to co-operate with us as in the past.

Please turn to page 3 to see the latest Advertisement Tariff. Editor Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com

VIEW FROM THE PEW

How would God want us to celebrate Christmas?

BY ROBIN SAM WHERE would you be this Christmas?

Newspapers, lifestyle magazines and TV channels started pummeling us with the need to live the ‘good life’ long ago. Only the cry gets shriller around Christmas and New Year.

So, where would you be this Christmas? At home, in the church, in a pub, a resort, a theme park or a discotheque perhaps?

What are your party plans? How much money are you blowing up for the celebrations this year? If you are still undecided on how to approach Christmas this year, you have three options before you: 1) You could continue to live a life of debauchery or 2) Keep a low profile and have a staid and careless approach to Christmas or 3) Break new ground, turn a new leaf and do something unique.

‘Like what,’ did you ask? Here’s what…

Share the good news It is not difficult to share the Gospel if you know the Master, the message and your audience well. The Master, Jesus Christ, is the Savior of the world.

The message is simple: It’s God’s outrageous love for the mankind (John 3:16). However, for this message to make sense to your audience,

you will have to begin at the beginning – the creation account as mentioned in the Bible. In India, thankfully most people don’t have trouble believing in God. Only, they need to be told that His Name is Jesus. You have to show them He is the One sent to the earth by God the Father for the redemption of the entire humanity. Of special emphasis should be the point that

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salvation is not by works (Ephesians 2:9; Titus 3:5; Romans 11:6) but by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:5; Titus 2:11) and faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31; Romans 10:9) What better time than Christmas to share this message!

Your friends will not take offense at your sharing the good news when you do it contextually – and Christmas is the context.

DECEMBER 2012 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 17

VIEW FROM THE PEW Share the goodies creatively A few years ago, it occurred to us what a great opportunity Christmas was to share not only the goodies but also the good news. As children we had been brought up to believe that sharing our Christmas cakes and other delicacies is a reciprocation of the generosity of our neighbors who shared Diwali or Ramzan goodies with us. If we are using Christmas as a time to return the favor we are wasting a great opportunity. If you have been in the habit of sending your children to others’ homes with Christmas goodies, think out of the box this year.

Why don’t you visit those neighbors as a family, exchange greetings with them and pray for them even as you share the plum cakes with them? If you are unable to do that, gift them a good book or a gospel film DVD that talks about Christ’s love along with cakes and sweets. Isaiah 52:7 says: ‘How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!’

Share a meal with a stranger In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus came up with several showstoppers. The people were baffled. He was talking of hitherto unheard of things. He was bucking the popular trend of those days (Hmmm… things haven’t changed much since then). He was asking people to do seemingly impossible things.

One of them is found in Matthew 5:46: ‘For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?’ In essence what Jesus was saying is this: Go beyond the brief. Do the unusual and the unexpected. Buck the trend. This Christmas invite for lunch someone with whom you share a lukewarm relationship. Call for dinner that friend who thinks you have become too busy for him/her. Or better still, share a meal with perfect strangers. Go to an old age home, an orphanage, or a destitute centre. Take your children along. Show them what the other half of the world looks like. That will make them (and you) to be thankful to God for the blessings that He has bestowed. James 1:27 gives us a peek into what God considers as pure and undefiled religion. While one of them is to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, the other is to identify ourselves with the underdogs and share in their affliction. Sure enough, it should not be just a once-in-a-year routine; but it has to begin somewhere. Why not start doing it this Christmas?

Step into unchartered territory When Jesus and His disciples accepted an invitation to a wedding at Cana in Galilee, the 18 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2012

occasion became the launch pad for many of His miraculous signs that were to follow. But He did not stand on ceremonies and insist on being invited before He would go. He invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ home (Luke 19:5). Although people around Him sniggered at Him for being the guest of a sinner, Jesus knew salvation had to come to the house that day (Luke 19:9). When the Jews in those days would not so much as pass by a Samaritan street, Jesus deliberately went into a town occupied by the Samaritans because He knew through that one woman He would encounter there, many would come to trust in Him (John 4:39). He stopped even on the way to the Calvary to talk to the women who were wailing for Him and warn them of the impending danger that was awaiting Jerusalem. We have a similar task today. These are the end times.

We need to tell anyone who cares to listen that time is too short indeed and that today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Make a resolve to do something for the Lord that you have not done yet – perhaps it could be distributing tracts, engaging yourself in personal evangelism, going on the knees for intercessory prayer or even volunteering to be an usher at your church. Whatever it is, decide to do something for God this Christmas.

Slow down and reflect on your own life The time of Christmas is so strategically placed in the calendar that we cannot but think of the year coming to a close. Christmas is not just about the birth of Jesus Christ. It has also to do with time running out. The millennial clock that started ticking at the time of His birth also reiterates the prophecies concerning His Second Coming. A shiver runs down my spine every time I care to reverentially read Matthew 24:36. It says: ‘But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.’ The same warning is also mentioned in Mark 13:32. Matthew 24:44 says: ‘Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.’ Luke 12:40 has a similar verse. Are we ready for His return? 1 Peter 4:17 has an even more chilling warning about the judgment that awaits us all: that it will begin at the ‘House of God’. Is everything in our lives in order?

We may not have the time to sweep anything under the carpet at His arrival. Even otherwise, it would be a futile exercise because God knows even our thoughts. So, what are we supposed to do? If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, renew your commitment to God. 1 Corinthians 10:12 offers us a practical guideline: ‘Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.’ Stand on the Rock that will not let you trip or stumble. Are we ready to meet Him? Maranatha! Amen.

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GUEST COLUMN

BY JACK GRAHAM THE continuously unraveling scandal that has toppled the director of the CIA David Petraeus and has entangled the top NATO commander in Afghanistan as well as an FBI agent sounds more and more unfathomable by the minute. But, really, it’s a prime example of the severe consequences of immorality.

It only takes a small pin to burst a balloon. When trust is gone and when there is a leak in the integrity and character of a person, the explosion is quick and even startling. What has taken a lifetime of hard work to build disintegrates swiftly with an act of immorality, an act of indiscretion. You sacrifice your integrity, lose your credibility, and forfeit the right to lead.

I often speak to men about the sin of adultery and perversion because of the seemingly tolerant attitude in society toward this sexual misbehavior. And once you cross that line, once you go over the boundaries into sexual sin and engaging in immorality, it becomes easier and easier to justify it.

There are 12 points I share with men on how to maintain their moral purity.

Recognize your potential for moral failure. Don’t say, “It can’t happen to me.” Don’t say, “I’m immune to this” because you’re not. And if you’re not careful, if you don’t watch and pray, if you don’t develop spiritual disciplines in your life, you’re more than vulnerable.

Realize you don’t have to give in. Don’t say, “The living Christ is in me and yet I couldn’t help myself.”

You have the power of God’s Spirit; the Spirit of the living God lives in you and will enable you and empower you.

Resolve to be pure; purpose in your heart not to defile yourself. And if you have fallen, you can start over again. And you can say, “From this day forward, God, make me pure and make me clean.”

Remove all bitterness from your life. Often, when a person becomes bitter, he’s upset about something that becomes an excuse or a rationalization to say, “Well, I deserve this pleasure.”

Restrain the flesh in all areas. Paul said in Romans 13:4: “Make no provision for the flesh.”

That speaks for itself.

Refuse to give in even for a moment. Fight this all the days of your life. I’ve known men who have lived in moral purity all their days and then at the end of their life made some foolish mistake.

Run from every form of evil. The Bible says to Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com

OFFICER, NOT A GENTLEMAN: Former CIA Director David Petraeus (in picture).

What has taken a lifetime of hard work to build disintegrates swiftly with an act of immorality, an act of indiscretion. abstain from every appearance of evil.

Resist the devil. He’s the author of these lies. He’s the ultimate enemy. And in the name of Jesus Christ you can resist the enemy.

Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Renew your mind in the Word of God. Saturate your heart and your mind. Renew your mind in the washing of the water of the Word of God. Rejoice in the goodness and the grace and the forgiveness and the love of God. When you praise God, you are empowered to be pure. Worship Him! Praise Him! Because in the praise … the act of praise itself, we are enabled to overcome the work of the enemy.

Remember that you will give an account before a holy God and that’s a sobering thought. Paul said, “Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit? You were bought with a price, the precious blood of Jesus.”

It takes time to restore trust and credibility and integrity. It takes time, it takes counsel, it takes the Word of God working in your life and cleansing your heart and your soul and your mind and your will, and standing you back up again so that you can make a comeback in your life by the grace of God. And we’re forever grateful for that grace that covers and cleanses all sin.

Dr. Jack Graham is Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church near Dallas, Texas. His popular book, ‘A Man of God’, challenges men to live with purpose and passion.

DECEMBER 2012 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 19

| GOD WORKS

B

EING poor doesn’t mean that you are holy neither being holy means you are poor.

JESUS himself became poor for our sake that through his poverty we will become rich. Your economic standard has no influence on your spiritual life but the way you use your finances it can affect your spiritual life. Have a right attitude towards finances Psalms 24:1 the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; Everything belongs to GOD. Which means nothing belongs to the devil. That means devil is a manipulator. Whatever GOD does is in order but devil does is a chaos. He creates confusion. GOD is constructive.

The whole earth and everything in it belongs to GOD. GOD doesn’t come to enforce his power on us. Our opinion doesn’t judge his presence. Our worship to GOD doesn’t affect GOD, it affect us. It opens a gate for him to touch us and to bless us. He doesn’t become mighty by our worship but his presence in our life becomes mighty by our worship.

Worship allows GOD to touch through you and in you.

There is nothing on earth that belongs not to GOD. Every soul that has breath is GOD’s; even the dead.

He is greater than everything. Everything belongs to GOD but that doesn’t mean we can abuse it.

Everything has its norms and conditions.

Philippians 4:19 and my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

If you apply the word of GOD in your life then GOD will supply the provision/promise. Walk sincerely with GOD. Pray reasonable prayers. GOD will honour your needs not greed. Believe it and you will receive it.

1 Timothy 6:10 for the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

We should love GOD not money. Relationship with GOD should not be for money. The love for money is the root of every evil. Don’t love money beyond GOD. Don’t compromise your values. A short cut will cut short in the long runs of the life. Cut the root of evil i.e. love of the money.

Genesis 14:18-20 Then Melchizedek king of 20 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2012

The whole earth and everything in it belongs to GOD. Which means nothing belongs to the devil. There is nothing on earth that belongs not to GOD. Every soul that has breath is GOD’s; even the dead. He is greater than everything. Everything belongs to GOD but that doesn’t mean we can abuse it.

Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High, and he blessed Abram, saying, Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High who delivered your enemies into your hand.”

Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Principle of giving is not a law but it is a part of the covenant .Because according to the scriptures even Abraham gave.

Three principles we should keep in mind: 1. We should always give the tithe where we take the Holy Communion.

2. When you give to GOD, give the best .Be sincere.

3. Give GOD the priority not the leftover.

Malachi 3:9-10 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

The writer is the pastor in-charge of Bethel AG International Worship Center in Bangalore.

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FOR INTERCESSION

THE Irish Church broke its silence over the controversy surrounding the country’s abortion law in the wake of Savita Halappanavar’s death with the Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin calling it a “terrible disaster” as 53 members of the European Parliament, in a strongly-worded letter to Ireland’s Prime Minister Enda Kenny, demanded immediate legislation to allow abortion in cases where the mother’s life is in danger.

Addressing mass goers, the Archbishop said: “Here’s a family that six weeks ago was going into what should have been one of the happiest moments of their lives — the birth of a new child. Now the whole thing has collapsed into a terrible disaster . . . you just don’t know how the father is standing up to such a terrible disaster.”

The Irish Times reported that when asked about the silence of church figures, including himself, so far, he said they did not know the facts of the case.

“I don’t know the details of what happened,” he said.

The Archbishop rejected criticism that Ireland was not a safe place for pregnant women and said he was “a little distressed at some of the reaction.”

Despite international outrage, he was “not ashamed to be Irish”, he said.

“The facts show us we have, in fact, one of the lowest levels of maternal mortality in the world, which means that whatever practices we have are producing the results that we should respect . . . and respect the commitment of our doctors, nurses, midwives and others who put them into practice every day with very positive results,” he said.

The MEPs, representing 15 countries of the European Union, called Ms. Halappanavar a ‘victim’ of lack of clarity in the existing Irish law and urged Ireland’s Health Service Executive to ‘immediately issue a directive allowing for immediate terminations of unviable foetuses to save women from severe pain and protect their health and life.’

TCM VIEW: This is a moment of pain and humiliation for the Catholic church in Ireland. As Christians, we need to pray that the church may prayerfully speak up for itself without alienating unbelievers and at the same time stick to its Biblical principles and pro-life stand.

We admit it’s a delicate and tricky situation and that’s why the need to pray.

Taliban vow to attack India over Kasab death PAKISTAN’S Taliban movement has threatened to attack Indian targets to avenge the country’s execution of Ajmal Kasab, the lone survivor of the militant squad responsible for a rampage through Mumbai that killed 166 people in 2008.

Kasab was hanged on Nov 21 amid great secrecy, underscoring the political sensitivity of the Nov. 26, 2008, massacre, which still casts a pall over relations between nuclear-armed rivals Pakistan and India.

“We have decided to target Indians to avenge the killing of Ajmal Kasab,” said Taliban spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan on telephone from an undisclosed location. Ehsan demanded that India return Kasab’s body. “If they don’t return his body to us or his family we will capture Indians and will not return their bodies,” he said, adding that the Taliban will try to strike Indian targets ‘anywhere’.

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TCM VIEW: Believers need to pray for normalization of relationship between India and Pakistan. Pray that Islamabad will act against the perpetrators of terrorist activities aimed at India.

DECEMBER 2012 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 21

“I'M right now craving for chicken, coffee, chocolate… and what not?” Is there something you say you need to eat/drink for the day to be a good day ? Else are you enslaved to being a slim figure or a body builder? The trend in eating food has two extremes. One is an age old problem of being a glutton.

The other is a craving for a “size zero” or a “six pack” body. It is culture that has been continuously pumping us with such silly fashion ideas. However we cannot under estimate the power of food in our lives. It is integral to our lives.What does the Bible between moral atheists who care for their body and say about food? us? Christ is our identity. We are his bride. He has We should know that food was created for both clothed us with his garment of righteousness. We are sustenance and pleasure (Deuteronomy 14:26, Acts beautiful. He says to us, “This is my beloved 14:17). It was God who gave us both vegetarian and daughter/son in whom I am well pleased.” non-vegetarian food to eat and enjoy. Therefore we Practical Guidelines: are not people who believe physical world and body ?

You can always enlist the help of a physician as evil. Rather Christian faith elevates body as good. or nutritionist.

Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 ?

Develop a thank list. When you are not Corinthians 6:19-20). And God created us with tempted to overeat, purge or starve, write out a list of different tastes, a tongue with lots of taste buds (an items you are thankful for. average of 10,000)! Food therefore is a blessing. ?

Do not complain over food. (when you get it But the Bible also speaks clearly against gluttony late and so on) They gave vinegar to Jesus when he and drunkenness (Proverbs 23:20-21, 28:7, was thirsty.

Deuteronomy 21:20-21). Puritans' Westminster ?

Learn godly view of food and eating (1 catechism interprets the sixth command, “Thou shalt Timothy 4:3-5). It is easy for us to make lists of food not murder” to the extreme that we should not that are bad, not remembering that God created them murder ourselves by not taking care of our bodies. It and that they are good. Receive it with gratitude and tells of an appropriate use of food, rest, exercise. prayer. Know that most of the world is starving Being unwell most of the times is FOR YOUR ATTENTION because we are not caring for our 1. If you have not paid your subscription yet, please remember to pay it bodies. Some genetically are at the earliest. strong. Some are not. Romans 2. Subscriptions are one of the lifelines of our magazine. By 8:28 tells that God causes all subscribing, you keep us stay focused on our job and not worry about things for his good. This includes payments.

3. We prefer that you send subscriptions by cheque/DD in favor of people with genetic problems too.

Any case we need to be stewards ‘Messenger Communications Pvt Ltd’ and send it to our address found on of our own bodies. Matthew 22:37 Page 1.

4. However, if you are using Money Order to send your subscriptions, exhorts us to love God with all our please follow it up with a post card with your address and date on which heart, soul and mind. the MO was sent. Remember, EMOs don’t have the sender’s address.

Also God transforms us to his 5. If you want to directly credit your subscription into our bank account, image, not as human models. We write to us at christianmessengerindia@gmail.com 6. Please consider getting your friends/relatives to subscribe too. don’t have to be outwardly beautiful. What is the difference Thanks!

22 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2012

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without food. ?

Begin to memorize scripture to use when tempted: Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Romans 14:20, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Colossians 3:17 ?

Develop a contingency plan when you are tempted in the area of food: cry out to God in humble trust. Start reciting the memory verses and start moving away from the source of temptation. Hear some gospel music or go for a walk. ?

Even if you have started eating sinfully, remember that your desire to be perfect and your resulting condemnation and further self-indulgence will compound your problem rather than give you peace. We cannot be perfect by ourselves. ?

Read and meditate on Christ’s suffering even for sin related to food. (like Isaiah 53) ?

Mediate on Christ’s perfections: He ate perfectly his whole life. He never binged or starve himself for ungodly reasons. He was never vain about how he looked because his identity was solely in who he was as his Father’s son. ?

A study on food in the Bible has this interesting fact: God frequently tested people in the area of food. Some major tests on food in Scriptures are: ?

Adam and Eve were first tested with food

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(Genesis 3:1-7). ?

The Israelites’ wandering for the extra forty years was part of a test. And part of the test was food.

The Israelites also went back in their minds wanting the food of Egypt many times. Interestingly, it was God who gave them food tests in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:3). ?

Children of Israel failed the test. Jesus was the only one who passed this test. The area which we stumble in was one of the areas he was tested in (Matthew 4). ?

This speaks to the difficulty of the test. Jesus is our hope and righteousness even in this regard.

Why are so many fitness and health books being published every year? They work for a little while and then what happens?

What we need is not a law from outside, but a transformation from within. Law does not make us better. That is why God sent Jesus. Jesus offered his body for us, our gluttony and for our other bodily cravings. He died on the cross for every such sin of us. He rose again assuring freedom from our guilt of sin and to help us lead a victorious life. Let us apply this gospel and live in freedom and gratitude.

Grace and her husband Suresh Rajan are part of Charis Seva Mandal (CSM) which works for the socially and geographically isolated communities.

DECEMBER 2012 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 23

END TIMES WATCH

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” ─2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.

ACCORDING to the Bible, the Antichrist (1 John 2:18) is coming, the one who engineers the final onslaught of Satan against Christ and the saints, just prior to the time when our Lord Jesus Christ establishes His kingdom on earth. Paul’s terms for the Antichrist are: The “man of sin” and “the son of perdition” (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Other terms used in the Bible are the “beast [rising] up out of the sea” (Revelation 13:1-10), “a scarlet colored beast” (Revelation 17:3), and “the beast” (Revelation 17:8, 16; 19:19-20; 20:10).

Unlike the Rapture, the coming of the Antichrist will not be without warning. Several signs point to his coming and his appearance. At least three events must occur before he makes his appearance on earth: (1) the “mystery of iniquity,” already at work in the world, must intensify (2 Thessalonians 2:7); (2) the “falling away” must come (2:3); (3) “he who now letteth” must be removed (2:7).

(1) The “mystery of iniquity,” that behind-thescenes activity of evil powers evident throughout the world (2 Thessalonians 2:7), will increase until it reaches its climax in the complete ridicule of and disregard for any standards and commandments held sacred in the Bible. Because of a prevailing spirit of lawlessness, the love of many will grow cold (Matthew. 24:10-12; Luke 18:8). Yet a faithful remnant will remain loyal to apostolic faith as revealed in the New Testament (Matthew 24:13; 25:10; Luke 18:7; Revelation 2:7) Through these faithful people, the church will remain a warrior church, wielding sword of the Spirit until taken out of the world (Ephesians 6:11-20).

(2) The “apostasy” (Greek, apostasia), literally meaning “departure,” “falling away” (2 Thessalonians 2:3), or “abandonment and rebellion,” will occur. In the last days, multitudes within the professing church will depart from biblical truth. (a) Both the apostle Paul and Christ depict a dismal picture of the condition of much of the visible church—morally, spiritually, and doctrinally—as the present age closes (Matthew 24:5, 10-13, 24; 1 Timothy, 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4). Paul in particular stresses that the churches will be invaded by godless 24 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2012

elements in the last days. (b) This “falling away” within the church will have two dimensions. (1) Theological apostasy is the departure from and rejection of a part or all of the original teachings of Christ and the apostles (1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3). False leaders will offer salvation and cheap grace and ignore Christ’s demand for repentance, separation from immorality, and loyalty to God and His standards (2 Peter 2:1-3, 12-19). False gospels centering on human desires, needs, and goals of self-interest will become popular (2 Timothy 4:3-4). (2) Moral apostasy is the severing of one’s saving relationship with Christ and returning to sin and immorality. Apostates may proclaim right doctrine and New Testament teaching yet abandon God’s moral standards (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 23:25-28). Many churches will tolerate almost anything for the sake of numbers, money, success, and honor (1 Timothy 4:1). The gospel of the cross with its call to suffer reproach from the world (Philippians 1:29), to radically renounce sin (Romans 8:13), to sacrifice for the kingdom of God, and to deny one’s self will become rare (Matthew 24:12; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 4:3). (c) Both the history of the church and the predicted apostasy of the last days warn all believers not to take for granted a continual progress of the kingdom of God through all ages until the end. At some point in time the worldwide history of the church, rebellion against God and His Word will reach astounding proportions. The day of the Lord will bring God’s wrath upon those who reject His truth (1 Thessalonians 5:2-9). (d) The ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom and His righteousness in the world, therefore, depends not on the gradual increase of the success of the professing church, but on the final intervention of God when He breaks into the world with righteous judgment (Revelation 19-22; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10-13; see also Jude).

(3) A pivotal and decisive event must occur before the “man of sin” can be revealed and the day of the Lord and its tribulation begins (2 Thessalonians 2:23), namely, the taking “out of the way” of someone (2:7) or something that “letteth” the mystery of iniquity and restrain. When he who holds back the man of sin is taken out of the way, then the day of the Lord can begin (2:6-7). Some believe the restrainer is the church; some believe he is the Holy Spirit. But, the Spirit must remain on earth to some extent, in order that multitudes—according to the Word—must come to Jesus Christ during the Website: www.christianmessenger.in | Email: christianmessengerindia@gmail.com

Tribulation. (a) “He who now letteth [restraineth]” (2 Thessalonians 2:7) may best be understood as referring to the Holy Spirit, who alone has the power to hold back iniquity, the man of sin, and Satan (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The restrainer is referred to by both the masculine article (“he who now letteth,” 2:7) and by the neuter article (“what withholdeth,” 2:6).

Likewise, the word for “Spirit” in the Greek language can be referred to by a masculine or neuter pronoun (see John 16:8, note; Romans 8:13; see Galatians 5:17, note the Holy Spirit’s work of restraining sin). (b) At the beginning of the final seven years of tribulation, the Holy Spirit will be “taken out of the way” (2 Thessalonians 2:7). This does not mean He is taken out of the world, but only that His restraining influence against lawlessness and the Antichrist’s entrance will cease.

All restraints against sin will be removed and the satanically inspired rebellion will begin. However, the Holy Spirit will still remain on earth during the tribulation to convict people of their sins, convert them to Christ, and empower them (Revelation. 7:9, 14; 11:1-11; 14:6-7). (c) The Holy Spirit’s being taken out of the way enables the man of sin to come on the scene (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). God will send a deluding influence upon all those who have refused to love the truth (2:11); they will accept the claims of the man of sin, and human society will degenerate to a depth of depravity never seen before. (d) The Holy Spirit’s sin-restraining ministry is carried on largely through the church, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). Therefore, many interpreters believe the Holy

And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.

And they marvelled at him.

MARK 12:17

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DECEMBER 2012 w THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER 25

END TIMES WATCH Spirit being taken out of the way is a strong indication that the Rapture of the faithful will occur at the same time (1 Thessalonians 4:17). That is, the return of Christ to gather the overcomers of His churches unto Himself and to deliver them from the coming wrath (1 Thessalonians 1:10) will occur before the beginning of the day of the Lord and at the time when the man of sin is revealed. (e) Some scholars believe that the restrainer of 2 Thessalonians 2:6 (neuter gender) refers to the Holy Spirit and His restraining ministry, while in 2:7 the '”he who now letteth” (masculine gender) refers to the believers who are gathered together to Christ and taken out of the way, i.e., raptured to meet Christ in the air in order to be with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

The Anti-Christ’s activities: As the day of the Lord begins, the “man of sin” is revealed. He will be a world ruler who will make a covenant with Israel seven-years before the end of the age (Daniel 9:27).

(1) His true identification will be confirmed three and one-half years later as he breaks his covenant with Israel, becomes the world ruler, declares himself to be God, desecrates the temple in Jerusalem, forbids the worship of the Lord (2 Thessalonians 2:8-9), and devastates the Land of Israel (Daniel 9:27; 11:36-45).

(2) The Antichrist will declare himself to be God and will severely persecute those who remain loyal to God (Daniel 7:8, 24-25; Revelation 11:6-7; 13:7,15- 18). He will demand worship, evidently from a great temple that he uses as the center of his pronouncements (Daniel 7:8, 25; 8:4; 11:31, 36).

Humans have sought this status since the beginning

26 THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w DECEMBER 2012

of creation (2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 13:8, 12).

(3) The “man of sin” will demonstrate through the power of Satan great signs, wonders, and miracles in order to propagate error (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

“Lying wonders,” means that they are genuine supernatural miracles that deceive people into accepting a lie. (a) It is possible these demonstrations of the supernatural will be seen on television around the world. Millions will be impressed, deceived, and persuaded by this highly persuasive and popular leader because they have no deep commitment to, or love for, the truth of God’s Word (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12). (b) Both Paul’s words (2 Thessalonians 2:9) and Jesus’ (Matthew 24:24) should caution believers to not assume that everything that is miraculous comes from God. Apparent “manifestations of the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:7-10) and alleged experiences from God, from Holy Spirit must be tested by the person’s loyalty to Christ and Scripture.

The defeat of the Anti-Christ: At the end of the tribulation, Satan will gather together many nations at Armageddon under the direction of the Antichrist.

The Antichrist will make war against God and His people in a battle that will involve the entire world (Revelation 16:16).

When that occurs, Christ will return and supernaturally intervene to destroy the Antichrist, his armies, and all who do not obey the gospel (Daniel 11:45; Revelation 19:15-21).

Thereupon Christ will bind Satan and establish His kingdom on earth (20:1-6).

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