Thoughts on Mathew Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

Thoughts on Mathew

Chapter by Chapter

By Prithvi

Mathew 1

In the genealogy listed in Mt1, the list contains the names of royal people like David,Solomon, shady people like Rahab, Tamar and many ordinary people. God used different kinds of People to bring His Son into this world. Similarly, today God uses different Kinds of People to execute His will on this planet.

Joseph had two options concerning Mary-either to divorce her secretly or to have her stoned, but God had the third option- to marry her. Similarly when our decision making affects other person’s life, we ought to wait for the directions from GOD

Mathew 2

Magi-the wise men traveled thousands of miles to visit Jesus. On seeing the Baby Jesus,they GAVE Him the gifts- Gold, incense and Myrrh…symbolizing His Kingship (Gold as gift to King), Deity (Incense is given for God) and His death (Myrrh is used for decorating the dead body) and WORSHIPPED Him. On the contrary, we expect the God to come to us, prove to us and then bless us. We ought to worship Him for what HE is rather than what we receive. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Mathew 3

Despite John the Baptist, being a very influential leader and the best Prophet (accredited by Jesus Christ) he lived a simple life and identified with the poor people in dress and food. He preached 3 point sermon –Repent -Show your repentance by your conduct and character -Be productive. He was involved in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. We also ought to do the preliminary work in bringing people to Jesus by explaining the need and nature of meaningful life that God gives

Mathew 4

After the filling of the Holy Spirit and 40 days of fasting, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit to be tempted by the Satan. Jesus overcame. We need the constant filling of the Holy Spirit and time of fasting to overcome temptations. Jesus was tempted when he was alone and in hunger (even he was fully powered by the Holy Spirit). We also will be tempted harshly when we are alone, in disappointment and in times of despair and failures. Beware. Character is what you are in the dark. The first and constant message of Jesus Christ is “REPENT”. One cannot be a true follower of Jesus Christ without TRUE REPENTANCE. Jesus not only knew the Scriptures but also obeyed. Satan also knew the scriptures but did not obey. That made the big difference. Jesus’ ministry was three fold – Teaching scripture to people in the church, preaching gospel to people outside the church and Healing people everywhere Satan tempted Jesus to use His extra ordinary power for ordinary needs, to use His son ship for special demonstration and to make use worldly system and political powers to become great man of God. Temptation can be multidimensional and pseudo spiritual. Beware

Mathew 5

The attitudes expected in a follower of Christ are humility, burden for others, mild temper, longing to obey God, helping mentality, purity in thought, reconciliation and positive reactions in times of persecution.

Jesus compared our lives to salt and light. Living for Christ will enable us to influence others positively and to glow for Him so that the likeness of Jesus Christ will be radiated through our life

LAWS for life by Christ

• Harboring bitterness and hatred towards others is as harmful as Murder • Gaze with lustful desire is as guilty as adultery • Desire to have sex with someone other than spouse is mental adultery and thus Sin • Live up to the marriage commitments. Look for reasons to buildup the marriage rather than finding excuses to break it • Like God we ought to show the same indifference to friends and enemies • We ought to practice non-resistance and yielding instead of taking vengeance

Mathew 6

Charity, Prayer and fasting are good but the motive behind it is more important.” Why do we do what we do?” Prayer is not information to God but an act of dependence. We need to seek the glorification of His name, Extension of His rule and Execution of His will in us besides requesting for daily needs and strengths. We seldom realize that we have to forgive others as much as we seek His forgiveness. Let us forgive and forget. Eye is the light of our body. Bad and filthy inputs will make the whole system (life) worse. Who is the director of our life?-Money or God. To worry is to doubt His sovereignty and providence. When we fear and obey Him, He will meet our needs in time.

Mathew 7

In our relationships we tend to lose temper and judge others often. We ought to have empathy and to forgive rather than passing instant judgments .A secret of prayer is ASK….Keep on Asking, Seeking, Knocking. Never give up in your efforts to seek God. There are MANY false teachers/Preachers/Prophets in our day. The real ones exhibit consistently good behavior and high moral Characters. Execution of God’s will in our personal life is more important than the exhibition of the power of God in our ministry.

Mathew 8

Many Wanted to follow Jesus after seeing the healings and miracles but they backed out when Jesus proclaimed the cost of discipleship. Is this the same in our life as well? The blessings from Jesus reached all parts of society…those who are neglected (Leper), those who are exalted (Centurion) and those who are near (Peter’s mother-in-law). Are we  carrying the love of Jesus to all sectors of the society? Harms of the storms panicked the disciples. Jesus used this opportunity to teach them His supreme authority over the nature besides His power over sickness and demons. God uses our infirmities and difficulties to reveal His characters to us. The people of Gadara requested Jesus to go out after loosing the herds even the demon possessed one is healed. How often do we despise persons for the sake of possessions and popularity?

Mathew 9

When called, Mathew left his lucrative career and followed Jesus. When God wants us to give up some issues or privileges, how do we react? Jesus was called friend of sinners. Like Him, we have to be willing to share the gospel to neglected, immoral, lonely (not only to moral, popular and rich). Pharisees accused Jesus of various faults like blasphemy, befriending out casts, serving Satan etc, because of ignorance. It can happen to us as well. Let us not give up in our efforts to do good. When Jesus saw the multitude, he had compassion on them and he acted immediately. He motivated His disciples to intercede and to evangelize. How obedient are we in interceding and in reaching out the unreached?

Mathew 10

Jesus chose disciples from all walks of life. God is not much concerned about our ability but interested in our availability. Jesus said” Freely you received freely you give”. Demanding CRAFTLY special offering for special prayers is unscriptural. Making God’s ministry as a license for making money is condemnable. Jesus said” Any one who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” Are we ready to publicly identify with Him and to face difficulties and oppositions for Him? While doing Christian work, when opposition arises instead of defending our work, we ought to move to the place where Christ is not preached. Harvest is plenty, Laborers are few.

Mathew 11

Jesus after giving instructions to His disciples, He carried on to teach and preach. Jesus led by example. We also have to practice what we preach and believe. John the Baptist, a might man of God when underwent through stress and pressure in prison, he expressed doubts about the reality of Jesus Christ. Jesus clarified his doubts. While facing the depressions and disappointments in life and when we come across serious doubts, we ought to wait on God and He would clarify our doubts. The people of Bethsaida, Korazin, and Capernaum had the privilege of listening directly to the teachings of Jesus Christ but did not REPENT. Jesus warned that the judgment upon them will be more severe than that happened to Sodom and Gomorrah. We, who are born Christians and who have the access to high qualitative spiritual resources will be more accountable than who are less privileged. Let us REPENT and OBEY now

Mathew 12

The Pharisees thought that Jesus disobeyed the Sabbath rules and they accused Him. Jesus clarified them stating that the intent of the law is to rest from the routine work and to serve and worship God. We need to look into the matters rather than taking the letters superficially and misinterpret it. When Pharisees demanded a miraculous sign to prove the sonship/ Godship of Jesus Christ, He clarified them with the life of Jonah. Instead of looking for extra evidences, we need to believe and accept what God has already given and have to press on. He will make our life another evidence for others to follow. After riding out the sins we have to fill our minds with godly things. Unoccupied, unclean and disordered mind/heart is easy target for Satan. Jesus said “Out of the overflow of the heart , the mouth speaks” We have to store up good and godly things in our mind/heart so that our thoughts, sights, words and deeds will be clean.

Mathew 13

The parable of sower teaches the necessity of listening, understanding and applying the word of God in our life for living a successful Christian life. The hindrances for the productivity of our Christian life includes non-understanding/ misunderstanding the Bible, lack of intimate relationship with God, indulgence in worries and love for the world. The parable of weeds and fish net points the presence of pseudo Christians in our midst and the surety of the punishment of God upon them at the appropriate time. The parable of the mustard seed and the yeast illustrate that even if the beginning of the God’s work is small and insignificant, the results will be great. The parable of hidden treasure and pearl merchant encourage us to hold on to the things related to kingdom of God even if we have to loose everything else

Mathew 14

John the Baptist spoke against the immorality that Herod practiced and Herod beheaded him. When we stand for the truth and fight against injustice/immorality, we may end up losing our lives but we need to carry on in our work wisely when we stand on God’s side. It is only five loaves and two fishes if it is in the hand of little boy but when it was surrendered to Jesus it became the resource to satisfy thousands. When we surrender and submit whatever we have to God, He can make it as a blessing to hundreds and thousands. When Peter focused on Jesus he walked in water but when focused on circumstances he drowned. Similarly we need to trust and focus on the Problem solver rather than on the problems. Despite busy schedules, seeking solitude with God was priority to Jesus. Do we have regular and specific time to spend with God daily?

Mathew 15

When Pharisees complained Jesus saying that His disciples were not following tradition (not washing hands before meal), Jesus knowing their failure in obeying God’s law (they have neglected parents in the name of fulfilling Corbon law) stressed the importance of obeying the commandments of God rather than giving priority to religious traditions. Traditions have to help us to understand God better but should become a law by themselves. Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimonies, slander etc., which comes out of the heart make us unclean. Blessed are the pure in heart. A Canaanite woman (Canaanites were enemies to Jews) showed perseverance in pursuing God. She believed that the mercy of the God can be extended to her in spite of the race and religious barriers. Her request was answered and Jesus praised her as “woman of Great faith”.

Mathew 16

Jesus Said “Be on your guard against the yeast of Pharisees and Sadducees”. We need to be careful about the teachings we are exposed to. Deception can happen to anyone by anyone at any point of time. When Jesus asked “What do people say the son of man is?” the disciples had different views. What do me and you think about Jesus Christ? Jesus said” If any one would come after me he must deny himself, take up His cross and follow me” Self denial and Cross bearing is not option but an obligation.

Mathew 17

In the Mountain of transfiguration, the face of Jesus shone like the Sun and his clothes were as white as light. Disciples had a glimpse of the glory of God. Jesus is more than a great leader and good example. He is the son of God. Our response to Him has to be true worship and unconditional obedience. Our God is Almighty. Even if we have little faith (as small as mustard seed), we can have extraordinary results. We need to trust in Him rather than in our experiences, abilities and resources.

Mathew 18

To the question “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” there came a surprise response from Jesus. The greatest is the one who practices humility. Are we humble? Blessed are the poor in Spirit. The disputes or issues between the believers have to be settled inside the church by the responsible church leaders. The parable of unforgiving debtor reminds us the significance of extending forgiveness to others. The forgiveness from God is conditional and is dependent on our forgiving attitude towards others. Are we still carrying enmity, grudges, hatred, bitterness, etc., towards others?

Mathew 19

Marriage is instituted by God. It has to be honored and has to be lived up to the commitments to enjoy the blessings from God. It has to be built up rather than finding reasons (however reasonable it is) to break up. Fear of God, Obedience, forgiving each other, spending quality time, transparency, sacrificial love etc., will help to build up marriage. Christian life is not an event but a process towards perfection and maturity. It is a constant awareness of the question “What do I still lack?” and the readiness to obey His command (whatever it is).

Mathew 20

In the parable of workers paid equally, Jesus explains the generosity of God and points out that when the late comers in the kingdom of God are blessed and used mightily, the long term believers should not feel jealous or bad about that. Instead of being jealous about what God has given to other person, we have to look at the gracious benefits that God granted to us. The mother of John and James thought that she can demand anything from God because of the sacrifice (giving two sons to ministry) she has done. Jesus clarified her stating that one’s greatness depends on how much he/she remains humble and serve others. Whoever wants to be great has to become a servant. The blind men in Jericho did not give up in seeking God despite discouragements and demotivations from people and situations. We also have to keep on seeking and trying till we receive. The God is Compassionate and is willing to answer us.

Mathew 21

When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the people raised their voices and shouted praises unto Him. Few days later, the same crowd shouted to crucify Him. They kept changing their life styles depending on the situation due to their superficial faith. Do we live in hypocrisy and keep on changing the colors depending on the situations and the groups?

When Jesus entered temple area (meant for worshiping God), He noticed the wrong doings which were going on. He reacted positively and cleaned it. Evil thrives when godly people keep quiet. When impure practices and preaching spoil the church of God, we have stand up to clean out the destructive things/issues. Like the quick withering of the fig tree, extraordinary things would happen with ordinary prayers when done in faith without doubt.

Mathew 22

In the parable of the wedding guest, the guest without wedding cloth (it was customary for the host to provide wedding clothes to the guests. The particular guest would have rejected it) was thrown out and punished. Similarly God calls us gives His righteousness freely. We ought to accept it, guard it and have fellowship with Him. Persons without salvation and righteousness cannot be entertained in the kingdom of God. Like Sadducees, we also have in our midst those who do not believe in Resurrection from the dead. Jesus not only clarified the doubts of Sadducees but also confirmed the fact of resurrection. Resurrection is the focus of Christian faith. We have to live as if we believe in the resurrection from the dead.

Mathew 23

Jesus appreciated what Pharisees preached but condemned what they practiced. They did not practice what they preached. They loved to be greeted, honored and exalted. Jesus reminded: “The greatest among you will be your servant”, “Whoever humbles himself will be exalted”. The significance of simple, humble and exemplary life is emphasized. Pharisees thought that they were highly spiritual because they gave offerings and tithes strictly and regularly. Jesus pointed out that sacrifices and offerings are not substitutes for righteous living, faithfulness and helping others. Like Pharisees, we also may be living in hypocrisy — godly and holy outside and lustful, greedy and sinful desires inside. Jesus warns us to shed off all hypocrisy and to live in true spirituality.

Mathew 24

To the question” What will be the sign for your coming and the end of the world?” Jesus responded with few warning signs and advices. Warning Signs - Many false Christs and false prophets (including false preachers and teachers) will come and will deceive many.(Even the elect will be deceived by them through signs and miracles) – The followers of Jesus Christ will be hated by all Nations – Wickedness will increase and the love for God and others will decrease. Advices - Get involved in preaching the gospel to the whole world (Before His second advent) -Be watchful and prepared for the second coming of Christ – Be a faithful and wise servant in doing what is expected from you.

Mathew 25

Through the parable of ten virgins (who wanted to take part in the processions of bridegroom) Jesus taught that each person is responsible for his/her spiritual condition. Spiritual preparation can not be bought or borrowed at the last minute. Through the parable of talents, Jesus stressed the necessity of using well, what God has entrusted to us. How well we use what we are given is more important that what we have. Can you be called as faithful and wise servant by God? Through the parable of sheeps and goats, Jesus highlighted the significance of serving those in need – feeding the hungry, clothing the unclothed, looking after the sick etc. Giving to poor is giving to God

Mathew 26

Judas Iscariot, who was a disciple of Jesus Christ for years, sold his mentor/Lord/Savior for 30 silver coins, the price of a slave. Like wise, are we not selling our love/devotion towards the God for petty pleasures or temporal selfish gains?

Jesus began to be sorrowful and troubled Garden of Gethsemane. For Jesus, the communication with father was in priority list before every task and for the fulfillment of the will of God in His life on earth. Do we pray regularly? What is the motive behind our prayers? If the closest disciple of Jesus Christ, Peter could disown Jesus, it can happen in our lives as well. Are we living a life style disowning Jesus Christ out of fear for people or to obtain favor from people? They spit on His face, struck Him with their fists. Others slapped Him; few others accused Him falsely while many others mocked Him. Jesus responded divinely- forgiving instead of retaliating

Mathew 27

“They stripped Him (Jesus) and put a scarlet robe on Him and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They spit on Him and took the staff and struck Him on the head again and again” These words display the prosecution that He went through for each one of us. Hopefully this (His) agony He went through should pull us to remind the determination and dedication we ought to love Him, obey Him and live for Him. Not only His (Jesus’) birth, life and teachings are extraordinary but also His death. His death was  accompanied by four miraculous events- darkness (3 hours), Tearing of the curtain (separating holy and most holy place in the tabernacle) into two, earth quake and the dead people rising from the tombs. His death brought life to us.

Mathew 28

After resurrection, two types of messages spread out. The followers of Jesus Christ after witnessing the resurrection of Jesus testified that Jesus rose from the dead. On the other hand the chief priests fearing the higher authorities spread rumor that disciples stole the body of Jesus. What type of message do I and you carry in our lips and lives? The farewell message of Jesus Christ is too significant to ignore. After assuring the bestowed authority on the disciples, He commissioned them with a great responsibility- Making others as the disciples of Jesus in all nations. How relevant and authoritative are the words of Jesus in our lives today? Every Christian is a missionary and every non-Christian is a mission field.

 

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THOUGHTS- MARK Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

THOUGHTS- MARK-CHAPTER WISE

Mark 1               

At the baptism service of Jesus in river Jordan, three persons of trinity were visible. Jesus in the water, Holy Spirit descending down and the voice of the father. Trinity is the essence of God and not man made theology.Immediately after the glorious experience at the baptism service, Jesus was led to be tempted in wilderness. Time of godly fellowship, fasting and prayer and outstanding ministerial experience does not guarantee temptation free life. Even though we can pray to lead us not into temptation, we ought to be prepared to face and overcome all type of temptations.Jesus set an example in prayer life. Despite busy and tight schedules, Jesus maintained the discipline to be alone with God in prayer. The preachers who gain mighty results for God are the men who have prevailed in their pleadings with God. The preachers who are the mightiest in their closets with God are the mightiest in their pulpits with men. (E.M.Bounds) 

Mark 2

Jesus seeing the faith and efforts of those carrying the paralytic in unusual way, appreciated them and answered their request. They did not wait for the crowd to dispose to bring the needy to Jesus. When we see those in need we have to make every effort to bring them to Jesus without delay (for the saving of their souls and the healing of their body). God will honour our faith and will reward publicly.Pharisees separated themselves from the tax collectors and publicans. Jesus mingled with them. His holiness and purity did not stop Him to associate with sinners. He has condemned the sins not the sinners. We also have to be compassionate and merciful upon those whose are condemned and considered less privileged 

Mark 3

God created Sabbath for our own good to rest from the routine work and to be restored physically and spiritually. When we apply a law to other people we must ensure that we do not make harmful or inappropriate judgments.Anger is a emotion created by God. Jesus was angry because of the uncaring attitudes of Pharisees. Anger by itself is not sin. The intentions behind anger and its consequences would decide if the anger is sinful. Our anger has to be for constructive purpose and should not cause any negative impact.Evil spirits confessed that Jesus is the son of God, but His family members remarked that Jesus is out of mind, while the teachers of the law stated that Jesus is possesed by Beelzebul. Deliberate ongoing rejection of the work of the Holyspirit is blasphemy and the person who commits it guilty of eternal sin. 

Mark 4

Jesus taught many things in parables. One of such parable of the sower. Through the parable of the sower He outlined the reasons for our unfruitfulness. The same seed (Word of God) is sown to all the hearts but in most cases we could  not bear fruit because of the following reasons- Not understanding the word of God, lack of spiritual discipline/strength to withstand persecution and suffering, Worries, Deceitfulness of riches and the lust for worldly pleasures. Jesus expects us to hear the word of God, make it grow in us and to spread out to others like a mustard seed. 

Mark 5               

The demon possessed man surprisingly found a new life and new hope after meeting Jesus. Jesus healed him from Legion of demons attack. The intervention of Jesus in our lives would bring new rays of hope and happiness. The delivered person clanged to Jesus and wanted to be with Him, but He sent him to his own community to witness what God has done to Him. He obeyed and the result is Decopolis (10 cities) came to light. Each one of us is unique in His sight. Let us resolve to be willing and obedient to do what God wants us to do in His way in His time. Jarius loved his daughter very much. The news about her death brought him grief and depression. In the hopeless situation, Jesus asked Him not to be afraid but to believe in God. He did obey and trusted the words of Jesus and he could see the miracle of God. It is impossible to please God without faith. 

Mark 6

Despite Jesus doing mighty and miraculous works, he selected 12 disciples and delegated works to them. He did not depend on the individual work but on the team work. The significance of team work in the kingdom of God cannot be understated and is acknowledged by Jesus by sending two-by-two for ministry and by delegating various responsibilities. Team work would strengthen, encourage and edify each other in times of trouble and difficulties.On seeing the multitudes, he had compassion and taught them many things related to their spiritual life. When they are tired and hungry, He wanted to feed them and entrusted the responsibility of feeding the 5000 plus to His team. Disciples reacted to that as an impossible task. When faced with impossible tasks, we can to do our best and leave the rest to God. He can make the impossible possible. 

Mark 7

Pharisees and the teachers of the law (religious leaders) stressed the traditions for the elders and religion. Jesus observed their life styles and commented “you set aside the commands of God in order to observe your own tradition” Jesus explained the importance of purity in our thought life. Evil and sinful actions stem from Sinful and evil hearts. Allowing our thoughts to dwell in lust, envy, hatred or revenge will lead us astray and make us useless. Traditions in our religion are good but should be a substitute for the command of God and holy life

Mark 8

After teaching and preaching for long hours, Jesus understood the tiredness in the delegates and asked His disciples to feed them. Jesus was not only concerned about the spiritual aspect of our life but also about our physical needs. When we fear and obey Him, He will guide us and meet our needs in time.Jesus is more interested to know “What do you say who Jesus is?” rather than “What do people say who Jesus is?” .Can you acknowledge that Jesus is truly the Lord, Christ and Savior in your life?Christian Life is always about making the right choices. How is your life—World Centric or Christ Centric? What good is for a man to gain the whole world yet forfeit His soul? What can a man give in exchange for his soul?  

Mark 9

Prayer is the key that unlocks faith in us. Effective prayer needs both complete dependence and asking. Prayer shows our reliance on God. There is no substitute for prayer. Victory over sin and temptations comes through faith in Jesus Christ not only through our own efforts.Jesus told to cut off hands, pluck out eyes, cut off foot etc., if they cause us to sin. He used this startling language to stress the importance of cutting sin out of our lives. Painful discipline is required. Giving up a relationship, job or habit that is against God’s will seem painful but we have to give up to save our lives.Jesus asked His disciples to be salt. Like salt we should make difference in the flavor of the world we live in just as salt changes meats’ flavor. We should counteract the moral decay in society just as salt preserves food from decay

Mark 10

While replying to the queries of Pharisees regarding Divorce, Jesus clarified and stressed the commitment one has to have in marriage. Marriage is an institution ordained by God. Marriage is not an act of convenience. It is covenant (cannot be broken) not contract. Women are often treated as property. Marriage and divorce are considered as transactions similar to buying and selling land. Jesus condemned this attitude and clarified that God’s original intention in marriage is oneness and not separation.James and John came to Jesus with an uncommon prayer request (to grant them sit on both sides of Jesus as a mark of popularity and greatness) Jesus denied their request and made them understand that true greatness comes from serving others. Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.

Mark 11

Jesus saw the fig tree filled with leaves and with no buds. The tree was expected to have the buds during that season. The tree looked promising from outside but no signs for fruit inside. It may happen in our lives as well. We may be looking good outside through our busy schedules and all activities but would have failed to live up to the expectations of God. We need to maximize our efforts to build up the godly characters in us. Next day, when the disciples saw the tree dried up, they have learnt the power in the words of Jesus. Words of Jesus are powerful enough to do miracles in any situation. Jesus reminded that the prayers offered in faith with forgiven heart (also stressed forgiving others as condition to receive forgiveness from God) will bring unusual answers. 

Mark 12

Jesus referred to Himself as the corner stone. The corner stone was used to make sure the other stones of the building were straight and level. Like wise, the life and teaching of Jesus Christ should be the foundation of our life and ministry.By Jesus’ time the Jews had accumulated hundreds of laws – 613 by a historian’s account. Some are minor and some are major laws. Jesus summarized these laws in to two – Love your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength; Love your neighbor as you love yourself. Let these two laws of Jesus rule our thoughts, decisions and actions. 

Mark 13

Every true Christian hopes and looks forward for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. To a question from His disciples about the signs of His second coming, Jesus replied them with few signs and precautionary notes. He advised his followers to be alert about the possible deception to the elects by the false prophets and teachers through convincing signs and wonders. He also exhorted them to be watchful and to be obedient to the written word of God. We are reminded to live a holy and right living in the world where the God is largely ignored. 

Mark 14

The woman in Bethany at Simon’s house broke the alabaster jar (cost about one year wages of a person that time) and anointed Jesus. To an outsider (even to some disciples) it seemed like wasting money. But Jesus acknowledged her sacrifice. The essence of worshiping Christ is to regard Him with utmost love, respect, devotion and be willing to sacrifice the most precious things for Jesus Christ.We have in us a constant and consistent battle between the desires of flesh and the willingness of the Spirit. To over- come the weakness of the flesh which pulls us out from God, Jesus prescribed prayer as the solution – the constant and consistent prayer.Peter and Judas, both denied their Lord and leader at the last minute. Jesus forgave both of them. Both of them felt bad for their faults. But Peter bounced back while Judas committed suicide. The way we react to the messages and mercies of God has a long lasting impact in our lives and others’. 

Mark 15

During the trial, Pilate asked Jesus many questions. Jesus did not answer to most of the queries. At times, when faced with difficulties, the best way to defend/respond is by maintaining silence.Jesus died like a slave, criminal and cursed. Disciples deserted Him and none came to help Him. The religious leaders have written Him off. But today more than 1/3 of the population confesses the Son ship/Lordship of Jesus Christ. When Jesus died many things happened in this world. One of the significant thing was the curtain (separating the holy God from sinful people) in the temple of God was torn into two symbolizing the removal of mediation between the God and mankind. Everyone have free access to God by the death of Christ. How sad it is to notice that many Christians are still looking for mediums/mediators to approach the living God?

Mark 16

As foretold and forewritten, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. The disciples did not believe the news about His resurrection when the women (who met risen Jesus in the tomb) and two disciples (who met Jesus on their way back to home) told them. But they believed when Jesus appeared to them. Jesus rebuked them for their unbelief. The belief that we confess should have its root in the heart and its fruit in the life.Jesus asked his disciples to go into the entire world and preach the good news. The disciples went out and preached every where and the Lord worked with them. Are you involved in preaching the good news? Is the Lord working with you in the ministerial activities you are involved? 

 

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Thoughts for Christian Life from Luke Gospel Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

Thoughts for Christian Life from Luke Gospel

Luke 1
When Gabriel informed Zechariah (very old in age) that he would be blessed with a child, he doubted the message from God, looking in human perspective. We would overlook the instructions and promises by God by looking at our situations due to the diverse experiences and different exposures we have. When God commands He expects us to obey and when he promises He expects us to believe.
In Jewish culture, Woman found conceived before marriage is considered adulteress and would be stoned to death. Mary after being informed by Gabriel that she would be with child before marriage, she had two choices – either to surrender to God’s will or to save her life from terrible consequences. Mary chose to obey God sacrificing her life and that made all the difference. If we chose to obey God, God will bless us and all our needs will be met at the right time.

Luke 2
The early days of Jesus is summarized as that He grew in Wisdom, Stature, in favor with God and Men. Like wise we also have to grow multi dimensional – Spiritually, Physically, socially and mentally. Instead of focusing on one part of our life and leaving the rest, we need to be balanced.
There were few prophesies concerning the birth place and genealogy of the expected Messiah. He has to be descendant of David and He is to be born in Bethlehem. Evidently, Joseph and Mary were descendants of David. They stayed in Nazareth. God had to move Caesar Augustus to pass a decree regarding Census, to move Joseph and Mary out of Nazareth. This led Joseph to go to his hometown, Bethlehem with Mary (Pregnant, expecting the delivery of baby at any time, long travel not advised during that period). Since it was decree of the Caesar, they had to go and baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem. At times God allows hardships and difficulties in our lives ( which would even prompt us to doubt His mercy and existence), to direct us towards His will.

Luke 3
The constant messages from the God by the Messengers/Preachers in the Bible is “Repentance from Sin towards God”. Repentance have two sides – turning away from sinful life and turning towards God.

The message from the John the baptist was unique and was different from the religious leaders of those times. He did not have time to speak comforting messages to those who live careless and selfish lives. He did not preach to please people and to reap their favor. He preached the word of God (without adulteration) to people (not for people) for God. His message was simple but thought provoking. His exhortation included sharing what one have with those in need, doing well in the assigned job/responsibility and being content with whatever one has.

Luke 4
After Jesus being filled by the Holy spirit, the Spirit of God led Him to Wilderness for a time of fasting (40 days) and temptation. Satan tempted Jesus to use unusual means to meet the normal needs related to his body, to misapply the word of God (through misquoting and misinterpretation) and to give away the worship belonged to God ( by worshiping the powers and pleasures belonged to Satan and his worldly system). Filling of the Holy Spirit and a constant prayer does not guarantee freedom from temptation but it would prepare us to overcome temptations. The proper understanding of the word of God and the unconditional obedience to Him would make us victorious in times of temptation
When Jesus taught to the People in Synagogue in Nazareth, those listened to Him were amazed at His teaching. Little later when they heard that the message is not favoring them the same congregation were furious and drove Him out. While standing for the truth even our close friends would dislike and disassociate from us but we have to stand firm for the truth and ought to preach without fear or favor for people

Luke 5
Jesus went to Galilee seashore and lot of People followed Him. He used the boat of Peter as platform to teach to the crowd. After finishing the sermon, He asked Peter to let down his net for a miraculous catch at a unfavorable time (Peter, an experienced fisherman and his friends tried the whole night in vain without any catch). The catch contained multitude of fishes to everyone’s astonishment around there. The experienced fisherman obeyed to irrelevant instructions of Jesus (Jesus was carpenter by profession) and he experienced the miracle of his life time. Jesus called him for ministry and he became the leader of the early church. Now the big question is “Are all these things happened by accident or by God’s plan?”. Even though everything looks like coincidence, the fact is that the God had special plan for Peter’s life. He could have easily missed the plan of God if he had looked on experiences and expertise instead of obeying God unconditionally

Jesus called Levi (Mathew) to follow him. Mathew was tax collector, working for Roman government in that province. Jews disliked tax collectors and they were considered as sinners by them. After experiencing the touch of Jesus, he wanted to give feast to Jesus and he invited his friends (tax collectors) for the feast along with Jesus. Jesus ate with them and communicated the care and love of God to them. Should we not opt to use our special occasions as opportunity to share the love of God to our friends and acquaintances like Mathew?

Luke 6
The pharisees had listed 39 activities forbidden on the day of sabbath. They had been strictly following the religious system and traditions rather than looking at the personal needs of the individuals. Jesus emphasized the significance of caring for those in need over the traditions. Let us ensure not to use our religious rituals and traditions as excuses to cover up our failure to attend to the immediate needs of the people around us.
Jesus had spent the whole night in prayer before He selected twelve apostles. Jesus had spent considerable time in prayer before every important decision He made. “In prayer, it is better to have heart without words, than words without heart. Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin entice a man to cease from prayer. The spirit of prayer is more precious than treasures of gold and silver. Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.”(John Bunyan).Jesus showed his concern for the neglected in society by stating that those who are poor/hungry/weep as blessed. His message was LOVE IN ACTION. We are asked to love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, to do good to those who hate us and to lend without expecting so that we will be called as sons of most high and we will be rewarded by God.

As every fruit is decided by the nature of the tree, our life style is influenced by the character we possess and what is stored in the heart. The good man brings out good thing out of good stored in his heart.

Luke 7
One day when Jesus was in His hometown, Capernaum, few Jewish elders (sent by Centurion) met Him and pleaded for the restoration of the Jewish servant worked with a Roman centurion. The centurion (Roman citizen and official) expressed unusual faith in the power Jesus had and have his needs met.Without faith it is impossible to please God; for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him

When John the baptist (who introduced Jesus to the crowd at the bank of river Jordan) was in prison, he had serious doubt concerning Jesus (If Jesus is the expected Messiah). He sent out his disciples unto Jesus to get his doubts clarified. Jesus reacted in a very different way. He did not list out the reasons why He is the expected messiah. He asked them to report to John what they have seen and heard (The life style and ministry of Jesus). Our genuinity as a child of God and our association with the true and living God could be witnessed effectively only by letting our life speak. We need to let our lives speak rather than our lips.When Jesus was in Simon’s ( a Pharisee) house for a feast. A sinful woman (neglected and rejected in society because of her sinful habits and life style) sat at the feet of Jesus and applied alabaster on his feet. By moral standards, the woman was too far from Jesus. When the whole world watched on her lustful behaviours, Jesus see through her (the mental agony and the forgiveness and the freedom from the penalty and power of sin, she desperately needed) and offered her a brand new life. The same God still cares for us and knows our present status. He is not only the saviour to save us from the punishment of sins but also from the power of sins. Is Jesus Christ really the saviour of your life?

Luke 8
The purpose of hearing the word of God is not complete unless we practice it. Jesus very clearly explained why we do fail to produce what (the word of God) is sown in our hearts through a parable (Parable of a sower). The possible causes that make the word of God ineffective in our lives are poor understanding of the word of God, lack of determination/ commitment to live godly life and our focus on worries, riches and pleasures of this world.
The disciples of Jesus Christ faced storms as they traveled in the midst of sea. When caught up in the storms of life, we may tend to doubt the presence and compassion of Jesus Christ in our lives. Instead of fearing about the consequences of the storms, if we can look on to Jesus in faith, He would subside and calm down the great storms of our life.
In the region of Geresenes, Jesus delivered a demon possessed man to the astonishment of everyone around there. Jesus directed the delivered man to return to his hometown and to tell what God had done for him. The man went and told all over the town how much Jesus had done for him. Should not the life of this man challenge us to tell others what God has done for us?

Luke 9
Jesus said: If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Many people come to Jesus Christ for blessings and healings but only few come after (follow) Him. Coming to Jesus is easy but Coming after Jesus is difficult because it is new way of life and different life style. Self denial and cross bearence are conditional steps to come after Jesus . Jesus did not compel any one to come after Him rather He asked the people, who came to Him to choose whether they would come after Him or not. Walking with Christ does not guarantee fortunes and riches (as we would have misunderstood) but daily dying to self, its will and pleasures and bearing insults, suffering and persecutions.

After empowering His disciples for the gospel work, He instructed them not to defend if some one offend them by not accepting them. When Jesus and His disciples entered Samartian village, they did not accept them and as the result, His disciples asked Him to bring fire from Heaven to consume them. Jesus gently rebuked them for their ungodly behaviour. At times, when we would desire to misuse our power/privilege/position to defend our life and ministry, let us remember the specific instruction from Master to forgive and forget.
Herod misunderstood Jesus as John the baptist. Few others acknowledged Him as a mighty prophet like Elijah. Only the closest disciple could understand Him as the Son of God. When we walk closer with God we would be able to understand the reality of God in better and clearer way.

Luke 10
Jesus appointed 84 persons (72 +12) to go and do the ministry on His behalf in different villages and towns. He instructed them to pray and intercede before being sent. The significance of intercession for the lost souls is emphasized here. The disciples went, ministered and joyfully reported the field news/miracles happened. In turn, He warned them not to indulge in pride (which brought down angel as Satan) but to focus on their position in Christ (our inheritance with God in heaven)

To the question ” What must I do to inherit the eternal life?”, Jesus explained that one can have the eternal life if he/she love the God (with all mind, heart, strength and soul) and love the neighbour (as one love themselves). Jesus explained through a story (Samartian helping a poor wounded Jew when the Jewish priest and the Jewish levite failed to help) that the neighbour is not just our friends, relatives and acquaintances but any one who is in need irrespective of caste, colour, race and religion. The love that was in his heart made him a neighbour to any one who was in need.

Luke 11
Jesus Prayed regularly. The disciples had been watching Jesus’ prayer life, its outcome and it in turn inspired them to pray. When disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He taught them the contents of prayer, the persistence required in prayer and the faithfulness of God to answer prayer. The prayer is the source of power in a Christians’ life. Are we praying to the expected level? Is our prayer life inspiring others to pray?. Do we persist in prayer? When a Christian shuns fellowship with other Christians, the devil smiles. When he stops studying the Bible, the devil laughs. When he stops praying, the devil shouts for joy(Corrie Ten Boom).

Heart is the store house and eye is the light of the body. When we give up our eyes to watch lustful things and our hearts to keep evil desires, our vision will be blurred and blinded towards the guidance of God. Satan will have dominion on us and will drive us away from God. What/Where we are depends on what we watch, what we listen and what we store in our heart.

Luke 12
Jesus while talking with His disciples in a friendly manner, He warned them to fear God (who can decide our eternal destiny). He also stated not to let the fear for men make us to act in hypocrisy or to fail to confess Jesus openly before others. Solomon concluded “Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man”. Fear of God can be defined as the acute awareness of the presence of God’s power that produces in us a sense of awe and calls forth from us honor, respect and reverence. Fear God, and you need never fear man
Jesus asked us not to worry about our needs for our earthly life but to seek the kingdom of God. When we give priority to God, His will and commit to obey, we can experience our needs being met at the right time. Worry is interest paid on trouble before it is due. Worry is different from having concern, Worry sees the problem but Concern sees the solution. We can be tired, weary and emotionally distraught, but after spending time alone with God, we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power and strength. Let us turn to God when situations presses us to worry.

Jesus used the parable of faithful servant to teach the importance of accountability and stewardship to His disciples. Jesus want each one of us to be the Wise and faithful steward, knowing His Will, doing as per His will and waiting for His return. A steward acts in the best interest of his master. He demonstrates his dependability, sensibility, and trustworthiness by conscientiously caring for his master’s affairs. He cares for his master’s affairs with as much devotion in the master’s absence as in the master’s presence. The steward has enormous privileges and much power, but he abuses none of them.

Luke 13
When some one referred the calamity happened to a group of Galileans and to those on whom the tower of Shiloam fell, Jesus warned the listeners to REPENT from their sins and encouraged them to bear fruits of repentance. Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes off the relish for spiritual things then it is sin for you, however, innocent it may be in itself.(Suzanna Wesley)

Jesus healed a person who was crippled for 18 years but a synagogue ruler was indignant about what happened and expressed his unhappiness over the healing being done on Sabbath considering it as anti-religious. Jesus helped him to understand that the people’s needs are more important than the religious rules and regulations.

Narrow is the gate that goes to eternal life and wide is the way which leads to eternal destruction. Jesus advised His followers to make every effort to enter through the narrow door because many will try to enter and will not be able to enter. They earnestly desire to know Jesus, diligently strive to follow Him but would be pulled back when they are seduced by the attractive lifestyle and the living conditions offered by the broad way.

Luke 14
Jesus pointed out that one who hates self and the family members only can become His disciples (The same Jesus told to love your neighbor as yourself ). Is it contradicting? No. The passage can be better understood in the context of the parable of the great feast (where invitees responded negatively for the invitation to the feast by giving excuses, stating that their priority is to take care of their family and themselves). Unless one love God MORE than himself/herself and others, He/She cannot be a follower of Jesus Christ.
Jesus taught that we should exercise humility either when we go for feasts/functions/parties or when we host feasts/parties/functions.Whatever makes us feel superior to other people, whatever tempts us to convey a sense of superiority, that is the gravity of our sinful nature, not grace. (Phillip Yancey)

Jesus said, “whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me, he cannot be My disciple”. The cross stands for the expression of the world’s hatred and for a life that is voluntarily surrendered to the will of God. To take up the cross was a vivid illustration of the humility and submission that Jesus was asking of his followers.

Luke 15
When Publicans and sinners drew nearer to Jesus, the pharisees and the scribes were filled with resentment and murmured against Him. On seeing their reactions, Jesus explained them through the parable of lost coin and lost sheep that there would be joy in heaven over the one sinner who repents and he showed them the love of God over the lost ones through a story of a Father and two sons. The elder son represents the Pharisees and Scribes while younger one represents the sinners and publicans. At times, when we see wicked persons being blessed and prospered, we tend to doubt the presence of God and would show resentments over the sinners. Resentment or grudges do no harm to the person against whom you hold these feelings but every day and every night of your life, they are eating at you (Peale Norman). Jesus advised us to love our enemies so that we may be sons of our Father who is in heaven (for He make sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust).

Luke 16
Jesus taught the importance of Stewardship in whatever the things granted to us, through the parable of the shrewd servant. Whatever we have, the property of it is God’s; we have only the use of it, according to the direction of our great Lord, and for his honour. Jesus also cautioned about not being driven/mastered by love for money. Money may be the husk of many things, but not the kernel. It brings you food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness; days of joy, but not peace and happiness(Henrik Ibsen)

Through the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus acknowledged the reality of Hell and Heaven. Our life is determined by two choices we make – choosing heaven or hell. Choosing heaven means living a supernatural life of faith in Jesus Christ, trusting Him to live and love through us here and throughout eternity. Choosing hell means faithlessly rejecting Christ — living a life of self-indulgence with difficult consequences here on earth and excruciating punishment for all time. The story also emphasize the significance to care for the poor and downtrodden. We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved and uncared for is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to remedy this kind of poverty (Mother Teresa).

Luke 17
Forgiveness is an essential quality of Christian life. Forgiveness has to be unconditional and unlimited. Our forgiveness of each other has to do more with the attitude .The forgiving person does not attempt to take revenge upon those who have wronged him.The forgiving person does not hate the offender.The forgiving person is kindly disposed and tenderhearted toward his adversary.
Even with small faith (like mustard seed) in God, we can do wonders and we can be a blessing to many. Faith is total dependence on God and the readiness to do His will. Faith is not meant for demonstration but for the complete and humble obedience to the all powerful God. Jesus taught through the parable of the master and the servant that we should not take pride or seek honour for we being obedient to God. Obedience to God is our duty and obligation.
Jesus stated the necessity of a grateful heart through the story of 10 healed lepers. God does not demand thanksgiving but He is pleased when we thank him. Gratitude … goes beyond the “mine” and “thine” and claims the truth that all of life is a pure gift. In the past I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy(Henri J. M. Nouwen).

Luke 18
Jesus taught the significance of prevailing prayer through the parable of the widow and the unjust judge. Prevailing prayer is the constant knocking at the door with the expectation that it will be opened. The widow in the parable asked in faith and with expectation. The prayer has to be specific, unselfish, consistent and persistent. Jesus pointed out the necessity of humility in prayer through the parable of Pharisee and publican. God resists the proud but give grace to the humble. The meaningful prayer is simple one which comes from honest and humble heart with absolute reverence towards God.

The eternal life from God is free and is given to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ but it is conditional. He communicated the requirements to inherit eternal life during His interaction with the earnest Jewish seeker. Those who seek to inherit eternal life have to be completely obedient to the revealed commandments of God, loose the grip over material things and have to follow Christ. Even though living such a life is difficult, it is possible by the enablement of God. Many will come to Jesus but very few will be able to follow Him. Are you one among the selected few to inherit eternal life?

Luke 19
Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector was hated by the Jews for his close association with the Romans who ruled over Jews. The fellowship with Jesus transformed his life for ever. He demonstrated the inward change with the outward actions. Do we have and keep the right fellowship with God?

Through the parable of king’s ten servants, Jesus communicated His expectations on the disciples between His ascension and His second advent. Each one of us is provided with different amount of time, talents and treasures. We are expected to live for God and to get involved in the job of extending His kingdom all over the world irespective of caste, creed, race and religion. We are accountable for whatever we do in this life on earth and would attract either honour from God or condemnation. Could you be found as Good and faithful servant by God?

Luke 20
While refuting a crafty question from Saduccess concerning resurrection, Jesus confirmed the certainty of Resurrection. The hope of resurrection from the dead to live eternally is the central belief of Christianity. If we are convinced about the reality of the resurrection that would happen to us in future, our perspective would change. We would not be choked by the worries and problems of our daily life. We would live a life with eternity in mind – making every efforts to obey to the creator and would be influencing others towards the eternal life found in Jesus Christ. Do you believe in the resurrection?. Does your life style acknowledge that you believe in Resurrection?

Luke 21
When asked about the sign of endtimes, Jesus foretold few things concerning the destruction of then temple (destroyed by Romans in AD 70), presecution of those who follow Christ (Have been happening ever since the begining of the church), unusual happenings in the Sun, moon, stars and sea (Recent times witnessed more calamities). Amidst this, we are encouraged not to be carried away by the false Christs/Prophets, to stand firm in faith for God in persecutions and betrayals, to watch and pray so that we would be able to escape all that is about to happen and that we would be able to stand before God. Heaven and earth will pass away but the word of God will not pass away. May God grant us grace to prepare ourselves for the eternal life.

Luke 22
Judas and Peter were two among the few who have got the privilege to have close fellowship with Jesus (God in flesh). Despite seeing the miracles, hearing to the living words every day, they had their setbacks in their spiritual walk. One have failed so badly without any hope for return (considering the things of the world are more worthier than the God Himself) and the other have disowned his guru, fearing persecution and social rejection. Peter depended more on his strength and overlooked the warning sign (about denying Jesus) and underestimated the advice by Jesus to watch and pray to overcome temptation. If these costly mistakes could happen to the close associates of Jesus, it can happen to us as well. We will be safer and better when we devote ourselves to regular prayer and closer walk with God.

In the last passover with the disciples, Jesus conveyed the rejection and the sufferings that He would be going through. Foreseeing the need of the leader to lead the group after the departure of Jesus, the disciples fought themselves very badly to know who is the greatest and fit enough to emerge as future leader. Jesus clarified to them that the type of leader sought by God is one who is humble (not arrogant ) and devote his life for serving (not ruling) others.

Luke 23
Endurance is an important virtue required by any christian who wants to become a matured one. The way that Jesus endured the persecution teaches us the importance of patience and endurance. Jesus was tried, tied and whipped. He was mocked, insulted, spitted. Jesus neither threatened nor cursed nor resisted but endured. Endurance is the act of sustaining prolonged stressful effort. Endurance cannot come automatically, it need to be desired and developed. We are advised to run the race set before us with endurance.

Jesus not only have taught about forgiveness but also exhibited even at the hardest part of His life. The religious leaders accused Him for their own benefits. Political leaders passed illegal judgment. The disciples who walked closer with Him walked away. Even the criminal hanging with Him hurled insults mercilessly. Jesus forgave everyone who acted against Him. Forgiveness is not to be considered as an occasional act but to be built up as a permanent attitude. Needless to remind that our forgiveness from God depends upon the forgiveness extend to others (Lord’s prayer). Some one stated that forgiveness is the oil of relationships. Let us desire and demonstrate the forgiveness in our daily life.

Luke 24
As written in the scriptures, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. Even though Jesus taught and predicted to the disciples about His Crucifixion and Resurrection while he was with them, the disciples found it difficult to believe that Jesus rose from the death.Not only they had doubts but also they wanted convincing proofs to accept the fact of resurrection. Jesus appeared to them personally and they could experience personally and they were convinced. We too can experience the presence and the reality of Jesus when we seek Him earnestly.
Today, we have the fulfilled prophecies of Old testament, witnesses of New testament apostles and two thousand years old church history to confirm the fact of resurrection. Do you live as if you believe in Resurrection?

The resurrected Jesus after revealing Himself to His disciples with convincing proofs, asked His disciples to preach REPENTANCE and FORGIVENESS OF SINS to all nations, after receiving the power of Holy Spirit. Resurrection is the central point of Christian belief. We cannot be a Christian without believing in resurrection. We cannot be a Christian without practicing true repentance and assurance of the forgiveness of sins. If we believe in new life available through Christ, we would ensure to live up to the expectations of God and would influence our near and dear ones towards this eternal life.

 

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Thoughts for Christian Life from book of John Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

Thoughts for Christian Life from book of John

Chapter wise

-         By Prithvi /prithvionnet@yahoo.com

John 1

In this Chapter, Apostle John introduced Jesus as the word revealed to world to give light and life; John the Baptist introduced Him as the Son of God; Andrew introduced Jesus to Simon as the expected Christ; Philips introduced Jesus to Nathaniel as the promised one in the law and the prophets. People who have known Jesus personally were involved in introducing Jesus to the near and dear ones. How are we doing in introducing Jesus to others?

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John the Baptist played a vital role in history by introducing the expected Messiah to the world. Jesus acclaimed that John the Baptist was the greatest prophet that world has ever known. His inspiring and authoritative messages moved the audiences to greater spiritual heights. Despite living such a higher end life, he chose to have a simple and humble life style. Like his dress, his food was also unusual and ordinary. He openly stated that he is even unworthy to untie the scandals of Jesus. Like John the Baptist, we also ought to opt to live simple and humble life but powerful life. 

John 2

Jesus was invited to a wedding in Cana. He was not known as a miracle worker then. When they ran short of wine (insult to the host) in the wedding, Mary asked her elder Son: Jesus (her husband would have expired then) to do some thing to solve the unexpected crisis. To everyone’s astonishment, Jesus asked to carry water as replacement for wine. Water was water till it was served but wine when it was served. The glory of Jesus was revealed through this event and the disciples put faith in Him. Servants, when obeyed to the simple instructions of Jesus, Miracles happened. When we trust and obey God, Miracles will follow

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When Jesus went through the temple courts in Jerusalem, He found that the temple premises were misused for personal /commercial gains despite providing inconvenience to those who came to worship God and present offerings. Unlike others, who did nothing about the unrighteous behavior of the pseudo spiritual leaders, Jesus did something to rectify the misused/abused religiosity. When we watch things around us going bad, instead of being spectators, we ought to get involved in rectify the mistakes. It is better to lit one candle than to curse the darkness. 

John 3

When the whole groups of Pharisees were against the teaching and the bestowed authority of Jesus, a notable Pharisee and a member of Jewish ruling council (Sanhedrin), Nicodemus acknowledged that Jesus came from God. Despite being a traditional and pious Jew, he was challenged by the new life offered by Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized the necessity of being born again (to be adopted as the child of God) to enter the kingdom of God. Being born again refers to new creation, a fresh start by the action of God, freed from a sinful past life and able to begin a new life in relationship with Christ via the Holy Spirit. Let us not allow the religious traditions and our social status to become a barrier to learn the simple living truths that God has for us.

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The disciples of Jesus Christ were baptizing in Judean country side while John and his disciples were baptizing at Aenon. When informed about the baptisms given by Jesus and His team, John the baptist did not consider it as a threat to the ministry, he built up for years, and instead, he stated: Jesus must increase and I must decrease. Let us re-resolve to focus on the glorification of the name of the Lord Jesus in our ministry rather than seeking reputation and honour for ourselves. 

John 4

Jesus met a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well at an unusual hour. Jesus had offered living water to her. In the beginning, the woman identified Him as superhuman, then as prophet and finally as Christ. Understanding God is not an event but a process. After knowing the Christ, She went back and shared the testimony to her villagers and brought them to Jesus. True encounter with the living Christ always drive us to bring the lost ones towards Him.

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Jews and Samaritans (Mixed race of Jews and foreigners) had differences/disagreements regarding the proper place of worship (Jews worshiped in the temple at Jerusalem whereas Samaritans worshiped at Mount Gerizim). Jesus clarified that God is Spirit and is not limited to space and time. God could be worshiped anytime anywhere. Idolizing places of worship is unscriptural.

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Jesus went through Samaritan village (Jews used to hate mingling with Samaritans and going through their villages) and met a Samaritan woman living in sin (No respectable Jew would meet such woman) at a public place and won her for the Kingdom of God. The gospel is for every caste and creed, races and nations. As Jesus crossed all barriers to share the good news, we also have to be ready to witness about Christ anytime anywhere. 

John 5

There was a lame man on the side of the pool,
Bethesda. He was fighting for the restoration of health for 38 years in vain. Jesus gave him new hope and scope in life by healing him. Jesus advised the man to stop sinning or some thing worse would happen to him. Our sins have direct/indirect impact on our health. The better way to have better life is to cease from Sinning.

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There are various explicit testimonies concerning the divine-ship of Jesus Christ. The testimonies include the works of Jesus, the public testimony of John the Baptist, words of God the father (at baptism and at transfiguration) and the written scriptures. Despite these credible testimonies, people then refused to come to Jesus to have the eternal life. Besides these, today we have 2000 years of church History and testimonies of millions of lives proving the presence of Jesus Christ. In spite of these authentications, are we not still failing to imitate the life style of Jesus and to obey Him in our daily walk. 

John 6

The only miracle that is recorded by all the four gospel writers is the miracle of Jesus, feeding five thousand plus with five loaves of bread and two fishes. When Jesus shared the need (to feed the multitude) with disciples, they discussed about the financial inadequacy to solve the problem. Jesus did a miracle with five loaves of bread and two fishes given by a lad. Jesus is sufficient to meet our needs however big and difficult they are. When we give the little blessings that we have to God, God will use it to be blessing to thousands and millions. Dependence upon God makes heroes of ordinary people like you and me!

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Jesus introduced himself as the bread of Life that came from Heaven and gives life to the mankind. Every one who looks unto Jesus and believe in Him will be resurrected and have eternal life. Eating the flesh of Jesus and drinking His blood could refer to accepting Jesus Christ into our lives and becoming united in Him by living a life of faith in Jesus and obedience to God. 

John 7

People had different reactions concerning Jesus Christ and His teaching. This chapter talks about five different understandings people had concerning Jesus. The different understandings about Jesus by different persons include Jesus as good man, as deceiver, as demon possessed, as prophet and as Christ. What is our understanding concerning Jesus Christ? Can people around us testify that Our life witnesses the Christ ship and Lordship of Jesus Christ?

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Even the own brothers of Jesus could not understand Jesus and believe in Him. Being a part of Christian family or a Christian Church does not guarantee that one have sufficient revelation and knowledge regarding Jesus Christ. Knowing about Jesus and  knowing Jesus are two different things.

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When Jesus was in the temple courts during the feast at Jerusalem, Pharisees plotted to arrest Jesus (they have sent temple guards to arrest Jesus). During that time Nicodemus (secret believer in Christ) risked his reputation and position to speak for Christ. Do we risk anything to stand for Christ in this world which always hate Jesus and His true followers?

John 8

Teachers of the law and the Pharisees bought a woman caught in adultery to Jesus to test His attitude concerning the penalty to this lady. To their surprise Jesus did not condemn her but had compassion on her and forgave her sin and asked her to leave the life of sin. There is scope and hope for deliverance in Jesus from the bondage of Sins. When we look unto Him and depend on Him for the deliverance from the slavery of Sin, He will deliver us.

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To the Jews who believed on Jesus, He urged them to hold on to the teachings of Jesus Christ so that they can understand the truth which can set them free from the slavery of Sin. The only way to experience deliverance from the bondage of sins is to cling to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to start obeying 

John 9

Jesus healed a man who was born blind. This caused mixed reactions among people concerning Jesus Christ. The neighbors revealed surprise and skepticism: The Pharisees showed unbelief; The parents believed but did not confess about Jesus Christ because of fear. But the healed man confessed positively about the Christ. What type of reaction do people see in us concerning Jesus Christ? 

John 10

Jesus expressed His uniqueness by calling Himself as the gate, the good shepherd, the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus has separate flock that knows Him and listens to His voice. To join this little flock, belonging to Jesus one has to through Jesus and His teachings. Since Jesus gave His life for the sheep and we are purchased by God, we are expected to know Him and listen to Him

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Jesus declared Himself as the expected Christ and the only Son of God. He did miracles in fathers’ name and we are empowered to do miracles in the name of Jesus. He cited miracles as unhampered proof, witnessing His divine ship. When we relate to God by fearing Him and believing Him, God will reveal His might power through us and many will be added to His flock through us. 

John 11

Jesus was so close to the family of Lazarus, Mary and Martha. They were very close to Jesus and Jesus loved them. Lazarus, who was loved by Jesus was sick and died. Jesus delayed going there purposefully. The family was going through a time of depression and sorrow. Seeing the type of Sorrow, they were going through, Jesus wept. Jesus not only loved them and participated in their sorrow, but also had a solution for their problem. He brought Lazarus back to life. Our relationship with Jesus can be intimate and personal when we are close to Him and love Him. Sickness and problems can happen to us even if we are close to Him and love Him but that is not the end. Jesus can deliver us from the problems, losses of this life in a unexpected ways. 

John 12

Mary poured an expensive perfume (worth a year wage) at the feet of Jesus, when the later was attending feast hosted by Lazarus and sisters in their residence. This is unusual happening accepted by Jesus in unusual way and a disciple of Jesus questioned the necessity of this sacrificial thanksgiving by Mary. In the similar way, when we give up or sacrifice some things for God, our near and dear ones can raise disagreements but we have to keep on doing good things, seeking better Christian life.

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Jesus said “Whoever serves me must follow me. My father will honour those who serve me“. When we serve Him, we should not get discouraged, when we do not get the desired results for the efforts, we put forward for the extension of His Kingdom. We are responsible to reach out to others and they are responsible to take their decisions. When we do well in the role assigned to us, we will be considered faithful and rewarded by God at the right time.

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When Jesus was in the world many believed in Him but did not confess their faith out of fear for Pharisees. They loved praise from men more than the praise from God. Believing in Jesus is one thing and confessing our faith to others by our lips and lifestyle is another thing. Our faith is invalid and incomplete if it does not accompany with action. 

John 13

Jesus was close to His disciples. Disciples were really close to Him (John could lean back on Him, Peter could rebuke Him). Jesus took the position of Servant at the last supper and washed the feet of the disciples (The servants in the house were expected to wash the feet of the guests at that time as per the Jewish tradition). As a leader, Jesus was not isolated but could be easily accessible. All Christians, not just leaders, are called to be servants, serving each other, following Jesus’ example in washing his disciples’ feet, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Good leaders will equip people rather than using them. They will develop people rather than directing them. 

John 14

Jesus discussed about the eternal life with His disciples many times. He also gave assurance that He would go back to father, prepare a place for them and would come back to take His followers to inherit the eternal life but He pointed out that those who choose to live eternally with Jesus have to believe in Jesus, know His teaching and obey Him completely. He emphasized that only those who obey His commands will be able to love Him. We talk about loving Jesus but where are we standing in terms of believing Him and obey His commands?

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Jesus promised sending Holy Spirit to be with His followers to counsel, comfort and correct them and He sent Him as promised. He also cautioned that the world would neither know Him nor See Him but the believers in Christ will be taught and led by the Holy Spirit towards deeper devotion to Christ. If we do not feel the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, it only implies that we have not come out of the world yet. 

John 15

Jesus compared the relationship with His disciples as Vine and the branches and He exhorted them to remain in Him. Remaining in Christ would refer to complete devotion to Christ and obedience to His commands. The true abiding in Christ would bring joy, the heart to love and the prosperity in this life. When our lives and decisions are rooted in Christ, we will exhibit the characters of God, love each other and would have our prayers answered. Where are we rooted? - in the world or in God. 

John 16

Jesus foretold that His disciples would be persecuted and even killed and the persecutors would do so, thinking that they do favour to God by killing Christians and this has been happening since then. The teachings of Jesus Christ are unpopular as was. The world does not accept the disciples of Christ because the values and expectations of the world are in contrast to that of God. What do we value in the given life? Do we give up Christian values, comprising on various issues, out of fear and favour for the people of this world?

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Jesus foretold that He would send the Holy Spirit after His departure and the Holy Spirit was sent as promised. The presence of Jesus Christ was limited to certain place, when He was on earth but the Holy Spirit is globally present with every believer in Christ. The tasks of the Holy Spirit include convicting the world towards repentance, revealing the standard of the righteousness of God, demonstrating the judgment of Christ over Satan. Do we experience the presence of Holy Spirit in our personal lives?  

John 17

Just before the Crucifixion, Jesus prayed with His disciples a specific prayer for His disciples and for us. The important issues of the prayer are : Protection from the evil one; Sanctification of His followers and Union of His followers among themselves and with God. Today in Christendom, we have more divisions than ever before. We ought to forget the minor issues separating us and have to grow in unity as expected by our Lord. Personal holiness is challenged by desires of the flesh, worldly values and ungodly expectations and unfortunately, most of us fall along the way. Exhortation for personal holiness is rare in pulpits these days but as desired and commanded by our God, we need to strive to live a holy life despite all unfavorable situations. As children of God, we are under constant attack from Devil but when we rest and depend on God, we can experience the protection that God promised us. 

John 18

The religious leaders arrested Jesus in the night and immediately took to houses of the then chief priests Annas and Caiaphas and were in hurry to kill Him. Even though the then roman governor for Judea, Pilate tried to deliver Him, they wanted to crucify Jesus by framing charges against Him. The religious leaders feared that the revolution that Jesus brought in would take away the crowd from them and so they acted in haste to eliminate Jesus Christ. When we find new leaders coming up in our church or in our ministry, how do we react? Do we try to suppress their influence like the religious leaders or encourage them?

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Peter was aggressive for God, possessed high spiritual knowledge, had sufficient boldness but in the last minute at the time of arrest of Jesus, he failed badly by denying his master. At times, we sail in the same boat. We express ourselves as extra-ordinary persons and angels in front of others but end up falling badly at the time of trial and temptations. But there is a hope in Christ. Jesus is saviour not only for the penalty of Sins but also for the power of Sins. When we confess truly, rest and trust on Him consistently and take conscious efforts to overcome sins and addictions, we can experience the real victory in our Christian walk.  

John 19

As predicted in the scripture, Jesus underwent persecution and suffered in the hands of religious leaders, soldiers and government officials. He was mocked at by placing thorny crown on His head and purple robes on His shoulders. He was hanging on three nails, finding difficult to breathe because of the suffocation due to the weight of the body. He endured every hardship patiently and with forgiving attitude and thereby kept an example for us to follow. The _expression of Jesus at the time of execution is an exhibition of His divine love. God expects us to be carriers of same divine love as we move around with diverse people at our home, work spot and in public. 

John 20

Jesus rose again on the third day, as been predicted and fore-spoken in the Scriptures. Jesus Himself discussed with the disciples about His resurrection. But after the death of Christ they reacted and feared as if He is not going to live again. For disciples, it took about 40 days of post-resurrection appearance of Jesus to get convinced that He is alive. Jesus clarified that He is alive through number of convincing proofs. The hope of resurrection and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit have propelled the handful of early believers to proliferate and today we have more than 2 billion people confessing the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have to live as if we believe in resurrection or else we have leave Christianity as there is no Christianity without resurrection of Christ 

John 21

After the physical departure of Jesus, Peter returned to his old profession (might be to take care of his material needs) along with his colleagues. Their efforts went in vain as they did no have any catch. Understanding their desperation for a big catch, Jesus gave guidelines and they had a miraculous catch. Jesus also has prepared breakfast for them to quench their hunger and thereby He has displayed His love and constant care for His disciples. Then Jesus had a personal interaction with Peter to renew the latter’s love for God. After receiving a clear and concrete confirmation that Peter love God with whole heart, Jesus gave him the responsibility to feed His sheep. One can do a faithful ministry for God only if he/she has the true love for God and His people. What is the motive behind the activities in our ministry? Is it truly out of Love?   

 

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Spiritual Armor Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

As followers of Christ, we have war with powers of darkness and its evil forces. Satan controls the world and makes the worldly system attractive and appealing. In order to defend our Christian life, we ought to be prepared to fight attacks by Satan at any moment. When Paul was under house arrest, on seeing how the Roman soldiers were dressed up preparing for battle, he had urged the growing believers to put on full armor to fight attacks from Satan.

 

Belt – Symbolizes truth. Like soldier is known by the belt he wears, a follower of Christ is known by the truthful life. We need to talk and walk truth.

Breastplate -Symbolizes righteousness. Heart is the seat of emotions. Many times, we are carried away by the type of emotions, denying the sovereignty and authority of God. We are made righteous by God through the blood of Christ. We can be protected from the damaging emotions when we believe and accept the righteousness of God.

Foot gear – Symbolizes the readiness to spread good news. The commission of Jesus Christ is go to every nation, tribe and language and to proclaim the gospel (the good news that brings peace, joy, holiness and eternal life). When we stop getting involved in the work of great commission, we can be easily attacked. We need to be prepared by life and activities proclaiming the love of God.

Shield – Symbolizes faith. Satan attacks us with fiery arrows of persecutions, losses, doubts, sexual attractions, worldly pleasures etc. To defend ourselves,we need to stand firm in our faith in God. Failing to fall in the trials and temptations builds up our character, facilitating our conformation to the likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ

Helmet – Symbolizes Salvation. Satan is tirelessly involved in making us doubt about various contents of our Christian faith. When we fall prey to the doubts, he gains control over our lives and moves us away from God by breaking the vital link, faith. Alternatively, when we trust on the salvation we have in Christ, we will witness the love, care and guidance of God.

Sword - Symbolizes the written word of God. While we defend ourselves from the attacks of the enemy, we ought to be prepared as well to win over the enemy and to move forward, capturing his Kingdom and delivering the people from the bondage of darkness. Being filled with Holy Spirit and devotion to the word of God would enable us to march forward

 

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In Christ, Our Position in this world Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

After receiving Christ as our Savior and Lord in our life, our position in this world changes. We are turned from darkness to light to live as children of light. And we are expected to display the characters, confirming our position as child of light.

It includes
- Not indulging in any type of sexual immorality
- Not being possessed by greed (also known as idolatry).
- Making use of every opportunity, wisely and constructively.
- Finding the will of God and making efforts to fulfill His will.
- Coming together regularly as body of believers for a time of fellowship, glorifying God
- Being submissive to one another in love

Right from the birth till death, we pass through diverse roles in our life. We are advised to do well in every role assigned to us. Husband is instructed to love the wife as Christ loved the church (sacrificing himself for church). The wife has to respect and obey him in Lord. Employees (slaves) are asked to obey their employer as they obey to God. Parents are instructed to love their children and to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. All relationships are responsible and bidirectional. Relationships are to be nurtured with love, care along with respect and obedience. Christ served as a perfect example to follow. He obeyed to God willingly and perfectly loving His body, the church sacrificially. The developing world and its demanding lifestyle push and pull us away from vital relationships that we are supposed to nurture – the relationship with God and loved ones. It is time to self examine, concerning the quality and depth of our relationships

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How are we expected to live? Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

We are special people, called/chosen by God and are not expected to live as non-believers do. They are futile in their thinking, darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God. They carry on in their ungodly behaviors because of ignorance, due to their hardened hearts. They lost all sensitivity to godly things, giving themselves to sensuality, indulging in impure activities and craving for more and more.

       As new creation in Christ, We are expected to put off our old characters (old self corrupted by deceitful desires) and to be transformed in Character and attitude (New self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness).

      We ought to exercise control in our talks (stop lying and speak truth), control anger (that ends in making harms and destroying relationships), work ethically, earn and share with those in need. God sealed our relationship with Him by giving His Holy spirit to be within us – controlling, correcting, convicting, counseling, empowering us to live and grow in Him. At times when we fail to be led by the promptings of Holy Spirit, He is grieved.

   We are encouraged to make efforts to build up interpersonal relationships, avoiding malice, rage, anger, slander etc. , to develop mercy,compassion, forgiveness etc. We are expected to imitate the love of God in our relationships. Our love of others is revealed by how we give and forgive.

 

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Unity, the need of the hour Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

 

Paul had the tradition of laying the doctrinal foundation before providing the practical guidelines for spiritual life in his epistles. Similarly in Ephesians, he highlighted the role of church in the first half and in the second half, he detailed on the orderly life that a Christian has to live.

Paul had hard time, removing the cracks (divisions) in the churches those days. The divisions and the lack of oneness in the body of Christ cause the decline the morality in Christendom and ineffectiveness in Christian ministries, undertaken.
Knowing the divisions expected in the body of Christ, Lord Jesus Christ prayed for the unity of the believers.  It is hard to find oneness even in the hand full of believers.

The main reason behind the divisions is self, which wants to divide and rule and is fueled by pride, greed, hatred and bitterness, motivated by selfish ambitions, lust for fame, name and money.
There could be more excuses for justifying the cause for divisions but we have sufficient factors, compelling for the unity in the body of Christ. We have
One body – the body of Christ, the universal church
One Spirit – the Spirit of God, Holy Spirit
One hope – the resurrection from the death and eternal life
One Lord – Lord Jesus Christ
One faith – the fundamental belief in God the father, Jesus, the Son of God and Holy Spirit
One baptism – baptized by Holy Spirit into the body of Christ
One God – the maker and the ruler of all things, visible and invisible

The purpose of different ministries (apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, teachers) is to build the body of Christ (not to divide on the basis of ministerial gifts).

Each ministerial gift and ministry has to complement each other than being compelled to compete. The ministries we do in the body of Christ has to motivate us to help to build unity (setting aside all differences) in faith and to build the knowledge of the son of God and enabling growth towards Christian maturity , attaining the fullness of Christ

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In Christ Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

A christian is

“A mind through which Christ thinks

A voice through which Christ speaks

A heart through which Christ loves

A hand through which Christ helps”

 

Before the Crucification of Lord Jesus Christ, non-Jews did not have the tradition of following the God of the Bible. Jews were having the revelations of God and was considered as chosen race. But the death of Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross bought Jews and non-Jews together as members of one body, Christ being its head. The non-Jews became heirs  and sharers together with Jews in the eternal inheritance promised by God to His people. This is mystery and is been revealed through the Gospel.

 

In Christ, we are born again in Spirit, being adopted as a child of God and are being confirmed to the likeness of Jesus Christ. Having found new life in Christ, living thereafter successfully for God, obeying Him and living up to His expectations is not a easy task as we have to fight against our carnal desires, attractions of the world etc., daily. The power through the indwelling Holy Spirit and right understanding about the depth, height, length and breadth of the immeasurable love of God would enable us to grow and move towards spiritual maturity. May He empower us and grant us the right perspective about His love for us

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Christians’ life following his/her Spiritual birth Wednesday, Jan 28 2009

Paul highlights the transition happened in a Christians’ life following his/her Spiritual birth.

 

Then………

We were dead (in sins and transgressions) following the ways of the world and being controlled by the Spirit of the world that controls those who are disobedient to God. The focus of old life was on gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature, following its desires and sinful thoughts. As the result we were condemned as objects of wrath

Now……..

By His great mercy and love, God has made us alive in Christ, saving us from the penalty/power of sins and we are God’s workmanship created in Lord Jesus Christ to do good works. Christ, by His death on the cross abolished the divisions (between Jews and non-Jews) and enabled each one of us to have direct access to the father by the Holy Spirit. Consequently, We became partakers in the fellowship with God and being built as Holy temple (on the foundation of Apostles and prophets,built on Corner stone Lord Jesus Christ) in which God dwells by His Spirit

As a born again Christian and  believer in Christ, we are expected to exhibit the Characters of transformed life in Christ but the sad part is that our characters and activities features the properties of our old life….being dead……being in rat race following the ways of the world, clinging on to the ungodly (worldly) life styles, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature, following its desires and sinful thoughts. Do we need to repent? Or to continue living the same life, deceiving ourselves? One cannot be dead and alive at the same time.

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