Well, in my earler posting, I wrote about what Apostle John was commissioned in his vision to write to the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum and Thyatira, which were in Turkey at that time. In this posting, we are going to learn what Christ asked John to write to the churches in Sardis, Philadelphia and Laudicea. Though all these churches were in existence at that time, what is said to them is applicable to the body of churches even in this twenty-first century. How? Because we do display some of strength and weakness these churches had both as the body of the churches as well as individually. That's why it's crucial we need to give great attention to what the Spirit of God is saying to these churches that we too could repent and retreat to our first love of loving the Lord with our soul, heart and mind and become the true followers of Christ Jesus.
To the Church in Sardis, Christ introduces Himself as the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. Even though the church is seemed to be alive and reputed in people's eyes, Christ seems to find them fully dead spiritually. His call to them, " Wake Up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die. Remember, what you've received and heard. Obey it and repent!" That's a strong command.
Warnig: If they don't wake up, they'll face God's judgement earlier than they expected. They were told that He'll come as a thief in an unexpected time.
Rewards Promised: To those who had remained alive and faithful( a few among them,) they'll be worthy to walk with the Lord dressed in white.(white reflects righteous and untarnished.) And their names will never be blotted out from the Book of life. The Lord will acknowledge them before His Father and His angels.
Question? How do I see myself spiritually- super spiritual and judgemental, lukewarm or dead?
How do others view me outwardly? Active and serving widely in ministies or passive and serving quietly whenever needed.
How does God see me inwardly? Dead/ alive?
Whose view should matter the most to me? God's, mine or others?
Can I count myself among the few whose name will never be blotted out of the Book of life?
If not, what should I do to be alive and be worthy to be dressed in white and walk with the Lord? Confess, repent ,rejoice and be faithful to the Lord. Simple, but important steps to take. If the journey becomes tough and challenging, you can always rely on the Lord's strength to keep you alive and keep you moving forward.
To the Church of Philadelphia, Christ introduces Himself as the One who is holy and true and who holds the key of David.
Although the Lord sees the church having little strength, He commends them for being obedient to His word , not denying His name and for their endurance during hard times. They were asked to hold onto their faith so that no one could take away their crowns.
Rewards Promised: They will be kept away from the hour of oncoming trial that's going to come. upon the whole earth. To those who overcomes, he'll be made a pillar in the temple of God and the Lord will write on him the name of God, the name of the city of God-the new Jerusalem and also His new name.
Question: Would I be found faithful and obedient to the Lord as this church?
Have I ever denied the Lord to avoid skeptism, scrutiny or humiliation?
Have I ever grieved the Lord knowingly by my choices and actions?
If so, how do I rectify my faults? Simple- Go before the One who is of unconditional love and uncountable forgiving capability. Bathe His feet with your tears and surrender your weakness and wrongs and ask His guidance and strength for your journey ahead.
To the Church of Laodicea, Christ introduces Himself as Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.
The Lord finds them lukewarm in their devotion. He could have preferred them to be either hot or cold and not to be in between. Such lukewarm condition of the church makes it so distasteful to the Lord that He says that He wants to spit it out of His mouth. Being boastful of its wealth, the church has become overblown in its thinking and complacent in its attitude towards God. However, In God's eyes, they look wretched, poor, blind and naked. What a sad situation to be in, inspite of their wealtlh and status in the world.
Yet, God refuses to give up on them. He wants to refine and heal them and make them walk righteously dressed in white with Him. His voice is heard as echoeing as below:
" Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me." Rev 3:20
Rewards Promised: To him who overcomes, the Lord will give the right to sit with Him on His throne just as He overcame and sat down with His Father on His throne. What a glorious sitting that could be and what an amazing blessing in store for us, if we are to overcome and stand firm till our last breath!
Question: How does my spiritual barometer read?-Cold, hot or luke warm? If my passion for Christ has dwindled with time, I need to wake up and rekindle it with spending more time in His presence and less time in being busy with things that are eternally not worthy.
Instead of being a Christian for namesake and attending church for ritual sake, I need to be a true witness for Christ spreading His love and grace wherever I am. To attain such a faith walk, I need to seek God's guidance and strength on a daily basis. Instead of being happy and satisfied with having a ticket to heaven, we need to first learn to live the life on earth with gratitude and God's prospective without giving into complains and grumblings.
Christ has promised us peace and joy amidst any calamity in life and such an abundant life can be attained only when we have an intimate relationship with the Lord. I pray that you and I develop such a devotion and obedience towards the Lord that we get to sit beside Him on the throne one day in heaven as He had promised in this chapter.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Book of Revelation- Letters to the churches (Rev. chapter:2)
In the past two weeks, I tried to share what I learned at our Bible study on the first chapter of the Book of Revelation. This week, we delved into the 2nd and 3rd chapter of the book, where Apostle John, who was commissioned to write what He saw in a vision, was clearly directed to what to write in a letter to each of the seven churches in Turkey.
Even though, John was asked to write to those practically existing churches in Turkey at that time, it could well apply to churches at large throughout the age, including the ones in our time and within our communities.
It was Christ, who introduced Himself to John in the vision as "I am the First and the Last" commissioned John to write these letters. Interestingly, in the salution of each letter, Christ introduce Himself by a different name. Written to the attention of the leader of the church, each letter has the components of salution, commendation and /or cendemnation, exhortation and the promise of rewards to those who overcome.
To the church of Ephesus, Christ introduces Himself as the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walk among the seven golden lampstands. He commends the church for its hard work, perseverence, resisting sin, discerning false prophets among the believers and enduring patiently without quitting on its faith. Yet, there was one flaw- a big one, maybe a giant one in the Lords eyes for He says, "Yet, I hold this against you; You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first." Ooops! That's a mega one.
We would have stood in awe before such a church which was working hard, growing larger, living with no scandals, outsteading trouble makers and false teachers and persevering in good faith. We would have ranked them top in the chart. But the Lord's eyes which could see through the depth of the hearts found them error in one vital thing. They had lost their initial passion for the Lord in a big way. In their busyness of working hard to build up the church, they have slided in their devotion. Such a decline in devotion wasn't a small matter in Christ's mind. The rest of the good deeds put together couldn't suffice this missing part. Even though the church had been functional and doing great to onlookers eyes, it had become somewhat robotic spiritually.
Warning given-If the church doesn't repent, it will be rooted out from its place.
Reward promised: To him, who overcomes, the right to eat from the Tree of Life in the paradise of God.
Question: Have I slided back in my love towards God?
Have I become too busy working and serving the Lord that I've no time to spend time with
Him alone?
Time to think, confess and get back to the Lord with love and devotion. Toiling for God without much devotion towards Him bring no joy to Him or to me.
To the church of Smyrna, Christ introduces Himself as the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
He commends them for being rich spiritually despite their poverty and affliction in the world.
He warns them of the persecution they're going to face for His sake for a short time, but He encourages them to be strong and not be fearful even to the point of death.
Reward promised: Crown of life; They wouldn't be hurt by the second death.
Question: Am I spiritually rich as the church of Smyrna, which was well pleasing to Christ's eyes.
Is the church I attend helps me to become spiritually rich in their teaching and in fellowship?
Am I willing to be faithful unto my last breath or would I give into fear of opposition, humiliation or persecution and give up on my faith?
Do I consider the blessing of being Christ's follower slightly and for granted or am I so thankful and grateful for that?
To the Church of Pergamum, Christ introduces Himself as the One who has the sharp, double -edged sword.
He commends them for being faithful and true to His name inspite of living in an ungodly place where Satan and his ways have become norm and accepted. The church found favor in tth sight of the Lord, for not renouncing their faith inspite of seeing strong witness like Antipas being putting to death in their city.
Warning: Yet, there were some who profess to be Christ followers in the church, but who hold onto the teaching of some who tolerates sexual immorality and idol worship practices. Such pollution in the church was grievous to the Lord. Unless they repent, they would be fought with the truth of the Word and put to shame.
Reward promised: To him who overcometh, hidden manna and a white stone with a new name would be given. Only the one who receives the stone will know the name written on the stone.
Question: Am I in anyway polluting or compromising the truth of God?
Am I following the world's or Christ's way?
Do my action speak louder than my words to convey that I'm a follower of Christ?
Do I become judgemental and look down on everyone who don't agree with me or do I act in love as Jesus did?
To the church in Thyatira, Christ introduces Himself as the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and feet are like burnished bronze in the vision.
Commendation: The church is commended for its deeds, love, faith, service and perseverence. Also, they were commended for doing more than what they did at first.
Warning: Yet, there was something Christ wasn't pleased with- the tolerance towards a prophetess who misleads His servants by her teaching. Her acts to inco-operate sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols into the church were abnoxious in God's sight. Time was given for repentence. If not, she as well as her future generation will undergo terrible suffering.
To those who do not give into the prophetess' teaching, they were told to hold onto the truth till He comes.
Rewards Promised: To him who overcomes, he'll be given autority over the nations. He will be given the morning star-The Light.
Question: Am I giving into false teaching or easily swayed by the teaching of so many on television and airways, who call themselves Christian leaders, but their lives and motives are far away from Christ's?
Do I know the scripture enough to discern what is true and what is false?
Do I seek God's guidance for discernment?
Do I pray for my church and the churches in general so that they'll be protected from the lies and misleading of the evil one?
Or am the one quick to point my fingers in judgement rather than leaving the judgement to God and praying for clarity and the backslided ?
(Contd. with the next 3 churches in my next posting.)
Even though, John was asked to write to those practically existing churches in Turkey at that time, it could well apply to churches at large throughout the age, including the ones in our time and within our communities.
It was Christ, who introduced Himself to John in the vision as "I am the First and the Last" commissioned John to write these letters. Interestingly, in the salution of each letter, Christ introduce Himself by a different name. Written to the attention of the leader of the church, each letter has the components of salution, commendation and /or cendemnation, exhortation and the promise of rewards to those who overcome.
To the church of Ephesus, Christ introduces Himself as the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walk among the seven golden lampstands. He commends the church for its hard work, perseverence, resisting sin, discerning false prophets among the believers and enduring patiently without quitting on its faith. Yet, there was one flaw- a big one, maybe a giant one in the Lords eyes for He says, "Yet, I hold this against you; You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first." Ooops! That's a mega one.
We would have stood in awe before such a church which was working hard, growing larger, living with no scandals, outsteading trouble makers and false teachers and persevering in good faith. We would have ranked them top in the chart. But the Lord's eyes which could see through the depth of the hearts found them error in one vital thing. They had lost their initial passion for the Lord in a big way. In their busyness of working hard to build up the church, they have slided in their devotion. Such a decline in devotion wasn't a small matter in Christ's mind. The rest of the good deeds put together couldn't suffice this missing part. Even though the church had been functional and doing great to onlookers eyes, it had become somewhat robotic spiritually.
Warning given-If the church doesn't repent, it will be rooted out from its place.
Reward promised: To him, who overcomes, the right to eat from the Tree of Life in the paradise of God.
Question: Have I slided back in my love towards God?
Have I become too busy working and serving the Lord that I've no time to spend time with
Him alone?
Time to think, confess and get back to the Lord with love and devotion. Toiling for God without much devotion towards Him bring no joy to Him or to me.
To the church of Smyrna, Christ introduces Himself as the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.
He commends them for being rich spiritually despite their poverty and affliction in the world.
He warns them of the persecution they're going to face for His sake for a short time, but He encourages them to be strong and not be fearful even to the point of death.
Reward promised: Crown of life; They wouldn't be hurt by the second death.
Question: Am I spiritually rich as the church of Smyrna, which was well pleasing to Christ's eyes.
Is the church I attend helps me to become spiritually rich in their teaching and in fellowship?
Am I willing to be faithful unto my last breath or would I give into fear of opposition, humiliation or persecution and give up on my faith?
Do I consider the blessing of being Christ's follower slightly and for granted or am I so thankful and grateful for that?
To the Church of Pergamum, Christ introduces Himself as the One who has the sharp, double -edged sword.
He commends them for being faithful and true to His name inspite of living in an ungodly place where Satan and his ways have become norm and accepted. The church found favor in tth sight of the Lord, for not renouncing their faith inspite of seeing strong witness like Antipas being putting to death in their city.
Warning: Yet, there were some who profess to be Christ followers in the church, but who hold onto the teaching of some who tolerates sexual immorality and idol worship practices. Such pollution in the church was grievous to the Lord. Unless they repent, they would be fought with the truth of the Word and put to shame.
Reward promised: To him who overcometh, hidden manna and a white stone with a new name would be given. Only the one who receives the stone will know the name written on the stone.
Question: Am I in anyway polluting or compromising the truth of God?
Am I following the world's or Christ's way?
Do my action speak louder than my words to convey that I'm a follower of Christ?
Do I become judgemental and look down on everyone who don't agree with me or do I act in love as Jesus did?
To the church in Thyatira, Christ introduces Himself as the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and feet are like burnished bronze in the vision.
Commendation: The church is commended for its deeds, love, faith, service and perseverence. Also, they were commended for doing more than what they did at first.
Warning: Yet, there was something Christ wasn't pleased with- the tolerance towards a prophetess who misleads His servants by her teaching. Her acts to inco-operate sexual immorality and eating food sacrificed to idols into the church were abnoxious in God's sight. Time was given for repentence. If not, she as well as her future generation will undergo terrible suffering.
To those who do not give into the prophetess' teaching, they were told to hold onto the truth till He comes.
Rewards Promised: To him who overcomes, he'll be given autority over the nations. He will be given the morning star-The Light.
Question: Am I giving into false teaching or easily swayed by the teaching of so many on television and airways, who call themselves Christian leaders, but their lives and motives are far away from Christ's?
Do I know the scripture enough to discern what is true and what is false?
Do I seek God's guidance for discernment?
Do I pray for my church and the churches in general so that they'll be protected from the lies and misleading of the evil one?
Or am the one quick to point my fingers in judgement rather than leaving the judgement to God and praying for clarity and the backslided ?
(Contd. with the next 3 churches in my next posting.)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
The Book of Revelation- Session Two (Rev 1:9-20)
Last week, in the study of Revelation, I wrote about what I learned in Revelation 1;1-8 and in the first video session of Beth Moore's teaching on this book. This time, those of us who are doing the Bible study are instructed to learn in the SOS step manner in order to learn deeper and apply meaningfully in our personal life.
S ---What does the scripture say?
O--- Is there anything the scripture requires for me to obey ?
S----How can I share this truth with others?
Reading: Revelation 1: 9-20
What does the scripture say?
Apostle John who writes this book is in the island of Patmos as an exile for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people. On the Lord's Day ( probably a Sunday or a Sabbath Day) while he was worshipping God in prayer and praises, he heard a voice sounding like a trumpet behind him and telling him to write on a scroll whatever he sees and send it to the seven churches in Turkey at that time. The voice named the churches clearly as Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
John turns around to see who was speaking to him.
What did he see?
He saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands, was someone like the Son of Man( Jesus) standing among them, dressed in a robe flowing down to His feet and with a golden band around His chest (in a priestly attire).His hair white as wool and snow( symbolizing wisdom) and His eyes blazing like fire (symbolizing His judgement of all evil.) His feet shone like glowing bronze and His voice sounded like rushing waters. In His hand, He held seven stars and in His mouth , He had a sharp double edged sword (representing the power of His words.) His face shone like a brightly shining sun.
John fell like a dead man at the Lord's feet. But the Lord gently tapped him with His right hand and said, " Don't be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
The Lord asked John to write what he has seen then and what will take place later. He explained to John that the seven golden stars that He held in His right hand represented seven angels (or leaders) of the seven churches and the seven lampstands represents the seven churches to whom John was asked to send what he wrote.
Is there anything in these scriptures, I'm required to obey?
We find John worshipping God in spirit when he heard the trumpet like voice behind him. It wasn't a cooperate worship. John was alone worshipping God in private. Worshipping God with fellow believers is good and essential. But worshipping God in private, when no one is around and looking is vital. It is the key to a strong faith walk. Do I commit myself to have the private audience with God daily? If not, I need to set aside unneccessary schedules and commitments and have daily time with God for prayer and worship.
When I do, I'll be able to hear the Lord's small voice telling me what to do or not to do. Rarely would I hear an audible voice or see a vision like John. But I could hear the Lord speaking to me through His Word (the Bible.)
The number seven (7) represents complete and perfection.
We read that the Son of Man ( Jesus) standing among seven golden lampstands and holding seven stars in His right hand. The lampstands represents churches and stars represents the angels of the churches.
What do I learn here?
I learn that Christ loves each of these churches and cares enough to make John to write and send His message to them. He wants the churches to be complete in perfection. He holds the angels/leaders of the churches accountable for that.
How do I obey? Because the churches are close to God's heart, I've to work for the betterment of them by praying for them, loving the fellow believers Christlike and serving wherever and whenever my help is needed. Like these churches mentioned in Revelation, no church is perfect. Instead of giving into badmouthing, judging and making division in the church, I need to leave the judgement part to the Lord.
What would I share?
I'd share the importance of praise and worship in our time with the Lord.
I'd share that John couldn't behold the glorous face of Christ when he turned around to see. It wasn't the face of Jesus of Nazereth, his Master with whom he walked, talked and ate for three years in Galilee. His voice didn't sound the same as before. Unworthy to stand before the glorious risen Christ, the Alpha and Omega, John fell like a dead man at His feet.
Likewise, we too might have a different view of Christ in our mental picture. For some of us, He's more of a friend in need, a deliveror from trouble, a guide for heaven and comfort. Most of us picture Him with a smiling face, dressed in a white robe and having blond hair and blue eyes. No one could blame us for that's the image of Jesus we've seen on pictures hanging on the walls, on Sunday school take aways, church buildings, books and movies ever since our childhood.
And, now in this chapter, we come to view another picture of Him. Here, instead of seeing Him as Jesus-the Son of Man, we come to see Him as Christ-the Son of God in His glory. Dressed in a robe with a golden band across His chest representing a High Priest, having the hair white like wool and snow displaying His wisdom, and His fire like blazing eyes symbolizing judgement of all evil and the sharp double edged sword in His mouth symbolizing the power and authority of His words.
Could you and I ever stand erect and behold such a majestic vision of Christ? For sure I cannot. In my unworthiness to stand before Him, I too will fall flat on my tears bathed face and lay dead like John, if not for the grace and gentle whisper of His loving voice. How often we tend to forget who truly Christ is-the Lord of lords and King of kings, and see Him only as the world around us potray Him. But when we seek Him with our whole heart and abide in Him according to His words, He is going to reveal more and more of Himself to us. It may not be through a vision as in the case of John, but in some other ways He sees best to reveal in a personal way. During such revelation, we may hear the nudge of the Holy Spirit directing us what to do.
Let us too behold the Lord in reverence and obey Him as John did two thousand years ago.
S ---What does the scripture say?
O--- Is there anything the scripture requires for me to obey ?
S----How can I share this truth with others?
Reading: Revelation 1: 9-20
What does the scripture say?
Apostle John who writes this book is in the island of Patmos as an exile for preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ to the people. On the Lord's Day ( probably a Sunday or a Sabbath Day) while he was worshipping God in prayer and praises, he heard a voice sounding like a trumpet behind him and telling him to write on a scroll whatever he sees and send it to the seven churches in Turkey at that time. The voice named the churches clearly as Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
John turns around to see who was speaking to him.
What did he see?
He saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands, was someone like the Son of Man( Jesus) standing among them, dressed in a robe flowing down to His feet and with a golden band around His chest (in a priestly attire).His hair white as wool and snow( symbolizing wisdom) and His eyes blazing like fire (symbolizing His judgement of all evil.) His feet shone like glowing bronze and His voice sounded like rushing waters. In His hand, He held seven stars and in His mouth , He had a sharp double edged sword (representing the power of His words.) His face shone like a brightly shining sun.
John fell like a dead man at the Lord's feet. But the Lord gently tapped him with His right hand and said, " Don't be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
The Lord asked John to write what he has seen then and what will take place later. He explained to John that the seven golden stars that He held in His right hand represented seven angels (or leaders) of the seven churches and the seven lampstands represents the seven churches to whom John was asked to send what he wrote.
Is there anything in these scriptures, I'm required to obey?
We find John worshipping God in spirit when he heard the trumpet like voice behind him. It wasn't a cooperate worship. John was alone worshipping God in private. Worshipping God with fellow believers is good and essential. But worshipping God in private, when no one is around and looking is vital. It is the key to a strong faith walk. Do I commit myself to have the private audience with God daily? If not, I need to set aside unneccessary schedules and commitments and have daily time with God for prayer and worship.
When I do, I'll be able to hear the Lord's small voice telling me what to do or not to do. Rarely would I hear an audible voice or see a vision like John. But I could hear the Lord speaking to me through His Word (the Bible.)
The number seven (7) represents complete and perfection.
We read that the Son of Man ( Jesus) standing among seven golden lampstands and holding seven stars in His right hand. The lampstands represents churches and stars represents the angels of the churches.
What do I learn here?
I learn that Christ loves each of these churches and cares enough to make John to write and send His message to them. He wants the churches to be complete in perfection. He holds the angels/leaders of the churches accountable for that.
How do I obey? Because the churches are close to God's heart, I've to work for the betterment of them by praying for them, loving the fellow believers Christlike and serving wherever and whenever my help is needed. Like these churches mentioned in Revelation, no church is perfect. Instead of giving into badmouthing, judging and making division in the church, I need to leave the judgement part to the Lord.
What would I share?
I'd share the importance of praise and worship in our time with the Lord.
I'd share that John couldn't behold the glorous face of Christ when he turned around to see. It wasn't the face of Jesus of Nazereth, his Master with whom he walked, talked and ate for three years in Galilee. His voice didn't sound the same as before. Unworthy to stand before the glorious risen Christ, the Alpha and Omega, John fell like a dead man at His feet.
Likewise, we too might have a different view of Christ in our mental picture. For some of us, He's more of a friend in need, a deliveror from trouble, a guide for heaven and comfort. Most of us picture Him with a smiling face, dressed in a white robe and having blond hair and blue eyes. No one could blame us for that's the image of Jesus we've seen on pictures hanging on the walls, on Sunday school take aways, church buildings, books and movies ever since our childhood.
And, now in this chapter, we come to view another picture of Him. Here, instead of seeing Him as Jesus-the Son of Man, we come to see Him as Christ-the Son of God in His glory. Dressed in a robe with a golden band across His chest representing a High Priest, having the hair white like wool and snow displaying His wisdom, and His fire like blazing eyes symbolizing judgement of all evil and the sharp double edged sword in His mouth symbolizing the power and authority of His words.
Could you and I ever stand erect and behold such a majestic vision of Christ? For sure I cannot. In my unworthiness to stand before Him, I too will fall flat on my tears bathed face and lay dead like John, if not for the grace and gentle whisper of His loving voice. How often we tend to forget who truly Christ is-the Lord of lords and King of kings, and see Him only as the world around us potray Him. But when we seek Him with our whole heart and abide in Him according to His words, He is going to reveal more and more of Himself to us. It may not be through a vision as in the case of John, but in some other ways He sees best to reveal in a personal way. During such revelation, we may hear the nudge of the Holy Spirit directing us what to do.
Let us too behold the Lord in reverence and obey Him as John did two thousand years ago.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Christ's second coming- What does the Scripture say?
What did Christ say about the timing of His return to earth?
" No one Knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mathew 24:36.)
" You also must be ready, because the Son Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."-(Luke 12:40.)
"Now, brothers, about the time and dates we do not need to write to you, 'for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman..."
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Mathew 24:42)
What did Christ warn us about His return?
"Then if anyone says to you, " Look, here is the Christ! or, " Look, He is there!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. So, be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time."( Mark13:21-23)
So, how will Christ appear?
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. " Men of Galilee," they said," why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into the heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
" For as the lightening that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
' At that time, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of the sky with power and glory." (Mathew 24:27, 30.)
" Look, He is coming with the clouds,
and every eye will see Him,
Even those who pierced Him
and all the people of the earth will mourn because of Him.
So, shall it be! Amen.( Revelation 1:7)
" For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we, who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
What else will happen at that time?
" Immediately after the tribulation of those days
The sun will be darkened
and the moon will not give its light
the stars will fall from the sky
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken (Mathew 24:29)
Two thousand years have gone by since it was written in the scriptures, " the end is near..." " Yes, I am coming soon." Revelation 22:20. The early disciples of Christ believed that Christ's coming will occur during their life time. But it didn't happen. Generations have gone by without witnessing it happening. So how can we be sure it would happen in our time or in the future?
Jesus said," Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Mathew 24: 35.)
Apostle Peter warned in 2 Peter 3:18, " First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, " Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."
" But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; earth and everything is it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3 :8-10)
" Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." ( Revelation 22: 12)
Amen. Come , Lord Jesus.***
" No one Knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Mathew 24:36.)
" You also must be ready, because the Son Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."-(Luke 12:40.)
"Now, brothers, about the time and dates we do not need to write to you, 'for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman..."
(1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Mathew 24:42)
What did Christ warn us about His return?
"Then if anyone says to you, " Look, here is the Christ! or, " Look, He is there!' do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. So, be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time."( Mark13:21-23)
So, how will Christ appear?
They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. " Men of Galilee," they said," why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into the heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
" For as the lightening that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
' At that time, the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of the sky with power and glory." (Mathew 24:27, 30.)
" Look, He is coming with the clouds,
and every eye will see Him,
Even those who pierced Him
and all the people of the earth will mourn because of Him.
So, shall it be! Amen.( Revelation 1:7)
" For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we, who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)
What else will happen at that time?
" Immediately after the tribulation of those days
The sun will be darkened
and the moon will not give its light
the stars will fall from the sky
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken (Mathew 24:29)
Two thousand years have gone by since it was written in the scriptures, " the end is near..." " Yes, I am coming soon." Revelation 22:20. The early disciples of Christ believed that Christ's coming will occur during their life time. But it didn't happen. Generations have gone by without witnessing it happening. So how can we be sure it would happen in our time or in the future?
Jesus said," Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." (Mathew 24: 35.)
Apostle Peter warned in 2 Peter 3:18, " First of all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, " Where is this coming he promised? Ever since our fathers died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation."
" But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: with the Lord a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; earth and everything is it will be laid bare." (2 Peter 3 :8-10)
" Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." ( Revelation 22: 12)
Amen. Come , Lord Jesus.***
Friday, September 14, 2012
The Book of Revelation- The Unveiling of Christ, the King of glory
Like many, I've avoided reading the Book of Revelation in the Bible thinking that I wouldn't ever understand what's written there even if I try my best to grasp it . So, why bother I thought and had put it off for a long time. I'm not someone who likes to rely on Bible commentary for interpretation, although I admit that there are some great Bible commentaries to help us understand the Bible better.
So, when our Women's Bible Study coordinator announced that we'll be doing the Book of Revelation this Fall I was exited, especially when I learned that we're going to follow Beth Moore's video session series for the study. Like me, 80-100 women too had got excited to sign up for this study to learn what's said so unique and mysterious manner in signs and symbols in this last book of the Bible.
As Beth Moore points out in her study book- " no scholar, commentary , denomination, preacher or teacher can plausibly claim to have all the answers and ultimate interpretation for this fascinating finish of scripture,"it's futile to expect a full understanding of everything written in the book. "As long as God is glorified and His Word held sacred and inspired, having our views challenged can be a very healthy thing," Beth Moore writes and further adds, " An ardent desire to know God through the study of Scripture mixed with a humble spirit concocts the best kind of student. " I pray that I become such a Bible student with a humble heart, and develop an ardent passion for God as Beth Moore does.
Yesterday was our first video session lesson and I've given below what I've learned so that by writing it not only I help myself to remember better, but also hope that those who read this post will be motivated to study the Book of Revelation and helped to come to know Christ as God wants Him to be known to His followers through this book.
The author of this book: John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of John and the epistles John 1 and 2 in the Bible.
Place, where it was written: Island of Patmos( off the coast of Asia) where John had been exiled by the Roman authorities.
Date written: About 95 AD
Setting: Christians were tortured, persecuted and burnt on stakes during the Roman emperor Nero's rule. After Nero's death, Domitian became the emperor of Rome. Although he didn't persecute the Christians as Nero did physically, he did bring psychological torment to the believers. It is said that Domitian was one of the three emperors of Rome who demanded the worship of him by his Roman subjects. Because Christians and Jews refused to bow before anyone but their God, they were mocked, ill treated and looked down as low and uneducated.
Theme: Unveiling of the true vision of Christ.
Purpose: To reveal the full identity of Christ to his believers and to warn the seven churches in Turkey at that time as well as to the believers at large in years to come to keep up their hope and faith to the end and to declare what is to take place at the end of the time.
The purpose of the writing the book is clearly given in the first eight verses in the first chapter of the book. It is given direct and simple that anyone could understand. You don't need a commentary to understand at least to know its purpose. Help may be needed to understand the following passages and later chapters because they deal with a lot of symbols that cannot be easily understood.
In Revelation 1:1-2 reads as follows:
"revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it know by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw-that is , the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."
It goes on to say in verse 3-" Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take it to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
See, it's not that hard to understand that. God wanted to reveal His son as the King of glory to His believers. Understanding His father's heart, Jesus summons His angel ( name not given, but must be a special one to be Christ's chosen angel) to go to His beloved disciple John in Patmos and reveal to him in a vision what God intends to reveal to the churches.
So, what did John do when he was given such a vision.? As a faithful servant, he records everything he saw and heard from the angel.
More importantly it is said that whoever reads out or hears this prophecy( the events predicted to occur in the future) and believe it in his heart is said to be blessed by God. In those days, not many were educated enough to read or write. So, its either the priest or the scribe who reads out the scripture for the people in the assembly. That's why the one who reads as well as the one who hears and believes are considered to be blessed according to this scripture.
Don't we all want to be blessed by believing what is said to be about our Christ our Saviour, who loved us enough to shed His precious blood to cleanse us from our sins so that we could have an unhindered relationship with God the Father, the Alpha and Omega, the creator of the universe and freed us from all bondage to make us live a contented and fulfilling life?
Christ didn't die so that we could have a prosperous life as some false Christian preachers teach. Christ wanted us to become alive in spirit and enjoy a fulfilling life even amidst troubles and having less to own. Christ alone is sufficient to have the joy and abundance He talked about. Such a loving Lord, who walked on earth two thousand years ago along the sea of Galilee is going to return to earth in a breathtaking way, not as as the one with blond hair and blue eyes in a white robe as we mentally picture Him, but as the King of kings in His full glory surrounded by angels with trumpets in an unknown and unexpected time. Except the Father, no one, even Christ doesn't know the exact time of His coming. Never for a second believe if anyone predict a date or the year of His coming. If anyone predicts, he's nothing but a false prophet.
"The time is near, " it says in verse 3. How near, we don't know. Only the Father knows. Even John may have thought it might happen while he was alive.. But it didn't happen. 2000 years have gone by since then and not many in this day and age believe that to happen. And those of us, who believe in His second coming are being scoffed and scorned by the learned and unbelievers in this modern age.
What does Revelation 1: 7-8 say?
"Look, He is coming with the clouds
and every eye will see Him.
even those who pierced Him
and all the people on earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be ! Amen.
" I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, " who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
The Sovereign God has spoken, and it is up to us whether we want to believe what it says or not. I choose to believe it and be blessed by it, even if I'm looked down and scoffed at by others. What about you?
God reveals Himself to us in so many ways. Though He at times speaks to His people through visions, dreams and scriptures, He does reveals Himself t us through daily occurrence in life we usually overlook. nature, people, trouble, disasters are some venues through which He chooses to get our attention and reveal Himself to us .
As an assignment for this week, Beth Moore has asked us to write down whatever we sense God's revelation to us in a personal way. To do that , I need to have my eyes, ears and heart wide open to detect God's movement and voice in my sphere. Yes, I need to keep my spiritual antenna up to view my God (yours too) in action. Isn't that exciting? Aren't we so blessed to get a glimpse of the all loving God in our day to day routine. That's what is called faith walk. It comes with prayer, humility and surrender. Prosperity and self-recognition need to take the back seat if we need to see what God want us to see. Come on board my friend! Do not delay. Precious is our Lord and precious is His blood that was shed for you and me..
Hope to continue on this Book next week after my next Bible study on Thursday evening.
So, when our Women's Bible Study coordinator announced that we'll be doing the Book of Revelation this Fall I was exited, especially when I learned that we're going to follow Beth Moore's video session series for the study. Like me, 80-100 women too had got excited to sign up for this study to learn what's said so unique and mysterious manner in signs and symbols in this last book of the Bible.
As Beth Moore points out in her study book- " no scholar, commentary , denomination, preacher or teacher can plausibly claim to have all the answers and ultimate interpretation for this fascinating finish of scripture,"it's futile to expect a full understanding of everything written in the book. "As long as God is glorified and His Word held sacred and inspired, having our views challenged can be a very healthy thing," Beth Moore writes and further adds, " An ardent desire to know God through the study of Scripture mixed with a humble spirit concocts the best kind of student. " I pray that I become such a Bible student with a humble heart, and develop an ardent passion for God as Beth Moore does.
Yesterday was our first video session lesson and I've given below what I've learned so that by writing it not only I help myself to remember better, but also hope that those who read this post will be motivated to study the Book of Revelation and helped to come to know Christ as God wants Him to be known to His followers through this book.
The author of this book: John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of John and the epistles John 1 and 2 in the Bible.
Place, where it was written: Island of Patmos( off the coast of Asia) where John had been exiled by the Roman authorities.
Date written: About 95 AD
Setting: Christians were tortured, persecuted and burnt on stakes during the Roman emperor Nero's rule. After Nero's death, Domitian became the emperor of Rome. Although he didn't persecute the Christians as Nero did physically, he did bring psychological torment to the believers. It is said that Domitian was one of the three emperors of Rome who demanded the worship of him by his Roman subjects. Because Christians and Jews refused to bow before anyone but their God, they were mocked, ill treated and looked down as low and uneducated.
Theme: Unveiling of the true vision of Christ.
Purpose: To reveal the full identity of Christ to his believers and to warn the seven churches in Turkey at that time as well as to the believers at large in years to come to keep up their hope and faith to the end and to declare what is to take place at the end of the time.
The purpose of the writing the book is clearly given in the first eight verses in the first chapter of the book. It is given direct and simple that anyone could understand. You don't need a commentary to understand at least to know its purpose. Help may be needed to understand the following passages and later chapters because they deal with a lot of symbols that cannot be easily understood.
In Revelation 1:1-2 reads as follows:
"revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it know by sending His angel to His servant John, who testifies to everything he saw-that is , the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ."
It goes on to say in verse 3-" Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take it to heart what is written in it, because the time is near."
See, it's not that hard to understand that. God wanted to reveal His son as the King of glory to His believers. Understanding His father's heart, Jesus summons His angel ( name not given, but must be a special one to be Christ's chosen angel) to go to His beloved disciple John in Patmos and reveal to him in a vision what God intends to reveal to the churches.
So, what did John do when he was given such a vision.? As a faithful servant, he records everything he saw and heard from the angel.
More importantly it is said that whoever reads out or hears this prophecy( the events predicted to occur in the future) and believe it in his heart is said to be blessed by God. In those days, not many were educated enough to read or write. So, its either the priest or the scribe who reads out the scripture for the people in the assembly. That's why the one who reads as well as the one who hears and believes are considered to be blessed according to this scripture.
Don't we all want to be blessed by believing what is said to be about our Christ our Saviour, who loved us enough to shed His precious blood to cleanse us from our sins so that we could have an unhindered relationship with God the Father, the Alpha and Omega, the creator of the universe and freed us from all bondage to make us live a contented and fulfilling life?
Christ didn't die so that we could have a prosperous life as some false Christian preachers teach. Christ wanted us to become alive in spirit and enjoy a fulfilling life even amidst troubles and having less to own. Christ alone is sufficient to have the joy and abundance He talked about. Such a loving Lord, who walked on earth two thousand years ago along the sea of Galilee is going to return to earth in a breathtaking way, not as as the one with blond hair and blue eyes in a white robe as we mentally picture Him, but as the King of kings in His full glory surrounded by angels with trumpets in an unknown and unexpected time. Except the Father, no one, even Christ doesn't know the exact time of His coming. Never for a second believe if anyone predict a date or the year of His coming. If anyone predicts, he's nothing but a false prophet.
"The time is near, " it says in verse 3. How near, we don't know. Only the Father knows. Even John may have thought it might happen while he was alive.. But it didn't happen. 2000 years have gone by since then and not many in this day and age believe that to happen. And those of us, who believe in His second coming are being scoffed and scorned by the learned and unbelievers in this modern age.
What does Revelation 1: 7-8 say?
"Look, He is coming with the clouds
and every eye will see Him.
even those who pierced Him
and all the people on earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be ! Amen.
" I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, " who is and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
The Sovereign God has spoken, and it is up to us whether we want to believe what it says or not. I choose to believe it and be blessed by it, even if I'm looked down and scoffed at by others. What about you?
God reveals Himself to us in so many ways. Though He at times speaks to His people through visions, dreams and scriptures, He does reveals Himself t us through daily occurrence in life we usually overlook. nature, people, trouble, disasters are some venues through which He chooses to get our attention and reveal Himself to us .
As an assignment for this week, Beth Moore has asked us to write down whatever we sense God's revelation to us in a personal way. To do that , I need to have my eyes, ears and heart wide open to detect God's movement and voice in my sphere. Yes, I need to keep my spiritual antenna up to view my God (yours too) in action. Isn't that exciting? Aren't we so blessed to get a glimpse of the all loving God in our day to day routine. That's what is called faith walk. It comes with prayer, humility and surrender. Prosperity and self-recognition need to take the back seat if we need to see what God want us to see. Come on board my friend! Do not delay. Precious is our Lord and precious is His blood that was shed for you and me..
Hope to continue on this Book next week after my next Bible study on Thursday evening.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
An unforgettable Sunday Morning Experience
Last Sunday, when my husband and I, along with our daughter went to church earlier than our usual time, we found to our surprise all the seats, we usually sit at the front were already taken up. Pastor Bob was out of town this Sunday too, and the youth pastor for Junior church was expected to give the message on this morning. Although we were happy to see the sanctuary almost full to the last row, losing our usual seats at the front made us to sigh and walk out the door and sit on the leather couch in the foyer.
The seating felt comfy and two flat TV screens on either side of the front desk in the foyer made it very convenient to sit back and watch what was happening on the stage inside.
On the screen, instead of our worship leader Steve thumping his guitar and singing aloud in a rock star fashion, a young woman named Stephanie was at the keyboard, leading the worship in a slow and solemn song with great devotion. Slowly the irritation of not getting seats inside began to leave, and we began to join in the the worship.
However, the traffic of late comers rushing into the sanctuary and kids walking out with their moms to go to the bathroom or to get a donut kept our focus sidetracked most of the time. After a while, the interruptions subsided, and soon it became quiet and conducive to listen to the pastor's sermon. Because it was the first Sunday of the month, communion table was neatly laid out at the front and the pastor was talking on the significance of the bread and the wine we are going to take short while.
I haven't heard this youth pastor preach before, but I must say, I really liked what I heard that morning. At the beginning, he made a teenage girl from his youth group to share her testimony at the recent youth camp, and then he backed it up with the emphasis on God's grace and the importance of remembering His grace while we take part in communion. I found that enlightening,because it's easy for us to take the communion so lightly and do it as a Christian ritual. Rather than approaching it with gratitude for God's grace and remembering Christ's death on the cross for our salvation, we fail to remember the reason for taking Eucharist.
In Luke22;17-20, we read Jesus offering bread to His disciples at the last supper and telling them" This is my body which is given for you;do this in remembrance of Me." Later, He offers the cup of wine to them and saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." I was glad that the youth pastor brought to light the significance of taking the communion and to caution us to not to intake it as any other bread or wine.
As we were keenly watching the screen and taking in what the pastor was preaching that morning, an odd squeaking sound started coming from outside. It sounded as though someone was playing with a squeaky toy just outside the foyer's door. I got annoyed thinking some bored teens must be keeping them entertained by making such odd noises. The "holier than you" in me hates any kind of disturbance while I'm listening to the sermon. I expect people to give reverence to the place.and to give respect to those who want to worship in a quiet place. It annoys me to see people walking casually into the sanctuary with cup of coffee in hand, dressed in shorts and sit cross legged.
After all it's God's house and don't we show some reverence to the place of worship? Probably, because I was born and raised in the Eastern hemisphere,and was used to enter worship places barefooted and in silence out of reverence, I carry this view. But to my sadness, in the West, especially in the evangelical circle, my opinion doesn't go well. Church is a place of fellowship more than a center for worship, I was told when I confronted a pastor once on this matter.
As long as people get a chance to hear the message, it doesn't matter how they come or sit in the church, I was made to understand. Maybe they're are right and I'm so old fashioned. But, on the other hand, if we see in the view of David, who sang " Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord forever." Psalm 93:5, and " Oh worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness" 1 Chronicles 16: 29, I wonder how many would agree with me today, but surely David would, I presume.
So, when my time of worship was disturbed by the squeaking sound last Sunday I was naturally annoyed to the brim. But soon my annoyance turned into joyfulness when the source of the squeaky sound walked in through the door with wobbly legs. It was none other than a sweet little toddler with squeaking soles and twinkling lights on her shoes. Her light spring jacket thrown over shoulders, the little girl with a chubby face and short black hair walked in with her mom trailing behind. Caring less of the disturbance she was causing in the foyer, the little angel kept walking around and noting everything around with keen interest. It was truly an awesome moment to watch the precious little Asian toddler walking around like an angel from heaven, and lighting up the place. T
he squeaky sound which annoyed me a little earlier became a joyful beat to my ears now. Soon, she was gone, squeaking her heels and toddling behind her mom. But we, who were seated in the foyer couldn't get her squeaky feet out of our minds for a long time.
Aren't we all thankful for the little children,brown, black, yellow or white , who make the world so beautiful with their lovable faces, laughter, and innocent approach to life? It doesn't surprise me why our Lord loved them so dearly, and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Mathew 19:14.
Yes, last Sunday morning I was blessed to learn the significance of taking in the communion bread and wine with gratitude, and to have the joy of listening to the squeaky steps of an adorable toddler.
I must say it was one of a kind of Sunday service experience for me.
The seating felt comfy and two flat TV screens on either side of the front desk in the foyer made it very convenient to sit back and watch what was happening on the stage inside.
On the screen, instead of our worship leader Steve thumping his guitar and singing aloud in a rock star fashion, a young woman named Stephanie was at the keyboard, leading the worship in a slow and solemn song with great devotion. Slowly the irritation of not getting seats inside began to leave, and we began to join in the the worship.
However, the traffic of late comers rushing into the sanctuary and kids walking out with their moms to go to the bathroom or to get a donut kept our focus sidetracked most of the time. After a while, the interruptions subsided, and soon it became quiet and conducive to listen to the pastor's sermon. Because it was the first Sunday of the month, communion table was neatly laid out at the front and the pastor was talking on the significance of the bread and the wine we are going to take short while.
I haven't heard this youth pastor preach before, but I must say, I really liked what I heard that morning. At the beginning, he made a teenage girl from his youth group to share her testimony at the recent youth camp, and then he backed it up with the emphasis on God's grace and the importance of remembering His grace while we take part in communion. I found that enlightening,because it's easy for us to take the communion so lightly and do it as a Christian ritual. Rather than approaching it with gratitude for God's grace and remembering Christ's death on the cross for our salvation, we fail to remember the reason for taking Eucharist.
In Luke22;17-20, we read Jesus offering bread to His disciples at the last supper and telling them" This is my body which is given for you;do this in remembrance of Me." Later, He offers the cup of wine to them and saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." I was glad that the youth pastor brought to light the significance of taking the communion and to caution us to not to intake it as any other bread or wine.
As we were keenly watching the screen and taking in what the pastor was preaching that morning, an odd squeaking sound started coming from outside. It sounded as though someone was playing with a squeaky toy just outside the foyer's door. I got annoyed thinking some bored teens must be keeping them entertained by making such odd noises. The "holier than you" in me hates any kind of disturbance while I'm listening to the sermon. I expect people to give reverence to the place.and to give respect to those who want to worship in a quiet place. It annoys me to see people walking casually into the sanctuary with cup of coffee in hand, dressed in shorts and sit cross legged.
After all it's God's house and don't we show some reverence to the place of worship? Probably, because I was born and raised in the Eastern hemisphere,and was used to enter worship places barefooted and in silence out of reverence, I carry this view. But to my sadness, in the West, especially in the evangelical circle, my opinion doesn't go well. Church is a place of fellowship more than a center for worship, I was told when I confronted a pastor once on this matter.
As long as people get a chance to hear the message, it doesn't matter how they come or sit in the church, I was made to understand. Maybe they're are right and I'm so old fashioned. But, on the other hand, if we see in the view of David, who sang " Holiness adorns Your house, O Lord forever." Psalm 93:5, and " Oh worship the Lord in the beauty of Holiness" 1 Chronicles 16: 29, I wonder how many would agree with me today, but surely David would, I presume.
So, when my time of worship was disturbed by the squeaking sound last Sunday I was naturally annoyed to the brim. But soon my annoyance turned into joyfulness when the source of the squeaky sound walked in through the door with wobbly legs. It was none other than a sweet little toddler with squeaking soles and twinkling lights on her shoes. Her light spring jacket thrown over shoulders, the little girl with a chubby face and short black hair walked in with her mom trailing behind. Caring less of the disturbance she was causing in the foyer, the little angel kept walking around and noting everything around with keen interest. It was truly an awesome moment to watch the precious little Asian toddler walking around like an angel from heaven, and lighting up the place. T
he squeaky sound which annoyed me a little earlier became a joyful beat to my ears now. Soon, she was gone, squeaking her heels and toddling behind her mom. But we, who were seated in the foyer couldn't get her squeaky feet out of our minds for a long time.
Aren't we all thankful for the little children,brown, black, yellow or white , who make the world so beautiful with their lovable faces, laughter, and innocent approach to life? It doesn't surprise me why our Lord loved them so dearly, and said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Mathew 19:14.
Yes, last Sunday morning I was blessed to learn the significance of taking in the communion bread and wine with gratitude, and to have the joy of listening to the squeaky steps of an adorable toddler.
I must say it was one of a kind of Sunday service experience for me.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The Radiant Face of Faith
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Romans 8:35
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding.”Proverbs 3:5
“My God, I have never thanked Thee for my thorn. I have thanked Thee for my roses, but not once for my thorn. Teach me the value of my thorn,” prayed the blind Scottish preacher George Matheson.
“If I had not lost my sight, I could never have written all the hymns God gave me” said Fanny Crosby, who wrote some of the best loved hymns of all time, including ‘Blessed Assurance’, ‘Blessed Redeemer’ and ‘To God Be the Glory!’
From the depth of a Nazi concentration camp, Corrie Ten Boom wrote, “No matter how deep our darkness is. He is deeper still.”
Who would have ever imagined for a poor cobbler like William Carey, with no formal education in theology, to take the gospel to India and get the Bible translated into forty different Indian languages?
Being poorly funded and unable to speak the native language, Carey and his family ended up living in a house amidst matted jungle swarmed with snakes and tigers. Disease in the new land caused his kids Ann, Lucy and Peter (all under age five) to die, and their loss plunged his wife into depression and to insanity.
Years later, when fire devoured his years of translation work in the printing press, Carey responded with tears brimming his eyes, “ How unsearchable are the ways of the Lord!...The Lord has laid me low that I may look more simply to Him.”
In such scenario, I would have pulled out my hair to baldness and drowned myself in the well of self-pity. But, Carey, amazed by God’s unique ways, wrote to his son William, “All our hopes must depend on the power and faithfulness of God. All His promises were made with a full intention that they should be fulfilled , and it’s our duty to live by faith, and to walk by faith.”
More than anything, what awed me the most was what Carey told the Scottish missionary Alexander Duff, on his death bed, when Duff went to visit him., “ Mr. Duff, you have been speaking about Dr.Carey….Dr.Carey …Dr.Carey. When I’m gone, say nothing about Dr. Carey—speak about Dr. Carey’s Savior.”
Today, in our success and recognition craving culture, I wonder how many of us would honestly radiate such humility and unshakable faith. Don’t we all want to stand in ovation before these giants of faith?
What was their secret? What made them so strong that neither hunger nor hardship nor blindness could separate them from God?
If we could read through their lives, we’d find a common link running underneath. They all had a kingdom perspective. Their eyes were focused on God, and not on their circumstances. They were aware of problems and roadblocks in their path, because Christ had already warned them about it.
“In this world, you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16: 33b
They sought God for who He is, and not for what they could get from Him. They must have valued their quiet and quality time with God, more than the quantity time they spent in the name of service. Because they delighted in the Lord, whatever they did became a worship unto God.
Experiences have taught me to focus on the One, who answers prayers, rather than on the answers alone. It doesn’t matter whether my requests are granted, delayed or denied, my prime purpose of praying should be to know the heart of God and to dwell in His presence in utter adoration.
In Oswald Chambers’ words, “We are not here to prove that God answers prayer, but to be living trophies of God’s grace.”***
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