Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Good Investment
Friday, October 21, 2005
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great Name we praise.
When we say Christ is the foundation of the church can we see this foundation 1 Corinthians 3:11? We sing the hymn the church is one foundation with so much of fervor. Have we stopped to wonder what efforts we have taken to reconcile our differences between another denomination? Have we stopped to wonder whose sacrifice saves us all? From the time of Christs death and resurrection the Christian church has grown phenomenally. We cannot see Christ in bodily form, but we see the church that testifies to the fact that Christ is the immortal and invisible God of our faith. Faith, hope and love are unseen, but are the pillars on which the church stands today 2 Corinthians 4:18.
Sometimes we wonder how can we conceive of a God who is unseen? How can we have a conversation with an unknown God? How do we have a fruitful relationship with a God who is indiscernible? How did people grow spiritually in their relationship with God? Often these doubts creep into the lives of all believers. Although we cannot see God, we believe God can see everything. When we reflect on the lives of other Christians, all of them were not able to answer all the questions. But they over the years through bold steps of faith have journeyed through life with the knowledge of the love of God. Although they have no concrete proof of God's existence, their lives are an open book on the mysterious ways in which God molds their lives as a potter molds clay.
Weak and hypocritical we may feel, God still uses us if we are willing to be his vessels of mercy, love and peace. Philip Yancy says, "My own life of faith has included many surprises that no one warned me about. Of course, if the journey did not include a few potholes, dark stretches, and unexpected detours, we would hardly need faith." It is the uncertainties of life that draw us closer to this all knowing, all powerful and all seeing God 1 Timothy 1:17. None of us can say for sure what our life holds in store for us. We trust that whatever may happen to us, God will be there by our side. This is the confidence upon which we base our faith Philippians 1:6 . As each years roll by, we are more conscious of the fact that if we believe that God exists, we see his hand leading us when we need Him the most.
During a question-and-answer session with a half-dozen children in Vatican city, one boy told Pope Benedict XVI that he had been told that Christ was really present in the Eucharist, or Communion.
"But how? I don't see him," the boy said. Benedict chuckled.
"We don't see him, but there are so many things that we don't see that exist and they are essential," Benedict said. "For example, we don't see our reason, but we still have reason. We don't see our intelligence, but we have it. Â We don't see the electric current, but we still see it works: We see how this microphone works, the lights.
"We don't see the risen Lord with our eyes, but we know that where Jesus is, men change, become better, become a bit more able to have peace and reconciliation.
Undoubtedly to see that God exists is to see God working in the lives of his disciples. The good Christian disciplines that we adopt make our spiritual life in God more real to us. To understand God we have to worship Him in Spirit and truth John 4:24. To make anything perfect is to keep practicing the Christian disciplines. The Bible and prayer helps us to build on the vision and mission for our lives. But when we do what the Holy Spirit is leading us to do, the word of God becomes ingrained into us. Thomas Kelly wrote in Testament of Devotion, Deep within us all there is an amazing inner sanctuary of the soul, a holy place .It is the Shekinah of the soul, the Presence in the midst. Interestingly, he uses the Hebrew term Shekinah, which is the name for the presence of God in the Holy of Holies in the Jerusalem temple. If it was the intellectuals Jesus wanted he certainly made the wrong people his disciples. We must remember that the gospel message was entrusted in the hands of very ordinary people.
Mother Teresa was called to serve the dying, the disabled, the mentally ill, the unwanted, and the unloved. She said she saw these people as Christ in disguise. She was able to nurse and care for dying people who were abandoned by their family not because of her own ability but because she saw the image of Christ in them. Further she said she could not do it on her own unless the Spirit of Christ lived in her John 17:21. She made us look at the world through eyes of love. She cared for them not to convert them, but to show that God loved them and they were important to God. We all have our own gifts and abilities and when we discover them we use them to bring glory to God. We would be stunned and cringe at the sight of the people she laid her hands on.She had the mind of a servant of Christ Philippians 2:5-7.
There are some today who like the Pharisees love the approval and honor from their fellowmen. Did the Pharisees really have the love of God in them or a love for themselves? Were they not more concerned that when it came to Christ's ministry that He healed on the Sabbath or associated with sinners Matthew 9:10-13 ? They were more concerned or enamoured by the laws and not about the sinners. They were more carried away by the laws they knew and their ability to manipulate them to their advantage and to the detriment of their flock.
The kind of love that Christ portrayed was (Agape) selfless and unconditional. Did Christ make any demands on the 10 lepers He healed? How can we criticize Mother Teresa for not evangelizing when she was reaching out to people who have never been loved before? How do you touch the lives of people who have not had a kind word said to them in years? Do you really believe that it is our words that transforms another's life? To me it is the Spirit of Christ that brings about the transformation in all our lives. Although we cannot see Christ, He is working 1 Timothy 3:13. He works silently through our deeds and our words. He said if one or two are gathered in His name He is there. I do believe Christ was there when Mother Teresa cared for the needy. We are called to have the same mind, same Spirit and same purpose that was in Christ Jesus, who said it is the sick who need a physician not those who are healthy.
Christ did say that if we have seen Christ we have seen what God the Father is like. Thus in strong spiritual leaders we begin to see a reflection of what Christ is all about John 14:9 and John 12:45.
John 12:45
And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me.
John 14:9
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
John 17:21
That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.
1 Corinthians 3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
The ChurchÂs one foundation
Is Jesus Christ her Lord,
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her
And for her life He died.
Philippians 2:5-7
5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Philippians 1:6
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
John 1:18
No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
1 Timothy 3:13
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 9:10-13
And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Monday, October 17, 2005
The church should be a place where people from differing social and economic backgrounds come together. The church community should strive to be like an orchard where grace, mercy, and love are the fruits found by all who live in it. A vineyard where all the members are able to blossom and grow. It should be a sanctuary for those who are troubled and disturbed with life's trials and tribulations. It should be a place for togetherness where its members come as one family and share gifts and talents to nurture and to help one another to grow. The church community should work hard to sacrifice time and resources for making the church a place where Christ is glorified. The fellowship of believers should enthusiastically work for the christian joy of serving one another's needs.
It should be a retreat where many can pursue a simple, quiet, and humble life of prayer, renewal and fellowship with our Father in heaven. Prayers help and sustain people through their troubles and fears. It further helps them to share their concerns with one another and support one another Acts 1:14. The church should be a holy ground where all can come to hear that still small voice speaking to them and leading them to live lives that are pleasing to God.
Not all of us can be leaders like Mother Teresa or Billy Graham. Nor can we be monks for God did not create us all to live in isolation. God has given each of us gifts. We stimulate and nurture them through individual and group Bible study, meditation, discussions and reflection. Throughout the year all over the world, churches hold fellowship events where they enjoy being part of the church family with all ages gathered together. This coming together enables the church to have stronger bonds of love and understanding.
The church buildings are not just for worship but also for fellowship. Although the buildings cannot contain God within its four walls, Christ has assured us that He is there with us always even unto the end of time Matthew 18:20 & Matthew 28:20. We see in the old and new testaments that the children of God gathered together to celebrate festivals and other events. Early Christians used to meet at house churches and share in fellowship meals. Even today some communities like the Bruderof community continue to strive live with these traditions to work and live together as a community Acts 2: 44-46.
We should never forget that the church is the people. Leaders emerge from within the church to care for the churches needs. In 1700s at the time of John Wesley, he pressed for the separate seating of men and women in the services and for early morning services (preferably at 5 a.m.). Could the Methodist be rigid on these practices? Policies and procedures followed in the past in time change with the times according to the needs of the people. Although people and their customs may change, the word of God never changes. The gospel message remains the same. Christ remains the head of the church and all of us are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ. We strive to be a dynamic community in which the Holy Spirit transforms us into an imitation of Christ and restores us into right relationships with God and his people. As the living Body of Christ we seek first the Kingdom of God and continue to draw and build others into our fellowship through love, mercy and peace Mathew 6 :33.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Matthew 28:20
Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mathew 6 :33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
Acts 2: 44-46
And all that believed were together, and had all things common. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Spiritual Growth Pains
Sunday, October 09, 2005
Holy Communion, in my understanding, is a solemn service of the coming together of the church community in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. We remember His life, death and resurrection. We remember the sacrifice He made for all of us. Christ has assured us that when one or two are gathered in His name He is there.
When we first moved to New Orleans from India, we visited the United Methodist Church. We were initially unsure of whether we were in the right church where we would be able to grow spiritually. We were not sure whether the church would approve of our partaking in the communion since we were of a different denomination. But at the time of communion the pastor said this was an open table and all were invited to come and receive. We were strangers and were given an open invitation to share with the church congregation in the Holy Sacrament. At that time although we were far from home, to be part of the body of Christ made us feel like we were at home. We felt as one with the congregation as all of us are one in Christ.
Christ prayed passionately that we will be one just as He and the Father are one. In so doing we believe that it was God who sent Christ to us (John 17:21). Sharing in the holy sacraments goes beyond just a sharing of bread and wine. We are reminded that we are one body and it is the one and the same God that we worship and glorify. Communion transcends race, color, age, financial status, and standing in society. Partaking in communion we sense a physical presence of the Holy Spirit. We sense that Christ came to live in us and our community.
The question of communion for kids and nonmembers has always kept me wondering which side of the fence I stand on. I am happy to worship in any church that will welcome me. I sometimes wonder what sort of sins kids really commit that can be compared to those we commit as adults? What makes us decide that one denomination will not be accepted by God? Do they not know the difference between good and bad? What is it they have to confess more than we? How does sharing in the body and blood of Christ heap condemnation on us? Did Christ come to condemn us all? How does just confession of our sins make us right with God ... when again we are going to fall?
Churches that have closed communion to kids are following a good policy as it makes its members seriously reexamine their spiritual lives and the final judgment. It makes the children look forward to a time when they can partake of this holy ceremony. They may value this even more.
Churches that serve communion to kids are following a good policy as it makes the members aware of the grace of God that is a free gift. Thus by taking it they realize it is not their personal goodness.....they are not worthy to even gather the crumbs under the table, but it is only Christ who is the righteousness in them that saves them. Kids who partake in communion early, feel a part of the church very early in life. Often kids have problems of transition from sunday school to church service. This is overcome when through holy communion they feel a part of the service very early in their church life.
Luke 22:16-20
For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves. For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
John 17:21
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
1 Corinthians 11:23- 34
For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.
Friday, October 07, 2005
Natural disasters can sometimes make enemies into friends temporarily. As was seen in the case of Pakistan earthquakes. Sworn enemies relaxed their stand on, "shoot on sight" so that those villagers who are in need may be helped in whatever way possible. The loss has been colossal. In the Indo-Pak region there are around 4.5 million people all of whom have lost at least someone they know. The death toll is projected to reach 40,000 people.
What is our relationship with money? Why should we give to others? Our money is what God has blessed us with so that we can meet our needs, and with the excess, imitate Christ in providing for the needs of our fellowbeings. In giving, the word of Christ becomes flesh, and we become the hands of God to the ones who are in need. Sharing and caring is one way of uniting the world community. It leads people to understand that we love them, we have faith in God and humanity, and we hope for all their needs to be met.
We give whatever we can, according to the need and with what we have. We give because the Holy Spirit leads us to reach out to those who are in need. Jesus asked us to love and care for one another. We give cheerfully without grumbling, for in so doing we imitate the One who gave His life for all of us, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We give because it is Christ who provides for all our needs. In so doing we clearly show that it is not by our own effort we share, but out of gratitude because the Lord has supplied for all our needs. Our gift makes the receiver know and understand that God cares.
When we show we care we will multiply the joy of having not just all our needs met but that the receiver will also rejoice with us when their needs are met. Our gift of hope, we know, will one day make the receiver become a giver as well.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
Wednesday, October 05, 2005
Trail Blazers
More Like Jesus
Pressing Toward the Goal
A Journey to Become More Like Jesus
In our Christian walk, the ultimate goal is to become more like Jesus Christ. This journey of transformation involves a deepening relationship with Christ, a rejection of worldly glory, and a surrendering of our own desires to align with God's will.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, offers powerful insights into this journey of faith. In Philippians 3:4-14, he reflects on his own background and accomplishments, acknowledging that his confidence could have been in the flesh. As a Pharisee, Paul had impeccable credentials according to Jewish law, but he counted all these achievements as loss for the sake of Christ.
Paul's desire to know Christ and experience the power of His resurrection transcended any earthly accolades or accomplishments. He recognized that true righteousness comes not from adherence to the law, but through faith in Christ. Paul willingly surrendered his own righteousness and worldly gains in exchange for the surpassing value of knowing Christ.
The apostle's words echo with a profound sense of humility and longing to be conformed to the image of Christ. He expresses his earnest desire to "know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings," recognizing that true transformation comes through sharing in Christ's suffering and death.
Yet, Paul also acknowledges that this journey is ongoing. He admits that he has not yet attained perfection but presses on toward the goal, reaching forward to what lies ahead. His focus is not on past achievements or failures but on pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
As we reflect on Paul's words, may we be inspired to pursue our own journey of transformation with fervent passion and determination. May we, like Paul, count all things as loss for the sake of knowing Christ and press on toward the goal of becoming more like Him each day. And may we find comfort and strength in the assurance that God, who began a good work in us, will bring it to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Spiritual Blindness
Sunday, October 02, 2005
When we come to church we come to worship God and have fellowship with our fellow Christians. James says to worship God is to humble ourselves before Him. James says God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. He further says that if we humble ourselves before God he will lift us up(James 4:6, 10).
The traditional form of worship does not play too much on our emotions, as we know what to expect as it is an old order of worship and familiar hymns. This could lead to stagnation of memberships or a lack of new members coming in. However to those who have grown used to this form of worship, to not follow the order of worship could leave them with a feeling of not having worshipped God at all. The question then is, are we worshipping God or going through the motions to makes us feel good. Could this result in self worship?
The charismatic on the other hand requires a lot more effort as it could require us to keep learning new songs and hearing new prayers (sometimes rocking and shouting) and at the end of it we could be more emotionally charged or drained. Maybe its just one perspective.
Praise is an essential part of worship and how we integrate it into worship is important.
In a mega large modern church we lose a sense of community and personal attachment to the members. On the other hand in the traditional we could end up being closed and judgmental about the other churches.
We should expect a worship service to stretch our hearts and minds to a point where we are convicted (uncomfortable) so that we really come to realize our transgressions and to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in need.
With the traditional way we get so used to the worship after a point we may become blind to the spirit of it. On the other hand the contemporary can have us caught up with trying to conform that we go blind again to the spirit.
King Solomon after he built the temple realized that God cannot be contained within a temple or a church (1Kings 8:27-30). But his humble request was that when we humbled ourselves before God, He would forgive and have mercy on us. We must ask ourselves are we becoming better people after following our order of worship. Does the service brand us as Sunday Christians or are we empowered to face the week ahead? When we worship God we develop traits as love, joy, peace, kindness, justice, mercy and forgiveness.
Jesus said that true worshippers will worship in spirit and in truth. To be led by the spirit is being more open to our world and what it demands today. It does not mean that the founders of our traditional order of worship were not lead by the spirit. But I perceive that being led by the spirit speaks of greater freedom in form of worship as opposed to the substance. Which leads us to the truth (substance). The truth is the word of God. The order of worship should speak to us directly from the word of God.
I grew up in a community where we went for a traditional Sunday worship service in the morning and a more contemporary worship service in the evening with the student community. The Spirit works mightily in both services. Although as a student I enjoyed the contemporary style of worship. Worship is one where we can integrate the two forms and have communion (relate) with God who is Spirit, our neighbor who is the community and our own selves. In so doing we fulfill Gods purpose of creating us.
John 4:23-24
23But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
24God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
James 4:6, 10
6But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Christ refers to the group of people who out of a simple conscience reached out to the masses of poor and needy. One such person who exemplifies this simplicity was Mahatma Gandhi. He challenged many Christian leaders to live better Spiritual lives. His life is a string of parables in themselves. As highlighted in an article by Rev.A.C.Oommen on Mahatma Gandhi - A Spiritual Revolutionary.
Christ was extolling those simple deeds of love that spring naturally from a heart that greatly loves all people no matter who they maybe. Another great saint who exemplified this love was Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She was called to serve those people throughout the world who live and die in poverty and hunger. It was the least and rejects of society she reached out.
This parable probably does not support the views of some of the protestant churches today. We prefer to preach the gospel of justification by faith alone ie.(Solafide). It is a faith that it is not our personal goodness that earns our salvation, but God's mercy because of Christs sacrifice and death. Does that exempt us from serving those who are in need with our gifts or our time?
The more mature way to approach our calling as followers of Christ would be to believe that it only through Christ's crucifixion we are saved, but to express that faith through deeds of love to the community. St. Francis of Assissi, believed in a gospel that was preached..seldom using words.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
St. Francis of Assissi
This parable is a very chilling judgment being shown by Christ. He condemns those who did not help those of his brothers or sisters who were poor and needy. The judgment really surprises them, for they could not associate Christ with those people. They probably were pretenders whose actions were deliberated based on their own selfish ambitions.
This parable makes us question, what have we done to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, invite the stranger into the home, clothe the poor, look after the sick and visit the prisoner. The reply of the shocked group is Lord when did we see you in this condition. Christ says every time you did it to someone who is of no significance in the world you did it for me.
If Christ lives in us, should we not also express the same concern He had for the least ?
Matt 25:45
45 "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'