Video: Looking back at 2008 and weighing ourselves!

As this will be the last posting this year, let us look back and evaluate ourselves.

Video: Doing the little things

Regular Dispatch: The Reality of Judas Iscariot‏

1. Jesus called him (Judas) to be his disciple
2. Jesus picked him (Judas) for the apostolic ministry: Mt 10:1-27
3. Jesus send him (Judas) as a sheep in the midst of wolves: Mt 10:1-4, 16
4. Jesus ordained him (Judas) to heal the sick, cleanse lepers, cast our demons: Mt 10:8
5. Jesus ordained him to carry the truth of the word of God: Mt 10:8
6. A person through whom the Holy Spirit would speak if in such a situation: Mt 10:20
7. His (Judas) father was God: Mt 10:20
8. He even would have had a throne in heaven upon which he would have judge Israel: Mt 19:28, Luke 22:30
9. "Many are called but few are chosen" (Mt 22:14 (KJV)) Judas was chosen (John 6:70) but see how Jesus characterize the choice
10. He was at the last supper, partaking in the body and blood of the new Covenent. But as soon as he took the bread, Satan entered him (John 13:27)

His last minutes were on a tree, urged on by Satan to suicide. Do we pride in the fact that we are chosen, ordained, and can claim great miracles and well run ministries? If hyper-christianity is not our portion, do we then by being cold, careless and worldy allow Satan in us like Judas (Luke 22:3)

In all the act and dramas we participate in our day-to-day life, if our heart is not set straight in piety, humility, devotion and utter submission to God, the fate of Judas will be ours.

We have no claim to greatness, intelligence, talent, immaculate blood line or proud traditions, other than the simple (2 Cor 11:3 (KJV)) and the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many today try to complicate this simple gospel or even further simplify it.

Let us remember the warning in Philippians 2:12 "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling ..."

Regular Dispatch: Eternal Life is the fruit of a life lived in Holiness

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. Rom 6:22

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 6:23

We are very familiar with Rom 6:23. But verse 23 is incomplete on its own if not considered along with verse 22. So a joint study of both these verses is very needed to understand what Paul is trying to say to the Romans.

It is very prevalent in the modern church and in the life of many Christians to emphasize Grace. This overemphasis, I fear is at the cost of Holiness. It is as if – you only need to take Christ as your personally savior, and eternal life follows, regardless the life you live or lack of holiness or the pursuit of holiness.

Jesus in the sermon on the mount (Mt 5:6) clearly states that the unique character of a believer is his or her hunger and thirst after righteousness (or holiness). A hungering person as such, will be filled with righteous behavior and be enabled to live a holy life.

It is true that we don’t live a holy life by our strength or by stringent methods of piety. But the urge (or intent or wish or a love) to live a life holy should come from within us. That hunger is then fulfilled in our life by the Holy Spirit.

A person who truly pursues righteousness will hate and be ashamed (Rom 6:21) of evil and sin in his (or her) own life and will desist from giving an excuse for it. It is for such a person, who hates evil and sin in his (or her) own life and pursues holiness and righteousness, that the Grace of God is applicable.

A saint who in the pursuit of Holiness and righteousness (Mt 5:6) and who guards (Psalm 39:1) his (or her) life from sin and has a right attitude to sin (Psalm 19:12.13, Prov 28:13, Amos 5:15, 1 Th 5:22 (KJV) and is not self righteous (1 John 1:8), when inadvertently or “once in a while” falls in sin, can cry out to the Lord for mercy and God applies Grace to forgive his (or her) sins (1 John 1:9). For such a person sin is not a way of life and Grace an escape shoot, but instead he or she considers grace a precious commodity and sin hated at all cost. This is why Paul reminds us that we can’t go on sinning claiming grace (Rom 6:1-2).

This is where Rom 6:22 comes in. It clearly states that when you are a slave to God and righteousness, and free from sin, you reap holiness which leads to Eternal life. In short, Eternal life is the fruit of a life lived in holiness (“…the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” 6:22(b))

In this light, let us ask the Spirit of the Lord in us to enable us to repentance and lead us in a pursuit of righteousness (holiness).

Prayer Request: Iran's Christian Call for Fasting and Prayer

Dear all -

I don't know how many have seen this in the AGC Blog. But I would like to bring this up at this time when we retire to our thanksgiving holidays. On this blog toward the top right hand side under the heading "FROM OTHER BLOGS!" there is a posting that is a request send by the church in Iran (http://www.persecutionblog.com/2008/11/irans-christian-call-for-fasting-prayer.html ).

They are requesting that the world church fast and pray with them. Off course the call was to join them in fasting and prayer last weekend. We still can remember them in prayer and even fasting in the days ahead. They are going through a very difficult time of increased persecution. At this time the Iranian Parliament is debating a law to execute Muslims converting to the way of Christ.

Please, Please share the burden with our brothers and sisters in prayer and tears, remembering their agony and alarm. Please pray that their days of persecution will be shortened and our Lord will throw open the doors to Iran to the mighty gospel. Also pray that they will be strengthened by truth and power of the Holy Spirit.

I would propose "let us make this week a week of prayer and supplication of our Iranian brothers and sisters".

Regular Dispatch: A Biblical understanding of Sickness and Disease

We fall sick and go into treatment. Some sickness get cured with treatment, while some not. While some get healed by prayer. According to the bible, the cause of sickness can be divided into three categories: falling sick due to sin; falling sick naturally; and falling sick afflicted by the devil or as a consequence of trials. Once we understand the nature of the cause, it becomes easier to get the relief.

FALLING SICK AS A CONSEQUENCE OF SIN
We read in James 5: 15 “if he has committed sin, they shall be forgiven to him.” In the fore-lines here, we read “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up”. From this we understand, the cause of his sickness is “sin”. The sin in him, or the sin he committed, brought him sickness. Lord chasten a person when he commits sin and scourge every son whom he loves, and whom he receives (Heb 12: 6, 7). Like a father chastise his son for disobedience (Proverb 3: 12). Let us see it again: if he has committed sin, they shall be forgiven (James 5:15).

The sin causing sickness has to be forgiven. Means, we have to examine ourselves before the Lord as to which sin in us stands against us before Him. Sins are forgiven by the Lord when they are confessed before him (1 John 1:9). Until forgiven, its unrighteousness remains against us. So, confess sins before the Lord. Naturally, for the sins against men, we have to get reconciled with them as well (Mt 5: 23, 24). Lord forgives the sin, cleanses us, and heals us. (James 5: 15). Amen, Praise the Lord!

In Mark 2: 5 we find the 4 men who brought the palsy on cot had faith in Jesus. But the palsy had sins in him unforgiven. Jesus forgives his sins and he is healed.

Caution: The ones praying for the sick, must first confess their own sins before the Lord, and must get forgiven/cleansed (James 5: 16). He must as well have “faith” for the sick to be healed.

Again by hearing, one should understand in heart, by seeing, one should perceive and convert, for Lord to heal (Mt 13: 15).

FALLING SICK NATURALLY
Hezekiah fell sick. God sent Isaiah (2 kings 20), notified him of his coming death and asked him to organize his home affairs. Hearing this Hezekiah turned to the wall and wept asking the the Lord to remember him, his deeds and his faithfulness in carrying out God’s directives. Almighty acknowledged it and sent back Prophet Isaiah, who told him that God has heard his prayer, and extended his life for another 15 years. Isaiah then asked the King to apply a medical dressing of fig upon his boil and he recovered (2 Kings 20:1-7; Pr 17:22; John 9: 6-7, 11). This would relate to treatment. Healing of the blind can also be cited as miracle.


FALLING SICK – AFFLICTED BY THE DEVIL OR AS A CONSEQUENCE OF TRIAL
In book of Job, we find Lord allowed Satan to test Job. Satan afflicted Job with boils upon his body. This illness was not due to sin or Job’s natural bodily condition (Job 2: 4-5). Such ailments won’t heal with treatments. Job suffered until Lord changed his condition (Job 42: 10). It was a test – Job came out victorious. God healed him and blessed him by compensating all his losses.

There are diseases inflicted by the devil. Such inflictions are healed by the act of the Holy Spirit through hearing the preached gospel of Jesus Christ. Evil spirit’s power is smashed by the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit. Treatment won’t help here. (Mt 4: 23; Luke 4:18; 19; Mt 12: 28)

Note: This posting is adopted word for word (in most case) from one of the article my father wrote for my private reading.

Regular Dispatch: Taking captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

"We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." 2 Cor 10:5

Our mind is a busy market place of all kinds (good, bad and ugly) of thoughts and imaginations. Thoughts influence our actions. Hence by controlling thoughts we control our actions. This is what Paul is trying to illuminate in 2 Cor 10. Like a conqueror who leads his captives in chains, we are to take ALL our thoughts captive and make it obedient to Christ. Or in other words – have self control over our thoughts and let all our thoughts be pleasing to Christ.

Now, this is easier said than done in a society inundated with all kinds of filth. Day in and day out all five senses is bombarded with visuals and audio that caters to the basest of human nature. Just scan the Disney channel to see what they create for children and teenagers. What they peddle to adults in the form of comedy and shows is even more vile.

The reason for this post is this article (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5073047.ece ) on TimesOnline, which relates teen pregnancy to TV shows.

In our house, lately Caleb has taken a strong liking to “Cody in the House”, “High School Musical”, "Hanna Montana" etc etc. - all Disney creations for ages well above his. The allure of such programs on a 3 year old caught me by surprise. These programs are laden with all sorts of intricacy that turn a teenager into an emotional wretch, often swinging him/her from hyper sensitivity to callousness or throwing them in a state of love-lost mellowness.

Media has successfully captivated the minds of youngsters and teenagers by catering to their undeveloped emotions of love, affection, affinity, hatred, brotherhood etc. They have taken the concept of intimacy sacred in marriage and made it readily available for minors. By generating these raw emotions in their viewers, they then are transported to a magical world where reality do not exist. What we see and hear affects how we think, which in turn affects our actions. These have consequences. This connection is magnified in children and teenagers. The media for long have tried to dismiss this.

As Christians we (both young and old) are to examine ourselves and ask this question – Is my mind a bastion for Satan and his crew? If our thoughts are not captive and made obedient to Christ, then it is controlled by our sinful nature (or desires) of which Satan is Lord. So will be our actions too. If this is so, what about eternal life for such persons!

Thanks Godly for the inquiry - Pardon the long interval.

Correction to this post made at http://austingospelchurch.blogspot.com/2009/03/taking-captive-every-thought-making.html

Video: "You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say."

We live in a time where we will walk over coals rather speak against evil and apostasy. By being mute, we tolerate new doctrines, principles, philosophies - all the while being very careful not to hurt anyone.

Do we vex eloquent about love, but lack moral fortitude to stand and vex against evil? It is instructive to give ears to the words of Martin Luther -

"You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say."

Video: Regeneration and Self Denial - The lost Doctrines

Moody on Bible: MORE THAN PRECIOUS TO HIM

"Now I am no prophet, nor the son of a prophet, but one thing I can predict; that every one of our new converts that goes to studying his Bible, and loves this book above every other book, is sure to hold out. The world will have no charm for him; he will get the world under his feet, because in this book he will find something better than the world can give him." D. L Moody

Account from the book "THE LIFE & WORK OF DWIGHT LYMAN MOODY" by REV. J. WILBUR CHAPMAN, D.D.
The Bible as a book was more than precious to him. His own Bible was a storehouse of richest treasure. He was never heard even by his closest friends to make a play on Bible words and phrases, and he was always quick to rebuke those who did. He really had no patience at all with the so-called higher criticism of God's word. He was one day approached by a newspaper reporter who asked for some word from him regarding the higher criticism. "I'm not up to that sort of thing," he said, with a twinkle in his eye. "You see, I never studied theology, and I'm precious glad I didn't. There are so many things in the Bible that everybody can understand that I'm going to preach about them until they are exhausted, and then, if I have any time left, I'll take up the texts I don't understand." "Aren't you ever asked to discuss difficult passages of Scripture?" was the inquiry. "Mercy, yes" answered Mr. Moody, "almost every day, but I always answer people just as I have answered you, and tell them that there is satisfaction and consolation enough in the promises of the Savior, all that anybody can want. The single verse, 'Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest,' contains all the theology and religion that I need, or any other man or woman.

Moody on Bible Study: A CHARACTERISTIC BIBLE READING

"In Ephesians, 5th chapter and 18th verse, we are commanded to be filled with the Holy Ghost. A person who is full of the Holy Spirit deals much with the Scriptures. One of the things we lack in the present day is more Bible study. I think this nation is just waking up to the fact that we have had a famine, it is not the man now that makes a fine oration in the pulpit so much as it is a man that expounds the Word of God that we need. A boy once asked another boy how it was that he caught all the pigeons that were in the neighborhood. He said: 'Well, I tell you, it is because I feed them well. If you feed the people well they will come; and people have got tired hearing a little more or less eloquence. The preachers have hitherto used the Bible merely as a text-book. They have taken their texts out of the Bible, and they have gone all over Christendom for their sermons. The result is that our churches are weak in spiritual power. But it is beginning to improve already. The churches are not now hunting after a man that will make a grand oration, so much as they are for a man that will unfold to them the Word of God. That is what the people want. If they can only get back to the Word of God, then we will have not just here and there a revival, but we will be in a revival all the time. The church will be constantly in a revived state. It is those Christians that are feeding on the Word of God that are revived all the while. There is something fresh about them, and people are glad to hear them talk." Words of D. L Moody as described in the book "THE LIFE & WORK OF DWIGHT LYMAN MOODY" by REV. J. WILBUR CHAPMAN, D.D.

India: The face of persecution!!

Pic - On that black Sunday after the initial attacks by the Bajrang Dal activists, it was time for the police to do their job and what did they do? They attacked the ladies and children who were protesting outside the churches. In one such incident at Permannur Church in Ullal 18 ladies were beaten up brutally by the police.

For more on this and other pictures - http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=93427

India: The flames of persecution spread to other states!!

Just received an email from Sajith. I have copied it below -

Hi Bobby
I received news from home that the violence against christians have spread to coastal karnataka and udupi . Its getting more serious and it definetly needs a divine intervention to stop, and we are burdened to pray for it. Please make sure that everyone gets to their knees and pray without ceasing . May the Almighty God protect our brothers ans sisters in Christ.
Regards
sajth

Since getting the email I did my own google search - here is what came up.

1. The anti-Christian violence that began in Orissa three weeks ago has still not died down; instead, it is spreading into Kerala. The situation also remains tense in Karnataka.
2. Last Sunday, September 14, 20 churches were ransacked by radical Hindus of the group Sangh Parivar in Mangalore
3. The GCIC (Global Council of Indian Christians), based in Bangalore (in Karnataka), has accused the police of beating the Christians (see photo) and desecrating some of the churches in Mangalore.

Refer these sites

1. http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=29407
2. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/india.violence.against.christians.spreads.beyond.orissa/21438.htm

Let us rededicate ourselves to prayer for the persecuted and that God will quench this flames. Please take time to intercede.

Video: "Blessed Assurance!!!" (Hymn week)

These precious words were written by Fanny Crosby (1820-1915) the most prolific hymnist in history. Though blind, she wrote over 8000 hymns. In her lifetime, Fanny Crosby was one of the best known women in the United States. To this day, the vast majority of American hymnals contain her work.

Two other familiar hymns include "I am Thine O Lord", "To God be the glory". Below is a sweet account about this song from Mr. Ira David Sankey (another Giant of the Hymnals, who sang for D. L. Moody's at every gospel meetings).

“During the re­cent war in the Trans­vaal,” said a gen­tle­man at my meet­ing in Ex­e­ter Hall, Lon­don, in 1900, “when the sol­diers go­ing to the front were pass­ing ano­ther bo­dy of sol­diers whom they re­cog­nized, their greet­ings used to be, ‘Four-nine-four, boys; four-nine-four;’ and the sa­lute would in­var­i­a­bly be an­swered with ‘Six fur­ther on, boys; six fur­ther on.’ The sig­nif­i­cance of this was that, in ‘Sac­red Songs and So­los,’ a num­ber of co­pies of the small edi­tion of which had been sent to the front, num­ber 494 was ‘God be with you un­til we meet again;’ and six fur­ther on than 494, or num­ber 500, was ‘Bless­ed As­sur­ance, Je­sus is mine.’”

Video: "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus!!!" (Hymn week)

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

These words were written by Louisa M. R. Stead (1850-1970). She is said to have authored this hymn after seeing her husband drown, trying to save a boy on the shores of Long Island, New York!

Video: "How Marvelous is His love for me!!!" (Hymn week)

"He took my sin and my sorrows
and he made them his very own
He bore the burden to Calvary
and suffered and died alone!!!"



Sing along and Have fine week.

Uninvited Guest! First sights of Ike in Galveston!!!

Track Ike!!

Disclaimer: This blog is not an official weather source; it should not be your sole source for official advisories, discussions, watches, or warnings. Please consider these weather advisory as information delayed in time. We get this information from stormpulse

Video: These scenes beg the Question.....

Are these the only ones called to bear witness to the Nazarene? What about us? Many around the world are beaten, torn apart, cut apart, spat at, stamped on, treated like animals, scorched with fire all because of the great commission and their love for our Master in doing His wish.

This man is treated like a dog because he distributed christian tract. Are we squandering our opportunities here, when not even a hair of our body will be touched?

If we only live and strive for this world and for the life here, how will we fare when we stand side by side with these bold and precious souls in heaven? Or is the bosom of Abraham only for those who were treated with evil on this earth? Luke 16:25

"But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented."

Now read this - http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=16907

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose"

Orissa: Violence errupt again!!! Call to Prayer

After conversation with Pastor Freddy Thomas and scanning the news that came out today, I am certain, contrary to our belief, Orissa is still not calm.

According to the latest news violence has errupted again today. Looks like the government is unable to stop the violence or they are in the pockets of trouble makers.

Last night alone, 20 homes were burnt down. Moreover, religious extremist are forcefully reconverting Christians to Hindus. You can only imagine what these victims may have gone through!

Please take time to earnestly pray for our brothers and sisters affected. They are in a cartload of hurt. Please, Please - PRAY!

1. http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=28876
2. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4727215.ece
3. http://compassdirect.org/en/display.php?page=news&lang=en&length=long&idelement=5573
4. http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=26e513a2-1eb3-47ee-8676-55f44b0eeba6&ParentID=149eb7ec-2766-496a-b5a2-b95f42c3ed5a&&Headline=Mayawati+appeals+to+control+Orissa+riots

Video: Do you love Him more than Anything?

Orissa: Our Lord works on the prayers of the earnest

The latest news from the media seem to indicate some sort of normalcy. Nevertheless the peace is fragile. The Central Government as well as the Apex Court has interjected to stop the voilence. Still VHP and RSS (both religious fanatic groups) are pressing to instigate fresh violence.

Please continue your supplication for the suffering. Once peace descends and settles, they will need to rebuild what was destroyed and burned down.

"About 10,000 Christians have been forced to flee their homes and more than 500 residences and 17 churches and prayer houses were destroyed in the rioting, the commission said." Bloomberg.com (http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=aE_t0guqMpnw&refer=india)

India PM vows to stamp out anti-Christian violence:
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iNQOMZTgSM1JKlA4r0rrlDCPjP7g

Orissa: Voilence Spread according to the Reuters India

(News as of Mon Sept 1st) BHUBANESWAR, India (Reuters) - Hindu mobs have burnt at least four more churches in Orissa, officials said on Monday, as religious violence appeared to spread.

Thousands of people, mostly Christians, have taken shelter in makeshift camps, where Hindu mobs went on the rampage last week after a Hindu leader was killed.

Last week officials said the violence appeared to be abating after Hindu and Christian leaders called for calm, but over the weekend it spread to new parts of the state.

Mobs set fire to four churches in the districts of Koraput and Rayagada, Orissa's Director General of Police, Gopal Chandra Nanda, told Reuters.

Two churches and several houses were also burnt in the Kandhamal district, the epicentre of the tension, despite a curfew imposed in most of its towns, one of the state's leading newspapers, The Samaja, reported on Monday.

Officials said they could not confirm that report.

The violence has drawn international condemnation, including from Pope Benedict. Local government officials revised the death toll to 14 and said they had received unconfirmed reports that two more bodies had been found.

Read Further - http://in.reuters.com/article/topNews/idINIndia-35262820080901

Orissa: This is what Happened Yesterday! (Aug 30, 08)

http://www.morungexpress.com/national/2699.html

Please continue your prayers, till their days of terror are brought to an end. Pray earnestly. While we find our abode still intact, may in Orissa are searching theirs in ashes.

Orissa: Who will Vouch for them!!!

Orissa is burning! If latest news and reports are any indication, the persecution against Christians are not ending soon. But PRAYER can, and this is what we are trying to solicit. They are not asking for money, new buildings or any form of luxury. Instead they are pleading us to offer our EARNEST prayers to our Father in Heaven. So that their days of persecution may be shortened and the Holy Spirit my instill boldness in them.

Where will they run to when Law enforcement and the government which is called to protect its citizenry is in neglect of its duty, thereby playing into the hand of the persecutors. As Churches are burning along with its parishioners, and human body mutilated with shape objects, let us not be like Nero playing the fiddle and engaged in our day to day oddities

Let us arouse all godly passion and intercede for the Church in Orissa

Here are some links -

1. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-08-27-voa14.cfm
2. http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=25c54a9f-489d-48a2-bd2a-9581e13ded56&ParentID=4a6d2eeb-0b2d-4ae6-a448-11610adc1e1d&&Headline=Orissa+tense%2c+more+churches+burnt

An Orphanage

Video: Who is this Fourth Man?

What a glorious pedigree!

Podpost: Jesus Among Other Gods

In the interest of making the blog more gospel oriented, please find posts with the title "podpost". These are podcast in the form of blog post. These posts will certainly contain audio which can be heard at your leisure.

This posting is a message from Ravi Zacharias. He explains why he believes in Christ. In many of his messages he poses questions and gives answers which can be a useful tool when evangelizing to your friends who are still in the realm of material darkness. Moreover it gives us a comprehensive understanding of what and why we believe in what we believe.

Jesus Among other Gods (1 of 4)

Jesus Among other Gods (2 of 4)

Jesus Among other Gods (3 of 4)

Jesus Among other Gods (4 of 4)

Video: Pilgrim's Progress - Old is Gold

After the bible, "Pilgrims Progress" - the book stands the most read in the world. Now watch this 400 years old story in the movie "Pilgrims Progress - Journey to heaven".

This allegory illustrates the gospel and christian life and burns a lasting image in our mind.

It also illustrates some of the foundational doctrines of our faith. It is worth buying for your library. Video below.

Here is How a Typical Christian Students Conferences Concluded in the 1800s!

This account is taken from Mr R. A Torry's description of D. L Moody in the book "Why God Used D. L Moody". To read the complete account please refer http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/dasc/WGUDLM.HTM

What is illuminated in this post is a description of how Mr. Moody concluded one of his Christian Conferences. In those days, preaching was always followed by the real work of Holy Spirit. You will see an ocean of difference between now and then!

"It was the closing day of the Northfield Students' Conference--the gathering of the students from the eastern colleges. Mr. Moody had asked me to preach on Saturday night and Sunday morning on the baptism with the Holy Ghost. On Saturday night I had spoken about, "The Baptism with the Holy Ghost, What it is, What it does, the Need of it and the Possibility of it." On Sunday morning I spoke on "The Baptism with the Holy Spirit, How to Get It."

It was just exactly twelve o'clock when I finished my morning sermon, and I took out my watch and said: "Mr. Moody has invited us all to go up to the mountain at three o'clock this afternoon to pray for the power of the Holy Spirit. It is three hours to three o'clock. Some of you cannot wait three hours. You do not need to wait. Go to your rooms, go out into the woods, go to your tent, go anywhere where you can get alone with God and have this matter out with Him."

At three o'clock we all gathered in front of Mr. Moody's mother's house (she was then still living), and then began to pass down the lane, through the gate, up on the mountainside. There were four hundred and fifty-six of us in all; I know the number because Paul Moody counted us as we passed through the gate.

After a while Mr. Moody said: "I don't think we need to go any further; let us sit down here." We sat down on stumps and logs and on the ground. Mr. Moody said: "Have any of you students anything to say?" I think about seventy-five of them arose, one after the other, and said: "Mr. Moody, I could not wait till three o'clock; I have been alone with God since the morning service, and I believe I have a right to say that I have been baptized with the Holy Spirit." When these testimonies were over, Mr. Moody said: "Young men, I can't see any reason why we shouldn't kneel down here right now and ask God that the Holy Ghost may fall upon us just as definitely as He fell upon the apostles on the Day of Pentecost. Let us pray." And we did pray, there on the mountainside.

As we had gone up the mountainside heavy clouds had been gathering, and just as we began to pray those clouds broke and the raindrops began to fall through the overhanging pines. But there was another cloud that had been gathering over Northfield for ten days, a cloud big with the mercy and grace and power of God, and as we began to pray our prayers seemed to pierce that cloud and the Holy Ghost fell upon us. Men and women, that is what we all need--the Baptism with the Holy Ghost." R. A. Torrey

The faith of this man and the students is profound. Imagine the effect if 1% of present day conferences were any practical or palpable as this?

Regular Dispatch: Are You called Lazy!

“But require them to make the same number of bricks as before; don't reduce the quota. They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.' Make the work harder for the men so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.” Ex 5:8, 9

Pharaoh said, "Lazy, that's what you are—lazy! That is why you keep saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to the LORD.' Ex 5:17

There are supreme truths in these verses. So deep are its implications that it murmurs wisdom even in this present age. Work in any form has been the prime need of man if he or she were to survive in this world. Being a depraved and fallen creature, the urge to control and lord-over another is inherent in every human being. In history the strong and mighty took advantage of this fallen state of mankind. Thus came to practice the evil of slavery.

Though we pride in the abolition of slavery, its remnants still exist in different forms in many societies – even in ours.

The subtle truth here is this – if the adversary is not happy with your work when you are a slave, how can he be happy when you are salaried? The moment you dedicate more time for God and his purposes, you will hear from your manager and co-workers. With the passage of time you will be labeled lazy! [Ex 5:8, 9, 17]

If we understand what the Pharaoh (our employer or friends) wants, we will clearly understand what our Lord wants. There is and will not be any agreement between both.

1. The Pharaoh would like you to slave for him and die in Egypt but God want you to live for him, worship Him in freedom and be a light to the Nations.
2. The Pharaoh will call you lazy, because he considers worship a desperate act by the poor to escape. But God is unequivocal when he demands that you are saved from slavery to “HIMSELF” [Ex 19:4]

I am not discouraging hard work. For as long as we live on this earth, this is our portion. “Work” in the grand scheme of things has its place and purpose. But when the divine comes calling, ask the mighty Lord to smite (drown) the Pharaoh so that you can get to Mount Sinai to hear Him (our Lord) speak.

There will be no balance, peace or compromise between our “work” and the “work of His Kingdom.” In executing our worldly responsibilities do we ignore our heavenly calling? The righteous will give priority to the “Work of His Kingdom”. This is where the lasting reward lay. [Ph 3:7, 8]

How will we deal with the following?

1. “Surely if I take this job I will have more financial stability but because of the added responsibility I am unable to be active in Church or His Kingdom.”


2. “Man! My promotion is coming up. This time I have a chance to lead a small team.” In taking a decision to assume this new position, does your Christian calling to spread the message and growth in Christ come into consideration at all?


3. Am I starting a business so that I will have the freedom to choose my own schedule (hence find time to progress the kingdom) and spend money for the expansion of the Kingdom?


4. Will you downgrade to a low paying job (or a part-time job) because you can spend more time for the Kingdom or will you do it for leisure?


5. “Hey man, I am struggling to decide whether to use my vacation on a cruise or a mission trip”


6. The disciples waited in prayer for 10 days before the Holy Spirit came down in power. Realizing this can we say “I would like to use this year’s vacation on a tarry meeting”.


7. There are 168 hours in a week. Forget worship; how much time did we spend working for the Kingdom – Intercessory prayer, preaching the gospel to the lost, praying for the sick, helping your fellow brothers and sisters, visiting the nearby orphanage or hospitals, distributing gospel tracts, being in fasting and prayer for Austin or your fellow believers …..

But off course, we are too wise and civilized. How could we think like this? If we are not fanatic for Christ, how can we follow Christ who was fanatic about his Father!

Regular Dispatch: "Worship with a latte, check out some live turtles, and skate!"

“Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” 1 Tim 4:13

In this verse, Paul leaves no room for doubt as he expounds on the responsibility of a Pastor. Which also indicates as to what we will constantly hear from the pulpit if Timothy was leading us. Today some Churches are indistinguishable from amusement parks (or concert venues) and so are the parishioners who are like revelers on their way to taste its delectable delights!

It is time we heed to men like Charles H. Spurgeon. His was the first mega Church. He pastored a congregation of 10,000 souls 120 years back; decades before amplification and electrical instruments.

Here are his words. I agree, the language is old and difficult. But please give it a try.

“My first contention is that providing amusement for the people is nowhere spoken of in the Scriptures as a function of the Church. If it is a Christian work why did not Christ speak of it? ‘Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’ That is clear enough. So it would have been if He has added, ‘and provide amusement for those who do not relish the gospel.’ No such words, however, are to be found. It did not seem to occur to Him.

Then again, ‘He gave some apostles, some prophets, some pastors and teachers, for the work of the ministry.’ Where do entertainers come in? The Holy Spirit is silent concerning them. Were the prophets persecuted because they amused the people or because they refused? The concert has no martyr roll.

Lastly, the mission of amusement fails to affect the end desired. It works havoc among young converts. Let the careless and scoffers, who thank God because the Church met them halfway, speak and testify. Let the heavy-laden who found peace through the concert not keep silent! Let the drunkard to whom the dramatic entertainment has been God’s link in the chain of their conversion, stand up! There are none to answer. The mission of amusement produces no converts.

The need of the hour for today’s ministry is believing scholarship joined with earnest spirituality, the one springing from the other as fruit from the root. The need is biblical doctrine, so understood and felt, that it sets men on fire.” Charles Spurgeon (1887)

It is sad, but true! Even today, the devil is using the same old tricks. Spurgeon in his days had to battle this evil.

Note: The title of this dispatch are real words from a present day Church goer.


Spurgeon Preaching at Surrey Music Hall where his congregation met for sometime

Video: Beware, if your Heart Say You are Saved!!!!

Friends, don't believe your heart! Rely on the Word and His Spirit. There is no time in History where the leading of the Holy Spirit is so needed as now. So is with the Word. The world is inundated with bibles and transalations, but Christians scantly knowledgeable of it. If you think this is false, just test yourself and try answering this question. How do you know you are Saved? Watch the video and ponder!

Regular Dispatch: How One Chapter Addresses Two Scientific Persuits

The depravity of the Evolutionist ….
“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man….” Genesis 9:6

What a shame, when we open our minds to the rubbish peddled by the evolutionist! By establishing their origin hypothesis on monkeys and primordial soup, they degrade human dignity. In them the Scriptures reveal a wisdom that is foolish. Instead, while making a covenant with humanity, God himself – “The Truth and Righteous One” bases it on the sanctity of human life. Though depraved and evil, we are created in his image.

Nevertheless out of many a womb, the muffled cry of the unborn is gathering to a crescendo, as helpless victims are sacrificed on the altar of freedom. When will we arise against the evil of abortion? While some confine it to the political realm, others see it as personal freedom. To both groups the Scriptures sends a resounding cry – No! It is the righteousness of God.

Where is the Church? A Church in slumber is that which is insensitive to the evils around. Our conscience is not pricked, because our conscience is not taught. By the time many read this dispatch, three thousand more would have been murdered!

It was a Christian monk - Telemachus who brought an end to the vile gladiatorial games in Rome. It was the tireless work of a Christian by the name of William Wilberforce that led to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire. Furthermore, it is a young black Preacher (Rev. Martin Luther King) who brought an end to slavery in America. With the Word of God as the guiding light, the Church always has been in the forefront of any reformation. So will be for abortion if we care to arise.

And the folly of the Environmentalist …
“…I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth." Genesis 9:11

It will not be water or ice that destroys the earth next time. Here is an “Inconvenient Truth” - the earth will be purged with fire. “…by the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the Day of Judgment and destruction of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:7

God will have the final word on all mindless human pursuits!

Video: Will You be Swept Away!!!

Regular Dispatch: The Magic of God's Word!

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Heb 4:12

His words are from eternal to eternal and everlasting. Not only does He speak, but He also makes certain that his words accomplishes its purpose [Is 55:11].

Words pre-exist humans. Words, conversation and community existed in the Trinity prior to creation. When God made Adam, and communed with him, this ability to use words and the faculties for speech were created in him. Even different languages came from God as he made poor the wisdom of man and his works in Babel [Genesis 11:1-8]. We humans borrow words, its meaning and the ability to speak from Him our Creator. Thus the admonition in the bible to clear our conversation of filth, slush and unwholesomeness.

In Hebrews, the author compares the word of God to a double edge sword. It judges thoughts and attitudes. When a message is preached, if we feel a piercing or pricking in us, it may very well be the sharp blade of this double edge sword (provided the words being preached have scriptural foundation). On the contrary, in the delivery of a message if our thoughts and attitudes are untouched it should only mean three things –

1. All our thoughts and attitudes are right, in which case we are borderline perfect
2. The words preached are not the word of God
3. Or it is time to think of a new Church!
   

In Paul’s epistles will you see an abundance of admonition or encouragement?

“… for the current thinking today is that gospel ministers instead of piercing men and women with the sword of the Spirit, only show them only its handle; they let them see the bright diamonds on the scabbard, but never let them feel the sharpness of the two-edged blade. They always comfort, and console, and cheer, but never allude to the terrors of the Lord.” Charles Spurgen, Oct 23, 1881

A Sad Dispatch: A Nation of Dry Bones!

A major survey by Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life finds that 66-70% of Christians believe that other religions (Faiths like Islam, Hinduism etc) can also lead to eternal life! (http://religions.pewforum.org/reports)

While the political establishment and countercultural forces are constantly chipping away at the core of Christianity, this research seems to indicate that the ever content parishioner, who is being proffered a version of truth from the revered pulpit, stands on shaky ground of Pluralism.

Have we become a Nation of Dry Bones? [Ez 37:2]. Do we favor augmenting the message in the name of inclusiveness? We live in a time when “The Truth” which is Christ and his teaching is usurped by a gospel of compromise. In the valley of the bones [Ez 37] it is first the Word [Ez 37:4] and then the Spirit [Ez 37:7-10, 14] that brought the dry bones to life. Devoid of both, we remain dry bones.

Priests, Princes and Prophets – God blames these three institutions in that order for the degradation of a society [Ez 22:26-28]. The degeneration of a nation does not start in the inner sanctums of local brothels or in the dark and dim lit gambling houses or in the hallways of power, instead it burgeons in the inner sanctuary of Churches managed by Priest/(Pastors) who blur the line between what is Holy and common [Ez 22:26(a)], what is clean and unclean [Ez 22:26(b)], and what is right and not.

In their stead, God is looking for simple believers like us to stand in the gap. Will He say “…but I found none”? [Ez 22:30]. Stand for the unadulterated truth even if it hurts. Be bold to say and believe that Jesus is the only way to eternal life.

Regular Dispatch: A Hating but Righteous God!

Proverb 6:17-19: There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

The gravity of this verse bears heavily on me. Even God draws a distinction in what he dislikes. Some behavior he hates while some others (or even the same) he detest. To know God, is to know his behavior – his likes and dislikes. To be like Christ who is God is to have an attitude and mind set of Christ.

Living in a pluralistic society, we often forget that an innocent whether Christian, Muslim or Hindu, poor, rich, wise or foolish, white, black or brown, malayalee or north Indian – regardless, God is on the side of the innocent. Let us not deny justice to the week, poor and the needy or stand false witness against ANYBODY! Personally I think, in our modern times, the poor is more likely to find justice in a secular court than in the hall ways of the Church. Beware of partiality, nepotism and favoritism. Let us be just in our examination.

These verses address three areas – Attitude, Mind/Heart and the Tongue (the organ of death). Run away from pride like a hunted deer (especially the pride of the spiritual kind), keep you heart and mind clear of wicked thoughts, keep you tongue from lying (we tend to think white lie and small lies are okay! – but many times and oft these are the kind that cause confusion).

Guard your tongue from creating dissension among the brothers. Unity in the body of Christ is killed by dissension. God detest the one who cause dissension. Let us make ourselves aware of the complete meaning of this word.

Out of 7, three evils are of the tongue. Sometimes I think the dumb easily finds favor in the eyes of the Lord. But even they can’t escape their own heart. Above all let us remember that God hates and detest all these. If that is the case, let us hate these in our life and run away from these.

John 7: Jesus' life gets increasingly difficult

Though less in numbers, we came together to study John 7. Not only was Jesus' life getting more difficult with the religious and political establishment closing on him, but his teaching was being rejected in large number. He had one more year to go in his ministry.

At the end of thsi chapter John says (John 7:43) "Thus the people were divided because of Jesus".

Here is the Blog Qn - If the people were divided because of Jesus, is this gospel expected to cause division among the people of this world? or should we be surprised if this gospel of Jesus cause division?

Regular Dispatch: The Logic of Revival

If history is our guide and His Word the light, three conditions should exist in a people before God can pour out his revival –

1. A messenger with a divinely inspired message
2. Fear of the Lord and obedience
3. A profound concern and burden for the matters of God

Haggai was among the first wave of exiles’ that returned to Jerusalem in the year 536BC. After their return, people started to rebuild the Temple of the Lord, but left it incomplete. As they settled down and their basic necessities taken care of, they turned their attention to luxury (Haggai 1:3, 4).

It is to this people God send Haggai. His message had a singular theme – “Put God first” and called them to rebuild the temple (Haggai 1:2-9). The leadership both temple and civil, and the people obeyed the word of God and the message of Haggai because they feared God (Haggai 1:12).

When they decided to turn (repentance) from advancing themselves and instead developed a concern and burden for the matters of God (by obeying the Lord and Haggai’s message (Haggai 1:12(b)), thereby dedicating themselves to finishing the temple, then the Lord started stirring their spirits – hence spurring a revival (Haggai 1:13-14)

God sends revival for a purpose. A task is accomplished by a revival. In our times it is to expand the kingdom of God. But he will not send it to a people that are unprepared or unwilling to give God’s matters priority.

Video: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose"

These are the words of Jim Elliot. Now see his story in the motion picture - "End of the Spear". Trailer below

John 6: Two days of Miracle and Teaching

Dear All -

We had a good, educative bible study last Friday. The discussion went on for hours (as usual) on the topic of what does it mean to be a disciple.

This discussion was triggered by Jesus' statement "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life".

This times blog qns will revolve on this statement. What did Jesus mean when he said "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life". How can we make it practical in our life.

John 5 : John burned and gave light

Jesus testifying about John says in verse 35 "John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light."

Jesus states that John burned and gave light. By studying John, we would be able to follow his example. To continue the discussion on the Blog - What charecteristic in John's Life, ministry, behaviour and work was Jesus comparing to Light.

Retrospective: John 4 "Worship in Truth and Spirit"

Hi All -

It was edifying and thought provoking - our discussion on Worship. As promised last Friday, here is continuing that discussion on the Blog. I have compiled some thought on this matter. Unfortunatly it goes miles and miles! Add your to the end.

Jewish Perspective on Worship
According to the law given to Moses, all Jews everywhere were to come to the temple (Jerusalem or wherever the temple was) for Worship. Hence the statement by the Samaritan woman - John 4:19 "Sir," the woman said, "I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem."

Deut 12:5 says (talking to the Jews) that God will to find a place, to put his name there for His dwelling. And where he dwelled, the people were to bring sacrifices, offering etc and come for worship. Temple was the place where God himself dwelled (Shekhinah), hence the requirement to come to the temple for worship – e.g. Ps 132:7. In the same chapter Deut 12: 11-13, God reiterates this requirement, stressing its importance.

Deut 12:13,14 clearly warns against private alters and sacrifices. This was the reason why Hezekiah in 2 Kings 18:22 destroyed all private places of worship (important to note that these were alters to the Lord not to pagan idols).

Joshua describes to us what was involved in OT worship - Joshua 22:27 “… that we will worship the LORD at his sanctuary with our burnt offerings, sacrifices and fellowship offerings.” From several Psalms we know that worship also involved physical show of humility– bowing down and kneeling (Ps 95:6) etc

If the temple was unreachable, and someone was lead to worship, he or she would face the temple direction and bow down (Ps 5:7; 2 Chronicles 29:28) – because in the temple resided the Shekhinah of God and his holy presence. This explains why Daniel prayed facing Jerusalem. It was in recognition of the presence of God.

Attitude in Worship
There are attitudes in worship that is true even in modern times. Reverence (Ps 5:7), fear (Ps 22:23), Honor and Respect (Mal 1:6), give your best to God (Mal 1:7-8, 13, 14 having this attitude), delighting in Worship instead of considering it with contempt or burden (Mal 1:13).

Having detailed some of the facets of OT worship, we get a peripheral understanding of what Worship was, what God intended, and what Worship involved. Nevertheless we only have a blurry idea of the exact definition of Worship.

The New Worshiper
In His conversation with the Samaritan woman, Christ was rewriting and establishing a new way of worship (John 4:23(a) – “Yet a time is coming and has now come when …). He was not changing the meaning of worship, or the attitudinal requirements or it’s intend. Instead He was redefining the procedure and establishing a new standard.

He was establishing that the age of worshiping at Jerusalem (temple worship or in any mountain) and the age of sacrifices, festivals etc are over. A new age is coming and has come, where true worshipers will worship God the Father in Spirit and Truth.

He effectively made worship free from the restriction of time, place and regulation and made it ubiquitous.


What does it mean to “Worship in Spirit and Truth?”
“In Spirit”: means a worshiper with these experiences (listed below) or anyone who believes in these and are waiting on Lord’s time for its fulfillment in their life

1. “Born (regenerated) of the Spirit” (John 3:5,6)
2. led by the spirit (Rom 8:4,5,6,9,13,14,16 )
3. Sealed by the Spirit (Eph 4:30)
4. Indwelling of the Spirit (Act 19:1-6)

“In Truth”: Two times in separate settings, Jesus ascribes the word “Truth” to himself

1. John 14:6- "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except throughme. ..” Christ is the only access to Father (GOD). So your worship should be in Truth (or the Worship should be in the name of Christ)
2. In his conversation with Pilot - John 18:37 - "… Everyone on the side of truth listens to me”

God the Father is looking for Worshipers who are filled, led, born and sealed by the spirit and who believes and have put faith in Christ (the Truth, Son of God and Lamb of God) and in his sacrifice and fail not to obey his commandments.

It is not enough to just worship in Spirit or just to come in the name of Jesus, Both these experience should be personal and co-existent.

NT Worship: We come together in His Name
In Mat 18:20 (“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them”)

We see that it is in the community of believers and in the unity of purpose the physical presence of Jesus is manifested. A plurality of believers is emphasized in this verse. When we come together in the name of Jesus, and if we are united in purpose, the father in heaven works on our behalf or we worship him. Christ which was absent in the OT worship is a key component when we come together today. Further emphasizing worshiping in Truth

Private/Personal Worship
It is true that private (personal) worship is neither prohibited nor encouraged or even mentioned in the NT order of worship (correct me if I am wrong here). But neglecting corporate gathering is warned in Heb 10:25.

Moreover there are only a handful of instances of private personal worship in the whole bible, which is valid in extraneous circumstances. We should be careful against making the uncommon the norm. We will be led or we may desire to worship in our private realm, in doing so, we should be careful not to neglect or consider insignificant - corporate worship.

Church
In the bible Jesus was the first to use the word Church. Apart from when talking to Peter, in Mat 18:17 He specifically talks about how the members in the Church should resolve a problem. It is interesting to note that he did not use the words “synagogue” or “temple”. It was in his mind well before his death that the collection of NT worshipers should be called “Church”. It is also in this context that he uses the now famous verse – “… For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” How marvelous it is this understanding - when we come together for worship in his name, Jesus himself, though invisible is present among us.

All the epistles were written to the Church except for Timothy, Philemon etc. Jesus critiques the Church as a whole in Revelation - “to the angel of the church….”

Church is and will be an unavoidable reality of Christianity. We should associate with a Church that worships in Truth and Spirit and that which believes in the complete Gospel

The Benefit of Corporate Worship or a Church
If nothing else, corporate worship/gathering helps in the sharing of Spiritual gifts and spurring one another to do better and achieve greater spiritually which is impossible in a private realm.

1. 1 Cor 14:26 “what then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.”
2. Heb 10:25 : “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” This verse indicates that we need to increase the number of meetings as days go by.

Songs and Hymn in Worship
It should be self explanatory from these verses that Hymns and Songs were integral in worship.

1. 2 Chronicles 20:18, 19: "Jehoshaphat bowed with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the LORD. Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the LORD, the God of Israel, with very loud voice."
2. 2 Chronicles 29:28: “The whole assembly bowed in worship, while the singers sang and the trumpeters played. All this continued until the sacrifice of the burnt offering was completed.”
3. Psalms 50 and 73–83 are associated with Asaph, as the master of his choir, to be sung in the worship of God. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psalms)
4. 1 Cor 14:26 “what then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn….”

Propriety and Order in Worship
Corporate worship demands order. Again emphasizing a group

1. 1 Kings 10:6-8: When everything came together in order as per requirement, the glory of God descended and worship was possible in the 2nd temple
2. 2. Heb 9:6: "When everything had been arranged like this, the priests entered regularly into the outer room to carry on their ministry. "
3. 1 Cor 14:26-40: Likewise without order, worship not possible in the NT church. Paul write to Corinthians about Orderly worship

We Worship an emotional but perfect God!
We worship an emotional God. He is not emotionless – all these emotions in perfect measure can be attributed to our God - anger, Love, sympathy, joy etc. if you are skeptical, read the books on Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Even then if you are unconvinced let me know. Our God will be moved emotionally by our Worship if it is in Truth and Spirit.

God made us as emotional being, because he made us in his image. In that sense, we also have the freedom to worship God with our emotion. A word of caution here - our emotions are to follow the overflowing/burden of our heart.

1. 1 King 9:1: “…. My eyes and my heart will always be there...” God the Father emotionally moved after the consecration of the 1st temple
2. God the Son - Christ showed empathy at Lazarus’s grave – He wept!
3. Heb 5:7: Jesus during his days on the earth prayed with loud cries and tears
4. Warning against grieving the Holy Spirit – Eph 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God”

In worship our emotions should follow the overflowing of the heart. In an orderly environment, shouting out praise, crying for Joy, praising, emotionally moved by a song because of the majesty of its words and the majesty of our God is all part of worship. In a spirit filled environment outpouring of the heart is one facet of Worship. So let us shake off our inhibitions!!!!!

Video: Expelled! - Science and Freedom of Speech!

Retrospective: John 3

Dear All -

We have some families amongst us sick this week. Please remember Luke and family, Anson and Family and Juine in your earnest prayers. Also Geoffrey and Letti are out of town in Dallas. Please remember them in your prayers.

This week we changed the format a little bit as per the feedback from last week. We inserted discussion time in-between and made it more interactive. Unfortunately I don’t have the audio. Hence will have to rely of the foils that are uploaded.

We also discussed last times blog question and it was encouraging to see different view points come out. Please make it recordable by going to the blog and jotting it down there.

Blog Question
John (the disciple) throws more light on John the Baptist in Chapter 3. Collecting all your understandings from chapters 1-3, please bring out some applications that is evident to you.

Retrospective: John 1 and 2

Dear All -

It was a blessed time last Friday, when we all came together and studied and discussed the word of God. With enough patience and time, God will form a good understanding of His Son in us and the great work he is doing among us and all over the world. Let us pray that His Son may grow in us and day by day accumulate strength.

Letti
You had some good taughts which is worth publishing. I would prefer if you could post your contend under this blog listing, so that all could benifit and moreover this can be a central repository.

Audio and Foils
Also the audio and foils are uploaded for further review.

Here is the blog discussion question for the first 2 chapter
Why did a sinless Christ submit himself to John's Baptism? Remember that John's message was a message of repentance and all that baptised repented of their sin. But we know Jesus was blameless lamb of God - but he got baptised - Why?

Other Topics Corner

Dear All -

for those who are not bored by lectures and at the sametime are challenged by Evolution, the video on the right side will be a great help. We are to give educated answers when questioned by our peers, friends outside and inside the Church. One theme that Christendom struggles with is this question of evolution.

With that in mind I have started a "video corner" which can then spawn discussions. As these clips have not much in video, you will only need a head phones for the Audio

Any one can spawn comments on this video. You can consider this as a web based lecture series on burning issues that faces Christianity today.

Also please give me ideas and topic that you would like to see under this section. I may be able to find some good videos

Later!!!

Email Subscription

Hi All -

Please use the email subscription form on the right if you need an email send, whenever an update is made to be blog.

Its simple - instead of regularly visiting the blog to see if there are any updates - by subscribing, you only have to wait for an email. If anyone has put a new comment or a message on the blog you will be send an email.

It is a nifty way to keep yourself updated without always having to check the blog since the last time.

Note - you will only get an email if anyone updates or adds comments to the blog

Retrospective: March 07, 08

Dear All in Christ -

It's certainly was a stunning (only some will understand why I use this word :) for those who are clueless we will discuss this next time) night last Friday. The fellowship and the subsequent discussion I hope has heightened every bodies hopes and expectations for the future of this bible study -

Just to recap - here is what we decided

1. We decided to go Bible book based (though only 3/11 voted for this - ha!!!). We decided to start with the Gospel of John Chapters 1 & 2
2. The study will span a time period of 1hrs (from start to finish)
3. The format will be - directed study, taught by Brian or myself (please do remember us in your prayers) followed by 15 to 20 minutes of discussion
4. Major part of the discussion will be done on the blogosphere
5. We decided to meet biweekly - minimum of two times a month

Btw guys, what did you all think about the Food!!!???? Profusely thank Anson so that he may cook for us next time -

Our Next Meeting will be on March 28th at 7:30p at Anson's house. Please read through Gospel of John Chapter 1&2

Later guys- get blogging

Welcome!!!

Dear All,

Welcome to the AGC bible study blog. My name is Bobby Abraham. Anson Thomas and I will moderate this blog.

This blog is opened for the benefit of interacting over the web apart from our monthly face to face study. I promise to be up-to-date with all the posting necessary for diligent study of the scriptures.

Your posting will drive this discussion. Hence your interaction is invaluable to this effort. Let us be polite in our interactions, but at the same time not be intimidated to ask questions and post opinions.

As Luke reminds us in Acts 17, the Bereans were noble - because they were eager to receive the message and examined the scriptures everyday. Let this be the attitude that dominates all of us

Act 17:11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true. "

Let us also be of this mind

1. Show eagerness to hear the Word of God
2. Be prepared to examine what we hear with the realities in the scriptures (as also interact through this blog)
3. Make this a daily routine
4. By this - allow the Holy Spirit to build in us a Noble Character

To Do :

1. Please go to the poll on this page and choose your option as to what you would like to see done
2. Feel free to post comments if you feel to be verbose as to what your would like to see from this Study