Break Through The Roof

"And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay." — Mark 2:4

The story in Mark 2 is one of the most vivid demonstrations of what daring faith looks like. Four friends, carrying a paralyzed man, arrive at a house where Jesus is teaching—only to find the crowd so thick they can’t even get through the door. Most people would have turned back. But not these men.

They climbed the roof. They tore it open. They lowered their friend down into the very presence of Jesus.

This is what daring faith does—it finds a way when there seems to be no way.

1. Daring Faith Is Determined: Obstacles didn’t discourage these men. The crowd wasn’t a barrier—it was a challenge. Daring faith doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. It acts boldly, even when the path is unconventional.

2. Daring Faith Is Creative: They didn’t just push harder—they thought differently. Faith sometimes requires us to break through the ceiling of our comfort zones, traditions, or expectations to reach Jesus.

3. Daring Faith Is Compassionate: This wasn’t just about their belief—it was about love. They carried someone who couldn’t move on his own. Daring faith lifts others, intercedes for them, and brings them closer to healing.

4. Daring Faith Is Rewarded: Jesus didn’t just heal the man physically—He forgave his sins. The breakthrough wasn’t just in the body, but in the soul. Faith that dares to reach Jesus always receives more than expected.

A Prayer for Daring Faith

Lord, give me the kind of faith that climbs roofs and breaks barriers. Help me to see obstacles as opportunities, and to act with boldness, creativity, and compassion. May I never settle for standing outside when You are calling me to come closer. Amen.

So let this be the year you tear through the roof. What’s standing between you and Jesus today—and what bold step will you take to break through?

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Deep Diving into Psalm 19: Pastor Rajiv

 

When the Heavens Declare Gods Glory

The Judas Within

 

The two major villains of Christianity are Lucifer and Judas. We imagine their sin and shudder, never imagining we could act like them. 

But, within each of us, a complex and often contradictory landscape of loyalties and betrayals does exist. This internal conflict is what we might call "the Judas in you." This isn't about committing a grand, historical betrayal, but rather about the subtle, everyday moments where we turn against our own values, our truest selves, or those we claim to love. It's the part of us that whispers for the easy way out, even if it means compromising our integrity. A part that indulges in hate, criticism, gossip, slander, lies, compromising integrity at work or at home, backbiting, and the list goes on. The Judas in us manifests in various ways. It's the voice that convinces us to stay silent when we should speak up for what is right, prioritizing our comfort over justice. It's the impulse to gossip about a friend to feel more included, betraying their trust for a fleeting sense of belonging. It's the temptation to take credit for someone else's idea at work to get ahead, sacrificing honesty for ambition. Have you ever been happy when something bad happened to a person that you didn't like? "They got what they deserved. " This is not love. This is EVIL. This, is betrayal. 

These small betrayals, though they may seem insignificant, are the training ground for larger ones. They erode our self-respect and create a dissonance between who we are and who we pretend to be.

​Acknowledging the Judas within is not an act of self-condemnation but one of profound self-awareness. It requires us to look honestly at our motives and understand the fear, insecurity, or greed that drives us to act against our better judgment. It is only by recognizing this shadow side that we can begin to wrestle with it. We can choose to resist the temptation to betray ourselves and others, instead opting for the harder but more rewarding path of integrity. This internal struggle is a defining part of the human experience, and our ability to overcome the Judas in us is a measure of our true character.

 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

The Legacy of Tabitha

A Life Woven with Love: The Story of Tabitha

Today let us turn our hearts and minds today to a remarkable woman found in the book of Acts, chapter 9 and take inspiration from her. Her name was Tabitha, or Dorcas as she was also known – a name that means "gazelle," suggesting grace and beauty. But Tabitha's beauty wasn't just outward; it shone from within, radiating through her actions, as it should for us as well. 

The scripture tells us in Acts 9:36, "In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas). She was always doing good and helping the poor." This simple verse paints a profound picture of a life truly lived for others. Tabitha wasn't just an acquaintance of good deeds; she was "always doing good and helping the poor." This was her essence, her consistent character.

Think about that for a moment. "Always doing good." In a world often preoccupied with self, with accumulation, with recognition, Tabitha stood out. She wasn't seeking applause or personal gain. Her focus was on those in need. She didn't just feel compassion; she acted on it. She didn't just wish things were better; she rolled up her sleeves and made them better.

We learn that her particular ministry was making clothing – tunics and other garments for the widows and the poor. Imagine the chill of a winter night, the shame of torn clothes, the despair of having nothing. And then, a warm garment, beautifully made, a tangible expression of love and care. Each stitch Tabitha sewed was a thread of compassion, each garment a blanket of dignity. These weren't just clothes; they were messages of hope.

Her impact was so profound that when she fell ill and died, the community was devastated. The widows, in particular, wept openly, showing Peter the very tunics and cloaks that Tabitha had made while she was with them. Their tears weren't just for a friend lost, but for a vital source of comfort and provision gone.

And then comes the miraculous intervention. Peter, called to Joppa, enters the room where Tabitha lies. He prays, and with a simple command, "Tabitha, get up!" she opens her eyes, takes his hand, and stands. A life woven with love, cut short by death, is miraculously restored.

But the story doesn't end there. Acts 9:42 tells us, "This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord." Tabitha's life, and her miraculous resurrection, served as a powerful testament to God's love and power.

What can we learn from Tabitha's story today?

Firstly, the power of practical love. Tabitha didn't preach long sermons or lead great crusades. Her ministry was simple, practical, and deeply impactful. Sometimes, the most profound acts of faith are found in the everyday, seemingly small gestures of kindness and service. What "garments" can we make for those around us? What practical needs can we meet?

Secondly, the lasting legacy of a life lived for others. Even in death, Tabitha's good works spoke for her. Her legacy wasn't wealth or fame, but the tangible difference she made in the lives of those less fortunate. When our time comes, what will be said of our lives? Will our "garments" of love and service be on display?

Finally, God notices and values our service. While Tabitha served without seeking recognition, God saw her heart and her hands. Her story is included in the inspired Word of God, a testament to the value He places on a life dedicated to "doing good and helping the poor."

Friends, let us be inspired by Tabitha, the disciple who was "always doing good and helping the poor." Let us not underestimate the power of a kind word, a helping hand, a selfless act. May our lives, like hers, be woven with threads of love, bringing comfort, dignity, and hope to a world so desperately in need. And may our good deeds point others to the loving God who enables us to do them.

Amen.

Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

Silent Battles

"The LORD will fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace". Exodus 14:14 KJV

God Sees Your Silent Battles.

Not all of the time do we have the energy to speak up, push back, or defend ourselves, which is sometimes the right way to do it. We can be so overwhelmed in life, emotional or physical pain, that silence and shutting down are what the body craves, and that’s okay. After all, God sees the quiet battles no one else does—the ones in our hearts, behind closed doors, in the moments when silence feels safer than explaining.

But. 

Know that you are not alone in the fight of life. 

You are not overlooked. You are not ignored. The truth is that you are fiercely defended by a God Who fights for you even when you whisper prayers through your tears. Keep your peace. He’s already moving on your behalf.

Let us thank God for fighting for us even in ways we don’t perceive. Help us rest and be still in His presence when we are tempted to react. 

May His victory speak louder than our fear, in the name of Jesus.

The Touch

Read : Matthew 9:21

The faith of this woman, mentioned in the quoted verse really needs to be commended. She knew that a simple physical touch of His garment would heal her.

Today while Jesus does not walk this earth in His physical form, He did leave behind the Holy Spirit for us, to touch, to be filled and to help us understand His word and connect.

In Christianity, "touching" the Holy Spirit isn't a physical act in the way you might touch an object. Rather, it refers to experiencing the presence, guidance, and transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our life. This experience is often described through various spiritual and emotional sensations, as well as by observable changes in a person's character and actions and the various activities around us.

Here's how we can be "touching" the Holy Spirit:

1. Receiving the Holy Spirit:

Acceptance of Jesus Christ: The foundational step is often believed to be accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour and asking for God's forgiveness. This is seen as the point where the Holy Spirit begins to indwell a believer. It need not manifest in speaking in “tongues” but in the exhibiting of the “fruits of the Spirit”. Persistent and sincere prayer is considered key.

2. Experiencing the Holy Spirit:

Inner Peace and Joy: A common experience is a deep sense of peace, comfort, and joy that transcends circumstances.

Conviction and Guidance: The Holy Spirit often brings conviction of sin, guiding individuals towards repentance and righteousness. He also provides discernment and direction in decision-making.

Spiritual Awakening: This can manifest as a heightened awareness of God, a deeper understanding of scripture, and a renewed desire for spiritual things.

Physical Sensations (for some): While not universal or the primary focus, some people report feeling sensations like warmth, tingling, or a sense of electricity in their bodies when they experience the Holy Spirit's presence.

3. Evidencing the "Touch": How do we know when we are touched? 

Obedience to God's Word & Will: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live in obedience to God's commands and to resist sin. We place Gods desire above our own. 

Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit: The Bible describes the "fruit of the Spirit" as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). As you "touch" the Holy Spirit more, these qualities are increasingly evident in your life.

Desire for Fellowship and Worship: A genuine desire to connect with other believers and to worship God is often a sign of the Spirit's work. Connecting with other Christians provides encouragement, accountability, and opportunities to grow together in the Spirit.

Living for Others: The Holy Spirit prompts believers to live selflessly and to have compassion for the lost and needy.

It's important to remember that experiencing the Holy Spirit is a journey, not a one-time event. It involves a continuous relationship of seeking, surrendering, and living in obedience to God. While feelings can be part of the experience, the true measure of "touching" the Holy Spirit is the transformation of our character and our increasing alignment with God's will.

Fear, Uncertainty & Doubt

Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt, popularly known as FUD, is a common sales strategy that really top sales professionals excel at.

It involves deliberately disseminating negative or alarming information about a situation, in order to make a someone feel uncomfortable or insecure about their current choices or future prospects. In order to counter or check FUDs, one has to look at the present and past evidence to be able to reach a rational decision.

FUD is also a strategy used by the Master of Deception, Mr. Satan. He excels at it - creating situations where people can start doubting themselves and even God. He uses the dangers and storms that come our way, to plant fears in our heads. We start thinking, will God bring me through this storm? Will I make it? Do I need to look for alternatives? And that is exactly what Satan wants. He wants us to look for alternatives. But God hates that. Our God is a jealous God. And thus shuts the gates of blessings till we come back to God.

It is natural to worry and feel afraid. But when these doubts are sown and we allow them to grow deep, it is disastrous.

What can we do about it? Look at the past and present evidence. Right from your birth to the present. What has God done for you? Has He not protected you? Has He not healed you? Has He not provided for every need (don't count desires) ? Think of every situation where He has come through. And then simply think - if He had to desert you in your suffering, why would He have brought you thus far? Does it not defy logic? Does God change? If you think you are being punished then was Jesus death in vain?

Every help from God in the past and present point to the fact that He holds our future in His hands and does not wish us any harm. We don't have to go to an astrologer to know our future. We know from His past and present faithfulness of His future security and protection. But we do need to keep Him in the loop. Not to inform Him but ask for His help in the calm assurance that He will provide. He is Jehovah Rapha and Jehovah Jireh. As humans that is our confidence. If God be with us, who can be against us?

Stand Up For Jesus!

(References of sermons by Pastor Jolly Raj of Bethel Church Noida, India and Pastor Rajiv)

Christians all over the world are a mixed lot. Some are fiery, some lukewarm, some extremely committed and some very regular church goers. But we all love our Hymns for sure.

We all sing our Hymns and pray every Sunday and wonder and discuss what's it's like up there. Once such Hymn is "Stand Up for Jesus". How do you do that? How do you stand up for Jesus? Or are they just empty words?

To understand this question, we need to delve into what is "not standing up for Jesus."

Pastor Jolly Raj, in his sermon of the 22nd of June, 2025, talked about how the environment we live in, can slowly and innocuously creep into us and slide us into a situation where we compromise basic principles of Christianity. Such a compromise can end up even in us breaking core commandments and tenets of our faith and justifying it to ourselves in the name of humanity or integration or, as the modern folk call it, diversity. We can even justify it by the love commands Jesus gave. Such actions slowly help us to turn a blind eye to actions which corrode our faith and our loyalty. It could be the economic environment, cultural environment as well as the social environment we frequent. It could also be sheer desperation, when our individual faith is not strong enough.

To be sure, there is nothing wrong with diversity and respect for one another, but the danger is we could be integrating with alien customs and beliefs which actually contradict what God wants from us.

But we question: is God happy? Is that standing up for Jesus? No. Such actions shut the gate to God.

Pastor Rajiv in his sermons on the 7 Churches in Revelations pointed out Churches which had the same issues we face today as individuals.

Pergamum – This church was located in a city known for emperor worship and pagan practices and worship. Revelation accuses it of holding to the “teaching of Balaam,” References to Balaam's sins and malpractices can be found in 2 Peter 2:15, Revelation 2:14 and Jude 1:11 in the New Testament.

Thyatira – The church tolerated a figure called “Jezebel,” (maybe symbolic) who led believers into immoral practices and other pagan practices. This likely reflects the influence of trade and business in the Thytira, involving feasts and rituals dedicated to pagan deities (Sounds familiar isn't it?) For a detailed understanding of these seven churches please refer to posts by Pastor Rajiv on “The Church That Should Be” in this blog.

Coming back to the question – How can we stand up for Jesus:

Standing up for Jesus today means living boldly and authentically in a world that often pulls in all different directions. It’s not always about grand gestures, or sermons or bold statements—it’s about daily choices that reflect His love, truth, and grace and above all, obedience and following His commands, in the face of adversity, public opinion and public advice. Let us not be ashamed to be who we are but acknowledge our identity and our loyalty to Him, overtly as well as in practice. By bending over and compromising we are actually denying Him.

Remember….

Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven” (Matthew 10:32). "Acknowledges" means not denying and not compromising Him.

That’s not just a promise—it’s a call to action.

God's leadership Team

Have you ever wondered what kind of a man could be on Gods leadership team? Not in terms of riches or power or might but in terms of righteousness, because unreasonably and unconsciously, we expect that of God's leaders.

For the answer we looked at the great leaders in the Bible, and found shortcomings in many many of them.

Some Bible figures who had shortcomings include:

Moses: Moses had a tendency to get angry, and once killed an Egyptian

David: David was an adulterer and a murderer

Peter: Peter denied Christ on the night of his arrest

Abraham: Abraham lied about his wife, Sarah, and had a child with Hagar, instead of not trusting Gods promise.

Jacob: Jacob tricked his father into giving him Esau's birthright

Aaron: Aaron made an idol for Israel to worship

Paul: not only persecuted early Christians to the extant of death but his attitude to women in the church (among other things) was somewhat questionable. For example, the First letter to the Corinthians says, "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says".

Joshua: Made a peace treaty with the Gibeonites without fully investigating the situation

Jacob: Was a cheater

Noah: Got drunk

Samson: Had problems with lust and anger

Rahab: Was a prostitute

The list goes on.

And then we realize that God does use people with flaws to accomplish great things, which can mean you and me as well. 

For example, God used Samuel to anoint David, who led the nation in spiritual reform.

Let us not, even for a moment think that God did not know these weaknesses.

The point is that every one of us, so called good or bad, has the potential to be used by God at some point in time. Yet we tend to judge someone in a leadership role and critisize them for their shortcomings. At the same time, we use our own shortcomings to run away from God's responsibilities.

But no one is too far gone for His grace and to be used by Him for His work. 

Therefore let us not absolve ourselves but be ready for His call, with our mind, eyes and ears open and waiting.

Beat Swords Into Ploughshares: Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

A Piece of Bread

RC Sproul once related a possibly not so well known story:

"After the Korean War ended, South Korea was left with a large number of children who had been orphaned by the war. We’ve seen the same thing in the Vietnam conflict, in Bosnia, and in other places. In the case of Korea, relief agencies came in to deal with all the problems that arose in connection with having so many orphan children. One of the people involved in this relief effort told me about a problem they encountered with the children who were in the orphanages. Even though the children had three meals a day provided for them, they were restless and anxious at night and had difficulty sleeping. As they talked to the children, they soon discovered that the children had great anxiety about whether they would have food the next day. To help resolve this problem, the relief workers in one particular orphanage decided that each night when the children were put to bed, the nurses there would place a single piece of bread in each child’s hand. The bread wasn’t intended to be eaten; it was simply intended to be held by the children as they went to sleep. It was a “security blanket” for them, reminding them that there would be provision for their daily needs. Sure enough, the bread calmed the children’s anxieties and helped them sleep".

Like many of us, the children, felt secure when they had a provision for their need, albeit small, in their hands. 

Man has two needs - physical needs and spiritual needs and, Complete dependence on God - for spiritual as well as physical needs is the essence of the Christian practice. The absence of either - means death.

While we are quite aware of our physical needs, the Bread we need for spiritual sustenance is Jesus. We need to ask for His presence, His guidance and His protection, every day, to be provided through His Holy Spirit.

As we depend on God, pray to God for our daily physical needs, we need to depend on and ask God for meeting our daily spiritual needs. We need a daily portion of both.

That piece of bread in the children's hands at night gave them an assurance of provision the next day. Likewise, our prayers to our father give us an assurance of provision, protection and presence of God in our lives at all times and prayer is that piece of bread in our hands assuring us of God today and every day.

You can read RC Sprouls post here.

The Shepherd's Song

In a small, quiet village nestled among rolling hills, lived a young shepherd named Elias. His days were filled with the gentle rhythm of tending his flock, the warmth of the sun on his face, and the comforting sound of sheep bells. Yet, beneath his simple life, Elias carried a deep longing for something more.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the fields, Elias sat on a hilltop, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of the sky. A gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of wildflowers, and as he listened to the distant bleating of his sheep, a sense of peace washed over him.

In that moment, Elias heard a voice, soft and clear, like the whisper of a summer rain. "I am the Good Shepherd," the voice said. "I know my own and my own know me."

Startled, Elias looked around, but there was no one there. Yet, the voice continued, filling him with a sense of warmth and belonging. "I lay down my life for my sheep."

As Elias listened, he felt a profound connection to the voice. It was as if he had been searching for this moment all his life. The words echoed in his heart, filling him with a sense of purpose and meaning.

From that day forward, Elias's life took on a new dimension. He continued to tend his sheep, but now he did so with a deeper understanding of his role. He saw himself as a shepherd, not just for his flock, but for all those who were lost and in need.

As the years passed, Elias's story spread throughout the village and beyond. People came from far and wide to hear him speak of the Good Shepherd and the love that had transformed his life. And though he remained a simple shepherd at heart, his words carried a powerful message that touched the lives of many. (**Story by Gemini)

Milton wrote so truly - "They also serve who only stand and wait". 

We all have a role in Christs world. Not everyone is a CEO, or a President. We all serve Christ in our own way, with our own abilities, even if they seem small.

New Beginnings: Pastor Rajiv's Mid-Week Message

 

Standing on Promises

There is a Hymn called Standing on the promises of God. Nice hymn though it leaves some questions which is how do you do that? What does it mean? 

We are so used to broken, partially broken or seldom kept human promises that we are conditioned to take promises with a pinch of salt. Yet we are told to stand on Gods promises. What does it mean?

Standing on the promises of God means having faith in God's promises and living in a way that is faithful to God. It also means being aware of God's promises and applying them to one's life

There are more than 8000 promises made by God in the Bible. Which ones do you claim? Which ones has God made good on, to you? Here is an E Book listing them out and you can download it here. Read it and see what the Lord has done for you and can do for you. After all....

"God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?"

Number 23:19

Lessons From the Ark

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark.
1. Don't miss the boat.
2. Remember that we are all in the same boat.
3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

4. Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
6. Build your future on high ground.
7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
8. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
9. When you're stressed, float awhile.
10. Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals.
11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
- Author Unknown

Do You Know the Voice?

 

Ref:  John 10:3 

There are some verses which we don't really think about and/or take for granted.

The example of the shepherd and the sheep is one. Today let's see what it's about?

A query on an artificial intelligence engine tells us "Sheep are herd animals that are led by voice and naturally follow their shepherd. Shepherds use their voice to guide their sheep, with specific calls to stop, turn, or move forward. Sheep will eventually learn to recognize the shepherd's voice and trust him, and will not listen to commands from others".

"Sheep learn their shepherd's voice by following other sheep, who instinctively move towards new pasture lands".

What this AI engine knows and tells us today, the Biblical authors knew and told us 2000 plus years ago. Three things stand out:

1. The shepherd's voice 

2. Following other sheep.

3. The gatekeeper.

As God's people, we often become confused with the voices, sounds and sights and get mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd and or the wrong leaders. but God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.

How wonderful is this relationship; how true is the Bible; how great is the shepherd who calls when we are lost. What a great sense of security knowing that we are protected by Jesus the gatekeeper who will not allow false leaders to mislead us. What power which protects us, greater than anything in the world.

The lesson we can draw from this verse is that we need to recognize His voice and His words as also choose wisely the people around us.