Uninvited

Today Pastor Vikram Masih of India shared a very valid devotion from the KJV devotional. It truly makes one think. It is about celebrations.

When we are joyous and happy, on birthdays, anniversaries, promotion etc., we like to celebrate the occasion with a party - replete with friends, rich foods, drinks, music and possibly dance. We invite all our good friends to the party - all except one. Jesus.

Like the above scenario, there was a feast in Martha and Mary's home to welcome Jesus. This devotional is about that and we reproduce it here for you:

"Presence Over Presents

"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her". Luke 10:41-42 KJV

A child will always prefer a parent who is present rather than just the presents. No matter how hard we work to bring home gifts, in the end, children will long to spend more time with their mommy and daddy than to have plenty of gifts. This illustration highlights what Jesus longs for from His children —presence over presents. Martha was so concerned to please Jesus that she chose something that she could give, while Mary sat down at the feet of Jesus and chose to be present with Him.

The truth is that many of today’s Christians are stuck in the same mindset as Martha’s. They’d rather perform for God or do something for God rather than just be with Him. The Lord did not rebuke Martha but gently showed her what truly matters to God’s heart. It’s not our performance but our connection with Him. He wants us to be present with Him! What a sweet God we have!

Prayer point: Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me that living in Your presence is more valuable than all the gold in the world. Help me to always value Your presence".

Tomorrow is Pentecost and the end of the Easter season. Lets make sure we invite Jesus to our homes and every occasion. 

Desperate Moments

If we think we have troubles, remember, the man after God’s own heart was not exempt from trouble, nay, his life was full of it. As maybe ours.

We all face desperate moments in our lives, so it maybe interesting to look for "desperate moments" in the Bible and draw inspiration. While the Bible doesn't explicitly label moments as "desperate," we can certainly identify situations where individuals or groups faced extreme peril, emotional distress, or seemingly insurmountable challenges, leading to feelings of desperation. Let us think deeply about these moments, put ourselves in the place of the protagonist and think: What would we have done? 

1. Hagar in the Wilderness (Genesis 21:14-19): After being sent away by Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael are in the wilderness of Beersheba, and their water runs out. Hagar lays her son under a bush, walks a distance away, and weeps, saying, "Let me not look on the death of the child." This is a desperate cry from a mother facing the imminent death of her son.

2. Jacob's Fear of Esau (Genesis 32:6-8, 24-30): Upon returning to his homeland, Jacob hears that Esau is coming to meet him with 400 men. He is "greatly afraid and distressed," dividing his people and flocks, and then wrestles with God all night, begging for protection. This is a desperate prayer for survival in the face of a perceived threat.

3. The Israelites Trapped at the Red Sea (Exodus 14:10-12): With Pharaoh's army pursuing them and the Red Sea before them, the Israelites cry out to Moses, saying, "Is it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?" They feel utterly trapped and doomed.

4. David Fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 21:10-15): David is on the run from Saul, who is trying to kill him. He is so desperate that he feigns madness before Achish, king of Gath, in order to escape.

5. Elijah Under the Juniper Tree (1 Kings 19:4): After his victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah is threatened by Jezebel and flees into the wilderness. He sits under a juniper tree and prays that he might die, saying, "It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers." This is a moment of deep despondency and despair.

6. The Widow of Zarephath and Her Son (1 Kings 17:12): During a famine, the widow is preparing to make a last meal for herself and her son with a tiny bit of flour and oil, after which they expect to die. Her situation is one of dire poverty and impending starvation.

7. Job's Suffering (Job 3:1-26, and throughout the book): After losing his children, wealth, and health, Job is in immense physical and emotional pain. He curses the day he was born and expresses profound desperation, longing for death as an escape from his suffering.

8. The Disciples in the Storm (Matthew 8:23-26 / Mark 4:37-38): A fierce storm arises while Jesus is asleep in the boat, filling the disciples with fear. They desperately wake Jesus, crying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!"

9. Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:38-39 / Mark 14:34-36): In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is deeply distressed and sorrowful, even to the point of death. He prays repeatedly for the cup of suffering to be taken from him, if possible, demonstrating the intense human struggle and desperation he felt in the face of his impending crucifixion.

These moments highlight the raw human experience of fear, sorrow, and perceived hopelessness, often leading to fervent prayer and a reliance on God and His divine intervention in each case.

The question is: Who are we dependent on? 

The Dying Church: Pastor Rajiv's Message

What causes the death of a church? For example, the Church at Sardis? In this 5th letter, today we will explore the history and outcome of the Church at Sardis and the parallels we see today.

I want to share with you a quote from William Ramsay, a renowned historian, and biblical scholar. He explored the decline and death of churches particularly in his work on the "letters to the seven churches of Asia". This is what he wrote -

‘A church is in danger of death when it begins to worship its own past….when it is more concerned with forms than with life….when it loves systems more than it loves Jesus Christ….when it is more concerned with material than spiritual things’.

This sounds so familiar when we look at the churches around us. Today we will study the 5th Letter to the Church at Sardis and what we can learn from them, to NOT do. 

Decisive Leadership

Genesis Chapter 14 is a rich narrative that offers several important lessons. Here are some key takeaways:

A. Courageous and Decisive Leadership: Abram (later Abraham) demonstrates remarkable courage and decisive leadership when he learns that his nephew Lot has been captured. Despite being significantly outnumbered, he gathers his trained men and allies and pursues the victorious kings to rescue Lot. This highlights the importance of acting swiftly and boldly, especially when those we care about are in danger.

A. Loyalty and Family Ties: Abram's immediate response to Lot's capture underscores the strong bond of loyalty and family ties, as an extension of his leadership style. Even though Lot had previously chosen to separate from Abram and settle in a potentially dangerous area (Sodom), Abram risked everything to rescue him. This emphasizes the value of family and the responsibility we have to one another. 

C. The Importance of Preparedness: Leaders are always prepared. Abram's ability to mobilize 318 "trained men" suggests that he was not only a man of faith but also a prudent and prepared leader. He had a disciplined household, ready to respond to unexpected challenges. This teaches us the value of being prepared, both physically and spiritually, for whatever life may bring.

D. Acknowledging God's Sovereignty: Abram attributed his victory to God's intervention, Despite the overwhelming odds. This reminds us that ultimate victory comes from God, and we should trust in His power and sovereignty even in the face of daunting circumstances. "The battle is the LORD's" (1 Samuel 17:47) is a recurring theme in the Bible, and this chapter provides an early example.

E. Righteousness and Humility in Victory: After his triumph, Abram is met by two kings: the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, king of Salem (who is also a priest of God Most High). Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of all the spoils, acknowledging God's role in his victory and recognizing Melchizedek's spiritual authority. (This is the first mention of tithing in the Bible and highlights the principle of acknowledging God as the source of our blessings).

F. Ethical Wealth Source: Abram refuses to take any spoils from the king of Sodom, stating that he does not want it said that the king of Sodom made him rich. This demonstrates Abram's integrity, his reliance on God alone for provision, and his refusal to be associated with ungodly influence. It teaches us to be careful about the sources of our wealth and to ensure that our motives are pure.

G. Consequences of Association: Leaders know the value of associates. Lot's presence in Sodom led to his capture and involvement in the war. While Abram rescued him, Lot's continued return to Sodom (as seen in later chapters) ultimately led to further difficulties. This serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of associating with ungodly environments and the potential consequences of compromising one's values for worldly advantages.

In summary, Genesis 14 offers profound lessons on courageous leadership, family loyalty, preparedness, divine assistance, and the importance of maintaining integrity and faith in God amidst worldly temptations.

Righteous Action

We humans are great visionaries and planners. At least that's what we think.

When we envision something, maybe a job, or great wealth, social standing, maybe a visit abroad, we set about planning for it and working on schemes to achieve it. 

As we continue our study of Genesis, we once again, focus on Abram, learning about human nature of planning, scheming and strategizing. An ancient reflection of what we do till today, leading to the saying - "Homo proponit, sed Deus disponit" or man proposes but God disposes.

Abraham had immense wealth - and as all wealthy people, he needed an heir. So he set about planning for it.

First, he plans for his wealth to go to Eliezer of Damacus as he is called, a trusted steward and member of his household.

Then he tries to get a son through Hagar, Sara's maid.

Though Eliezer is a role model of an ideal elder son, a manager or a caretaker, and Ishmael (Abram's first born and Hagars son) does become a nation, neither were God's choice or His will.

So all of Abraham's plans come to nought. But what does fructify is Gods promise in the form of Isaac.

This situation is echoed throughout the Bible. We can plan and plan and scheme to the best of our abilities, but it is finally God who decides and decides for the best.

So, what does that mean? Does it mean we sit with folded hands or lay on the couch waiting for God to do something? No. As we had said in an earlier post, Gods works through people. 

God's plan often involves human beings actively participating. Your efforts, choices, and actions become the means through which God's plan unfolds. It's not about God doing everything while you wait, but about God working through you.

In Abram's case, his responsibility was to keep trying for a child through Sara, not fall prey to finding other ways to get a child. His human responsibility was to pray and take "righteous action" not alternative means. To fulfill His will, God does not need our help but needs righteous action in line with His will.

The action God needs will always be within our capabilities and abilities. He will never ask more than we can do.

Second is "Waiting on God" which often means seeking His wisdom, direction, and strength through prayer, contemplation, and studying sacred texts, rather than passively doing nothing. It's about discerning His will so you can act in alignment with it.

And then we have Faith and works: we know that faith without works is dead. While believing in God's plan is important, it's often seen as a catalyst for righteous action, not a substitute for it.

Bible Fact

Job's Daughters: In Job 42:15, it's mentioned that Job's daughters were not only beautiful but also received an inheritance along with their brothers, which was unusual for that time.

The Essence of Leadership: Honoring God

Proverbs 1:7 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

A once-great Christian nation—respected for its leadership, scientific excellence, and technological innovation—sought to reclaim its lost position in the world. They gathered under a powerful slogan, aiming to restore their past glory. Yet, in their pursuit of greatness, they overlooked the very foundation of true leadership: wisdom of honoring God. 

Wisdom, as Scripture reminds us, begins with honoring God. They forgot His promise: "But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall." – Malachi 4:2

The act of honoring God was once the cornerstone of their greatness. It remains the cornerstone of a purposeful life for anyone. True leadership, whether within a nation or in our personal lives, flows from a heart that reveres and obeys Him.

How to Honor God in Leadership and Life

1. With Our Heart (Inward Devotion)

Love God above all – Give Him priority in every decision.

Trust and obey Him – Respect His authority through faithfulness.

Humble yourself – A contrite spirit is valued by God (Isaiah 66:2).

Practice gratitude – Acknowledge His blessings (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Seek His presence – Spend time in prayer, reflection, and His Word.

2. With Our Lips (Verbal Expression)

Praise and worship – Honor Him through songs and declarations.

Give thanks – Express gratitude openly and often.

Guard your words – Speak life, encouragement, and truth.

3. With Our Life (Actions and Behavior)

Live with integrity – Maintain honesty and ethics, even in secret (Proverbs 11:3).

Use your talents for His glory – Serve with excellence and purpose.

Be a witness – Inspire others through your faith-filled actions (Matthew 5:16).

4. In Specific Areas of Life

In our work – Strive for excellence and diligence in our professions.

In our relationships – Treat others with love, respect, and kindness.

In our home – Foster a God-honoring environment through prayer and hospitality (Romans 13:1).
5. Through Faith and Humility
Walk humbly before God – "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
Fear the Lord (reverence and awe) – "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." (Proverbs 9:10)
Put God first in all things – "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
Honoring God is not just about outward actions—it's about a life transformed by His love and grace.

True leadership therefore, is not found in ambition alone, but in the wisdom to honor God first. May we remember that greatness is not reclaimed by slogans, but by faith, humility, and obedience to Him.

Till We Meet Again

As one gets older, most of us may wonder what will happen to us. What next? We look forward, and depending on faith, we hope we will live with God. But as we look back, we wonder what will happen to our families. Will we see them again? Or is this it?

This short message from Ms. Francis Taylor answers that. But when you think deeper, Jesus' life itself is proof of what happens. He lived, died, was resurrected, and taken to heaven in His physical form. What more proof or assurance do we need?

Let's read what Ms. Taylor says -

Acts 1 9- 11

"Don't you sometimes wonder what was going through the minds of the apostles as they looked up to heaven watching Jesus disappear from their sight. Despite what Jesus had told them about the sending of an Advocate – the Holy Spirit – they must have felt abandoned. I know I would have. They had already suffered the loss of his presence once, and now they had no idea how long his absence would be. But it is interesting to think about the fact that Jesus's ascension involves his physical body. It is a sign of what he had been teaching about the resurrection, that it is not just a resurrection of spirit but of the total person. How this will be, we can't begin to imagine. We read of a new heaven and a new earth in Revelations, but it is a concept so far beyond our experience that it is difficult to comprehend. However, the ascension of Jesus gives me hope and consolation. Hope that I will be reunited with those whom I have loved and lost, and consolation for the grief I have felt on losing them. I hope it does the same for you".

A Wake-Up Call - Pastor Rajiv

Why Revelations Still Matter - Pastor Rajiv 

Read Revelations Chapter 2 

Today as part of Pastor Rajiv's series of the letters to the 7 churches mentioned in Revelations, we expand on the 3rd letter because it is important for us. Why?

Rev chapter 2 verses 6 and 15, talks about Jesus hating the works of a section called Nicolaitans. Hate is a strong word and coming from the Lord it assumes the form of a judgement.

So, first let's understand who the Nicolaitans were and what did they do. 

The Nicolaitans were a heretical sect in the early Christian church, specifically mentioned in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 2:6, 15). Jesus strongly condemned their "works" and "doctrine." While the Bible doesn't give a detailed theological treatise on their beliefs, the general consensus among scholars and early church fathers points to the following aspects of their doctrine:

1. Antinomianism and Moral Compromise: This is the most consistently identified characteristic. The Nicolaitans likely taught a form of antinomianism, the belief that Christians, being saved by grace, are no longer bound by moral laws. This led them to believe they could indulge in sinful practices without spiritual consequence. They likely twisted the concept of "freedom in Christ" into a license for sin.

2. Sexual Immorality: enticing Israelites to commit sexual immorality and idolatry.

3. Eating Meat Sacrificed to Idols: This was another practice associated with them, as it was with the followers of Balaam. In the Greco-Roman world, much of the meat sold in the markets had been offered to pagan idols. While some early Christians grappled with this issue, the Nicolaitans likely taught that it was acceptable, perhaps viewing it as harmless or a way to avoid persecution by compromising with the surrounding pagan culture.

4. Compromise with Paganism: Their teachings encouraged a blend of Christian faith with pagan practices, blurring the lines between the two. This syncretism was a significant concern for the early church, which emphasized separation from the world's ungodly ways.

In short, the Nicolaitans were persuading the believers that there was nothing wrong with conforming to the world’s standard.

Sounds familiar? It should because we are today constantly bombarded with persuasive communication to conform to today’s world standards, ways and practices and many don't find it a problem at all. 

But as Christians we are instructed to be Holy in all aspects of our lives because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

The other negative influence was that of Balaam's philosophy- if you can't curse them then corrupt them. This theory is as valid today as it was then. When Satan can't hurt us due to God's protection, he fills our lives with temptations to try and corrupt us in our day to day lives thereby hurting ourselves. 

When we look around, we can see churches and preachers and people who have diluted the essence of religion to suit themselves in this world today. We all do it, in varying degrees.

But Jesus explicitly states that He "hates the works of the Nicolaitans" (Revelation 2:6) and that some in the church at Pergamum held to their teaching, which He also hated (Revelation 2:15). Jesus strong condemnation (“I hate the works of the Nicolaitans") highlights the grave danger these teachings posed to the spiritual purity and faithfulness of the early church and even today to ourselves as well. 

Jesus, therefore, goes on to encourage the Church to persevere and not get swayed by such influences, as He does today as well. The stated rewards of such perseverance indicate how important and critical it is.  

Verse 17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat (hidden manna is the manna God gave the Israelites in the wilderness which brought physical blessing. The manna that Christ gives is the manna of eternal life). And I will give him a white stone (white stone is a widely used symbol for victory or special privilege for those whose faith is steadfast), and on the stone a new name written (new name is the new glorified existence in the age to come) which no one knows except him who receives it.”

Therefore, to summarize - “Three things marked the heresy of Pergamos: idolatry, immorality and infidelity. The overcomer kept himself from all three, and the reward was commensurate with his conduct. 

To those who kept themselves from idolatry and refused to eat things offered to idols, the Lord gave hidden manna to eat. 

To those who kept themselves from immorality the Lord gave a white stone, a symbol of changeless purity.

And to those who kept themselves from infidelity, the Lord gave a new name – knowledge of Himself that no one else can share” a unique part to play in god’s eternal kingdom.

The Church That Should Be - III: Pastor Rajiv Kumar

Today we continue with our series on the church that should be based on the seven letters dictated by our lord to john the revelator in the book of revelation.
So far, we have looked at two churches the church at Ephesus whom Christ called the loveless church because they had lost their first love that fervent personal uninhibited and openly displayed devotion to Christ.

In my last message we looked at the church at Smyrna whom Jesus called the persecuted church. This was one of the two churches with whom Jesus found no complaint the other one being the church of Philadelphia which we will be looking at in a later message.

Living Epistles

                                                  

What would you do if you received a letter from Jesus? Sounds far-fetched doesn't it? But is it?

Today, Jesus still writes letters but now He writes them on our hearts and not on tablets or scrolls. We become a living Testament to Jesus. When we do become a living Testament, we attract people because they get curious about what is it that makes us peaceful, joyous, trustworthy, honest and in short, when we exhibit those famous 9 traits called the fruits of the Spirit. And when they find out the source, they find Jesus and we become a light to the world and salt of the earth as Jesus wanted us to be. (2 Corinthians 3 verses 1-3)

But what is the objective in being an epistle or salt or a light?

Research has discovered that more people are drawn to a faith by the witness of the lives of people than by doctrine. What our research tells us today is what Jesus and later Paul knew then.

What is quite clear is that while sermons and preaching maybe good to maintain a faith, it is the living of a Christian life that attracts people to the faith.

Therefore, our responsibility is to live a life, which is a life based on what Christ has said, as an example of the Christian way - and become a living Testament to our Lord and God.

Our job is to bring hope, kindness, love and grace into this world. Every person we meet is carrying heavy loads and burdens in life. And being followers of Christ, it is truly a blessing for Him to use us to bring hope, encouragement, and peace to such people through our words and kind gestures.

And that is how we become a living epistle of Jesus Christ.

Francis Taylor says - "Until we meet him (Jesus), we aren't interested in learning about him. The best way to meet him is in the lives of those who follow him. Living epistles!"