Faith

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Here’s hoping I haven’t missed much. Happy reading!)

In John 5:47 Jesus says:

“But if you do not believe his {Moses'} writings, how will you believe My words?”

Jesus was talking to the Jews of that time, some of whom were fanatical about their ‘faith’. These were the hard-core, religious Jews who had thoroughly read the laws of Moses and esteemed it as God’s standard. Yet Jesus addressed their one short-coming-they did not believe!

There are quite a few like those Jews even today. They may kiss the Bible, esteem it highly and read it religiously; but their exercises become futile because, in their hearts, they do not really believe what is written. Therefore today my message to you is a simple one-about believing what you have been, and are, reading in God’s word.

In English we find two words: ‘faith’ and ‘belief’ that are sometimes confusing as to what it means. But in the original Greek, there is found only one word for which the noun form is written as ‘faith’ and the verb form written as ‘belief’. Abraham believed God and is called the father of faith.

Now faith is not based on some 'feeling' and is not the conclusion of your own logical thinking. It is more than logical reasoning and intellectual understanding. Faith is based on knowing the certainty of what is written only in God’s word and acting upon it. If it says ‘This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it’ we are going to do just that based on our belief in what is written.

For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. (Heb 4:2)

Here, the author of Hebrews describes two categories of people who heard the word of God; one who profited because of their faith and the other who did not profit because of their lack of faith. That is why it is important in your life to know whether the word of God that you hear or read has really profited you or not. It is not really an issue of how long or how much you have read the word of God, but how you have read the word of God that matters-with or without faith. If without faith, then there is no profit.

Are you just hearers of the word or also doers? Even in the Parable of the Sower, there were four different categories of people who heard the word of God; but only one produced fruit, some thirty-fold some sixty-fold and some hundred-fold. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10: 10).

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1: 15). These are the words of Jesus and this is what we believe-the gospel. We turn away from every sin that entangled us, and repent; turn toward God in faith and anticipation of His kingdom that is near.

If you are new in the kingdom of God, I encourage you to read the gospel of John. For John says in his book about his writings, that …these things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20: 31). I like John’s writings because he gives a reason to why he has written; it was not a random choice, there is purpose and meaning to his words. And again “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.” (1 John 5:13).

John’s book is written in a simple language, that even a teenager can understand and believe. As a 15 year old, I read the gospel according to John, and understood the message of repentance, forgiveness and salvation only in Jesus Christ and I, too, believed in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Have faith in God

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb. 11: 1). He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in Himself… (1 John 5:10). The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs-heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ… (Rom. 8:16). We are God’s children-what a privilege! Faith rises in our hearts as we begin to know that we are God’s children; no one need tell us that! We have the witness within us, with God-the Holy Spirit, bearing us witness with our spirit.

We do not rest on the witness of others; we do not stand on the faith of our fathers; for faith is neither transmitted, nor inherited. We inherit so much from our parents, but the Bible says, the just shall live by his own faith. Our parents may be involved in ministry and in serving God; but the faith we have in God is ours alone! Therefore have faith in God. Believe in the name of Jesus Christ and you will be saved-you and your household. 

Keep the faith

Believe in God not just for the good times or for a little while. In the Parable of the Sower, there were a category of people-they who receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away. (Luke 8:13).

You can afford to lose some money-maybe in a bad decision, being cheated in some investment; but do not lose your faith in God. A living faith in God is exhibited when we know of Romans 8: 28 and boldly confess, ‘we know all things work together for good…’ because we love God and we are the ‘called’ according to His purposes.

Paul warns Timothy that if we lose faith, we are like those who are ship-wrecked in a seafaring journey. 1 Tim. 1: 19 says: ‘having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck’

Our faith in God must be strong to weather any storm, any test; and we must hold up the shield of faith  in any temptation when the devil throws every fiery dart towards you (Eph. 6:16). O yes, we can take this and that because we have put our faith in the living God who is eternally faithful. We are not alone; there is someone who banks on our faith-even our Lord Jesus Christ, who Himself is praying that our faith should not fail. During His time here on earth, the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail…” (Luke 22: 31, 32). Keep the faith, for there is the honor roll of the faithful. Paul declared triumphantly in 2 Tim. 4: 7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

God does allow the testing of our faith, because it produces endurance (James 1:3). That the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1: 7).

How else do we prove that we have faith, unless it is tested? And did you know that every living being in heaven has been tested? Yes, the angels and saints in heaven are those that have passed the 'faith' test.

Grow in faith

Romans 4: 20 say this about Abraham: He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God…

How do you strengthen you faith? Give glory to God, even before the promise is made manifest; thank the Lord before you receive His blessing. Look beyond with eyes of faith and grab hold of the substance in faith. Abraham waited on the promise of God-a son for Sarah and himself, although well beyond child-bearing age; for years and decades. The Bible says that he did not waver in unbelief but strengthened his faith. No wonder then he is remembered as a hero of faith. How long are you willing to wait in faith-few days? Few years? It may even be a decade before your faith bears fruit! But grow in faith while you wait.

In Jude 1:20 it is written: But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit…

Therefore, if you want to grow in your faith, pray in the Holy Spirit. Paul explains: Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8: 26). If we do this, then Romans 8: 28 will be true in our lives too! God will cause all external circumstances to work together for good in relation with the Holy Spirit’s dwelling within us and to pray in accordance to His will.

Pursue faith (1 Tim. 6: 11), for it is not a given that faith once inside us, will automatically grow. But as we go after and grow in faith, we can settle every matter in accordance to God’s word- God said it, I believe it and that settles it!

One Thing Is Needed

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

Luke 10: 38-42

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”

Picture this: Jesus is coming to town. He will be there for a short while and is to pass further. Martha takes the initiative to invite Jesus and was intent to spend precious time with Him. But she was distracted in serving and it was Mary, Martha’s sister, who maximized the opportunity presented to her by sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him.

You may be busy with so many things in life. You may think that life is short and may want to do as much as you can-and you are right. But do you really know the one thing that is important? Only one thing is really important; one thing is needed – listening to God.

Martha was busy with serving; and serving Jesus. She was not serving idols; she was not serving others. But Jesus observed that she was worried and troubled about many things. Food is necessary; but is only secondary to hearing the word of God. That is why it is written, “Man shall live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt. 4: 4).

Our spirit thrives on this spiritual food-the word of God. This is my burden today to share how we can listen to God in these times! Unless we make the habit of listening to God a priority, seek and pursue to hear His word-on every matter under the sun, we are in danger of being distracted and will fail to realize our full potential.

There are many different voices speaking in and over your life. It may be your own thoughts and imaginations, the voices of your friends, colleagues or even an enemy; in the midst of all these voices, there is the still, small voice of God. Will you recognize His voice? How can you recognize His voice if you do not first know Him? Do you know your God? Jesus declares “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) and again “I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.” (John 10:14)

If you, in this short life, make it a priority to seek after God to know Him, you will find Him (Jer. 29:13). You will hear His voice; and you can listen to what He says. Because only one thing is really needed-to listen to Him! Tune your ears to the voice of Jesus and hear Him.

God speaks through His creation

God moves in mysterious ways, but speaks plainly. The songwriter has sung,
“O Lord My God, when I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works Thy hands hath made-
I see the stars, I hear the roaring thunder,
Thy powers throughout the universe displayed”.

This is an echo from the psalmist’s wonder: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19: 1-3).

Few days ago, I read about how the scientists have discovered an entire galaxy. The distant stars and galaxies are so far away from the earth, that scientists measure their distances in light-years. Imagine also that it takes about 1.3 seconds for light from the moon to reach the earth. What a vast and almost unimaginable creation-both in size and in number! Yet God knows the stars-He calls them all by name (Psalm 147:4).

Does His creation speak of His greatness to you? It must. Look on the stars in the night sky; look on the birds that sing. Look upon the mountains and follow a stream. They tell a story-an old, old story-of Jesus and His love. You see, if God had wished, He could have created just you and me-the mankind. He could have added a dash of things for food and that would be it. But our God did not do that. There is wonder in His creation. How ‘scientific’ laws are woven around His perfect placements-from the atom to the biggest star!

When we think of the magnitude of His creation-and we are on earth-a tiny planet in the universe that is a part of one of the galaxies-the Milky Way; we are amazed at how small and insignificant we must be-physically, to God who declares-“Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool…” (Isaiah 66:1). The Psalmist understood this: He says, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?" (Psalm 8:4). But God so loved you and me, that He gave His only begotten Son-Jesus… that we may believe in Him, that we may know Him and that we may hear Him!

God speaks through His voice

Yes, God speaks to us in a supernatural way too! There are many who lived and who are still alive, who has heard the voice of God-the personal, definitive and audible voice of God.

Look at John 12: 28-30. “Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake.

Doesn’t it seem strange, that people standing together around Jesus heard the same voice, and John was clear on what the voice from heaven said, while the others said It had thundered! We humans have this tendency of explaining away things that are supernatural -as if they are natural! When we say that the heavens and the earth were God-created, then a few would say that there was a big bang (Big Bang theory) explosion and the masses scattered to form the universe! Joseph heard God speaking to him in a dream-but his brothers called him a ‘Dreamer’. The prophets heard from God and spoke to the people, but they rejected it saying it was ramblings. Over and over in the Bible, and even in the world we are living today, we see and hear of how God is still speaking to His children.

God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon asked and received a wise and understanding heart. (1 Kings 3: 5-12). But God also put a condition “So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” But even with a supernatural visitation from God, and hearing His voice, Solomon would only stray from God’s precepts and begin to serve idols! That is why I say, the supernatural voice of God is good, but is not the ultimate. The thing that is needed is a listening heart!

God speaks through His word

“The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the LORD. -Jer. 23: 28

The ultimate authority in knowing and hearing God’s voice is God’s word. It is God’s word that is the grain- the rest is chaff, whether it be natural voices, supernatural experiences, dreams and visions; all these must be aligned with the written word of God with us today. That is why the Psalmist, after describing God’s voice in creation, comes around to talk about His word.

David says in Psalm 19: 7-9 thus:

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

God’s law, testimony, statutes, commandment, judgments – are found in His word. Gulshan Esther, who wrote “The Torn Veil”, was left crippled after a bout of typhoid when she was 6 months old. But miraculously Jesus spoke to her, healed her and told her to walk and meet a person to receive a copy of the Bible. Psalm 19: 10-13 continues about God’s word:

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.

God’s word is spirit and they are life. If you tune your ears to God’s word, you will be blameless and kept back from presumptuous sins. You will be kept back from pitfalls and false voices. You are not alone. You have a Helper. And when He {Holy Spirit} has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; (John 16: 8).

What about you today? Did you hear from God? If you are too busy to hear God’s word, then you are too busy. Pause, take a deep breath, relax and wait. It is no use hurrying to do many things that you worry about! Only one thing is needed – God’s view, voice and word. Before you take that important decision, before you plunge into a career, business venture or marriage-take time to hear God’s voice! Let go of all those strings you are trying to pull-it’s gonna break sooner than later! Let God lead you; let His word guide you. You will hear a voice behind you saying, “This is the way. Walk in it!”

God’s word is living and powerful, as a two-edged sword-you will separate, distinguish between the grain and the chaff. God has given us the written word ‘logos’; and the living word ‘rhema’. God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and the light unto our paths. If you have not known God through His word, what better day to start than today; begin now to read His word. If you have not read His word, how can God, the Holy Spirit, bring to remembrance what God has spoken in His word? We can receive His ‘rhema’, only if we have gone through His ‘logos’. Otherwise we will be like toothless lions, putting on a façade of bravado against the wily devil! Because it is the word of God, that is the sword of the Spirit-the weapon of attack in God’s armor.

An angel spoke to Cornelius, asking him to call for Peter. God spoke to Peter in a vision, preparing him to meet Cornelius-a gentile. Both Peter and Cornelius listened to the word of God and Cornelius heard the gospel from Peter and was saved with his household. Isn’t it worth pondering, why the angel did not preach the gospel to Cornelius? Because, it is given to us-you and me and our brothers and sisters in Christ, to share the good news of salvation-in-Jesus Christ. What a privilege we have to be mouthpieces of God’s word! The Bible says that we are ambassadors for Christ. Speak on behalf of Christ, through His word!

One thing is needed-hearing God’s voice. God speaks to us in His creation, through his audible voice and from His written word. The best is yet to come only if we are willing to listen to His voice. May God enable you to hear His voice. Amen.

Call To Me

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

“Thus says the LORD who made it, the LORD who formed it to establish it (the LORD is His name): Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” – Jer. 33: 2, 3

Imagine you sitting on this earth, and then imagine the Lord seated in the third Heaven; the physical distance is mind boggling. But do you know that His answer is just a call away? We have this wonderful privilege of “calling” out to Him; and our Lord will answer. And I am talking about more than just prayer (Have you really called out to Him?)

You see, the ‘activities’ of attending church service, singing out ‘good’ songs, the dutiful reading of the Bible, the mumbling of familiar phrases in prayer-all this can become so routine that you may not even realize you have lost touch with God! Or maybe you do realize that even with all these-your ‘activities’, you are not getting through to God but don’t know what’s wrong! Do you console yourself saying, that you are doing nothing ‘wrong’ and continue in that same familiar routines, or are you really interested in ‘connecting’ to God?

Here is our God, willing to answer our call and waiting to show us great and mighty things that we do not know! Would you call Him in a manner worthy to be called as ‘Call’? We can learn from the Bible how men began to call on the name of the Lord. Gen. 4: 26 says “And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the LORD”. Adam was 130y old, when Seth was born; and Seth was 105y old when Enosh was born-this tells us, generally speaking, some 235 years passed by, before men began to call on the name of the Lord. (Of course, there were exceptions with Abel offering a better sacrifice). You see, we too can be busy caught up in the routine works and practices that can occupy our entire life-span, without realizing that we missed to make the call (and connect) to God! What a sad 'miss' that would be!

That is why I say, ‘Break free’ from the routine, from what you have been taught, from what you have seen and what you have heard, and what you have imagined, and get to know what God says He will do FOR YOU as a special INDIVIDUAL. Give a CALL to God Himself. Genesis 12: 8 talks about Abraham thus: And he moved from there to the mountain east of Bethel, and he pitched his tent with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; there he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD.

Call on the name of the LORD! Abraham did just that. I was amazed while reading the biographies of a Hindu-Sadhu Sunder Singh, and a Muslim-Gulzan Esther, who called on the name of the Lord; and the Lord revealed Himself to them. With God there is no partiality; no religion, no caste, no color, no region or language, neither rich nor poor. Anyone can call on the name of the Lord and He is willing to answer. Get through to Him. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4: 8).

We have wonderful examples in the Bible of men who called on the name of the Lord-also David, Jonah, Elijah…but I am going to leave all these examples for you to read for yourself and see how many times David calls the Lord and the Lord delivered him from the hands of his enemies; how Jonah prays from the fish’s stomach and calls on the name of the Lord and the Lord commanded the fish to vomit him in dry land; how Elijah called on the name of the Lord-confronted with a dead boy and the mother pleading for him, and the Lord raised the dead boy back to life…

Yes, Let me take the example of just one man from the Bible-Jabez (have you heard of him?). Because his mother was in much pain during his birth, she named him Jabez, which means “pain”. He was just an ordinary man, with a constant ‘painful’ reminder in his name; the Bible says, that Jabez was more honorable than all his brothers (1 Chr. 4: 9). Imagine this man, ‘pain’ going about his daily routine, day after day after day… But ONE day, suddenly, he decided to CALL on the name of the LORD.

And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. – 1 Chronicles 4: 10

Our God is the anytime, anywhere, available-to-answer-your-call God! So wherever you are, whatever you are doing, whatever time it may be-PAUSE. Take a deep breath and call out to God.

Jabez had just a 4-point prayer (request). His prayer starts with what any ‘ordinary’ person would look for – (1) BLESS ME indeed and (2) ENLARGE my territory. You see, why should it be a strange thing to seek God’s blessing? God is here and that to bless us!

And why do many imagine that it is WRONG if you look to God for increase? Remember, Jabez must be quite well-off (The Bible says, that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers). God sees your heart; God knows what is going through in your mind. Be sincere in your prayer and be serious in your asking-that is all. Now, seek an increase from your God-go ahead!

Thirdly, Jabez looked for God’s hand to be with him. He was not looking at wealth and riches, but just that God’s hand would be with him. If God be for us, who can be against us? God’s presence and His nearness is what matters in our endeavors - honorable and in accordance to His will in everything that we do. (There are quite a few, who do not want God too close-lest they be shamed in what they continue to do!)

The final request of Jabez was to be protected from evil and not be a cause for anybody’s pain. Imagine the burden of carrying that name meaning 'pain' for so long; it must have caught up with Jabez and he would have none of it any longer. Jabez requested that the burden in his name be lifted away.

And you know what! And God granted him what he requested. The same God that answered Jabez and granted him his request is waiting to your call and willing to grant your requests. Call on the name of the Lord; pour out your sincere requests-whether it be concerning a stigma in the meaning of your name or social standing, a stigma concerning your caste or region-Look up to God and call out to him.

Go into the inner room, shut the door and call out to Him-your Heavenly Father, in secret. This is what Jesus taught us. In solitude, have a little talk with your Father, one-on-one.
It is never too early and now not too late. Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. (Isa. 55: 6) Know… that the Lord will hear when you call to Him. (Ps. 4:3).

Heavenly Places

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows-such a one was caught up to the third heaven. – 2 Corinthians 12:2

Paul talks about the third heaven. The question arises then where is the first and second heavens? The first heaven is what we know as the skies, the stars and the galaxies… referred as the firmament (Gen. 1:8). This-first heaven-is the limits of astronomy with the most powerful telescopes reaching upto the distant stars. The third heaven is Paradise (2 Cor. 12:4) where God dwells.

In-between, sandwiched between the first and the third heavens, as is obvious, is the second heaven. The question is ‘Who is in this second heaven?’ The answer is Satan (and his demons), the ones who were cast down from heaven. The Bible says, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12).

The message of the book of Ephesians can be described in three simple words-Sit, Walk and Stand. (In the last post, you must have read about ‘Walk’). In this, I would like us to know about the other two aspects in our spiritual growth-Sit and Stand.

The first three chapters of Ephesians dwell on the theme of ‘sitting’ believers. Do you know where you are seated? Read this: But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2:4-6). And this: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3). If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (Col. 3:1, 2)

THIS is our exalted position being born-again: Children of God and seated with Christ! We are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17). Imagine the scene here-you seated with Jesus Christ and in the holy presence of God the Father. Now look at why the author of Hebrews says this: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16). Where is this throne of grace? It is in this third heaven that we are now dwelling on (in). Ah-now you see! Audience with the King is possible anytime!

Several years ago, the prime minister of India had called for a meeting of Christian leaders, and some of the New Life leaders were present there. The PM office is secure, grand and the audience with him is fraught with awe for the first-timers.

But here now, for the Christian, he or she has access in the third heaven to the King of kings and the Lord of lords-in His own throne room.

Are you riddled with shame and guilt because of your sin? Do you seek forgiveness? Come to the throne of God to seek mercy. Do you feel weak and powerless against sinful habits? Come to the throne of God to receive grace {strength}. Are you perplexed? Wait on the Lord. The Bible says, “…those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31). There may be a time of weeping, there may be a night; there may be a time of waiting, but surely there will be light! We know that all things work together for good to those who love God; nothing in our life comes without His permission.

Wait, relax-let go! I think, waiting must be one the most hated words in this fast-paced 21^st century. But you know what? The eagle does it, even today, and renews its strength. Therefore wait on the Lord. Calm your-self, give up hatred and learn to forgive. Know that He is God. The psalmist says “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psa. 46:10). Know that He is in control. The Lord reigns! And Heaven rules! (Dan. 4:26).

If you are seated with Jesus Christ, know that it is a place of rest and peace. The Bible opens up a conversation between God the Father and God the Son: The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” (Psalm 110:1). Yes, it is the Messiah’s reign-sit, be calm. Do not sit with scoffers; do not sit with the wicked, but learn the way of blessedness in sitting with Jesus. Seated with Jesus, you can have a little talk with Jesus; tell Him all about your troubles. He will hear your faintest cry and He will answer by and by… Just a little talk with Jesus will make it right.

Sitting depicts our position of rest, peace and calm. If you have not learnt the secret of sitting with Jesus, you will never learn walking with Him! As natural, so spiritual (find out what babies do!) Sitting always precedes walking. Evening preceded morning; rest precedes working.

Paul, after describing our position of seated members in Christ, goes on to explain Walk and Stand. Now Stand, as meant here is ‘stand against’; it is a position of alertness as against an enemy. Ephesians 6 describes our standing position. God has given us a full armor-Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. … Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; (Ephesians 6: 11, 13-17).

Have you put on the whole armor? See that you do not miss even one; because 80% protected is not good enough! Or even 99% protected! Stand with 100% armor. The Bible warns us not give any place {foothold} to the devil (Eph. 4:27). Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. (2 Cor. 2:11). Do you know his devices? It is living a life of compromise, a life focused on earthly things, a life of mediocrity or a life as lukewarm believers (not disciples).

Do you hold a grudge against your neighbor or a colleague; or maybe it is your boss? Know your enemy-it is Satan; it is not your irritating neighbors, nor snobby colleagues nor the condescending boss! Forgive those who have wronged you, resist the devil-stand firm, stand your ground-a wonderful victory is just around the corner. Paul, before describing our spiritual armor, talks about relationships; at home-between husband and wife (Eph. 5:22 onwards), between parents and children (Eph. 6:1-4) and between masters and servants (Eph. 6:5-9). It is in setting right our relationships that we take a stand against the wiles of the devil.

Our walking and standing must follow our sitting-we cannot say we enjoy blessed peace in sitting with Jesus. We live in flesh and among fleshly people; we are bound to face disappointments when we expect results in the flesh. Have you girded your waist with the belt of truth? Let everyone speak truth to his neighbor. Let him who stole steal no longer. (It is the devil who is a liar and the father of lies). Have you put on the breastplate of righteousness? We cannot live as those who do not know Jesus. Have you put on the shoes of the gospel of peace? Do not be quarrelsome-seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11). As far as is possible and depends on you seek peace with all people. Do not go out without your peace shoes. Take the shield of faith-for the enemy is throwing fiery darts at you. You will be able to quench all of those darts-with faith. Put on the helmet of salvation-it is knowing 'I am His and He is mine. No one is able to snatch me away from my Father in heaven'. Take the sword of the Spirit-the word of God; the only weapon given for attack (the rest is for defense). Speak the word of God; speak words of faith.

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God… (2 Cor. 10:4, 5).

Someday, we will be there-in that third heaven, not just our spiritual position, but also our ‘physical’ position-the glorified body and the Bride of Christ. Satan and his cronies will be cast away from the second heaven. May we learn in this life the secret of sitting and walking with Jesus and know our position to stand against the devil and his schemes.

Walk

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph)

Thus says the LORD: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk in it. – Jeremiah 6:16

The message I want to share today is just one word “Walk”. Walk in the good way; the narrow way to find rest for your souls. Whenever we are at the crossroads, we know we have to make a conscious decision to choose which way to go. How do we know, which way to turn? How do we know where to walk? This is what I would like to share!

Life’s paths are not always straight, nor are they without choices. But in every circumstance of life, He is with us to guide us and help us make the right decision. We can certainly know which way to go, once we encounter and trust God and His word! Many saints, all around the world, are choosing the right options while walking here on earth. Do you want to know how?

1. Walk in newness of life

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:4

We were dead in our sins. We came to Jesus, repenting of our sins; and He forgave us. We were baptized into his death; and raised as a new creation in Christ. Therefore we are no longer slaves to the sinful flesh, but alive in the spirit. Therefore…you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind (Eph. 4:17), but walk in that newness of life. Walk in Him; As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him. (Col. 2:6).

Do not listen to the counsel of the wicked (Psalm 1); do not give in to peer’s pressure; choose your ‘own’ way! Because the righteous will be bold as a lion (Prov. 28:1). 

2. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. - Eph. 4:1-3

The book of Ephesians has 6 chapters; the first 3 describing our wonderful calling in Christ and the next three imploring us to walk in that calling. What is our calling in the Lord? Ephesians describes that we are seated along with Jesus Christ in the heavenlies; it is such a high calling. It describes our position here and now on earth, and not when we die and go home! Therefore our daily walk should match our calling.

3. Walk in light

John was 95 yrs old when he wrote “…if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7).

Therefore there is no part of our life that is shameful and hidden from the Lord. Whether in our relationship, or deeds, or words, or thoughts; we bring everything under His searchlight to see if there be any wicked way in us; because there is a way that is everlasting. (Psalm 139:24). Walk as children of light. (Eph. 5:8).

4. Walk According to His Commandments

This is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. – 2 John 1:6

His word is a light unto our paths. If we regard God’s word, we will take heed to do  just as He has asked us to do. John sums up saying this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. How else do you show, you love the Lord?

When David sinned, Nathan the prophet came to him and said “Why have you despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in His sight?” (2 Sam. 12:9). As a Christian, if you go astray, you are guilty of not just disobedience, but also of despising God’s word!

Do you really love the Lord? Follow His commands. God loves the obedient child of light! “But on this one will I look; on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” (Isaiah 66:2). Declare with the psalmist that His precepts are right on every matter under the sun. “Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:128)

5. Walk in Good Works

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10

Good works’ walk is what we are called for. We are not saved by good works; but saved for good works! Everywhere you turn, something good is expected of you. You see, God has prepared these good works for you beforehand, only for you to walk in them. Uniquely gifted you are, in time and space, to fulfill that work and fill the void around you, which only you can do. It’s not for tomorrow-then and there; it’s for today-now and here! “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Gal. 6:10).

6. Walk in love

And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. – Ephesians 5:2

It is easy to know what God has called us to do, but it is rather difficult to actually do what He has called us to do! It may require some sacrifice; lose of self-esteem; or lots of faith; or all together! And it will be possible to do only because you want to walk in love-a sweet smelling aroma before God.

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God who he has not seen? (1 John 4:20)

7. Walk in the Spirit

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. – Galatians 5:16

There is a way that seems right, but its end is death! The flesh leads us in a direction contrary to the way of the Spirit. The Spirit of God always leads us into the paths of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22). Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…

8. Walk by Faith

For we walk by faith, not by sight – 2 Cor. 5:7

Without faith, it is impossible to please God; Faith pleases God. That is why we confess ‘Even though I walk through the valley of deep darkness, I will fear no evil. For You are with me. Your rod and Your staff-they comfort me.’ I know that ‘surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life’ here on earth!

In darkest hours we cry out ‘It is the Lord who is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?’ In difficult times we cry out ‘The Lord is my Shepherd. I shall not want’: Faith comes by hearing, and hearing only the word of God.

9. Walk as Wise

See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15

The wise will redeem their time and not lose it in endless bickering and quarrels-whether in work or home; whether with peers or spouse. There is a whole book of wisdom within the Bible – Proverbs. It teaches us what to say, what not to say; and how to conduct ourselves and how to begin our wisdom walk. (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom). We are here for a short time; and we are here for a purpose that God has planned beforehand. Do not let days and weeks go by in emptiness. Fulfill all that God has planned for you-realise your full potential, use your talents! Don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

10. Walk as Jesus

He who says he abides in Him {Jesus} ought himself also to walk just as He {Jesus} walked. – 1 John 2:6

We are His followers and Jesus Christ is our example. We follow in His footsteps. The early believers were first called ‘Christians’ at Antioch, because others saw that they were followers of Christ. This must be our witness too! Do you want to know how Jesus walked? Here it is.

For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; - 1 Peter 2:21-23

Your ears shall hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

There you are. Start Walking!