Gifts Received

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph, Happy reading!)

Hebrews 6:4-5

... for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come...

The writer of Hebrews primarily addresses the Jews who had believed in Jesus the Messiah, and now were being drawn away, and going back again towards ‘religious learning’. Throughout the book, the author of Hebrews compares the Old covenant with the New and the better covenant, and reminds them of what they have received in Jesus Christ.

Even today, believers are to be mindful of the gifts they have received from God; and sometimes they have to be reminded of these gifts. And today, that is what is in my heart today, to remind you of the five benefits {gifts} that are mentioned in these verses.

Many times, I find people focussing on what they do not have, and then strive and stress themselves to have those-material things. But I would like us to focus, today, on what we have as Christians. We are indeed privileged people to have received these gifts mentioned in Hebrews. And even if this world cannot distinguish the ‘Haves’ and ‘Have-nots’ here (which is really not in terms of material wealth, but a really wonderful spiritual wealth entrusted to those believers in Jesus Christ), we should remember these gifts poured out into our lives and be thankful.

(i)                 Enlightened

Yes, you and I are enlightened...that is what the Bible says about believers! If we look around and find some physically blind people, we feel sad for them; we think that their blindness is a serious handicap. And we tend to think that they really miss something if they cannot see the flowers, trees, birds and nature. But imagine the greater tragedy of those who cannot ‘see’ spiritually! Jesus said that unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

If you are born-again, your spiritual eyes have been opened to ‘see’ the kingdom of God. That is enlightenment! What a great gift of God... for the veil over our eyes have been removed; the scales have fallen away from our eyes! And suddenly we see... spiritually.

Many a times, when we speak to the unbelievers about this wonderful gift of God-of enlightenment, they simply cannot grasp it. How can we explain that far more majestic sight awaits them, than what they can see with natural eyes? For the god of this world has blinded their eyes (2 Cor. 4:4). It is a gift from God Himself. Natural sight is such a good gift from God; but being able to see the kingdom of God is a gift much more wonderful!

I have had the opportunity to meet a minister, who was progressively becoming blind in both his eyes; and there came a time when he lost his natural eyesight completely. He began to minister among the blind people, and these came to the Lord. As I heard them praising and singing for joy, I knew that their spiritual eyes had been opened; and that is what really matters!

(ii)               Tasted the gift of God

Eph. 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Have you received gifts anytime? I can imagine the happiness flooding your soul, as you open up the gifts given to you. Or think of the inheritance and wealth left by your grand-parents, for example. We are indeed happy to receive gifts. But think of the gift you have received from God-have you ‘tasted’ it? It is faith, forgiveness, and forever-life! Yes, the gift of faith (not because of your works), the gift of forgiveness (Jesus died for your sins, while you were still a sinner, and is offering you that gift), and the gift of everlasting life to those who believe.

(iii)             Partakers of the Holy Spirit

Luke 11:13

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Have you asked your heavenly Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit? A blessed gift, indeed, to each one as a believer! And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

In the Old covenant, there were only a chosen few who were given the gift of the Holy Spirit; they were far between. But when Jesus rose from the dead, and sat down at the right hand of the Father, He poured out His Spirit according to what what He had promised. And now in the New Covenant, we have all received His Spirit as a seal and guarantee of our salvation.

If you knew of this gift-the Holy Spirit, you will know Him as the Comforter; and you never need to cry alone! You will find a Guide, and you never need to walk alone. You will find a partner in prayer, and you will never pray alone. You will find a Counsellor, to help you discern the right from the wrong. He helps us in our weaknesses. He will guide us into all truth. Thanks be to God. Amen.

(iv)             Tasted the good word of God

2 Peter 1:4

By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

His word is truth; His words are spirit and they are life to us who believe. We have exceedingly great and magnificent promises in His word. You and I may be from different backgrounds; maybe we speak different native languages; are from different places and cultures; maybe we are in different age-group as well. But there is a promise of God for you as well as for me! Taste and see that His words are pure, and sweet.

And so if I am troubled, His words ring in my ear 'Let not your heart be troubled'; or if I am doubtful, His words to me are ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away’. And so, you and I learn to bank on His promises; for His promises are ‘yes’ and ‘Amen’ in Christ Jesus. “For You have magnified Your word above all Your name.” (Ps. 138:2)

By faith, we take hold of God’s promises. Last week, we saw about the degrees of faith; and before that, the types of faith. On the road, as you walk, you do not worry that you may fall, trusting that the road you walk on will not suddenly cave-in; and it may. But the word of God will not cave-in nor fail. Therefore trust His word; stand on His promises.

(v)               Powers of the age to come

1 Peter 1:4 talks about a living hope in us believers:

‘to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you...’

To every believer, God has given a foretaste of this wonderful inheritance kept for us; a glimpse, a preview, a trailer- call it what you like. And we have in the Bible, the book of Revelation -a prophetic book, which talks exclusively of things that are to come; of things that are wonderful, kept in store for the believers. I know many may find the book of Revelation a little difficult to relate to or understand... and maybe it is because our focus is only on this present age. But Rev. 1:3 says: Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

The book of Revelation is a unique book in the Bible that talks of things that are yet to happen. Many books of the Bible talks about the things that have already happened... for eg. the gospels, letters to the churches,... Therefore if you want a taste of heaven, a taste of the powers to come, go ahead and read the last book of the Bible.

Remember these five things-that have been given to us as wonderful gifts from God (Heb.6:4-5). 

Let me remind you that we have a wonderful gift in the future; for Eph. 2:7 says: ‘that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.’ The coming of Jesus, the rapture, the millennium reign of believers with Jesus... these are wonderful things to know from the word of God. Let me close with this verse: While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Cor 4:18).

Degrees of Faith

(Message by Pastor S. Joseph, Founder NLMI: Hoping I haven't missed much. Better be there than read here. Happy reading!)

Hallelujah! Each song that we sing conveys a message. And if you believe Jesus died for you, it’s time you started living for Him. Now why am I saying this? If you see the background story of some songs like Abide with me and Amazing Grace, we are touched by God’s wonderful works in His children’s lives. And some songs are meant for dancing; and its no good if you fold your hands and stand. Look around and see how people dance shamelessly before dumb idols. And 1 Thess. 1:9 talks about how we were turned to God from idols and are to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus…

My friend, Christianity is not a religion to follow; it is a relationship with Jesus that has to be practiced. If you are looking at a religion, you will not progress; but if you are looking for a revelation from Jesus, you will be blessed.

I also would like to give you the promise verse for the year 2012; it will be the “year of change” according to 2 Cor. 3:18 that says: But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

Keep looking at the glory of the Lord, with unveiled faces. More than heart-attacks, the killer disease for a believer is the thought-attack; and for this disease, age is no bar-it affects the young and the old, the rich and the poor alike. Yes, the spirit and the mind are in conflict because of this thought-attack. And if you are not careful, now, about renewed mind and soul-transformation (according to Romans 12:2, to find out and to prove that good and acceptable and perfect will of God), you have to worry about spiritual degradation later. For we become what we think! Redeeming of the heart is God’s grace; but renewal of the mind is your response. Therefore, let 2012 be the year of change, from one glory to a higher level of glory. We all-you and I, need it.

I am so glad for the work of God in my own life-from the time 55 years ago, when I came, trusting Him. I made a choice to follow Him-come, what may! And Florence and I, have been married for 49 years (we had our anniversary this week on Nov. 10); and we want to praise him for the high calling with which He has called us; appointed us, and anointed us; and we do not want to let go of Jesus. And this year will be a Jubilee year for us and our hearts rejoice in Him. And in accordance to what Jesus told us in Luke (Luke 18:30), about hundreds of brothers and sisters (and not just in India) and houses and lands, in this present age-He has fulfilled it in our lives; and in the age to come, eternal life...

And today, I do not have any spiritual formulas that will work for you in your life; but, I am only going to show how His word has worked for me! You are in the master-plan of God, and if you don’t develop according to what it says about you in the Bible, how will you live in this wicked and perverse generation? Perverse-yes, we hear about it in news channels; about some African nation where 1/3rd of the people had had sex with animals!

Now how will you shine as lights among them? We are in this world; but we are not of this world; we have been taken out of this world of darkness, and brought into the kingdom of light (Read John 17); sanctified, we have been put back into this world to shine as lights. If you follow me, as I follow Christ, and seek after His kingdom, all these other things- the food, clothing and shelter (yes-and with no sweat, mind you) will be added to you according to Matt. 6:33.

And no, I am not talking about a lottery scheme-where you suddenly become a crorepati (as you see happening on some TV shows)! But a step by step process; by patience and faith, you will inherit the promises of God. Where, you will learn to love God, love your brothers and sisters, love your friends and love your enemies!

Last time, I spoke about the definition of faith. You can read about the grace faith, fruit faith, gift faith and the spirit of faith here (Types of Faith). And today, I want to share about the degrees of faith. The definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1; it is the ‘now’ faith-for today; not yesterday (we have praise for that), nor tomorrow (that will be hope)! Now faith...comes by hearing the word of God. That is why it is so important to read, study, meditate and walk in the word of God. And if we do that, we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, faith is in the supernatural realm; while sight is of the natural.

God’s word is true; God’s word is pure. Psalm 119:72 says that His word is better ...than thousands of coins of gold and silver-that will be tons of gold! The degrees of faith progresses from 'no faith' to 'such great faith'. Let's see them one by one.

1. No faith in face of danger

Mark 4:35-40

On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

‘No faith’ is that selfish nature that cries out, Don’t you care for me? The disciples did the same to Jesus, when they faced danger. ‘No faith’ living is a fearful living, where faith has been replaced by fear!

2. Little faith in time of doubt

Matt. 14:25-31

Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

On one word of Jesus “Come”, Peter took out to do the impossible; that is faith for you. Faith will cause you to do the impossible; but doubt will drown you!

The other disciples too had every opportunity to exercise faith; but they did not, and trusted in the security of their boat-it was their comfort zone. But Peter, probably, was the only other man to walk on water in the entire human history! A crisis tests your faith, and reveals your character; because it’s what you really are!

And this same Peter, in a deep dungeon, was sleeping peacefully in-between two prison guards, fully aware he was due for death penalty the next day. Because he remembered what Jesus told him, that when he was old, he will be taken to places he does not like. And he was NOT old yet, during that time in prison!

I believe Peter and Jesus would together have walked back on water to the boat, hand in hand. And Peter’s faith-life would have taken one giant leap forward.

3. Great faith in spite of discouragement

Matt. 15:21-28

Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.”

But He answered her not a word.

And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!”

But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their master’s table.”

Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

What a lesson of faith for us! Perhaps, this foreign woman was a widow; perhaps she had that only daughter, and she was desperate for her healing! Perhaps she heard about Jesus passing by, and came out to meet Him; perhaps someone had taught her to address Him as the ‘Son of David’. But as the Son of David, Jesus was only answerable to the house of Israel. Then she quickly graduated to addressing Him as ‘Lord’! To my understanding, she must have heard a reply from Jesus, that must have discouraged her, calling her as ‘dog’. (I have heard much of the Arab world, and maybe others too in the west, treat foreigners lowly even today!). But I am amazed at the humility of that woman in accepting ‘Yes, Lord. I am a dog!’ and the wisdom in responding ‘even the dog gets its due from the master’s table-although it be crumbs that fall.’ Jesus said to her, “...great is your faith!...”

By the grace of God, we have come into the family of God, accepted as God’s own children. And the master’s table is spread out before us. What great faith we must exercise, if only we knew what belongs to us!

4. Such great faith

Matt. 8: 5-13

Now when Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.”

And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”

The centurion answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

This centurion well understood authority. Like you see a traffic police on the road, though at times he appears weak and wobbly, when he puts out his hand and whistles, a big truck will stop before him! That is authority.

In that great commission in Matt. 28:18,19 Jesus has promised not just His power for us; He has also promised His presence with us (Lo, I am with you always...). And all authority is given to Jesus-in heaven and on earth. And the step we take in faith is really under His authority, who commissioned us, saying ‘Go!’

Walk by faith; for faith is the only currency accepted in the bank of heaven! Faith sees the invisible; feels the intangible; and achieves the impossible. May God enable each one of you to be men and women of great faith. Amen.

Stumbling Block in Fulfilling God’s Purposes

(Message by Bro. Sam Cherian. Happy reading!)

We have been studying about God’s purposes and plan for each one of us. His master-plan is that we be conformed to the image of His Son-our Lord Jesus Christ, the fore-runner and the Chief cornerstone, and in whose steps we follow.

Just as the car manufacturer showcases a prototype of the proposed design of a car in a motor-show, whose specifications are fixed and technical characteristics evaluated and finalised, Father God has showed to the world His only begotten Son. Further cars in the production line will follow exhibiting the same look, and characteristics of the original proto-type showcased. In the same manner, we too have been pre-destined to conform to the image of God’s Son, Jesus. It is vital for us to understand this master-plan, align our lives always keeping this purpose in focus, notwithstanding the 101 things that we may do differently from others in the body of Christ. This is the common purpose-become like Jesus; a common meeting ground where we all see eye-to-eye and have a glimpse at the proto-type. This is the general theme we see throughout the Bible.

And the stumbling block is really only one (and not some 10 points that you may hear in a seminar); the one thing that really stops us is our own will. It is not the devil and the evil spirits, not the evil days that we live in, not the evil generation around us, not the evil circumstances and situations… because God has taken care of each one of these. (for example see Romans 8:28). Because all circumstances are just tools God uses, to bring about something new within us. Our self-life is like an onion, someone has said; Just when we think that we have seen it all, and learnt enough, and we peel one layer and find another new layer inside-all new and unknown again. Paul had to go through life with a thorn in the flesh; but he understood God’s grace anew (see 2 Cor. 12:7). Similarly, the people of Israel, after coming out of Egypt, had to wander in the wilderness some 40 years before arriving at the Promised Land; a journey that would 'normally' have taken them maybe less than a month. And God reminds them that He did that to test and know the intentions of their heart (Deut. 8:2; also Exo. 16:4, Exo. 20:20). So the one thing that really stops us is our own will.

Much like the onion philosophy lived the Pharisees in Jesus’ time; they had an answer ready for every question and thought they had it all figured out. They were outwardly religious; a self-life lived with earthly wisdom and human strength, independent of God. They had no idea of newness, revelation and God’s will; the Pharisees were really dead inside and white-washed outside.

And what about us? Yes, we have accepted Jesus as our Savior… and cleansed from all unrighteousness by His blood. But have we, really, accepted Jesus as Lord of our lives? Now Lord means master of everything that we are, and everything we have; having full authority to work in and through us. (I do not know about you, but) This is the major issue I face here on earth. If Jesus is to be on the throne of our heart, our self has to be dethroned.

The general call of Lord Jesus rings out to all: Come unto Me, all who labor and are heavy burdened and I will give you rest. The Saviour of the world has proclaimed salvation in His name and by faith in His death and resurrection. But for those longing for His Lordship, salvation is not just a one-step process, but a lesson in endurance till the end. Even the calling and response to those who have come, accepting His first invitation, are quite different, as they come close the Master, asking Him what should I do now.

Jesus’ responses to those who wanted to follow Him were quite unconventional, sometimes insensitive and often bordering on rudeness-humanly speaking! Matt. 8: 19, 20 talks about a religious person wanting to walk with Jesus.

1. Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

2. And again in Matt. 8:21, 22: Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

What are you really seeking as you come to Jesus? Now by any standards, Jesus was not poor when He spoke these words to the scribe. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords; He kept on working miracles starting from the time of that wedding feast where He turned water to wine. What Jesus is telling the scribe is that his intentions were good; but, he should know the cost before paying the price. And similarly to that disciple, that he should set his priorities right before coming to follow Him.

3. Matt. 19:16, 21: Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” …

...

Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”

This is the young man who said he kept all the law, yet stumbled in that one thing-the love of money. His love of money was more than his love for God.

4. There were some Greeks seeking Jesus. Not only were they intellectuals who sought the truth; they were also influential and had their contacts through Philip and Andrew. (John 12: 20-26). Jesus answered them saying, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”

Following Jesus is completely different from intellectual pursuit, understanding and answers about this life as the world sees it. The Greeks left without belief; they just did not GET it.

5. And finally think about the thief on the cross. Probably, he had nothing going right for him. Possibly, he was one person who lived for his own self. But then he had a glimpse of Jesus and a revelation dawned on him. This thief suddenly knew that Jesus was on that cross for no wrong of His; and he also knew Jesus had something to give to him. Turning towards Jesus, the thief begs “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

And the wonder is, Jesus reply was again unconventional; but was also direct and to the point: “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Jesus knows what is in your heart, as you come to Him. Your intentions, maybe the half-price you are willing to pay, maybe the short-cuts you would like to take in His kingdom…

From the time of God’s calling, to the time of your readiness to fulfil His purpose may take a long time-even many years. Abram was called when he was 75 years; and he walked in obedience. And God met him nearly 10 times during his entire life… but it was special when LORD appeared to Abram when he was 99 years old saying: “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless.”

From 75y to 99y, Abraham also did his own thing and had Ishmael. But at 99 years, Abram no longer depended on himself, and his name was changed to Abraham. He became a champion of faith and a friend of God. And he was prepared to fulfil God’s purposes through his life. When something within him died, that is the change within; and to signify this change, his name was changed (and this has happened 8 times in the Old Testament). In these intermediate years, as God was preparing Abraham, He was also patiently waiting for self-will to be dethroned; that He may bless him.

God continues to work His work even today by His Holy Spirit. And He is waiting for our self-will to be dethroned. Call it realisation or revelation but a better phrase would be dying to self… Jesus is Saviour when we believed; Jesus is Lord only when we die to our own self. This is the challenge placed before us-and placed before me these past years… the renewed mind yielding to the purchase of the soul.

Self will not suppressed by hearing some 10 points from a seminar. Self is not going to be liberated in the misty mountains of Himalayas, alone and aloof. Self will not be stifled down through meditation and yoga. It is just a matter of will-your will. It does not matter much, how you started… but it is of great importance how you finish. Have this always before you: “When we see Him, we shall be like Him.” Yes, our conformance to the image of Jesus is His master-plan for each one of us. Therefore start your new life with the finish in mind.

Think of the price Jesus paid. Count the cost and pay the price to follow Him. Let self have its slow death sooner than later, as you lay hold of the truth: Jesus died for ME… this has to enter our blood-stream and infuse the newness of life within us in Jesus Christ. Amen.