He Came to Save Us

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy Thanksgiving!)

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” – Luke 2: 10, 11

 

The message to the shepherds that night, from the angels was simple and straightforward: Good news of great joy to all people-each one of us even now and here. The good news was not just for the Jews-who were expecting the Messiah, but also the Gentiles-near and far and all over the world.

God the Father, in His great love for you and me, and for all mankind, gave us the best gift; which Paul describes as the indescribable gift (2 Cor. 9:15). God’s love is also full of purpose: that we in believing, might live through Him-our Savior Jesus Christ. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. (1 John 4:9)

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. - John 3: 16, 17

What a good news-A Savior come to save the world! Whoever believes in Jesus will have everlasting life. The message is so simple-Salvation in just believing in Jesus. We need not, and cannot, earn our salvation with our own ‘good’ works. But we have salvation through Jesus-our Savior. For by grace we have been saved through faith … it is the gift of God. (Eph. 2: 8)

If you have never heard this good news before, or if you have not experienced salvation- today, you can make a choice to trust in Jesus-He came to save us.

Seek Him

The Bible says in Matt. 2:1-2 that wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. These ‘wise men’ were, in reality, astronomers-who studied the stars. They were really intelligent, and they saw an unique star that told the birth of Messiah. And in those days of hard travel, they made a decision and took out the long journey to meet Jesus.

To the wise men, the stars told a message; and to the poor shepherds, it was the angels. Both these groups of people understood the message; they had one intention in common-to seek out the Messiah. The message that comes to you now-whoever you are, whether wise or wayward, is also the same: Seek out the Messiah.

When God gives a revelation, it could be a wondrous sight-as that of a star to the wise men; it could be a wondrous voice-as that of angels to the shepherds; or it could also be a written word to read-as you do now: A Savior is come to save you. If you are interested to know salvation, seek Him. They that shall seek Him will also find Him, if you search for Him with all your heart. (Deut. 4:29)

Repent

Jesus says in Mark 1:15: …the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.

All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And we are in no way capable of saving ourselves. We need THE Savior-to show us salvation. Now there is a choice for you: You can turn away from sins and turn toward the Savior, or you can continue your life as usual.

I know there may be many that reject the gospel of salvation, just because they do not want to change their ways. Yes, many during the time of Jesus too, rejected the Messiah. But, if you are willing and obedient-you shall see good. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. In returning to Jesus, and resting in Him you will be saved. (Isa. 1: 18, Isa. 30:15)

Believe

Or are you thinking that you are too young to think about these things-of knowing Jesus and experience salvation? John 1:12 says: But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.

If you have believed in the name of Jesus, you have all the potential-and the right, to become children of God. No longer are you a slave to sin, but you are alive in Him. If you have followed these simple steps of obedience (of repentance from sins and believing in Jesus as Savior), trust now that His Spirit dwells in you, and you are the child of the Most High God.

Therefore, the message of the gospel is really simple: Repent of your sins, Believe in Jesus and Become the children of God.

Wondering about Next steps?

If you are wondering “I am saved. Now what?” then look into the pages of the book of Romans. The book of Romans in the Bible, written by Paul, is a descriptive discourse on the good news of the gospel.

• Chapters 1, 2: talks about how we were all far away from God
• Chapter 3 explains how we can come to Jesus
• Chapters 4, 5 tell us how we are reconciled to God and justified in Jesus Christ.
• Chapter 6, 7 assures us of the life of victory over sin, right here on earth
• Chapter 8 encourages us to continuously walk in victory through the Holy Spirit, knowing that nothing (and nothing) shall be able to separate us from the love of God.
• Chapters 9, 10 and 11 show us how the Jews were chosen by God, and how they have rejected the Messiah; how there is still hope for them, and the surety that He will again bring them back to Himself.

Explaining all these, Paul starts the Chapter 12 with the verse: “I beseech you, therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” 

Think about your response… Jesus came to save us; He picked you and me. Now, do you really love Jesus, love Him enough to give your physical self as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God?

You are a Christian-not because you came from a Christian family and traditions; not because you were born to Christian parents; and not because you have been part of the Church for a long time. You are a Christian because the love of Jesus has captured your heart, and you have experienced salvation by believing in Him. Now, surrender your bodies as a living sacrifice-for it is a reasonable response.

Look around you-this time of the year and season. Where is the Christ in Christmas? Where is the Savior in the life of those ‘saved’ Christians? Are there anybody out there celebrating with surrendered self-or is it just the time for wild parties and fun, with just friends and family? Is His name glorified or is it being blasphemed?

A Savior is come to save us. Have you really MET Him? Let us not go half-hearted to meet Him; for then we will not find Him. Though the night is cold, and the journey-far, determine in your heart to seek Jesus AND you will FIND Him. God has extended His gift to you, what is your gift to Him? A surrendered self is the reasonable response. 

May God Bless you. Amen.

Project: Change

(Message by Bro. Vijay Awale. Happy reading and changing!)

Someone has said that ‘change is the only constant’; everywhere around us we see change. Yes, even in our worship and songs, I can look back and see how we have evolved and grown in maturity in our spirit. Few weeks past, our Pastor Joseph gave us the promise for year 2012-the year of change, in accordance to the verses in 2 Cor. 3:18 – a change from glory to glory. And amidst all these changes, there is One who changes not: Mal. 3:6 says, “For I am the LORD, I do not change…”

Everyone and everything else requires change- and so in the promise verse of year 2012, I see a great challenge and a great opportunity for each one of us-for change, which excites me. Our good Lord wants to give freely, liberally, and without partiality, to everyone who is willing-but we have to be ready enough to receive it! Pastor Philip too, shared about how we ought to have an honest appraisal of ourselves at this time of year-remembering where we started and how much (if at all) have we grown spiritually.

Everyone I know wants change-some change, whether the unbeliever, the believer, the successful or the not-so-successful! And I believe this is a gift of God-the knowledge that we can be better! And so we strive to do better, and practice to become better. But, as a believer, our passion to become better must be much more intense; because our spirit part is made alive and it requires changes in those areas of our life, which are otherwise neglected-the deep secrets of the heart. So, for us, it is not just the ‘quality of life’ as the world sees it-in the futile material things, but a fruitful life as the LORD would love us have!

1.       You change by choice

The things that you tolerate in your life will not help you change. Some believers have a satisfied outlook about their spiritual condition. They compare themselves with others and may feel that they are better off, and therefore no need to change. “Why change? I am happy where I am right now”-this is their question. But our only comparison and ideal is, and should be, our Lord Jesus Christ. Heb. 1:3 says that Jesus is our perfect and only example: who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

If you are not willing, God is not going to force you. But, with Jesus as our example, all of us can see a great potential and opportunity for change. And growth NEEDS change; look at any plant in the garden-it is not the same a year from now, and it is an effortless change there! It is natural! And that is the way of the spirit-if you are planted by the rivers of living water, you will bear fruit in its season; and whatever you do shall prosper: this is what Psalm 1 talks about. So, the spiritual change is the result of yielding to His Spirit, rather than striving in your spirit.

2.       You change by grace-the spirit change

1 Thess. 5:23 makes it clear that each one of us are made in three parts-spirit, soul and body. And each part needs change! Our spirit change is in an instant according to 2 Cor. 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”

In a way, we can say that this is 1/3^rd the change required in you, in your goal to become like Jesus. The phrase ‘in Christ’ appears more than 300 times in the New Testament-clearly indicating the vital union and relationship of man with God.And so, we are (spirit) saved, by grace, through the ‘faith gift’ of God (Eph. 2:8).

And there is no change in our soul, or the body-immediately. We look the same and feel the same; think about the same old things we used to think about, and practice the things that we used to do before. But once we are saved in our spirit (born-again), we have been made alive to a whole new world-the spiritual realm! As it is written in James 2:26: For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. Also in Gal. 4:6 that says: And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”

And so, you have the fullness of love, joy, and peace poured out into your hearts (spirit), and all the potential to will and to do His pleasure. But then comes the second part of change that is required!

3.       You change by knowledge-the soul change

This soul part, they say, consists of mind, will and emotions. The Bible clearly talks about renewal of the mind in Romans 12:2. And you can find God’s will in His written word-and align your ways and will accordingly. It is His word that will help us know and help us grow; and produce the change in our soul that is required of us. That is why it is important to read, study, meditate and practice God’s word. God’s word is a mirror that reflects God’s will and purposes for you. And 2 Cor. 3:18 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.

And our soul must find nourishment from His word-for His words are spirit and they are life (John 6:63). Paul in 2 Cor. 3:18 is referring to the veil over Moses’ face, while coming down from Mt. Sinai, covering the glory of his encounter with God (Ex. 34). The ‘religion’ and 'law' are the veils that Paul is referring to! IF we see with unveiled face, then we can see the grace of God. And we can know that we have not only become brand new and forgiven of our sins, but now have put on the righteousness of God-This is not available in the law of Moses!

A mirror is supposed to reflect and show the person standing before it; in the same way, when we stand in His promises and look at His word, we see the glory within us shining through, and we can be confident of this thing, that He who has begun a good work in us, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil. 1:6). The veil is taken away, the plain mirror stands before you; the mystery, which has been hidden for ages, is now revealed to His saints, for your soul-change-Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col. 1:27)

All this change in the soul is gradual-from glory to glory, from step to faithful step in obedience. The Bible when it talks about renewal and transformation (of verses in Romans 12:2 and 2 Cor. 3:18) reflects more than just a casual knowledge of the Savior-Jesus Christ. The word is derived from the Greek word which is the root for ‘metamorphosis’, a term singularly used to identify a significant (marked) change-that of a larvae (cater-pillar) to a butterfly. When you look at the cater-pillar and then the butterfly, you really wonder if they are at all related! That is the change possible in the soul- a gradual and sometimes painful process, leading to the visible fruit out of your life-of love, joy and peace.

4.       You become what you behold-the final change

A mirror not only shows how we are, but also helps us think how better we can be. Yes, and the mirror of God’s word reflects His character, and as often as we come before it, we can see the glory of Christ, slowly being revealed in us. The Bible says, as a man thinks in his heart, so is he! [Prov. 23:7]. And so even though our outward man is perishing, we can see the inward man growing. The Psalmist puts this is perspective when he says: As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness. (Psalm 17:15) Yes, this is the final change-when we see Him, we shall be like Him!

And so the gradual change must proceed-it is not Sunday sudden ‘revelations’ and spirit-filled worship ‘experience’; it is day-by-day submission to God and His word-‘Not my will, but Yours be done’! I wish I could, but there is no way that I can put this mildly, and acceptable to all ‘believers’. This is the hard truth-change is necessary, change is gradual, change is by submission.

Now, do you want change, and growth? Let us be people who are willing and obedient. And let there be, in this year of change 2012, many butterflies flying up in the sky, growing up and out of those crawling cater-pillar years. Let us do it, in Jesus name. Amen.

Be Thankful

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Thankful reading!)

Luke 17:12-18

Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him tem men who were lepers, who stood afar off. And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests. And so it was, that as they went, they were cleansed.

And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at Hi feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan.

So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?”

As we come to the end of yet another year, and as we look back at the paths we have walked in our life, I am sure many of us would have used similar words as that of these lepers: ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us…’ or ‘Help us, Lord’. And the Lord would have helped us. In which case, we are confronted with the question of Jesus: Have you given glory to God? Have you been thankful at all?

You see, many a times, we take God’s healing, guidance and working in, for and around our lives as granted. Just like that nine lepers! And today, it is my prayer that we develop a thankful heart; a heart that is grateful for all His benefits. And developing a grateful heart is not all that difficult; all you have to do is to look at the Psalms. When we read through the Psalms, we find many that are written down as thanksgiving to God-for His wondrous works, for His loving kindness, for His healing and deliverance, and so on.

Like many of you here, I do have the habit of reading Psalms. But at this time of the year, I consciously meditate on Psalm 107. Here the Psalmist starts with the verse: Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. (Ps. 107:1) And ends the Psalm with this verse: Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the loving-kindness of the LORD. (Ps. 107:43) And in-between these verses, the Psalmist lists down the times and ways God had worked on their behalf, and for which one must be thankful. Now, I do not know about you, but I do keep a list of all the benefits that the Lord has extended during the year for me, my family and for the extended family, the church-of healing, guidance and provision at the time when we needed it.

A foolish person will receive gifts from God, and then go about with his ‘business as usual’. He may not even recall how the Lord had helped him! But, as the Psalmist says, a wise man will observe-consider, think, pause and reflect about these things…and will understand the lovingkindness of the LORD. “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

Be wise! Begin to think and thank God for what He has done for you. You can also begin to thank God for what He will do for you. All of us-we need to develop this heart of thankfulness, and praise God for His lovingkindness. The Bible says: Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God. As we thank Him, and make the necessary changes in our conduct, He will show us the way of salvation! What a wonderful God we serve! Yes, we can thank Him for the answer that is on the way; even for the things not yet received in His will; even for the waiting God has kept for us.

Be Thankful-In everything and For everything

A carnal human response to some unanswered request is to grumble, complain and murmur… But we must learn to praise Him in the storm, even! We do not have control over all our circumstances-but, we do have control over how we are going to respond to those circumstances. In every circumstance of life, He is with us and His lovingkindness does not depart from us-what a good reason for thankfulness! 1 Thess. 5:18 says: IN everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

We also cannot see the end from the beginning-our vision and understanding is so limited; but God sees all in full perspective. Therefore, as we take hold of Him and the truth of His word, His Spirit will help us graduate in our questioning attitude-from “Why me?” to “How long?” to “Hallelujah!” Therefore, according to Eph. 5:20 we can give thanks to God FOR everything!

Thankfully Continue-In Prayer and In Praise

If you want to be vigilant in your prayer, let it be filled with thanksgiving! Col. 4:2 says: Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Heb. 13:15 says: Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Continually offer, prayers and praises-with thanksgiving, to God.

Attitude of Gratitude

When we pray, and when we praise-it is not just to feel good, or to show to others how strong we are in the Lord. It must come not just from our lips, but from our heart. Heb. 12:28 says: Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have {grace | gratitude}, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Beloved, let us HAVE gratitude… it must not just be a SHOW!

A kingdom within us is growing, increasing and expanding-it is the kingdom of God that will not be shaken; all other things that you see will be shaken and then crumble someday. An unshakable kingdom of God within is united with an unshakable faith in God- of things not yet seen, but already convinced of its existence. Even in God’s creation, He spoke (things into existence) and then He saw (that it was good)! That is why, it is so important to have and exercise faith! Whether you are in the midst of the storm, or in the misty mountains; or down in a deep valley… where God has led, let prayer and praise continually ring out from your heart and lips with thanksgiving. Cry out to the Lord… “He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.” [Ps. 107:29]

We have Him-our great God, with us. We have His great promises-true every time. He has done great things for us in the past-forget not all His benefits. He will continue to do good things on our behalf in the future. Therefore, let prayer and praise continually flow out of your grateful heart today.

And may the Lord bless you and keep you; and show you His lovingkindness providing you with what you need at this time. Amen.

A Better Covenant

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph on Nov. 27, 2011. Happy reading!)

Hebrews 8:10-12

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

“None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”

Today, again, let me remind you of the New Covenant that we have in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. The author of the Book of Hebrews too constantly, throughout the book makes a comparison between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, reminding the people of Israel of the advantages and privileges a believer must experience in the New Covenant. Therefore we cannot, again, go back and live in the Old Covenant.

The Jews of that time had experienced the blessings of the Old Covenant (and there was quite a lot of it); but the prophet in the Old Covenant had prophesied that there would be a New and complete covenant, for all who come. And that is the place we are in today-experiencing the blessings of the New Covenant. Today, I want us to focus on these verses from Hebrews and find out how the New Covenant is different from the Old in three ways.

1. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more

 In the Old Covenant there were sacrifices for the atonement of sins-sacrifices of animals without blemish, whose blood could only cover their sins. It was a pointer to the sinless Lamb of God who would be sacrificed for OUR sins. Animal sacrifices could not take away their sins, and it was only a yearly reminder to them as the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies with the blood of animals. They were not cleansed in their conscience; guilt was present just beneath the covering.

But, in the New Covenant, Jesus died for us... and our sins are not just covered but really cleansed (taken away) by the blood of Jesus. John the Baptist did testify that here was the Lamb that would take away the sins of the whole world. A sinless Lamb sacrificed on the cross of Calvary, to take away the sins of the sinful world-and not just the Jews. God made Jesus who knew no sin, to be sin on our behalf that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor. 5:21). A 200% blessing indeed! Not only are our sins cleansed and taken away, but we are also declared righteous-justified before God. Our conscience has been completely cleansed and we can walk this earth guilt-free (and as if we had never sinned). That is how the Lord sees us!

If you are having doubts about your own forgiveness, and are reminded of your sins... it simply cannot be the Lord reminding you, because He has said “I will remember your sins no more”. God has chosen not to remember your sins, once they are forgiven; once you have received and tasted the forgiveness He has offered. It is the devil who reminds you of the past...

Indeed, we are a blessed generation in Jesus Christ. “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin.” [Rom. 4: 7-8]

2. None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them

 In the Old Covenant, the people of Israel had priests and high priest to represent the people. The people themselves had no access to God, but had the priests as the go-between; and the animals for sacrifices and grain for offering were given to the priests, to offer to God, on their own behalf. Apart from the priestly tribe (Levi), the people had no mediators.

No ordinary person even dared to enter the Holy Place. And a fearful high priest, only once a year, taking with him the blood of animals, and a bell and rope implement in place-to pull him out in the event of his own death, would enter the Most Holy Place. But in the New Covenant, through the blood of Jesus, we have free access to His Mercy Seat. Because when Jesus’ died, the veil of the temple tore from top to bottom, signifying a royal priesthood to everyone who believes in His great sacrifice. Jesus Himself is our only Mediator-between God and man; and all of us- from the least to the greatest, shall know God because of Him.

God is calling each one of us who believe, to have knowledge of Him. We need to have an increasing understanding of Him, day after day; and for that, we must enter the Most Holy Place.

A Christian walk does not stop with just the salvation experience-in the outer courts, where all the people gathered, and where there were sacrifices, in those days. In the outer courts, we can abound with thanksgiving, dance and sing for joy for what God has done for us-He loved us.

Nor does it stop in the Holy Place, where the priests did their daily duties. There was the show bread, the lamp-stand and incense, signifying the Word of God and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The bread was new each day-it is the living word of God for each day of your life. Every moment, just like the lamp that does not burn out, we can have Holy Spirit, guiding us and helping us.

But beloved, we must know Him in the Most Holy Place-where there is the Mercy Seat surrounded by the Shekinah glory of God. There was no dancing, no sound here; no acts of worship here; the high priest with blood going inside would look stunned at the glory the glory of God, and amazed on what he saw and heard; he may even come out speechless! If we read the verses in 1 Cor. 6:17 “...he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him” and put it in context, Paul is really talking about physical relationship. Just as the man is joined to his wife-in body, a believer is joined to the Lord-in his spirit. It is this intimacy and ‘knowing’ the Lord, that is meant in these verses-“all shall know Me.” The man and wife, as they grow in love and understand one another, communicate effectively even by a glance-without even one spoken word-or maybe just a touch or even silence! Beloved, let us know Him more and more... more and more.

I pray, that we will not be content with just a casual knowledge of God or just content to say a few words here and sing a few verses there... but go deep into an intimate relationship with God, our Maker.

3. I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.

 The prophecy in Ezek. 36:27 is fulfilled in the New Covenant. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” God the Holy Spirit causes us to walk in His ways, and teaches us and guides us into all truth.

When Jesus cast out demons, he says to his detractors in Luke 11:20 “But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” And the gospel according to Matthew puts it this way, Jesus saying in Matt. 12:28: “But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.” The Spirit of God is also the finger of God-He leads us and guides us to work His will in us. We have the finger of God in every situation that we are confronted with-there will always be a way with God; the question is only ‘Are we willing to take it?’

You may not find a specific verse in Scripture regarding whom to marry-but the Spirit of God will lead you and guide you every step of the way. Likewise, you may not know where to go for the place of work-whether within India or abroad, and it is the Spirit of God who will guide you. The finger of God will give you direction, both to will and to do-you can be sure of that! Read Phil. 2:13.

Let me close with the benediction found in Heb. 13:20, 21

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”

May we learn to trust Him, saying “No” to anything that is contrary to God’s word, and speaking out “Yes” to God’s will and pleasure. We sang the song about the Potter’s hand-moulding us and making us, and leading us... even if we are the least among men, we can still know Him.

If you have never heard of forgiveness of sins in the blood of Jesus, it is time now to come to Him. Jesus died for our sins-your sins and mine. He is reaching out now to take away your sins-give it up to Him, and receive His full and free forgiveness. Today is a new day-this is the day of salvation. If you have trusted Jesus, you have a clean slate now to start anew all over; no more condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Fix your eyes on the Lord Jesus, and walk the steps of faith to know Him more and more... Let Him have a say in every aspect of your life, and you will learn to lean on Him day by day.

A New and better Covenant is given to us. Indeed, we are a chosen generation-a privileged people. Meet with the Lord-in the Most Holy Place. It is up to us, to come and have a communion with the LORD in the Most Holy Place, beyond the veil that is taken away-a union of our spirit with His Spirit. Amen.

Stages of Growth

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Happy reading!)

December-It is that month of the year once again, where we can pause and reflect on what God has done for us. Many companies too, do this! They have a year-end appraisal program where each individual’s performance is evaluated. Some other companies have a self-appraisal program where they ask the individuals themselves to evaluate their own performance during the year. As believers in Christ, we too can have a self-appraisal, now, at the end of this year.

As great is the danger of backsliding in a believer’s life, so also is the grave danger of stagnating in one place in our walk with God. As months and years go by, some Christians find themselves in the same place that they started the year with, and may even think that that is where they want to be!

But Peter encourages each believer to grow with respect to their own salvation. 1 Peter 2:2 says, as new born babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby. From the Parable-of-the-Sower, Jesus has taught us that the seed of the word of God, in good soil, produces fruit-some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold and some hundred-fold. Isn’t it humbling for us believers, to know that the same seed (word of God) can yield different results! And we must be people who bring in the sheaves-hundred-fold. And a person like Apostle Paul-so close to God, confesses in Phil. 3:12, that he has not perfected yet, but presses on towards that goal. And I believe, today, as believers, we ought to be completely dissatisfied with our own spiritual condition; there must come within us a sense of urgency towards attaining that goal-yes, press on! There is no room for complacency in our Christian life. And join with Paul and say… forgetting the things that are behind (and not just the failures, even the successes of our Christian walk-too many Christians live in their past successes, sadly). Live in the present (faith) and keep an eye on the future.

And today, I share the verses in 1 John 2:12-14 with you.

I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake.

I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father.

I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one.

Didn’t we talk about self-appraisal? I want you to honestly appraise yourself as to what category of believers you fall in-whether of children, young men or fathers. Apostle John speaks categorically to three types of believers, and you and I must fall in one of these. And there are levels associated with these categories and when we have a self-appraisal and find that we are at one level, we can start now to work towards, and press on to go to, the next level. A person, who fails to plan, plans to fail. And when we are finished with our self-appraisal, we can plan to grow from children to young men and then to fathers.

(i)                  Children

I write to you children, because your sins are forgiven you. What a wonderful experience is the salvation experience! I write to you children, because you have known the Father. That is the child-like faith by which you have trusted and come to Lord Jesus Christ. And your sins have been washed away by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. 

We were born-again; born into the family of God. And we had entered into a new relationship with God the Father, by which we cried out “Abba, Father!” Yes, it is a wonderful experience-but, it is just the beginning of the Christian walk. The starting phase as children! Some Christians want to go to their grave with just this experience: God is my Father, and my sins have been forgiven in Lord Jesus Christ. But there is a next level of maturity Apostle John is calling these to-the walk of the young men.

(ii)                Young men

I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. Young men in Christ are strong in His grace. This is indeed the walk in strength of the Christians-knowing His grace. 

If you see the illustration in the Old Testament, the children of Israel came of Egypt-delivered with a great deliverance out of the hands of Pharaoh and into a walk with God. And they all passed through the Red Sea-the type of baptism of every believer in Jesus Christ. But you know what-most of these Israelites perished in the wilderness and never experienced the Promised Land. If that is the case of believers today, it is indeed a pitiful state-not experiencing the Promised Land, right here on earth! (Why do many wait for only the land that is far away… in the life that is to come?). 

But then, there was Joshua in those days. God says to Joshua, “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise… Be strong and of good courage…” (Joshua 1:1-6). That is the young man Apostle John is talking about-who arise and being strong take possession of the Promised Land. Overcoming all obstacles, (as there were obstacles, for Joshua-who fought many battles) and overcoming the wicked one.

It is for all Christian ‘young men’ to arise and overcome the wicked one. Jesus taught us how. Satan came to sow the seed of doubt in Jesus mind: “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matt. 4:3). That is the doubt the tempter will sow in a Christian who is growing: ‘Are you really God’s child? Then why is this happening to you? Why are you always in lack?’ We must be ready with the answer of Jesus: (I am not going to make that stone bread, because I haven’t heard a word from My Father regarding that!) “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” [Know what is written in the word of God-Read it!]

Secondly, Satan came to tempt Jesus with the word of God saying, It is written. (Matt. 3:6). Jesus said to him, “It is written again, You shall not tempt the LORD your God.” [Know what is also written in the word of God-Study it!] Therefore have a balanced view of everything that is written for you. It is sad to see many ministries today, concentrating on just one aspect of God’s written word, and not having a balanced view even to the extent of intolerance towards other believers!

Thirdly, Satan offered Jesus the world, for worship of the devil. Jesus stood up ready with a defense: Away with you Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.” [Know what is written in the word of God-Obey it!]

Let it be said of us, as young men and women- that the word of God abides in him / her. But also set your sights higher as you finish with your self-appraisal and find you are a young man, full of courage and have overcome the wicked one. For there is yet one more level- that of the father.

(iii)               Father

I write to you fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. Have you questioned yourself of how much you know of Him who is from the beginning? There are various aspects of His blessed being from the God-the Creator, to God-our Helper, our Provider, our Strength, our Shepherd, our Sanctification… our Father. We MUST know Him. Paul writes in Phil 3:10 “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” That is why I said we must be constantly dissatisfied with the state of our spiritual being. There must always be a longing to know Him more and more… more and more.

Peter, knowing that his time on earth was over, writes to fellow believers, you 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’ (2 Pet. 3:18). It is this way that we become Christ-like, into the mould of Jesus; submitting ourselves into the master-plan of God. How can you become Christ-like, if you do not know Him who is from the beginning? James compares the word of God to a mirror-that shows us who we are. Human tendency is to compare with other believers and feel complacent knowing that we may be better-off than most of them. But the word of God reveals the character of Jesus- and He is our standard.

A father also has children. And we must have a heart for children of God-to bring the name of Jesus into the hearts of children who would believe. Raise up many spiritual children, and know what God can do through you to bless others. Yes, the heart of the father, is not ‘just God and me’; but also a longing for the lost children of this world to know the true light.

Have an honest self-appraisal this time of year. Let us not stagnate in the same place month after month and year after year. May God help us, and lead us from one level of knowing Him to the next level. Amen.

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.