God’s Will in Marriage

A. Introduction

Psalm 68:6 God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

This verse tells us that God is interested in setting up families. The Bible begins with a marriage instituted by God Himself- between Adam and Eve. The Bible closes with a grand marriage between the Lamb and His Bride-the church. And in between these pages, we have numerous examples of how God set the solitary in families.

It is generally God’s will for you to be married, unless God has specifically spoken to you in this matter to remain single. One day Jesus was speaking to His disciples on what the law said about divorce. His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given;” [Matt. 19: 10, 11]

Houses and riches are an inheritance from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD [Prov. 19:14]. Therefore you can ask of the LORD, to answer your prayer in marriage. Ask, and it will be given to you. But, don’t stop with only asking; be an active participant- seek and you will find. Knock on the specific door shown to you, and the door will surely open for you (Matt. 7:7). I have heard quite a few ‘single’ persons say, if it is God’s will let Him bring it to pass. I say ‘Amen’. But I also say, do not sit passively waiting; be an active participant in fulfilling God’s will in your life. God is willing; and He wants us to be involved in the answer He provides. This is a similar situation, if you have finished your studies and waiting for a job. Unless you apply for a job, you have no reason to expect an answer!

B. Finding a Life Partner

Fellow believer: As a believer and single, look for another believer in marriage. 1 Cor. 7:39 says: A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. [See also 2 Cor. 6:14].

Agreement on major issues: Also, look for agreement on major issues in your life-partner. Amos 3:3 says: Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? And marriage is a decision to walk together for the rest of your lives as a couple. It is mostly a long walk. Therefore, before marriage, consider each other and see that you agree on major issues.

Compatibility: See if the other person is suitable for you in aspects of spirit, soul and body. Here I am not saying that you should look for 100% compatibility or wait for a perfect life-partner according to your imaginations. Please understand that perfect people are not here on earth (they are only in heaven!!). In Gen. 2:18, when God made Eve for Adam, it says in the Bible that He made him a helper compatible {suitable corresponding} to him.

Make your choice: The life-partner in marriage must be our choice, too. In the verse in 1 Cor. 7:39, it says “… whom she wishes, …” If you are having difficulty making a choice, look for God’s peace in your decision. It is God’s peace that acts as an umpire in our hearts [Col. 3: 15] to know and to do His will.

Be decisive: Once you have found His will, go ahead and prove it in your decision, whether to marry or not. It is we who have to prove the good, acceptable and perfect will of God in our lives (Romans 12:2). Don’t endlessly wait and become doubtful later of God’s intentions. Take a step- decide!

C. Living together Harmoniously

Lifelong Covenant: Some people came to Jesus, and testing Him asked “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife?” And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

For believers, divorce is not an option. We have a covenant with one another as man and wife. It is from the beginning as God ordained. We have taken a vow to be with our spouse, in sickness and in health, in riches and poverty; in joy and in sorrow… till death do us part. Therefore what God has joined, man shall not put asunder.

Leaving and Cleaving: Jesus quotes from the Old Testament- it has not changed in the New Covenant- Man shall LEAVE his father and mother… and be JOINED to his wife. And the two shall become one flesh.

Love: Col. 3:14 says: But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Love is the bond that binds us- makes us one; keeps us united. If you lack love, the marriage is bound for troubled waters. PUT ON LOVE. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [1 Cor. 13:4-7]. These are practical truths possible to display in a husband-wife relationship.

Husbands, love your wives. (Eph 5:25) Wives, love your husbands. (Titus 2:4). There should be mutual respect between husband and wife- the wife honouring the husband (Eph 5:33), in private and in public; and the husband honouring the wife (1 Pet. 3:7).

Faithfulness: Before marriage, you may have been independent and making your own decisions. But after marriage, we must learn to adapt, adjust and to be inter-dependent. Keep in mind the interest of the other person in marriage. And in this depraved world, it is absolute faithfulness to one’s own spouse, which is the standard set for us as believers. It has not changed! The biblical standard of purity and faithfulness is relevant even in today’s world. For fornicators and adulterers, God will judge [Heb. 13:4].

Live your Defined Roles of Responsibility: I do believe that it is the husband’s role, primarily, to earn and provide for the home, although we have, in today’s world, both the husband and wife going about their work. And although there is equality between man and his wife, there are also well-defined roles in the family where man IS the head of the family. And the wife must see to it that she respects her husband in this his role [1 Peter 3:1]. Therefore, let us seek to do our defined roles at home [See also Titus 2:4, 5].

We have the example of the equality in the Triune God- God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit- Three equal One. And the Bible also says about God the Father being the head of Christ. (1 Cor 11:3). In a similar manner, the equality of the man and woman in marriage is complemented by the submission of the wife to the authority of her husband.
It is God’s will to settle us in families; if you are single, look forward to God’s work in your lives. Be adaptable and be willing to actively involve yourself, in asking in prayer; seek to find, and knock on specific doors. Look for a suitable life-partner and decide on the basis of God’s leading and peace. Do not decide on the basis of your understanding. God desires for you to live harmoniously together. Therefore, know that what God has joined together, man shall not separate. Put on love and participate in the defined roles of responsibility.

Blessed and harmonious life together is our portion. Even if it feels like a desert in your marriage, there is One who can make streams to flow in the desert; and the wilderness will blossom and the field will be counted as a forest – flourish like Lebanon. There is always HOPE- even against hope. Put your faith in the living God; He is for us. Even if one is unbelieving, the love of Jesus Christ will change hearts. Love that will not let us go… Love that is, till the end. We- the married man and wife, can display this love, till death do us part. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bringing Up Children

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Children- bring them; become them; bring them up!)

Our Lord Jesus was concerned for each one of the little children (infants) brought to Him. (Luke 18:15-17). We too must be concerned for our own children- it is our responsibility. Our parents may leave us wealth and houses, but it is written “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.” (Psalm 127:3). They are like arrows that go before us, and this is what I tell my son, too- that he has to go farther than me; that he has to go higher… As parents, I know we all wish well for our children. But, let me share with you 7 principles from the Bible in which we must show responsibility towards our children.

If you are a parent, then these words should encourage you to know of God’s plan for your children. If you are an young adult waiting to get married, you too can read and prepare yourself for the forthcoming responsibility.

I do not speak these 7 principles of bringing up children, as someone who has already accomplished it, but rather from a heart-felt burden that we may all become and be parents according to God’s word and ways. God’s word is not just theory that we read and seek an explanation; but is also practical, that we can surely DO and follow. And in today’s world (of worldwide web, active information-dissemination and hugely popular social networks), it is really a challenge for parents to guide their own children in godly ways. We can take up this challenge by following these 7 principles.

1. Faith Hebrews 11:23 “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.”
This entire chapter of Hebrews 11 is about champions of faith- people who had accomplished mighty things in the Lord by faith and appropriated God’s blessings. By faith, Sarah, a woman barren for long, received strength to conceive and she bore a child although she was past the ‘child-bearing’ age (Heb. 11:11). And by faith, Moses’ parents, knowing the king’s harsh command to slay every male child, did not do so… but hid him for 3 months. And we know how Moses, was adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, was nursed by his own mother, and grew up and chose to be different from the Egyptian princes. I believe that his parents played a part in imbibing and transmitting something spiritual into Moses’ life- that he should choose to suffer affliction with the people of God (Heb. 11:25) many years later.

Moses’ life is a wonderful example of how our Sovereign God can ordain circumstances in the life of a person, to answer the faith of his parents. In case of Moses, it would be many years later that he would ‘turn’ in of obedience to God’s call. He took a stand for the Jewish people- his own people, and turned history on its head.
Today, God is waiting to answer your faith – towards your own children. Have you imparted something spiritual- a spiritual seed, in them that can grow? “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style…” [Psalm 144:12].

2. Intercession

Job 1:5 says: So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.

Give yourself to intercessory prayer for your children. Job was a man who was not satisfied with his own wonderful relationship with God. He wanted the relationship to extend even towards his own children. So he regularly interceded for them, offering sacrifices. We can be like Job, and intercede for our children, pray on their behalf, before our One Mediator. We will certainly receive mercy. For, love covers a multitude of sins, and we will have joy as we receive our children, even if they have gone astray for now. Continue steadfastly in interceding for your children.

In Col. 4:2, Paul encourages the believers to continue earnestly in prayer, in the context of family relationships. If you love your children, pray for them.

3. Love

Titus 2:4 “…that they may admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children…”
Love is the greatest thing… and loving our children must be one of our priorities. It seems strange that the author should even write to parents reminding them to love their children, but there it is- it is the parent’s responsibility to love.

As children, they may be prone to life’s errors while learning their life-lessons. And our children may misunderstand us sometimes; and we may misunderstand them too, sometimes. But in all, the children must always have the assurance of our love; and they must be secure in our love. Even as I say this, I know that this is one aspect that I was blessed with in my own life- that I have always felt that I am greatly loved by my parents. Our children must have free access to us anytime they require us, and feel confident and secure in the love we give them.

4. Discipline

Eph. 6:4 “And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”
It is the parents’ responsibility to discipline their own children- promptly and to their own good, in the things of the Lord. Do not nag them, or provoke them to anger… but train and discipline them.

Eli was a priest before God. But he let his sons go astray in the service to the Lord. His sons grew wicked in their ways and Eli failed to discipline them. This was so displeasing in the sight of the Lord (1 Sam. 2:29). We know of the tragic end of Eli as well as his sons.

5. Instruction

We need to instruct our children in the ways of the Lord. Look at Timothy in the Bible. Paul says : “…and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” [2 Tim. 3:15].

Timothy’s mother was Jewish; but his father was Greek. Now see the role of Timothy’s mother (and grand-mother) shaping the destiny of the young child, Timothy. He was, from the childhood, taught by his mother about the Holy Scriptures.

We thank God for Sunday School teachers who take part in the responsibility of sharing God’s word to our children. It is indeed a great sacrifice. But the primary responsibility of sharing instructions from God’s word still rests with the parents. Eli displeased God; but in contrast, Abraham pleased God. The Bible says about Abraham: “For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” [Gen. 18:19]. And we know of Isaac, how he too followed his father Abraham, in the ways of the LORD; obedient even to the sacrificial offering on the altar.

6. Provision
1 Tim. 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

In those days, there were believers who gathered together and were busy in one thing or other, even to the extent of neglecting their own family; and Paul cautions them that they first care and provide for their own lest they become worse than an unbeliever!

If you are a young adult waiting to get married, God’s word for you is this: Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field and afterward build your house. [Prov. 24:27] Don’t rush into marriage before being able to provide for your family.

7. Be an example

In 1 Cor. 11:1 Paul says: Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

I know this is a challenge for any parent to say these very words to their own children. You see, we may speak of so many good things from God’s word to our children, but if our lifestyle does not match what we speak, our children will get some mixed signals. Instead, we must prove to our children that what we speak is also what we do! Even without words, if our children see what we are upto in God’s ways, it is certain that the right seed is going into their hearts. It will produce a fruit-filled life in them.

Indeed, we wish our children well; but we must have faith, lift them in prayer, love them deeply, and discipline them out of love; instruct them in the right way and provide for their needs.

We ought to follow the example of Abraham (and not Eli) in disciplining and in instructing our children. We can be examples of Godly character, just as Paul saying with confidence “Imitate me”. And our children will be like well-nourished plants and like pillars in the house of God. Let this be our heritage as parents. Amen.

Give Thanks

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph; hoping I haven't missed much. Happy reading!)

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His {mercy | love | loving-kindness} endures forever. – 1 Chronicles 16:34

In the Old Testament, David introduces this concept of thanking God for who He is; for His loving-kindness. It caught on the imaginations of a generation hungry for God’s revelation and it became a sort of catch-phrase; during

·         Worship: Solomon during the dedication of the temple of God that was built by him (2 Chr. 7:3 onwards) and the glory of the LORD filled the temple

·         Warfare: Jehoshaphat during his battle against Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chr. 20: 21, 22) and the LORD set ambushes when they began to sing.

It seems to me that till that time, it had never occurred to the people of Israel, or its leaders, to thank the LORD for His mercy and goodness. During the times of Moses and Joshua, worship was solemn and mostly silent, as the priests carried out the dutiful sacrifices.

But David found a revelation of God’s goodness and mercy and begins to thank the LORD with joyful music. People began to experience the presence of God as never before. Worship to God was never the same again! Musical instruments, dance and singing became part and parcel of worship, along with the catch-phrase “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His loving-kindness is everlasting”.

In our lives too, we need a revelation of God’s goodness, love and mercy, to be filled with His presence. The phrase has three parts:

1. Give thanks to the LORD
2. He is good
3. His loving-kindness is everlasting

Give thanks to the LORD

When was the last time you thanked the Lord for his love? The Bible encourages us to ‘enter his gates with thanksgiving’ and ‘into his courts with praise’ (Psalm 100:4). And as we begin to thank the Lord, we enter in to His holy presence.

Cultivate the habit of thanking the Lord at all times, for everything. An author has compiled 1000 (yes, thousand!) reasons to thank the Lord (all from God’s word with references). Another has compiled 1400 (yes, fourteen hundred) reasons on why we must thank the Lord! As is obvious, if you look at the word, there is no dearth of reasons to thank the Lord. So what or where is the problem?

Psalm 50:23 “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”

If you are having problems thanking the Lord, check out if you have truly experienced His {salvation | redemption}. Begin to thank Him for what He has done and who He is to you, and God will show up with His deliverance; to set you free from every bondage, every reversal and every pain. This was the case with Jehoshaphat-in deep trouble, surrounded by enemies. He appoints a choir, to sing and praise the beauty of holiness of the LORD, while going into the battle (!). What happened? 2 Chr. 20: 22 says, “Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated.”

God shows up in the midst of praise. God showed up when Paul and Silas, who were thrown into the dungeons of the prison-cell, began singing and praising the Lord. (Acts 16: 25-26). Imagine Paul and Silas, in deep discomfort-having received many stripes on their back and their feet locked up in stock! And they-instead of complaining, committed themselves to give thanks to the Lord, singing hymns.

We are called to continually offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving-the fruit of our lips (Heb. 13:15). In the Old Covenant, there were many sacrifices-of grain, sheep and oxen; but in the New Covenant-just praise offerings! Anytime and anywhere-continually, it is possible that we can offer sacrifices of thanksgiving-for what He has done, for what He is doing and also for what He will do for us. Yes! Thank Him in advance, seeing with eyes of faith: let your requests be made known, with thanksgiving (Phi. 4:6).

He is good

God is good. Even in our church, we are quick to respond to ‘God is good’ with ‘All the time’-this has become a catch-phrase for us; and why not? God is good. His glory is His goodness! Moses wished to see God’s glory. And the LORD said to Moses, “I will make all My goodness pass before you…” (Exo. 33:19). And the LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth…” (Exo. 34: 6).

Jesus has taught us this: that God alone is good. For so He responded to a man who called Him “Good Teacher!” Jesus says in Matthew 7:11: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Think about this verse… humanly speaking, we do desire the welfare of our children-as parents would; we do give them gifts-as loving parents would; all this in spite of being EVIL. Now HOW MUCH MORE, God who is PERFECTLY GOOD, will give good things if you ask Him!

God is good. And he does good to all who love His name. Romans 8:28 that we are familiar with says: And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. He did it in the life of Joseph-born in the house of promise, loved by his father (and loved by his Father who gave him dreams), but hated by his siblings, sold as a slave, framed as a sinner, lived as a prisoner; yet God raised him up, and how. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt and finally recognized him, this is what Joseph says: “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” (Gen. 50: 20).

And do you think you are in a “bad” situation? Maybe a difficult boss or some uncooperative colleagues: “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His loving-kindness is everlasting”. God is both loving and kind; the single Hebrew word for this is variously translated as mercy, love and loving-kindness in English translations.

Do not lose hope! In the midst of weeping and lamentations, Jeremiah found this quality of God that shone through all the ‘dark’ happenings surrounding him-the people of Israel were led away captives to Babylon; Jerusalem was in ruins and the temple of Solomon was destroyed. Yet, he found comfort in God to say: Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness. (Lam. 3: 22, 23). Yes; the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning!

Sorrows will not continue; weeping may endure for just a night; but there is a shout of joy in the morning, because His mercies are new. Today is a new day; all failures, short-comings, misgivings of yesterday are gone! Welcome the new mercies of God into your heart. The ruins will be rebuilt; the streets will be restored for a dwelling; in His presence broken hearts are made new!

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; and His love endures forever!”

His loving-kindness is everlasting

Everlasting-just think about big is that! Deut. 7: 9 says: Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

You ask “you mean a thousand generations?” - Yes. A THOUSAND generations. We all know that we are indeed fortunate if we see the second generation – our children’s children. A few may see the third generation – our great grand-children. But a THOUSAND generations! You see, God saw us in Abraham and kept His covenant and mercy in us through Jesus Christ-many generations later. And His promise is for us even today! Now go and get a grip on God’s forever faithfulness; everlasting kindness; never-ending love; uncompromising goodness and dew-new mercies!

Psalm 103: 15-17 says: As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, …

David compares the life of man, the length of which, is in total contrast to the extent of God’s mercy. On the one hand, our life is like that of a grass-little in duration; on the other hand, the LORD’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. How GREAT is God's mercy!

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; and His mercy endures forever!”

That is why it is written, “Do all things without complaining and disputing…” (Phi. 2: 14); “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thes. 5:18). God is good and 100% good; there is no variation in God's goodness. The sun’s light may wax in noon-time and wane in the evening- but every good and perfect gift we receive is from the Father of lights in whom there is no variation or shadow of turning! His mercies are never-ceasing. Therefore we have hope in God. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

“Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; and His love endures forever!” Amen.

Keep Walking

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph. Take a walk in the light. Happy reading!)
 

1 John 1:7: But 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.

Here is a lesson of love: Not only do we have fellowship with God, but we must endeavor to have fellowship with one another. This is walking in the light! The earlier verse says: If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. In other words, what the Bible says is that fellowship with God and fellowship with one another are related. Otherwise, we are just walking in darkness.

It is God who had called us out of darkness, into His marvelous light. And we did respond by coming to Him with a repentant heart. Our sins were forgiven and then the new birth, when we were born of Him. And we forged a new relationship with God our FATHER. The point is, when we became related to God and His light, we also became related to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, we must know the fellowship with one another. Even in the natural realm, we are related not just to our parents, but also to our siblings – our own brothers and sisters. And we do know the value of such a relationship. 

We are not called to be alone or aloof in the kingdom of God. That is why I encourage everyone going to any other place in the world, due to study or employment, to be part of a local fellowship of Christians. Because we are also part of the world wide church, related in the blood of Jesus Christ, with our Father in heaven. Seek to be part of the local expression of the body of Christ, wherever you are! We are no longer strangers; but all have become part of God’s great family – we are brothers and sisters.

The Psalm 92 talks about being ‘planted in the house of the Lord’; the author of Hebrews implores ‘Do not forsake the gathering together of saints’ – Don’t make it a habit of refraining from the church assembly. We must learn to cultivate good habits – therefore add to faith virtue! Psalm 92:13 says: Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

It takes effort to win an estranged brother. In the same way, there must be a willingness to fellowship one with another.

1 Peter 5 and verses 5 and 6 talks about being submissive to one another together with humbling ourselves before God. It says: Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,… Ephesians 5:21 says the same: submitting to one another in the fear of God. Therefore we ought to be subject not only to our God, but also to one another in the fellowship.

The Bible also likens the church to a human body; each with members of the same body with Christ as head. Each member has at least one function to fulfill. The Bible calls us priests before God. For you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood…

Now let me share some principles on how to establish a relationship with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

(i)              Get to know the person

3 John 14 says: …Greet the friends by name. Get to know the names of people in your fellowship.

(ii)            Mingle with all

Do not form and have your own groups and networks in the church fellowship. Do not look for social standing and status while getting to know a person. Romans12:16 says: Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

(iii)          Accept one another

Romans 15:7 says: Therefore receive {accept} one another, just as Christ also received {accepted} us, to the glory of God. Do you remember how we came before God the first time? Just as we were; with our weakness and failures – and He accepted us. ‘As is, where is’ – that’s how we came to Him. We must first have this attitude toward others.

(iv)          Be kind to one another / Forgive one another

You are not in a fellowship for competition and strife. Ephesians 4:32: And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. There is no place for grudges and bitterness in a fellowship. FORGIVE freely – JUST AS God in Christ forgave you.

The Bible teaches us not to give place for any root of bitterness; and not allow the sun go down on our wrath (Eph. 4:26). Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (v31). Do not allow any bitterness to grow because someone ignored you in the fellowship, or when someone did not smile or talk with you. Bear with one another and forgive.

(v)            Pray for one another

If you are wondering what your work in the fellowship is, you can start by praying for one another; pray and intercede. God will use you to be a blessing. Encourage one another, and comfort one another in prayer. Build one another and admonish one another in love.

(vi)          Love one another

Yes. Love one another and care for one another. When God met Cain to enquire about Abel, Cain responded “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Do you care what happens to your brother or sister in the fellowship? We are responsible. In fact Jesus said, this will be one of the distinguishing mark of the Christian fellowship – Love. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).

The Bible reasons, ‘How can we love God, whom we have not seen, if we do not love the brother whom we see?’ 

(vii)        Serve one another

Be hospitable and do good to one another. The Bible says that we have received a special gift; each one of us. And we ought to serve one another with that special gifting. 1 Peter 4:10 says: As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Do not bury your talents as in the parable of the lazy servant. God will bless you when you use your gifts.

(viii)      Restore one another

If you have true love in your hearts, you will care enough to correct the person if he or she is wrong. Deal directly with that person; do not back-bite or slander or judge. But walk in love. Galatians 6:1: Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

(ix)           Bear one another’s burdens

Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. In this fast-paced life of the city, it will be easy to ignore other’s burdens. Like in the parable of the Good Samaritan, the priest and the Levite, who did not stop by the injured man, but passed by ignoring his plight, we could be people who do not bother; or like that Samaritan, we could invest our time and resources in caring and sharing in other’s burden – other’s pain. This is Christ’s body – we all are members. It is our church, our brothers and sisters. If we do not help one another, who will help?

Wherever you are, whatever church fellowship you attend, you can begin to walk in the light of fellowship with one another with your brothers and sisters in Christ. We could go on giving excuses, or we can start as early as now! We could talk the talk of love for ages, but it’s time we walk the talk. Walk in light! Our walk talks louder than our talk talks!

You could know the Bible verses from each book of the Bible, but have you put any of those in practice? Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. Knowledge is good, but love in action is better. Therefore add to your knowledge…brotherly kindness and love (1 Peter 1:5-7).

If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, then we have fellowship one with another. Keep walking!

Amen.

Love

(Message by Pastor Philip Joseph on June 13, 2010. Happy reading!)

For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul” or “I am of Apollos” or “I am of Cephas”, or “I am of Christ .” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Cor. 1: 11, 12, 13)

Here was Paul eager to talk to the church at Corinth, while he hears some news about them. He is also in receipt of a letter from church with queries regarding eating of things sacrificed to idols, about marriage, about spiritual gifts… And Paul answers their queries through this letter to the Corinthians. But, before he addresses their queries, he expresses concern regarding one particular trait in the church – i.e. division.

The church in Corinth was blessed with a growing congregation- a powerful witness in such a geographically important place. This brought many great men of God to share the wonderful works and knowledge of our great God. But then the unthinkable happenend… the people became people followers; some said they were of Paul, some of Apollos, some of Peter… there were beginnings of a great turmoil by factions and groups of segregated believers; yes, they were divided.

Paul questions ‘Is Christ divided?’ and ARGUES that there is really ONE true foundation and that is Jesus Christ! “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11).

We must in our times, too, be concerned of this trait of division in the church. We respect ministers – great men of God; we hear them speak but we will FOLLOW only Jesus Christ. Yes, ‘who then is Paul or who is Apollos but ministers through whom you believed… ‘(1 Cor. 3:5). Finally, who matters for our faith is the Rock of all ages! It does not matter who spoke to us about Him; we put our trust in Him. It does not matter who baptized us…we were baptized in His name. Yes, only Jesus Christ.

Paul, or Apollos or for that matter Peter had no inkling of thought to create divisions…in fact they shared a great relationship with one another and with Jesus Christ. Yet, it was the ‘carnal’ natured members of the church who started divisions in their name. Paul was clear of what he considered himself and wanted others to consider him the same. He says, Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. (1 Cor. 4:1)

Are you reeling under a spate of divisions within the church? Are you relying on your mind to decide on some faction to follow yourself? Beware, the carnal mind! Strive for UNITY in Christ Jesus…

Colossians 3:14 says, “But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection {unity}” What about in marriage? If we show true love, it is bound to bond us in unity… It is the same in church; walk in love and we will see how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.

All right! Today this is the theme of what I wish to speak to you – LOVE. Turn with me to the chapter on love - 1 Corinthians 13. Paul, the learned, sandwiches this love chapter between chapter 12 and chapter 14 that talks of spiritual gifts and usage of spiritual gifts. In between, he talks of the FRUIT of TRUE LOVE. What I understand is this: that whatever may be your spiritual gifting, it will not WORK unless founded in LOVE.

That is why, Paul starts chapter 13 with these words: “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am NOTHING” (v1, 2).

If we look at the world, the word ‘love’ has different meanings and connotations… people define it according to their intellect, advantage and convenience, nothing more. But here in the Bible the true definition of LOVE is written… there are 7 things written of what LOVE IS and 8 things written of what LOVE IS NOT… By reading through we get a grasp of what love is and what Jesus has done for us in pouring out this love into our hearts, for us to work on and walk in love with our fellow brethren…

LOVE IS…

• Patient

V4 ‘Love suffers long and is kind’: A quality remarkably absent in the 21^st century…We want it and want it NOW. But God calls us to be different… As we put on the attitude of Paul in calling ourselves God’s servant… we are encouraged particularly to have this quality of patience (2 Tim. 2:24)

• Kind

Prov. 19:22 says, ‘what is desired in a man is kindness…’  Prov. 3:3 says, ‘Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck.’

LOVE IS NOT…

• Jealous

If you have love, the one of the proofs that you show is that you are not jealous of another’s gift, wealth or possessions. Many think that being envious is not so bad… after all it is no harm done. But James 3:16 warns us: For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

LOVE DOES NOT…

• Brag

 Love does not parade itself; Boast about oneself! Yes, it may be the truth about your ‘experiences’ and ‘encounters’; but love considers ‘Is it really called for to talk about it?’. Proverbs 27:2 says, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.”

LOVE IS NOT…

• Arrogant / Rude

Knowledge puffs up; but love edifies (1 Cor. 8:1). Arrogance in the church and arrogance of the anointed have been subject matters in recent weeks past. Paul was writing to Corinthians about eating of things sacrificed to idols; in those days, even the meat available in the market were first offered to idols… Paul offers this explanation that an idol is nothing for those with the knowledge of one God… but food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse (v8).

What do we do with other members? Constant try to put them down with criticism and discouragement?

LOVE DOES NOT…

• Seek its own

 Love is not selfish… If you are on the verge of taking the steps to holy matrimony, consider what you can GIVE into the relationship rather than what you can GET OUT OF the relationship. This is love to consider others’ interest even in the church… to promote others rather than your own interest.

LOVE IS NOT…

• Provoked

An irritable nature is not because of love! Even if people speak against us… there is love that keeps us from being provoked.

LOVE DOES NOT…

• Keep an account of wrongs

Do not keep a record of wrong doings…walking in true love is always having a clean slate when you meet up a person. Forgiveness is the key…the Lord taught us in the prayer ‘Forgive us, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us’

• Rejoice in unrighteousness

If there is unrighteousness / iniquity / sin, true love will not rejoice in it.

LOVE …

• Rejoices in the truth

Just because you like or dislike someone, does not mean you have to take sides in argument or dissensions. True love will always stand for truth and rejoice in it.

• Bears all things

1 Peter 4:8 says ‘Love covers a multitude of sins’… We too can learn to bear one another’s burden in love. Remember how Noah was uncovered one day, and two of his sons covered him while earlier the other son did not…

• Believes all things

The amplified Bible says that love believes the best of all things (about a person). This is how God saw us while we yet sinners… he saw our substance, our potential, our future and He came down for us… A sinner is turned into a saint because God chose to believe the best of all things about us…

• Hopes all things

He is our God of hope who fills us with hope in love. Romans 15:13 says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.

• Endures all things

True love never gives up on anybody! Hold on, persevere… because His love endures forever. By faith and endurance {patience}, we inherit God’s promises (Heb. 6:12).

LOVE DOES NOT…

• fail

Prophecy may fail, tongues may cease, but love does not fail but endures forever.

1 Corinthians 14:1 says, “Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts...”; You see true love is not automatically given to us. We have to pursue love…go after it. God is love and He has poured out His love into our hearts. We have a responsibility to do the works that we are called for…to fulfill each and every purpose of God and His will for our own lives. In unity and harmony is our strength… we do have a responsibility to pursue love and pursue peace with all men.

May God grant us to know the depths of His love for us… that we may know true love and pursue it. Amen.