Many times we seem to have a skewed idea about ministry. Some years ago, the principal of an excellent school from Pune complained that her husband who had recently accepted Christ had lost his drive. In her mind, he ahd become useless in the sense that all he would do is go around and preach the Gospel without caring for anything else, and more importantly his family.
Sometimes our hearts and minds are so full of things above that we are of no earthly good. To understand our ministry, we first need to understadn who we are in Christ. And then our ministry is to be steadfast in the things that we are doing. Yes! Ministry is being the best employee at the work place - as shocking as it may sound to some.
Your first and foremost priority at the workplace is not to evangelise but to W-O-R-K. Ministry is the outcome of your dedication and hard work and you will not need many words to be a witness for Christ.
Saint Augustine once remarked, "Preach all the time, if necessary use words."
Wiser words were not uttered for the working Christian. Where ever you are, you will find opportunities to make a stand. Your guiding principles, motives, and actions will bring more people to like you and consider you as a person of influence than by preaching. You do not need to be a manager to manage the situation and be a witness.
On the other hand, the Bible warns the lazy worker, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise..." Pro 6:6-10
listen to the warning and wake up. there is a time for everything and today is your day. Your day to begin ministering through your words and actions without losing sight of the purpose for which you are in the Market Place.
Even God worked for six days and then rested on the Sabbath. Jesus during his ministry on earth worked too (see mark 16:20).
Psalm 23 can only be claimed by a true Christian.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Who Am I?
Let's take a look at the life of D. L. Moody as an example.
"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
Matthew 19:26
Dwight L. Moody was a poorly educated, unordained, shoe salesman who felt God's call to preach the Gospel. One day as he and some friends gathered together for a time of prayer his friend said, "The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him."
D. L. moody was moved by these words. Later, during a revival meeting where Charles Spurgeon was the main speaker, he realised for the first time that it was not Spurgeon speaking but the Holy Spirit speaking through him. His friend's words came back to memory and his eyes were opeend to the truth that it is not the messenger who is important but the message. With the Holy Spirit in him, he could be a mighty man of God even though he may not have had a great education or be a genius. D. L. Moody went on to become one of the finest evangelists of modern times. A simple man with no great skills but one who gave himself to God wholeheartedly.
Do you think of yourself as an ordinary man or woman? Remember that God does extraordinary things through ordinary people and the Bible has plenty of such examples. Isn't that how His glory and power is demonstrated?
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:9-10
Attempt great things for God and His kingdom. trust in Him at all times. You are what you allow God to make you!
My prayer for you this morning is that you may be anle to echo the words of the apostle of grace, "But by the grace of God I am what I am." 1 Cor 15:10
"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'"
Matthew 19:26
Dwight L. Moody was a poorly educated, unordained, shoe salesman who felt God's call to preach the Gospel. One day as he and some friends gathered together for a time of prayer his friend said, "The world has yet to see what God can do with and for and through and in a man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him."
D. L. moody was moved by these words. Later, during a revival meeting where Charles Spurgeon was the main speaker, he realised for the first time that it was not Spurgeon speaking but the Holy Spirit speaking through him. His friend's words came back to memory and his eyes were opeend to the truth that it is not the messenger who is important but the message. With the Holy Spirit in him, he could be a mighty man of God even though he may not have had a great education or be a genius. D. L. Moody went on to become one of the finest evangelists of modern times. A simple man with no great skills but one who gave himself to God wholeheartedly.
Do you think of yourself as an ordinary man or woman? Remember that God does extraordinary things through ordinary people and the Bible has plenty of such examples. Isn't that how His glory and power is demonstrated?
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:9-10
Attempt great things for God and His kingdom. trust in Him at all times. You are what you allow God to make you!
My prayer for you this morning is that you may be anle to echo the words of the apostle of grace, "But by the grace of God I am what I am." 1 Cor 15:10
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Who is Jesus?
In Genesis, He is the Breath of Life,
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb,
In Leviticus, He is our High Priest,
In Numbers, He is a Pillar of Cloud by day and Pillar of Fire by night,
In Deuteronomy, He is Moses' Voice,
In Joshua, He is Salvation's Choice,
In Judges, He is the Law Giver,
In Ruth, He is our Kinsman Redeemer,
In 1 & 2 Samuel, He is our Trusted Prophet,
In Kings & Chronicles, He is Sovereign,
In Ezra, He is the True and Faithful Scribe,
In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder of Broken Walls and Lives,
In Esther, He is Mordecai's Courage,
In Job, He is the Timeless Redeemer,
In Psalms, He is our Morning Song,
In Proverbs, He is Wisdom's Cry,
In Ecclesiastes, He is the Time and Season,
In the Song of Solomon, He is the Lovers Dream,
In Isaiah, He is the Prince of Peace,
In Jeremiah, He is the Weeping Prophet,
In Lamentations, he is the cry for Israel,
In Ezekiel, He is the call from Sin,
In Daniel, He is the Stranger in the Fire,
In Hosea, He is Forever Faithful,
In Joel, He is the Spirit's Power,
In Amos, He is the Arms that carry us,
In Obadiah, He is the Lord our Savior,
In Jonah, He is the Great Missionary,
In Micah, He is the Promise of Peace,
In Nahum, He is our Strength and Shield,
In Habakkuk & Zephaniah, He is Pleading for Revival,
In Haggai, He is the Restorer of the Lost Heritage,
In Zechariah, He is our Fountain,
In Malachi, He is the Son of Righteousness rising with Healing in His Wings,
In Matthew, He is the Promised Messiah,
In Mark, He is the humble Servant,
In Luke, He is the Son of David,
In John, He is God Incarnate,
In Acts, He is the Foundation of the Church,
In Revelation, He is the Conqueror and Redeemer,
He is the King of kings and Lord of lords,
the Prince of Peace,
the Son of Man,
the Lamb of God,
the Great I Am,
the Alpha & Omega,
our God and our Savior,
He is JESUS CHRIST, our Lord, and when time is no more... He is!
In Exodus, He is the Passover Lamb,
In Leviticus, He is our High Priest,
In Numbers, He is a Pillar of Cloud by day and Pillar of Fire by night,
In Deuteronomy, He is Moses' Voice,
In Joshua, He is Salvation's Choice,
In Judges, He is the Law Giver,
In Ruth, He is our Kinsman Redeemer,
In 1 & 2 Samuel, He is our Trusted Prophet,
In Kings & Chronicles, He is Sovereign,
In Ezra, He is the True and Faithful Scribe,
In Nehemiah, He is the Rebuilder of Broken Walls and Lives,
In Esther, He is Mordecai's Courage,
In Job, He is the Timeless Redeemer,
In Psalms, He is our Morning Song,
In Proverbs, He is Wisdom's Cry,
In Ecclesiastes, He is the Time and Season,
In the Song of Solomon, He is the Lovers Dream,
In Isaiah, He is the Prince of Peace,
In Jeremiah, He is the Weeping Prophet,
In Lamentations, he is the cry for Israel,
In Ezekiel, He is the call from Sin,
In Daniel, He is the Stranger in the Fire,
In Hosea, He is Forever Faithful,
In Joel, He is the Spirit's Power,
In Amos, He is the Arms that carry us,
In Obadiah, He is the Lord our Savior,
In Jonah, He is the Great Missionary,
In Micah, He is the Promise of Peace,
In Nahum, He is our Strength and Shield,
In Habakkuk & Zephaniah, He is Pleading for Revival,
In Haggai, He is the Restorer of the Lost Heritage,
In Zechariah, He is our Fountain,
In Malachi, He is the Son of Righteousness rising with Healing in His Wings,
In Matthew, He is the Promised Messiah,
In Mark, He is the humble Servant,
In Luke, He is the Son of David,
In John, He is God Incarnate,
In Acts, He is the Foundation of the Church,
In Revelation, He is the Conqueror and Redeemer,
He is the King of kings and Lord of lords,
the Prince of Peace,
the Son of Man,
the Lamb of God,
the Great I Am,
the Alpha & Omega,
our God and our Savior,
He is JESUS CHRIST, our Lord, and when time is no more... He is!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tattoo - The Devil Marks His Own
Recently I was asked by a brother about tattoos. The question was, “Can a Christian get a tattoo?” When I answered in the negative, I was promptly asked for a Bible verse which would condone it.
Here is a direct Bible verse that should stop any Bible-believing person dead in his tracks if he is on his way to get a tattoo.
Lev 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
Ronald Scutt, in his book, Art, Sex and Symbol covers a great deal about the history and culture of tattoos. Scutt documents that most of the time tattoos are connected to spiritual, religious and mystical purposes. The following documentation is from Scutt’s book and a few other sources as well:
"In fact tattooing is much more likely, in view of its subsequent development, to have had a mystical significance, or to have been used as a status symbol, the red ochre carrying an association with blood and life."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 22)
[Tattooing] "In association with sun-worship, megalithic building, ear-piercing, serpent worship, . . ."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 22)
"These marks [tattoos] are believed to be associated with the worship of the sun-goddess Neith"
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 24)
"Be that as it may, primitive tribes were certainly convinced that the spirit, having escaped from the body at death, retained a replica of its earthly tenement. They therefore used tattoo marks as a means of identification in the next world and a passport to future happiness."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)
"The Mohave Indians in the Lower Colorado instituted chin tattooing for both sexes because it was believed that a kind of Judge looks over each one who comes to Sil’aid (Land of the Dead) and if a man don’t have marks on his face, He sends him down to where the desert rats are."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)
"Among other Indian tribes there was a conviction that on the journey heavenwards to the ‘Many Lodges’ they would be stopped by an old woman and examined for the presence of tattoo marks on the forehead, chin or wrists. I absent, the luckless warrior would be pushed off a dizzy height to fall back to earth with no hope of ever gaining readmittance to the spirit world."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)
"Hindus in Begal believed that without tattoos parents would not be able to recognize their children in the next world."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 63)
"Yet the worship of the sun-god Baal had involved the marking of the hands [tattoos] with the divine token in a mystic attempt to acquire strength."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)
"Tattooing is often a magical rite in the more traditional cultures, and the tattooist is respected as a priest or shaman."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 73)
"In Fiji, Fromosa, New Zealand and in certain of the North American Indian tribes, tattooing was regard as a religious ceremony, and performed by priests or priestesses."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 64)
"The actual tattooing process, which involved complex ritual and taboos, could only be done by priests and was associated with beliefs which were secrets known only to members of the priestly caste. . . Hambly concluded that historically tattooing had originated in connection with ancient rites of scarification and bloodletting which were associated with religious practices intended to put the human soul in harmony with supernatural forces and ensure continuity between this life and the next."
(Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 158)
Famous witch and author Laurie Cabot writes of the tattoo:
"The origins of tattooing came from ancient magical practices. . . "
(Laurie Cabot, Power of the Witch, cited in Masonic and Occult Symbols Illustrated by Dr. Cathy Burns, p. 301)
"According to Amy Krakow in her chronicle The Total Tattoo Book, ‘tattooing has had well-defined roles: marking a rite of passage at a stage of life, calling the spirits, proudly, defiantly or sneaky showing who you are via body art."
"Many native tribes practiced therapeutic tattooing. The Ojibwa, for instance, tattooed the temples, forehead, and cheeks of those suffering from headaches and toothaches that were believed to be caused by malevolent spirits. Songs and dances that were supposed to exorcise the demons accompanied the tattooing ceremony."
(Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 90)
"Tattooing is about personalizing the body, making it a true home and fit temple for the spirit that dwells inside it. . . Tattooing therefore, is a way of keeping the spiritual and material needs of my body in balance."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 8)
"When the designs are chosen with care, tattoos have a power and magic all their own. They decorate the body but they also enhance the soul."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 13)
"The reasons why puncturing the skin should be regarded with some degree of awe are not far to seek, for in the first place, there is the drawing of blood, which to the savage world over is full of significance as a rejuvenating and immortalizing factor. There is in addition to the opening of numerous inlets for evil to enter. . ."
(Hambly Wilfrid D. 1925. The History of Tattooing and its Significance, p. 233, cited in Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 162)
Rolling Stone magazine describes famous tattoo artist Paul Booth during his tattoo as, ". . . allowing his clients' demons to help guide the needle." (Rolling Stone magazine, March 28, 2002, p. 40)
"Burmese tattooing has been associated with religion for thousands of years. Tattooing among indigenous North American groups including the Arapaho, Mohave, Cree, and Inuit (Eskimo) is rooted in the spiritual realm as well."
(Laura Reybold, Everything you need to know about the dangers of tattooing and body piercing, p. 15)
"Skulls imprinted on skin abound, and depictions of the Grim Reaper are commonly seen. . . These images, indelibly marked on the skin, reflect uncertainty about the future, and sublimate the pervasive fear of the unknown. Possibly, at the same time, to wear a death’s figure on one’s body may be an invocation of whatever undefinable forces of nature and the cosmos that exist, in an attempt to protect the wearer from such a fate."
(Henry Ferguson and Lynn Procter, The Art of the Tattoo, p. 76)
"Since body art is still not mainstream, having marks on your body that you put there on purpose shows the world your rebellious and unconventional nature".
(Jean-Chris Miller, The Body Art Book : A Complete, Illustrated Guide to Tattoos, Piercings, and Other Body Modifications, p. 32)
"In this culture, a tattooed person is still looked at as a rebel, as someone who has very visibly stepped out of the bounds of normal society, . . ."
(Michelle Delio, Tattoo: The Exotic Art of Skin Decoration, p. 75)
"Unquestionably tattoos are socially unacceptable."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 179)
"In addition to being a form of self-destruction, the tattoo seals the wearer off from the rest of normal society forever. It’s not all that surprising to note that the largest number of tattooed in Japan belong to the underworld, and in America tattoos are most prevalent either in jail or hard rock bands."
(Danny Sugerman, Appetite for Destruction: the Days of Guns N’ Roses, p. 40)
"It was ancient Japanese tradition to tattoo convicted criminals. . . "
(Laura Reybold, Everything you need to know about the dangers of tattooing and body piercing, p. 15)
"A study of young offenders on the West Coast of America concluded that delinquents tattoo themselves significantly more often than non-delinquents, and that the inclination develops at an early age without any thought for the future."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 113)
"In the Borstal institutions [criminals] it has been estimated that the incidence of tattooing can be as high as 75 per cent."
(Ronald Scutt, Art, Sex and Symbol, 1974, p. 113)
"[associated with tattoos] Among these conditions Raspa cited: impulsiveness, low self esteem, lack of self control, homosexual orientation, sexual sadomasochism, bondage, fetishism, bisexuality, lesbianism, antisocial personality, borderline personality disorder, schizotypal personality disorder, mania and bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia."
(Raspa, Robert F. and John Cusack 1990, Psychiatric Implications of Tattoos, American Family Physician. 41: p. 1481 cited in Gilbert, Steve, Tattoo History: A Source Book, p. 159)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What Do You See?
There are times when we are so prejudiced that we fail to see miracles in front of our own eyes. And yet we look elsewhere and try to find encouragement. I know of many who would wax eloquent about a movie or personality that is distant from you or your surroundings and yet if you look at the Bible it is replete with examples of the "here and now."
If only we could be like that and instead of talking of someone or some event - which could probably be obscure - be aware of the people and miracles around us it would be beautiful.
I have seen many a person do great exploits because someone believed in him. The Bible tells us to encourage one another and if only we could do that we could encourage one another into great exploits.
There have been times when I listened to people and let my focus wander. Oh! what a waste. I do not hold those folks responsible because it is my fault that I let people dictate terms.
The wise men of the east too lost their focus and the resulting thing was the massacre of hundreds of infants. They had been waiting patiently for ages to see the star in the sky and when they did see it they followed the star for many days to reach Jerusalem. When they entered Jerusalem, they lost focus and thinking that a king should be born in a palace went to Herod ans asked him for the new-born king. Herod who did not have a new baby was naturally curious and even fearful of the future. Using deceit he tried to find the time of the baby's birth and what resulted was the killing of dozens of young children in Bethlehem.
Fact of the matter is that the wise men had to turn to the star again to continue their journey. The road map was right there before their eyes but they lost focus and inadvertently became responsible for the deaths of so many innocents.
Fact of the matter is that the wise men had to turn to the star again to continue their journey. The road map was right there before their eyes but they lost focus and inadvertently became responsible for the deaths of so many innocents.
When the focus is lost, circumstances kick in. Faith begins to waver and then is a good time to measure the Christianity quotient in a person. It is he who persists in the darkest hour that will live to see the light.
Signs and miracles are happening all around us. In fact they are happening so fast that if you stop to blink you might miss it. Let us focus on things eternal and we will always be able to witness the splendour and majesty of the soon-coming King of kings.
Maranatha!
Monday, January 19, 2009
A Lesson In Humility
I think I must be a very arrogant person. Every time I think I have beaten the demons that trouble me, I realize that I am in danger of being a hypocrite.
During the Christmas week of 2008, I got invited to visit folks in Vizag and Aruku. We packed our bags and boarded the train to Vizag (our first as a family together). The night was fairly uneventful except for my son falling off the berth. Fortunately, he was on the lowest berth and didn't really hurt himself except for a rude awakening.
The morning saw us in Vizag waiting for some friends to arrive and escort us to where we would camp for a couple of days. Later that night I was sharing in the church in Vizag. The kids made us feel great with their singing and natural enthusiasm. The kids belonged to a school run by New Life Fellowship, Vizag for those who could not afford schooling.
As I took the microphone to share a message, I remember thinking what I could possibly say to the people gathered there. A special stage was set in anticipation and I just could not bring myself to teach from the Bible. Instead I shared about God's love to me and my family. Being a thinking man myself I was wondering if I had wasted the evening but to my surprise a few people came by and told me that they were indeed filled with hope with my testimony. I felt really small that day.
The next day was a free day to look around Vizag and we checked out the beaches and the submarine museum.
The following day we left for Aruku to go minister to the tribals of that area. We arrived amidst great anticipation by the locals who were celebrating Christmas. My family stopped celebrating Christmas a long time ago and we usually use the opportunity it presents to preach the Gospel.
But that day seeing the enthusiasm of the crowd, I could not help but think of the many Christmases I had enjoyed with my family as a kid. It was more of family time than remembering God and His greatness. I felt nostalgic to see a cake sponsored by a brother especially for Christmas and the "visiting" women had the honor to cut it.
I also met three New Zealanders who had spent a few days at the hamlet (for that is what it was) in a little ram shackled hut. Having shared my personal experience of Christmas and a word of caution we wrapped up the event with great gusto. Clothes were distributed and people had beautiful smiles on their faces. What struck me was the use of bright and cheerful (gay?) colors by the tribal women folk. It really was a riot of colors.
We then got promptly invited for lunch and were led gently to the house of the local pastor. His wife was the perfect hostess courteously piling food on the plate. Rice and chicken curry was the fare. Scrumptious smelling but also spiced up dangerously but then that is another story.
Well fed we departed from there and I remember thinking to myself that here were simple folks who had welcomed us into their homes and treated us like kings and in return all we were doing is bringing them some used clothes and knick-knacks.
If the truth be told they gave me a lot more than I could scrounge up. I gave from my abundance the things I did not want. They gave to me and my family all they had - hospitality and food that I do believe would have come at a high price for them.
The simple villagers made me feel like a king for a day. Leaving behind the people I almost felt a pang of regret. My world is so different. It entails a lot of thing that we sophisticated city dwellers need to do to keep our standing in society. The simple villagers had none of those constraints. They welcomed us and the joy was genuine. They felt honored to have guests at their homes and they did everything possible to make us feel at home.
As I ate lunch that day I also bit into a lesson of humble pie. It tasted like ashes then but now I can feel the sweetness of that lovely experience.
I was blessed that afternoon and I thank God for it. I realized that sometimes it is not what you can do but rather what others do for you that can make you feel complete. It is a humbing experience!
Isn't that what God did for us? In receiving His gift we are made whole and are complete...
I was an arrogant man!
During the Christmas week of 2008, I got invited to visit folks in Vizag and Aruku. We packed our bags and boarded the train to Vizag (our first as a family together). The night was fairly uneventful except for my son falling off the berth. Fortunately, he was on the lowest berth and didn't really hurt himself except for a rude awakening.
The morning saw us in Vizag waiting for some friends to arrive and escort us to where we would camp for a couple of days. Later that night I was sharing in the church in Vizag. The kids made us feel great with their singing and natural enthusiasm. The kids belonged to a school run by New Life Fellowship, Vizag for those who could not afford schooling.
As I took the microphone to share a message, I remember thinking what I could possibly say to the people gathered there. A special stage was set in anticipation and I just could not bring myself to teach from the Bible. Instead I shared about God's love to me and my family. Being a thinking man myself I was wondering if I had wasted the evening but to my surprise a few people came by and told me that they were indeed filled with hope with my testimony. I felt really small that day.
The next day was a free day to look around Vizag and we checked out the beaches and the submarine museum.
The following day we left for Aruku to go minister to the tribals of that area. We arrived amidst great anticipation by the locals who were celebrating Christmas. My family stopped celebrating Christmas a long time ago and we usually use the opportunity it presents to preach the Gospel.
But that day seeing the enthusiasm of the crowd, I could not help but think of the many Christmases I had enjoyed with my family as a kid. It was more of family time than remembering God and His greatness. I felt nostalgic to see a cake sponsored by a brother especially for Christmas and the "visiting" women had the honor to cut it.
I also met three New Zealanders who had spent a few days at the hamlet (for that is what it was) in a little ram shackled hut. Having shared my personal experience of Christmas and a word of caution we wrapped up the event with great gusto. Clothes were distributed and people had beautiful smiles on their faces. What struck me was the use of bright and cheerful (gay?) colors by the tribal women folk. It really was a riot of colors.
We then got promptly invited for lunch and were led gently to the house of the local pastor. His wife was the perfect hostess courteously piling food on the plate. Rice and chicken curry was the fare. Scrumptious smelling but also spiced up dangerously but then that is another story.
Well fed we departed from there and I remember thinking to myself that here were simple folks who had welcomed us into their homes and treated us like kings and in return all we were doing is bringing them some used clothes and knick-knacks.
If the truth be told they gave me a lot more than I could scrounge up. I gave from my abundance the things I did not want. They gave to me and my family all they had - hospitality and food that I do believe would have come at a high price for them.
The simple villagers made me feel like a king for a day. Leaving behind the people I almost felt a pang of regret. My world is so different. It entails a lot of thing that we sophisticated city dwellers need to do to keep our standing in society. The simple villagers had none of those constraints. They welcomed us and the joy was genuine. They felt honored to have guests at their homes and they did everything possible to make us feel at home.
As I ate lunch that day I also bit into a lesson of humble pie. It tasted like ashes then but now I can feel the sweetness of that lovely experience.
I was blessed that afternoon and I thank God for it. I realized that sometimes it is not what you can do but rather what others do for you that can make you feel complete. It is a humbing experience!
Isn't that what God did for us? In receiving His gift we are made whole and are complete...
I was an arrogant man!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Garments Of Salvation
Ever since the fall of man in the garden of Eden, sin has held sway over the entire world. The authority placed on man by God over the earth was usurped by Satan. Sin brought death and decay. One interesting fact to note at the time was that man (man is used collectively for Adam and Eve here) suddenly realized that they were naked.
Our first parents needed no clothes for covering against cold or heat, for neither could hurt them and they needed none for ornament. Life was easy and man was happy in his state of innocence. How good God was to him! How many favours did he load him with! How easy were the laws given to him! Yet man, being in honour, did not understand his own interest, but soon became as the beasts that perish.
The ignominy of their act made them realize that they were now exposed completed. To hide their shame they stitched leaves together to cover themselves. The "fig leaf" expression can be traced to this act in Eden.
In Genesis 3:21 we read that God made coats of skin for man to hide his shame. Blood was spilt in Eden for the skins to be made into clothes. A type of the blood that would be shed later for the sins of all mankind.
In Isaiah 61:10 we read: "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
This is the garment that the Lord provides to those who hear His voice and come to seek Him. Notice that the verse says that He will clothe us. This garment is not something you can buy. Neither can you earn it. The Bible says that Salvation belongs to the Lord and He offers it freely to all. All you need to do is ask and you shall receive.
Zechariah 3:4 says: "And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." [Raiment means clothes.]
When a person comes to Christ and accepts His gift of life, the Lord removes the garment stained by sin and gives us a new set of clothes. One that is necessary to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
Ephesians 2:8-10 says: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Notice that the Bible also speaks of good works but this good works is the result of a change in heart and destiny. When you follow Christ you can't help but do good works. Good works cannot get you salvation but salvation will generate good works through you. These good works have a different reward - the robes of righteousness.
The robes of salvation is given by God to His chosen. Notice:
Revelations 6:9-11 - "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."
Revelation 7:9-14 - "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
All the Lord's saints will be clothed in the garments (robes) of salvation.
Our first parents needed no clothes for covering against cold or heat, for neither could hurt them and they needed none for ornament. Life was easy and man was happy in his state of innocence. How good God was to him! How many favours did he load him with! How easy were the laws given to him! Yet man, being in honour, did not understand his own interest, but soon became as the beasts that perish.
The ignominy of their act made them realize that they were now exposed completed. To hide their shame they stitched leaves together to cover themselves. The "fig leaf" expression can be traced to this act in Eden.
In Genesis 3:21 we read that God made coats of skin for man to hide his shame. Blood was spilt in Eden for the skins to be made into clothes. A type of the blood that would be shed later for the sins of all mankind.
In Isaiah 61:10 we read: "I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
This is the garment that the Lord provides to those who hear His voice and come to seek Him. Notice that the verse says that He will clothe us. This garment is not something you can buy. Neither can you earn it. The Bible says that Salvation belongs to the Lord and He offers it freely to all. All you need to do is ask and you shall receive.
Zechariah 3:4 says: "And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment." [Raiment means clothes.]
When a person comes to Christ and accepts His gift of life, the Lord removes the garment stained by sin and gives us a new set of clothes. One that is necessary to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.
Ephesians 2:8-10 says: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Notice that the Bible also speaks of good works but this good works is the result of a change in heart and destiny. When you follow Christ you can't help but do good works. Good works cannot get you salvation but salvation will generate good works through you. These good works have a different reward - the robes of righteousness.
The robes of salvation is given by God to His chosen. Notice:
Revelations 6:9-11 - "And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled."
Revelation 7:9-14 - "After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
All the Lord's saints will be clothed in the garments (robes) of salvation.
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