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.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
White Ribbon Day
This video presentation was specially created for the Christmas Program held on Dec 20, 2008 in Hyderabad. I am posting this video for those who would like to see it again. Feel free to send this link to those who could not come for the program.
This presentation says it all so there is no need for me to explain. Watch carefully.
Here are the lyrics of the song...
White Ribbon Day
------------------
How can it be that God is love?
When blood rolls down upon our land
And fathers lose their only son
Where is the hope?
Oh God we pray for white ribbon day
How can it be that you could love?
When blood ran down that wooden cross
Your father gave his only son
You came for peace
You came to die for white ribbon day
And we pray for peace
To flood our hearts again
Only God can save our nation now
And we long for joy to fill our streets again
Only God can save our nation now
How can it be that God is just?
When flesh is torn from young and old
And children run in bloody fields
Where is the hope?
Oh God we pray for white ribbon day
And we pray for peace
To flood our hearts again
Only God can save our nation now
And we long for joy to fill our streets again
Only God can save our nation now
Hallelujah, hallelujah
Hallelujah for white ribbon day
And can it be that You are just
When flesh was torn for young and old?
And here we stand saved by Your blood
We'll stand with courage
We'll live and die for white ribbon day
Hallelujah, hallelujah,
Hallelujah for white ribbon day
An Open Letter To Friends!
My dear friends,
I am in a dilemma these days and I need you to give me sound advice.
A dear friend of mine is in grave danger but he does not know about it. In fact, he is convinced that he is safe and right in what he is doing. How do I make him understand that he is headed for ruin?
Now before you accuse me of theatrics, I would like to say this. That friend I mentioned above is you. Yes, YOU!
If I were to find a way to make good money easily and safely would you not want me to share it with you? If I were to find a gold or diamond mine would you not want me to approach you for funds rather than ask strangers to invest in this super lucrative project? If I knew that terrorists had planted a bomb where your spouse could get hurt would you not want me to inform you about it?
The answer to the above questions will be a yes. And that is the reason I beg you to pay attention to what I am saying next. Please let us reason together!
Since time immemorial we have done things because we were told to do so. We did not question nor did we reason with our parents or teachers because we assumed that they knew everything. I was born in a staunch Roman Catholic family and I too never questioned the "elders". Sometimes when I did have a query and was brave enough to voice it, a raised eyebrow would kill the thought right away. We did things because we were taught so. Let me tell you a story to make my point:
A young woman, by force of habit, would cut the end of a steak before putting it in a pan to be cooked. One day her daughter, who happened to be in the kitchen at the time, asked her why she did it.
The question caught the mother by surprise. Not really knowing the answer she blurted, "Your grandmother taught me to cook steak this way."
Not convinced herself, the young mother decided to ask her mother about it. Picking up the phone she called her mother and asked her the question. The old lady at the other end of the phone heard her daughter and replied, "My dear, I cut one end of the steak because the pan I had then was not big enough."
Tradition and culture has shaped our thinking about many things. The way we eat, dress, and speak is all reflective of the society that we grew up in. And no wonder when someone comes up to you and presents a truth that is radically opposed to what you understand, the first thought to cross your mind is, "It can't be true."
Let us reason now...
I am a Christian. A Christian is one who has an intimate relationship with God whose name is Yahweh. He has a son that I recognize as Yahshua (Yeshua) and the world recognizes as Jesus Christ.
Note that though I was born in a so-called Christian family I wasn't Christian. It takes the Living God to reveal Himself to you before you can even understand what it's all about. I am not talking religion here. On the contrary I am talking about relationship. If God really exists would He not reveal Himself to His creation. And He has revealed Himself in the form of Yeshua who was born of a virgin. He who made everything that we see and know became a man so that He could reach out to man in his fallen state and teach us the meaning of goodness and love and forgiveness. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son Jesus so that whomsoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.
It was pure love that caused God almighty to become a man and have the sins of the world heaped up on him so that He could pay the price of mankind. Blameless holy and pure blood was shed to reconcile man to God. The wages of sin is death and Jesus became a sin offering to make us whole.
Look at history from any angle. Look at the tall claims being made by many in the world. In a world full of religious people who want you to follow them and their teachings you will find faults. Religious leaders are wealthy and have political connections. "Do what we say don't do what we do," is their motto. And all the good work that is apparently done is to further a cause and expand their fiefdom.
True there were a few who were straight and did good works but can good works save people from their sins? Is it possible that a murderer can wash the blood he spilt off his hands? Who can forgive him? All good works have done is shown that there is good in man. You may also note that all the good people too died and stayed dead.
It is appointed unto man to die and then the judgement. Mother Teresa, the epitome, of humbleness and service for the poor did a lot of good works but yet she died just as you and I will one day. The grave of great men are still with us.
But consider Jesus...
On the third day He rose again victorious over death and the power of sin. Over 500 witnesses saw Him with their own eyes. He lives forevermore. This Jesus who created the world today extends His nail pierced hands to the world and has invited all of you to come to the fullness of the knowledge of His majesty.
Imagine love so great that the God who spoke the world into being became a servant. He was beaten and his beard was plucked from his face. The only possession He has was the clothes on His back and that too were taken away. He hung from the tree naked between two thieves. He died in agony obedient unto death for He knew this was the only way to open heaven to man and bring them into fellowship with God.
He started no religion nor did He build His own empire. He said that His kingdom was not of this world. He did not have any political links. In fact politicians and religious leaders killed Him.
His spoken words are still with us today. And the world is testimony that He still remains the central figure in this world. Many have written all kinds of blasphemous things about Him but until now no one could mar His character.
His message is simple.
Sin separated man from God. The wages of sin is death. Therefore, God had to come in human form for there was not a single blameless person in this world. He came and taught people the truth. He lived for 33 years as a common man. He died for the sins of the world. On the third day He rose again and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father.
His Holy Spirit is with us in this world and to those who will call upon His name He will give them this gift of the Holy Spirit. God living in man in perfect harmony. That is the reason why when faced with peril and incredible circumstances you will hear true Christians forgive their enemies. The grace comes from God living in them. It is also the assurance that no matter what trials and temptations come your way you will never be alone.
And finally when you die it will be with the assurance that you will live in God's presence for eternity. Only a fool would let go of a gift so precious.
This Christmas season you have before you an invitation just for you. Taste and see that God is good. And you will never be the same again. You do not have to spill your blood or do penance or anything like that. God's gift is free.
You need to realize that you are a sinner and that you need forgiveness from God and that's all. Pray from your heart and invite Jesus to come into your heart and cleanse you. He is waiting at the door of your heart and is knocking. To everyone who will hear His voice and open the door He will come in and have fellowship with him. And your name will be written in the book of Life. And heaven will be your new home.
Hell was not made for man. It was made for Satan and his fallen angels. Man's place is in the presence of God and His fellowship. Satan hates man and causes him to sin so that man (God's greatest creation) too will suffer with him in everlasting flames. Friends, you do not have to go to hell for its not your place.
May the risen Christ bless you and reveal His glory to you as only He can if you will allow Him. Jesus is more than a perfect gentleman. He has given you free will and He will on encroach upon that. You are invited to join Him today. Your seat is reserved. All you have to do is claim your inheritance.
Shalom!
I am in a dilemma these days and I need you to give me sound advice.
A dear friend of mine is in grave danger but he does not know about it. In fact, he is convinced that he is safe and right in what he is doing. How do I make him understand that he is headed for ruin?
Now before you accuse me of theatrics, I would like to say this. That friend I mentioned above is you. Yes, YOU!
If I were to find a way to make good money easily and safely would you not want me to share it with you? If I were to find a gold or diamond mine would you not want me to approach you for funds rather than ask strangers to invest in this super lucrative project? If I knew that terrorists had planted a bomb where your spouse could get hurt would you not want me to inform you about it?
The answer to the above questions will be a yes. And that is the reason I beg you to pay attention to what I am saying next. Please let us reason together!
Since time immemorial we have done things because we were told to do so. We did not question nor did we reason with our parents or teachers because we assumed that they knew everything. I was born in a staunch Roman Catholic family and I too never questioned the "elders". Sometimes when I did have a query and was brave enough to voice it, a raised eyebrow would kill the thought right away. We did things because we were taught so. Let me tell you a story to make my point:
A young woman, by force of habit, would cut the end of a steak before putting it in a pan to be cooked. One day her daughter, who happened to be in the kitchen at the time, asked her why she did it.
The question caught the mother by surprise. Not really knowing the answer she blurted, "Your grandmother taught me to cook steak this way."
Not convinced herself, the young mother decided to ask her mother about it. Picking up the phone she called her mother and asked her the question. The old lady at the other end of the phone heard her daughter and replied, "My dear, I cut one end of the steak because the pan I had then was not big enough."
Tradition and culture has shaped our thinking about many things. The way we eat, dress, and speak is all reflective of the society that we grew up in. And no wonder when someone comes up to you and presents a truth that is radically opposed to what you understand, the first thought to cross your mind is, "It can't be true."
Let us reason now...
I am a Christian. A Christian is one who has an intimate relationship with God whose name is Yahweh. He has a son that I recognize as Yahshua (Yeshua) and the world recognizes as Jesus Christ.
Note that though I was born in a so-called Christian family I wasn't Christian. It takes the Living God to reveal Himself to you before you can even understand what it's all about. I am not talking religion here. On the contrary I am talking about relationship. If God really exists would He not reveal Himself to His creation. And He has revealed Himself in the form of Yeshua who was born of a virgin. He who made everything that we see and know became a man so that He could reach out to man in his fallen state and teach us the meaning of goodness and love and forgiveness. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son Jesus so that whomsoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.
It was pure love that caused God almighty to become a man and have the sins of the world heaped up on him so that He could pay the price of mankind. Blameless holy and pure blood was shed to reconcile man to God. The wages of sin is death and Jesus became a sin offering to make us whole.
Look at history from any angle. Look at the tall claims being made by many in the world. In a world full of religious people who want you to follow them and their teachings you will find faults. Religious leaders are wealthy and have political connections. "Do what we say don't do what we do," is their motto. And all the good work that is apparently done is to further a cause and expand their fiefdom.
True there were a few who were straight and did good works but can good works save people from their sins? Is it possible that a murderer can wash the blood he spilt off his hands? Who can forgive him? All good works have done is shown that there is good in man. You may also note that all the good people too died and stayed dead.
It is appointed unto man to die and then the judgement. Mother Teresa, the epitome, of humbleness and service for the poor did a lot of good works but yet she died just as you and I will one day. The grave of great men are still with us.
But consider Jesus...
On the third day He rose again victorious over death and the power of sin. Over 500 witnesses saw Him with their own eyes. He lives forevermore. This Jesus who created the world today extends His nail pierced hands to the world and has invited all of you to come to the fullness of the knowledge of His majesty.
Imagine love so great that the God who spoke the world into being became a servant. He was beaten and his beard was plucked from his face. The only possession He has was the clothes on His back and that too were taken away. He hung from the tree naked between two thieves. He died in agony obedient unto death for He knew this was the only way to open heaven to man and bring them into fellowship with God.
He started no religion nor did He build His own empire. He said that His kingdom was not of this world. He did not have any political links. In fact politicians and religious leaders killed Him.
His spoken words are still with us today. And the world is testimony that He still remains the central figure in this world. Many have written all kinds of blasphemous things about Him but until now no one could mar His character.
His message is simple.
Sin separated man from God. The wages of sin is death. Therefore, God had to come in human form for there was not a single blameless person in this world. He came and taught people the truth. He lived for 33 years as a common man. He died for the sins of the world. On the third day He rose again and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father.
His Holy Spirit is with us in this world and to those who will call upon His name He will give them this gift of the Holy Spirit. God living in man in perfect harmony. That is the reason why when faced with peril and incredible circumstances you will hear true Christians forgive their enemies. The grace comes from God living in them. It is also the assurance that no matter what trials and temptations come your way you will never be alone.
And finally when you die it will be with the assurance that you will live in God's presence for eternity. Only a fool would let go of a gift so precious.
This Christmas season you have before you an invitation just for you. Taste and see that God is good. And you will never be the same again. You do not have to spill your blood or do penance or anything like that. God's gift is free.
You need to realize that you are a sinner and that you need forgiveness from God and that's all. Pray from your heart and invite Jesus to come into your heart and cleanse you. He is waiting at the door of your heart and is knocking. To everyone who will hear His voice and open the door He will come in and have fellowship with him. And your name will be written in the book of Life. And heaven will be your new home.
Hell was not made for man. It was made for Satan and his fallen angels. Man's place is in the presence of God and His fellowship. Satan hates man and causes him to sin so that man (God's greatest creation) too will suffer with him in everlasting flames. Friends, you do not have to go to hell for its not your place.
May the risen Christ bless you and reveal His glory to you as only He can if you will allow Him. Jesus is more than a perfect gentleman. He has given you free will and He will on encroach upon that. You are invited to join Him today. Your seat is reserved. All you have to do is claim your inheritance.
Shalom!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
That Time Of Year!
It's that time of the year :) December is famous for Christmas, decorated trees, lights, shopping, yule tide, and for many, yule log as well. It is a nice month when people take a look at the year that went by and decide to make new resolutions for the coming year.
Every once in a while it is good to take stock of our ambitions and make course corrections to achieve them. For me December is usually the most hectic time of the year. With Christmas preparations in church and rehearsals, it gets pretty busy. But the most enjoyable moments are those when folks come over and spread bon homie all around. Life is priceless when that happens. In light of recent events in Bombay, and around the world, I intend to cherish every bit for these precious moments.
Rehearsals have been crazy. We have had so much fun doing what we want to do. Having around 10 overcharged youth and channeling their energies in a single pursuit can be daunting but loads of fun nevertheless. Giving them tips on voice modulation and stance on stage earned me a lot of nicknames. One of them insists that when I write the next play I should put up a board that reads, "Barney's Art Academy (BAA)."
Then there are the dance steps for the choreo's. Now that is something to be seen to believe. Some have it and some don't. I have given the youngsters hours of belly-aching laughter with some of my "professional" and well-coordinated moves.
Someday, one of the wise guys promises me, he will make a director's cut DVD so people can see the efforts that went into the makings of this production. I am not sure I want to see it done but then it can't do much harm methinks.
Meetings, planning, rehearsals, coordination between the various teams, fund raisers, schedules, arrange snacks, endless phone calls, appointments, and related things have kept me on my toes literally. And the one thing that pleases me the most is the time that people have been giving and the gusto with which they have been practicing. I am proud of this little production and I pray that things proceed like clockwork on December 20.
A lot of efforts have gone to present "merry Christmas" to friends and colleagues. And while I am braced for critical remarks and let-downs, I hope and pray that it comes to me only. The cast has put in so much efforts and hard work that I may well be the loudest cheerer in the audience.
Spreading the cheer is the theme for Christmas. I will do that by cheering my Arts team now.
Felis Navidad!
Christmas is also synonymous with the message of peace. I wish peace to all readers of this blog...
Addendum: I wrote this bit a few days ago but did not post it. The program is over and from the feedback we received it was great. While I have learned a lesson in humility yet again over 50 people responded to the gospel that Saturday night. May God be praised for ever. God is still in the business of saving people. Jesus absolutely rocks!
My Arts team rocks too!
Every once in a while it is good to take stock of our ambitions and make course corrections to achieve them. For me December is usually the most hectic time of the year. With Christmas preparations in church and rehearsals, it gets pretty busy. But the most enjoyable moments are those when folks come over and spread bon homie all around. Life is priceless when that happens. In light of recent events in Bombay, and around the world, I intend to cherish every bit for these precious moments.
Rehearsals have been crazy. We have had so much fun doing what we want to do. Having around 10 overcharged youth and channeling their energies in a single pursuit can be daunting but loads of fun nevertheless. Giving them tips on voice modulation and stance on stage earned me a lot of nicknames. One of them insists that when I write the next play I should put up a board that reads, "Barney's Art Academy (BAA)."
Then there are the dance steps for the choreo's. Now that is something to be seen to believe. Some have it and some don't. I have given the youngsters hours of belly-aching laughter with some of my "professional" and well-coordinated moves.
Someday, one of the wise guys promises me, he will make a director's cut DVD so people can see the efforts that went into the makings of this production. I am not sure I want to see it done but then it can't do much harm methinks.
Meetings, planning, rehearsals, coordination between the various teams, fund raisers, schedules, arrange snacks, endless phone calls, appointments, and related things have kept me on my toes literally. And the one thing that pleases me the most is the time that people have been giving and the gusto with which they have been practicing. I am proud of this little production and I pray that things proceed like clockwork on December 20.
A lot of efforts have gone to present "merry Christmas" to friends and colleagues. And while I am braced for critical remarks and let-downs, I hope and pray that it comes to me only. The cast has put in so much efforts and hard work that I may well be the loudest cheerer in the audience.
Spreading the cheer is the theme for Christmas. I will do that by cheering my Arts team now.
Felis Navidad!
Christmas is also synonymous with the message of peace. I wish peace to all readers of this blog...
Addendum: I wrote this bit a few days ago but did not post it. The program is over and from the feedback we received it was great. While I have learned a lesson in humility yet again over 50 people responded to the gospel that Saturday night. May God be praised for ever. God is still in the business of saving people. Jesus absolutely rocks!
My Arts team rocks too!
Monday, December 22, 2008
One Solitary Life!
He was born in an obscure village, the child of a peasant woman. He grew up in still another village, where he worked in a carpenter shop until he was thirty. Then for three years he was an itinerant preacher.He never wrote a book.
He never held an office.
He never had a family or owned a house.
He never traveled 200 miles from the place where he was born. He did none of these things one usually associates with greatness.
He had no credentials but himself.
He was only 33 when public opinion turned against him. His friends ran away. He was turned over to his enemies and went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a cross between two thieves.
When he was dying, his executioners gambled for his clothing, the only property he had on earth. When he was dead, he was laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend.
Nineteen centuries have come and gone, and today he is the central figure of the human race, the leader of mankind's progress.
All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever say, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on earth as much as that One Solitary Life.
The fact is, wise men still seek him. And if you genuinely follow his star, you'll find a stable, not a fable.
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