Sea water cannot cross the boundary of sand!/"Heaven is beautiful!"/False doctrine of "once saved always saved"/None suffered lack/Labor not for the meat that perisheth!
Honesty and transparency in money matters by God's ministers
In his epistle
to the Corinthians, in the 8th chapter of II Corinthians, the apostle Paul is
all the praise for the churches of Macedonia who had given themselves first to
the Lord and then to the ministry of the saints. They exhorted Paul to take
upon his team "the fellowship of the ministering to the saints",
though they were themselves in a great trial of affliction and deep poverty.
In the same Chapter, Paul exhorts the Corinthians to prove the sincerity of
their love to the poor saints citing the example of Jesus Christ who, though He
was rich, yet for their sake (for the sake of Corinthians), became poor that
they (the Corinthians) through His poverty might be rich.
Paul then proceeds to tell the Corinthians about the visit of his co-worker
Titus to them for collection of their gift for the poor saints. Paul makes a
note of the honesty of this dear brother who was entrusted with the task of
collecting contributions from the Corinthians - "whose praise is in the
gospel throughout all the churches". All the churches visited by this dear
brother testified to the honesty of this co-worker of Paul.
Paul makes it very clear to the Corinthians in verses 20-21:
"Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is
administered by us:
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the
sight of men"
Paul took every care that the gifts taken by his team were distributed amongst
the poor saints and that he or any member of his team was not blamed while
distributing the abundance of the gifts. He also ensured that there was
transparency in financial matters, not only in the sight of the Lord but also
in the sight of men.
Thesedays, as I pick up some Christian magazines from
India
Pastors of megachurches want to extend their church
buildings to accommodate the Lord's sheep in their buildings. They expect the
Lord's sheep to be confined to their church buildings not only for worship but
also for tithes. Many years ago, a pastor in Chennai, Tamil Nadu,
India, wanted to extend his church building for installing air-conditioners
therein so that his congregation might not hear the noise from outside while
worshipping God. He wanted to insulate his church from the din of the outside
world. A new testament church should be an
evangelizing one, preaching the gospel to the lost souls who are in the outside
world. We have to worship the Father in spirit and in truth (John 4:23 ). The Father does not expect our worship through
our lips but through our acts. Worship in truth means obeying the commandment
of Jesus Christ for preaching the gospel to every creature. Worship, in other
words, means service.
Let us build churches for the poor saints in mission fields or for the saints
who need a place of worship. Let us build orphanages for the orphans. Let us
build homes for the widows or the destitute or the
old people forsaken by their children. Of course, we can construct buildings
for educational institutions and hospitals if it helps advance the causes of
evangelism and edification of the Body of Christ.
Paul or the apostles did take free-will offerings from the people of God, not
for building houses for themselves but for the poor saints and for the widows.
The disciples during the New Testament period, sold
their earthly possessions and laid the same at the apostles' feet so that there
was none amongst them that lacked. (Acts 4: 34-37).
Some months ago, I had requested an evangelist in Tamil Nadu
who has been abundantly blessed by God with material resources, to help a poor
saint, a 75 year old woman of God (whom God still uses through signs and
wonders), who lives in a small house with the roof of asbestos sheet in
building a living room for her. But till today I have not received any reply
from him. However, I came to know that this beloved evangelist was personally
prejudiced against this woman of God.
Today our ministers of God are engaging themselves in raising
up towering buildings in the Name of Christ. Some evangelists spend lavishly on
their stay in luxury/5-star hotels during their evangelical meetings.
God expects His ministers to be honest 100% in their financial matters. There
should be transparency in their financial dealings. Each penny taken in the
Name of Jesus Christ should be spent either for evangelism in places not
reached by the gospel or for edification of the believers, especially the poor
saints of the House of God. Of course, they can make a decent living by the
gospel they preach.
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour
in the word and doctrine.
For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt
not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And,
The labourer is worthy of His reward" (I
Tim.5:17-18).
Let the ministers of God be honest and transparent in money matters, not only
in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men. Corruption has permeated
not only government administrations but also God's Vineyard. If the
"public money" is not spent on the budgeted schemes of the government
for the welfare of the people but is spent for giving more comforts to the
rulers, it amounts to "corruption in government administration".
Similarly, if God's money as given by the people of God through their
sacrifices is not spent either for New Testament evangelism or for the
edification of the saints in the House of God, it amounts to "corruption
in high places". God's money should be spent in God's ways. Use of God's money for any purposes other than New Testament
evangelism and edification of the body of Christ amounts to misappropriation
and "corruption in high places". God's ministers should be
good stewards.
After Naaman was healed of the leprosy through the
ministry of Prophet Elisha, Gehazi,
the servant of Prophet Elisha approached Naaman and coveted "a talent of silver, and two
changes of garments" for ministering to "two young men of the sons of
the prophets". When Elisha came to know from Gehazi about the whole episode, Elisha
asked the latter, "Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments,
and oliveyards, and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen,
and menservants, and maid servants?". Then Elisha pronounced divine judgment on Gehazi
and Gehazi "went out from his presence a leper as white as snow" (II Kings 5:20 -27). The leprosy of Naaman
not only cleaved to Gehazi but also to his seed for
ever. Here, the ministry of Elisha is likened to the
ministry of the Holy Ghost and the ministry of Gehazi,
the servant of Elisha, to our ministry. Let us be
very very careful in money matters, especially when
we receive the sacrificial offerings of the people of God who have been blessed
by our ministries. When we are allowed of God to take their offerings for His
vineyard, we are not supposed to "covet" their offerings in any
manner.
(Job Anbalagan)
Sea water cannot cross the boundary of sand!
"Declare
this in the house of Jacob, and publish it in Judah, saying,
Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding which have eyes, and
see not: which have ears, and hear not:
Fear ye not Me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble
at My presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a
perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss
themselves, yet can they not prevail: though they roar, yet can they not pass
over it?
But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and
gone.
Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the
former and the latter, in His season: He reserveth
unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.
Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you." (Jeremiah 5:20-25)
Today the Holy Spirit is speaking to the chosen people of God
and calling them, "O foolish people and without understanding"
because they have eyes but see not and they have ears but hear not. The
people of God have got their spiritual eyes opened when they were born again
and their ears opened when they heard the glorious gospel and accepted it. But
today they do not see and hear the truth of the Word. Of course, they worship
the Lord on Sundays or during evangelical meetings or prayer meetings. They
also give their tithes to the churches regularly. But, still, the Holy Spirit
calls them, "O foolish people and without understanding". They do not
see and hear the truth as taught by the five types of the New Testament
ministers, especially the apostles and prophets, whom God has appointed to the
universal Church, the Body of Christ. The name of God is blasphemed amongst the
Gentiles through them (Rom.2:24). They have a name that they live but they are
dead because their works are not found perfect before God (Rev.3:3-4). The
reason for this is that the fear of God is not in them. They do not tremble at
His presence. They merely shout at the top of their voices and worship Him. But
in His presence, they do not repent of their sins and iniquities. They take God
for granted.
Let us perceive a glaring truth here. God has placed the sand for the bound of
the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves
thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail: though they roar, yet can
they not pass over it. If the people who call themselves Christians fear God,
their nations will never be judged by God through the waters. God has already
placed the sand for the bound of the sea that surrounds your city by a
perpetual decree. The sea water cannot cross the sand barrier and enter your city
if you fear God and eschew evil. The waves may roar as was witnessed during the
tsunami that hit the Asian nations recently. But the same will and can never
cross the sand barrier because of His promise. Do you believe His promise? Do
you take God at His Word?
Today, this world is judged by the righteous God through hurricanes, Psunami, etc. because the people of God have a revolting
and a rebellious heart. "If my people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves,
and pray, and seek My face, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive
their sin, and will heal their land" (2 Chr.7:14). If the people of God humble themselves, pray and
seek His face, then God will forgive their sins and will heal the land in which
they live. That land will never be destroyed by God through hurricanes or
earthquakes but will be healed by Him.
It is the people of God, and not the unsaved people of this world that have to
humble themselves before God, pray and seek His face. It is the humility of the
people of God coupled with their prayers of intercession and their seeking His
face that will save the land from the wrath of God.
Secondly, the blessings due to a nation from God in the form of former and
latter rains in His season are withheld by God due to the sins and iniquities
of the chosen people of God. God wanted to bless your nation through a
Heaven-sent revival which had been appointed by Him during a particular season
of His but your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have
withheld good things from you. The Heaven-sent revival tarries! But, in its
place, the divine judgment by way of hurricanes, earthquakes and the sword of
the terrorists devours our nations. Who is to blame for this?
(Job
Anbalagan)
Heaven is beautiful!
"Heaven is beautiful….. It is really
beautiful. I am going there. I will be happy there. Do not cry or worry, I am
sure every thing will go well with you." These were some of the last words of Mr. Simeon, our missionary, to his
wife as he lay in ICU of the hospital and regained his consciousness. A few
hours back he told one of his co-workers, "I went to heaven for a short
while. It is really a wonderful place. There is no pain or suffering in
heaven."
It appears that the Lord permitted him to see heaven before he died. There was
no sign of fear or worry on the face of K. Simeon even when probably he knew
that the end was nearing. He was so filled with the thoughts of heaven that
death did not cause any fear in him.
Rev. K. Simeon was born to Mr. M. Khayum and Mrs. Kh Churoni on 1st September 1963 in a tiny village Nagawar
in Ukhrul District of Manipur. He was the 3rd child
among six brothers and one sister. The family belonged to Poumai
Naga tribe of Manipur.
His parents were devout Christians. Thus he was brought up in Christian
nurture. From his childhood he attended the Church regularly and took active
part in all Christian activities. Yet he did not then accept Jesus as his
personal saviour. Once he failed in school exam which
upset him very much and he stopped believing in Lord Jesus Christ. Later, he
became very sick and became unconscious. The Pastor and the elder prayed for
him and the Lord graciously healed him. This incident changed his life and he
accepted the Lord as his personal Savior.
Immediately he had a desire to study God's word.
In 1987 he joined Berean Baptist Bible College Bangalore 25 January 1990 . He started working in a local school and meanwhile
started serving the Church in various capacities. Singing, teaching and
preaching were his passion. The Lord blessed Simieon
and Bathsheba with two sons: Lithos – born on 5th May 1991 , Elizah– born on 7th March 1993 and a daughter Valleygate
– born on 13th November 1994 .
Although he was working in Manipur, his heart's desire was to take the gospel
to unreached places. He shared this desire with his
wife Bathsheba. Both began to pray and consequently applied to Rashtriya Susamachar Parshad (RSP).
He was so anxious to take the gospel to unreached
places that without waiting for appointment letter, he left for
Bareilly 7th January 1995 .
After orientation, he was placed in the outskirts of Bareilly
He was not shy of taking any responsibility and he carried it out with
perfection. At that time, the RSP entered in partnership with Campus Crusade
for Jesus film project and he was quick to join one team. He carried out this
responsibility faithfully and was always seen showing films in far flung areas
in late night hours. In the year 2000, it was decided to open a new field at Bhojipura (located at a distance of 15 KMs
from Bareilly
In 2004 when the RSP decided to decentralize its decision making process and
formed District committees, he was the natural choice to be the coordinator of Bareilly District. Last of his responsibility was to be the
manager of literacy Programme which the RSP launched
in partnership with Seva Bharat.
Although he fulfilled many different responsibilities, it was never at a cost
of his basic call to be a missionary-pastor.
One of his strengths was the ability to keep every
one together. His pet word was 'adjust'. Whenever there were differences with
others, he always said 'I am adjusting'. This quality reflected in his dealings
with co-workers as well as other believers. He had true pastoral heart which
prompted him to care not only for spiritual aspect of his people but also the
physical aspects. In every meeting he used to see that people were comfortable.
In our association with him for 10 years, we never saw him quarrelling with
others. Even when he was upset over any issue he expressed his reaction mildly.
He was also a person given to hospitality. He always said to visitors at his
home, "First eat some thing; then we will talk."
He worked very hard to take the gospel to unreached
people of Bareilly
He witnessed stiff opposition in his field towards the end of his life. But, in
spite of opposition, he kept visiting believers in villages to encourage them
in their faith.
He probably had premonition of his death as he visited all his acquaintances
even those with whom he had remote contact. He developed pain in his lower
abdomen on the night of 17th August 05 and was shown to a doctor. Next day
morning ultra sound was done which showed a small stone in the kidney.
Medicines were prescribed.
On 19th morning again, he had severe pain and was taken to a medical college.
Doctors did not suspect any thing serious and was given further medication. But
by evening his condition deteriorated and was admitted in the same medical
college.
Investigations revealed that his hemoglobin was dropping. He was put in the ICU
on life support systems. Later CT scan was done which revealed that his aortic
artery was bleeding. It was decided to shift him to Delhi 2 pm on 20th August.
His death sent shock waves to every one who heard about it. But there was not a
shed of fear on the face of Simeon. He was so confident about going to heaven
because of which he was able to speak words of hope to his wife.
On 21st August his body was sent to Delhi Delhi Delhi
Truly Simeon remained faithful to his Master and Lord till his very end. A corn
of wheat has fallen on ground……. It is going to germinate and bring forth much
harvest. Counting our days, let us commit our lives to this end.
(Dr.Rajesh Aggarwal)
False doctrine of “once saved always saved”
The doctrine "once saved, ALWAYS saved
is false and those who follow such will remain in bondage and loose all
opportunity of spending eternity with Christ. Here are my reasons for stating
this:
In order for one to TRULY accept the free gift of salvation and eternal life
THROUGH Christ Jesus, one must FIRST repent of their sins for confession alone
is not enough.
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord"
(Acts 3:19)
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but NOW commandeth ALL men every where to repent: Because He hath
appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that
Man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in
that He hath raised Him from the dead." (Acts 17:30-31)
One cannot be "born again" and still living the same old sinful life:
"Therefore if any many be in Christ, he is a new
creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
(II Cor 5:17 )
FIRST an individual must determine exactly what it means to be saved and how
salvation is even received for there are so many whom feel that all that is
needed is to repeat what is called a "sinner's prayer" and from that
they are SEALED for eternal life despite the manner they may live their lives.
This is simply untrue.
Now, when one understands the "way to salvation", and they know the
truth and yet turn from this truth back to their old ways and begin living
their lives accordingly, 2 nd Peter says this:
"For if AFTER they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the
KNOWLEDGE of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled
therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
For it had been better for them NOT to have known the way of righteousness,
than AFTER they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto
them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is
turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in
the mire" (2nd Pet 2:20-22)
And the book of Hebrews says this about the importance of following Christ
example, and a warning for those who once knew the truth and rejected it:
"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on
unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works,
and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of
hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will
we do, if God permit. For it is IMPOSSIBLE for those who were once enlightened,
and have tasted of the heavenly light, and were made partakers of the Holy
Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to
come, if they shall fall away, TO RENEW THEM AGAIN UNTO REPENTANCE; SEEING AS
THEY CRUCIFY TO THEMSELVES THE SON OF GOD AFRESH, AND PUT HIM TO AN OPEN SHAME.
For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh
oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them
by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:
but that which beareth thorns and briers IS rejected,
and IS nigh unto cursing: whose end IS to be burned." (Heb 6:1-8)
I do not believe we can continue in willful sin, living for the flesh and not
for God, and yet STILL claim that because we have confessed Christ through what
is called a "sinner's prayer", we will still spend eternity with him.
This is just not scriptural. The word of God says: "Be ye Holy For I am
Holy...."
(Khandielese Reyes)
"And the multitude of them that BELIEVED were
of ONE HEART and of ONE SOUL: neither said any of them that out of the things
which he possessed was his own; but THEY HAD ALL THINGS COMMON. And with great
power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and
GREAT GRACE was upon THEM ALL. NEITHER WAS THERE ANY AMONG THEM THAT LACKED:
for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the
prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet:
and DISTRIBUTION WAS MADE UNTO EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HE HAD NEED. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which
is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of
Cyprus, Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the
apostles' feet" (Acts 4:32-37)
What an awesome display of the love of God and of one another demonstrated here
in the earlier church. The word tells us these earlier believers were of One
Heart, and of One Soul, they had ALL THINGS in common, and "None Suffered
Lack" for all who had great possessions went and sold what they had and
laid the profit at the apostles feet, who would then distribute to every man
assembled there who had need. If we search the scriptures we would notice there
was no direct command given that anyone having great abundance was required to
sell their goods and distribute to every man according to the need and yet,
such believers felt compelled to do so. It would appear that when a need was
made known to them, immediate action was taken to minister unto that need. This
open display of true brotherly love must have pleased our beloved Savior so
very much, for these believers not only "Spoke" of the love of God,
but actually "Demonstrated" his love in their giving. Their hunger
for the things of God, their Love for the Father and of one another, was
clearly MORE VALUABLE to them than the things they possessed.
The "Church" today however, sadly does not operate in this manner as
a "whole". While there are many precious saints of the Lord who give
of themselves to their brother or sister in a time of need, still there are a
great many who withhold their gifts and would rather counsel the needy, than
tend immediately to the need. For the one in need, it is quite difficult to
hear your counsel while his/her belly is empty. We have many, within our
congregations that are physically hungry, suffering and in great need and yet
we turn a deaf ear to their cries. We would rather not know about it, for to
know of their needs and having the means to assist them but refusing to do so,
would convict our hearts of our wrong doing. Thus, it is easier for most to
simply pretend the needs are "non-existent" and in this way, may
plead their case before the Lord when asked, why did you not help your brother
or sister? They may reply by simply saying "I wasn't aware of the
need!"
Then, we have those who know the needs of the brethren, and having the
wherewithal to assist, would instead rather respond to the need by saying,
"I'll pray for you!" What need is there of prayer when the Lord has
so graciously given YOU the ability to help your brother? Why then seek
direction in prayer, for YOU know in your heart what it is you should do! You
know the Lord has blessed you that you may be a blessing to your brother, and
glorify our Father in Heaven. Although our Lord is NOT limited and could if
need be, rain down a blessing for your brother from the heavens, He always
chooses to bless one in need through the usage of a willing vessel! Through
this way, not only is HE glorified and given praise, but we then get into the
habit of caring for one another, of reaching out to one another until this sort
of behavior becomes automatic in our everyday lives. We would then no longer
turn away from, but will turn to our brethren in need. "When you did it to
the least of these my brethren, you did it also unto me"…says the Lord!
The earlier believers understood the importance of tending to one another for
when one of its' members suffered, the entire body raced to it's
aide. We MUST also begin to operate in the same manner of LOVE one for another.
There is so much the Lord desires to do for and through His Church, yet how can
he entrust us with the greater things, when we cannot be faithful in the least.
How can we truly say we love the Lord, and turn our hearts away from a hurting
brother or sister that are members of His body and connected spiritually to ourselves?
The word of God declares: "But whoso hath this worlds good,
and seeth his bother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, HOW DWELLETH
THE LOVE OF GOD IN HIM?"
Love is shown through our actions. An individual would respond quicker to the
"Action" of Love, before the "Speech" of Love. To declare
to one with the words "I love you" and yet not act upon that love by
reaching out, in sharing and caring does very little good for the one seeking.
Even our Beloved Father acted upon His Love for the word tells us that
"God so LOVED the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever
believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life!" And, the
awesome demonstration of Love by our Precious Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord was
unmistakably the greatest display ever known, and shall be known to man. His
love was so evident, that he gave his life that we may live. He paid the
penalty for our sins when NO sin could be found in Him. Beaten
beyond recognition that we may be healed. Mocked, spat upon, nailed to
the cross, and through it all HIS love shined forth!
If we love Him, then we must love one another. Be kind
to one another, seizing every opportunity given to show the love of the Lord
towards one another. Being cheerful in our giving, desiring always to bless one
another with charitable deeds, and being reminded that nothing we have is of
our own nor anything we possess did we acquire of our own strength, but was
GIVEN to us by the grace of our Beloved Father. Thus if we misuse, and/or abuse
the gifts our Father so richly and mercifully gives us, they shall be removed
and given to those who will be faithful in usage.
Beloved saints, let us love one another and demonstrate to the world our love
of the Lord, that they may see our Good works, our sincere love, and by judging
these actions can only GLORIFY OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN! Remember that we are
brothers and sisters, parts and members of His own body and we should care for
one another as Christ cares for us! Let "None Suffer Lack". If we
have the means, let us give to the need. The Lord will surely bless and pour
out his favor and grace upon those who SINCERELY and WILLINGLY Walk in HIS
LOVE!!!
"Finally, be ye ALL OF ONE MIND, having COMPASSION one of another, LOVE AS
BRETHREN, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for
railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that
ye should inherit a blessing!