The Mind of Christ Jesus

Reading: Philippians 2:1-11

What attracted you to the Lord Jesus in your early encounter with him? When asked this question several people have told me that they were attracted to his love for mankind, humility and compassion for the poor and needy. These are all true and worth treasuring as we walk in our daily walk with the Lord. In following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ among many characteristics there are three to remember from the second chapter of Philippians.

• He knew who He was therefore we should know who we are in Christ: Although He existed in the form of God He did not consider it a thing to be grasped. He was inseparable from God yet for a moment he became a servant by giving up all His rights. Christ has chosen us, predestined us, he knew us even before we were formed in our mother’s womb, adopted us as sons and daughters, seated us in heavenly realms, forgiven us, redeemed us of the curse, dropped all charges against us and has give us the Holy Spirit. Nothing can detach us from our God given position. Fear may trouble us for a time, sickness will make us suffer, and people will treat us unkindly. In moments like these remember who you are in Christ Jesus and address the situation from your position of victory.

• He became a servant: Jesus humbled himself and became obedient like a servant of His time and to the point of death on the cross. He was unnerved by the consequence of His obedience as a servant. When insults were hurled at Him by prosecutors and public, He continued to serve by remaining silent. Paul exhorts Christians to consider others better than themselves in verse 3. Servant hood is a matter of choice for a Christian. We have to be intentional in our service and this includes everyone. Humanly speaking this is hardly possible but with Christ we chose to serve. Being a servant is not a one time act. It is ongoing outcome of a deeper growing relationship with Christ enabled by the Holy Spirit and propelled by the love of God. So when you choose to forgive and be kind to an arrogant boss, colleague, spouse or children do it as a servant. You can do it only this way and none other than His Spirit will help you.

• He did not judge: He came not to judge but to serve. The Lord Jesus could have spent His entire life time and more to judge the people of His time. None fitted the God given standard, His own disowned Him and left. He was bruised, despised, rejected, abused, harassed and finally crucified. He had all the reasons to judge but he deliberately chose to serve. In Luke 4:19, He purposely did not read the section that says (Isahia61:2) the day of the vengeance of our God because He came to declare God’s love. Too often we are quick in judging by what we see; bad behavior, clothes and other socially unacceptable practices. Judgment is God’s business not ours and knowingly we replace Him. So who are you judging right now? Who needs your forgiveness? How long will you judge and hold back forgiving friends, family and colleagues who have hurt you. Though none be worthy yet in following Christ we chose not to judge.

We are reminded in the book of Romans to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Our supreme example of transformation is the Lord Jesus Himself. Paul invites people to imitate him but he persuades believers to follow the example of Jesus. We can change habits but it requires inner transformation of the mind to live like a servant, refrain from judging and to love others unconditionally.

Prince David

God can forgive any one, any time and any where!

Three Crosses were on the hill of Calvary. Hebrew name of the place was Golgotha (John 19:17). In Latin, the word is ‘Calvary’. Both words mean ‘Skull (the bone inside a man’s head)’. This was either because of the shape of the mountain or because crucifixions took place there.

Crucifixion was a cursed, cruel, shameful, disgraceful death under Roman Empire. Only slaves and criminals used to face crucifixion. Crucifixion was a severe form of punishment which meant a very slow and painful death by suffocation.

Three men were crucified on that day. These three represented whole world. The reasons of their crucifixion were sins. Two were dying in their sins (Lk. 23:41) and One on the middle was dying for our sins (Cor. 5:21; 1 Jn. 3:5). He was Lord Jesus Christ who died for your and my sins. Two criminals were on either side of Lord Jesus Christ. The words, ‘People counted Him among sinners’ (Is. 53:12) came true on that cross that day. He was not only treated as a transgressor, but he was numbered with them, even the worst of them.

As Lord Jesus Christ said, “Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing” (Lk. 23:34). There were two kinds of response. One blasphemed and laughed at Lord Jesus Christ but another thief responded “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (Lk. 23:42). This was the prayer of a dying sinner. He confessed that he is a sinner. At last moment of his life he repented before Lord Jesus Christ. And Lord Jesus Christ saved him with the word of assurance.

Lord Jesus Christ said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk. 23:43)

Friends, Praise God! He will be called no more thief. His Sins were forgiven by Lord Jesus Christ and he was saved. But finally we find there was only one thief died in his sins on that day.

When ever and where ever you ask for forgiveness He will forgive you. Our God can forgive any one, any time and any where.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Repent or Perish

Reading: Luke 13: 1-9
(Sermon preached on March 1, 2009. Rev. Varinder Kumar)

Our God is persistent lover. It is His holy will that no one should perish but all must repent and turn away from their wicked ways. That’s why He sent His prophets, judges, servants and John the Baptist and finally He Himself came down from heaven to earth. He offered His life for our redemption. The Lenten season reminds us when we were still sinners, Lord Jesus Christ died for us and He paid the penalty of our sins. Traditionally, Lenten season is seen as the time of repentance, abstinence, prayer & fasting, seeking faith, studying Word of God, examining ourselves and remembering His suffering and death. Our today’s portion of meditation is related to Lenten season. “Repent or Perish”. In the reading, we see a small parable Lord Jesus Christ spoke with very deep meaning.

Vv. 1-5. Some people told Lord Jesus Christ that Pilate had killed some Galileans when they were sacrificing in the Temple. (Lord Jesus Christ belongs to same region). Lord Jesus Christ added one more example in V.4, that of 18 people who died when tower of Siloam fell upon them. Lord Jesus Christ told them that one day every one has to die. Everyone is mortal. Answers to How? When? Where? are unknown. Therefore, before one dies, s/he must repent before it will be too late, yes, we must repent.

He spoke this parable.

• We are planted by God: - A fig tree was planted by man. This fig tree had an advantage over other fig trees as it was planted in a vineyard, in better soil, had special care, belonged to owner, purchased, paid money to caretaker & for fertilizer. The inference we draw here is that a. God is owner of the vineyard. He is our creator (Jn. 15:1, Is. 51: 1-2). b. Human beings are trees. He has planted us, chosen us to bear fruit of righteousness (Ps. 1, Ps. 37:35, Jn. 15:16). He has purchased us by paying the price of the blood of Lord Jesus Christ. He has planted us with the blood of Lord Jesus Christ. He has given the water of His Holy Spirit and fertilized us with His Word.
  

• God is bearing with us:-Three times owner came and found no fruit. He wasn’t hasty nor greedy, neither did he expect too much. He waited for three years and found none. Through this, Lord Jesus Christ is telling us that God has chosen you, given you special care, special privilege, special advantage than other people. He became human for us. He completed His three years ministry on this earth but people didn’t repent and not show fruit. He expects that we must bear the fruit bearing with repentance. (Luke 3: 8) “
  

• His patience has an limits:- Owner said “V. 7b. Cut it down…..” But Gardner intercedes on behalf of the tree that “V. 8. Lord, let it alone this year also……” a. Lord Jesus Christ is our interceder Rom.8:34. He is interceding to Father for us. We must also intercede for others. b. Fig tree was only wasting time, money, energy and space of the owner. Like a parasite it was taking but in return giving nothing to owner. It was sure that after three years fig tree bears fruit, if not in 1st year or 2nd year but third year was sure.
  

Dear friends, we are planted by God, purchased by the blood of Lord Jesus Christ, watered by His Holy spirit, fertilized by His Holy Word to bear fruit. If we only take from God or always place demands before Him and in return give nothing to Him than we are parasite. He expects that we must bear fruit.

Conclusion: -
Friends, if we are bearing fruits for Him than praise God, But If we are not than this the waking call for us. We are not sure when He will come to judge us.
Because His word says “Cut it down” Jn. 15:2; Math. 3:8, 10; Ps. 1:4-5; Rev. 22:2