ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday 17th February 2010

→ Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.
→ It occurs 40 days before EASTER (46 days with Sundays)
Jesus → 40 days of fasting
Nation of Israel’s wandering in the wilderness → 40 years
Moses’ fasting on two occasions → 40 days and nights
Elijah’s journey to Horeb → 40days and 40 nights

NAME -
Ash Wednesday gets its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of believers or believing Christians as a sign of repentance.
The ashes used in this are gathered after Palm Crosses from the previous years’ Palm Sunday are burned.

RITUAL – (a very old tradition)
This ritual of putting the ashes on the foreheads of the believing Christians in the shape of a cross is performed by a priest, or pastor, or I some cases officiating layperson. This act or the ritual echoes the ancient eastern tradition of throwing ashes over one’s head to show their repentance before God. We cam see this at many places in the Bible, particularly in Old Testament. This ritual is very prominent in Roman Catholic Church, they treat it as a sacramental, and not as a sacrament, and it can be given to any Christian because it is a mark of repentance. Most of the other Christian Denominations observe the Ash Wednesday but this ritual is not observed so strictly, and in some cases not observed at all.

As the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday is observed by fasting, abstinence from meat, or alcoholic drinks, smoking etc.
This observance is a very old tradition probably started in 5th or 6th century AD. This is a very old tradition and it marks the beginning of Lent days. In NT times also there were many traditions but Jesus Christ condemned only those traditions which came directly in conflict with the commandments of the Word of God. Like Jesus condemns the tradition when he said in Mt 15:3 “why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” [Tradition was – what you would have gained from me is given to God (qurban). By this they brake God’s command – ‘Honor your father and your mother’ and Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’]
Eastern Orthodox Churches does not in general observe Ash Wednesday.
In Republic of Ireland, Ash Wednesday is National No Smoking Day.

BIBLICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Ash Wednesday is a day of repentance and it marks the beginning of Lent. According to the Bible ashes were used in ancient times to express mourning. Dusting oneself with ashes was the penitent’s way of expressing sorrow for their sins and faults.

EXAMPLES: Job – Job 42:3-6
For cleansing -- Numbers 19:9 & 17
The king of Nineveh -- Jonah 3:6
Jesus gives this as an example of repentance -- Mt. 11:21 Lk 10:13
Requirement of Law for cleansing -- Heb 9:13
Being a mark of repentance and the beginning of Lent . . .

Today we just concentrate on the subject of REPENTANCE.

Repentance is the only way with which we can re-establish our relationship with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
To redeem us from the bondage of sin, God did every thing in Jesus Christ, few of them are:

i) God gave us instructions through his prophets, through the Law of Moses etc

ii) God prepared a perfect sacrificial lamb to be sacrificed for our sins.

iii) God accepted that sacrifice for our sins because it was a perfect sacrifice.

iv) God has given his righteousness to us.

v) God has prepared a place for us in heaven.

vi) God has given the Holy Spirit to us, who dwells in us to teach us, to guide us, to strengthen us, and so on . . .

vii) God has opened the door for us to become God’s children & the citizens of heaven.

Why Repentance?
BUT ALL THESE THINGS ARE POSSIBLE ONLY because of ONE THING -- REPENTANCE.
John the Baptist and Jesus Christ both started their ministries by calling to “REPENT”.
John said, “Repent, for the kingdom is near.” (Mt.3:2)
Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Mt 4:17)
And in Gospel of Mark states like this, “Repent and believe the good news!” (Mk 1:15)
Call to repent was the basic teaching in the message of salvation.

What is Repentance?
Repentance is not an achievement or success (if success is defined as an achievement of a goal.)
Rather it is a process which starts from the time of turning back.
The Greek word for repentance means turn around, or change of direction totally.
It is not a finished act but is a continuous process. As an explanation, consider this small illustration:
A healthy man → become sick → visit a doctor → starts following all his instructions regarding food and life style → may be a diabetic → after some time of good health started ignoring the instructions → got sick again very badly, on a death bed → recovers again but then takes a conscious decision to follow all the instructions of his Dr.
Because he experienced a death like situation, he took this conscious decision to follow the instructions, even after he faces trials and temptations to fall in the trap but again and again he over comes and consciously follow the instructions.
Analyzing our present situation → giving a serious thought to it → deciding to turn around → act accordingly → always be alert not to turn back again →

This is REPENTANCE.
→ Change one’s mind
→ Call for a change in a person’s attitude toward God that impacted one’s actions and life choices
→ It involve the idea of “turning” → from one way of thinking and living to a different way
→ Common external signs of repentance → prayers of remorse and confession and renouncing of sin

In the Bible we find a very good example of repentance:
The Parable of the Lost Son or the Prodigal Son. Luke 15:11-32

Analyze few facts of this Parable
Father divided his property → Indicates that the father responded to his younger son’s request and allowed him to make his own choice to go his own way.

When the son came to himself he realized that his sin was not only against his earthly father but in the deepest sense against heaven, that is, against God himself.
The prodigal repeats his prepared confession, but father cuts short before he finishes, showing that he has forgiven him, and shows his great love for him.
→ While the younger son represents tax collectors and sinners, the Older son represents the Pharisees. Both groups were listening to the parables, but the Pharisees were probably the primary intended audience of this parable (see verse 3).
→ The older brother protests that the welcome extended to the returning younger son in not fair, comparing the life with his father to years of servitude without celebration.
The picture offers a sharp contrast between → on one hand, the mercy and grace extended by the father (representing God the Father)
→ and, on the other hand self-righteous resentment (never disobeyed … yet you never gave me) of the older brother (exemplified by Pharisees)
Even after all these things older brother refuses to acknowledge the prodigal as his brother.
An affectionate appeal by the father, showing that he still loved the older son and wanted him to join in the celebration
By implication, Jesus is still inviting the Pharisees to repent and accept the good news.

Two → younger one is extrovert → loud → express his mind → own will → acts quickly sons → it’s easy to express his repentance → world will know
→ elder one is introvert → quite → don’t express his mind and will → slow to act
→ it’s difficult to express his repentance → difficult for the world to know it

Both the characters fond in each one of us → the areas in which we can speak, express, show → → it is easy to repent because every body know it can see.
But in the areas in which it is difficult for us to speak, express, show → it is difficult to repent because no body knows about so we can live in hypocrisy in those areas

This tradition of observing fast for 40 days is a good tradition, for new generation it may seem irrelevant but if you treat this, not as a religious practice, but as an opportunity to trained yourself in your spiritual life and battle. In any of the sports whether it is cricket, or foot-ball, badminton or athletics training camps used to be organized by the authorities.
So treat →
Lent → as a spiritual training camp,
Jesus → as a chief coach, master and Lord, and
Bible → as instruction manual

by Mr. Roneld V Kumar

Living Epistles

You yourselves are our letter (Epistles), written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2Cor 3:2-3

Lord Jesus Christ is our saviour and master of our hearts. We received Him as our Lord and saviour of our hearts by faith and we become children of God. We must live a life of children of Holy God. In our daily walk, talk, life, work and all the times and everywhere we must reflect Lord Jesus Christ through our lives.

He is the author and dictator of our lives. He has written each and every word on our hearts not with ink Like the ten commandments but with His Holy Spirit (Eze. 11:19; 36:26). We are far more valuable, and precious, and permanent than any record which could be made by ink. Tablets of stone were frail, and easily broken. There was no life in them. But we are living epistles or living letters of Lord Jesus Christ so other people may read us, experience and see Lord Jesus Christ in and through our lives (Ephesians 2:10).

Lord Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins, transgression, weaknesses to make us holy and worthy before God. In the same manner we must also crucify our own fleshly desires or lust, pleasures of the eyes and pride of the heart (1 Jn. 2:16) and live a new life which is pleasing to Him.

God has given us His Holy Spirit as wonderful Counselor and Helper. Allow Holy Spirit to take control of your lives. So with the power of Holy Spirit we can deny our fleshly desires, pleasures of the eyes and pride of the heart and live a life of living Epistles. Lord Jesus Christ wants to speak through us. He wants to address other people through us.

May God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

According to your faith will it be done to you

Reading: Matthew 9:27- 31

Lord Jesus Christ is the Fountain of light as well as life (Jn 1:4; 8:121 Jn 1:7). He came to world to open the spiritual eyes as well as physical eyes and to give eternal life (Isaiah 35:5).

The scene of this miracle was near Capernaum (probably at the house of St. Peter). The two blind men probably followed Him with hope and patience till they made the cry of faith "Have mercy on us, Son of David - Messiah" on His leaving the house of Jairus. They were blind. They had not seen Him and His miracles, only heard Him and about Him. They didn’t know much scripture. They simply believed that He is Messiah (Christ – Saviour) and He can give us sight.

But the folly and sin of the chief priests, Pharisees and teachers or experts of the Law they denied and opposed Him. They could not see Him and His miracles (Ephesians 4:18), but faith comes by hearing Romans 10:17. Note, they who, by the providence of God, are deprived of bodily sight, may yet, by the grace of God, have the eyes of their understanding so enlightened, as to discern those great things of God, which are hid from the wise and prudent.

After hearing their cry of faith Lord Jesus Christ treated blind men with mercy, love and compassion (As the blind are to be treated Lev 19:14: Deut 27:18).

"Do you believe that I am able to do this?" Our Lord not only put this question to the further trial of their faith, but to deepen it, to raise their expectation of a cure, and so prepare them to receive it.

It teaches us always to pray, and not to faint: and, though the answer does not come presently, yet to wait for it.

To this question immediately and without hesitation they said, “Yes, Lord.”

“According to your faith will it be unto you.” Lord Jesus Christ touched their eyes. And immediately their sight was restored.

Note, Faith is the great condition of Christ's favors. They, who would receive the mercy of Christ, must firmly believe the power of Christ. What we would have Him do for us, we must be fully assured that He is able to do. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Heb 11:6

So with the sinner or spiritual blind person. If he/she has faith in the Son of God; if he/she believes that Lord Jesus Christ is able and willing to save him/ her: and if he/she earnestly desires to be saved, the power of Jesus will be put forth to the full extent of his/ her faith.

This is simple lesson of faith in Lord Jesus Christ. “According to your faith will it be unto you.”

Rev. Varinder Kumar

Faithful, Fearless and Fighting Spirit

Reading: II Samuel 23:8 - 12

When we look at the account of the mighty men of David we see that Eleazar, son of Dodai the Ahohite was one of the three. This is mentioned in verse9. The three qualities of this mighty man of David were:

1. Eleazar was a Faithful man
2. Eleazar was a Fearless man
3. Eleazar was a man who was full of Fighting spirit

He remained with his master – David during his time of difficulty and crisis. He never left him according to verse10. When others retreated he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines with his sword. We see the quality of faithfulness in Eleazar here.

Secondly he was a Fearless man. He did not run at the time of battle but he fought fearlessly against the enemy – the Philistines. He fought till his hand grew tired. He did not fear the great army of the Philistines but persevered till they got victory.

Thirdly and lastly, Eleazar was a man with full of Fighting Spirit. He consistently fought and it is written in verse 10 that his hand froze to the sword. He kept on fighting till the LORD brought about a great victory that day.

Lesson to learn and implement:

What about us? As God’s children we ought to be faithful, fearless and of a Fighting spirit. People should testify about us that if they assign a task to us, then we will surely and faithfully complete it. They should also trust us to be fearless people, who will not grow weary and tired till we accomplish the given task. Lastly they should have that testimony about the children of God that we have a fighting spirit. That we will be people of victory and will fight till the battle is won.

By Steven Christian

Disorientation with God?

Read Psalm 73

Life situations take us through varied experiences - moderate to extreme. They even influence our beliefs, values, judgments and outlook on life. In our spiritual walk with Jesus, when it comes to trying times in life, a realtime crisis, there's no telling how that situation is going to influence our decisions and mold our future. The devil is always trying to create a gap, a disorientation between us and our Savior Jesus Christ. Psalm 73 beautifully illustrates how can we overcome such disorientation and keep our walk as close as ever with God.

In Psalm 73, Asaph expresses his 'state of mind' and how to one such phase of crisis in his life, which mirrors the very mental process we go through when we go through testing times.

Verse 1-2: The Psalmist fully aware, acknowledges the Kingship and sovereignty of Lord God. He also recounts the miracles God has performed for the deliverance of Israel and to him personally. But, he mentions a personal crisis, where he has slipped / backslided in his walk of faith.

Verse 3-12: Just like we turn around and get disheartened looking at how the godless people prosper / or not facing any crisis inspite of all their blasphemies and arrogance; here, Asaph goes on to compare his crisis situation against the others who do not hearken unto God's word.

Verse 13-14: Asaph is pronouncing conclusions from what he's observed around him. This is a perfect example of how we allow our circumstances to squeeze us into its mold, and starts to influence our attitudes, behavior and decisions eventually. Such situations even make us question God's faithfulness to us.

Verse 14-22: A lovely example is set here about what we need to do when faced with time of crisis. When the circumstances and people around us try to victimize us, we need to turn to our Lord, enter His sanctuary, count our blessings, take our decisions in the light of His word. When we compare our disappointment and the questioning 'state of mind' in the light of God's word and counsel, Asaph says, we are like 'brute beast'.

Verse 23-27: A song of praise gushes forth from all the bitter experiences. Perhaps, as Asaph sings out, his circumstances haven't improved. What exactly has brought the change was the reorientation with God, through His word, and by entering His sanctuary.

Verse 28: The final word - "it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds"

There's not a better antidote to any trying time for a believer. Though we slip time and again from our faith by comparing our situation with that of others and get disoriented from God, it's only through His word, that we can ever stay close to our God. There's no better refuge that we can turn to.

By Manohar Lazarus

God is with you..

"Have not I commanded you? Be strong and courageous: Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Josh 1:9

This was a scene where people standing at the bank of the over flowing River Jordan with hope and trust that they are going to be enter into Promised Land and there they are going to be settled. There will be no more slavery and no more wandering.

They were only waiting for a signal to enter into the Promised Land. This Promised Land was unknown and new for them. They didn’t know the way and anything about Promised Land and also they had new leadership of Joshua.

But unchanging and Almighty God was with them, His promise of Promised Land was with them. So as they take every step towards Promised Land God was moving ahead of them.

We must learn from their experience before Joshua could lead his people, he, too, had to put his faith into action. He had to be strong and not be afraid. God had to work by him, not just for him. He could not do anything and watch God do it all.

God has given to us all the good things that we need (Ephesians 1:3). We must take every step with faith towards Promises and claim these promises & blessings. The Israelites could not receive the blessings of God until they moved forward. We will not enjoy the blessings of God if we are lazy. We cannot simply do anything. We need to take step towards His Promises.

It does not matter how often we have failed or tried. Only believe that God is with you. God cannot fail, and will not forsake; be strong, and go forward!

The one thing that God asks of all of us is that we should obey Him. We must meditate upon the Scripture day and night; it must not depart from our heart or mouth.

We must be strong in our faith and take every step towards His Promises.

We, too, can know that the same God is with us (Matthew 28:20).

Rev. Varinder Kumar

Church

Reading - Colossians: 1: 24 -29

1. Definition
How can we define a church? It is very hard to define it. Several books have been written on the subject. Which one will determine the definition? - Its size, its teachings, its income. Now a day’s people call it with deferent name – house church, mega church and so on. However we can identify a church by its function. In this portion Paul uses the word “Body of Christ” v.24. If you want to know more about it read 1 Corinthians 12th chapter in the context of spiritual gifts.

2. Vision of Church
What could be the vision of a church? - “Present everyone perfect in Christ” there are people within Christendom who do not like the word perfection. According to this understanding we have possibility of committing sine till we die. We will not achieve perfection in our life at anytime. They normally quote 1 John 1:8.

Jesus talked about this perfection in Mathew 5:48. Perfection is not a life without sin. It is not an end in itself. It is a process. It is regeneration of life. It is transformation from one stage to another. Paul clearly explains it in Ephesians 4: 13.

3. Mission of church
What could be the mission of a church? - “present the word of God in its fullness”. A church should preach from the word of correctly.

The church that does not preach the word of God can not stand for long. In many occasions people use the word of God as foot notes. Every one should allow the word of God to speak to them. See how the church was depending on the word of God. Acts1: 42. 1Timothy 4: 13, 2Timothy 2:2. We need to watch our life and doctrine. 1Timothy 4: 16. Some times people think that doctrine is not important. Our way of life should reflect our doctrine and our doctrine should influence our life.

4. Activities of church
The activities of a church are determined by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Read 1Corinthans 12th chapter for detail. If God gives a gift to know what gift a person has got, he should look for a chance to use it. If we are faithful in one gift God may give us more gifts. The activities of a church also will increase. Do not use God but allow God to use you.

5. Resources for church
Some times we think that money is the only resources that can run a church. We depend on foreign money. Now in India we can plant churches without foreign money. God’s energy and our struggle are the resources for church. We are go worker with God.

By Mr. Sweeharan

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

The empty tomb

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures: 1 Cor. 15:3-4

The empty tomb is a true picture of us that reminds us once we were sinners and away from God’s Holy presence. It speaks Love of God and According to Scriptures (prophecies) Lord Jesus Christ died for us, paid the penalty of our sins (Isaiah 53:5-12 ) and was buried and rose on third day to deliver us from the power death (Psalm 16:9-10).

St. Paul writes that “First of all” or “First importance” I want to pass on to you. This had been communicated to me. Not doctrines of which I was the author, or which were to be regarded as my own.

Christ did not die merely as a martyr, but that His death was to make atonement for sin. He died as an atoning sacrifice or He died in our behalf. Through Him we have received forgiveness of our sins and assurance of eternal life. And by faith in Him any one would be saved. This is a leading and primary doctrine of Christianity. And like St. Paul we have good opportunity to share our faith with others.

This is a leading and primary doctrine of Christianity. And like St. Paul we have good opportunity to share our faith with others.

Friends, we do not worship a dead God. We worship the Living God. He is the risen Saviour and His name is Lord Jesus Christ. Every time you look at the empty tomb, it would remind us that He is alive forevermore for you and me.

May the Living God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Second saying of Jesus Christ from the Cross

‘I truly say to you this day you will be with me in paradise’ Luke 23:43

There are three fundamental facts of the Christian gospel that are reinforced by the words of Jesus.

Fundamental Facts

1. The words of Jesus reveal the fact that not all are going to heaven.
2. Although our sins are like the sand of the sea, Jesus bore then all on His back. It was never God’s intention to send people to hell. In fact God did not create hell.
3. The final indisputable fact is that it is the sinners love for God and not God’s love for the sinner that determines where one will spend eternity.

Luke’ sequences of events on Calvary suggest that Jesus was on the cross sandwiched between two condemned criminals.

1. Harsh, unkind words, criminal mindset, scheming ways to profit out of others misfortune and forming gangs for quick returns was the way of life for the two criminals; a total contrast to Jesus.

One thief hurled insults, ‘You’re some kind of Messiah, save yourself and us from this mess’ This was his last change to escape; informed by the sneers of rulers vs:35: he tried his luck which was fast running out. He formed a quick association with Jesus in their acutely painful condition, hanging virtually naked on the cross, death breathing on their faces and desperately needing freedom. He was intentionally trying to provoke the Messiah’s fundamental characteristic of saving. He was probably thinking that if I get away now, I’ll plan better next time so that I won’t get caught.

The second thief although equally desperate, was mindful of his inescapable circumstances. Death was inevitably and minutes away. He too quickly formed an association with his co-crucified; at least history would record their deaths on the same day. Of whatever he understood of the Messiah, he appealed to His fundamental characteristic of saving. The second thief had acknowledged his guilt, confessed his sin and admitted he was receiving a just punishment. He had recognized and believed in the divinity of Christ and called Him Lord. And finally he asked to be remembered when Christ entered His Kingdom.

This thief evidently knew and believed what some Christians today reject, ignore or have forgotten; that Christ will return, raise the dead and establish His Kingdom on this earth.

Listening to his request Jesus in his extremely painful condition said to him, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.

2. Was Jesus mistaken when He said today or this day? Why did He not say, ‘I’ll see you when I come in my kingdom’? In the Holy Scriptures the word today or day appears several times and most often it suggests immediacy or a sense of urgency.

These verses are somewhat of a mystery to all Christians, for how could the thief be with Christ in Paradise, or in His kingdom on the very day that Jesus was put in the tomb and remained there for three days. Also when Jesus arose He walked the earth for 40 days before He ascended into heaven. On the day of His resurrection He even said to Mary Magdalene that He had not yet ascended to His Father, John 20:17

In his dying moments the second thief could only request an assurance from Christ. For him a Yes from Jesus was sufficient but the equally anguished, tortured Messiah breathless as he hung on the cross assured him that, today you will be with me in paradise. On Calvary the destiny of the second thief was sealed. A theological treatise on the omnipotence of Christ was worthless at the time as moments later the assurance of today and paradise were going to be fulfilled.


3. Paradise is a Persian word representing a garden of pleasure and referred in the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) several time. However in scripture it occurs three times in Luke 23:43, II Corinthians 12:3 and Revelation 2:7. In the last book of the Holy Bible called Revelation paradise symbolizes the second coming of Christ after which God and man are restored to the perfect fellowship that existed before sin entered the world.

Love for God is a command: The two thieves were not only sinners; they were convicted criminals, condemned by the law to death and destruction. Notice that Jesus did not treat them as criminals. He invited the second thief who expressed his love and unworthiness before Him. Jesus did not offer Paradise to the criminal who did not show any love, respect or even pity for Him who had no committed and crime.

God does not request or plead for the love of the human beings, instead He commands it. His command is unconditional. It is far greater than the command of a military officer to his subordinate. Disobedience to this command results in separation from God’s presence.

Love for God defines destiny: He offered Paradise or His kingdom to the second thief who accepted and acknowledged his bitter predicament. The convicted thief appealed on the basis of His divine natures and responded to His commandment of love of God. The thief did not ask for His kingdom. He just wanted to be remembered.

The first to speak, miserable, convicted criminal was not condemned to hell at Calvary. He miserable thief stuck with his miserable self to the bitter end on his way to a future of perpetual misery. Although this is the truth in this instance, the loving God will not send people to hell if they do not want to go there. He will not them a place in Paradise if they do not want to go there either. One thief opted to join His Creator. The other preferred the infinite incinerator.

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

Our Response to the Cross

Message preached by Bro. Ronald Vinay Kumar on Wednesday of Passion Week

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.(Mark 15:37, 38)

At the moment Jesus died on the cross, something happened simultaneously at the temple of Jerusalem. Mark wants us to understand that the two events are connected in come way. The temple curtain was 30 feet high and as thick as the span of a man’s hand. It is made from a single piece of material. Suddenly we hear a thunderous ripping sound and the curtain falls in two pieces.

This curtain was actually a terrifying barrier to the ‘Holy of Holies’, the heart of the temple where God was said to live. The whole system was designed to show that it was not an easy thing to come into the presence of God.

The barriers are now down, and there is nothing to prevent us from enjoying a relationship with Him, because Jesus was willing to be sacrificed. Now we can be accepted by God because the punishment we deserve has fallen on Jesus, once and for all.

In this description of the crucifixion focuses not only on Jesus, but also on the reactions of those who witness the event. It is as if Mark is saying, “This is how others responded to what happened at the cross. How will you respond?”

There are a number of different reactions, which are as follows:

Reaction 1: The Busy Soldiers

We first see them mocking Jesus – in particular His claim to be King of the Jews. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him.
(Mark 15:22-24)

There’s a glimmer of compassion here because they know what Jesus is about to suffer. They offer Him wine mixed with myrrh, a bitter drug to help dull the agony, but Jesus did not take it. They then crucify Him. And what is their response to this agonizing spectacle?

Dividing up His clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get. (Mark 15:24)

For the soldiers, the greatest legacy of the cross will be the garments left by the dead man. They’re absorbed in simply doing their job. And as they do so, they notice nothing special about Him. As they are ‘just doing their job’, they are missing the significance of the most important death in history. They are blind to it. No doubt they are doing their job well, but in doing their duty they miss the true legacy of the cross. And there are millions of people today who are like these soldiers. They are occupied with work with doing their duty, with paying their taxes, running their businesses. The daily activities of their intense lives keep them from seeing the significance of the cross.

Reaction 2: The self-satisfied religious

The religious leaders are already convinced that they know the way to God, so Jesus Christ is irrelevant to them. And according to them, the cross proves it.

…the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked Him among themselves. ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save Himself!’ (Mark 15:31)

They’re convinced that they have their own means of gaining access to God. These types of people who have created their won man-made religion, or who follow their own morality are the most vicious opponents of the cross. Despite their ‘spiritual’ appearance, they do not want to be accepted by God in the way God planned. They are blind to the seriousness of sin, and therefore blind to the true significance of Jesus’ death.

Reaction 3: Pilate, the coward

Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of the area and responsible for the just in the region. Pilate was convinced that Jesus is innocent. He tries again and again to free Jesus from the clutches of the religious authorities. But eventually because of the pressure of the religious authorities, he hands Jesus over to be crucified. Mark 15:15 says that to satisfy the crowd, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified, even though he new that Jesus is innocent.

Pilate was a crow-pleaser. Like many people, he was unwilling to stand out from the crowd, and he was subject to considerable pressure from those around him. Even though he knows Jesus is innocent, he gives in to the desires of others. When it was really matter, when the world was against him, he won’t stand up for Jesus. Pilate was a coward who abandoned an innocent man, someone who was a great deal more than that.

Reaction 4: The bystanders who came for the show

Mark 15:35, 36 speak about the reaction of an individual in the crowd. The man wishes to see if Elijah will come and rescue Jesus. (In Jewish legend, Elijah was celebrated as one who helped those in need.) The man has a sort of superstitious fascination as he contemplates the cross. He offers Jesus a sponge filled with wine vinegar, presumably to help postpone an inevitable death, but nothing in the scene moves him to awe, reverence, or even pity. He is totally detached from what is happening on the cross.

Some people think it’s fine to be a bystander. They think that they don’t need to do anything in the light of Jesus’ death, that even spectators automatically receive the benefit. But truth is that I only benefit from the death of Jesus if I put my trust in it.

Reaction 5: The Roman centurion

He is a hard-bitten Roman soldier, a veteran in charge of a hundred men. He has doubtless fought many grueling campaigns and seen many men die, but has never seen a man die like this. And as he watches Jesus on the cross, he realizes something:

…when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard His cry and saw how He died, he said, ‘Surely this man was the Son of God!’ (Mark 15:39)

Despite being one of those responsible for carrying out the execution, the centurion acknowledges Jesus to be the Son of God.

The Gospel of Mark is telling us that no one can remain neutral when they consider the cross. We are either too busy like the soldiers, too self-satisfied like the religious, too cowardly like Pilate, or too detached like the bystander. Or even in every odd recognize Jesus as the Son of God like the Roman Centurion. It depends upon us, not any thing else.

The mission, submission and commission of Jesus Christ

Message preached on Tuesday of the Passion week by Bro. Luaha Renthlei

Passage Reading
Luke 22:39-46

The Lord Jesus Christ was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief throughout his earthly ministry, though he had accepted the role of Sin Bearer at his Baptism , and though it is his long obedience to the Father which has brought him to this moment, still it is here that the sufferings, the Passion of Jesus Christ, begin in earnest By that light we may see three things –

I. THE MISSION OF JESUS CHRIST

In order to understand this passage, we must ask a question whose answer might at first seem obvious, but which turns out to be anything but. Why is the Lord so upset over his impending death that he sweats, as it were, drops of blood? Well, you say, he knows that he is going to be betrayed and rejected and killed. Indeed he does. But many of his followers have since faced their own deaths with courage and even joy—with an equanimity that Jesus himself seems to lack here. How can this be?

The Apostle Paul said, “And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me that bonds and afflictions await me. But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course” (Acts 20:22-25). A little later when his friends tried to dissuade him from going, he said, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13). And he wrote to the Philippians, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). There is nothing about the passing of any cups! And it is not just the Apostle. Ignatius of Antioch, on his way to martyrdom in Rome at the turn of the Second Century, writes, “May nothing seen or unseen begrudge me making my way to Jesus Christ. Come fire, cross, battling with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of limbs, crushing of my whole body, cruel tortures of the Devil—only let me get to Jesus Christ!” A few years later, Polycarp, the disciple of John, on being offered the chance to live if he would only curse Christ, replied, “Eighty-six years have I served him, and he never did me any wrong. How can I blaspheme my king who saved me?” These were not just empty words, for those men proceeded to die as bravely as they had written or spoken. Years later, as Hugh Latimer was being led out to be burned at the stake for his testimony for the Gospel of Christ, he turned to his fellow prisoner and victim Nicholas Ridley and said, “Be of good cheer, master Ridley, and play the man, and we shall this day by God’s grace light such a candle in England as shall never be put out!” It would almost be worth a burning at the stake to be remembered for words like that. (I said “almost”—don’t get any ideas.)

Now, let me ask you: Is it possible that the One who was the very source of the life, strength, and courage that allowed so many of his followers to face death with courage and even joy—is it possible that he should face it himself with less confidence and peace and serenity than they? Is it possible that the stream should rise higher than its source? Is it possible that Jesus’ disciples should outshine their own Master in bravery? That the Lion of Judah should be less bold in the face of death than we mice? No, no, a thousand times no, it is not possible! So what are we to make of all this sweat like blood and this request that the Cup might pass away?

There is only one thing that we can make of it. The only answer is that the Cup did not represent the pains and the agony of physical death, even that cruelest of prolonged tortures, death on a cross. What made even the Lord of Glory so upset was the fact that in less than one day he faced the prospect of being identified with, of bearing, the sin of the human race—your sin and mine. That was a burden so great and oppressive—especially to this holy One—that even Omnipotence could well shrink from bearing it. And shrink he did.

What is coming to a head here is a whole stream of Scriptural teaching that overflowed into drops of sweat like blood on the brow of our Lord. Isaiah had said it well, looking forward to the Cross: “All of us like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way. But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on him” (IS. 53:6). And looking back on it, Paul described Christ as having been “displayed publicly as a propitiation in his blood” (Rom. 3:25). The word “propitiation” simply means precisely what Isaiah had said: the iniquity of us all, and with it the full display of the Father’s wrath and displeasure against sin, fell on the shoulders of Christ. He goes on to explain the basis of our reconciliation with God: “He made him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Cor. 5:21). And he concludes that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, ‘cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’” (Gal. 3:13). Christ was about to die a propitiatory death as our substitute. He who knew no sin was about to be so closely identified with our sins in the Father’s eye that Paul said he would be sin. That was his mission, the very reason for which he had come. And only in Gethsemane do we begin to see what it meant to him.

The Cup then was the emotional and spiritual agony of being associated with our sin. Think of the worst sin ever committed. What do you think it was? Hitler and the holocaust? The even greater genocides committed by Stalin or Mao or Pol Pot? The degradation of pornography? The betrayal of Christ by Judas? The betrayal of the entire human race by Adam and Eve? Never mind. Do not think of that. Think of the worst guilt and shame you have ever felt personally! Then multiply that by infinity and try to imagine its impact on a heart totally pure, untainted, uncalloused, unjaded, undulled by sin. You begin to get just an inkling of what our Lord subjected himself to for us!

Worst of all, he would have to face the displeasure of his heavenly Father, the One whose will was his meat and drink, the One with whom he had been in perfect unbroken loving communion for all of eternity. But now it would be very different. The hatred of sin which drove the moneychangers from the temple—the hatred of sin which rained fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrha—the hatred of sin which slew the firstborn of Egypt—unleashing all the righteous judgment against sin held back for all the millennia of human history, concentrated now in all its infinite force: that is what would nail Jesus Christ to the Cross! No wonder, in spite of his love for us, in spite even of his devotion to the Father’s will, he prayed, “Father, if it be thy will, let this Cup pass from me!”

Brothers and sisters, Sin is a terrible thing! When you are less than honest in your financial dealings—when you repeat that bit of idle gossip—when you allow those angry and bitter words to escape from your lips—when you allow your mind to dwell on impure thoughts, much less act them out—when you put anything ahead of God in your life—you are guilty of sin. And it took nothing less than the agony of Jesus Christ on the Cross, foreshadowed by his agony in Gethsemane, to atone for it. Do you want to know what sin is? Ultimately, look at Jesus Christ on the Cross. Do you want to know what sin is? First, look at Jesus Christ in the Garden. And then you may begin to understand why the Cross is such Good News. For he did bear it there—all of it—so that we would not have to bear it any more, if only we will give our hearts to him!

II. THE SUBMISSION OF JESUS CHRIST

Are you beginning to understand what this moment meant to our Lord Jesus Christ? There is yet more to be revealed. The burden of sin was so great, so painful, so oppressive, that even Omnipotence shrunk from bearing it. But the love of our Lord was so great that he committed himself to bearing it anyway. It is not until we begin to understand what the Cross meant to our Lord that we can begin to understand the depths of his love expressed when he said, “Yet not my will, but thine, be done” (vs. 42).

So we could translate our Lord’s words more fully thus: “If it is in accordance with your plan [to atone for the sins of the race], let this cup pass; nevertheless, it is not what I prefer, but what you do, that I embrace as needing to happen.” If there is any other way to atone for the sins of our people, please, let’s find it! But if not, I am fully committed to doing this thing, not matter how costly. Or, as Paul would put it later, “God commendeth his love to us in this, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).

We must understand what the crucifixion meant to our Lord so that we can understand the way his submission to the Father’s will manifests his love both for us and for the Father. What could cause the Son of God to take on his pure unsullied shoulders this burden from which even Omnipotence shrank? Only the love of God. “God commendeth his love to us in this, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Yes, knowing full the cost, he embraced it for us. What wondrous love is this? To bear the fearful curse for my soul! We cannot see very far into these depths, but the least glimpse must be enough to change our lives forever.

Some of us holding back on our Christian commitment because we are afraid of what we might have to give up. I can only say this. Take a long, hard look at the Lord Jesus Christ kneeling here in the Garden of Gethsemane. And if you still don’t want to follow him, then don’t. But for me, I have to look also from him to the disciples, sleeping as Jesus was making his peace with the Father’s will—and doing it for them! And what I see then is our Lord longing for someone to step out from the crowd, to say, “This man cannot stand alone!” That would not be the disciples, yet; later it would. They did not yet understand—but now some of us do. Can we not watch with him one hour? Not that we could be of any help in bearing that burden—none whatsoever.

But we could cast ourselves at his feet!

I don’t know about you, but I cannot look at this scene which is before us today and find myself in any other place than on my face at his feet. Only there can I too be submitted to the will of the Father as I should be.

III. A COMMISSION FROM JESUS CHRIST

We then are to watch with him, and pray. Specifically, we are to pray that we do not enter into temptation. The prayer is not that we will not experience trials. To “enter into” temptation is an idiom that means to yield to it—to say, in whatever trials may come to us, something different from what Jesus said in his: “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done.” To understand what the disciples should have been praying, we must attend to what Jesus was praying. The lesson for us is that, in whatever our trials may be, we should face them as Jesus faced his. And the only way we can do that is by facing them with him. When that kind of temptation comes, then prayer itself, communion with God, is the only way through. And when we find ourselves needing to pray that way, we can now have the added encouragement of knowing that our Lord has been there—indeed, in an infinitely worse place—before us. When we need the strength to say, “Nevertheless, not my will but thine be done,” the One sitting at the right hand of the Throne as our Mediator is this very one we are watching in the Garden this morning. If you do not turn to him in your time of trouble for the strength to pray as he prayed, then you are letting those drops of blood-like sweat fall to the ground in vain.

Lead by example - Servitude

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:15

When we read maundy Thursday account written by St. John in ch.13, here we find that Jesus, a day before the Passover feast had last supper with His Twelve disciples in the upper room and he further writes that Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot was also in the upper room and he had decided already to betray Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ not only knew that Judas would betray Him, but also that the other disciples will leave Him alone and they will run away. Jesus knew that it was time for Him to leave this world. He had to return to the Father. Jesus knew that He had come to the earth for a definite purpose.

So, during the meal, Jesus left the table, wrapped a towel round His body, poured water into a basin and then He began to wash the disciple’s feet. He also dried them with the cloth around his waist. Usually, a slave does such a task. It was custom for slaves to wash the feet of their master’s guests. The slaves would do this as soon as the guests entered the house. But Jesus did it during the meal.

Lord Jesus Christ wanted to show His disciples how to behave, not only with each other, but also with everybody. (Mtt.22:24 because dispute arose among them that who is the greatest among them and also Judas was there). He did not just tell them what to do. He was serving them as He knelt down to wash their feet. He was their Lord and Teacher. But He did what a slave would do on their behalf. And He was the Son of Almighty Lord God and Creator of the universe. But He served His disciples, even after knowing His disciples' betrayal that was to happen. He made Himself humble.

He did a task that slaves did. He set an example by washing the feet of Judas, who betrayed, and sold His Master for thirty pieces of silver. He wanted the disciples to do the same. He meant any kind of act that show love and honour to other people, even to the enemies.

That is what Jesus wants us to do. He has called us and wants us to serve all; it doesn’t mean our loved one or favorite one, but to all. We should be humble. We should not be too proud to serve other people. Jesus - God’s Son did the job of a slave on behalf of His disciples. We should always be willing to serve each other in any way.

Remember, He even washed the feet of the people who sold him and turned their back on Him.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Jesus' Sufferings...

Sometimes, when I reflect, it seems like an easy statement when we say “Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins or He paid the penalty of our sins.” But the gospel accounts of how Jesus paid the penalty for our sins speaks in detail about the great suffering he had went through. Lord Jesus Christ suffered physically, mentally and spiritually for us. Perhaps, the sufferings of Lord Jesus was beyond the verbal expression of Gospel writers.

Physical suffering: - Lord Jesus Christ faced six long trials. He was on His feet for nine hours during which He was taken place to place, whipped, slapped, spat upon, humiliated and beaten by soldiers & own people, physically broken by carrying the heavy cross among other physical assault. His body was dangling on two hands and legs that were nailed to the cross he carried up the mountain which severed his bones and joints causing unbearable pain. Ps.22:6,7; Is. 53:2-5 describes the dreadful condition of His physical sufferings. Lord Jesus Christ hung on the cross for six hours. Crucifixion was a severe form of punishment which meant a very slow and painful death by suffocation.
Friends, Jesus had gone through sever physical suffering which is beyond our description. He knows our physical suffering, sickness & pain very well because in the flesh He experienced far more than us. So, let’s call Him for His healing touch.

Emotional suffering: - He was crucified outside the city to make an example to everyone who passed by that road. He was numbered among criminals. His cross was raised few inches above earth so He should not touch earth and to show that even He not belongs to heaven and He was left hanging in mid-air naked on the cross. This was emotional shame & humiliation for a Jew, more worse for a Jewish Rabbi. There were people mocking and calling him names Lk.23:35-38.

Friends, In spite of His emotional & physical suffering He was thoughtful to take care of His mother. He teaches us that how to overcome emotional suffering, tensions & depression while he was still suffering. We learn that comparing to the pain & suffering of others, we’ll find that our own pain & suffering are nothing He taught by an example that we need to Pray & help others, even those who are hurting us.

Spiritual suffering: - His spiritual sufferings were worse than His physical & emotional. He had not only taken our sins but became sin for us. He bore the sins of all the people, generations once for all. When the nature grieved and darkness covered the whole earth for three hours. It was Lord God’s judgment that He turned His face away from Lord Jesus Christ because He was carrying our sin, shame and disgrace. With agony He cried out loud “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?” First time Father and Son were separated.

Friends, He had adequately provided for God’s judgment by paying with His life for us and rose up from the dead, so we will be never separated from God. He has reconciled us with God. All we need to do is ‘Accept him as our personal Lord and Savior, and follow his path in obedience. Praise God! He is Emmanuel - always with us. I encourage you to share this good news with as many of your friends as you can. God bless you.

Rev. Varinder Kumar

The Death of Jesus Christ

The cross was deliberately made cruel and gruesome so that any slave considering rebellion would pass by the crucified victim and think to himself, ‘However terrible my life is, rebellion is not worth it.’ But the Christians aren’t ashamed of the cross. In fact, they seem proud of it. Paul says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Why should this be?

He (Jesus) then began to teach them that the Son of Man (meaning himself) must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three day rise again. (Mark 8:31)

Jesus is saying not only that he will die, but that his death is necessary in some way. Jesus died in order to pay a ransom for many. He died to rescue rebels by paying the price to free them. Suddenly, the thought of celebrating the cross seems less strange. Because although the danger we are in is very real, the cross is our life boat. It is how Jesus rescues people.

And to under stand this fully, we need to read the account of the crucifixion in the Gospel of Mark which tells us three things about the cross: God was angry; Jesus was abandoned; and we can be accepted.

1. God was angry

To God-fearing Jews of the time, darkness in the daytime was a sign of God’s anger. Time and again in the Bible, light represents God’s presence and favour, while darkness tells us that God is acting in judgment.

At the sixth hour (12 noon) darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour (3 pm). (Mark 15:33)

Mark tells us that just when the sun should be burning brightest, at midday, darkness suddenly falls, and it lasted for three hours. Something supernatural is occurring, and the clear message is that God is angry. God’s anger is his controlled, personal hostility towards all that is wrong.

A God who is good is right to be angry about sin. Sin matters to God. So every wrong matters to God. And some times we might think: If God existed he’d do something about all this. Actually, he has done something about sin, about every wrong in this world. He did it on the cross.

As Jesus was dying on the cross, the darkness that came over the whole land tells us that God was acting in anger to punish sin.

2. Jesus was abandoned

There is no doubt that Jesus suffered great physical agony on the cross, but Mark 15:34 speaks of spiritual agony:
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’’ which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’’

On the cross, Jesus was abandoned by God and experienced what it means to be cut off from God, his loving father, for the first time in all eternity. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Previously, Jesus had addressed God as ‘Father’ or ‘Abba’. But not here. He is experiencing a horrific and terrible separation that he has never known. God is doing something he only ever does by way of punishment.

But Jesus had never rebelled against God. According to those who knew him, Jesus lived a sinless life. He had done nothing that deserved punishment. So why was he being punished? The answer is that he was being punished for our sin.

At this moment Jesus was experiencing God’s punishment. And it was our sin that made him feel separated from God. In those agonizing moments, Jesus was taking upon himself all the punishment that our sin deserves. The Bible tells us again and again that our rebellion against God deserves punishment, and punishment is exactly what Jesus endured on our behalf.

As Jesus died on the cross, he willingly died for me, as my substitute, in my place, taking the punishment I deserve. Jesus paid the price for sin so that we never have to.

3. We can be accepted

With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. (Mark 15:37,38)

As soon as Jesus dies, we are transported to the interior of Jerusalem’s huge temple. We see an incredible thing. The temple curtain is 30 feet high and as thick as the span of a man’s hand. It is made from a single piece of material. Suddenly we here a thunderous ripping sound and the curtain fall to the ground in two pieces.

The curtain was actually a terrifying barrier to the ‘Holy of Holies,’ the heart of the temple where God was said to live. So holy was this place that only the High Priest could enter it once a year. Not just any person, and not even any priest, but only the High Priest, once he had performed an elaborate series of sacrifices, and ten only once a year. The whole system was designed to show that it was not an easy thing to come into the presence of God. It very clearly said that it is impossible for sinful people like you and me to walk into God’s presence.

Then suddenly, as Jesus dies, this curtain is ripped in two by God, from top to bottom. God is saying that the way is now open for us to enter his presence. The barriers are now down, and there is nothing to prevent us from enjoying a relationship with him.

How is this made possible? Because Jesus was willing to be abandoned. He has taken God’s anger on our behalf so that we can be accepted.

As God’s anger burns against the sin that Jesus took upon himself at the cross, it burns once and for all. Once the judgment fall, it can not fall again. We can be accepted by God because the punishment we deserve has fallen – once and for all – on Jesus. So we are saved from God’s anger because of our Lord Jesus Christ.

By Ronald Vinay Kumar

He cares for you...

Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you: He will never let the righteous fall... Psalms 55: 22

King David was in great distress when he wrote this psalm. This psalm is an earnest prayer for his relief, and an outcome of his problems, difficulties, sorrow, fear and great terror on account of his enemies and was grieved by the treachery of a friend. Probably the remembrance of his sin in the matter of Uriah added much fear to him. He prays to God that He would show His favour to him during this time. He was fully surrounded by his enemies. He had no other hope except on God who called him, chose him, anointed him and made him king over His people. He assures himself that God would appear for him against his enemies in due time. With that affirmation he was filled with renewed hope and confidence. That’s why he wrote, “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you.”

He encourages us to trust in God in all the circumstances. In every trial let us call upon the Lord and He will save us. He will hear our prayers and He will never blame us for approaching Him again and again during times of fear, worries, struggles and problems etc. He will always welcome us. David had thought all were against him; but after prayer and trusting upon the Lord, he found there were many with him, more than he supposed; God raised his friends and faithful for his help and to stand with him. All the glory from his triumphs over enemies and situations, he gives to God. Even whenever we feel we are alone, hopeless, remember that it is He that rises up friends, and makes them faithful to us.

Friends, look to Christ who bore our sins, shame, curses, pain, suffering, sickness and disgrace on the cross. He dealt with our greatest problem of sin by offering His Life, then why will He not deal with our other smaller problems, worries and fears (Romans 8:32). Whatever we would ask Him or desires. He will give us. We must leave it to him to give it in His own way and time. We must commit our fear, worries, struggles and problems etc to the Lord; He will do what is best for us (Eph. 3:20). To cast our burdens upon God is to rest upon His providence and promise. And if we do so, He will carry us in the arms of his power. He will never allow us to be shaken by any fear, worries, struggles and problems etc.

May God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Dead to sin, alive to God!

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Romans 6:11-12

Lenten season reminds us that Lord Jesus Christ suffered, crucified, died and rose again for our sins. He has released us from the slavery of sin & death. We are no more alive to sin but we are dead to sin and alive as a new creation in Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corn. 5:17).

He has redeemed us from our old sinful nature by shedding His Holy & Precious Blood on the Cross of Calvary. We are no longer slaves of sin and sin should not be our master. Like after the death slave he is frees from the slavery of his master. In the same way Lord Jesus Christ died for our sins to make us living to God. As Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead to leave this world (Jn.13:1) and He rose to live to God. We are also in and through the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ rose to live to God.

These verses show how we must behave in our new resurrection life. Our whole attitude to sin must change. Every part of the body can sin. With our eyes, we can look at wrong things. With our ears, we can listen to bad talk. With our mouth we can say things that can hurt other people. With our hands we can work in bad ways. With our feet we can go to places that we should avoid. We should not use ourselves as instruments of sin but in and through the resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ we should do what God wants.

Friends, now choice is before us either to allow old sinful nature to master over us or continue to allow Lord Jesus Christ to be our Master and Saviour.

May God strengthen you through His grace and the power of His Holy Spirit to live for Him and to serve Him.
God bless you.

Yours in His service,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

Worship the Lord

In the book of prophet Daniel, in Ch. 3 we come across three young Jews. They present an exemplary behaviour and teach us that we, in all circumstances we should always trust and worship the Lord. We should never miss an opportunity to worship Him. They were very faithful to God even in the times of difficulties, extreme pain and troubles.

Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar commanded his people to worship his image that was made of gold. These three young men were in great trouble because they were very faithful to their living and almighty God and they knew it very well that worshiping other gods or giving priority to other gods is a great sin. Since they were under the bondage of Babylonian king, there was a great penalty for them; because saying 'no' to the king's command only meant death. However, they did make a choice of who's command to follow, because worshiping other gods meant committing a great sin against God Almighty.

Friends, finally they decided to say no to earthly king’s command and follow their kings of King’s command (Ex.20:3-4). The result: they were thrown into the midst of the fiery burning furnace, which was heated seven times more. Soon king Nebuchadnezzar saw there were four persons walking in the midst of that furnace instead of three. All were unhurt and unharmed, and he saw that the fourth person who was walking with them, who was none other but the Son of the God.

Finally Nebuchadnezzar said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has delivered His servants who trusted in Him”. This changed the king's word, and he yielded their bodies, so that they might "neither serve nor worship any other god, except their own God."

We must praise God that we are not under the bondage of anyone and do not have any command from worldly authorities. So lets worship God even in the time of pressures, difficulties, troubles and uncertainties. If we give time and place that belongs to God then we would always experience with us the presence of the Son of God.

Not everyday, but just count how many Sundays in the month of February did we not worship the Lord?

Yours in His service,
Rev. Varinder Kumar

The Remnant

They that feared the LORD spoke often one to another and the LORD hearkened… and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name.

Malachi 3:16

Malachi the prophet looks at the qualities of the Remnant and we have a lesson here to learn from that group of people:

1. They that feared the LORD – Proverbs 23:17; Psalms 111:10

Fearing the LORD is a lost jewel and sounds an out-of-date talk to us and hence we are not being able to live life to the fullest. Solomon reminds us in Proverbs that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Prov.9:10). He also says before this about the benefits of the fear of the LORD in Chapter 8:13a: to fear the LORD is to hate evil. Again in chapter 10:27 he exhorts: the fear of the LORD adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short.

2. They spoke one to another – Romans 12:10,16

Malachi points the other quality of the Remnant as that of fellowship. They spoke one to another. This helped them to remain focused on their calling. They could celebrate about their growth and were helped in the areas of hindrances in their walk with the LORD. They became accountable one to another about their lives and shared with openness and assurance that their sharing will only lead to building them up in their spiritual relationship with the LORD as well as with each other.

3. They thought upon His name – Daniel 11:32

The third and the last quality of the Remnant is that they kept thinking upon their LORD’s name. The focus of their talks and personal lives was Jesus Christ and the upon His name. What was the significance of His name to them was always on their mind. They reminded themselves about the great I AM God they worshiped. They also eagerly awaited the promised Messiah. Their lives spoke volumes about their awaiting their promised Saviour.

Let’s all look at our own lives in the light of the above and we will be able to enjoy the benefits of the same. We will then be His witness to this wounded world. We will make sense to them then.

Mr. Steven Christian
(Cell Group Leader)