JANUARY 2002
Volume 31 Issue 1 No. 310
JANUARY 2002 Volume 31 Issue 1 No. 310 |
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Divine Power Year Dear Friends, Joyful greetings to you in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord! I bow in obeisance before God who passed on the mantle to me from my predecessor, Brother A. Lionel. I thank him for his excellent contributions to BYM. God bless him and his family. A word about my background: Brought up by godly parents I committed my life to Christ in my teens but dared not accept a suggestion of my dad then to become a presbyter as I considered myself unworthy for God’s work. After serving for 15 years in the veterinary field, I finally responded to God’s call to become a missionary and joined BYM with my wife Lizzie and three children (Pearl, Pearly and Dolly). After about a year of my retirement, when I was asked to take up the responsibility of the Chairman, I was just reminded of the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Someone had asked him about the choice of his leadership, "Why you? You are neither handsome nor learned, nor of a noble family!" Francis replied, ".... because the eyes of the Most High have willed it so... as His most holy eyes have not found among sinners any smaller man nor more insufficient and sinful, therefore He has chosen me to accomplish the marvelous work which God has undertaken..." Although I am aware of the fact that I need a tall ladder to climb even to reach up to the footlevel of that great saint of God, I would seek to steal away those precious words of him to own them for my life. AD 2001 has been a year of worldwide terrorism, chaos and confusion to the extent that even the super power of the world was under threat. Perhaps, it could be branded as a year of terrorism. How many people lost their lives, their homes, their possessions and their dear ones! How much of money, energy and time had been wasted at international level! World peace is shattered. When the entire world sees only troubles and problems everywhere, a child of God is able to see through such adversities the omnipotent hands of God. The Psalmist said, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear" (Psa 46:1-3). As BYM enters the 32nd year of its ministry in this troubled background, God is once again drawing our attention to Him and His power. His word for the year 2002 comes to us very clearly: "He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine according to His POWER that is at work within us" (Eph 3:20). Man has limits in his asking and in his imaginations. But God has no limits . He is all powerful. He is ABLE to do beyond the limits of man. His power is working within His people through His indwelling Spirit. That power can work beyond circumstances. That hovering Spirit of God can give form to formlessness, can fill emptiness, can dispel darkness (Gen 1:2). When the world feels sinking in utter hopelessness, we the Body of Christ within whom the power of God is at work can trust His ability to act beyond our limits, tackling all situations at individual, family, social, national and international levels. Anchoring our faith in this Almighty God the Blessing Youth Mission joyfully declares AD 2002 as the DIVINE POWER Year. It is my prayer that this Divine Power will dynamically work within us in this New Year to revive us and to motivate us to give hope of the Gospel to the hopeless world around us, thereby fulfilling the great commission of our Lord. Thank you for your faithful partnership in the above cause. God bless you and grant you alongwith His power, His joy and happiness all through this New Year! Your friend, M. ARTHUR JOHN
R. Stanley
One of the earliest and enthralling self-revelations of God to man was, "I am God Almighty!" This came significantly to "Abraham, Isaac and Jacob" (Gen 17:1; Ex 6:3). The Hebrew word so translated is EL SHADDAI. A heavenly song resounds this Name in the Book of Revelation: "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" (Rev 19:6). To David the Psalmist this was an ever-echoing theme. He wrote, "God has spoken once; twice I have heard this: Power belongs to God!" (Psa 62:11).
Absence of power in the lives of those who worship the Omnipotent God is self-contradiction. But that is what is predicted as a sign of the endtime religion. These apostates will have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Tim 3:5). We are called to renounce such powerless Christianity.
In the world of sports they talk about "Power Shoes." Readymade garments are advertised as "Power Dressing." Automobile companies promote "Power Steering." How will God tolerate His people living as powerless paupers? More than our desire to experience God’s power is His delight to manifest His power in and through us. "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself mighty on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him" (2 Chr 16:9). Life lived out with natural wisdom and mere physical strength will end meaninglessly. But life in the supernatural power of God is a glorious fulfillment. Jesus "lives by the power of God" so we also may live by the same power (2 Cor 13:4).
Here’s a study of how we have the power of God available to us for every sphere of life from our initial Salvation to Christ’s Second Coming. With proper appropriation of this divine supply our Christian life will be a demonstration of "power upon power."
The power of the Gospel is what initiates our Christian life. Apostle Paul unashamedly declares to those in Rome, the political capital of the then world, "The Gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes" (Rom 1:16). It applies equally to all, whether a religious Jew or an intellectual Greek or an illiterate tribal (v14). No religious ritual however sacred, no logical reasoning however sound, or no tradition however ancient can save a man. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only power that God uses to bring men and women into eternal salvation.
The story of the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ is not merely a historical event. It’s a message of power. It transforms "the vilest offender the moment he truly believes!" The Gospel is not just a narrative. It’s a Person. It’s Christ. "Christ is the power of God" for salvation (1 Cor 1:24). The Message of the Cross is the power of God that saves us (1 Cor 1:18).
Apostle Peter calls the Gospel an imperishable seed. It is packed with life and power. This is the seed responsible for our rebirth (1 Pet 1:23). Jesus was conceived in the womb of Mary when the power of the Highest overshadowed her (Lk 1:35). The virgin birth of Christ was a human impossibility. "But with God nothing will be impossible," said Gabriel to her (Lk 1:37). No sinner is too sinful to be saved. Referring to an extremely difficult situation, the disciples of Christ asked Him, "Who then can be saved?" His answer was just the same as that of Gabriel to Mary (Mt 19:25,26).
Salvation is a deliverance. It is getting snatched away from the clutches of Satan. The Gospel message is the emancipation proclamation. It leads the victim from prison to palace. It lifts the sinner from the guttermost to the uppermost and seats him with Christ in the heavens. It was this understanding that excited Zacharias to celebrate redemption as raising up of a "horn of salvation!" (Lk 1:68,69).
Rarely does a Gospel meeting close without the singing of the chorus—
The power of the Blood of Christ cannot be overestimated. It does not just wash away "our sins," but cleanses "us." Not just some "sins" but all "sin!" (1 Jn 1:7). It leaves no stain whatsoever. Its detergent effect is so thorough that it makes us stand before God as if we had never sinned! God calls us promising, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isa 1:18,19). The Blood of Christ gives us holy boldness to enter the Holiest! (Heb 10:19). No hesitation at all!
The immediate and inevitable effect of sin is guilt. That’s what made our first parents hide from the presence of God. Men down through the ages have been trying various means, religious and other, to get rid of guilt, but in vain. Psychology gives temporary relief but not a permanent release. Praise God for the power of His Son’s Blood! It purges our conscience from "dead" works to serve the "living" God (Heb 9:14). This is what the Devil hates most. With all his wisdom of experience he will endeavour to bring us back into the bondage and burden of guilt. The tool he primarily employs is accusation. That’s why his very name is "Accuser" of God’s people (Rev 12:10). He is on this mission "day and night." The only thing he fears is the Blood of Jesus. His accusation stops when we answer him with the Blood of Jesus (v 11).
There is no saint who never sins. There is no day when we don’t sin. The cleansing stream of Immanuel’s Blood keeps flowing over us all the time. Like pebbles under a water course, we are constantly under the cleansing stream of the Blood of Jesus. The hymnologist has beautifully captured this thought—
It is easy to stay holy under favourable circumstances. But when everything works against us and we are tossed by trials and tribulations, it is near impossible to keep our thoughts free from unbelief, our words free from complaints, and our deeds free from our own ways. The power of the Blood of Christ is manifestly operative in such hard times. John in his Heavenly visions saw a great multitude which no one could number from all nations worshipping God with palm branches in their hands. He was interested to know who they were. One of the elders answered, "These are the ones who have come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the Blood of the Lamb" (Rev 7:14).
The entire universe was created by the spoken Word of God (Heb 11:3). When God said, "Let there be light," there was light. When God said, "Let there be trees," so it was. God’s Word is still the same. Its power has not changed. "The Word of the Lord endures forever" even if all creation vanishes away (1 Pet 1:24,25).
The power of God’s Word is illustrated in various ways in the Scriptures. God Himself challenges His people, "Is not My Word like a fire, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" (Jer 23:29). Prophet Jeremiah testified, "His Word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones" (Jer 20:9). The fire of God’s word burns up the rubbish in our life and refines us as pure gold. What the best of human argument cannot do, the Word of God can accomplish in us if only we would allow it to work freely in us.
David sang, "The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars... the voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire. The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness" (Psa 29:3-8). No problem in our life is too difficult to be solved by the Word of God. In the Bible is the answer to our every question which needs to be answered on this side of eternity.
Bodily sickness is common to all. Praise God for all the medical help available today, but we are well aware of its limitations. The miracle healing power of God can be experienced by those who believe it. With reference to the wilderness journey of the Israelites we read, "God sent His Word and healed them" (Psa 107:20). Jesus praised the Centurion’s faith as "great" when the latter pleaded with Him, "Just speak a word, and my servant will be healed!" (Mt 8:8-10). Observing the healing ministry of Jesus, Matthew reported, "He cast out the demons with a word, and healed all who were sick" (Mt 8:16). Those who are regular in Bible meditation will experience both spiritual and physical health (Prov 4:20-22).
The stunted growth of many a Christian is primarily due to insufficient intake of the Word of God. Just like babies we are to be craving for the milk of God’s Word. Growth is not possible otherwise (1 Pet 2:2). The Word of God to us is what "water is to the earth," and what "seed is to the sower," and what "bread is to the eater" (Isa 55:10). It refreshes us, replenishes us, and rejuvenates us. If we thus meditate the Bible with hunger and thirst, its God-intended purpose shall be fully accomplished in us. God says, "My Word shall not return to Me without fruit" (v 11).
In this age of hectic activity, whether spiritual or secular, we must guard ourselves of the danger of becoming too busy to spend unhurried time in Bible meditation. We may build massive structures or launch mammoth projects. They will impress God the least. But He is attracted towards the one who "trembles at His Word" (Isa 66:1,2). Which means, God honours those who honour His Word. He prospers the work of their hands (Psa 1:2,3). Our mental strength and physical stamina cannot sustain us too long without the spiritual power that comes from God’s Word. This is why David prayed frequently, "Strengthen me according to Your Word" (Psa 119:28).
The omnipotent God is also omnipresent (Psa 139:7-9). He "is" everywhere. But He "dwells" among His people. Jesus promised, "Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am there in the midst of them" (Mt 18:20). The very name of the city of God’s people is Jehovah-Shamma, which means, "The Lord is there!" (Ezek 48:35). In Psalms we read, "God is in her palaces" (Psa 46:5; 48:3).
As we move to the New Testament, the Church of Christ is the City of God. It is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ as the chief cornerstone. The believers are the "living stones" with which the superstructure is built. It’s a spiritual house. It’s the temple of the Holy Spirit (Eph 2:20-22; 1 Pet 2:4,5). Eventhough God has promised that His presence would be with every individual child of His, He reveals His glory in a greater measure when His children come together. We understand His love better when we study it with other saints (Eph 3:18). No organ can enjoy the blessing of the Head if it is severed from the body (Eph 4:15,16). Here lies the absolute necessity of fellowshipping with fellow-believers. Over-independent believers will die of the disease of deception (Heb 3:12,13).
God chose to appear to His people several times in fire in order to teach them how powerful His presence is. The Angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a "flame of fire" (Ex 3:2). Stephen specifically mentioned it in his martyrdom address (Acts 7:30). On the day when the Lord delivered David from all his enemies, he sang, "Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth" (2 Sam 22:1,8). In Ezekiel’s vision, the appearance of the Lord was "fire all around" (Ezek 1:27). Daniel saw "a river of fire" flowing from God’s presence (Dan 7:10a). At the inauguration of the Church on the Day of Pentecost, one of the manifest signs of the Holy Spirit was "tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3). Our God is a consuming fire (Dt 4:24; Heb 12:29). If we forget this oft-repeated truth, we will lose our reverence for God in walk and worship.
The other side of the presence of God is joy. "In Your presence is fullness of joy" (Psa 16:11). "You have made the king exceedingly glad with Your presence" (Psa 21:6). "You will make me full of joy in Your presence" (Acts 2:28). This is the joy of worship. God inhabits the praises of His people (Psa 22:3). David got excited everytime he got an opportunity to go to the temple (Psa 122:1).
We experience the power of God’s presence to the maximum when we combine both reverence and joy. Irreverential rejoicing is mere sensationalism. Joyless reverence is slavery. "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling" (Psa 2:11).
Under the Old Covenant, the prophets, priests and kings alone were anointed with oil. Besides this, the Spirit of God came upon certain select individuals for special tasks. But in the New Covenant, that is, in the last days, the Holy Spirit is poured out on "all flesh"— all the children of God—young or old, servants or masters (Acts 2:17,18). All believers are priests. All Christians are clergy. There is no laity! (1 Pet 2:5,9).
The power of the Holy Spirit is given to us for many reasons. The supreme purpose is to make us bold in the proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 1:8). Paul reminded the Christians in Thessalonica, "Our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit" (1 Thess 1:5).
In this age of reasoning we are tempted to think that logical presentation of the gospel will be far more effective than the powerful proclamation of it. We are mistaken. Let’s remember that we are dealing with souls, not with brains. Quoting Paul again, from what he wrote to the Corinthians, "My speech and preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of man but in the power of God" (1 Cor 2:4,5). That which is born in the head will reach only heads; what is born in the heart will reach hearts.
The power of God’s Spirit becomes tangible through His gifts. One of the representative lists of the gifts of the Spirit is in 1 Corinthians 12:7-10. This list has nine of them. The word of wisdom, the word of knowledge and discernment of spirits are the gifts of revelation; prophecy, tongues and interpretation are the gifts of communication; faith, healing and miracles are those of demonstration. Gospel preaching to be most effective must have these three. With a personal revelation of God’s grace to us, we must communicate the gospel of Christ with the demonstration of the Spirit’s power. Apostle Paul’s missionary coverage of regions from Jerusalem to Rome was on this pattern (Rom 15:18,19).
Though we don’t need to tarry today for the Holy Spirit to come from Heaven, we must wait on God to be filled and fired with His power to go forth and "turn the world upside down"— no, no, to set right the world that’s upside down! (Acts 17:6). The task of world evangelisation is Himalayan. But it can be done and it will be done by the power of God’s Spirit (Zech 4:6,7).
God’s hand, particularly His right hand, speaks of His power to overthrow the enemies, to deliver His people and to protect them. Moses sang, "Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces" (Ex 15:6).
Standing before the Jewish tribunal, Jesus said, "Hereafter the Son of Man will sit on the right hand of the power of God" (Lk 22:69). Ater resurrection when He was received up into Heaven, He sat down at the right hand of God (Mk 16:19). The Father has told the Son, "Sit at My right hand till I make Your enemies Your footstool" (Mk 12:36). The most exciting truth is that we are also seated with Christ up there! (Eph 1:3). The same power which raised Him from the dead and seated Him in Heaven is working in us mightily (Eph 1:19,20). The victory of Christ is our victory. He is the Head and we are His Body. Both are inseparably one. The Body cannot function without the Head. The Head will not function without the Body (vv 22,23).
God has not promised us a problem-free life. Jesus unequivocally said, "In the world you will have tribulation." He didn’t stop there. He also said, "But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world!" (Jn 16:33). Whatever may be the height or the weight of the problem, here’s God’s unfailing promise: "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isa 41:10).
There is only one thing that can hinder the working of God’s hand on our behalf. That is sin. Prophet Isaiah shouted, "Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened that it cannot save... But your iniquities have separated you from your God" (Isa 59:1,2). The solution is in confessing and forsaking of all that displeases God in our life. Then with confidence we can pray, "Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord! Awake as in the ancient days, as in the generations of old!" (Isa 51:9).
We often recite 1 John 4:4, "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." But seldom do we realize that "angels are (also) greater in power and might" than demonic powers (2 Pet 2:11).
Many Christians consider the study of angels optional. See how angels are associated with us. When we are born again, we are said to have come not only into the general assembly of saints but also into "an innumerable company of angels" (Heb 12:22,23). Angels are jubilantly excited even over one sinner who repents! (Lk 15:7,10). They eagerly watch every gospel programme (1 Pet 1:12c). They join us in the worship of the Almighty (1 Cor 11:5,10). They are concerned about discipline in the Church (1 Tim 5:21). They are spirits sent to minister to us everyway (Heb 1:7,14).
The ministry of angels will assume new proportions and dimensions towards Christ’s second coming and the end of the age. In the Book of Revelation references to angelic activities abound (Rev 7:1,2; 8:2,6; 10:1; 12:7; 14:6,8,9; 15:6; 18:1; etc.) Christ will return to earth with His mighty angels (Mt 16:27; 2 Thess 1:7). The voice of an archangel will herald His descent from Heaven (1 Thess 4:16). The angels will be the reapers of the final harvest. They will gather out of God’s Kingdom all the offenders and the lawless, and bring together the elect from all over the world (Mt 13:39,41; 24:31). Jesus will openly acknowledge in the presence of angels those who had acknowledged Him publicly before men, and deny those who had denied Him (Lk 12:8,9).
Most of what the angels of God do to us is unseen and unknown. The angels never show off. They are known for covering their faces and feet when they fly about their services! (cf Isa 6:2). They don’t draw our attention towards themselves. I wish God would tell me, when I shall meet with Him face to face, all that the angels have done to me from mummy’s womb to my tomb! Thank you, angels dear!
"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen!" (Eph 3:20,21).
An Update by Dr. Berty Chandran, M.V.Sc.
I consider myself privileged to have been to Diptipur, Orissa, to help in the relief work there among the drought-affected poor. Mr. Rajendran, M.A., a sub postmaster, Miss Hannah, B.Com., working in a Bank, Mr. Suseelan, M.A., a retired professor and I started from Chennai on the 7th of October alongwith Dr. Lilian Stanley. We arrived at Bargarh on the 9th at 2 am. Missionaries received us joyfully. Though we could not speak the language we helped in sorting out medicines and old clothes, collecting parcels from Bargarh, getting the TB patients from villages for treatment and other odd jobs. I was glad to drive the van for the team. Everything was new to me. We could buy vegetables only once a week. Being a mutton lover I had to bicycle to the next village to buy mutton available there once a week. Lot of time was wasted in the nights due to frequent power cut. The roads, especially to the villages, were rugged and bumpy. Once our van got stuck in the middle of a flowing river and it was a priceless experience. As a veterinarian I found it amusing that the noses of bulls were not pierced for a rope. We lived nearly half a century behind! Veterinary hospitals are few and their shelves are bare. So cattle and poultry die in batches. The absence of street lights made the sky utterly black and the stars sparkling. I was enthralled at the night sky. Having heard about the Saturday meetings we eagerly waited for the day to arrive. The van had to make two trips to Padampur, 20 km away, to bring the required rice. Saturday dawned bright and blue. By the time we finished our devotions people were streaming in from all directions. It was a stunning sight. They sat jampacked, 1100 in all from 45 villages. Some testified that they had been experiencing an unusual peace ever since they started listening to the Good News. We closed the gate at 10. But some who came a little late pushed past the gatekeeper saying, "We don’t want rice. We want to listen to the stories." Some sat in the hot sun. They listened with utmost reverence, answered questions, clapped and waved hands as they sang. Missionary couple Mr. & Mrs. Samal ministered the Word. After sharing, when the question, "When did Jesus come to this earth?" was asked, a lady promptly replied, "Two months ago!" Though we laughed, truly Jesus came "to her" two months ago only. They all went away joyously with 2 kg rice. If you cannot believe it you can buy the video cassette or CD "Drought and Relief" by sending Rs.100/-. Then you will also know how your money is being used. A few days later the Samals and Sister Lilian were called to the police station and warned to stop the gospel proclamation and rice distribution. There was no choice for us but to stop this program. So we turned our attention in other directions. Now 90 TB patients are being treated to whom rice, dhal, eggs and oil are given every week. We won’t be able to write much about the evangelistic work openly but alongside relief that will also go on. A doctor is urgently needed as Dr. Malik will be leaving shortly. As per Galatians 6:10 we decided to nurture poverty-stricken Christians. There are believers who beg, whose houses have crumbled down, and Christian students who are unable to pay school/college fees and even without bus fare. We distribute old clothes. The need is for cotton sarees, dhotis, towels and warm clothing. The poverty is apalling. I have not seen such misery in my life. We arranged a meeting for people to come and learn about Self Help Groups. I explained to them how they could start such a group, get bank loan and start a business. 40 turned up and returned with much enthusiasm and hope. As a first step we have hired a man to teach bamboo basket weaving. A dozen girls come regularly to learn. It is a sad sight to see church buildings broken, leaking and collapsing. The Christians are so poor and don’t even have mats to sit on during worship. We have now repaired one CNI Church. We have promised prizes for recitation of Matthew 5,6,7. Congregations are waking up with enthusiasm. I returned home after two months. Hopefully I will be back there in February to help out for a month. There are too many of you to be thanked in person. We thank every one of you for your financial help, medicines, clothes, prayers and encouraging letters. We need your continued support. God bless every one of you!
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