OCTOBER 2002
Volume 31 Issue 10 No. 319
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OCTOBER 2002 Volume 31 Issue 10 No. 319 |
What is anointed writing?A talk given in the Writers Workshop, Neyveli, 24-25 August 2002 by R. Stanley
With the renewed interest in the power and gifts of the Holy Spirit, the word "anointed" is very frequently used in Christian circles. In the handbills and reports of evangelistic meetings we read about "anointed preaching" and "anointed singing." What exactly people understand by these terms is far from the Biblical meaning. For example, a preacher is said to be under mighty anointing if he shouts a lot, speaks fast, shakes and swings all over the dais! But any act can be qualified as "anointed" only if it reflects the characteristics of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible is the product of anointed writing. "No prophecy of Scripture is of any private origin, because prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet 1:20,21). This authenticity is claimed by Biblical writers again and again. The Psalmist testified, "Thus says David the Son of Jesse; thus says the man raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue" (2 Sam 23:1,2).
Though Christian writers of today cannot claim infallibility for their writings as the Scriptures written by Biblical authors, the evidence of the nature of the Holy Spirit in a writing is what deems it as "anointed." The writing may lack literary excellence, but the interest it evokes in readers and the impact it embeds on them are the proof of the pudding. Peter and John were "uneducated and untrained" (Acts 4:13). But their seven books in the New Testament are more than mere narrative. John’s insight and Peter’s farsightedness are timeless in value for our Christian thinking and living. Education for writers is only a supplement to inspiration, and not a substitute.
In order to teach us the characteristics of the Holy Spirit, the Scriptures present Him in various emblems. I have picked up five of them which are relevant to the ministry of writing. We will analyse each of them briefly to get a comprehensive understanding of what an anointed writing is.
Water is one of the most used emblems of the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Showers of Blessing, Latter Rain, Springs and Rivers of Living Water are frequent expressions to refer to the Holy Spirit (Ezek 34:26; Zech 10:1; Jn 7:38,39).
Water quenches thirst. An anointed writing must quench the spiritual thirst that is in every man and woman. Folks have tried so many things of the world to satisfy their deep and inner longings, but all in vain. God laments, "My people have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all" (Jer 2:13). He challenges them, "Why do you spend money for what does not satisfy?... Come to the waters!" (Isa 55:1,2). If a writing leaves the readers in the same state after they have read it, how can we say that the content is anointed?
Water refreshes. In Bible times it was customary that the hosts poured water for the feet of the guests, especially if they had made a long travel in heat and dust (Lk 7:44). There’s nothing like dipping our feet in a stream of cold water as we walk through forests and deserts. An evening shower after a hectic day makes us feel fresh to sit, read and relax. We are in a world of pressures and problems. Christian writing should minister personally to the readers so they may be relieved of tensions and become dependent on the God of peace.
Water cleanses. Christ sanctifies and cleanses the Church with the washing of water by the Word (Eph 5:26). The demonic rule has contaminated and corrupted the world. Self-help books cannot cleanse our hearts from sin and free us from guilt. It is the living Word of God which makes us clean (Jn 15:3). It is through the power of God’s Word that youths can resist sinful lusts (Psa 119:9). An anointed writing has the right Word in it to cleanse the readers, even while they are reading it.
There’s no direct reference in the Bible that oil symbolises the Holy Spirit. However, as the chief substance used for the purpose of anointing materials as well as men, oil is definitely a symbol of the Holy Spirit (Ex 30:22-33). The properties and uses of oil as mentioned in the Bible speak so much of the work of the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at some of them with reference to writing.
Men were anointed with oil as an official inauguration into high office. The three chief leaders of God’s people were prophets, priests and kings (1 Ki 19:16; Ex 28:41). This anointing was for bestowing authority on them. An anointed writing will be known for its spiritual authority it carries with it whatever be the subject. Authority should not be confused with arrogance. With all the apostolic authority Paul had, he wrote to the Corinthian Christians, "We do not have dominion over your faith but are fellow workers for your joy" (2 Cor 1:24). People observed that Paul’s letters were "weighty and powerful," but he affirmed that whatever he wrote was for their "edification and not destruction" (2 Cor 10:8-10).
Oil is known for its smoothness. It flows gently through recesses and cavities. It lubricates moving parts and reduces friction. It keeps engines cool even in high speed. We can spiritually interpret it as the help of the Holy Spirit in interpersonal relationships. Our writings should foster unity among God’s people and further peace in the society. We cannot bring glory to God in the highest heaven by disrupting peace on earth and destroying good will among men (Lk 2:14). Letter without Spirit kills! (2 Cor 3:6).
Oil has soothing and curative effects. Oil was poured on the sheep’s head as a protection against dry heat (Psa 23:5). The good Samaritan poured oil on the wounds of the half-dead traveller (Lk 10:34). Oil was rubbed on the bodies of the sick which was followed by prayer (Js 5:14). All these speak of the comforting ministry of the Holy Spirit. Spirit- guided writings will heal the brokenhearted, liberate the captives, release the imprisoned, comfort and console those who mourn (Isa 61:1-3). Bringing folks out of their fears and complexes is characteristic of anointed writing. The Holy Spirit was introduced by the Lord Jesus primarily as a Comforter and Helper. In calling Him as "another" Comforter, Jesus implied that the Holy Spirit would continue the prophetic ministry of the former for "edification, exhortation and comfort" (Jn 14:16; 1 Cor 14:3).
Perfumed oil was used in festivals and other happy occasions. We read about the oil of gladness (Esth 2:12; Isa 61:3; Heb 1:9). Paul’s letter to the Philippian Church was written from prison chambers, but it was all about joy from start to finish. The shackles and prison bars could not crush the spirit of Paul and turn him bitter. Christian writing should not seek sympathy from readers, rather it should stir up in them enthusiasm and excitement. Christian writers must uproot all bitterness from their hearts before they sit to write. Otherwise thousands will be poisoned (Heb 12:15). Here’s a guideline for writers, authors and editors: "Whatever things are true... noble... just... pure... lovely... of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—write on these things!" (Phil 4:8 adapted). Writings anointed by the Holy Spirit will help diffuse the fragrance of the knowledge of Christ everywhere, and will not cause any foul odour (2 Cor 2:14,15). Negative journalism is not Christian.
Oil also serves as a fuel for lamps. Moses commanded the Israelites to "bring pure oil of pressed olives for the lampstand, so it can be kept burning continually" (Ex 27:20; Lev 24:2). What a lovely picture of the ministry of the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit enlightens our darkened minds. He is the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:17; 16:13). Anointed writings will be known for their clarity. Sometimes we are more confused about a subject after reading than before. The Holy Spirit actually brings order where there’s chaos, and revelation where there’s conflict. Someone said, You can speak whenever you want to, but not so with writing! Before writing on a subject the writer must spend enough time with an open Bible and an open heart under the Spirit’s umbrella. Christian magazines sadly are filled with aborted or premature articles. Even while giving his personal opinion on certain issues, Apostle Paul claimed, "I think I also have the Spirit of God" (1 Cor 7:40). Only the Holy Spirit knows the deep things of God (1 Cor 2:10,11). However skilled and learned the writer may be, he must solely depend on the Holy Spirit while writing. Christian writing is an eternal business. Let no one take it lightly!
In His discourse with Nicodemus, Jesus compared the work of the Holy Spirit to the blowing of the wind. He said, "Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit" (Jn 3:8). A sudden sound from heaven like the roaring of the mighty windstorm was a prelude to the glorious descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:2). Let’s observe how the windy nature of the Holy Spirit can be felt in anointed writing.
There’s nothing called static wind. It always moves. The writers of the Scriptures were said to be "moved" by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:21). On the very first page of the Bible we meet the Spirit of God as one "hovering" over the waters as a bird hovering over its nest (Gen 1:2). If a writing is anointed, the readers will experience a definite movement inside of them. This is similar to the experience of a pregnant woman when the baby moves inside her womb. If a writing is inspired by the Holy Spirit, the same Holy Spirit who is resident in us tickles us to respond to the message positively (1 Jn 2:27). When Mary’s Spirit-anointed greeting fell on the ears of Elizabeth, the baby John in her womb leaped! (Lk 1:41). Anointed writing stirs up the readers to act!
When there’s no fresh air, there will be suffocation. Unfortunately many of our churches have only doors—that too trap doors—but no windows and ventilators. No wonder the congregations are sick and dead though they have a name that they are alive! I strongly believe that God uses anointed writing to blow breeze on His people. That’s why Paul urged Churches to read his letters written to the other Churches also. See Colossians 4:16 for example: "When this Epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the Epistle from Laodicea!" Veils from women’s faces are lifted off when they walk outside on a windy day. That’s what Spirit-anointed writing does to liberate readers and bring them into the Promised Land (2 Cor 3:15-17).
The anointed writings of men of God like Martin Luther and John Wesley blew the winds of reformation and revival all across Europe and the world. The dry bones of the dark ages came together and stood up as a mighty army when the breath of God as four winds breathed on them (Ezek 37:9,10). Is reformation complete? No, no, no! Do we need revival? Yes, yes, yes! Oh for men who will write the meteoric message of God for a mighty move of God in our generation!
Anointed writing is least bothered about impressing the readers with the author’s gifts and talents. It aims at bringing the best out of the readers—to make them holier in their walk and happier in their work. There’s an illustrative passage in the Song of Solomon: "Awake, O north wind! Come, south wind! Blow on my garden that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden and eat its choicest fruits" (SS 4:16). Chellenges in writings must not intimidate the readers, but inspire them to attempt great things for God and accomplish great things for men. This the Holy Spirit always does because He is not a spirit of terror but of tender love. Encouraging letters from Paul played a vital role in developing a timid Timothy for Church leadership (1 Cor 16:10,11; 1 Tim 4:13-15).
Our God is a consuming fire (Heb 12:29). The Holy Spirit as one in the Godhead is fire. This nature of the Holy Spirit was proclaimed first in the New Testament by John the Baptist. He introduced Jesus Christ not only as the Bearer of sins but also the Baptizer with the Spirit and fire (Jn 1:29; Mt 3:11). The advent of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost was marked by flames of fire settling on the disciples (Acts 2:3). It is interesting to see how the fiery nature of the Spirit can manifest in writings done with His enablement.
Fire destroys. Though this sounds negative, any good work in spiritual life begins with this. Unlearning precedes learning. Prophet Jeremiah was called "to root out, pull down, destroy and throw down" before he could "build and plant" (Jer 1:10). Everything that can be shaken must be shaken so that only that which cannot be shaken may remain (Heb 12:27). Christian writing is not meant to sing lullaby and put the readers to sleep. It must disturb their false peace. It should shake them from their slumber. "Awake" and "arise" are God’s repeated calls! (Isa 60:1; Eph 5:14).
The fire of the Holy Spirit will burn the chaff in our lives (Mt 3:12). Even sincere Christians suffer from wrong priorities. Majoring on minors they fail in majors. Christian writers must dwell on subjects which will help readers prioritise their lives. Anointed writers don’t write what people want but what they need. Christian writing must not be commercialised. One of the last day signs is that "people will look for teachers who will tell them (or write for them) whatever they want to hear (or read)" (2 Tim 4:3b).
There are simply too many evangelistic magazines and too few for the edification of believers. Even such evangelistic writings address only Christians. Believers are still milk-suckers (Heb 5:12). The Sunday Service is nothing more than a Sunday class! Bible teachers forsake their calling and become evangelists to cater to popular demand. Let me encourage writers with a passage from Jeremiah: "The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he who has My Word, let him speak My Word faithfully. What is chaff to the wheat? says the Lord. Is not My Word like a fire?" (Jer 23:28). Let the fire shut up in your bones escape through your pen! (Jer 20:9).
Anointed writing will bless the readers with the experience of the disciples of Emmaus. They would exclaim, "Does not our heart burn within us while we are reading this stuff?" (See Lk 24:32). Fire cannot be ignored. Hearts ignited by anointed writing will become aflame for God and set others ablaze! Fire begets fire!
No scene is more beautiful in the history of the New Testament than the Spirit of God like a dove alighting on the Son of God who is the Lamb of God, on the banks of River Jordon. The Dove on the Lamb! (Mt 3:16; Jn 1:29). The gentlest of birds descending on the gentlest of animals! Doves don’t settle on lions and tigers. Eventhough Jesus is the Lion of Judah, He became a Lamb of Sacrifice. Here’s the perfect picture of incarnational identification. Until Christian writers identify themselves with the struggles and sufferings, puzzles and perplexities, desires and disappointments, and weaknesses and worries of people, the wavelength of their message cannot be caught by the readers. Writers must come down from pedestals and become brothers and sisters to mankind (Heb 2:11,12). Writers must sympathize with the feelings of the readers.
Dove is known for her guilelessness. While sending forth the twelve disciples Jesus said, "Be as wary as snakes and harmless as doves" (Mt 10:16). I am afraid Christian writers have an overdose of the snake character! Unless our smartness is balanced by sincerity we cannot fulfill God’s calling in our life. When the dove-like Holy Spirit anoints a writer, he will "see clearly what’s right and stay innocent of any wrong" (Rom 16:19b). It is necessary that writers be wide readers. But because newspapers and periodicals are saturated with news of dirty politics, Christian writers must beware lest their minds become corrupt and they unconsciously bring in perverted ways into Christendom. Dove is a symbol of peace and purity.
Dove speaks of gentleness. Christ invited people to come to Him and learn from Him. Learn what? Meekness and gentleness (Mt 11:28,29). Meekness is not weakness. Gentleness is not the opposite of firmness. In our writings we can oppose false teaching and unscriptural practices, but we must not attack an individual or an institution. God hates sin but not the sinner. Anointed writing must be decorated with the fruit of the Spirit. What’s spoken may be forgotten, but what’s written is written. Pen is the writer’s sword. The sword is not meant to cut off someone’s ear! We may be thinking we are defending truth and faith, but actually we would have become a tool in Satan’s hand. Christian writers especially in India must be doubly cautious because of the overwhelming non-christian presence here. Philippians 4:5 is my concluding advice to all Christian writers: "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand!"
Blessing Literature CentreS. C. Vedasironmani, BYM Literature Coordinator
The Blessing Centre was opened in the Church Colony at Vellore in February 1979 by Brother D.G.S. Dhinakaran to accomodate the administrative headquarters of the Mission. Out of necessity, especially for the printing and distribution of literature, we built another building closeby and named it as Blessing Annexe. This was opened in April 1983 by Dr. Theodore Williams. When the workload at headquarters kept increasing, we felt it wise to shift the literature unit elsewhere. We purchased an old house in the heart of Nagercoil for the purpose in May 1995. Missionary J.J. Selvaraj under the guidance of Dr. Arthur John was in-charge of the unit up there. Eventhough lot of streamlining of our literature ministry could be done from Nagercoil, we thought Chennai would be a more convenient location, especially because most of our printing is done here. When the appeal was made in the Blessing magazine for such a facility, Mr. & Mrs. Kasthurirangan from Muscat offered their flat in Kodambakkam for rent-free use, and donated two vacant sites of 60’x40’ each at Madipakkam. Missionary couple Janili & Gnanaraj occupied the house to help the work in Chennai. As a stop-gap arrangement we rented a building near Loyola College from late Mr. Thomas Thangaraj. The building in Nagercoil was sold and the unit shifted to Chennai in September 2000.
We kept seeking God for a suitable site to build the literature centre. Miss Irene Hastings who had been looking for a Christian buyer with a worthy cause was more than willing to sell her land of 2120 sq.ft. at Chintadripet near Egmore behind the MMDA building on the western bank of River Coovam. Thanks to Mr. John Thomas and Mr. A. Solomon for helping us in this purchase.
Architect Mr. A.C. Rajan drew the plan and got the work started. Mr. V. J. Mahesh a civil engineer then took over and the building was completed. The ground floor of 1470 sq.ft. accomodates the godown, office and a show room. The first floor of 1668 sq.ft. houses a multi-purpose hall, a dormitory, a kitchen, and a room for writers. The second floor of 811 sq.ft. has a guest room, toilets and an open terrace. The land and building cost has come to Rs. 44,00,000/-. No money was borrowed. Thank you for your contributions.
Evangelist Sam Jebadurai offered the prayer of dedication and unveiled the tablet. Mr. K. Ponraj Isaac our first missionary, now retired, cut the ribbon. Nine missionaries who had completed 25 years or more of fulltime service were honoured with an appreciation certificate, a momento and a cash gift of Rs. 25,000/- each. Brother Jebadurai brought the Lord’s message for the occasion alongwith his personal testimony of how God made him a writer. The Chennai branch honoured Brothers Stanley and Lionel with a shawl and a momento for their contribution to BYM as the Founder and the Cofounder respectively.
Lunch was served to the guests after the dedication service. Because of limited facilities we could not extend open invitation to our readers and supporters. Sorry. Please do visit us at this new centre when you come to Chennai. The street address is 21 West Coovam River Road, Chintadripet, Chennai 600 002.
I take this opportunity to thank Mr. S. Margabandu of A. H. Press, Vellore for handling our printing works superbly from 1972 to 1981, and Mr. Paul Aravamuthan of Bapuji Printers, Chennai for doing the same for us from 1981. God bless Brothers A. Jeyaraj, J. D. Sapphire and A. Suthanthirasingh without whose regular visits and supervision this building could have never been built. Those who helped in various ways at different stages are too many to be named. God reward each of them richly.
Senior Staff SyndicateP. Chezhian, BYM Missionary in Orissa
The Senior Staff Syndicate (SSS) is a body of the Missionaries of Blessing Youth Mission who have completed 15 years or more of fulltime service in this organisation. This body was formed in 1988 in order to keep the original vision of the Mission in tact and see that it is passed on to the juniors faithfully. Towards this end the SSS publishes a quarterly titled, MANTLE, for private circulation among the staff. The members of the SSS share in this paper their insights and experiences with the next generation.
The first ever meet of the SSS was convened in Hubli, Karnataka in 1988, the second in Ramagiri, Orissa in 1992, the third in Alnavar, Karnataka in 1999, and the fourth was the recent one in Mamallapuram, Tamilnadu, 27-30 August, in the campsite of the Scripture Union at seashore. The present members of the SSS are Sarasa & V. Ponnusamy, Lilian & R. Stanley, Vinolia & S. Thomas, Vimala & A. Jeyaraj, Geetha & S. Mohan, Esther & P. Selvam, Snehalatha & A. Philip, Regina & V. Chelliah, Vasanthi & S. Regunathan, Ruvalya & Y. Paul, C.D. Kumar, Sathiavathi & M. C. Ponniah, R. Elisha, Geetha Amalraj, Vasantha & M. Christmas, P. Chezhian, Usha & S. Ebenezer, Nirmala & K. Gunasekaran, Malarselvan, Anbu & L. Stephen, Lalitha & E.L. Mathansingh and N.K. Kusha.
The Meet began with a colourful welcome ceremony in the Maharashtrian way, men with Gandhian caps and ladies with scarves and bouquet! Mr. Valentine Davidar of Haggai Institute, and Rev. S.D. Ponraj a missions consultant based in Bihar were the guest speakers.
Brother Stanley’s presentation of the "10 Point Ministry Philosophy of BYM" was the launching pad for the brainstorming sessions that followed in which we attempted, both in the full gathering and in groups, to rewrite the Vision Statement as well as the Mission Statement of BYM. His ten points as the emphases of this Mission were Sanctification, Scriptures, Students, Spirit of God, Soulwinning, Supporters, Simplicity, Sacrifice, Stewardship and Staff-care. Brother Valentine led the discussions with his rich experience in helping organisations and institutions. He pointed out the cruciality of the vision transfer at this transition period of leadership change. The Founder’s vision of BYM was explained by the Founder Brother Stanley himself.
Rev. Ponraj taught us the "Secrets of Successful Church Planting." He encouraged the missionaries with the illustration of how the State of Bihar is no more a graveyard of missionaries but a vineyard of missions. Yes, our God makes rivers in the desert!
One notable feature of this meet was the active participation of each member in discussions. Five main suggestions emerged: 1. Bring youngsters to the front. 2. Renew your commitment to walk worthy of your call. 3. Use freely scientific methods in survey and church planting. 4. Appoint leaders for prayer and revival ministries. 5. Study missionary biographies and prepare for the days of persecution.
The devotional talks of Mr. A. Lionel the Cofounder of BYM and Dr. M. Arthur John the present Chairman inspired the members to face up challenges and finish well. The meet was concluded with a breadbreaking service led by Brother John Thomas. Thanks to Brothers Y. Paul Dinakaran and S. Mohan Deenadayalan who coordinated the programme so well.
May the Lord bless the senior missionaries as Moses said: "As your days, so shall your strength be!" (Dt 33:25).
Writers WorkshopD. Elango, B.E., Neyveli
It’s the heartcry of Brother Stanley that he has not been successful in raising nextline writers in the Blessing Youth Mission eventhough God has used him to raise many preachers and leaders. As an attempt to face this challenge the Tamilnadu branch of the Students For Jesus (SFJ) unit of BYM organised a 2-day workshop in Neyveli on 24 & 25 August with 25 potential writers as delegates.
Mr. Samraj of Kuzhithurai in his opening talk stressed the value of Christian literature in transforming churches and communities. Brother Stanley then explained the marks of anointed writing. This talk was both a challenge and an encouragement. (See pages 2-6).
Mr. Chandra Manoharan of Erode taught the delegates how to write poetry. His illustrations were thought-provoking. Mrs. Lalitha Chellappa who edited jçrd¢ Rl® the Tamil magazine of the UESI for 20 years explained the various parts of a magazine and how to prepare them. The delegates got themselves divided into four groups and worked on an assignment to edit magazines for families, youth, children and general news. Mr. E. L. Ephrim was another resource person and he gave useful tips on interviewing dignitaries and achievers. It was quite interesting.
On the second day Brother Stanley explained to us how he writes, what difficulties he faces in writing and how he overcomes them. This talk was intensely practical.
A visit to one of the lignite mines in Neyveli was quite appropriate to the programme. Everyone realized that there are inexhaustible riches in God’s Word which they as writers must dig out and bring to people. Pray for these delegates that they may be encouraged in the Lord when they sit to write!
Because God is GodWhat must I be?
In the midst of national tragedy, God revealed Himself to Isaiah (Isa 6). Having seen the Lord, life would never be the same again for the prophet. That vision of God changed Isaiah’s perspective of himself, of the world around him, and of his calling. His heart changed. His vocation changed. The dominant theme of his life became a passion for the glory of God.
We cannot get to know God for who He is without our lives being dramatically altered. Each of the following thirteen attributes of God has enormous implications for the way we live.
As you reflect on each of these attributes, ask God to show you whether your knowledge of Him is making the impact it should in your life? Is it conforming you into the image of Jesus Christ? Is it changing you as God intends? Is it giving you a fresh passion to see His Glory?
1. Because God is a PERSONAL SPIRIT... I will seek intimate fellowship with Him.
2. Because God is ALL-POWERFUL... He can help me with anything.
3. Because God is EVER-PRESENT... He is always with me.
4. Because God is MERCIFUL... He forgives my sin when I sincerely confess and forsake it.
Dear friends,
When I was suddenly diagnosed for a heart disease in 1996 and posted immediately for a bypass surgery in the Christian Medical College Hospital, Vellore in the month of April, my first worry was not my family or the ministry, but the messages I had received from the Lord which I had not yet delivered in pulpit or through print. I had preached and published just about 50% of the sermon and study outlines I had prepared during my private meditations from 1962 the year of my rebirth. If my heart did not revive after the surgery and I would get my homecall on the operating table, what would happen to all the hints and short notes I had written down in my diaries? Without atleast brief explanations, will others be able to develop these points for preaching and publishing? These questions haunted me during the three days of preparation for surgery. Nothing else bothered me because I knew that my wife and daughter were bold and mature enough to manage without me, and I had already withdrawn myself from administrative responsibilities in the ministry of BYM years before. I made a commitment on the eve of the surgery that if God would extend my life I would computerise all my notes and writings to make them available to the present and future generations. My heart settled in peace.
After an eventful post-operative period, I recovered fully and became normal again, by the grace of God. When I shared my burden about my unused Bible study material with my young friends, Ashok Vedasironmani and Richard Justus, they instantly volunteered to computerise it. The work started in 1998, and after much thought and prayer a new website was created in August this year with the help of Mr. Santhosh of Abudhabi, UAE. This website was launched in the opening ceremony of the Blessing Literature Centre at Chennai on 31 August with a prayer of dedication by Evangelist Sam Jebadurai.
The major sections of this website are Bible Outlines, Topical Messages, Theme Talks, Doctrinal Essays, Sermon Outlines, General Articles, Questions & Answers, and Quotable Quotes. So far most of my writings was made available only to the readers of the Blessing magazine. With the launching of this website, preachers and people worldwide can have access to the result of about 40 years of Bible study of a non-seminarian, a building engineer turned Bible teacher. Because many will read my notes and outlines for the first time, I will also include in this website what has already been preached or published. A couple of letters from my heart also will be pasted each month.
Out of gratitude to the Blessing Youth Mission which gave me pulpit and a publishing unit all these years, I am directing the beneficiaries of this website to support the work of BYM if they are so led.
I invite you to visit this website and introduce the same to your friends. I count on your prayers for a continued supply of God’s grace. The background music for my website is obviously that of AMAZING GRACE! Your servant, R. Stanley
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