Prophecy vs prediction / Adjustment theories

The general purpose of prophecy and prediction is the same: to tell what will happen in the future. However, their source of authority for this information is very different. Prophecy relies on the authority of God-given information. True prophecy is therefore never wrong because it always carries the authority of God's truth and character. On the other hand, prediction is based on man's ability to determine what may happen in the future. Prediction is sometimes right but often wrong because it depends on man.

 We all have witnessed so many prophecies made by people over the recent election in India. Prayer was mobilized, discussion panels set, some even passed examples of other countries how things suddenly changed against all the odd expectation. Continuous circulation of encouraging WhatsApp messages claiming victories, and then the recent result that have shook if not all, at least the innocent believers for sure.

Significant men of God, leaders, Pastor's made several claims that things is going to change completely, some were too specific to name it, few had the audacity to prophecy saying a complete new set of leadership is going to take over, just to find they and all who followed them were miserably disappointed. How do we take this? Don't we even realize that God is bringing all things to culmination? In this whole process, God had to unmask the true identity of many people whose life were contradicting all through.

The heights of evil is manifested. Sadly, many Christians and Churches are in miserable stages living to their full expectation scraping to make a pleasant survival when they have to demonstrate holiness and exhibit God's love and judgement in this world. It looked like we all were trying to choose between the bad and the worse. Let's not forget one Haman catered the reverence and focus on God for all the Jews who were likely to be destroyed. Esther had to bring all people together to confess and pray for the nation to see things changed for real to their favor. Now we will soon find adjustment theories sweeping in, people trying to falsely comfort each other. It's time we all retrospect and identify our wretchedness and ask God to help us. Let's not forget to notice that Churches outnumbered, people were effective witnesses, only during the extreme environment. Be prepared to stand as a true witness for God in any situation.

You will continue to find, some who are not prophets claim the gift of prophecy. The Bible teaches that one test of a true prophet is whether or not his prophecy always comes to pass. Deuteronomy 18:22 states, "When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." People who falsely claim the gift of prophecy are in danger of the judgment of God. It is a serious offense against the Lord.

As to prediction, all men try to do a little of this. However, even in this, we should be careful. Consider this passage from the book of James: James 4:13-16 ".. ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.".

We are not to brag or boast of our knowledge of tomorrow. Things may turn out as we expect, but they may not. We should always speak of the future with humility--"If the Lord will" or "Lord willing." These actions will keep us from the sin of false prophecy and the pride of prediction.

You can follow on Twitter

Visiting Jesus and returned disappointed

"When the young man heard that, he went away grieving..." Matthew 19:22 CSB

What a joy it is to keep hearing God loves us and will bless us, our family and we will get all that we desire. We will be the head and not tail and we will be receiving in abundance, right? Jesus flips the coin in this real time incident when a young man who approached Jesus to know if he qualifies for the kingdom of God. He is the person who followed all the commandments ardently from his young age and wanted a confirmation of eternity.

Jesus' response grieved him severely. Not because he was not assured of the eternal life but because it challenged him on the summarized greatest commandment which starts like this; "The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." Matthew 22:39 CSB. This guy was satisfied with only giving all that he owed to God alone. Jesus clarified by saying   

“if you want to be perfect go, sell your belongings and give to the poor,  and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Mathew 19:21. He never thought about his services to fellow neighbors and his responsibility towards poor which demanded sharing his resources, probably because he thought it is only for him and for his loved ones. The response from Jesus made him so uncomfortable that he went away grieving. 

In reference to Jesus' response, our perfection status depends upon our willingness to focus our attention towards poor and helping them with our resources, and there are no substitutes to it. In the book of Acts Paul says how he set an example for all of us. "In every way I’ve shown you that it is necessary to help the weak by laboring like this and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”. Acts 20:35 CSB. This is a great principle which does not sink in us deeply. 

You remain blessed in your giving and not in your strategy to receiving. Most often people get disappointed because certain enhancements or blessing comes with a cost, and we just don't want it. There is an incident about King David planning to buy a field from Araunah to build an altar. Araunah refused to accept the money, obviously who would want to accept money from the king who comes in person? David response in 2 Samuel 24:24 is just amazing where he says “No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”.  

The second example is where we understand the context of Paul where he says he worked with his own hands to support himself and those who were with him. (Acts 20:34). How often from the Bible such demanding context where it involves the spending of our own resources towards ministering to the needy gets blurred because it hurts us. There are no alternative whatsoever, your service to God and to the less fortunate is the strong qualifier. 

Have you pondered over the sins of Sodom more than all the wickedness quoted in the book of Genesis, you will notice the same in this book which says like this, "Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had pride, plenty of food, and comfortable security, but didn’t support the poor and needy". Ezekiel 16:49 CSB. May God use our ministry to poor a model in the nation.

You can follow on Twitter

Blessings.

Is it well with you?

2Ki 4:26  "Run, I pray thee, now to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well.”

Incident of a  great woman (Shunamite) from Shunem who lived in 887 BC is recorded here.  Shunem which is the city in the tribe of Issachar that lay in the road between Samaria and Carmel, a road that Elisha often travelled. This woman kept a good house and was very hospitable, her husband having a good estate and his heart safely trusting in her and in her discreet management. It is noticed that Elisha was accommodated in this house during his journey, and taken care very well. Being exceedingly pleased with the quietness of his apartment, and the friendliness to his entertainment, Elisha began to consider with himself what recompense he should make her. And Elisha’s servant Gehazi reminded Elisha that she was childless, had a great estate but no son to leave it to. And then the story says that Elisha promised a son to be born to her, and it happened accordingly. 2 Kings 4:17.

And then we find that the boy grew and quite often use to accompany his father to the field. One day it so happened that while the boy was in the field with his father he had a severe pain on his head and was then taken to his mother who made her to lie on her knee and to her shock sees her son die.  A child she did not ask for, nor prayed for.  The need was felt by the prophet and according to the word of God was born on the appointed time has now passed away. She did not wail nor called for people. But this Shunemite lady who then made a brilliant move by making the arrangement to meet the man of God Elisha, who lives in Carmel which is about 15 miles from her home. And it is said when Elisha beholds her from far 2 kings 4:25 asks his servant Gehazi to run and ask the three prominent question of which the first one is brought for our inspiration.

Is it well with you?

It was noticed that even in this most painful situation the shunamite lady was able to keep herself cool and her dependency on God and to the man of God remained unshaken. It is vital to understand that your wellness is most important before you try to check or address others wellness. And then your wellness cannot be disturbed by factors within or without.  Most of the time we are caught up in the myth that we are the saviors, forgetting the strong reminder, that there is no savior beside the Lord. IS 43:11 and try to take care of others wellness before checking ours. Your wellness is more important before you help others. And it is certain that your wellness depends upon how stable your relationship with God is.  If you are not sincere in the first commandments Loving God with all your your Heart soul and Mind, you will fail in the second commandment, LOVE OTHERS. Second commandment is subject to the First great commandment. And it is important that your Change need to be significant before you expect the change in others. And secondly need to understand that the wellness starts with one’s mind.

Here is what Zig Ziglar says “You are what you are and where you are because of what has gone into your mind; you can change what you are and where you are by changing what goes into your mind.  Think about it in this light: Your input determines your outlook.  Your outlook determines your output, and your output determines your future. Consider: You are where you are in your financial, family, mental, social and physical life because of the thought process which has been yours throughout your life.  If you want to change what you are and where you are, then the thought process must change”.  Young people should be careful of what you put in. Most often knowingly and unknowingly we fill this mind by all that we desire and later lose control and become like a city that is broken and without walls Pro25:28

Thomas Cadylnle remarks “Be very, very careful what you put into that head, because you will never ever get it out”.  Prov 23: 7  Says "For as he thinks within himself, so he is.." Sociologist say that most introvert individual will influence 10000 people in his or her lifetime. This means that those around you can be blessed or hurt by association with you and the choices and actions you make, both privately and publicly. You are like a fragrance as said in 2 Cor 2:14, “SALT” in Mat 5:13, “Light” in Mat 5: 14, “Temple” in 1 Cor 3:16. In all this the only thing that portrays is that our wellness does not benefit us alone, but others too and draws them close to God.

Your commitment to God should be visible to others and made an opportunity to read you as said in 2 Cor 3:2 “Ye are the epistles written in every hearts, known and read by all” Do not be self-contended in what you are. Michael Ramsden puts it this way “We often may think of ourselves as good people, especially when we compare ourselves to other people whom we do not like” and even somebody else puts it this way “You cannot become a saint by comparing yourself with a sinner.”  You need to be well and gain yourself first so that your wellness increases and reaches out to those who need to be well.  How true when the question is directly pointed to us in Mk 8:36 “what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his own Soul? Therefore consciously work your wellness in the Lord and definitely you and your family will be blessed.

Blessings

 

 

Church Connection!

One of the biggest challenges in Churches worldwide is creating a connection among believers and improving horizontal relationships. Church goers strangely settle themselves to be self-absorbed, self-sufficient, self-centered and move and exist as independent bodies. And when it comes to young people they seem to be even more disconnected from the Churches today. Churches make no meaning to them. No doubt, it is a global problem, but it is important that Church leaders understand the gaps and narrow it down to fix the missing links. Someone beautifully articulated this, "Churches for our forefathers was a commitment, for our fathers, it was an inheritance, for us it is a convenience and to our children it is a nuisance.".

One of the primary reasons which stands as a concern in creating the irrelevance is when the vision and mission of the Church is not clearly articulated and when there are no measurable goals, no milestones as to when they are going to achieve what, then it is nothing more than a mere religious institution functioning to exist like any other entity.  Nobody in that case will be responsible for any task, because in real there may be actually no task and no project except the Sunday services and people leaving satisfied by giving their offerings. All are satisfied except God. A W Tozer comments, ""What has the church gained if it is popular but there is no conviction, no repentance, no power?" 

Today many Church goals is only about raising funds for a project that is confined to erecting a building and it doesn't lead to a sustainable program, which means there are not much requirements for the members involvement towards structured mission work, than to attend Church as a formality and leave with no conviction. Congregations may only be tuned to the needs of the pastor alone and never find the necessity to find the need to relate with the fellow believers and extend any support to build each other. 

Let us not forget what Apostle James said which I am reiterating quite often in my blogs, " Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world." James 1:27 CSB. Many people practice spirituality in isolation and mind, that's not the reason Christ established the church. Church is compared to a body that works in perfect harmony. You are responsible to keep your relationship with God intact and as well as to reach out to those who are suffering.

Ray Ortlund, Pastor of the largest Church in Nashville, Tennessee puts it forthright, which does make a lot of sense in many Churches today. "When our churches succeed because they are really well-run businesses, and the pastor is, in reality, a prop on the stage, then it isn’t ministry anymore; it’s brilliantly packaged crowd control. And judgment is not far off."  The Church when it will be in a position to articulate the vision with all its components meticulously and make available the blueprint where it will involve the members, young people, children to spiritual sustainability and meeting the needs of our community and nation then, it will for sure ignite the spirit of volunteerism and make them support the goals of the Church and create an effective connection and display the early Church pattern..

Blessings

Six Biblical Responses to Sri Lanka’s Easter Bombings!

We are all saddened by the recent disaster in Sri Lanka that shook the entire world including the Christian world. This particular article below by Ajith Fernando teaching director of Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka, and author of Discipling in a Multicultural World (Crossway 2019) made so much of sense when he penned down this article which appeared in ‘Christian Today’. This can be applied anytime when we face any disaster. I have condensed a bit due to its length, but you may check the link below to read the complete article.

Whenever tragedy hits a nation, Christians need to ask how to think Biblically in response to the situation. As Christianity is a body religion, it is best that groups of Christians meet and discuss a common response to the challenges. We cannot delay our response. There are both immediate responses and more long-term responses to heal the wounds of our people.

I have thought of at least six necessary responses from Christians to what has happened:

1) Lament Loss

Christians must join the nation in lamenting and mourning over our losses. Protestants have been somewhat lacking in espousing a theology of groaning (Rom. 8:23) that opens the door to lament (though that seems to be changing). The Old Testament has many instances of elaborate mourning customs, and that is found in the New Testament too. The church responded to Stephen’s death with a “great lamentation over him” (Acts 8:2; also see 9:39). Each country has its cultural ways of lament, and we must look for practices to adopt which harmonize with Christianity. In addition to Easter time, April is New Year in Sri Lanka and most Christians have cancelled their usual festivities because of what has happened.

2) Condemn Evil

The Bible is loaded with condemnation over the wrong that takes place in a nation, and the ministries of the prophets are a good example of this. Where possible and appropriate, we need to strongly condemn—with no reserve—the barbaric acts that have happened. Like the prophets, we may also need to denounce the failure of our national leaders to take appropriate steps to protect the people in response to intelligence reports.

3) Alleviate Suffering

Part of the Christian answer to the problem of evil is action to alleviate suffering, as people made in the image of a God who works. The Bible is loaded with advice to care for those who are wounded and vulnerable. We must look for opportunities to help. Some of these are more formal projects done in an organized manner by groups—Christian or general community efforts. Others are personal responses. As representatives of the God of all comfort, we can seek to comfort those who are hurting (2 Cor. 1:3-4)

4) Leave Vengeance to the Lord

In our hearts we must apply the principle of God’s “holy-love” as we think through the situation. The Bible is clear that our holy God punishes wrong. The reason we are to “never avenge [ourselves]” is because we “leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord’” (Rom. 12:19). When wrong is done, something in us says, “That deserves to be punished.” That is a biblical sentiment. God has given government officials the authority to be agents of his wrath by punishing wrongdoers (Rom. 13:3–4). We must let justice take its course. But even if it doesn’t take place on earth, we know that it will at the final judgment. We can choose to stop the downward spiral of revenge where violence begets violence and huge destruction results.

5) Don’t Bear False Witness

The Bible is severe in its condemnation of false accusation and harming the innocent. Racial, ethnic, and religious prejudice often comes from lumping large numbers of people alongside a few radical members of the group they belong to. I do not want to be naïve about the plans of some Muslim groups to control the world and use violence to achieve that end. But in Sri Lanka, for centuries we have lived harmoniously with Muslims. I often feel that my Muslim neighbors are better neighbors to me than I am to them. If we lump all Muslims under the category of terrorist sympathizers, we do many of them a huge injustice which is abhorrent to God. Such attitudes could isolate them to the point of pushing them to find refuge among radicals. It is no secret that violence against Muslims encourages radicalism. We must conscientiously do all we can to prevent that from happening.

6) Pray

While it may seem foolish to spend time praying during a crisis when there is so much to do, this is the most powerful thing God’s people can do in a national crisis (1 Kings 19). We need to mobilize individual and corporate prayer among Christians. Leaders must take the lead in calling for prayer. Christians in Sri Lanka often lose hope when they are faced with wave after wave of bad news. But we don’t pray with a defeatist attitude. We know that God is building his kingdom culminating in the return of Christ, and that our actions are building blocks in this process.  Holy-love will win in the end! Amen. Come, Lord Jesus (Rev. 22:20).

This article originally appeared here

Blessings.

Good Friday & Easter -The Essence

[“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). “The Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us” (Gal. 1:3–4). “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).] 

Message on Giving

Jesus Christ puts the liberality and generosity of God on continuous display. It is not just at the Cross, or even in the Resurrection, that Jesus represents the grace, the gift-giving-ness, of God to us, we still experience the same in our daily life His immense grace and mercy that sustains us and our families. If you have noticed, in every miracle, every parable—simply by being in the world at all—Jesus is proclaiming, “God is good and He loves giving." 

I like the way Andrew Wilson, author and Pastor at King’s Church, London connects the parables to the core message of giving:  “Many parables in the Gospels present God as an irrepressible giver, even when the parable has other goals. Once there was a farmer who scattered seed so liberally that most of it didn’t take root. Once there was a king who forgave a debt of 10,000 talents (millions of dollars today). Once there was a vineyard owner who gave people far more than their work was worth. Once there was a father who gave away half his estate to his rebellious son—and then gave him a feast when he came crawling back, having wasted it all. Once there was a nobleman who gave three months’ wages to all his employees, and then went on a foreign trip. Once there was a landowner who gave his vineyard over to tenants. Once there was a king who gave wedding invitations to every undesirable in the county.”

When all Christ's teachings and the demonstration is about giving, then don’t we think we share the same responsibility as well? We are supposed to reach out and demonstrate Christ's love by giving too. Taking the gospel to the un-reached is not by word alone. It is the message with love, deeds and sign. Let us consciously follow His footsteps and make a difference in our society and nation.

The purpose behind Suffering 

According to the Book of Hebrews, God is restoring his original design for creation through the death of his Son, who was "crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death" (2:9). From the bruised heel of Genesis 3:15 to the reigning lamb of Revelation 22, the Bible tells the story of a crucified Messiah who is glorified through suffering. The promise of victory includes the price of suffering. From here on, a pattern emerges: Victory comes through suffering, exaltation through humiliation, and, ultimately, the kingdom through the Cross. "Glory is the dazzling, jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring showcase of God's character to a world darkened by sin. It is the explosive radiance produced by his holiness, love, mercy, justice, wisdom, and power—all of which come together in the most fitting way in the death of Christ." Andrew Wilson. 

Blessings.

What Cost?

David was man after God's own heart. A man who was always conscious to please God and prioritize Him over everything. There are so many good patterns and principles that can be drawn from his life. He trusted God from his young age and killed the bear and the lion creating a testimony bank, His sincerity in worshiping Him, his divine musical capabilities which was not only soothing and creating excitement but also driving out the evil spirit, his priorities to honor God, the military strategies, the business strategy model and so on is commendable. Even today, the beautiful book of psalms, which is the best devotional that suits individuals, families, churches, and gatherings are noteworthy. 

I want to draw your attention to one incident, which I think was simply amazing. David was found guilty after he numbered the Israelites and was punished too. He falls at the feet of the Lord, he found acceptance and received forgiveness. He was then instructed by the Lord to build an altar and offer a sacrifice. God came to David that day and said to him, “Go up and set up an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 2 Samuel 24:18 CSB .  

 It is seen that king David reaches to Araunah and presents his request. Araunah immediately obliges to the king's request by saying everything is readily available and belongs to the king and there is no need for the king to request. He can take it and use the same at his freewill, moreover it is for the Lord.  Hmmm this is quite an appealing deal, isn't it? when you have power and Influence and you are in leadership position you can get things easily. It can come without any cost most of the time. Moreover for the giver it can be a privilege to contribute to the great leader and be recognized lifetime, especially when it is something for God, anyone would love to give or share their resources. 

David was just different and his response was amazing.  "The king answered Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it from you for a price, for I will not offer to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for twenty ounces of silver. 2 Samuel 24:24 CSB. Wow! That's a man with great principles and divine values. He ensured to pay a cost when it comes to doing the business of God. We see God was pleased and accepted his prayers and restored the land.  2 Samuel 24:25 CSB .

We cannot do a service without paying any cost. It becomes all the more crucial when being in a leadership position. We see this precedence magnified manifold when the son of God made the greatest sacrifice on the cross of Calvary.  The key verse from the Bible John 3.16" For God so loved the world in this way...."  it did not stop there, the love was demonstrated "that He gave His only begotten son...:", the immeasurable cost God paid to save us from all the wretchedness of sin. 

There is always a challenge when we actually have to pay a cost from a situation where our financial status may not be favorable or from a situation where our support system is not very strong. Irrespective of such challenges how are we prioritizing God's work and serving Him?  The cost required to pay can be many other factors beside our financial resources. Can we take stock of the cost we have paid for following and serving Him? Its worth pondering.

Blessings.