How to Manage Persecution

HOW TO MANAGE PERSECUTION

From Heaven’s library

TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter-1: Introduction ............................................................................................................ 4

1.1 To realize God’s Love: ................................................................................................. 4 1.2 To Know what was in our heart: ................................................................................ 5 1.3 To Enhance your endurance level: ............................................................................. 7 1.4 To Receive Sonship from God: .................................................................................. 9 1.5 New roles assigned to Son by Dad: .......................................................................... 12 1.6 Significance of Persecution:....................................................................................... 13 1.6.1 A SHEPHERD BOY’s LIFE HISTORY ........................................................................................................... 14

1.7 Statistics of this battalion Performance: .................................................................. 15 1.7.1 DAVID’s ARMY: .................................................................................................................................................. 16

1.8 Faith Implements During Persecution:.................................................................... 19 1.8.1 FAITH WITH WORKS....................................................................................................................................... 19 1.8.2 FAITH WITHOUT WORKS: ............................................................................................................................ 21

Chapter-2: Faith

26

2.1 Significance of Human Faith..................................................................................... 27 2.2 Faith with God ............................................................................................................ 27 2.3 Uniqueness of Men’s faith on God: ......................................................................... 28 2.4 Faith’s Definition based on Bible: ............................................................................ 29 2.5 Task Assignment for Jesus: ....................................................................................... 30 2.6 Opening of Prisons: ................................................................................................... 33 2.7 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord: ......................................................... 33 2.8 To the Day of vengeance of Our God: ................................................................... 34

2|Page

Title: HOW TO MANAGE PERSECUTION

Published by: (Self-Publishing/ Name of the publishing agency): Self-Publishing

Publisher address: Sinai Ministry, Bangalore

Web Address: https://sinaiministry.weebly.com/

Edition details: Ist edition, 2022

Copyright: All copyrights are reserved for author

All verses are taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, New King James Version, 2010.

Any use of the text from this book is permitted for reuse in Church Bulletins, Magazines, Newsletters and Similar works.

To send any comments/feedbacks, kindly write your ideas to: sinai.rabbai@gmail.com

Author is also published videos on overcoming depression with a channel name: Vaccine for depressions (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWRRzJ1wy06jT07e6LTW33g).

This book is available for free and no cost for circulations.

3|Page

Chapter-1: Introduction God as a good father of His lovable disciples utilizes a unique tool named “Persecution” to grow in Him. This tool has the potential to realize the God’s love for us (Psalms 119:71); To understand what was in our heart (Deuteronomy 8:2); to increase your endurance level (James 1:3,4); To have sonship in God (Hebrews 12:7).

Moreover, during persecution, God invested His precious time, energy and talents/ money resources for us. His eventual goal is to shape our character.

The dictionary meaning of Persecute (Oxford Dictionary) is as follows: To treat somebody in a cruel/ unfair way especially because of their race, religion or political beliefs. In the human perspective, this term is considered as harming/offending somebody. But in God’s perspective, ‘Persecution’ is a constructive tool to shape the character of an individual or a group. We will discuss the valuable reasons in Heaven’s perspective.

1.1 To realize God’s Love:

David recorded his experience as follows: “It is good for me that I have been afflicted that I might learn your statutes- Psalms 119:71”. King David had committed a crime in his young age. During his idle time in palace, He took his servant Uriah’s wife and he did it in secretly (2 Samuel 11). But God interfered and rectified his wrong doings. David has to pay huge penalty for that. His 4-sons were died and King David lost his kingship for 6-months (2-Samuel: 15,16, 17). This incident had taught valuable 4|Page

lessons to him and since then, David didn’t marry another girl. In his old age, due top his poor health, His servant s found a young girl: Abhishag, the Shunamite (I kings 1:4).

Bu the King David did not bother it. These lessons and King David’s positive response attracted God's eyes. Therefore, God provide him a title “A Man after my Own heart”.

Moreover, Heaven selected David’s genealogy for God Jesus’s birth line. In addition to that, God promised him, “You will never fail to have a man in King David’s throne.”

Thus, God’s steadfast love showered on David and his generations, but not with Saul.

1.2 To Know what was in our heart:

Human heart (Fig.1) is the reservoir of thoughts, intentions and observations. These are stored in layers. Thoughts at top layer would be

1st layer 2nd layer

translated as actions. Whereas in the second layer 3rd layer

Memory/observations of individuals and in the third layer intentions behind each thought were deeprooted in our hearts.

This deep-rooted intention would be poppedup during tribulations. God Jesus told the intent of

1st Layer: Thoughts 2nd Layer: Memory/Observations of Individuals 3rd Layer: Intentions & Deep-rooted sins

Figure-1: Layers of Heart

permitted trials and tribulations in the desert as follows: And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way there forty years in the wilderness, to humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart? whether you would keep his 5|Page

commandments or not? -Deuteronomy 8:2. When they started their journey from Egyptians, happiness prevailed in Israel camps.

Egyptians gave jewel gifts to them. Red sea opened and way created. God travelled along with them. But as days passed-by, problems popped up. Water scarcity, heat waves of sun, food scarcity, Unbelief on invading Canaan (Spy’s report) had reduced their happy quotient. They murmured against God, made an alternate god instead of Jehovah and on. The root of all issues pivoted on one issue. (i.e.) rapid memory loss on all past God’s miracles. Before every challenge they faced, if they meditate on past miracles (in Egypt), their faith level would have been improved. But their focus on present shortfall. Moreover, God was there, so close than any other in the planet. He cancelled His heavenly appointments and then He travelled with them.

Miracle provider is there just above their heads. But they didn’t access the God’s help. Rather they murmured against God and Moses. Moreover, God Jesus told the human heart is the treasure of “Evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride and foolishness” Mark 7:21. These are the pop-outs of every heart, if we choose to walk in flesh. But God provides counters solution to cancel all negative pop-outs in Galatians 5:16, “Walk in the (Holy) spirit and you shall not fulfill the lust of flesh…for flesh lust against spirit and vice versa”.

Two men were staying within us. If we feed flesh, the other men (spirit) would be starving and vice versa. So, God recommend to feed the right man to reap the good 6|Page

fruit. So, at the heat of fiery trial, we can able to comprehend the fragility of our hearts.

But God is faithful to help us. (I Thessalonians 5:24).

1.3 To Enhance your endurance level:

Faith in a person (Fig.2) is defined as reliance on someone’s ability during the season of hardships. Faith in God is the process of transferring self-confidence to rely on God’s ability. Bible defines that, Now Faith is the substance of (Good) things hoped for (from God), the evidence (after received) of things, not

Human Heart’s Character

seen (asked in prayer)-Hebrews 11:3. When God called St. Abraham, at the age of 75, he was disappointed with

Love on God

barrenness. God promised in Genesis 12:2, “Get out of your country, from your family, from your father’s house…I will

Patience

make you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great”. God promised him to provide kid. But Abraham didn’t

Faith

questioned God on “Which country is my destination? How long I have to wait for my Kid?”. Abraham trusted God wholeheartedly without raising doubts and he convinced his

God’s Promises Figure-2 Foundations of Faith

entire crew to follow God. God loved his faith. Abraham did not know God’s ability and it is called as Faith.

Faith operates on God’s promises. Next level of faith is obedience. St. Abraham responded by following God’s command. Moreover, St. Abraham waited for God with 7|Page

patience. Medical reports say that, St. Sarah crossed the child nearing ability. But Abraham’s eyes were not focused on environment. But his eyes are on God who promised him (Romans 4:3). Finally, his patience was rewarded with a promised son Isaac. Now patience been transferred into a zealous love on God. Thus, the eternal bonding, happened between God and Abraham and he was called as Father of nations (Genesis 17:5).

Moreover, parallel incident happened in the Abraham’s era on the eastern side.

A man who was the first-generation believer, accepted God (Jesus) as savior. He was blessed with numerous camels, sheep and oxen. God was so happy to introduce among his angels and demons. God described this man (Job) with four adjectives: “Blameless, Upright, one who fears God & Shuns evil -Job 1:8”. God observed his heart and recorded it in His diary. A challenge between heaven and hell was done based on Job’s righteous life. But this challenge was kept secret, to test Job’s heart quietly. Though the incident seems to be tragic, God supported him with his friends. Job lost his sons, daughters, wealth, dignity and health. But Job didn’t lose his valuable selection with God. Job declares his faith that, “For I know that my redeemer lives …in my flesh and shall see God Job 19:25-27”. God honored his faith. He [God] came down and spoke with Him. He [God] cleared all his doubts and blessed him again. So, Job waited patiently for God's interference. Faith would be perfect, only if it preserved with patience. Instant faith won’t produce fruits in our life.

8|Page

1.4 To Receive Sonship from God:

In a small city of Israel, a respectable and rich man dwells there. He was survived with two sons. Elder son was so good and obedient to His dad. He was into dad’s farming, business and helped him from early morning till evening. But on the flip side, younger boy was indulged in all fun making activities. He was after his friends, celebrated his life in partly making, late-night merry, drug abuse et al. But his father, the dignified old man counseled his younger son every day. Arguments and Confusions became the daily partner of their homes. The rebellious young boy makes their life more miserable, by street dances and all sorts of pleasures. One of his mischievous friends advised the younger boy that instead of pleading dad for meagre cash, demand your share in the property. Let us go to the near-by city.

We will indulge in all pleasures without dad’s interference. Idea seems good, for this boy. So, he went early to his home on that day. Dad & Mom were puzzled on his early arrival. They kept calm. But this calm seems to be a silence before a cyclone.

During dinner time, everyone gathered in the table, as usual. Dad, Mom, Elder brother, his wife, Kids and the adventurous young boy. Younger boy was so silent and had tasted his dinner. His Mom broke the silence and asked the quality rating of food to the younger boy. Then as like dam opens, the younger boy’s demands were rushed to the ears of everyone. Younger boy told, the food prepared is not so good and he loves to stay with his friends for days. Moreover, he demanded half share of their property for his personal expense and business.

9|Page

Everyone resisted his decision except his dad. Heated arguments, crying sounds, dashing tumblers and servants ran for splitting elder and younger brother and the whole scene completed in just 10 minutes. But his dad made a deep thought in his heart. Dad made a decision to give away this money. His thought was “If we resist, his rebellion grows and the respect in the town would be decline.” So, he called his brother to his upstairs office room and discussed on this issue. Initially with little hesitations and then elder boy signed an agreement, to sell some of the properties. But dad kept some reserves. Now, on the next day noon, when sun with its high beam pumps up more water vapor to skies, the old daddy called his younger one and he gave a treasure bag, with gold coins, jewels and on. Younger one smiled, forgot to thank his dad but rushed to call his friends, they hired a chariot and went with proud heart.

But his family was in deep sad. Dad hesitated his dinner and praying God for his son’s return. Now the chariot went to near-by city. This young boy sold all the jewels for lower cost as he did not have any business dealing experience. Now the day-1 started with lots of fun. They spent the money for hiring girls and tasty foods, pleasures overflowed but the balance of gold coins reduced in his chest box. Young boy (Day-2) thought his friends will sponsor it. On Day-3, treasure box was emptied. His friends ran away due to the fear of rising debts. This young boy is responsible for paying all debts of room rent and food. Half of the debts he paid by remnant money but for the rest, he agreed to get beatings.

10 | P a g e

They handed over to local judges. Judges ordered to beat him. They left him with bruised wounds. Many people in the city witnessed it. After few hours, a gentle man had sympathy on him and hired him to rear pigs. He went behind the pigs. But the burning stomach and nascent smelling pigs, make him to rethink on his past life. He decided to go back to his home town. Without informing his employer, at night he started his journey.

On the next day early morning, he reached the city. His dad posted a servant on watch tower to find any resemblance of his lost son or not. Boy with empty stomach and dirty dress, he arrived. Watch tower boy can’t identify him as this boy with long beard and poor dress. But he informed his dad. Dad hurrily went to confirm that message. He thanked God, because he identified his son, with a small ring he wore. But he musters his courage and said, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants-Luke 15:21,22”. So, he hugged him. He ordered his servants to bath him. City’s sun shade clock tower shows it as 10 am. His elder son went to farm early, as it is the harvesting day. Then the boy, was shaved, neatly dressed and seated in dining table. To his disappointment, his mother, in-law and kids skipped his meeting. But his dad sat with him and wiped the tears of the boy. His throat fails to utter a word.

His dad understood his son’s low confidence and said in a consoling voice, “For this my son was dead and is alive again he was lost and is found. Luke 15:24”. He ordered his servants to bring a purple robe to clothe him and he put a ring of authority 11 | P a g e

to him, along with brand new chappals. Further his dad rented a music team, to celebrate his happiness. His dad thanked God and ordered a fat calf for their lunch.

This incident was derived from the Bible (Luke 15:3-32, NKJV).

Now the key points to be remembered from the incident is: [1].

His dad honors the boy with sonship again.

[2].

Dad gave his new robes to his son.

[3].

Dad gave a new signet ring to his returned son.

[4].

Dad arranged delicious feast with fat calf, for celebration of his return.

1.5 New roles assigned to Son by Dad:

New Robes: Robes denotes the righteous acts of saints. The self proclaimed righteous before God are like filthy rags as it is given, “But we are all like an unclean thing and all our righteousness are like filthy rags Isaiah 64:6”. So, God sent his own son as sacrifice for our son [I John 4:10]. By God Jesus perfect sacrifice, God credited his righteousness and holiness to our account. God the father gave white robes to saints for those who believe in Jesus Christ and guarded their faith during tribulation (Rev 7: 9,13,14).

Signet Rings: Signet rings denotes the designated authority of King/God. Those who wear the ring, can able to write the documents instead of King and seal it. It is then sent to remote citizens. In Haggai 2:23, “In that day, says the Lord of Hosts, I will take 12 | P a g e

you Zerubbabel my servant, the son of shealtiel and will make you like a signet ring for, I have chosen you” says the Lord of Hosts. In the ancient days, Signet rings would be given to trust worthy persons, to draft king’s order as documents and sealed with the embossed emblem of signet ring and dispatch it to different colonies of them. In Bible, King Ahasuerus (Persian King) gave signet rings to his officials namely Haman, Mordecai (Esther 8:2).

Fat Calf Sacrifice: Based on the God’s law on Mt. Sinai, God instructed priests to offer sin offering and peace offerings (Numbers-7) individual and for society. But these offerings are repeated every year and people are not redeemed from sinful habits.

Therefore, God’s chosen lamb, “Jesus Christ” is sacrificed for our sins and people.

“Surely, He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. But He was bounded for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed-Isaiah 53:4,5”. God became perfect sacrifice for us and he broke our sin yoke on him. We are redeemed from sins, diseases and curses.

1.6 Significance of Persecution:

‘Persecution’ has side effects and end effects in our life. Side effects may be seeming to be painful (Hebrews 12:11), if we are short sighted ‘A loss of friendship’, ‘A lost job’, ‘Broken relationship’, ‘Embarrassment’ and on. But a positive response to the 13 | P a g e

persecution produces valuable end effect: Precious faith inside us which is far superior than gold (I Peter 1:7). In this season, we will discuss two positive responded life history.

1.6.1 A SHEPHERD BOY’s LIFE HISTORY

In a country side of Judah, a small town named Bethlehem. A man named Jesse, with numerous sheep have 7-boys and 2-girls (I-Chronicles 2:13-15). The God’s eye from heaven focused on the last boy, who was faithful in his small job. Moreover, this boy utilized his night time for sheep watching and for writing songs (Psalms). He also adds tune to it. As like other shepherds, he didn’t go for sleep in late nights, when he was in job. God wants to promote him (David).

But He (God) need a report on His faith. So, God anointed him and promoted as a ghost hunter for King Saul. He was truthful in it. Though Saul throws the javelin on him, David did not complain about it. [I Samuel 18:11]. Now God’s camera with zooming lens focused on this boy after winning Goliath. His response after victory.

People applauded. His name came in all newspapers of Jerusalem. Jesse, became the happiest man in the nation. He gave interviews after interview, about his son’s performance. But God’s tool prepared for David for his further promotion. (i.e.,) King Saul’s jealousy turned into persecution against this little poor shepherd boy. But later in his 40th year birthday, David told, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statues (Psalms 119:7).” This shepherd David with harp in his hand need to be trained with swords. This boy later recorded in his diary that, “God makes my 14 | P a g e

feet like the feet of deer (seamless running) … and God teaches my hands to make war…my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”

If the history turned in other way, when King Saul joined the celebration of David, with his warriors and made friendly relations with David, then David life completed with peaceful retirement as commander. But God plan is high. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways my ways” Isaiah 55:8, says the God. God wants to elevate him to higher levels. So, he invested His time to build good and generous characters to David. God utilized Saul’s jealousy and Israelite army as a tool for David’s skill building.

David built an unbeaten army not in the army camps, but in the stretch of desert, “Everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, everyone who was discontented gathered to him…there were about four hundred men with him” I-Samuel 20:2. This shepherd boy without knowing how to wear army chappals have 400 men to follow. These 400 men made history with the help of God.

1.7 Statistics of this battalion Performance:

1. The army instituted by God for David, obeys the counsel of God (I-Samuel 23; 2-Samuel 2, 5;).

2. They did not have history of defeat, throughout their life time. (I Chronicles 11:18)

15 | P a g e

3. They keep their family and its need has second priority but their team’s health and captain’s word as first priority. (2 Samuel 11:9) 4. Their success statistics is recorded in Chronicles (Part-1) a. Jashobeam Vs 300 philistines (I Chronicles 11:11) b. Abhishai Vs 300 men (I Chronicles 11:20) c. Benaiah Vs Lion in a pit, 2-Lion like giants, 1-egyptian giant.

(I Chronicles 11:22) 5. They recaptured, what they lost (I Chronicles 12:1) 6. These army has the equal proportions of all tribes (I Chronicles 12:23-39).

7. These team stretched their national boundary, till Egypt after Joshua’s initial invasion.

8.

They

did

not

believe

in

self-promotion.

(Joab’s Strategy: I-Chronicles 19:10-14) but on God’s strength.

So, the end effect of persecution against David and his team was recorded above.

At the end of his 30th birthday, David became good administrator, obedient disciple of God, man after God’s own heart and faithful person.

1.7.1 DAVID’s ARMY:

While recording the statistics of unbeaten army, my heart bubbles with joy on God’s skill development program me for believers. The second case study too starts in heaven and executed in earth. This project manifested the God’s high level of optimism and His richness in mercy and grace. The opening of second era started after 400 years 16 | P a g e

of dark era (spiritually). God made rules were inclined for every man’s purpose. Manproposed protocols included into God’s way and God’s people (Israelites) were plundered and their sacrifices were polluted by a Greek commander: Antiochus-IV Epiphanes ([1], [2]). This commander declared himself, as God and offered pig sacrifices in synagogue. People were oppressed threatened to follow him and values of God were not practiced. So, during these 400 years heavenly turnovers was on decline.

In this context, God’s optimism blossoms. God second era for mankind started.

God’s plan to establish salvation boundary from one country to the ends of the earth and to offer Holy Spirit anointing for all those who believe God, as a guarantee of redemption [Ephesians 1:14] and the most vital is altering the worship style. Instead of daily animal sacrifice, God sent His only son as a sacrifice for all human errors and curses. The end result is to increase the heavenly turn-over ratio and disciples from eastwest, sat with Abraham [Mathew 8:11].

The second era starts with persecution of king Herod, who killed all new-born kids of less than 2-years of age [Mathew 2:16]. God Jesus quoted that, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and violence taken it by force” [Mathew 11:12]. Moreover, heavens policy for believers were changed. In the Old Testament, protocols for managing enemies were “Eye for Eye” & “Tooth for Tooth” (Lev. 24:19–21). But in the second era, God sent His own son to institutes this policy “But I say to you love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute 17 | P a g e

you-Mathew 5:44”. Moreover, in Hebrews, St. Paul says that, “Pursue peace with all people and holiness without which no one will see God”.

The post event happened after God Jesus resurrection, was all disciples (120) were anointed with Holy Spirit [Acts 2]. New life policy of heaven was preached and the prayer cells & mass gathering grown. Three thousand believers were added to this way. But the pharisees with jealousy have organized by a man named Saul, disciples of pharisee (2nd Layer Leader). Mr. Stephen was killed (Acts 6:8 – Acts 7:60), God used this persecution as a tool for promoting gospel to al the ends of earth. Disciples were scattered and preached to gentile believers. Blasphemers, magicians and witch-crafters were converted. God’s reach extended across all boundaries. Former persecutor turned preacher, Saul taken the gospel (Good news) to continents (Europe & Asia) amidst trials and persecutions, “I received forty stripes minus one, 3-times. I was beaten with rods, Once I was stoned, 3-times I was ship-wrecked…. perils in the city, perils in the wilderness (2-Corinthians 1:25-27)”. These persecutions didn’t stop them from spreading gospel, but these were the tools to build 7-churches namely: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. In addition to that God’s 12 apostles with St. Paul and their countries visited (Table-1) were given below.

18 | P a g e

TABLE-1 APOSTLE NAME & COUNTRIES VISITED SNO 1.

APOSTLE NAME St.Peter

COUNTRY VISITED City of Corinth (Greece), Palestine, Asia Minor

2.

St.Andrew

Scotland

3.

St. James

Spain

4.

St. John

Ephesus, Turkey; Asia Minor

5.

St. Philip

Greece, Syria and Phrygia

6.

St. Batholomew

7.

St. Mathew

Ethiopia, Mesopotamia, Parthia (in modern Iran), Lycaonia (in modern Turkey), and Armenia.

Syria, Media, Persia, Parthia and even Ethiopia

8.

St. Thomas

India

9.

10.

St.James S/O Jerusalem Alphaeus St.Simon S/O Zealot Egypt, and Africa, then through Mauretania and all Libya

11.

St.Judah S/o James

Judea, Samaria, Idumaea, Syria, Mesopotamia and Libya.

12.

St.Mathias

13.

St.Paul

Cappadocia (Turkey) and on the coasts of the Caspian Sea (Eurasia), near the port Issus (Turkey).

Jerusalem to Illyricum

1.8 Faith Implements During Persecution: 1.8.1 FAITH WITH WORKS

(a) Path maker in Flood: Faith is the fundamental block (James 2:18) for journey to heaven. After accepting Christ as our personal savior and companion, God provides courage to deal with small challenges for building the spiritual muscles. When Israelites, 2 nd generation was grown-up, God reassures His promise of offering fertile place (Canaan) to them.

19 | P a g e

So, God offered a plan to Joshua, to cross the overflowing waters of Jordan. God did not give a plan, to build a small boat to cross over it. But to walk through it. It needs courage and high reliance on God. Israelites (2nd generation) are not even good swimmers as this generation, born in desert with water scarcity. Their only resource is God’s word. As God said in Psalms “God’s word is a lamp to my feet and light to my path-Psalms 119:105”. According to the God’s word, Levites carrying covenant box (Joshua:3) look the obedient steps walking towards the ferocious overflowing flood of Jordan. God waited for the obedience of Levites. God could have split open the Jordan, before they step-in. God’s time starts, until we took baby steps in obedience. This obedience, is called as the Works of God. Faith without works, on the other way if the Levites complained against Joshua and demand the army men to march before them, then bible didn’t record this history of “Path maker in the river”.

(b) Fasting Prayer & Sing-Song Service in Warfield: History repeats itself again in Chronicle pages of Kings. After 400 years of Israelites people’s crossing Jordan, the same kind of challenge was thrown before the Kingdom of Judah. King (Jehoshaphat) and his citizens decided to set in the presence of God rather than planning war strategy (or) asking help from near-by countries (or) in making war equipment’s. God answered their prayer and told, “Battle is not yours, but God’s” 2-Chronicles 20:16. Three Kingdoms (Ammonites, Moab & Mt. Seir) surrounded the kingdom of Judah. They sacrificed human sacrifices and made witch20 | P a g e

craft against Judah. But God provides strategy to King Jehoshaphat. He asked him to send Levites with musical instruments, before warriors. Levites and his team prepared themselves, in the early morning before sun came. Warriors followed then. Silence prevails, except the sound of cock. Suddenly, the singing team started to dance and sing with the psalms. The enemy army got confused and they laughed at him. Whether king Jehoshaphat forgot this day for fighting or it is the diversion technique? But the singing tunes, reached the heaven’s temple of God. God answered their prayers. Before the sun, shares its light, God’s hand for him. They fought within themselves, due to differences. Finally, the seamless count of army was not there to fight against King Jehoshaphat.

Probably, King Jehoshaphat did not rely on his experience or reasoning capacity.

He relied on God’s word and obeyed completely (Faith with Works). But what would have happened if King Jehoshaphat obeyed God’s word and choose to submit to the army (or) for sending SOS signals to near-by king? Judah and Jehoshaphat would have lost their freedom, values, God’s friendship and treasures of enemy.

1.8.2 FAITH WITHOUT WORKS:

(a) Hostile season- A incubator of faith: Testing of faith by God would not happen in cold and favorable seasons but in hostile seasons. These hostile seasons either pushed us completely to God or to develop bitterness and curses ended up in guilt and self-pity. When Israelites started their journey, all 70-lakh people believed they would reach the destination. They were bubbled with happiness. After crossing red sea, Myriam and her team wrote a poem 21 | P a g e

and recite a tune for it. God did a mighty miracle for Israelites and no challenges were for them. But story did not stop there. It continued for another 40 years. God tested them with small challenges and kept way of escape too for each trial. He showed miracles (in Egypt) to build their faith.

Thrilled and awe-struck crowd continued their journey, after crossing red sea.

The 70 degrees warm sun with hot flames, tested their skin moisture level. Sweats drained out, water in their bottles were emptied. Kids were shouting for milk. Wives in each family, raise their murmurs against husbands for God’s word accuracy and they need someone to change the environment, as favorable. Moses did not have solution.

Just three days after they cross red sea, their heart spoke pessimistic language. Then the blasphemy and argument slogans, were raised against Moses. Amidst all this, Humbled prophet travelled with them and found a lake. Young boys shouted and praise God for this. But their short-lived praises turned into bitterness, after they tasted water (Bitter lake-Marah). Environment was filled with accusations and dis-appointments. But God’s team took the measurement of each heart’s quality. Then God’s expected someone could pray or praise for their needs along with God. But no one. Then God interfered and provide a solution, to transform bitter lake to sweet lake (Exodus 15:22-27). This incident repeated, several times in their journey. Fight for water, for food, argument on territory capture from giants, questioning Moses’ authority, alternate God making, restless during waiting hours of Moses in feet of God were the chronic incidents.

Miracles happened before their eyes, was not translated as applicable faith in their life.

22 | P a g e

It provides a lesson to our lives. As an individual, we may be spending hours with God and anointed, but how we respond towards life challenges. That is the bottom line for heaven’s evaluation. (b) Patience transforms into Faith: A God’s loving disciple, who turned his life (from radical ideology) to the God’s new era policy (policy of forgiveness). This disciple named St. Paul along with another believer (Silas) travelled through a Greek city named Lystra in Macedonian district.

St. Paul did good to the city. He preached God and reflect the God’s love to them. God did mighty miracles through St. Paul in the city. A demon-pocessed women worked as a fortune-teller to men. St. Paul through Holy Spirit chased the demon out of it. Now she became a polite and good woman. Instead of thanking St. Paul, city became alerted to punish St. Paul. As the dark world shaked by St. Paul’s authority, it responded by tormenting the people’s mind to kill him even.

Finally, they tore St.Paul and Silas, dresses and beat on their back. Magistrates ordered them, to keep them in chains inside the underground prisons. These two persons were imprisoned, their hands and leges were chained and fixed in walls. Their mind cries on pains and tired. But they responded to small voice of Holy spirit. Amidst flying sound of mosquito and darkness, these two believers started praising God. Their faith level increased by visualizing God’s rapid response, for their rescue.

The jail, faced a jolt of God. Earthquake happened in Lystra. Doors were opened and fettered chains were broken. But St. Paul did not prefer to escape among rubbles of 23 | P a g e

prison. He waited for God’s turn. Prisoner and his family accepted Jesus Christ without any preaching. They healed their wounds. God used the hostile situation into favorable situation by the patience of Paul. Next day, morning they were released. Persecutions in Macedonia, build the faith level of St.Paul, Silas and birth of new believers too.

(C) Purpose of Waiting time: An interesting incident happened in Israelites life. They went to follow the worldly standards. They demand King for their nation, as other countries. Though God said, me (I Samuel 8:7), “They have not rejected you (Samuel Prophet), but they have rejected me”. But God satisfied their prayers, out of His loving heart. A man with good health and personality got selected. As their prayers were pressing and on high demand God responded it quickly, (Proverbs 20:21), “An inheritance gained hastily at the beginning will not be blessed (sustained) at the end”. Though King Saul was ordained and anointed, he can’t able to follow God’s commandment and completely. God through Prophet Samuel placed a small challenge to him. “Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you- I Samuel 10:8”. Saul did not asked Prophet Samuel on what he has to do on waiting time? If God asked us to wait, He will also have schedule to do on waiting time. When little boy David was anointed, he was not seated next day on throne.

He (David) had a waiting time “What he did on waiting time (17 years)?” .

God

permitted David to learn skills, loyalty, recording his experience as psalms and “How to lead a small team of 400 members?”. Similarly, King Saul should have asked God’s Schedule for him on waiting period. But what Saul did? He did not spend his time on 24 | P a g e

prayer or worship or asking God for strategy. But he sat idle for seven days and saw the fear of Israelite warriors? (I Samuel 13:8). Seven days were over and he considered himself as holy and sacrificed. History turned hostile to him. King Saul did not wait for God even for 7-days. But David waited for God’s turn for 17 years. God Jesus waited for God the father’s permission for 40-days (Mathew-4). One day, as God Jesus waiting for His food parcel, he turned this time into productive (life winning) time of transforming a village just by speaking to a Samaritan lady soul (John 4:9,10). Heaven and God the father waited three days for God Jesus Christ resurrection. During this three days, God Jesus descend into hell and preached the souls in Noah’s era (I Peter 3: 19,20).

25 | P a g e

Chapter-2: Faith Faith, a familiar and frequently used word in marriages, in banks for loans investment, friendships, business partners, employers and employees of two countries (MOU’s). Faith establishes bonding between two individuals or groups. This terminology is used by human dealings as well as in spiritual dealings with God. The Oxford dictionary meaning of faith is Trust in Somebody’s ability or Knowledge; trust that somebody/ something will do what has been promised.

Human Faith: Let us discuss how human faith operates. Human faith established based on the past statistics performance.

For example: (i) A Bank offering Credits to its customers would check the past 5-year repayment history and did analyze on his financial documents (Bank Statement) and on. (ii) An employer offering job to an individual did a background checking with the past working company. (iii) In a marriage, both family parties verified each other’s credibility and trust through their near and dears. (iv) A Friendship between two individuals established based on their behavior and trust with others. E.g., David and Jonathan, Paul and Timothy.

26 | P a g e

Faith

Person-A

A

Person-B

B

Common Area of Interest

Human faith sustains if the (AnB)>0. (i.e.), atleast one common area of interest should be there.

2.1 Significance of Human Faith

(i) Human faith produces mutual benefits to both parties. (ii) It is a time-bound. (iii) It can be broken, after their life time. (iv) Human Faith is not reliable always. eg. Jacob & Father-in-law (v) Used in Knowledge-transfer (Ashok Leyland); Wealth Transfer (Benami) (vi) It needs Testimonies, legal agreement to make it effective.

2.2 Faith with God

God’s Faith covenant with man, is initiated with God’s grace and mercy. It is processed as non-profitable, service-oriented in God’s perspective. In Human faith, both parties are beneficiaries. But, man’s faith on God is free, one-side beneficiary (Human) and non-time bound and reward filled. God didn’t receive any benefits in return. But He is the creator, helps man by providing motivation (by promises & testimonies) and even accepts punishment, curses on himself. The end effect of man’s 27 | P a g e

faith on God is to transform humans to become heavenly citizens. It is non-time bound (i.e.), God’s faith covenant with man didn’t have expiry time.

2.3 Uniqueness of Men’s faith on God:

Abraham’s desire for meeting a true God, became his burning desire. As he tried with many gods to heal the barrenness of Sarah and finally his desire was fulfilled (True God). He heard the voice of God, but he didn’t saw any shape or he didn’t know the name of God. But covenant established between Abraham and God. God did a covenant with him and blessed him with promises (to provide a promised child-Issac).

God

Abraham

Figure: 03 Abraham’s Faith (Know no name of God and He didn’t saw God)

God did a covenant with him and blessed him with promises (to provide a promised child-Issac). In Human’s faith covenant, we have seen each other, spoke together did a background check and then friendship established. Eg. David and Jonathan. But in Abraham’s case, it is absolutely based on trust on God’s word. He did not have past statistics on God’s performance. Yet He believed that’s why, Abraham is called as “Father of Faith”.

28 | P a g e

Word of covenant with Abraham, “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great. And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who Curse you-Genesis 12:2”. Faith in God is built purely, based on God’s word and human response to it, eventually as blessing for him and his family.

2.4 Faith’s Definition based on Bible:

Faith is defined as the “Substance of things, hoped for…Hebrews 11.1”.

Moreover, “Before an individual comes to God, He is believing God that He is alive and rewarder of those who diligently seek Him- Hebrews 11:6”. So based on the above definition, faith of an individual is to believe God exists and rewarder of the activity.

God the father, rewarder of faith also assures God the son on his earthly life as: “Yet I have set my king on my holy hill of Zion (Israel); I will declare the decree: The God (God the Father) has said to me (God the Son), You (Jesus) are my son, Today I 1 have begotten you2, as of me1 and I will give you2. The nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your2 possession you shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel- Psalms 2:6-10 NKJV”.

- God the

1

Father, 2- God the Son. In the above verse, God the father issued in decree in heavens and the earth.

Moreover, the time of fulfilling this decree in after God Jesus completed His earthly life and ascends. God anoints Him as King, who rules the world from Jerusalem as headquarters. Two keywords to be noticed on the above verse is Nations and Ends of 29 | P a g e

earth. No time era, specified here. In the past, many superpowers have raised and sustained with a time line. For example: Egyptian empire with Nile as boundary, Canaanites, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylon’s, Persians, Romans, USSR, United Kingdom, United States et al. But these empires, have geographical boundaries and time line for existence. But in God specified kingdom, He specified nations (i.e.), it includes all nation of all era (Centuries AD & BC) & ends of earth [Nations from two ends of Pacific Ocean, Antarctic to Australia]. This decree was decided in heaven and proclaimed in earth before several 1000 years of God Jesus birth. (i.e.,) Through King David’s mouth. Now this faithful prophesy, is on the verge of fulfilling itself. So, God’s faith with man/son of man is operated purely based on truth. As God Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life-John 14:6”.

2.5 Task Assignment for Jesus:

The covenant of faith with God Jesus Christ is as follows: “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me; To preach good tidings to the poor, He has sent me, to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord and the day of Vengeance of our Lord, To comfort all who mourn-Isaiah 61:1,2”.

Based on the covenant of faith God Jesus Christ got baptized from the water and behold, the heavens were opened to Him and He saw the spirit of God descending

30 | P a g e

like a dove and alighting upon him (Mathew 3:16). It fulfills the 1st part of the verse: “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the God has anointed me”.

Moreover, God Jesus started His early ministry from the northern district

2

(Galilee) to the cities located on the shores of Galilee (Capernaum-Luke 4.31;7:1), (Nain-Luke 7.11), (Gadarenes-Luke 8.26), Bethsaida (Luke 9.10), all cities along the pathways of Jerusalem (Luke 13.22), Jericho (Luke 18.35). The God Jesus travel to above cities confirms the verses Isaiah 61:1; To preach good tidings of the poor.

A woman suffered a disease (blood flow) for more than 12 years, met many

3

doctors, spent huge money for healing and his family hated her. She was brokenhearted. But God healed her. “She felt in her body that she was healed of the afflictionMark 5:29”. In another incident, God Jesus met a group of people with a girl. They started accusing her that she commits adultery. But God Jesus replied, “He who is without sin among you, let Him throw a stone on her first – John 8.7”. Thus, a broken -hearted girl got saved in Jesus Christ and King David prophesies this incident while praising God, “He (God) heals the broken hearted and binds up their wound-Psalms 147:3”. So, these two incidents conform the 3rd task assignment of God Jesus, He has sent me to heal the broken hearted.

4

To proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who

are bound. A demon-pocessed man in Gadarenes was in the tombs, was in the tombs disturbing the city. “He was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles-Luke

31 | P a g e

5.29”. God Jesus healed him, from the binding of chains and shackles. He proclaims liberty to the captives of demons.

5

Opening of Prison: Psalms 105:17-20: He sent a man before them Joseph who

was sold as a slave; …. He was laid in irons…The word of the Lord tested him. The King (God) sent and released him.

God Jesus Christ preaches to the cities in the side of Galilee that, repent for the

6

Kingdom of heaven is at hand-Mathew 4:17. This act of kindness is in aligned with the task assigned from God the father, “To proclaim the (jubilee) acceptable year of God”.

Joseph was sold as slave. He lost his identity and his dad, family and on. He rode on the backs of camel. Places changed. Environment varied. No monitors or mentors to guide him. But his integrity level was maintained. His flourishing job in Egypt (Estate manager) was plundered and thrown back again to prisons. He was promoted as receptionist of prisons. No sign of hopes. But even in prisons, daily prayers were sent to God’s table from Joseph’s heart. Rats and mosquitoes hide along in the prison dungeons. But God turned his situation in an hour. Even Joseph would have forgotten the God’s dream. But God did not forget the dream even after 13 long years. Young boy without friends and without smart phones, social media but wrongly accused and thrown in prisons.

No lawyers were for Him. But God had a lawyer on heaven. God’s eye watches him, as well as the set date of release. Jacob, consoled, comforted and forgot his grievance. God would have taken account of his lost nutrition, lost happiness and tears 32 | P a g e

collected in the bottle. A day came. Prison doors opened with King’s order. But King was ordered by God himself Within an hour, dress changed shaved, provided with Job and a long-term project to save Egypt and high nutrition food and his release day became a wedding day too. Vindicated and repaid fully. This is what opening of prisons does…Only God could write the history upside down.

2.6 Opening of Prisons:

God’s disciple St. Peter’s life recordings on Acts. St. Peter, an agile disciple of God Jesus Christ caught in the hands of Herod for preaching Christ. Herod was a small kung of Hewish state ruling on fourth of Israel (Tetrarch). But he was so jealous on the other king from Jewish state other than him. Herod-I after hearing the prophesy that a king from Bethlehem would rule the world, he sent His soldiers crew and killed all kids of less than 2-years old. Now Herod-II have arrested St. Peter, for same reason. (i.e)., Proclaiming on dead king. He was kept in 2-layer of soldier protections. No-hope.

Peter slept. He motivated himself and waiting with dream of reaching heavens. But God rewritten the decree. Prison doors opened but not with soldier, but with angels. Soldiers were not disturbed. Thus, opening of prisons, were the God’s restoration of broken dreams.

2.7 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord:

God the father, proclaimed beautiful plans to redeem slaves, debts and leased agreements and properties. 4000 years ago, to Israelites on the day of jubilee, (Leviticus 25:9), three things have to be done.

33 | P a g e

1. Trumpet sound of God (Lev 25:9) 2. Day of atonement 3. Return to the lost processions (Lev.25:13) On the same day of Jubilee God Jesus Christ before 2000 years, He was crucified as perfect Sacrifice (Day of atonement). On that day, slaves bond got broken, salvation decree was issued.

Moreover, a temporary lease to keep the soul of saints in a special tent in earth itself, adjacent to the hell (Hades) motioned in gospels (Luke 16.26) was completed on the God’s Day of atonement. Many saints along with bodies were raised to haven. After God Jesus resurrection. They were visible in Jerusalem to many and ascended (Mathew 27:52-53), to heaven itself. God’s proclamation of Jubilee is an acceptable year in God’s sight to offer salvation all human kind (irrespective of geography) and to provide anointment to every saved human.

2.8 To the Day of vengeance of Our God:

There is a day earmarked in the heaven’s calendar, for every soul to meet the God personally and the final decisions would be taken there. It is called as White Judgement Day. God Jesus would separate Sheep from goats. It is mentioned in bible (Mathew 25:31-36). It is quoted as, “When the son of Man comes in His glory and all the holy angels with Him then He will sit on the throne of glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on 34 | P a g e

the left. Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:’ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink: I was stranger you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to me”. Sheep represents the humble, holy disciples of God at any cost truly and goats represents the wicked people. Moreover, in revelation 22:10 it says that, “Do not seal the words of the prophesy of this book, for the time is at hand.

He who is unjust, let Him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him he filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous; he who is holy, let him be holy still”. God invested heavily on our environment (family, friends et al) and on circumstances (carefully designed) to improve our present level.

35 | P a g e

REFERENCE [1]. Wiki Report (2022), titled, “ Antiochus IV Ephiphanes”, available in the link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiochus_IV_Epiphanes#:~:text=Antiochus%20issu ed%20decrees%20forbidding%20many,Antiochene%20crises%27%20for%20the%20 Jews.

[2]. Britannica report (2022), titled in “Antiochus IV Ephiphanes - Seleucid king” available in the web link: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Antiochus-IVEpiphanes

36 | P a g e