kingdom Perspectives May June 2020

Volume 1 | Issue 7

MAY - JUNE 2020

KINGDOM

PERSPECTIVES

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Peace is

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Your suggestions, comments and interests can encourage us a lot to spread the living WORD OF GOD. Kingdom Perspectives | May-June 2020 2

CONTENTS Shalom Pr. Wilson K Chacko

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Peace is Divine: Defend Every Issue in Life by the Godly Peace Blasson N Mathew

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Peace of God Which Surpasses all Understanding Testimony of Pr. Alex P John

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Rest in Him and Find Peace Mini M. Thomas

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Etymology - Peace Shyam Raj

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Godly Lamentation, Mourning and Woe Benson Skariachan

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All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Kingdom Perspectives has been made available to you through the help and support of the friends and sponsors of Kingdom Perspectives Ministries. All Bible references are from King James Version, New International Version, New Living Translation, Amplified Bible Classic Edition and Revised Standard Version (RSV). Kingdom Perspectives is published

by Kingdom Perspectives Ministries, Bangalore, India.

For more information visit our website: kingdomperspectives.in +91 9916782434 kingdomperspectives77@gmail.com

Kingdom Perspectives | May-June 2020 3

President: Blasson N. Mathew Chief Editor: Sherin Johnson Creative Head: Jose Valiyakalayil Co-ordinator Overseas: Betty Joseph Subscription Co-ordinators: Roshin C. Raju, Jithin Abraham and Kevin C.K. Special Thanks: Jessica Coutinho, Michelle Knowles

Peace is divine.

God is the source of peace and He has to supply it to our lives.

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esus Christ is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6-7). It is a powerful statement which would never lose its truth or power. Peace is a soothing word that makes me think of the ability to remain calm in the middle of the storms of life.

Most recently, I got healed from Covid-19; I experienced the saving peace of God over my life, while I was suffering with this most dreadful virus.

SHERIN JOHNSON Chief Editor

Peace is supernatural. The Bible says "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4.7. Peace is beyond our understanding; it stands as a guard to our heart from pessimistic thoughts that damage our lives. Peace is not the absence of problems; in contrast it is the additional power of God that makes us fully secure even when we are in our worst fears and troubles.

Peace is divine. God is the source of peace and He has to supply it to our lives. Our God offers peace in the midst of chaos and it is our obligation to possess it. His peace doesn't change with the circumstances; it is secure in spite of our circumstances. When you own divine peace, even when the storms in life threaten us, Let us be rest assured that God can handle the situation much better than what we can do about it. We gladly present you this edition based on the theme “Peace is divine.� As you flip through the pages, may the good Lord bless you with abundance of peace.

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ABOUT JESUS

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ight after the resurrection, Jesus had appeared to His disciples and said to them “Peace be unto you” John 20:19. It was a time when disciples were distressed, fearful and locked inside a room having no hope in life. However, they were so happy when they immediately saw Jesus inside their room. Jesus is a God who appears for His people any time of their distress and pain. What he wanted to share with all of us is a word of peaceful wellbeing that: “Peace be unto you.” No world leader could ever say this kind of a promise. Since Jesus is a matter of happiness and overwhelming joy, every renowned socio-political and economic leader for his or her peace has to look at JESUS Christ. Whoever received Him received eternal happiness, confidence and joy of the Lord, right to their life, family and all such relationships. There is darkness in the world that is the reason for the distress and pain in the world. But we can overcome this dark world with the help of the true light- Jesus Christ. He is the only one who won the world of darkness. When disciples thought, the enemies who killed their master may kill them and when they were in fear, Jesus appeared to them and said: 'it is true that they killed me but I have resurrected from death and brought eternal life to all who believe in me.’

No need to fear death anymore, Jesus has overcome it; fear God almighty who can kill both the spirit and soul.

BLASSON N. MATHEW President, Kingdom Perspectives

Since Jesus is the prince of peace; a hope of this world for peace, today or tomorrow everyone has to look to Him for peace. By the one word “Peace be unto you” the disciples were confident enough to reach the whole world with the message of love of Christ and nobody could resist them.

Even today, Jesus wanted to tell us the same words that He shared to His disciples that: “peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Let us be filled with the spirit of Christ-the Holy Spirit.” Let us therefore receive the spirit of Christ which is the Holy Spirit and be a vessel of peace like the disciple; who entered whichever houses shared the same Peace of God, which is transcendental. All of them who received Him received comforted life adequate to be successful in life. May God give you a peaceful journey and bless you.

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“Making peace is a life's deliberate choice above mere feelings.

We seldom find peace when it is sought reciprocally for any good�

Blasson N. Mathew

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Shalom Pr. Wilson K Chacko 'Depart from evil, and do good: seek peace, and pursue it'- Psalms 34:14. an is in constant pursuit for peace and happiness. Every individual is in quest for a peaceful home, peaceful job and peaceful kids or in one word a “peaceful life.” Naturally, everyone has their own version of definition of peace.

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refused to use the ventilator stating that she had already lived a good life and it could be used to save someone who is younger.

Definition of Peace We often confuse peace with happiness or joy. We think that a peaceful person is a happy person.

Happiness is a sense of well-being whereas peace is a state of mind. One can always be 'at peace' irrespective of the situation. Happiness is a result of a positive event. Never has one felt elated when they go through a difficult phase in their life. For instance, when a person achieves his long-term desire, he could be overjoyed or gratified, but, not necessarily, be at peace with the achievement.

Some tend to think that a life without hassles is peaceful. This is a myth as there is no one in the world who is without a problem. Once a lady, who was grief stricken due to the sudden demise of her husband, consulted with a saint to get answers. He asked her to go out and find at least one house where there has been no death. All her efforts in finding such a house were in vain as she couldn't find any. Everyone in the world, irrespective of young, old, rich, poor, healthy and sick have their own challenges. Therefore, we need to understand that it may not always be practically possible to stay happy. However, it is possible to be at peace during a storm.

We live in a world where materialistic fulfillment is considered to be the key to a peaceful life. It is a fact that there is always a sense of need in everyone's life at any given point. But peace is a sense of inner satisfaction or contentment with what we have.

Recently, I read an article about a 93-year-old woman, who recently passed away in Italy due to COVID 19,

According to the Scriptures, there are two kinds of peace such as ‘worldly peace’ and ‘heavenly peace.’ As the name implies, ‘worldly peace’ is volatile whereas ‘heavenly peace’ is everlasting. That's why Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). The basic

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difference is that the peace that God gives is “inner peace.” It nourishes our soul. Jesus emphasized that His peace is “God's own peace” because He is the “Prince of peace” (Isaiah 9:6 ).

How can a child of God live a peaceful life in this world? There are numerous passages in the Scripture that helps a believer to find peace in Christ during unfavorable circumstances: God's Peace During Problems Christian life is like a rosebush filled with roses and thorns. It is not always bright and fragrant; it might also be dark and painful. As a child of God, we must remember that we are not alone in our journey, God is with us. Jesus has promised to be with us till the end of the world (Mathew 28:20). Though we might endure various problems in our Christian walk, we can be rest assured that He knows it all. He knows our weaknesses. Paul says that, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is not about the size of the problem or the solution; nevertheless, it is all about the divine peace which one experiences in the midst of crisis.

God's Peace During Panic Despite the divine peace of God within us, it is paramount to display courage during chaos. David says,” Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will fear no evil, for you are with me” (Psalms 23:4).

The phrase 'Do not fear' is mentioned 366 times in the Bible. Whenever our hearts get troubled our soul grows weary. The Bible tells us how to safeguard our hearts from trouble in Psalms 42:11- “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.”We must learn not to panic during unsavory circumstances rather lean on Christ. “For God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power and love and self- control” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Peace During Persecution The Bible records persecution of God's people in both the Old and New Testaments. Christians are persecuted as their belief in Jesus Christ as Savior does not conform to the godlessness of a sinful world.

Jesus Christ has forewarned us that we will go through trials and tribulation. Jesus says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Have you ever wondered how Paul and Silas worshipped God though they were chained and imprisoned or how Peter could sleep so peacefully in the dungeon though he was ordered to be executed the next morning? This accounts to the peace of God that passes all understanding. As Phil 4:7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Peace During the Pandemic The whole world is in turmoil and uncertain of its destiny. God protected the Israelites when the angel of Death passed over every house whose door post was painted with the blood of the Lamb. These are the testing times where we must portray our faith like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They said, “If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:17. We must trust that our God will deliver us in this time of pandemic else we have a blessed hope that we will meet Him on the other shore.

Our God is a God of freedom, he has given us absolute freedom to choose our destiny. it is up to us to decide which peace we need. People normally tend to be susceptible to worldly peace but a wise person always prefers God's Peace. Amen.

Pr. Wilson K Chacko is currently serving as a senior minister at Church of God (Full Gospel) in India, Chandapura, Bangalore. Besides he works as a senior Manager for an MNC. He is married to Sabi and is blessed with two sons Joel (16) and Gerald (10).

We must trust that our God will deliver us in this time of pandemic else we have a blessed hope that we will meet Him on the other shore.

Kingdom Perspectives | May-June 2020 8

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

Hebrew 12:14

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Evg. Blasson N. Mathew

PEACE IS DIVINE:

Defend every issue in life by the Godly Peace Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE OF GOD, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 eace is one of the greatest blessings in our life on earth. Hence, the Bible says “Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance” Jude 1:2.

Without peace life is like panting for breath.

Many never seek peace; though it is an important criteria to meet our spiritual needs. The Bible says everyone has to strive for it. Moreover, as it is divine it has to be received from God and there is no alternative. God is a generous God who gives everything in abundance; when He gives peace He gives it abundantly. The Bible says “the Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace” Psalm 29:11. In comparison to the Earth, Heaven is a place of abundance of peace. Therefore, the Bible specifically says how it has to be sought from God. To live in peace is a deliberate choice since the Bible says “turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” Psalm 34:14. Peace is something that we need to make in our daily life. It is a conscious preference; whether we want to lead our lives in peace or chaos. Jesus once said “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” Matthew 5:9. Many say there is no peace in our society, family and in my relationships such as with friends, children, parents and siblings. Therefore it is very important to know the Biblical perspectives of peace.

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Discerning God's perspectives on peace will bring more of it in your life and in every one of your relationships, family and society. Peace and harmony is part of a holy living; which God expects from us to see Him and to live with Him. Hence the Bible says “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” Hebrews 12:14.

Making Peace is an Obligation Jesus observes peace as a person's duty to bring it into existence, in a chaotic world. In a particular occasion Jesus says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27. In the world there are many people who can comfort, counsel and encourage us. However, all those sort of worldly comforting words can bring temporary peace and it has limits. But the comfort that the God promises us is divine peace which is everlasting. Only divine peace transcends above all of our understanding and it can only stand as a guard of our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus from distractions in the world (Philippians 4:6-7). God's spirit is the spirit of peace; He gives great strength and power. We, Christians must be known for peaceful works.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” James 3:18. Unity in our church and

community is possible only through peace. Therefore, the Bible says “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:3.

Moreover, the wisdom of God from heaven moulds us and helps us to live in peace. Since “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” James 3:17.

Submitting to a disciplined life is a must while it is through training and disciplining our life in the way of peace that we become peaceful (Hebrews 12:11).

God expects Our Prayers with Peace There is a connection between prayer and peace. What answer God has promised us for a prayer is not exactly the answer for our appeals rather an everlasting peace (Philippians 4:6-7). We need to prepare our mind for a good prayer life. The Bible says “the mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” Romans 8:6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. A praying person will live peacefully and exercise great authority and anointing.

The Peace of God and Peace of the World Many who promised us a peaceful world, equal economy, tranquility etc, lived and died from the world. However, they were never able to fulfill their promises nor did they experience peace in their life.

Only Jesus could say I have something beyond worldly peace which is everlasting. Peace is one of the spiritual needs of men and many strive for it without knowing Jesus is the author of eternal peace. Jesus said the “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27. What Jesus has promised us is transcendental peace or Godly peace that's why it is exceptional from earthly peace.

Jesus promises the real peace for your personality, family and other areas where you are in need of it in this scary world.

“

There is a connection between prayer and peace. What answer God has promised us for a prayer is not exactly the answer for our appeals rather an everlasting peace

”

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Further, Jesus predicted this world is going to be more of troubles as days goes by. He encouraged us by saying, if I have won the situations of this world you will also overcome it. Hence He said; “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” John 16:33.

Peace in Our Community God paid a price to bring a peaceful community in the earth which is His church. Now we have peace with God as we have been justified through faith (Romans 5:1). However, this peace is sustained by complimenting and helping each other in our community. The Bible says “bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” Colossians 3:13. Moreover, God gives peace in abundance when we make an atmosphere for it in our community, family and church. The Bible says “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you” 2 Thessalonians 3:16. It is the peace of God that rules over every pessimism in our lives. Therefore, the Bible says “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” Colossians 3:15. Living in peace is a mandatory choice for a perfect Christian community for which Christ is going to come. The Bible says “finally, brothers and sisters rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you” 2 Corinthians 13:11.

Peace comes from the heart since those who make peace have a joyful heart and vice versa. “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy” Proverbs 12:20. May the good Lord bestow abundance of peace in your life and family! “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26. Amen.

Peace of God Which Surpasses All Understanding

Testimony of

Pr. Alex P John

Put on your feet the readiness to Proclaim the Gospel of peace, Apostle Paul says about the whole armor of God in Ephesians, "Gospel of Peace� the only real tidings in the world that can change anyone's heart, that is filled with anxiety and doubts. I too had an experience with this gospel of peace. Even that memory refreshes me a lot.

wo and a half decades ago, if I say the right date, in 1990 June 28 this Gospel of Peace transformed my life. While I was studying in high school, Gideon's International Bible Society team visited our Sree Vivekananda High School in central Travancore, South India during the year 1984 and 1985 and gave me a copy of the New testament, I kept the book at my home and never turned towards it, but later that book was a turning point in my life. Being born and brought up in a Christian Marthomite family, I grew up with all traditional backgrounds. I was regularly attending Sunday school from childhood. I had the privilege of studying Marthoma Church' Sunday school classes named Shishu Vakuppu till Jeoshta vakuppu. Above all, I represent almost all annual Vacation Bible School Programmes. Even though I participated well in every traditional discipline, I never had any

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personal experiences with Lord Jesus Christ. On the other hand, I loved politics and its ideologies above religious aspirations.

During my pre-degree time, friendship and worldly lifestyle was everything to me, than my studies. I was interested in classes on politics and keen on books on politics. During this time I had a friend who was much older than me. He was always a guide to me. I realized one day that people from my society started observing me as a person of different views. I was a lost son before all of them. This made me more rebellious, frustrated and disappointed; as a result I was fearful as days passed by.

Then the worse thing happened in 1990, one day, I heard the news about my Friend, he ended his life by consuming poison. He was a father of two daughters.

This news shocked me a lot, I don't know what to do,

the spirit which controlled him was whispering in me to do the same or to run away from home. I don't know what to do and was not able to eat or sleep. As I was totally discouraged I thought to read something.

Though, I took some books from my bookshelf, but it didn't bring about any changes in me. I was unstable and not at peace. However, while taking one book; the Gideon's Bible which was a red plastic bound New Testament copy fell down from the book shelf. I immediately noticed it and took the Book. While turning the pages and I had one heading saying help in the time of emergencies. I was really curious to know what was written there. The first title was all about the means for salvation. The second title was what I

searched for "Peace in the time of Anxiety." I was really surprised to see that each title had references and I found interest in the verses Philippians 4: 6-7, John 14. Then, I turned the pages and found out the verse saying, "Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God, And the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your minds Christ Jesus."

This was the first verse that I read from the New Testament; a verse for the first time I read from the bottom of my heart. The sound of that verse still rings in my ear even now. What I felt was Jesus is talking to my heart, saying my Son don't be anxious about

I was unstable and not at peace.

However, while taking one book; the Gideon's Bible which was a red plastic bound New Testament copy fell down from the book shelf. I immediately noticed it and took the Book...

anything. This word which God had spoken to me made me to cry before my Lord.

I really felt the love of God deep inside of me, even though I was not able to believe in a living God. Many times very proudly I said I am the captain of my soul, and I don't need anybody's advice. However, God loved me so deeply, even though I cherished a lot of useless attitudes. I felt His love was flowing through me, without knowing how to pray, some have prayed and said “Lord forgive me, if there is a real life; Lord I will live for you� On June 28th 1990 around 3.20 p m, I had this born-again experience. If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old things have passed away (2 Corinthians 5: 17). I realize a great transformation in me. As a result I was free from all the satanic

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strongholds. Moreover, the joy of the Lord filled my heart. The one and only desire I cherished there and then was to know my Lord more. With much eagerness and trust, I started reading the Bible and underlined all the important references. A new journey started with my Lord more meaningfully. It is my 29th year in the Lord. He led me through all situations, health and sickness, abundance and poverty, solitude and in good fellowship, but His Peace and love remains the same. No human words can describe His peace and love; indeed it's beyond all human understanding. As you read my testimony I encourage you nothing in this world can separate us from the love of Christ. The Lord cares for you. May the good Lord enable you to know him and thereby experience more of His peace.

REST in HIM

“

and find PEACE

Sometimes, God wants to pull us out of all our busy schedules and rest alone with God...

hen somebody passes away we use the word RIP as a compliment to the one who spends his life restlessly on the earth. Despite the fact, whether He or she may achieve the best degrees and earn a lot of money without any rest to the body and mind. Often, though our body is on rest, our mind will never. Mind has a tendency to dig out the past memories and wander about the future. However, at a final stage we say we will get peace only when we rest our body and mind and that happens only after the final breath. But the fact is, our creator and our lovely father in heaven always wanted us to take some rest and find peace through Him when we are alive on earth.

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This lonely period is not intended by God to terminate you but to teach you more about Christ and mould you to be a better person like Christ.

Some years back, I heard the experience of a man. He was a manager in an IT company, but one day he was informed that the company is going to lay off some senior employees, and he was one among them. He was a sincere employee and a prayerful man. After he moved out of the company, he was depressed and asked God 'why does this happen to me?' In the prayer room, God talked to him and said 'I need you to spend some more time with me; therefore rest and sit at my feet.' This may be the story of 1000s of employees all over the world.

Sometimes, God wants to pull us out of all our busy schedules and rest alone with God, without any client meetings or without any friends gathering and without any trips. This lonely period is not intended by God to terminate you but to teach you more about Christ and mould you to be a better person like Christ.

�

When Jesus reached Lazarus's home, Martha started talking.

She had a lot of things to share about her services. But Mary was silently sitting at His feet. Martha started talking but Mary started listening. To be more clear, Martha allowed God to listen but Mary allowed Him to speak. And God commented about Mary's attitude that 'Mary has chosen what is better.'

Speaking to God is good, but listening to Him is even better.

Unfortunately, at present in our world, we are facing a pandemic situation. Thanks to everyone working restlessly to save the world. May God keep them safe and bless them abundantly. But most of the population is staying at home to save the world. From all busy works, God wants us to rest. Rest your body, rest your mind and find peace through His presence.

If you are ready to sit at his feet, you will see Him talking to you.

Listen carefully to His words. You can feel unconditional love, amazing care and incredible peace through His words. It is enough for us to overcome these dangerous situations. Let us lock down ourselves and rest in peace at His feet.

Mini M. Thomas

Kingdom Perspectives | May-June 2020

We can break the chain of Covid-19 by connecting the chains of prayer. David said "Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you" (Psalms 116:7). Our heavenly father is good to us all the time. He is with us in our sorrows, happiness, loneliness and our weaknesses. So cast all your worries upon Him and peacefully take rest. Let us stay at home, stay safe and stay connected to God. 14

Etymology of

Peace Shyam Raj Professor in Theological Studies, Bangalore

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he primary and basic idea of the biblical word “peace� is completeness, soundness and wholeness. It is a state of health, prosperity and wholeness possessed by persons or groups.

Peace is God's gift. In the Hebrew literature the word Shalom, in Latin Pax and in Greek Eirene refer to the English term peace. Peace has a variety of usages; the basic meaning of Shalom was material blessings and physical well-being. For instance, the greetings in Genesis 29:6 explicitly express the idea of shalom. We live in a century where nations lack peace due to injustice, war, violence, extremism, oppression, supremacy, politics, religious fundamentalism etc. Therefore, we as Christians have great responsibility to establish peace in our society.

Christian concern for peace is grounded in our human participation in the loving purpose of God for their whole creation. Peacemaking is an important duty for every Christian witness. However, the way to peace lies through justice.Therefore, efforts for justice in social and economic areas must be established at the national and international level. Our God is the God of peace as He is the Prince of Peace.We as a Christian called to be role models by any means necessary in this century to make peace by establishing justice. Peace be unto you!

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Benson Skariachan

Godly Lamentation, Mourning and Woe many areas we are so often go wrong like making our lives too much about 'I' and not enough about 'God.' The 'God' I am referring to is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In John 3:30 it is written, “ He must increase, but I must decrease.”

In

We seem to have overlooked or forgotten this most beautiful scripture, John 3:30, that acts as a bridge to heaven. Instead, it is so often, “me, my life, my desires, my family, my money, my parents, my assets, my car, my studies, my career, my prestige, my feelings, my emotions, my pain, my hurt, my expectations, my church, my friends, my house, my...my...my...my.”

Look around.... we are filled with everything that makes us slaves to the idols of this world. Mathew 10:37 says, “Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Note that in Mathew, Jesus says 'worthy of me', thus if we idolize any earthly person or thing, we are not worthy of God and if we are not worthy of God then how can Christ's message of “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30) be fulfilled.

I would like to draw your attention to Mathew 4:8-10 which says, “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and said unto him, all these things will I give thee, if thou wilt

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fall down and worship me. Then saith Jesus unto him, get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” Unfortunately, we have all fallen short of the true love and fear of God that is required of us (humility, meekness, brokenness, selflessness and of dying to self) and many of us have turned to the very opposite of it. Somewhere in our lives, perhaps among achievements in our life, our work life, family life, ministry life etc. pride entered in either with or without our knowledge. Proverbs 16:18 says: “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Please bear with me, I do understand I am delivering truths that our flesh does not wish to hear, however, that which pains our flesh eventually brings about the crucifixion of our flesh and, in turn, the liberation of our soul unto Christ, life and blessing. Let me now direct your attention to Ezekiel 2:8-10, “But thou son of man, hear what I say unto thee; be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth and eat that I give thee. And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and lo, a roll of a book was therein; and he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning and woe.” Here we see God asking Ezekiel to eat the roll of a book which had three words written inside and outside.

Just three words: Lamentations, Mourning and Woe. Even though we are given three words they all signify the same sentiment: to regret deeply, grieve audibly, sorrow, groan; to experience heartache and distress.

After God personally fed Ezekiel this roll, it is written in Ezekiel 3:2-3, “So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. “Can you imagine putting into action what God is saying: to lament, mourn and woe and whilst doing so, experiencing sweetness? Does that make sense to us? How is it rational? Well don't worry if it doesn't make complete sense to us, as 1 Corinthians 1:25 says, “Even the foolishness of God is wiser than men,” so we can really only begin to fathom the depth of what God was trying to tell Ezekiel. We can, however, ask ourselves why God might ask Ezekiel to practice lamentations, mourning and woe. Was not Ezekiel one of the

“Then Jesus went about all the cities and village, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:35-36). prophets, possibly one of the holiest among the living at that time. I may not know the true depth of Gods infinite wisdom, but one thing I am sure of, is that God chose Ezekiel to lament, mourn and woe for the people of the land.

Yes, as we can see this is one of the very things God calls of us, as believers: Moses was called to Lament, Mourn and Woe for the People Elijah was called to Lament, Mourn and Woe for the People Ezekiel was called to Lament, Mourn and Woe for the People Jesus was called to Lament, Mourn and Woe for the People Paul was called to Lament, Mourn and Woe for the People. Yes, my dear brothers and sisters we are all called, in fact, encouraged to lament, mourn and woe for the people of our land. For this is our purpose and calling here on earth and it starts with repentance; giving birth to lamentations, mourning & woe in seeing the children of God being deceived, cheated, killed and destroyed in the world by the destruction and devices of Satan. Acts tells us that Paul's spirit was “stirred in him, when he saw the city given to idolatry” (Acts 17:16). Furthermore, the devil similarly uses the distractions and lusts of this world and our flesh to

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blind us of this calling and responsibility to true Godly sorrow.

Sadly, The art of Lament, mourning and Woe is long forgotten. Washed or hidden away under bright multicolored spotlights, loud music or production value now found in churches today that serve to make us feel good, entertained and appeal to our flesh or self. Why are we not experiencing the honey in our mouth that comes from lamentations, mourning and woe? Did God do or say anything to Ezekiel that made him feel good, Did Jesus say anything to his disciples that made them feel good in their flesh? Why did Jesus attempt to wake his disciples up and then proceed to ask them to pray in the middle of the night, requiring them to resist their flesh or desire to sleep? Jesus expected his disciples to sacrifice their sleep and instead to remain awake and pray. So much of the kingdom of God requires first dying to our flesh, denying things that makes our flesh feel good and instead feeding and giving power to the Spirit in us and in order to serve purposes outside of ourselves and of much greater worth. Romans 8:13 says, “For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”

Similarly, Colossians 3:5 urges us to “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.”

The art of lamentation, mourning and woe is for all of us, for it is our cross to bear. Let us learn to lament, to stand up against temptations, for the sake of our lost brothers and sisters, for our lost churches, for the lost people, for the sick, poor and needy, those in broken relationships, broken marriages, and broken families.

Let us learn once again to cry out to God, humbling ourselves on behalf of others, to heal the people and restore the land through sacrificial prayer and heartfelt supplications. For Joel 2:12-13 says, “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and weeping and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments and turn unto the Lord your God.” If we are finding it hard within ourselves to reach a place of lamentation, it's high time we introspect our hearts on when it did harden, in other words; when or where did our pride set in. Let us pray and ask God to break us, break our pride, remould us and soften our hearts, before we or others are led to destruction. Let us draw near to the Lord with genuine heartache for others; lamentations, mourning and woe. Let us be soldiers unto our Lord where our battles are fought on our knees, selflessly dying to our flesh and, rather, lamenting & mourning our way to victory through spiritual warfare and heartfelt prayer. As is written in James 5:16 “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” And it is then we will start to experience true sweetness in our mouths. God bless you all. Amen.

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