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EGM TIMES VOLUME 13 ISSUE 6

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2025

EXPOSING | ENCOURAGING | EMPOWERING

WAITING IS NEVER WASTED 06 11 ABRAHAM: MEN OF FAITH MAY SOMETIMES FEAR 12 FAITH BEFORE SIGHT: LEARNING TO TRUST THE GOD WHO PROVIDES 19

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FOLLOW JESUS? 22

F E AT U R I N G

ABRAHAM

NOW FAITH IS THE ASSURANCE OF THINGS HOPED FOR, THE CONVICTION OF THINGS NOT SEEN. -HEBREWS 11:1

CONTENTS

Waiting Is Never Wasted

-Carol M. Abbott

Abraham: Men Of Faith May Sometimes Fear -Tomisin Juliet Faoye

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All Bible references are from the New International Version, English Standard Version, New Living Translation, King James Version. EGM Times is published by Elohim Gospel Ministries, USA. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. EGM Times has no subscription price and is supported through contributions worldwide. Because all EGM Times editions are preplanned, we are unable to accept unsolicited manuscripts. For more information or to sign up for your free copy of egm times, visit: elohimgospelministries.com President: Evg. Jacob Vilgi Oommen Associate Editor: Gideon Pingkihan Content Editor: Effie Ochago Design: EGM Media

Faith Before Sight: Learning to Trust the God Who Provides

-Jacob Vilgi Oommen

What Does it Mean to Follow Jesus?

-Editorial Team

From ‘Knowing About’ Christ to ‘Living In’ Christ

-Daya Raja

MEET OUR WRITERS

Carol Abbott

Tomisin Juliet Faoye

Jacob Vilgi Oommen

Carol Abbott is a devotional writer, teacher, and volunteer ministry leader passionate about encouraging others to live with gratitude and faith. She shares weekly reflections at GraceNotesForYou.com, contributes to Christian Devotions, and serves as a volunteer leader with the Compel Writers Training Group. Alongside her husband, Carol has led small groups for more than 30 years and is an active member of Fellowship Greenville in South Carolina. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Vocal Performance and continues to inspire through writing, teaching, and music. When she’s not writing or mentoring, Carol enjoys hiking, plant-based cooking, and tending her flower beds.

Tomisin Juliet Faoye is a novelist, screenwriter, and editor of Habitat, a Real Estate and Lifestyle Magazine based in Nigeria. She is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ who seeks to grow closer to God every day. Through her writing, she hopes to propagate the gospel and reach the lost and hurting. Tomisin is the founder of Sermon on the Mount, a Christian community dedicated to taking the word of God to young people and underserved communities. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in English Literature at the University of Abuja, Nigeria, where she resides.

Jacob Oommen serves as an evangelist and President of Elohim Gospel Ministries, with a deep passion to see lives transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His heart is to reach the lost and to awaken believers to a deeper, more vibrant faith. He is also pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute in Illinois. Outside of ministry, Jacob enjoys reading books, solving puzzles, and watching thought-provoking documentaries.

EDITORIAL Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! As we present to you this final edition of EGM Times, our hearts are filled with both gratitude and reflection. We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you, for journeying with us, for reading, supporting, praying and believing in what God has been doing through this humble publication. In this concluding issue, we look closely at what it truly means to follow Christ. In a world driven by convenience, comfort, and self-preservation, discipleship remains a radical call. Jesus himself declared: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me”- Luke 9:23 Following Christ is not merely about believing in Him. It is about trusting Him, obeying Him, and walking with Him even when the path is uncertain. And there is no greater biblical example of this than Abraham, the father of faith. Abraham followed God without knowing where he was going. He surrendered his plans, left everything familiar behind, and chose obedience over clarity. His life echoes the very heart of discipleship – trusting God even when the promise seems distant. Hebrews 11:8 reminds us: “By faith, Abraham obeyed when he was called..not knowing where he was going.” Like Abraham, we are called to step into unknown, to believe that when God speaks, His words stand firm. Faith is not merely acknowledging who God is – it is walking in confidence that His purposes will prevail. It is saying, “Lord, I will follow You”, even when the direction is unclear and the sacrifice is great. As we close this chapter of EGM Times, may we not close our hearts to what God continues to do. Let this final edition of 2025 serve as a reminder that the journey of faith never ends. God is still calling. God is still leading. And Christ is still worthy to be followed with our whole lives. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your spiritual walk. May the seeds planted through the pages grown and bear fruit for the glory of God. We wish you a joyful Christmas this holiday season! To God be all the glory. In His Service, Gideon Pingkihan Associate Editor EGM Times

WAITING

IS NEVER WASTED -Carol M. Abbott

Waiting is not something most of us do very well. In a culture that prizes time, speed is celebrated—the faster we finish tasks, reach goals, or arrive at our destination, the better we feel. Yet life doesn't run on our clock. And more importantly, neither does God. The truth is, He often uses seasons of waiting for purposes we cannot yet see. Although knowing this brings comfort, it doesn't always erase the ache. And when waiting stretches on, it can feel like wasted time. Abraham understood this ache. His waiting season began with a promise from God at age seventy-five. It was a promise of personal blessing, a legacy, and a blessing extended to all nations (Genesis 12:2–3). Yet, twenty-four years would pass until God met with him again to renew His covenant, change his name, and confirm the promise of a son.

Then finally, one year later—twenty-five long years from the time the promise was first spoken—the impossible came true. Isaac was born to Abraham at the age of one hundred. If you’ve read Abraham’s story, then you know his lengthy season of waiting wasn’t an easy one. Unfortunately, his many years of waiting led him to make a few mistakes along the way. Yet, even in his faltering, God remained faithful. And although Abraham faced delays along his journey, they were not setbacks. Instead, they were God-ordained life experiences that deepened his belief, strengthened his faith, and taught him obedience. In the end, Abraham’s story ended well—which is good news, as not all stories do.

3. Waiting Shapes Our Obedience Abraham’s journey shows us that waiting is not merely about enduring time; it is about being transformed by time. Through every season, God shaped his belief into faith and his faith into obedience. In the same way, our waiting becomes the refining ground where God refines our character, aligns our hearts with His will, and prepares us for the fulfillment of His promises. 4. Waiting Displays God’s Faithfulness Finally, we learn from Abraham’s journey that waiting is mingled with both struggle and grace. Yet through it all, God remained faithful to Abraham. And just as God was faithful to him, He is also faithful to us. Knowing this to be true, we can rest assured that whatever God has promised, He is faithful to complete.

Equally good news for us is that his story still speaks today. It equips us with practical life lessons for our own seasons of waiting. From Abraham's Waiting Season, We Learn. 1. Waiting Tests Our Trust in God’s Timing Abraham’s story shows us that God never wastes our waiting. Each delay pressed him to trust God’s timing rather than his own. In the same way, our waiting seasons become opportunities to lean into God’s faithfulness, even when His timetable feels painfully slow. 2. Waiting Reveals Our Weaknesses Abraham’s agreement with Sarah’s plan warns us of the temptation of taking matters into our own hands when God seems silent. Waiting exposes our impatience and our tendency to control outcomes. Still, it becomes the place where God teaches us to depend on Him.

“Waiting feels like wasted time—until we discover it is the very place God grows faith.”

In my own life, there have been times when waiting felt unbearable and sometimes even pointless. Truthfully, there were moments I was tempted to believe nothing was shifting or ever would. Yet looking back, I see how God was at work behind the scenes during my wait. He was preparing and positioning me for the next step in my journey. And my friend, I’m confident the same is true for you. So today, whether you're waiting for physical healing, relational reconciliation, financial provision, clarity about the future, or whatever you may be waiting for, take heart. God is not absent in your waiting. He is with you. He is for you. He is faithful. And He is actively at work in your wait time for your good and His purposes. This is why we can embrace seasons of waiting with hope, confidence, and assurance, knowing that the same God who kept His promises to Abraham will also keep His promises to us. Because from God’s perspective, waiting is never wasted.

ABRAHAM

THE LIFE OF

The Call of Abram 1The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”(Genesis 12: 1-3)

The Lord’s Covenant Promise to Abram 15 Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.” 2 But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. 3 You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” 4 Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” 5 Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” 6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. 7 Then the Lord told him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land as your possession.”(Genesis 15: 1-7)

A Son Is Promised to Sarah 8 When the food was ready, Abraham took some yogurt and milk and the roasted meat, and he served it to the men. As they ate, Abraham waited on them in the shade of the trees. 9 “Where is Sarah, your wife?” the visitors asked. “She’s inside the tent,” Abraham replied. 10 Then one of them said, “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!” Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent. 11 Abraham and Sarah were both very old by this time, and Sarah was long past the age of having children. 12 So she laughed silently to herself and said, “How could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master—my husband—is also so old?” 13 Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”(Genesis 18: 8-14)

The Birth of Isaac

Abraham’s Faith Tested

The Death of Abraham

The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. 2 She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. 3 And Abraham named their son Isaac. 4 Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. 5 Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. 6 And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. 7 Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!” (Genesis 21: 1-7)

1Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called. “Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” 2 “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”(Genesis 22: 1-2)

7 Abraham lived for 175 years, 8 and he died at a ripe old age, having lived a long and satisfying life. He breathed his last and joined his ancestors in death. 9 His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite. 10 This was the field Abraham had purchased from the Hittites and where he had buried his wife Sarah.(Genesis 25: 7-10)

The term "Christian" was first used in the city of Antioch.

ABRAHAM MEN OF FAITH MAY SOMETIMES FEAR

-Tomisin Juliet Faoye Heaven's interactions with humanity have long required a premise. To see, one must believe. It directly contrasts with the human notion of sight before faith. Faith in God does not offer the harness of sight. All it gives is the Word. When God speaks once, the man of faith ought to hear twice. Abram, son of Terah, was such a man. The first recorded account of Yahweh's encounter with the man who would one day be called the father of faith was not to make introductions; instead, it was to instruct. "Get thee out of thy country," God had commanded him, "and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will show thee."(Gen. 12:1). Abram's father, Terah, had just died at the time. Terah was the man who had led Abram, Sarai, and Lot from Ur to Haran, where Terah eventually died. It makes one wonder whether Abram's journey to the Promised Land did not really begin with his father's decision to leave Ur. Perhaps Haran, a new place, was easier to leave behind than Ur, which Abram had known all his life.

Abram left Haran with no certainties; nothing but the Word the Lord had given him; nothing but an instruction. Yet, even in the middle of this act of faith, fear seemed an unavoidable companion. Sarai was a beautiful woman and fair to look upon. Abram knew this and was afraid that she would become the death of him, so he conspired with her, saying, I pray thee, thou art my sister, that it may be well with me for thy sake and my soul shall live because of thee."(Gen. 12:13).

Interestingly, this same Abram, overwhelmed by pressures, sought a shortcut to the promise when he lay with Hagar and obtained a son, Ishmael. But despite this deviation, God still reiterated His promise to Abram, saying, "I am the Almighty God, walk before me and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly"(Gen. 17:1-2). This encounter gave Abram and Sarai new names. They became Abraham and Sarah. God then reencountered Abraham in the plains of Mamre, and for the first time, God put a date on the promise, saying, "I will surely return unto thee according to the time of life, and lo, Sarah thy wife will have a son."(Gen. 18:10).

Abram's fear materialized, and his wife was taken away. But God, the one who had said "Get thee out of thy country", intervened and restored her. After this incident came the promise, from God to Abram: "For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth; so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered"(Gen. 13:15-16). Then God assured him, "I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward" (Gen. 15:1).

But something astonishing happened. After all these remarkable encounters, and after all these many years of walking before the Lord, Abraham found himself in the same dilemma as years before. Afraid again for his life, he said of his wife to Abimelech, King of Gerar, "she is my sister."(Gen. 20:2). Before his eyes, his wife was taken away, and only by God's divine hand was she restored untouched. Through these recorded experiences, we find that Abraham was not a 'perfect' man. He was a man of like passions as the rest of us. Two times, he gave in to fear, and once he tried to find another path to God's promise. Yet, God, in His tender mercies, brought His word to pass:

But despite this deviation, God still reiterated His promise to Abram, saying, "I am the Almighty God, walk before me and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly" "And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did as he had spoken. For Sarah conceived and bare Abraham a son in his old age at the set time of which God had spoken to him." (Gen 21:1-2). Abraham's seed did become as the number of the stars in heaven, as God had ordained. But it was not on account of Abraham's perfection, but God's irrevocable word. From the life of this patriarch of ours, the Christian learns that having faith does not mean we have it all figured out. Men of faith may sometimes fear, but therein lies the faithfulness of God; that a flawed man could receive a perfect word from a perfect God, handle this ideal word in a flawed manner, and yet receive a perfect manifestation of the Word. It reveals a crucial truth: that faith is not merely about the one who receives the promise, but about the one who made it. Even in our unfaithfulness and in our doubt, God keeps His word.

WATCH THE LATEST EPISODE OF ELOHIM IT’S ALL ABOUT HIM, JESUS CHRIST.

Many of us often pray, "Lord, help me to walk in Your will all the days of my life." I often say this: Living outside of God's will is like waiting at a train station for a train that's not scheduled to arrive. You're standing still, expecting movement, but nothing changes—because you're not aligned with where God wants you to be. Sometimes we discover God's will for our lives, but we eventually drift away from it. One reason we feel stuck is that we've been deceived into thinking we're in His will when we're actually not. That's why it's so important not only to seek God's will but to stay in it—no matter the cost.

“ ”

-Mary Slessor

Mary Slessor was born on December 2, 1848, in Aberdeen, Scotland, into a poor family. Her early life was not easy; her father was an alcoholic, and her family struggled to make ends meet. Yet, even amidst hardship, Mary’s heart was tender, and she found comfort in the stories of the Bible. As a young girl, Mary gave her life to Jesus. She committed herself to follow Him fully, even though she was aware that a life devoted to God might mean sacrifice. She worked hard in a local textile mill, but she always kept her faith alive, reading the Bible whenever she could and praying earnestly for God’s guidance. Mary’s calling to serve God more fully became clear as she grew older. Inspired by the stories of missionaries who risked everything to bring the Gospel to distant lands, Mary decided she too would serve the Lord overseas. In 1876, she joined the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland as a missionary and set sail for Calabar, Nigeria.

When Mary arrived in Calabar, she faced immense challenges. The region was dangerous and unfamiliar. Diseases were rampant, and the local tribes had customs that were often harsh and even violent. Yet, Mary trusted God completely. She learned the local Efik language and deeply immersed herself in the community. She adopted the customs of the people where she could, showing respect and love to those around her. Mary became especially known for her work with children. Many were abandoned or in danger, particularly girls, who were sometimes victims of local superstitions. Mary risked her life to rescue these children, often carrying them on her back through dangerous forests. She showed them love, protection, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Her courage and compassion earned her the affectionate title “The White Queen of Okoyong.” Throughout her years in Africa, Mary’s faith never wavered. She forgave those who opposed her, prayed for wisdom, and led by example. Her life demonstrated that trusting God could bring light into the darkest of places. She often said, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.” Mary Slessor passed away on January 13, 1915, leaving behind a legacy of love, bravery, and unwavering faith. She showed that no matter the circumstances, a life wholly surrendered to Jesus could impact countless lives and shine as a light in a world that desperately needs it. Her story continues to inspire Christians today to trust God, serve selflessly, and boldly share the Gospel—no matter the obstacles.

MARY SLESSOR ANSWERED GOD’S CALL ON HER LIFE—AND THROUGH HER OBEDIENCE, HE USED HER MIGHTILY TO ADVANCE HIS KINGDOM. WHAT’S HOLDING YOU BACK FROM SAYING YES TO GOD’S CALL ON YOUR LIFE? DON’T WAIT. SAY YES BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE. YOU WON’T REGRET IT.

Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness -Genesis 15:6

Faith Before Sight:

Learning to Trust the God Who Provides

-Jacob Vilgi Oommen Life is a precious gift from God. What an amazing opportunity it is to live in this world and experience the wonderful ways of God in and through our lives. Life is an interesting journey filled with both successes and failures, but no matter what, through every step we learn something and continue moving forward, fixing our eyes on the ultimate purpose of our life, eternal life. Life on this earth is simply a process before we reach that ultimate purpose. As humans, we need many things to survive in this world, and our provision comes from the Lord, yes, He is our Provider. However, our relationship with Him is not transactional, based on receiving material things from this world. As children of God, we completely trust in His sovereignty, and therefore we believe that He is the Provider of our lives. In fact, when we look back, we can see countless times when God provided for us in moments of need and led us through the valleys of life, times when we thought we could not make it, yet His provision came at the right time and led us victoriously.

When we study the life of Abraham, we can see how God led him throughout his life with divine provision. We can also see how Abraham's unshakable faith in God brought God's favor upon his life.

At the age of a hundred, Abraham received his promised son, Isaac. But God tested Abraham with a significant test, and Abraham's faith in God was revealed in an incredible way.

The Bible says, The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. Genesis 12:1-4 NIV

The Bible says, Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you." Genesis 22:2 NIV

When Abram heard the command of God to leave his own country, people, and father's household to the land God would show him, that means Abram didn't know where he was heading, but he was still trusting in the sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty. Abram was uncertain about what his future would look like, but he was confident about the ability of the God who commanded him. Often we doubt God's commands not only because of the uncertain future, but also because we fail to understand the power of the God who called us.

As a father, I find it hard to grasp the radical faith and obedience of Abraham, who was even willing to sacrifice his only promised son, whom he loves so much, to obey his God. Can you imagine the heart of Abraham, the father? I believe it was shattered, but his commitment to the Lord who gave him the son was above anything else in his life. So Abraham just went ahead with the command of God to sacrifice his son, Isaac. When we try to obey the voice of God only if it's convenient for us, Abraham reminds us to obey God despite our inconvenience because complete trust in God, even when we don't understand what God is trying to do, brings down His provision for us. God honored the obedience of Abraham with His provision for the sacrifice.

When Abram stepped out of Harran, it marked the beginning of an eventful life and a faith step that became a turning point, leading him to witness the provision of God beyond his human comprehension. Abram's life is the proof that God never forsakes and dishonors the obedience and faith of his servant.

The Bible says, Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns.He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided." Genesis 22:10-14 NIV

As you read this, are you someone who began the Christian journey after hearing God's voice? Then I want you to know that God is responsible for you, and He will guide you and provide everything you need at the right time. All you need to do is to trust in the sovereignty of God and obey His commands without fear and doubt. The God who kept the promise to Abraham is faithful to do the same in your life. God fulfilled each promise in the life of Abraham, and every faith step he took and every act of obedience led him to see the incredible provisions and the fulfillment of those promises. As a child of God, trust in the sovereignty of God and live by faith like Abraham, and you will see the results of your faith at the Abraham passed the test of God. We right time of God, like Abraham saw just could think that Abraham already passed moments before the sacrifice of his son. the test when he obeyed God by leaving Haran in the first place, but we need to understand that God tests us in between to see where we stand in our faith and commitment to God. When we go through the greatest tests of our lives, instead of giving up, we must trust God and obey His voice, because our obedience, rooted in faith, brings God's faithfulness to us. God provided a ram for the sacrifice. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide.

HARD TRUTH

what does it mean to

follow jesus?

-Editorial Team We often shrink “following Christ” into a small, convenient box we build for ourselves in this busy world and then feel satisfied with that version. Haven’t you seen people judged for missing one Sunday service? Haven’t you seen people criticized for not dressing the way others expected? Haven’t you seen people create man-made rules about how to follow Jesus based on their own legalistic mindset? We live in a time where celebrity leaders often shape Christianity, each group setting its own standards, methods, and expectations. Some follow one group, others follow another, and in the middle, many believers end up confused, unsure of what is true and what is authentic.

But is following Christ simply going to church every Sunday? Does it mean reading your Bible every day? Does it mean praying every day? Does it mean checking off a Christian to-do list created by someone else out of convenience? If that’s all it is, then we’ve missed the point entirely. In John 15, Jesus uses the metaphor of a vine to explain our relationship with Him. He is the true vine, and the Father is the gardener. Every branch connected to Jesus is lovingly pruned so that it can bear even more fruit. But branches that do not remain in Him wither and die, because true life comes only from staying connected to Him. According to this passage, we can only truly say we are following Jesus when we are united with Him. And the evidence of that connection is fruit. Many people assume that this “fruit” refers to material success or the size of one’s influence, but Scripture teaches otherwise. The fruit Jesus speaks of is the fruit of the Holy Spirit which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the true marks of those who are connected to Jesus. We cannot produce this fruit on our own. Even when we appear successful externally, the moment we begin to rely solely on our own strength, we disconnect from Jesus and lose direction. Following Jesus means fully depending on Him. It requires surrender. Without surrender, we cannot experience the life and power God desires for us. In Luke 18:18 -21, the story of the rich young ruler gives us a clear picture of this truth. The young man comes to Jesus, asking how he can inherit eternal life. Jesus reminds him of the commandments, and the ruler confidently replies that he has kept them since his youth. But Jesus gently exposes the real issue of his heart: his attachment to wealth. When Jesus instructs him to sell everything, give to the poor, and follow Him, the man walks away sorrowful, because he treasures his possessions more than God. Jesus then teaches that it is difficult for those who trust in riches to enter the Kingdom. But what is impossible for people is always possible with God.

The rich young ruler’s true god was his wealth. Jesus is not against material possessions. He is against anything becoming an idol in our hearts. For some, that idol might be money; for others, fame, social status, ministry success, relationships, or even personal appearance. The first step to following Jesus is laying down every idol and choosing Him as our only source. The good news is that Jesus does not expect perfection from us. We are all works in progress. He is continuously pruning us so that we become more like Him. In agriculture, pruning involves removing unhealthy or unproductive parts of a plant to help it thrive. When we stay connected to Jesus, He does the same with us, transforming us from the inside out. A branch cannot prune itself. Its only responsibility is to remain connected to the vine and trust the gardener’s loving work. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” He encouraged the early church to imitate his walk with Jesus. Today, we must be discerning about the voices that influence our faith. True Christian leaders produce Christ-like fruit. Jesus warned that wolves would come in sheep’s clothing, but He said you will know them by their fruit. To follow Jesus is to stay connected to Him, allowing his word to dwell in us, and allowing His Spirit to produce fruit in our lives. When He is our source, then we are truly following Him.

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F O L L O W U S O N I N S TA G R A M

Life in Between

From ‘Knowing About’Christ to ‘Living In’Christ When we first accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, our relationship with Him often begins with a kind of holy distance. We know God is real, powerful, loving and we come to Him as Someone “out there,” Someone separate from us, to whom we pray and from whom we receive grace. This is a true and beautiful beginning. Scripture tells us that “to all who received Him… He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). A child learning the Father’s voice naturally starts with awe, reverence, and sometimes a sense of separation. But the Christian walk was never meant to end there.

As we grow in the knowledge of God, our understanding deepens. We begin to share parts of our lives with Him : our struggles, joys, burdens, and decisions. Slowly, our prayers become conversations, not monologues. Our relationship shifts from formality to friendship. Jesus Himself said, “I no longer call you servants… I have called you friends” (John 15:15). And as intimacy grows, something profound becomes clear: the call of God was never simply to walk with Him but to live in Him. Paul reveals this mystery when he writes, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). What begins as a relationship with a seemingly external God unfolds into a breathtaking truth, which is, we were always meant to exist in union with Him. “Whoever is united with the Lord is one spirit with Him.” (1 Corinthians 6:17) Not two spirits walking together. Not a human reaching upward to a distant God. But one spirit, a union formed through Christ’s death and resurrection. Acts 17:28 is not poetic metaphor, it is spiritual reality: “In Him we live and move and have our being.” We do not merely receive strength from Christ; we draw life itself from Him. The more we grow, the more we realize that Christianity is not about inviting God into parts of our lives. It is about discovering that our entire life exists within Him.

This is why Paul can confidently proclaim: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20) What began as a relationship with a distant God becomes a shared life with a God who dwells within us. As we walk with God, we move from: “God, be with me,” to “God, be in me.” “I give you parts of my life,” to “My life is hidden in Yours.” “Christ is my guide,” to “Christ is my life.” (Colossians 3:4) The journey of faith is the journey from separation to union, from acquaintance to oneness, from knowing about God to living in God. This is the great Christian mystery and miracle: We are united with Christ. We live in God. And God lives in us. May we grow daily into this truth, moving beyond distance and formality, into the intimate union that Christ purchased for us.

“The more we grow, the more we realize that Christianity is not about inviting God into parts of our lives. It is about discovering that our entire life exists within Him.”

Jesus prayed something astonishing before going to the cross: “That they may all be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us.” —John 17:21 Jesus’s deepest desire was not merely that we would believe in Him, follow Him, or pray to Him, though all these matter. His desire was that we would participate in the very Daya Raja, Bangalore fellowship of the Trinity. Daya thinks it’s absolutely cool to be known by Jesus. She deeply appreciates nature, art and silence. Her dream is to fall in love with Jesus and humanity every day. Daya can be reached at dayaraja95@gmail.com

“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” -William Carey

He is waiting for you!

Thank you for joining us for this edition. We pray that the life of God’s friend and the father of nations, Abraham, has sparked a deeper hunger for God within you. His journey reminds us that every step with God is a step toward promise and purpose. If you’ve never made the decision to follow Jesus, or are unsure about where you stand spiritually, this is your invitation. His love for you has never wavered. He is calling you back home. You can pray this simple, sincere prayer: “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and that my sins have separated me from You. But today, I believe you are the Son of God, and that you had me in mind when you were crucified, died, and were buried. I believe you rose again and are now seated at the right hand of the Father. I receive you now as my Lord and Savior. Thank you for saving me and making me new. Fill me with Your Spirit and lead me from this day forward. Amen.” If you prayed that prayer, congratulations! You’ve begun the most meaningful journey of your life. You are now a new creation in Christ, and He is ready to walk with you into the incredible future He has prepared. We encourage you to become part of a Bible-believing church, build relationships with other followers of Christ, and spend time in God’s Word regularly. Spiritual growth is a beautiful journey, and we can’t wait to see how God works in your life. Remain blessed, and we look forward to sharing more with you in our next edition. With love, Team EGM Times

With grateful hearts, we thank God for you, our readers, who have walked with us in faith for the past 13 years. Your support, prayers, and trust have made this journey possible. As we close this year, we give thanks for God’s faithfulness and for each of you who continue to walk with us in His grace.