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Vol. 14, No. 10
Page 20
FEBRUARY, 2018
The purpose of the news magazine is to report newsworthy religious events and activities within the local community, nationwide and around the world, to increase the awareness and activism of believers regarding the moral issues of today, to provide thought-provoking commentary, and to provide an effective advertising vehicle for Christian ministries and organizations, events and businesses that want to reach the Christian community. - Editor
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The Team Managing Editor: Robin Sam Editor & Publisher: Elsy Robin Editorial Advisors: P I Samuel, Sheila Bose
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IN SHORTS
Attacks on Christians: US VP talks tough with Egypt: CROSSWINDS
The Tragedy of Dumbing Down Christianity
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You Abound In This GRACE Also used the same words to bless Noah and his family. In Genesis 9:1 and 7 we read thus: So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth and multiply in it (7th verse). When God chose Abram to form a nation for Himself, He told him: ‘And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly’ (Gen. 17:2). What was a natural phenomenon from Adam to Noah and beyond was not so in Abram’s life. Abram was old and his wife Sarai was barren. So, God took it upon Himself and said: ‘I will multiply you exceedingly.’ Years later, God made the same promise to Isaac, Abraham’s son: ‘And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake” (Gen. 26:24). In Genesis 35:11, He reiterated the same promise to Jacob, Isaac’s son, through whom God had planned to separate a people for Himself. Also God
BY ROBIN SAM But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also (2 Corinthians 8:7). THERE ARE TWO kinds of abounding (multiplying or growing) experiences God expects in people.
1. Growth in quantity or numbers In Genesis 1:28 we read: Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” This is the first kind of abounding experience. This is an experience of abounding in numbers. When God created Adam and Eve, He told them to be fruitful and multiply. They had to multiply in such numbers that they would fill the earth and subdue it. Almost 1600 years later (as deduced from the chronology of events going by the Biblical record), after the flood that destroyed the whole earth, God THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w FEBRUARY 2018
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said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body.” The experience of abounding in numbers is a blessing ordained by God to His people. That’s why in Exodus 23:26, the Almighty God made this unique promise to the nation of Israel: ‘No one shall suffer miscarriage or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.’ The experience of abounding in numbers was not only to be in the families but also in the church, the Body of Christ. The New Testament church was ordained by God to grow in numbers. Acts 6:7 says how the early church grew. ‘Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.’ The church growth was not to be contained only in Jerusalem. It had to spill outside the boundaries of the city of God. Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied (Acts 9:31). There is another experience of abounding God expects in us, His children. Apostle Paul writes about it in 2 Corinthians 8:7.
All other graces – of faith, speech, knowledge, diligence and love – cannot grow into their full esteem until the grace of giving is manifest in our lives. As they say: ‘You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.’ because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other.’ Where faith grows, love grows too. They are inseparable – faith and love. If your faith is in the God of the Bible, then you will have His love poured into you. What a blessed privilege to have the essence of God’s character (1 John 4:8) to be poured into us!
Growth in speech Speech or utterance is an excellent gift. Many people who have faith are slow to grow in speech. It does excellent things to the glory of God and the good of the church. When Paul first came to the city of Corinth, by his own admission he did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom (1 Cor. 2:1). He said his speech and his preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (1 Cor. 2:4). But, he says he and his associates used great boldness of speech (2 Cor. 3:12). The boldness was not a result of experience gained in his ministry or trust earned of the people but because of the great hope in Christ Jesus. In 2 Cor. 7:4, Paul says: ‘Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf.’ This again was not because Paul knew he had arrived, but because of the blameless testimony he kept in the church at Corinth.
2. Growth in quality or standard God’s desire for us is that we will abound in quantity as well as quality. As far as our growth in the quality or standard is concerned God expects it in six areas of our life as mentioned in 2 Cor. 8:7. We will briefly see three areas of growth here.
Growth in faith As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving (Col. 2:7). Faith is a gift and it is rightly mentioned first by the Apostle in 2 Cor. 8:7. Faith is the basis of the Christian life and without it, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). All those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour have a higher calling to walk in Him. Walking in Him means that one will be rooted and built in Him. However, after being established in the faith believers cannot afford to remain stagnant. They have to grow in the faith along with thanksgiving. In 2 Thess. 1:3 Apostle Paul says: ‘We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in
Growth in giving The grace of giving, just like faith, speech, knowledge, diligence and love has to grow. God wants us to be men and women of faith, sound speech, good knowledge, due diligence and love. But, He does not want us to stop there. Paul says we must grow in the grace of giving as well. Abounding in giving is not a commandment. It is an advice and a very sound advice at that. The grace of giving was first shown to us by God 5
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Abortion is wrong, has to change: Donald Trump
Himself. He is the biggest giver of all. He gave His only begotten Son. The grace of giving was also shown to us by our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He was rich, He became poor for our sake. He was born in poor surroundings, lived a poor life and died without adding estates to His name. All other graces – of faith, speech, knowledge, diligence and love – cannot grow into their full esteem until the grace of giving is manifest in our lives. As they say: ‘You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving.’ Christians are expected to show kindness to other people. Our giving is not determined by our ability. It is determined by our ability to be willing. It views giving as a privilege that goes beyond the call of duty and responsibility. It is always determined by our ability to partake in the Kingdom building work. Giving should be spontaneous. It should be done cheerfully because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7). May God help us grow in the grace of giving! Amen.
US PRESIDENT DONALD Trump criticized US abortion laws as among the most permissive in the world in a speech to anti-abortion activists at the annual March for Life on Jan 19, and pledged his administration would always defend ‘the right to life’. The Republican president’s speech, relayed via video link from the White House Rose Garden to thousands gathered on Washington’s National Mall, highlighted his shift in recent years from a supporter of women’s access to abortion to a powerful opponent. Trump said the United States ‘is one of only seven countries to allow elective late-term abortions,’ mentioning China and North Korea. ‘It is wrong. It has to change.’ The other countries that allow elective abortions after 20 weeks are Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore and Vietnam, according to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, an anti-abortion research group. Because of you, tens of thousands of Americans have been born and reached their full, God-given potential,’ Trump told the marchers, who included many groups of students from Roman Catholic schools.
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WOMAN OF THE WORD
Proverbs 18:21 Power of Your Spoken Words BY JANET PEREZ ECKLES OH, THOSE WORDS that can cut right through! And then there are those that can soothe our pain. What Happened Last week, I stepped to the counter at my doctor’s office. “Here is your referral for your blood work,” the receptionist said. But her words, though simple and mundane, were delivered in a delightful, pleasant tone. I smiled. “Thank you.” Then I leaned toward the desk and added, “And stay as sweet as you are.” Her reaction surprised me. “What did you say?” she said, then paused. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me lately.” What? I gave a simple ordinary comment and it touched her. Can our words have that power? I think they do. So, when hubby came home that night I gave him the usual hug and after a quick peck, I said, “Do you know how much I look forward to you coming home?” He picked me up and twirled me around. “So sweet,” he said. Theory Proven There you go, my theory proven. Words spoken are like a fishing line. Cast them out and you’re sure to reel something in. And that something depends on us. Caring words reel in pleasant results. Conversely, raw words cut through the heart. Listen to what L. Tomlin once said, “Man invented language to satisfy his deep need to complain.” But the contrary is also true: People have a deep need to be encouraged. They have a longing to feel valued, appreciated and accepted. Our words can speak to that need. And the effort is easy. Positive and kind words are available at all times. And even better good news is that our words are the beginning of the love God commands we must extend to others...even strangers. The True Test I decided to use this approach with telemarketers. Whenever they call, I search and choose words carefully. I answer the phone. “Did you say your name was Mary?” I ask. “Well, Mary you sound like you’re a nice person. So very sorry that I can’t accept what you’re offering. But what I’ll do is pray for God to bring success in your life. Is that OK?” Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in
There’s usually silence. But one woman seemed touched because her voice choked as she said, “Thank you. I needed to hear that today.” We all have that power. Those sounds that come from our lips called words make a difference. They can change an attitude. Transform negativity. And ring a bit of joy into an otherwise gloomy life. No wonder God said, ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit’ (Prov. 18:21). And as we speak life into others, the beauty is that what we say also comes back with positive, satisfying, and pleasant feelings that make our soul happy. Delight in that feeling as you consider that: Words are free. They require little effort. They’re always available. They can be chosen with love. They can turn a life around. They can calm anger down. Speaking loving, sincere words is like tracing a colorful rainbow across the gray skies of someone’s life. Let’s Pray Father, thank you for the power of my words. May I use them to make a difference, to bring your light into the darkness of others, and may I be quick to praise and slow to tear down. In Jesus’ name, amen. What influence have your words had lately? The writer is an international speaker and the author of four books. She has helped thousands conquer fear and bring back joy. T h i s a r t i c l e o r i g i n a l l y a p p e a re d a t janetperezeckles.com
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GOSPEL MELA 2018 24-Hour Chain Prayer
15 Specific Prayer Points For a 30-Minute Intercession And, I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none (Ezekiel 22:30).
Praying with one accord for 2,234 people groups spread across 1.2 billion people in 29 states and 7 UTs in one nation. Every nation, every tribe, every people and every tongue shall say: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:10). 1. Let us not forget to pray for the nation of Bhutan this month. The Buddhist kingdom that had not much contact with the world till 1960 has a few thousand Christians now – most of them Catholics. The country offers religious freedom but conversions are banned. House churches are allowed as long as they keep to themselves. Outdoor preaching and Gospel meetings are not allowed, baptisms cannot be given either. The nation is steeped in Buddhist principles, animist worship and superstition. Pray for Bhutan. 2. Assembly elections are due in February in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura. Pray for the peaceful conduct of elections in these states. Each state will send 60 legislators to their assemblies. Pray that these legislators are men and women who are God-fearing and implement people welfare measures. Pray for people who are not corrupt to be elected to power. 3. Pray for Tamil Nadu. Pray that the political uncertainty in the state is removed, a good and stable government is in place and welfare measures implemented. Pray that the people of the state come out of the grip of cinema and elect only those people who want to truly work for the uplift of the masses. 4. Charges have been levelled against the administration of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of India. Pray that the volatile situation in the judiciary is soon brought to an end through parleys according to legal procedures. Pray that the Supreme Court and the lower courts in India remain institutions that really uphold the rights of the people through judicial measures in letter and in spirit. Pray that the judiciary does not succumb to pressures from politicians. 5. Pray for the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. Churches need to pray that God foils the plans of opportunistic sectarian political parties that try to capture power by inciting religious passions and riots in the state. Tamil Nadu and all the other states in India should be secular and offer justice and good THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w FEBRUARY 2018
governance to the minorities and the deprived classes. 6. Pray for the border clashes along Pakistan to come to an end. Even last month, there were clashes along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir especially in the RS Pura sector. Pray that the nefarious designs of the neighbour to push terrorists into the country to destabilize the nation through bomb blasts and attacks are identified by our security forces and spoiled. Pray that the borders of our country are secure and peace prevails along our frontiers. 7. One of the common complaints against the police department is that they deal with the public in inhuman and sometimes excessively harsh ways. Pray that the government initiates special sessions and awareness meetings from the top brass to the constables to inculcate a resolve to approach the public in a humane way. May these measures help them be responsible with power and handle cases in a dignified and humane way! 8. Pray for the nation of Myanmar – that the riots and violence that broke out last year are contained and their recurrences prevented. The violence that started in Rakhine last August and the security forces inept handling of the situation have been condemned by many nations. Pray for Rohingyas, the minority community at the receiving end, are granted full citizenship soon by the Myanmarese government and peace prevails. 9. Dasarahalli in Karnataka was in the news last month because of a bird flu threat. Nearly 1000 chicken were culled in a poultry farm in Dasarahalli after a dead chicken was tested positive for H5N1 a type of bird flu. Pray that the bird flu which spreads from chicken to people is contained and does not spread to other states. Pray that the nation is free from all deadly plagues. 10. Pray the economy of the nation is robust. There are several challenges facing the nation such as attrition of jobs, piling up of debts, increase in
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interest rates, decline in industrial production, growth of farmers’ debts etc. Pray this situation is reversed and the needs of the poor and the middleclass people are met. Pray according to 2 Chronicles 7:14. 11. Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, O undesirable nation, before the decree is issued, or the day passes like chaff, before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you! (Zephaniah 2: 1,2). ‘For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged’ (1 Corinthians 11:31). Lord, Your return is imminent. Give me the grace to be prepared to meet with You. Amen.’ 12. For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works’ (Matthew 16:27). Lord, help me to understand that my works are not in vain and that they will be rewarded. Help me to continue my works for the Kingdom and be ready for Your return. Amen. 13. In Hebrews 10:37-30 we read: “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” We pray that we don’t draw back from our calling and salvation, Lord. ‘But we are not of those who
draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.’ 14. The Bible says because of lawlessness in the last days, the love of many will grow cold. ‘And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many’ (Matthew 24:10-11). Pray that our love for others in the family, the church and the community does not grow cold. Pray that we remain rooted in our faith and salvation. We pray for Your grace, Lord. 15. God says: ‘I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible’ (Isaiah 13:11). Prepare to meet with the Lord of Hosts. Help us, Lord. Amen.
OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE WITH CIM Christian Institute of Management, is an indigenous national level mission organization imparting management education, training, organization development/consultancy to missions, churches and other NGOs for the past 19 years. CIM has recently entered into an association with Martin Luther Christian University, (MLCU) Shilong for its online and modular management courses and is expanding the team. CIM announces the following positions to be based in Chennai: 1. Asst. Director - Management Courses: To develop and administer the Management Courses of CIM (online & offline) to the ministry leaders and professionals in India and beyond. Qualifications –MPhil in Management or related areas with minimum 10 years of Academic Experience/exposure 2. Senior Coordinator - Academic: To coordinate the curriculum and content development, learner engagement and evaluation of CIM Management courses. Qualification – MBA or Equivalent with minimum 5 years of academic experience 3. Management Course Administrator: To promote, deliver and handle the other routine administrative works relating to the course department. Qualification – Graduation with minimum 3 years of related work experience
Committed Christian candidates (tech-savvy) willing to travel, are encouraged to apply with detailed resume to operations@cimindia.in on or before 20th February 2017. 1405, 4th St. Golden Colony, Anna Nagar West Ext, Chennai www.cimindia.in Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in
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Bible translations flourish despite persecution AT A TIME of unprecedented Christian persecution, the demand for access to the Bible is greater than ever. A report by the UK office of Catholic Charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) states that Christian persecution reached an all-time high between 2015 and 2017. But that isn’t enough to squelch the fire in the hearts of people groups who want to read the Bible in their native tongue. “Despite the pressures, the thirst for God’s words is only increasing. Even though the circumstances for Bible translation are perhaps more threatening or insecure than they have been at other times, the readiness and the willingness of local believers to engage in local translations is at an all-time high,” says Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Wycliffe Associates. Wycliffe Associates, which is one of the world’s leading Bible translation organizations, empowers national Bible translators to provide God’s word in their own language. It collaborates with the local church to direct and guard translation work and
engages people across the globe to provide resources, technology, training, and support. “We are being overwhelmed by believers and different language groups around the world who are asking to begin Bible translation for the first time,” Smith says. “We are responding creatively with resources, both online and offline: technical support, training support, and workshops.” Messenger Missions provides financial aid to Bible translation in three languages (Rathwi, Inner Seraji and Ranglong). Call us on 0-7299063345 if you would like to support us in this project. Email: missions@christianmessenger.in
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IN SHORTS
Mike Pence pressurises Egypt’s Sisi over attacks on Christians US VICE PRESIDENT Mike Pence pressured Egypt’s leader over religious freedom and attacks on Christians on Jan 20 as the two leaders met on the first leg of a three-country tour of the Middle East. Pence also told President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi United States would support a two-state solution for Israelis and Palestinians if the two sides agreed to it, seeking to reassure a key Arab ally over President Donald Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. It is the highest-level visit by a US official to the region since December, when Trump upended decades of US policy on Jerusalem in a move opposed by Arab leaders including Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah alSisi. The two discussed ‘efforts to combat terrorism’, Pence told reporters, particularly mentioning attacks on Coptic Christians as well as on mosques. They also discussed the ‘importance of religious freedom -- a great priority for the people of the United States of America,’ Pence said. He ‘urged President Al Sisi on in his commitment to promote religious diversity and the respect for all religious viewpoints here in Egypt’. Sisi is strongly oppposed to the US’ decision to recognise Jerusalem as Egypt’s capital.
Church of England ready to end 200-year-old schism with Methodists THE CHURCH OF England’s ruling synod is set for a ‘controversial’ debate moving towards ending a 200-year-old schism with the Methodists. The two Churches split in the 18th century when John Wesley, a CofE cleric, reluctantly founded the breakaway movement after trying to reform Anglicanism. Proposals to bring the two closer together are likely to face strong opposition from some when the next stage in a two-year long process is debated by the CofE’s ruling General Synod next month. The plans, if eventually implemented, would mean that ministers from one Church could practise in the other. ‘Acceptance of the proposals would be a profound sign of reconciliation, a healing of wounds that go back to the orgins of Methodism in the 18th century,’ Christopher Cocksworth, the Bishop of Coventry and chair of the CofE’s faith and order commission, said in a briefing document published on Friday. ‘The generosity asked of both churches would speak powerfully of a desire for the flourishing in unity and witness of the whole Church of God, and not first and foremost the entrenchment of our own institutions,’ he added. If approved it would represent a hugely significant step for both churches.
Minorities Commission calls for establishment of universities for Christians IN ITS ANNUAL report released on Jan. 13, the National Commission for Minorities said the establishment of universities for Christians would be aligned with the state-funded JamiaMilliaIslamia University and the Aligarh Muslim University. Commission chair Syed Ghayorul Hasan Rizvi said the upcoming universities could prioritize Christian students but they will also welcome those from other religions, UCA News detailed. In addition, the commission said India should work together with the Catholic Church, as the latter already has around 400 colleges and 15,000 Christian-run schools. Bishop Vincent Barwa, the head of the country’s bishop’s office for minorities, welcomed the proposed program. “It is a welcome step and universities dedicated to Christians could help the educational advancement of financially poor Christians,” said Bishop Barwa. However, there are those who are not in favor of the program, saying the call to establish Christian universities is politically driven. Brother Thomas Thanickal, the leader of an association of Catholic schools, see the move as “an attempt to appease Christians” as the state and general elections approach. THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w FEBRUARY 2018
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P.T. John, the general secretary of a tea planters’ union in Kerala, said the move would only isolate Christians from the social mainstream. Christian student Mathew Thomas said there was no need to put up divisions as universities are prohibited from denying admission to an individual because of religion. In January, Crux reported that violence had erupted outside a college in Madhya Pradesh on Dec. 30.
Global evangelist Luis Palau diagnosed with stage 4 cancer THE RENOWNED GLOBAL evangelist Luis Palau revealed this week a dire diagnosis of stage IV lung cancer. In a candid, emotional video with two of his sons, Palau said he was emotional but ready for the end of earthly life, and that ‘it would take literally a miracle’ for his new condition not to be fatal. Luis and his two of his sons Kevin and Andrew explained how the diagnosis had occurred after a ‘kind of chest cold’ that ‘wouldn’t go away’ led them to see the doctor. Subsequent scans revealed, just before Christmas, the presence of cancer in the lungs. An assessment in recent days has diagnosed it as the most advanced stage of lung cancer, stage IV. ‘Many people are praying that the Lord would do a miracle,’ Luis said. ‘It would literally take a miracle. Medically speaking ... stage IV is big time.’ ‘It’s all over’, Luis quoted the doctors as saying. The family spoke about coming to terms with the ‘shock’ of the new situation and the ensuing uncertainty. Luis said he didn’t feel ‘panic or horror’ but did feel sadness, amid a sense of peace, at the thought of not seeing his family again. But he also expressed hope for eternal life after death. ‘If the Lord wants to take me home in the next few months, or two years, or whatever it is, I’m ready,’ he said. ‘I know it sounds crazy, it’s not like, “Ooh, I can’t wait to go to heaven.” Yes it’s true. I actually [am].’
Pope Francis marries couple mid-air aboard the papal plane
“Bible Women” --: By Esther Samuel John :--
‘ARE YOU SURE you want to marry us?’ Not many couples will have asked a priest that just before their wedding, but the circumstances were a little unusual. The happy couple were stewards aboard the papal plane carrying Pope Francis on the next leg of what so far has been quite a difficult trip to South America. And the celebrant was the Pope himself, who was about to conduct what may be the world’s first airborne wedding – and certainly the first celebrated by a Pope. Paula Podest, 39, and Carlos Ciufardi, 41, have been together for more than 10 years and have been civilly married since 2010. They asked the Pope for his blessing on the flight and as they posed for a picture he asked them whether they had ever been married in church. On hearing they hadn’t – an earthquake destroyed the church they were to marry in just before the ceremony – Francis immediately offered to marry them there and then. They told the journalists on the plane what had happened. ‘He asked us if we were married, I said “no” because of the earthquake, and he said, “Well, I’ll marry you,”’ Ciufardi said. Website: www.christianmessenger.in Email: contact@christianmessenger.in
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CROSSWINDS
The Tragedy of Dumbing Down Christianity BY ETHAN RENOE THE OTHER DAY I was in a coffee shop in the mountains, seated near the counter. A guy in his early 20s walked in wearing a TOOL shirt and a long ponytail. I could overhear his conversation as he approached the barista and they began chatting. Somehow it came up that she attends a Christian university and he clearly didn’t approve. “Do they incorporate religion into all the classes there?” he asked. “Even the science classes? How does that work?” She valiantly began explaining how they pray before every class and teach from a Christian worldview, but it soon became evident that she was being crushed in this conversation. He was wellschooled in the writings of Dawkins, Hitchens and Nye, and began doling out the punishment. I use the word punishment because this poor barista has herself been punished by a church system which, for the past 200 years, has begun discarding intelligence in favor of emotion, conversion experiences and passion. Ask most American Christians today any question deeper than “Does God love everyone?” and you’re bound to get some sort of response suggesting that that sort of discourse should be reserved for theological universities. The other day, a friend of mine said he sees no merit in understanding Calvinism or Arminianism because he just wants to love God and love people. And it seems that the ball stops there for most Christians today. No need to know any more than that. We have replaced rich, robust theology in the Church with emotional music and constant reminders that “God is love and loves you and He’s your personal Savior and loves your soul …” These words are great at bringing outsiders through the doors (because they’re true by and large) but poor at growing believers into mature witnesses with rich understanding of the deep things of God. I have found the opposite to be very true. I have found that the more I learn about God, His Word and theology which describes Him, the more I can love and worship Him, because now there is that much more to adore and be amazed by. If my ability to worship God is a fire, learning more about Him only adds more wood to the blaze. After all, if you really loved God, wouldn’t you want to learn as much about Him as possible? Our logic is pretty backward here. Quite honestly, I’m exhausted by Christians who
don't want to learn more. It’s one thing to not know much about our faith, but another to have no desire to grow. I’m saddened that atheists are so passionate about what they believe that they will read stacks of books in order to define their beliefs, while we are happy to float along the surface with a “Hillsong-deep theology” and call it good. And we wonder why people are leaving the Church in droves. A church that offers only emotional, feel-good theology is going to lose the long-term wrestling match to a well-read and convincing atheist nearly every time. I was fascinated to learn that the Church was once the place where believers came to learn deep theology and robust doctrine, but now that seems to be reserved only for biblical universities. Nowadays anyone can start a church, and as long as it’s engaging and entertaining enough, people will show up. Never mind if it’s true or not (Case in point: The pastor of the largest church in America doesn’t even have a bachelor’s degree, much less a seminary degree and look where that leads.). This all helps me realize why people are seeing less and less need for the Church. After the initial emotion has worn off, what does it really have to offer? It should not only be pastors, authors and theologians who study what they believe, but all believers. Jesus Himself stated that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (Luke 10:27), yet we tend to overlook this last one and focus on the heart and soul. God paints an intense fate for those who neglect to grow in their understanding in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for their lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you.” So let’s not get destroyed and rejected, eh? The writer is a speaker, photographer, writer.
Owned and published by Elsy Robin from 329/4, Poonga Apartments, HIG Flats, II Avenue, Anna Nagar, Chennai 600 040. Printed by L Cyril Sagayaraj at VS Printograph Pvt Ltd., No. 15, Natesan Colony, Sri Ram Avenue, 1st Street, Kottivakkam, Chennai 600 041. Editor: Elsy Robin THE CHRISTIAN MESSENGER w FEBRUARY 2018
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