::GRACE & PEACE:: AN E-PERIODICAL SENT OUT MONTHLY WITH THE ONLY AIM OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS FOR THE READERS "Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
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Issue No.059 March 16, 2009
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Perspective:-

Believer’s Vulnerability

NTK        
Summery:- Regeneration doesn’t eradicate the sinful nature with in us, nor the world around us. That cause unexpected failures. Be vigilant always and humbly depend upon the Lord for sustained success.
        “My son will never do it” affirm the parents. “How can he do that” friends wonder. They were so shocked at the unexpected wrong carried out by a ‘godly’ young man. This is not an isolated issue. Certainly it is very difficult for the dear ones to come in terms with the unfortunate incidents unfolded in the lives of those whom they love the most.

        Nevertheless, we ought to remember well that no one is immune to temptation and failure. However godly one may be as long as he/she lives in this mortal body on earth, the possibility of a breakdown is always there. Salvation experience through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has not eradicated the sinful nature with in us. The environment around us also is the same. By trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross, we do escape the penalty of our sins, but the power and presence of sin is still there. Cf.1John.1:8, 10; Rom.7:18-- 8:1. Apart from that, the evil forces are out there well prepared to harass the Christian. 1Peter.5:8.

        Does it mean that a Christian should always expect failure and we can excuse ourselves for all the faults? Never, we can definitely live a victorious life, provided we make use of the resources graciously provided by the Lord. For example, we see two local churches in Asia Minor where the Lord Jesus Christ found no evil at all! Rev. Ch. 2& 3. Further, in each message the Lord calls upon the messenger to overcome. That means the Lord expects us to be overcomers.

        So, both victory as well as failure is likely in a believer’s life. Potential for success should not make us complacent. Similarly, possibility of defeat should not discourage us. What we need to do is to be vigilant and stay close to the Lord.

        Listen to what Apostle Paul says in this perspective: “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do…..O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God –through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Rom.7:19, 25. “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1Cori. 9:27. Notice how Paul realizing the possibility of defeat takes the necessary precaution. Did he succeed? Yes, by the end of his life he did declare, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2Timothy. 4:7.

        Just like the triumphant Paul we have examples for failure too. The denial by Peter, doubt of Thomas and the desertion of Demas etc should teach us lessons. Even the pages of Church history are filled with such sad stories. What shall we do? Remember the vulnerability and always be on our guard. How shall we do that? Four things are noteworthy:-

  1. Fill the heart with the word of God. Psa.119:11 “Your word I have hidden in my heart. That I might not sin against You.”
  2. Control our thoughts and affections. Prov.4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence.” Cf.1Jn.2:17.
  3. Experience death! Colos.3:5 “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth..” cf. Rom.6:11
  4. Stay close to the Lord. James. 4:7, 8 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

Of course, there are much more in connection with our part in living a successful Christian life. The most significant point is this: never suppose that we are super spiritual giants who will never fail. It is His grace that keeps us. We have nothing to boast. Let us continue to trust the Lord and humbly yield to Him for strength and safety every day of our life.

        Do not forget Paul’s admonition, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1Corin.10:12.


Out line:-

A Christian Portrayed in 2Timothy ch.2

  1. A Son – In affection. V.1
  2. A Steward – In faithfulness. V.2
  3. A Soldier – In endurance. V.2
  4. A Wrestler – In skill. V.5
  5. A Workman – In diligence. V.15
  6. A Vessel – In fitness. V.21
  7. A Servant – In obedience. V.24.

Anecdote: -

What kind of Guide

    An elderly woman stood on a street corner, hesitant to cross because there was no traffic signal to control the heavy flow of cars and trucks. As she waited, a gentleman came up beside her and asked, “May I cross over with you?” Relieved she thanked him and took his arm. The path they took was anything but safe. The man seemed to be confused as they dodged traffic and walked in a zig-zag pattern across the street.
        “You almost got us killed!” the woman exclaimed in anger when they finally reached the curb. “You walk like you’re blind!” “I am,” he replied. “That’s why I asked if I could cross with you.” (Matthew.15:14)

News & Views

Too much TV speed up memory loss

        Researchers in Mayo clinic in Minnesota have found that watching TV for a long time could speed up memory loss in the elderly. At the same time, reading a book or even playing computer games can delay it.

        According to BBC News website a study made on 200 people aged 70 to 89 with mild memory problems were compared with a group who had no impairment on their daily activities with the in the last year and between the age of 50 to 65. Those who had been busy with reading, craft hobbies and knitting in middle age were found to have 40% reduced risk of dementia. Those who watched TV less than 7 hours a day were also found 50% less likely to develop memory failure.


Prayer & Praise

Ryrie Study Bible in Hindi.

        The first edition of the well known ‘Ryrie study Bible’ in Hindi was released on 23 January in a ceremony held at YMCA New Delhi. It is the result of the burden God gave to few Evangelists from the Brethren Assemblies in North India. Dr. Johnson C. Philip, Bro. Shalu T. Ninan and Bro. Rebby John pioneered the work around 12 years ago. In those days there was no study Bible available in Hindi language which is the national language of India. Then Bro. Sam S. Philip coordinated the project. Dr. Babu Varghese and Dr. Mathew Varghese guided the ‘Project Ezra Team’ as translation consultants. Bro. Babu Thomas and Bro. Roy T. Daniel made available the necessary funds. Few others also helped them in editing works, but it was the efforts of Bro. Atulya Prashant Masih that completed the project.

        Truly it is a commendable work. Apart from the quality of the product (Printed in Japan) the study helps written by Dr. Charles Caldwell Ryrie are reliable as well as useful.

        The introductions lead the reader to the message of each book, the out lines help the reader to see the development of the message and the notes shed light on the message. The index found at the back of the Bible lead to the subjects treated in the notes, the synopsis of the doctrine give an overview of the major teachings of the Bible and the concordance to help locate a scripture verse.

        Every Christian who can understand Hindi must get hold of one copy. The brethren are trying to make funds available for free distribution of this Study Bible to the Lord’s servants in North India. For more details contact Bro. Shalu T. Ninan. Phone. +91 9425551713 email: shalubhilai@gmail.com


Worthy Quotes:-

Temptation

“Temptation reveals to us what we are.”
________________Thomas A Kempis
“I cannot keep birds from flying over my head, but I can keep them from building under my hat.”
__________________Martin Luther
“In the greatest temptations, a single look to Christ, and the bare pronouncing of His name, suffices to overcome the wicked one, so it be done with confidence and calmness of spirit.”
_________________John Wesley.
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