May 2017 2 Suvartha

Mathews Paul

Use of socialmedia is

beneficial butshould be usedin a limited waywithout getting

addicted.Parents have the

responsibility tomonitor the

social mediaactivities of their

children tosafeguard them

from possiblethreats on

their life andspirituality

Social Mediais the technologicalrevolution of the 21stcentury. Facebook,Twitter, WhatsApp,I n s t a g r a m ,Messenger etc. are

the main social media tools that allow people toshare or exchange informations, ideas, images,videos and even more with each other through aparticular network. It is a platform for people todiscuss their issues and opinions. A day withoutthe use of social media cannot be imagined intoday’s life and has become a day-to-day routine.The effect and impact of social media is morethan that we presume and the society around usis highly influenced by the social media as it playsa vital role in transforming people’s life style.

In earlier days, people used to gather in acommon place and share their views on socio-economic and political issues. This communionused to maintain a sense of belonging andbonding among members of the society. They weremembers of a real world. But the emergence ofthe social media has made them members of avirtual world.

It is a fact that the social media is capable ofuniting people around the world and it has thepower to transmit messages in lightning speedto millions of people in a short span of time. Theconventional methods of communications suchas news papers, radio and television had a senseof reliability in its content and form, but the newswhich is being flashed through the socialnetworking sites lacks the same. Any person canignite a spark on the social networking site andwithout enquiring its truthfulness and reliability, itis exchanged by a chain of people.

According to a recent survey, 90% of collegestudents use social networking sites. Studentscan easily communicate or share informationquickly and effectively reach others with regard toclass ventures or for help on homeworkassignments. Teachers can post about classactivities, school events, homework assignments.

There are some negative effects of SocialMedia on education. The first concern is the kindof distraction to the students present in the class.Students are tempted to use it even during lecturesaffecting their concentration and quality of learning.A long use of mobiles or computers in the previousnight causes a kind of distress and distraction instudents making them unable to concentrate onstudies. Researches conducted by eminent

SOCIAL MEDIA:A Social evil?

psychologists and doctors revealed that highamounts of time spent on social media may leadto depression and low self-esteem.

The primary effects of social media areespecially in children and youth, the cream of thesociety. It has already inculcated a social cultureamong the young generation leading them to asense of insecurity, lack of self esteem, mentalinstability and depletion of human values.

As the use of social media becomes anaddiction, students hardly get time for studies andto do home works. This directly affects their career,resulting in a dim future. Students also get intounhealthy relationships causing imbalance intheir spiritual, social and cultural values.

The use of text messaging and social mediamessaging have become common occurrencein today’s society. Interaction on a human levelhas become less frequent in a person’s life.Spending much time in on-line socializing hasreplaced the time spent on face-to-facecommunication. Human element of conversationhas disappeared and by this we have lost all ofthe blessings that go along with it, such as, thesound of laughter, ability to read other’s emotions,the sight of a smile and the feel of a touch.

Many young people’s day to day life are wovenby the social media. Youngsters are incommunication with their friends and groups everyday. In past years youngsters used to be in touchwith friends and their groups only in their ownschools and colleges. But nowadays they are incontact not only with known friends but also withunknown people - strangers - through socialnetworking. As it is not clear who the “strangers”are, they may indulge in kidnapping, murder androbbery using details shared.

Wasting lots of time in social networking sitesaffects the health of youngsters. Blogs withunknown credentials influence youth to becomeviolent and get into inappropriate actions.Youngsters usng social media extensively shownegative reflections in their behaviors. Their careergets affected, they become spiritually weak,influenced by unhealthy friendships and cultures.The warmth of homely communication is lost.

To conclude, social media has various meritsbut it also has many demerits which affect peoplenegatively. Use of social media is beneficial butshould be used in a limited way without gettingaddicted. Parents have the responsibility tomonitor the social media activities of their childrento safeguard them from possible threats on theirlife and spirituality.

May 2017 3 Suvartha

Prophecy is a topic that is disregarded inmany pulpits today, especially propheciesrelated to Christ's return. Regarding the SecondComing, although we cannot know the "day orthe hour", we can know approximately whenHis soon return will become history. Jesus andthe prophets have given us fairly clear signalsthat point to the "last days". There are threeevents in particular which biblical prophecydescribes in detail. They are: the rapture, themillennium and the resurrection.

1. The Rapture

The Bible vividly points out the imminenceof Christ's return for His church. It will activatea worldwide regathering of those who are stillalive at the time of Christ's coming. Thisregathering is generally known as the Rapture.At this event, the Lord isreaching down for His bride.Religion specializes inman's reaching out forGod. Christianityspecializes in God'sreaching out for man.There are three theoriesrelating to 'Rapture'.

a) Post-TribulationRapture. A number ofChristians believe that therapture is to take place atthe end of the Tribulation. Jesus said : "Forthen there will be Great Tribulations unequaledfrom the beginning of the world until now andnever to be equaled again" (Mat. 24:21). Deeperstudy of prophecy seems to point to the lengthof this period as a total of seven years. Thatwill be a period characterized by war, famine,natural disasters and pestilences. Jesus goeson to say: "And there shall be signs in the sunand in the moon the sea and the waves roaring"(Luke 21:25). It seems that this is alreadybeginning to happen. Global weather has seenstrange extremes lately. Yes, the sea and thewaves have begun roaring, and will intensifyduring the Tribulation. While most Christians

Rapture, Millennium &Resurrection

Prophecy

believe that the Rapture of the church takesplace before the agonies begin, a few teach thatthe church will go through the Tribulation andthen will be raptured at the coming of Christ.

b) Mid-Tribulation Rapture. A few Christianstheorize that it would be in the middle of theGreat Tribulation that the church is to beraptured. According to them, -the church willremain in the world during the first half, the milderperiod of Tribulation. This view is shared onlyby a small minority of Christians.

c) Pre-Tribulation Rapture. This is the correctview, and is widely held in Christendom. It holdsthat God calls away His church before the onsetof the Tribulation. Then will begin what Jeremiahdescribed as the time of Jacob's trouble (30:7).Huge massacres will take place, so the deadwill lie around like garbage on the earth (25:29-33). Entire nationalities without regard for Christ

will be wiped out. Regardlessof the unleashing of thepowers of darkness at theend of this age, let usremember, God is in control.This incredibly speedingspacecraft called earth hasa pilot at the controls!

ATTACKER'S TEETHROT IN THE MOUTH.

Is such a period ofoutpouring of God's wrath onearth a credible thought?

Well, the Bible is filled with stories of judgment.If God judges sin in this life, we can be surethat future judgments are also realistic. Apreacher tells us how he saw divine retributionon a family that attacked him for causing theconversion of a non - Christian woman. Hermother and relatives surrounded the man of Godat one of his meetings, and spat the red juiceof tobacco and beetlenut on his face and hisclean clothes. The man of God took no revengebut carried on with the service. In a few shortweeks, God took action. The attackers' tonguesrotted in their mouths by a strange disease.That wicked family perished within three months!

There will be a worldwideregathering of those whoare still alive at the time

of Christ's coming.Religion specializes inman's reaching out for

God. Christianityspecializes in God'sreaching out for man.

Prophecy is atopic that isdisregarded inmany pulpitstoday, especiallypropheciesrelated toChrist's return.Regarding theSecond Coming,although wecannot know the"day or the hour",we can knowapproximatelywhen His soonreturn willbecome history.

Rev. Dr.John Cherian

May 2017 4 Suvartha

2. The Millennium.

The next major prophetic topic of prominencein the scripture is the Millennium. In Latin thatmeans 'a thousand years'. The thought isconveyed six different times in the Book ofRevelation. Here is the most important of thesix references: "Then I saw an angel comingdown from heaven with the key of thebottomless pit. He seized the Dragon, the Deviland bound him in chains for a thousand years.He flung him into the bottomless pit. I saw thesouls of those who had been beheadedbecause of the testimony to Jesus and theyreigned with Christ for a thousand years (Rev.20:1-4). Here again there isdifference of opinion. Thefollowing three views maybe observed amongchurchmen who interpretprophetic passages:

a) A-Millennialism. Asmall minority of Christiansrule out a literalinterpretation of thekingdom of God on earth.This view surfaced some300 years ago. To theseChristians, the Millenniumis the church age. The'binding of Satan' isinterpreted by them tomean Jesus' binding of thepowers of darkness at Hisfirst coming. Most liberal churchmen adhere tothis view. But then, what are these words ofChrist supposed to mean? "You shall see theSon of Man coming in the clouds with powerand great glory"? These are the words of atrustworthy and honorable person!.

b) Post-Millennialism. This group ofChristians rose in the seventeenth century. Theirview, like A-millennialism, explains away thesupernatural element, suggesting that theMillennium is gradually being set up in the worldthrough current world evangelization. Christ isnot going to return to establish a temporalkingdom; it is the church, they say, that is inthe process of doing that here and now. Well.some have everything to live WITH, but nothingto live FOR. What are the post-millennialistsliving for?

c) Pre-Millennialism. This is the mostcredible view of the Millennium. This is based

on the literal understanding of its description inthe Book of Revelation. Accordingly, Christ willreturn to earth prior to the thousand - year reignand engage in a final battle with the forces ofevil and Antichrist.

ANTICHRIST and the MICROCHIP:The 'mark of the beast' to be introduced by

Antichrist as predicted in the scripture is alreadyin the making, in the form of a microchip whichcan be implanted in one's forehead or hand.Using the electronic transfer of money, onehand-sweep over the super-market's scannerwith that implant in his hand will make itpossible to automatically deduct funds from hispersonal bank account. It has the potential of

becoming 'the mark of thebeast', as "one cannot buyor sell save he that had themark"•(Rev. l3:l6,17). Thechip is powered by a lithiumbattery and rechargesthrough the temperaturechanges in our skin. It hasalready been used in topsecret military operations.The designers claim, 'theforehead and back of thehand are the only viableplaces'•for making thisdevice work! Thanks be toGod, the good news is thatChrist will destroy this "Manof Sin" and inaugurate themillennial kingdom!

3. The Resurrection

The last major prophetic subject in thisconnection is the 'Resurrection'. There are anumber of phases in the unfolding of the'Resurrection'. In many believers' minds, thereis a state of confusion regarding this topic.Hence let me list here an organized picture ofthe teaching.

The First Resurection. Under this headingthere are several phases of action.

a) The first phase. Here we would list Jesus,who rose from the dead; also a few people suchas Lazarus, the son of Nain's widow and thosewho arose from their tombs at the time of Jesus'death.

b) The second phase includes all thebelievers who are to rise from the dead at thetime of the rapture, just prior to the Tribulation.

The 'mark of the beast' tobe introduced by Antichrist

as predicted in thescripture is already in themaking, in the form of amicrochip which can be

implanted in one'sforehead or hand.Thanks be to God,

the good news is thatChrist will destroy this

"Man of Sin" andinaugurate the millennial

kingdom!

The 'mark ofthe beast' to be

introduced byAntichrist as

predicted in thescripture is

already in themaking, in the

form of amicrochip which

can be implantedin one's forehead

or hand. Usingthe electronic

transfer ofmoney, one

hand-sweepover the super-

market's scannerwith that implant

in his hand willmake it possibleto automatically

deduct fundsfrom his personal

bank account.

Christ willreturn to earth

prior to thethousand - year

reign andengage in a

final battle withthe forces of

evil andAntichrist.

May 2017 5 Suvartha

c) The two witnesses. Rev. 11:11 speaks ofthe two witnesses being attacked by the Beast(Antichrist) and killed during the Tribulation. Butafter three days their bodies are resurrected;they go up to heaven in a cloud.

d) The fourth phase is described in Rev.20:6. The ones who are raised here are thesaints who became believers during theTribulation. John saw "the souls of those whohad been beheaded for the sake of God's wordand their testimony to Jesus. These came tolife again and reigned with Christ for a thousandyears".• . .

The Second Resurrection. Now we concludewith the 'Last Resurrection'. It is also mentionedat times as the 'Second Resurrection' and isassociated with the 'Final Judgment' - judgment

for those who wanted too much fun out of life.But remember - There is no fun in life wheneverything is funny. We read in Rev. 20:11:"Then I saw a great white throne and the Onewho sat upon it I could see the dead, great andsmall, standing before the throne•--- The deadwere judged upon the record of their deeds".After this 'Great White Throne Judgment', Godwill dwell for ever with His people. Christ willhand over His kingdomto God the Father.New heavens and newearth will appear,where New Jerusalemwill be the center ofglory and peace forever and ever.

God will dwell for ever with Hispeople. New heavens and newearth will appear, where New

Jerusalem will be the center ofglory and peace for ever and ever.

"Rapture, Millennium & Resurrection" . . . . (Continuation from previous page)

Introduction:We live in the climactic level of information

technology and high altitude of the social media.Irrespective of social and financial status, allpeople from every walk of life popularly involvein the social media and use availabletechnological utilities. Theworld is brought on the tips ofour fingers by thesetechnological devices and hasbecome what is called a'global village'. The spacescience takes its wings toother planets in the vastuniverse. Nuclear science,bio-technology, geneticengineering and otherremarkable developments inthe area of transportation andinfrastructure make everythingpossible for humanity. Peopleof every country glorify these developmentsboundlessly. The rise of many god-men andwoman and cultic centers is another mark oftoday’s history. On the other hand, we witness

Moral IssuesFacing Churches Today!

- Part I -moral degradation, devaluing of human values,social evils, threat of terrorism, rapes, murder,racial issues, rise of criminality and suicide,breaks up of families, etc. The increase ofincurable diseases is another head ache of theworld.

The church of Jesus Christlives in the midst of all theseissues. We cannot just ignoreor shut our eyes to theseproblems. Because theinfluence of many suchissues creep into thechurches, we need to addressthem today. We cannot bemerely passive and showsluggish faces to people.Many of the young men andwomen misuse their time inthe social sites and findthemselves lost from the main

stream of the churches and aimlessly getentangled in unwanted relationships. This isreally a crisis in many of the Christiancommunities. The question is how we can solve

The church of JesusChrist lives in the midst

of all these issues.Because the influenceof many such issues

creep into the churches,we need to address

them today. We cannotbe merely passive andshow sluggish faces to

people.

PastorShibu JosephNavi Mumbai

The world isbrought on thetips of ourfingers by thesetechnologicaldevices andhas becomewhat is calleda 'global village'.

May 2017 6 Suvartha

all these problems? How do we address thesebased on the holy scriptures? What is theposition of the Bible on these issues? This smalleffort is to address a few issues and put forwardsome findings from the Holy Writings as muchas possible. This article is not going to addressall the issues as the writer feels that it wouldbe a vast work and also there are manylimitations.

Relevant Issues of Today:As mentioned above, there are many moral

issues that the churches face today. A few ofthem are divorce, remarriage, abortion,cohabitation, same sex marriage, euthanasiaand suicide. These are some of the issues weneed to address immediately. Though many ofthese started in westerncountries, now we can see allthese exist among ourcommunity and are increasingday by day. The so-calledleadership of the churches isnot interested to deal withthese issues and make anybiblical appraisal. Many ofthem are after personaladvantages, unfortunately. Asa result people are in realdilemma and doing whateveris convenient to them. At leastfew of the pastors and leadersallow many of these issues totake place and evenencourage people to do so. So in this scenario,it is necessary to look in the Sacred Scripturesin order to find out the right position that weneed to keep and communicate.

The Holy Bible is both a spiritual and ethicalBook. Our God is both a spiritual and ethicalPerson. In other words, the Lord gives as muchimportance to morality as He gives tospirituality, according to the Bible. No other bookin the world provides true and honest teachingsregarding these matters. So it is always befittingto bring out the Holy Book to address theseissues. We now will discuss certain issues inthe following pages.

Divorce and Re-marriage:This is one of the worst problems the

churches face today everywhere, irrespectiveof nations, cultures, languages and faith. Inorder to deal with this crisis the church has tounderstand the meaning and plan that God theCreator ordained in holy matrimony. In fact,

marriage was the first institution that Godestablished in human society. It is divine ininstitution and sacred in action and practice.Wilbur Donovan rightly writes: “marriage inGod’s plan involves threefold unity between manand woman. These threefold unity correspondto the threefold nature of human beings as body,mind, spirit (1 Thes. 5:23). These unities arephysical unity, mental and emotional unity andspiritual unity" (Biblical Christianity in IndianPerspective, p.339). The renowned writer JohnStott gives a biblical definition, “marriage is anexclusive heterosexual covenant between oneman and one woman, ordained and sealed byGod, preceded by a public leaving of parents,consummated in physical union, issuing in a

permanent supportivepartnership and normallycrowned by the gift of children”(Issues Facing ChristiansToday, p.361). Because themarriage is a covenantalrelationship (Malachi 2:14), weneed to highlight four seriouscommitments, such as:

1. Commitment beforeAlmighty God,

2. Commitment betweenhusband and wife,

3. Commitment to thechurch and

4. Commitment to thefamilies they belong and

society in which they live.They also have a legal and constitutional

commitment to the nation. This is all about themarriage.

In the present scenario divorce has becomea normal practice among Christians, even inPentecostal churches. It is violating the divineordination and breaking the bond betweencouples. Marital breakdown is always a tragedy.It is becoming a serious problem in the modernsociety. The Bible is not encouraging divorceto take place. The last minor prophet Malachiwrites, “God hates divorce” (2:16). Becausedivorce destroys God’s plan for both marriageand family. Divorce gives extreme pain to thechildren. If a family has children, the act ofdivorce creates anger, hurt and often result indeveloping a low view of marriage and familybonds into their hearts. Such parents lose theirconfidence with the Lord and practical standingbefore others.

The so-calledleadership of thechurches is not

interested to dealwith these issues

and make anybiblical appraisal.Many of them are

after personaladvantages,unfortunately.

There aremany moral

issues that thechurches facetoday. A few of

them aredivorce,

remarriage,abortion,

cohabitation,same sexmarriage,

euthanasia andsuicide.

The Holy Bible isboth a spiritual

and ethicalBook. Our God

is both a spiritualand ethical

Person. In otherwords, the Lordgives as muchimportance tomorality as He

gives tospirituality,

according to theBible. No other

book in the worldprovides true

and honestteachings

regarding thesematters.

May 2017 7 Suvartha

What our Lord Jesus teaches about this?His teaching is found in the Bible as a responseto the question of Pharisees in Matt. 19:3-12,Mark 10:2-12, cf. Matt. 5:32. The answer ofJesus was about the original divine plan ofmarriage, recorded in the book of Genesis. Hequoted the scripture from Gen. 1:27 & 2:24.Then Jesus added His own version into it, “whatGod has joined together, let man not separate”.Jesus here obviously stressed the permanencyand commitment of marriage. The onlyconcession given to divorce is fornication (Matt.19:9). Jesus allows divorce in this case but Hedoes not command it. When God yokedtogether a man and woman in holy wedding, noone has the authority to break it, even the courtsof the country.

"Christ Jesus permitted divorce and re-marriage on the sole ground of fornication oradultery. The fornication or adultery indicatessexual infidelity or marital unfaithfulness andevery kind of illegal relationships. This disruptsthe “one flesh” concept of the marriage. Even ifdivorce is allowed in such cases, it is notencouraged widely. It is allowed but not required.In fact, forgiveness and reconciliation, restoringthe relationship should always be the first option”(ESV Study Bible, p.2546).

When Apostle Paul is dealing the maritalissues in Corinthian church, he too justified whatJesus taught (1 Cor. 7:10-16). However he putforward another legitimate ground for divorce:only on the basis of desertion by either one(v.15) for the sake of Christian faith. Perhaps itis a voluntary act by the person who is not inthe genuine faith. In this sense they are notbound any more. Nevertheless, a Bible believingChristian should not take any initiative to doso. Surprisingly, no hint of remarriage is seenor stated here. The remarriage is possible andpermissible when either one dies, but only witha believer (1 Cor. 7:39).

What are the precautions and remedies weneed to draw? The first and foremost remedy isrespect God’s word and accept the plan of Godin marriage. A few findings are listed here:-

1. Married couples should consecratethemselves to the Lord first and then to eachother. Spend ample time in prayer andmeditation of the Word.

2. A complete obedience to the principles ofmarriage that God set forth in the Holy Scripture.

3. The unconditional love between each other(1 Cor. 13).

4. We have to remember that God whojoined us is not only the Sustainer but also aSupreme Judge, who will ask an account of thefamily life.

5. The need of faithfulness to life partner andaccept each other in spite of all humanlimitations and weakness.

6. Have a better communication betweencouples and openness to each other.

7. Keep the purity and chastity in therelationship (Heb. 13:2,3).

8. Do not love money and material thingsmore than the husband or wife and family bondand more over be content with what we have(Heb. 13:5,6)

9. Remember, to God family is so importantbecause it is His plan for humanity. So weshould handle it carefully. The whole family bothin heaven and earth derive its name from theFather (Eph. 3:14). Family is therefore a shadowof heaven on earth.

10. Finally, love each other, respect andaccept each other. Do not just count on thepersonality, beauty and finance alone. Find outthe beauty, concern,and kindness of the hearts.Cherish noble characters like love, obedience,loyalty, joy, subjection, honour and satisfactionin the family. Family is not a military camp, buta place of happiness and humor. But thereshould be discipline and decency.

In conclusion, we must say that the grownup children should discuss their marriage withtheir parents or vice versa. A young boy or girlshould not try to find out the partner in theirown way, but rather should allow the parents tofind out the partners. In creation God found away to make a help mate for Adam. Abrahamfound a girl for Isaac, not Isaac by himself. Jacobchose wives for himself but they brought lot oftroubles and tensions into his family later. Morestrictly the church must not allow inter-faithmarriage and promote any such aspect in theBody of Christ (2 Cor. 6:14). Biblical marriageis not only a social activity but above all it isspiritual and sacred, grounded in the unchangingWord and God’s superb and sublime plan.Moreover divorce is abhorrence to the Lord. Howcan we encourage divorce when God feels stronghatred to it? And re- marriage is not permissiblewhen there is no genuine ground, except whatis recorded in the Word. Hence a genuineChristian should be able to abide in the law ofGod.

(. . . . To be continued) -

Jesus herestressed thepermanency andcommit-ment ofmarriage. Theonly concessiongiven to divorceis fornication.Jesus allowsdivorce in thiscase but He doesnot command it.When God yokedtogether a manand woman inholy wedding,no one has theauthority to breakit, even thecourts of thecountry.

A young boy orgirl should not tryto find out thepartner in theirown way, butrather shouldallow the parentsto find out thepartners. Increation Godfound a way tomake a helpmate for Adam.Abraham found agirl for Isaac,

May 2017 8 Suvartha

God’s Book for Mankind:- Part 20 -

'Word study Method' of Bible Study

Dr. C.P.Varghese

is the Founder& President of

Peniel BibleSeminary,

PenielChildren’s

Home & PenielAcademy,

Keezhillam,Kerala.

Bible Study

There are thousandsof words in the HolyBible. In studying theBible you need toremember that each andevery word does not haveexact same meaning allthe time.

Even though certainwords may have thesame meaning always,that is not the way it is with all the words.Usually we have a basic knowledge of what alot of words mean in a simple, plain, literalsense. But that is not the case always.

Studying certain words and/or phrase helpsus to understand what that passage of the Wordof God means. Some times words can bedifficult to understand. Studying difficultpassages in light of other passages in the Biblethat deals with the same subject is the bestway to study. Interpreting the Bible with the Bibleis the best way of studying. .

Tools you need for Word study. At least alanguage dictionary in whatever language youare studying, a Bible Dictionary, and anExhaustive Bible Concordance are needed.Exhaustive Bible Concordance lists the book(s),chapter(s), and verse(s) where the word you arestudying is found. A Bible Dictionary gives themeaning(s) of the word and other words thathave similar meaning. If you have more toolssuch as Bible study Handbook, BibleEncyclopedia, Study Bible, Cross ReferenceBible, all of these can be used to make yourstudy faster and easier. Of course, have yourBible, pen and a note book.

Choose a word. The first step in this studyis to choose a word that you wish to study.Decide whether you want to study the word onlyin the writing of one writer, such as Moses,Jeremiah, Daniel, Apostle Peter, John, or Paul,or do you want to study the use of this wordonly in one book of the Bible, such as the Bookof Genesis, Psalms, the Gospel of John orwhatever book you choose. Choose words thatare used repeatedly, action words or verbs, figure

of speech words,interesting words or evenwords that are difficult tounderstand.

Context Context,Context. What iscontext? Dictionarydefines context as thecircumstances that formthe setting for an event,statement or idea. So be

sure to read the verses, paragraph or even thewhole chapter where the word is used tounderstand the context.

Ask some questions about this word andfind answers. What is the plain, simple, mostobvious, clear, common meaning of the word?What is the context in which this word is used?What kind of literature is this? Is this poetry orprose? Is this passage a parable, or history,Is it used literally or as figure of speech? Doesthe literal, plain meaning make sense in thispassage?

If you do not know the answers to thesequestions then look up the meaning of this wordin a dictionary. Then look up the meaning in aBible Dictionary. If you have more than onetranslation of the Bible available to you, lookand compare if the same word is used in bothtranslations or a different word is used.

Organize the References according toMeaning. After reading and studying variousreferences, you need to organize these verseswhere this word has the same meaning in toone group. Write down those verses where thisword has a different meaning(s) and group thoseverses separate as groups.

As you get a deeper understanding of theword of God through word study method of theBible, may the Holy Spirit help you to have acloser walk with the LORD Jesus Christ.

“O send thy Spirit, Lord, now unto me,That he may touch mine eyes,

and make me see:Show me the truth concealed within thy word,

And in thy Book revealedI see the Lord.”

Studying difficultpassages inlight of other

passages in theBible that dealswith the same

subject is the bestway to study.

Interpreting theBible with the

Bible is the bestway of studying.

May 2017 9 Suvartha

New Series:Meditations from

"1 John" - 2

Dr. ShibuCherianD.Min., Ph.D.

is the Pastorof CarolinasChristianAssembly inMatthews, NCthat serves allAsian Indians inand around theCharlotte area.He is also thePresident ofUnited in theWORDMinistries, Inc.He is a certifiedClinical Chaplain,a Bible Teacherand a PremaritalCounselor. Visithis ministrywebsite @ http://www.unitedintheword.com

Loving the 'World'Is a Sin against GOD!

In the abovepassage, the term‘world’ does notrefer to the universecreated by God butthe community ofsinful humanity thatpossesses a spiritof rebellion againstGod under thedominion of Satan(1 John 5:19). Inthis sense, the‘world’ is thesatanic systemopposing Christ’s kingdom on this earth. Weare plainly warned not to love the ‘world’ or thethings that are in the ‘world’ since our love forthe world is not compatible with our love for God.

All that the ‘world’ has to offer may bedescribed as the lust of the flesh (sinful sensualpleasures), the lust of the eyes (covetousnessor materialism), and the pride of life (being proudabout ourselves). The lust of the flesh refers tosuch sensual bodily appetites as proceed fromwithin our evil nature. The lust of the eyesapplies to such evil desires as may arise fromwhat we see. The pride of life is an unholyambition for self-display and self-glory. Thesethree areas of appeal were presented to Eve,who gave in (Gen. 3:6) and to Jesus Christ,who overcame through the Word of God (Matt.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of theFather is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, andthe pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and

the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” (1 John 2:15-17)

4:1–11). We shouldalso depend on theWord of God todefeat temptationin our lives.

Living for this‘world’ is likerearranging thedeck chairs on theTitanic that willsink soon. This‘world’ is passingaway so there is nopoint in living for thisworld alone. To be

consumed with this life is to be unprepared forthe next. What a tragedy to invest our resourcesin what will not last. But we will abide foreverwhen we do the will of God as this will deliverus from the temptation of passing things.

Let us be careful that nothing breaches ourspiritual defense. We cannot afford to let downour guard anytime, but need to be alert to whatentices us today. A lapse opens the door tosin, which in turn may develop into a sinful habitthat will eventually cause us to drift from God.Let us pray this simple prayer today:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; tryme, and know my anxieties; and see if there isany wicked way in me, and lead me in the wayeverlasting.”

(Psalms 139:23-24)

Quotable Quotes“Good is not always God's will, but God's will is always good”

“Our old history ends with the Cross; our new history begins with the resurrection”“The Spirit is both a builder and a dweller. He cannot dwell where He has not built;

He builds to dwell and dwells in only what He has built”“I must first have the sense of God's possession of me before I can have the sense of

His presence with me” Watchman Nee

May 2017 10 Suvartha

I went to the beach the other day. Iwas walking on the shore with sandunder my feet, birds flying. There were alot of activities going on at the shore andit was filled with people, children andpets. Everyone at the shore seemedhappy and joyful. Something stuck mymind as I looked at the waves. I saw thewaves kept lashing at the shoreunceasingly. As soon as one waverecedes another takes its place -sometimes even stronger than theprevious wave. Every receding wave wasfollowed by another and then another. Ilooked at the waves and wondered if thewaves will ever stop hitting at the shore.I felt sorry for the poor shore; it seemedto be helpless and incompetent to facethe relentless attack of the strong waves.

Looking at the waves a thought cameto my mind that we could compare ourlives to the sea shore that is continuouslyhit upon with waves of anxiety, troubledthoughts, problems and uncertaintieslashing at our lives one after another.Christian life is never without problemsand as humans we are bound to beanxious when problems arise.

What does the Bible say abouttroubles and anxiety? Bible repeatedlystates ‘Do not be anxious about anything’,‘Do not fear’. It's surprising to note that‘Do not fear,’ is stated 365 times in theBible - one for each day of the year! Godstates this because as humans He

Lessons from the sea shore!

knows that we will be anxious and fearfulwhen problems arise. God wants us tostay calm and rely on Him and not beanxious.

The Bible says that He has setboundaries for the seas: "I placedboundaries on it, I set a bolt and doors"(Job 38:10). Similarly, in our life He won’tlet us be overwhelmed with problemsnor will He give us anything which isbeyond our capacity to bear. The wavesthat are lashing will not be able to drownus as God is in control of the waves.

The Bible also says that our God ismighty to calm the sea: "You rule theswelling of the sea; When its waves rise,You still them" (Psalm 89:9). "He causedthe storm to be still, So that the waves ofthe sea were hushed" (Psalm 107:29).But we just have to call on Him and Hewill answer us. In the gospel we seeJesus calms the sea and the seabecomes still. The Lord was waiting tosee the reaction of His disciples to the

waves and then calmed the storm.Similarly God can calm our anxiousthoughts and help us get through ourproblems if we land in His arms ratherthan panicking about the situation.

Jesus walked on the waves and wesee that Peter also was able to walk onthe waves for a little while until his faithgave up. Similarly as Christians Godexpects us to rise above the waves andwalk on it. We can do that if we trust Godwithout faltering.

The waves of the sea washed thegrains of sand on the sea shore makingit clean and sparkling in the sunlight andmaking a beautiful beach where peoplecan come and relax. "Testing of your faithproduces perseverance" (James 1:3).Job says: "When He has tried me I shallcome forth as gold" (23:10). Likewise,when waves of this world hit us we shouldnot be discouraged because we willcome out purer and stronger.

Therefore my friends, if you are goingthrough troubled times, don’t worry - justremember the seashore. All throughoutthe shore remained calm and did notgrumble or moan or did fight back thewaves. May God help us to be still andknow that He is God. In our difficultsituations let us look up to Him and trustin Him because He is an omniscientGod. Nothing can happen without Hisknowledge and He will victoriously leadus through it.

We beat our chests and lift our headsWith pride call ourselves the chosen onesThe sons and daughters of the Almighty OneThe maker of earth, moon and sun We have shunned a lot of things to darknessWhat we consider strengths is our weaknessAren’t we supposed to be in His Likeness?Aren’t we to strive to be a bit righteous? Then, where is our kindnessOur words have more hate than hymns

Pride reigns more than the AlmightyWe act all big when to Him we are all tiny We don’t forget let alone forgiveWe give with closed hearts and fistsRemember that on borrowed time we liveAre we forgetting this life is a gift? We are sinking in greedOvercome by anger withinIn this hour He is all we needHe is our King, our lives let Him lead

Anoop Chacko, UK

Let God lead our lives!

Jobin Mathew

May 2017 11 Suvartha

Death has knocked on every door,The rich man’s castle,The poor man’s hut.

He has ventured every street,Every groove and every inn.

Has anyone befriended you, O Death?Have you ere’ been called to dine?

The woman beat her chest,She washed his feet with her tears;

They hid his face from her,With flowers, they garland him!

But roses shall not awake him,The music shan’t soothe him;

Neither the darkness beneath bother him!

The new-born child is wrapped in white,The corpse too is wrapped alike!

With a loud cry, he is born;Wailing, they let him go!

The children had lost their lamp,The toddler lost his path!

Weren’t you concerned, Death?Or you pretended not to care?

Where do you carry them, O Death?

Are you the shore we refuse to reach?Are you the door men refuse to knock?

Beyond which lies a crystal land,A land where spring shall never fail,

And time shall not interrupt!

Would you write back to me? No you won’t!Would you spare me then? No you won’t!

Death is certain, if nothing else is.

But I have heard of an empty grave,The rich man’s tomb, on that Easter morn!

When Death laid his weapons down;Eden’s fault had found it’s cure.

Man’s folly in the Garden,Ascended Death o’er Adam’s race!

But now dethroned, in the rich man’s garden;Christ has trampled Death and Hades!

And then they chuckled at your face-“Where O Death, is your victory?Where O Grave, is your sting?”

Exult! For Death is slain.

Christ has risen, and so shall we;We shall trounce the ancient foe!You are the last enemy, O Death,

This world shall ever know!

Exult! For Death is slain!

Asher JohnMumbai

An Easter Poem

In life, some may walk and others may run, but remember the Lord gave tortoise and the horsethe same number of days to reach Noah's Ark!

Jacob looked at Joseph and saw a good son.The brothers looked at Joseph and saw a useless dreamer!

The travellers looked at Joseph and saw a slave!Potipher looked at Joseph and saw a fine servant!

Potiphers wife looked at Joseph and saw a potential boyfriend!The prison officers saw in Joseph a prisoner!

How wrong were all of them!!God looked at Joseph and saw a Prime Minister of Egypt!

Don't be discouraged by what people see in you.Be encouraged by what God sees in you!!

Never underrate the person next to youbecause you never know

what the Lord has deposited in that person!

Views of Men and Plans of God!

Rev. George SamuelJhansi

May 2017 12 Suvartha

Youth Forum

Michelle CherianHouston, USA

The Bible gives a clear definition offaith in Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is theassurance of things hoped for, theconviction of things not seen”. Simplyput, the biblical definition of faith is“trusting in something you cannotexplicitly see or prove".

Faith is at the center of Christianlife. We profess that we have beensaved by faith, and that we now live byfaith. But what does it really mean tohave faith? What does it really meanto believe? Faith in God means we relyon Him and depend on His reliability.Having faith means realizing that Godis bigger, greater, and better than me -and He loves me greatly.

Examples of faith.Hebrews 11 is known as the “faith

chapter” because in it great deeds offaith are described. By faith Abel offereda pleasing sacrifice to the Lord (v.4);by faith Noah prepared the ark in a timewhen rain was unknown(v.7); by faith Abraham lefthis home and obeyed God’scommand to go he knewnot where, then willinglyoffered up his only son (vv.8-10, 17); by faith Moses led the childrenof Israel out of Egypt (vv.23-29); by faithRahab received the spies of Israel andsaved her life (v.31). Many more heroesof faith are mentioned “who throughfaith conquered kingdoms,administered justice, and gained whatwas promised; who shut the mouthsof lions, quenched the fury of theflames, and escaped the edge of thesword; whose weakness was turned tostrength; and who became powerful inbattle and routed foreign armies”(vv.33-34). Clearly, the existence offaith is demonstrated by action. Noahspent 120 years building an ark - allbecause he trusted God’s promise todestroy everything on the earth with a

Faith in God:Its True Meaning

flood. During that time, all Noah’sneighbors laughed at him. But Noahnever gave up. Would your faith havesurvived such a test of time andhardship?

As Christians, we have torecognize that Faith is perhaps thesingle most important aspect ofChristianity. Without faith in JesusChrist, our Savior and Redeemer, weare nothing. Faith in God, although itseems easy, will take a lifetime of effort

to keep. It is the true Faith that everyChristian should aspire to have. Don’tlet your Faith waver when things in lifedon’t go as planned. Faith pleases Godmore than anything else. Christian lifeis dependent upon faith. We stand onfaith; we live on faith. Faith is loved andhonored by God more than any othersingle thing. The Bible teaches thatfaith is the only way of approach thatwe have to God. No man has sinsforgiven, no man goes to heaven, noman has assurance of peace andhappiness, until he has faith in JesusChrist.

The Bible says in James 2:26, thatfaith without works is dead. Faith withworks (action) is alive. Faith without

works (action) can become anunfulfilled fantasy. That being said,once we are saved, we are expectedto do good works. We are a reflectionof Christ. As such, we do good to thosearound us (Galatians 6: 10). We arenew creations (2 Corinthians 5: 17),so we act in new ways. The works wedo should come from a transformedheart. Jesus said that people wouldknow His followers by their love (John13:35). In this way we are a light tothe world (Matthew 5: 14). Good works,then, demonstrate our faith and thecharacter of God in whom we believe.If we truly believe God is who He saysHe is and that the Bible means what itsays, we will act accordingly.

Also, what’s so amazing is thatJesus said you don’t even need a lotof faith. Jesus in fact said that just alittle amount can move mountains. Inother words just a little faith can do

amazing things in your lifeand in the lives of thosearound you. (Matthew17:20; 1 Corinthians 13:2).

Jesus said our faithcould be compared to a

mustard seed. What’s interesting isthat a mustard seed is the smallest ofall seeds. But it also is a seed. A seedis worth more when it continues togrow. You water and feed the seed ofyour faith by giving it nourishment. Weget nourishment by reading God’sWord; worshipping; praying. All thosethings feed the seed of faith in yourlife. (Matthew 17:20)

All of us have faith, but will youranchor of faith hold in the storms oflife? Is your anchor of faith a trueanchor? Is your faith built upon thetruth of scripture. Do you know howvaluable, revealing and full of love, faithin Christ is? Only faith in Christ is true,tested, and timeless.

.

We stand on faith; we live on faith. Faith is lovedand honored by God more than any other single

thing. The Bible teaches that faith is the only way ofapproach that we have to God

May 2017 13 Suvartha

&JKS

Billioanire Bill Gates' tip!

Bill Gates aftereating in arestaurant gave $5to the waiter as a tip.The waiter had astrange look on hisface after he took thetip. Gates realizedthat and asked,"What happened?"

Waiter: "I am justamazed because on thesame table yesterday,your daughter gave a tipof $500 and you, herfather, the richest man inthe world only gave $5?"

Gates smiled andreplied: "She is thedaughter of the world'srichest man. But I am the son of a poorfather!"

Never forget your past. Wise menhave said that your past is your bestteacher!.But experience shows thatmany of our friends have forgotten theirhumble beginnings!

Palace of Sennacherib

The Islamic State soldiers ransackedvarious ancient tombs and landmarksto collect valuables to sell in the blackmarket before they were pushed out ofareas in Iraq and Syria that they controlledsince 2014. Archaeologists are beinggiven the chance to study newdiscoveries in those areas. In such asearch by the archeologists, the ancientpalace of the Assyrian King Sennacheribhas been uncovered in Syria.

JenniferGates

Bill Gates

Archaeologist Layla Salih said: “Webelieve they took many of the artifacts,such as pottery and smaller pieces, awayto sell. But what they left will be studiedand will add a lot to our knowledge of theperiod”. Along with the palace,archaeologists uncovered stonesculptures of an Assyrian demi-goddessalso among other findings.

The palace of King Sennacheribdates back to the seventh century B.C.The Assyrian King is mentioned in theBible in 2 Chronicles 32:1 which says,“After all that Hezekiah had so faithfullydone, Sennacherib king of Assyria cameand invaded Judah. He laid siege to thefortified cities, thinking to conquer themfor himself”.

All the archaeological findings addto the historical truth of the eventsmentioned in the Bible. How can anyoneclose his eyes to these truths andcontinue to refuse to believe in theBible?

Total Solar Eclipses ofAug. 21, 2017 & April 8, 2024

A total solar eclipse is about tohappen in USA. On Monday, Aug. 21, inthe middle of the day, the sky will go dark.The temperature will suddenly getseveral degrees cooler. And tens ofmillions of people, crammed into a 60-mile-wide path from the Pacific Ocean tothe Atlantic ocean, will be looking up atthe sky. Such a total solar eclipse thatcrossed America last happened 99 yearsago. It is a massive nationwide spectatorevent.

For many people of faith, eclipse isan evidence of God’s majesty and forsome, a sign of the end times. Hugh

Remains of the palace

Ross, who is both an astronomer and aminister argues that God made theuniverse beautiful and one of thebeauties is a solar eclipse. Ross will beleading a group of 80 people interestedin finding spirituality in science to the westcoast to watch the eclipse.

Sign of ‘Rapture’: Gary Ray, anevangelical Christian writer views thiseclipse as one of several astronomicalsigns of ‘Rapture’ when Christians willbe whisked away from the Earth. Anothertotal eclipse is expected to travel acrossUSA on April 8, 2024 just 7 years away.Ray thinks the two eclipses could be thestarting and ending signs bookmarkinga seven-year period of the GreatTribulation that is waiting in store fornonbelievers who are left behind onEarth when the ‘Rapture’ occurs.

That time frame of 2017 to 2024, isspeculative. But it makes a lot of sense.We can buy some dark glasses and getprepared to watch the spectacular solareclipse, but more importantly, we mustget ready to meet our Lord and not beleft behind.

A Kenyan church fightsfor the true gospel!

Pastor Charles Karuri of EmmanuelBaptist Church in Nairobi, Kenya, isfighting to promote the true gospel. Inmany places in Africa, the gospel is oftenmixed with superstition and apostasy.Karuri says, the “prosperity gospel” isprevalent in Africa and “apostles” or“prophets” often promise supernaturalhealing or claim to be able to reversebad fortune, restore marriages and breakcurses. He adds: “These are the verythings the witch doctor back in the villagehad been doing long before theprosperity message arrived on ourshores. Those that faithfully preach thegospel continue to be less and less theface of Christianity as they are overtakenby numerically superior, flashier, noisierand more outwardly successfulprosperity churches”.

Very true! The real meaning of thegospel is being diluted and presentedfor purely selfish interests!Path of total eclipse across USA

May 2017 Suvartha14

Children'sCorner

"I can do all things through Christ"

"Let the little children come to me,and do not hinder them"

One day a father and his litle daughter were taking a trip down the woods. While

they were admiring its beauty; the little girl was fascinated by a beautiful flower on one of the trees. She wished to pluck that flower but to get to it she had to pull a strong branch down.

The daughter asked her father: “Dad I like the flower but do you think I can pluck it out from that tall branch?”

Her father confidently replied: “Yes my dear, I am sure you can do it if you try with all your strength”. Hearing her father’s confidence in her; she tried to jump and stretch to reach the flower. After several unsuccessful attempts she was disappointed. She gave up and said to her father: ”Dad, you were wrong. I am too short to reach the branch”.

Her dad replied: ”My little girl, I said

you could do it only if you try with all your strength, but you did not use all your strength. I still believe you can do it as you have not used all your strength”.

Puzzled the daughter asked: "But dad, you saw how hard I tried. I have no strength left to jump and reach”. Her dad said: "Dear, you tried with only your little strength. You did not ask for my help, even though my strength was available to you. Only with my help will you have used all your strength. On your own you are weak”.

She then understood what her dad meant and said: ”Dad, let us try it again, this time you help me”.

Her dad lifted her up and she reached for the flower and was happy.

Dear friends, just like the little girl in the story many times in our life we try to do things on our own with our own strength and blame God if we are unsuccessful. But the truth is that we did not rely on God and ask His help. Many times we believe in our strength even though we know that we are not strong enough for the job. When God says you can do a particular thing, He means that we can do it with His help. We forget that our God is an omnipotent God.

Paul says in Phil 4:13: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me". So friends, next time when you start to do anything ask God to help you with the task.Juby Anoop, UK

Enoch walked with God

Jibin Shaji VargheseNagpur

A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her "Give me a drink"

- John 4:7

Joel JoseNagpur

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me and don't hinder them, for the

Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Evan Cherian P., Banglore

Adam & Eve in the garden of Eden

Evelyn Cherian, Banglore