If we Christians in India or many part of the world can't get united we can do nothing for this nation. Once we are united we can do wonders. So my request is that all Christian should join together and work together for the development of our Nation.

Let us rise to the occasion. Let us united for the Nation development. Many people have come to me with a request to get admission in a Christian School. It is a fact that Hindus and Muslims are seeking admission in good Christian Schools and Colleges. What does it mean? Our Institution are better standards.

Let our people go on having establishments, more institutions to the entire country development. To achieve more communal harmony our unity is required and thereby helping other communities, this should be our goal of life, this is the true Christianity.

As a member of the Minority Commission I will be very happy if we Christians can place before our nation a life of noble ideals ready to contribute what we can do.

I am very much thankful to the 'LIGHT OF LIFE' for giving me this opportunity. I wish all the best for all who witness this programme.

John Joseph , Hon. Member Of National Council For Minorities, Government of India.

'LIGHT OF LIFE' INTERVIEW WITH MR. JOHN JOSEPH

[Mr. John Joseph who is the Hon. Member of the Minority Commission, Government of India is on a visit to Kerala. An interview with 'Light of Life' was granted during this visit of the Hon. Member. Our Advisory Board Member Prof. D. Mathews had interviewed Mr. John Joseph at the Government Guest House, Pathanamthitta on 13th April 2002. Incidentally Shri John Joseph was a student of Prof. D.Mathews at Catholicate College Pathanamthitta. Mr.Leby Philiph Mathew, Personal Secretary of Mr.John Joseph, had arranged the interview. Our Exe.Editor Thomas Thomas had coordinated the proceedings.]

Prof.D.Mathews: As an active member of the Minority Commission would you kindly provide a brief outline of performance achievement in India of the National Minority Commission?

Sri John Joseph: The duty of the minority commission is to safe guard the interest of the minorities in India.As far as I am concerned this is my second term and I am the only member who got the second term. I feel I have done something for the minorities of India out of my past experience in this field.

Prof.D.Mathews: Will you please explain the rhythm in the majority aggression and minority resistance in India?

Sri.John Joseph: It is a fact that within the last few years aggression of the majority has increased very much and oppression to the minority has become a fact. In a country like India this should not happen, because we have to live in the society without the difference of colour, cast or creed. We believe in the co existence of all and so there is no justification in aggression by the majority.

Prof D. Mathews: The Christian Mission Organizations are doing excellent service in Villages of India .How far it is accepted as a part of Nation building programme?

Sri John Joseph: Actually regarding the first part of the question I fully agree with the statement that Mission Organizations are doing great service to the poor and the downtrodden. Our people may not appreciate it fully. But I am sure the Govt., not the people in the grass root level, but the people in the Govt.level have agreed that the service rendered by the Christian Mission and Organizations are really very great.

Prof.D.Mathews: Will you please explain how much the Minority Commission has contributed to the upliftment of the converted Christians in India?

Sri John Joseph: I feel honestly that the Minority Commission have not done much for the welfare of the converted Christians. We have no facility or finance to help them directly. But we often advise those people from where they can get help and guidance. So we actually play the role of advisors.

Prof D Mathews: We have heard much about the Christian -RSS dialogue. Was it a success as you have expected?

Sri John Joseph: I feel it was a great success. I will not say that it was 100%, but it was 99% successive. If we look into the reality in 1998,99,and 2000 years all the media were full of the news about majority aggression, over the minority. There were reports of attack towards the churches, priests and nuns. I will say that now such news are ver few. So it is very clear that the Christian RSS dialogue was a great success. Even now there may be some trouble hear and there but it was not at all a well planned attack or organized attack.

Prof.D.Mathews: Now there is a lot of controversy about the dialogue between RSS and Muslims. Will you please explain the present position?

Sri John Joseph: I met almost all Spiritual and Organization leaders of Muslims, and I explained too them situations. I arranged meeting between Muslim leaders and RSS people because the Nation is in need of this and many are interested in this. The first meeting of this type may not be in Kerala because there are some leaders who are against these ideas. There are some leaders with vested interest who may not wants to have peace, because they will be out of place if there is no problem in the society. I am 100% sure such a meeting will bring very good result. I am very optimistic about the outcome. Even though I am not optimistic having a meeting in Kerala immediately. We will conduct such a meeting in Gujarat, UP and other north Indian States with immediate effect.

[On behalf of 'Light Of Life' I extend my sincere thanks to Mr. John Joseph for granting an interview with us and to Mr. Leby Philiph Mathew for arranging the same. I pray to God for the fruitfulness of all your activities for the nation and wish you all success. I also extend my sincere thanks to Prof.D.Mathews for conducting the interview and to Thomas Thomas for the coordination.
Chief Editor: Dr. Rajan Mathew Mannadi]

St. Paul said in the Epistle to the Galatians that 'We all are one in Christ'. (Gal 3:28) 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.' St. Paul told the Corinthians exactly the same words that all Christians are the member of one Body that is the Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12) 'For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ'. If we look at the early church at time of St. Paul and the churches we see today there is a vast difference in the number of followers. If it was few Thousands or Ten thousands that time, it is several millions today. So naturally, man being a free thinking creature, all the possibilities are there for very many denominations in the church. Even in the current scenario St. Paul's saying falls true that all the Christian or denominations we see are the parts of the body of the Christ. Now the question is these parts are an integral part of the Body Christ or severed parts which lost its integrity.

Even in the early Church we find divisions and difference. In the Acts, it speaks of how the believers were of one heart and one mind; further we read the conflict over the partiality in distribution of food to the Greek Speaking widows. In Galatians we read Paul had heated altercation with Peter regarding socializing with the Gentiles. In the first letter of Corinthians we read the whole congregation was on war each other arguing over the Lord's Supper, the resurrection, speaking in tongues, role of women in the church and even sexual behavior with sisters. In the letters to Corinthians Paul refers to the quarrels among the believers. (1 Corinthians 1:12-13) 'Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?' But we never see a case in the early church where a Christian who is baptized in the water and holy spirit in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit through an Apostolic Succession, got baptized again for the conviction of some body else's faith or interpretation of the scripture.

All the Christians irrespective of any denominations believe Jesus as their savior and follow up his words. All the Christian Churches follow the Triune Baptism formula in the name of Trinity ie. in the name of Father, in the name of Son and in the name of Holy Spirit. Each person of the Godhead has a part to do in the act of salvation; Father sent his Son, Son gave his life for the mankind in the power of Holy Spirit. The most organized churches who are based their faith as per the early Christian Creeds Proclaim the faith as 'One true God and Jesus died for our sins '. Even the most modern Churches who throw away any Creed, Succession or any overbearing dogma and which set an individual freedom to see God in whichever way they wish or interpret, also proclaim exactly the same faith. So where is the division ? Separatism ? It is only in the custom, practices, the way of worshipping and cardinally in the interpretation of the Scriptures.

Many Theologians agree that 'Gospel According to Mathew' is the first Gospel written out of the 4 Gospels and it is written around AD 48. This clearly reveals that the half of the 1st Century there was no written Gospel for the early Church to follow with. The church was based only on the faith and practices which were 'seen and heard' (1 Jo 1:3) ' That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.' The most modern interpreters of the scriptures, the one who claim that salvation is only through the faith and practices which they follow, do they mean that the Spirit of God was not pervading all these years or the Church of Lord was dead all these years ? I do not know.

Christianity can not be claimed by any of the Churches alone. The word 'Christian' is found in the bible only at three places. Firstly, in (Acts 17:28) King Agrippa: a nonbeliever- "Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?' This he was talking about faith that 'to turn his faith to Jesus Christ as the Savior'. Secondly, in (1 Peter 4:16) "However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name." Here it manifest Christian as a sufferer or the one who is ready to suffer. Thirdly, in (Acts 11:27) "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch". Here the followers or disciple of Christ are 'Called' by others as Christians not named themselves or declared themselves. So as per these verse the one who keep faith in Jesus Christ, ready to suffer for Christ and the one who follow Christ is the true Christian.

The word 'Gospel' means 'Good News'. Christians should give this 'Good News' for the world - news of Hope, Comfort, Compassion, Tolerance and Love. Unity among the Christian denominations is not meant to be exemplified in One Physical Church, but that all Christian Churches, in their diversity, regard to the main theme of Jesus Christ, make up that Unity and Tolerance and this unity comes out of their differences. In the Epistle to the Romans St. Pauls refers to the faith differences and the tolerance. (Rom 14:22) 'The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.'

No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer. Especially should we entreat the Lord for wisdom to understand His word. Here are revealed the wits of the tempter and the means by which he may be successfully resisted. Satan is an expert in quoting Scripture, placing his own interpretation upon passages, by which he hopes to cause to stumble. Satan is well aware that the weakest soul who abides in Christ is more than a match for the hosts of darkness, and that, should he reveal himself openly, he would be met and resisted. Therefore he seeks to draw away the soldiers of the cross from their strong fortification, while he lies in ambush with his forces, ready to destroy all who venture upon his ground. Only in humble reliance upon God, and obedience to all His commandments, can we be secure.

The Scripture declare that upon one occasion, when the angels of God came to present themselves before the Lord, Satan came also among them (Job: 1- 6), not to bow before the Eternal King, but to further his own malicious designs against the righteous. With the same object he is in attendance when men assemble for the worship of God.Though hidden from sight, he is working with all diligence to control the minds of the worshippers. Like a skillful general he lays his plans beforehand. As he sees the messenger of God searching the Scriptures, he takes notes of the subject to be presented to the people.Then he employs all his cunning and shrewdness so to control circumstances that the message may not reach those whom he is deceiving on that very point.The one who most needs the warning will be urged into some business transaction which requires his presence,or will by some other means be prevented from hearing the words that might prove to him a saviour of life unto life.

Satan sees the Lord's servants burdened because of the spiritual darkness that enshrouds the people. He hears their earnest prayers for divine grace and power to break the spell of indifference, carelessness and indolence. Then with renewed zeal he plies his arts. He tempts men to the indulgence of appetite or to come other form of self-gratification, and thus benumbs their sensibilities so that they fail to hear the very things which they most need to learn.

Satan well knows that all whom he can lead to neglect prayer and he searching of the scripture, will be overcome by his attacks. Therefore he invents every possible device to engross the mind. There has ever been a class professing godliness, who, instead of following on to know the truth, make it their religion to seek same fault of character or error of faith in those with whom they do not agree. Such are Satan's right hand helpers. Accusers of believers are not few, and they are always active when God is at work and His servants are rendering Him true homage. They will put a false colouring upon the works and acts of those who love and obey the truths.

The vague and fanciful interpretation of Scripture, and the many conflicting theories concerning religious faith, that are found in the Christian world are the work of our great adversary to confuse minds so that they shall not discern the truth.Whenever the study of the scriptures is entered upon without prayerful,humble,teachable spirit,the plainest and simplest as well as the most difficult passages will be wrested from their true meaning.The whole Bible should be given to the people just as it reads.It would be better for them not to have Bible instructions at all than to have the teaching of the Scriptures thus grossly misrepresented.

The Bible was designed to be a guide to all who wish to become acquainted with the will of their Maker.God gave to men the sure world of prophecy. To many, scientific research as become a curse. God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the world in discoveries in science and art, but even the greatest minds if not guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered in their attempts to investigate the relations of science and revelation. Human knowledge of both material and spiritual things is partial and imperfect. The Creator and His works are beyond their comprehension."The natural man recieveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned". (I Cor 2: 14)

God has given in His word sufficient evidence of its divine character. The great truths which concern our redemption are clearly presented. By the aid of the Holy Spirit, which is promised to all who seek it in sincerity, every man may understand these truths for himself. God has granted to men a strong foundation upon which to rest their faith. The finite minds of men are inadequate fully to comprehend the plans and purpose of the infinite One.We can understand this from the words of St.Paul "How unsearchable are His judgements, and His ways past finding out"(Rom 11; 33). Our Father in heaven orders everything in wisdom and righteousness, and we are not to be dissatisfied and distrustful, but to bow in reverent submission. He will reveal to us as much of His purpose as it is for our good to know, and beyond that we must trust the Hand that is Omnipotent, the Heart that is full of love.

Distrust of God is that natural outgrowth of the unrenewed heart, which is at enmity with him. But faith is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and it will flourish only as it is cherished. No man become strong in faith without determined effort. Unbelief strengthens as it is encouraged; and if men, instead of dwelling upon the evidences which God has given to sustain faith, permits themselves to question and evil, they will find their doubts constantly becoming more confirmed. But those who doubts God's promises and distrust the assurance of His grace are dishonoring Him: and their influence, instead of drawing others to Christ, tends to repel them from him. They are unproductive trees, that spread their dark banches far and wide, shutting away the sunlight from other plants and causing them to droop and die under the chilling shadow. The life work of these persons will appear as never ceasing witness against them. They are sowing seeds of doubts and skepticism that will yield a failing harvest.

The followers of Christ know little of the plots which Satan and his hosts are forming against them. But He who sits in the heaven will overrule all these devices for the accomplishment of His deep designs. The Lord permits His people to be subjected to the fiery ordeal of temptation, not because He takes pleasure in their distress and affliction, but because this process is essential to their final victory. He could not, consistently with His own glory, shield them from temptations, for the very object of the trial is to prepare them to resist all the allurements of evil. Every temptation, every opposing influence, whether open or secret, may be successfully resisted,"not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, said the Lord of hosts"Zeachariah 4: 6. St.Paul is giving the assurance that "the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open unto their prayers…" 1 Peter 3:12.We should pray in faith continually; 'Lead us not into temptation'.

One cold, dark night in one of the cities in India, a cyclone was setting in. A little hindu boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the storm and cold. The little boy was so scared that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.

He walked up to a policeman and said, "Sir, could you say where a poor boy find a secure warm place to sleep tonight? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold storm in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a comfortable place to stay."

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "You go down the street to the house of Salem and you knock on the door. When they hear the voice and come out the door you just wish them Salem and say 'John 3:16', and they will let you in." So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a woman answered.

He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The woman said, "Come in, boy." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fire place, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16.... I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.

Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food." The woman took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full.

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.

The woman came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the whirlwind moving around on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.

The next morning the woman came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face.

"Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently. He replied, "No, Mother, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it." She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16. .. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe and gives peace

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

"For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:17-18).

I do Love God. He is my source of existence and Saviour. He keeps me functioning each and every day. Without Him, I would be nothing. Without Him, I am nothing. But with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me (Phil 4:13).

"For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace" (Hebrews 7:1-2).

Christian excellence is being and doing every thing very well. It can be achieved through the blessings of God as “with God all things are possible”. When we have Christian excellence, our life will be enriched with faith, peace and happiness. This makes our cups “runneth over”. Also, Christian excellence will help us take strong decision to live with God as “will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever”. Christian excellence will make us strong in mind and we will “fear no evil”. As it gives everlasting hope and satisfaction, Christian excellence must be continued each and every day in our life. This will help us care and share our good work with others as the flow of “goodness and mercy”. The following list of actions will lead to excellence.