CHRISTIAN NEWS MAGAZINE FOR KERALA MALAYALEE CHRISTIANS FROM INDIA AROUND THE WORLD
SYNOPSIS

SYNOPSIS FOR SERMONS AND MEDITATIONS-MAY
By V.Rev.Thomas P.Mundukuzhy Cor Episcopa

FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER (SUNDAY BEFORE ASCENSION)
LUKE 9:51-62

1. The time to be received up, for ascension, almost up.

2. Jesus wanted to go to Jerusalem from Galilee, even though He knew that there will be persecution and crucifixion: Last trip.

3. Jesus sent messangers before hand.

4. There are two ways to go to Jerusalem: one is longer; around Jordan and through Jericho to Jerusalem; the other is a shortcut; through Samria: they took the shorter way because the other route is three times longer.

5. Jews usually took the longer route because they hated the Samaritans: mixed tribe.

6. Jesus did not hate the Samaritans: wanted to bring them to the fold......"he who is not against us is on our side" (9:50).

7. Samaritans did not give due honor to Jesus which made the disciples: James and John, angry.

8. Don't overdo: don't disobey: otherwise rejection.

9. The disciples got angry and wanted to punish Samaritans quoting Bible (2 Kings 1:10, 12: Elijah vs Ahas) cf. Job 13:7-8.

10. Lots of us do the same thing even now by quoting:
a. Different denominations about their faith
b. Ethists: "There is no God..": Psalm 54:1
c. "The dead do not praise the Lord..." (Psalm 115: 17-18)....But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for ever more.
d. Drink wine and don't get drunk, means you can drink.

11. The disciples were trying to show their prestige. Selfishness, worldly pleasures or pleasurable lives are not divine.

 

12. Retaliation belongs to God. Destruction is not the spirit of Christianity.

13. Jesus came to save, not to destroy.

14. They went to another village: Avoid enmity and fight.

15. Jesus explains the conditions of discipleship...three people wanted to follow for prestige and positions (like Scribes:Matthew 8:14-20), but did not want to face the challenges and left.

16. Someone wanted to follow Jesus. He approached with day dreams to become great. Some people go anywhere for positions. So Jesus told him that birds have nests, foxes have dens, but Son of God has no place to rest, but only the cross. Total commitment needed for discipleship. Do not expect safety and security all the time. One has to "deny himself and take up the cross" (Luke 9:23-24).

17. Jesus invited another one to follow Him, but he wanted to bury his father first. Family concerns and sentimentals: parents, children, relatives, friends, wealth or such other worldly matters should not alienate us from God or divine activities (Genesis 12:1). Christian discipleship takes precedence to conventional discipleship. Family obligations and self-interest should not barr the responsibilities of discipleship. Spiritually dead are more concerned about worldly things.

18. Another one said he will follow after bidding farewell to those in his household. Calculations and statistics should not be hinders to follow Jesus. Should not look back to defeat the purpose (Sodom and Gomorrah)

MOTHER'S DAY (SECOND SUNDAY OF MAY)

Mother's love "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:7). A mother nurtures, sustains, and redeems the family. A woman is nurturer, caregiver, mother and a "fixer."

1. Bears (Porukkunnu): Protects. A mother always looks for something positive in their children. St. Mary's position: Annunciation, birth, presentation, sorrow at the foot of the cross.

MOTHERS: NOT FOR SALE: Son in college sent a letter to his mother asking money to buy a car for his weekend use explaining that he cannot wait until graduat-ion and demanded money for the works he did at home: Moving the lawn for the last four years: $500.00; doing the chores at home: 500.00; Going to the store on his bike:200; thus a total of $1200.00 to buy a used car. Mother wiped her tears while she read the letter and then wrote the following reply: "I could not buy a car for you as I was saving the money for your college; but I bought the bike you loved so much. I am sending you the money I owe you. Here is my bill for some of the things I did for you all these years. I shall continue to pray for you: Carrying you within me foe nine months: No charge
Feeding you all these years: No charge
Sitting at night without sleep when you had nightmares: 0
Taking care of you when you were sick: No charge
Teaching you to read, write: No charge
Taking you places whereever you wanted to go: No charge
Taking you to School, Piano, Sports: No charge
Worrying about you and praying for you daily: No charge
Total : No charge


2. Believes (Vishwasickunnu): Trusts: She helps to understand; she believes in us when we have troubles in believing ourselves; she tells what we wanted to hear; she allows us to dream our dreams; she gives us the room we wanted to grow and the freedom to learn from our own mistakes.

Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, a Soviet airforce colonel asked American diplomat Vernon Walters what he would do in the event of a nuclear war. Ambassador replied: "I would pray 'Our Father, who art in Heaven....". Then the Colonel completed that Lord's Prayer. Ambassor asked: "How do yoy know that?' Colonel: "Everyone in Soviet Union knows it." Ambassador: "How?" Colonel: "From Mama."

3. Hopes all things (Prathiashickunnu): Hopes, recognizes and praises. Mother asked Christ for her sons John and James (sons of Zebedees / "sons of thunder") to allow sitting on the right and left side when He establishes His kingdom.

4. Endures (Sahickunnu): Preserves. Gives total forgiveness and reconciliation. She sets the right example. Second grade class has science lesson on the MAGNET. For a test, one question was: "My name starts with M, has six letters and I pick up things. What am I?

Half of the class answered: MOTHER.

Mother is there when we need her: She loves, sacrifices and helps. Mother is not only a care-giver, she is also a housekeeper, peacemaker, zookeeper, and bookeeper.

5. Good mothers produce great men: Mothers of Moses (Jochabed), Samuel (Hannah), Jesus (Mary), John the Baptist (Elizabeth), Timothy (Eunice).

6. Eve disobeyed: Brother (Cain) killed brother (Abel)
Sara was jealous: Ishmael and Hagar: Tug of war in the middle East.

7. Questions to children What do they want to be? 97% said "Like my mother"

8.Love them when they are living. The time is now, not after they are gone. They work hard for us with never a complaint carrying all the burdens. Tell them that we love her and appreciate what she does for us. Thank them from the bottom of our hearts for being there when we needed them.

9. Three significant aspects:
A. Sacred Calling: Biological and spiritual or moral: Molding influence: We learn about love, honesty, integrity, faith in God, etc., from our mothers.
B. Endangered Calling: Because of ungrateful husbands, economic necessity or professional satisfaction.
C. Indispensable Calling: To communicate faith, love, self-worth and moral values.
Mother's love for a sucking child: Isaiah 49:15
Mother's and Grandmother's care: 2 Timothy 1:5 cf. Proverbs 22:6; Samuel's mother Hannah: 1 samuel 1:22.

10. Obstacles to being a better mother:
a. Not having enough time with their kids. A survey reveals that 25% think that they would be better mothers if they didn't have to work.
b. Not having enough money: 39% think having more money would make them better mothers.

11. Value of a typical mother: Edelman Financial Services calculated the market value for the "typical" mom in today's economy as follows:
As elementary school principal: $58,600.00
Computer analyst : 44,000.00 Nutrionist: 41,000.00
Manager: 41,000.00
Chef: 40,000.00
Financial manager: 39,000.00
Nurse: 35,000.00
Bus driver: 32,000.00
Social worker: 30,000.00
Psychologist: 29,000.00
Property manager: 22,600.00
Waitress: 20,000.00
Clerk: 19,000.00
Caretaker for pets: 17,500.00
Recreation worker: 15,500.00
Child care worker: 13,000.00
Housekeeper: 9,000.00
TOTAL : $507,200.00
(Note: Tehse figures are calculated few years back).

12. Mother's good advice and support, her concern for spirituality, her standing behind her children, her good heart, empathy, her teaching and nice things and giving good advice, being there for her children, all are greatly appreciated.

13.Some quotable quotes:
 1. God cannot be everywhere, so He made mothers (Arab Proverb)
2. Mothers do not divide their love among their children; they multipy it.
3. As far as understanding is concerbed, mothers usually are more valued than fathers, mainly for emotional reasons" (Marilyn Vos Savant). Mothers are much more law-abiding and nurturing. Women are the kinder, gentler sex. Though men built the modern world, women made it civilized, according to Savant.
4. A mother is a mother still, the holiest thing alive (Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
5. The mother is to the child as the king is to the nation (Vietnam Proverb)
6. When the baby wakes, she breaks her sleep; when the baby walks, she runs around him/her.
7. Look at the mother before you take her daughter in marriage (Indian Proverb)
8. Though your mother be poor, she is still your mother (African Proverb)
9. The mother is God's agent to Christianize her family.
10. Behind every great man, there is a great woman (wife, mother or some one else)
11. The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.
12. All that I am, I owe to my mother (Abraham Lincoln)
13. A mother's love preceives no impossibilities (Paddock)
14. When you are small and just a touch away. I covered you with blankets against the cool night air; but now you are tall and out of reach, I fold my hands and cover you with prayer (Dona Cooper)
15. Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible (Marion C. Garretty)
16. As a mother, my job is to take care of what is possible and trust God with the impossible (Ruth B. Graham)
17. No language can express the power and the beauty and the heroism of a mother's love (Edwin Chapin)
18. A mother's love is like a circle; it has no beginning and no ending. It keeps going around and around ever expanding, touching everyone who comes in contact with it (Art Urban)
19. Mother is the name of God in the lips and hearts of little children (William Thackery)
20. There is no friendship, no love, like that of the mother for the child (Henry Beecher)
21. All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my mother (Abraham Lincoln)
22. I'd rather be a mother than anyone on earth. Bring up a child or two of unpretentious birth (Meredith Gray)
23. Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone; but miraculously my own; never forget a single minute; you didn't grow under my heart, but in it (Anonymous)
24. When I stopped seeing my mother with the eyes of a child, I saw the woman who helped me give birth to myself (Nancy Friday)
25. It was when I had my first child that I understood how much my mother loved me ( A Bouquet of Sentiments)
26. If I have amounted to anything, it will be due to my mother (Charles Chaplin)
27. Motherhood "requires the skills of a master mediator, mentor, cook and counselor."

ASCENSION

1. Jesus was taken up: Acts 1:9-11

2. Jesus went up to send the Holy Spirit: John 16:5-9, 13.

3. Jesus rules the universe sitting at the right hand of the Father: Ephesians 1:22-23.

4. Jesus pleads and prays for us: Hebrews 7:25; 14:14.

5. Jesus prepares a place for us: John 14:1-3

6. Jesus will come again: Matthew 24:37-39, 42; 25:31-32; Acts 1:9ff; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 5:1-2.
LUKE 24:36:53; JOHN 20:19-23

1. They went far away from the place of crucifixion; but Jesus went after them.

2. The risen Christ is identified with the earthly Jesus emphasizing the reality of His resurrectd body: showed His hands and feet and ate with them as proof that He was real.

3. Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled the Scripturs and by that the remission is offered to all nations.

4.Law, prophets and Psalms: the three major divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus rose again the day according to the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 15:4 cf. Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51; John 6:62; 20:17; Acts 1:1-12; Ephesians 1:21; 4:10; Hebrews 4:14; 1 Peter 3:22.

5. Went with the disciples to Bethany and ascended into heaven on the 40th day and mediating for us sitting at the right hand of the Father: Mark 16:19; Romans 8:34; Psalm 110:1.

6.Jesus' promise to be with the disciples till the end of the world: Matthew 28:20.

7. God's promise of the Holy Spirit, the power from above: Joel 2:28:30.

8. Jesus is praying for us: Romans 8:34. esus is with the Father, God Almighty, for mediation (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:11; John 14:26; 15:26; 16:7.

9. Jesus ascended int o heaven after descended: Eph. 4:8-10. Ascension was essential for the descending of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7; 7:39).

10. Son of God was sent to be with us all the time. We sent Him back to heaven.

11. We have to live in the power of the resurrected Christ; then we feel heaven at home. We have to seek which are above: Colossians 3:1-2.

12. Holy Spirit came down on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2;1-4); thus the helper was sent: John 16:7;

13. Elisha pleaded to Elijah for "double portion" of his spirit and he got it: 2 Kings 2:9f.
Let us pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit we received along with our Confirmation.

MARK 16:14-20
20. Jerusalem is the place of God: Isaiah 2:3; Micha 4:2, 8.

1. Jesus' last instructions on earth to His disciples : Matthew 28: 16-20; Luke 24:36-49.

2. VV. 17-18 cf. Acts 5:12, 16; 8:7; 16:18; 19:12; 28:3-6; James 5:4 (Cast out demons, healed the sick, etc.)

3. "Received up into heaven": Acts 1:9-11.

ACTS 1:4-11
1. The coming of the Holy Spirit was announced by the prophets (Joel 2:28-29; Ezekiel 36:25-27) and also by Jesus (Luke 24:49; John 14:16).

2. John's baptism was in water for the repentant. The baptism with the Holy Spirit is for purity and power.

3. The disciples expected the restoration of a political kingdom like that of David. Jesus told them to leave that to God and to prepare themselves to receive the inner power for witnessing throughout the whole world.

4. Jesus was "taken up" (John 14:5) with the promise of sending "another Helper" (John 14:6).

5. The "two men stood by" may be the same ones at the empty tomb (Luke 24:4). They told that Jesus will return. This promise is our hope.

EPHESIANS 4:1-16
1. The God's own people, both Jews and Gentiles, reconciled together and to God by Christ, shall live and walk "worthy of the calling."

2. The Church is one in God (vv.1-7), and the members have different qualities and abilities to strengthen the whole body (vv.8-16).

3. Paul wrote this letter from a Roman prison.

4. We have to show consideration for others and make allowance for their short comings. It is love; essential for unity and peace. We have to work together to preserve this.

5. The Christian unity is based on the unity of Trinity: the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. The Church has only one body and one Holy Spirit. We have our common faith to one Lord, Jesus Christ. God is the Father of the Christian family. God is one. His true Church is to be one.

6. We are given different gifts and abilities to use in building up the Church.

7. The exalted Christ descended into the grave, rose from the dead, and ascended back to heaven by conquering sin and death.

8. Apostles: The 12, Paul, and the few who had seen the risen Lord are sent as His special witnesses.

9. Prophets (preachers), evangelists (itinerant preachers who spread the Gospel), pastors and teachers are all equipped with the gifts to do the ministry to build up the Church.

10. The whole Church attains a more perfect unity when God's people minister to others. This unity lifts us above petty disagrements and differing personalities through our faith. We shall reach maturity in Christ so that we must not be confused by false teachings.

11. Motivated by love and by speaking the truth, we shall all grow toward maturity.

12. By various functions, the several parts of the human body contribute to the health and growth of the whole body. Likewise, Christ, "the head", enables us to contribute for the growth and the health of the Church.

DEUTERONOMY 9:26: 10:5
1. The Israelites did not deserve good things because of their arrogance, but continued to exist only because of God's continued mercy.

2. Moses interceded for them. So the covenant was reinstit-uted, and was placed in the Ark, and the Levites were appointed as mediators between the people and God.

2 KINGS 2:9-15
1. Elijah, the second Moses, was taken up "by a whirl wind into heaven," like Enoch (Genesis 5:22-24)... did not pass through death.

2. Double portion: Per Old Testament inheritance laws, the first born, "the beginning of his strength", receives two shares of the inheritance: Deuteronomy 21:17.

3. Mantle: Representative of power and personality. Elisha carried on the work like Joshua did: 3:7-8, 14-17.

JEREMIAH 31:31-34
1. God's covenants and His faithfulness to Judah (Hebrews 8:8-10): God put His laws in the minds and hearts of His people to have intimate fellowship with God which was accomplished by the sanctifying work of the Mediator, Jesus Christ.

2. New Covenant: Matthew 26:28. The restoration from exile was a physical fore-runner of the spiritual restoration through Calvary. God works in the minds and hearts of individuals. Personal relationship is important. The new covenant is internal and real.

ISAIAH 48:20; 49:4
1. God delivers the Jews, not because they deserve it (Ezekiel 36:22), but for His name's sake (v.9).

2. The promised deliverence from Babylon. The servant Jacob is redeemed, and the wicked Babylon is destructed. This deliverence is through Messiah, the ideal servant.

3. The ministry of Jesus was a failure from an earthly point of view (49:4), but the Almighty Father makes the decisionn and gives the reward.

SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION/ BEFORE PENTECOST :
MARK 10:17-22

1. The dangers, agravations, disappointments, heartbeats of being a richman.

2. He came running: When coming to America, getting married, having a baby, passing the examination, getting a job, etc., what a great feeling and excitement. Here to meet the Savior.

3. He knelt before Jesus: We have to be in our kneels and pray to the Almighty.

4. His question to inherit eternal life: Blessed and unending life in fellowship with God. The goodness is the source of our eternal life. It is the happiness we receive from union with God (John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 13:12) vs. eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46 and 26:24).
a. Keep commandments: Fulfill our duty toward God and others; pray and worship; love neighbors (Good Samaritan: Luke 10:30-37). Cain didn't (Genesis 3). Bodily limbs: 1 Corinthians 12:20-26.
b. No worldly possessions: Life of Loth and his wife; Ananias and Sephira.
c. Follow Him: Personal relationship through Church.
d. A free gift: Prodigal son, Mary Magdaline, thief on the cross.
We have to pay to buy things. We pay through repentance to receive eternal life. We receive eternal life through receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ in due manner.

5. Three kinds of followers:
a. For position and prestige (For photo session)
b. For family concerns
c. Wholeheartedly: Dedication and submission.

6. Jesus is a good teacher: Do we appreciate our teachers?

7. Jesus told him to follow the commandments: Pointed out six of them that deal with our relationships with each other (Exodus 20:12-17): Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honor father and mother.

8. Do not defraud: An additional commandment appropriate for a person attached to wealth.

9.We should not be of this world (John 17:13-17). Eventhough we live in this world, we should not be immensed in the worldly pleasures and actions and let us to drown.

10. Our main goal shall be to be holy: should be sincere and truthful. Aim for God's love and His glorification (John 17:17-20): (For a baptism, 3 bishops, two corepiscopas, 2 rembans, 10 priests: the child was sent to the church through someone; parents busy for preparations, decorations, receptions, party, etc.)

11.Something is lacking: Tender heart, concern for the last, lost and the least; jealous, boasting, pride, spite. Poverty leads to holiness (Mark 10:21). Share with others (Luke 3:10-11). Is our love and connections for God or for wealth? (Wealthy person never gave ... penniless mother, disabled brother, widowed sister with small children ... when approached for a charity donation, he asked: "Why should I give?")

12. Keeping the letter of law is not enough for eternal life: He even asked: "What do I lack?" (Chicken legs for summer camp dinner: Asked: "Are you lacking anything" Anything short): One retorted: "Yes, I got only only one chicken leg."

13. His arrival (v.17) and departure (v.22): What a contrast? Sad and went away sorrowful.

14. God is love: We have to love as He loves us: Love God more than everybody, anything and self. (Husband: "I love my wife"; Wife: "I don't know what he is talking about?"

15. God decides our future: Attain this through prayer and understanding the needs of others. God selects us (John 15:16): Several are chosen, but few are frozen. General call: Luke 14:33. Giving everything for charity and living in chastity are not for all (Matthew 19:11).

JOHN 17:13-26
1. Our Lord's High-priestly prayer.

2. Prayer for the disciples: for the Church

3. Jesus prayed for us to keep from the evil one.


4. Unity of believers is very important.


MATTHEW 19:16-30
1. Earthly riches and heavenly rewards: Mark 10:17-31; Luke 18:18-30.

2. The rich young man thought salvation could be achieved by good deeds. Salvation is based on God's goodness, not ours. Keeping the commandments is the initial step: our elationships with each other. The rewards are based on God's graciousness, not on human merits.

3. One needed more than the outward obedience. He must give complete loyalty to God (Deuteronomy 6:5). In this context he has to share his wealth.

4. All who turn away from Christ's call live to regret that decision.

5. All those who turn in, salvation is not only possible, but also wonderfully rewarded.

6. The 12 apostles are the founders of God's New Testament people; like the 12 patriarchs of Israel: 12:2-4; Revelation 21:14.

7. First will be last (20:1-16). God's gracious gifts to all who follow Him faithfully.

PENTECOST:
JOHN 4:10-24; 14:1-18; 15:1-14; 16:5FF

1. On the 7th Sunday after Easter, our Church celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples: Jesus told His discipes: "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you" (John 14:18); "I will pray the Father" to give you another Helper (John 14:16).

2. Originally this day was the day of Jewish Feast of the weeks Festival: 7 weeks after festival (7x7) .. Feast of Harvest (Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:9-10, 16). Grain was planted in the fall, harvested in the spring. Fifty days later, they celebrated the Feast of Harvest. An abundant harvest meant sufficient food. It was thus known as Feast of Weeks or Festival of First Fruits (like Onam). The Greek term PENTECOST literally means fiftieth day (from passover) which day they commemorated God's giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai (anniversary): Exodus 23:20-31; 24:7-8. It was one of the seven annual Holy Days: Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Leveticus 23:9-22; Numbers 28:26; Deuteronomy 16:10, 16.

3. After the Ascension, per Jesus (Acts 1:4-5), the Virgin Mary and all the Apostles assembled in Jerusalem and were locked in the upper room together in fear of Jews. Suddenly, a mighty wind arose. The entire structure shook and it was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. There appeared tongues of flame which came down on each of the Apostles. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and almost immediately began to glorify God and to speak of Christ in foreign languages (Acts 2:1ff). Christ's promise to them to send the gifts of the Holy Spirit from God was thus fulfilled. When breathed (John 20:22) the Apostles received the Holy Spirit, but fulfilled at Pentecost - like pouring Mooron (Holy Oil) in the baptism water and then anointing all over the body.

4. Holy Spirit came down upon the faithfuls also...3000 souls became Christians on this day.

5. For us, Pentecost is the anniversary of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. With this new covenant, the sparking of the Holy Spirit we receive at baptism shall revitalize on Pentecost.

6. Pentecost reminds us that God is working in us, remolding and reshaping our character. The message of Pentecost is that we are the firstfruits of God's creation. The power of God's Holy Spirit shall work in all of us at all times.

7. Through the Spirit, we become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4). We are empowered with spirituality ( Romans 8:8-9).

8. Here is the fulfilment of Joel 2:28 cf. Genesis 6:3.

9. Holy Spirit reveals sin, justice and judgment; guides us to walk in truth (John 16:13). The Church shall also do the same.
A. Conscious of our sins: For renewing and revitalizing the Holy Spirit in us, we have to be conscious of our sins (John 16:8): the conversion takes place: Acts 2:38.
B. Pray: Luke 11:28. Hunger and thirst for righteousness. cf. Romans 8:26.
C. Obedience: Acts 5:2. Love our God - the most important commandment. With this new commandment, we became the new Israel. We have to inscribe this commandment in our hearts. If we love our brothers and sisters, we love God: Love as He loves us (John 15:12). So love each other contineously so that Holy Spirit will be with us all the time. We have to crucify ourselves ( Galatians 5: 24; Luke 9:23).

10. Holy Spirit helps to interpret the teachings of Jesus. All of them understood each other. Do we understand each other; husband and wife; parents and children?.

11. Holy Spirit:
A. Full of power: Zechariah 4:6; Micah 3:8
B. Spirit of wisdom and understanding: Isaiah 11:2
C. Gift of God: Acts 2:38
D. Stirs up: 2 Timothy 1:6
E. Quenches: 1 Thessalonians 5:19
F. Has begetting power: Matthew 1:16; Romans 8:9
G. God's guarantee: Ephesians 1:13-14
H. Sheds the love of God: Romans 5:5
I. Must be renewed: 2 Corinthians 4:16.

Do not resist the Holy Spirit: Acts 7:51
Do not lie: Ananias and Sapphira: Acts 5:1ff
Be full in Spirit: Acts 6:3
Send by the Spirit: Acts 13:4
Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16, 25

12. Experience of Holy Spirit abides in us: 1 Cor. 12:31-13:18

13. Fruits of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22

14. On Pentecost day, we glorify the Holy Trinity: three ceremonial prayer services in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit -- sprinkling of blessed water from three bowls.

15. Vine branches should stay with the main stem (John 15:1ff); Growth: Luke 2:52. Vine branches (Jews) broken and united with the wild (Romans 11:23).

16. Israel was God's "degenerate" vine (Jeremiah 2:21); Jesus is the true vine, the source of all spiritual life.

17. Salvation is uniting with Christ: cf. Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:19.

18. The father, like the vine dresser, removes what is unfruitful and prunes (disciplines) fruitbearing lives to make us even more Christlike in character and witness which needs total and continued dependence on Christ.

19. When we keep His commandments, we abide in His love.

20. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide His disciples to all truth.

21. The future of our Church depends upon our growing generation. We have to train them in the faith and discipline of the Church.

22. Jesus Christ offered the Samaritan woman the gift of God (redemption) and living water (eternal life): John 4:10-24.

23. Exposed her sin by telling to call her husband.

24. Worship God wholeheartedly and sincerely.

25. From ignorance to prudence: Jew (4:9); Sir (4:11, 19); Prophet (4:19); Christ (4:29); Savior of the world (4:42).

 

26. The Other Helper: John 14:12, 16-17. It is the spirit of truth. As the disciples waited (Acts 1:4) and received Holy Spirit in A.D. 31, on the Day of Pentecost, the New Testament Church was inaugurated (Acts 2 cf. Matthew 28:20; John 14:18-19). The Holy Spirit was manifested in the appearance of a dove Mark 1:9-10), fire and wind (Acts 2: 1-4), water (John 7:37-39), and oli (Matthew 25:1-13). We have to subdue, stampout, put to death our carnal, natural, fleshly mind (Colossians 3:5; Galatians 5:24) by letting in the spiritual to flourish, increase and grow (Philemon 25). The Holy Spirit begets us (Romans 8:15), gives us access to God (Ephesians 2:18), increases the effectiveness of our prayers (Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18), gives us wisdom, knowledge and understanding (Ephesians 1:17; Isaiah 11:2), imparts to us power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7), helps us to obey God's laws (Ezekiel 36:27), and fills us with the fruits of righteousness (Galatians 5:22-23).

ACTS 2:1-21; 10:34-48; 19:1-7
1. The celebration of the wheat harvest, 50 days after the offering of the first fruits (Leveticus 23:10ff) was the Day of Pentecost. This was later associated with God's giving the Law on Sinai.

2. Wind (Ezekiel 37:9; John 3:8) and fire (Malachi 3:2-3; Luke 3:16) represent the spirit of God.

3. Jesu's life, cross, resurrection and the coming of the Holy Spirit are the four pillars of Christ's Gospel.

4. Every nation in the Roman world was able to understand the languages.

5. At Babel different languages divided the world (Genesis 11:1-9) and here spirit-filled disciples used those languages to unite diverse languages under one God.

6. This is the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy: 2:2832.

7. The Gospel is offered to all; no partiality. Holy Spirit came upon the Jewish believers (Acts 2:1-4), on Samaritans (8:14-17); on Gentiles (10:44-45; 11:15-17), and on Christians in Ephesus (19:1-7).

8. Christians have to believe the Resurrection: Romans 10:9

9. Holy Spirit brings purity and power: Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9.

GALATIANS 5:16-26
1. If our way of life is controlled by the Holy Spirit, we will not be controlled by the desires of the sinful nature: Romans 8:5-9.

2. The spirit enables to live by the law of love.

3. Living under the control of the flesh: "Unfruitful works of darkness" (Ephesians 5:11).

4. The fruits of the spirit: Galatians 5:22-23. cf. the gifts of the spirit: Isaiah 11:2-3.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27; 14:20-33
1. The interdependence of the various parts of the body illustrates the interdependence of all believers with the varying spiritual gifts in the Church.

2. When love fills the human spirit, malice cannot flourish.

3. Our worship should result in the edification of the Church.

4. Circumstances to speak in tongues: 14:27-28 (Speaking in Tongues: refer OUR CHURCH, chapter 15).

5. There shouldn't be any confusion.

NUMBERS 11:16-17; 24-26

1. Moses' dilemma and God's solution by the Spirit empow-erment to share the burden with seventy.

1 SAMUEL 10:9-13
1. Samuel's signs confirmed God made some inner changes to Saul, validating the external anointing with oil by Samuel giving him skill, understanding and power.

EZEKIEL 11:17-20; 36:25-27
1. God would protect the exiles as their sanctuary and they would become the remnant so that they become holy with devotion, loyalty and faithfulness.

2. The cleansing of the spirit and the gift of the new heart and new spirit enable the believer to love God with an undivided love.

ISAIAH 42:1-4; 61:1-3
1. The Servant, Messiah, as the ideal Israel, who brings justice, manifests the spirit of God. Messiah will rule with compassion and justice.

2. The nation will be freed from, want and sin, in fulfill-ment of the Exodus promise (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:5).

GENESIS 11:1-9
1. Confusion of language at Babel (Gate of God): When we try to elevate ourselves to His level, confusion occurs.

2 KINGS 2:14-17
1. Elisha took the mantle (representative of power and personality) of Elijah and continued the prophetical work.

EZEKIEL 37:1-4; 47:1-12
1. The vision of the valley of dry bones and the river flowing from the temple. The river increases its volume and brings healing and prosperity to everything it touches. Life-giving water (Genesis 2:10; Revelation 22:1) cf. The parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32).

2. Symbol of Holy Spirit: Water, dove, fire, wind, oil: General character: Comfort, life, power (strength), cleansing and sanctifying..

3. Water from the Arabian desert becomes river and feeds animals and plants; Holy Spirit works like this.

4. Jesus also compared Holy Spirit with water: John 7:37-39

5. Water flow into wild desert, but not dried, and help to grow: We should also bear fruit and help others to bear fruits: Galatians 5:22-23.

JOEL 2:25-32
1. God's promise to deliver, the promise of the Holy Spirit: Acts 2:16.

GOLDEN FRIDAY
MATTHEW 19:23-30

1. If the rich man turns to God and surrenders to God, he will find salvation is possible and greatly rewarding.

2. These rewards are not on human merits, but of God's graciousness.

MATTHEW 9:36-10:16
1. Jesus came to be our shepherd. He was moved with compassion when saw the multitude wandering in sin like lost sheep.

2. There is a big need to pray and work as there are many to respond to the Gospel.

3. Jesus gave the authority to His 12 disciples to continue His ministry.

4. First, Apostles were sent to the House of Israel; but after resurrection to all the nations (28:19).

5. They are to be provided by the congregation.

6. Only those who accept receive blessings cf. Sodom and Gomorrah: Genesis 19:23-24.

LUKE 22:24-30
1. Even the disciples disputed for authority. Three years with Jesus Christ did not purify them from self-seeking. They are also humans.

2. Jesus washed their feet (John 13:3-17) to teach them a lesson.

3. Not power and authority, but those who function as servants are important.

4. They are promised honor and glory at Christ's return.

ACTS 3:1-20
1. Peter's witness to the crowds in Jerusalem during the healing of the lame man.

2. Peter and John went to the temple for prayer.

3. Peter got the man's undivided attention ("Look at us") cf. Mark 10:51.

4. The early Church never lacked spiritual power.

5. The cured man praised the Lord immediately.

6. The people were amazed seeing God's power.

7. Jesus: the Just (v.14), Prince of Life, Christ, Prophet and Servant.

8. Need for repentance.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:28-13:10
1. The interdependences of the body compared to believers.

2. Gifts are given to all believers.

3. Love, the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is freely available to all Christians and all should practice it. It lasts for ever.

GENESIS 12:1-9
1. While departing from Hur, Abraham had to renounce his country, his family, and his father's house. He was promised to become a great nation of numerous descendants.

2. We have to channel our blessings to others.

3. Abraham's obedience brought blessings to many.

4. Abraham's first deed of blessing was to build an altar.

5. God called Israel and set her back (Zechariah 8:13) to become God's servant (Isaiah 2:3; 43:10-13; 52:9-10).

PSALM 1
1. Two ways of Life:

(A) The life-style of the righteous (vv.1-3)
(B) The life-style of the wicked (vv. 4-5)
The Lord cares for the righteous.

ISAIAH 43:1-7
1. God has not given up His people, but redeemed them.

2. God assures that He is with us so that we shall not be afraid of.

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
JOHN 6:26-35

1. Seek for the eternal (John 6:27). Multitude followed after 5000 were fed; followed for secular and worldly satisfaction. Jesus discouraged it. Look for food which endures spiritual nourishment (Christ), instead of material sustenance. Greed leads to destruction. Not go after the worldly things, but that of eternity. People look for signs (1 Samuel 10:7; Luke 1:18). Miracles are not the important criteria. We have to seek His kingdom.

2. Have full faith: Believe in Christ (6:29). God wants us to believe in Jesus. Miracles help to believe. Faith after seeing miracle is temporary. Believe even without seeing miracles.

3. Jesus is the bread of life (6:35). As bread takes care of our weaknesses and deficiencies, Jesus gives us renewed strength and energy. Jesus invites us to go to Him for comfort, relief and rest (Matthew 11:28). The true bread gives eternal life. The life on high for evermore: Psalm 92:8. Jesus gives for the life of the world: John 6:51.

4. The seven "I am's" in the 4th Gospel.

5. The word of life (John 1:1f)cf. In the beginning was word; and the word was with God; and the word was God (In the beginning was prayer meeting; the prayer meeting was with dinner; and the dinner was the prayer meeting). Everybody was created with that word (Genesis 1:1-3; John 1:1-3; cf. Matthew 4:4; John 6:68). The Word of Life and the Bread of life are needed to reach the goal. cf. Incarnated Word and Spoken Word.

6. Bread of heaven: Psalm 105:40.The people asked, and He brought quail and satisfied with the bread of heaven (Exodus 16:12f). Manna gave only temporary physical strength. The grinding and baking of grain to make bread pervaded life.

7. Bread of affliction: Deuteronomy 16:3: Unleavened bread -- came out from Egypt in haste.

8. God, not Moses, gave manna to the Israelites.

MATTHEW 11:20-30
1. God would judge the unrepented more severely than those who had not the opportunity to hear Him.

2. God does not reveal the truth about salvation to the worldly wise because they think they can find God in their own.

3. Like children (18:1-15), we have to accept the truth with trust..

4. Jesus came to judge the world (John 9:39)... judgment in this world and at the end of the world. Alchoholism, dru addictions, immoral life, dishonesty, violence, gluttony all bring destructive and dangerous results. Loosing fellowship with God results in greatest punishment and judgment. "If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him" (1 Corinthians 3:17). Judah participated in the Last Supper but later betrayed Jesus, his master. "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" (John 7:24). Judge righteously. "Judge not, that you not be judged" (Matthew 7:1). (Reasons for denying visa: LR, LP, TP, SL): Do not jump into conclusions without factual basis. Only God can judge: 1 Corinthians 4:5.

5. Invitation to rest: "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest" (11:28: The sweetest verse in the Bible). We are all toiling and working all the time. We need rest. Jesus invites us all with burden to come for rest "from the guilt of sin by justification and from the power of sin by sanctification. Christ is the creator, healer and the feeder. Sinners need Him. He pardons and frees. He comforts in sorrows. "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. He clears doubts and disbeliefs (St. Thomas and St. Peter). We have to go to Him. The Samaritan woman did... the greatest invitation.

LUKE 8:4-15
1. This parable explains why some people do not hear. Here is a lesson on rightly hearing the word of God.

2. Many people do not benefit from the Gospel message because they allow the devil to take it from their hearts or they choose an easier life-style or they allow the cares of this life to sidetrack them.

3. When the Gospel is received, it produces an abundantly enriched life (John 10:10).

ACTS 17:10-15
1. Paul and Silas left Thessalonica for Berea and Athens to continue their mission work.

2 CORINTHIANS 5:14-6:10
1. Christ's love for us motivated St. Paul to proclaim the transforming and reconciling work of Christ (1 John 4:19). By Christ's death, He made it possible for all to die to our selfish way of life. By faith we have to accept this death to self and please Him who died and rose again.

2. We should not judge according our own self-interest or to outward appearances.

3. In Christ, we are a new creation. Changes seen in a restaurant under a new management: Good service, clean table, neat waitresses, good food. So also when Christ in us, big changes.

No more sin. Weep over sin and cry out for forgiveness.
Loves the Gospel, the good message.
See others saved: Like saving someone from a burning building.
Attitude toward others: Love them. By that others know that we are His disciples: No hatred toward others (Giving property to build a church with condition not to allow anyone to use it who he hates). Remember that when we die, we leave all our wealth.
Giving is more blessed than receiving.
Ask ourselves: "Show me myself; Lord, show me myself."
Pray: "Lord, show me Thyself."

4. We are Christ's ambassadors.

5. We shall continually reaffirm our faith.

6. The righteousness of God shall become a reality in our lives.

7. We should not loose the grace we have received : Isaiah 55:6-7.

8. We should not do anything detrimental to our ministry.

9. We have to serve others and endure self-imposed disciplines to devote more time to ministry.

10. We have to keep up the moral character: purity, kindness and love.

11. Whatever we do shall be pleasing to God, not the world.

GENESIS 41:38-40
1. Joseph's supernatural ability revealed by interpreting Pharoah's dreams and was appointed Governor of Egypt.

EXODUS 12:31-40
1. The story of the last plague and the start of the Exodus.

2. Pharaoh recognised the supernatural power of Moses.

JOSHUA 5:9-12
1. The reproach that God had rolled away (Gilgal: To roll) from His people.

2. In remembrance of the Exodus and as a symbol of Israel's deliverence from bondage and death (Exodus 12:11-17; Leveticus 23), the observation of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover.

JEREMIAH 29:10-16
1. Will be blessed by prayers answered, finding God, a unified heart, release from captivity and a new settlement in the Promised Land.

2. David's descendants would not rule Judah.

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