All posts by Virjil Selvan

In the next few weeks, we are going to study from the book of Genesis.

Today , we are going to focus on Genesis chapter one, and we will study about a God who works and rests.

Before , we get into it, let us look at , what the book of Genesis is all about.

Genesis , is Greek in origin and comes from the word genesos. Depending on its context , the word can mean ‘birth’ , ‘genealogy’ or ‘history of origin’.

Historically , the Jews and Christians alike have credited the author of the book to Moses. Not only Genesis , but all the first five book is credited to Moses. These books, are also known as the Pentateuch (meaning “five-volumed book”),

Genesis speaks of beginnings—of the heavens and the earth, of light and darkness, of seas and skies, of land and vegetation, of sun and moon and stars, of sea and air and land animals, of human beings (made in God’s own image, the climax of his creative activity), of marriage and family, of society and civilization, of sin and redemption.

The book of Genesis is foundational to the understanding of the rest of the Bible. Its message is rich and complex.

It is supremely a book that speaks about relationships, highlighting those between God and his creation, between God and humankind, and between human beings. It is thoroughly monotheistic, taking for granted that there is only one God worthy of the name and opposing the ideas that there are many gods (polytheism), that there is no god at all (atheism) and that everything is divine (pantheism). It clearly teaches that the one true God is sovereign over all that exists (i.e., his entire creation), and that he often exercises his unlimited freedom to overturn human customs, traditions and plans.

Numbers with symbolic significance has prominence in Genesis. Example: sevenfold promise to Abram (12:2–3), seven years of abundance and then seven years of famine in Egypt (ch. 41), and 70 descendants of Jacob (ch. 46).

It is no coincidence, that many of the subjects and themes of the first three chapters of Genesis are reflected in the last three chapters of Revelation. We can only marvel at the superintending influence of the Lord himself, who assures us that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2Ti 3:16) and that the men who wrote it “spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2Pe 1:21).

Near east , there was a pagan belief of how mankind came into existence . There are many such pagan belief even today about our origin and it is believed that when Moses was with God speaking to him face to face , God spoke to Moses to write an account on creation as well.

Genesis 1 , verse 1 & 2

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

It talks about how the earth was

1. Formless
2. Empty
3. Darkness

And God had a task . to make it beautiful

1. Formless – Separating and Gathering of the days 1-3 gave form
2. Emptiness – Making and filling 4-6 removed emptiness
3. Darkness – The great lights were made

The best part was the spirit of God hovering over the entire creation

First Day : Verse 3, 4, 5

³ And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. ⁴ God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. ⁵ God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Light was created to separate darkness. Everything God created was good . Even Darkness was good. It was created to bless and sustain life (psalms 104:19-26 , 127:2)

One interesting thing is God did not create everything in a single day. He took time , He formed a masterpiece of perfection and order.

God “Called” or “naming something ” means claiming the dominion over that. When Abisha & John were born we got a privilege to name them,

Even God named the sky , the stars, water , light etc. which means he has the dominion over them .

What did Adam and Eve name? So even now we are superior / have dominion over the animals / trees /

Just note Scholars say a day was 24 hours and some say it was indefinite period.

Second Day : Verse 6, 7, 8

⁶ And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” ⁷ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. ⁸ God called the vault “sky.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.

Vault / expanse – i.e the atmosphere or sky

Verse 9, 10

⁹ And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. ¹⁰ God called the dry ground “land,” and the gathered waters he called “seas.” And God saw that it was good.

The earth was formed out of water (2 peter 2:5).  As we read verse 2 , The spirit of the Lord was hovering over the water. The water was given instruction, not to cross the boundaries

Third Day : Verse 11,12,13

¹¹ Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. ¹² The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. ¹³ And there was evening, and there was morning—the third day.

God said and it was so… The Land produced vegetation. Our farmers wait months / years to harvest their crop but God did it in one shot.

Fourth Day : Verse 14,15,16, 17, 18 , 19

¹⁴ And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, ¹⁵ and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. ¹⁶ God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. ¹⁷ God set them in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth, ¹⁸ to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. ¹⁹ And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

Why the names of sun and moon not mentioned here? Since these both names were mentioned as pagan deities and people used to fear them. Here, what we see is that the light givers need to be appreciated not feared.

I have never been an exceptional student, however, I will try my best to explain this.

We all are aware of this 2 great lights. What are they ? can you name it? Yes Sun & Moon.

Second question , where do they exist or reside?  In space? Yes, where we have multiple planets.

If I want to place a planet or move a planet where do I have to be? I have to be in space? From where I can see how all these planets function. I can’t say good if it is not revolving perfectly around the planet system. So God is sitting beyond the universe and he says it was good.

The point which I want to make is God is beyond Time, beyond this universe, beyond something humans are still discovering, amen.

So, God sits on top of it and can see everything. He can see which I can’t see now. Amen.

Fifth Day : Verse 20,21,22,23 (sea and sky – creatures)

²⁰ And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.” ²¹ So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. ²² God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the water in the seas, and let the birds increase on the earth.” ²³ And there was evening, and there was morning—the fifth day.

So on the fifth day God created life for the first time. i.e the creatures. And he blessed them. Isn’t it amazing he blessed them. Every life he creates, he blesses them.

(creatures that move along the ground)

²⁴ And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so. ²⁵ God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Sixth Day : Verse 26-31

²⁶ Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”

²⁷ So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

²⁸ God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

²⁹ Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food. ³⁰ And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground—everything that has the breath of life in it—I give every green plant for food.” And it was so.

³¹ God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

Now the Trinity was present in this process of creation.

Verse 26 , Then God said, “Let us make mankind . Let “Us” which means more than one and it is trinity, The Father , The Son and The Holy Spirit.

Where in new testament do we see all 3 together? Yes, the baptism of Jesus Christ in Matthew 3:13-17

Now, he again created life. This time in his own image , he created mankind. And he passed the dominion  / rule to us. He has made us in charge of it.

Seventh Day : Chapter 2 : 1, 2

Chapter 2:

2 Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array.

² By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. ³ Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.

Now God completed all task of creation and he RESTED because all work was FINISHED

Rested : God rested on the seventh day , not because he was weary , because nothing formless or empty remained. His creative work was completed and it was totally effective, absolutely perfect, “Very good” . It did not have to be repeated, repaired or revised and the creator rested to CELEBRATE it.

Finished : We are also aware of someone else who was working throughout. He was born in a manger , nothing in his appearance that we will desire for, his clothing was so common , he ate food in the plate which was common to everyone, he was born in a time where there was no electricity , no air condition , He used common toilets, everyone abused him , they beat him , they stripped him naked , He asked for water (whereas, he was the one who separated the water from the expanse) . He did not say it was good in the cross, he was in agony of pain and did not open his mouth. He said it was FINISHED. It was Jesus Christ who finished the work on the cross.

He rested on the seventh day and finished his work on the cross and He blessed us with it, so that we will have freedom , we will not have any disorder in our form, born again and connected again back to him.

That was his work, the finished work of Christ & Creation. His peace rests on us. The God who works and rests.

Virjil Selvan is Pastoring the New Hope Community. The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE MIDST OF DISCOURAGEMENT

An individual’s routine life is filled with so many unexpected and at times unpleasant situations, that it is very easy to be discouraged or disappointed. Last time we learnt about gratitude. Today we are going to hear God for encouragement. Before we go for the camp it is good for us to have a positive frame of mind and an open heart to receive all that is prepared for us. Just before the camp there might be so many things that migh go against our desires, like a classic example is that a dress might not fit us, which we thought we’ll keep for a good ocassion to wear. We feel miserable. Spoils the whole thing. Or worse, is children or any of us falling sick.

My heart just screams out LOUD, Lord not again. How am I going to overcome this, when it’s a series of incidences that continuously irritates me? So this sermon is for me and for you. An encouragement for you and for me.

The famous inventor, Thomas Edison, tried again and again to find the right filament for the incandescent electric light bulb. One day he had completed his 10,000th experiment only to discover another way that would not work. When he arrived home that night, he shared this bit of news with his wife. “Aren’t you pretty discouraged, Tom?” she asked. “Discouraged?” responded Edison. “Certainly not! I now know 10,000 ways that won’t work!”

So today’s sermon is an encouragement to all of us who find it difficult, and it’s a battle every day to build into the Kingdom of God.

That describes the people in Haggai’s day, just shy of a month after they had obeyed his first message and resumed work on rebuilding the temple. The foundation had been laid about 15 years before, but the project had been set on the shelf. But now, in response to Haggai’s word from the Lord, the leaders and people had begun to rebuild on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month of the second year of Darius (Sept. 21, 520 B.C.; 1:15). The seventh month in Israel began with the Feast of Trumpets on the first day, followed by the Day of Atonement on the tenth day. Then the Feast of Tabernacles went from the 15th to the 21st. On the last day of that feast (Oct. 17th), Haggai delivered his second message to the people (2:1-9). It is a message of God’s encouragement to discouraged workers. We learn that …

God encourages His discouraged servants to persevere in His work.

These verses teach us three things about persevering by turning our discouragement in serving the Lord into encouragement:

1. God understands and cares about the discouragement we face in serving Him (2:1-3). OR What are few of the things that discourage us?

The Lord did not gloss over or ignore the reality of the situation. He knew what they were thinking and feeling, and He brings it up to show them that He understood and that He cared for them. If we do not keep in mind that in all our troubles the Lord understands and cares for us, we will easily become discouraged. The text and historical context reveal several potential sources of discouragement when we get involved in serving the Lord:

1. THE LOSS OF INITIAL EXCITEMENT CAN DISCOURAGE US.

There is always a certain sense of excitement when you begin a new ministry or project. But the glow easily rubs off in the grind. There were probably piles of rubble that needed to be removed. Perhaps some of the workers had envisioned putting the finishing touches on some gold work or other craftsmanship, but they hadn’t thought about hauling rubble. Their initial enthusiasm was already wearing thin.

The summer after I graduated from seminary, I was involved with a group of men in starting a new church that was branching off of an existing church. We received some wise counsel from the elders of the mother church. They said, “What you’re doing now is new and exciting. But the time will come when the glamour wears off and then you’ll need to know that God has called you to this work and persevere in it.” The leaders did persevere, because last year I received an email from the pastor telling me that they were celebrating their 25th anniversary.

1. DELAYS CAN DISCOURAGE US.

Work for the Lord seldom moves as quickly as we had hoped. Perhaps working around the numerous feasts and Sabbath days in the seventh month had dampened the initial enthusiasm because the work was going so slowly. It’s easy for that to happen in anything we do for the Lord, and the delays get us down.

1. OUTSIDE OPPOSITION AND CRITICISM CAN DISCOURAGE US.

In verse 5, the Lord says, “Do not fear!” He would not say that unless they had a reason to be afraid. Probably the same men who had threatened them and lobbied against them at the Persian court 15 years before were at it again. Any time you attempt to do God’s work, Satan will stir up opposition. We’re in a battle with the forces of darkness that are opposed to the church of Jesus Christ. Expect opposition!

1. INSIDE PESSIMISM, COMPARISONS, AND FAULTY EXPECTATIONS CAN DISCOURAGE US.

When I began in ministry, I naively thought that most of the opposition would come from outside the church. Boy, was I wrong! Most opposition comes from within, and it takes different forms.

One common form is pessimism. “We tried that before. It won’t work!” When they had laid the foundation years before, there was great joy mixed with weeping (Ezra 3:11-13). The young people who had not known the glory of the former temple were rejoicing. But the old-timers, who had seen Solomon’s Temple, wept at this new temple, because it just didn’t measure up. Although they would be in their seventies or older by now, a few were still around when the work got started again. Maybe they were saying, “God’s blessing just isn’t on this temple!” Pessimism!

A second form of inside opposition comes from those who drop little comparisons on you. The old-timers were saying, “You should have seen Solomon’s Temple. Now that was a temple! This new one is hardly worth calling a temple compared to the old one!” Sometimes people will say, “That church on the other side of town really has their act together!” (Implication: You don’t!) Or, “Have you ever heard Chuck Swindoll preach? He’s really good! You ought to listen to him.” Thanks for the encouragement!

And then there are those who have faulty expectations. This usually operates in conjunction with comparisons. “Where is all the gold? Solomon’s Temple was lined with gold. Why isn’t this one?” I’ve had people tell me about their former pastors who must never have slept and changed into their pastor uniforms in a phone booth! These pastors would visit everyone in the church, preach superb sermons (with great illustrations), attend all the youth activities, and always have time for drop ins. Besides that, they never neglected their families! Implication: “Why aren’t you like they are?”

1. A WRONG VIEW OF SUCCESS CAN DISCOURAGE US.

Some view success externally rather than internally (or spiritually). “This temple isn’t as big as Solomon’s Temple was. This temple doesn’t have all the gold and fancy workmanship that Solomon’s Temple did.” But God says through Haggai, “I own all the gold and silver in the world, and I could cover this temple with gold if I wanted to. But I’m going to do something better. Instead of gold, I’m going to fill this temple with glory, the glory of My Messiah” (paraphrase of 2:7-9).

God doesn’t view things as we do. Just because one church isn’t as big or outwardly slick as another church doesn’t mean anything to God. A church may have a multi-million dollar facility, but if it doesn’t honor God’s Word or promote His glory among the nations, that facility is a big pile of wood, hay, and stubble! God is looking for the glory of Christ formed in the hearts of His people, not for the outward, superficial signs of success.

Another wrong view of success is the instant view as opposed to the eternal. None of the workers on this temple lived to see its glory exceed that of Solomon’s Temple. That didn’t happen until Messiah came into this temple over 500 years later, and even then many missed it! God says, “Once more in a little while, I am going to shake the heavens and the earth, the sea also and the dry land” (2:6). While there may have been a partial fulfillment of that prophecy within a few years of Haggai’s day (in the overthrow of powerful kingdoms), the ultimate fulfillment is still future in our day! God will shake all the nations at the Second Coming of Christ, and they will bring the wealth of the nations to His temple in the Millennium.

If the people in Haggai’s day were viewing success from the short range, they would have been very discouraged. With God, a thousand years is as a day. True success will be measured in the light of eternity, not in our lifetimes. We need to keep this in mind as we labor for the Lord. The harvest is at the end of the age, not at the end of the meeting. God’s timing is not our timing.

Whatever our source of discouragement, God understands and He cares. But He doesn’t coddle us or let us stay there.

He helps us through it all.

He wants us to take action. Not wallow over our discouragements and have self pity.

2. God’s word to us when we discouraged in serving Him is to persevere

Three times the Lord repeats, “Be strong!” (“Take courage!”) And He tells them to work. Keep going! Persevere! There are two aspects to this kind of perseverance: an attitude and an action.

1. PERSEVERANCE REQUIRES THE RIGHT ATTITUDE: BE STRONG!

The people had the wrong attitude. They were weak because they had gotten their focus off the Lord and onto the slow, disappointing progress on the temple. Maybe they were thinking, “This will never get done. We’re just wasting our time!”

Have you ever noticed how much your attitude affects your ability to persevere? If you’re motivated, you can stay up all night on some project. But if you get discouraged, you procrastinate and never get around to finishing it.

We hear about many pastors burning out and quitting the ministry. While in some cases the cause of burnout is not properly managing one’s schedule, often the real cause is an attitude of discouragement because of setbacks or disappointments. I recently read that 70 percent of pastors constantly fight depression. Eighty percent of pastors and 84 percent of their spouses feel unqualified and discouraged in their ministries. I think every pastor should feel unqualified (2 Cor. 2:16), but not discouraged. As Americans, we’re far too emotionally fragile. Someone offends us, so we get our feelings hurt and drop out of service. Someone doesn’t do what we had expected, so we quit. Someone criticises what we’re doing, and we say, “I’m out of here!”

But God says, “Be strong!” We aren’t to be strong in our own strength, of course, but in God’s strength (2 Cor. 3:5). But, be strong! Have the attitude that hangs in there in spite of obstacles. The real question is not how do we see things, but how does God see things? If we have not factored God into the equation, we don’t see things in the right perspective.

Do you remember the story of the 12 spies who went into the land of Canaan? Ten of them came back focused on the giants in the land and said, “We’re like grasshoppers in their sight. We can’t conquer them!” But Joshua and Caleb came back and said, “Because God is with us and He has promised us that land, we will eat them for lunch!” (Num. 14:9, paraphrase). Be strong in attitude!

Trust in His strength rather than our. That also calls for humility. I humble myself and say, Lord, it’s you who can give me this victory over this issue.

1. PERSEVERANCE REQUIRES THE RIGHT ACTION: WORK!

Let’s get working rather than wallowing over the lost. What is plan B? How do I go about this space and time that God has given to us. At times we are discouraged over the wrong issues. Let’s reflect over it and ask God to reveal to us, what could be an alternative to it.

The attitude provides the motivation, but motivation without work won’t get the temple built. Joshua and Caleb had the right attitude of trust in the Lord. But they still had to go into the land and fight the giants. Much of the Lord’s work is far more perspiration than inspiration! That is certainly true of my weekly sermon preparation. These messages don’t come floating down from the sky! I have to work hard to prepare them. Just because you’re gifted in whatever you do for the Lord does not mean that it just flows effortlessly. To persevere we must not only be strong; we also must work.

Thus God encourages us in our service for Him by showing that He understands what we’re feeling and He cares. His word to us is, “Be strong and work!” Finally,

3. God assures us when we are discouraged in serving Him by His presence, His promise, and His prophecy (2:4b-9).
4. GOD ASSURES US WHEN WE ARE DISCOURAGED IN SERVING HIM BY HIS PRESENCE (2:4B).

After telling Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the people to be strong and to work, God adds, ‘“For I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts.” The Jews may have feared a hostile host against them, but God is the Lord of hosts, the Supreme Ruler over all the armies of heaven and earth. If the Lord of hosts is with us, who can defeat us? If we’re serving Him, then nothing can happen to us accidentally or without His express permission. The assurance of His presence should lift our discouragement and enable us to press on.

After many years of hardship and danger in the heart of Africa, David Livingstone received an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow. On that occasion, he said, “Would you like me to tell you what supported me through all the years of exile among people whose language I could not understand, and whose attitude toward me was always uncertain and often hostile? It was this: ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.’ On those words I staked everything, and they never failed.”

1. GOD ASSURES US WHEN WE ARE DISCOURAGED IN SERVING HIM BY HIS PROMISE (2:5).

“Promise” (2:5) refers to the covenant God made with Israel when they came out of Egypt. He promises them now, as He had then, that His Spirit would go with them and abide in their midst. Therefore, they need not fear.

God has made a better covenant with us than He did with them, the New Covenant, enacted on better promises (Heb. 8:6). Jesus sealed that New Covenant with His own blood. He promised us the indwelling Holy Spirit to be with us forever (John 14:16). When we grow discouraged in our service for Him, we should remember His promise, that He would not leave us as orphans, but would come to us and that in the meanwhile, He has given us the Holy Spirit to enable us to serve Him.

1. GOD ASSURES US WHEN WE ARE DISCOURAGED IN SERVING HIM BY HIS PROPHECIES (2:6-9).

The many prophecies in Scripture are not given for us to speculate about the future, but to strengthen and encourage our faith. When we see how God has worked down through the ages in accordance with what He told His people in advance, it encourages us to keep serving Him, knowing that the remaining unfulfilled prophecies will surely yet be fulfilled.

Haggai 2:6 is the only verse from this book quoted in the New Testament. In Hebrews 12:26-27, the author states, “And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, ‘Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.’

The Lord also says that He will “fill this house with glory” and that “the latter glory of this house will be greater than the former” (2:7, 9). Again there is some debate. How could Zerubbabel’s temple be greater in glory than Solomon’s? While Herod replaced this temple with more glorious buildings (the temple in Jesus’ time), this verse probably refers to the coming of Jesus into that temple. His presence made it even more glorious than Solomon’s Temple. In the Millennium, His presence as King of Kings and Lord of Lords will surpass the veiled glory of His first coming. In the new heavens and earth, there will be no temple, “for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (Rev. 21:22).

One of the most remarkable examples of a Christian persevering in the Lord’s work is that of William Wilberforce of England (1759-1833). He was converted in 1785. Two years later he gave notice in the House of Commons, where he served, that he would bring a motion for the abolition of the slave trade. This was a hugely lucrative business that brought much income into the British economy. The British plantations in the West Indies depended on slave labor for their profit. Owning slaves was a strong cultural institution. So it was an enormous task to undertake.

Numerous times Wilberforce’s life was threatened. There was political pressure to back down because of the international political ramifications. For example, if Britain outlawed slavery, the West Indian colonies threatened to declare independence from Britain and associate with the United States, which still allowed slavery. But in spite of all of these obstacles, Wilberforce persevered.

Finally, on March 25, 1807, after 20 years of setbacks, Wilberforce prevailed when the House voted to outlaw the slave trade. But the battle wasn’t over. Wilberforce battled on for the next 26 years, until his death, to abolish not only the slave trade, but also slavery itself. The decisive vote on that issue came on July 26, 1833, just three days before Wilberforce died. After 46 years of battle, slavery itself was outlawed in the British Empire.

But Wilberforce wasn’t just a one-issue man. He was also involved heavily in a number of missionary endeavors and in many social causes. He worked to alleviate harsh child labor conditions, for agricultural reform, prison reform, and the prevention of cruelty to animals. And he continually sought to win his colleagues to personal faith in Jesus Christ. (The above facts are taken from John Piper, The Roots of Endurance [Crossway Books], pp. 129-134).

Not many of us can rack up such a record! But we can persevere in whatever the Lord has given us to do for His kingdom. Just as the result of the people’s building the temple in Haggai’s day would bring more glory to God, so our obedience in building His spiritual temple, the church, will glorify Him. If you are discouraged in your service for the Lord, He wants to encourage you to persevere for His glory. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2003,

Sandra wife of Virjil .The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

Many of us may have had a good Father – child relationship. According to statistics, when a child is secure in a Father’s love, they grow up into healthy adults. They are secure and build healthy relationships. So now what? What are we deriving at? We have a greater parent. We have God the father. It’s like calling ourself the children of a king. Imagine if the Ambanis came one day to your house and said you are our son. I am writing my property in your name. What’s the feeling like? Definitely, you feel grateful for your earthly parents, but you also have a proud moment that, my father is no ordinary person but, he’s so rich and popular. It’s the same feeling. And then what if your parents said that they knew this all along and they were nurturing you under this rich man’s guidance. Wow!! You’d say why didn’t you tell me before. So today I am telling you that this is how our story is. We have a perfect dad. No blemish in him. He is wonderful.

A father and son went fishing one day. After a couple hours out in the boat, the boy suddenly became curious about the world around him. He asked his father, “How does this boat float?” The father thought for a moment, then replied, “Don’t rightly know, son.”

The boy returned to his contemplation, then turned back to his father, “How do fish breath underwater?” Once again the father replied, “Don’t rightly know, son.”

A little later the boy asked his father, “Why is the sky blue?” Again, the father replied. “Don’t rightly know, son.”

Worried he was going to annoy his father, he says, “Dad, do you mind my asking you all of these questions?” “Of course not son. If you don’t ask questions, you’ll never learn anything!”

But our Heavenly Father has all the answers to all our questions, complains, doubts and agony.

He calls us His children. He loves us.

Abba!

Jesus showed us that the Almighty God is our Abba Father! Our dear Papa! (Mark 14:36). The Holy Spirit lives in the heart of all of us who follow Jesus and he intercedes for us from deep within, crying out, “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15; Galatians 6:4).

Our image (concept) of God is the most important thing about us. It determines our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. Many people we talk with need healing in their image of God. Do you? Your answer to this question will tell you: Can you look back over your whole life and say, “My Father God has always been good to me.”? If not, your heart is hurting and your image of God needs healing.

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.  And by him we cry, `Abba, Father.’” (Romans 8:15)

“I will be a Father to you and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18 & 2 Samuel 7:14)

Acts 17:24-28

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation
that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’

Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live?

Galatians 4:5-7

so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

1.                                     We Are Called His Children

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)

1 John 3:1 See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.

Distorted Image of Fathers, it grieves God. He says come to me, look at me and I will show you what a real dad does. We bear the surname of God. Imagine if we had the surname of a very prominent figure, how would we carry ourselves? Eg. Gates, kapoors, etc. We are His inheritance. We have his name in us. This has greater responsibility on ourselves, on our conduct and our character. This guides us as to how we need to project ourself.

Matthew 23:9

“Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

Matthew 12:50

“For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

Mark 3:35

“For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother.”

Luke 8:21

But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

Romans 8:29

Verse Concepts

For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

Hebrews 2:11

Verse Concepts

For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Imagine what you’re life would be like if you completely trusted God as your loving Father. 

“[The Father] guarded him as the apple of his eye.” (Deuteronomy 32:10)

“A Father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing.”  (Psalm 68:5-6)

“O Lord you are our Father.  We are the clay, you are the potter; we are the work of your hands.” (Isaiah 64:8)

“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:8)

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)

“If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11)

“Your Father in heaven is not willing that any one of these little ones should be lost.”  (Matthew 18:14)

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him… But the father said to his servants, `Quick!  Bring the best robe and put it on him.  Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it.  Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:20b, 22-24)

2.                                     His Love Is Sacrificial

A little boy and his father were driving down a country road on a beautiful spring afternoon. Suddenly out of nowhere a bumblebee flew in the car window. Since the little boy was deathly allergic to bee stings he became petrified. His father quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it in his hand, and then released it. But as soon as he let it go, the young son became frantic once again as it buzzed by the little boy. The father sensed his son’s terror. Once again he reached out his hand, but this time he pointed to this hand. There, stuck in his skin was the stinger of the bee. “You see this?” he asked. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’ve taken the sting for you.” The Christian does not need to be afraid of death because Christ has taken the sting out of death and sin.

1 Corinthians 15:55-56: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.”

Ephesians 3:14

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

Romans 8:17

and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.

1 Peter 1:17

If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;

2 Samuel 7:13-14

“He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. “I will be a father to him and he will be a son to Me; when he commits iniquity, I will correct him with the rod of men and the strokes of the sons of men,

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.  For he chose us…. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his [children].” (Ephesians 1:3-5)

“Through [Christ] we… have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:18)

“[God is] the Father from whom all fatherhood derives its name.” (Ephesians 3:15)

3.                                     He Leaves The 99

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.” Matthew 18:12-14

Our Heavenly Father loves each of us like there is only one of us. This is probably the hardest concept to grasp when we first come to Christ. It’s hard to believe that with so many Christians in the world, God could have so much love for just one of us.

There are about 2.2 billion people in this world who identify as Christians that’s nearly one-third of the earth’s population! Now whether or not all of these people really know Jesus as their personal Savior is a whole other discussion but still, the Father loves us so much that He is willing to leave the entire flock in order to bring one of us back to Him!

4.                                     He Gives Us Good Gifts

Making God my father is the greatest and most crucial decision. We may not get what we desire many times, or what we think is good for me, for God knows what is good for me. I remember, the times when I have complained and grumbled that God didn’t do this for me or I am not this way. But when I look at others, I feel God has done the best for me, even better than all my friends. God the father, shows me a picture of an ideal father. Earthly father has been very harsh. They can be wicked and many times distort the image of a father. When we listen to him, OBEY him. At times we feel that, what we are doing is the right thing and we don’t listen to his voice and end up in a mess. Then we blame God, questioning him and doubting his love for us.

“Now to [the Father] who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)

5.                                     He Knows Before We Ask

Then why doesn’t he give it to us? Precisely because he knows what is good for us. Many times we hold a grudge and say that God doesn’t understand what I am going through. However, we would never know what he has protected us from for years together. It is not only physical danger that he protects us from but also spiritual danger. He cleanses us. Cleansing is not easy. It takes time effort. He renews our character.

“The Father will give you whatever you ask in [Jesus’] name.” (John 15:16)

6.                                     He Gives Us His Spirit

“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor

[or Comforter]

to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth.” (John 14:16)

Galatians 3:29

And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

Colossians 1:12

giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.

Titus 3:7

so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

7.                                     His Spirit Testifies To Our Spirit

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”  Romans 8:15-16

“Jesus answered, `I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me…. Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:6,9)

God’s fatherly relationship with Jesus implies four things.

First it implies authority. The father commands and disposes; the initiative which he calls his Son to exercise in resolute obedience to his Father’s will.

Second, it implies affection;

third, fellowship;

fourth, honour: God wills to exalt his Son.

All this extends to God’s adopted children. In, through, and under Jesus Christ their Lord, they are ruled, loved, accompanied, and honoured by their heavenly Father.

As Jesus obeyed God, so must they (1 John 5:1, 3). As God loved his only-begotten Son, so he loves his adopted sons (John 16:27). As God had fellowship with Jesus, so he does with us (1 John 1:3). As God exalted Jesus, so he exalts Jesus’ followers, as brothers and sisters in one family (John 12:32; 17:24).

In these terms the Bible teaches us to understand the shape and substance of the parent-child relationship which binds together the Father of Jesus and the servant of Jesus.

Our only responsibility or the way we reciprocate is to obey him. It shows that I trust him and have immense love.

Let’s pray.

Sandra wife of Virjil .The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

It’s been 73 years now , since we as a nation have received independence and we all are aware of  the sacrifices of our freedom fighters. It did not come free, lives have been lost. What is freedom? In  our neighbourhood, we have a house where they have pet birds . At times, I take Abisha to show these birds . The birds look  beautiful but they are in a cage . They get to eat , they are cleaned and they are taken proper care.

But they can’t do what they desire , they have been taken care, but they don’t have freedom.

What is freedom? Free will, No restrictions, I can do whatever I want.

Today we are going to look on the aspect of Physical Freedom , Spiritual freedom and What does it mean to have Freedom in Christ?

Let us look from the scripture, the freedom struggle. The freedom struggle to reach the promise Land.

1. Physical Freedom

The Israelites were slaves

A seven-year famine was responsible for God’s chosen people ending up in Egypt. Initially, they flourished under the leadership of Joseph, number two in charge of the country after Pharaoh. “Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt” (Exodus 1:8), and soon, “the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites” (Exodus 1:12). For the next several centuries the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians who “worked them ruthlessly” (Exodus 1:13).

In Exodus 12:40

⁴⁰ Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt^[b] was 430 years.

For 400+ years they are living in a land which was not theirs. What made them live there so long? What was stopping them from freedom?

1. Comfort –  They were too comfortable to move on
2. Power – They Egyptians may be too powerful for them
3. Unity – No Unity , Different people , different opinion

Let us look into our lives , What stops us being free from our Sins  / Sickness  / Bondages.

Our Comfort with our Sin / Wrong doings. We are so used to it, that we don’t feel anything wrong about our actions or ours Sins any more. We feel that there is nothing wrong in it.

The Power of Sin is too much , we try but we have failed to overcome.

Different opinions from different people and we compromise on our wrong doings.

God showcased his power and initiated the process of freedom

We see that God supernaturally initiates the process of freedom for his people.

1. River turned to blood.
2. God caused frogs to come up out of the Nile River.
3. The gnats were the third plague on the land of Egypt.
4. Big flies that swarmed into the houses of all the Egyptians.
5. Many of the cattle and sheep and goats of the Egyptians died.
6. Next, Moses and Aaron took some ashes and threw them into the air. They caused bad sores on the people and the animals. This was the sixth plague.
7. Moses raised his hand toward the sky, and Jehovah sent thunder and hail. It was the worst hailstorm that Egypt ever had.
8. Large swarm of locusts. Never before that time or since have there been so many locusts. They ate everything that the hail had not destroyed.
9. For three days thick darkness covered the land, but the Israelites had light where they were living.
10. God told his people to sprinkle the blood of a young goat or a young sheep on their doorposts. Then God’s angel passed over Egypt. When the angel saw the blood, he did not kill anyone in that house. But in all the houses where there was no blood on the doorposts, God’s angel killed the firstborn ones of both man and animals. This was the 10th plague.

After this last plague, Pharaoh told the Israelites to leave. God’s people were all ready to go, and that very night they started their march out of Egypt.

What do we get from all these plagues? That God is the freedom fighter for us. He can showcase this to the entire world, only for you and me. He fights our battles .

But during this process of freedom , there were so many doubts , questions . Why it took 40 years for them to reach the Promise Land, when actually it was a 11 day journey.

Are we postponing our journey with God ? Freedom can be achieved instantly when we make a decision to follow Christ and  live a life for Christ . God can demonstrate that for us as well.  God fights for our freedom.

This freedom is a physical freedom from relational break down , financial crisis , sickness, Job etc. He fights the battle for us if we believe and acknowledge him in our lives. We can face any challenges because its God who provides for all our physical needs.

2. Jesus Came to proclaim Spiritual Freedom

Let us read Luke 4 : 18

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
¹⁹     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”^[f]

Freedom from the prison of Sin, Death, Unbelief. And give us sight where we can see and believe in things which he has promised. He gave that freedom to us on the cross. He died for us so that we can have access to God. We didn’t have access because of our sins , but Jesus died for all our sins . And gave us freedom to worship our God, Speak to him face to face. This spiritual freedom is all about redeeming us from all our sins, bondages & curses. If we believe in him and his power , he can release that freedom to us and set us free from the chains.

3. Now we are going to look at “What does it mean to have Freedom in Christ”

Now again , let us look at the definition which we saw earlier

What is freedom ? Free will , No restrictions, I can do whatever I want.

Let us look at this scenario of Shepherd & Sheep.

A Shepherd grazing the sheep guides them on path which all of them have to follow . He does not allow the sheep to go anywhere they desire.

Let us take ourselves as sheep. Is it freedom ? Yes , It may NOT the be the freedom the world talks about , our friends talk about. It is freedom in Christ.

Freedom in Christ – the ability to obey God and choose His will for our lives.

When we talk about freedom , when we are in Christ we have restrictions. Sometimes to let go of our own desires and plans. Say no to the worldly patterns.

God has set us free, so that we can obey HIS will over OUR will.

Paul referenced this freedom in 1 Corinthians 10:23 when he acknowledged, ” ‘Everything is permissible’ — but not everything is beneficial.”

Our Decisions will be challenged by others but we can live in freedom because his plan holds our lives. In John 8:36

³⁶ So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

This Morning can we acknowledge God for all our physical needs . He has showed and he will demonstrate it to us even now that he can give us a breakthrough for our physical needs.

Can we acknowledge God for all our Spiritual needs. God sent his only begotten son for you and me so that we don’t perish but live eternal life. Can we trust him that he will set us free from all our sins / bondage?

Can we live a life of freedom in Christ ? acknowledging HIS will over OUR will in our lives? And we can celebrate the real freedom in Christ !!.

Virjil Selvan is Pastoring the New Hope Community. The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

“By perseverance the snail reached the ark.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.

The definition of perseverance means that they have a determined continuation in something with a steady and continued action of belief that occurs over a long period of time amongst and despite especially difficult circumstances. 

Perseverance is vital to growing in our faith, and God wants his people to persevere no matter what happens, so we have to learn how to overcome obstacles, difficulties, trials, and tribulation to experience victory in Christ.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer Rom 12: 12

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1: 12

What should be my posture while I am persevering?

Ephesians 6:18

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

I should be praying , asking God for wisdom and strength. Reading his word, asking for His guidance. It’s not only about waiting but it’s about projecting faith. Foresight of what can happen. Perseverance requires a lot of patience and presence of mind. We cannot give up in the state of patience. Take it to the Lord in prayer, when it becomes unbearable. God’ll work it out in different ways, beyond our imagination. Anger or frustration is only an act of distrust and impatience.

Proverbs 3:5-6

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

John 15:7

7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Ecclesiastes 9:11

11 I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

1 Corinthians 15:1

Take a stand, or take steps of faith. When we take a step towards God, he takes thousand for us. Perseverance is a way of telling God that I love you more than my situations, people or afflictions. I trust you will do it for me. Many times I simply tell God, that this is your will and I know that it is good for me and you will do it for me.

1 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand.

2 Corinthians 1:21

21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,

John 14:15

15 “If you love me, keep my commands.

Ephesians 6:11

11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

2 Peter 3:15

15 Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him.

Hebrews 6:11

11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized.

1 Timothy 4:1

1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.

John 6:40

40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

Luke 21:19

19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

Matthew 22:37-39

37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

What produces Perseverance?

Steadfastness (means firm and unwavering) Produces Perseverance

James 1:2-4, 12 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast (or perseveres) under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

The story is told that Andrew Jackson’s boyhood friends just couldn’t understand how he became a famous general and then the President of the United States. They knew of other men who had greater talent but who never succeeded. One of Jackson’s friends said, “Why, Jim Brown, who lived right down the pike from Jackson, was not only smarter but he could throw Andy three times out of four in a wrestling match. But look where Andy is now.” Another friend responded, “How did there happen to be a fourth time? Didn’t they usually say three times and out?” “Sure, they were supposed to, but not Andy. He would never admit he was beat — he would never stay ‘throwed.’ Jim Brown would get tired, and on the fourth try Andrew Jackson would throw him and be the winner.” Picking up on that idea, someone has said, “The thing that counts is not how many times you are ‘throwed,’ but whether you are willing to stay ‘throwed’.” We may face setbacks, but we must take courage and go forward in faith. Then, through the Holy Spirit’s power we can be the eventual victor over sin and the world. The battle is the Lord’s, so there is no excuse for us to stay “throwed”!

We need to focus on the goal that we are going to achieve by the end of it. This will help us to be steadfast. When we are aimless, we will only wander, about our situation. We need to make it into our lifestyle. It should come from within eventually.

Suffering Produces Perseverance

Romans 5:3-4 “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.”

2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 “Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring. This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.”

George Mallory was the famed mountain climber who may have been the first person ever to reach the top of Mount Everest. In the early 1920’s he led a number of attempts to scale the mountain, eventually being killed in the third attempt in 1924. Before that last and fatal attempt he had said “I can’t see myself coming down defeated.”

Mallory was an extraordinary climber, and nothing would force him to give up. His body was found in 1999, well preserved by the snow and ice, 27,000 feet up the mountain, just 2000 feet from the peak. Give up he did not. His body was found face down on a rocky slope, head toward the summit. His arms were extended high over his head. His toes were pointed into the mountain; his fingers dug into the loose rock, refusing to let go even as he drew his last breath. A short length of cotton rope – broken – was looped around his waist.

When those who had set up camp for Mallory further down the mountain returned to England a banquet was held for them. A huge picture of Mt Everest stood behind the banquet table. It is said that the leader of the group stood to be applauded, and with tears streaming down his face, turned and looked at the picture. “I speak to you, Mt Everest, in the name of all brave men living and those yet unborn” he said. “Mt Everest, you defeated us once; you defeated us twice; you defeated us three times. But Mt Everest, we shall someday defeat you, because you can’t get any bigger but we can.”

In 1953 two climbers, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzig Norgay, reached the top.

Source: Information reported in Seattle Times (Jan 16, 2000) and Illustrations Unlimited

After reading this story, I understand that suffering not only produces perseverance but it also produces disciples. We are able to influence people through our nature, and our character. We motivate others for achievement. When they look at how we have persevered, they feel encouraged to take steps of faith and endurance.

Endurance Produces Perseverance

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

2 Thessalonians 3:13

13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.

One day George Muller began praying for five of his friends. After many months, one of them came to the Lord. Ten years later, two others were converted. It took 25 years before the fourth man was saved. Muller persevered in prayer until his death for the fifth friend, and throughout those 52 years he never gave up hoping that he would accept Christ! His faith was rewarded, for soon after Muller’s funeral the last one was saved.

While enduring, we pray. We acknowledge that it is beyond my capacity to change anything and give God the space to make his will come through. When we nag God, we may end up in what we desire but it will not allow God’s will. We will push God for something which is not the best for us. However, that does not stop God from doing his will. He is sovereign. He will get someone else to do it for Him.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
Blessed is the man who trusts in The Lord, whose confidence is in him. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9

2 Timothy 2:12
If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us.

Hebrews 10:36
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Why Persevere?

It builds up my character. It enables me to be patient, sensitive, kind, forgiving, trusting, keep faith, and so on. It gives us a renewed strength. We are able to encourage others. We have a testimony in the end.

Example of an Oyester: It makes a pearl out of a sand particle, that irritates it. The oyster perseveres and finally what actually was a hindrance becomes so precious.

Romans 5:1-5
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ; through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope: and hope doesn’t disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

James 5:11
As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

But those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him.

James 1:2-4
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Rejoice in hope, endure in troubles and continue steadfastly in prayer. – Romans 12:12

It was the summer Olympics of 1992. It was the quarter finals of the 400 metre sprint. British athlete Derek Redmond was one of the favourites for the gold medal. A lifetime of training had brought him to this moment. The starters gun fired and the athletes burst out of the blocks.

Halfway through the race Derek Redmond was leading. Then disaster struck. His hamstring went and he collapsed on the track. The agony on his tear streaked face was both physical and mental. It was a crushing blow.

Medical attendants ran to assist him. Derek waved them away. He came to race and he was going to finish. He got to his feet and started hobbling down the track.

The crowd was mesmerised. Officials didn’t know what to do. And then an older man ran onto the track. He brushed off officials who tried to stop him. He ran up beside Derek and placed his arms around him.

The man was Derek Redmond’s father, Jim.

“You don’t have to do this son” Jim said.

“Yes I do” Derek replied.

“Then we’ll finish this race together” came the response from Derek’s father.

Arm in arm, with agony on Derek’s face, tears on his father’s, Derek and Jim continued down the track. Derek buried his face in his father’s shoulder. His father’s strong shoulders carried his son physically and emotionally. Jim waved away officials who tried to stop them.

Finally, accompanied by a now roaring crowd, standing on their feet and applauding, Derek Redmond crossed the line. It became the defining moment of the Barcelona Olympics.

Sandra wife of Virjil .The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

Overcoming Regret . Regret, as per our knowledge, is something that either we or others have messed up.

And we have to learn to overcome it and face it, as it is not going to stop following us.

• The ancient Israelites regretted having fled from Egypt as slaves and blamed Moses for their desert malaise.

(They said, Things were much better in Egypt when compared to the life they were living in the Desert)

• It is quite interesting, The American revolutionary spy Nathan Hale famously regretted “having but one life to give” for his new nation.

(He regretted that he has only one life to give for his nation)

• Steven Jobs — regretted in a final interview that he had not been closer to his four children
• Missing a train – if we get late we regret that we should have got up a bit early in the morning.

And we can add our stories of Regret

Let us turn our bibles to .(Phil 3:13)

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul says that , he forgets what lies behind but he stretches forward to what lies ahead.

                                                      Different ways we Regret:

1. Regret of our past actions:

We regret of some decisions or actions of our past where it is NOT completely forgotten.

It’s like we are reminded of it again and again.

2. Regret of something which we could have done better :

There are things which we feel that, we should have done better. May be its an interview, choices, exams etc

3. Regret of someone else’s Actions:

It is not our action or decision or choices, it is someone’s behaviour which really makes us sad and we regret about it.

4. Regret of something which others could have done better:

We have expectations from others and if those expectations does not meet, then there is a regret.

5. Regret of unforeseen Circumstances:

Circumstances which we never expected. Loss of lives or jobs and there is a vacuum in our heart  and we regret of those circumstances.

With all these we have to remind ourselves that

“We can’t change the past but we can ruin the present by worrying about the future”

It is our natural tendency to Regret when we read even God regretted

Genesis 6:6

• ⁶ The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.

I don’t sulk about my regret. Instead I lay that behind and work on what lies ahead.

Should I regret?   3 STEPS

Yes , it is a very good place to be in, as many times we DON’T Acknowledge our Past, but we need to Admit our failures, Change our Course. It is an act of Repentance.

It is an act of Acceptance and Acknowledge the realistic FACT and not the opinion.

Acts 22:20

²⁰ And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’

Paul talks about the killing of Stephen and he says that he is the one who is responsible for his killing. I need to acknowledge my decision, choices, action. Because many times we don’t even acknowledge our mistakes. It is the conviction, which only God can bring, that we need to be open to accept.

Secondly, we need to

Admit our failures and NOT blame:

Genesis 3:12

¹² The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.”

We blame circumstances, situations but not the decisions we have taken.

Thirdly we need to Change our Course:

We may acknowledge our decisions or actions, we may admit our failures but, if we don’t change the course then it is useless.

We repeat the same thing again and again

Let us look at the lives of 2 disciples

1. Peter: Realized that he was forgiven by the grace of God

LUKE 22:59-62

59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Peter tells Jesus that he would lay down his life for his Lord. Jesus responds by telling him that on that very night Peter would deny three times even knowing the Lord. Later that night, out of fear of losing his own life, Peter denied even knowing Jesus. After Peter’s denial of Christ, “he went outside and wept bitterly”

Peter must have lived with much shame and regret over his public denial of Christ, his deepened understanding of the person and work of Christ overcame his feelings of failure. He realized that he was forgiven by the grace of God, and he moved past his personal regret. It was Peter who was part of transfiguration. He was with Moses and Elijah

2. Judas: Stuck with the course

What is the difference between both of them?

Peter’s deepened understanding of the person and work of Christ overcame his feelings of failure.

This is what we have to learn . Over all our regrets , our deepened understanding of the person and work of Christ can overcome our feelings of failure. This is the only way to get out of it. Can we trust God over our failures this morning? Lets pray.

Virjil Selvan is Pastoring the New Hope Community. The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

Forgiveness, There’s a Spanish story of a father and son who had become estranged. The son ran away and the father set off to find him. He searched for months but to no avail. Finally, in a last desperate effort to find him, the father put an ad in a Madrid newspaper. The ad read: “Dear Paco, meet me in front of this newspaper office at noon on Saturday. All is forgiven. I love you. Your Father.” On Saturday, 800 Pacos showed up, looking for forgiveness and love from their fathers. (Bits & Pieces, October 15, 1992, p. 13).

Many times we are so filled with unforgiveness that we cannot see the good in others. As we know it is very difficult to forgive because of all the hurt that we have gone through. However, when Peter asks how many times we should forgive, Jesus says, seventy seven times. I guess many times we ask, out of frustration rather, we ask God how many times should I forgive. God replies, seventy seven times. The funny part to it is that, when we forgive from within, we don’t keep record, according to 1Cor 13, love keeps no record of wrong. So in other words, when we forgive, we cannot keep counting that this number one, number two, etc. of forgiveness. That also, means we have not forgiven genuinely.

Are we struggling to forgive ourself?

Forgiving ourself would be pretty difficult too. When we realize that we have done something that can’t be rectified, or turned around. We try our best to pacify ourselves with good works, buying gifts for people we have hurt, and who actually didn’t deserve it. Sometimes our decision can be drastic like self harm for letting others down. We feel, how could I do this to such a loving person.

Maybe you are curious about God’s forgiveness…wondering if he could forgive you for something you regret.

Micah 7:18-19

18 Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. 19 You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.

Isaiah 43:25-26

25 “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. 26 Review the past for me, let us argue the matter together; state the case for your innocence

Isaiah 1:18

18 “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 103:10-14 – He has not punished us as we deserve for all our sins, for his mercy toward those who fear and honor him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far away from us as the east is from the west. He is like a father to us, tender and sympathetic to those who reverence him. For he knows we are but dust.

Hebrews 8:12 – For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 – Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Luke 23:34 – As he hung on the cross – “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Forgiving Others: What is my Action or how should I behave?

I need to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger. I need to show forgiveness, not forgetting how much God has forgiven us. My behaviour and action is testimony for many. As a psychologist, I have seen that most of the mental and emotional issues are because of pent up feelings, lies and deception. It is always better to get things cleared. The most important and crucial part of our life, is COMMUNICATION. The enemy always attacks our communication. Between a spouse, children and parents, between friends, etc. Every relationship is based on healthy communication. The moment bitterness and unforgiveness seeps in, we stop communicating and that is the time when the enemy builds a small house in our heart, making it worse. Building bricks of lies and deception. Every action of the other person seems to be hurting. We put on the glasses of unforgiveness.

There are times when we shut the voice of God also. We hear ourself and believe that we are right. We dwell in self pity. We encourage gossip and will speak to only those people who would entertain self pity. It’s a cycle, if not broken, then will lead to massive outcomes which are destructive in nature. We need to seek help immediately. We need to listen to God and our disciplers. Forgive as Jesus forgave. He forgave us, while we were still sinners. He cried out to God saying, Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Easier said than done.

Ephesians 4:31-32 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Luke 17:3-4

3 So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”

Mark 11:25 – And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

Colossians 3:13 – Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13

Matthew 6:12 – From the Lord’s Prayer – “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.                                                                                                              Matthew 6:14-15

How should we live then? Practical Forgiveness

We live peaceably and in harmony. We need not overcome evil with evil. We need to understand the other person’s perspective. In what state of mind they are?

There was a king who had suffered much from his rebellious subjects. But one day they surrendered their arms, threw themselves at his feet, and begged for mercy. He pardoned them all. One of his friends said to him, “Did you not say that every rebel should die?”

“Yes,” replied the king, “but I see no rebels here.”

Romans 12:18-21 – If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.  To the contrary, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

It is not easier to forgive people who have hurt us. When we look at them, we feel the rage coming back again. How about Jesus? When he looks at us do you think he feels angry or loved. Gladystain’s daughter said forgiveness is a nature that every Christian should have. If we are called the children of God, then, also need to carry his being, his nature of forgiveness.

Without forgiveness, every relationship dies. There is no hope. We need to consciously keep forgiving and ask the Holy Spirit to help us.

Matthew 5:39-41 – But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well, and if someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

Proverbs 17:9 – Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.

Luke 6:35-36 -But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Proverbs 10:12 – Hatred stirs old quarrels, but love overlooks insults.

General Oglethorpe once said to John Wesley, “I never forgive and I never forget.” To which Wesley replied, “Then, Sir, I hope you never sin.” (Source unknown).

God takes heed into our brokenness. There are times when we are speechless, and cry out from our heart, that only if someone could understand us. There are times when issues have gone beyond our control, and we have fallen prey to enemies deception, through misunderstandings and false interpretations, as well as assumptions. There’s still hope. The hope is Holy Spirit. He will enable us to forgive even in the most difficult of situations.

John 14:26-27 – But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

1 Peter 5:7 – Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.

Philippians 4:13 – For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

2 Corinthians 12:9 – Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take

Intercessory Forgiveness

We need to ask pardon for others also. There are times when others hurt us unknowingly. We need to ask God to forgive them too. Like an unbelieving family member, nation, government. God releases forgiveness and heals.

Numbers 14:19-21

19 In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” 20 The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. 21 Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth,

Matthew 26:28

28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Acts 3:19

19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,

Ephesians 1:7

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

2 Corinthians 5:17

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Colossians 1:13-14

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

GOLD.

—All you have got to do is to prove that you are a sinner, and I will prove that you have got a Saviour.

—Do you believe the Lord will call a poor sinner, and then cast him out? No! his word stands forever, “Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out.”

—If God put Adam out of this earthly Eden on account of one sin, do you think He will let us into the Paradise above with our tens of thousands sins upon us.

—The only charge they could bring against Christ down here was, that He was receiving bad men. They are the very kind of men He is willing to receive.

—”Lord, you don’t really mean that we shall preach the Gospel to those men that murdered you, to those men that took your life?” “Yes,” says the Lord, “go and preach the Gospel to those Jerusalem sinners.” I can imagine Him saying: “Go and hunt up that man that put the cruel crown of thorns upon My brow, and preach the Gospel to him. Tell him he shall have a crown in My kingdom without a thorn in it.”

Sandra wife of Virjil . The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

One day an employee was so dissatisfied with his boss, since he worked for 10 years in his organization and did not get promoted, whereas, someone who recently joined the organization got promoted. So he schedules a meeting with his boss and discusses his displeasure. While discussing the boss tells the employee that his wife needs an iPhone and whether, he can do some research to find out which one to buy. So he goes, and when he is doing his research he notices that there are different models of phone with different price range , so he comes to his boss and asks him the price range and then again he comes back and asks for colour and it goes on and on … Then the boss calls the employee who was promoted and puts the same question before him that his wife wants to buy an iPhone and if he could suggest one, so he goes does his research about the price , different range , colour, configuration and gives the list to the boss. The boss replies back to his old employee that this is called smart work.

In our professional world, we get rewards, recognition, and praise when we perform better than others. Where we have done something extra ordinary. The best example is during our annual appraisals. We are rewarded according to our performance and our work , our behaviour , our attitude , our knowledge , smart work etc.

But God’s grace works in a different way.

What is God’s grace: unmerited favor and mercy

That is unmerited favour and grace. When Adam and eve sinned, they were naked. God chose to kill an animal and used that skin to cover Adam and Eve. He showed mercy to them even though they deserved punishment but God let them Go with a promise that no one will be able to kill them.

It is unmerited , GOD DID NOT BLESS THEM OR PROVIDE FOR THEM LOOKING AT WHAT THEY DID. There was nothing, which deserved this reward but he showed grace on them.

The people of God are not the product of natural human developments but results of God’s sovereign and gracious intrusion in human history.

He chose Jacob over Esau. As per our understanding it should be ESAU, because the first born gets all the blessings. And also he was more skilled than Jacob. Isaac took Esau to train him, make him a warrior.

But God chose Jacob even before he was born.

He chose his disciples who were ordinary men, who took time to understand simple Parables. Few of them were fishermen not well educated like others. They were not the people who knew in and out of Torah .

He chose a shepherd boy David instead of his brothers, who were already in Saul’s Army.

It is unmerited, none of them deserved to be in the place where they were, and even to us, it is unmerited, where we are today.

Therefore, the Grace of God is unmerited favour and mercy.

Today we are going to look at, how we are going to depend on this Grace?

What does it mean to depend on God’s Grace?

Before that can we look at, how can we, not depend on the Grace of God?

When we look at others, we become like them:  We live in a competitive world and we see others are climbing the ladder faster than us, using their ways or means and we want to use the same method which works or has worked for them. It’s like this, if I don’t follow that, I will be left behind.

It’s tempting to follow the ways of the world and achieve it . This is the only way it will work.

Self Efforts :  Efforts more than Grace . Efforts can earn Favor.  Many times we quote this “that the battle is ours but the victory comes from the Lord and we need to BE PREPARED for the battle”.

So while preparing , we become panic , frustrated  when our efforts go in vain. Many times we regret because of our efforts which did not produce fruit.

In 1 Samuel 17 :47

⁴⁷ All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

Take it granted : It is the other way around where we always say that God will help.  We take it granted and we don’t even try.

How to I depend on his Grace

¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

1 Corinthians 15:10

Acknowledge : I AM WHAT I AM only by Grace. Its God’s favour and mercy in my life. Acknowledge when we have tasted success. Its not me but God.

Trust God : We need to trust God that his favour will rest upon us.  Trust in his promises

if we are a child of God, the problem is not you, it’s not about depending upon yourself, but learning to patiently depend upon God’s grace.

How can we completely forget the Grace of God

Pride can be a major factor where we can completely miss the Grace of God.

There is an attitude called “I deserved it” which does not come out upright. But there is a subtle feeling. Which develops over a period of time and that can be deceptive.

Lucifer was overthrown from heaven because of pride. He thought, he can become God. A feeling ‘I deserve it’. I am better.

It can happen at workplace, at Church, where we look at the other person and say to us that ‘I am better’.

Why I am sharing this is because, this is what we are always going to see at churches, workplaces.

As we have observed earlier, God does not place people and give position as per human standards. It is all because of his grace. (Unmerited favour and mercy)

Most of the time we will see ourselves better than others. so Humble ourselves.

The best example is when we look at the cross. God sent his only son for all of us. It is amazing Grace. We can depend on this Grace forever.

Virjil Selvan is Pastoring the New Hope Community. The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

Seeking God, I was looking for a glass-fronted bookshelf, and decided I might save myself some time and petrol if I used the internet instead of my car. But results, I discovered, are often more than a little perplexing. On one website, the page was headed: “Products Matching ‘Glass Front Bookshelf.'” Naturally, I was hoping to find glass-fronted bookshelves. Instead, out of the twelve possible items for me to select from, there was a vacuum cleaner, an outdoor gazebo, a cello, retractable crowd control barriers, sports bags, a multi-purpose ladder, a baby carriage, and a motorised folding arm awning. God is much more reliable. His promise is that we will find Him, if we search for Him with all our hearts. (Jeremiah 29:13)

Many times we believe that we have found God if we have got what we have desired. It’s not like that. We ought to seek God in all situations. We will find him even when we have not got what we desire.

It’s true that God waits for us like a father waiting for the prodigal to come home but what was the response of the prodigal? It was to seek His father, run to him.

²⁹ But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 4:29

This particular verse speaks about finding God with all our heart and with all our soul.

What is seeking God with my heart? Or when do I search something with all my heart? It talks about an intense desire to see God.  This passion to know Him, surpasses all my other intentions. I chose to sacrifice or give up all that is less important just to get this glimpse.

There are many other verses that speak about seeking God with all our heart.

and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure, Proverbs 2:4

Very precisely, the above verse mentions about hidden treasure. That’s where our heart is always. This treasure could be my family, work, money, children, emotional needs, Cleanliness, etc. How about making God this treasure?

The bible says, But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33

Amazing truth. However, my intention shouldn’t be to get this, I will seek Him but instead it should be that I will seek Him, even if I don’t get this for He is worth more treasures in the world.

Other verses which mentions about seeking God with our heart:

¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.^[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:12-14

But how do I seek God with all my heart?

We need to call on him

Come to him

Pray to him

Call him for forgiveness, call him for repentance and call him to give Him your life. Calling him does not mean that he is not with me or is not listening to me. God is omnipresent. He is with us all the time. We call him for a relationship. We take the initiative and show the desire to love Him. We call people only when we feel they are important.

I love those who love me,
and those who seek me find me. Proverbs 8:17

One thing I have understood is that you cannot fool God. He knows my heart. He understands my in depth plea. He can see what others cannot see. That’s the beauty of Loving God and running to Him.

We need to come to him. Leave all our baggage and run to him. He is a Father who waits for us. We need not be ashamed or dismayed when we come to him. He is the same God who made Adam and Eve in their nakedness and He is the same today who see us in our wretchedness.

⁹ “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

¹¹ “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for^[a] a fish, will give him a snake instead? ¹² Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? ¹³ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him Luke 11:9, Matthew 7:7-11

In other words, we pray. We seek His face. When we pray, it’s communicating with God. We pray with our mind and soul because the bible says, love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and soul. We can seek God any moment, any place and any time. I love praying and many times, I miss those days, when I used to spend hours together in the prayer tower. It was one of an experience.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess 5: 16 – 18

I’ve told this story before too, shared it on BBC Radio 2, and include a shortened version here because it will always be one of my favourite ‘finding God in unexpected places’ stories. It happened to Ali, who I met when she started visiting our Friday night prayer group. Ali soon became a friend, and started praying herself.

Ali loved visiting antique shops. One day while browsing one, she came across a beautiful old Singer-style sewing machine—the manual kind, mounted on a table with a foot pedal. When she saw it she whispered a simple prayer: ‘God, I’d love something like that for my place.’

The Bible portrays God as a gift-giving God. But there’s a big difference between praying for a need and praying for an antique sewing machine, don’t you think? Ali wasn’t praying for food, safety, or even divine forgiveness. Her request was a child-like wish to a God she was just becoming acquainted with. I’m not even sure how serious her prayer was.

A couple of days later, Ali was walking out her front door on her way to work when she saw a pile of junk by the roadside. She stopped, stunned. There in the rubbish stood an old Singer-style sewing machine—the manual kind, mounted on a table with a foot pedal. On it hung a sign that said:

“Perfect condition—please take.”

Sandra wife of Virjil . The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.

What is Evangelism?

The spreading of the gospel by public preaching or personal witness.

Also evangelism is the commitment to, or act.

Whenever I use the word evangelism which is in my below message. You should remind yourself that I need to be a witness. That sounds good? Yeah

Why it is so important? And what is my commitment towards it?

Evangelism is suffering and we hardly see that happening. I am also talking to myself and believe it is true for you as well.

God showed his love by sending Jesus who showcased God’s love for his creation and brought renewed hope for all of us, that we can directly access God . He gave a gift of salvation for all of us that whoever believes in him, repents and loves God (i.e. I will sin no more, I will trust him unconditionally) receives salvation.

So after we have received the Hope and a promise of eternal life, what is next for us? Should I be happy with that, and live a successful life and call it as a success? As we attend church, mid week groups, we love Gospel songs, we love to pray, love to read the word and we love to be with a bunch of fellow Christians.

Is that Evangelism?

No, it contradicts with what Jesus taught his disciples. After Jesus was resurrected and before he ascended to heaven what does he command to his disciples?

The Great Commission

¹⁶ Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. ¹⁷ When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

So , the background is this ?Jesus was born , he taught about God’s love and brought salvation  for everyone and he called 12 men who were his disciples. He invested heavily on them. He taught them, loved them, corrected them and he died for them as well.

When Jesus was alive, the Gospel did not spread across the globe. What is Gospel? It is the message of Salvation. The Gospel spread across the globe only after Jesus was ascended into heaven.

And it was the disciples who took the Gospel across the globe, to you and me . You know why?

Because they did not live their entire life in Phase 1.

Phase 1 (SAVED) of the life of disciples were spent with Jesus i.e they were lost and one day Jesus called them to follow and they followed him.

And the same thing was for us. we were in the darkness, Jesus called us and saved us. BUT

Phase 2 (CALLED) of the disciples lives were more significant than phase 1. The gospel reached across the globe. How that happened? It was all about EVANGELISM, it changed everything.

The disciples lived only 3 years with Jesus but the rest of their lives they lived in EVANGELISM.

EVANGELISM is a heartbeat of God. And the promise which God gave them and us was All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me

What has gone wrong with us? Evangelism is going out of our limits / capacity to witness among our friends / neighbours / Unknown people.

Because we are happy to live our entire life in Phase 1: Most of us including me, we are happy to live in phase 1. It is like the feeling of heaven, were we can see his face , we experience our salvation everyday. (i.e Lord , I am a sinner , you have saved me experience) .

It is ok if we live our life in phase 1, but it is not enough.

Jesus not only came to SAVE us, but he CALLED us as well, for the Great Commission.

The way he called the disciples, the same way he has called you and me as well.

Tell your neighbour “I am not only saved but also called for the Great Commission”

There are two ways we can do Evangelism (You can add your own ways for evangelism as well)

Intentional Evangelism :

It is trying intentionally. Creating a way for evangelism. Just want to share a short story. I know even you may have loads of stories like this. Sandra and myself decided that we will opt for a first class pass for travelling to our respective workplaces. In reality, we did not need it, because, when we travel , we avoid the peak hour crowd and we usually get a seat in Second class. But we decided that we will opt for first class where we won’t have that much crowd and also, we will get time and space to interact with others. And the money which we spent for both of us was quite significant. We made lot of friends.

We opted for it intentionally , sometimes I miss trains to meet intentionally.

Unintentional evangelism

Unintentional means , we don’t have to wait for a specific day or occasion . It becomes a life style.

It’s like the way we witness, it becomes our life style. The conversation which we have is inclusive of personal witnessing.

The need of the Church and our Nation is personal witness of who is Jesus and what he has done.

The prayer walk  is evangelism asking God for an opening . The church is for evangelism where we invite our friends in . Our work in hostels  / colleges / townships is for evangelism.

Few reasons we are not able to evangelise

1. Still in phase one of SAVED

We are still in SAVED phase and we are very happy with it and we don’t feel that we are responsible for the great commission. We feel it is others responsibility not mine.

2. Engrossed with own personal issues / problems

We are so engrossed with our own personal problems that we have hardly anytime even to think of witnessing to others.

3. Fear / No Time (Practical difficulty)

There is fear and no time practically may be because of the hectic schedule or work pressure, family commitments etc. This practical challenges stop us to be witness.

Ways to evangelise

1. We reiterate our commitment over and over again.

We have to remind ourselves that we are Called to be a witness

2. Believing in the Authority which is given to us. (The Authority is given to us)

God has already given the grace to us to be witness. It is just our initial step of faith which matters and believing in the authority which God has given us.

Let us look from the scriptures passage which talks about evangelism.

John 4: 1-42

Jesus Talks With a Samaritan Woman

4 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— ² although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. ³ So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

⁴ Now he had to go through Samaria. ⁵ So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph.⁶ Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

⁷ When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” ⁸ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

⁹ The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.^[a])

¹⁰ Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

¹¹ “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? ¹² Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

¹³ Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

¹⁵ The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

¹⁶ He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

¹⁷ “I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband.¹⁸ The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

¹⁹ “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. ²⁰ Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

²¹ “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. ²² You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. ²³ Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. ²⁴ God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

²⁵ The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

²⁶ Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

The Disciples Rejoin Jesus

²⁷ Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

²⁸ Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ²⁹ “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” ³⁰ They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

³¹ Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

³² But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”

³³ Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”

³⁴ “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. ³⁵ Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. ³⁶ Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. ³⁷ Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. ³⁸ I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

Many Samaritans Believe

³⁹ Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” ⁴⁰ So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. ⁴¹ And because of his words many more became believers.

⁴² They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

Jesus interacts with the Woman and he interacts with her intentionally and we all know the story. In return, this Samaritan woman goes back and testifies about Jesus. We read in verse 39 that the entire town believed in Jesus because of the Samaritan Women’s testimony.

This is amazing, she testified what she heard, and the results was the entire town believed the women’s testimony.

Friends, in verse 35

³⁵ Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

God asks us to open and see the fields. The fields are the places where we spend most of our time. Maybe for few of us it is our workplace or Homes, Schools, Colleges, bus / train / cab in which we travel, this can go on and on.

To be a witness is the heartbeat of God. Are you ready to move in Phase 2 of our life that is we are Called for the Great Commission?

Virjil Selvan is Pastoring the New Hope Community. The New Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that New Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.