Today the sermon was given by a guest named Sumesh Jacob. Sumesh is a youth chaplin in CMA (I guess) and was in MX which he left. He was a classmate of Pastor Andrew. It was an interesting sermon, he gave. To be honest somehow I have always liked sermon of guest speakers than of KMC pastor's. May be because of me listening to them so often that I have got used to their style. Anyways, moving on to the sermon...
The importance of resurrection in 21st century. The grave is significant because it is empty. What is their of the resurrection which happened centuries ago. In the ever changing world of today what is its meaning. What have we already become due to the empty grave. And now what should be done because of it. The rising of Christ on death is the foundation oh Church today. (Romans 6:3-11) helps us realize that we already been raised in Christ. This realization is so vital to understand what we have already become if we believe in death and resurrection. Our life is hidden in Christ with God. In this ever changing world we tend to forget. It may be invisible to world and yourself that our salvation is secure and safe as once and for all a perfect sacrifice has been made.
Great preachers have been spreading the word of God. After one of the conference was over a preacher was packing his bag. A young man came to him and said that he wants to accept Christ and he was unable to do so in conference as he was shy. The preacher replied 'Too late ..Too late'. This young man was shocked and felt desperate. Then the preacher continued that 'You are too late by 2000 years now in order to accept Christ we have to just believe'
We should keep our thought on thing above and look at life in God's perspective. We should interact with world. Those with are heavenly minded the most are of greatest earthly use. We should continue to strive for setting our heart and mind daily on God in this ever changing world. We should concentrate on the word in this materialistic world. In super market if we see something beautiful we tend to want to have the thing even though its not a necessity. Same way its difficult to concentrate on Gods word. Our vision is so focused on earthly things we tend to overlook and forget heavenly things. Our morals and ethics must change, our life must make a difference by letting in Christ. How can this be possible with various weaknesses and struggle. Lord understand this problem of ours and that is why we are not alone in this world. We need not be discouraged and distressed. The reward is the promise that we will be with Him when He appears. That is the hope, that is the future. We should recognize what we have become and remind ourselves to strive daily.
The short and sweet sermon was ended by a beautiful rendition of the song Things we leave behind . His sermon was exotic and was topped by his deep baritone and amazing singing. I enjoyed it to the last minute and wish some day you all will also be able to listen to him
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
13/4/2008: Koramangala Methodist Church, Bangalore: Speaker: Pastor Andrew: Theme: Life Beyond Grave
I am little late in updating my post because of the time which I was unable to get. So sincere apologies to those who are following my Sunday Church experience. The passage for meditation was 1 Corinthians:15:50-58.
Pastor Andrew started with a little tale to humour and set the tone of his sermon. A man always use to sleep when a pastor preached. So one day a pastor thought of doing something different so that from the next time onwards at least this person would make an effort to keep awake. So when this man slept the pastor shot a question and said very softly that all those who wants to go to heaven stand up. The congregation except this man stoop up. Then he shouted all those who want to go to hell stand up. Then this man who was sleeping woke up in a hurry stood up. This man was puzzled and he then said to the pastor that I don't know what are we voting for but it seems that only me and you are in favour of it :)
Now the rest of the sermon went like this.
Some of the churches in Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:12) did not believe in resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:35) Some of the churches stopped believing in the resurrection of the dead. Churches in Corinth became materialistic and lost view of the future. (Mark 12:8) Jesus encountered those who did not believe in resurrection. They believed in life now and enjoying that life to the fullest. (Isaiah 38:18) They believed but not in the same way as it is to be believed. Today one of the major religion believes in the concept of reincarnation. Moksha is a higher state of and for the spirit. Marxist believe that the concept of life after death is what the rich propagate. The soul escapes the body which is evil (in some beliefs). Some said that the holy spirit is enough and they did not look at the future. (1 Corinth 15:50-58) Paul says we shall be transformed. Focus is on two type of people : one who is dead an the other who is alive in Christ. (1 Corinth 15:42) Paul says the phenomenon will happen when Jesus arrives. Those dead and those alive will undergo change. Spiritual body will undergo transformation. How is the spiritual body attainable (1 Corinth 15:45). Jesus is the life giving spirit. Flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom of God. The holy spirit in power will resurrect us in spiritual life and give us a spiritual body. Body will be under full control and will be under the dominion of the holy spirit. Paul is talking about it being a mystery. New testament reveals plenty of things. It has answers because of Jesus Christ. When will the transformation happen ? It will happen in a split of time. (Revelation 11:15) The seven angel will sound the trumpet. Some of us are not believers. All of us will be raised but not in the same way as one images Jesus, But all will not enter the kingdom of God. This morning the Lord is calling you that 'I will give you the spiritual life'. the incorruptible is a body which God gives to each one of us. The sting (sin) is taken out from the bee (death) because of grace of God. Death drives its power from sin. When Jesus rose it lost its power. We sing doxology which is the doxology of the early Church as a sign of victory over death. Some may have come to church today from conflicting situation but God says 'Come to me'. Paul talks about steadfast heart. We should always work for and towards the kingdom of God. Our heart should perceive with the knowledge that its labour in Lord is not in vain. this morning the resurrection phenomenon is inevitable. We need to get involve in the kingdom of God. I believe in resurrection by faith. Do You??? Faith sees the way, faith sees light, faith is what we need to exercise.
Nice sermon I would have to say :)
Pastor Andrew started with a little tale to humour and set the tone of his sermon. A man always use to sleep when a pastor preached. So one day a pastor thought of doing something different so that from the next time onwards at least this person would make an effort to keep awake. So when this man slept the pastor shot a question and said very softly that all those who wants to go to heaven stand up. The congregation except this man stoop up. Then he shouted all those who want to go to hell stand up. Then this man who was sleeping woke up in a hurry stood up. This man was puzzled and he then said to the pastor that I don't know what are we voting for but it seems that only me and you are in favour of it :)
Now the rest of the sermon went like this.
Some of the churches in Corinth (1 Corinthians 15:12) did not believe in resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:35) Some of the churches stopped believing in the resurrection of the dead. Churches in Corinth became materialistic and lost view of the future. (Mark 12:8) Jesus encountered those who did not believe in resurrection. They believed in life now and enjoying that life to the fullest. (Isaiah 38:18) They believed but not in the same way as it is to be believed. Today one of the major religion believes in the concept of reincarnation. Moksha is a higher state of and for the spirit. Marxist believe that the concept of life after death is what the rich propagate. The soul escapes the body which is evil (in some beliefs). Some said that the holy spirit is enough and they did not look at the future. (1 Corinth 15:50-58) Paul says we shall be transformed. Focus is on two type of people : one who is dead an the other who is alive in Christ. (1 Corinth 15:42) Paul says the phenomenon will happen when Jesus arrives. Those dead and those alive will undergo change. Spiritual body will undergo transformation. How is the spiritual body attainable (1 Corinth 15:45). Jesus is the life giving spirit. Flesh and blood will not inherit the kingdom of God. The holy spirit in power will resurrect us in spiritual life and give us a spiritual body. Body will be under full control and will be under the dominion of the holy spirit. Paul is talking about it being a mystery. New testament reveals plenty of things. It has answers because of Jesus Christ. When will the transformation happen ? It will happen in a split of time. (Revelation 11:15) The seven angel will sound the trumpet. Some of us are not believers. All of us will be raised but not in the same way as one images Jesus, But all will not enter the kingdom of God. This morning the Lord is calling you that 'I will give you the spiritual life'. the incorruptible is a body which God gives to each one of us. The sting (sin) is taken out from the bee (death) because of grace of God. Death drives its power from sin. When Jesus rose it lost its power. We sing doxology which is the doxology of the early Church as a sign of victory over death. Some may have come to church today from conflicting situation but God says 'Come to me'. Paul talks about steadfast heart. We should always work for and towards the kingdom of God. Our heart should perceive with the knowledge that its labour in Lord is not in vain. this morning the resurrection phenomenon is inevitable. We need to get involve in the kingdom of God. I believe in resurrection by faith. Do You??? Faith sees the way, faith sees light, faith is what we need to exercise.
Nice sermon I would have to say :)
Friday, April 18, 2008
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Sunday, April 13, 2008
6/4/2008: Koramangala Methodist Church, Bangalore: Theme: Life after Death
The speaker this day was Pastor H. Mathew and if you are following this particular label then you must have known by now that I am not a big fan of his sermon. Still here is what I got that day.
The passage for this day was 1 Corinthians:15:35-49. Here is what the pastor had to say for this passage and theme.
Life beyond Grave is a peculiar and strange for a topic. In times of trouble like death, sorrow, loss or many more we tend to ask why such a sorrow full thing is happening. An example of such times could gauged from the story of a professor who was having picnic with his family and during the process of enjoyment his son got washed away in the river flowing by and ultimately died. Such grave situation or experiences may cause us loose our faith and question the credibility of such events in our life. Another story which was then narrated by the pastor. A pastor went to a hospital and there was a sic lady who was full of questions. She asked that I may not be doing exactly what God might has been expecting of me and now on my deathbed I am seeking answer to the question whether God will accept me...He asked her to sit and discuss this and explain but the lady was in a hurry and was not able to give time to listen to what pastor had to say.... We know that is going to come to each and every one of us. Philosophers expounded by saying that death leads to extinction of our life. Others said death is disembodiment of our soul. The pure soul gets released from the evil body. Others believe in re-incarnation. In Christianity this understanding is somewhat different. There are different interpretation and beliefs of this topic within Christianity also. With death one goes to heaven. Other believe that confess and then you will go to heaven. The concept is well understood and discussed in the apostle creed. There are three things which this passage specifically talk about. Death leads to a life. Their is a continuity in death and after death and the linking chain is the seed. Secondly their is a continuity between present life and future life. The new life awarded will be completely different which is a hope of betterment we have. The death is not necessarily physical but could also be because of long suffering. Their is this promise of resurrection the body will then be incorruptible. New body will be glorious an it will be power full. Sown in weakness but raised in power. ... This is when my pen stopped working and could not write down anymore but the thing which I hate the most I had lost him long time before.
The passage for this day was 1 Corinthians:15:35-49. Here is what the pastor had to say for this passage and theme.
Life beyond Grave is a peculiar and strange for a topic. In times of trouble like death, sorrow, loss or many more we tend to ask why such a sorrow full thing is happening. An example of such times could gauged from the story of a professor who was having picnic with his family and during the process of enjoyment his son got washed away in the river flowing by and ultimately died. Such grave situation or experiences may cause us loose our faith and question the credibility of such events in our life. Another story which was then narrated by the pastor. A pastor went to a hospital and there was a sic lady who was full of questions. She asked that I may not be doing exactly what God might has been expecting of me and now on my deathbed I am seeking answer to the question whether God will accept me...He asked her to sit and discuss this and explain but the lady was in a hurry and was not able to give time to listen to what pastor had to say.... We know that is going to come to each and every one of us. Philosophers expounded by saying that death leads to extinction of our life. Others said death is disembodiment of our soul. The pure soul gets released from the evil body. Others believe in re-incarnation. In Christianity this understanding is somewhat different. There are different interpretation and beliefs of this topic within Christianity also. With death one goes to heaven. Other believe that confess and then you will go to heaven. The concept is well understood and discussed in the apostle creed. There are three things which this passage specifically talk about. Death leads to a life. Their is a continuity in death and after death and the linking chain is the seed. Secondly their is a continuity between present life and future life. The new life awarded will be completely different which is a hope of betterment we have. The death is not necessarily physical but could also be because of long suffering. Their is this promise of resurrection the body will then be incorruptible. New body will be glorious an it will be power full. Sown in weakness but raised in power. ... This is when my pen stopped working and could not write down anymore but the thing which I hate the most I had lost him long time before.
Monday, April 07, 2008
M _ _ _ _ _ _ O ???
Ugadi: Kannada New Year (I Hope I got the meaning right): 7th April 2008. Sitting...rather lazily lying on the bed. Wondering what to do. Suddenly something catches my attention. The one that catches my attention is so compelling that no human being would be able to ignore. And I think I still belong to the category termed as "homo sapiens" so my reaction was nothing different. But before I did what any of us would have done I overheard a song which one among them was singing. It was ....
We are special for we can fly..
We are special for we let no one pass by...
We are special cause we are the night bhai's..
We are special and our sixth letter is 'I'..
We love humans for they are good..
We love humans for they produce our food..
We love humans for not only they help us feed..
We love humans as they also help us breed..
Puddle of water is what we call as home..
After becoming adult we start to roam..
The food which we have is called blood..
Plenty of which is present in humans flood..
'M' is the first letter of our name..
'M' is the first letter of our fame..
Do not wonder as our fame is widely known..
Malaria is what I think, they call it in humans home..
We are envied by plenty on earth..
Casper, All OUT..Of which there is no dearth..
But today we do not worry much because of them..
As to fight the enemy we have genetically changed..
Stronger than before, Stronger than ever..
I move in stealth to satisfy my hunger..
I mock this human by buzzing around his ear...
And play a little as I have no fear..
After the fun I get down to business..
Choosing the perfect spot I drink to fullness..
In the state of drunkenness I then try to fly back...
I am the Mosquito I instill fear with my act...
Sometimes an exception may also occur..
If an overzealous brother drinks more than what human can suffer..
A swoooosh is all he will hear as his last..
As a hand or a newspaper will come down in hard..
A loss or two can always happen..
But we are the MOSQUITO we hit back with vengeance..
We overwhelm our enemies in great numbers..
We are the Mosquitoes we never grumble..
A bite of an insect is what brought me back to senses. Then went my hand in full force towards origin of pain only to result in a squashed mosquito as a revengeful gain.
We are special for we can fly..
We are special for we let no one pass by...
We are special cause we are the night bhai's..
We are special and our sixth letter is 'I'..
We love humans for they are good..
We love humans for they produce our food..
We love humans for not only they help us feed..
We love humans as they also help us breed..
Puddle of water is what we call as home..
After becoming adult we start to roam..
The food which we have is called blood..
Plenty of which is present in humans flood..
'M' is the first letter of our name..
'M' is the first letter of our fame..
Do not wonder as our fame is widely known..
Malaria is what I think, they call it in humans home..
We are envied by plenty on earth..
Casper, All OUT..Of which there is no dearth..
But today we do not worry much because of them..
As to fight the enemy we have genetically changed..
Stronger than before, Stronger than ever..
I move in stealth to satisfy my hunger..
I mock this human by buzzing around his ear...
And play a little as I have no fear..
After the fun I get down to business..
Choosing the perfect spot I drink to fullness..
In the state of drunkenness I then try to fly back...
I am the Mosquito I instill fear with my act...
Sometimes an exception may also occur..
If an overzealous brother drinks more than what human can suffer..
A swoooosh is all he will hear as his last..
As a hand or a newspaper will come down in hard..
A loss or two can always happen..
But we are the MOSQUITO we hit back with vengeance..
We overwhelm our enemies in great numbers..
We are the Mosquitoes we never grumble..
A bite of an insect is what brought me back to senses. Then went my hand in full force towards origin of pain only to result in a squashed mosquito as a revengeful gain.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Self Help : Guide to Make your life Miserable
This is not the post to be read by weak hearted...
Cause the truth may be too bitter which cannot be parted...
This could be story of you and me...
The question is whether you are as acceptable as me...
Even if you are random browser ...
Read on, for you may become a successful poser..
A sure shot way to achieve what the topic says..
A lifetime of achievement is what you may gain..
Live your life with utmost grace...
Choosing your step for everyone to phrase...
Work hard to be where you want to be..
Cause that's the only place you can imagine yourself to be..
Be short sighted in all your preparation...
And world will train you to have no other notion..
The first big success in you quest..
Would be to reach your chosen nest..
The moment you reach you will realize..
You have lived only a fourth of your life..
Wonder a lot what to do next...
But rather enjoy yourself as a pest..
Sooner or later the inevitable will happen...
The dream house on a quick sand will get broken...
Left alone to fend on your own..
Now think the world as your own..
Move on to place on the world map...
Thinking it as a city which must not be taking naps..
Work as if there is no tomorrow..
Cause the rulers would not let you have any other tomorrow..
Work or no work the motto should remain the same..
That is to try and keep yourself sane..
Sooner or later you will realize something major...
The work you do is nothing more than bonded labour..
Now comes the time to seek..
Every romantic notion in movies which you got a peek..
Oh if you are still puzzled and guessing..
The notion is of love you should be seeking..
Your friends will assume that partners should be easy to come by..
But you should only wonder why all good things pass you by..
After all these you come to the final act...
Try to change things with all your tact...
Sooner or later you will learn this fact...
That life has long before, put you on the mat...
Frustrated by life will bring the ultimate realization...
What could be worse than the current position..
Brooding, grumbling, crying will be the things to do..
Accompanied by litres and litres of alcohol with you..
As an ultimate act of faith in the concept..
You will then start blogging your own percepts..
Then only each day will ensure..
That misery is yours for sure..
Cause the truth may be too bitter which cannot be parted...
This could be story of you and me...
The question is whether you are as acceptable as me...
Even if you are random browser ...
Read on, for you may become a successful poser..
A sure shot way to achieve what the topic says..
A lifetime of achievement is what you may gain..
Live your life with utmost grace...
Choosing your step for everyone to phrase...
Work hard to be where you want to be..
Cause that's the only place you can imagine yourself to be..
Be short sighted in all your preparation...
And world will train you to have no other notion..
The first big success in you quest..
Would be to reach your chosen nest..
The moment you reach you will realize..
You have lived only a fourth of your life..
Wonder a lot what to do next...
But rather enjoy yourself as a pest..
Sooner or later the inevitable will happen...
The dream house on a quick sand will get broken...
Left alone to fend on your own..
Now think the world as your own..
Move on to place on the world map...
Thinking it as a city which must not be taking naps..
Work as if there is no tomorrow..
Cause the rulers would not let you have any other tomorrow..
Work or no work the motto should remain the same..
That is to try and keep yourself sane..
Sooner or later you will realize something major...
The work you do is nothing more than bonded labour..
Now comes the time to seek..
Every romantic notion in movies which you got a peek..
Oh if you are still puzzled and guessing..
The notion is of love you should be seeking..
Your friends will assume that partners should be easy to come by..
But you should only wonder why all good things pass you by..
After all these you come to the final act...
Try to change things with all your tact...
Sooner or later you will learn this fact...
That life has long before, put you on the mat...
Frustrated by life will bring the ultimate realization...
What could be worse than the current position..
Brooding, grumbling, crying will be the things to do..
Accompanied by litres and litres of alcohol with you..
As an ultimate act of faith in the concept..
You will then start blogging your own percepts..
Then only each day will ensure..
That misery is yours for sure..
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