This year is going to be a ‘Year of Supernatural’ for you. Unexpected miracles and surprises awaits you this year! Amazing things will happen to you because Amazing Grace is upon you!

You may say like Mary said to the angel in Luke 1:34 ” How can this be? ” She said this when the angel told her about the promise God spoke. Then the angel told her, “Holy Spirit will come upon you. The Power of the Almighty will overshadow you.”

So it is going to happen in your life, not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God.

Friends, this year is going to be an year of Amazing Grace and favour!
Year of abundance and harvest. You will be surprised by the way the Lord do things in your life.

Just trust in the Lord. Do not be anxious about anything. Jesus cares for you. Let us be submissive to one  another and be clothed with humility.

God bless you all.
Have a glorious 2012.
Remember, You are precious for Jesus.
The Lord is coming soon! Be ready for Him.

In His Love,
Ps. Abe & Ps. Reji.

Moral purity is not a devious plan to eliminate enjoyment from a Christian’s life, though Satan deceptively threatens such a loss. Instead, purity is God’s infinitely wise foundation for true happiness and long-lasting family relationships.

We believe that the biblical standards of morality are universal and timeless. They are applicable to all generations, to all societies, and to all subcultures. They apply to New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, and India just as much as they applied to biblical Corinth and Rome.

Today’s society is obsessed with sex. The question Christians must ask: How should we as followers of Christ, living in an increasingly secular and amoral society, behave concerning sexual activity? Certainly not as atheists and agnostics behave! One way to recognize a Christian today should be by his or her sexual purity. Yet it is difficult to maintain purity in a culture obsessed with sex and permissiveness toward all forms of sexual expression. That difficulty makes sexual purity a good test of who really is a follower of Christ. It takes more than the best effort of natural humanity to maintain sexual purity. It takes the redeeming and sanctifying work of God in our lives.

Some of the words Paul addressed to the Corinthians could well be spoken to today’s “Corinthian” society. “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans” (1 Cor. 5:1). “The sexually immoral . . . will [not] inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Cor. 6:9). “The body is not meant for sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:13). “Flee from sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18). “Since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:2). “We should not commit sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 10:8). And after the admonitions in his first letter were not heeded, Paul said in his second Corinthian letter, “I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged.” (2 Cor. 12:21).

Paul knew the power of sexual drive in all individuals. He knew that provocative dress, public gossip about sexual orgies, and sexually charged humor were strong incitements to lust and sin. And he knew that sexual temptations came no matter what a person’s situation might be. So to the married he said, “Do not deprive each other [of intimate sexual relations] except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control” (1 Cor. 7:5). Paul knew that withheld sexual relations could lead a spouse into temptation and sin.

Single persons are also called to sexual purity. “To the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried . . . But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion [engage in immoral behavior]” (1 Cor. 7:8,9). It is clear from these accumulated passages that having sexual relations outside of marriage is forbidden, and for good reason: sexual immorality destroys personal relationships and a secure society.

What constitutes sexual immorality? According to the Bible it includes adultery, fornication, homosexuality, incest, prostitution, rape, and lust. The popular culture around us is suggesting with a loud voice that anything short of sexual intercourse is not sex and therefore not sinning. But that definition of sex does not line up with the Bible. Jesus said, “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28).

The biblical word to younger singles is “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Tim. 2:22). Sexually stimulating touch and physical intimacy between a man and a woman are part of the natural progression that in marriage leads to intercourse. Engaging in such activity before entering into a lifetime commitment of marriage is lust rather than love. It is selfish gratification of one’s own pleasure rather than a proper concern for the welfare of the partner. God is able to help young couples desiring a committed Christian marriage to preserve themselves for a beautiful marriage of trust and faithfulness.

Control of the mind and its wandering thoughts is the key to sexual purity in dating and courtship. If the mind dwells on immediate physical gratification, the chances for a loving, committed marriage are greatly reduced. But if dating is seen as a time of getting to know the person who lives inside the body, rather than exploring the body, the possibility of a permanent Christian marriage can become a reality that God can bless.

The apostle Paul was fully aware of the temptations that can lead one into sexual impurity and sin. He warned Timothy, a young man, at least three times. “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12). Timothy was admonished to relate to women in a pure manner, “older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity” (1 Tim. 5:2). And again, “Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure” (1 Tim. 5:22). God has promised great reward to those who behave with purity because their hearts are pure—”Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matt. 5:8).

CONCERNS:

The absorption of today’s society with sex and sexual stimulation is fast approaching the degradation of societies that God has had to judge and destroy in the past. Only a wholehearted commitment to sexual purity by our Christian youth will restrain the headlong plunge toward social self-destruction. Yet the evil influences of pagan attitudes toward sex and relationships subtly affect even the church world. One can easily reason, if “everyone is doing it” and no judgment has fallen, maybe biblical standards are outmoded and outdated. But God’s standards of morality have not changed, and He blesses those who obey His wise rules set up for our preservation and welfare. Sexual purity before and throughout marriage is God’s plan for mankind. As always, His way pays rich dividends, often in the form of successful lifelong marriage unions.

The Church from its founding has sought to emphasize the biblical themes of trusting God for daily needs, sacrificial giving as an expression of love to our Lord, and valuing spiritual over material things. Anything that draws us toward the world and away from eternal truth and values is worldliness. Materialism, or fixation on earthly possessions, is one of mankind’s strongest temptations.

Wealth in itself is not condemned in Scripture. In fact, it is considered a gift and a blessing, especially when not sought (1 Kings 3:13). But there are many scriptural statements about the dangers of wealth and instructions about its proper use.

Wealth should not be accumulated for its own sake. It should not be gained by injustice or oppression. Wealth often leads to covetousness. It belongs to God, not to us; we are simply stewards. We sin if we do not use it to help the poor, the weak, and the oppressed (Ezek. 22:29). Generosity marks the Christian use of wealth.

Few Christians would claim to be wealthy. But when we have more than needed for essential food, clothing, and shelter we are wealthy compared with the majority of the world’s population. The temptations of wealth and materialism are not a problem of the wealthy alone. Covetousness among the poor is an indicator of materialism just as greed is for the wealthy.

Secular society has always placed a high value on wealth and material possessions (the unrighteous mammon of Luke 16:9,11). It is easy for this emphasis to color and erode the spiritual priority that should characterize the church. Jesus, our great example from Scripture, lived in humility and obscurity, never accumulating wealth or possessions. Jesus taught His followers not to be anxious about the future, for their heavenly Father would provide for them (Matt.6:25-34).

While it may seem that the New Testament has strong words of exhortation and warning for the wealthy, we should not assume that material poverty has inherent value. The Bible does not teach such. Jesus and the apostles applauded the efforts of Christians in their efforts to alleviate suffering. It is evident that there were some early Christians with a degree of wealth.

How much wealth is enough? Materialism says, “Just a little more will be enough.” But it never is. The example of John Wesley is a challenge for every believer. In his middle years Wesley calculated how much money he needed annually to live during his early years. He then covenanted to keep his expenditures at nearly the same level, turning his increased income in later years to the work of the Lord. The Church encourages it members to be good stewards of all God has given them.

CONCERN:

Great pressures from contemporary society have impacted the people of God, causing an erosion of biblical values and priorities. These pressures include an inordinate valuing of material things, the accumulation of material goods as symbols of success, pursuit of upward social mobility, and fixation on immediate gratification. The earthly life of Jesus was a stark contrast to cultural attitudes today. The “gospel paradox” of Mark 8:31-38 calls for a discipleship that lives according to the principle that life comes out of suffering and death. Jesus came to die for mankind. There is a cross before there can be a crown. Sacrifice should always be part of the Christian walk.

God blesses some believers with material and financial success so they can provide the needed resources for fulfilling the Great Commission. But material success is never an indication God shows His approval by showering wealth on His favorites.

It is easy for those who have fewer possessions to look on those with more as the ones who need the cautions about wealth and materialism. But coveting and grasping for material things one does not have can be sin while the wealthy person who holds his material possessions loosely and is a good steward of that which God has entrusted to him is pleasing to God. It is not the having or not having of material wealth, but the priorities in one’s life that constitute true godliness (1 Tim. 6:17-19).

Is there a limit to the closeness of certain friendships? Isn’t it important to have secular as well as Christian friends if one is to be salt and light in our world?

Friendship is the selfless, mutual sharing between two persons. It typically grows out of participating or cooperating in common activities or endeavours, or simply through acceptance of others as equals. Friendship is also fostered through shared views or possessions. The highest form of human friendship is based in acceptance and mutual respect for who and what each friend is as a person. This includes their actions, ideals, and commitments.

Recognizing the important and powerful influence friends have in one’s life, we encourages Christians to be concerned about the influence and relational level of their closest friends. Ultimately, all close friendships affect one’s character either for good or bad. For this reason it is essential that Christians discern the spiritual impact of their friendships.

Generally it is risky for Christians to build deep friendships with those who do not share a spiritual bond in Christ. If the friendship has no deep spiritual unity, it is then based on secular values, material interests, and views of the world. In such instances the negative spiritual toll on the Christian is significant as one’s spirit is constantly dulled through repeated exposure to worldviews and ideas. Few Christians are able to live consistent holy lives when unequally yoked in deep friendships with unbelievers. Proverbs says, “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray” (12:26).

Christian friendships have an added ingredient. Both individuals have friendship with Jesus—a friendship that enriches and strengthens human friendship. When two friends also enjoy friendship with God, they add permanence and beauty to their human friendship. They understand and share standards and priorities for their lives. Christian friendships are often closer than family and blood relationships because of this strong spiritual bond (Proverbs 17:17). Therefore our closest friends should be other Christians (Proverb 13:20).

Christians should be careful in how they approach friendships with the opposite sex. It is important that they build safe boundaries in such friendships in order to protect themselves from temptation, sin, and accusation. This is especially important for married individuals. In such cases it is best that friendships of one or more married individuals of opposite genders always be conducted publicly (with others in attendance). They should maintain a safe emotional and physical distance in such relationships. Few Christians who implement such safeguards in their personal lives fail morally. Proverbs says, “Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you” (2:11).

God’s plan for reaching the world with the message of salvation requires a level of friendship with non-Christians. Jesus said we are to be salt and light to our world (Matthew 5:13-16). In other words we are to be shining examples before our communities of God’s grace and goodness. This is not accomplished from a distance, but rather through loving friendships. While such friendships must be genuine, the level of closeness should be guarded. The direction of the friendship should ultimately lead toward God and His ways. As the Christian spends time with, talks at some depth with, and is somewhat open and vulnerable with non-Christian friends, the opportunity to lead a friend to Christ can become a reality. Almost everyone who has become a Christian did so because a Christian friend directed him or her to Christ. If a Christian has no non-Christian friends, the opportunity for effective witnessing is very limited. But in those situations of mixed friendships including believers and non-believers, the Christian must be the leader (the one who sets the moral course), not the one led. Only then do we fulfill the scriptural instruction of being salt and light.

God is love (1 John 4:16), and as such He is mankind’s greatest Friend. He is a Friend of sinners as well as of Christians. “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). The Old Testament patriarch Abraham believed God, “and he was called God’s friend” (James 2:23). The Bible says “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4). From these scriptures it becomes apparent that our friendship with God is a matter of spiritual life or death.

J. C. Ludgate’s great musical testimony reminds us that friendship with God should take precedence over all human relationships. “A friend when other friendships cease, a friend when others fail; A friend who gives me joy and peace, a friend who will prevail. Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine; Oh, what blessed sweet communion, Jesus is a friend of mine.”

CONCERNS:

Christian parents should be concerned about the friendships their children form. This is true even at a young age when small children are learning important values such as honesty, sharing, and respect. It becomes especially critical in the later preteen/teenage years when pressure to conform to behavior and standards of peer groups is extremely strong. The Bible says, “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Association with rebellious groups or even with one “friend” who leads in the wrong direction has led unsuspecting youth into escalating stages of disrespect for authority, and into profanity, drinking, drug use, sexual permissiveness, and other destructive sins. All Christians should be greatly concerned about the friends of Christian youth.

The marriage relationship should also be based in friendship. The spouse should in fact be a husband’s or wife’s closest friend. Biblical marriage is the epitome of deep and lasting friendship. Though it is romantic and encompasses philo love as well as agape love it must be built on real friendship from its beginning. Marriages that lose the important element of friendship within the marriage relationship become unhealthy and often fail. While husbands and wives may have close friendships outside their marriage, they must never usurp or substitute for the level of disclosure, vulnerability, or closeness that spousal friendship should enjoy.

Last week we had a Kairos time with Ps. Shibu Thomas (Atlanta, USA) learning on the 10 tests from the life of Joseph. If you are blessed by this teaching do write your feedback on Exodus page on FB – Click here to write your comments.

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