Image Scripture - John 1:1

 A Devotional Reflection of Scripture

Pauline Greetings

"Grace to you and peace from God"

– Philippians 1:2

Exposition:

        How do we often greet one another in the morn, noon, evening, and night? We often say meaningless and purposeless salutations like Good morning, Good evening, and so on! We do not know what they mean or why we say so. It was not so for the Apostle Paul. He picked some of the most cherished and needed blessings for his addressees — Grace and Peace. 

        If not for the grace of God, we would be damned forever; if not for the grace of God, we would lose our salvation; if not for the grace of God, we wouldn't have any hope. If not we have peace with God, we would still be the enemies of God; if not we have the peace with God, we wouldn't be able to come before God even in prayer; if not we have the peace with God, we would perish in His wrath. 

        Paul wants his readers to be constantly reminded of this truth— that we'd started on the foundation of God's grace and God's peace towards us, and we flourish only on it, and we must continually live therein. O Grace and Peace, what marvellous words! How needful of them in our life's journey till we reach heaven's shore.

        What have we often wished for others? Good luck? All the best? Prosperous Life? Successful exam? These aren't evil, but are they not temporary and devoid of eternal significance? Would we start to wish for one another Grace and Peace! We do that by meditating and talking more about Grace and Peace.

Personal Reflection:

·       When was the last time I wished Grace and Peace for others?

·       When was the last time I talked about the Grace and Peace of God in my life and in the life of the person whom I was talking to?

Personal Commitment:

·       I must often think and converse of God's grace and peace, yes, especially in all the mundane things of life.

Prayer:

Lord, may Your grace be sufficient for me! Help me to be gracious to others as You have been to me, Amen!

OMG and the 3rd Commandment

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

— Exodus 20:7

        Every now and then we hear people saying, "O My God" or "OMG!" Is it okay for a Christian to say those? The 3rd Commandment forbids us to take the name of our God Yahweh in vain. Even if this weren't found in the 10 Commandments, doesn't our common sense tell us not to use the name of whom we love, respect, fear in vain? Non-Christians may say whatever they like, because their 'God' is not our Yahweh, they never know Him. But for a Christian when he says 'God' that's none other than the biblical God, Yahweh!

        Abusing God's name is abusing God's character. Claiming to speak for God, but speaking one's agenda is abusing the name of God. Professing to be a Christian (a child of God) and living a sinful life blasphemes the name of God. Swearing by the name of God is invoking the character of God, who is the supreme being of the Universe. Even in real life, the High Court or the Supreme Court of the earth is the last place we want to settle our dispute, why, O why invoke the name of the Supreme Judge for petty issues?

        However, there are perfect occasions where we may even say "Oh! My God" with reverence in prayer. Blurting out in funny instances or even in a surprising situation is a misuse. We do not shout out our name or the names of those we respect and love in such instances saying, “O My ___,” it doesn’t sound good or right. May we revere our God! If it is not a reaction to invoke the mercy or any help of God, it is to use the name of God in vain.

        God demands that we honor Him, worship Him, serve Him, and live for His glory. A life that doesn't honor God and that does not give Him the glory is a sinful life; it invites the wrath of God. None can deliver us from the wrath of God. Let us fear and tremble before Him. Have you ever misused the name of God, misrepresented God, invoked the name of God in vain? Ask for forgiveness and commit yourself to not do them anymore!

Review Of Pilgrim's Progress With Questions For Discussion.

Adapted version of Dick Worth

        I first read this edition twelve years ago. What impressed at the time were the incidents at the Slough of Despond and the Doubting Castle; they were so relatable to me. Four years ago while I was visiting a friend in Shillong, I befriended some teenagers. It seemed appropriate to me to help them cultivate the habit of reading books, particularly Christian literature. What would be the best book for teenagers who have never grown accustomed to reading books? Without competition, this edition of the Pilgrim’s Progress came into my mind because this edition is easy to read, simple to understand, inexpensive in price, and very pertinent in its contents. I went through all the Christian bookshops in Shillong, but I couldn't find it. Sorry! I wasn’t able to help them. As one of our famous Zeliangrong proverbs says, “Nimduakmeikha dai ran ne,” loosely translated, the fish that slipped your hand was the biggest, I was even more determined to get this book for the youngsters. Time went by, and when I was in Imphal, I went to all the Christian bookshops, hoping to find at least an old copy but it was not found.

        Time continued to pass, and I was in Punjab. There, I befriended other youngsters and increasingly felt the need to give this book away. I went to all the known Christian bookshops in Delhi just to return empty-handed. I sent an email to the online distributors and they said the book was out of stock and out of print. Last year, in December, I came across it online and ordered dozens of copies. The reason I am narrating this is to make it clear that this is a book that I want everyone to read and be rejuvenated. By now, I have read this edition 4 times. You may be young or old if you have not acquired the habit to read Christian books, I would submit to you that this edition of Pilgrim’s Progress is the best one to start with. Well, there are a lot of good Christian books, but my recommendation is this. 

        I have already mentioned some features of this edition of Pilgrim's Progress, and I will elaborate on them here:

1.     This is not an original version of the 1684 edition of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. That version is much longer, tougher to read as it was written in old English, slightly intimidating, and will cost you more money. Even if that version sounds perfect for you, this version will complement well, and vice versa. How about reading both? Or I would press further, why not read both again and again?

2.     This edition is a modern English adaptation by Dick Worth. It was published by Good Shepherd Books, 2019 Reprint, Indian Edition (copyright 1994). It doesn’t contain the author’s apology, which I am not sure is a good or a bad omission, but maybe the 236 rhyming apologetic lines would put off a naïve reader.

3.     It has a total number of 138 printed pages of which only 98 are readable pages. Indeed, a light reading, isn’t it? It is a very small book which you could tuck inside your pocket. Its dimension is only 18 cm in length, 12 cm in width and only 0.9 cm thick.

4.     Another great feature of this edition is that it contains 18 illustrations, 8 pages of Journey Chart and 4 pages of John Bunyan's biography.

5.     In fact, this is a combination of John Bunyan’s two books: Christian’s Journey (Part I) and Christina’s Journey (Part II). Part I has 52 readable pages and 10 illustrations. Part II has 46 readable pages and 8 illustrations. [I am giving this detail that you may know it is easily readable in one sitting.]

6.     At Christianstore.in it is sold for only rupees 79 without any shipping charge. Place an order now, and I hope you will be able to answer the following questions with ease.

PART I: Christian’s Journey

Q1. Who had a dream? p.9, 69, 73, What does that tell you about this story, novel? Literary Genre?

Q2. Who helped Mr. Christian to start his journey? p. 9 How does someone become a Christian? [Refer p.91 too.]

Q3. What was the message of Mr. Evangelist? p.9. 11. How must we preach the gospel?

Q4. What was the name of the gate? p.11. How must we live our lives? [Similar to Q14.]

Q5. What made Mr. Christian leave all his friends and the life he enjoyed before unlike Mr. Obstinate? [p.11] What comes with the good news of Salvation?

Q6. What is the name of the place where Mr. Christian first fell in? p.13. Why is that bog named like that? Also, refer to p.77.

Q7. What has been done to that bog in the last 2000 years? p.13. When was the last time you had fallen into that bog?

Q8. What was on the back of Mr. Christian and how did he get it? p.15, 9

Q9. What was the advice of Mr. Worldly-Wiseman to get rid of his burden? p. 15, 14

Q10. What was wrong with the advice of Mr. Worldly-Wiseman? p. 17. Why should not we heed to the saying of the wise men of the world?

Q11. What would you reply if Jesus asks you, “Why should I let you into My Kingdom?” p. 19, 97, 77

Q12. What is the difference between the law and the gospel? p.21

Q13. Who are the Shining Ones? How did they greet Mr. Christian? p.24

Q14. Who climbed over the wall by not going through the Wicket-Gate, and what did they lack in doing so? p.25. How must we live? [Similar to Q4.]

Q15. Where did Mr. Christian fall asleep? What made him sleepy and what had he lost because of falling asleep? p.26, 27. Where was right for him to sleep? p.27

Q16. What was wrong with Mr. Shame, according to Mr. Faithful? p.34-35. Why should we not give in to self-pity?

Q17. Mr. Faithful, Lady Christina and the children, and others went through the Valley of the Shadow of Death in daylight, why did Christian go through the night? p.35, 103, 106, 32

Q18. What is the difference between Mr. Talkative’s theology of sin and Mr. Faithful’s theology of sin? p. 39. Refer p.64-65 too.

Q19. What are the characteristics of Saving Grace according to Mr. Faithful in response to Mr. Talkative? p.40

Q20. After the death of Mr. Faithful who went with Mr. Christian? p.48

Q21. What was Mr. By-ends philosophy of life? p.49

Q22. Do you agree with John Bunyan that Esau, Ananias, and Sapphira are in Hell? [p.58 ]Also do you agree with his view on dreams? p.95. Refer p.135 too.

Q23. Analyze the character of Mr. Ignorance (p.58, 62-64, 69) and Mr. Talkative (p.35-41)

Q24. What was that river at the end? p.67. How and What happened to Mr. Ignorance? p.69

PART II: Christina and the Kids’ Journey

Q1. What should a sinner do as Ms. Mercy did? p.76, 79, 80

Q2. What has happened to the Slough of Despond? p.77. What is the nature of Christianity nowadays?

Q3. What’s your thought on chicks and hens? p.85-86

Q4. How did the young James know to reply to a Trinitarian answer? p.95-96, 98

Q5. What did Ms. Mercy want in her man? p.98-99. How did John Bunyan view of works?

Q6. How does the fear of God differ from the fear of hell? p.106

Q7. Analyze the character of Mr. Fearing (p.105-106) and Mr. Feeble- (p.110-111, 112, 122)

Q8. What were the rest of the pilgrims not crossing the river? p.125

Critical Comment: Of course, Pilgrim’s Progress is not a perfect book, it doesn’t even come close, for that matter. I do not agree with some of his (John Bunyan) allegorical interpretations and allusions. Particularly in this edition, there is a lack of clarity on some issues like the fate of Ananias and Sapphira (p.58) and the issue of dreams (p.95). Also, in this edition, in one of the scenes of the Delectable Mountains (Part II, page 117), there is an omission of a character Godly-man which was replaced by neuter gender “it,” which unfortunately is misleading. However, the illustration on p116 shows that “it” was a person, not a mountain. I could say a little more on the choice of illustrations as well, that some of them are inaccurate (p. 68, 36), and some are somewhat confusing (p44, who’s who?). However, the picture of a man with a muck-rake ignoring the crown (p84) is so captivating that even if the rest of the illustrative pictures fail, I shall not murmur.

Why re-read Pilgrim’s Progress again and again?

           

            Apart from the Bible, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is the only book which I have read several times and planning to read at least once in every year to come. Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers had read it a hundred times. It has been one of the best and most-read and purchased Christian literature along with the Bible over the centuries. I love Pilgrim’s Progress for at least three reasons: 1. Because of the clarity of scriptural doctrines, especially the justification, sanctification, perseverance, and eternal life. 2. Because the characters therein are easily recognized, relatable, and remembered. 3. Because its message is true for all sorts of people because all the conversations can be traced back to the pages of the Bible.

I understand some people were critical of Bunyan’s style of writing, and there may be more now, but I am satisfied with Bunyan’s 236 rhyming lines reply to those critics, especially this section:

The prophets used much by metaphors
To set forth truth; yea, who so considers
Christ, his apostles too, shall plainly see,
That truths to this day in such mantles be.
Am I afraid to say, that holy writ,
Which for its style and phrase puts down all wit,
Is everywhere so full of all these things--
Dark figures, allegories? Yet there springs
From that same book that lustre, and those rays
Of light, that turn our darkest nights to days.
Come, let my carper to his life now look,
And find there darker lines than in my book
He findeth any; yea, and let him know,
That in his best things there are worse lines too.

John Bunyan was not a well-educated man from Oxford or Cambridge, but he was a genius. His Pilgrim’s Progress is a masterpiece. It is simple enough for a child to comprehend and also profound enough for adults to ponder upon. Some literary critics may have their opinions on Bunyan style of fiction novel, but I agree with H.R. Williamson’s assessment, “whether this quality in Bunyan will appeal generally to an age which applauds purposeless and patternless psychological meanderings as masterpieces of fiction, I do not know. I can only admit that I found it exhilarating” (emphasis added). Why should you read Pilgrim’s Progress? Read what John Bunyan has to say:

This book it chalketh out before thine eyes
The man that seeks the everlasting prize;
It shews you whence he comes, whither he goes;
What he leaves undone, also what he does;
It also shows you how he runs and runs,
Till he unto the gate of glory comes.
It shows, too, who set out for life amain,
As if the lasting crown they would obtain;
Here also you may see the reason why
They lose their labour, and like fools do die.
This book will make a traveller of thee,
If by its counsel thou wilt ruled be;
It will direct thee to the Holy Land,
If thou wilt its directions understand:
Yea, it will make the slothful active be;
The blind also delightful things to see.

This book is writ in such a dialect
As may the minds of listless men affect:
It seems a novelty, and yet contains
Nothing but sound and honest gospel strains.

Why should you re-read Pilgrim’s Progress again and again? Well, because each time you read you will find yourself journeying in one of those places where Christian and Christina had encountered a major incident, and it will encourage you to have a faithful pilgrim life on earth. Remember, we all are pilgrims longing and journeying towards that celestial city (cf. Hebrews 11:16; Philippians 3:20; 1Peter 2:11).

In the next post, I'm going to review one particular edition of Pilgrim's Progress and propose some useful study questions. Remembers, Pilgrim’s Progress has been published by different publishers in the last 400 years, we need to own and read that suits us, nah?

The Holy Spirit and The Pastors

Contemplating The Role Of The Holy Spirit In The Pastoral Ministry (in less than 800 words)

Before we jump directly to the role of the Holy Spirit it is necessary to understand the person and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Thus, I come up with these three heads:

I.                  Person of the Holy Spirit:

The Holy Spirit is a divine person. He is the third person of the Godhead, known as Trinity. The Holy Spirit is the same in essence as the other two persons of the Trinity but different in function, theologically known as economic subordination, from the past eternity till eternity (Heb. 9:14). Moreover, the Holy Spirit proceeds out from the Son and the Father (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7). In other words, the Holy Spirit is subordinate to the Son and the Father. He is fully God (Gen. 6:3). He is fully a spirit, a non-material being. The Holy Spirit is an individual (separate) person (2 Cor. 13:14) but has all the nature of God’s being. As a Person, He has emotions (Eph. 4:30), wills (1 Cor. 12:11), and intellect (1 Cor. 2:10–13). As a being, He is omnipresent (Ps. 139:7–10), omnipotent (Rom 15:13), and omniscient (Is. 40:13,14).

II.               Ministry of the Holy Spirit:

Creation: He was present in the Creation of the universe (Gen. 1:2). He gives life to a human being (John 6:63). The Spirit empowers to do a specific work (Exo. 31:3; Acts 1:8). Also, the Spirit preserves the people of God (Eze. 36:25-29).

Revelation: The Spirit of God gave revelation (1 Cor 2:10). In other words, He is the author of the specific revelation - the word of God or the Bible (2 Pet 1:21). When the Bible speaks, therefore God speaks. The communication of God unto man is through His Holy Spirit revealing to man. The salvation of man comes with the active participation of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35; Rom. 8:11).

Inspiration: The Holy Spirit moved the man of God or those men who wrote the Holy Scripture (2 Pet 1:20-21) that the Scripture is inspired (2 Tim 3:16) inerrant, infallible, and authoritative in its teaching. The Holy Spirit used the Apostles and the Prophets for the writings of the Scripture, and to be (also laid) the foundation for the church (Eph 2:20).

Illumination: The Holy Spirit illuminates the believers to understand and guide the believers through the written revelation (John 16:13). Christians are to read and study the Bible (Ezra 7:10; Rev. 1:3). The Spirit of God, who is the author is also the teacher too (John 16:13; John 14:26). The Holy Spirit brings the Scripture into memory too (Mat 10:19-20; John 14:26). The reading of God’s word sanctifies believers through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit (Ps 119: 9).

III.           Role of the Holy Spirit:

Regeneration: The Holy Spirit alone regenerates the soul (John 3:3–8; Titus 3:5). The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ in the justification of the believing sinners (John 16:14).  Therefore a pastor must never rely on his own intellectual or oratorical skill for converting the soul to Christ. A pastor must depend on the power and working of the Holy Spirit with all humility. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to proclaim the gospel (Acts 1:8) accurately and convicts the sinners (John 16:8-11). Success and fruits of the ministry should be to exalt Christ and not to fool oneself by crediting to self or the novel programs of the ministry.

Sanctification: The Holy Spirit indwells the believers (Rom 8:9), and convicts of sin (John 16:8-9). He causes repentance to God now and always. He brings the word of God into remembrance in all situations (John 14:26). Therefore, to live a Spirit-filled life, one must constantly be soaked into the word of God (Col 3:16). Only the presence (which is the indwelling) of the Spirit can sanctify the believers (1 Pet. 1:2; 2 Thess. 2:13).

Assurance: The Holy Spirit guarantees the eternal security of the salvation of the believers in Christ (2 Cor 1:22). The fruit of the Holy Spirit assures the believers of their salvation (John 15:5). The Holy Spirit assures the believers of the resurrection/coming of Christ (2 Cor 5:5). The Holy Spirit comforts (John 14:16) the saints and gives hope to the believers (Rom 15:13; Gal 5:5). Therefore, assurance is not of works or deeds. It is given by the Spirit (John 3:8). A pastor cannot afford to give false assurance except through the conviction of the Spirit through His word.

Edification: The Spirit distributes gifts to each individual believer (1 Cor. 12:11) for the building up of the church of Christ. Therefore, a pastor must recognize the usefulness and necessity of every individual member of the church for edifying one another till all attain to the likeness of Christ to the praise of God’s glory.