Image Scripture: Proverbs 5:21-22

A Devotional Reflection of Scripture

Biblical Principles for Discipline and Corporal Punishment

I believe every parent faces difficulty in bringing up their children to adults. To bring them up in godly ways is indeed difficult but it is not impossible because God has given us the right methods in the Bible. I grow up in a society where a parent who did not spank or discipline his children is seen as a selfish parent. Today, modern philosophy gave the impression that those who spank their children are very unloving and senseless parents. Now, parents are confused.

I realized, it is because parents do not examine the Scriptural teaching. They either followed the traditions of the past (by which they were brought up by their own parents) or by the trends of the present time (which is just a surrender to pressure without conviction, an abdication of responsibility). However, Parents must have experienced already that neither “all-permissive” nor “all-authoritative” parenting works. There must be some form of discipline and corporal punishment. Ephesians 6: 4 says clearly: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” The Bible teaches that physical discipline is appropriate, beneficial, and necessary. Here are some of the Principles for Discipline and Corporal Punishment:

1.      Chastening and love go hand in hand in Scripture. God, the ultimate Parent, chastens those He loves when one goes astray. We should also do the same with our own children. Hebrews 12:6 “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

2.      Spanking must be painful and timely (Hebrews 12:6). We don't pretend that certain aspects of discipline don't hurt. The word 'chastise' is very strong and indicates that at times, chastisement needs to be very painful to accomplish its goals. It has the idea of flogging.

3.      When spanking, we must avoid these two things: 1) spanking out of frustration or anger, and 2) the tendency to spank for every type of offense. God has not said that you must spank for every type of offense, nor has He specified which offenses require spanking. That’s what Proverbs 13:24 implies. “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”

4.      Discipline must be consistent. Parents must spank it on the basis of clearly defined rules, not on the feelings at that particular moment. Like police officers, we can choose to enforce God’s Moral Law on them. Proverbs 19:18 ​“Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”

5.      A clear explanation for spanking must be made known to Children or the reason for the punishment, and your expectations for their future behavior. The discomfort of swift consequences helps a young child associate the offense and the painful result. Rom 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Prov. 13:15 “Good sense wins favor, but the way of the treacherous is their ruin.”

6.      Focus on positive behavior rather than directing negative attitudes toward children. The end goal is to produce children that love and respect God and others. The doctrine of depravity tells us that they do not need help developing more self-esteem! They need encouragement to grow in humility and servanthood. Since as sinners, we’re all rebellious at heart, kids need to learn submission to proper authority as a part of godliness. Ephesians 4:24 “and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

7.      Disciplining should never lead to actual physical damage. It should not cause lasting pain or permanent scar. The rod is just one part of the correction process. We can use other tactics like a restriction of liberties, rebuking, distraction, and other things to work in conjunction with using the rod. Proverbs 23:13 “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.”

8.      Start disciplining early on. Settling the authority issue with the small child can prevent many problems later. Corporal Punishment helps develop respect for authorities and self-control so that the child can reach their full potential as a human being. Without this discipline, the child will become a victim of his own evil tendencies. Ecclesiastes 8:11 “Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men are given fully to evil.”

9.      It should not be excessive. It should be balanced with instruction. Spanking should never be the objective of Christian parenting; it is one of many tools with which to achieve biblical principles in bringing up the child. Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

10. Spanking or Corporal Punishment should not be avoided. If a parent hesitates to discipline his child, he also has a problem with God. Because God chastises whom he loves. This displays His interest in our well-being. The parent shows love in doing so. Proverbs 23:13-14 “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.” Hebrews 12:11 says, “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Also, Deuteronomy 8:5-6 says, “Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you. So you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God by walking in his ways and by fearing him.”

In Conclusion: Parents need to learn from God, our Father, how to discipline. If children are precious, then parents need to consistently follow these principles. Parents should also continually build close relationships with children. Parents need to remove all the things that become barriers between parents and children in order to imitate our heavenly Father who exercises both His authority and love.

Block Diagramming: Ephesians 6:10-12

Water, Muskmelon, and the Gospel under the Summer Sun

I live on the top floor of one of the tallest buildings on my street. Yesterday, Derabassi was hot like any day with 41°C. I spent my day indoors with a cooler listening to Shepherds’ Conference 2020 Messages. At 3:00 PM, water use to come from a government water supply, so, I went down to a ground floor to put the motor on. It happened to be the hottest hour of the day (02:00-05:00 PM) as the sun had heated up everything on earth.

under construction

The moment I put the motor on, a migrant (construction) worker came running to my gate with a jug. He was a young man like me, but he looked very energetic and lively. I could see from his eyes that he was expecting favor from me, but because I couldn’t think of any way to be of any help I stared at him and said, “Kya chahiye? (What do you want?)” He said, “Pani (water).” I couldn’t believe what he had said because the opposite of my gate is a Hindu Temple with a water tap for devotees to wash their hands. And all the construction workers and vendors usually stop by to not only wash their faces but to quench their thirst. I couldn’t understand why this young man would want the same water from my tap and not from there. Moreover, at that time, the water hadn’t come to my tap, so I ignored him and told him to get from the temple.

Then he said, “That water is very hot!” It suddenly dawned on me that he was seeking cool water from my refrigerator. At the same time, I realized I should have been more kind and gentle to him in my response. I remembered a friend of mine, brother Liju who is the most gentle and kind person I ever know. Certainly, he wouldn’t respond as I did. And surely not my Lord Jesus Christ.  So, I said “Thike! (Sure).” I was heavy with conviction, so, I decided to give him all the cool water he needed. He looked very happy. And I was convicted all the more. 

drinking water inside the fridge

However, we, human beings are complicated creatures. We can have a godly sorrow in one thing which leads to good works and at the same time, we can be having another thought about some other thing in not so godly manner. As I was climbing stairs to get the water, it occurred to me that I had to climb up all the stairs to my room and get down to give him water. So, I thought, “Why do I need to wear myself? Let him do for himself. Giving cool water is good enough already. Is it not? He can still be grateful!” I told him to follow me. On the midway, I realized his feet and clothes were very dirty. It was not a time to regret it. Too late! At first, he hesitated to step into my room, but he did and I offered him to quench his thirst and filled his jug. He was very relieved. Apparently, he had been waiting for cool water for quite some time. When he heard me putting the motor on, he decided to not miss the chance of asking for it. Indeed, I would be locked in my room listening to H.B. Charles Jr. for another hour.

Muskmelons

He hurried down the stairs in gladness. Seeing him very glad, I wanted to do more good things for him. I remembered the Muskmelon I kept for one of my church members who would be coming to my room in the evening for a book study. I thought, “I can give to my church member some other day. Let me give away for this guy.” I looked down the stair to stop him, but he was running down the stairs. Three times the word “Ruko (wait)” was on the tip of my tongue as I tried to catch his attention, but he was in a hurry. So, I didn’t mutter, couldn’t able to give away. Then I saw him running to his friends and it was a great sight, seeing them quenching their thirst. But I turned my face away quickly and headed back to my room because I couldn’t face the reality that I could and should have helped them like that from before especially if such tiny acts of kindness can be of huge significance. [Readers do well to remember Matthew 25:31-46]

Many thoughts came to my mind. Tomorrow, what should I do? Should I offer them before they ask? But will they need it? Maybe they will get it from other neighbors. Perhaps, they have more money than I do, and I shouldn’t underestimate (or pity) them unwittingly. But, should I tell them that they can always get cool water from me as long as they are working on my street? I, being not fluent in Hindi, decided to say nothing more. After all, I would not hesitate to help them in the morrow should they want again.

Spurgeon, Lloyd Jones, and Bonhoeffer

Another thought invaded my mind, “What’s the difference between that young man and me? Why was he working so cheerfully with a song played on his phone under the summer sun when I wasn’t able to even stay indoors without a cooler?” In fact, he looked happier, livelier, healthier, stronger, and younger. I thought, “He is more useful to society than I am. But why does my landlord honor me and treat that young man not in an honorable way? Is it because of what I do? Is it because I have a college degree? Or is it because I pay my rent fees to him?” I was thinking about respect, honor, and dignity in a society where there are strata of social classes. Sure, he and I are the same, alike, created in the image of God. I am no dearer to God than him, and he is no sinful than I am. He is an equally important and beloved image-bearer of God. The only difference is the gift of renewed life I receive in Christ. 

“It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it without the gospel. It means we need more evangelists and missionaries than billionaires and entrepreneurs.”

Social classes, status, professions, wealth, colors, education, ethnicity, gender, physical fitness, nothing matters if we do not know Christ. Also, helping poorer people, doing good deeds to the needy, all philanthropic acts, all of charity, mercy, and kindness without the gospel truth is incomplete. It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it without the gospel. It means we need more evangelists and missionaries than billionaires and entrepreneurs. Surely, we can’t fix the world. There will always be poor people. There will always be injustices, sufferings and evils in this world. We cannot save the world from these things, but surely we can proclaim the news of deliverance from sin and the wrath to come, which is a better solution and better news for anyone and everyone on planet earth. All these thoughts came and also settled in my mind within a few seconds.

I reached my room and sat down on the chair and resumed listening to the sermon I was listening to. My mind was occupied with this incident but I must practice self-control. As soon as I finished the sermon, I began to start typing on my laptop. Then the phone rang. It was the church member coming to study a book with me. After an hour of discussion about a chapter of that book, we had Muskmelon. As I was cutting it into pieces Galatians 6:10 kept coming to my mind, “. . . especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  After all, the Muskmelon is with someone who belongs to the household of faith. 

Block Diagramming Ephesians 5:1-2

Book Application: Christ-Centered Preaching – Redeeming The Expository Sermon

We can do a lot with a book after we have read it.  We can talk about it, we can write about it, we can promote it, or we can even lament for having wasted our time. While I was in a Seminary, we were assigned to read a lot of books in a very limited time with a requirement to write a book review for some, a book summary for some, and a book application for some. I enjoyed writing Book Application because whenever I was writing, I thought through what to apply it in my life and ministry. Actually, reading a book application is always edifying. A Book Review often contains both commendation and criticism. A Book Summary summarizes the contents of the book. A Book Application reveals the effects of the books on a reader. I am of the opinion that many should read and write a Book Application, not just a review or a summary. Here is the Book Application I wrote for this book of Bryan Chapell when I first read it 5 years ago. I am sure, I would write a different one when I reread again, now, especially after listening to the lectures of Dr. Abner Chou critiquing the Christo-centric hermeneutics applied in this book.

TOP 10 THINGS I LEARN FROM BRYAN CHAPELL’S BOOK

“CHRIST-CENTERED PREACHING – REDEEMING THE EXPOSITORY SERMON”

2^nd February 2015, Sancoale, Goa, India

1.      “When preachers perceive the power that the Word holds, confidence in their calling grows even as pride in their performance withers.” (p. 18). “Neglect of prayer signals serious deficiencies in a ministry even if other signs of success have not diminished.” (p. 21)

Ø  These two lines show me to focus on the study of the word of God and prayer. When these are strong, nothing shall discourage me. On the other hand, negligence of these will cost the ministry dear sooner or later, how effective the moment may seem.

2.      “Statements of truth, even biblical truth, do not automatically make a message for the pulpit. Well-constructed sermons require unity, purpose, and application.” (p. 30)

Ø  This statement is really practical for the ministry of preaching. It challenges me to go beyond understanding the text for myself and to present it to everyone.

3.      “The Fallen Condition Focus (FCF) is the mutual human condition that contemporary believers share with those to or about whom the text was written that requires the grace of the passage for God’s people to glorify and enjoy him.” (p. 35)

Ø  I realize that finding FCF will be one of the most effective methods to prepare for a sermon. Moreover, that would be like a bait to the ears of the hearers when emphasized in the introduction.

4.      “Mere lectures are pre-sermons because they dispense information about a text without relevant application from the text that helps listeners understand their obligations to Christ and his ministry to them.” (p. 39). “Preachers who cannot answer ‘so what?’ will preach to a ‘who cares?’” (p. 40)

Ø  The difference between a teacher and a pastor, both in terms of preparation and shepherding.

5.       “The application of the sermon is not merely an appendage to the discussion or a subordinate part of it, but is the main thing to be done.” (P. 62). “However, these traditional categories can damage expository preaching if preachers do not see that explanation, illustration, and application are all essential components of opening and unfolding the meaning of a text. Explanation answers the question, What does this text say? Illustration responds to, Show me what the text says. Application answers, What does the text mean to me? Ordinarily, each component has a vital role in establishing listeners’ full understanding of a text.” (p. 66). “Preachers once posted this reduction of the preaching task in their studies: Preach Reach Each.” (p. 69)

Ø  The component of Exposition is well-written in these 3 statements. Nothing to be taken lightly. Moreover, the “PREach” is quite informative and beneficial for sermon preparation.

6.      1. State the truth. 2. Place the truth. 3. Prove the truth (p. 93)

Ø  Perhaps, one of the most logical way to make a point in an outline. However, it may take me time to catch up very well.

7.      “The bottom line for structure simply requires that all expository sermons have F-O-R-M. Every outline should be: Faithful to the text. Obvious from the text. Related to a Fallen Condition Focus. Moving toward a climax.” (p.129)

Ø  Another insight for preparing a sermon. Easy to remember, yet broad in its understanding.

8.      “Thus, John Broadus, the father of modern expository preaching, declares, “Application is the main thing to be done.” (p. 167). “The application of an expository sermon, however, is not complete until the pastor has disclosed the grace in the text that rightly motivates obedience.” (p. 174)

Ø  Applications to be very effective for each one, which is doable. And there should be motivation for it, in the grace of God

9.      “Maybe there are those who enjoy developing the universal sermon, the one that can be preached everywhere and anywhere, that has a quality of being timeless. But as far as I am concerned, everywhere and anywhere really means nowhere; and those who strive to be timeless, are usually, simply not very timely.… The particular is higher than the universal.” (p. 178). “In application, preachers pour out their hearts. Without application, preachers have difficulty preaching with fervor.” (p. 184)

Ø  The whole chapter of “Application” convicts me that a preacher should take seriously of applications in a sermon. It’s true that a sermon with applications shows the integrity of the preacher, and the shepherding spirit he has for the flock.

10. “A message that merely advocates morality and compassion remains sub-Christian even if the preacher can prove that the Bible demands such behaviors.” (p. 215). “However well intended, these sermons present a faith indistinguishable from that of morally conscientious Muslims, Unitarians, Buddhists, or Hindus.” (p. 231)

Ø  The difference between the world and the church. The difference between true transformation and superficial behavior modification. Yes, almost every religion is moralistic. The exclusivity of the Christian Gospel makes Christianity differs from other religions. And that must be preached all the time, for us to be worthy to bear the name of Christian.

Prodigious and Miniature

Spurgeon got converted at sixteen,

Began preaching at seventeen,

Became a pastor at eighteen,

Dominated England at nineteen!

In 2 years period, before he came to London,

When he was just 19, preached 670 sermons.

He went on to preach over 7000 sermons,

Of which we have around 3600 sermons.

At 17, I began preaching to my peers,

Since then I’ve been preaching for 12 years,

Yet achievement of Spurgeon’s first 2 years

Is still an impossible feat, it appears!

              – S.R. [2020]

Block Diagramming: Ephesians 4:21-23

A Eulogy To Ravi Zacharias – by Suanlal

[This is a eulogy to Ravi Zacharias written by one of my friends, Suanlal. He is a voracious reader, reading a wide range of books of different genres. You can reach him through Facebook here.]

Suanlal with Ravi-ji, Delhi

“God buries His workmen, but carries on His work.” —Charles Wesley.

March 2016 @ Delhi, I met you, Uncle Ravi. You were so humble to respond to my question, a man who came from a small unknown town. That moment, as I look back I truly understand what you often said, “behind every question is a questioner.” My tryst with you started somewhere around 2012/13. I was a new believer then who had silly questions concerning the Christian Faith. You demonstrate Christianity is intellectually plausible and existentially satisfying and relevant. In other words, you make me understand Why the Mind Matters in Christianity and the role of reason in spiritual transformation.

BACK THEN, to be honest, I didn't always understand what you said or wrote. Your vocabulary was way beyond my comprehension. It has been a journey to coming to know you. I still remember me looking forward to every Friday for your radio program "Let My People Think." I still remember listening to your testimony "Faith Under Fire" in my hostel room and weeping! You will continue to minister to my heart. Uncle Ravi, I will miss your distinct voice. There is something that ticks with it. You have a way of touching the nerve center of life. You left a large void in my heart. Tremendous loss. I am still processing the weight of this loss.

Thank you, Ravi, for your influence on my formative Christian life. It was you who introduced me to the field of Apologetics. My life has never been the same knowing you. I am reminded of what Isaac Newton have said centuries ago "If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants."

Now that, You have met the one who speaks to you in your suicide death-bed “Because I live, you will live also,” you will have all your questions answered personally and hear the word “Well done, good and faithful slave!” Oh, what a thought!

Ravi is a convincing proof of the Gospel power to transform lives. Reflecting on how God’s grace is beyond description over his family, Ravi concluded, “He lifted all of us over the walls of our own imprisonment.” The same God can free you from your bondage too. Friends, we should remember Ravi Zacharias, and in remembering him, remember Jesus Christ, the Savior and Lord he loved and served so faithfully.

“Apologetics is seen before it is heard,” says Ravi. This is one of the many sayings of Ravi that keeps tugging in my heart that I will never forget in my Christian Walk. Coming from a not so good background, I could only cherish what I have heard from him saying, “Jesus Christ does not only change what you do, he changes what you want to do,” which is personally evident in my life.

I would like to end with one of his most inspirational lines that I came across from one of his books, Jesus Among Other Gods: “From then on, my longings, my hopes, my dreams, and my every effort has been

to live for Him who rescued me,

to study for Him who gave me this mind,

to serve Him who fashioned my will,

and to speak for Him who gave me a voice.” – Ravi Zacharias.

#ThankYouRavi

Written by Suanlal Zou

You can also read my eulogy to Ravi Zacharias HERE

Reflection on (a kind of brooding over) the death of Ravi Zacharias.

Ravi Zacharias is without parallel the most influential Christian India has ever produced. We might not see again a person of his caliber in our lifetime. Even in the stage of the whole wide world, he remains one of the greatest Christian apologists of the late 20^th century and the early 21^st century. True to the motto of his ministry, he persuades the believer to think and the thinker to believe.

The death of Ravi Zacharias is heart-breaking to those who look up to him as the defender of the faith. Especially for Indians, whose contribution to the churches across the world is small, he has been the model for many Indian Christians. Now, “we have Ravi Zacharias,” will be “we had Ravi Zacharias.” Surely, he emigrated, but his upbringing, his blood, his fluency in Indian language, and his looks scream out loud that he has been an Indian all his lifelong though his earthly citizenship may not be.

The first time I listened to Ravi Zacharias was 10 years ago in Shillong. The Internet was not available then as these days. I had a friend (bro. Juban Wahlang) who was working in an office of UESI-NE Shillong. He would let me use the office computer sometimes. I used to download the sermons of John MacArthur and had been listening regularly. My friend asked for pastor John’s sermon telling me he will give me the sermons (“let my people think” series) of Ravi Zacharias. Well, that turned out to be one of the best deals I ever had with anyone.

I was with SSEU (UESI-NE) in 2010-2013. We had a very good relationship with RZIM, Shillong. Many times we invited Dr. Balajied, bro. Tejdor to our programs. They also invited us to help them out as volunteers in one of their mega-events. When I graduated from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, I paid a visit to the RZIM office to meet bro. Tejdor for a career opportunity, but he was out of the station. A few days later he was gracious enough to call me up and ask about my purpose of visit. Surely, the staff, whom I had a lengthy friendly conversation had informed him. Well, I was already on my way to Delhi boarding a train and ended up in Seminary a year later.

I have spent hundreds of hours listening to Ravi Zacharias, and have read some of his best books. Two of my favorites are “Can Man Live Without God?” and “I, Isaac, Take Thee, Rebekah.” Ravi Zacharias has mastered the art of illustrating truth statements and imprinting in the heart and mind of his listener. For instance, I had heard him many times in his lectures reciting the lyrics of “Cats in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin, I was so glad to find it in page 109 of “Can Man Live without God?” I have used that lyrics and many other illustrations more effectively thanks to the influence of Ravi.

One of my favorite sermons/lectures is from “Let my people think” about Jonah the reluctant prophet. Many years ago I saw my 11-year old sister misbehaving, and as a punishment for her, I decided to let her stay alone in a room with an earpiece on her ears playing that sermon. Well, she enjoyed the sermon and refused to give me back my phone. I am sure she didn’t understand many of the sophisticated vocabulary of Ravi Zacharias, but it is telling that a man of such intellect could mesmerize even the mind of an 11-year old kid.

Ravi is the first Indian Christian I enjoyed listening to and remains the best Indian Christian I will keep on listening to. He is also the best Indian Christian author I have ever read. He is the first apologist I came to know, and then through him, I let myself be influenced by Geisler and Lane Craig. By now, I have favored presuppositional apologetics but Ravi has always been more than an apologist, he is a preacher, communicator, evangelist, and a voice of clear thinking. I have never met him face to face, and I decided to be contented that I was able to attend one of his lectures in September of 2013 in Delhi. Well, it made no sense for me to waste his time. Maybe something like the attitude of Peter, “O depart from me, for I am a sinner!”

Some of my favorite Christian leaders who I enjoy listening to and reading their works have already gone to be with the Lord. Surely, death will come for all of us if Christ tarries to come. And surely each year, one after another, our favorite and beloved Christian leaders will make their way to heaven. Reflecting this fact is gloomy in one way because we are without giants of faith but the enemies are still roaring. At the same time, we must realize the baton is passed on to us, and the battle will go on and the victory will always be ours in the end for the Lord Jesus is the captain, alive and active.

Below here are some of the top Christian leaders who have gone to be with the King of glory in the last 5 years period, and their top books that have influenced me the most. They have run the race very well influencing millions along the way. Surely, the Lord has welcomed them with “Well Done!” as we bid them with farewell words, “You have lived well!”

Ravi and RC