A Devotional Reflection of Scripture
Block Diagramming (LHB) |
Tree Diagramming (LEB & NKJV) |
"Your election by God. For our gospel did not
come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much
assurance."
– 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5
Exposition:
Are you truly saved? If we believe the gospel, we are saved. Most of us with
Christian parents growing up in a Christian community know what John 3:16 is,
which is a very clear gospel message. We can recite it by heart and even
profess to believe it, but are we saved? If you ask around, the answer will be
mostly "No" or "I don't know." In this verse, we see Paul
explaining how Thessalonians are truly saved.
Salvation is the work of God. The preacher only proclaims the gospel, but
the faith in the gospel (the kind of faith that saves us) is wrought unto us
only by the Holy Spirit. Gospel is necessary for us to be saved, but we need
more than the gospel, we need the work of the Spirit. That's why though many
know and believe John 3:16 they are not saved. If salvation comes merely by
hearing the gospel, almost everyone would have been saved by now because almost
everyone has heard the gospel. That's why we see in the gospel narratives that
most of the hearers even of our Lord Jesus Christ were not saved. Oh! How we
depend on the Holy Spirit for the gospel to bring salvation.
When you hear a sermon and when you read the Bible, are you convicted of
your sins? Do you tremble before God and ask for forgiveness? Do you see your
need for an advocate, Jesus, to save you? Do you cling to Him? Do you find
deliverance in Him? Those are the works of the Holy Spirit. Then, you can say
the gospel comes not only in word, but also in power. Paul thanked God because
he had seen this true work of God in Thessalonians.
Personal Reflection:
Personal Commitment:
Prayer:
O God, for the work of Your Spirit I pray, even as I read this devotional writing. Make me fear You and empower me by Your Spirit to live a resolved holy life, Amen!
"He is the
image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation."
– Colossians
1:15
Exposition:
Everybody likes to know what
does God look like. There are countless numbers of idols which are meant to
represent God. When we think about a person, it is the image of that person
either in print, memory, or imagination that we recognise that person’s
identity. Has anybody seen God? Nobody has ever seen God in His full glory and
lived. The sun is a heavenly created glorious object, we dare not look at it
with our naked eyes; its creator, God must be far glorious.
When we think about abstract
things like love or pain, we know what they look like but differently.
Similarly, God is spirit, and even if we haven't seen with our naked eyes, we
know what God looks like. First, we are created in His image. Second, His
Spirit lives within believers. Here, in this verse, we see the third, Jesus is
the exact representation of God in personal (bodily) form. Whoever has seen
Jesus has seen God (John 14:9).
Jesus is not merely a man
representing God, He is God in bodily form. A mere man is created in God's
image, but in Jesus dwells the fullness of God. Furthermore, the word
"firstborn" actually means pre-eminence in this context. Apostle Paul
is saying that Jesus is above and before all creation because He is the creator,
He wasn't created. In this, we see the deity of Jesus clearly that He is God in
visible form. And we know what Jesus looks like from the pages of the
Scripture.
Personal Reflection:
·
O what an amazing grace that my glorious Creator had laid
aside His glory to come to earth in a bodily form that I may know Him and enjoy
Him in His kingdom!
Personal Commitment:
·
My life is for Him, living for His glory, to please Him,
to know Him and cherish Him evermore, and to delight in the cause of His fame.
Prayer:
Glorious, Holy, and Invisible
God, You are the Creator, Sustainer, and Perfecter of my life. I thank You for Your
marvellous Grace, Amen!
"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!
"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!
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.
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?
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.