Jesus… ‘in the midst’

Jesus must be the centre and source of the Christian faith and life. The Good Friday and Easter events show Jesus dying ‘in the midst’ of two thieves, then manifesting himself ‘in the midst’ of his followers as their resurrected Lord. What was he doing amidst such people? Studying the significance of these occasions helps understand the reality of Jesus’ oft-quoted promise: Where two or three are gathered in my name there I am ‘in the midst’ (Mt.18:20)

Take a walk… with God!

It was a pleasant Sunday evening as Cleopas and his friend tread a seven mile road toward a town named Emmaus (Lk. 24:13-35). The two were feeling down and disheartened. Jesus, their teacher, had inspired much hope in them but then he was unjustly tried and murdered three days ago. They were further disillusioned as mysterious news concerning his missing body had filtered to their ears that morning

He Has Risen = Mission Possible!

Christians may have differences in some areas of belief but one truth claim of Jesus is non-negotiable – his bodily resurrection! The early Christians didn’t merely share the fact of Jesus’ death they preached his resurrection proclaiming him ‘Lord of life’! Good Friday was our human ‘NO’ to Jesus, Easter is God’s ‘YES’ to Him! The Cross was the Son’s payment for our sins, the empty tomb the Father’s receipt stamped ‘paid-in-full!’ Because Christ lives his followers will also live! (Jn. 14:19) This is good news – the Gospel! Christianity has a risen Savior, not a dead founder, hence a ‘living hope’; a faith that’s real, future with hope, community (church-life) with purpose and a mission that’s possible! The women who went that resurrection morning ‘looking for the living among the dead’ (Mt 28:1-10) became the 1st Gospel preachers! Let’s join them to hear 4 words of exhortation that will mobilize mournful seekers to be fervent missionaries..

Roots & Wings, we need both! Psa.1:3 & Isa.40:31

A tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit… has “roots!” Roots are vital, providing life-giving sustenance for the tree to grow and be productive. Roots are underground, not visible; yet without them, the tree has no stability. Chaff, without roots, gets blown away by every wind of difficulty. Roots strengthen, provide stay during storms of adversity. OTAN is “planted” with deep “roots” that represent essential values that hold us up and together

Here, There & Everywhere: Planting Churches

Key Verse: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  –Acts 1:8

Introduction:  Think of a family member or loved one who has done something life-changing for you and it is impossible for you to repay them. Now, suppose that person asked you to do just one thing for them before they died. Or if that person was leaving and wanted you to do something before they returned. If you were able to do it, would you get it done?  Surely you will make that particular task your personal obligation, serious responsibility and number-one priority!

But, 1 thing You lack!

It’s a challenge to work with young IT professionals in Bangalore with its BPOs and MNCs, the ‘silicon valley’ of the east and back-office of the world! I’m convinced mission has moved from the nave into the neighborhood and church ‘happens’ out of our cathedrals in ‘call centers’. Challenged by these ‘well-to-do’ ‘achievers’ who are also ‘seekers’, I’m reminded of the rich, young ruler who came to Jesus looking for something more in life (Mark 10:17-22). This incident shows being healthy or wealthy does not necessarily make one happy. You can have everything and lack just one thing and in reality have nothing!

Only 1 Thing is Necessary

Today ‘multitasking’ is a buzz word for successful business management and ‘normal’ life can be ‘hectic’. So many things must get done that Christians often forget Jesus’ caution: ‘but one thing is necessary’ (Lk.10:34). Our lives can get cluttered without the proper balance or priorities it needs. During an incident at Martha and Mary’s home in Bethany, Jesus reveals the ‘one needful thing’ that ‘will not be taken away’. It is so vital that without it, everything else doesn’t make sense or really count! There will always be much to ‘do’, yet this one thing directly relates to the main reason why humans were created and the greatest of all commandments. It’s about ‘loving God’ (v.27) and it’s not an option! Mary of Bethany is mentioned thrice and always found ‘at Jesus’ feet’ (Lk.10:39; Jn.11:32; 12:3). There is much we may learn from her about this one thing: ‘faith expressing itself in love’