Communicating Christ February 12, 2007
Posted by Chris Gnanakan in bible study.add a comment
Pauls’ teaching in Col. 1:23-2:4, shows us both the need and importance of sharing the gospel to everyone (v.23-25). Communicating Christ is essential (not optional) and inclusive (not exclusive). But, what is the gospel? In a word, its Jesus- who he is, and what he has done for us; concerning the remission of sins, redemption of souls (v.14) and total reconciliation of all creation to its Maker (v.20). The gospel is a Gift (Paul received from God) and despite all odds he found his true joy and ‘fulfilment’ in sharing this grace with others. (more…)
‘Baptistic’ Roots & ‘Enduring’ Fruits February 10, 2007
Posted by Chris Gnanakan in pastoral.add a comment
This past weekend has been an emotional high for me as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Emmanuel Church. We are indeed grateful to the Lord for all what He has done for us – we were saved, baptized, married, ordained and commissioned – at this evangelical church! Further, I was asked to preach at Banaswadi Bible Church, we pioneered 16 years ago, on the theme: Roots & Fruits (2Kings 19:30), the key text for their care cells. It was also my joy to be at the Bangalore Baptist Hospital for their 34th Thanksgiving ‘B’Day to re-cast their vision and lead their staff retreat by establishing a biblical basis to vitalize their mission statement: To provide quality wholistic care to all people and train others to do the same, sharing the love of Jesus Christ, drawing people to Him and growing together into a mature community. Here are my thought on God’s promise regarding “taking roots downward”= daily relying on God’s grace and “bearing fruit upward”= building His Kingdom with self-sacrificial love (more…)
Unity: How good, how pleasant! February 3, 2007
Posted by Chris Gnanakan in bible study.add a comment
India, the largest democracy in the world, strives for ‘unity in diversity’ yet several factors divide our nation. There have been times when I’ve wondered whether the real scandal has something to do with a fragmented Indian church. Numerous ‘independent ministries’ tragically function with the motto: “divided we stand, united we will fall”!
Taken from the timeless hymnbook of God’s people, Psalm 133 teaches us about the nature and value of unity. David was probably prompted to write this psalm when Israel came together for his coronation, not as the northern and southern kingdoms but as one nation under God (2Sam.5:1-3). This is a “psalm of accent” that was regularly sung as Israel went up to worship at Jerusalem. As we look into its content we can learn much and be challenged concerning the vital need to worship and work together… (more…)
