Chris Gnanakan

The story and character of Gideon intrigue me (Judges 6:8-40). What did God see in this frightened farmer to ‘call’ and craft him into a ‘mighty man of valor’. Gideon had limited vision and lot of doubts, with which many of us can identity. Yet God saw some worthy traits in him that made him an instrument to deliver Israel. What are these qualities when placed in God’s hand, turn fears into faith bringing God glory and His people victory? (more…)

If you are like me and in a country like India with well over a billion people with myriads of existential needs the missional tasks is colossal and seems impossible. Sure, each of us is but one person: limited, burdened with our own cares and responsibilities. We may feel there is so much to be done and we have so little to give. We’re usually short of all kinds of human resources, money and time.

I’m most eager for the Gospel of Christ to transform India, yet in spite of the conventions and conferences I speak at, increasingly I’m convinced that lasting change will happen when each Christian determines to consistently reach out to one person at a time. When asked how I pioneered or build Banaswadi Bible Church, I’ve often answered, ‘One member at a time’. On my office wall is a map of the world with the caption: “Changing the world– one student at a time!’ It’s important to start, and ‘make a difference’ to one. Have you heard of the story of the ‘Starfish Thrower’ by an unknown author? It will stir you (more…)

Christianity, depicted in the Gospels, is not a one-time prayer or decision but basically enrolling in Jesus’ school of discipleship. Think about it: anyone can apply, there is no financial admission fee, the teacher is always present when the text is open, the whole world is a classroom, the course duration lasts for a lifetime and graduation is guaranteed! Discipleship is the most restful activity and only pathway to real peace and wholeness. A Christian ‘disciple’ (mathetes; found over 216 times in the Gospels) is one who has made a life-time commitment ‘to follow’ (akolouthein ) Jesus as Lord. Consequently, disciples receive ‘rest’, that quality of Life, Jesus promises for the rest of life! So how does one become a disciple? (more…)

I will not quit, by God’s grace, I can do it! - The decision I made at Word of Life Bible Institute, NY, 1984

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
And the road you’re trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest if you must, but don’t you quit! (more…)

He was born contrary to the laws of nature, lived in poverty, reared in obscurity, only crossed the boundary of the land once in childhood. He had neither wealth nor influence, and had neither training nor education. His relatives were inconspicuous and un-influential. In infancy he startled a king, in boyhood he puzzled the doctors, in manhood ruled the course of nature (more…)

To:  Jesus, Son of Joseph
Woodcrafters Carpenter Shop, Nazareth 25922

From: Jordan Management Consultants

Dear Sir,
Thank you for submitting the resumes of the twelve men you have picked for management positions in your new organisation. All of them have taken our battery of tests; and we have not only run the results through our computer, but also arranged personal interviews for each of them with our psychologist and vocational aptitude consultant (more…)

If a child lives with conflict; he or she soon learns to fight
If a child lives with fear; then she learns to be apprehensive
If a child lives with pity; she learns to feel sorry for herself
If a child lives with ridicule; she learns to be shy
If a child lives with shame; she learns to feel guilty (more…)

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our mobile, cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets, flipped through it several times a day, turned back to go get it if we forgot it and used it to receive messages from the text?  What if we couldn’t live without it, gave it to our kids as a gift and we used it when we traveled and in case of emergency? (more…)