Chris Gnanakan

Recently we installed a pump starter with a level indicator. This device starts the pump automatically as well as indicates if the water level in the tank is quarter, half, three-fourths or full. I wonder if there a way to measure of our commitment to Christ’s mission? The story of Peter’s missionary call and miraculous catch (Luke 5:1-11) provide a framework to examine our willingness and increase the depth of our own commitment.

This passage is significant for 3 reasons: (1) Luke registers, for historical interest, the commission of Simon Peter, the leading disciple and apostle of the early Church (2) the message in this miracle Jesus performs clarifies the conditions, cost and increasing depth of commitment required to be his follower (3) Jesus’ imagery of ‘fishing’ becomes a paradigm for discipleship and missions (Matt 4:19; following–fashioning–fishing). Let’s place ourselves in Peter’s scandals, heed Jesus’ call and assess our response to his: ‘Come let’s catch fish’, literally take people alive! (more…)

Think of an intimidating or threatening situation that scares you! Have you been wondering if you can really overcome that obstacle in your life? Often the loudest voices against success are the realists saying: ‘This problem is going to bury you; forget about success!’ Are you discouraged, loosing heart, feeling like a failure? 

Israel, God’s people, during the Prophet Zechariah’s time (Ch 4: 1-14) faced a daunting situation. In 586 BC, the capital Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. In 538, Emperor Cyrus’ decree allowed some of these Jews to return to their homeland. The leaders who bought the people back were Joshua, the High Priest and Zerubabbel the administrative governor. Within a few years on returning, this faithful remnant embarked on rebuilding the temple. However, in 536 BC the work stopped! Why, what was happening? (more…)

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! (more…)

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’ (more…)