Parental Salvation in Jagdalpur

Two years ago we were informed about a sister in Jagdalpur who got saved and came to the church life and that her family need to be visited for the gospel. However we could not visit the family as requested. It was in our last trip that the same burden was revived to visit her, clubbing together with a visit to another brother. Therefore, the visit was done yesterday. 

Yesterday, though our appointment was at 7:00 PM we decided to meet the family in the morning so that we could spend the evening with some other families. As we visited, we could not speak much except introduced ourselves and got to know one another. The father of the family invited us to go along with him to Chitrakote where the "Niagara Falls of India" was situated and where his official site was located. He also invited us for lunch and took us for sightseeing at the Chitrakote falls. We had a day of sightseeing and a lovefeast, all the while fellowshiping with him and another brother for whom we came for fellowship. Two birds were hit with the same stone.

In the evening we visited the family again with the burden to preach the gospel and pray for them. Though we were not well versed in Hindi, my coordinator brother preached the gospel in English first, translated by another brother in Hindi. He touched the three key points of confessing sins, calling upon the name of the Lord, and continuously reading the Bible. 

Following my brother, I had the burden to strengthen the gospel preaching by requesting the father and mother to read the tract The Mystery of Human Life in Hindi, paragraph by paragraph, along with me. After the reading, I exercised to preach the gospel in Hindi with the same points of truth as in the tracts. Then, led them pray the sinners' prayer to believe and receive the Lord, and finally prayed for the entire family.

After such an exercised meeting, I felt the burden the Lord gave us was released. Deep within, we have the confirmation that they were indeed saved. Praise the Lord!

For such a meeting as this, it was worth all the travel. Their two daughters have believed into the Lord Jesus Christ and were baptized already. Mainly, it was because of their two daughters' prayer and burden for their parents, the meeting could transpire. 

Through the daughters, parents were gradually brought to salvation. What a parental salvation!

“And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple-dyed goods from the city of Thyatira who worshipped God, was listening, whose heart the Lord opened to give heed to the things being spoken by Paul.” (Acts 16:14, RecVer)

May the Lord gain the entire family with their relatives.

Fruitbearing: The Lord's Blessings

Yesterday, I received a surprise call from one of the brothers who have not been regular to the church meeting. In the past he had brought some new people with the motive of business. Therefore, I kind-of keep away from involving in any business as such. When he called me I made it very clear that he was welcomed as a brother for fellowship, not for business. With that I agreed to meet him and his friend. Besides, I need to leave for Jabalpur in the afternoon so I asked him how much time he would need. He said about thirty minutes, which was manageable for me.

A few minutes after noon, he brought a new friend. As we conversed I sensed his friend's seeking heart. I wasted no time, and started preaching th gospel to him. After the gospel, I further felt the need to lead him to prayer and receive the Lord, which he willing did. Then, having further sensed the need for him to be baptised, I explained to him what is baptism and why it is needed. On asking him if he would like to be baptised, he replied in the affirmative again. Everything went on smoothly, yet I wanted another brother to coordinate with me in baptising a new brother. Therefore, I called up another brother to come to the meeting hall so that we together in coordination and one accord can baptise him.

Meanwhile, I got a help from my cousin brother to make baptism tub ready. To further strengthen the truth of the gospel, I and the two brothers read through The Mystery of Human Life, emphasising on  the six keys, explaining each key in detail. Then, we once again prayed the sinner's prayer to him receive the Lord and helped them, including the brother who brought him, to call on the Lord outloud. I also explained the significance of calling upon the name of the Lord. Another burden for the brother who brought the new one was the need for him exercise his spirit more. Therefore, the burden on calling upon the Lord’s name was emphasised. When my brother arrived, we prayed for the new brother and baptised him. 

We have been praying for the saints to bear fruits. Much more, that each one in the church should bear at least one remaining fruit. Though we have not resumed the church’s going out to preach the gospel, the Lord answered our prayers and brought fruit. This was the second baptism for the year post pandemic.

After the baptism, we still sat for fellowship to further strengthen the faith of the new one and also the brother who has brought him. Though I committed only for thirty minutes earlier as I needed to leave, I ended up spending two and half hours. Gospel preaching, leading the new one to salvation, explaining the significance of baptism, baptizing, and then strengthening fellowship. Therefore, I needed to change my travel plan. Instead of taking metro I booked a cab and went straight to the train station to catch a train to Jabalpur.

Praise the Lord! When the Lord blesses, He blesses. If not for the Lord's blessings, no matter how hard we try, the fruit is not forthcoming. 

May this new one be graced by the Lord To be under constant shepherding and be a remaining fruit in the church life.

Offering Dispensing

And my God will fill your every need according to His riches, in glory, in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

The Lord is the source of all supplies; be it spiritual, psychological, or spiritual. He does it in His own time and in His own ways. He knows when and how and to whom to supply. I have been graced by Him to coordinate with Him in supplying His children's needs. Whenever He supplies and is routed through my bank account, I go before Him to seek His leading. As He leads and gave me the sense, I dispense the offering to the saints. This has been going on for years now. He is the faithful one!

Last week a big amount of offering was channeled through my account. Initially, it was mentioned for a certain entity. However, deep within me, I had the feeling that there are needs for certain saints. Though I generally do not fellowship with the one who sends as to how the offering needs to be distributed, for I normally distribute as intended. But this time, I had the feeling to check if this offering could be used to meet the needs of certain needy saints, the immediate reply was to dispense the offering as the Lord leads and according to the need.

Therefore, I prayed and considered before the Lord for a few days, and gradually the Lord made it clear to me to whom and how much offering has to be offered. First, I wrote the names and the amounts down, and each time I pray over this matter, the Lord will put more names and amounts, and in a few days' time, the paper was filled with names and amounts. Through prayer with certain saints or fellowship, or even through circumstances, I got a clear picture of what needs to be done. 

Once everything was clear within me, I transferred the offering accordingly. Though none of this has been intended for me personally I was full of joy that I have this grace to be able to discern to whom the offering has to be offered. Though I am not the supplier, I felt the joy of the Lord in His meeting the saints' needs; I could sense the joy of the receipients too.

A few days later, I received indirect indications by the receivers of the offerings that it has been such a great help to them in the midst of their great needs. I praise and thank the Lord for His faithful supply.

I believe this is what Paul meant by "my God will fill your every need according to His riches, in glory, in Christ Jesus."

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh, as it is said to this day, On the mount of Jehovah it will be provided. Genesis 22:14

Praise the Lord!

Shepherding Young People

I have been praying together with a group of young brothers since the Lord burdened me to take care of the young people in the church in Gurugram. The very first burden and goal the Lord imparted into me for the young people was that each one of them would be graced to join and be trained in the two years full-time training. Initially, when the burden came to me, it was "impossible" considering the cases of the young people then. But the Lord is sovereign in working all things together for good in each one of them.

When the time came, the first young people to graduate also happened to be my niece. The Lord worked on her and she joined the full-time training. Later, another brother also was touched by the Lord through his circumstances and he also joined the training. A year later another young brother graduated, and he also decided to join the training. Now all these ones are enjoying the Lord's training in the training.

One brother who has been a little skeptical about the truths and the church life has been very passive in the church life. I used to pray with him whenever he picked my call. Otherwise, it was even hard to talk to him. But we have been praying for him. A few months ago, something transpired in his family which prompted me and another brother to fellowship with his father if he would be released for the training. But we got no response at all even after months have passed. Deep within my being, I wish that he could consecrate himself and join the training. But it seemed like an impossible case.

One Lord's day I got to fellowship with him along with his mom and brother to seriously consider joining the training. They all agreed and I even brought the matter to the brothers to fellowship. But no response came from them.

However, last month, something very bad happened in his life. He was "driven out" by his father out of rage for some reason. Even otherwise, he has not been on good terms with his father. Only God knows for whatever reason. What could I do? Nothing. It was a blessing to be able to do nothing but pray. That's what I did with a few other brothers. The Lord hears our prayers. Amen!

Last month, while I was on a literature journey to Madhya Pradesh in MHOW, I received a phone call early morning from this brother saying that he had been driven out by his dad and that he came to my home. Immediately, I welcomed him to stay with us though I was not at home then. I called my wife and my brother and advised them to make the necessary arrangement for his hospitality. I also called up a brother with whom I am coordinating in the church affairs to consider his case and how we could help him join the training immediately. Within a few hours, we were able to make all the necessary fellowship and the matter was decided that he would join the training. Finally, after all the impromptu arrangements and special circumstances, he joined the training after a few days. Praise the Lord!

The Lord knows how to gain people in His own way and in His own time. He knows best. I simply must do my duty faithfully, to pray and pray for the young ones. This is the best way I can shepherd them, and also usher them to join the training.

Lord, shepherd all these young saints; shepherd them and train them, make them useful vessels to You!

Gospel Preaching

Since the pandemic struck India, all our physical gospel preaching has stopped. We switched to an online gospel meeting which has been going on every alternate Friday via Zoom. For this, I have the blessing to coordinate in making all the practical arrangements in assigning the host, hymns and the singers, testimony sharing, and the gospel preacher. Though online, still it is a gospel meeting and I have been doing my best in the responsibility allotted to me.

Last Saturday in our brothers' fellowship we decided to preach the gospel openly in the shopping complex nearby. It was our first physical going out after the lockdown. As we went and met people on the streets, the heart of the people are still open. Within a span of one hour, we were about to meet a good number of people and preach the gospel to them too.

Personally, I have not been preaching the gospel face to face. This was my recovery from preaching the gospel face to face. I was glad that I could exercise to preach the gospel to at least three people. After a long gap, I could flow out the gospel to strangers and sinners again!

One encouraging thing was, we also met a Christian brother whom we met during our gospel preaching. He was so glad that we could meet him. In fact, when I started preaching the gospel to him, he immediately confessed that he is also a Christian. Then we had a sweet time of fellowship in the open area outside a bank where he came for his banking work. He was so happy that we met him and told us he would love to visit us someday. He lives in a locality nearby with his family and also has some other family who use to meet with him for prayer and fellowship.

Today evening when I called him up he was so happy to converse over the phone and proposed to come and meet with the church this coming Lord's day and also invited us to visit him next weekend. I believe it is for these seeking believers that the Lord burdened us to go out and preach the gospel.

May all these ones who heard the gospel be saved and the brother become a remainig fruit for the church in Gurugram!

Blessed Family

Blessed is everyone who fears Jehovah, Who walks in His ways. You will indeed eat the labor of your hands; You will be blessed, and it will go well with you. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house. Your children will be like olive shoots round about your table. Thus will the man be blessed who fears Jehovah. Jehovah bless you from Zion;  And may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you also see the children of your children. Peace be upon Israel. Ps 128:1-6

Last Saturday, we decided to eat lunch as a family after a long long time of not being able to eat out. In fact, I promised my children that I would take them out before I went for a distribution trip last month.  But I could not find the proper time. Therefore, this time I made it a point to do so.

Every night the Lord has been gracing us to spend time together in prayer. Even when I traveled, I still would call them for night prayers. This has been the best and the only time I could spend with my family though we live together in the same house.  Every day I have my regular routine, and night prayer is set for the family together. From morning till night I have been occupied with my office works, shepherding the new ones, prayer, and pursuing with some saints. Besides, I have also included an hour's time of physical walking, praying, and listening to the life-study messages in my schedule. My whole day is filled with schedules. I am glad the way things go on. 

Once in a while I decided to take my children out and let them have what they wanted; especially eating their favorite burgers, ice cream, and soft drinks. I personally have no passion for all these but for the sake of my family I am doing it. There joy is my joy. When they are happy I am happy too. Actually, I have not spent on any unnecessary items. Whatever financial supply the Lord blesses us with, it all has been spent for the rightful purposes. Eating out once in a while is a part of the family building.

It is purely the Lord's mercy that He has been gracing and blessing our family very much. Looking at my chidlren I feel very blessed. They are all healthy by the Lord's mercy, studying well, read their Bibles, spend time in prayer, attend the meetings, and also doe stheir assigned household responsibilities. The house, the school, and all the provsions are blessings to us. Whatever the Lord provides that is the best. I don't think I can ask for more.  God has given us the best of the best!

Whenever I asked my children if they would like to shift to a better house or a better school, all of them replied in cohesion, NO. They are very satisfied with what we have right now.

This is contentment and satisfaction the Lord blesses us with. Because of the Lord's blessing, I don't need to worry too much about my own family, so I can spend time shepherding the saints and the new ones. And I can keep travelling to different parts of India for the ministry without any resistance from my family whatsover,. I thank the Lord for my blessed family. When the Lord blesses, He just blesses, and we are blessed.

Thank You Lord for my family! My family is all for You. Amen.

Becoming Pillars

And he formed the two bronze pillars; eighteen cubits was the height of each pillar, and a line of twelve cubits encompassed each pillar. And he made two capitals of molten bronze to set upon the tops of the pillars; the height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the second capital was five cubits. There were nets of checker work with wreaths of chain work for the capitals that were at the top of the pillars, seven for the one capital, and seven for the second capital. So he made the pillars; and there were two rows of pomegranates around the one network, to cover the capitals that were at the top of the pillars. And he did the same for the second capital. And the capitals that were at the top of the pillars in the portico were of lily work, four cubits in diameter. So then the capitals that were on the two pillars were above and close to the bulge that was beside the network. And there were two hundred pomegranates, in rows around both capitals. And he erected the pillars at the portico of the temple. When he erected the right pillar, he called its name Jachin; and when he erected the left pillar, he called its name Boaz. And at the top of the pillars was lily work. And the work on the pillars was completed. 1 Kings 7:15-22

Footnote from the Recovery Version on pillars. 

The two large pillars set up by Solomon in front of the temple were a striking feature of the exterior of the temple. In the Scriptures the pillar is a sign, a testimony, of God’s building (Gen. 28:18-19a, 22a; 1 Kings 7:15-22; Gal. 2:9; 1 Tim. 3:15; Rev. 3:12). That there were two pillars here (two being the number of testimony) indicates that these pillars stood as a testimony, like a signboard, of what God’s building is. The names of the two pillars (v. 21 and notes) testify that the Lord will establish His building (cf. Matt. 16:18) and that genuine strength is in the building (cf. Eph. 3:17-18). In typology, bronze signifies God’s judgment (Exo. 27:1-8; Num. 21:8-9; John 3:14). The temple’s two bronze pillars signify the Christ who was judged by God and who became the supporting strength of God’s dwelling on the earth (cf. Rev. 1:15 and notes 1 and 2). This Christ should be experienced by the believers in the church life and should be wrought into them to constitute them pillars to support God’s building. 

Footnote from the Recovery Version on Eighteen. 

Eighteen cubits (the height of each pillar — v. 15; 2 Kings 25:17) is half of three units of twelve cubits (the circumference of the pillar). The number three signifies the Triune God, and the number twelve signifies the mingling (multiplying) of the Triune God (three) with His creature man (four). It signifies further that this mingling is complete and perfect in God’s eternal administration (cf. note 12 2 in Rev. 21 and note 2 4 in Rev. 22). Thus, if we would be pillars as a testimony of God’s building, we must first judge ourselves under God’s judgment (bronze — Matt. 16:24; Gal. 2:20) and then be filled, saturated, and permeated with the Triune God. That each pillar is a half indicates that no matter how completely we are mingled with the Triune God, we are not complete in ourselves; we need others to match us (cf. note 16 1 in Exo. 26). 1K 7:15 3 each Lit., the one pillar…the second pillar. 

Footnote from the Recovery Version on capitals. 

The two bronze capitals covered the tops of the pillars. The total height of each capital was five cubits (v. 16; 2 Chron. 3:15), divided between the base (three cubits — 2 Kings 25:17) and the two bowls on top of each capital (2 Chron. 4:12). The number three here signifies the process of resurrection; the number two, a testimony (Deut. 17:6); the number five, the bearing of responsibility (see note 2 1 in Matt. 25); and the number ten (the combined height of the two capitals), fullness in bearing responsibility. The bowls were the glory, beauty, decoration, and crown of the capitals. They were covered with nets of checker work (like a trellis) and wreaths of chain work (v. 17). These signify the complicated and intermixed situation in which those who are pillars in God’s building (Gal. 2:9; Rev. 3:12) live and bear responsibility. Lilies were on the nets (v. 19), and two rows of one hundred pomegranates were on the wreaths (v. 18; 2 Kings 25:17; 2 Chron. 3:16; 4:13). Lilies signify a life of faith in God (S.S. 2:1-2; Matt. 6:28, 30; Gal. 2:20), and pomegranates, having many seeds, signify the expression of the riches of the divine life. 

A life of faith that expresses the riches of the divine life is the issue of the experience of Christ’s crucifixion in and through the complicated and intermixed situation (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7-18). In spiritual significance, the bowls of the capitals are a testimony (two) indicating that those who place themselves under God’s judgment (bronze), counting themselves as nothing, are able to bear responsibility (five) in full (ten) and express the riches of the divine life (pomegranates) in the midst of a complicated and intermixed situation (the checker work and chain work) out of the process of resurrection (the base of the capitals, three cubits in height) because they do not live by themselves but by God (lilies). A believer who is a pillar as a sign of God’s building must bear the testimony of living by faith to bear responsibility and express the riches of life through the process of resurrection under the crossing out of the checker work and the restriction of the chain work. 

Last week I was freshly impressed by the truth concerning being a pillar in the temple of God. The picture of the two pillars in 1 Kings 7 is marvelous. It is indeed full of spiritual significances. The design is not merely for strength and beauty, much more it has many other minute detail that a believer has to experience in order to be established and strengthened to become a pillar to bear the Lord's testimony.

My burden for the week's prophesying was on being a pillar, for which I also release my burden. The Lord in His sovereignty also arranged many circumstances, to train and perfect us. As man, we were all created out of clay. From the time we believed into the Lord Jesus Christ, the divine life came into us. Since then growth and transformation began and is still going on. In this process of transformation, God allows all the necessary persons, matters, and things to touch our being. All our natural man that needs to be transformed has to to be transformed. For this, we have to be an open vessel, receiving the divine dispensing of the divine life in the midst of all the suffering caused by the circumstances the Lord put us in. Often these circumstances are hard to bear, yet they are needed. For it is only through such that our self, flesh, old man, and natural man will be crossed out and be fully be reconstituted with the divine life.

I very much appreciated the significance of nets of checker work with wreaths of chain work. Without a proper revelation, these complicated situationss may just be a nuisance and can become redundant experiences. But with the proper view, these are precious experiences of the cross for our transformation. In the midst of all the complications, one can turn to the Lord, apply the cross through the Spirit, and come out of the complication victoriously. The chain works also functions as a tool to restrict us in many areas of our lives with the view of gaining Christ and be transformed.

With much burden, I released my burden on the significance of the pillar and encourage all the saints who have been going through complicated situations to look to the Lord for grace and be established and strengthened to become pillars for the Lord's testimony.

Thank God, He is faithful to carry out His intention. Come what may, He will accomplish His will in me as I also open myself to Him, giving Him the full ground to do whatever He wants to do. He is the Alpha, He is also the Omega. What He started, he will complete it.

Lord, gain me fully for Your divine purpose. Gain me to be Your pillar along with other saints. Amen!