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Category: Current Affairs & News
Publish Date: Dec 6, 2012
Views: 20420
Philip P. Thomas panel is projected as the winner..
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Displaying 24 Comments
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a. s. mathew (December 13, 2012)
brother thepraize: i am glad that you are getting active again. brother truthseeker: though we started debating about an entirely different topic, but we have joined hands to expose some very criticial spiritual apathy and luckwarm atmosphere highly visible now in the church world of all denominations. may i request in christian love to all those brothers and sisters who used to write very interesting and informative comments touching various biblical topics in the past to resume writing, so that we can make the " belivers journal" more penetrating and drawing more readers. i feel guilty that at times, i have monopolized the comments column for which i do sincerely apologize. god bless you all.
brother thepraize: i am glad that you are getting active again. brother truthseeker: though we started debating about an entirely different topic, but we have joined hands to expose some very criticial spiritual apathy and luckwarm atmosphere highly visible now in the church world of all denominations. may i request in christian love to all those brothers and sisters who used to write very interesting and informative comments touching various biblical topics in the past to resume writing, so that we can make the " belivers journal" more penetrating and drawing more readers. i feel guilty that at times, i have monopolized the comments column for which i do sincerely apologize. god bless you all.
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thepraize (December 13, 2012)
@ truth seeker & a. s. mathew : while i agree with the arguments presented,let us not forget that a christian lifestyle is the biggest message that need to be reflected in our daily walk,that need not be loud but can be equally thought provoking, these days we find mega preachers,mega conventions with mega crowds but in all sincerity are these men with integrity.Please donot count me judgemental,but every one of them is involved in activities that is not aligned to the gospel.More than preaching we need men of god to lead from the front as examples,to even me,so that i may feel convicted and get back to God. As many believe Christian lifestyle is not all that we see from our present generation leaders,its a life that has to be pure and undefiled and as the scripture mentions we need to align to, the holiness and perfection of God which is certainly a high standard and i doubt if i meet even the minimums.To conclude "actions speak louder than words" God Bless
@ truth seeker & a. s. mathew : while i agree with the arguments presented,let us not forget that a christian lifestyle is the biggest message that need to be reflected in our daily walk,that need not be loud but can be equally thought provoking, these days we find mega preachers,mega conventions with mega crowds but in all sincerity are these men with integrity.Please donot count me judgemental,but every one of them is involved in activities that is not aligned to the gospel.More than preaching we need men of god to lead from the front as examples,to even me,so that i may feel convicted and get back to God. As many believe Christian lifestyle is not all that we see from our present generation leaders,its a life that has to be pure and undefiled and as the scripture mentions we need to align to, the holiness and perfection of God which is certainly a high standard and i doubt if i meet even the minimums.To conclude "actions speak louder than words" God Bless
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truth seeker- jc (December 13, 2012)
bro: a s mathew- "how many seventh grade people are born with that gift to preach?"."if we focus only on those 'rich and educated' audience, we missed the calling". i agree with you,bro mathew. well, how many self proclaimed preachers we had saying that,they had a divine-calling for the ministry. their unconventional manner of preaching and conducting sermons without proper theological education,made protestant churches a 'fun-house' for others, atleast for sometime in the past. they believed in making loud noise, even in front of the microphone. worship without loud bursting noise was no-worship for them. we still have few left,who stick to that style. i still see some reluctance among traditional church followers and gentiles from accepting the truth, because of this stigma attached to protestants from the past. the first time i saw dr k e abraham was forty years ago, at trichur, in india. his very first smile looking straight into eyes is still fresh in my mind - contd
bro: a s mathew- "how many seventh grade people are born with that gift to preach?"."if we focus only on those 'rich and educated' audience, we missed the calling". i agree with you,bro mathew. well, how many self proclaimed preachers we had saying that,they had a divine-calling for the ministry. their unconventional manner of preaching and conducting sermons without proper theological education,made protestant churches a 'fun-house' for others, atleast for sometime in the past. they believed in making loud noise, even in front of the microphone. worship without loud bursting noise was no-worship for them. we still have few left,who stick to that style. i still see some reluctance among traditional church followers and gentiles from accepting the truth, because of this stigma attached to protestants from the past. the first time i saw dr k e abraham was forty years ago, at trichur, in india. his very first smile looking straight into eyes is still fresh in my mind - contd
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a. s. mathew (December 12, 2012)
contd:3 conducted, the response to know about Jesus among those people was too hard to believe. The preaching was not classical but the message of the cross caught their attention. We have repeatedly heard the gospel, so the heart is getting more brazen while those people in slums and the village people in far off areas of North India will accept the gospel of grace instantly. We all have a great responsibility to reach those people with the message of the gospel. The singing in one of the slum churches I could participate to worshp was the most inspiring experience of life. We all must work hard and motivate the young generation to go to the highways and all market places to tell the good news of salvation through JESUS CHRIST. If we are specificlly focusing only on those rich and educated audience, we have missed the calling.
contd:3 conducted, the response to know about Jesus among those people was too hard to believe. The preaching was not classical but the message of the cross caught their attention. We have repeatedly heard the gospel, so the heart is getting more brazen while those people in slums and the village people in far off areas of North India will accept the gospel of grace instantly. We all have a great responsibility to reach those people with the message of the gospel. The singing in one of the slum churches I could participate to worshp was the most inspiring experience of life. We all must work hard and motivate the young generation to go to the highways and all market places to tell the good news of salvation through JESUS CHRIST. If we are specificlly focusing only on those rich and educated audience, we have missed the calling.
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a. s. mathew (December 12, 2012)
contd:2 he never offended anybody in his sermons, and many times quoted from the orthodox worship books to clarify some of his sermons.
i have heard from him many times about the second coming of christ.
now, how many are preaching that subject? in 1981, while the plane was slowly moving to take off at the bombay airport, i could watch very closely the slum dwellers. their lifestyle was very tormeting to watch. it broke my heart and i cried inside the plane and prayed to god to visit the slums some day, and the prayer was answered in 2005. it was too hard to enter the slums, the smell was too nauseating. in one medical camp, more than 300 people came. many of them have never seen shampoo or soap. my job was pouring medicine from big bottle to the small bottles, also to pray with the delhi pastor placing our hands on each person. we didn't eat anything for more than eight hours. after the camp, when the prayer meeting was
contd:2 he never offended anybody in his sermons, and many times quoted from the orthodox worship books to clarify some of his sermons.
i have heard from him many times about the second coming of christ.
now, how many are preaching that subject? in 1981, while the plane was slowly moving to take off at the bombay airport, i could watch very closely the slum dwellers. their lifestyle was very tormeting to watch. it broke my heart and i cried inside the plane and prayed to god to visit the slums some day, and the prayer was answered in 2005. it was too hard to enter the slums, the smell was too nauseating. in one medical camp, more than 300 people came. many of them have never seen shampoo or soap. my job was pouring medicine from big bottle to the small bottles, also to pray with the delhi pastor placing our hands on each person. we didn't eat anything for more than eight hours. after the camp, when the prayer meeting was
+3
a. s. mathew (December 12, 2012)
brother truth seeker: i do agree with you that the preachers must have convincing style and subject matter to be delivered. i do remember pastor k.e. abraham so well, who was my dad's very close friend, starting from 1946, when pastor k.e. abraham made his first overseas trip to sweeden. my father was the person who officially dedicated the autobigraphy of pastor k.e. abraham at the kumbanad convention, and koovoor vakil also spoke on that night. he has stayed in our home many times, and people from all denominations, from catholic church and even the hindus were very anxious to hear oonnoony sir; touching profoundly the prophetical subjects along with his travel experiences. indeed, he was another charles spurgeon of india. how many 7th grade educated people are born with that gift to preach? he was specially chosen by god, and he baptized me in mulakazha church of god baptistery while pastor t.m. vargehse was the overseer, in the year 1966.
brother truth seeker: i do agree with you that the preachers must have convincing style and subject matter to be delivered. i do remember pastor k.e. abraham so well, who was my dad's very close friend, starting from 1946, when pastor k.e. abraham made his first overseas trip to sweeden. my father was the person who officially dedicated the autobigraphy of pastor k.e. abraham at the kumbanad convention, and koovoor vakil also spoke on that night. he has stayed in our home many times, and people from all denominations, from catholic church and even the hindus were very anxious to hear oonnoony sir; touching profoundly the prophetical subjects along with his travel experiences. indeed, he was another charles spurgeon of india. how many 7th grade educated people are born with that gift to preach? he was specially chosen by god, and he baptized me in mulakazha church of god baptistery while pastor t.m. vargehse was the overseer, in the year 1966.
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truth seeker- jc (December 12, 2012)
bro a s mathew- our point is, we need to have a convincing style with our words and body-language while preaching to attract an audience to make them pinned down to their seats,if we are serious about preaching to them. we are talking about preaching to the gentiles, right? we need to make them interested to something they most likely are not initially interested. bro mathew, you were earlier referring to people not interested in listening to certain kind of gospels, right? certainly those are not for gentiles or beginners. but even in that case too,if you have a convincing style, than critizicing,they will be receptive. dr: k.e.abraham is a very good example, everytime i listened to him, i was eager listening to him, because he had a convincing style,while preaching. we cannot chase all these people down to a corner and tie them to somewhere,where they sit and listen, right ? so,now the question is, what should we do to make them listen! certainly not by critizicing them ???
bro a s mathew- our point is, we need to have a convincing style with our words and body-language while preaching to attract an audience to make them pinned down to their seats,if we are serious about preaching to them. we are talking about preaching to the gentiles, right? we need to make them interested to something they most likely are not initially interested. bro mathew, you were earlier referring to people not interested in listening to certain kind of gospels, right? certainly those are not for gentiles or beginners. but even in that case too,if you have a convincing style, than critizicing,they will be receptive. dr: k.e.abraham is a very good example, everytime i listened to him, i was eager listening to him, because he had a convincing style,while preaching. we cannot chase all these people down to a corner and tie them to somewhere,where they sit and listen, right ? so,now the question is, what should we do to make them listen! certainly not by critizicing them ???
+3
a. s. mathew (December 11, 2012)
brother truth seeker: i am not talking about those preachers preaching in front of temples using very abrasive language with torturing and blunt criticisms of idol worship or in front of mosque about circumcision. but, if the preachers can quote from the quran about the virgin birth of jesus and many topics related to jesus, then can draw the attention of the muslims to hear the gospel. i do remember a muslim covert preaching to the muslim people about christ, and the response was very great. when some of the preachers don't have any subject to preach, they will find something to preach through attacking other people. i have shared the gospel with muslims while in travel, quoting about jesus from quran, and to my surprise, they have confessed openly " i don't have a quran". those missionaries who came to india centuries back like the csi, lms, salvation army, moravians, pentecostal, brethren etc will inspire our spiritual life, and their self-deninal will touch us deeply.
brother truth seeker: i am not talking about those preachers preaching in front of temples using very abrasive language with torturing and blunt criticisms of idol worship or in front of mosque about circumcision. but, if the preachers can quote from the quran about the virgin birth of jesus and many topics related to jesus, then can draw the attention of the muslims to hear the gospel. i do remember a muslim covert preaching to the muslim people about christ, and the response was very great. when some of the preachers don't have any subject to preach, they will find something to preach through attacking other people. i have shared the gospel with muslims while in travel, quoting about jesus from quran, and to my surprise, they have confessed openly " i don't have a quran". those missionaries who came to india centuries back like the csi, lms, salvation army, moravians, pentecostal, brethren etc will inspire our spiritual life, and their self-deninal will touch us deeply.
+3
truth seeker- jc (December 11, 2012)
bro: a s mathew- "malayudheea muthukatthirikkum mannanndheea muthukatthum maraalaa theerrikkum baghvaann" - whether the gospel is three dimensional or one dimensional,the almighty god has set an example how to preach,the gospel- how, when and where. we are the one's distorting it,by doing the way we want it,according to our knowledge and convenience and sometimes for a short-lived fame too.
you heard about the missionaries being beaten in many places both inside india and outside of india. my assumption is that,atleast fifty percent of the time,we(missionaries) are asking for it,by doing it improperly and then shed crocodile tears,saying i am suffering for the lord. i don't think god appreciates that,being foolish !
i clearly know a case were a preacher was severely beaten by rss for preaching in front of their temple,provoking them. that preacher ended up in a hospital, halfway while preaching.think about it!
prosper in the lord brother, i wish you prosperity too. go
bro: a s mathew- "malayudheea muthukatthirikkum mannanndheea muthukatthum maraalaa theerrikkum baghvaann" - whether the gospel is three dimensional or one dimensional,the almighty god has set an example how to preach,the gospel- how, when and where. we are the one's distorting it,by doing the way we want it,according to our knowledge and convenience and sometimes for a short-lived fame too.
you heard about the missionaries being beaten in many places both inside india and outside of india. my assumption is that,atleast fifty percent of the time,we(missionaries) are asking for it,by doing it improperly and then shed crocodile tears,saying i am suffering for the lord. i don't think god appreciates that,being foolish !
i clearly know a case were a preacher was severely beaten by rss for preaching in front of their temple,provoking them. that preacher ended up in a hospital, halfway while preaching.think about it!
prosper in the lord brother, i wish you prosperity too. go
+3
a. s. mathew (December 10, 2012)
Brother Truth Seeker: The gospel of Christ is three dimensional. To the thief at the cross, it was the instant promise of eternal happiness with Jesus in heaven. Read Mathew 19:20. What did Jesus say to that rich young man? The gospel of self-denial. I am sure that you won't contradict the reality that whatever Jesus said is the gospel. In verse 29 of the same chapter, Jesus's gospel was blessings and reward by explaining to the doubting Peter. I am sorry that many people are brainwashed in the prosperity gospel, and for them to follow Christ is to prosper with the material things of the world, and they do everything to hoard more wealth to their asset to impress the world as " BLESSED" but play a fake spirituality without caring for the suffering people across their fancy homes and around them! Read the stories of some of the great missionaries who did suffer for spreading the gospel. God bless you my brother with greater prosperity.
Brother Truth Seeker: The gospel of Christ is three dimensional. To the thief at the cross, it was the instant promise of eternal happiness with Jesus in heaven. Read Mathew 19:20. What did Jesus say to that rich young man? The gospel of self-denial. I am sure that you won't contradict the reality that whatever Jesus said is the gospel. In verse 29 of the same chapter, Jesus's gospel was blessings and reward by explaining to the doubting Peter. I am sorry that many people are brainwashed in the prosperity gospel, and for them to follow Christ is to prosper with the material things of the world, and they do everything to hoard more wealth to their asset to impress the world as " BLESSED" but play a fake spirituality without caring for the suffering people across their fancy homes and around them! Read the stories of some of the great missionaries who did suffer for spreading the gospel. God bless you my brother with greater prosperity.
+3
biju (December 10, 2012)
If they say that they are (s)elected by god, what about the failed panel? Are they rejected by God? a simple doubt..
If they say that they are (s)elected by god, what about the failed panel? Are they rejected by God? a simple doubt..
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j p vennikulam (December 9, 2012)
Those who are elected all are not by God what I mean is some are only come to power by their selfish motives....material benefits....pleasing to their so called followers....It is already clear to that candidates too...
Those who are elected all are not by God what I mean is some are only come to power by their selfish motives....material benefits....pleasing to their so called followers....It is already clear to that candidates too...
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concerned pentacostal (December 9, 2012)
If someone is corrupt the holy spirit will deal with them. Elections came from the greek ideaology.Luke 18:7-8 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
By keep up this, we will lose the next generation.
If someone is corrupt the holy spirit will deal with them. Elections came from the greek ideaology.Luke 18:7-8 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”
By keep up this, we will lose the next generation.
+3
concerned pentacostal (December 9, 2012)
Pentecostalism has left its vision & roots, they have incorporated things of the world. Nowhere in the bible do you read about elections. There is selection, but no election we see the lord god always appointed. In the lords vineyard there is only lifetime appointments. It is when believers lean on there own understanding they go to ways of world (casting lots, elections, canvasing people, bribing leaders etc.). We see it is not something that just sprang up overnight, the world started to creep into the church. For example in Acts 1 :21-26 (NKJV) 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. We see the disciples were not patient for the holy spirit to appoint paul, i believe that was the plan of the holy spirit. I believe we need to learn to wait on the holy spirit to do its work.
Pentecostalism has left its vision & roots, they have incorporated things of the world. Nowhere in the bible do you read about elections. There is selection, but no election we see the lord god always appointed. In the lords vineyard there is only lifetime appointments. It is when believers lean on there own understanding they go to ways of world (casting lots, elections, canvasing people, bribing leaders etc.). We see it is not something that just sprang up overnight, the world started to creep into the church. For example in Acts 1 :21-26 (NKJV) 26 And they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. We see the disciples were not patient for the holy spirit to appoint paul, i believe that was the plan of the holy spirit. I believe we need to learn to wait on the holy spirit to do its work.
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a.s.mathew (December 9, 2012)
Brother Doulos: Very touching and challenging comment.
Brother Doulos: Very touching and challenging comment.
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doulos (December 9, 2012)
my concerned brothers, remember- priest eli and sons- on one side(both panels), and you who are serving the lord faithully and fearfuly, i call them -hanna and son- please remember these thoughts . let the filthy do the filthy things. you are called to stand for the lord. many many establishments are not godly. holy spirit did not come to jersalem temple. holy spirit fell upon the poor people who were poor and pure in spirit. look around, many many eli and sons companies are failed and going to be crushed. but the good lord rememeber the crying hanna. hanna, your tears are not salt water. it is stored by the lord. your tears are holy and your life is holy. because of that you are going to see a generation standing for the lord. are you in the team/panel of eli and sons or are you like hanna and son who stand for the holly god.
my concerned brothers, remember- priest eli and sons- on one side(both panels), and you who are serving the lord faithully and fearfuly, i call them -hanna and son- please remember these thoughts . let the filthy do the filthy things. you are called to stand for the lord. many many establishments are not godly. holy spirit did not come to jersalem temple. holy spirit fell upon the poor people who were poor and pure in spirit. look around, many many eli and sons companies are failed and going to be crushed. but the good lord rememeber the crying hanna. hanna, your tears are not salt water. it is stored by the lord. your tears are holy and your life is holy. because of that you are going to see a generation standing for the lord. are you in the team/panel of eli and sons or are you like hanna and son who stand for the holly god.
+3
really (December 9, 2012)
Brother J.P Vennikulam would have had a different opinion if the selection was by God if few other candidates would have been victorious. Obviously if thinos go the way we want it we like to credit God.
Brother J.P Vennikulam would have had a different opinion if the selection was by God if few other candidates would have been victorious. Obviously if thinos go the way we want it we like to credit God.
+3
j p vennikulam (December 9, 2012)
I don't think above leaders are elected by God. These are under the part of cheap politics...Our God is s just God. In front of Him these so called leaders have to examine from your sincere heart, whether they came to power by God given opportunity or by the muscle-power and 'moneocracy'?
I don't think above leaders are elected by God. These are under the part of cheap politics...Our God is s just God. In front of Him these so called leaders have to examine from your sincere heart, whether they came to power by God given opportunity or by the muscle-power and 'moneocracy'?
+3
a. s. mathew (December 8, 2012)
Brother Concerned Pentecostal: Every denomination must have an organized administration, but when the adminitration turns like a dividing factor of the Church, that can be very dangerous. Until the believers take a solid stand to put a brake to this leadership political game, this trend will get far worse. I am not addressing any particular denomination, but it is very sad to say that the current awkward and awful election mania being undertaken in the Christian churches of all denomination is deeply grieving the Holy Spirit. How many spiritually enlightened and flourished local congregations were fragmented as fellowships of "room worship" due to the undue and fierce powerplay of street politics? This is high time to kneel down and humble ourselves and cry to GOD, else GOD will teach us some hard spiritual lessons.
Brother Concerned Pentecostal: Every denomination must have an organized administration, but when the adminitration turns like a dividing factor of the Church, that can be very dangerous. Until the believers take a solid stand to put a brake to this leadership political game, this trend will get far worse. I am not addressing any particular denomination, but it is very sad to say that the current awkward and awful election mania being undertaken in the Christian churches of all denomination is deeply grieving the Holy Spirit. How many spiritually enlightened and flourished local congregations were fragmented as fellowships of "room worship" due to the undue and fierce powerplay of street politics? This is high time to kneel down and humble ourselves and cry to GOD, else GOD will teach us some hard spiritual lessons.
+3
concerned pentecostal (December 8, 2012)
what a disgrace, these so called leaders, what is the difference between them and a congress leader? this election is a statement how pentecostalism have lost the their vision & testimony. oh lord hurry !!!!
what a disgrace, these so called leaders, what is the difference between them and a congress leader? this election is a statement how pentecostalism have lost the their vision & testimony. oh lord hurry !!!!
+3
lakeland (December 7, 2012)
Leaders won/Jesus lost - We, the pentecostals must read this passage from the book of Peter: But false prophets/..... also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
Leaders won/Jesus lost - We, the pentecostals must read this passage from the book of Peter: But false prophets/..... also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
+3
korah (December 6, 2012)
I dont want to mention individual names in MP Georgekuttys panel, those who have won there is absolutely purchase the votes. From the news only i came to know some candidates are Pentecost (name sake)
I dont want to mention individual names in MP Georgekuttys panel, those who have won there is absolutely purchase the votes. From the news only i came to know some candidates are Pentecost (name sake)
+3
sp kumbanad (December 6, 2012)
Let us have a party..Pr.Neduveeli.
Let us have a party..Pr.Neduveeli.
+3
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bro a s mathew & thepraize- contd- dr k e abraham had a charisma, which made people more eager to listen to his preaching's. his qualities were, he was not at all corrupt. he kept purity in his thoughts and clarity in mind. how do i know that, might be a question, here ? answer- the behavior reflects it! when we closely watch a person we can understand that! as i mentioned earlier about looking straight into ones eyes and giving a hearty smile can only be done effortlessly, by a person who has purity in thoughts and clarity in mind! we have wonderful-actors in society and in all walks of life, who can impersonate and try to create an impression. but those impressions are short-lived, because sooner or later, people are going to realize the reality of it. don't be mistaken and carried-away by that, they are mere actors. but to create a lasting impression, needs character, clarity and charisma ! dr ravi zacharia is a very promising preacher. contd-