Issue No.053 July 30, 2008 Executive Liars!; Paraguay Celebrates Centenary

#1 · July 31, 2008, 2:46 am

Quote from Forum Archives on July 31, 2008, 2:46 am
Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>
"Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement.
Issue No.053 July 30, 2008 “Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. 1 Corinthians 1:3

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In this issue:-

Perspective:- Executive Liars!
Special Article:- Public debates - part 2
Out line: - God’s Love: Characteristics
Anecdote: - A terrible deathbed
Matters for Prayer & Praise:- 1 Brethren in Paraguay Celebrates Centenary
Matters for Prayer & Praise:-2 New Web Site launched

Perspective:-

Executive Liars!

NTK
        A recent survey by a background check firm revealed that 30% of job seekers in India are dishonest! To get a job they submit fake certificates and mark sheets. They also lie about their previous job and salary. According to another survey one in every three employee in the finance sector and every fourth InfoTech employee were guilty of some kind of deception. Most frauds were reported at the top level of the corporate ladder. Employers are worried that people who lie in their CV’s are prone to committing larger frauds later.

Does it affect Christians in any way? When evil practices prevail in the society and the majority slowly accepts it as a way of life, there is every possibility for a Christian to be influenced by that. There for it is imperative for a Christian to be aware of the biblical standard for our day to day life.

Sincerity and truth are the hall mark of a Christian. Confession of past sins, cleansing by the blood of Christ, renewal by the indwelling holy sprit etc transforms a believer in to a new person. Since then he/she can not be characterized by deceit.

Yet, we need to examine our life, as David did; “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm.139:23, 24. Notice the admonition of Paul to Christians in Ephusus, “Therefore, putting away lying, “let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour,” for we are members of one another.” Epehsians.4:25. Such an instruction by Paul tells us the fact there is a possibility for a believer to speak lie. Peter also exhorts the readers to ‘lay aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy…’ before they can be healthy Christians. 1Peter.2:1

All these references show that we need to be careful lest we go down in to such deceptive life. True, we may not deal fraudulently but consider the exaggeration, the hypocrisy and the half truths we project. Is it not dishonesty to purposely hide the word of God to win an argument? Occasionally we may find false allegations, false claims, false ministry reports and even bogus theological degrees! A close check in the light of the word of God makes it abundantly clear that all these are deceptions and we will have to reap the consequences sooner or later. Psalmist lamented, “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.” Psalm.12:1

Living a sincere life in this corrupt world is not easy. We may have to pay a prize. Officials will not act with out a bribe, children may not get admission with out an illegal donation, and colleagues will isolate us for not joining with them. Yes, we may lose many things for a true, upright life.

But the Lord almighty will honour us. They will enjoy the presence of God and rejoice in Him. Psalm.15:1, 2; 24:4. 32:11. The Lord will not withhold any good thing from those who are upright. Psalm.84:11. Even their generation will be blessed. Psalm.112:2.

When the Lord found Nathaniel He commended, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” John.1:47. Let us live such a life that He may say the same thing about us too.

Special Article:- Public debates - part 2
Tom Johns, Detroit, USA.
           Any public debate should be the very last resort to thwart a public heresy under very special circumstances. So what goes on around as debates between other religions, by Christians could just generate alienation and antagonism, and lead to unnecessary acrimony.

I do realize there is a time and need for defending our faith even publicly. But that would be an exception rather than the norm. Our responsibility is to sow the seed. We need to consider the best ways to do it just as a farmer would look for the best possible time to sow the seed. Sowing the seed is communicating the gospel in a simple language. Use everyday language, not religious jargons.

I have seen people standing at the street corners and yelling in angry tone to the pedestrians that they are all sinners and going to hell! They sometimes have a sign displaying Johns 3:16. They yell at the crowd; ‘get saved’! But the unsaved don’t even understand what it means to ‘get saved’.

Almost the same way, I have heard ‘open-air’ meetings in India, where the preacher would yell out to the Hindus that ‘it would need only a bag full of cement’ to mould your god! These preachers do not realize that such people are merely groping in darkness and they need to be held by their hands and gently lead them out of spiritual darkness. Mocking their so-called gods, might not be the way to achieve it.

There are some other preachers who frequently target other denominations and priests. With their indiscriminate attack against such denominations they create enemies and get routed or persecuted. The word of God is a stumbling block to those perishing, but Christians need to use spiritual discretion and wisdom by not adding fuel to the fire.

Also, the irony is that some preachers are giving out the gospel (good news) in an angry tone. The good news of Jesus Christ is packaged in bitterness and delivered in anger! It doesn’t make much sense.

Most of the debates have the same overtone. Public debates can become a form of entertainment to the crowd. Let me use another personal illustration. I greatly respect my father and he had been used very effectively in the local area assemblies. Many people fondly remember his ministries.

I mentioned earlier that he debated Roman Catholic (RC) priests. In early 1960s he was asked to debate against a young RC priest in a predominantly RC locality in Kerala. The local RC parishioners initiated this debate hoping it may disrupt the evangelistic out-reach in their community that was being carried out by this team. They really felt confident that this young RC priest could defeat this rather unknown person, my father, from a distant place. So the crowd was very enthusiastic as though they are about to witness a ‘bull fight’ or something.

The first question was from the RC priest. He asked my father a very irrelevant, but obscure question. “How many books and chapters and verses in your Bible?” My father readily answered –“66 books, 1189 chapters & 41,173 verses.”

Now it was my father’s turn to ask the question. He asked “1 Tim 2:5 reads “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Since this is the word of God, on what authority are you teaching these people in your Parish to pray through Mary? My father also quoted Acts 4:12 questioning the priest’s understanding of the gospel.

This young priest was not expecting anything of this sort. He felt he was struck by a lightening bolt and became speechless. The RC crowd started booing the priest and chanted ‘Achen Pottipoyee’ –means, the ‘priest lost’. That was the end of the debate and the priest immediately left the scene. Yet I am not sure if there is one person came to the Lord though this ‘victory’. May be, may be not!

Yet, about thirty five years later, a young man I knew, with great vision and burden for the souls, started a Bible study in the nearby locality. He invited few interested people and started it on a small scale. He just explained the truths from the Bible. The Bible study turned into a Sunday gathering. The last time I heard of it, there were over 100 people in attendance and many others in the locality are hearing the gospel clearly. No public debate this time; he plainly explained the word of God. Let’s sow the seed; God will make it sprout and grow. Let’s sow in total humility and in love.

Debates in general can satisfy our ego; but gentle presentation of the gospel may bring new souls. May God give us the grace to share the gospel to the unsaved with genuine love fully trusting that God alone can produce the result and with much prayer!

Out line: -

God’s Love: Characteristics

Causeless. Duet.7:7, 8
Ceaseless. 1Cori. 13:8
Changeless. Heb.13:8
Unquenchable. Song.8:7
Inseparable. Rom.8:38, 39
Immeasurable. Eph.3:18
Incomparable. Eph.3:19

Anecdote: -

A terrible deathbed

        A man bought a luxurious house. Then he filled it with expensive and spectacular furnishings. After taking a friend on a tour through its many spacious rooms, the owner of the mansion asked proudly, “Well, what do you think of it?” He expected to hear lavish praise, so he was stunned when his guest responded, “it is gorgeous; but to be perfectly frank, things like this make a deathbed terrible.”

Matters for Prayer & Praise:1

Brethren in Paraguay Celebrates Centenary

        Paraguay in the South American continent is predominantly a Roman Catholic country (78%). The Brethren Assembly work was started here 100 years ago. M/s Allan Smith and John Ross from New Zealand were the first missionaries. The present strength of the Brethren Assemblies is truly startling, just 60. The number of believers will be around 3000.

Nevertheless, praise the Lord, for the last 10 years through the efforts of FEMIPA, the net work of local Brethren Assemblies, there is awakening. Through various joint missionary conferences a vision for evangelization and church growth is developed. Many new local churches are being planted.

As part of the centenary celebrations of the assembly work in Paraguay they could organize number of special events. They have launched a new magazine called ‘La siembra’ (the sowing?) with news and articles about the history, pioneers work, assembly’s news and activities, etc. A one hour radio program called ‘La siembra’ is being broadcast on a well known evangelical radio station. The focus is on Assembly missionary efforts and contribution, history and local churches activities. The feed back is very encouraging. A book with the detailed history of the Assembly work is under preparation. Also they have a desire to produce a documentary DVD recreating the scenes of milestone events of the history, with pictures of pioneers, testimonies of the local evangelists and elders.

Many regional conferences were held at different locations in the previous months. The National Conference will be held from August 29 – 31 2008. The brethren are sure that the Lord is at work in Paraguay, in spite of the difficulties, financial limitations and of the struggles of different kinds (including oppositions from outside and inside).

The organizers request the saints every where to pray for the ministry in Paraguay and the above mentioned programs so that many Paraguayans may be saved and assemblies formed. If the Lord leads you to support them in their efforts kindly contact:-
Fidencio Sanabria
Humberto Laurino
FEMIPA

Matters for Prayer & Praise:2

New Web Site launched

        Three years after commencing ‘Grace & Peace’ e-periodical, time has come for a wider ministry. Realizing the limitations of the present format, prayerfully we have launched a website with the same goal; enlightenment, edification and encouragement. Apart from articles and studies on various topics, audio messages are also being uploaded. Please visit the site, tell others and let us know your suggestions. Continue to uphold us in your prayers. www.gracepeace.net

Worthy Quotes:-

Lies

“A lie which is all lie may be met and fought outright. Bit a lie which is a part of truth is a harder matter to fight.”                                                                                                                                             --------Author Unknown “A little lie can travel half way round the world while Truth is still lacing up her boots.”                                                                                                                                                             ------Mark Twain ““A lie is a snowball: the further you roll it, the bigger it becomes.”                                                                                                                                                             --Martin Luther ““A little lie is like a little pregnancy – it doesn’t take long before every one knows.”                                                                                                                                                              ------C.S. Lewis

'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out monthly, aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
Feel free to forward it to the potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe directly by sending a blank message to
gracepeace-subscribe@welovegod.org               To unsubscribe send any mail to
gracepeace-unsubscribe@welovegod.org              For further details contact:- gracepeaceu AT gmail.com
Edited and posted by NTK for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.
Visit:- www.gracepeace.net

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.."2 Peter1:2

Posted by: gracepeaceu <gracepeaceu@...>

"Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,
edification and encouragement.
Issue No.053 July 30, 2008 “Grace to you and Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. 1 Corinthians 1:3

Subscription details Home Archives

In this issue:-

Perspective:- Executive Liars!
Special Article:- Public debates - part 2
Out line: - God’s Love: Characteristics
Anecdote: - A terrible deathbed
Matters for Prayer & Praise:- 1 Brethren in Paraguay Celebrates Centenary

Matters for Prayer & Praise:-2 New Web Site launched

Perspective:-

Executive Liars!

NTK
A recent survey by a background check firm revealed that 30% of job seekers in India are dishonest! To get a job they submit fake certificates and mark sheets. They also lie about their previous job and salary. According to another survey one in every three employee in the finance sector and every fourth InfoTech employee were guilty of some kind of deception. Most frauds were reported at the top level of the corporate ladder. Employers are worried that people who lie in their CV’s are prone to committing larger frauds later.

Does it affect Christians in any way? When evil practices prevail in the society and the majority slowly accepts it as a way of life, there is every possibility for a Christian to be influenced by that. There for it is imperative for a Christian to be aware of the biblical standard for our day to day life.

Sincerity and truth are the hall mark of a Christian. Confession of past sins, cleansing by the blood of Christ, renewal by the indwelling holy sprit etc transforms a believer in to a new person. Since then he/she can not be characterized by deceit.

Yet, we need to examine our life, as David did; “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm.139:23, 24. Notice the admonition of Paul to Christians in Ephusus, “Therefore, putting away lying, “let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour,” for we are members of one another.” Epehsians.4:25. Such an instruction by Paul tells us the fact there is a possibility for a believer to speak lie. Peter also exhorts the readers to ‘lay aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy…’ before they can be healthy Christians. 1Peter.2:1

All these references show that we need to be careful lest we go down in to such deceptive life. True, we may not deal fraudulently but consider the exaggeration, the hypocrisy and the half truths we project. Is it not dishonesty to purposely hide the word of God to win an argument? Occasionally we may find false allegations, false claims, false ministry reports and even bogus theological degrees! A close check in the light of the word of God makes it abundantly clear that all these are deceptions and we will have to reap the consequences sooner or later. Psalmist lamented, “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.” Psalm.12:1

Living a sincere life in this corrupt world is not easy. We may have to pay a prize. Officials will not act with out a bribe, children may not get admission with out an illegal donation, and colleagues will isolate us for not joining with them. Yes, we may lose many things for a true, upright life.

But the Lord almighty will honour us. They will enjoy the presence of God and rejoice in Him. Psalm.15:1, 2; 24:4. 32:11. The Lord will not withhold any good thing from those who are upright. Psalm.84:11. Even their generation will be blessed. Psalm.112:2.

When the Lord found Nathaniel He commended, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” John.1:47. Let us live such a life that He may say the same thing about us too.

Special Article:- Public debates - part 2

Tom Johns, Detroit, USA.
Any public debate should be the very last resort to thwart a public heresy under very special circumstances. So what goes on around as debates between other religions, by Christians could just generate alienation and antagonism, and lead to unnecessary acrimony.

I do realize there is a time and need for defending our faith even publicly. But that would be an exception rather than the norm. Our responsibility is to sow the seed. We need to consider the best ways to do it just as a farmer would look for the best possible time to sow the seed. Sowing the seed is communicating the gospel in a simple language. Use everyday language, not religious jargons.

I have seen people standing at the street corners and yelling in angry tone to the pedestrians that they are all sinners and going to hell! They sometimes have a sign displaying Johns 3:16. They yell at the crowd; ‘get saved’! But the unsaved don’t even understand what it means to ‘get saved’.

Almost the same way, I have heard ‘open-air’ meetings in India, where the preacher would yell out to the Hindus that ‘it would need only a bag full of cement’ to mould your god! These preachers do not realize that such people are merely groping in darkness and they need to be held by their hands and gently lead them out of spiritual darkness. Mocking their so-called gods, might not be the way to achieve it.

There are some other preachers who frequently target other denominations and priests. With their indiscriminate attack against such denominations they create enemies and get routed or persecuted. The word of God is a stumbling block to those perishing, but Christians need to use spiritual discretion and wisdom by not adding fuel to the fire.

Also, the irony is that some preachers are giving out the gospel (good news) in an angry tone. The good news of Jesus Christ is packaged in bitterness and delivered in anger! It doesn’t make much sense.

Most of the debates have the same overtone. Public debates can become a form of entertainment to the crowd. Let me use another personal illustration. I greatly respect my father and he had been used very effectively in the local area assemblies. Many people fondly remember his ministries.

I mentioned earlier that he debated Roman Catholic (RC) priests. In early 1960s he was asked to debate against a young RC priest in a predominantly RC locality in Kerala. The local RC parishioners initiated this debate hoping it may disrupt the evangelistic out-reach in their community that was being carried out by this team. They really felt confident that this young RC priest could defeat this rather unknown person, my father, from a distant place. So the crowd was very enthusiastic as though they are about to witness a ‘bull fight’ or something.

The first question was from the RC priest. He asked my father a very irrelevant, but obscure question. “How many books and chapters and verses in your Bible?” My father readily answered –“66 books, 1189 chapters & 41,173 verses.”

Now it was my father’s turn to ask the question. He asked “1 Tim 2:5 reads “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Since this is the word of God, on what authority are you teaching these people in your Parish to pray through Mary? My father also quoted Acts 4:12 questioning the priest’s understanding of the gospel.

This young priest was not expecting anything of this sort. He felt he was struck by a lightening bolt and became speechless. The RC crowd started booing the priest and chanted ‘Achen Pottipoyee’ –means, the ‘priest lost’. That was the end of the debate and the priest immediately left the scene. Yet I am not sure if there is one person came to the Lord though this ‘victory’. May be, may be not!

Yet, about thirty five years later, a young man I knew, with great vision and burden for the souls, started a Bible study in the nearby locality. He invited few interested people and started it on a small scale. He just explained the truths from the Bible. The Bible study turned into a Sunday gathering. The last time I heard of it, there were over 100 people in attendance and many others in the locality are hearing the gospel clearly. No public debate this time; he plainly explained the word of God. Let’s sow the seed; God will make it sprout and grow. Let’s sow in total humility and in love.

Debates in general can satisfy our ego; but gentle presentation of the gospel may bring new souls. May God give us the grace to share the gospel to the unsaved with genuine love fully trusting that God alone can produce the result and with much prayer!

Out line: -

God’s Love: Characteristics

Causeless. Duet.7:7, 8
Ceaseless. 1Cori. 13:8
Changeless. Heb.13:8
Unquenchable. Song.8:7
Inseparable. Rom.8:38, 39
Immeasurable. Eph.3:18
Incomparable. Eph.3:19

Anecdote: -

A terrible deathbed

        A man bought a luxurious house. Then he filled it with expensive and spectacular furnishings. After taking a friend on a tour through its many spacious rooms, the owner of the mansion asked proudly, “Well, what do you think of it?” He expected to hear lavish praise, so he was stunned when his guest responded, “it is gorgeous; but to be perfectly frank, things like this make a deathbed terrible.”

Matters for Prayer & Praise:1

Brethren in Paraguay Celebrates Centenary

        Paraguay in the South American continent is predominantly a Roman Catholic country (78%). The Brethren Assembly work was started here 100 years ago. M/s Allan Smith and John Ross from New Zealand were the first missionaries. The present strength of the Brethren Assemblies is truly startling, just 60. The number of believers will be around 3000.

Nevertheless, praise the Lord, for the last 10 years through the efforts of FEMIPA, the net work of local Brethren Assemblies, there is awakening. Through various joint missionary conferences a vision for evangelization and church growth is developed. Many new local churches are being planted.

As part of the centenary celebrations of the assembly work in Paraguay they could organize number of special events. They have launched a new magazine called ‘La siembra’ (the sowing?) with news and articles about the history, pioneers work, assembly’s news and activities, etc. A one hour radio program called ‘La siembra’ is being broadcast on a well known evangelical radio station. The focus is on Assembly missionary efforts and contribution, history and local churches activities. The feed back is very encouraging. A book with the detailed history of the Assembly work is under preparation. Also they have a desire to produce a documentary DVD recreating the scenes of milestone events of the history, with pictures of pioneers, testimonies of the local evangelists and elders.

Many regional conferences were held at different locations in the previous months. The National Conference will be held from August 29 – 31 2008. The brethren are sure that the Lord is at work in Paraguay, in spite of the difficulties, financial limitations and of the struggles of different kinds (including oppositions from outside and inside).

The organizers request the saints every where to pray for the ministry in Paraguay and the above mentioned programs so that many Paraguayans may be saved and assemblies formed. If the Lord leads you to support them in their efforts kindly contact:-
Fidencio Sanabria
Humberto Laurino
FEMIPA

Matters for Prayer & Praise:2

New Web Site launched

        Three years after commencing ‘Grace & Peace’ e-periodical, time has come for a wider ministry. Realizing the limitations of the present format, prayerfully we have launched a website with the same goal; enlightenment, edification and encouragement. Apart from articles and studies on various topics, audio messages are also being uploaded. Please visit the site, tell others and let us know your suggestions. Continue to uphold us in your prayers. http://www.gracepeace.net

Worthy Quotes:-

Lies

“A lie which is all lie may be met and fought outright. Bit a lie which is a part of truth is a harder matter to fight.”                                                                                                                                             --------Author Unknown “A little lie can travel half way round the world while Truth is still lacing up her boots.”                                                                                                                                                             ------Mark Twain ““A lie is a snowball: the further you roll it, the bigger it becomes.”                                                                                                                                                             --Martin Luther ““A little lie is like a little pregnancy – it doesn’t take long before every one knows.”                                                                                                                                                              ------C.S. Lewis

'Grace & Peace' is an electronic periodical, sent out monthly, aiming the overall spiritual growth of the Christian Believers.
Feel free to forward it to the potential subscribers and encourage them to subscribe directly by sending a blank message to
gracepeace-subscribe@welovegod.org To unsubscribe send any mail to
gracepeace-unsubscribe@welovegod.org  For further details contact:- gracepeaceu AT gmail.com
Edited and posted by NTK for the Glory of God & the Joy of the saints.
Visit:- http://www.gracepeace.net

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.."2 Peter1:2