Thursday, January 13, 2011

Dr. Woodrow Kroll President Back to the Bible Named "2010 Bible Teacher of the Year"



Woodrow Kroll and Rich Bott
Pic. Credit.Backtothebible.org

A PAGE FROM THE OFFICIAL WEB SITE OF 
BACK TO THE BIBLE.INTL.

December 28, 2010
Back to the Bible's Dr. Woodrow Kroll Named
Bott Radio Network Bible Teacher of the Year

Lincoln, NE -- National broadcaster Bott Radio Network (BRN) has named Dr. Woodrow Kroll, the Bible Teacher of the Year for 2010.

Dr. Kroll is the President and Senior Bible Teacher for the international ministry, Back to the Bible, headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. The award was presented at the Annual Bott Radio Network Christmas Luncheon in the grand ballroom of the Overland Park Marriott Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas.

In presenting the award, BRN President Rich Bott noted that Back to the Bible was one of the very first radio broadcasts to be aired over Bott Radio Network when it began as Kansas City's Christian Voice in 1962. Back to the Bible has served faithfully with Bott Radio Network ever since for over 48 years.

Dr. Kroll has earned many advanced degrees with post graduate studies at Harvard, Princeton, The University of Virginia, the University of Strasbourg (France), and elsewhere. He has authored more than 50 books and served as Chairman of the Division of Religion at Liberty University (VA) and as President of Davis College (NY) before becoming President of Back to the Bible in 1990.

"Woodrow Kroll is one of the outstanding Bible teachers of our time," said Bott. "He shares our passion for getting the Word of God into the People of God, and he is committed to leading people into a daily engagement with Scripture."

For More Info Pl. Contact:
Kevin Sheen – Marketing Coordinator
kevins@backtothebible.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it | 402-477-7200 x 4343
6400 Cornhusker Highway | Lincoln, NE 68507
# # #

Back to the Bible Overview
Back to the Bible is a worldwide ministry dedicated to leading people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ. Using radio, the Internet, television and other media, Back to the Bible shares the message of the Gospel and helps Christians grow to spiritual maturity through Bible teaching and engagement. Learn more online at backtothebible.org.

Source Credit: BacktotheBible




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Astrology: A Christian Perspective







                        

A write-up on Astrology. 

Published in the magazine "Harvest Times for your family"

The writer brings out certain facts what the Bible says on this issue. 

                   A Christian viewpoint...                       

(Mad Rush Towards Soothsayers)

Read on..


You Shall Love the Lord Your God...

Pic. Credit sxc.hu/SilentFury
The uncertainties among people are increasing day by day. Things are fast changing; today's man or thing is not there tomorrow. A kind of fear is griped among people and they wander here and there to find a solution to this. People are frustrated by the day to day incidents and in their search they ultimately approach the so called soothsayers or astrologers to find a solution to this. This becomes an order of the day in the modern society. The soothsayers take advantage of this and are making hay while their clients are basking in glory. As a result every day a new one sprouts somewhere in the country. 


It is very unfortunate to note that in India the politicians and the film personalities are the bunch of people who always in search of these soothsayers. In recent times this trend is spreading among the Indian cricketers' community and the television program producers and its anchors. What a shame and pathetic condition this is.?

The sad fact is that most of their predictions do not hit the bull's eye. One cannot understand still the mad rush towards these soothsayers. In the Indian political scenario the ministers, M Ps (Members of Parliament) and M L As (Members of Legislature Assembly), are on the run after these astrologers. Each of them have appointed or selected soothsayers for their functions and auspicious occasions.


Saturn
Pic. Credit.  sxu.hu/clix
The only exception to this in the Indian political history is Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India. She wrote in a letter to one of her close friends, Dr. M S Shastri of Bangalore, "...I have always tried to avoid astrologers; I do not believe in astrology and have refused to ask questions about the future even when pressed".
One thing is sure that our politicians and celebrities are addicted to this kind of superstitions. It seems like its diluted in their blood and with that they are fooling their fans too. It looks like it is very difficult to weed out from their system .

The famous Indian writer, Khushwant Singh (a stalwart in the Indian Journalism) the former Editor of famous English weekly, "The illustrated Weekly of India", said in an interview, "Due to some problem the astrology columnist of the weekly left the organization and the column stopped abruptly. The readers started inquiring about it. I don't want to displease the readers and I started compiling the column myself. I selected some previous issues astrology column and reshuffled it and arranged it for the week with a pen name. This was very much appreciated by the poor readers".

This is what is happening in many of the publications in the name of this column called 'Astrology'. The gullible readers eagerly wait to read this waste. How sad it is? Print and visual media is on a neck to neck race on this issue of knowing the future and telling the future. They run columns for daily, weekly, monthly and yearly forecasts for their readers.

The sad part is that, if we take a keen look into these soothsayers' predictions 99% of them never fulfilled or happened as they predicted. Still the people are in search of these people and their predictions.

A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

The point here is about the Christian flocks: Even among some of the so called Christians there are a good number of people who are after such people. They seek the guidance of astrologers, tarot readers and other soothsayers to know their future. For their children's education, marriage and other family auspicious occasion's dates etc they consult these astrologers. They eagerly look at the daily and weekly astrology columns in newspapers and weeklies. Some eagerly watch for the daily broadcasts through TV.

These so called Christians must take note that they are going after the old nature, a kind of idol worship. They are forgetting the fact that God is the one who controls everything and He is the one who decide about the future and every creator is in His hands. They just forget this great truth and running after the creators of this world.

Here is a warning to such people!!! In the book of Isaiah chapter 47 we read this: depending on the astrologers, the star gazers and monthly prognosticators Babylon took proud in itself and said in thine heart, I am and non else beside me. But alas God challenges them to save themselves. But they could not save themselves or even others. God warns the Babylonians about the consequences of their deeds. God challenges them to save by the stars and star gazers could not.
God created the sun moon and stars to give light to the world. But alas people depend on them to know their future, what a pathetic state. It cannot save itself nor can't save others; indeed it faces the wrath of God. Isaiah chapter 13:10 says, "For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not flash forth their light; the sun will be dark when it rises and the moon will not shed its light." The word of God very clearly urge to the people to call upon the wonder working creator of this universe, stars like the seven stars and Orion (Amos 5:8)
A child of God is controlled and guided by the spirit of God, not the creations of this world. Creations should seek the face of the creator, not the stars, sun, moon or any other living or non-living things.

The Holy Bible: The God's special revelation in written form. There are a number of books revered as sacred, but God has given only one book that is the BIBLE. Its unique authority is affirmed from cover to cover. Therefore, occult knowledge like astrology, tarot cards reading etc are off limit and should not influence a real Christian.

Therefore, occult means of knowledge (like astrology, tarot cards etc.) are off limits and unnecessary for the Christian. Isaiah emphasis us to use God's written Word as the standard to judge spiritual truth claims: "Bind up the testimony, Seal up the law among my disciples.. When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to THIS WORD they have no light of dawn. (Isaiah 8:16,19-20). (NIV)
The Bible gives us a basis for assured knowledge of God. The apostle Peter even ranked it as more valuable than eye-witness evidence! "We have the PROPHETIC WORD CONFIRMED, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts"(2 Peter 1:14-19).

Let me close this by quoting a verse from Deuteronomy: There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.  For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Deuteronomy Chapter . 18:10-12. (KJV).


Source:
Bible Quotes are from King James Version, Evangel Publishers Ltd, Kaduna, Nigeria.
First Published in "Harvest Times For Your Family", Mumbai. http://www.glsindia.com
Picture Credit: www.sxc.hu 

PS: 
This post is an adaptation from my original writings at: Google's Knol Pages 
Comments and responses from Knol Pages:

Thanks.

Its really good to receive such encouraging thoughts from the little ones. I appreciate your interest in this field of writing. I wish you all the best in this line. I have posted a reply to your other comment, as i said follow the instructions of well known writers. here is a link to follow. Johnson's Index of Journalism/Article Knols - http://knol.google.com/k/shastri-jc-philip/johnson-s-index-of-journalism-article/3aw752rt3ywhc/35
Good Wishes
PV

Last edited Mar 31, 2010 7:21 PM

i agree with whats told above

mr. p v ariel your aritcles are so well written and sensiable that once start reading,  just can't stop.... i'm so glad that God has blessed us with people who bring out the truth .... may God bless you, and pls do continue posting such nice articles..


mr. pv pls do read what i've written and give me feed backs


Last edited Mar 31, 2010 5:30 PM
Report abusive comment

True but....

Hello,

this is true, that newspapaer astrology is making fun of astrology and people. no two individuals are alike, so how can same reading apply to billions at one time.

however, I understand that you are not disputing predetermination.God has created this world and God has created the script of a person as well.

moreover, astrology, tarot and witchcraft, tantra, they are all separate things, and they can not be clubbed together.

repeatability that is required by scientific method is there now in lifescape astrology. you can check it yourself, so now debate, likes whether planets provides predetermination or not are going to be things of the past. Yes with that conventional theories of astrology would also be replaced by modern research.

rakesh singhal


Last edited Mar 8, 2010 9:09 PM
Report abusive comment
Dear Rakesh

The main thrust of this article is NOT whether any of these practices are true, verifiable, or related to each other. The main thrust is that Christian are forbidden from indulging in them.

-- Shastri
http://www.IndianCoins.org

Report abusive comment
Posted by Shastri JC Philip, last edited Mar 8, 2010 8:57 PM
Rakesh,

Thanks for the comment.
We are not intended to open a debate here on this issue.
J C Philip clearly mentioned the very purpose of this knol.
Hope you understood.

Thanks Shastri Saheb for the timely comment
Best
Philip

Report abusive comment
Posted by P V Ariel, Mar 8, 2010 9:09 PM

Thank you so much

Thank you so much for your encouraging notes on this knol. Keep reading. God bless. Philip Ariel


Last edited Aug 14, 2009 4:22 PM
Report abusive comment

Very interesting

Wonderful read PV, one of my friend told me about this wonderful website called knol, and i am in search of more such read. As Benjamin said in his comment astrology is really an idolatry and many are addicted to it for their peril, especially so sad to read about our politicians and celebrities mad reush towards this superstition. phi


Last edited Dec 20, 2009 7:49 PM
Report abusive comment
sorry for the delay in replying to your comment, hey who is this? Thanks for your uplifting comment. read more and keep inform, Knol is a wonderful place to air your views, suggestions, ideas and other expressions of your mind, i invite you to join this community to write your ideas in the form of knol articles. PV

Report abusive comment
Posted by P V Ariel, Dec 20, 2009 7:49 PM

So True

PV many so-called Christians are addicted to this idolatry. Its really a great sin in the eyes of the Almighty God. Thanks PV again for reminding this to your Fellow Christian readers. God bless you.


Last edited Dec 20, 2009 6:45 PM
Report abusive comment
Thanks Ben for your comment and vision on this subject. May God bless. Keep reading. I am really sorry for the delay in replying to your comment, Now I am more active at this place pl. do read and keep inform. PV

Posted by P V Ariel, last edited Dec 20, 2009 6:46 PM


Source: 


Tuesday, January 11, 2011

My Early Experience with My Writings And A Pleasant Memory With A Great Poet




(A Little Writer is Born)

My Early Experience with my writing carrier. Some pleasant memories of my childhood days and my most valuable moments with my mentor, world renowned evangelist and writer and hymn writer M C Cherian Sir of Madurai. Please read on..



Some of the co- writer's write-ups put my memory back to my school days, Yes, it happened when I was in my 6th or 7th grade. 
 I was an avid reader and whatever comes to hand, I read. Newspapers, weeklies, magazines and books were my favorites. In our village (Valanjavttom, near Thiruvalla, Kerala) there was a library Called Gandhiji Smaaraka (memorial) Library, I was a regular visitor and borrower of books from this library. I read many of the books novels short stories and poems of many major writers of the Malayalam language.
A photograph taken when M E Cherian Sir
 visited the Bahrain Brethren Assembly in1975.  MEC Sitting in the Middle
Credit: bahrainbrethren.com.© bahrainbrethren.com.

  
Malayalam newspaper's Kathukal (letters) column attracted me a lot and I started sending letters to this column. Immediately after sending letters to the newspapers I eagerly wait for the next day's paper to see my letters, but nothing published, again I send nothing published. This continued for few days without any result. Days and months passed I could not find any result. I was really frustrated at that but my passion for newspapers and writings did not stop me there, instead with more care I prepared letters and send. One fine morning as usual when I picked up the daily I found my letter printed with my name. I was overjoyed by seeing my name in print that too in one of the major and famous publication called Malayala Manorama. (The largest circulated Malayalam daily in Kerala and also the leading and largest circulated vernacular daily in India). www.manoramaonline.com
Though after a good number of rejections, the printed letter made me so happy and it made me to write more. Again I jotted down many things in my note books under the headings short stories, mini stories, poems and prose etc.
About that time I heard about a Christian magazine called "Suviseshakan" (Evangelist) published by a well known evangelist from Madurai (Tamil Nadu State). I thought of sending some of my writings to that magazine and I picked up some of the jottings from my note book and copied it in a paper and send it to the Editor. A week later I received a letter from the editor saying, 'the story which you send is good and will publish it in one of the coming issues, but the song is not up to the mark but don't give up, write more ok!! Reading the editor's letter I could not control myself, with joy I jumped up and down. My first story is going to see the light of the day, that too in M E Cherian Sir's Magazine. (A word about M E Cherian, lovingly known or called as M E C or Cherian Sir. (Before becoming an evangelist he was a high school teacher, so most of the people called him Cherian Sir).

Here is an intersting video--A narration of MEC's Paadathe Praave. Khanda Kaavyam. Please Click on the link

Paadathe Praave 

 

Later he become a well known Christian preacher, teacher, song writer and a poet in the Malayalam language. A good number of his Christian melodies are sung by the Malayalees (Keralaites) Christians in their congregations in worships as well as at other occasions all over the world. He published many books on spiritual subjects).

Here is a YouTube video, an interesting narration of the story of Ruth from the Holy Bible, 'Book of Ruth', under the title, "Paadathe Praave"
This small but great incident in my life encouraged me much. This made me to write more. Again I send another article, story and a song to Cherian Sir. With in a short span I received his reply saying, 'Your article and story I will publish it in one of the coming issues after a few corrections. It seems you are more talented in writing articles, think on that line and do write more. May God bless." This note of MEC, I read again and again. There was no limit for my happiness.
A few months later I came to know about MEC's arrival to Kumbanad (A Christian convention centre in Kerala) for the annual convention of Brethren Assemblies, as a preacher. This yearly convention takes place on December last week and goes on to January first week. Every year my parents used to attend these annual conventions. I was so eager to meet Cherian Sir and I expressed this desire to my Dad and he agreed at once. The day came, with my parents I went for the meetings at the centre. We met MEC and my Dad introduced me to Cherian Sir. He recognized the little writer and with much joy he greeted me. I expressed my heartfelt thanks to MEC for his encouragement.
Immediately he took a copy of the current issue of Suviseshakan (January) and handed over to me and said, "one of your articles is published in this issue" then he patted on my shoulder and encouraged me. The loving touch of that famous personality and those joyous moments I can't forget in my life. This was the beginning of my writing life. 
Later, after his departure from this earth the  Y M E F published a souvenir (M E Cherian Smaranika), under the editorship of Br. George Koshy, Mylapra.   The editor published this small incident in the souvenir.   A Malayalam version of that story you can read Here
Source:
M E Cherian Smaranika ( Sovenir)
Knol.Google.com's P V Ariel's Knol Pages

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Do Christian Churches Need a Central Administrative System? (ക്രൈസ്തവസഭക്ക് ഒരു കേന്ദ്രഭരണ സംവിധാനം ആവശ്യമോ? )

ക്രൈസ്തവസഭക്ക് ഒരു കേന്ദ്രഭരണ സംവിധാനം ആവശ്യമോ?

1981 സുവിശേഷകന്‍ മാസികയില്‍ പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ച ഒരു ലേഖനം - One of my articles published in the Suviseshakan Magazine (published from Madurai, by Evangelist M E Cherian Sir) in the year 1981

കര്‍ത്താവിന്റെ വിലയേറിയ രക്തത്താല്‍ വീണ്ടെടുക്കപ്പെട്ട വിശ്വാസികളുടെ കൂട്ടമായ ക്രൈസ്തവസഭ ഏതെങ്കിലും ഒരു കേന്ദ്രഭരണത്തിന് നിയന്ത്രണത്തിന്‍ കീഴില്‍ മുന്നോട്ടു പോകേണ്ടതാണോ?
ഇന്ന്‌ ഏതാദൃശ കേന്ദ്രഭരണ സംവിധാനമുള്ള സഭകളാണ് ഇന്ന് അധികവും. അത് വചനനുസരന്നമാണോ? അതോ വചനവിരുധ്ഹമോ ? നമ്മുടെ ആധികാരിക ഗ്രന്ഥമായ തിരുവചനം ഇതേപ്പറ്റി എന്തു പറയുന്നു ഈ നോളിലൂടെ എഴുത്തുകാരന്‍ തന്‍റെ ചിന്തകള്‍ പങ്കു വെക്കുന്നു. വായനക്കാരെ സഹ നോള്‍ എഴുത്തുകാരനാകാന്‍ ഈ നോള്‍ എഴുത്തുകാരന്‍ ആഹ്വാനം ചെയ്യുന്നു. എഴുതുക. അഭിപ്രായങ്ങള്‍/പ്രതികരണങ്ങള്‍ comment കോളത്തില്‍ എഴുതുക ഇംഗ്ലീഷിലോ മലയാളത്തിലോ എഴുതുക.
The Author invite readers and authors to air their views on this issue.
Send in your views in English or in Malayalam.to the comments column.



 
 Pic Credit mokra sxu
കര്‍ത്താവിന്‍റെ വിലയേറിയ രക്തത്താല്‍ വീണ്ടെടുക്കപ്പെട്ട വിശ്വാസികളുടെ കൂട്ടമായ ക്രൈസ്തവസഭ ഏതെങ്കിലും ഒരു കേന്ദ്രഭരണത്തിന്റെ  നിയന്ത്രണത്തിന്‍ കീഴില്‍  മുന്നോട്ടു പോകേണ്ടതാണോ?

ഇന്ന്‌ ഏതാദൃശ കേന്ദ്രഭരണ സംവിധാനമുള്ള സഭകളാണ്  അധികവും.  അത്  വചനനുസരന്നമാണോ?  അതോ വചനവിരുധമോ?   നമ്മുടെ ആധികാരിക ഗ്രന്ഥമായ തിരുവചനം ഇതേപ്പറ്റി എന്തു പറയുന്നു ? അതാണ് ഈ ലേഖനത്തിന്റെ ചിന്താവിഷയം.  തിരുവചനത്തില്‍ ഉള്ളതുപോലെ വിശ്വസിക്കയും അനുസരിക്കുകയുമാണല്ലോ വിശ്വാസികളുടെ ചുമതല.  അതിലാണല്ലോ അനുഗ്രഹം കുടികൊള്ളുന്നതും


അപ്പോസ്തലനായ പൗലോസ്‌ കൊരിന്തിലുള്ള  വിശ്വാസികള്‍ക്ക് എഴുതിയ തന്‍റെ ഒന്നാം ലേഖനത്തില്‍ മൂന്നാ മൂന്നാം  അധ്യായത്തില്‍ ഈ വിഷയത്തെപ്പറ്റി വളരെ വ്യക്ക്തമായ ഭാഷയില്‍ രേഖപ്പെടുത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. കൊരിന്തു സഭയിലെ വിശ്വാസികളുടെ ഇടയില്‍ ഭിന്നാഭിപ്രയങ്ങളും തന്മൂലം ഭിന്നതയും ഉണ്ടായി.  വിശ്വാസികള്‍ ഓരോരുത്തരും വിവിധ പക്ഷക്കാരായി മാറി.  ഈ വിവരം ക്ലോവയുടെ ആളുകള്‍ മുഖേന  പൌലോസിനു അറിവുകിട്ടിയപ്പോള്‍ അവര്‍ക്കെഴുതിയ ലേഖനമാണ് കൊരിന്ത്യലേഖനം. കൊരിന്ത്യരില്‍ പലര്‍ അപ്പോസ്തോലന്മാരുടെയും, ചിലര്‍ ക്രിസ്തുവിന്റെയും പക്ഷക്കാരായിട്ടാണ് സംസാരിച്ചത്.  എന്നാല്‍ അക്കാര്യത്തില്‍ അപ്പോസ്തോലന്മാരുടെ പ്രതികരണം എന്തായിരുന്നു?  അപ്പോസ്തലന്മാര്‍ സുവിശേഷം പല സ്ഥലങ്ങളില്‍ അറിയിച്ചതിന്റെ ഫലമായി അവിടവിടെ പല സഭകള്‍ ഉണ്ടായി; സഭകളുടെ നിയന്ത്രണത്തിനും ഏകപക്ഷീയമായ നടത്തിപ്പിനും വേണ്ടി ഒരു ആസ്ഥാനകെന്ദ്രത്തെയോ, കേന്ദ്രാധികാരിയെയോ അവര്‍ തിരഞ്ഞെടുത്തോ? ഇല്ല, ഒരിക്കലുമില്ല.

എഫെസ്യലേഖനം 2:20 വായിക്കുക.  "ക്രിസ്തു യേശു തന്നെ മൂലക്കല്ലായിരിക്കെ നിങ്ങളെ അപ്പോസ്തോലന്മാരും പ്രവാചകന്മാരും എന്ന അടിസ്ഥാനത്തിന്മേല്‍ പണിതിരിക്കുന്നു." ഗലാത്യര്‍ 1: 6-9  നോക്കുക. 'ഞങ്ങള്‍ നിങ്ങളോട് അറിയിച്ച സുവിശേഷത്തിനു  വിപരീതമായി ഞാനാകട്ടെ സ്വര്‍ഗത്തില്‍ നിന്നും ഒരു ദൂതനാകട്ടെ  അറിയിച്ചാല്‍ അവന്‍ ശപിക്കപ്പെട്ടവന്‍".   ക്രിസ്തു യേശു മാത്രമാണ് മൂലക്കല്ലെന്നും, തിരുവചനാനുസരണം നടക്കുക മാത്രമാണ് അപ്പോസ്തലന്മാര്‍ ഉള്‍പ്പടെ സകലരുടെയും ചുമതലയെന്നും ഇവിടെ പൗലോസ്‌ വ്യക്തമാക്കുന്നു.  അപ്പോസ്തലന്മാര്‍ പലയിടങ്ങളിലും സഭകള്‍ സ്ഥാപിച്ചെങ്കിലും മേല്‍ക്കോയ്മ നടത്താന്‍ ആഗ്രഹിച്ചില്ല.  മറിച്ചു  വിശ്വാസികള്‍ക്കാവശ്യമായ ദൂതുകള്‍ നേരിലും കത്തുകള്‍ മൂലവും അവരെ അറിയിക്കുക മാത്രമെ ചെയ്തുള്ളൂ.


താഴെക്കൊടുക്കുന്ന വേദ ഭാഗങ്ങളും അക്കാര്യം വ്യക്തമാക്കും.  നിങ്ങളുടെ വിശ്വാസത്തിന്മേല്‍ ഞങ്ങള്‍ കര്‍തൃത്വം ഉള്ളവര്‍ എന്നല്ല, നിങ്ങളുടെ സന്തോഷത്തിനു ഞങ്ങള്‍ സഹായികള്‍ അത്രേ (2  കൊരി. 1: 24).   യോഹന്നാന്‍ അപ്പോസ്തലെന്റെ  വാക്കുകള്‍ ശ്രദ്ധിക്കുക! "അവനാല്‍ പ്രാപിച്ച അഭിഷേകം നിങ്ങളില്‍  വസിക്കുന്നു; ആരും നിങ്ങളെ ഉപദേശിപ്പാന്‍  ആവശ്യമില്ല".  അവന്റെ  അഭിഷേകം തന്നെ നിങ്ങള്‍ക്കു സകലതും ഉപദേശിച്ചുതരികയാലും അതു ഭോഷ്ക്കല്ല സത്യം തന്നെ ആയിരിക്കയാലും അതു നിങ്ങളെ ഉപദേശിച്ചതുപോലെ നിങ്ങളും അവനില്‍ വസിപ്പിന്‍.  (1  യോഹന്നാന്‍ 1:17).   സഹോദരനായ അപ്പല്ലോസിന്റെ കാര്യമോ അവന്‍ സഹോദരന്മാരോട് കൂടെ നിങ്ങളുടെ അടുക്കല്‍ വരേണം എന്ന് ഞാന്‍ വളരെ അപേക്ഷിച്ചു എങ്കിലും വരുവാന്‍ അവനു  ഒട്ടും മനസ്സായില്ല അവസരം കിട്ടിയാല്‍ അവന്‍ വരും. 1 കൊരി  16:12 മേല്‍വിവരിച്ച  വാക്യങ്ങളില്‍ നിന്നും    അപ്പോസ്തലന്മാര്‍  അവര്‍ സ്ഥാപിച്ച സഭകളുടെ മേല്‍ കര്‍തൃത്വം നടത്തുന്നതിന് ആഗ്രഹിക്കുകയോ അതിനു മുതിരുകയോ ചെയ്തില്ലെന്നും   തിരുവചനാനുസരണം ജീവിക്കാന്‍ അവരെ പ്രേരിപ്പിച്ചതേ ഉള്ളു എന്നും  തെളിയുന്നില്ലേ ?  അപ്പല്ലോസിനെ  നിയന്ത്രിക്കാനല്ല  അപ്പോസ്തലന്‍ ശ്രമിച്ചത്‌.  മറിച്ച് അപേക്ഷിക്കമാത്രമാണ്  ചെയ്തത്.
അപ്പോസ്തോലിക പിന്തുടര്‍ച്ചക്കാരാണ്   തങ്ങളുടെ നേതാക്കള്‍ എന്ന്  ഇന്ന് ചില വിഭാഗക്കാര്‍ അവകാശവാ ദം മുഴക്കാറുണ്ട്, എന്നാല്‍ അത് തികച്ചും അടിസ്ഥാനരഹിതമാണ് .  കാരണം അപ്പോസ്തലന്മാര്‍ നേത്രുത്വ മനസ്ഥിതിക്കാരായിരുന്നില്ല.  ഇന്നത്തെ പിന്തുടര്ച്ചക്കാരോ? സ്വന്ത നേതൃത്വം നഷ്ടപ്പെടാതിരിക്കാ ന്‍ ചെയ്യാവുന്നതെല്ലാം അവര്‍ ചെയ്യുന്നില്ലേ?  കല്പനകള്‍ പുറപ്പെടുവിക്കുന്നില്ലേ.  ദൈവീക സത്യം പ്രഘോഷിച്ചപ്പോള്‍   മാത്രമേ ആജ്ഞാരൂപേണ അപ്പോസ്തലന്മാര്‍  സംസാരിച്ചുള്ളു.  സഭയുടെ സ്വഭാവത്തെപ്പറ്റിയും അച്ചടക്കത്തെപ്പറ്റിയും സംസാരിക്കുമ്പോള്‍ അവന്‍ സഭയിലെ പക്വതയുള്ള മൂത്ത സഹോദരനെപ്പോലെ  നിര്‍ദേശരൂപത്തില്‍  മാത്രമാണ് സംസാരിച്ചത്.

സഭാസ്ഥാപനത്തിനു ശേഷം സഭകള്‍ സന്ദര്‍ശിച്ചും  ആശ്വാസവാക്കുകള്‍ ഉള്‍ക്കൊണ്ട കത്തുകള്‍ അയച്ചും അവരെ വിശ്വാസത്തില്‍ ഉറപ്പിച്ചുപോന്നു.  സഭ നയിക്കപ്പെടുന്നത്‌ പരിശുത്മാവിന്റെ  പരിപൂര്‍ണ  നിയന്ത്രണത്തില്‍ മാത്രമാണെന്നും താന്‍ വിശ്വസിച്ചിരുന്നു.  അല്ലാതെ സഭകളില്‍ ഇന്ന്  കാണുന്ന തരത്തിലുള്ള കല്‍പ്പനകളോ ഉത്തരവുകളോ പുറപ്പെടുവിക്കുന്ന മാനുഷിക നേതൃത്വം അപ്പോസ്തലന്മാര്‍ ആരും ആഗ്രഹിച്ചില്ല, പ്രയോഗിച്ചുമില്ല.

പരിശുദ്ധല്മാവിനാല്‍ തിരഞ്ഞെടുക്കപ്പെട്ട  സഭ മാനുഷിക നിയന്ത്രണത്തില്‍ നിന്നും പരിപൂര്‍ണമായും  സ്വതന്ത്രം തന്നെ.  അവര്‍ ഒരു കേന്ദ്ര ഭരണത്തിന്റെയും  മുന്നില്‍  തല കുനിക്കേണ്ട  ആവശ്യമില്ല.  കര്‍ത്താവിലും അവന്റെ മഹത്വമാര്‍ന്ന കല്പ്പനകളിലും കീഴ്പ്പെട്ടു പരിശുദ്ധഅത്മ  നിയന്ത്രണത്തില്‍ മാത്രം നടന്നാല്‍ മതി.  എപ്പിസ്കോപാല്‍ സഭകളില്‍ ഇന്നു കാണുന്ന വാഴിക്കലും തുടര്‍ന്ന്  റെവ., തിരുമേനി, മോസ്റ്റ്‌ റെവറെണ്ട് , മുതലായ  സംബോധനകളും പോലെ തന്നെ സുവിശേഷ വിഹിത സഭ കളിലെ  സെന്റെര്‍ പാസ്റ്റ്ര്‍ കമ്മറ്റി ഭരണം മുതലായവയും പുതിയ നിയമത്തില്‍  ഉള്ളതല്ല.  ക്രിസ്തുവാകുന്ന പാറമേല്‍ ഉയര്‍ത്തപ്പെട്ട സഭയെ അതിന്റെ നാഥന്‍ നിയന്ത്രിക്കുന്നെങ്കില്‍ പിന്നെ അതിന്മേല്‍ വീണ്ടും കര്‍തൃത്വം അവകാശപ്പെടുവാന്‍ ആര്‍ക്കു കഴിയും? തിരുവചനത്തില്‍  ഇല്ലാത്ത പാരമ്പര്യ രീതികള്‍ മനുഷ്യ  നേതാക്കള്‍ ദൈവീക വെളിപ്പാടില്ലാതെ സ്വാര്‍ത്ഥ താല്പ്പര്യങ്ങള്‍ക്കായി എഴുതികൂട്ടിയവയാണ്.  ആ പാരമ്പര്യങ്ങളെ പിന്‍പറ്റി വാഴിച്ചും, വീഴിച്ചും, മുടക്കിയും, മുടങ്ങിയും എന്തെല്ലാം ദുരധികാരപ്രയോഗങ്ങളാണ്  ഇന്ന് ക്രൈസ്തവ ലോകത്തില്‍, സഭകളില്‍ കാണുന്നത്.  ഇതെത്രയോ സങ്കടകരം.

പാരമ്പര്യത്തെ പുറം തള്ളി പുതിയ നിയമം മാത്രം അനുസരിക്കുന്ന വിശ്വാസികളുടെ മദ്ധ്യത്തിലും കേന്ദ്ര ഭരണ സംവിധാനം സ്വാധീനം  ചെലുത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ടെങ്കില്‍ അതു കൂടുതല്‍ സങ്കടകരമല്ലേ?
കുപ്പായത്തിന്റെ നീളം അല്‍പ്പം കുറച്ച പട്ടക്കരല്ലാത്ത പട്ടക്കാര്‍ പ്രസ്തുത സഭകളില്‍കാണപ്പെടുന്നില്ലേ!

പ്രസ്തുത സഭാ നേതാക്കള്‍  ചിലര്‍ അപ്പോസ്തോലിക പിന്‍ തുടര്‍ച്ച അവകാശപ്പെടുന്നില്ലെങ്കിലും സ്ഥലം സഭകളുടെമേല്‍ നേതൃത്വം നടത്തുന്ന  സെന്റെര്‍ നേതാക്കന്മാരെപ്പോലെ ഭാവിക്കുന്നു, പ്രവര്‍ത്തിക്കുന്നു.  കമ്മറ്റികള്‍ രൂപീകരിച്ചു  അവയുടെ തലവന്മാര്‍ ആകുന്നു.  തങ്ങളുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തെ സ്വീകരിക്കാത്തവരെ നിര്‍ദയം പുറംതള്ളുകയും, തള്ളിക്കുകയും ഒക്കെ ചെയ്യുന്ന വചന വിരുദ്ധമായ നടപടികള്‍ പലയിടങ്ങളിലും ഇന്ന് സാധാരണയാണ് .  ഇതിന്റെയെല്ലാം പിന്നില്‍ പ്രതിഫലി    ക്കുന്നതു വലിയവരാകാനുള്ള മോഹം തന്നെ.  നമ്മുടെ കര്‍ത്താവ് ഒരു നേതൃത്വ മോഹി  ആയിരുന്നില്ല എന്ന്‍ ഈ പ്രീയപ്പെട്ടവര്‍ ഒന്ന്‍  ഓര്‍ത്ത്തെങ്കില്‍ എത്ര നന്നായിരുന്നു.


ഇന്നു പല സ്ഥലം സഭകളിലും കാണുന്ന പിളര്‍പ്പുകള്‍ക്കുള്ള ഒരു മുഖ്യ കാരണം ഈ നേതൃത്വ മോഹം തന്നെ.

മാനുഷിക നേതൃത്വത്തിന്  ആഗ്രഹിക്കാതിരിക്കുകയും അവയ്ക്ക്  കീഴ്പ്പെടാതിരിക്കുകയും ചെയ്താല്‍ നാം പുതിയ നിയമ രീതിയോട്  കൂടുതല്‍ അടുക്കുകയും അതു നമ്മെ കര്‍ത്താവിന്റെ ഉത്തമ അനുയായികള്‍
ആക്കി മാറ്റും.  നമ്മുടെ സഭകളില്‍ ഭിന്നത കുറയും.  ഏകതയും സ്നേഹവും പെരുകും.  അങ്ങനെ ഒരു കാലം വന്നെങ്കില്‍ എന്നാഗ്രഹിക്കുന്ന പലര്‍ നമ്മുടെ നടുവില്‍ ഉണ്ട്.  ഇല്ലെങ്കില്‍ ഉണ്ടാകണം.
                                                         ശുഭം

Source: "Suviseshakan" Magazine
Firs Published in the August 1981 issue of "Suviseshakan" Magazine,
Printed and Published by Late. M E Cherian, Madurai.

PS: 
THE AUTHOR INVITE READERS AND AUTHORS TO AIR THEIR SUGGESTIONS AND VIEWS ON THIS SUBJECT. YOU CAN POST IN YOUR VIEWS IN MALAYALAM OR IN ENGLISH.

വായനക്കാരെ എഴുത്തുകാരന്‍ ആഹ്വാനം ചെയ്യുന്നു.  

എഴുതുക. അഭിപ്രായങ്ങള്‍/പ്രതികരണങ്ങള്‍ comments കോളത്തില്‍ എഴുതുക

ഇംഗ്ലീഷിലോ മലയാളത്തിലോ എഴുതുക. 

This knol is from the collection of PV's Malayalam Knols. http://knol.google.com/k/p-v-ariel/malayalam-knol-directory-by-p-v-ariel/12c8mwhnhltu7/207



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Sunday, January 2, 2011

Church confederation- right or wrong



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Church confederation - right or wrong
                                                                                      
                                                                             —By Michael Browne, U K.

Argument against the need for ‘Confederation of Local Assemblies’ in India.
This is an argument opposing the current agitation for the “Confederation” of independent local churches in India – in order, as its exponents feel, to present a forceful united voice to Government authorities in face of renewed religious persecution
The Growing persecution of Christians across international boundaries in country after country is currently a major concern in both the local Christian communities and the whole global Christian profession. Tape, harassment, and martyrdom has raised its ugly head gain in Indian where only a few years ago Australian missionary Graham Stains was incinerated alive with his two little sons by Hindu fanatics in the state of Orissa.,. In the same Orissa State within the past year anti-Christian violence has flared up again with scores of Christian Churches being torches and Christian slaughtered for forced to deny their faith!
What should be the attitude of Christians towards this on0going oppression? Why has it happened and what is the Christian response?
In the nature of assemblies seeking to follow New Testament principles, they have no confederated voice or energy. They appear insignificant and irrelevant to both national and local authority where in any given location they are simply one small religious group—easily overlooked and marginalized!
Because of this there are brethren among Indian assemblies who sincerely feel that independent autonomous, local churches are by reason for their autonomous status too vulnerable and stand isolated in their individual entities. They need an authoritative corporate voice to be able to call for protection from actual physical attack, and financial support for legal representation in cases of unjust litigation. So the case of some kind of confederation is presented as an answer to this very real predicament. But while a ‘confederation’ of isolated and independent local churches may appear to be the logical and human answers to the problem, is it the spiritual and biblical answer?
No Confederation of Churches seen anywhere in Scripture.
It is significant that in the face of the severest persecution of the early Church age, represented historically by the early letter to the seven churches (Rev. 2: 2), the churches are still seen in their individual entities as far as the Lord o the churches is concerned! No confederation of the churches is suggested by scripture anywhere, as a response to persecution. The ‘seven churches’ were always that- seven individual lampstands on their own individual bases!
The fact of harassment, persecution and martyrdom is explicit and actual in Christian communities across continents and nations in our present day world. The apostle Peter forewarned the Christians in all generations not to thin it strange should fiery trails beset them. “Beloved, thin it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you… but rejoice, inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed you may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4: 12-13).
Heavenly wisdom, instruction and strong consolation from the Bible await the believer who is counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake. The Christian, illuminated by Holy Scripture, knows that the ‘secret power of lawlessness’ (2 Thessalonians 2:7) has been working in opposition to God in the world from apostolic days, and part of that ‘mystery’ is the bitter persecution leveled against the testimony of God through an alienated world system controlled by one malicious master-mind. 
John says of that wicked one, “and we know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power [control] of the Evil One” (1 John 5:19 ESV)
The Christian’s Warfare is Spiritual NOT Carnal
The Apostle Paul elaborates even further when he writes to the church at Ephesus, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rules of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). So the biblical view about all those who persecute the disciples of Christ is that they are spiritually blinded and deceived by fallen, supernatural spirit power. Against these the Christian engages in a spiritual warfare.
He knows the deceived human (flesh and blood) channels of persecution are not the real foes in this warfare. The screaming mob, the threatening crowd, the beatings, the stones, the fire – all this evidence of satanic activity, and the human channels are viewed by a compassionate Christianity as subject for prayer, tolerance and pity. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
So the answer to persecution is never seen in scripture as a show of corporate strength by the local churches. Christ did not Peter’s sword (Matthews. 26:51-54) for protection when he had legions of angels poised to defend Him. And that is the Christian’s recourse still today, not the arm of the flesh in confederated energy upon earth, but reliance upon the unseen but the real spiritual powers in heaven – come what may, and complete submission to the permissive will of God in the circumstance whatever that may be (Dan. 3:16-18)!
Meek Submission NOT Retaliatory Force or Church Confederation
It is this meek submission is face of sever persecution even unto martyrdom that breaks the heart of the persecutor! IT wasn’t a forceful confederated group of churches that moved Saul of Tarsus! It was the sight of Stephen kneeling there amidst that hail of murderous stones (Acts 7:59-60), and praying and crying with a loud voice, “Lord, lay not this in to their charge” that broke his heart! It was those forgiving words that so tortured Saul day and night even after, and brought him eventually to repentances and salvatio9n. That an innocent man of such noble bearing soul, in the very act of being ruthlessly murdered by such a hate-filled rabble, both intercede for them and pray for their forgiveness, stabbed knives into his conscience! So it is still today! There is a real sense in which meekness and non-resistance to evil is a greater moral persuader than vengeful retaliatory force or the power of church confederation could even be! In the spiritual realm of Christian ethics as taught and exemplified by our Lord Jesus Christ, it most certainly is.
Far better than a move to federation in face of persecution and discrimination, is the scriptural appeal to prayer and committal of our cause to God. In his First Epistle Peter writes of the example left to us by Christ, “Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, He threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously” (1 Pewter 2:23).
This is the Christian’s recourse in the face of persecution, harassment, injustice and terrorization. Wrong is wrong and evil is evil. He does not condone the wickedness done to him because he refuses to resist it. He does what the disciples of John the Baptist did when Herod cruelly beheaded their defenseless and righteous leas, when they had buried his body, “they went and told Jesus” (Mathew 14:12). So our recourse still is to “tell Jesus”. The Christian commits his cause to Him that judgeth righteously. God the righteous Jude will avenge His persecuted saint in due course in that, “day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds” (Romans 2:5). The Christian way is to leave the outcome of injustice slander, persecution and all evil done, to God, the judge of all, and pray for their persecutors (Luke 23:34).
This is not to prejudice the Christian’s right to appeal, and legitimately, to his Civil and Constitutional rights vis-a-vis unlawful actions against him. Both Paul (Acts 22:25-29), and the Lord Himself (John 18:23), drew attention to unlawful actions made against them. Paul also appealed to his citizenship rights under Roman law (Acts 25:10-12). That is not however, in the same category as a humanly conceived plan to confederate the assemblies in order to gain official recognition of our plight!
Individual appeal to Constitutional rights is allowable, both as a deterrent to and safeguard against further unlawful harassment or hurt, and to emphasize the legal and moral guilt of the persecutor. Often our Indian believers have repeatedly stood their ground when publicly harassed by the extremist group seeking to intimidate them and force them to cease witnessing. They have courageously appealed to their legitimate constitutionally guaranteed religious freedom to practice and propagate their faith; they have also sought the protection of the police whose duty it is to uphold the State Constitution and protect its citizens when their Constitutional rights are infringed. Often, however, they have been arrested by the very authority who ought to have protected them, on the ground that it was they, who by their proclamation of the Gospel were offering a provocation and thus disturbing the peace! In such a case they have done their duty by the law, and from that moment are cast upon the Providence of God for justice and protection, and may go no further by way of retaliation or confederated action.
Present Appeal to an All-India “Confederation of Local Assemblies”
What brethren in India have already done is unilaterally seek legal opinion to form a Confederation of Assemblies “to safeguard their interests and faith”! They promise to preserve the independence of local assemblies but they impose “bylaws” of association! They propose a ‘General Body’ responsible for the oversight and administration of the Confederation with an appointed paid Administrator. The Confederation will have power to register church property in its name, and to operate various assembly activities. It would represent the constituent assemblies to the Government and other agencies, give professional status to evangelists, help assemblies and evangelists in time of persecution, and undertake legal help where required.
This is the proposal. But no matter how appealing the concept of confederation is in the short term, in the long term it would prove absolutely disastrous to the principle of autonomy or independence for the local assemblies. While giving local churches a more concentrated and seemingly stronger voice with the central government or loyal authorities, federation would have crossed the strict boundary of obedience to the scriptural pattern. It would be a move away from God’s design of His churches (see and cp. Heb. 8:5) in favor of the ideas of human expediency! Nothing should be more dangerous than challenging the wisdom of God in this critical matter!
Man’s Institution Challenges the Divine Constitution
Once a federation of local assemblies was established, no matter how reassuring the promises that it would not hinder the expression of local autonomy in practice it most definitely would! An organization would have displaced the organism! Man’s institution would challenge the divine constitution! A name will be given that distinguishes it from all other Christian bodies, thus placing it immediately on unscriptural denominational or factional ground. An inevitable centralization of control and command would wickedly be put in place. NO doubt initially, it may be, very competent and spiritually minded administrators would guide the new federation. However, it would not be long before strong-minded, unspiritual, and ruthless power-hungry men would begin to take over the churches of God, and control would pass into the hands of men who would silence all protest, and consolidate their power by despotic rule! History repeatedly teaches the bitter lesson of turning form the rock foundation of divine revelation to the shifting sands of human reasoning! The whole structure—and mark my words—will sooner or later collapse- and great will be the fall of it!
Division!
This whole proposal if pursued will inevitably divide the Indian assemblies from top to bottom, and make havoc of what has been a great work of God. Let our Indian local assemblies by duly warned, and refuse to shift from the truths and principles of local church autonomy they have received as a legacy from their spiritual father. It has proved a blessing up to now- and our prayer is it will continue so to be as we honor God by submitting to His holy and inspired Word. Amen and Amen! 


(An Adaptation from the Book Church Confederation Right or Wrong? by Michael Brown, U K)
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Thanks for your time
Philip & Associates, Secunderabad.









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