“What is happening to the world”, asked a distraught man pointing out the latest developments in central Asia. He is not alone; many from around the globe express the same feeling. On one side, the world is reeling under an unparalleled pandemic of the recent times with a death toll of more than 45 lakh already. Along with that the natural calamities like hurricanes, wildfires and the political instability in many nations are playing havoc in the society. Even in such a difficult situation, certain groups of people do not hesitate to unleash terror in the name of their faith! Can man be so hard-hearted and cruel?
       Another disastrous reality that we seldom notice is that the international community is concerned about the sufferings of certain groups of people, but ignores the pain and horror of many others. Many bloodbaths in the African nations go unnoticed. Sad to notice that most media is biased; politicians and even governments are not transparent. No wonder the common man feels helpless and hopeless looking at the world at large.
       As Bible believing Christians, what should our perspective be of this rapidly changing world scenario? As we are bombarded with such painful and disturbing news through various mediums, what should our response be?
       Let us briefly consider how the Lord Jesus Christ viewed the world when He was on earth. Remember the Lord Jesus referred to the world number of times in different contexts. Sometimes He meant the age or dispensation; or it was a reference to the earth, inhabited world, humanity or even the standard of living of this world. We will focus on Christ’s view of the world in a general sense without going into the details of those different connotations, yet highlighting the ethical... ->>>More

NTK

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Out line:-

Christian and the world

1. Sent in to the world. Jn 17:18
2. Preaching to the world. Mark 16:15
3. Not conformed to the world. Rom 12:2
4. The light of the world. Phil 2:15
5. Live godly in the world. Titus 2;12
6. No friendship with the world. James 4:4
7. Passing through the world. 1Peter 2:11
8. Love not the world. 1John 2:16

NTK

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Anecdote: -

Forsaking worldliness: Not a Loss, but Gain

A worldly, Christ-less young man used to visit his aunt who was a born again lady. She took every opportunity to impress upon her nephew the need of receiving Christ. "Oh," he replied one day in answer to a remark from her, "Christianity and religion are all very good no doubt, when one comes to a certain time in life; but it is not the thing for a young fellow 22 years of age. How could I give up the pleasures of the world and wear a long face? When one is old it may be all very well then."
       "Why George!" gently asked his aunt, "who asked you to give up the pleasures of the world? I am sure I never did. I only asked you to accept Christ's gospel."
       "Oh, is that it?" he replied; "I always thought I had to give up a lot. Well, if I become a Christian, I would not be as tight-laced as some folk I know—for instance, I would go in for many jolly things you do not."
       "Never mind that," answered his aunt; "accept the Lord Jesus first, and see about all that in the future."
       Shortly afterwards the young man did accept Christ as his Lord, and when next he saw his aunt, as they returned to their former conversation he remarked: "Do you know, aunt, I find I have given up far more than I ever dreamed I should be willing to; and yet I don't count it a loss but positive gain."

Source: Gospel Herald

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Practical: -

Spiritual Lessons from Covid-19

King Solomon wrote, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) The Bible is very clear about everything happening in this world and its purpose. The verse explains the season, the time and the purpose, all are measured and planned.
       The Lord Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” John 4:23
Notice, what does the Father seek?
Yes, true worshipers; His children worshiping Him in spirit and in truth. That’s the ultimate purpose of our creation and existence. God wants His blood bought people to come together and lift His name on high, exalt Him and worship Him.
But what’s happening for the past 2 years?
First time in the history of the church, God’s people are unable to gather together to worship Him for such a long duration. Why is God allowing this? Why such a situation is prevalent? Dear brethren, God wants us to rethink, retrospect and repent, wherever required.
As you guessed it right, I’m referring to the Covid19 pandemic and the consequences.
       Let us try to understand God’s purpose behind such a historical event / pandemic. More importantly, the purpose in relation to His children. For that it’s important to analyze Covid-19 and its stages in detail. We’ll try to derive some spiritual learning’s out of the same.
Stages of Covid:
1. Prevention Stage: SMS
2. Probing Stage: Quarantine
3. Positive Stage: Quarantine + Treatment
4. Post Covid Stage: After effects
Let us try to gain some spiritual insight on these 4 stages ->>>More->>>

By Sajeet Samuel, Thiruvalla

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Exhortation: -

Light Alone Prevents Darkness

As God’s people, how blessed we are in Christ and what a wonderful freedom we possess. We experience unspeakable joy and great peace in the Lord. But when we look around, the world is groaning due to the bondage of sin and the activities of evil forces. Many have no idea of what is the root cause for all these troubles and who is behind all these destruction and chaos.
       The Bible says, the whole world is under the yoke of Satan. But God in His grace delivered us, all glory to Him. Many religions and their leaders failed to retain their folk’s faith because they don’t allow light to lead them. Remember, darkness can only be prevented by light. Wherever light is present, there is no room for darkness.
       Let’s consider few words about light. Apostle John writes, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” (John 1:5) In this passage, we further see about John the Baptist. (John 1:6) He came to witness and testify of the light. This is exactly the duty of each chosen one; to witness and testify about the light to this dark world.->>>More->>>

By Joy Murickal Issac, Kerala