HOPE: AN ANCHOR FOR LIFE

Romans 15:13 is a wonderful prayer that Paul wants every believer to experience: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

So far I haven’t come across anyone saying, “I’m not concerned about having joy and peace and I don’t want to abound in hope.” In fact, we all want and need these qualities, and yet among us very few can reasonably claim to be filled with joy, peace and hope.

Here I would like to limit this article only to the vitality and need of hope leaving joy and peace for a separate thought.

While many see faith and hope as synonyms but it is not. Faith is something that is built upon what one has seen or heard (faith comes by hearing) in the past but hope is an expectation of future realities. Without faith, there is no hope, and without hope there is no true faith.

A Poem on Hope

Amidst unceasing prayer hope unveiling answer
Amidst vagrancy, hope eternal nest
Amidst earthly glory, hope unending wonder
Amidst earthly misery, hope heavenly rest
Amidst poverty, hope unfading asset
Amidst earthly achievements, hope upcoming Best
Amidst widened arms of darkness, hope divine breast
Amidst fiery darts, hope Lord’s final behest
Amidst failing endeavours, hope Christ abreast
Amidst fellow charlatans, hope eternal test


Only then our “hope” in Return of Christ has any value for its quest

You can notice hope is used in verb form in every place. So hope not only for the return for Christ in the future but also for every facet of your life now, here, on the earth. Hope for everything else, basically, emerges from the hope in Christ's Return. And due to the absence of this hope many seems to live a lukewarm dispirited Christians life (nominals). This hope gives us purpose to strive for the purity and assurance of future life. A Christian can still profess him/herself and be called Christian while having no hope for anything similar to non-believers. Our eternal life will not start in the future but has already began with new birth in Christ.

Every mankind has hope of some sort. However, hope in human agency is the product of human mind but the hope in divine is product of divine enablement (through Holy Spirit). That’s why people who lack Holy Spirit also lack this hope. While they may have the ultimate hope of Christ’s coming (everyone has that) but may lose hoping for everything else, significantly, things pertinent for present life.

“…so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Such hope doesn’t come from nowhere but is given by the power of the Holy Spirit. So yielding to Holy Spirit is the key for receiving/growing in the hope.

THUS HOPE IS AN ANCHOR FOR OUR LIFE IN CHRIST AS WE LIVE ON THIS EARTH WITH HUMAN WEAKNESSES. 

◄ 1 John 3:3 ►And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.◄ Romans 8:24 ►For in this hope we were saved; but hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he can already see? 

Outcomes of Hope

(1) It gives us joy and peace.

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 5:2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.

(2) It gives us protection.

Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness.

(3) It gives us strength, courage, boldness.

Psalm 31:24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD.

(4) It gives us endurance, comfort, confidence in the face of death.

1 Thessalonians 4:13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve, as do the rest who have no hope.

(5) It gives us confidence in ministry.

1 Timothy 4:10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.

Image Source: http://circleofdocs.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/hope-hero.jpg

Read More

Happy Teachers Day

In India Teacher’s Day is celebrated on 5th of September as an acknowledgment to the impact made by the teachers towards the community. Since 1962 the day commemorates the birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan, a great teacher and a staunch believer of education, known for his influence towards the education system of India.

According to Dr Radhakhrishnan, “teachers should be the best minds in the country”. The birthday of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakhrishnan came to be celebrated as Teachers Day when some of his students requested him to allow them to celebrate his birthday ‘5th September’. Dr. Radhakrishnan said, “instead of celebrating my birthday distinctly, it would be my proud pleasure if September 5 is observed as Teachers’ day”. Since then 5th September is observed as Teachers Day all over India.

Teachers convey knowledge and persuade the students in the right direction, educate them and create accountable citizens and good human beings. They are the cornerstone of our future. Celebrating Teachers Day is recognized by UNESCO and equally popular is several countries across the globe.

Let's talk about a teacher who is greatest among all. His followers includes largest chunk of world population. He is Lord Jesus Christ. Many limit him in the office of teacher-ship but He is more than that; He is Lord. 

Christ’s teaching was enlightening, reasonable, supported by Old Testament evidence, well-illustrated, recognized by divine power, unique, and exceptionally authoritative (Matthew 7:28).

Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, accepted that Jesus of Nazareth was “a teacher” from God, as documented by the “signs” which he did (John 3:2). A wealthy young leader approached the Lord asking, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Even Jesus’ rivals addressed him as “Teacher” (Matthew 22:16, 24), though their use of the expression was not always candid. Matthew tells us the crowds were so amazed at his teaching because “he taught as one having authority, not as the teachers of the law” (Matthew 7:29). The rabbis quoted each other, but Jesus spoke the true and authoritative words of God. The noun (teacher) and verb (teach) combined are used of Jesus some ninety times. The Jesus is addressed as “Teacher” twenty-nine times in the Gospels.

Great men of India like M.K. Gandhi, Ram Mohan Roy, Ramakrishna and many other placed Jesus among great teachers. We know that He is the greatest teacher ever. We know that His teachings are the greatest teachings that have ever been given to mankind.

Even the skeptical philosopher Ernest Renan (1823-92), who opposed Christian belief on almost all points, stated: “Jesus will ever be the creator of the pure spirit of religion; the Sermon on the Mount will never be surpassed”

Scottish theologian James Stuart said, “The teaching of Jesus has had a power and an effect with which the influence of no other teacher can even for a moment be compared.”

Jesus' words throb with wisdom. For an instance, His concept about government and tax: "Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). The concept of God and worship: "Those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). The Sermon on the Mount: "Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you" (Matthew 5:44). The greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind ... Love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40).

LUKE 6:40 AMP40 A student is not superior to his teacher; but everyone, after he has been completely trained, will be like his teacher.

Adam Clarke Commentary on this verse;

Every one that is perfect - Or, thoroughly instructed, κατηρτισμενος : - from καταρτιζω, to adjust, adapt, knit together, restore, or put in joint. The noun is used by the Greek medical writers to signify the reducing a luxated or disjointed limb. It sometimes signifies to repair or mend, and in this sense it is applied to broken nets, Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19; but in this place, and in Hebrews 13:21; 2 Timothy 3:17, it means complete instruction and information. Every one who is thoroughly instructed in Divine things, who has his heart united to God, whose disordered tempers and passions are purified and restored to harmony and order; every one who has in him the mind that was in Christ, though he cannot be above, yet will be as, his teacher - holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners.

This is a fact: men do develop up into the likeness of what they appreciate. Great philosophers, men of science, divines, soldiers, statesmen; these are taken as role models, and each one has fashioned the lives of many others. It is not always a conscious imitation. Mere relationship shapes us. A man can be known by his acquaintances. If he is not like them he soon will be. They are his teachers in some degree, and he will be like them. We should take care, then, whom we emulate.

Dr. Matthew K. Thomas gave a speech for all who want to become or are in the ministry of teaching. Below in the image is the message for all the teachers;

Yes !!! We are to become exhibition of His power, Extension of His life and Expression of His love.

It’s important to understand that Jesus taught his disciples, unlike many modern teachers, impartially. His unique teachings were with authority and kindness, reproof and love, of life and death, ethics and spirituality, religion and society, law and grace, to rich and beggar, to old and child, to man and woman, to priest and gentile combined, And He said that we, his students, can be like Him if we get properly trained (perfected). So as students we must understand that we are in the process of learning; unending learning. And one day we shall be like Him.

In order to become a good and influential teacher or a student let's follow the nuggets mentioned in the image at the top. 

UNIQUE TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST

The World Says	Jesus Christ Says	Bible Verse
If someone does something to make you angry, it is okay to respond by telling him off.	Being angry and calling someone names can land you in hell.	Matthew 5:21-221
It is okay to look at a good looking woman when you are married as long as you don't act upon your desires.	Looking with lust at a woman makes you guilty of adultery.	Matthew 5:27-282
Divorce is okay if you are not compatible with your spouse.	Divorce (except in the case of adultery) makes you and your spouse guilty of adultery.	Matthew 5:31-323
If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from carrying out your vows, it is okay.	Do not make vows at all, but do as you say.	Matthew 5:33-374
You shouldn't let people take advantage of you.	Do not resist evil, but return good for evil.	Matthew 5:38-415
It is okay to hate people who are enemies to you.	You are to love all people and pray for those who hate you.	Matthew 5:446
It is okay to get your name on a hospital wing or other worthy cause when you donate money.	Give in secret, so that nobody knows what you have done.	Matthew 6:1-47
Praying in public is a good way to witness.	Pray in secret to God with sincerity.	Matthew 6:5-68
If people do evil things to you, it is okay to get even.	Forgive all who sin against you.	Matthew 6:14-159
Eat, drink and be merry! "He who dies with the most things wins."	Do not accumulate things just because you have extra money. Use your resources for eternal purposes.	Matthew 6:19-2110
Always try to get rich. Money will make you happy.	A person cannot serve God and money at the same time. Make choices that have eternal impact.	Matthew 6:2411
Shop 'till you drop. She who has the most clothes wins.	Do not worry about your clothing or your food, but trust in God for your needs.	Matthew 6:25-3312
If you are worried, take a little pill and relax.	Don't worry about tomorrow. There is enough to do today.	Matthew 6:33-3413
Did you read about the latest gossip about that movie star?	Do not judge others. Examine your own behavior.	Matthew 7:1-514

Read More

GANESHA CHATURTHI AND ECO-CRISIS

As the day of Ganesh visarjan nears my memory goes back to my teenage days. I remember sleepless night, during the festival just before the morning Visarjan of the idol, engulfed with the extreme fun and the moment of fellowshipping, singing, dancing and worshipping.  Back then idols would amount from 50 rs to 50,000- 1 lac in Raipur city. I must say that most of the youngsters involved in the activity are there not because of any religiosity or piety towards any god or goddess but for entertaining factors of festival (lasts for 9-10 days).  

Ganesh Visarjan is a widely celebrated Hindu festival in India in the honour of god Ganesha. Festival wasn’t the part of traditional Hinduism but introduced to people by Mr. Bhausaheb Laxman Javale in 1892 in Pune It is celebrated in Bhadrapada as per Hindu calendar and anywhere between months of August to September as per Gregorian calendar.  

We can witness Ganesha idols in most streets during Ganesh Chaturthi almost in every corner of India. At the end of the festival, as part of the ritual, Ganesh idol will be taken to march and submerged in water by the devotees.

Hindu mythology presents many stories, which explain how Ganesha obtained his elephant or gaja head. One popular belief is through the dirt and turmeric of Parvati Ganesh was formed. Devotees sometimes interpret his elephant head as indicating intelligence, discriminative power, fidelity, or other attributes thought to be had by elephants. The large elephant ears are said to denote wisdom and the ability to listen to people who seek help.

But wait… Have you ever thought what happens after Ganesh Visarjan?

Well I’m not focused here to talk about theological aspects of this festival but environmental.

While celebrating Ganesh Festival people generally ignore environmental impact of pollution they cause in Air, Water, land, humanity.    

In ancient days, paints were made from natural colors that are found in vegetables, fruits etc. But these days the paints are manufactured by industries with toxic chemical process and this leads to extreme water pollution. It takes a lot of time to fashion clay idols. One can make about four Plaster of Paris idols in a single day but at least three days to make one clay idol. While a two-foot Plaster of Paris idol will cost you about Rs 3,000, the same sized clay idol will cost you about Rs 5,000.

We see advertisement of various products (to be used in festivals) in television generating piety in our hearts. So you think they have any concern for god or your piety???  They are their to make money out of your spiritually and give no regard to your well being. That’s all about media and seller. It is a clear demand generating activity benefiting the artisans and churning the money in the system.

Air Pollution

During this festival, fireworks and crackers are castoff in plenty by the followers for showing their cheerfulness. This leads to Air pollution, as harmful gases and toxic substances like Barium, Cadmium, Sodium, Mercury, Nitrate and Nitrite are released into air. Also, respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) level goes high in this season as small particles are released into the atmosphere by these firecrackers.

Noise pollution

Loudspeakers, fire crackers and loud musical instruments, appear to be one of the biggest culprits of noise pollution during festivals in our country. Devotees celebrate the prestigious festival with all possible means of loud music like listening to bhajjans, kirtans and songs using massive speakers.

All the above points add up and increase Noise pollution way beyond the permissible level of 55 bB (day) and 45 dB (night) stated by the pollution control board. Senior citizens and children are directly affected by these as in certain cases the noise level can even reach 110 dB.

Water Pollution

In recent years, we have realised augmented consciousness about water pollution triggered by visarjan i.e. immersion of Ganesh Idols in lakes, rivers and Sea which are made out of Plaster of Paris (PoP) i.e. calcium sulphate hemi –hydrate. It takes several months to totally dissolve Ganesh Idols made up of PoP into water.

Also, colors used in adornment of idols comprise harmful chemicals containing mercury, lead which leaks into water as idol dissolves. It increases acid content, Total Dissolved solids (TDS) and Heavy metals in water. It kills aquatic plants and marine life, damaging ecosystem under water. Along with Idols several other accessories are used in worship of Ganapati such as, flowers, fruits, coconuts, incents, camphor, cloth, plastic, thermocol. Etc. It is collectively called as Nirmalya.

Every year government spends crores of rupees to clean and dig out tons of garbage from natural water sources such as rivers, lakes etc.Google “religion” and “water pollution,” and you’ll see what I mean.

Death during Visarjan  

It may sound strange to some but indeed there are noticeable number of demise during the visarjan. Many don’t care them being to supera-spiritual. But if you read some specific news feeds (because many other news agencies hide those incidents) following the day of visarjan you can see how many people have died either by vehicle carried the idol or drowning in the same water body where they drown the idols. A few could be traced through simple google search.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/kolkata/electrocuted-three-died-while-taking-ganesha-idol-for-immersion-in-kolkata/story-mxMWM6ZqmNbwmAg9CwZNGI.html

http://www.mid-day.com/articles/ganesh-ganesh-chaturthi-mumbai-news/17609165

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/tungabhadra-river-ganesh-immersion-ganpati-shivamogga-ganesha-visarjan/1/759360.html

http://odishasuntimes.com/2016/09/07/student-drowns-death-ganesh-idol-immersion-odisha/

Traffic jam

Massive rise in consumerism and idol procession during the festival causes traffic jam which in turn escalates air and noise pollution.

These are all ill effects of Ganapati festival and is essential for to know everyone, so that it becomes easier to take initiatives to reduce bad effects of Ganesh Chaturthi on environment.

Many measure have been taken by government to bring awareness amongst people to minimize impacts of festivals. Beside EPCO several NGO, Organizations are working hard to make people realize harmful effects of Ganapati festival.

The convenience of this material have made us habitual and we can’t resist them. But the time has come to realise the bad effects of these material thus saving our health and environment. 

Thus two possible solutions are;

Option 1: Banning out all the festivals which harms our ecosystem.

Option 2: Celebrating them in eco-friendly ways.

While first option may hurt many devotees (esp. the ones who don’t see the enormous harm cause to nature), the second seems more feasible. I, through this article, don’t blame the Hindu festivals in itself but I blame people trying to make easy money and the people who don't care about the environment for short-term enjoyment at the expense of long term harm to nature. And I appreciate a few people who are eco-friendly in their approach to festivals.

Spreading the message of civic sense this Diwali might help to curb or at least limit the pollution levels. We must get our social act together before blaming it on local administrators and civic amenities. 

Share this truth with your dear ones because it’s important to know that we cannot make any god happy if we destroy the gift of god; the nature.

Read More