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CSI Good News
(Church of South India Good News)
Vol. 3 / Issue 28 / August 16 2001
Contents of this issue
Editorial
Wonder working power in the Blood of Jesus
God who defends our case
Report of 15th CSI family and youth Conference
Few Responses
News Items (Common to all issues) :
Through the Valley of Death & other Books
Download Articles in Handheld Computers
Kids Page - Free Tutorials
Hindi / Malayalam/Tamil Bible Online
Your Spam Folder
Your Feedback
Editorial
We attended a couple of meetings where some Indian preachers came and shared their experiences of judgment of God. I want to illustrate two examples here.
One preacher said that he was in hit list of Hindu extremist from 1997. In 1997 he got a mail which was written with blood, asking him to leave India before 31st Aug. and that otherwise he would be murdered. His next door neighbor was a Hindu and was always creating problems for him and his family members. Very often the Hindu neighbor told the preacher's father that, "just like we cut cake in pieces, in the same manner your son will be chopped off one day." Well, they fasted and prayed for 21 days. One day God told through a prophet that, "your deliverance has come." Few moments later they heard the news that the same neighbor, who threatened and created problem, committed suicide.
How sad it is to know that a man stood against God's people and perished. It is not a joke to stand against God's people. We read in the Old Testament about Elisha who was mocked by some young people and the consequences of it in 2 Kings 2:23-24, "Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, "Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!" So he turned around and looked at them, and pronounced a curse on them in the name of the LORD. And two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths."
As I said last week, many Christians were tortured and murdered in Gujarat, India, and they got back in same measure what they did to others. Many died in the Gujarat earth quake and among those who survived more than 90% of the people had irrecoverable damage in their hands and legs so that Doctors had no other choice except to chop off their hands and legs. Many were buried alive in their homes. I could not control my tears when I read about two young men who had no big equipment to dig their home. They tried to dig their home by their hands and with a few small equipments. Three days later they could dig out the dead body of their mother who was buried alive due to earth quake.
The other preacher is from Hindu background. When he came to Christ and embraced Christianity, one of his brothers got very angry and spoke against him. Finally the preacher said, "if you speak anything against the Bible or Gospel, God's judgment will come upon you." His brother said, "let me see what judgment is going to come upon me. Few days later he was admitted in the hospital with major problem in his lungs. Within few days he became very weak and pale but even then he did not repent. Days, months and years passed by, almost 15 years and later on one day he repented from his sins and turned to almighty God. Today he is living for Christ.
On the one side we see that one man did not repent and perished but on the other side a man repented from his sins and turned to God and get blessings of God. My friend, in which group are you? If you have done anything against God or God's people, repent from your sins and turn to God before it may be too late. If you turn to God, God will forgive and forget your sin and restore your life. Why take God's Judgment in your life? Choose life and blessing of God. Who can prevail standing against God? No one!
Wonder working power in the Blood of Jesus
By Sheela Isaac
Heb 9:12, "Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His (Jesus') own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption".
Through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, He obtained eternal redemption for all of mankind or human race. He died once for all to obtain eternal salvation or redemption. Jesus did it for all of us but many do not know it. Many wrongly think that there are many ways to reach heaven, but it is unbiblical and totally wrong. Bible clearly says in:
Heb 9:22, "And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.
You can not achieve salvation by means such as social work or by any good deeds. Let not Satan fool you. Bible again clearly says that our rituals and good works are like filthy rags in the sight of God. Isa 64:6, "But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteous nesses are like filthy rags;"
Whatever may be the things which look good in our eyes, whatever may be the rituals which may appear to be holy and perfect in our sight does not and can not please God. Because He is holy. He is most holy God and He does not accept those man made rituals and social work. He says that it is nothing but filthy and dirty rags. It may give pleasure to your heart for a while but can not give salvation. It may give you a little satisfaction with the feeling, "I am so and so and I am doing these many great things," but it can not save your soul from hell fire.
Salvation comes only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Amen!!!
Now let us see the different types of power in the blood of Jesus Christ.
1. Brings healing:
Blood of Jesus was shed on Calvary's cross so that we can receive healing - Healing in our soul, mind and body.
Once I read a real incidence. There was a mighty prophetess in India. Her name was Shesharatnamma. She came from a high cast Hindu (Brahmin) family. She was totally against Christianity. At the very early age she got tumor in her stomach. She did all kinds of rituals and all kinds of pujas (Hindu prayer). She visited many temples to receive healing but all her efforts were in vain. She suffered excessively because of this sickness and finally doctors left her to die since there was no cure for this sickness in those days. Mean while she heard about Christ and His healing power. But she refused to pray and she decided to die instead. But her husband begged to Jesus for her life. One night when she was in horrible pain and was dying she could see Jesus standing at her bed side. She got miraculous healing and later became a mighty preacher of the gospel.
It was one of the incidences which took place when she was praying. Lord said "I shed my blood for you, go and see and you will find my blood on floor". She went to see and she was surprised to see two drops of fresh blood on her floor.
There was another woman who was praying in her house. Lord spoke to her and said "what are you doing here? When my glory was revealed in Shesharatnamma's house why did you not go and see". So the woman came to her house to see what was happening and she marveled to see the things which God has spoken about.
The blood on the floor remained in the same way for two days and Lord again spoke to her to put that blood in clean bottle. So she did the same and later she applied that blood on many who came for her prayers for healing and many were healed of their sicknesses. That blood remained in bottle for a long time.
Yes, my friend, Blood of Jesus has that great power which brings healing and deliverance. If you believe you too can receive the same blessings in your life. Blood of Jesus Christ which was shed for you and me is still available. You can still receive your healing in your body, mind and soul.
2. Brings deliverance from Satan:
Satan and demons tremble at the name of Jesus Christ and His blood. Today many are involved in witchcraft and sorcery working to destroy others. They are so ignorant that they do not know that these are the powers of Satan and demons. They are so ignorant that they do not know that these powers are destroying their own lives and their own family instead of others against whom they work.
If you are involved in these kinds of things remember that you can never live peacefully. You can never enjoy peace and blessings of God in your life. You can never see healing and deliverance in your life. You will stay sick all the time. You will stay confused all the time. You will spend your days in fear and tears. Demons will take complete control of your home and one day it will entirely destroy you. If you are involved in such things, get rid of it. Repent from your sins and ask forgiveness of your sins. Blood of Jesus Christ will deliver you from the power of darkness and witchcraft.
Demons tremble at the very name of Jesus and the blood of Jesus. If you are going through trouble and pain, if you are facing constant sicknesses in your home, apply the blood of Jesus daily on your home, on your children, on yourself and you will see a great change in your life. Demons will flee from your home seeing the blood of Jesus. Before you go out of your home apply the blood of Jesus on you and you will find that Lord is protecting you all the time.
3. Brings escape from eternal death:
Finally blood of Jesus has cleansing power. It cleanseth us from all our sins. 1 John 1:7, "..........and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Blood of Jesus is able to cleanse our lives of all unrighteousness. When you come to Calvary's cross, when you go through the crimson flow of Calvary, it wipes away all sin and guilt. It wipes away all the shameful, bitter and sinful past. It gives joy and peace that this world can not give.
Do you have that peace? Do you have that joy which stays forever. Whatever may come, whatever problems may come, whatever storms may come, the joy stays there. Jesus wants to give you this type of joy which the world and worldly things do not and can not give.
When we read the story of the deliverance of Israelites from the land of Egypt it thrills our souls. Isn't it? The great deliverance God brought for His people. They were all slaves in Egypt. Nobody could have ever imagined how more than 600,000 people could come out of that bitter slavery in a moment. It may be easy for one or two people to escape by chance but not for that many people. But God of Israel is able to do anything. He performed the mighty miracle. He sent ten plagues to deliver them. The last plague was death of every first born of Egypt.
Lord commanded the Israelites and said, "put the blood of the lamb on doorposts and lintel of the houses. I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night and will strike all the firstborn of man and beast. Where ever I will find blood I will leave that home and I will pass over you and destruction will not come to your home. But where ever I will not find blood I will destroy the firstborn of that household".
Exo 12:12, 'For I will pass through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD.'
Exo 12:13, 'Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.'
It happened exactly in the same way. Wherever the blood of the lamb was not found destruction struck them. The same thing is going to happen in the final judgment. Lord will judge both righteous and sinners. Then what will happen?
The person who will be found being not washed with the blood of the lamb (Jesus Christ) is going to receive eternal destruction. But on that day in whose hearts God will find the mark of the blood of Jesus Christ will be spared. He is going to separate two types of people. One is the blood washed group who is going to inherit eternal peace and happiness in heaven, while the other is without the mark of the blood of Jesus on their hearts like the Egyptians who are going to receive eternal damnation in hell.
Where do you stand today? Do you know for sure that your sins are forgiven? Do you know for sure that you have received the mark of the blood of Jesus in your heart? If not this is the time to get rid of that eternal hell and damnation. Jesus is ready to receive you. Will you pray this simple prayer from the bottom of your heart?
Lord Jesus I know that only through your blood I can receive salvation. I believe today that you died for me to save me from eternal destruction. You loved me so much that you never wanted me to perish. Have mercy on me. I am a sinner. Please forgive and forget my sins and wash away my sins in your precious blood. Cleanse me from all evil deeds and filthy life style. Wash away my sins Lord. Thank you for dying for me. Thank you for the great sacrifice made for me. Today I accept you as my Lord and Savior. I ask all these things in Jesus name.
Now I am going to pray for those who are sick. You can receive your healing by the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Believe in Him and receive your healing right now.
Lord Jesus I pray for those who are sick. Heal each and every one of them. In the name of Jesus be healed. In the mighty name of Jesus receive your healing. Receive it in Jesus name. Those who are having diabetes receive your healing in the name of Jesus of Nazareth. God is healing you from diabetes. If you are having ear problem, any type of partial deafness, or total deafness, God is healing you. God is healing you. In the name of Jesus receive your healing. Diabetes is leaving, ear problem and deafness are leaving. In the name of Jesus be whole. Amen.
God who defends our case
By Sherly Isaac
Isaiah 31:5, "Like birds flying about, So will the LORD of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; Passing over, He will preserve it."
Yes, there is a God who defends us and defends our case. He not only defends us, but delivers us also. There is an accuser of us -devil who wants to accuse us and desires that we may be in misery and pain. He wants to cheat, steal, lie and destroy us. But my friend, God wants to defend us. God wants to restore to us what is stolen by the enemy. No matter how big may be the sins you might have committed, God wants to wash away all your sins, guilt and sinful nature. Bible tells us in John 8:36, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed."
Bible tells us in Hebrew 12:24, "to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel."
Jesus is the mediator who pleads our case. When a person lives in sin and God could not see any goodness in him/her and when God thinks of cutting him/her off, Jesus pleads, "let us wait for one more year as we read in Luke 13:6-9, "He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. "Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?' But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 'And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.'"
Yes, Jesus is pleading for you everyday, every moment that you may leave your wicked ways and turn to God. If your life is extended it is not because of your ability but because Jesus is pleading for you
The verse further says, "Passing over, He will preserve it."
Israelites were slaves in Egypt and Moses went to deliver them, but Pharaoh did not allow them to go. God sent plagues in that land and destroyed the land but it could not change the heart of Pharaoh. Finally God said to Moses, "I will send 10th and last plague by which destroyer will come and kill every first born of Egypt." He said, "take the blood of the lamb and apply in your door posts and lintels so that when destroyer comes and sees the blood, he may pass over your house." Israelites did the same thing and when destroyer came and saw the blood on door posts and lintels, he passed over their houses. So Israelite's firstborn were saved.
The same thing God wants to do with your life. God wants to preserve your life, your future, your health, your wealth and wants to give you a life full of peace, joy and happiness. If you think that your life is totally destroyed, you have no hope for future or no hope of any good thing, look to Jesus who can restore your life. Jesus who went to the cross and died as a sacrificial lamb and shed His precious blood for our redemption can deliver you from all evil. Apply His blood in your life and when you do this, the destroyer will pass over you and God will preserve you.
Report of 15th CSI family and youth Conference
The 15th CSI Family and Youth Conference of North America was held in Camp Allen Retreat Center from August 9th to 12th of 2001. It is a wonderful place away from city so that people can relax and concentrate in the conference. Arrangements were very good. Every care was taken for bringing people from Airport to the accommodation and in serving food in a very nice way. Mr. Kurian Thampy Jacob should be congratulated for the same.
On Thursday 9th August the Conference started with Worship led by Moderator Rt. Rev. K. J. Samuel. Conference was inaugurated by The Rt. Rev. Claude E. Payne, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Texas.
There were separate sessions for both Youths and Children. Key speakers for Youths were Scott & Kerstin Armstrong from Ravi Zechariah Ministry. Children were taken care of by Child Evangelism Fellowship team.
Friday evening was one of the most wonderful time. Rev. George Isaac spoke on the theme "Walk Humbly with God" and highlighted the importance of family prayer in houses. In Singing and Revival meeting many Pastors and people shared testimonies of great miracles Lord had done in their lives. Moderator Rt. Rev. Dr. K. J. Samuel shared his testimony that he accepted Lord Jesus Christ when he was 13 and that in 1998 Lord graciously filled him with Holy Spirit and he spoke in other languages that is unknown tongues.
Key Speakers for Adults were Dr. Wesley Ariaraja and Rev. Dr. K. C. Abraham. Both did nothing but confuse people with unbiblical theology. Dr Ariaraja speaking on the theme "Walk Humbly with God" failed to show the "humility with Jesus" or to respect the words of Jesus. A few of the things he spoke were.
1. A person need not to accept Jesus Christ to be saved
2. There is salvation through other religions too.
3. Christianity started with Jesus. Abraham didn't know Jesus hence bringing the idea that God of Abraham and Jesus are different Gods.
4. Jesus is not the only way for salvation.
5. We should not judge other religions and should not ask people to believe in Jesus alone. To support it he quoted the story of Jonah and the Samaritan woman who came to Jesus.
6. His neighbors were Hindus and they were very good nature and devote in their religion so they will surely go to heaven.
All these points as well as his whole sermon was unbiblical and gave an effect to shake the very foundation of Christianity and CSI Faith. Here are a few point wise explanations why :-
1. A person can become Child of God or can be saved only by accepting Jesus
John 1:11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:
The above verses clearly states that there are two categories of people, one who did not receive Jesus and the other who received Jesus and only those who received Jesus were given the right to become Children of God.
2. Jesus is the only Savior
Acts 4:12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
3. God of Abraham is the same Jesus. God came down in the form of man and His name is Jesus. Following verses clearly shows that Jesus is from the beginning.
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:2 He was in the beginning with God.
John 1:3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
Pharisees thought the same way that Jesus is just 30-33 years old and He is not Yahweh. But they were wrong. Jesus said very clearly that Even Abraham was glad for Jesus having come down.
John 8:56 "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad."
John 8:57 Then the Jews said to Him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?"
John 8:58 Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM."
4. Jesus said very clearly that He is the way, the truth and the life.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
This verse is very clear that Jesus is the only way for salvation
5. Jonah was sent to proclaim judgment, Jesus proclaimed judgment on many occasions. He called the Pharisees "white washed sepulcher", He proclaimed judgment upon Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum. In fact Jesus supported that the judgement was correct on Sodom.
Mat 11:21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
Mat 11:22 "But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.
Mat 11:23 "And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
Mat 11:24 "But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you."
Jesus talked about judgment a lot of time. He is the same God of Old Testament.
6. A person having good nature, good works or being devout cannot attain heaven because we are not saved by works but only by the faith and Blood of Jesus.
Titus 3:5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,
Titus 3:6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Titus 3:7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Gal 2:16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
On Saturday in the question answer session many people raised concerns on the sermon of Dr. Ariaraja. He was shown verses
Exo 20:3 "You shall have no other gods before Me.
Exo 20:4 "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
Exo 20:5 you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,
And he just ignored them saying that is old testament. While Jesus himself said that law is having same value.
Mat 5:17 "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Mat 5:18 "For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.
Dr. Ariaraj was given
John 3:18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And he plainly said that if God is going to condemn because some one did not believe then that is not right because then the God is a God of punishment. He straight away showed disrespect for the words of Jesus. While the verse very clearly says that all who did not believe are already condemned but those who believes in Him are rescued from the condemnation. If you read John 3:18 with the context of John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
That is the message that the world is already perishing and Jesus is the only one who can rescue them and that is also by simply believing and turning to Jesus.
Another person asked clarification on John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Another person asked where Dr Ariaraja stands on Acts 4:12 and Romans 10:9,10 but even after repeated questions Dr. Ariaraja could not clarify whether he believes on these verses.
Appeals were made that Moderator should come and make the statement to clarify. Thank God in the next session Moderator came and read Acts 4:12 and said that it is very clear that Jesus is the only Savior. He also emphasized that he in his whole life have not seen another savior.
I am not sure why such people who do not believe in the words of Jesus (even oppose the words of Jesus publicly) should share platform in a CSI conference where CSI community is believer of Jesus Christ.
Sunday there was Holy Communion Service. Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. George Isaac encouraged the congregation to never give up. Conference concluded with a decision to have next conference in Pennsylvania.
Few Responses
Thank you for sending the CSI News letter (Issue 27/Vol.3) Also please pray for me and my family to grow more spiritually.
With Prayers
shaly Philip
Through the Valley of Death & other Books
As many of you know that in the year 2005, our dad was very sick even unto death. God miraculously healed him. We have compiled it in a book form. I sure believe that it will inspire you and encourage you greatly.
This book is available for purchase at JasmineCorp Store
Also read these two books by Sherly Isaac "Allah and Elohim - Are they the same God" Available at JasmineCorp Store, and "Is Jesus God?" Available at JasmineCorp Store,
Both books compares the Bible and the Quran and read eye opening facts about Jesus, God of the Bible, Allah and Islamic faith. I am sure that you want to read this.
Download Articles in Handheld Computers
You can now download articles in Palm Doc format for your palm handheld computer. It will work with any devise that has Palm OS and Palm Doc Reader installed. To download click on the link named "Palm Doc Format" i.e. at the top of this page by the side of each articles.
Kids Page - Free Tutorials
Now you can learn Graphics and web designing online at Kid's page. These tutorials are free for kids who subscribe for CSI Kids Newsletter. Currently tutorials for Paint Shop Pro, HTML and Dreamweaver are available.
So please enroll your kids by going to http://kids.csinewsletter.org/member/join.asp
And visit CSI Kid's page at http://kids.csinewsletter.org
Hindi / Malayalam/Tamil Bible Online
Now you can read Bible in Hindi online at http://www.hindibible.org
in Malayalam online at http://www.malayalambible.org
in Tamil online at http://www.hindibible.org?ver=tamil
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Your feedback and comments are Welcome. Please send your Parish news & articles to Editor (Sherly N. Isaac) at this address News@csinewsletter.comThe messages submitted will be checked whether they are correct according to the word of God. Editor reserves the right to accept, reject or edit the messages. The writers are responsible for the contents of their writings.
 
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