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CSI Good News
(Church of South India Good News)
Vol. 4 / Issue 23 / July 18 2002
Contents of this issue
Editorial
16th CSI family and youth conference
Roll of a woman in Church
Reader's Mail
Prayer Request
Blessed with a Baby Girl
Two-Day Vicar's Retreat in Dallas
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
By Sherly Isaac
There are unending debates going on from centuries that whether women should preach the Gospel or not? Women should be in ministry or not? Women should be priest and leader or not? Let us look from the Bible that what the Bible says about women' position in leadership? Does the Bible ignore women and her ability to lead people? Careful study of the Bible tells us that answer is "no".
The Bible says in Micah 6:4, "For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, I redeemed you from the house of bondage; And I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam."
In this verse we see that Miriam was a leader with Moses and Aaron to whom God sent to lead His people and deliver them from the bondage of Egypt. She played a role of leader and prophetess. We read in Exodus 15:20, "Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances."
Miriam was not an exceptional case of being a leader and prophetess in the Bible but there are many who played the role of leader and prophetess. One of them was Deborah who was not only a prophetess and leader but also a women who was judging Israel at that time. Judges 4:4, "Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time." Bible also tell us that she was the most successful woman judge who led Israel in battle and won the mighty army of Sisera. She said in Judg 4:9, "I will surely go with you; nevertheless there will be no glory for you in the journey you are taking, for the LORD will sell Sisera into the hand of a woman."
Family notes says, "This extraordinary woman came into prominence when the men of Israel were paralyzed by fear. She inspired Barak to pursue God's plan, leading him into battle. God has raised up women in history for these unique opportunities of inspiration and leadership."
God is not a respecter of person whether a person is man or woman. God can use anybody. Paul who is frequently criticized because of his writings about women also had many women co-workers, ministers of Gospel and disciples of Christ with him. Roman 16th chapter and other verses tell about this in detail. Lydia a woman who was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ and followed Him. She had a big business of selling costly cloths but still she followed Christ and served Him.
But in this 21st century still we have the same questions, whether it is good for a woman to preach the Gospel or not? Why? The answer is very simple, lack of knowledge of the Bible. But if you want to be used by God, give yourself in the hands of God. He will take you and use you no matter how weak you may be. God has a purpose from your life no matter whether you are a man or woman, He is calling you for His ministry. Jesus said in Mat 9:37-38, Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." He is looking for faithful laborers, He is looking for faithful servants who may serve Him as He wants. Will you consider to become a laborer in the vineyard of Jesus Christ?
We have completed the five years of this magazine. I am publishing a very special report of it in this issue.
16th CSI family and youth conference
By Vinod Isaac
16h CSI Family and Youth Conference of North America was held from July 4th to 7th in Pocono Manor Inn. PA. Theme was “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind”.
Organizing committee under the able leadership of Rev. Thomas Ninan did a great job. Especially the selection of leaders was one of the finest. I have full appreciation for the theme selection, quality and biblical accuracy of the contents of the sessions.
Conference was graced by the presence of our Moderator Most Rev. Dr. K. J. Samuel. In his opening speech he said that our churches need transformation we need transformation and this transformation could come only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It was such a joy to hear from our moderator that “transformation could come only through a personal relationship with Jesus”.
Rev. Valson Thampu introducing the theme explained what conforming to the pattern of this world means and what are the ways we conform to the world. He pointed out “Do not conform” is in active voice that means we have the ability of not to conform but “be transformed” is in passive voice that means we can not transform ourselves but only Jesus can transform us. He went on explaining that the patterns of the world and transformation both operate in two different logical domains. First is surface level second is deep level. Conforming to the world always tries to take a person from deep to surface, always tries to take a person away from God. He made an interesting observation that parents and children although they think they are operating in two different planes but they both are on surface level unless Jesus transforms their lives and takes them to the deep. He also said that using the surface logic one cannot comprehend the things of the deep because they both operate in a totally different (most of the times opposite) logical realm.
Second day continuing on the theme. Rev. Valsan Thampu addressed the question of “How a person can get this transformation from the hands of Jesus”? While answering the question he started with John 3:3 Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." And 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:” He explained that transformation that comes from Jesus is a mystery that cannot be comprehended or understood by the logics of the world. As it is explained in John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit." He again emphasized that transformation comes only through Jesus Christ and for that a person needs to Repent.
While explaining what happens at the time of transformation he explained conforming to the world brings alienation. It separates us from God not only that but also our spirit from our mind. So it is kind of two fold alienation. And only Jesus can make the reunion. That happens when a person gets transformed through Jesus.
Rev. A. C. Cherian speaking in Evening worship explained 5 types of Christians from the following passage 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:
John 1:13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
1.) Geographical Christians (those who are Christians because they live among Christians)
2.) Hereditary Christians (those who are born in Christian family)
3.) Churchiani Christians (Those who are Christian by going church)
4.) Nominal Christians
5.) Real Christians
He explained that Real Christians are those who have received Jesus in their life by repentance and faith as explained in John 1:12.
On Saturday in Revival meeting our Moderator Most Rev. K. J. Samuel once again gave a remarkable address. He said when Abraham was taking his son Isaac for sacrifice. Isaac asked where is the lamb. Abraham answered Lord will provide. For us Lord has already provided the Lamb. He came down 2000 years back and became the Lamb of God so that you and I can get the transformation. His name is Jesus. Our Moderator Called all the people present to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicate their lives. What a thrilling moment it was.
In Revival meeting worship was lively. Rev. Jacob David said to us “You are doing a great service for CSI” I am thankful to Rev. Jacob David for such encouragement. More than that while answer questions he said there are two reasons our Youth are migrating to Calvary church 1.) Lively worship 2.) Strong Bible Study It is so true. If we want our churches to grow and touch new heights we need lively worship like the revival meeting and have to focus ourselves on Jesus and we can learn about our magnificent Lord through a Strong Bible Study.
Our Youths were taken care under the able leadership of Pastor R. Sortino and Mr. Scott Armstrong. Our kids were taken care by CEF team. Kids learned a beautiful song and presented it before the participants.
Altogether the way the conference was totally focused on Jesus, if we continue to focus on Jesus the day is not far when CSI will be one of the best and the largest church in India and around the world. I have only one thing to say to them who did not attend the conference that they missed a very good thing. I hope you will get a glimpse of the conference through this report but it is nothing compared to be present there.
Roll of a woman in Church
By Sherly Isaac
Not only non-Christians but also our Churches and Christians have tried to suppress women and her role in Churches. Muslims have a long list of women in the Bible in their websites to give an idea as if Christianity or Bible treats women very badly. They are trying to prove that other religions have more respect for women rather than the Bible or Christianity.
Few months back one Atheist wrote to me like this, "Legend of Adam and Eve: from the Old Testament is itself defamatory towards women. When God created all the animals he made male and female together. Then he created Adam. Adam was alone in the Garden of Eden, so God puts Adam to sleep, extracts one of his ribs and out of that single rib creates Eve. Now my Question is, Why would an all-knowing God create man first then woman, shouldn't he have known that Adam would need a partner?"
My reply was, "Yes, of course God knows all things. It is true that He created man first then woman, does it mean it defames woman or womanhood? Let me put your question this way, woman gives birth to a male child. Does it defame man or manhood? Of course not..."
In fact the Bible is the only book that gives equal status to woman. Bible is very clear about creation of woman as we read in Genesis 1:27-30, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food"; and it was so. When God created Adam and Eve, He treated them EQUALLY. And in the above verses you can see that God gave them EQUAL blessings. God did not say that, "I give to Adam some superior blessings and I ignore Eve." No, He did not say that but His treatment toward man and woman was SAME and EQUAL. But the difference came when Adam and Eve sinned against God. God's curse came upon them.
But Jesus came in this world and shed His precious blood so that we may reconcile with God and have the same blessings, which Adam and Eve enjoyed before their fall. The Bible says in Gal 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
If you are in Christ Jesus then there is no difference but all are same. And whatever God has promised and His blessings is yours no matter whether you are a woman or man. Further the Bible says in Gal 3:29, "And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."
If you are not saved or if you do not know Christ, this is the high time to know Christ personally and discover the blessings of God which He has kept for you.
1. Evangelist:
The same atheist asked me that, "if Jesus favored women and respected women then why there was no women disciples? He chose twelve men disciples but simply ignored women." But reality is far-far away from this. Jesus never ignored women. We read about a Samaritan woman in John 4th chapter, she went back to her city and told people about Jesus Christ and many believed in Jesus. We read in John 4:39, "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, "He told me all that I ever did."
She was a woman preacher and because of her words many came and believed on Jesus. Today, God is looking for many women as well as men who may go and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.
Bible says that after crucifixion of Jesus Christ, He was put in a tomb but after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb they found the tomb was empty. But angel told them in Mat 28:7, "And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you."
Angel told them to proclaim this simple message "He is risen from the dead" First message of resurrection was delivered by women.
2. Disciples/pastors/ministers:
Rom 16:6, "Greet Mary, who labored much for us." Chain reference Bible says that Mary was a believer from Rom and she became disciple of Jesus Christ. And Paul says in Rom 16:1, "I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea," The Greek word of Servant is "diakonos {dee-ak'-on-os}" means minister, servant , deacon.
So when there are women ministers, deacons and servants of God in first century church then what is the problem if God calls a woman to be preacher, minister, servant, deacons etc.?
3. Prophetess:
Not only in the Old Testament but in New Testament also we read about the prominent role of women in Church as prophetess.
Paul says that there was an evangelist named Philip who had four daughters and they were prophetess as we read in Acts 21:9, "Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied."
Paul did not deny the possibility of women prophetess or women preachers in the Church. We read in 1 Cor 11:5, "But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved." Paul also talks about the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and one of that gift is prophecy. A person who is filled with this gift can prophesy whether he or she.
Bible tells us that Holy Spirit was poured men and women alike. Acts 1:14, "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers." and further we read in Acts chapter 2 that God poured His Holy Spirit on those who were gathered there.
Yes, God wants you to raise up and discover the new heights. God has a greater purpose for you. You might have heard that women have no role in Church but it is a lie from hell. You can make a difference in the lives of people as Samaritan woman did. You can make a difference in the lives of people as many great prophetess of the Bible did. If you give your life to Jesus He will mould and make you useful.
Reader's Mail
Thanks a lot for series of useful mails to this enthusiast. I think "almighty" has been marvelous in giving this believer the precious insight in sumptuous terms. Glory be to God..
Thanks for His blessings through this site of CSI.. LET GOD'S WISH AND KINGDOM REIGN FOR EVER. AMEN..
Cyril
Dear Editor,
I really enjoyed your article on "Witchcraft". Before I knew the LORD I was in the Occult...including Witchcraft, a little. I got into it for protection for the things happening to me as a result of the Occult.. God saved me in 1974. God filled me with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost June 8,1974.
I had [according to my Pastor] nearly 2000 demons. Your article was right on!!!!
MAY GOD BLESS YOUR DAY
CANDICE L. HANKS
Prayer Request
Greetings to you in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.. My name is S.S.ANBURAJ. Now, I am studying from TAMIL NADU THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, MADURAI. I am a self sponsored student. I have one wife, one son and one daughter. My Children's are studying Higher Secondary classes. Please pray for my education. And release from
Economic tragedy. Thanks..
Yours in Christ,
S.S.ANBURAJ, B.D. I YEAR
Plese pray for me to be strong in faith and in mind to overcome my problems. I am out of job so please pray for me to get a job..
Sunny
Praise the lord
Thanks for your mail to me. Really it was useful to me. Thanks for that. Please pray for me. I will mail u later.
with love and prayer
Christy
In my life, I have not reached at the goal, please pray for that.
Benny
Blessed with a Baby Girl
Dear Vinod and Sheela,
The Lord has blessed us with a baby girl and we have named her Anna.
Rev. Vinod Victor
Two-Day Vicar's Retreat in Dallas
CSI Council of North America is arranging a two-day Vicar's Retreat in Dallas from August 15 through August 16. Rev Dr Ninan Verghese of the CSI Church of Dallas is hosting the retreat. Retreat will commence at 5 PM on Thursday 15th August and wind up by 10 PM on Friday the 16th. The host will arrange boarding and lodging.
Vicar's travel expenses are to be met by the respective congregations.
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
Your Spam Folder
If you are getting this newsletter in your bulk/junk/Spam folder please hit the "not junk" or "not spam" button so that you could receive it in your mailbox. Also adding news@csinewsletter.com email address into your contact list can avoid this email from ending up in your bulk folder.
Your Feedback
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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