Abrahamic Blessings to the Gentiles, Spiritual or Material?

When we are debating over the terms and words, we miss the big thing - the validity of interpretation of the Word - which is crucial.  This is our concern and burden... today's believers, who are very intelligent and super smart in their schools, business, offices, skills and in home-making,  are kept sadly in elementary school level in "handling the Word with confidence."  The money-minded tele-evangelists, preachers and pastors usurp their ignorance.

Our BIG question here is:  Is it justifiable to interpret "the blessings of Abraham," in materialistic sense? Does Paul intend the material prosperity in Galatians 3:14 "He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit"? (NIV). Or something else?

I draw my attention to the entire letter as a student of the Word.
Paul's intent of writing this letter is to establish the churches in Galatia by founding them in the essence of the gospel in the light of false teachings of the Judaizers (circumcision party).
He does it first by authenticating his call and his gospel,
by encountering with Peter and Barnabas for the truth of the gospel,
by exhorting not to be foolish and fleshly.
by proving his case - "salvation by faith alone and not by works" - illustrating from Abraham and the Seed, by exhorting them to live in freedom in the Spirit rather than under the bondage of flesh,  

Here, in the text, I observe one thing.  Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Paul does not mention the  threefold blessings of Abraham (Prosperity, Posterity and Property) in Genesis 12:1-3, as many prosperity preachers and Judaizers readily do!

Rather Paul pin-pointedly selects the core of the Abrahamic blessings, without which everything jeopardizes.   Paul quotes only Genesis 12:3b in Galatians 3:8, "Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”

The context is "Justification by faith on Jesus Christ."  So also, the blessing of Abraham is not the material things as the Judaizers and prosperity preachers falsely interpret.  According to Paul, the original author, it is "the justification by faith on Jesus Christ alone."

Paul eventually applies it to us, the gentiles, who are the children of Abraham by faith, the descendants of the Seed (singular), to enjoy the blessing of Abraham - the justification by faith on the death of Jesus Christ on the tree. Period.  Nothing less, nothing else and nothing more.    

Let us discern any teaching in the light of the Holy-Spirit-inspired-Word, before we buy it.

Expounding the Word of God for the Edification of our Souls:

The Text:

"They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32)

"அப்பொழுது அவர்கள் ஒருவரையொருவர் நோக்கி: வழியிலே அவர் நம்முடனே பேசி, வேதவாக்கியங்களை நமக்கு விளங்கக்காட்டினபொழுது, நம்முடைய இருதயம் நமக்குள்ளே கொழுந்துவிட்டு எரியவில்லையா என்று சொல்லிக்கொண்டு,..." (லூக்கா 24:32 தமிழ்)

उन्होंने आपस में कहा; जब वह मार्ग में हम से बातें करता था, और पवित्र शास्त्र का अर्थ हमें समझाता था, तो क्या हमारे मन में उत्तेजना न उत्पन्न हुई? (लूका 24:32)

The Thought:
"Were our hearts burning within us while he talked with us... and opened the Scriptures to us?"

Three Elements: 

The Spirit of God works supernaturally through the Word of God, as it is expounded truthfully by Men of God.  You see three elements involve here - the Spirit of God, the Word of God, and the Men of God.  It is just like a three-legged-stool.  If you miss one, there is less stability.

The Word:

To burn our hearts (souls) within, the Spiritual gift of handling the Word with confidence is counted always higher than the outward emotional outbursts by the art of leading the worship eloquently, the program of invocation chants repeatedly, and the skill of musicians tempo highly.  

The Result:

The former produces the lasting fruit of inner spiritual maturity and the latter causes a short lived outward emotion.  

The Reality:

Sadly, as I personally witnessed in many occasions, that after the people are led to exhaustion in dancing, jumping, shouting, etc for an hour plus, the preacher is asked to give short exhortation in 15-20 minutes.  

An Appeal:  

Let us allow the Spirit of God work within our souls through the Word of God as it is expounded rightly by Men of God.

THE ATTITUDE OF GIVING IN THE EARLY CHURCH:

There is striking contrast between today's attitude, motivation and appeal for giving and that of the early church. 

The Texts:

"They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. (Acts 2:45 NIV)

"...that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need." (Acts 4:34, 35 NIV)

"காணியாட்சிகளையும் ஆஸ்திகளையும் விற்று, ஒவ்வொருவனுக்கும் தேவையானதற்குத்தக்கதாக அவைகளில் எல்லாருக்கும் பகிர்ந்துகொடுத்தார்கள். (அப்போஸ்தலர் 2:45)

"நிலங்களையும் வீடுகளையும் உடையவர்கள் அவைகளை விற்று, விற்கப்பட்டவைகளின் கிரயத்தைக் கொண்டுவந்து, அப்போஸ்தலருடைய பாதத்திலே வைத்தார்கள். அவனவனுக்குத் தேவையானதற்குத்தக்கதாய்ப் பகிர்ந்துகொடுக்கப்பட்டது; அவர்களில் ஒருவனுக்கும் ஒன்றும் குறைவாயிருந்ததில்லை."  (அப்போஸ்தலர் 4:34, 35)

"और वे अपनी अपनी सम्पत्ति और सामान बेच बेचकर जैसी जिस की आवश्यकता होती थी बांट दिया करते थे। (प्रेरितों के काम 2:45)

"और उन में कोई भी दरिद्र न था, क्योंकि जिन के पास भूमि या घर थे, वे उन को बेच बेचकर, बिकी हुई वस्तुओं का दाम लाते, और उसे प्रेरितों के पांवों पर रखते थे। और जैसी जिसे आवश्यकता होती थी, उसके अनुसार हर एक को बांट दिया करते थे।" (प्रेरितों के काम 4:34, 35).

Motivation for giving in the early church:

The early church gave to meet the needs of the fellow disciples, since they all lived as one big family.  They knew the purpose and also the way the fund was utilized. 

There was no "100-Fold-Assured-Return," tag attached with their giving.  They gave with no expectation of manyfold return of material blessings.

The disciples of the early church generously and continually gave ("time to time," - good translation in  Hindi "बेच बेचकर"), in spite of the fact that they were severely suffering unlawful  (often state-patronized) confiscation of their business and properties, burning down of their homes, and even the martyrdom for the very simple reason of being the followers of the Way.  AND STILL THEY CONTINUE TO GIVE.  There was no deal with God while giving to the church family. 

The Contrast Today:

Oh boy (and girl)! What a contrast we see today!  We do business - invest small and gain big material dividend.   "We trust in God" as long as we get in dollors.  :)

Promotional Testimonies:

This materialistic mindset is evident in all through the pages of the Testimony Columns in magazines, the TV shows (mostly in the footages for appeal), and in meetings. It is sort of a tutored repetition (and in magazines, cut-n-paste): "I gave to this ministry and am blessed with lot of properties, fat salary, big bank balance, flourishing business, promotions, my son is highly posted in USA, my daughter got a rich boy...blah blah blah blah."      

Use, Misuse and Abuse:

And sadly this materialistic mindset of the people is craftily manipulated and encashed by some (or many) preachers, pastors, missionary organization and christian institutions.  The appeal and motivation for giving is to get back manifold, and that too, in materialistic means.  Where is the spiritual and biblical aspect? 

Prayers for Back to Root:

Sighing and praying for returning to our root - to the organic lifestyle and the conceptual maturity of the early church.

Household Order in Biblical Context

Before entering into the Household Texts (Ephesians 5:22-6:9; Colossians 3:18-4:1; 1 Peter 1:7), one should have dealt with the context.  Or, the teaching may sound as a good, moral, ethical and decent social aspect.

In the Context of Local Church:
The household Order (Oikonomia/Oiknonomos) is meant for our higher calling, as Christ's body, the local church, which God has planned ages ago and has intended to fulfill Christ's mission in this world today (Ephesians 2:18-3:11), as the pillar and support for the truth (1 Timothy 3:14-16).

Ephesians Example:
A good example is from the letter to the Ephesians.

Paul's Two Prepositions and Two Prayers:
Paul first talks about the plan and purpose of God in Jesus Christ for this age (1:1-14; 2:1-3:11) and after each theological disposition, he prays two prayers:
Firstly, that their eyes of the hearts should be opened to understand the greatness of God in the church (1:15-23);
And secondly, that they may see the bigger picture with all the dimension of God's love in order to give God His glory in His church (3:14-21).

Paul's Exhortation for Unity:
Having exhorted to be united together, walking worthy of their calling, and being connected as one body, the church, he concludes to forgive one another as God in Christ did (4:1-32).

Paul's Exhortation for Walking:
Paul, now, challenges to discipline themselves, to love one another, to walk in the light, not as stupids, but to make best use of their time, being filled with the Holy Spirit in order to minister to one another with songs, and in submission to one another (5:1-21).

Household Text:
After laying such a solid and spiritual foundation in Christ, and on God's intent, "the church," Paul talks how each relationship should be ordered in the Household order, with 3 logic couplets, wife-husbands, children-parents(fathers), workers-masters (5:22-6:9).  So, it is in connection with the previous context.

The Preparation and Participation in Global Mission:
To emphasis the importance of the orderly life as the household,  Paul continues his exhortation in a battle field language (6:11-17) which will help them equip to participate in Paul's global mission through their prayers (6:18-24).    Again, Paul leads to the bigger picture of Global mission of a local church in which the families are part of.

What is at stake?
Why are we particular about the context? People now have different and special ministries, mostly sound individualistic.  For example, people involve in Family Counseling, Family Retreats, Children Evangelism, Discipleship Bible Studies, Students Ministries, Jail Ministry, Hospital Ministry etc.  But most of them, if not all, miserably fail to understand the big picture of God's salvation history, and the importance of the church in it for today.  Such teachings are mostly with individualistic mind set, personal holiness, private devotion, selective fellowship groups of individuals, personal witnessing, etc.  To some it is merely a good talk, a moral teaching,  an ethical idea, though all are important in the big picture, but surely not as a mean by an end itself.

The Why Questions:
Let us ask some logical questions.  Why should a wife obey her husband even if he is not a believer?  If she does not, or justifies of her disobedience, what is at stake?
Why should a husband love, take care of, respect his wife? If not, what are the consequences in God's economy?  So also, what about the children's obedience to the parents and father's instruction to children, workers' sincerity to the masters and masters' generosity to the workers.  Are they important in the temporal sense of living good in this world, or anything to do with Christ's eternal plan we have to fulfill in this world?

Cheap/Hyper Grace: No Need of Repentance?

The hyper/cheap grace advocates say that the salvation and forgiveness of sin is like a gift of a father to his child.  In gifting, nothing is attached - neither the price tag of the giver nor the emotional response of the receiver.  If so, it would be a business.  Just take it in face value that Jesus pronounced you as righteous and that's it.   Your repentance has no value and not needed.

Our problem is entering into the Biblical teachings with our petty and convenient, and man-centered doctrinal orientation and prejudiced understanding.

Gifting versus Grace:
We should understand that the salvation in Jesus Christ is not a "gift" in human understanding, between a father and a child.  It is purely God's "grace" that I get what I do not deserve as a sinner.  It is God's "mercy" that I do not get what actually I should be deserving as a transgressor.  When we were sinners, unloved, undeserved, Christ died for us.  So, it is no way a gifting talk in the family.

Give-and-Take versus Ransom:
Also it is not a business talk between equals that one gives and another pays it back.  For we, the sinners, are not at all worthy to cut a deal with the righteous God.  We were sold out in our sins, but Christ has paid the ransom, His very life, for us, the pitiable bankrupts.

Parables of Jesus:
Bigger Bankrupt and Smaller Debtor: I just want to draw our attention to the parable of Jesus in Matthew 18:21-35, "the bigger bankrupt and his smaller debtor."  The king expected the bank-craft that he should have updated his ledger by reckoning the huge amnesty, and tallied his balance sheet with the very gracious write off of his debt that he was not worthy to pay back then.  If he had done this homework, he would have not behaved so with his small customer.

Prayers of a Pharisee and a Publican: I see in the parable about the prayers by a publican and a righteous Pharisees in Luke 18:9-14.  The publican who really acknowledged his sin and expressed his very need of the salvation, was declared as righteous, and surely not the Pharisee who took it for granted and claimed it as his privilege, as the children of Abraham.

Prodigal Son:  In Luke 15, though the father accepted the prodigal son even before his confession of his sins, he had already repented of his sins against the Heavenly Father first, and then to his father.  He did not stop with the repentance in his heart, but he openly confessed it.

The Sinful Lady versus the Self-Righteous Pharisee:
Also, I remember here what Jesus said to one Simon, in Luke 7:36-50 about the lady who cried, wiped Jesus' feet with her hair and kept on kissing them and also what Jesus exhorted to the self-righteous Pharisee.

No Acquitting in spite of Justice:
God is not unrighteous to pronounce anyone "righteous" and acquit the guilty as free, without the justice is satisfactorily met.  If we understand what we as sinners and guilty deserve, than we will surely understand what Jesus did on the cross.  

Biblical Precedences: 
The OT prophets confessed their uncleanness and unworthiness while they understood the holiness of God (Moses in Exodus 3; Isaiah 6, Jeremiah 1);  The OT prophets called "the Holy Nation," Israelites to "consider your ways and repent."  John the Baptist and Jesus Christ called the people to "repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand."  Peter reckoned of his uncleanness when he encountered with the power of Jesus (Luke 5:8).  In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded His disciples to preach the repentance and forgiveness in His name (Luke 24:47).  The Apostles preached the gospel and called the hearers to repent (Acts 2:28;  3:20; 11:18).

Pauline Example:
Soon after his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road, Paul spends 3 days in fasting and praying.  He might have been reorienting his life and theology by repenting his past ignorance (Acts 9:9).  He reminds of his ministry for 3 years in Ephesus that proclaimed the repentance to God and believe in Christ (Acts 20:21).   As Paul talked about the sin problem, the Roman Governor, Felix and his Jewish wife, Drusilla who would have otherwise loved to hear the convenient gospel, were actually scared of (Acts24:24-25).

Paul does not hesitate to call himself as the chief of the sinners who deserves the Savior as he is repenting of his violent persecution of the church (1 Timothy 1:13-15).  While claiming of his apostolic authority, he does not take it for granted, rather, he humbles himself that he is not worthy to be called as an apostles, but he is, because of God's grace alone (1 Corinthians 15:9-10).  

Cheap/Hyper Grace - A False Teaching:
The more you understand and acknowledge who we are, what we do not deserve, the more we appreciate and celebrate what Christ Jesus has done for us.

The cheap/hyper grace (so also "the Positive Thinking") one of the by-products of the fallacy of the Western, Individualistic, Modern, Scientific, Scholastic, and the Superman, Spider-Man, He-Man, Prosperity culture.  They are very afraid and unease to open their eyes to reckon reality of the sin-problem in the fallen mankind.

Gleanings from Galatians 3

The Other Gospel in GalatiaThe Galatians began to turn away toward “other gospel”, which is no gospel, and is contradictory to what Paul had preached to them.  It is so serious that preaching the “other gospel” results in anathema.  

The Heresy

The heresy is best summarized in Acts 15:1, 5: 

“Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised according to the customs taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.”

“Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”  

The teaching was that salvation cannot be realized unless by observing the law of Moses, particularly, being circumcised, along with believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.   It is by “believing in the gospel plus fulfilling the commands and customs of Judaism.”  

The Implication of the Heresy:   

The implication of the heresy is explicitly venomous as it is viewed deep down in the skin.   Initiated by God alone, the salvation is culminated in the life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, whose death and resurrection is final, complete and satisfactory to our salvation.  As Christ Jesus has completed the salvation once for all as the single event in the human history, it stands as completed to the infinite.  God’s action is prompted by His grace alone and no human work merits toward His favor.  To appropriate the salvation, the only human response is “faith” in the gospel.  The indwelling Holy Spirit, the gift of God, makes our salvation viable.  Christ’s grace alone (sola gratia) and justified by faith alone (sola fidei) are the bench marks of the Reformers. 

If a man is saved also by observing the law of Moses, particularly by circumcision, then Christ’s death and resurrection would be counted as incomplete, not final and unsatisfactory for our salvation.  In this sense, Christ’s vicarious suffering, substitutionary death on the cross, victorious resurrection, and free gift of the Holy Spirit would be mere waste.  In a nutshell, the salvific plan of God would stand invalid.             

That is why Paul says that Galatians have turned away from not merely the concept of salvation, but the author and source of salvation, God Himself.

The elements of the Heresy:

In the Early Churches, the other gospel was expressed in different forms.  They were from mainly two major sources, Judaism and Gnosticism, with verieties. 

Judaism:  Salvation requires also observing the law of Moses, particularly, circumcision, observing special days, ceremonial rites of cleaning, food regulations, particular place of worship, worshipping angels,ceremonial fasting,

Gnosticism:  There were two branches

Stoicism:  Salvation is attained by celibacy, strict physical controlling, fasting,    

Epicureanism: Salvation leads to licentious, moral laxity, glutton,

Roman Catholicism:  Indulgence, (selling of forgiveness), penance, purgatory, celibacy, 

The elements of Heresy Today:

Preaching of denominationalism, church doctrines and constitutions, For salvation needs of baptism, speaking in tongues, tithing, fasting, dress and ornament codes, celibacy, observance of Sabbath (Saturday) and Feasts, pilgrimage to holy land,  Following ceremonial and cultural laws of Moses, circumcision, ethical and moral teachings for salvation, medieval and western traditions of building, worship, music and songs, equating prayer books with the Scriptures, 

The list is not final. I request the readers to add more and make it contextual.

Gleanings from Galatians 2

What was the issue in the churches at Galatia?

Word study sheds light on the issue that Paul is dealing with.  (This is my body of work and consulting the scholars is pending). 

• Gospel (euangelion) (1:6,7,11;2:2, 5,7,14) 7times,  to preach the gospel (euanggelizomai) (1:8a, 8b, 9,11,16,23; 4:13) 7 times, to fore-gospel (proeuangelisato)  (3:8)  totally 15 times 
• Faith (pistis) to believe (pisteuw)  (1:23; 2:16a, 16b, 16c; 3:2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9a, 9b, 11, 12, 14, 22, 23a, 23b, 24, 25, 26; 5:5, 22; 6:10) 22 times.
• Circumcision (peritomE), to circumcise (peritmethenai) (2:3,7,8; 5:2, 3, 6, 11; 6:12, 13a, 13b, 15) 11 times; Uncircumcion (akrobustia) (2:7; 5:6; 6:15  ) 3 times
• Gentiles (ethnE) – 10 times (2:2, 8, 9,12,14,15, 3:8, 14,) 8 times.
• to justify (dikaiow) (2:16a, 16b,16c,17; 3:8, 11,24; 5:4) 8 times; justification (dikaiosune)– (2:21, 3:6,21) 3 times; Righteousness (dikaiosunE), righteous (dikaios) – (2:21; 3:6,11,21; 5:5) 5 times;  totally 16 times)
• Law, law (nomos) – (2:16a, 16b, 16c, 19a, 19b, 21; 3:2, 5, 10a, 10b, 11, 12, 13, 17,18, 19a, 19b, 21,21b, 21c, 23, 24, 25;  4:4,5, 21a, 21b; 5:3, 4, 14, 23, 6:2,) 32 times
• Cross (stauros) crucified (staurow), crucifixion, tree  (2:20, 3:1, 13, 5:11, 24, 6:12, 14a, 14b)
• Free (eleutheros), freedom (eleutheria), to set free (eleutherow)  – (2:4, 4:22, 23, 26, 30, 31; 5:1a, 1b, 13a, 13b) 10 times
• Slavery(douleia), to enslave (katadoulow), slave (doulos), (2:4; 3:28;  4:1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 31; 5:1) 14 times
• Grace (charis) – (1:3, 15; 2:9, 21; 5:4; 6:18)) 6 times

Truth of the Gospel in Galatians: 

Further we see that revealing the truth of the gospel is the intent of Paul as he mentiones it throughout the letter.  (This is my body of work and I have to check with other scholars for further light) 

“raised from the dead” (1:1);

“Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age” (1:4); “I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ” (1:12); 

“But God…set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me…” (1:15,16);

“a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ, we too have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because, by observing the law no one will be justified” (2:16);

“For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (2:19-21);

“if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing” (2:21);

“Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified” (3:1)

“Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard?” (3:2)

“Does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe the law, or because you believe what you heard?” (3:5)

“those who believe are children of Abraham” (3:7)

“The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith… “All the Nations will be blessed through you” (3:8)

“Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because “The righteous will live by faith”  (3:11)

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, “Curse is everyone who is hung on a tree.  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” (3:13-14)

“The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ,” (3:16)

“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ” (3:26-27)

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (3:28-29).

“So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.  But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons (4:3-5)

“Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father” (4:6-7)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (5:1)

“If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all” (5:2)

“…who lets himself be circumcised..are trying to be justified by law, have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace” (5:3-4)

“For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.  The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (5:6)

“If I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?  In that case, the offense of the cross has been abolished” (5:11)

“You, my brothers, were called to be free.  But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather serve one another in love.  The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (5:13-14)

“If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law” (5:18)

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (5:24)

Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows” (6:7)

“Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised.  The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.” (6:12-13)

“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world” (6:14)

Neither circumcision, nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation” (6:15)

…I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (6:17)

Gleanings from Galatians 1

First, To Establish in the Gospel:

Reading through Paul’s letter to Galatians triggers our thinking and reflection on the concern Paul had on the church that it should be established in the gospel first. 

In the early days of his ministry, Paul toiled that the churches he planted should stand firm in the gospel. 

Widely accepted “South Galatians Theory” confers an early date on the latter to Galatians (AD 49), which sandwiched between the First Missionary Journey and the Jerusalem Council.

Any casual reader may understand Paul that, as the Spirit of the Lord placed great burden in him, he was not just going after multiplying disestablished churches, but he had sold out himself to make those churches stronger that, even after he had actually left the scene, he wanted to see the churches might stand longer.

What is the intent of Paul in writing the letter to the Galatians?

Paul’s intent of writing the letter to the churches at Galatia is…

To establish the churches in the gospel of grace over against the heretical teachings and practices of Judaism, especially by the circumcision party and to exhort the churches to “live out in line with the truth of the gospel,”

By refuting that there is no other gospel, expect what he preached and bringing anathema on whoever would preach the other gospel (1:1-9)

By summarizing his own life testimony that the gospel he preached was neither perceived in his own invention, nor he received from human tradition, but it was handed over to him as the unique divine revelation (1:1, 10-2:6)

By referring the recognition by the pillars of the Jerusalem church (James, Peter and John) who acknowledged his apostleship to Gentiles (2:6-10)

By narrating his sharp encounter with Peter, and also with Barnabas, while they did “not walk in line with the truth of the gospel” in Antioch, as reminding them that Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of commandments and laws (2:11-21)

By asking series of questions on their initial reception of the gospel and the Spirit of God was by the faith and not by works (3:1-5)

 By illustrating the Abrahamic Covenant of grace, that the promise was given to Abraham 430 years before the Law, and that through Abraham, who was justified by faith, the Gentiles will also be blessed and justified by faith, and not by works of the law, which functions as teacher and guide to faith in Christ (3:6-4:7).

By expressing his concern over the churches that they should not return back to the First Principles of the world by observing Jewish traditions,  and by expressing his fear and anguish of birth that his hard work, amidst of his physical weakness, should not go waste, but Christ should be formed in them (4:8-20).

By allegorizing the two sons of Abraham, one was born of Hagar (slaved) which is symbolized to the law of Sinai and the other of Sarah (freed) symbolized to the son of promise, Jerusalem.  One is slavery to law and another is promise to freedom (4:21-31)

By exhorting not to be enslaved to the observance of ceremonial laws, which is contradictory to the truth and like spoiling yeast, but to be free to serve in love which is the summary of all the commandments (5:1-16)

By teaching the practical implications of living in line with the truth of the gospel, that is, not to be slaved to the works of flesh, but to be filled with the fruit of the Spirit, which will be evident in our fellowship with one another, doing good works to all, and guarding the gospel of Jesus Christ which is not by circumcision but in new creation (5:24-6:16)

Finally by exhorting not to trouble him again, for he bore the stigma of Jesus Christ on his body (6:17-18)

What is at stake?

You may have countless people, huge infrastructures, mighty institutions, big organizations, meticulous plans, gaiety programs, enormous financial resources and so on. If a church is not established in the gospel, not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, it is not a church as Christ has intended for its existence.  The redemptive plan and purpose of God in Jesus Christ for this perishing world through the church will be vulnerable.

Prosperity Living Vs Faith Living

While teaching on Paul’s strategy on establishing the new churches in Acts 14:21-23, I refuted the prosperity gospel. I asked the church, “Job suffered. As today’s many prosperity preachers reason for any suffering, was it because 1) of his lack of faith? or 2) of his sin? or 3) someone did witchcraft against him?” Then I added the names of some prophets, Psalmist (37; 73), James, Paul, Peter, Sadhu Sunder Singh, Graham Stain and his two sons and the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11 last part). For every name, they repeatedly said, “NO.”

Then I asked them how many of them had and now are having problems, sufferings, health issues. Almost all of them honestly raised their hands. I repeated the same 3-point formula of prosperity gospel preachers: Is it due to your lack of faith?; or your sin?; or some-one witchcraft against you?. They all laughed and said “NO.”

I conclude that there is no simple one-word answer and only one universal formula for everybody and for every issue. Though we are saved and transformed, we still live in this fallen world and among the fallen people, but not as partakers, but as the messengers.

Though we may face many sufferings and problems, we have the LORD, who is the Victor, is sufficient to us even in our sufferings, wants, sickness; the Spirit of the LORD strengthens us to face the problems. Moreover, our LORD provides us the way to get out of it as His faithful and obedient children.

At the end of the worship, a middle aged lady, a good believer, confessed with joy that while coming to the worship service, she was disturbed by thinking of her family problems, if they were due to her lack of faith, his sin or someone witch crafting. She rejoiced saying that, the sermon is prophecy for her.

Please note, Never the prosperity gospel, but the apostolic gospel and teaching increase the faith in Christ and establish the believers in the Word.

God as the King

Once I prayed with Mark - Anna Bland in their home, I told in prayer: “Our Lord, I commit this family - Mark, Anna and Nora unto your feet.” (Elle was not born then). Soon after the Amen, Mark asked me why I prayed as committing them unto the feet of the LORD, where as he would have prayed as committing someone unto the hands of the Lord. Mark is a great thinker and his genuine question was to understand my world view.

Good time of thinking again what I am used to pray as routine, without paying much attention to the culture:

This is our culture: When presenting a gift to a king, or elders, or seeking their audience, or getting their blessing, we would place the gifts, child(ren) and ourselves unto (under) the feet of them. I think, this is the gesture of acknowledging the unquestionable sovereignty of the king and elders and the total subjection of the citizens and households.

May be this explains better: Giving in hands is followed between two equal parties; whereas placing under the feet is practiced between the Suzerain/Heads of the families and the subjects/ households.

Still in the Eastern part of India – Odisha and West Bengal - bowing down even to touch the feet of elders is practiced among Christians.

What about today's "Hi," and "Seeyaa Guys" culture to even elders?

Our Culture Near to Biblical

The other day, while waiting in the Registrar Office for the EKTA registration work , I happened to watch the custom, naturally followed by the buyer and seller, while handing over the key of the property, a house:

Soon after the registration, in front of the Registrar Office, the buyers (middle aged husband and wife) and the sellers (the head of the family, with his son’s family) in the witnesses of known people from both sides, spontaneously removed their footwear and stood barefooted; the seller bowed down and placed a bunch of keys with both hands and the buyers responded bowing down and received it with both hands. The seller, then, said in audible tone, “Take possession of the property; enjoy it using for generations and live happily.”

AHA….(the bulb on my head glows): This resembles the culture in the Old Testament!!!!
When Boaz wanted to marry Ruth, he got the property-redeeming right from Ruth’s nearest kinsman-redeemer, who, then, removed his sandals in front of the City Gate, handed over to Boaz...(Ruth 4:1ff, particularly verses 7-8).
Wow, our culture is very near to biblical.

Caste and Christianity

When you ask a person, "Do you practice Christian Faith?" and the answer is a sure "Yes," then, please do not ask, "Do you practice Caste system?" For it is a derogrative question to a true Christian. 
When you ask a person, "Do you practice Caste system? and the answer is a bold "Yes," then, for heaven sake, do not ask, "Do you practice Christian faith?" For, it is an irrelevent question to a non-Christian. 
There is a sharp contrast between the Principles of Christ and the Principles of the World. Both cannot go together.

The Folly of Finance Investment Drives

The Future Investment Plans mostly popularized today speak volumes of our fragmented, disintegrated, and on the top of these, unbiblical concept of lifework, achievement, happiness and future investment in its true sense. There are investment plan for education, marriage, dream home, medical, retirement and pension benefits. We cannot help but to buy investment policies, not only for us but mostly for our child(ren) even unborn.
The folly of the concept is, financial investment and security is posed as the primary thing to our future and our generations.
The real and biblical investment is Eternal Capital and Investment. It is the planing, strategizing, and building of our Godly-Heritage, Spiritual Legacy, Faith-Generations, Christ-Centered Lineage.
We are meticulously careful and tirelessly work toward our Investment Plan for us and our children's which is the material prosperity, inheritance, properties, happy life and sound health. Albeit, they all are needed, they are not "the" priority, only task; for they are only one side of our lifework and not the entirety.
What is the matter here is that we very commonly pursue them at the front end by setting behind the crucial task of building Godly generation by investing for eternity.
How much have I spent of my time, money, energy, talents, wisdom to build my and my families Eternal Capital and Investment Plan?
(Long cherishing thought, today provoked during the session with Jeff and NLAG Cohorts on "Life to the N")

Going or Belonging to the Church?

“Going to the church” Vs “Belonging to the church” 

I continue my thoughts on that "Going to/Attending a church" is our misconception of the Church (and, therefore, the local churches) which we have developed today. 

Here I further substantiate my case Scripturally: 

In the Gospels: 
The conceptual teachings, normative practices and prescriptive narratives we see in Acts and the Epistles clearly reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ, who called His followers to live out His “Kingdom Lifestyle” as a radical counter-culture community (Sermon on the Mount (plains), “My mother and my brothers and sisters” saying). Do you think that Jesus was incompetent in leading the young rich ruler toward the Kingdom of God, when He suggested him to sell out properties and follow Him? It was the very challenge to him to become a member of the new community.

Jesus Christ did not come into this world to rejuvenate the old Judaism or to create a renovated Israelite. His life and ministry was to create the true community of believers – the true Israelites – which is the church, as His plan unfolded more clearly in Acts.
(For a fair dealing on the subject, refer “From Jesus to the Gospels,” an Encyclical Paper by Jeff Reed, BILD-International. PDF available inhttp://www.bild.org/download/summit/Jesus-to-Gospels.pdf )

Mathew consciously quotes Jesus’ identifying this new community as His Church which is His plan: “I will build my church on this rock and no gates of the Hades will overcome it.” (Mathew 16:18). The Risen Christ’s Great Commission is that His plan and purpose that should be fulfilled. Period. Our continuous going to preaching the gospel, continuous baptizing them into the Body of Believers and continuous teaching them in the church are the core process of making all people groups His disciples (Mathew 28:16-20). The phenomena of calling (gospeling ) the people out, adding (baptizing) them into the believing community, and nurturing (teaching) them in fellowship, which is the local church, are self evident in the Great Commission. 

http://www.bild.org/download/summit/Jesus-to-Gospels.pdf

Power of Resurrection in Our Life

Since you are risen with Christ, the power of His Resurrection in our daily life...
1) In our Spiritual Life (Col.3:1-4)
2) In our Holy Life (Col 3:5-8)
3) In our Church Life (Col.3:9-11)
4) In our Fruitful Life (Col.3:12-15)
5) In our Scriptural Wisdom Life (Col.3:16-17)
6) In our Family Life (Col.3:18-21)
7) In our Work Life (Col.3:22-4:1)
8) In our Ministerial Life (Col.4:2-3)
9) In our Social Life (Col.4:5-6)

The power of the resurrection should control all the areas of our life.

MK and PK (Missionary Kids and Pastor Kids)

Though the following question seems to be ironic, there are positive and negative factors on both cases. Worked as a cross cultural missionary, father of a grown up son, and now working with many independent local church pastors, I too have this question, but for genuine reasons:

மிஷனரிகளின் பிள்ளைகள் பெரும்பாலும் மிஷனரிகள் ஆவதில்லை, கேட்டால் எனக்கு அந்த "காலிங்" இல்லை என்கிறார்கள். ஆனால் பாஸ்டரின் பிள்ளைகள் எல்லோருமே பாஸ்டர் ஆகிவிடுகிறார்கள் கேட்டால் எனக்கும் அதே "காலிங்தான்" என்கிறார்கள். என் சிற்றறிவுக்கு இந்த லாஜிக் புரியவில்லை. ஒருவேளை பெரிய ஆவிக்குரிய இரகசியமாக இருக்குமோ??!!

“Generally , the children of the missionaries do not become missionaries, saying that they do not have that "calling." But, all the children of the pastors become pastors, saying that they too have "the same calling." To my little knowledge, I do not understand the logic. Would it be a great spiritual secret??!!” (Bro. Vijay may correct it if I have not done a good translation).

From my personal reflections, and findings from my conversation with other ministers of the gospel and the MKs and PKs, I have listed down some factors, which need further discussion and sharpening.

I share purposely with the ministers of the gospel, pastors and their kids in my FB contact for your kind feedback. Please understand me, it is not to condemn or commend one or other structure, and to find faults or favor with one or other people. 

I. MISSIONARY KIDS (MKs):
A. POSITIVE FACTORS:
1. The MKs have redefine the concept of “Missionary Work”: 
To the MKs, the greatest need is not to “go and preach” somewhere, but to “live and witnesses” right here. 
2. The MKs have redefined the Concept of “Cross-Cultural”: 
The MKs see “the unreached people groups” are at their doorsteps, work cabins, socializing centers and keyboards. Living in the global village and in the mega-cities, they often bump into cross-cultural people. 
3. The MKs have better educational development and wider world view:
Well educated MKs get an easier access among the educated, secular and techno world, than their parents do. The MKs approach the middle and upper classes in a fresh and broader view. 
4. The MKs support many local and native church planters financially:
The MKs concept of best and profitable way of doing missions is to financially supporting many the local church planters, rather than their going as missionaries.
5. The MKs support their parents, siblings and relatives financially: 
The MKs are sympathetic to the financial position of the family and the burdened to hold stewardship toward their siblings and relatives.
6. The MKs involve in self-supported, independent ministries:
Bi-vocational, self-supported and independent ministries are on raise. The MKs join together to work with no organization and denomination tags and no pyramid structures. 
7. The MKs do ministries through local churches:
Understanding the biblical concept of the local church in God’s plan for missions, the MKs and their families actively involve in ministries through their local churches.
8. The MKs are active in holistic ministries:
Having understood that, besides the gospel, the other areas of human needs should be met , the MKs takes the (w)holistic ministries. Many MKs are involved in medical, educational, community and child development organizations. 

B. NEGATIVE FACORS: 
1. The MKs have suffered unpleasant separation from their parents:
The MKs’ grievance was that they suffered separation due to their parents calling. Though now having been grown up in wisdom, many MKs bear the scar of leaving them in hostels in very tender age. 
2. MKs personally witnessed their parents’ sufferings in the Mission Fields: 
The MKs faced the consequences of their parents constant work pressures, oppositions, life threatening incidents in the mission fields. 
3. The MKs knew the hardship their sincere parents received from the Organization/Administration:
The MKs are not too naïve to grasp the petty politics, mismanagements, partiality, nepotism, injustice, punishment transfers, bill-cuts etc that their parents were rewarded with. 
4. The MKs and their parents suffered insufficient finance resources:
The MKs had to sacrifice their childish dreams and wishes due to lack of finance. The MKs do not like their children grow up as they did, rather they earn good and settle their family well. 
5. The MKs faced unchristian spirit in the organization:
Stayed for shorter time in or passing through the organizational offices, the MKs were exposed to certain activities, comments, arguments and rumors which, for them, are not in tune with Christian spirit.
6. The MKs sense financial and personnel mismanagement: 
Studied in their management and or engineering courses, the MKs are quick to discern the unproductive spending and irregularities in HRD. They understand it is an old paradigm, and changing which will the last thing that they could do. 
7. The MKs find no opportunity to fully use their talents, education and skills in the organization:
The MKs find it hard to work under the traditional leaders who are computer-illiterate-leaders and in traditional organizations where computers are used as typewriters. The MKs’ language is foreign to the leaders and their skills are threats to the managers. 
8. The MKs are barred from the ministry labeling it is administration and office matter:
There is a thin line, if at all anything, between the ministry and administration and that too often overlaps and swings between. No MKs are wholeheartedly allowed to involve in it for it is interpreted as deliberate violation of the policy, rules and regulations of the organization.
(to continue with PKs)

False Teachings on the Second Coming

Gleanings from studying the Thessalonians letters:
One of the Pauline concept of an established (strong, firm, strengthened, stabilized) church:
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3a..
"Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to Him, we ask you, brothers, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy (of spirit), report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way..."

Paul's concern was that any so-called prophetic utterance beyond the written Scriptures on the second coming of Christ, would surely de-establish the church.

தெசலோனிக்கேயர் நிருபங்களைப் படிக்கும்போது சேகரித்தவை:
திடமான (ஸ்திரமான, வலுவான, பலமான) சபையைக் குறித்து பவுல் அடியாரின் கரிசனை:
"அன்றியும், சகோதரரே, நம்முடைய கர்த்தராகிய இயேசு கிறிஸ்துவின் வருகையையும், நாம் அவரிடத்திலே சேர்க்கப்படுவதையுங்குறித்து, நாங்கள் உங்களை வேண்டிக்கொள்ளுகிறது என்னவென்றால், ஒரு ஆவியினாலாவது, வார்த்தையினாலாவது, எங்களிடத்திலிருந்து வந்ததாய்த் தோன்றுகிற ஒரு நிருபத்தினாலாவது, கிறிஸ்துவினுடைய நாள் சமீபமாயிருக்கிறதாகச் சொல்லப்பட்டால், உடனே சஞ்சலப்படாமலும் கலங்காமலும் இருங்கள். எவ்விதத்தினாலும் ஒருவனும் உங்களை மோசம்போக்காதபடிக்கு எச்சரிக்கையாயிருங்கள்:..."
2.தெசலோனிக்கேயர். 2:1-3

கிறிஸ்துவின் இரண்டாம் வருகையைக்குறித்து எழுதப்பட்டுள்ள வேதவாக்கியங்களுக்கு அப்பாற்பட்ட தீர்கதரிசன குளறுபடிகள், சபையைப் பலவீனப்படுத்திவிடும் என்பதே பவுல் அடியாரின் கரிசனை.

Tribute to Pastor Frank Manuel - A Role Model

Pastor Frank Manuel, who went to be with his LORD through peaceful passage, on June 26, 2013 at his 75 years, is a man of God and a role model to pastoral and missional ministries. 

Active Volunteer Leader:
Graduated as B.A and B.Sc. (Agri), Frank annan ( annan in Tamil, elder brother) worked as a sincere Agri. Officer in a sugar mill near Dindigal, Tamil Nadu. Since 1970, his active involvement with FMPB, as an important prayer group leader and a speaker, is noteworthy.

I still remember meeting Frank annan first time when he visited our home at Gobi in 1979, and motivated me – a newly converted and called for mission work, toward cross-cultural missionary work.

Full-Time Mission Leader:
In 1980, as called by the LORD, Frank annan joined in FMPB as a full-time Finance Controller. His stewardship in finance did make a great impact on the Mission and acknowledged by all.

Local Church Pastor:
In 1992, having convinced on church ministry, Frank annan planted a local church "Gethsemane Christian Fellowship," in Vadavalli area of Coimbatore, which has now grown up with 40 families.

Curious on heard of his church-mission integration on Biblical teachings, I met Frank annan and his wife, Mrs. Shantha Kumari, in 2010 (after 25 long years!). That was my blessed time, a learning opportunity from a practitioner with solid Scripture base.

Church Membership:
Gethsemane Christian Fellowship comprises of two levels of membership:
1. All who heard the gospel, were led to Christ and baptized by Frank annan are full members.
2. All who join the fellowship due to transfer from other places on business, job, education, etc., are taken in as honorary member, provided they must bring church membership certificate / no-objection letter from their home church pastors.

No Sheep-Stealing:
He neither stole sheep nor entertained roaming Christians from other churches into his church. If any believer from other church attended, he would surely exhort him/her to get back to his/her home church. If s/he would reason on the problems with the church or pastor, Frank annan’s logic was that, a church is like a family and the problems and issues should be dealt within. He ironically requested them not to bring their church problems in his church.

Planing and Passion:
He had yearly preaching and teaching plan and he followed it diligently. He was known for his constant personal evangelism and compassionate house visiting. Recalling an event, his wife says that even to his last day, he lived as a soul-winner. Hardly a week before his sudden Home Calling, Frank annan rushed out to meet a seeker, though it was heavily raining and his wife dissuaded him. He responded that he had promised to, and even one soul is important to God.

Mission-Vision of the Church:
From day one, Frank annan not only got the church as self-supporting, but also motivated it and other friends and families, as a mission supporting community. I could not believe that every month this small church is supporting 30 full-time workers/church planters in different missionary organizations, namely, OM, FMPB, IEM, IMS, NMS, BYM, CGMM, VV, RSP, FEF, MTB, AGM, SHOLOM and etc.

Transparency in Finance:
The finance of the church is managed by a team of elders. Besides weekly offertory, the believers would bring special offertory envelops to his home, adjoined to the church, on the first week of every month. Frank annan would not open them, but handed over to the elders, who would give his family a monthly support, which is known to the church. All transactions are through bank.

Leadership Development:
He trained and developed local leaders and he tried with some hired pastors too, who miserably failed him, not understanding his mission-vision of the church. On our meeting lately in 2010, he expressed his great concern on shepherding the church after him. Yet, he did not name his blood-relatives. He attentively listened and appreciated my ministry of leadership development through C-BTE and requested me to have a 2-Day Workshop in the church for the elders and small group leaders.

A Pastor with Principles:
After spending quality hours, Frank annan volunteered to drive for me, in spite of his physical weakness, on his old Lambretta Scooter, to my relative's home for my over-night stay. Though he first hesitated, but for my repeated requests, he came in and wanted to leave in a couple of minutes. My relative and I asked him to pray for them now, and visit their home often. To this, Frank annan's response made my eyes wide open! He firmly declined and told them that regular house-visiting and praying for them are the ministries of their local church leaders and the pastors, which no one should duplicate. He frankly also politely told them that he wouldn't visit them again and thus, weaken their church.

On top of these and to add more surprise, he humbly refused the offertory my relative gave, though the amount was not bad! He taught them to give to their local church ministries and to support the missionary work through the church.

Prayer in Transition Period:
Now the church - Gethsemane Christian Fellowship, is shepherded by a pastor from the network of churches, ICRM, headed by one of Frank annan’s long time friend.

Kindly pray for Mrs. Shantha Kumari, Frank annan's wife, for God's wisdom in this transient period of the church, as she plays an important role as vision-keeper.

Faithful Remnants:
Amidst of sweeping trends and wider paths - contrary to the Biblical teaching on Christian ministries, pastoring, churches, missionary work - God has kept a group of faithful remnants, unsung heroes, true shepherds with mission. If you are of this kind, don’t lose your heart, as you know, you are not alone.