I was wondering
How You hold water in the porous ground?
How You stop the Waves of the Ocean with sand?
And how the water freezes like a Rock?
And how the heavens lighten up in the thuderstorm?
How Snow flakes fall unending from the sky?
Oh, Its all marvelous!!!
Learn to Live
My work is of human nature.
Real life is all I know.
Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work.
Real life is all I know.
Don't ever confuse the two, your life and your work.
You will walk out of your work place this afternoon with only one thing that no one else has.
There will be hundreds of people out there with your same degree; there will be thousands of people doing what you want to do for a living.
But you will be the only person alive who has sole custody of your life.
There will be hundreds of people out there with your same degree; there will be thousands of people doing what you want to do for a living.
But you will be the only person alive who has sole custody of your life.
Your life, your entire life. Not just your life at your work desk, or your life on a bus, or in a car, or at the computer. Not just the life of your mind, but the life of your Heart, Soul & Spirit.
People don't talk about the soul & spirit very much anymore. It's so much easier to write a resume than to craft a soul & spirit. But a resume is a cold comfort on a winter night, or when you're sad, or broke, or lonely, or when you've gotten back the job test results and you feel they're not so good.
I have tried never to let my profession stand in the way of being a good human. I am not the centre of the universe. I show up to people, I listen, I try to laugh.
I am a good friend to my friends, and they to me. Without them, there would be nothing to say to you today, because I would be a cardboard cut out. But I call them on the phone, and I meet them for lunch. I would be rotten or at best mediocre, if those other things were not true. You cannot be really first rate at your work if your work is all you are.
So here's what I wanted to tell you today: Get a life. A real life, not a manic pursuit of the next promotion, the bigger pay check, the larger house
Do you think you'd care so very much about those things if you blew an aneurysm one afternoon, or found a lump in your chest? Get a life in which you notice the smell of salt water pushing itself on a breeze over Seaside Heights, a life in which you stop and watch how a red tailed hawk circles over the water or the way a baby crawla with concentration when she tries to pick up a Cheerio with her thumb and first finger. Get a life in which you are not alone. Find people you love, and who love you. And remember that love is not leisure, it is work. Pick up the phone. Send an e-mail. Write a letter
Get a life in which you are generous. And realize that life is the best thing ever, and that you have no business taking it for granted. Care so deeply about its goodness that you want to spread it around. Take money you would have spent on beers and give it to charity. Work in a soup kitchen. Be a big brother or sister.
All of you want to do well. But if you do not do good too, then doing well will never be enough.
It is so easy to waste our lives, our days, our hours, and our minutes. It is so easy to take for granted the colour of our kids' eyes, the way the melody in a symphony rises and falls and disappears and rises again.
It is so easy to exist instead of to live. I learned to live many years ago. I learned to love the journey, and the ultimate destination. I learned that it is not a dress rehearsal and that today, and more specifically ‘now’ is the only guarantee you get.
I learned to look at all the good in the world and try to give some of it back because I believed in it, completely and utterly. And I tried to do that, in part, by telling others what I had learned.
Consider the lilies of the field. Look at the fuzz on a baby's ear. Read in the backyard with the sun on your face. Learn to be happy. And think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion as it ought to be lived.
Life is short and enjoys it to the fullest with thanks to GOD who gave it.
And Finally, After the Journey on this Earth, Where You will be?
Have you ever thought?
Many people think, It is all over HERE.
But the REAL LIFE starts WHEN IT ENDS HERE.
Please read the link: IF A MAN DIE, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?
God Bless You and Peace Be With YouHave you ever thought?
Many people think, It is all over HERE.
But the REAL LIFE starts WHEN IT ENDS HERE.
Please read the link: IF A MAN DIE, SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN?
(This Blog is partly adapted)
They Disobeyed me and Tested me TEN Times!!!
At the gate of the Promised Land, when the people of Israel refused to enter Caanan and wanted to go back to Egypt, Lord says - These people who have seen my Glory and miraculous signs have Disobeyed and Tested Me 10 times!!! (Numbers 14:22)
Let us look what are the 10 ways in which people of Israel tested God and in which occassions.
(1) You have brought us from Egypt to kill in this wilderness? - Exodus 14:11
People redeemed from the slavery of egypt by passover and the shedding of the blood of the lamb now when faced with Pharoah's army behind them and the Red Sea before them says!!
Do people redeemed by the blood of Jesus when faced with such situations also say so - You brought me to this faith to kill?
(2) What shall we drink? - Exodus 15:25
At mara they expected sweet water, but the water is bitter!
After drinking all the waters of the Blue River Nile in Egypt, they expect sweet water in wilderness!
Do you complain for lack of sweet things of this world?
(3) What will we eat? - Exodus 16:3
You have brought us to this wilderness to starve and kill.
We would have preferred to be killed before the flesh pots and after eating full!
Some people wants a full stomach even when they die.
Are you hungry for the worldly things?
(4) Can God provide for tomorrow? - Exodus 16:19
God's promise is for provision for each day. Jesus taught "Give us this day our daily bread"
But people wants to pile up and hoard for tomorrow.
Even God's people have a lot of savings and invetsments planned for tomorrow.
But it will all rot and stink.
(5) Give us Water - Exodus 17:1-
Most serious rebellion against God. They rebelled and was about to stome moses.
Psalm 95 and Hebrews Ch 3 further elaborates how serious the rebellion of Israel was.
Will God be able to provided us with water in this rocky wilderness?
At Mara there were atleast some water.
The quarrel of the people led to the striking of the Rock at Horeb which symbolizes the future suffering & death of Jesus on behalf of rebellious mankind.
(6) Idolatory (and Immorality) Exodus 32
The moment the law (Ten Commandments) was given, they broke it and made a Golden calf to be their god. They were is sexual immorality and revelry.
Have you any idols in your life, more important than Jesus?
(7) Murmuring - Numbers 11:1-3
For no specific reason, they murmur.
A group of discontended people. They wont be contended at any time.
Do you murmur and are you discontended?
Paul says - I have learned to be contended even with and without
(8) Who will give us flesh? - Numbers 11:4-
They have contempt for the heavenly food manna and crave for flesh?
Does the spiritual matters bore you and you crave for wordly things?
(9) Let us send Spies and see whether the land is fit? (Numbers 13;1-, Duet 1:20-25)
God said - Behold the Promised Land which flows Honey & Milk is before you, you enter and posses.
But people said, Let us test the land through spies!
Do you want to test God's promise and then possess? You willnever possess!!
(10) We donot want the promised land, Let us go back to Egypt! - Numbers 14:1
A rebellious nation who rebell consistently against God and His promises
So they wandered for 40 years and their bodies were strewn in the wilderness.
Hebrew Chapter 3 advises us
Let us look what are the 10 ways in which people of Israel tested God and in which occassions.
(1) You have brought us from Egypt to kill in this wilderness? - Exodus 14:11
People redeemed from the slavery of egypt by passover and the shedding of the blood of the lamb now when faced with Pharoah's army behind them and the Red Sea before them says!!
Do people redeemed by the blood of Jesus when faced with such situations also say so - You brought me to this faith to kill?
(2) What shall we drink? - Exodus 15:25
At mara they expected sweet water, but the water is bitter!
After drinking all the waters of the Blue River Nile in Egypt, they expect sweet water in wilderness!
Do you complain for lack of sweet things of this world?
(3) What will we eat? - Exodus 16:3
You have brought us to this wilderness to starve and kill.
We would have preferred to be killed before the flesh pots and after eating full!
Some people wants a full stomach even when they die.
Are you hungry for the worldly things?
(4) Can God provide for tomorrow? - Exodus 16:19
God's promise is for provision for each day. Jesus taught "Give us this day our daily bread"
But people wants to pile up and hoard for tomorrow.
Even God's people have a lot of savings and invetsments planned for tomorrow.
But it will all rot and stink.
(5) Give us Water - Exodus 17:1-
Most serious rebellion against God. They rebelled and was about to stome moses.
Psalm 95 and Hebrews Ch 3 further elaborates how serious the rebellion of Israel was.
Will God be able to provided us with water in this rocky wilderness?
At Mara there were atleast some water.
The quarrel of the people led to the striking of the Rock at Horeb which symbolizes the future suffering & death of Jesus on behalf of rebellious mankind.
(6) Idolatory (and Immorality) Exodus 32
The moment the law (Ten Commandments) was given, they broke it and made a Golden calf to be their god. They were is sexual immorality and revelry.
Have you any idols in your life, more important than Jesus?
(7) Murmuring - Numbers 11:1-3
For no specific reason, they murmur.
A group of discontended people. They wont be contended at any time.
Do you murmur and are you discontended?
Paul says - I have learned to be contended even with and without
(8) Who will give us flesh? - Numbers 11:4-
They have contempt for the heavenly food manna and crave for flesh?
Does the spiritual matters bore you and you crave for wordly things?
(9) Let us send Spies and see whether the land is fit? (Numbers 13;1-, Duet 1:20-25)
God said - Behold the Promised Land which flows Honey & Milk is before you, you enter and posses.
But people said, Let us test the land through spies!
Do you want to test God's promise and then possess? You willnever possess!!
(10) We donot want the promised land, Let us go back to Egypt! - Numbers 14:1
A rebellious nation who rebell consistently against God and His promises
So they wandered for 40 years and their bodies were strewn in the wilderness.
Hebrew Chapter 3 advises us
| Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Psa 95:7 | |
| | Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: Psa 95:8 |
| | When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Psa 95:9 |
| | Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. Psa 95:10 |
| | So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) Psa 95:11 |
| | Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. |
| | But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. |
| | For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; May God Bless You |
"Every Third Child should be Killed in the Womb"?????!!! - Justice VR Krsihna IYer
Kerala's famous Juriprudist Justice V R Krsihna Iyer in a recent report to the Kerala Govt on "Women & Children's Welfare Code" recommended that every thrid child to parents should be killed in the womb for a welfare society!!
Alas, the right to live exists only for two children.
Does the unborn child or even the born ones can choose to be the first or second of the parent?
Mr Krsihna Iyer due to his old memory (He is 95 now) forgot that his parents had 7 children, and all the five born after him - Ranganayaki, Vijayalakshmi, Meenakshi, Ramachandran and Lakshinarayanan would not have seen sunlight if he had made the recommendation immediately after his birth.!!!
In the secular world the unborn child has no right.
Bible is the only book which teaches about a God whose plan for an Individual is even before eternity.
Psalm 139v13-16 says that God sees and cares you while you had no form in your mother's womb:
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
ABORTION IS MURDER more cruel than killing a born person.
Bible again says - Children are a blessing:
Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
Today even in the secular world Human Capital is the biggest Capital.
Indian Software Indsutry thrives on Intelligent Human Capital.
Many of the famous personalities would not have been alive today, If Krsihna Iyer's policy was implemented.
Krishna Iyer thinks that he is lucky that he was the second child!!!
(Indebted to Deccan Chronicles for the picture in their news item on the subject matter)
Alas, the right to live exists only for two children.
Does the unborn child or even the born ones can choose to be the first or second of the parent?
Mr Krsihna Iyer due to his old memory (He is 95 now) forgot that his parents had 7 children, and all the five born after him - Ranganayaki, Vijayalakshmi, Meenakshi, Ramachandran and Lakshinarayanan would not have seen sunlight if he had made the recommendation immediately after his birth.!!!
In the secular world the unborn child has no right.
Bible is the only book which teaches about a God whose plan for an Individual is even before eternity.
Psalm 139v13-16 says that God sees and cares you while you had no form in your mother's womb:
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
ABORTION IS MURDER more cruel than killing a born person.
Bible again says - Children are a blessing:Children are a heritage from the LORD,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.
Today even in the secular world Human Capital is the biggest Capital.
Indian Software Indsutry thrives on Intelligent Human Capital.
Many of the famous personalities would not have been alive today, If Krsihna Iyer's policy was implemented.
Krishna Iyer thinks that he is lucky that he was the second child!!!
(Indebted to Deccan Chronicles for the picture in their news item on the subject matter)
Philosophy of LOVE
The philosophy of love transcends a variety of sub-disciplines including epistemology, metaphysics, religion, human nature, politics and ethics. Often statements or arguments concerning love, its nature and role in human life for example, connect to one or all the central theories of philosophy, and is often compared with, or examined in the context of, the philosophies of sex and gender. The task of a philosophy of love is to present the appropriate issues in a cogent manner, drawing on relevant theories of human nature, desire, ethics, and so on.
The Nature of Love: Eros, Philia, and Agape
Love has a “nature,” a proposition that some may oppose arguing that love is conceptually irrational, in the sense that it cannot be described in rational or meaningful propositions.
In English, the word “love,” which is derived from Germanic forms of the Sanskrit lubh (desire), is broadly defined and hence imprecise, which generates first order problems of definition and meaning, which are resolved to some extent by the reference to the Greek terms, eros, philia, and agape.
a. Eros
The term eros is used to refer to that part of love constituting a passionate, intense desire for something; it is often referred to as a sexual desire, hence the modern notion of “erotic”.
Many philosophers hold that love is an intrinsically higher value than appetitive or physical desire. Physical desire is held the animal kingdom too. Hence, it is of a lower order of reaction and stimulus than a rationally induced love—that is, a love produced by rational discourse and exploration of ideas, which in turn defines the pursuit of Ideal beauty. Hence the physical love of an object, an idea, or a person in itself is not a proper form of love, love being a reflection of that part of the object, idea, or person, that partakes in Ideal beauty.
b. Philia
Philia entails a fondness and appreciation of the other. It is not just friendship, but also loyalties to family and political community, job, or discipline. According to Aristotle’s notion of philia, “things that cause friendship are: doing kindnesses; doing them unasked; and not proclaiming the fact when they are done” . This in another way is parental love too.
Friendships may also be based on the pleasure or utility that is derived from another’s company. A business friendship is based on utility–on mutual reciprocity of similar business interests; once the business is at an end, then the friendship dissolves.
c. Agape
Agape refers to the love of God for man. It seeks a perfect kind of love that is at once a fondness, a transcending of the particular, and a passion without the necessity of reciprocity. It is sacrificial Love. The recepient may not deserve the love at all.
The concept is expanded on in the Judaic-Christian tradition of loving God: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5) and loving “thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18). The love of God requires absolute devotion.
The universalist command to “love thy neighbor as thyself” refers the subject to those surrounding him, whom he should love unilaterally. Jesus Christ further elecated this love to a newer dimension when he said "Love Your Enemy".
He demonstrated in his life. "For God demonstrated His own Love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.......For if when we were enimies (to God) we were reconciled to God through the death of His own Son (Jesus Christ)" (1 Corinthians 5:8,10). (Bible)
Writer Apostle Paul sings of this Agape Love in his letter 1Corithians Chapter 13 (Bible)
The Beutiful song goes as below:
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is (Agape) Love
The Nature of Love: Eros, Philia, and Agape
Love has a “nature,” a proposition that some may oppose arguing that love is conceptually irrational, in the sense that it cannot be described in rational or meaningful propositions.
In English, the word “love,” which is derived from Germanic forms of the Sanskrit lubh (desire), is broadly defined and hence imprecise, which generates first order problems of definition and meaning, which are resolved to some extent by the reference to the Greek terms, eros, philia, and agape.
a. Eros
The term eros is used to refer to that part of love constituting a passionate, intense desire for something; it is often referred to as a sexual desire, hence the modern notion of “erotic”.
Many philosophers hold that love is an intrinsically higher value than appetitive or physical desire. Physical desire is held the animal kingdom too. Hence, it is of a lower order of reaction and stimulus than a rationally induced love—that is, a love produced by rational discourse and exploration of ideas, which in turn defines the pursuit of Ideal beauty. Hence the physical love of an object, an idea, or a person in itself is not a proper form of love, love being a reflection of that part of the object, idea, or person, that partakes in Ideal beauty.
b. Philia
Philia entails a fondness and appreciation of the other. It is not just friendship, but also loyalties to family and political community, job, or discipline. According to Aristotle’s notion of philia, “things that cause friendship are: doing kindnesses; doing them unasked; and not proclaiming the fact when they are done” . This in another way is parental love too.
Friendships may also be based on the pleasure or utility that is derived from another’s company. A business friendship is based on utility–on mutual reciprocity of similar business interests; once the business is at an end, then the friendship dissolves.
c. Agape
Agape refers to the love of God for man. It seeks a perfect kind of love that is at once a fondness, a transcending of the particular, and a passion without the necessity of reciprocity. It is sacrificial Love. The recepient may not deserve the love at all.
The concept is expanded on in the Judaic-Christian tradition of loving God: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5) and loving “thy neighbour as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18). The love of God requires absolute devotion.
The universalist command to “love thy neighbor as thyself” refers the subject to those surrounding him, whom he should love unilaterally. Jesus Christ further elecated this love to a newer dimension when he said "Love Your Enemy".
He demonstrated in his life. "For God demonstrated His own Love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.......For if when we were enimies (to God) we were reconciled to God through the death of His own Son (Jesus Christ)" (1 Corinthians 5:8,10). (Bible)
Writer Apostle Paul sings of this Agape Love in his letter 1Corithians Chapter 13 (Bible)
The Beutiful song goes as below:
1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is (Agape) Love
Wow, It is 'Time Out'!
'Time Out' is a ussage in the Computer World to mean that you have been trying to connect to a server for quite some time and then it is out.
11 August, 2011. WOW!, That is my 60th Birth Anniversary! I thank God for His providence during the long 60 years. I joined Kochi Refinery in April 1990 as Manager(EDP). My love for Kerala & for Kochi Refinery gave a pretty long stint here in Kochi Refinery. At this time of the beginning of my golden sunset, I will be leaving this organization as a contended & happy person. It is because my vision of an Eternal Life beyond the material space due to my ardent faith. Friends at KR, it was nice working with you all. Thank you very much. Myself and family wishes you all the best and May God Bless You and your Families. With warm regards, Titus Eapen Information Services Dept BPCL_Kochi Refinery |
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Germany to Kill all its Nuke Plants by 2022
MERKEL Govt has decided to shutdown all German Nuclear Power Plants by 2022 as an aftermath of Japanese Fkushima Nuclear Disaster.
Eistien's Mass / Energy equation E=MCxC is very famous and scientists were very jubilient at it as the source enormous energy by conversion of material into energy.
Second half of twentieth century saw the build up of lot of nuclear reactors for defense as well as energy purposes.
Scientists thought they have tamed the un-tamable - 'atom' the foundation to matter, and everything is under their control and they can do damn manipulation of the fundamental nuclear space!!!.
But sad that Tsunami in Japan and fakushima disaster proved it all otherwise.
Nothing is under control and the impossible can happen at any time.
Small waves of the ocean can create havoc to nations like Japan, before which the helpless man is no more mighty.
Other nations will follow Germany in fear of the unknown.
True, Earth is yet to see the disasters which is going to happen.
It is all revealed in the Holy Scripture - Bible
Please read Isiah Chapetr 24
Eistien's Mass / Energy equation E=MCxC is very famous and scientists were very jubilient at it as the source enormous energy by conversion of material into energy.
Second half of twentieth century saw the build up of lot of nuclear reactors for defense as well as energy purposes.
Scientists thought they have tamed the un-tamable - 'atom' the foundation to matter, and everything is under their control and they can do damn manipulation of the fundamental nuclear space!!!.
But sad that Tsunami in Japan and fakushima disaster proved it all otherwise.
Nothing is under control and the impossible can happen at any time.
Small waves of the ocean can create havoc to nations like Japan, before which the helpless man is no more mighty.
Other nations will follow Germany in fear of the unknown.
True, Earth is yet to see the disasters which is going to happen.
It is all revealed in the Holy Scripture - Bible
Please read Isiah Chapetr 24
In Sweet Rememberance of my Mom KUNJAMMA TITUS
Funeral of the mortal remains was on 30th April 2011 at Brethren Cemetary, Thengode, Kakkanad, Ernakulam for resurrection on Jesus' return.
Tinu & Tony
wonderful spiritual hope of eternity:
"Vazhum Njanen Rakshitavin Koode Eppozhum.." &
"Anugrahathin Adhipathiye.."
But when the time for my departure come,
A Testimonial For the Godly from the LORD
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD
hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for
them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my
jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked,
between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Malachi 3:16-18
hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for
them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my
jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked,
between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
Malachi 3:16-18
WHAT WE BELIEVE
BASIC BELIEFS
WITHIN THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
1. THE SCRIPTURES
The Bible is the Word of God (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 2Ti 3:16). It was written by men who were divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), and it is God’s revelation of himself to man. The New Testament is the last will and covenant of our Lord (Hebrews 9:15), and is our final authority for faith and conduct. If one is to have a true understanding of the will of God, he must always accept the New Testament interpretation of the Old Testament. What was seen only vaguely (in the Old Testament) in the dim starlight of promise and type, is now seen clearly (in the New Testament) in the bright sunlight of God’s complete and perfect revelation in Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2; Matthew 5:43-44). The New Testament builds upon the Old, fulfills the Old, and reinterprets the Old.
The Bible is inerrant in the original writings, and is the supreme standard by which all human conduct and religious opinions should be tried (Acts 17:11; Psalms 19:7-11; Psalms 119:105).
2. GOD
There is one and only one living and true God (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:6; Ex. 20:3). He is an intelligent, personal, spirit Being (John 4:24). He is one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
God as Father reigns with providential care over his universe (Acts 7:48-50), and the stream of human history moves according to the purpose of his grace. He is Father to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26), and he is fatherly in his attitude toward all men (Matthew 5:45).
God the Son was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18). He is true God and true man (Romans 1:3,4). In his death on the Cross, he made provision for the redemption of men from sin by becoming a substitutionary sacrifice (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:24). He was raised from the dead with a glorified body, ascended into heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God (1 Corinthians 15:1-25; John 16:27-28). He will return in power and glory to receive his disciples, and then to judge the world (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
God the Holy Spirit is a divine Person distinct from the Father and the Son, and yet united to both the Father and the Son in the mysterious oneness of the holy Trinity (Matthew 28:19, 20). He enables persons to understand truth (John 16:7-13), he imparts new life to those who meet the conditions of salvation (Titus 1:5), and he imparts gifts for service to every member of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
3. MAN
Man was created by the special act of God, in his own image, and is the crowning work of God’s creation (Genesis 1:26-30). In the beginning man was innocent of sin, and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice, through the temptation of Satan, man sinned against God, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also that spiritual death which is separation from God (Genesis 2:16).
All human beings are born with a sinful nature (Psalm 51:5), and in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, become sinners in thought, word, and deed (Isaiah 6:5; Romans 5:12, 19; Romans 1:18-32). When David spoke of being conceived “in sin” (Psalm 51:5), he spoke not of the act of conception, but of the inherited bias to sin that is transmitted at conception.
The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in his own image, and in that Christ died for human beings, and therefore every individual is worthy of respect and Christian love (1 Peter 2:17).
4. SALVATION
Salvation is the entire work by which God rescues people from their sinful state. It is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 3:3-21; Revelation 3:20).
Salvation is by faith through grace (Eph 2:8). Regeneration is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8,9; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
Justification is the gracious and full acquittal which is wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-25),
Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence of the Holy Spirit who dwells in him (1 Corinthians 6:19,20; 2 Peter 3:18). Holiness is God’s standard of living for his people (Luke 1:74-75; 1 Peter 1:15).
Glorification is the culmination of salvation, and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed (Romans 8:16-18; 1 Peter 1:3-4). Jesus spoke of the final glory of the saved, when in figurative language he said the reapers will “gather the wheat into my barn” (Matthew 13:30).
5. RECEIVING OF HOLY SPIRIT
Holy Spirit is the promise of Jesus (John 15:26, 16:7, 8, 9; Acts 1:4,5). First the Holy Spirit came upon the church on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). They spoke with unknown tongues.
Now the Holy Spirit is received by the believer as soon as one believes in Jesus Christ. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 8:14,15,16) You are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:14)
6. BAPTISM
Salvation is symbolized by immersion baptism (Romans 6:4-5) in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit (Math 28:19, Rom 6:3). In the early church, those who believed were baptized immediately (Acts 8:37; 16:33). Jesus spoke of the necessity of water baptism, when he said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
7. UNKNOWN TOUNGUE & MIRACLES
On the day Pentecost believers talked in the unknown tongue which was understood by everybody. We believe that it stopped. Also, now we find no body talking in unknown tongue as it was on the day of Pentecost.
Jesus did miracles to prove that He is Son of God (John 20:30). In the first century church, there were miracles by Apostles. Peter cured the lame (Acts 3:7), Apostles did lot of miracles (Acts 5:12), Peter raised Thabitha (Acts 9:40). It was needed for the establishment of the Church. Today there is no need of miracles. That does not mean God does not hear prayers and cure the sick.
8. SURETY OF SALVATION
Salvation is not lost. It is the gift of God. It will never be lost (John 10: 28, 29)
9. THE CHURCH
A New Testament church is a local body (1 Corinthians 1:2) of baptized believers, composed of bishops (elders), deacons, and the saints (Philippians 1:1), who operate through spiritual processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Each member of the congregation is equally responsible for its ongoing work, although there are those who are called to special responsibilities (Ephesians 4:11-12). The Church is also the Body of Christ, which includes all of the redeemed of all ages (Matthew 16:15-19; Ephesians 1:22-23).
Worship & Breaking of the Bread – (Acts 2: 42) “ And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”. First century church observed the Breaking of the Bread (Lord’s Supper) on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Jesus commanded to remember him at the last supper through the bread & wine. Paul expressed it very clearly as to how to conduct it. (1 Cor 11:23-30)
Evangelism: It is the duty and privilege of every believer, and of every congregation, to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Each child of God should seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort (Acts 1:8).
Ideals: God is the author of peace, and peace with God brings peace within ourselves, peace with members of the family within the home, and as far as is possible on our part, peace with all men (Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 12:18-21). The ideals of temperance (1 Corinthians 9:25), purity (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and simple living (Matthew 6:28-33), are to be taught and observed. Christians are stewards of their possessions, and should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of Christ’s cause on earth (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
Principles: It is unscriptural for Christian people to participate in mutiny (Matthew 5:44-45; Matthew 26:52), to go to law against brethren (1 Corinthians 6:1-9), to divorce and remarry (Mark 10: 11-12), to follow worldly fashions and wear immodest clothes (1 Timothy 2:8-10), and for the Christian man to appear with long hair and the Christian woman with short and unveiled hair (1 Corinthians 11:3-16). These prohibitions are given for our benefit, and need to be respected in the Church. Brethren Abhor Ornaments as a mark of simple life.
Those who are born again, have the goal of obedience to God, walk in newness of life, cultivate self-denial and humility, and constitute the true Church of which Jesus Christ is the Head (Col. 3:5-15).
10. THE SOCIAL ORDER
Methods used for the improvement of society can only be truly helpful when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual (Mark 7:21-23), by the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 26:18). People who are converted to Jesus Christ will then have the capacity to live up to the Christian command to “love thy neighbor” (Matthew 22:39).
The Christian should oppose, in the spirit of Christ, every form of greed and selfishness and vice (Matthew 5:13-16). He should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick (Matthew 25:35; Luke 10:27-37; Acts 6:1-7). Christians should be ready to work with persons of good will in worthy causes, always being careful to avoid compromise of loyalty to Christ (Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10).
Civil government is ordained of God (Romans 13:1-7), and it is the duty of Christians to render obedience to the government in all things not contrary to the clearly revealed wilt of God (Luke 20:25; 1 Peter 2:13-17). The Church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. Jesus vigorously rejected every attempt to make him a political Messiah. The rebuke to Satan (Matthew 4:8-10), and to Peter (Matthew 16:21-23), and the statement to Pilate (John 18:36), all indicate his persistent refusal to place political change in society ahead of personal change in individuals.
11. LAST THINGS
God will bring the world to its appropriate end in his own time and in his own way (Matthew 24: 42- 51; Revelation 1:18). Christ will come to take his Church (1 Tes 4:16-17, 1 Cor 15:23) into the skies – those who are dead in Christ shall resurrect and those believers who live shall be transformed and taken up to heaven with him. According to the Scriptures, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth (Acts 1:10-11); the time of his coming is unrevealed, but always imminent (Mark 13:33-37). He will rule over the earth for 1000 years. Then all the dead will be raised (Rev 20:11) after the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4-6). The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:19-26). The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies (Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2) will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord (Matthew 25:46; John 14:1-3).
Jesus Christ will finally deliver up the Messianic Kingdom to God the Father, in order that He, as the Eternal Son, may reign with the Father in the new heaven and the new earth eternally (1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 21:1).
The message of Christianity centers around a Person – Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:11-12 says, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Have you turned from your sin and received God’s Son as your Savior? Do you know the forgiveness of sin? Do you know God as your Father by becoming his son? John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
Many have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, and they often sing, “Oh happy day that fixed my choice on Thee, my Savior and my God.” They remember the day they committed their lives to Jesus. They believed that the atoning work of Christ on Calvary could save them; they repented of their life of sin; they accepted Christian baptism as an outward sign of their inward change. They remember the joy that Fame into their hearts, and the peace that filled their souls. That was a happy day — and what God has done for others, he can do for you.
WITHIN THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
1. THE SCRIPTURES
The Bible is the Word of God (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 2Ti 3:16). It was written by men who were divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), and it is God’s revelation of himself to man. The New Testament is the last will and covenant of our Lord (Hebrews 9:15), and is our final authority for faith and conduct. If one is to have a true understanding of the will of God, he must always accept the New Testament interpretation of the Old Testament. What was seen only vaguely (in the Old Testament) in the dim starlight of promise and type, is now seen clearly (in the New Testament) in the bright sunlight of God’s complete and perfect revelation in Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2; Matthew 5:43-44). The New Testament builds upon the Old, fulfills the Old, and reinterprets the Old.
The Bible is inerrant in the original writings, and is the supreme standard by which all human conduct and religious opinions should be tried (Acts 17:11; Psalms 19:7-11; Psalms 119:105).
2. GOD
There is one and only one living and true God (Genesis 1:1; Hebrews 11:6; Ex. 20:3). He is an intelligent, personal, spirit Being (John 4:24). He is one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
God as Father reigns with providential care over his universe (Acts 7:48-50), and the stream of human history moves according to the purpose of his grace. He is Father to those who become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:26), and he is fatherly in his attitude toward all men (Matthew 5:45).
God the Son was conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary (Matthew 1:18). He is true God and true man (Romans 1:3,4). In his death on the Cross, he made provision for the redemption of men from sin by becoming a substitutionary sacrifice (Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:24). He was raised from the dead with a glorified body, ascended into heaven, and is now exalted at the right hand of God (1 Corinthians 15:1-25; John 16:27-28). He will return in power and glory to receive his disciples, and then to judge the world (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).
God the Holy Spirit is a divine Person distinct from the Father and the Son, and yet united to both the Father and the Son in the mysterious oneness of the holy Trinity (Matthew 28:19, 20). He enables persons to understand truth (John 16:7-13), he imparts new life to those who meet the conditions of salvation (Titus 1:5), and he imparts gifts for service to every member of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
3. MAN
Man was created by the special act of God, in his own image, and is the crowning work of God’s creation (Genesis 1:26-30). In the beginning man was innocent of sin, and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice, through the temptation of Satan, man sinned against God, and thereby incurred not only physical death, but also that spiritual death which is separation from God (Genesis 2:16).
All human beings are born with a sinful nature (Psalm 51:5), and in the case of those who reach moral responsibility, become sinners in thought, word, and deed (Isaiah 6:5; Romans 5:12, 19; Romans 1:18-32). When David spoke of being conceived “in sin” (Psalm 51:5), he spoke not of the act of conception, but of the inherited bias to sin that is transmitted at conception.
The sacredness of human personality is evident in that God created man in his own image, and in that Christ died for human beings, and therefore every individual is worthy of respect and Christian love (1 Peter 2:17).
4. SALVATION
Salvation is the entire work by which God rescues people from their sinful state. It is offered freely to all who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (John 3:3-21; Revelation 3:20).
Salvation is by faith through grace (Eph 2:8). Regeneration is a work of God’s grace whereby believers become new creatures in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8,9; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19).
Justification is the gracious and full acquittal which is wrought by faith in the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23-25),
Sanctification is the experience, beginning in regeneration, by which the believer is set apart to God’s purposes, and is enabled to progress toward moral and spiritual perfection through the presence of the Holy Spirit who dwells in him (1 Corinthians 6:19,20; 2 Peter 3:18). Holiness is God’s standard of living for his people (Luke 1:74-75; 1 Peter 1:15).
Glorification is the culmination of salvation, and is the final blessed and abiding state of the redeemed (Romans 8:16-18; 1 Peter 1:3-4). Jesus spoke of the final glory of the saved, when in figurative language he said the reapers will “gather the wheat into my barn” (Matthew 13:30).
5. RECEIVING OF HOLY SPIRIT
Holy Spirit is the promise of Jesus (John 15:26, 16:7, 8, 9; Acts 1:4,5). First the Holy Spirit came upon the church on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). They spoke with unknown tongues.
Now the Holy Spirit is received by the believer as soon as one believes in Jesus Christ. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 8:14,15,16) You are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:14)
6. BAPTISM
Salvation is symbolized by immersion baptism (Romans 6:4-5) in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit (Math 28:19, Rom 6:3). In the early church, those who believed were baptized immediately (Acts 8:37; 16:33). Jesus spoke of the necessity of water baptism, when he said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16).
7. UNKNOWN TOUNGUE & MIRACLES
On the day Pentecost believers talked in the unknown tongue which was understood by everybody. We believe that it stopped. Also, now we find no body talking in unknown tongue as it was on the day of Pentecost.
Jesus did miracles to prove that He is Son of God (John 20:30). In the first century church, there were miracles by Apostles. Peter cured the lame (Acts 3:7), Apostles did lot of miracles (Acts 5:12), Peter raised Thabitha (Acts 9:40). It was needed for the establishment of the Church. Today there is no need of miracles. That does not mean God does not hear prayers and cure the sick.
8. SURETY OF SALVATION
Salvation is not lost. It is the gift of God. It will never be lost (John 10: 28, 29)
9. THE CHURCH
A New Testament church is a local body (1 Corinthians 1:2) of baptized believers, composed of bishops (elders), deacons, and the saints (Philippians 1:1), who operate through spiritual processes under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Each member of the congregation is equally responsible for its ongoing work, although there are those who are called to special responsibilities (Ephesians 4:11-12). The Church is also the Body of Christ, which includes all of the redeemed of all ages (Matthew 16:15-19; Ephesians 1:22-23).
Worship & Breaking of the Bread – (Acts 2: 42) “ And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers”. First century church observed the Breaking of the Bread (Lord’s Supper) on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Jesus commanded to remember him at the last supper through the bread & wine. Paul expressed it very clearly as to how to conduct it. (1 Cor 11:23-30)
Evangelism: It is the duty and privilege of every believer, and of every congregation, to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). Each child of God should seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by personal effort (Acts 1:8).
Ideals: God is the author of peace, and peace with God brings peace within ourselves, peace with members of the family within the home, and as far as is possible on our part, peace with all men (Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 12:18-21). The ideals of temperance (1 Corinthians 9:25), purity (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and simple living (Matthew 6:28-33), are to be taught and observed. Christians are stewards of their possessions, and should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of Christ’s cause on earth (1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 8:7; 2 Corinthians 9:7).
Principles: It is unscriptural for Christian people to participate in mutiny (Matthew 5:44-45; Matthew 26:52), to go to law against brethren (1 Corinthians 6:1-9), to divorce and remarry (Mark 10: 11-12), to follow worldly fashions and wear immodest clothes (1 Timothy 2:8-10), and for the Christian man to appear with long hair and the Christian woman with short and unveiled hair (1 Corinthians 11:3-16). These prohibitions are given for our benefit, and need to be respected in the Church. Brethren Abhor Ornaments as a mark of simple life.
Those who are born again, have the goal of obedience to God, walk in newness of life, cultivate self-denial and humility, and constitute the true Church of which Jesus Christ is the Head (Col. 3:5-15).
10. THE SOCIAL ORDER
Methods used for the improvement of society can only be truly helpful when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual (Mark 7:21-23), by the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 26:18). People who are converted to Jesus Christ will then have the capacity to live up to the Christian command to “love thy neighbor” (Matthew 22:39).
The Christian should oppose, in the spirit of Christ, every form of greed and selfishness and vice (Matthew 5:13-16). He should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the aged, the helpless, and the sick (Matthew 25:35; Luke 10:27-37; Acts 6:1-7). Christians should be ready to work with persons of good will in worthy causes, always being careful to avoid compromise of loyalty to Christ (Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 5:9-10).
Civil government is ordained of God (Romans 13:1-7), and it is the duty of Christians to render obedience to the government in all things not contrary to the clearly revealed wilt of God (Luke 20:25; 1 Peter 2:13-17). The Church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. Jesus vigorously rejected every attempt to make him a political Messiah. The rebuke to Satan (Matthew 4:8-10), and to Peter (Matthew 16:21-23), and the statement to Pilate (John 18:36), all indicate his persistent refusal to place political change in society ahead of personal change in individuals.
11. LAST THINGS
God will bring the world to its appropriate end in his own time and in his own way (Matthew 24: 42- 51; Revelation 1:18). Christ will come to take his Church (1 Tes 4:16-17, 1 Cor 15:23) into the skies – those who are dead in Christ shall resurrect and those believers who live shall be transformed and taken up to heaven with him. According to the Scriptures, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth (Acts 1:10-11); the time of his coming is unrevealed, but always imminent (Mark 13:33-37). He will rule over the earth for 1000 years. Then all the dead will be raised (Rev 20:11) after the millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20:4-6). The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:19-26). The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies (Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2) will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord (Matthew 25:46; John 14:1-3).
Jesus Christ will finally deliver up the Messianic Kingdom to God the Father, in order that He, as the Eternal Son, may reign with the Father in the new heaven and the new earth eternally (1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 21:1).
The message of Christianity centers around a Person – Jesus Christ. 1 John 5:11-12 says, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Have you turned from your sin and received God’s Son as your Savior? Do you know the forgiveness of sin? Do you know God as your Father by becoming his son? John 1:12 says, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
Many have surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ, and they often sing, “Oh happy day that fixed my choice on Thee, my Savior and my God.” They remember the day they committed their lives to Jesus. They believed that the atoning work of Christ on Calvary could save them; they repented of their life of sin; they accepted Christian baptism as an outward sign of their inward change. They remember the joy that Fame into their hearts, and the peace that filled their souls. That was a happy day — and what God has done for others, he can do for you.
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