From the Desk of Valson Abraham

Only the one who senses true love can fathom the real meaning of a love letter.

When a woman receives a letter from a man and senses his unmistakable devotion, respect and self-sacrifice for her welfare, she can hardly wait for the next one. She wants more than to know him but to commit her life to him.

How much more so the person who recognizes in the Bible a personal love letter from God.

To accurately interpret any document, we must understand the context in which it was written and the purpose the writer intended. The Bible comes to us from the context of the holy love and grace of God, perfect in every respect. This God has sacrificed and lavished more on His beloved than is beyond human understanding or possibility. Human love on this earth has a beginning and an end. Divine love for each of us has no beginning and no end.

To read and interpret the Bible in this context is to discover the Bible’s underlying meaning. In this context, even so-called “dead” books of the Bible, such as Leviticus, take on new life.

Just as the beloved sees in a love letter something special written directly to her, so we ought to read and interpret the Bible as a special letter to us. Then the Bible becomes irresistible. We eagerly open its pages and expect it to daily give us our personal, creative and renewing word of God meant for us now.

We will find the Bible is like no other love letter. Human passion, however sincere, possesses no power to perfectly fulfill its promise. The Bible not only expresses passion, but power to change our lives and circumstances. We experience its power to heal, set free, transform, change evil into good, turn ashes into beauty, change the destiny of the universe.

Those outside a love relationship often regard a love letter as little more than “sweet nothings.” In a similar manner, those without God do not see the Bible as personally written to them or anybody else. For them, the Bible is a hodge-podge of ancient and irrelevant stories and religious gibberish.

Even Christians can turn this divine Love Letter into less than what the Author intended. Too often, Christians regard the Bible as an impersonal book of stories, rules and moral standards. Too often, we read the Bible without seeing its application to our personal and present moment. We let details confuse its message. Even right theology can miss the love that shines through each page. This was the sin of the church in Ephesus (see Revelation 2).

The gospel takes deep root only as God’s people daily experience the holy love, grace and righteousness of God found in the Bible. On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus told His disciples, “Abide in my love” (John 15:9). From this basic interpretation of the Bible comes everything else.

Millions of people in places like India await a genuine love letter from God. They can hardly fathom that such a letter exists because of sin and evil in their lives and circumstances.

Only as we, the professed recipients of God’s love, live out the spirit and power of God’s Love Letter in our own lives will they believe that letter is also for them. Let us not disappoint them.

In 2010, I was a delegate at the Lausanne Conference in Capetown, South Africa. That gathering of mission-minded Christians from around the world reflects the growing realization that the Great Commission requires global cooperation with other believers.

The Lausanne Conference is just one example of the growing influence of “globalization.” A conference speaker, Dr. Os Guinness, defined globalization as “a process by which human interconnectedness has reached global proportions.”

Globalization promises to revolutionize the human condition in a permanent and fundamental way as the invention of the wheel, printing press or automobile. Globalization is here to stay, and as Christians, we better come to terms with it.

This process of globalization is driven by revolutionary developments of information technology. Through IT, we can create, multiply, expand, intensify and accelerate more human activities with more people than ever before.

This growing phenomenon has implications for all of us, and especially for the spread of the gospel to the remaining peoples of the world who do not yet have the Good News.

As Dr. Guinness told us at the Lausanne Conference, “Globalization is the greatest challenge and opportunity for the church since the apostles.”

The big question: Are we really ready for the challenges that globalization brings?

From my own observation, I think I am safe in saying that we are not ready, on a lot of levels.

But I am also safe in saying that globalization has not caught God by surprise. He knew it was coming, even 2,000 years ago, when He gave His Great Commission to His disciples. He knew about globalization long before anyone thought about it.

From the beginning, Jesus knew that He was giving His disciples a task way too big for any of them to handle. They were simple men in a world too complex and big for them. They weren’t ready. They were unqualified for the job He assigned to them.

And yet look what God has done through those twelve unqualified men and those who came after them! How did these unqualified men do so well? Perhaps most importantly, they realized how unqualified they really were.

Scripture tells us that before they set out on their mission, they waited upon God in the Upper Room until the Holy Spirit came upon them. Only with the coming of the Holy Spirit did they begin the process of taking the gospel “to Jerusalem, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world.”

That simple strategy of the disciples must become our own. We must recognize our inadequacy for the task. We must recognize our slowness of heart, lack of faith, our tendency to let the standards of the world influence us. We must come to terms with the sins that so easily beset us. Indeed, the church is in dire need of a spiritual renewal such as never before.

Only with a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit will we make the challenges and opportunities of globalization count for Christ so that the gospel is preached to all peoples and touches people in every facet of their lives.

Are you waiting on God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, for yourself and for your church and nation?

In recent years, we have seen a growing interest in developing healthy and trim bodies, diets and lifestyles. To be frank, some of this is faddish, obsessive and self-centered, a futile attempt to frustrate the aging process and enjoy life before death claims us.

But a healthy lifestyle is essential if we do it for the right reasons. Indeed, seeking a healthy lifestyle is essential to living a godly life, preaching the gospel and winning the lost.

In simple words, the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:1-2 the essential ingredients of a healthy lifestyle:

“Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Pure and simple, a healthy lifestyle is treating our bodies as temples where God dwells and learning to think God’s thoughts after Him, so that our deeds proclaim God’s glory to others and that we might do what God planned for each of us before He created the world.

To be sure, none of us has mastered this very well. Too often, we are troubled with stress, high blood pressure, weight problems, overwork, poor diet, little sleep and exercise, obsessive and compulsive thoughts, addictive behaviors and distracted devotion times. Many heart attacks, strokes and other physical problems come simply because we don’t take care of ourselves. All of this keeps us from the full and creative life God intended.

Too often, we get into unhealthy patterns of living because we act as if our body is ours when it is really the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Many times, we live our lives with broken spirits and not with merry hearts. Too often, we live our lives for our own purposes rather than the Lord’s (Romans 14).

To live healthier lifestyles, we may first need to better learn how to trust the Lord with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5-6). We may have to learn to better listen to God and focus upon His will rather than our own. (Psalm 16:11). We may have to learn how to become teachable like little children throughout our lives (Psalm 32:8).

We may still have to better understand how interested God is in the smallest details of our lives (Matthew 10:30). We may still need to discover God’s promises and trust them 100% (Psalm 1:1-3). We may yet have to learn how to live eternal life as a present reality (2 Corinthians 5:17). We may yet have to learn how to love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

Even if we have been born with a “thorn in the flesh,” like the Apostle Paul, we can still learn these things and say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”

That is truly healthy living. God help us all to learn these things well and live our lives to His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.

How should Christians deal with human trafficking in ways that glorify God, advance His kingdom and help victims?

Human trafficking is growing in India and America. It is a form of human bondage and slavery.

In the Apostle Paul’s time, the Roman Empire was a slave society. In the city of Rome alone, hundreds of thousands of men, women and children were trafficked as slaves.

In 61 AD, a Roman slave killed his master, Lucius Pedanius Secundus, Prefect of Rome, in protest of his condition. He was immediately arrested. The law of the day required that for this crime of one person, all the master’s slaves be put to death. In this case, it meant death for 400 innocent people.

The population of Rome rioted in the streets over this injustice. The Senate debated the issue and decided that the only way to control slaves was by fear. The law was enforced, but a large military guard lined Rome’s streets to stop the chaos as 400 innocents were led to their deaths.

The Apostle Paul, in a Roman jail about that time, surely knew all this when he wrote his letter to Philemon, a Christian brother. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had stolen goods from him and run away. Philemon had every legal right to have Onesimus executed like those 400 slaves.

But the escaped slave, Onesimus, wound up with Paul and became a Christian. He was a new man in Christ. Now, he wanted to make restitution. Paul intervened on his behalf.

Paul knew that his words would set a precedent for future Christians. If he just condemned slavery, Roman masters without Christ would ignore him. Strong words may have incited powerless slaves to rebel and be killed for it as were the slaves of Lucius Pedanius Secundus.

Under inspiration by the Holy Spirit, he urged Philemon to regard Onesimus, no longer as a slave but as a fellow brother. He appealed to the transforming power of the gospel in both their lives. We can be sure that when Onesimus returned to Philemon, he did not return to bondage but as an equal in ministry with his former master. What an example of gospel transformation!

Paul knew that the most effective way to social change was through Christian example and changed hearts. Only increased preaching of the gospel would bring these to pass in the society
at large.

Paul knew and taught that in Christ, there is no slave or free. We are all one in Him. Christ is no respecter of class or caste. He does not regard one person as intrinsically better than anyone else. All castes and classes come within equal reach and power of the gospel.

Paul’s approach toward slavery in the Roman Empire models for us how we should handle human trafficking issues today. However well-meaning, legislation, admonitions and force will not change hearts of those who exploit others. Calls to rebel mean nothing to victims too powerless to succeed.

Rather, we must keep preaching the gospel to all. We must become better aware of the human trafficking in our midst. We must serve as examples, offering help to those who have suffered from trafficking or are in danger of suffering.

Already, thousands of Christians in India are helping the helpless in this way. This Christian witness touches more people than we know, gradually—and peacefully—laying the foundation for permanent social change.

In the past month, we have seen graduations at five of our training institutions in India. Our graduates will go out as evangelists and church planters to new and challenging places w

here the gospel has never gone before.

At India Bible College and Seminary, the graduates were enjoined to live their lives and conduct their ministries as “faithful men” who entrust the truths of the gospel “to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2).

The Apostle Paul’s picture of a faithful man is the good Christian soldier. A good soldier sacrifices himself for the cause. He takes risks and even lays down his life. He serves others. He opens himself to suffering and even death. He seeks the good of others at risk to himself. He experiences temptations to indulge in creature comforts, but puts these things aside to serve the long-term good of all.

A good Christian soldier follows the orders of his commander in chief. He has a team spirit. He has a deep passion for victory. He hurls himself into battle and conquers his fear. His heart does not fail him when the battle becomes fierce. The word “surrender” is not in his vocabulary. He does not compromise with a deadly enemy.

An effective soldier depends upon a wise and brilliant commander. When a soldier first enters the military, he is unfit and undisciplined for the task before him. A good commander understands this and will make sure he develops qualities needed for intense battle. A good commander plans the most effective strategy for decisive victory and will insure that those under his command will have all the resources they need to win.

A good commander knows how to win the loyalty of his soldiers. He gives his troops reason to risk their lives under his orders. He demonstrates that he understands their mission and the severe demands placed upon them. He knows how to communicate concern, encouragement and vision for the cause. He instills confidence in the final victory, though the war may seem long and even endless.

There is no better Commander than Jesus Christ. When He calls us, we can be sure we are on the winning side. Though we may not find ourselves qualified to be His soldiers, He patiently qualifies us for the task He has given us.

A human army may use up thousands of nameless lives, but as Charles Spurgeon has said, “Our glorious Leader never squanders the lives of His soldiers.” Our Commander notes every sacrifice made, every pain endured for the sake of the gospel.

The life of a soldier is hard, but the qualities of a soldier are necessary for all of us who profess commitment to our Commander-in-Chief, Jesus Christ.

Pray for the graduates from our training institutions who have just entered into the spiritual warfare for India. May God grant each of us, our families and churches the qualities of faithful Christian soldiers as we take the gospel into the world where He has placed us.

The gospel finds its place in men, women and children to the extent that the Holy Spirit enlivens and plants His written Word in their hearts. He does this in a number of ways. One of those ways is the prophetic word.

True prophecy is the Word of God coming through a human messenger. This is both its potential strength and weakness. Some people say that we should dispense with prophecy because of the potential for false prophecy. But this is like saying we should stop eating because of so many foods that prevent good health.
Even as we learn to distinguish nourishing foods from less nourishing foods, we can learn to discern true prophecy from false, so that prophecy will become an enormous blessing for all.

The truth is, we all need prophetic words. True prophecy sustains and nurtures us. True prophecy gives life, encouragement, warns us of danger, puts us on the right path, and dispels the lies of Satan. True prophecy takes us beyond our own thoughts, renews our minds and transforms our lives.

The prophetic word is prompted by the Spirit of God and is rooted in true revelation (1 Corinthians 14:30). It becomes fallible if the prophet has faulty perceptions and interpretations. But prophecy is one of those gifts that can improve with time and practice as the prophet grows in his walk with God Therefore, we should not despise prophecy, otherwise we stifle the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20).

What are the marks of a true prophetic word from God? How can we distinguish true prophecy from false?

First of all, true prophecy glorifies God and Jesus Christ as the Way, Truth and the Life. True prophecy never contradicts scripture. It draws us into closer relationship with the God of the Bible. It never rationalizes with sin. It encourages greater trust in God and His ways. It promotes unity and love in the body of Christ. It humbles us before God and before one another. It edifies, encourages and brings hope. All these things are present with true prophecy.

God wants to communicate with His children. What a miracle that He chooses to do so through flawed people! I have personally benefited from prophetic words, and I know from experience the blessing that true prophecy can be.

At the same time, I know of those who masquerade as prophets for the sake of personal gain. Such people can do great harm as they spread lies in the name of God for the sake of recognition and attention. Beware the so-called “prophet of God” who is popular with the masses!

The truth is, a true prophet will not often be loved by others because he loves God more than life itself. A true prophet does not seek popularity. His word will oppose the world, so the world will hate him. The only people who love the true prophet are those who hunger after God and His truth. When they hear the truth coming through God’s human messenger, they are set free.

We must fulfill the Great Commission by every means the Holy Spirit gives to us. True prophecy expands the body of Christ as it applies the written Word to life and ministry. The completion of the Great Commission depends upon its wise use among the people of God and those whose hearts He is preparing to receive His truth. May we seek this gift and use it wisely for His glory.

This Advent season, we thank God for becoming “God with us.” Think of Simeon, the old man to whom the Holy Spirit revealed the infant Jesus as the promised Messiah. Apparently many years earlier, the Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not see death until he first saw God’s Anointed One.

Image courtesy of Royce Bair http://www.tssphoto.com/

What trials and temptations did Simeon endure in the meantime? All we know is that he lived at a painful time in Jewish history. But he loved God, patiently waited upon Him through life’s tribulations, and experienced God’s faithfulness. All of Simeon’s troubles seemed to fade away when God rewarded his faithful perseverance with the privilege of holding the King of Kings in his own arms.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial,” James tells us, “for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).

Like Simeon, we all face trials and temptations. Often, these hardships tempt us to demand the things of God in our own way and time. It is human nature to want things now. But if we do not trust Him, we can do and say reckless things that we will later regret.

Blessed is the person who perseveres in spite of these trials and temptations. Blessed is the person who, like Simeon, makes God’s promise the rule of his life.

To be blessed is not only to be happy, but to enjoy a taste of eternal life now, even as Simeon did. This blessed person is not an ideal person, but a person of flesh and blood. James is talking about you and me.

If we hold out for the promises of God, we shall have them. Perseverance proves that we have real faith. “Hope deferred,” we are told, “makes the heart sick; but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” “Those who wait upon the Lord will never be ashamed.”

Whatever trial or temptation we face, our chief test is to trust God through it all. To trust God permits us to become trusted by God, to possess His matchless gifts in this life and the next. When we have passed the test—we receive the “crown of life.”

What is this “crown of life”? It is eternal living, fullness and fulfillment, order and peace, plentitude and joy. It is to know something of the Garden of Eden in a fallen world of disappointment and death.

It is made possible only by the God who came to live among us and die among us that we might have life. We can love such a God as this, who saves and rewards us through His grace.

Perseverance under trial or temptation brings increased wisdom that comes only with time. It begins with our crying out to God in our distress. Perseverance begins by admitting our weakness, admitting our trials are impossible without dependence upon Him. It is a broken and contrite spirit that brings God’s work in us.

This Christmas season, millions of people know nothing of the One who persevered on their behalf, experiencing the cross and the shame, but also experiencing resurrection and victory that they might know it as well. Pray and work that they may know Him and experience His faithful presence and power even as Simeon did long ago.

The grace of God is greater than the universe.

Planet Earth is not just a tiny dot in the universe. Increasingly, astronomers are concluding that the entire universe appears “designed” for the sake of human life on Earth.

As of 2006, scientists observed 824 fine-tuned features of the universe that make life possible for humans here on earth. If only one were missing, human life on earth would be impossible. That number of observed fine-tuned features is increasing every year.

At one point, scientists calculated that the odds of any single planet in the universe possessing all these necessary conditions to support human life is less than one in 1,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (10+173 zeroes).
Growing numbers of researchers—most of them not Christians—are mystified and amazed that the entire universe almost seems to have “known” that human beings were coming.

In short, 21st century scientists are discovering what the Bible told us more than three thousand years ago—God takes thought of us, He creates us a little lower than Himself and crowns us with glory and majesty to rule over the works of His hands (see Psalm 8). The whole universe cries out the obvious—that God has a special place for this tiny blue dot called “Planet Earth.”

God did not do this because he felt “lonely”. Before He created the universe, He was doing just fine without us. He did it completely out of His unfathomable love.

How have we humans responded to this display of His love? At best, we have treated Him in the same way that red ants treat us. We note Him only when He seems to “invade our space,” and then we lash out at Him as if He were our worst enemy. Or we try to pacify Him with the bare minimum in religious rituals. Even most church people do not have a true day-by-day relationship with God.

Yet this continuing indifference and hostility to God, millennium after millennium, has not deterred God from loving us, lavishing abundance upon us of every kind. He has even seen fit to enter this loveless world and give His life for the sake of loveless people who slander, underestimate and degrade Him at every turn. He knew that we would treat Him like this, but He created us and entered into our humanity to save us just the same.

God was under no obligation to create the universe or human beings in His image. We have failed so miserably to represent His image, that He has every right to wipe us all out with no comment or explanation.

But the Bible tells us that God still loves us. He still plans to prepare us deluded beings for a New Creation beyond earthly description. That plan began even before Jesus Christ stepped into this world to rescue us from our indifference and sin to make us a new and chosen generation.

God didn’t have to do any of this, but He did it anyway. This is what the Bible calls “grace”—grace greater than our sin, grace greater than the universe. We should be thankful beyond words that He has given us this chance we never earned or deserved—thankful enough to tell others about it.