Prayer Lessons from Gethsemane for the Google Generation Duke Jeyaraj

“Each day the 955 million active Facebook users spend 10.5 billion minutes (almost 20,000 years) online on the social network…” – so goes a piece of statistics released in September 2012. We have time to be on Facebook for hours on end. But do we make time to seek God’s face? We have time to touch our smart phones many a time during the day, no matter how crowded our schedule is. But do we take time to touch Jesus’ garment making our way Some people have a communistic viewpoint of prayer. Some amidst the crowd like the people have a cinematic viewpoint of prayer. But we need to bleeding woman (Luke 8:44)? have the Creator’s viewpoint of prayer. Every minute 100,000 tweets are being sent. But many of those from you. I am absolutely fine. A in the first innings. The tweets are sent by robbing from girl prayed here in this chapel just Australians had won 16 Test the minutes that could have been before I came in. I am talking Matches on trot under Steve otherwise spent ‘in the sweet hour about Simran. She’s really a nice Waugh’s leadership until that Test of prayer.’ girl. Whatever she asked you, and the 17th straight win looked please grant it to her. But I don’t very likely. The partnership The Google Generation would do need anything from you. I am Dravid built with VVS Laxman anything to get gorgeous. “Prayer doing good!” who made 281 in the same is the great beautician,” wrote innings brought India back, Leonard Ravenhill. “Moses did We should not have a sensationally, in that gripping communistic view of prayer. We not know that the skin of his face game. For a whole day, March 14, shone because he had been should not have a cinematic view 2001 to be precise, Dravid and talking with God,” the Scripture of prayer. Instead, we should have Laxman played without getting the Creator’s view of prayer. And says (Ex 34:29). out against the feared Aussie that view can be gleaned in Jesus’ attack that included Glen Some Google Genners have prayer in the Garden of McGrath and Shane Warne! When communistic viewpoint of prayer. Gethsemane. Dravid reached his century, he They believe prayer is like a punched the air and aggressively crutch which those who are lame When asked to name his best ever waved his bat towards the Media in their spirit use. Only the weak- innings after his retirement from Box perched atop the Eden willed folk pray, they claim. international cricket in 2012, Rahul Dravid, named the innings Gardens clubhouse which housed Some Google Genners have a in which he made 180 runs, show- journalists who had cast doubts cinematic viewpoint of prayer. I casing steely determination, the about his batting ability. Dravid read about a prayer that actor venue being the Eden Gardens, and Laxman ensured that India Shahrukh Khan prays in the Kolkota in a Test Match India did not have a wicket falling from movie, 1990s Hindi movie, versus Australia. India was asked 67th over of the second innings till DDLJ. The prayer goes this way: to follow-on after a poor 171-run the 171st over, adding 376 runs “Hi, God! I don’t need anything reply to Australia’s massive 445 together! They kept having mid-

www.TheDaysofYourYouth.com 3 from men to talk to God in prayer. We must rush to lonely places to pray like Jesus often did during his earthly ministry. Commenting on Luke 5:16 from where we come to understand this particular habit of Jesus, The ESV Study Bible, the best Study Bible presently available in my opinion, says, The Greek construction of Luke 5:16 indicates a continual practice and could also be translated (that Jesus) “was regularly withdrawing and praying.” If we put Luke 5:16 Dravid and Laxman put up a 376-run partnership apart from and Mark 1:35 together we get to batting an entire day without getting out against Australia in the glean out two phrases that Eden Gardens. Jesus prayed earnestly in yet another ‘garden’ …. describe to us WHEN and WHERE Jesus regularly prayed. G-GODLINESS pitch conferences to encourage Here they are - “lonely places” PROTECTING DISCIPLINE each other saying, “Another Over, (Lk 5:16) and “very early in the IS PRAYER. Prayer is a over! We can do it! We can bring morning, when it was still dark” discipline that brings in godliness. India back into this game!” (Mk 1:35)! Jesus wanted to spend When we pray, we receive power Eventually India won that super time with his Father before he to overcome temptation (Lk Test Match – a Test win that spent time with his fellowmen! would easily qualify to be one of 22:40). Prayerful Jesus overcame their finest ever Test wins! temptation that arrived in T-TREMBLING IS INVOLVED Gethsemane. That temptation was IN PRAYER. Jesus ‘knelt’ down Jesus, just like Dravid, entered yet to run away or stay when the and prayed (Luke 22:41). another garden - the Garden of arrest party came. Jesus stayed Kneeling is a posture that Gethsemane – with the odds because he had received power expresses reverence, respect, heavily stacked against him, that comes to overcome trembling of heart. The Bible determined, hoping to build temptation when one prays. It was commands us to do it: Oh come, another kind of partnership, the this power he talked about when let us worship and bow down; let partnership of prayer with three of he kept saying, “Watch and pray us kneel before the Lord, our his closest buddies (Mt 26:36-46: so that you can overcome Maker! (Psa 95:6). We must Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:40-46). temptation!” The disciples, tremble as we enter the presence however, did not stay because of God in prayer. This trembling What happened there? From this they were sleeping instead of is practically expressed when we event, we learn precious lessons praying. One disciple, so starved kneel and pray. Yes, we can even on the Christian discipline of of prayer, ran so fast out of fear, pray even while we are in the rest prayer. From this narrative, we that his underwear fell through room relieving ourselves. But pick up golden lessons on prayer (Mk 14:51)! there should be regular times for the Google Generation. From when we kneel before God in E-ESTRANGEMENT FROM this we can fish out a challenge to prayer with fear and trembling. seek God’s face, for the Facebook MEN OFTEN HAS TO Folk. Can I share them with you? HAPPEN FOR SERIOUS H-HEAVENLY FATHER PRAYER. Jesus left his disciples SHOULD BE ADDRESSED IN So, here is a summary of the (John 18:1) and went a stone PRAYER. Jesus began his prayer lessons on prayer from throw away from his closest by saying, “Father...” (Lk 22:42). GETHSEMANE PUT IN word disciples (Luke 22:41) to pray. We must pray to the Father in the ‘G-E-T-H-S-E-M-A-N-E’ itself. We may need to be estranged name of Jesus. Some people pray

www.G-4Mission.blogspot.com 4 to dead saints. The Bible never married to him/her. But you, with “earnest” (Luke 22:44). In other asks us to do that. Some people your limited knowledge, don’t. So words, he meant what he prayed. pray to the Lord Jesus directly. it’s always wise to pray, “Lord, if While you pray, be earnest, There is nothing wrong with this. it is your will, I want to marry so truthful and sincere. Don’t just go When he was about to stoned, and so!” through the motions. Don’t let Stephen prayed to Jesus (Acts your thoughts wander and just E-EMPOWERMENT FOR 7:59). But during our regular babble something which you PRAYER HAPPENS WHEN prayers, we need pray to the don’t mean. Jesus said, “And WE START TO PRAY Father in heaven, in the name of when you pray, do not heap up AMIDST CHALLENGING Jesus. This is the biblical pattern empty phrases as the Gentiles do, CIRCUMSTANCES. We do not for they think that they will be (See Jn 16:23,24). For example, even start to pray because we Jesus taught that we must ask the simply don’t have the motivation heard for their many words” Father for the Holy Spirit (Luke or empowerment. But the secret (Matthew 6:7 ESV). Jesus only 11:13). of prayer is praying in secret, underscored what His someone said. In other words, expectations of his Heavenly S-SUBMISSION TO THE Father as recorded by Prophet WILL OF GOD MUST BE start to pray, and power for remaining in prayer, will be Isaiah: “When you put on your EXPRESSED IN OUR next prayer- PRAYER. Prayer is performance, I’ll be not twisting God’s looking the other way. arm to making Him No matter how long or agree to all our whims loud or often you pray, and fancies. Prayer is, I’ll not be listening. rather, a spiritual And do you know preparation for why? Because you’ve submission to the will been tearing people to of God. Jesus pieces, and your hands submitted himself to are bloody. Go home the will of the Father and wash up. Clean up in his Gethsemane your act” (Isa 1:15-16 prayer (Luke 22:42). MSG). Repentance A leading healing from sin should evangelist once said, Jesus prayed, not according to his will, but precede requests made “Never go to God according to the will of the Father. Do you to God – that is the saying, If it is your stubbornly want your will, and not God’s Will, in message here. will.... Don’t let faith- your life in matters such as choosing your wife?! destroying statements A-AGONY IS punctuate your prayers.” This OFTEN A GUARANTEED evangelist was teaching supplied. Just do it! When Jesus RESULT WHEN WE PRAY. It something against the Bible when prayed in Gethsemane, angels is often said, that the Devil does he said this. Even Jesus, who from heaven appeared to him and not mind us doing anything - knew the mind of the Father strengthened him (Luke 22:42). preaching God’s Word, writing perfectly submitted to the will of To receive power to pray, claim articles about prayer like what I the Father by praying “not as I the promise found in Zechariah am doing right now, helping the will, but your will be done.” Since 12:10 - “And I will pour out on poor, etc. But he does mind when we do not know all, it is always the house of David and the we earnestly pray. When we inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit wise to submit to God’s will. For earnestly pray we come into of grace and pleas for mercy....” example, you may be praying that conflict with him and his powers you get married to a particular M-MEAN WHAT YOU PRAY for the Bible says, “For we do not person. God knows how that WHEN YOU PRAY. Jesus wrestle against flesh and blood, person will treat you after you get prayed in Gethsemane with but against the rulers, against the

www.PurposeSpot.blogspot.com 5 authorities, against the cosmic together powers over this present without darkness, against the spiritual batting an forces of evil in the heavenly eyelid. Or places” (Eph 6:12). And when we watch an pray, and pray with earnestness inconsequential like Jesus did in Gethsemane, IPL cricket Satan brings agony to us. He may game with our not refrain from causing physical eyes glued to discomfort to us. He did that to the television! Jesus. Jesus sweated what was Or be on great drops of blood during his Facebook prayer time in Gethsemane (Lk non-stop 22:44). Prayer can land you in without a dip Apart from being a keen quizzer who won trouble. But if you don’t pray - in enthusiasm. prizes in Ida Scudder School, Vellore, when I you are in greater trouble! But during was a student there, I was part of a prayer prayer, even if meeting in campus, regularly. N-NUDGE THOSE WHO that prayer- DON’T PRAY TO PRAY. G-GODLINESS BRING IN time was just 3 minutes old, our DISCIPLINE IS PRAYER When Jesus found his disciples eyes-lids tend to become heavy. sleeping, he nudged them, he This has happened to yours truly. E-ESTRANGEMENT FROM charged them, he pleaded with Oh, when will we learn to MEN OFTEN HAS TO HAPPEN them, to pray (Lk 22:45,46). In persevere in the prayer habit? To the space of 6 verses, he tells stick stubbornly to our T-TREMBLING IS INVOLVED them twice, “Watch and pray so supplication schedule? At this IN PRAYER that you will not fall into point, I want to bring to your temptation” (Lk 22:40,46). It is H-EAVENLY FATHER SHOULD attention that Jesus endured in the BE ADDRESSED IN PRAYER not enough that you alone pray. discipline of prayer in the Garden You must encourage others to of Gethsemane. The Bible says S-SUBMISSION TO THE WILL pray. Start a prayer cell in your after Jesus charged his sleeping OF GOD MUST BE school. We had one in Ida disciples to pray, he “once more EXPRESSED IN OUR PRAYER Scudder School, the School in went away and prayed the same E-EMPOWERMENT FOR Vellore where I went to (1983- thing” (Luke 22:44). What an PRAYER HAPPENS WHEN WE 92). Start a prayer cell in your example Christ has provided for START TO PRAY AMIDST office. I did. When working in us to endure in the discipline of CHALLENGING HSBC in Hyderabad (2007-08), I prayer! Because the end of all CIRCUMSTANCES ran a prayer cell right in the office things is coming soon, we must building during the break times. not put an end to our prayers! M-MEAN WHAT YOU PRAY E-ENDURE IN THE HOLY Hear Peter in this regard: WHEN YOU PRAY HABIT OF PRAYER. ‘Everything will soon come to an A-AGONY IS OFTEN People get heart attacks. We can end. So be serious and be sensible GUARANTEED WHEN WE also get ‘prayer’ attacks. We may enough to pray’ (I Pet 4:7, CEV). PRAY read a hard-hitting article on So, here is the summary of the prayer and decide instantly to lessons on prayer from N-NUDGE THOSE WHO increase our daily prayer time. We GETHSEMANE put in the word DON’T PRAY TO PRAY start off well. Slowly, the G-E-T-H-S-E-M-A-N-E itself, enthusiasm for prayer fizzles out. E-ENDURE IN THE HOLY once again as we seek to recap HABIT OF PRAYER The discipline of prayer gets the golden lessons we have derailed by other unimportant gleaned from Gethsemane about Let’s pray the Gethsemane way activities pretty soon. We could prayer: from today! talk with friends for hours www.Youtube.com/visitduke 6 Thuppakki Triple Truth

Apostle Paul used a secular poet’s lines in his Athens’ Gospel presentation (Read that in Acts 17:28). I am about to apply this, particular strategy of Paul in this article. The following are the Tamil lyrics of a song that’s become a huge hit with the youth of today from the Tamil-Telugu-Malayalam movie, Thuppakki starring Vijay-Kajal: Google Google Panniparthaen Ulagathula Iva Pola Inga Innoruthi From the movie, Thuppakki, as the starting point, Duke brings Poranthathilla three terrific spiritual lessons for us. Yahoo Yahoo Panniparthum totally sin-free. Even Jesus’ you say, Jesus is? The answer is Ivalapola miracles were unique. While other yours. You need to make up your in general worked miracles for mind about Jesus, my buddy. He Entha Grahathillum Inoruthi selfish reasons, Jesus refused to is either the biggest liar who ever Kedaikavilla do so. To cite a case-point: He did lived or the only Lord who is The meaning: I have googled. I not turn stone to bread so that he worth following and surrendering have yahooed. I haven’t yet found could eat it post a 40-day fast your entire life to. I couldn’t call a person like the one I love in the while alone in a desert but did the him a liar. He is Lord, for me. The whole wide wide world. very same thing to feed 5000 plus only Lord, by the way. So I live people. Jesus fulfilled about 110 for him. What would you do? So, Yes, you could say that in a poem major prophecies in his life. No the first truth we learn branching to the person you love. But the one else has fulfilled so many off from a piece in the movie, real question is who is the most prophecies in their life time. Jesus Thuppakki, concerns the unique person ever born? Though rose from the dead and goes on PERSON OF CHIRST. each one of us is unique in a way, living today. No one else has the most absolutely unique person achieved this feat. Many hardened While sifting through a review of ever born, I believe, is Jesus skeptics have believed in the the movie, Thuppakki, I got this Christ. He was born to a virgin. resurrection of Jesus after having piece of information: Army No one else in whole wide world done research for hours on end. Captian and Defense Intelligence was. He lived a sinless life. No Jesus made claims which no one Agent Jagdish (played by Tamil one else has done this, friend. He else has made. He effectively Actor Vijay) goes all out to wipe was absolutely pure and said, ‘If you don’t believe I am out a dreaded Sleeper Cell Terror amazingly powerful - an out-of- who I claimed to be (only God in Group Leader. His logic is that, the-world combo. That is, Jesus flesh and blood) you are at the once this is done, the sleeper lived a sin-free life and worked dead end of your lives!’ (John terror cells, no matter how many miracles. There are some in our 8:24, The Message translation they are and how spread out they planet who claim to work with my emphasis). He claimed to are, would simply wait and wait miracles (and they really may be the way, the truth, the life for an order from their Group have done so), but they are not (John 14:6, The Bible). Who do Leader (whose identity they might

www.FreshBibleStudy.WordPress.com 7 not even know, sometimes). And family while coming to when the order they expect does such a dramatic decision. not come, these cells would die a To this , Jagdish pre-mature death. The sleeper memorably replies in an terror cells in this particular emotion-charged voice, movie were waiting for an order “Who doesn’t have a from their leader. However, as family? During the Taj believers of the Lord Jesus Christ terrorist attack in Mumbai, we already have received an order Hemant Karkere and Vijay from Him to go and evangelize Salaskar bid bye to their every ‘creature’ on this earth families before they started (Mark 16:15-16, KJV). We are out in their operation to not waiting for this “evangelize counter the terrorists of 26/ everyone” order. The order has 11/2008. In twenty minutes already come. Apostle Peter also their dead bodies were explains that each one of us have brought back. They an order, a command to preach definitely had families to the Gospel. Hear him: “And he care for – didn’t they? An commanded us to preach to the army man like me will not people and to testify that he is the get a better opportunity one appointed by God to be judge than this. The terrorists, of the living and the dead” (Acts who are out to destroy 10:42 ESV). Have you obeyed thousands of lives, are most Come-what-may level of this order? Have you taken this ready to die while doing Commitment to serve Christ – do command seriously? Do you this! When this is so, how we have it? The hero of Thuppakki earnestly try to share the Gospel much more those of us who seems to have it for a lower cause! of the Lord Jesus with those who want to save people from do not know about Him? So, the these guys must also be second lesson one learns from ready to give up our lives!” branching off from a piece in the movie, Thuppakki, concerns the Army Captain Jagdish showed his bleeding by the enemies of the COMMISSION OF CHRIST. willingness to die in order to save Gospel! So, the writer to the people from the terrorists. If he Hebrews says here that they must While reading a yet another was willing to do that, how much be even willing to shed their review on this movie – Thuppakki higher a reason we who follow blood and resist sin – the sin of – I bumped into something Christ have, to die a martyr’s going away from Jesus and interesting. Here are some death, exhibit a ‘come-what-may’ getting back to their old religion. excerpts: “The villain now wants commitment to live holy and to They needed to get back to the to end the game. So he starts a build God’s Kingdom. God’s good old days when they ‘joyfully new and horrible game. He plans complaint against us comes to us accepted the plundering of their to kill thousands of people and from Hebrew 12:4, which goes property’ (Heb 10:34). Would you blame it on Defense Intelligence this way: “In your struggle against come to Jesus and surrender your Agent (DIA) Captain Jagdish sin you have not yet resisted to life to him with a ‘come-what- (played by actor Vijay). He also the point of shedding your may’ level of commitment to has another plan to send sleeper blood!” The believers referred to please Him in all what you do? cell terrorists into the Indian army. by the writer to the Hebrews, So, the third nugget we learn Jagdish is ready for the game. He shrunk away from their while branching off from a piece is even ready to turn into a human commitment to Christ on the face in the movie, Thuppakki, bomb to thwart the villain’s plan. of persecution! They said, ‘bye’ to concerns the call for a COME- His inspector friend rebukes him their commitment to Christ when WHAT-MAY COSTLY asking if he thought about his they got bashed to the point of COMMITMENT TO CHIRST!

www.Facebook.com/GoogleDuke 8 Can a Saved Person, ever be Lost in Hell? Duke Jeyaraj answers this question directly from the Bible starting with a Lance Armstrong anecdote

INTRODUCTION: careful unpacking, so A news report about American that believers can cyclist and cancer-survivor, Lance come to an agreement Armstrong set me thinking: over it - an agreement “Disgraced cyclist Lance based on truth. In this Armstrong, who has already had article (which I first his record seven Tour de France wrote while I was still victories wiped from the record in Bible college books, could now be stripped of the during the years, Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest 1998-2001), I attempt honour. Armstrong was awarded to face the above the title Chevalier de la Legion eternal-destiny d’Honneur in 2005 in recognition affecting question of his seventh Tour win, but moves squarely and come up Cycling administrators stripped Lance are now afoot to have the honour with my conclusion. rescinded, according to a Armstrong from most of his cycling titles spokesman for the order. In THE DOCTRINE because he admitted to deliberate cheating. January, Armstrong, 41, admitted to OF ‘ETERNAL Will God strip believers of their salvation Oprah Winfrey that he used SECURITY’ - THE for similar behavior? performance-enhancing drugs VARIOUS VIEWS state of salvation and be finally and during his record seven Tour de STATED eternally saved.” France championships from 1999- Let’s put the doctrine we are 2005. He was stripped of all seven debating about in ‘black and Theologians like Howard Marshall, Tour titles last year after a white’ in the words of Dr.Robert however, warn that believers can devastating report by the US Anti- Raymond, a leading Reformed backslide from the faith and Doping Agency (USADA), which Theologian: consequently be damned if they accused the cyclist of taking part in “Every true child of God, that is, don’t persevere in their faith. Now one of the biggest cheating every person whom the father the stage is set for thorough check operations in sports history.” chose in Christ before the to see which position is biblical and (thestar.com.my, 2 March 2013 foundation of the world and for correct. post). If a sports person could loose whom Christ died, whom the THE DOCTRINE’S the titles he won, because he was a Father effectively called by his willfully committing fraud to win HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT word and Spirit unto repentance Augustine was among the first to those titles, then are we correct in toward God and Faith in Jesus affirming that we will lose our reach the doctrine of unconditional Christ, and whom he salvation if we willfully live in sin? salvation. Calvin believed all saints consequently justified and could eventually persevere and ‘Can a saved person ever be lost?’- adopted unto his family, and who their free will had no part to play. this all-important head-splitting is consequently justified and Arminius, a Dutch Pastor, question has boggled and divided adopted unto his family, and who challenged Methodist Church Christians world-wide down is consequently growing in grace, founder John Wesley saying that through the centuries. Differences will never come into saints had no right to be certain of over peripheral and circumferential condemnation. That person can their salvation. Arminius strongly doctrines can be over looked. But never be finally lost and is believed that a saved person could as this question involves a doctrine eternally secure. By virtue of go to hell if he chose to rebel at the heart of the Christian faith - God’s preserving grace he or she against God. John Wesley put it this salvation – this question needs will certainly persevere in the way, in-effect: “God does give

www.Twitter.com/DukeJeyaraj 9 sufficient grace to persevere, but it David Pawson have arisen to warn (2) Salvation was conditional in is up to us to whether or not we believers about the real danger Abrahamic Covenant receive this grace.” At any time, we falling away from the faith – if they can choose against God and be lost, would chose to do so. In defense of The “as for you” of Abraham in he warned. their opinion, they give three lines Genesis 17:9 balances the “as for of evidence – along logic, along me” of God in Genesis 17:4. His India’s President Pranab Mukherjee philosophy and along Scripture. Let faith must be accompanied by is setting a record of sorts by us take them up one by one. “obedience that comes from faith” sending a record number of (Rom 1:5). convicts to the gallows, like no SCRIPTURE EVIDENCE Indian President has. The rate at AGAINST ETERNAL (3) Salvation was conditional in which he is sending convicts to the SECURITY the Sinaitic Covenant gallows is akin to the rate Virender Before God signs off the Sinaitic Sehwag scores runs or the speed (A) OLD TESTAMENT TEACHING covenant, it is punctuated by with which Usian Bolt sprints! He eternal ‘if’ clauses. In fact, the list rejected the mercy petition of of curses for covenant disobedience Ajmal Kasab, the lone is usually much longer than that survivor of the team of 10 of blessings for obedience (as in that attacked India on 26/11/ Vs 3-13 in Leviticus 26). 2008, to have him hanged. He quashed the mercy plea (4) The IF Condition in the of Afzal Guru accused of Davidic Covenant playing a role in the 2001 The ‘If’ clause here can’t be Parliament Terror attack, to missed. The Lord’s words to have him hanged, shortly David about Solomon confirm later. The Times of India this: ‘Your son Solomon will reported that ‘President build my temple and its Pranab Mukherjee has courtyards, for I have chosen cleared the road to the him…And if he continues to gallows for four associates of obey my commands and slain forest brigand regulations as he does now, I Veerappan by rejecting their will make his kingdom last mercy petitions’ (on 13 Feb., Pranab by his actions is promoting forever’(1 Chro 28:6,7 NLT). 2013). Pranab, by his actions this principle: no mercy will be is promoting this principle: shown for those who commit callous (5) The IF condition in the no mercy will be shown for crimes! In the same way there are Prophetical Writings those who commit callous some Bible Scholars... crimes! In the same way, The ‘If ‘clause here is crystal clear. Isaiah stressed this “if” factor there are some Bible Scholars who (1) Salvation was conditional in his message to Israel: ‘If you will have arisen over the years to from beginning promote this teaching: no heaven only obey me and let me help you, for believers who deliberately live To the dejected Cain, who offered then you will have plenty to eat. in sin! his second-best to him, God said, But if you keep turning away and ‘it will be accepted if you respond refuse to listen, you will be Some of the twentieth century’s the right way. But if you refuse to destroyed by your enemies. I, the outstanding Bible teachers and respond correctly, then watch Lord, have spoken’ (Isa 1:19, 20 scholars like Martyn Lloyd-Jones, out!’(Gen 4:7, NLT). Cain bunked NLT). Prophet Azariah’s words to Carl Henry and James Packer were the condition and was rejected. The king Asa is perhaps most famous hardened believers in the New Testament writers warn us “if” statement in the Bible - 2 perseverance of saints – the about his way. It is a way to cheat Chronicles 7:14. Jeremiah famous doctrine of ‘eternal security’ that is. ourselves because it rejects God’s ‘temple sermon’ has this again: “If But in the last 40 years, a new crop pre-condition for salvation. Cain you stop exploiting foreign orphans of theologians like Clark refused ‘if condition’ and he left and widows; and if you stop your H.Pinnock, Howard Marshall, and the presence (Gen 4:16). murdering, and if you stop

www.GoogleGeneration.in 10 worshiping idols as you now do to (B) NEW your harm. Then I will let you stay TESTAMENT in the Land I gave to your ancestors TEACHING to keep forever” (Jer 7:6,7). Three types of Prophet Ezekiel preached the same: Scripture passages can ‘But if wicked people turn from be used to bust the their wickedness and do what is doctrine ‘Eternal just and right they will live’. In the Security’. last book of the Old Testament this ‘if’ message appears again: ‘if you (1) Exhortations to do not listen, and if you do not set continue in the faith – British Nobel laureate Rudiyard your heart to honour my name.’ an exploration Kipling wrote a much-talked-about says the Lord Almighty, I will send poem, If, in the days of old. The OT a curse upon you, and I will curse The following uses several ‘if’ clauses to question Scriptures will seem your blessings!’(Mal 2:2). the popular doctrine ludicrous if there was British Nobel laureate Rudiyard no possibility of a Kipling wrote these famous lines in believer falling away: ‘But all of devoured it. I taught the precious his poem, If, in the days of old (in you who endure to the end shall be Bible lessons I learnt from that 1895): “If you can dream - and not saved’ (Math.10:22). ‘If you book to small groups of interested make dreams your master; If you continue in my word, you are truly fellow students in hostel rooms. can think - and not make thoughts my disciples’ (John 8:31, RSV); This was how God trained me to your aim; If you can meet with “When you’re joined with me and I lead Bible Studies. By now, it has Triumph and Disaster; And treat with you, the relation intimate and been my privilege to lead Bible those two impostors just the organic, the harvest is sure to be Book summaries of 54 Bible same… If you can talk with crowds abundant. Separated you can’t books. He says in-effect, “Although and keep your virtue; Or walk with produce a thing. Anyone who God’s grace is unconditional in the Kings - nor lose the common separates from me is dead wood, Bible, and there is nothing there in touch…. Yours is the Earth and gathered up and thrown on bonfire” the Bible for us to believe in everything that’s in it; And - which (John 15:5,6); “Keep your eyes unconditional perseverance of is more - you’ll be a Man, my son!” open for spiritual danger, stand true saved people still living in sin.” We would be wise to grasp that we to the Lord”(1 Cor. 16:13); “For we Starting from 1 Corinthians 10:12 – can indeed lose our salvation if we share in Christ, if only we hold our ‘So if you think you are standing not careful from the ‘if’ statements first confidence firm to the firm, be careful that you don’t fall!’ in the Old Testament which the end”(Heb. 3:14); “Don’t quit, even – He lists the conditions for above paragraphs have talked if it costs your life. Stay there perseverance, arranging a gamete about. believing. I have life-crown sized of Scripture verses under each and ready for you”(Rev 2:10); condition. They are our abiding Let’s invite Guy Duty to seal this “Keep tight grip on what you have, (1 John 2:24-25; Heb. 2:1,3; Jn. argument from Old Testament for so one distracts you and steal your 15:3-4,6,7), our continuing (Col. us: crown” (Rev 3:11). 1:21-23; Rom. 11:11,22; 1 Tim. 4:16), our enduring (2 Tim. 2:10- “There are 63 ‘if’ texts in the Old I would like to quote renowned 12; Heb. 10:34-39; Mt. 24:12,13), Testament to prove the Jewish Charismatic Systematic our firmness (Heb. 3:1-6, 2 Peter Theologian, J. Rodman Williams Covenant are conditional. From 1:10-11,5-7; 2:1,20,21) and our (1918-2008) at this point. I picked God’s ‘if’ to Cain, to Malachi ‘if’ faithfulness (Rev. 2:10, 2:4-5; Heb. up my first theology book much to his priests, the unified testimony 3:1-6; Heb. 6:4-8). of Scripture gives full approval to before I landed up in a Bible our doctrine of conditional College. When I was a student in Knowing such emphasis will attract salvation.” Allahabad Agricultural Institute an accusation “This is not salvation (1993-97), my dad gifted me a by good works,” he brilliantly Let us now turn our attention to partly damaged copy of first book quotes Peter. “We are guarded New Testament: of Rodman Williams’ three-book through faith for a salvation ready systematic theology book series. I to be revealed in the last time”, he

www.TheDaysofYourYouth.com 11 teaches quoting Peter (1 Peter 1:5). 10:19-39; be careful, lest you fall We are saved by faith. And we short, 12:1-17. guard our faith by faith. Yes, we are saved by faith and not works. But if Steve Jobs, the late Apple CEO that faith is alone and is not said, “Apple has some tremendous expressed through works, that faith assets, but I believe without some is not real, saving faith (the attention, the company could, message of the book of James is could, could — I’m searching for this very thing). the right word — could, could die.” When one reads the above The second set of Scripture paragraph we would agree that the passages which question Scripture clearly teaches, “A unconditional perseverance of believer is given the tremendous saints are found below: gift of Salvation when he repents and trusts Christ, but without (2) Warnings against apostasy/ actively remaining in Christ, the backsliding believer could die in sin to go to 2 Peter 3:17 says, “Therefore, dear hell and burn there forever and I shared truths that I learnt from friends, since you already know forever!” this theology book by J. Rodman Williams with small groups of this, be on your guard so that you The third collection of Scriptures may not be carried away by the fellow college students in the AAI that shake the foundations of the where I did my B.Tech (Ag.Engg.). error of lawless men and fall your ‘once saved, always saved doctrine’- secure position.” Peter couldn’t have stated this better. 2 Peter 3:18, (3) Cases of actual apostasy/ in fact, expresses the same backsliding they had their faces set on the warnings in the positive terms: commandments – they were ‘grow in the grace and knowledge In the parable of the Sower, Jesus believers – once upon a time! But of our Lord and Saviour Jesus spoke of those ‘who believe for a they became apostate. Finally, Christ.’ If there was no real while, but in the time of testing Revelation 22:19 shows that some possibility of a believer they fall away’ (Luke 8:13). Jesus can have their names removed from permanently backsliding, that one clearly predicted, ‘At that time the book of life. Another example has to admit Spirit-inspired writers many will turn away from the faith. of actual apostasy could be Ananias of Scripture were joking here or I The love of most will grow cold’ and Sapphira. F.F.Bruce writes, dare say, lying (trying to deceive)! (Math. 24:10, 12). Obviously it “We cannot be sure that they were In a discussion like this, we cannot would be stupid of Jesus to talk of not believers, unless we are leave out the famous passage in them ‘turning away from faith’ if prepared to say that no one who is Hebrews 6:4-8. Commenting on they weren’t in the faith – they guilty of a deliberate deceit can be this key text, Grant R. Osborne were genuine believers – in the first a true Christian. The thrust of the says, ‘In conclusion we must say place – something Calvinists Simon Magus narrative in Acts there is no more powerful or always rush to deny. 1 Timothy leads us to conclude that there was detailed description of the true 1:19 is blunt: some have a possibility of serious sin by the Christian in the New Testament, yet shipwrecked their faith! Demas – a members of the church which could one has to be stone-blinded not to fellow-preacher in Paul’s ministry lead to their exclusion from eternal note that they were in the real peril team – deserted Paul and perhaps life, but at the same time there was of falling away.’ Grant Osborne even the Christian faith for ‘he a possibility of their repentance and summarizes brilliantly the danger loved the world’ (2 Tim. 4:10). restoration. In the Bible, the root of apostasy so persuasively and Peter described some teachers in word for faith and faithfulness is passionately presented in the book the church who had known the way the same. One can’t have one of Hebrews this way: pay attention, of righteousness yet turned their without the other.” lest you drift away, 2:1-4; do not backs on the sacred commandment harden your heart, lest you fail, 3:1- that was passed on to them (2 Peter Prophets of eternal security will 19; fear not, lest you fall short, 4:1- 2:20-22). If they had turned their rush to quote their favourite proof 13; press on, lest you fall away, backs of the sacred commandments texts in response to the above. 5:11-6:12; hold fast, lest you die, then without a shadow of doubt Those texts deserves a second look.

www.G-4Mission.blogspot.com 12 THE ‘WHAT ABOUT……?’ video lecture summarizing PASSAGES: EXEGETICAL the message of the book of NOTES ON TEXTS USED BY Hebrews (in his ‘Unlocking THE ‘ONCE SAVED - ALWAYS the Bible’ series), that “these SAVED’ GROUP people (the Old-Testament believers of Hebrews 11) Calvanists (the ‘once saved, always was still living by faith when saved’ group) quote Jesus prayer they died” (Heb 11:13). This that the Father would keep the clearly shows that faith disciples (John 17:11, 15, 24), even should be a present as He had kept them as proof of possession for a believer to eternal security of believers. But make the eternal security the very fact, Jesus is praying for promises work for him. them is proof that Jesus understood the real danger of them being lost Greg Chappell, India’s for otherwise they would not need former coach, wrote the to be guarded. According to following lines about Howard Mars, John 17 should not Virender Sehwag, “Despite be seen in isolation from John my frustrations with him 15:16 and John 16 which warn the during my tenure as Indian disciples about ‘falling away.’ John coach, I could not help but 10:28,29 and John 5:24 is another love him. He is, after all, a favourite ‘proof text’ for the ‘once loveable rogue. And he can A Steve Jobs quote can be used as a saved, always saved’ doctrine bat better than most. launch-pad to teach the importance believers. But this should not be of remaining rooted in Christ, without divorced from John 10:2 which In fact, he is the most gifted which we will lose our salvation and records Jesus’ words thus: “My ball striker that I have go to eternal damnation. sheep hear my voice; I know them seen…..To say that Viru was one of the great frustrations and they follow me.” It is to be the same old profligate way; until of my time with the team is an noted that all the verbs in this verse his form evaporated again… He understatement. Sadly, he continues – especially the verb ‘hear’ – is in wants the prize, but has been to disappoint and is in danger of present indicative sense in Greek unwilling to pay the price” (The squandering his God-given talent. original. Robert Shank notes, “The Hindu, Sept. 27, 2012). What The person who is least likely to be honest characteristic of the Greek Chappell wrote about Sehwag here, fazed by all of this is Virender present indicative is that it denotes I believe, is someway applicable to himself. What I soon learned about the action is in progress.” There the what the Bible teaches to believers him was that Viru did not want to incredible promise – “I give them who don’t take efforts with God’s dedicate himself to taking his talent eternal life, and they will never help to guard their God-given free to its zenith. He was happy to turn perish; no one will snatch them gift of salvation. Believers are in up and play and accept what came away from me” – is only of whom the real danger of squandering their his way. No amount of cajoling Jesus can say, “My sheep keep God-given gift of salvation by from me could shift him from his listening to my voice, and they refusing stubbornly to remain in insouciant way. This often happens keep following me!” Wuest’s Christ while at the same time being to those with the greatest gift. translation of John 5:24, where-in lazy and lethargic in their battle Because he had never had to work he correctly retains the present against sin. tense (‘having eternal life’) argues hard at developing such a skill, powerfully against using it as a text Viru did not know how to dedicate There are those who point to Bible for a eternal security: “Most himself to disciplined training. It passages where it says the Holy assuredly, I am saying to you He was only during periods of relative Spirit has ‘sealed’ us ‘eternally’ for who habitually hears my word and poor form that he was prepared to redemption to argue for eternal is believing the one whom he has spend time getting things back on security of one’s salvation. In sent me, has life eternal …..” David track. As soon as he made some response, I would like to quote a Pawson brilliantly flows along this runs he slipped back into old habits Bible Teacher who wrote the thought line when he showed in his and appeared content to practise in following on gospelway.com: Some

www.PurposeSpot.blogspot.com 13 people mistakenly use such passages to claim that, since we have the Holy Spirit as a “guarantee,” we cannot lose salvation - “once saved always saved.” However, the “earnest” shows good intention on God’s part; but that in no way guarantees the faithfulness of the humans in keeping our part of the agreement. It is not uncommon, in human transactions, for a party to back out of a purchase or violate a contract after earnest money has been paid. The point here is that God will not back out, if we keep our part of the agreement. But if we humans do not keep our part of the covenant, God is surely not required to provide us eternal life. He can and will then withdraw His What Chappell wrote about Sehwag here, I believe, is earnest, and we lose our reward. someway applicable to what the Bible teaches to believers who don’t take efforts with God’s help to guard their God- That was correctly put. Even David given free gift of salvation. acknowledged that the Holy Spirit could take the liberty of leaving PHILOSOPHICAL ARGUMENT him when he was living in open ‘Make sure that you are really AGAINST ETERNAL rebellion against God. That’s why converted, beware lest what you SECURITY he prayed this prayer post his think is an experience of salvation by faith is really nothing of the repentance from the Bathsheba The doctrine of eternal security kind.’ But the sorts of warnings are affair: “Do not take your Holy teaches that God over-rides human not there in Scripture. Put Spirit from me!” (Psa 51:11). free will of the believer to secure otherwise, the positive command is him forever. This creates serious THEOLOGICAL ARGUMENTS not to begin to be a genuine philosophical problems for the AGAINST ETERNAL believer but to continue and Christians who believe in an SECURITY persevere in the faith which one absolutely good God. If God has to already has. When shown outrageously clear by-pass human free will to secure proofs in Scripture that once saved Calvinists allege that Armenians salvation for believers, he becomes people were lost, Calvinists like J. who emphasize human faith in guilty of the greatest sin! Apologist Stanley Grenz of Regent College one’s salvation destroys its purely Norman Giesler argues along these conveniently hide behind gracious character. This is simply lines: Love is the greatest good for arguments articulated thus: “Those not the truth. The Bible tells us in all free creatures, but love is who forsake the faith may someday no uncertain terms faith is no work impossible without freedom. So return to faith, because the at all (Rom. 4:16). It is simply the only if freedom were destroyed, indwelling Spirit will complete the surrender of the will to God, the overridden, God can provide saving mission. Or they may never eternal security for believers. That repent of their apostasy, revealing stretching out of an empty hand to would be evil itself because it thereby that they were genuinely receive the gift of grace, argues would deprive free man of his converted.” Clark Pinnock. In an act of faith, we pour scorn at our self- greatest good – freedom. Hence, if Howard Marshall takes on this righteousness. Faith, as a means of God bypasses human free will to view with tact. He says that if the salvation and security doesn’t secure believers eternally, he would Calvinists theory were true, the encourage conceit and self-esteem be committing a sin. And that is a warnings in the Bible would it actually excludes it. philosophical impossibility! necessary take such forums as:

www.Youtube.com/visitduke 14 Let me illustrate the above Testament between paragraph in a practical way. Those our responsibility to who teach that there is ‘eternal’ keep ourselves in security for believers invariably God’s love (Jude 21) imply that God has made us all and his ability to keep mere robots sans a free will. But us from falling (Jude the Bible consistently teaches us 24). We can be that God has indeed given us a free cocksure about the will. In the Old Testament, we read faith that God will not Joshua’s classic words: “But if you and cannot fail to do refuse to serve the LORD, what he has promised. then choose today whom you will The ball is in our serve” (Josh. 24:15). In the New court. We will do well Testament, we read Jesus’ shocking if this understanding words to his chosen disciples: “Do drives us to say with you also want to leave?” (John the great apostle Paul, 6:67). Both these verses are among ‘I don’t know about the many in the Bible that teach we you, but I’m running have a free will. If we believed in hard for the finish the eternal security doctrine and line. I’m giving it The fact that God has given us a free will that God secures our free will to everything I’ve got. implies that the teaching that God secures our serve him permanently, we, in- I’m not going to get will so that we will have ‘eternal’ security of effect do not believe he has given caught napping telling salvation much before the Judgment us a free-will! God will make our everyone else all about Day is simply not true! free will permanent only on the day it and then missing out If we endure hardship, we will of judgment. On that day he might myself’ (I Cor. 9:24-27). say to some of us, this: “You chose reign with him If we deny him, he not to have fellowship with me CONCLUSION will deny us - 2 Timothy 2:12 NLT. while you were on this earth for Billy Graham was once asked by In the Bible, we do have an these sixty-seventy years! Instead, the media, what his first reaction example of a person who was once you deliberately chose to rebel would be when he got to heaven. In believed and was even baptised, against me and play games with an instant, he replied, “I would be only to be told by one of the me. Now, I will make permanent, relived!” He agreed what Puritan, Apostles that he could ‘perish’ with that choice you made using your John Bunyan wrote in his classic the money he dearly loved, if he free will. Today, I will freeze your book, “The Pilgrim’s Progress” did not repent (See Acts 8:13, 20- free will choice to wallow in sin which went this way: “Then I saw 22). Perhaps, if you have gone while turning your back on me. that there way a way to Hell, even away from God would you also Depart then to eternal hell, a place from the gates of Heaven.” repent, instead of hoping falsely in which humans cannot have that you will be saved on the final fellowship with me, and live there This doctrine which leaves the day, as you were once saved forever and forever in everlasting possibility of losing salvation open someday in the past? torment!” produces serious Christians who don’t play games with God. (Written with the help of PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS commentaries, study Bibles and Though this study has not been OF NOT BELIEVING personal reflection.) ETERNAL SECURITY exhaustive, one can say with confidence, in the light of the Note - God bless Prathyusha It certainly challenges the believer above study, that believers may lose Nakka, our ministry volunteer who to test ourselves to make sure, you their salvation if they chose to live works for a corporate company in are solid in the faith and we don’t in constant rebellion against God. Hyderabad, a fine single young drift along taking everything for The following Scripture is a fitting woman, for taking time to type this granted [2 Cor 13:5]. David conclusion to this absorbing article which was only available in Pawson points out ‘There is a theological debate of paramount the hand-written format for many beautiful balance in the New importance to the Christian life: years.

www.FreshBibleStudy.WordPress.com 15 Grasping today’s Modern Youth before we give the Gospel to them! Duke Jeyaraj

We must grasp the world of Their starting salary, usually, is adorns their room walls. Their today’s modern youth before we what their grandpa had as the last phones are dual sim phones even give the Gospel to them. We must salary before retirement! Equi- as their lives are dual lives. They figure out who they are, before we monthly installments (EMIs) are don’t think it’s a big deal to date share of the Father’s love to them. their preferred way of making two persons of the opposite Here’s how I’ve understood them: payments. Buying a car, booking gender simultaneously! They are a flat, acquiring the latest version connected always to the internet, The typical young person of today smart phone – all of these can be 24/7, thanks to the 2G/3G belongs to the - done, they believe, by a simple cellphones. Before they brush 1.THE GOOGLE swipe of their credit card. They their teeth, they swipe open their GENERATION – smart phones to see who has They don’t usually ask, messaged them. Much “What does the Bible before they open their say?” They simply say, Bibles, they open their “Let’s google this!” internet-connected Immense information at laptops. With this, for fingertips at them comes a host of unimaginable speed, convenience (online they have, thanks to the bookings/payments/ internet. They watch offerings) and YouTube videos to temptations (porn- figure out anything – watching/erotic chats). from how to play a 4.THE FACEBOOK musical instrument or to FOLK – catch the taste of a latest The world’s second movie song. They hang largest country is out on “Google The youth of today can be called Facebook. They long for Hangout” and speak ‘Gagdet Generation’, ‘Facebook Folks’, ‘Twitter appreciation (‘likes’) over “Skype” to connect Troupe’, ‘Hitec City Herd’, etc. Duke, from their Facebook with friends world-over. in this article, explains why. friends. They want to Bangalore, Boston, belong somewhere and Buenos Aires, Barcelona, are more interested in getting to would break any rule (say rules Benghazi, are cities in one small America than to heaven! like, “You can’t be a Gay!”) to do village for them, thanks to the 3.THE GADGET that. Bonding over booze is one Internet! GENERATION – of their favorite weekend 2.THE HI-TEC CITY HERD – Possessing the latest gadget is an activities. They could be partying Many of them work for the BPOs/ obsession for them. Smart phones in a crowded room, even while IT/ITES industries in cities like – they go bananas over. More still feeling terribly lonely. Hitec City (in Hyderabad) that than the tablets of Moses’ Ten Suicides among modern youth on service American/European Commandments, they are familiar the rise. They may attend colleges Customers from India right from with tablets created by a certain which belong to the rarified their student days or shortly after. Steve Jobs! A smart TV usually intellectuals – the IITs. But that

www.Facebook.com/GoogleDuke 16 does not prevent them from hard to commit! We must considering the option of suicide teach them truths from as a means of salvation from their Ezekiel 23 (the chapter life problems. where two young girls allow men to fondle them) not 5.THE TWITTER TROUPE – just from Psalm 23. They prefer ‘twit’-sized 140 letter/character updates which is 2.Like Jesus – He referred what Twitter is about. Their to a tower crash that killed attention span is short. They want 18 people and then to hear things crisp. They don’t preached the message of hold back their yawns even if it is repentance to his hearers Barack Obama that’s giving a (Luke 13:1-5). Follow long speech! They constantly say, events of interest to youth – “KISS – Keep it Short and that heart-stopping cricket Sweet!/Keep it Short, Stupid!” game, that movie-starlet The language they type onto their quote, that latest gadget gadgets to communicate with each news, etc, and then go onto other is uber-short. They love to to wrap Bible truths around swallow vowels as they love to them. “From Dhoni to swallow chocolates! Calvary….” is one of the titles of my Gospel How do you bring the Gospel to presentations to them. these folks? How can we share “Theology from Kolaveri Christ with these people? Di…” is another. Jesus was my inspiration to do this. 1.Like Amos – He boldly, without We must present to the youth of today, beating about the bush attacked 3.Like Paul – He quoted not only the message of Psalm 23, but the sins of the society around him from a pagan poet in the also the message of Ezekiel 23, which (See Amos chapter 1 & 2). Gospel presentation he speaks of two young girls who Prayerfully (see Amos 7:1-6) and made to engage the allowed men to fondle them boldly speak against the sins they unevangelized elite in intimately. are in – porn-watching coupled Athens (Acts 17:28). Read with masturbation, living-in, movie reviews in respected born only to make laddoos. To a casual sex, homosexuality, multi- newspapers like The Hindu and generation which watches such partner relationship sans connect/contrast Bible truth with movies, share this truth: “The Bible commitment, etc. These youth what movies promote/popularize. says we are born to have a have easy access to commit the In the movie, “English Vinglish” relationship with God our creator.” same old sins which their fathers/ starring Sri Devi there’s a line grandfathers had to work very which talks about women being Accounts

Indians who have been blessed by the writings/messages of Duke Jeyaraj and his wife, Evangelin Duke, moved by the Holy Spirit are kind to send offerings to Grabbing the Google Generation from Gehenna Mission, the interdenominational organization founded by them in 2006. Here are details of how we spent the offerings so received in the last four months (December 2012-March 2013): Mangazine Printing charges – Rs.17,000/-; Internet Charges With Printout – Rs. 8,500/-; Refreshments during meetings at base and tracts outreach – Rs.6000/-; Refreshments while on duty – Rs.5500/-; Salaries for all together – Rs.94,000/-; Rent for ministry base and related charges – Rs. 40,000/-; Outstation Ministry/Research travel – Rs.8000/-; Dispatch of Ministry Resources to subscribers/supporters – Rs. 7,500/-; Local transport charges plus vehicle maintenance – Rs.8000/-; Ministry volunteer gifts – Rs.7000/-; Message CD production work – Rs.17,000/-; Raw Material for magazine work – Rs.4000/-; Phone communication charges – Rs.6000/-; Furnishings for office/base – Rs.6500/-; Offerings given to other servants of God/ministries – Rs. 27,000/-; Grand Total – 2,62,000/-; If you are lead to give to this ministry please use the bank information/contact address found on page 2 of this magazine.

www.Twitter.com/DukeJeyaraj 17 Influencing Google Generation Students to be Pure Evangelin Duke addresses teachers in this article originally written for “Chalk & Chai.”

It was a 23-year-old student who was leaked question papers in my brutally raped in New Delhi that first year of college. The tragic December (2012) night. It was term ‘morality’ didn’t bother a former medical college student who me since I was more was hanged to death this February interested in the money I (2013) as a punishment for the role was making. Besides, who he perhaps played in the attack on the thinks about ‘morality’ when Indian Parliament by terrorists during you’re in college?” – those 2001. A movie titled, “Student of the were the words of Year” was released in Bollywood in confession of a student from 2012. Students. India is talking about a top University in India them. As teachers, we have the published in a opportunity of talking to them – day newsmagazine (Open,21 in and day out. We need to make January 2012). those opportunities count for the Kingdom of God. Politicians, we can One reason for this is our certainly see, are keen to influence apathy. God has called us youth. Over 1,500 students gathered not only to be “professors” at a prominent college in New Delhi in our place of work. He has to listen to Gujarat Chief Minister called us to be “protectors” Narendra Modi recently. Can we as well. A watch-person in teachers be any less keen to influence other words (Ezekiel 3:17- In the world of Google Generation students who in-turn can be greatly 21). In a day when even so- students we find things like homosexuality, influenced by us? called believer students slip pornography, etc. We need to get away from an ethical life, lovingly involved in their lives and If you have any doubts at all that you would we watch that and share the Gospel with them. can influence your students listen to say, “Well, what can we do?” this story from my life: While Well, we can do something to ethics of the students and sharpening helping my five-year old daughter influence students for holy living. We their consciences. with her homework, I noticed that can do that…. she spelt, “which” as “whic”. I tried On the other hand, I have been in to correct her. But she just wouldn’t 1.Through our LIFE EXAMPLE – educational institutions where certain listen. When I asked why she When I was a student, the teachers teachers favored select students wouldn’t. She pointed to the tick who made a lasting “Christ” based on the student’s social mark of her teacher next to that word impression on me were teachers who background and financial status. This in her notebook. Her teacher had lived an exemplary holy life, capped deeply affected me as I hailed from a obviously made a mistake. But my with a humble attitude. I would latch humble missionary family. I couldn’t daughter was influenced more by her onto every word they shared with me possibly take such teachers seriously teacher than she was with me! and ponder over them. The teachers when they quoted the Bible or who influenced me for good would promoted any moral teaching during As we look around, we can note with reach their class-room in time. They their lectures. sadness that students of India are would be adequately prepared for lapping up sin after sin. Scroll their lectures. They were humble Jesus, if you recalled, was given this through the next few lines and you enough to receive feedback even if name: “teacher with integrity” (Mark would find yourself agreeing with me that came from the students. They 12:14). Jesus’ walk matched his talk. strongly in this regard: A news were absolutely fair when it came to It was when Jesus was spotted magazine’s article headline went this awarding grades. These things go a praying one day that one of his way: ‘Gay Teens, Rising!’ (Open, 1 long way in giving the teachers a disciples made this request of him: August 2009). “I started selling foothold to undoubtedly shaping the “Lord, teach us to pray!”(Luke 11:1).

www.GoogleGeneration.in 18 2.Through LOVING the fulltime ministry reaching out to 3.Through SPEAKING EDICTS – ENCOUNTERS – the Google Generation with the One more way teachers can save A true story comes to my mind at this Gospel. The verses I quote when I scores of students swept into an point. An elderly teacher would offer counsel young people who call me impure lifestyle is by teaching edicts a young man in Germany ‘long when they are in acute distress and from God’s Word, when opportunity sausages’ before giving ‘short moral confusions flow from the presents itself. Paul did not shy away speeches’ inspiring good moral Scripture memorization habits that from sounding the word of God in living. Greatly influenced by these, were nurtured by that teacher! Once the lecture hall of Tyrannus, which is this young man grew from strength to when my husband, who is a fulltime akin to a secular college of our time strength to become a well-respected evangelist, explained to a bunch of (Acts 19:8-10). Chancellor of his nation down the youth why he decided to get married line. I am talking about Helmul Kohl, to me mentioned that I recited the Rape is one topic that is openly the former Chancellor of Germany, missionary challenge chapter, Isaiah discussed these days following the the one who presided over the 6, to him. “The girl who hid God’s outcry over the Delhi Rape of unification of East and December 2012. The Bible West Germany! story of Amnon and Tamar can be narrated given this When I was a student, context with this lesson as the there were teachers who climax: “Sex with the partner would rush to make of your dreams will not various moral satisfy the inner longings of prohibitions upon me the soul”. Following this with regard to various assertion, Jesus could be things in campus life. presented as the one who When I look back, I absolutely fulfills all the feel, they would have longings of the human soul by made a greater impact quoting verses such as John on my life, if they had 10:10. There may be other hot first become a close topics that are trending among confidant of mine before the students. Discover what making these God’s Word has to say about prohibitions. I would those topics and appropriately Helmut Kohl, one of most respected World have been more open to bring in what you have learnt leaders from Germany, was greatly influenced them, if they had given in classroom discussions. by a teacher of his who gave him me convincing reasons ‘long sausages and short speeches’! A 23-year old M.B.A. student from various sources, in New Delhi was involved including Scripture, as sexually with a politician, to why they felt strongly about those newspapers reported. This particular matters. Word in her heart was slowly finding a place in my heart!” he said. You politician whom we shall leave But in the very same boarding never know how deeply you can unnamed told Rajdeep Sardesai of school, there was a teacher who touch the life of students if you CNN-IBN that he had funded this noticed that I was meandering choose to spend time with them apart girl’s education. What was more, he through my life as a purposeless from the class-hours and thereby supplied her a swank car to drive to missionary kid. She would invite me lovingly correcting them in areas college and back. Pretty soon, the to her chamber. She would flash a where they may have gone astray in girl realized that this politician was warm smile at me. She would the process, rather than exposing crossing all boundaries in his illicit squeeze me by the shoulders. She their mistakes in public! Ask me! relationship with her. She committed would offer me food that I liked. suicide, unable to come to terms with Then, she would quote Bible verses To underscore what I am talking the big rut she got herself into, on a that spoke to my heart. She about here, it helps to refer to young tragic day in August 2012. There are encouraged me to memorize man named Apollos in the Bible. several such students out there with Scriptures. And offered to reward me Acquila and Priscilla, a Bible- similar stories. Would you do what if I recited certain Bible chapters to teaching couple in the early church, you can, in the one life you have, and her. I decided to give it a try. Down “took him aside” before lovingly influence them to live a life of purity the line, I was memorizing entire challenging his wrong understanding that in turn would bring bountiful chunks of Scriptures! Now I am in of water baptism (Acts 18:24-26). blessing and lasting joy in their lives?

www.TheDaysofYourYouth.com 19 God Saved Us From Certain Death! Kalyan Thumaty On December 22nd, a Saturday, my brother (Kiran Chand Thumaty), uncle, aunt (Hilda Bathula) and I were travelling in my brother’s car (i10) from Hyderabad to Guntur on the express high way. We were going at about 100 kmph speed. My brother was driving and I was seated on the passenger seat by his side. Before we could realize what was happening, a bus came across our way from virtually no where and blocked our way. Taken by total surprise and in utter shock my brother applied the car brakes. Within a blink of a second, even after my brother did his best to stop the car, it went and hit the bus going at about 60 kmph. This i10 was totally crushed in the front. We’d have all died on the spot. But God in His mercy made us to survive. Onlookers could not believe that we had indeed survived the accident when they beheld the crushed-up car (which is pictured alongside this article). They informed us that there were about fifteen accidents akin to the accident that we were part of that had happened in that very spot for the last one month. And in 80 per cent of the cases, the folks inside the respective cars, died on the spot. But by the grace of God, we survived even without a single fracture, including both of us in the front seats. It was indeed a miracle! We couldn’t explain how we got saved. All of us we are eternally thankful to God Jesus for saving us from getting killed in what was a terrible accident. Body pains and minor injuries, we did sustain. But nothing major at all. We could clearly see the hand of the Lord protecting us from getting greatly effected. Thank you Lord Jesus for your grace and mercy in saving us from certain death. Help us to live for you and you alone from now on and for evermore.

(Kalyan, a fine young single professional who works in a corporate company in Hyderabad is one of our Bible Study group regulars).

Touching A Total Stranger Outside A Cricket Stadium Duke Jeyaraj It may be that we go through our entire life without touching the life of a single stranger. We love those who love us. We help those who help us. However, the Scripture tells us this: ‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares’ (Heb 13:2). The Bible asks us an uncomfortable question:”For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?” (Math 5:46). Inspired by the Word, when Evan and I had an extra ticket (thanks to generous donor friends of ours) for the India-Australia Test’s fourth day’s play (on March 5th, 2013), we decided to give that to a total stranger. As we neared the Uppal Stadium in Hyderabad where the game was going on, we stopped and gave that ticket to a young boy from Punjab, a complete stranger to us. “We are both from India and let’s get in and support our team to win!” He was very happy. Over the moon, in fact. And before we parted ways, I gave him the cricket gospel tract of G4 Mission which I always try to keep handy titled, “Two Who Willingly Walked Into Tough Situations: Dhoni and Guess Who?” He happily took it. It is easy to declare the Gospel to those to whom you have demonstrated it, isn’t? What was more, the Indian bowlers took 8 wickets in a single session of 30 overs and earned a big innings win for India! www.G-4Mission.blogspot.com 20 Lessons that shot through my soul as I reflected upon Connecticut School Shooting in the US Malini Prabakar

slain teachers was a schoolmate of my daughter. She was to be engaged to be married on Christmas Eve 2012. All her dreams lay shattered. So did the hope of the family who had looked forward to their daughter earning a doctorate. Angry cries of WHY, WHY, WHY rent the air. People were glued to the TV and all that they talked about was the tragedy. Inter-faith vigils were held. The President visited the town to address the people and offer I worked in a school that wasn’t far away from human solace. Many comforted the school in which 26 people who were shot dead themselves in that the children in December 2012 in Connecticut. were not of accountable age (6,7) and would definitely join the I heard echoes of “Thank God, age of 21 to carry weapons. He heavenly hosts, experiencing it’s Friday,” the usual slogan grew up in the same eternal life. [We read that David chanted every Friday morning. neighborhood and had attended was confident of meeting his lost My cell phone rang without a the same school. This news was love child with Bathsheba on the break and I picked it up to hear a flashed across the globe. There other side of eternity (2 Sam voicemail from my cousin living were 2 crime scenes, the school 12:22,23)]. Everyone held in California that there was some and the home. At home, the moments of silence a week later shooting in a Connecticut school, assailant mercilessly shot his own and wore green and white across making sure I was okay. Everyone mother 4 times on her face when the nation to honor the victims knew that I lived in Connecticut she was perhaps still sleeping. and contributed money for and taught in a school but very Then he drove her car to the few knew the finer details. At school where he gunned down 20 scholarships and other social lunch break, I turned the TV on to first-graders and six teachers causes associated with the find out what had happened. before killing himself as the happenings of this town. There was a mass shooting in an police officers neared him. How did this event affect me? elementary school (K-4) situated It was the busiest ever day for me, in an affluent neighborhood of First, this incident caused a fresh in terms of phone calls received. 27,000 people, thirty miles away. occasion for me to thank God for There were numerous calls and Adults and children were people whom he sent into my life plenty of emails from across the involved. Media released various to really care for me. People who seas. All on December 14th, 2012. details but no one knew who the genuinely cared about me victims were. The gunman was A couple of days later, the tragedy contacted me either over phone or identified immediately - a young became more personal when the email or contacted family man, 20 years old, below the legal fact was unraveled that one of the members to confirm that the

www.PurposeSpot.blogspot.com 21 shooting did not happen in my way the media school. reported the episode. The Second , I realized that human shooter himself lives can be lost due to the sinful was a human acts of others and we must be being, we tend prepared to die anytime. The to forget. He Bible teaches us that we must be sent his dad prepared to meet our God (Amos and brother 4:12). Having Jesus, the one who into an abyss died and rose again in our life, is of grief having the best possible preparation one shot his mother can have to face death, the Bible and even teaches (Heb 2:15). himself as he Principal, Dawn Hochsprung sacrificed her heard the Third, focus was more on the 20 life on that tragic Friday literally throwing children than on the adults who police were herself on the shooter who had come to had died heroically in the inching close shooting. Most of the teachers to catch him. harm her school. were young adults of The church bells chimed 26 times should be kept in a tight leash. marriageable age, who had acted in memory of the shooting victims Who are we to connect the in ways to protect the children (20 students and 6 teachers had intention of this shooter with his entrusted to their care by hiding died in this shooting). Why did mother’s ways of raising him up? them in closets and shielding they not chime 28 times? Wasn’t Why did she keep weapons in her them from the angry bullets. The the life of the shooter and his home in an unlocked closet principal Dawn Hochsprung, 47 mother precious in the sight of despite some concerns with had a husband, 5 daughters, and 4 God? Did not God create all regard to his mental state? How grand children. She sacrificed her human life in His own image do we know what really triggered life on that tragic Friday literally (Gen 1:26)? The first murder took the shooter to plan such an throwing herself on the shooter assault? Some questions remain who had come to harm her school. place when Cain did not bat an eyelid to kill his own brother unanswered: How dysfunctional She turned on the public address was his relationship to his family? system of her school as the shots Abel. He also tried to hide the act till God told him that the blood of Was he ripped emotionally by the rang out warning others of the separation and ultimate divorce of danger that had entered the his dead brother was crying out to him (Gen 4:10). We may never his parents? Would the shooter’s school, thereby saving precious father be weighed down with guilt lives. In a way, she and the heroic commit murder Adam Lanza style (that was the name of the for divorcing his wife, living-in teachers are an imperfect picture with and eventually marrying of Jesus who gave up his life for shooter). But we, the Bible warns, may possibly murder others with another woman? Did this act of us on his own accord (John his father disturb the emotional 10:18) to save us from our sins our unkind words uttered in anger (Math 5:21,22). stability of the shooter son who (Math 1:21). And just as the was assigned to the care of his teacher turned on the public Fifthly, we should ponder about mother? Why were the shooter system to warn the school of the life happenings in our heart and his sibling, Ryan, not on danger we are called to be like Mary, the mother of Jesus talking terms since 2010? Did the watchmen who need to lovingly (Luke 2:19). We should not violent games the shooter played warn folks about the reality of an impulsively blurt out hearsay, in his room for hours on end eternal hell for those who finally without acquiring proper encourage him to do such a reject Jesus (Ezek 3:17ff). evidence. Our speculations of the dastardly act? These are questions Fourth, all human lives were not motive of this shooter, fuelled by for which the answers are seemingly valued, going by the critical and judgmental spirits enmeshed in a web of anonymity.

www.Youtube.com/visitduke 22 “I do not know, but God knows” Death strikes one and is a phrase that Paul used, which all in every country. we should also use in situations It is ‘the way of all like these (2 Cor 12:2). the earth’, the Bible teaches (Josh 23:14). Sixthly, this incident involved the whole community, not just Eighthly, bring all individuals. Think about the your shattered doctor from Utah who had moved dreams to Jesus. to Connecticut for his job and Thank God for every then had to carry the bullet-ridden new day He has body of his angelic daughter to be added to your life. laid to rest in Utah? The Don’t rely on your community at Utah reached out by own wisdom or on decorating the paths with ribbons the wisdom of others. in honor of this angel who Look to God for His succumbed to a terrible act of evil wisdom and guidance “Dear Jesus, thank you for this warm body, imagination, performed by a each day. The mother this heartbeat. He’s such a gift. I know you reckless human being. Jesus of one of the slain could take him from me at any time, but taught us that through a story that first-grade little boy please don’t.” This was the prayer which folk in genuine need should be shared this moving the mother of this little boy who was shot seen as neighbors who deserve testimony with the dead prayed each night. our help (Luke 10:25-37). “Do media: Every night I not withhold good from those who would cuddle up next to him and never be one. Later, when I deserve it when it’s in your I’d put my hand up his shirt, over studied the Scriptures in depth, I power to help them,” we read in his heart, and I would say the realized that any human being the Scriptures (Prov 3:27). same prayer: “Dear Jesus, thank could turn into one as our hearts you for this warm body, this that are desperately evil Seventhly, did this incident gain heartbeat. He’s such a gift. I (Jer. 17:9). However “we take more attention because it know you could take him from me every thought captive to obey happened in the United States of at any time, but please don’t.” Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5 NRSV). America? What about busloads of That’s a prayer we could pray, children in developing countries every day. Did you know that Some of the residents of the town who have plunged into the thousands of children are killed asked “Should we bring down the flowing river and lost their lives due to accidents and abortions? Christmas lights?” due to the negligence of the bus driver ? Is the WHY, WHY, WHY Whatever happens in our lives, sufficiently vociferous then? we cannot obliterate the birth of What about the millions of Jesus with our painful memories. children who die from One Sunday morning following No matter what, He is still malnutrition because the adults this tragedy, the preacher pointed WONDERFUL, COUNSELLOR, are not responsible enough to to everyone in the pews and asked THE MIGHTY GOD, THE feed them? Means are different “Did you know that you could be EVERLASTING FATHER, THE but the end is death, leading to a murderer?” I was aghast when I PRINCE OF PEACE (Isa 9:6). sorrow, grief and mourning. heard this and vowed that I could

New Facebook Ministry Page - Please ‘Like’ We have opened a new facebook page on this link: www.facebook.com/GoogleDuke titled, “Duke Jeyaraj - Grabbing The Google Generation from Gehenna Mission.” This is different from Duke Jeyaraj’s regular Facebook account which has reached the maximum limit of 5000 friends. We welcome you to “like” to this newly-launched page so that it would be convenient for you to read the just-keyed-in articles that wrap Bible Truth around contemporary events, view around- the-corner ministry program invites, enjoy just-downloaded-from-the-camera ministry photos, see just-uploaded-on-to- Youtube message videos, and check up-to-date ministry reports.

www.FreshBibleStudy.WordPress.com 23 It’s not about ‘Chemistry’, but about Charity Mamta Samuel on making a wise life partner choice

The popular 2012 Tamil-Telugu-Malayalam movie, Let me talk from a girl’s perceptive. We girls often Thuppakki, reportedly has a rip-tickling scene in are infatuated with the concept of wedding than which actor Jayaram, Akshara Gowda, Kajal marriage. Many of us confuse marriage with Agrawal and Vijay sitting in a restaurant. Jayaram wedding and spend years preparing for ‘the big day’ tells Vijay after proposing Akshara for him, this, instead of ‘the happily ever after’. The many modern “Exchange phone numbers. Talk to each other. day couples ‘to be married’ spend countless hours Check out if a biology works out between you both.” equating the compatibilities, zodiacs, personalities Upon hearing that Kajal Agrawal juts in to correct and lately chemistry between them as I just Jayaram saying, “It is not biology, but it’s illustrated. These things are superficial, unessential chemistry!” To that and even sinful. Jayaram responds They all seem to this way: be in vain when “Whatever. Both are that one essential the same. Both are ingredient of sciences, isn’t?” marriage is What’s reflected in missing, which our arts is often a forms the reflection of our fundamental culture. The youth foundation for of our day are first marriage. keen to check ‘a But, here is chemistry’ before something that the they tie a knot with Lord spoke to me each other. Hmmm. The movie, Thuppaki, talks about the great value while I was Will that please today’s youth place on ‘chemistry’ when it comes praying and God? What should to life partner choice. God’s Word, however, talks asking God for be a person’s about another ‘c’ in this regard… that special priority when he or someone. The she goes about Lord corrected my thinking and spoke to me through choosing a life partner? We will come to that in this these two special women from the Bible, who were article. prepared for marriage. I am referring to Rebecca and Planning to tie the knot? Have you been dating or Ruth. found that presumably perfect someone? Are you What is that one essential ingredient of marriage? Is beginning to feel those sparks for someone lately? it about marrying someone with whom we have the The fairy tale gown, candles, the flowers, the scents right ‘chemistry’? No. It’s about inculcating and celebrations. Then rings an errand of ‘charity’! preparations, themes and music. Amidst all these, The one ingredient that holds a marriage is the virtue two individuals so lost in love and exchanging the of ‘giving selflessly’. This is echoed loudly and token of their love, the rings. Are they all not every clearly through the lives of Rebecca and Ruth. God girl’s dream? prepared them in this one essential area even before But wait a sec! Isn’t that preparing for wedding and they were married. Eliezer looked for that one not marriage? special quality in Rebecca, of selflessly giving

www.Facebook.com/GoogleDuke 24 herself for others needs. She not only gave water for their family down the line). The couples God brings Eliezer to quench his thirst, but gave water to camels together are ‘perfectly imperfect’ for each other (my (wonder how many gallons). On the other hand, husband says). being widowed, Ruth had the liberty to get back to her parents’ house, like her co-sister. But she let go Married women reading this would agree with me of her rights to selflessly support her mother-in-law that being a wife and a mother means being selfless Naomi in a foreign land, in the field of Boaz. and giving yourself completely for the well-being of one’s husband and one’s children. In a world, that is Giving doesn’t necessarily be only in the financial building individualistic societies, God excepts us to realm. Giving can practically expressed by your be selflessly giving people. As we engage in serving loving sacrifice for others. It can be shown by others, God brings through our Isaacs and Boazs. placing other’s needs above yours. Both Rebecca and Ruth inculcated this godly virtue of selfless When this one essential attribute is inculcated, it giving even before they met their God-sent husbands becomes very easy to build happy marriages. As respectively – namely, Isaac and Boaz. God blessed Maggie Gallagher says in her book, The Case for the marriages of both Rebecca’s with Isaac (Isaac Marriage, “Getting Married is the boldest and most married no more women apart from Rebecca even idealistic thing that most of us do”. Therefore though he was surrounded by a culture of polygamy) shouldn’t we take time to prepare for not only for the and Ruth’s with Boaz (Jesus was eventually born in ‘big-day’ but for the ‘life-time’ together.

There’s a Ponting in us some where lurking Duke Jeyaraj wraps the Gospel around a poem on the just-retired Ricky Ponting

The news was that, the pugnacious Australian captain, Ricky Thomas Ponting, was retiring, Batting for the final time in a Test, a guard of honor, he was privileged to be receiving, He will be best remembered for his attacking, ‘Sachin Lara big 3’ league batting, His career-best 942 points was No.3 in the all-time Test history’s batsmen rating, The title of most successful Test Captain of all time (with 48 wins) was his for the asking, You may have never seen a batsman, the short ball, with greater force or fierceness, pulling, The runs which accounted for his team’s wins, like none other, he kept accumulating, Not to forget - the finest among his generation was his acrobatic, athletic fielding, On really big occasions when other Captains, in their performance were nervously fumbling, And did foolish things like play reverse sweeps – here, you may think of Jayawardane and Gatting, That’s when cool-as-a-cucumber Ponting found his peak form and his most murderous timing, His score in the 2003 World Cup Finals – the Indians won’t ever forget - was 140 batting!

There’s another aspect of Ponting’s career about which we cannot avoid talking, That concerns, the ugly manner in which he did not mind loudly protesting, When the umpires who stood in the games he played made decisions that were baffling, There were some occasions when Ponting did not shy away from claiming, Catches that he had taken after the ball on the ground, did the bumping, “Leader of a pack of wild dogs!” – he was named, even as his reputation received a pasting, In a particular press conference post this, he wanted reporters in the room to be leaving, If it was his integrity that they were doubting and questioning,

There’s a bit of cheating Ponting inside us somewhere lurking, To take care of that, Jesus, God in flesh, under-went bleeding, He did that to save a brash generation, which to hell, is speeding, Come to Jesus, right now, truly repenting and totally believing, You will discover a peace ever-present, troubles notwithstanding!

www.Twitter.com/DukeJeyaraj 25 Prevention of sexual assault - biblically speaking . . . Christopher Tharalla

Wikipedia.org reports in brief the following heart- Bible says: “Nothing is more disgraceful than breaking incident that recently took place in India: rape” (Genesis 34:7 CEV). According to the Old The 2012 Delhi gang rape case involves a rape and Testament, rapists were to be put to death murder that occurred on 16 December 2012, (Deuteronomy 22:25). The New Testament is even in Munirka, a neighbourhood located in the stricter as it says, “anyone who looks at a woman Southern part of New Delhi, when a 23-year-old and wants to possess her is guilty of committing female physiotherapy intern was beaten and gang adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28), raped in a bus in leave alone rape. which she was This is the level of travelling with her holiness that God male companion. demands from His The only other people now and no passengers on the violator can escape bus were five men the consequences. and the bus driver, all of whom raped According to 2 the woman. The Samuel 13:13 woman died from her (GNB), Tamar told injuries thirteen days Amnon (when he later while attempted to rape undergoing her): “How could I emergency treatment ever hold up my A dastardly rape in New Delhi in the month of in Singapore. The head in public December 2012 made international news. What does chief minister of again? And you— the Bible teach about the subject of sexual assault? Delhi herself had to you would be acknowledge the fact completely that Delhi has become the ‘rape-capital of India’. disgraced in Israel. Please, speak to the king, and One of every four rapes in Indian cities takes place I’m sure that he will give me to you.” Obviously, in Delhi (Indiatimes.com). Only one person has just to escape from the impending predicament, she been convicted out of 635 rape cases reported in asked him to speak to the king and that the king New Delhi in the year 2012 (Indiatoday.intoday.in). would oblige him. (Incest was forbidden in Old According to latest data, the Union Home Ministry Testament - Leviticus 20:17). Yes, anyone under suggest, India stands third, when it comes to rape such circumstances will do their best to escape by cases, after United States and South Africa saying such things with the hope that the predator (Expressindia.com). may change his mind and that is what she did. But she wasn’t successful. Being stronger than her, he The Bible is never silent about any matter. Though overpowered her and raped her. Divine intervention written thousands of years ago, it is the most is really required at this point of time. relevant book for all times, for the simple reason that its author is God Himself, whose wisdom none The best thing one can do for protection from any can fathom. The purpose of this article is to show assault is to come under God’s protection. In this some of the general instructions Bible offers to context, consider Psalms 91:14 (GNB) where God women which are especially needed in these days of says, “I will save those who love me and will physical and emotional insecurity. protect those who acknowledge me as LORD.

www.GoogleGeneration.in 26 Psalms 31:20 (ESV) says: “In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men.” Yes, come to Jesus for protection. Commit your life to Him and experience His protection and honor. Once when He is in control, everything will be different. While God prevents a woman from rape, there are some precautions she may need to take, we understand from the whole message of the Bible. We shall look at some of these instructions Bible offers to women in this regard: Be careful what kind of friends you choose to have. 1. Choose your close “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Cor. 15:33). companions carefully 2 Corinthians 6:14 (CEV) says: “Stay away from pleasure with those who allow themselves to be people who are not followers of the Lord! Can influenced by the heathen to withdraw from someone who is good get along with someone who following Him. Once God’s presence is choke-out is evil? Are light and darkness the same?” (This of our life, we can anticipate every kind of attack verse is commonly quoted in the context of from the evil one. choosing life-partner but is applicable to all in general). Again in 2Corinthians 6:17 (GNB): the 2. Avoid visiting certain places Lord says, “You must leave them and separate India Today had a cover story that announced this: yourselves from them. Have nothing to do with what “Crore parties – urban Indians have begun to party is unclean, and I will accept you.” Obviously, these in deluxe style” (Nov. 2, 2012). Call centres/ verses do not say that we should have nothing to do Multinational organize booze parties frequently in a with non-believers; it means we can have anyone as big way. How do believers respond? friends but only believers should be our close friends. Many decisions are made under the Psalms 1:1 (BBE) says: “Happy is the man who influence of friends; hence, it is important to decide does not go in the company of sinners, or take his on the kind of friends we keep. place in the way of evil-doers, or in the seat of those who do not give honor to the Lord.” The Old Testament is the shadow of the New Testament. The establishing of this principle has its Consider, Proverbs 20:1 (BBE) that says: “Wine shadow in the Old Testament where it says: “Thou makes men foolish and strong drink makes men shall not plow with an ox and an ass together” come to blows; and whoever comes into error (Deuteronomy 22:10 KJV). through these is not wise.” How can one practically As an example, consider Nehemiah 13:26 (ESV) follow this verse? Suppose you plan to go to a party that says: “Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on or a place where you very well know that liquor account of such women? Among the many nations would be served. The question is, don’t you know there was no king like him, and he was beloved by that once men are intoxicated (anyone for that his God, and God made him king over all Israel. matter), they will not be able to realize the Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to consequence of what they do? Are you not putting sin.” The Lord loves everyone equally, whether yourself in a venerable situation by going there? believers or non believers, but He will not find Isn’t it something like jumping into a lion’s

www.TheDaysofYourYouth.com 27 enclosure in a zoo and expecting to be safe? Even if weakness, vulnerability and your culture and be firm you are duty bound to go to parties where booze is about not crossing them. For example, avoid freely served, stay close with trusted believer inviting or receiving or initiating intimate form of colleagues, all through. Of course, I don’t have to physical contact, like embracing, kissing, caressing, tell you that you must avoid even taking a sip of etc. Also, discussing certain personal issues and alcohol there. “It is not for kings, O Lemuel it is not interactions under closed door conditions have to be for kings to drink wine,” the Bible teaches (Prov avoided as much as possible. Under the banner of 31:4). In the New Testament each believer is a king being social, limits should not be crossed. This is and priest unto God, for whom the standards of for your own safety. holiness are high (I Peter 2:9). Consider 2 Samuel 13:2 (GNB) that says: “. . . it Again, you will be wise if you avoided going to or seemed impossible for him (Amnon) to have her going through deserted places all alone, especially (Tamar); as a virgin, she was kept from meeting late nights without proper security. men.” This verse clearly shows that this principle was understood and followed well in that particular 2 Samuel 13:9 (GNB) says: . . . Amnon said (just culture during those days. before raping Tamar), “Send everyone away”—and they all left. Then the assault took place. Notice that Conclusion lonely environment is an ideal one for things like After Tamar was raped “. . . she soon moved into this to happen. Job 24:15 (GNB) says: “The Absalom’s (Tamar’s brother) house, but she was adulterer waits for twilight to come; he covers his always sad and lonely” (2Samuel 13:20 CEV). face so that no one can see him.” Yes, night is the Many say a rape-victim can never be the same time when the devil and his followers will be most anymore. (Of course, with God all things are active. possible; He can erase a person’s history and fill her Consider the passage, Genesis 34:1-2 (GNB): “One with the power of the Holy Spirit, if genuine day Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, went to repentance follows. Only Lord Jesus Christ can do visit some of the Canaanite women.” When this as He alone overcame sin and defeated death). Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite, who was chief of What is done can’t be undone. Prevention is better that region, saw her, he took her and raped her. than cure, so goes a very old saying. Now the question is, what was the need for Dinah to (This article is abridged and adapted from Bro. go to the Canaanite women? To learn their customs? Christopher Tharalla’s article which he posted on The Lord clearly told the Israelites that they should his blog with useful spiritual resources, not follow the customs of any heathen nation. www.tcchristo.blogspot.in) Whatever her foolish reason was, the fact remains that she went there and put herself and her family in trouble. 3. Maintain a safe distance from opposite gender According to statistics, in most of the cases, the rapists were known to the victims (implying involvement of friends, cousins, colleagues etc). Many cases are not reported for fear of social stigma attached. Thus, relevant distance has to be kept with any one of the opposite sex, whether known or unknown. Once certain limits are crossed, one step leads to the next and stopping then would be next to impossible. Ultimately what happens, happens as no brakes were applied in the initial stages. Keep a safe distance from the opposite sex. The young man in Proverbs 7 You have to set your own personal boundaries for did not and paid the price for it. your self, taking into account your areas of www.G-4Mission.blogspot.com 28 G4 Mission – An Inter-Church Ministry

Grabbing the Google Generation from Gehenna Mission (G4 Mission) is an inter-church ministry. The activities of this Mission which was founded by Duke Jeyaraj in February 2006 shows evidence of that. This mission conducts Bible Studies that are conducted once a month at the rented base of the Mission in Hyderabad. In this meeting we have modern young working professionals working in various companies (Google, Cognizant, Deloitte, Infosys, etc.,) and from different churches (AG, SPG, Lutheran, Independent churches, etc.,) join in. The Lord blessed the Bible Studies held in the months of November 2012, December 2012, January 2013, February 2013 and March 2013 on a selected Sunday evening. The Bible books of I Peter and II Peter were studied with a practical thrust in two of these months with the name of the books itself as the acronym for its message (Nov 2012 & March 2013). A different sort of Christmas special Bible Study from Revelation 12 was held during December 2012. And a frank Bible Study on Sexual Ethics for the 50 Shades of Grey Generation was conducted in Feb 2013. The spiritual renewal and growth of Google Generation believers of all churches is the goal of this rare, rocking Bible Study which Duke leads. The Bible Study group also went for outreach armed with ‘bubbly’/’t20’ gospel tracts written by Duke. One place they went to distribute tracts was near the famed KBR Park and the Cinemax Foot Over Bridge in Hyderabad. Duke shared God’s word in three different denominations recently (in the big AG Churches of Trichy and in the big AG Church of Kolkata, in the Victory Church of New Delhi and in Life fellowship, Trivandrum.) God’s people were blessed.

www.PurposeSpot.blogspot.com 29 G4 Mission – An Inter-Organizational Organization

When God moved Duke’s heart to start Grabbing the Google Generation from Gehenna Mission (G4 Mission) in Feb 2006, he clearly revealed to Duke that his ministry would not only be inter-denominational but also inter-organizational. This implied that G4 Mission would not seek to venture to do what other organizations are already doing very well. Instead, it will join hands with them and build God’s Kingdom. Here is one example of that: The PROFIT chapter of Chennai invited Duke to preach God’s Word in their meeting in Chennai’s Mount Road during October 2012. This fellowship of working professionals is attached to GEMS ministries. Duke challenged this group from the Bible book of Esther in a powerful way. The message was creatively tilted, “Two Cousins in Multinational Service!” At the altar, it was clear that God was at work. Those who came forward vowed to witness for Jesus in their world, through their lives and lips. Earlier in 2012, Duke also spoke in a youth meeting organized by OM India in their base in Hyderabad (attended by over 200). God blessed Duke’s inspiring message from the life of King Josiah, whom Duke called the ‘greatest fully human character of the Bible’. Duke’s video began with a video of Usain Bolt singing and Rahul Dravid running from temptation. A serene time at the altar followed this message too in the hushed OM auditorium. The Christian Digest Society of India, Mumbai, published Duke’s articles even through the latter part of 2012 and the earlier part of 2013 in their magazine, Light of Life. Evangelical Teachers Fellowship published Evan’s article in one of their issues of 2013. www.Youtube.com/visitduke 30 G4 Mission – An Inter-State Ministry In October 2012, Duke Jeyaraj was one of the speakers in the National Youth Conference of the Assemblies of God of India, an October 2012 event that drew over 1800 youth from 19 Indian states. His presentations were eye-opening and edifying. In the Question and Answer time, the organizing leaders requested Duke to ‘let the cat out of the bag’ in matters such as porn. And Duke daringly did so. He busted unspoken but rampantly used excuse youth have to justify porn-watching, using logic and the Lord’s word! One young man who was in this conference, later met with Duke to let him know that he repented from the sin of porn-watching he had been addicted to for years and had gone on to destroy his porn-collection. God was clearly touching lives in this youth conference! One of the messages, that Duke preached in this landmark event, a practical exposition of Proverbs 7 with bold references to sins of petting, porn, rebellion against elders, etc, is found on this Youtube link:https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuxOUsbg0LM. Youth were fighting back their tears and giving their lives to the Lord following this arrow-like message. Duke also led a workshop on Overcoming Temptations in this Conference. This workshop drew in one of the largest crowds in the conference when it came to workshops. He started off with videos of Zidane’s headbutt, and Dravid’s running away from a misbehaving female journalist. And he went on teach

on what the Bible teaches on beating temptations and on staying pure. Duke was also invited by Rev. Valson Varghese, the National Youth Coordinator of the Assemblies of God of India to share on the topic, “Understanding today’s youth and ministering to them” to the pastors who had brought the youth for this landmark conference. And Duke did with style and substance. Scales fell from the pastors’ eyes! Young volunteers helped sell a record number of G4 Mission books (Straight Talk, Good News for the Google Generation) in this conference!

www.FreshBibleStudy.WordPress.com 31 G4 Mission – An Inter-City Ministry

Rev. Dr. B. Ebenezer, the Executive Director of Metropolitan Mission, invited Duke Jeyaraj and Evangelin Duke to preach God’s Word in the Mega Youth Festival Organised by his ministry in Vijayawada on 2 October 2012. Over 2500 youth from Vijayawada and nearby towns filled a huge auditorium in the Loyola College in Vijayawada to be drenched in the rain of God’s Word. Duke’s first message based on Jesus’ interaction with the rich young ruler drove home the message that while Jesus loved young people just as they were, they had to repent from sin and come to him in faith. And several of the youth, came forward, knelt down and accepted Jesus. Evangelin Duke preached next. She walked and talked. The climax was of that authoritative Bible teaching session was her clear, crisp, captivating teaching on how young people should relate with the opposite sex with Biblical boundaries clearly drawn. At the back flap of their Bibles, the young people wrote statements that vowed to stay away from all forms of pre-marital sex as Evan challenged them to do it. Finally Duke, used the Bible character of Amos to challenge youth to surrender that one life fully to Jesus and for his Kingdom work. Young people came forward to give their “one” life for Jesus and his great work. A man who was tormented by demons was prayed over by Evan Duke. After prayer, he got up as a calm man! The days of the supernatural did not end in the Bible days! Duke also preached three messages in the AG Church led by Rev. V. T. Abraham, the General Superintendent of South India AG and his D. Min. course classmate, in the city of Kozhikode, Kerala, during May 2012. The Bible Study group that meets in the G4 Mission base hosted an ‘evangelistic conversations’ dinner for Google Gen folk from other faiths in the InOrbit Mall, Hyderabad during December 2012.

www.Facebook.com/GoogleDuke 32 G4 Mission – An Inter-Disciplinary Ministry

G4 Mission is an organization with different ministry disciplines - teens ministry, youth ministry, Bible teaching for believers, counseling, research, etc. Duke was invited to speak in the Junior School exhibition of a leading international school in Hyderabad in the month of November 2012. Among the audience was the speaker of the State Assembly and his wife. Duke used the word ‘e-a-r-t-h’ to make a presentation on how one can save the earth. The last letter ‘h’ stood for heart transformation through a relationship with Jesus! Duke also had time to interact with the students. Evangelin Duke and Duke Jeyaraj offered biblical counsel to distressed Google Generation folk in situations like relationships break-ups, falling in love with an unbeliever, being confused about life partner choice, etc. – in the past few months. Duke travelled to cities such as Trivandrum, Bangalore, Kolkata, New Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, etc speaking to modern young working professionals as part of his Doctor of Ministry course research with Southern Asia Bible College under Dr. David Balasingh’s guidance in the last few months. In a meeting held in Dr. A. S. Rao Nagar, Hyderabad, during September 2012, in the home of Bro. Christopher, Duke Jeyaraj shared a message on the marks of mature believers to a group of families who had gathered to greet Mr. Kiran Parry.

www.Twitter.com/DukeJeyaraj 33 G4 Mission– an international ministry in some way

The G4 Mission keeps producing DVDs which feature the biblically sound, contemporary events wrapped messages of Duke Jeyaraj for the spiritual upliftment of hearers world wide. Here are the cover images of two DVD messages just released by us designed by N Kingsley and Joel Joseph, our volunteers. These messages are priced at Rs.50/- a piece. Forwarding charges extra. There are about 50 CDs like this. Contact +91-8886040605 for more information. These messages and other messages by Duke Jeyaraj are available on Youtube.com/visitDuke as well for a world-wide audience as well. Duke updates day-to-day ministry news on his newly opened Facebook ministry news page on this link: www.facebook.com/GoogleDuke. You may choose to ‘like’ this page to receive these updates.

www.GoogleGeneration.in 34