Showing posts with label Matthew K. Thomas. Show all posts

Sunday, November 22, 2015

God's Faithfulness Gives Me Confidence - Dr. Matthew K. Thomas

Remember God is faithful. In the midst of difficulty, acknowledge God is faithful. The faithfulness of God gives us courage, comfort, confidence.

1. Faithfulness is an Attribute of God.
God is absolutely reliable, absolutely trustworthy, absolutely steadfast, absolutely constant.

Faithfulness of God speaks of the stability of God in a changing world. What was once considered sin is now considered a weakness. Values are changing. But, we have a changeless Christ who is faithful.

1Cor. 1:9 - God is faithful.

Psa. 36:5 - Your faithfulness reaches unto the clouds.
Man cannot outstretch it. No matter where you are, His faithfulness can reach you.
The extensiveness of His faithfulness.

Psa. 119:9 - Your faithfulness is unto all generations.
Man can never outlive it.
The everlastingness of His faithfulness.

Lam. 3:23 - Great is Your faithfulness.
The exceedingness of His faithfulness.
Man can never outmatch it.

2. Faithfulness is an Activity of God.
The Bible tells us how God was faithful to His people. The OT talks of the activity of God's faithfulness.

We have seen the faithfulness of God in our lives.

1Cor. 1:9 - We are called into His fellowship.

I. God's faithfulness gives me Confidence because of His Provision.

God's faithfulness gives me Courage.

1. Fellowship of Togetherness, of His Son. (1Cor. 1:9)
1Jo. 1:3 - Fellowship with us, with the Father, with the Son.

There was so much disunity in the Corinthian church. Paul talks about fellowship of Jesus Christ.

2. Fellowship of Truthfulness
The Son is the Truth, the Truthful One

3. Fellowship of Trustfulness
Gal. 2:20 - by the faithfulness of the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me

II. God's faithfulness gives me Confidence because of His Protection.
1Cor. 10:13 - He is faithful... Will make a way of escape. Gives us confidence.

Once my dad was traveling with Pastor K. O. Varghese from Itarsi to Delhi. But, he was led by God to get down in Bhopal. After few hours, they heard the train had a derailment. Protective faithfulness of God.

He was once at Bhopal to speak. He was supposed to speak for Pastor A. J. Samuel the other day. But, 11pm God woke him and he knew he had to come back and not stay in Govindpura. He decided to come to Itarsi and go from here to Indore. That night there was the carbide tragedy in Bhopal. God's protective faithfulness.

My wife keeps reading Psalm 91 thousands of times, again and again. She keeps Psalms and Proverbs in her bag while traveling. We know the protective faithfulness of God.

God sends His angels to protect us.
He shields us with His favor.
It's a double protection.
Then, He says "I will be with you always."

III. God's faithfulness gives me Confidence because of His Power.
1Thess 5:23-25. Power for blamelessness.

IV. God's faithfulness gives me Confidence because of His Presence.

The Immutability of Divine Faithfulness - Dr. Matthew K. Thomas

God's faithfulness must be seen in perspective of 5 attributes of God:
1. Omniscience - He knows everything
2. Omnipotence- He can do everything
3. Omnipresence - He is within our reach
4. Truthfulness- He cannot lie
5. Immutability - He cannot change.

An understanding of these attributes gives us Courage, Confidence, and Comfort in times of trial.

Divine Immutability
1. God's Character never changes (James 1:17; Mal.3:6)
2. God's Truth never changes (Isa.40:8; Matt.24:35)
3. God's Purposes never change (Psa.33:11)
4. God's Love never changes (Psa.100:5)
5. God does not change His Mind (Num.23:9)
6. God's Words do not change (2Cor.1:20).

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Miracles - Teaching Outline by Dr. Matthew Thomas

Mark 5:24-34
The Miracles of Jesus Christ
1. Clarification
2. Calling
3. Counting
4. Categories
5. Critics
6. Cause or Purpose

1. Clarification:
Miracles of Christ are supernatural acts caused by the will of Jesus Christ which contrast to and interrupt the way in which life ordinarily functions

2. Calling
What are miracles called in scripture?
Dunamis - Power: mighty works, virtue, power, miracle
Semeion - Sign or indication, miracle
Ergon - Acts, deeds, work
Teras - Extraordinary, wonders

Dunamis emphasizes the Power behind the miracle
Semeion emphasizes the Purpose behind the miracle.
Ergon emphasizes the Performing of the miracle
Teras emphasizes the Praise from the miracle

3. Counting
Some think Jesus performed only 37 miracles, but the Bible says that they were innumerable (Jn.21:25)
a. Many miracles were summarized (Matt 8:16).
12 summary statements in Matthew
10 in Mark
5 in Luke
6 in John
b. Some miracles are similar; they could be the same or different (Matt 9:32,33; 12:22; Lk.11:14)

4. Categories
There are 33 prominent miracles that can be divided into 4 classes
a. Ruling Over Nature
b. Restoring of Health
c. Removing Demons
d. Raising the Dead

Dangers - 9 Miracles
Diseses - 17 Miracles
Demons - 4 Miracles
Death - 3 Miracles

I believe in miracles but I trust in Jesus

5. Critics
3 Major Attacks
a. Day. Sabbath Day. 7 out of 33 miracles on Sabbath Day (Lk.13:15)
b. Devil (Matt.9:34; 12:24)
c. Denial

People criticize miracles because they do not want to accept the authority and message of Jesus Christ

The Message of Christ and the Miracles of Christ are connected

6. Cause and Purposes
a. For the Glorification of God
b. The Confirmation of Christ's Claims as Son of God, Messiah, and Savior of men.
c. The Demonstration of Divine Power
Miracles are happening not because of you but because of the power of God
d. The Alleviation of the Needs of Humanity
e. The Subjugation of Satan's Power and Evil
f. The Education about Matters of Faith
Your life should not be based on miracles but on the Miracle worker Jesus Christ
g. The Fulfillment of OT Prophecies (Isa 29:18-19; 35:4-6; Mat.8:17; 11:1-5)

Jesus is the Master of every situation
Matt 4:23

One section that has all categories of miracle (Mark 4:35-5:43)
1. Victory Over Danger (Mk.4:35-41)
2. Victory Over Demons (Mk.5:1-20)
3. Victory Over Disease (Mk.5:21-34)
4. Victory Over Death (Mk.5:35-43)

Miracle by themselves are not proof that a man is sent by God (2Thess.2:9).
Jesus did not perform miracles to get crowd. He usually avoided the crowd

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Divine Healing for Our Bodies - Dr. Matthew K. Thomas

Dr. Matthew K. Thomas, January 2002

WHY IS THERE SICKNESS IN THE WORLD?
1. Sickness is the result of sin coming into the world. Death is the result of sin. But, ultimately, all sickness is the result of sin.
2. Some sicknesses and afflictions are the result of some specific sins (Psa.31:10; 38:3; Jn.5:14).
3. Some sicknesses and afflictions result from misuse of the body; for instance from wrong diet or from an immoral life.
4. Some sicknesses are caused by sinful emotions such as Hatred and Anger.

Sickness as Corrective Measure
1. Sometimes God allows sickness to come in our bodies to correct us (Heb.12:5-12). Chastening is not punishment but correction.
2. Sickness may also be used as a corrective when we fail to discern the Lord's Body (1Cor.11:27-30).
3. God may send sickness to correct us when we murmur against the appointed leader of God (Num.12:4,8,10; 16:4).

DIVINE HEALING
1. God is willing to heal the sick. (Exo.15:26; Num.12:11-14; Prov.4:20-22; Dt.7:15; 30:20; Exo.23:25; James 5:15)
2. God has given power to His disciples to heal.
3. Healings were performed by the Apostles.

Healing for Today
He heals today:
1. Because He promised to heal.
2. Because He is the Healer Himself.
3. To reveal His will.
4. To manifest the works of God.
5. Because He is a God of compassion.
6. Because of faith.
-- Faith of the one in need.
-- Faith of others who brought the sick for healing.

Why Everyone Is Not Healed?
1. Some seek healing for wrong purposes, out of wrong motives.
2. Some seek to get healing from the minister and not from the Lord.
3. Some don't receive healing because of their disobedience.
4. Unconfessed sins prevent healing (Ps.66:18; Jas.5:16).
5. Unbelief prevents healing (Mk.16:17; Jas.5:15).
6. Failure to stand in faith until we've received healing is a hindrance (Dan.10, Daniel waited for 21 days).

2 Principle Reasons Why People Cannot Retain Healing
1. Willful Sin
2. Wavering Faith

7 Practical Suggestions to Retain Healing
1. Stay in faith atmosphere.
2. Keep praising the Lord for what He has already done in your life.
3. Keep testifying of what the Lord has done in your life.
4. Keep feeding on the Word of God.
5. Contend in faith.
6. Walk in obedience to God's will.
7. Start and continue the work of God.

Victory Over Worry - Dr. Matthew Thomas

by Dr. Matthew K. Thomas (Jan 27, 2002)

Worry means that your mind has been divided, that you've been torn between the real and the possible, between the immediate and the potential. It means that you're being pulled in two opposite directions.

The Anglo-Saxon root of the word implies, "to strangle"

Once you've become double-minded, you become unstable.
- in emotions
- in your thought-process
- in your decisions
- in your judgment

1. Worry is distrust in the truthfulness of God. It dulls the faculty of faith in you.
2. Worry shuts up in condemnation.
3. It destroys the capacity to see God's provision.
4. It questions the authority of the Word of God.
5. It makes one stumble.
6. It hardens the heart.
7. It is the forerunner of destruction.
8. It stops you from receiving the blessing of God.

Matt.6:25,31,34: Three times Christ commands us not to worry. Three times, to get our attention.

Worry is SIN, breaking God's command.

2 Simple Disclaimers
1. Worry does not mean you should not plan. Jesus planned beforehand what must be done beyond Jerusalem after Crucifixion. Planning definitely tells me that I need not worry.
2. "Don't worry" does not mean "don't be concerned". For instance, your children are playing in the streets; if you aren't concerned, you are a terrible parent. Realistic concerns are not worries. Concern focuses on the present; worry focuses on the future (without God).

1. Worry is inconsistent (Matt.6:25, 32). We believe He is our Creator but don't believe he is our Sustainer.
2. Worry is irrational (Matt.6:26; Lk.12:6; Matt.10:29-31).
3. Worry is ineffective (Matt.6:27).
4. Worry is illogical (Matt.6:28,29).
5. Worry is irreligious (Matt.6:30).

Monday, July 21, 2014

Matthew K. Thomas

"My desire is to be an exhibition of His power, an extension of His life, and an expression of His love," says Dr. Matthew K. Thomas. Presently, the President of Central India Theological Seminary, the Chairman of the Fellowship of Pentecostal Churches in India, and Secretary of Pentecostal World Fellowship, he looks back at his younger days and remembers the toils through which his family had been. "We sat on the ground in school and wrote with barru," he says to the younger generation.

"My dad didn't have a few paise to buy me a ticket to Hoshangabad, so we bi-cycled to the place.... We patched our torn trousers and wore it to school....."

His father, the late Dr. Kurien Thomas, had this humble confession about the birth of Matthew:

On the 2nd of November, 1948, our second son was born. He was delivered in the house attended by a village midwife. One of the believers, a sister, was also present. She told me that according to the custom of the place, as soon as the child was born, the midwife should be given a gift of some kind. I did not have even one penny to my name; what could I give her? I went outside and began pacing up and down in the courtyard. I prayed earnestly: "Lord, please let me not be ashamed before this Hindu woman. Give me something I can give to her." I was still praying when the postman came with a money order for ten rupees. As I received the money the baby was born. At once I put a few rupees into the midwife's hand. I can't help thinking that God had a quartz timepiece long before man had one, because He is always on time.

They called him Mone at home, and very few would ever have voted that Mone would come into ministry. After a not-so-happy experience with the College at Hoshangabad that demanded a compromise of faith, which Mone couldn't, God opened a wide door to the West when all other doors had shut down. In 1974, he married Aleyamma, who was working as a nurse in the US. For 21 years, he worked hard becoming very successful in business. However, God's calling weighed heavy on his heart and he left the world of business for the call of the Cross in 1992. The years following were years of testing as Aleyamma worked over time to support family and ministry and Matthew immersed into arduous toiling in the land of his birth. For the next many years he continued to provide leadership for both Seminary and Church. All the while, Aleyamma toiled day and night to support the work back home.

"I don't call this a sacrifice," says Matthew, "for nothing we do can compare to the great sacrifice that Christ gave for us; it's grace, just grace upon grace."

His heart saw the sorrow of burying both his father and his mother by the turn of the millennium; but, very soon, Aleyamma joined him in the work in India. Together, they now lead a number of ministry extensions including a children's home and projects to provide drinking water in the town of Itarsi. A few more projects are on way. Matthew and Aleyamma have their hearts' joy in their children Mercy, Michael, and Melissa; but more in their grandchildren Joshua and Moriah, the kids of Mercy and Bijoy.

"The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty." ~ Matthew Thomas

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Pastor Karamchand Hans, Miracles at Sanjaynagar (Convention, October 1992)

From Marbaniang, Domenic. The Story of Prarthana Bhavan of Sanjay Koyala Nagar, 2005, pp.7-9.

THE FIRST Christian Convention of any kind in Sanjay Koyala Nagar was organized during October 8 – 10, 1992. Pastor Karamchand Hans arrived with his son Pastor Rajinder Hans and a disciple on October 7th. They were lodged at the Guest House of Sanjay Koyala Nagar.

Pamphlets advertising the healing services had already been circulated. On the evening of October 8th, a huge crowd gathered at the Durga Ground, the site of the Convention. People were anxiously waiting to have a darshan of the Baba (that’s how holy saints or miracle workers are referred to by non-Christians in this area). After a few songs, Pastor Karamchand Hans was introduced and he came to the dais with his tambourine in hand. He was to sing a song before he preached. Suddenly, the clouds grew darker and began to drizzle down. The people, who were seated under open heavens, began to flee seeking shelter as there was no pavilion spread over on the ground. As the uproar rose higher, Pastor Karamchand Hans called out to the people not to leave the ground. Many stood still. Pastor Karamchand looked to the sky and commanded the rain to stop. Immediately, the clouds stopped pouring down rain and began to depart swiftly. The crowd was wonderstruck. That first night was history for Sanjay Koyala Nagar. It is unforgettable. Pastor Karamchand presented a few songs, and then proceeded to give the word of God. After the preaching, he prayed for healing. Many experienced the healing power of God. Since that memorable evening, people began to flock over anywhere during that time they knew where Pastor Karamchand was. He could not get the necessary rest for his body, yet he untiringly ministered to the people in need out of the love of God.

The next morning, meeting was conducted on the stage itself. A Hindu sadhu present there began to speak abusively aloud. But Pastor Karamchand paid no attention to him. At last, the sadhu left by himself. Many were blessed spiritually through these meetings. The morning studies and the evening crusades went on till October 10th and when Pastor Karamchand Hans saw the thirst and thrust of the public, he extended the meetings for one more day.

Many miracles took place during those meetings. Many blind, deaf, dumb, crippled, demon possessed, and people distressed by various sicknesses were healed. One, the daughter of Mr. S..., was instantly healed of her dumbness and began to speak clearly as soon as Pastor Karamchand prayed for her. Mr. S... happened to know about the meetings through a pamphlet he found outside the Club. After this miracle in his daughter’s life, he became convinced of Jesus’ power. He himself was healed of sore and cracked feet...

Pastor Karamchand left an indelible mark in the lives of the believers of Sanjay Koyala Nagar. It was he who suggested the construction of the Prarthana Bhavan during his first visit. He, by the Spirit, showed the site where the Bhavan was to be constructed, that is beside the house of Mr. David S. Paul. He also influenced many Christians and non-Christians to attend the meetings every Sunday evening at Mr. David Paul’s house. In that way, he played the most vital role in the founding of the Prarthana Bhavan in Sanjay Koyala Nagar.

After the Convention in Sanjay Koyala Nagar, Pastor Karamchand and his team moved on to Chachai, then Anuppur, and then to Jamuna Colliery to speak at the Conventions there. The Christians of Sanjay Koyala Nagar followed him to all of these places. It was during this time that Mr. R. Venkata Rao was touched by the power of the Holy Spirit, baptized in Him, spoke in different tongues and received power from above. This happened during one of the many times of prayer that he spent with Pastor Karamchand during these meetings.

After these meetings, the believers of Sanjay Koyala Nagar who had been attending all through, returned to Sanjay Koyala Nagar and continued in the word, prayer, worship, and fellowship. Mr. R. V. Rao, however, followed Pastor Karamchand to Raipur as well where they had mighty healing meetings. It was in Raipur that Mr. Rao first cast out a demon in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. He did not return to Andhra with the intention to attend the Chris Panos Gospel Healing Crusade in November 1992. This stay prolonged since it was made known that Pastor Karamchand was going to speak at the Convention in Hirakud, Orissa. Mr. R. V. Rao Paulus (Pastor Karamchand gave the name Paulus to him at Raipur) attended these meetings with his wife. Pastor Karamchand was unable to come for these meetings but sent Pastor Om Prakash (General Secretary of Spiritual Christian Church Fellowship of India) and Pastor Surinder Masih in his place. There was also a singer with them. This singer had not yet taken baptism. But when Mr. Paulus preached, he immediately expressed his decision to be baptized and was baptized. On seeing this, Pastor Om Prakash and Pastor Surinder Masih, moved by the Spirit ordained (or recognized the ordination of God upon) Mr. Paulus on November 20, 1992.

© Domenic Marbaniang, 2005

Saturday, July 31, 2010

The Promise of the Light of Life

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

The dim bulb flickered unpredictably as Head Constable Karamchand Hans dozed off on his chair at the Ferozepur police station. A vile and violent man, he had been very furious with his mom that evening, because she paid no heed to his threatenings to not allow the missionaries. He had shouted in fury, “There is no God” as he lashed out of the home deciding not to come back that evening. Now, while he reclined on his chair, darkness had descended all around. Suddenly, a great light shone inside the station and Karamchand awoke with a start, his hands trying to cover his eyes from the dazzling light. A voice broke out “Karamchand, I AM!” That night God called Karamchand Hans to serve him. He had objected saying that he was a bad drunkard and so was unworthy, but the Lord told him that liquor would smell as filth to him from then on. Karamchand went on to become a great Christian leader in the land of Punjab, and served Christ faithfully in a ministry that impacted the whole of India.

Jesus Christ has promised that he who follows Him will not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life. There is no darkness so thick that He can’t pierce, there is no body so diseased that He can’t heal, there is no life so lost that He can’t save; for, He alone is the light of the world.

Prayer: Lord, You are the light of my life. When darkness seems to cover me from all sides and all hope seems lost, I will lift up my eyes to You; for, without You this darkness is darker still, but Your presence blots it out.Take this heart of mine, O Lord, and flood it with Your light! Amen!

© Domenic Marbaniang, 2010.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Maintaining our Edge

Sunday, July 4, 2010, 7:00pm
Pentecostal Church of God, Itarsi
Message by Rev. Dr. Matthew K. Thomas

TEXT

But as one was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water; and he cried out and said, "Alas, master! For it was borrowed." So the man of God said, "Where did it fall?" And he showed him the place. So he cut off a stick, and threw it in there; and he made the iron float.
(2Ki 6:5-6)

MAINTAINING OUR EDGE
Three men were hired by a man to cut the trees of his forest. Two of them worked very hard without taking any break. One, however, took a break every two hours. In the evening, the two came and complained that the other was breaking in a lot for rest, while they had worked hard and cut 17 trees. The owner asked the other man, who replied that he had taken those breaks to actually sharpen his axe and that he had cut 29 trees.

Do we take time to sharpen our axes, the power given to us by God?

Why People Lose Their Edge

1. Because they listen to people. If you spend much time with negative, critical, complaining people, you can lose your edge.
Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." The Bible tells us that he who walks with the wise will be wise.
Do not allow ungodly people into your inner circle, or else they'll blunt and corrode your edge.

2. Because they let circumstances dominate their life.
When we start looking at the adverse circumstances instead of moving on in faith, they corrupt our perspective, thought-life, and become heavy on the soul. "Oh, I don't have this" or "I don't have that" or "If only I had what he had" and so on are thoughts hinging on circumstantial living.

3. Wickedness destroys the edge
In modern times, Television and Internet have assumed great power to destroy the efficacy and sharpness of spiritual people. It gives them easy access to wickedness and destroys their testimony and spiritual experience.

4. Because they never guard the heart
Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our heart above all things.

5. Because of carelessness
We need to be watchful.
It's important to set safeguards. I remember Billy Graham's three points of watchfulness (in his interview on the Larry King Show):
a. He never would counsel a woman alone in his office
b. He never would go in a car alone with a woman
c. He never would go to beach without his wife

Job made a covenant with his eyes not to look with lust on a woman.
....

We need to sharpen our edge. We need to spend time with the Lord, with the saints, in prayer, in worship, in study. We need to keep off from things and activities that can blunt our edge. Let's pray for a fresh touch of God, for strength, for His fresh anointing each day.

Maintaining our Edge

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Privileges of Being a Christian (Luke 10) - Part I

Message by Dr. Matthew K. Thomas, Sunday, June 27, 2010

Luke 10 shows us three scenes that tell us what we are in Christ:

Scene 1: Ambassadors - We represent God (vv. 1-23) - The 70 that were sent
Scene 2: Imitators - We imitate God (vv.25-37) - The Good Samaritan
Scene 3: Worshippers - We listen to God (vv.38-42) - Martha and Mary

------------------------

#1 AMBASSADORS OF CHRIST

1. The Ambassador is appointed by the King, not by any man or board
2. The Ambassador represents the King in a foreign land (we have a citizenship in heaven)
3. The Ambassador is sent with distinguished honor
4. The Ambassador has the trust of the King in him
5. The Ambassador will only do everything for the best interest of his King
6. The Ambassador personifies or embodies the King
7. The Ambassador cannot take citizenship in the foreign land
8. The Ambassador is fully protected by the country he is sent
9. The Ambassador has full access to the wealth of his country
10. The Ambassador cannot be recalled by anyone except the King
11. The Ambassador cannot give his opinion, but only convey the message
12. The Ambassador has to influence the territory he goes to for his King
13. The Ambassador can never take his mission lightly
14. The Ambassador makes sure to keep the honor of his King

© Dr. Matthew K. Thomas, 2010

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Privileges of Being a Christian (Luke 10) - Part I

Monday, February 8, 2010

Hearing God’s Voice

Itarsi: October 17, 2004

Dr. Matthew K. Thomas

(Senior Pastor, Pentecostal Church, Itarsi)

Introduction

- Gen.3: 8a – the voice of God.

- In our age, we are bombarded with different voices all the time.

- We need to choose what to hear and whom to hear.

- Our God is not a distant deity; we need to recognize God’s voice.

- God is speaking, but our minds are cluttered and clouded with trendy voices.

I. How God Speaks. - Through

A. His Word

B. Holy Spirit

C. Church

D. Circumstances

E. People

II. Six Reasons Why God Speaks

A. Because He loves us. Love always communicates.

B. To have intimate relationship with us.

C. To give us guidance and direction.

D. To give us comfort.

E. To give us assurance so that we’ll be strong.

F. So that we can know Him.

III. How To Recognize God’s Voice

A. Be in range. A radio needs to be placed in range of the waves, moving it from one corner of the room to another till it comes into range. The range is God’s presence.

B. Tune to the right channel. Even if we fast and pray for God to get Vishwani beam on 85 MHz it won’t. We need to be in tune with God’s will.

C. Make a minor adjustment. When the needle comes near the right channel and still there seems to be an overlapping of stations, a minor adjustment is needed. If we don’t make the minor adjustments to stay close to His love all the time, we will be hearing two stations.

If you spend time with your Father, you’ll recognize His voice.

IV. What Happens If We Fail To Listen To God’s Voice?

Genesis 3

A. We end up listening to wrong and unfamiliar voice (v1).

B. We are easily deceived (v4).

C. Pride and independence enters our lives and we become rebellious.

D. We make decisions that please our flesh, desire, and appetite. Appetite, Beauty, and Knowledge and a life controlled by lust (v6).

E. We excuse ourselves and blame others (v12).

F. We’ll suffer. (Vv. 14-19).

G. We miss the best.

Hearing God’s Voice

Itarsi: October 17, 2004

Dr. Matthew K. Thomas

(Senior Pastor, Pentecostal Church, Itarsi)

Introduction

- Gen.3: 8a – the voice of God.

- In our age, we are bombarded with different voices all the time.

- We need to choose what to hear and whom to hear.

- Our God is not a distant deity; we need to recognize God’s voice.

- God is speaking, but our minds are cluttered and clouded with trendy voices.

I. How God Speaks. - Through

A. His Word

B. Holy Spirit

C. Church

D. Circumstances

E. People

II. Six Reasons Why God Speaks

A. Because He loves us. Love always communicates.

B. To have intimate relationship with us.

C. To give us guidance and direction.

D. To give us comfort.

E. To give us assurance so that we’ll be strong.

F. So that we can know Him.

III. How To Recognize God’s Voice

A. Be in range. A radio needs to be placed in range of the waves, moving it from one corner of the room to another till it comes into range. The range is God’s presence.

B. Tune to the right channel. Even if we fast and pray for God to get Vishwani beam on 85 MHz it won’t. We need to be in tune with God’s will.

If you spend time with your Father, you’ll recognize His voice.

IV. What Happens If We Fail To Listen To God’s Voice?

Genesis 3

A. We end up listening to wrong and unfamiliar voice (v1).

B. We are easily deceived (v4).

C. Pride and independence enters our lives and we become rebellious.

D. We make decisions that please our flesh, desire, and appetite. Appetite, Beauty, and Knowledge and a life controlled by lust (v6).

E. We excuse ourselves and blame others (v12).

F. We’ll suffer. (Vv. 14-19).

G. We miss the best.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

नववर्ष में निर्भय प्रवेश – New Year Message

President of Central India Theological Seminary, Executive Board Member of Pentecostal World Felloship, Chairman of the Fellowship of Pentecostal Churches in India

नए वर्ष के प्रारंभ ही में हमने ऐसे त्रासदी भरी घटनाओं के बारे में सुन लिया है, जिससे संसार आज भय के चपेट में आ गया हैं। हाल ही में एक भयानक भूकम्‍प ने हायती देश की राजधानी में ही एक लाख से अधिक लोगों की एक ही दिन में जान ले ली। फिर कोई आतंकवादी संघटन का मुखिया ने कल ऐलान कर दिया कि उसके पास इतना परमाणु शक्ति है कि वह सारे विश्‍व को पंद्राह मिनटों में नाश कर सकता है। संसार स्‍वयं मौत एवं आतंक का ऐसा खतरनाक समुद्र बन चुका है जिसमें जीवन और भविष्‍य हर वक्‍त समाप्ति के कगार पर ही पाए जाते हैं। ऐसे परिस्थितियों में परमेश्‍वर का वचन हमारे लिए दैवीय सच्‍चाई का वह सीख देता है जो हमें भय के बंधन से मुक्‍त कर ईश्‍वरीय भलाई और करूणा के साथ हमें इस नववर्ष में प्रवेश दिलाता है।

इब्रानियों 13:5,6,8 के अनुसार:

'जो तुम्हारे पास है, उसी पर संतोष किया करो; क्‍योंकि उस ने आप ही कहा है, कि मैं तुझे कभी न छोडूंगा, और न कभी तुझे त्यागूंगा। इसलिथे हम बेधड़क होकर कहते हैं, कि प्रभु, मेरा सहाथक है; मैं न डरूंगा; मनुष्य मेरा क्‍या कर सकता है.... यीशु मसीह कल और आज और युगानुयुग एकसा है।'

भय पॉच क्रियाओं के द्वारा मनुष्‍य को ईश्‍वरीय विजय से अलग करता है:
1. भय हमारे सोच-विचार को अनरूप एवं विकृत कर देता है।
2. भय संतों के मन को अनुत्‍साहित कर देता है।
3. भय हमारे लिए ईश्‍वर की सुयोजना को अनदेखी कर देता है।
4. भय ईश्वर के संदेश एवं प्रतिज्ञाओं पर अविश्‍वास जताता है।
5. भय दैवीय सिद्धांत के प्रति अनाज्ञारिता दर्शाता है।

इस नव वर्ष में निर्भय प्रवेश हेतु इब्रानियों 13:5,6,8 में हम चार शक्ति मूल्‍यों को देख सकते है।
1. उसके प्रबंधन की संतुष्टि
2. उसकी उपस्थिति की सहभागिता
3. उसके प्रतिज्ञाओं का आश्‍वासन
4. उसकी सुरक्षा की सांत्‍वना

1. उसके प्रबंधन की संतुष्टि। वचन कहता है: ''जो तुम्हारे पास है, उसी पर संतोष किया करो।' हमारा पिता परमेश्‍वर हमारे लिए सब भ‍‍ली वस्‍तुओं का प्रबंध किया है। परन्‍तु मनुष्‍य जब असं‍तुष्टि की चपेट में आ जाता है तो इसे समझ नही पाता। संतुष्टि के चार महान शत्रु है: चिंता, अविश्‍वास, अकेलापन, एवं लालच या लोभ। 2पतरस 1:3 के अनुसार जीवन एवं भक्ति के लिए जो भी बातें आवश्‍यक हैं उनहे परमेश्‍वर ने हमे दे दिया है। हमें बरकतों को स्‍मरण रखकर एक धन्‍यवादी हृदय के साथ आनंदमय जीवन को व्‍यतीत करना है। यह सं‍तुष्टि एवं आनंद परिस्थितियों पर आधारित नहीं परंतु परमेश्‍वर के साथ हमारे सम्‍बंध का प्रमाण है। भजनकार कहता है कि वह हर दिन हमें भली वस्‍तुओं से तृप्‍त करता है। जब चारों तरफ आर्थिक अव्‍यवस्‍ता फैल रही है और बेरोजगारी एवं गरीबी मनुष्‍य को प्रताडित कर रही है तो परमेश्‍वर का वचन हमें स्‍मरण दिलाता है कि हमारे पिता ने हमारे लिए सभी बातों का प्रबंध कर दिया है। मुझे मेरे जीवन के वे दिन स्‍म्‍रण है जब मुझे होशंगबाद किसी कार्यक्रम के लिए जाना था और हमारे घर में बस के टिकट खरीदने के लिए भी पैसे नही थे। मैने इसे कोई कमजोरी नही समझा; हम साईकिल से वहा तक गए। एक समय था जब हमें रोज नहाने के लिए रैलवे स्‍टेशन जाना पडता था। लेकिन ऐसी अवस्‍था में असंतुष्टि हम पर प्रबल नही हो पाई क्‍योंकि हम अपने पिता परमेश्‍वर के प्रबंध को जानते थे। समय पर वह अपने खजाने में से एक एक आशीष हमारे जीवन में लाता गया। आज भी हम उतने ही आनंदित है जितना उस समय थे, क्‍योंकि हम अपने प्रबंध करने वाले पिता को भली भांति जानते है।

1 थेस्‍सलोनिकियों 5:16,17,18 हमें यह सिखाता कि एक धन्‍यवाद से भरा हुआ हृदय परमेश्‍वर की इच्‍छा को पूरा करता है। परमेश्‍वर चाहता है कि हम हमेशा आनंदित, धन्‍यवादित, एवं प्रार्थना करते रहें। भजन 34:10 कहता है: जवान सिंहों को तो घटी होती और वे भूखे भी रह जाते हैं; परन्तु यहोवा के खोजियोंको किसी भली वस्तु की घटी न होवेगी। हाल ही में हमारे फैलोशिप को सहायता भेजने वाले चार महान दानियों ने हमें लिखा कि वे हमें सहायता नहीं भेज सकते है। लेकिन हम जानते है कि जब कोई दर्वाजा बंद होता है तो ईश्‍वर दूसरा दर्वाजा खोलने के लिए तैयार रहता है क्‍योंकि उसके प्रबंधन ही से यह संसार और यह सेवकाई भी चलती है। इसलिए हमें किसी बात का भय नहीं। हम इस नए वर्ष में निर्भयता के साथ, हृदय में एक दैवीय संतुष्टि को लेकर प्रवेश कर रहे हैं, और हम चाहते है कि आप भी ईश्‍वरीय भलाई को स्‍मरण रखते हुए बडे आनंद, विश्‍वास, और अपेक्षा के साथ इस नव वर्ष में प्रवेश करें।

2. उसकी उपस्थिति की सहभागिता। परमेश्‍वर का वचन कहता है, 'मैं तुझे कभी न छोडूंगा, और न कभी तुझे त्यागूंगा।' प्रभु यीशु मसीह के द्वारा हम जिस दैवीय रिश्‍ते एवं संगति में प्रवेश कराये गये है वह कभी टूटने वाली नही है (1यूहन्‍ना 1:3)। बाईबल बताती है कि एक दुध पिलाती मां अपने बच्‍चे को त्‍याग सकती है, परन्‍तु परमेश्‍वर हमें कभी नहीं त्‍यागता। निश्‍चय इसमें कोई संदेह नहीं की मनुष्‍य अपने मन का अनुकरण कर पथभ्रष्‍ट हो जाता है, परन्‍तु परमेश्‍वर की उपस्थिति हमारे साथ कायम रहती। दुख की बात तो यह है कि कई लोग इस बात को समझ नहीं पाते और इस कारण से ईश्‍वर उनके निकट होने पर भी वे उसकी संगति में प्रवेश नहीं कर पाते है, न उसमें सहभागी हो पाते हैं। लेकिन उसके उपस्थिति का ज्ञान एवं एहसास भर भय को दूर कर देता है, इसलिए भजनकार कहता है, 'तेरे निकट आनन्द की भरपूरी है, तेरे दहिने हाथ में सुख सर्वदा बना रहता है' (भजन 16:11)। जब मित्र एवं बन्‍धु हमें त्‍याग देते है, तभी भी हम जानते है कि वह हमारे संग रहता है। जब परिस्थितियां विपरीत हो जाती है तब भी वह हमारे साथ रहता है। वचन यह भी कहता है कि जो हमें छूता है उसकी आंखों की पुतली को छूता है। तो फिर हमें किस बात का डर। संसार के विभिन्‍न महान परेशानियों में दो महान समस्‍याएं आज अकेलापन एवं उबाउपन है। इसमें कोई संदेह नहीं कि इनहे दूर करने के प्रयास में मनुष्‍य असंगत परिस्थ्‍िातियों में अपने आप को फसा लेता है। इस कारण से जीवन भी अनर्थ, आशा‍रहित, अननुमेय, एवं अशांत सा हो जाता है। परंतु जिस प्रकार संत अगस्‍तीन ने कहा था, जब हम ईशवर के पास आते है तो यह बेचैन दिल चैन पा लेता है। परमेश्‍वर कहता है कि 'परमेश्वर के निकट आओ, तो वह भी तुम्हारे निकट आएगा' (याकूब 4:8)। यद्यपि वह हम में से किसी से भी दूर नही (प्ररित 17:27) फिर भी यह सहभागिता हमारे सहभागिता के बिना सम्‍भव नहीं हो सकता। उसके निकट बने रहें और भय और चिंता का ह्रास हो जाएगा। आज हम भजनकार आसाफ के साथ यह कहने पायें: 'परमेश्वर के समीप रहना, यही मेरे लिथे भला है' (भजन 73:28)।

3. उसके प्रतिज्ञाओं का आश्‍वासन। परमेश्‍वर की उपस्थिति एवं सहायता की प्रतिज्ञाएं हमें दृढ़ आशा प्रदान करती है। हम इस नए वर्ष में इन प्रतिज्ञाओं को लेते हुए बडे हर्ष एवं अपेक्षा के साथ प्रवेश करें क्‍योंकि परमेश्‍वर हमारे जीवन में अपनी भलाई एवं पराक्रम को बहुतायत से प्रगट करेगा। हम वचन के अनुसार परमेश्‍वर के भुजबल पर आशा रखने वाले हो जाएं (यशायह 51:5)। इस संसार में जीते हुए हम कई अभक्‍त एवं अधर्मी बातों का सामना करते है, परन्‍तु परमेश्‍वर ने 'बहुमूल्य और बहुत ही बड़ी प्रतिज्ञाएं दी हैं: ताकि इन के द्वारा तुम उस सड़ाहट से छूटकर जो संसार में बुरी अभिलाषाओं से होती है, ईश्वरीय स्‍वभाव के समभागी हो जाओ' (2पतरस 1:4)। क्‍या कोई जवान इस बात से भयभीत है कि वह इस वर्ष प्रभु में स्थिर रह पायेगा या नही, तो आप परमेश्‍वर के प्रतिज्ञाओं को अपने सीने से लगाकर ऐलान कर दें कि आप अपना चाल चलन को शुद्ध रख पायेंगे क्‍योकि आप परमेश्‍वर के वचन से सावधानी का पाठ लेते है (भजन 119: 9)। जब आप विभिन्‍न प्रकार के परीक्षाओं में अपने आप को पाते है तो स्‍मरण रखें कि परमेश्‍वर आप के लिए एक निकलने का मार्ग भी बनाता है ताकि आप अंत तक धीरज रखें (1कुरूत्थियों 10:13)। परमेश्‍वर ने लिखित वचन में हमें बुद्धि, भरपूरी, जय, सहायता, एवं शांति का वायदा किया है। आये इस नए वर्ष में हम उनहें प्राप्‍त करने की चेषटा के साथ प्रवेश करें। और परमेश्‍वर की इच्‍छा को स्‍मरण रखें: 'हम बहुत चाहते हैं, कि तुम में से हर एक जन अन्‍त तक पूरी आशा के लिथे ऐसा ही प्रयत्‍न करता रहे। ताकि तुम आलसी न हो जाओ? बरन उन का अनुकरण करो, जो विश्वास और धीरज के द्वारा प्रतिज्ञाओं के वारिस होते हैं' (इब्रानियों 6:11,12)। इसलिए आइए हम विश्‍वास एवं धीरज से कमर कस कर बडे उम्‍मीद और आश्‍वासन के साथ इस नए वर्ष में प्रवेश करें। यदी कोई सोचता है कि ऐसे अनुभव केवल बाईबल के समयों में ही संभव थे, तो याद रखे कि वचन हमे फिर स्‍मरण दिलाता है कि यीशु मसीह कल, आज, और युगानुयुग एक सा है। जैसा वह नबदल है, वैसे ही उसकी प्रतिज्ञाएं भी चिरस्‍थायी है।

4. उसकी सुरक्षा की सांत्‍वना। आज के संसार में सुरक्षिता के कई उपाय है जो इंजीनियरिंग के तकनीकों एवं औषधि विज्ञान के कक्ष से चल कर आर्थिक संरक्षण की दुनिया तक विद्यमान है। लेकिन चाहे इं‍जीनियर आपके मकान को, आपके गाडी को, रोज के यातायात वाहनों को, या अन्‍य यंत्रों को कितना ही सुरक्षित क्‍यों न कर दें; या आप बीमा इत्‍यादी द्वारा भविष्‍य को सुरक्षित करने का कितना भी प्रयास कर लें; फिर भी यदी परमेश्‍वर की सुरक्षा का कवछ हमे न घेरे तो ये सारी बाते व्‍यर्थ ही है। भजन 3,4, एवं 5 अध्‍यायों के अंतिम पदों को स्‍मरण रखें। वे कहते है:

'उद्धार यहोवा ही की ओर से होता है' (भजन 3:8)
'मैं शान्ति से लेट जाऊंगा और सो जाऊंगा? क्योंकि, हे यहोवा, केवल तू ही मुझ को एकान्त में निश्चिन्त रहने देता है।' (भजन 4:8)
'तू धर्मी को आशिष देगा। हे यहोवा, तू उसको अपके अनुग्रहरूपी ढाल से घेरे रहेगा।' (भजन 5:12)

परमेश्‍वर का अनुग्रह हमारी ऐसा ढ़ाल है जिसे संसार की कोई भी शक्ति भेद नही सकती। इस कारण से भजनकार कहता है कि वह शात्ति से लेट कर सो जाएगा क्‍योंकि यहोवा ही उसे एकान्‍त में निश्चिन्‍त रहने देता है। वचन कहता है कि 'परमेश्वर ने हमें भय की नहीं पर सामर्य, और प्रेम, और संयम की आत्मा दी है' (2तिमोथियुस 1:7)।
परमेश्‍वर के लोगों के जीवन में असंगत भय होने की आवश्‍यक्‍ता नहीं क्‍योंकि उनका जीवन परमेश्‍वर ही के हाथ में है और उसके मर्जी के बगैर हमारे सिर का एक भी बाल बांका नही हो सकता (लूका 21:18)। क्‍या कोई भी संसार की कम्‍पनी हमें इतने सुरक्षा का कवरेज दे सकती है। लेकिन इसका मतलब यह नहीं की हम मूर्खता एवं अहंकार का रूख अपना कर संगत भय को भी नजर अंदाज कर दें। उदाहरण के लिए, इसका मतलब ये नहीं होता कि आप आग में हाथ डाल कर अपनी निर्भयता को प्रदर्शित करने की कोशीश करें। याद रखें कि शैतान ने भी बाइबल के वचनों का गलत उपयोग कर यीशु मसीह को मंदिर पर से नीचे कूदने के लिए प्रोतसाहित करने कि कोशीश किया, परंतु प्रभु ने उसे यह कहते हुए सामना किया कि लिखा गया है कि तू अपने प्रभू परमेश्‍वर की परीक्षा न लेना। ईश्‍वरीय सुरक्षा अनुग्रहरूपी है, और अनुग्रह केवल उसी पर होता है जो नम्रता से प्रभु के नियमों का आ‍धीन हो (याकूब 4:6)।

सो आईये हम परमेश्‍वर के प्रबंधन की संतुष्टि, उसकी उपस्थिति की सहभागिता, उसके प्रतिज्ञाओं का आश्‍वासन, एवं उसकी सुरक्षा की सांत्‍वना के साथ इस नव वर्ष में निर्भयता के साथ प्रवेश करें। प्रभु आपको आशीष दें।

© डॉ. मैथ्‍यू के. थॉमस, 2010, इटारसी.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

12 Principles of Success (Sermon by Dr. Matthew Thomas)

Message by Dr. Matthew Thomas
Pentecostal Church, Itarsi, India

1. If you don’t use what you got it will rot
2. Don’t let a setback make you sit back, arrange for a come back
3. The seed you sow is the only seed that will grow
4. What you don’t overcome will overcome you
5. You can be exempted, when you are tempted
6. If you need a lift use your gift, if you don’t use your gift, you will drift, sift, rift
7. Change your convictions and make them your addictions
8. You will never survive if you compromise
9. Don’t allow the failures of the past to dictate you future
10. What you feed on in your heart will determine whether or not you will fall apart
11. To prepare God’s way there is a price to pay
12. You will never know what manner of person you can be until Jesus gives you an identity
13. Discover that you can recover

12 Principles of Success (Sermon by Dr. Matthew Thomas)

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