Sreedhar's Journey

As part of our homeschooling time, our children were doing creation science as opposed to regular science in schools. It covers science from the perspective of belief in God. Various theories and science ideologies are also studied and gives the child an opportunity to understand the different arguments. Hebrews chapter 2 continues to bring concepts that are literally out of this world, but they make great sense. Hebrews 2:14-15 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. In reading this chapter you will see the spiritual realm being explained. We ar...

Ever heard of visits by angels? Are they real. The bible is full of references to angels. Similarly, other religious persuasions also make mention of angels. The first chapter of Hebrews makes reference to Jesus Christ and compares His personhood with angels.  Jesus is described in great detail in this chapter. It is very clear that He is God. It shows up in the way He is referred to in this verse. Hebrews 1:8-9 But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” Yes, angels surround Jesus, but Jesus is not an angel. He is God. He came to earth so that we may have life. We have salvation through Jesus Christ because God loves us. At the same time God has sent us angels to minister to us. Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for...

Much of our struggles have to do with things we cannot control. The events and sometimes accidents that befall us. The actions of people around us. One of my sons fell from his bike and badly hurt his toe when he was younger. He had the ability to control his bike somewhat, but not completely. Most times it is things that we don't control that hurt us. Paul as he writes to Philemon encourages us to focus on what we do control. That is our person through Christ. Philemon 1:4-7 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother. Everything is to done in accordance with His ways as directed by the Holy Spirit. Our guidance is Him. Philem...

People in power want to remain in power, and many will do anything possible to stay that way. This could include unethical things that leaders could get away with. As Christians how do we respond to this? Paul has good advice. Titus 3:1-3 Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. This verse is followed by other verses that elaborate on this and gives the reason for such an approach. Paul's gives detailed advice how believers should carry themselves and relate with those in authority.  We usually would respond with letters and post Facebook comments. Instead, Paul is advocating a different approach. Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that...

We seem to be caught up with things that are not Godly on a daily basis. Our goal is to either look good in front of people or to make best use of our time on earth and indulge in self gratifying activities. Both destroy a person and God knows that. God's instruction to us is clear and Paul reminds Titus of this. Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Rely on His grace that brings salvation or deliverance. We have a human tendency towards that which seems to destroy us. We need to break away and live under the grace of God that gives us the peace of mind. We could be seen by many to...

I think I may have caused a stir recently when I entitled my post "Final Farewell". I am back. In a way this reminds me of Jesus saying He is back. Many thought He had died and still many believed that He died unjustly. Many things happened to reflect the early reactions. But there are some who did not believe He died. Paul refers to these. Titus 1:13-16 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. It is not mentioned what these fables are, but they basically negate the need for Jesus dying on the cross. It is taking people back to the old days of needing to fulfill the law using human ...

When you know you are going to die, what would be your last words? In most instances people would be caught up with their dire conditions and leave distressed and upset. In a few others they are composed and choose to be practical and leave clear instructions on what they would like done after their death. In a few others, where they have a clear understanding of where they are going, they would give good advice to others on what they need to do with their lives. Paul did this. 2 Timothy 4:2-5 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. What a man, app...

What has happened to the old situation of everyone putting in an honest day's work? Today we try to get away with the least amount of work, the least number of hours, and with the highest possible pay. Sound like someone you know? Of course it's not me! A follower of Jesus Christ will undergo a transformation and find himself working against this cultural norm. Paul tells Timothy the world is bad. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! Strong instruction. Turn away from such people. They may drive good cars. Live in nice homes. Hold senior positions. Speak with confidence...

In warfare no one wins. Oh yes, someone may gain great amounts of territory or negotiating power, but the human cost is high. Becoming a soldier is a noble profession as long as your work is delivered for the right reasons and with the right methods. In years past I have read of many heroic men and women that have risked or lost their lives in the course of their duties. Paul encourages Timothy to be a good soldier. 2 Timothy 2:3-4 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. There is certainly sacrifice involved. As you dedicate your life to sharing and teaching the gospel you will find hardship. That is promised, and we need to be ready for this. Not only does Paul use the imagery of a soldier, but also of an athlete and a farmer. All requires hard work and diligence. No time for trivial matters. We need to be focused on the messa...

How old must you be before you become the CEO of a company? 60? There is a general perception that youth cannot lead and should be encouraged to "process" in lower level positions for long periods before they come up to management. This logic is probably true for most cases, except for cases where the youth has the anointing of God on their lives. Paul refers to one such person here. 2 Timothy 1:6-7 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Paul's admonishment to Timothy is that he continues to lead without fear without allowing anyone to look down on his age. Our young people are capable of much. They go through a physical and emotional change at puberty which makes them ready for adulthood. This is a God given process that cannot be ignored. One important instruction that Paul gives is that he continues to hear from Paul f...

Ever worked your butt out for a measly sum? It can be highly unsatisfying and demotivating. This is an age old problem that existed even during the days of the Roman Empire. Employers taking advantage of employees or slaves. It also led to much greed. Where possible, they took advantage of each other for personal profit. Greed was everywhere. Paul says it in his letter to Timothy. 1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Paul urged the people through his letter to Timothy to pursue right things.  To be godly in their approach to daily life.  We are to be men and women of faith.  Not giving up, but persisting in our lives as people redeemed by the Lord through Jesus' death and resurrection.  This will naturally help us walk away from the attitude of greed. 1 Timothy 6:11-12 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue r...

In today's world we typically try to go by first name basis. The old ways of acknowledging someone as Sir or Madam, or Mr or Mrs, or Uncle or Auntie (an affectionate way to address older folks in most Asian cultures) is deemed as old fashioned. I suppose we are trying to follow the post modernist era understanding that no one really owns The Truth and therefore even a child can know more than an adult. Hence, equal respect is to be given all. But here Paul says differently. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. In leadership you will encounter people older than you and you may be needing to correct them. Paul is clearly putting the directions to young Timothy. Yes, correct you must, but do not rebuke. Even with younger people they are to be treated as brothers and sisters. That puts a different perspective on the correction and therefore respect needs to b...

Our lives are full of rules and sometimes, if we are not careful, those rules could be stifling our freedom instead of maintaining them. I found it interesting that a senior leader has come out to say stop arresting those who do not fast during the month of fasting for a particular religious group. Paul tells Timothy some clear things and I have to repeat all 4 verses here. 1 Timothy 4:1-4 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. Don't get me wrong. I am all for rules. Traffic laws provide safety on the road. Other laws protect us from crime. But some choose to extrapolate beliefs beyond what God has intended for mankind. Paul clearly instructs Timothy. ...

It has become harder to raise children in today's circumstances because they get access to the outside world at a very young age. In the past their world view was developed from what parents and siblings told them. But today, as young as two or three, they are receiving information through the internet using Daddy's or Mummy's smartphone or tablet. We therefore have to be ready to nurture them under such conditions. Paul tells Timothy that he is to choose leaders where they are raising children that are obedient and have reverence to the Lord. 1 Timothy 3:4, one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence. 1 Timothy 3:12, Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. Nothing beats quantity time with your children. I personally struggle with this because of my busy schedule. I need to make time and take things out of my busy schedule to ensure I spend the time with my children. Just as im...