Dear People of God,
I take this moment to congratulate all our dear members for the collective spirit in our congregation. The unity among us is the source of motivation, driving us to be beacons of light in our community. Together, let us continue to build a sanctuary of love and support, not just within these walls but to the society that we live and anyone who meets us in our daily life. As we embark on this journey, remember that our faith is not just a destination but a transformative and ongoing pilgrimage. Let love guide our actions, compassion be our compass, and faith our unwavering foundation. Let us transform ourselves to the likeness of our lord and grow in Him. As we are entering into Lenten season, I would like to bring the significance of season.Lent is a period of 40 days leading up to Easter, observed by Christians as a time of reflection, repentance, and spiritual preparation. It traditionally involves fasting, prayer, and acts of self-discipline to commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert.
The concept of fasting, a key aspect of Lent, is rooted in the Bible. Jesus, before starting his public ministry, fasted for 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13).Lent reflects, self-denial and spiritual discipline. Lent emphasizes repentance and reflection, aligning with biblical teachings. Scriptures, such as Joel 2:12-13, encourage sincere repentance and a turning back to God. Lenten practices provide a structured time for believers to assess their lives and draw closer to God. Lent serves as a period of preparation leading to Easter, commemorating Jesus' resurrection for our redemption.In the Lenten period, it’s time for every one of us to read Bible more closely and trying to understand How much our Lord has suffered for us to redeem. It’s a time we need to go more deeply into the miracles Christ has done and His sayings. Every parable reflects that Jesus Christ is God Himself who came to earth in the bodily form. Jesus revealed the father through His life. He revealed to us how father talks and what Father does. Jesus glorified the Father through His life. As temporary sojourner from Gospel of Matthew 4; will understand how to defeat Satan by applying the Word. How can we emulate this? As Psalmist wrote “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you". Without knowing and learning the Word of God, we cannot apply it. If the spirit of our Lord indwells in us, "we need to set our hearts on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. If we have died with Christ, our life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life, appears, then we also will appear with Him in Glory. (Col 3:3-4). Therefore, we are the most blessed people, children of the living Lord. Let’s spend more time in Bible to understand the love of our father, His redemption plan and most importantly a believer’s responsibility to the Kingdom to come. Every one of us is entrusted with the work of kingdom, if we fail, we will be ashamed in our eternity too.Time is short for the rapture, finish the work and let's stand joyfully when He comes in midair .
Rev Soji A Thomas
Mobile: 7735285122
Email: presbyter.sanpadajmc@gmail.com