It wont work

Psalm 85:6 Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?   

A Lady asked Billy Sunday, who was a famous revival preacher.

"Why do you keep having revivals when it doesn't last?"

He asked her, "Why do you keep taking baths?"

Christian life is about being regular. Probably we are doing the same thing, every other day. But that doesn’t mean it's not important and exciting. Most of us do the same kind of lessons at school, same job in the office and same activities at home. But that doesn’t stop us from doing them in all the respective areas. Sadly with things of God, we are laid back and get bored very easily.

It’s high time that we the Children of God would enjoy our walk with the Lord. We would be excited to know more about HIM, and serve HIM faithfully. Let us enjoy in the Lord. The task entrusted to us is great and unless we trust and receive from HIM, It won’t work.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

I am going to Rome

Acts 25:12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

In 1269 Kublai Khan sent a request from Peking to Rome for "a hundred wise men of the Christian religion...And so I shall be baptized, and when I shall be baptized all my baron and great men will be baptized, and their subjects baptized, and so there will be more Christians here than there are in your parts." The Mongols were then wavering in the choice of a religion. It might have been, as Kublai forecast, the greatest mass religious movement the world has ever seen. The history of all Asia would have been changed.

But what actually happened? Pope Gregory X answered by sending two Dominican friars. They got as far as Armenia, could endure no longer and returned home. So passed the greatest missionary opportunity in the history of the church.

To every man comes an opportunity in life to change history and achieve one’s own purpose. Apostle Paul had always looked forward to preach the gospel in Rome. Now here was an opportunity to be in Rome. Of course it would be in the disguise of being tried in front of Caesar, it would still be Rome. So Paul grabbed it with both the hands and went on to do for what he was called.

While we look back and even look into our lives, we tend to regret on the opportunities lost. It’s indeed never too late to get going with life and living out your purpose in life. Go for it and live it loud. I am going to Rome.    

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Where AM I ?

Acts 25:8 Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple or against Caesar.”

On February 15, 1947 Glenn Chambers boarded a plane bound for Quito, Ecuador to begin his ministry in missionary broadcasting. But he never arrived. In a horrible moment, the plane carrying Chambers crashed into a mountain peak and spiraled downward. Later it was learned that before leaving the Miami airport, Chambers wanted to write his mother a letter. All he could find for stationery was a page of advertising on which was written the single word "WHY?" Around that word he hastily scribbled a final note. After Chambers' mother learned of her son's death, his letter arrived. She opened the envelope, took out the paper, and unfolded it. Staring her in the face was the question "WHY?"

The question WHY always does the rounds, maybe a little bit too much in our lives. When tragedy hits us, one feels, I don’t deserve this. When misfortune takes over us, one questions God for HIS  authority. In all this unjust world, there seems to be a disbalance which tends to hurt us and all the more discourage us. When Paul was once more questioned in the court of Festus, he would have felt miserable. Here was a man standing for truth, and was being persecuted without any real cause.

Often when we tend to have questions like  WHERE is our mind, we just need to check the fact, AM I IN THE CENTRE OF GOD’s Will ? If the answer is yes, then for sure, God will take care of everything that comes our way. Paul was sure he was in the centre of God’s will, so was all ready to face anything and go anywhere. Where AM I ?

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

You Will Find Fullness of Joy ONLY in God’s Presence!!!

Psalm 16:11; “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

I remember a few years ago, when my son was little, certain illnesses required a visit with his pediatrician. At home the symptoms manifested by him required our absolute attention. However, as soon as we entered the pediatrician’s office, he was completely different. It seemed as if he gained this strength from somewhere, that he had the energy to function without any help from his parents. In fact, he even wanted to be independent, and moved away from us. What gave him the strength at that moment was not that he had experienced some supernatural healing. The boy had been profusely dripping from his nostrils, and even had a high fever. Even then it seemed as if he was completely different from the time we entered the office. I’m sure all of you might be wondering as to the reason for this phenomenon.

All that caused this change in my son at that moment is the fact that his pediatrician had set up an extravagant toy room in the office. As I drew closer to peek into the room, i noticed a joyful fellowship of several sick infants, all with mucus dripping from their nostrils, all the way into their mouths. You get the point…. Playrooms at pediatrician’s offices are designed to distract sick children from the pain of their problem until it is fixed. In other words, the playroom gives them joy in a bad situation.

Through the difficult situations of his life, David puts his trust in God, assured of the truth that it is only in His presence that he (David) is completely preserved, knowing that any goodness in him, it is only because of God (Psalm 16:1—3). David sings with confidence to God, “5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; yes, I have a good inheritance. 7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. (Psalm 16:5—9).”

Let us be mindful of the truth that it is He who showed us the path of life through Jesus Christ, and drew us to His presence, where we can find joy unspeakable and full of glory. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Stephen Thomas (Bobby)

Stephen is an ordained Christian Minister and a Bible teacher who is a mentor to several youth leaders in Crossway Church and around the globe. He is a regular visiting Speaker in Crossway Church, New Delhi. He can be reached at stephenthomas6400@hotmail.com

He is Watching

Acts 25:7 When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him, but they could not prove them.

Jerry Jenkins shares one of the saddest and scariest stories he ever heard was about a young evangelist. He was just barely 21, on fire for God, effective in his preaching and soul-winning, and in great demand from local churches. He had preached several large crusades and was soon invited to an area-wide effort at which he would be the main speaker. Though he was not yet even out of college, he was a protégé of international evangelist, Sammy Tippit, and was admired and considered wise. Spiritually he was alert and mature. He was, however, naive. The first night of the crusade he headed up the counseling ministry in a large room near the pastor's study. A beautiful teenager asked if she could speak with him personally. He tried to assign her to someone else, but when she persisted, he agreed for her to wait until he was finished with the others. More than an hour after the meeting had ended, the rest of the counselors and counselees had left, and he was alone with the young girl. A few minutes later she burst from the room, screaming, "He made a pass at me! He wanted to make love to me!" That very night the pastor of the host church and a small group of the crusade planners confronted the young preacher and demanded an explanation. He denied the girl's charge but had no witnesses. The girl had seemed an upstanding young woman in the church, and there was no reason to disbelieve her story.

"What did happen in that room?" the pastor demanded. "To tell you that would to be to make an accusation behind someone's back," he said. "Which is what happened to me. I ask only that I be allowed to face my accuser." The pastor and the others canceled the rest of the crusade and agreed that the young woman should be asked to face the preacher in their presence. Two nights later she showed up with her parents at a private board meeting. The pastor asked if she would care to speak about her charges against the preacher. "She has already said all she has to say, "her father said sternly, her mother nodding and glaring at the accused. "Would you, son care to share your version of what happened in that room the other night?" "No, sir," the evangelist said. "I see no future in that. Only she and I know the truth, and I cannot defend myself. I'd just like to say this to her. Cindy, you know what happened and what didn't happen in that room. If you don't tell the truth, I will be branded and may never preach again. This will damage my reputation and that of this church, and even that of God. If I did what you say I did, I deserve no better, but we both know that is not the truth. I'm begging you in the name of Christ to set the record straight." The silence hung heavy as the board and her parents watched her face contort into a grimace before the tears began to flow. "I lied," she said quietly. "I'm sorry. I lied. He didn't make a pass at me; I made a pass at him. When he turned me down I was so embarrassed and ashamed and angry that I made up that story. I'm so sorry!"

More often than not, we must understand that our own words, actions and even testimony from other may fail. We need to stand on the fact that God is our judge and HE will indeed take care of the matter. But that doesn't give us the license that we can do anything and blame people for being judgemental. As we keep God as our judge who is Omnipresent, we should be all the more careful about HIS presence and live a life worthy of calling in all the areas of our life. He is Watching.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Children of God

John 1:12 - Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

I know that most of us believe that we are God’s children. But just having this knowledge enough? I usually see the children of God fearful of being influenced by the world. Shouldn’t it be the other way round? Think about it. We have God’s grace that is superabundant than sin. Our blessings in Christ can override any curse. We have God’s light that can breakthrough any thick darkness. Then why do we act so defensive?

Aren’t we the ones who bring freedom in this decaying world (Romans 8:19-21)? Or shouldn’t we be a blessing in the hopelessness that is all around? Aren’t we gracious just as He is? Shouldn’t there be peace around because the Prince of Peace lives in us? Call me naive but I really believe that we can be the changing agents of our surroundings, the moment we exercise the right of being His child.

I think one of the main reason why we are not exercising our rights is because we struggle within ourselves to be worthy enough to be called His child and often are caught up in this failed process of attaining righteousness through works. I'm just reminded of the speech the prodigal son prepares before he returns to the father. And like many of us it was about ‘not being worthy’. What I find amazing about the whole thing is that the father completely ignores the speech. Well if you are doubtful of your worth, please don't forget that you were bought by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). You are worth as much as Christ's sacrifice because He paid for our lives with His life to set us free. As long as we keep on trying to be righteous, we will keep on failing. Righteousness of God is a free gift in Jesus. Stop earning, just receive it.

This creation can be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. Know that you are God’s child and exercise it rightfully. We have loads to do.  

Samuel Thomas (Sam)

Sam is a Christian minister who is serving the Lord in various capacities. He is an integral part of MTU, New Delhi and is also ministering with Crossway Church. He can be reached on samvthom16@gmail.com

It’s now or never

Acts 24:27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.

In Saint Louis in 1984, an unemployed cleaning woman noticed a few bees buzzing around the attic of her home. Since there were only a few, she made no effort to deal with them. Over the summer the bees continued to fly in and out the attic vent while the woman remained unconcerned, unaware of the growing city of bees.

The whole attic became a hive, and the ceiling of the second-floor bedroom finally caved in under the weight of hundreds of pounds of honey and thousands of angry bees. While the woman escaped serious injury, she was unable to repair the damage of her accumulated neglect.

Felix the governor seems to be a champ at procrastination. He had the best opportunity to know Jesus. He even knew the message of the cross and even realized his sin. But did not repent of it. Neither did he repent, nor did he release Apostle Paul. He was like, I will see that later.

Most or maybe some of us, do use the phrase “I WILL DO IT LATER” extensively in our life. Whether it be Financial, Physical or Professional, we are like, “I WILL DO IT LATER. When it comes to God and things of God, I WILL DO IT LATER, is always there. The Church as a body is suffering, because you and I as an important organ of the body are not functioning well. When you and I are not responsible in small or big thing, the whole body suffers. It’s now or never.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Start with your home

Acts 24:25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

It was Will Rogers who said, Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects.

All of us tend to have our likes and dislikes. We prefer to choose some and reject some. We love to hang out with some and if possible hang some. Infact that’s the way we humans are. We have our choices and we set our priorities based on that. But with things of God, do we have an option? Do we choose to say no to God ? NO to Personal Prayer, Bible reading, Fellowship and Tithing ? Can We say no based on our present mood and then do it when we wish.

When Apostle Paul spoke to Governor Felix about God’s righteousness, the Governor was indeed moved and was gripped in fear. But that did not change his heart and mind from sin. He still went on to choose sin and live his way.

Sometimes after hearing a sermon, or reading Bible or even spending time we are moved. But that’s not it. We need to act on it. Let’s Stay away from SIN, let’s be Praying, Reading fellowshipping and Tithing. We are saved by grace alone, but for good works. Charity begins at home, and Church is your home. Start with your home.  

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Stand for the change

Acts 24:14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect.

When the railroads were first introduced to the U.S., some folks feared that they'd be the downfall of the nation! Here's an excerpt from a letter to then President Jackson dated January 31, 1829:

As you may know, Mr. President, 'railroad' carriages are pulled at the enormous speed of 15 miles per hour by 'engines' which, in addition to endangering life and limb of passengers, roar and snort their way through the countryside, setting fire to crops, scaring the livestock and frightening women and children. The Almighty certainly never intended that people should travel at such breakneck speed. Martin Van Buren Governor of New York

Some and maybe most are reluctant to accept the changes that comes with time and as the Lord permits. As Apostle Paul stood in front of the Governor and defended himself for the change that he was bringing, there was a lot of opposition. Both the religious and political leaders were not encouraging at all. Paul asserted that he was following the same but in a different manner. This change was not acceptable to the traditionalists.

When the Lord speaks to you and one stands for a change, you better stand firm. It’s not easy to bring a difference in our lives. People love traditions, rituals and monotony. But if you stand firm and believe in the vision that the Lord has given you, it will come to pass. Stand for the change.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Give respect and take respect

Acts 24:10 When the governor motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense.

When one goes to apply for a job in any organization, experience is really valued. There is worth attached to the time one has spent in the field and it has good dividends for both the company and the individual. If so, then we really need to value and respect anyone with experience. Even if it’s your enemy. Infact he/she must be respected the most for the experience.

When Apostle began to defend himself in front of Governor Felix, he did not flatter him as Tertullus the opposite lawyer did. But Paul did acknowledge and honor the experience that Governor carried with his position. Indeed a great gesture to learn and appreciate for our generation.

In this age of google and all technology, people tend to discard the achievements others had accomplished with great sacrifice and passion. But as a gentleman we need to respect the experience anyone had on life and different facets of life. Give respect and take respect.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

He never fails

Acts 24:1 Five days later the high priest Ananias went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges against Paul before the governor.

Left on a sinking ship were the captain and three sailors. The captain spoke first. "Men, this business about a captain going down with his ship is nonsense. There's a three-man life raft on board and I'm going to be on it. To see who will come with me, I will ask you each one question. The one who can't answer will stay behind. Here's the first question: What unsinkable ship went down when it hit an iceberg?" The first sailor answered, "The Titanic, sir." "On to the next question: How many people perished?" The second sailor said, "One thousand five hundred and seventeen, sir." "Now for the third question," and the captain turned to sailor number three. "What were their names?"

While Apostle Paul was being tried in the court of Felix the governor, the chances of getting justice were very low. Both the Roman Governor and the Jewish leadership were so corrupt that they just did not have the ability to be just and that is what happened. Now this doesn’t mean that God was not in control. HE was indeed.

We tend to expect help, deliverance and justice from this world in our times of despair and need. Most of the times we are disappointed as this world doesn't have the capacity to be just and loving. Let us not put our hope on those who fail, but on the eternal glorious Lord, HE never fails.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Unless we call

Acts 23:24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.” 25 He wrote a letter as follows

The citizens of Feldkirch, Austria, didn't know what to do. Napoleon's massive army was preparing to attack. Soldiers had been spotted on the heights above the little town, which was situated on the Austrian border. A council of citizens was hastily summoned to decide whether they should try to defend themselves or display the white flag of surrender. It happened to be Easter Sunday, and the people had gathered in the local church.

The pastor rose and said, "Friends, we have been counting on our own strength, and apparently that has failed. As this is the day of our Lord's resurrection, let us just ring the bells, have our services as usual, and leave the matter in His hands. We know only our weakness, and not the power of God to defend us." The council accepted his plan and the church bells rang. The enemy, hearing the sudden peal, concluded that the Austrian army had arrived during the night to defend the town. Before the service ended, the enemy broke camp and left.

Often when we have a situation, we tend to bring  God as the last option. When all our ideas fail, we ask God to intervene. While Apostle Paul was in prison, his life was in danger, but he completely trusted God for his safety and deliverance. Paul knew that his life was in God’s hand and God will do the best.

Even in our lives, let us not keep God waiting to work. God should be the first one we invite into our situations. HE should be the first to know our heart’s condition. HE already knows us in and out, but GOD is a gentleman, so won’t barge in, unless we call.  

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Cometh the hour, cometh The MAN

Acts 23:15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.” 16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks and told Paul.

During Christmas season, our Church had distributed several gospel tracts in our vicinity. Ever since, I have been getting enquiry calls. But it’s so interesting that they are all intended to harm than to be blessed. Most of the callers would ask,  are you involved in conversion, Can I be converted, how much money can you give ?

People in authority often tend to misuse it for their own evil benefit. While Apostle was with the Romans, he couldn’t be harmed. So the Jewish leaders had to frame something to get hold of him and harm him. But God was in complete control. Paul’s sister’s son got on to hear the Jewish plot and  was at rescue.

Even when the authorities turn against us and the enemy is plotting to destroy us, we need not fear. God is with us and HE will come to the rescue. Cometh the hour, cometh The MAN

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Go living

Acts 23: 4 Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!” 5 Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’

It was Joseph hunter who said, that “My life is in the hands of any fool who makes me lose my temper”.

Isn’t that true, we simply lose track, the moment somebody distracts us by getting on our nerves. Just a small argument or anything else, we lose our temper, and the day is gone. Probably for some the week, the month and even the year is gone.

I guess its ok to get angry and lose temper once in a while. But one needs to gather him/herself after the moment and get back to life and living. Well that's the most sane way to live. Even Apostle Paul got angry, but once he realized he was wrong, he was reconciliatory and got back to normal.

Most of us live in our anger for so long that it tends to affect our lives and those around us. It happens, but let's get over it and go living.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Truth is enough

Acts 23:6 Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”

Admiral Heihachiro Togo, whose brilliant tactics had destroyed the Russian fleet at the battle of the Sea of Japan in 1905, visited the United States shortly after the Russo-Japanese War. At a state dinner in Admiral Togo's honor, William Jennings Bryan was asked to propose a toast. Because Bryan was well known for not drinking, it was feared that an embarrassing breakdown of protocol was about to occur.

But as Bryan stood to propose his toast, he held up his glass and said, "Admiral Togo has won a great victory on water, and I will therefore toast him in water. When Admiral Togo wins a victory on champagne I will toast him in champagne."

     Apostle Paul had a cool head on his shoulder. He was tactful enough to use the truth for the right reason and even escape from any dangerous situation. The Jewish leader were all prepared to get Paul off the track. But Paul was smart enough to use the truth of resurrection to bring a division between Pharisees and Sadducees. The moment he said I am on trial because of my belief in resurrection, the Pharisees sided with him and Sadducees started arguing with pharisees. (because Sadducees do not believe in resurrection of the dead. )

Paul did not lie to bring a division but was smart enough to know the truth and use it at the right time. We don’t have to cunning to escape from situations. But knowing the truth and using it at the right time is enough. We actually don’t have to lie to come out of situations. Truth is enough.    

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com

Worthy of HIS calling

23:1 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin and said, “My brothers, I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience to this day.”

On June 13, 1889, the Spokane newspaper printed an editorial pleading for the establishment of a fire department. Seattle had recently been ravaged by fire, and the paper desired to prevent the same calamity from happening in Spokane. Nothing, however, was done. Two months later Spokane burned to the ground.

Apostle Paul had a clear conscience of the fact that, he was being led by God in everything that he did. He did not leave any stone unturned in his preaching of the gospel. Every opportunity he had was used to the maximum to win souls and spread the truth. Whether it be high officials, rich people or even poor folks, Paul’s message was same without any guile. His confidence came from the clear conscience.

In our lives, we stand behind because we tend to be low on our confidence in the things of God. Anything and everything that happens to us, we tend equate that as God’s punishment. Sometimes we are not able to serve God effectively, because our conscience is not clear. In the things of God, we need confidence, which can’t be bought by money but by HIS grace alone and living a life worthy of HIS calling.

Stanley Thomas Isac

Stanley is serving as the Pastor of Crossway Church in New Delhi, he can be reached at Stanleytisac@gmail.com