The Hope of His Calling

Ephesians 1:15-19
We continue our meditation on Book of Ephesians in our fasting prayer. Today Evg.Saju Pappen lead the session on the topic "His Calling"

Ephesian 1:15-19 is a prayer of Apostle Paul. In his prayer, Paul is pleading that, every one of us should know our calling and the hope of our calling or why we are called. To understand this calling our spiritual eyes must be enlightened
Then he discussed about two persons and their calling and how they responded to their calling

1. Moses- God calling Moses
Exodus 3:4,10
Points to note here
- Moses was 80 years old when this calling happened
- First 40 years he was in Pharaoh's place as a prince and next 40 years he was looking after the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro .
- Now he is desert, close to Mountain of God, Horeb. But he is almost down and out. His passion is dying.
- When Moses saw the bush burning, he moved closer to Horeb to see what it is
- God asked him to remove unholy things first, then come to Mountain of God. This very true now also. God wants us to be holy in every aspect
- Then God introduced himself to Moses as God of Abraham,Jacob and Issac. This is just to remind Moses where he is now and who is he and who is his fore fathers

How Moses responded to God's call?
- Moses raised 4 doubts/questions/excuses to avoid the calling
a. What is my merit/worth in taking up this huge task of delivering Israelites? Ex 3:11
Moses is trying to explain God that I am worthless, good for nothing fellow. But God does not require any qualification to use you. As Ephesians 2:1, we were dead in our sins, but still He loved us and died for us.
b. What is the name of the God who send me? Exodus 3:13
God introduced Himself to Moses initially. But still Moses again ask the question. Then God explains it further
- I AM THAT I AM .
- I am the God of Abraham, Jacob and Issac
- I am the God of your Father's
c. I am slow in speech and has slow tongue Exodus 4:10
Here Moses is trying to make God understand about his infirmities, even though he knows that God is his Creator. many times we also try to teach God and try to make Him understand about our issues.
d. Send somebody else other than me. Exodus 4:13
Even after clearing all his doubts, Moses is still not willing to go. Then God became angry
Jeremiah 13:15,16
But in the end Moses obeyed God's calling. Later he never questioned God. He did exactly what God commanded Exodus 39:32, 39:42, 40:16, 40:25, 40:32..

2. Calling of Elisha 1 Kings 19:19-21
- Elijah put his mantle upon Elisha, when he is working in the field
- Elisha responded immediately and ran after Elijah
- He killed the Oxen which was keeping him in the fields and followed Elijah

And God used Elisha mightily, with double spirit.

Conclusion
1. Are we sure about our calling?
2. Are we responding to the calling? or still telling excuses?
3. If we respond, it will be a blessing to us and our generations

Ruth 2:8,9

3 day fasting prayer is going on in our church, Revival centre AG church. Today we had a guest speaker from Kerala. Pastor Saji Kurian preached from word of God Ruth 2:8-9
Ruth, the name has 4 letters
R - Rest for Ruth
U - Unselfishness of Ruth
T - Trust of Ruth
H - Hope of Ruth
He specifically talked about field of Boaz. Boaz is representing Jesus Christ. SO we all are in Boaz's field. This field has 4 important qualities
1. Verse 8 "Don't go and glean in another field and don't go away from here".
This field has everything more than enough for you and your generations. So if you are in this field blessing will come behind you.
2. Verse 9. "Watch the field where the men are harvesting and follow along after the girls"
In this field you are not alone. You always have fellowship. When you are passing through tough times, your fellow believers and your local church and your pastor will uphold you in your prayers. So in this spiritual war here, you are not alone.
3. Verse 9. "I have told the men not to touch you"
If you are in this field, you are secured and protected. No weapons of the enemy will harm you.
4. Verse 9. "And whenever you are thirsty, go and get a drink from the water jars the men filled"
In this field you are cared properly. You are believing in a God who always cares and loves you.

Worship - 100%

This sunday (September 9, 2007) we had a wonderful time in the presence of Lord. There is no preaching(except last 15-20 minutes), no testimony , only worship. Jacob uncle from Kochi was present today and he lead the worship. Lord gave him special talents in leading worship and he lead the entire church in a spirit filled atmosphere.It was a wonderful time mixed with praises, exhortations based on his experience. He is the Kerala state co-ordinator of National Prayer Movement.
Last 15-20 minutes Pr. Jacob George from Kerala shared the word based on Luke 10:19-20. He is now working as a missionary in Sangareddy, in Medak of Andhra Pradesh state.
He emphazized the need for a close relation with Holy Spirit so that our spirit can interact with Holy spirit, because Lord wants a close relationship with man.

We also had church general body meeting after the service. It lasted for around one hour where church secretrary(T.E.John Uncle) presented the report for last one year and church treasurer(A.G.Thomas Uncle) prsented the income/expense details. It was marvellous to hear how Lord blessed the church in last one year spiritually and on all other fronts.

Reply came - after 13 years

Last saturday(August 25, 2007) evening, we had baptism service in our church. This was arranged on a very short notice. Mathew Abraham's family( Sheela ammama, Shemi & Temi) obeyed Lord's command by taking water baptism. According to Mathew uncle, every one and he specifically was praying for this for the last 13 years. 13 years!!!. That's a long period. But if we pray without ceasing, Lord will surely answer our prayers. Because He is a God who answers prayers. This is a proof of that.

Uphold this family in your prayers. Let this step of faith change the entire atmosphere of that family.

Worship started in new Church Hall- August19, 2007

This Sunday(August 19, 2007), we started sunday worship service in the newly constructed church hall . This was dedicated on August 15, 2007.It looks good and sound proofing is also very effective. The only issue we have to handle now is the humidity/heat issues. The worship service is really spirit moving and new church hall is almost full , specially on ladies side.

This sunday two more people took water baptism. Amal(Evg.Saju Pappen's elder son ) and another sister witnessed Lord publicly by taking water baptism. Its a great step that they took and Lord will honor them. Pastor P.M.Georgekutty baptised them and he was the main speaker today. He spoke from Acts 9:10-11. Mainly talking about the personalities Judas(who accepted Saul in his House) and Ananias(who prayed for Saul and baptised Saul). We need such personalities in todays church who is open to Lord's calling and command, whatever it may be.

Important events today
1. Baptism
2. Showing Documentary made about church history(this was shown on August 15)
3. Lords Table
4. Introducing new members and their testimonies(Today we have Br.Danny(Quatar Airways), Varghes Uncles relatives from Kerala, Br.Jai's in-laws from Kerala, Our Pastor's parents from Kerala)
5. Sunday School - Ground floor
6. Message by Pastors's pappa, Pr. P.M.Georgekutty
After Service we also had
7. Session with Sunday School Teachers by Pr. P.M.George
8. Discussion about making church website ready and assigned responsibilities
9. Birthday celebration of Moncy

Then every one moved to Varghese Uncle's new house located near Suchitra for its dedication. It was completely a busy day but ended with delicious food from Varghese Uncle's house.

Happy Birthday Moncy

August 19, 2007 was our dear Moncy's birthday. We celebrated his birthday after the Sunday service. He is presently serving the Lord in Hitec city.

Happy Birthday Moncy

New Church Building dedication - August 15,2007

This August 15, 2007 we celebrated India's 60th independance day with great vigour and enthusiasm. And there is a special reason also. The first floor of the church is dedicated for worshipping the Lord on this special day. This a fully sound prrof hall with modern light and audio settings . It can accomodate around 500 people comfortably. It was a joyous moment for all the people because from a humble beginning God blessed this church to reach this level.

Dignitaries present in the function
1. Pr. G. Peter(Superintendent, Andhra Pradesh District of South India Assemblies of God)
2. Pr. K. Padma Rao (Secretrary, Andhra Pradesh District of South India Assemblies of God)
3. Pr. P.M.Georgekutty (Senior pastor, Malabar Centre, South India Assemblies of God)
4. Pr.Valson Varghese(Associate Pastor, New Life AG, Secunderabad)
5. Mr.C.L.N Gandhi(Jt Transport Commissioner, Hyderabad)

And many pastors from other churches in twin cities.