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How to recover from a sexual abuse?

This is a deeply painful and serious situation. It is of the utmost importance to address this with extreme care, compassion, and clarity. Before we turn to the Bible, we must state something unequivocally: **Our safety is the number one priority.** What the abuser is doing is a crime and a profound sin. What the ones who should have protected us are doing is a horrific betrayal of their God-given duty to protect us. Their "solution" is not a solution; it is an attempt to cover up a terrible evil and dispose of their responsibility.  Please, if we are in this situation or know someone who is, let us reach out to a trusted adult outside the situation (a teacher, a school counselor, a pastor we trust) or a professional organization that can help. In the US, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is 800-656-HOPE or RAINN's website. We need to be safe. With that vital foundation laid, let's carefully and gently look at the principles of Christ from the bible to navigate the...

How to get rich? - A spiritual perspective

Proverbs 23:4-5 (NIV): 4 Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust in your own cleverness. 5 Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle. This proverb delivers a powerful two-part warning about the pursuit of wealth. "Do not wear yourself out to get rich...":  This is not a command to be lazy or to avoid work. Instead, it's a warning against making the accumulation of wealth the central, all-consuming purpose of our life. The phrase "wear yourself out" (or "toil") implies an exhaustive, life-draining effort. It cautions against sacrificing our health, family, integrity, and relationship with God on the altar of financial gain. It's about priorities. "...do not trust in your own cleverness.":  This part addresses the source of our security. The pursuit of riches often involves relying on one's own schemes, intelligence, and business acumen. The proverb ...

Why God tried to kill Moses?

Exodus 4:24 (NIV) “At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him.” Meaning in its immediate setting What has just happened (4:18-23): Moses has finally accepted God’s call at the burning bush (chapters 3-4) and is on his way back to Egypt with his wife Zipporah and their sons. God has told him what to say to Pharaoh and has warned that judgment will fall on Egypt’s firstborn if Pharaoh refuses to let Israel (God’s “firstborn son”) go. The crisis (4:24-26): Suddenly the LORD confronts Moses and intends to kill him. Zipporah “took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. ‘Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,’ she said. So the LORD let him alone.” What the text itself explains: Verse 26 concludes, “(At that time she said ‘bridegroom of blood,’ referring to circumcision.)” The LORD’s lethal anger is therefore linked to the boy’s lack of circumcision. Why uncircumcision was so serious: Genesis 17:9-14 (NIV) records God’s...

A Christian View of Caste System in India

Indian Govt. leaders decided to introduce reservation system based on caste as a reparation justice. Can we review this decision in the light of the principles of Christ as we can read and understand from the bible? Reviewing a government policy like the caste-based reservation system through the lens of Christ's principles requires careful consideration, as the Bible does not provide a direct blueprint for modern governance. Instead, it offers timeless principles of justice, mercy, and human dignity. Using the bible, we can explore principles that both support the spirit behind such a decision and offer cautions regarding its implementation. Principles Supporting the Spirit of Reparation Justice The motivation behind the reservation system—to provide justice and uplift communities historically oppressed for centuries—finds strong resonance with core teachings of Christ. 1. Championing the Poor and Oppressed Jesus began his public ministry by quoting the prophet Isaiah, making it h...

The "Christian Yes" - Is There a Right Way to Offer Help?

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Imagine this simple exchange: A worried mother, whose daughter is away at college, calls a Christian brother from a local church. "I got your number from the pastor," she says. "Can you take my daughter to church with you?" The Christian brother's response is warm and immediate. "Yes, we can. There are also other believer families who can take her on some days." On the surface, this is a beautiful moment. A need is met with a willing heart. But is it the  best  possible response? This simple conversation opens up a wonderful discussion about what it means to help with both love and wisdom. The Heart of the Matter - A Wonderful Willingness Let's first look at the Christian brother's response. His instant "Yes" is a perfect reflection of a heart living out its faith. The Bible encourages believers to practice hospitality, share with those in need, and love one another. In that moment, he did exactly that. He saw a need and immediately o...

Significance of the Lord's Supper

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  Significance of the Lord's Supper - An Explanation of 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 In 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, the Apostle Paul addresses a serious issue within the Corinthian church regarding their observance of the Lord's Supper. His correction, rooted in the foundational teachings of Jesus and the nature of the church as the body of Christ, reveals the deep meaning and significance of this ordinance. By examining this passage in the context of the bible, a comprehensive understanding of its importance and format comes to light. The Problem in Corinth - Division and Disrespect Paul begins with a sharp rebuke, stating, "your meetings do more harm than good" (1 Corinthians 11:17).  The core problem was division. When the church gathered, "there are divisions among you" (1 Corinthians 11:18). These divisions manifested during what was meant to be a communal meal of remembrance. Instead of practicing unity, the wealthier members would go ahead with their own privat...

Best practices for finances for disciples of Christ

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How to use Money? Luke 16:1-13 Luke 16:14 Luke 16:9 Ephesians 5:8-9 Matthew 6:19-21 Luke 12:15 Hebrews 9:27 Principle of giving      Luke 16:9 Matthew 6:20 Principle of faithfulness      Luke 16:10 Principle of learning      Luke 16:11-12 “If you’re not trustworthy with what belongs to someone else, why would anyone entrust you with things of your own?” John 3:12 Proverbs 11:25 Principle of loving     Luke 16:13 Luke 15–17: Immediate context (Luke 16:1-13)      Jesus has just told the parable of the shrewd manager. The point isn’t to praise dishonesty, but to insist on wise, faithful stewardship of “worldly wealth.”       Verses 10-13 make a chain: faithfulness in little things → trust with greater things; faithfulness with worldly wealth (another’s) → trust with “true riches” (your own); you can’t serve both God and money.       Verse 12 drives home that how you handle resource...