Dearly beloved in Christ,
Greetings in the wonderful name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us praise and thank God for the blessings of the past four months. As we step into another important month in the history of the church, let us focus our thoughts on the significance of Pentecost and the gifts, fruit, and ministry of the Holy Ghost.
Pentecost, derived from the Greek word Pentekoste meaning “the fiftieth,” marks a significant event in the Christian calendar. This celebration falls fifty days after the Paschal Feast, beginning from the sixteenth day of the Nisan Month. The fiftieth day, known as Pentecost, occurs on the sixth day of the Sivan month, typically at the end of May. (References: Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Leviticus 23:15, 23:22, Numbers 28).
Reflections of Deeper Life Convention: REFINED GOLD
Rev. Dr. Raja Singh Elias
The Annual Deeper Life Convention held at Annanagar Methodist Church serves as a dedicated time for contemplation on the Word of God. Through the insightful talks, attendees are encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus, renew their spirits within the Church community, and be motivated to actively share the gospel with others.
The Mission and Evangelism Committee, under the leadership of Chairperson Dr. Philip Anbarasan conducted the convention. Pastor Rev. Dr. Andrew B. Natarajan suggested the theme ‘Refined Gold’ and the scripture lessons. Rev. Dr. Raja Singh Elias did soul-stirring expositions in three consecutive evenings from March 22 to 24, 2024
Rev. Dr. Raja Singh Elias, the General Secretary of the Indian Evangelical Mission, based his message on three Psalms over the course of the convention. Whether physically present, tuning in live, or planning to watch later via YouTube recordings, the richness of these teachings should not be overlooked. Therefore, I encourage each of you to revisit these lectures to fully absorb the profound truths of God’s Word. Remember to take notes for personal reflection and commitment to Christ.
In times of trials, temptations, and afflictions, how should believers respond? Drawing from Psalms 66, 85, and 34, we explored this question throughout the convention. The systematic arrangement of topics was impressive: day one focused on the ‘scope’ or purpose of trials, day two on ‘sanctification’ or purification, and day three on the ‘sources of strength’ for deliverance.
The coherence of the speaker’s thoughts, seamlessly connecting verses guided by the Holy Spirit, was striking. Each day’s exploration delved into specific aspects: from the glory, purity, and intimacy with God in Psalm 66, to the need for sanctification in various facets of life from Psalm 85, and finally, the multifaceted sources of deliverance depicted in Psalm 34.
What resonated deeply with the audience were the real-life anecdotes from the mission field. Stories like Kanakaratnam’s unwavering faith and his daughter’s impactful work in Dharmapuri, the sacrificial leadership of a Garo tribe member in Meghalaya, and the speaker’s own miraculous encounter with Jesus profoundly touched our hearts. These testimonies reaffirmed God’s purpose in every challenging situation we encounter.
As James 1:2-4 reminds us, we are called to embrace trials with joy, knowing that they refine our faith and produce perseverance, leading to spiritual maturity and completeness.
Amidst all our trials, three essential truths emerge: Firstly, God’s sovereignty is evident in every circumstance, offering His presence for strength and guidance. Secondly, trials serve to refine and purify us, aligning our lives more closely with the character of Christ. Lastly, we find solace in the knowledge that God’s love encompasses even the most difficult challenges we face.