Timothy Keller in his book Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, andPower, and the Only Hope that Matters describes idols this way: “An idol is anything more important to you than God. Anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God. Anything you seek to give you what only God can give. Anything that isso central and essential to your life, that should you lose it, your life would feel hardly worth living.”[1] He goes on to say that even the best things in life can become our idols.While discussing the Lord’s Prayer in our recent sermon series, the one thing that stood out for me is that idols are when “the good things of our lives become the ultimate”.Money, jobs, power, and a whole lot of other things are good that God has graciously provided for us to enjoy; however, when we make these good the ultimate then they become our idols. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to resist this temptation daily.10We are not left without any recourse about how to free ourselves from the idols that control our lives. Keller says,“The only way to free ourselves from the destructive influence of counterfeit gods is to turn back to the True One, the living God, …He’s the only one who if you find Him, can truly fulfill you, and if you fail Him, can truly forgive you.”[2] This is Good-News indeed!

The role of the Minor Prophets in scriptures, at least most of them, is to remind us of our tendencies to lean onthings other than God. In a sense, the idols of our lives. Along the same lines, the role of the minor prophets was toremind the people of their relationship with God and calling them to reevaluate and renew it. The adjective Minorhas nothing to with the import or implication of their role in the life of the nation of Israel and Judah. In fact, all ofthem did some breakthrough prophecies in the lives of the kings who ruled during that time. Minor has to do withthe length of their prophecies recorded in scripture.

There are 12 books in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) known as the Minor Prophets. These books are known bythe titles of Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, andMalachi. Some were written with the Northern Kingdom (Israel) in mind and others with Judah, the SouthernKingdom, in focus. Their context and ours will never be the same; however, they are “filled with rich and redemptivethemes that should convict, equip, and encourage us today.”[3]

Beginning this month (September) and going forward, I would like to engage the congregation in reading with me the Minor Prophets. I will remind you via WhatsApp to read one chapter every other day during the week and provide you with a question to ponder and reflect. And on Sunday, I plan to use the readings from the week as my sermon text.

It has always been my desire to incorporate your reflections from the weekly readings into my preaching task. (I believe this is like “crowd sourcing,” – enlisting the task to a larger group of people.) And so, feel free to send me your “aha” moments separately so that I can incorporate them. Preaching in this case becomes a communal act instead of “pastor’s reflection” on the text. I really appreciate your thoughtful reflection on this journey, and I believe this can be mutually beneficial.

Blessings on your journey through the minor prophets.

[1] In the Introduction to the book, p xix

[2] In the Introduction to the book, p xxvi

[3] https://openthebible.org/article/why-modern-day-christians-need-the-minor-prophets/

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 – ESV)

We read a lovely devotion today, August 27 th during our morning prayer time. The title of that devotion was “Difficult Hill”. The author says that in the mountains of Northern Idaho there stands a Jughandle peak, which is hard to climb, and many want to hike this trail. He says that the hike is strenuous; however, at the base of that peak lies a brook. “It’s a quiet place to drink deeply and prepare for the hard climb ahead.” The gentle brook provides the nourishment for the ambitious hiker before the journey ahead. The devotional goes on to remind us that we need to drink deeply from the well, which is God himself, before we face those difficult times of life. It is not so much that we need to drink of this well instead God himself provides this refreshment knowing that we need this nourishment.

As I heard this devotional read to us, I thought of Summer 2024 coming to an end and the month of
September marking the beginning of a new school year. The days will get shorter and nights longer. We will have lots of things to do with our children and the demands of our daily work. Some days will be good but most of the other days will be difficult and challenging. God has already provided a way out for us. God is always one step ahead of us providing for our needs even before we ask for it.

This is not the first time that God offers his people nourishment before the journey. In Exodus 16 the people are ready to take the journey into the desert and what waits for them is the Promised Land. It is often easy to overlook the small detail in verse 1 of chapter 16. This is what the scripture says, “The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after they had come out of Egypt.” Elim was an oasis where there was plenty for the people to eat and drink before they embarked on their journey. God knew that the journey ahead was going to be hard and brutal. He provides them relief at Elim before their journey into the desert.

In Isaiah 55:3 this is what God says to the people, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” The people then and now seek after things outside of God thinking that it will satisfy their deepest needs. They will satisfy us but only for a very short time because they are fleeting. The things that God offers are eternal and sustains us through all the demands of daily life. The offer is free with no strings attached.

This is my prayer for you and your families as you begin this new school year – make good of the offer from God. Seeking Him on a regular basis not just on Sundays but during the week. God’s faithfulness and His desire to nourish us before the long haul is beyond our understanding and God is able to provide. I pray that you will lean on him both in good and difficult times. Committing you and your families to God’s care and keeping.

Blessings on your journey,

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever… He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever. (Psalm 136: 1, 23)

By the time this issue of Triune is released we would have celebrated the church’s 35th anniversary on Sunday July 28th.What are somethings that we can reasonably do to celebrate this milestone in the life of AICC. Here are some of my musings about the church’s anniversary:

The church anniversary can be a time to remember and honor the founders God used to start this church. We commend them for their vision, hard work, persistence, and perseverance to continue the work in the face of mounting pressure to give up. Pastor Kumar and others will have stories to reminisce about how the plan to start was conceived and the people who were instrumental in supporting this vision. The founders will remember every small detail if you probe them a little further. They will mention the names of the few families that gathered the first time they met and even the “first offering” that was
received and consecrated. It is important for us, who are far removed from the days of AICC’s inception, to recollect these stories and record them in the annals of the church’s story so that future generations will be reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness.

This can be an amazing opportunity to remember our humble beginnings. I am always reminded of the parable of the Mustard Seed, where the small plant grows to unprecedented proportions. The emphasis on the bird of the air making nest in these trees has a very different connotation. As one scholar puts it, the birds refer to the “Gentiles seeking refuge with Israel.” I think a more relatable reference can be about the kingdom being a place for ‘all nations’, which means that the call of the church is to be inviting of people whom God will bring our way. God is slowly but surely bringing in people from all walks of
life and nations into the threshold of this church. We praise God for this amazing opportunity to minister to “all” of God’s people.

I believe this can be a time of “celebrating God’s continuous work.” In Acts, there are references time after time about God adding new people to the church. This adding new people was an act of God more than that of the Apostles – “and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” (Acts 2:47). As the pastor of the church, I am humbled by the way we have grown these past few years. As God multiplies, we are called to do our share of showing hospitality to people whom God will bring our way. I am energized to see the camaraderie that is exemplified in our congregation as we welcome
newcomers to the church.

There is a lot that we can say as we celebrate the church’s anniversary. Here is my one last thing and that is to Embrace the Future that God has set for us. I do not really know the path that God has set for us but as much as it is uncertain I am called to embrace this uncertainty.A church that is integrated into the
community and serving it’s neighbors without any reservations is the way forward. There is fear and
trepidation as we move forward to embrace the new things that God is doing among us. Our task is to offer our anxieties to the One who calms our fears.

Finally, I for one would like to mark this milestone with inaugurating a ministry that will remind us of our
call to embrace people of “all nations.” Our recent visit to a college campus to observe the ministry
among students of different ethnic backgrounds and religious persuasion gave us something to
think about. I believe this can be something that AICC can partner and forge a new path as we enter
another year of God’s doing. May the Lord guide us as we embark on this journey.
Happy Anniversary AICC,

By the time this issue of Triune comes out, you will be vacationing with your family in India or at your favorite beach or theme park or hiking your best-loved trails. I pray that you will have a safe time with your families. I think vacation can also be a time to grow deep in your faith with some simple, day to day spiritual disciplines. I am not going to suggest serious fasting (but if that is something that you’re considering doing, go for it) or long dedicated time praying but there are other things that you can do to grow spiritually. Here is my #1 favorite thing to do while on vacation, to do prayer walks. This is assuming that you are keeping up with your regular exercise regimen even while on vacation.

Prayer walks simply stated is walking and praying. It is often intercessory in nature, meaning that you pray for the people living in the communities where you walk or praying in general for the needs of the world that God brings to your remembrance. Prayer walk can be interesting and rewarding if you choose a friend to walk with you. Remember, there is no need to carry a Bible if you’re doing a prayer walk in the neighborhood. The C.S. Lewis Institute website (you may read it here) offers some interesting insights as to the things you can do when you do a prayer walk.1 The idea is simple and doable, and it can enrich your prayer life as well as see God at work in the neighborhoods that you often walk. I hope you get to do this over the summer vacation.

The second-best thing that you can do over your vacation time is to commit certain portions of scriptures to your memory. This is one sure way to grow in the faith. The Psalmist says it better than anyone else about the benefits of committing scripture to memory. Your word I have treasured and stored in my heart, That I may not sin against You – Psalm 119:11. I like the reason the Psalmist gives for us to hide God’s word in our heart, and it is simple but often necessary – that we may not sin against God. The Guidepost has a nice article on the 10 Bible Verses to Commit to Memory. 2

I have mentioned this several times over the course of my preaching at the church about how my father will find a church to worship on Sunday even while vacationing. The Apostle Paul would often encourage the believers to not disregard the gathering of God’s people. This is my challenge to you to make every effort to attend public worship. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near (Hebrews 10:25). There is a nice article by the Ligonier Ministries on the importance of public worship. 3 Apart from hearing the Word preached to us, public worship builds community with other believers in the faith. I would encourage you, as much as you are able, to find a place to worship while vacationing.

We are called to grow in the faith both in and out of season. I believe simple disciplines kept and embraced can help us grow in our walk with God. Remember this one truth that God is interested in your walk of faith more than you are. God’s promise is to nurture and grow us so that we may reflect the image of the One who created us for His glory. I pray that even as you enjoy vacation with the family, you may also find time for God and His kingdom.

Blessings on your vacation and as you grow in the faith,

The Sunday after Pentecost (May 19, 2024) is celebrated as Trinity Sunday. Trinity is a hard concept to wrap your head around but one that is central to the Christian faith. Trinity is not about three gods, but One God personified in three persons. God the creator is depicted as the Father who sends the Son to redeem the world and the Son leaves the Spirit to complete what has been started by the Son. The three persons are in perfect unity. There is no hierarchy in that relationship just absolute unity, community, and fellowship.

Perichoresis is a Greek term, which refers to the relationship of the three persons of the Triune God. Peri, which refers to the circumference or the periphery and Choresis, refers to the choreography or dance or movement between the three persons of the Triune God. One of them holds the center stage at some point while the other two are in the periphery. No one holds the center stage all the time, which means that there is absolute fluidity to their roles. It is easy to get caught up with trying to explain Trinity as some have tried to do. For example, Trinity is simplified or explained by the three parts of the clover leaf. It is easy to understand but oversimplifies the complex and mysterious aspect of Trinity. Another way we have tried to explain is by telling the three forms of water – ice, water, and steam. Again, a great way to explain but one that does not live into the mystery of the concept. It is better for us to live into the mystery of the Trinity than to explain it away. My favorite scholar and teacher, Henri Nouwen calls Christians to meditate looking at the icon of the early church on Trinity.

Here are a few things to take away as we meditate on the theme of Trinity and as we journey thru the month of June. First, it is about the relationship between the three persons of the Triune God. The church is prompted to think about the relationship between the three persons of the Triune God, our relationship to this holy God, who came to be with us in three persons and our relationship with each other. From the beginning of time, we were created for relationship with God, with each other and with the whole of creation. This is the primary reasons that we are to cherish the relationship we have with each other and, be good stewards of God’s creation.

Secondly, Trinity reminds us that we are called to be in community. The idea of community in the Christian faith is to walk alongside with others, encourage them in their low moments and help each other to fully live out the purpose for which God has made us. Finally, Trinity reminds us that we are to extend Christian hospitality. This hospitality must be radical in nature. It will mean extending hospitality to people who will look, talk, and behave different from us. This was the experience of the disciples when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples on the day of Pentecost. In Acts, Phillip meets an Ethiopian ruler, shares the Word with him and even baptizes him after he receives the good news. In another instance, Peter will visit the house of Cornelius, a Roman centurion, who becomes the first Gentile convert to the Christian faith and all happens because Peter was willing to extend this radical hospitality. This story continues and must continue even as we meditate on the role of Trinity in the life of our church.

All through the month of April, we celebrated the presence of the Risen Christ among us. Jesus comes thru closed doors, appears to his disciples, and offers them words of comfort in their moments of pain, guilt and ‘locked attitudes’ of their own. Few things that really stood out for me as I read the scriptures in preparation for my sermons during this season of Easter. First, nothing will prevent- fear, guilt, disappointment, anger or doubt – Jesus from coming to meet his disciples. This is the most comforting thought that is relevant today for us as disciples of Jesus, who still deal with all these emotions. We are also disappointed when things don’t pan out the way we had planned; we also fear for the countless number of reasons and finally, we also doubt His presence, promise, and power. Despite all of these, Jesus comes and declares peace then and even now.

The other aspect that I found interesting with the Risen Christ is his deep desire to extend God’s kingdom. From the empty tomb to the Mount of Olives where he ascends to be with His Father, Jesus’ one message is to “go and tell”. He tells the women in the synoptic gospels and then to Mary in John’s gospel to “go tell my brothers and Peter” that he will be waiting for them in Galilee. The most emphatic of the commissioning comes in the gospel of John – “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” As believers and followers of this Risen Christ our task is to “go and tell.” Our excuse about “not being good enough” or “strong enough” to do this task will be met with the words of Jesus “wait until you are clothed with power from on high.” God’s kingdom will march on sometimes with our sincere obedience and other times despite our reluctance.

Two special Sundays falls during the month of May – Mother’s Day and Pentecost. On Pentecost Sunday, we will be reminded of a God who cannot be tethered but is on the loose. God will break boundaries and will charter a new course for the church. The early disciples were sent to places that they did not want to go, meet people that they were reluctant to meet and that is the central message of the season of Pentecost. Pentecost is not an event, but an experience and it is given to all who wait on Him. May we with eager anticipation await the pouring of God’s spirit as we gather on Pentecost Sunday.

On Mother’s Day, we will not only honor mothers in our midst but all women with a heart and a desire to care for all people whom God will bring their way. Most importantly, on Mother’s Day, scriptures will point to a God who personifies the mothering spirit. I was pleasantly surprised as to the countless number of references in the Old Testament and the New about a God who is portrayed as a loving mother. In Deuteronomy 32:11-12 God is described as a mother eagle: “Like the eagle that stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young, God spreads wings to catch you, and carries you on pinions.” In Hosea 13:8 God described as a mother bear: “Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder…”. In Isaiah 49:15 God is compared to a nursing mother: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” [1] It is my prayer that you will experience the beauty of this Mothering God as you journey through the month of May.