CHRISTIAN NEWS
INTERNATIONAL:
A
Weekly News Service of Siloam Biblical Christian Church of Pakistan. Updated
every Monday.
SOUTH
ASIAN OUTREACH MINISTRY OF THE
PRESBYTERY
OF
TROPICAL FLORIDA
Hospitality is an instruction from God. Hospitality is disappearing from our modern society. When we hear that somebody wants to visit us, we first think about the time, effort and expense it will require. True hospitality means to open your heart to the visitors and make them feel truly welcome. Being a warmhearted and generous host was highly valued in the times past. These days it is so different, we are afraid to talk to strangers, visitors, immigrants and anyone who looks different then us. This kind of attitude is also in our churches and then we complain about the membership. The new Testament shows that the first Christians placed high value on hospitality, even it is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The warmth of the early Christian Fellowship was one of the reasons that the new faith spread so rapidly. A kind word, a smile, and a handshake can do wonders to a stranger.
“If a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not abuse him. But the stranger that dwells among you shall be to you like one born among you, and shall love him as yourself; for you were stranger in the land of Egypt.” (Leviticus 19: 33)
Jesus said, “When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they can not repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” (Luke 14: 12-14)
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kind affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another, Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (Romans 12: 9, 10, 13)
“Praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2: 47)
Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25: 40)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. (Romans 12: 13)
Blessings,
Musarrat Nasir
Please feel free to send these devotions to anyone you think would benefit from them. You can send your comments to musarrat@bellsouth.net . Weekly radio programs and weekly devotions are on the website www.thepowerofthecrossonline.org .Please help us to keep South Asian ministry going and send your donations to the Presbytery office at 440 E. Sample Road, Suite # 208 Pompano Beach, Fl 33064. Thanks.
TROPICAL FLORIDA
When we have relationship with a person, we like to have fellowship with that person. Fellowship is a richer word than relationship because fellowship involves deep sharing, intimacy, a common purpose and a joy in one another’s company. The Bible says that Almighty God desires fellowship with what he has created. Each individual human being is called to fellowship with the One who made us all. When we have fellowship with God we enjoy talking to him in prayer, reading His Word and singing his praises. By having fellowship with Him we know that God dwells among us.
“I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people”.
(Leviticus 26:12)
“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call his name “Emmanuel” which means God with us.” (Matthew 1: 23)
“Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them”. (Matthew 18:20)
Jesus said “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” (John 15:4, 5, 10, 12)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
“God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” (1. John 1: 5, 6)
Blessings,
Musarrat Nasir
Please feel free to send these devotions to anyone you think would benefit from them and send your comments to musarrat@bellsouth.net . Our weekly radio programs and weekly devotions are on the web site 24/7. You can log on to www.thepowerofthecrossonline.org .Please help us to keep this ministry and send your donations and gifts to the Presbyter for the South Asian Ministry. Ad is The Presbytery of the Tropical Florida, 440 E. Sample Road, Suite # 208 Pompano Beach, Fl 33064. Thanks.
22nd June 2008
Islamic Republic of Baynaziristan.
CNI. Gujranwala. 21st June 2008 was the birthday of Late Ms. Baynazir Bhutto, who was killed in a suicide attack on 27th December 2007 in Rawalpindi. I wrote my last article in January 2008 on the death of Baynazir Bhutto, thereafter I did not feel like writing as no one wants to read the truth.
The way Mr. Asif Ali Zardari and the Pakistan Peoples Party celebrated the 55th birthday of Ms. Baynazir Bhutto was a slap on the faces of millions of people facing starvation, unable to feed their families they are committing suicides. The nation (if it is still a nation) is facing so many serious challenges. We have energy crisis, food crisis, crisis of militancy, decline in foreign investment, sharp decline in foreign reserves, daily fall in “Stock Market” law and order situation, daily price hike and countless other problems that every common citizen is facing but the “People Friendly” government is least concerned. In the cities and towns the roads are broken, the sewerage is in such a bad shape that filthy water is standing on roads and even inside of people’s homes. The whole nation is trembling to face the “Budget 2008/2009”, yet the government is saying “the nation has to swallow the bitter pill” yet again! If we are being told that we have to swallow the bitter pill, why so much money is being wasted on hypocritical meaningless celebrations, by the “Poor” representatives of the people of Pakistan who were elected to resolve the problems of common man and not to impose more burden on common man that he/she can not carry. Taking out rallies and demonstrations all over Pakistan has made the life of a common citizen miserable. Every Thursday the Courts are closed due to the weekly strike of the lawyers. And then we talk of “Rule of Law” and “Justice for all”. Since the president of Pakistan a deposed the former Chief Justice of Pakistan, a new segment of society has emerged on the political and social scenario of Pakistan. It is called “The Civil Society”. I fail to understand from where this so-called “Civil Society” has emerged? Wealthy people who have lot of time and money at their disposal, the so-called Human Rights Activists and the thankless bunch of senior retired military officers who enjoyed all the good things when they were in uniform are shamelessly talking on the issues on which a soldier never opens his mouth. They have cause embarrassment for Pakistan on national and international level. I do not understand why thy have not been convicted under 1926 Official Secret Act. Yet they are respected! And finally the electronic and print media which is presenting a very bleak picture of Pakistan. I wish they were kept under tight control as by the previous “ Democratic Civilian Governments”.
Mr. Asif Ali Zardari changed the name of Islamabad International Airport and renamed it as “Bynazir International Airport. He also changed the name of a number of main roads in the country and a hospital in Rawalpindi. I would give a very humble suggestion to change the name of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and give it a new name, “Islamic Republic of Baynaziristan”. So far the new democratic demonstrated any concern for Pakistan and has given any relief to Pakistani people, by changing the name of Pakistan, the government of Baynaziristan may give some relief to the citizens of “Byanaziristan”!
I don’t know how long we shall see such useless things happen to Pakistan. Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto nationalized banks, industry and educational institutions, Mr. Asif Ali Zardari is “Personalizing” the whole country as it is his family inheritance. Where is Pakistan that Father of the nation gave us? It has been eaten up by the selfish politicians of this unfortunate nation that failed to become a nation in almost sixty one years.
Ms. Baynazir Bhutto became a “martyr” by her own default on 27th December 2008. What she left back was a burning and destroyed Pakistan. The railway tracks were destroyed, the trains were burnt and massive destruction took place in Pakistan from 27th of December 2007 to 30th December 2007. The whole country was paralyzed for three days. On 30th December the Pakistani people watched and heard the “Democratic Will” of Ms. Baynazir Bhutto. She had nominated Mr. Asif Ali Zardari as the Chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party. (There was no indication of any sort of elections in the party) Immediately Mr. Zardari changed the name of his children and added “Bhutto” as the middle name of his children. He nominated his nineteen years old son as the chairman of the party. A young student who can not contest any election for next six years and can not become the Prime Minister of Pakistan for next sixteen years. This is the democracy for which “The Daughter of the East” embraced martyrdom! Mr. Asif Ali Zardari was living a quite life in self exile. In matter of few hours he became the decision maker of Pakistan. What a misfortune for the people of Pakistan, Mr. ten percent became Mr. hundred percent!
Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and his brother Mian Muhammad Shabaz Sharif took over the largest populated province of Punjab. I am waiting when they change the name of “Allamah Iqbal International Airport Lahore”? If they do change the name of Lahore Airport, I would suggest they should rename it, “Mian Sharif International Airport”.
In my humble onion democracy is not a commodity that can prevail in Pakistan, or for that matter in any Islamic country. People who demand or advocate democracy in Pakistan, they will have to rewrite the history of Islamic way of governance. I have no hesitation in stating that the frame of mind of the people of Pakistan is certainly not democratic, though they hide their own dictatorship when they go through the process of election.
In the end I would like to express my views on the President ship of General (Retired) Pervez Musharaf. It must not be forgotten that his Presidency is absolutely important for the so-called democracy in Pakistan. He is the common enemy of the democracy lovers. The day he leaves the Office of the President, all political parties will fight among themselves as bitter enemies do. We have seen this phenomena in past and we shall see it in future.
I have narrated my point of view on many topic in this article, people may agree with it or may not. Yet this what I have experienced in last forty years and I am expecting to see it yet again.
Bishop Timotheus Nasir
18th January 2008
CNI. Gujranwala. 27th December 2007 will be remembered as a very sad day in the history of Pakistan. On this fateful day, Ms. Benazir Bhutto, a high profile politician and Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party was killed in a “suicide bomb attack” out side historic Liaqat Park, Rawalpindi, where the first Prime Minister of Pakistan was assassinated on 16th October 1951. The Un-timely death of Ms. Benazir Bhutto is a great tragedy. The death of Ms. Benazir Bhutto is a great lose to Pakistan. This cowardly act is deplorable and must be condemned and the people and person behind this heinous crime must be brought to justice. Ms. Benazir Bhutto was a leader of highest stature, she was a gifted lady and most popular political leader, who returned from self exile only in October 2007. I never agreed with the political doctrine of Ms. Benazir Bhutto and never supported the Pakistan People’s Party, especially when Mr. Z. A. Bhutto nationalized all Christian educational institutions in August 1972. Yet the Un-timely death of Ms. Benazir Bhutto has saddened me along with hundreds of thousands people in Pakistan and around the world. I was shocked wheen I heard that Ms. Benazir Bhutto has been killed. What followed the death of Ms. Benazir Bhutto was another blow to the Pakistan’s economy. I don’t need to narrate what happened in Karachi and all over the Province of Sindh and some parts of Punjab, yet I have no hesitation is saying that the enemies of Pakistan achieve their objective to destabilize Pakistan’s economy by sacrificing a couple of men, reportedly three bullets and some explosive. Whereas Pakistan’s economy suffered a lose of million of dollars in only twenty four hours. The life in Pakistan was paralyzed for four days. The people of Pakistan were forced to stay home due to riots and closure of all gas stations. And finally the election scheduled for 8th January had to be postponed till 18th February 2008. After Ms. Benazir Bhutto the vacuum of leadership in Pakistan People’s Party may never be filled, even by her own son, Bballawal Zardari, who changed his name and added Ballawal Bhutto Zardari.
Every one knows that Ms. Benazir Bhutto and thirty innocent people have lost their live in this heinous crime of “Suicide Bomb Attack”, yet no one is sure who is the master mind behind such heinous and cowardly act of terrorism. Or the people in general and at the helms of affaires know these people, yet they are hesitant to disclose their identity. Could it be “Al-Qaida”, the local Talibans or the “Extra Extremist Islamic Theocracy? Or there could be some other people involved who are always trying to harm Pakistan and to destabilize Pakistan. I would not rule out the possibility of external hands in the assassination of Ms. Benazir Bhutto. Let us see the ground realities.
Pakistan has always been attacked from its “Eastern Boarders”. After Pakistan became a nuclear power or state, an all out attack on Pakistan from Eastern side is too risky. If Pakistan is attacked from the East, it could result a total disaster not only for Pakistan and India but for the whole region. In December 2001 and in year 2002 we witnessed a huge military build up by the Indian army. Yet they had to withdraw to avert a nuclear stand off. Now it is not possible for India to wage a war against Pakistan on the conventional front. Therefore they are attacking Pakistan from its Western Boarders. According to reports, India has seven Consulates in Afghanistan. It the reports are true, one may ask, what are these Consulates doing in Afghanistan? Though Afghanistan has been a life long friend of India, yet there are hardly any trade relations with Afghanistan and there is total absence of tourism between the two countries. These Indian Missions might be involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan, and there is sufficient proof that India has been major supplier of arms, ammunition and financial assistance to so-called “Baluchistan Liberation Army” that was smashed in year 2006. Failing to fuel the fire of insurgency in Baluchistan, India is all out to destroy Pakistan through its own sponsored terrorist activities. This aspect must not be over looked by the Pakistani authorities and international community.
On the other hand, I must say that our political leaders have a strange conception that they are “Immortal”. They think that no bullet, bomb or terrorist can target them or harm them. Ms. Benazir Bhutto was warned by the government of Pakistan that she is the prime target of terrorists after President Musharraf, yet she ignored the security advice and exposed herself on that fateful evening of 27th December 2007. She was provided adequate security and million of Rupees were spent on her personal security by the government of Pakistan. I ask the high ups of Pakistan People’s Party, why they did not stop Ms. Benazir Bhutto to expose her from the “sun roof” of the bullet and bombproof vehicle that was provided by the government of Pakistan. All other people travelling with her in the same vehicle were absolutely safe even after the bomb blast! Didn’t she know that she could be attacked while she had no protection out on the road where thousands of people were gathered along with her killer! I am deeply disturbed by the death of Ms. Benazir Bhutto for which she alone is responsible.
The “New Scotland Yard” team is investigating the death of Ms. Benazir Bhutto and her husband now the Co-Chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party has demanded an investigation by the United Nation’s investigators, yet one question will always remain unanswered that why Ms. Benazir Bhutto came out of the “Sun Roof” of the vehicle she was traveling in?
Of all things that happened after 27th December 2007, the strangest thing that I observed is that no one has even mentioned the “Hidden Hand” of “Extra Extremist Islamic Theocracy”, that might be playing in the hands of enemies of Pakistan. With deep sense of grief and sorrow, I can only blame Ms. Benazir Bhutto for her death due to her own negligence and over confidence that is in-built in our political leaders, unfortunately.
Rt. Rev. Dr. Major (Retired) Timotheus Nasir
The Motto of Year 2008
For all Siloam Churches, Congregations and Seminaries. For all Brothers and Sisters of the Siloam Mission in Europe, Asia and Africa.
JESUS CHRIST says, “Because I live, you will also live”. (John 14:19)
Dear Brothers and sisters of the Siloam Mission in Europe, Asia and Africa.
With the Motto of the year 2008, I greet you all most warmly. From the wonderful Bible passage, I want to encourage you for this impending year by three messages, hoping that our LORD JESUS CHRIST by HIS HOLY SPIRIT may let these words become a blessing to you. Three messages which are as old as Christianity itself; three messages that make the core of our faith in JESUS; three messages, we as brothers and sisters in JESUS CHRIST must share again and again with each other.
These three messages are:
JESUS Speaks.
JESUS lives.
JESUS gives us eternal life.
First Message: JESUS Speaks.
Our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST is the WORD of GOD Incarnate. WHO from the very beginning of the time and by WHOM all things that are exist. Thus we read in the prologue of John, “In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD. HE was in the beginning with GOD. All things were made by HIM, and without HIM nothing was made that was made” (John 1:1-3). The WORD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST has created this world before beginning of the times. Mankind was allowed to hear this WORD of the SAVIOR when GOD in JESUS CHRIST was in this world and revealed HIMSELF to men
However JESUS has not ceased to speak but HE still speaks today. In HIS holy and living WORD, the Bible, still today, we can read, hear and experience the WORD of GOD. JESUS CHRIST spoke before all times, HE speaks today and HIS glorious voice will be heard in all eternity. And so I want to share anew with you for 2008 this old wonderful message. JESUS still speaks today and HE also speaks to you. Whenever you read the Bible, you may know that you read the true authentic WORD of our GOD. You may know that JESUS speaks to you through the Holy Scriptures.
And that I wish you for the new year 2008, that you let our LORD and SAVIOR speak to you as often as possible. Become in 2008 anew intensive reader of the Bible and listen as often as possible to the preaching of the WORD of GOD.
2. The Message: JESUS Lives.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in JESUS CHRIST,
When you read the Holy Scriptures, when you listen to the preaching true to the Bible, you will then again and again read and hear the message: JESUS lives. He did not remain in death but HE defeated the power of death, just as HE had predicted it. JESUS is risen. HE lives. That the motto of the year will say to us anew and therefore, already now, at the beginning of the new year, I am sharing with you this Easter message. I wish that you do not keep this message for yourselves, but that you pass it on, proclaim it to others.
It is the most important task of our Siloam Mission, to proclaim to the world that JESUS lives. It is the most important task of every Christian, to tell it to others. And that is also your task, dear Brothers and Sisters in JESUS CHRIST, if you follow JESUS. We, who have experienced that JESUS lives, cannot keep this to ourselves. We cannot keep silent about it and must continue telling it to others. Thus I want to call upon all of us from the Siloam Mission, to make this year 2008 a year of proclaiming our LORD and SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST.
Let us all, anew, go to people, we live and work with and share with them anew that JESUS lives. Let us bring the life-saving message that JESUS lives, to those who not yet know our LORD JESUS and therefore have to suffer eternal condemnation. Go anew in the year 2008 and bring the message of the victory of JESUS over death into the world.
3. Message: JESUS gives us eternal Life.
For JESUS does not only HIMSELF live forever and ever but HE also gives eternal life to those who believe in HIM So our LORD says to us, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears MY WORD and believes in HIM WHO sent ME has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life”(John 5:24). Through the motto of the year HE deepens this for us who are brothers and sisters in JESUS CHRIST, so that we have that as irrefutable assurance of our life and death: JESUS lives and we shall live also when we trust in HIM and listen to HIS WORD.
It belongs to the most wonderful to our faith and our preaching that as brothers and sisters in JESUS CHRIST we can encourage each other with this message of salvation. JESUS lives and HE gives to us as HIS followers like wise eternal life. When one has heard this Glad Tidings, this Gospel and when GOD through HIS HOLY SPIRIT lets this message be enlarged in a person, one the becomes filled with tremendous joy and confidence. Therefore, I want to call upon us who are brothers and sisters in JESUS CHRIST and share this message, that the LORD may make you quite happy and confident about it: JESUS gives to you eternal life.
For the year 2008 I wish you all the rich and protecting blessing of our almighty GOD, the FATHER the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT. May HE let you grow in 2008 in faith and trust in HIM, dear brothers and sisters in JESUS CHRIST. So once again I encourage you with the cheer of the motto of the year, “JESUS CHRIST says, ‘because I live you live also’”(John 14:19)
Your brother in JESUS CHRIST
Karl Becker
International
President
Siloam Mission
International.
4th
January 2008
Monday Morning Prayer.
Joy to the World! The Lord is come
Have a blessed Christmas
Weekly devotion for December 24, 2007 Christmas Eve
Time:
Midnight
Place:
Fields
Preacher:
Angel of the Lord
Audience: Shepherds
Massage:
Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. “FOR THERE IS BORN TO YOU THIS DAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOR” WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD.” And this will be the sign to you; you will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”
Choir: Heavenly Host
Anthem: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men"
Effect of the massage: So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. And they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this child.
The massage of Christmas is for everyone. He was born in Bethlehem. Bethlehem means house of bread. Jesus is the bread of life. He came in the manger, “because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:8-14)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
These are the saddest words in the Christmas story, “ because there was no room for them in the Inn” Do we have room for Him in our lives, homes and society?
May you enjoy the blessings of the first Christmas
Musarrat Nasir
Please feel free to send these devotions to anyone you think would benefit from them. Radio program is on the web 24/7 along with weekly devotions. Please log on to www.whsrradio.com and click on schedule, look for Saturday 3:30 P.M schedule and click on it. You will be able to listen to 4 previous programs. You can send an Email to me at musarrat@bellsouth.net
Atheist’s Holiday
Mr. Sabir Bashir
In
Florida , an atheist became incensed over the
preparation of Easter and Passover holidays. He decided to contact his lawyer
about the discrimination inflicted on atheists by the constant celebrations
afforded to Christians
and Jews with all their holidays while atheists had no holiday to celebrate.
The case was brought before a judge. After listening to the long passionate
presentation by the lawyer, the judge banged his gavel and declared, Case
dismissed!' The lawyer immediately stood and objected to the ruling
and said, 'Your honor, how can you possibly dismiss this case? The Christians
have Christmas, Easter and many other observances. Jews have Passover, Yom
Kippur and Hanukkah ...yet my client and all other atheists have no such
holiday! '
The judge leaned forward in his chair and simply said, 'Obviously your client is
too confused to even know about, much less celebrate, his own atheists'
holiday!' The lawyer pompously said, 'Your Honor, we are unaware of any such
holiday for atheists. Just when might that holiday be, your Honor?'
The judge said, 'Well it comes every year on exactly the same date---April 1st!
Since our calendar sets April 1st as 'April Fools Day,' consider that Psalm 14:1
states, 'The fool says in his heart, there is no God.' Thus, in my opinion, if
your client says there is no God, then by scripture, he is a fool, and April 1st
is his holiday!
Now, have a good day and get out of my courtroom!!
The Great Deception
In October 2007 a group of Muslim 138 scholars from all over the world including Pakistan circulated a document “A Common Word between You and Us”. The document has been addressed to all the Christian World starting from Pope Banedict XVI to a common Christian. This document puts emphasis on “Neighborly Love” that has been taught by Lord Jesus Christ and they (The Muslim Scholars) claim, is common in Christianity and Islam. This document can be seen on www.acommonword.com .
I am not a “Radical Christian” yet according to my knowledge and experience, the word “Neighborly Love” for a Non-Muslim, does in exist in Islamic ideology. This documents should have been sent to Muslims all over the world in all the languages they understand. Sending this document that has really no meanings for any or all Muslim scholars, small or big, white brown, or black. All they know is to hate and kill all non-Muslims. If 138 Muslim scholars are serious in their recent invitation sent to Christian leadership throughout the world, they must teach their own Muslim brothers and sisters, the “Love” they are talking about. Pakistan is fairly moderate in its dealing with Christian and other non-Muslim neighbor. Even then there are incidences of religion related hate crimes against the Christians and other religious minorities almost every day. We the Christians know the meanings of neighborly love more clearly than Muslims. The Muslim scholars should go to Muslims around the world at grass root level, in their Madrasas (Seminaries) and their mosques. They must preach neighborly love from Mosques and teach this kind of love to common Muslims in their Madrasas (Seminaries). Once they (the Muslims) learn “Neighborly Love” then the Muslim scholars should invite Christians or other religious bodies like Jews, Hindus, Qadianis and all major or minor non-Muslim people in the world and talk about “A Common Word”.
After reading the contents of the “Deceptive Document” titled “A Common Word Between You and US”, I feel that it is an attempt to deceive the Christian world in sugar coated words. This is not the time for Muslim to send “Three Point Message” to Christians that they used to send in early days of Islamic conquest. Then the message used to be, 1. Accept Islam or convert to Islam. 2. If not, then become “Humble Subject” of Muslims and pay “Jazia” (Protection Tax) 3. If the first two offers are not acceptable, then “Let the Sword Decide”.
Today the Muslims are not strong enough to send such messages, therefore they have sent a message of “Love”, a word that Muslims does not believe in. I just want to tell the Christian leadership around the world to be very careful in answering this document or talking to these 138 Muslim scholars. This document has not been prepared because in the hearts and minds of these scholars, LOVE for Christians has erupted all of a sudden. It is an attempt to attack Christian faith under the cover of this so-called “A Common Word Between You and Us”. There is absolutely nothing common Us (the Christians) and Them (the Muslims). I know at least two signatories of this document, i.e. Amb. Aref Kamal Muslim Intellectual, Pakistan and Allamah Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani Vice President, Darul Uloom Karachi, Pakistan. Justice Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani is bitterly against Christianity and has written a number of books against Christian faith. I have written answers to his books in Urdu and they have been printed in The Monthly Kalam-e-Haq, a monthly Urdu publication of Pakistan. In the end, I would advise the Christian leadership not to trust these 138 scholars. In my very early response to this “Document”, I requested these 138 Muslim scholars to “Let Christians build a Church in Saudi Arabia. We can sit in Saudi Arabian Church and sort all the “Common Words”.
Bishop Timotheus Nasir
Monday Morning Prayer.
Weekly devotion for December 3, 2007
MAY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BLESS YOU IN THE SEASON OF ADVENT
In the Christian calendar, Advent is the season observed in the preparation for Christmas.
As we observe Advent, let us think of the mystery of God, which is Jesus Christ. Pay attention to the voice in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight the highway and every mountain and hill of our pride and selfishness should be brought down. Then the king of kings and the Lord of Lords shall come to abide with us.
Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert A highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth. The glory of the Lord shall be revealed. Isaiah 40:3-5
He is the image of the invisible God. He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. Colossians 1:15 & 17.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:1-3
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying” Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. John 3:1-2
THOUGHT FOR THE
WEEK:
May we understand
the knowledge of the mystery of God, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Blessings
Musarrat Nasir
Please feel free to send these devotions to anyone who you think would benefit from them. To listen to the radio program ,please log on to www.whsrradio.com. Click on schedule. Look for Saturday schedule and click on 3:30 P.M. There are 4 previous programs on the web 24/7 along with weekly devotions. Send your comments to musarrat@bellsouth.net
Weekly devotion for Nov 5, 2007
SOUTH ASIAN OUT REACH MINISTRY
OF
THE PRESBYTERY OF TROPICAL FLORIDA
Please pray for Pakistan.
Satisfaction,
We all yearn for inner peace and clam as the uncertainty in the world creates a sense of agitation. At times like these we need to go to God in prayer. He is the only One who can satisfy our desire for peace and security in the midst of life’s anxieties. Have faith that is firmly anchored in Jesus Christ and remain consistently and consciously in Him. He will show you how to handle all pressure and tension. When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. (Deuteronomy 8:10)
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. (Hebrew 13:5)
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90: 14)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:
As for me, I will see your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in your likeness. (Psalm
Blessings,
Musarrat Nasir.
Please feel free to send these devotions to anyone you think would benefit from it.
Radio program airs every Saturday from 3:30 to 4.It is on the web24/7. To listen, please log on to www.whsrradio.com Click on schedule, look for the Saturday schedule and click on 3:30 P.M. There are 4 previous programs on the web for you to enjoy. You can send me an Email at musarrat@bellsouth.net
Posted by
Christian News International
Gujranwala,
Pakistan.
Monday Morning Prayer.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”.
(Matthew 5:5)
What is meekness? Where does this meekness originate? How does it manifest itself in the lives of people? What is the secret to this extra –ordinary blessedness? Those who give their lives completely in the hands of God receive this blessing. They are gentle, friendly and selfless. The meek person knows that God is by his side and He will take care of him. Our Lord and savior emphasizes on meekness. Meek will make the difference in this world not the proud.
“The humble He guides in justice, and the humble He teaches His way”. (Psalm 25:9)
“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in love”. (Ephesians 4: 2)
“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time”. (1. Peter 5: 5-6)
“He has shown you, Oman, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you? but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God”. (Micah 6:8)
(Micah 6: 8)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK
Whoever humbles himself like a child is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18:4)
Blessings,
Musarrat Nasir
Please feel free to send these devotions to anyone you think would benefit from them. I have a radio program which airs every Saturday at 3:30- 4:00 P.M. Four programs are on the web 24/7 for you to enjoy along with weekly devotions. For that please log on to www.whsrradio.com and click on schedule, look for Saturday schedule and click on 3:30 P.M. You can listen to 4 previous programs 24/7. Please send the feed back by sending an Email to musarrat@bellsouth.net. Thank you.
EID MUBARIK
to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.
24th September 2007
Blasphemer must die!
Desecration of Christian Faith by Muslim Journalist of Pakistan.
Bishop Timotheus Nasir
15th September 2007
This morning I read a news that a “Mega-Mosque” is being built in London by “Tablighi Jamaat”. I watch activities of Islamic Organizations in Europe, Canada and the United States. I personally believe that it is the fundamental human right of very citizen of every country all over the world to practice and preach his/her religion. These days the “Islamic Month of Fasting” of the month of Ramazan or “Ramadan” is being observed throughout the world. At the same time I read the news and see for my self that in Islamic countries, practicing and preaching and observing the feasts and holy days of other religions is under extreme threat and especially the Christian religion is being targeted in most cruel and threatening way. Recent Korean hostage crisis took two precious Christian lives. What was their crime? They were reportedly doing or trying to do what Muslims are doing freely in the countries that I mentioned in the beginning. Here in Pakistan, the areas that are under the influence of “Radical Muslims”, Christians are given written warnings almost every day to convert to Islam or they will be “blown up”. The stories of persecution of Christians are coming in every day. Pastors are being killed, abducted and harassed every day. Common and poor Christians are living under more dangerous conditions. A pastor had to hide himself only because he conducts Sunday Service and hymns are sung during Sunday worship service. In villages we can not build a church without the permission of local Mullah and Land Lord. And yet the Christian World (If there is any left) is engaged in “Interfaith Dialogue” for ”Interfaith Harmony”. The Christian World and the Christian Leadership is giving in and giving up when it comes to Christian Faith. If a “Mega-Mosque can be build in United Kingdom, why a Mega-Church can not be built in Islamabad, Kabul, Riaz and other capitals of Islamic countries? A native Muslim of United Kingdom has all rights to practice his/her religion in any way they like, why Islamic countries do not allow a Pakistani born Christian who are living in this region for more than one hundred and fifty years, to exercise the same “Right”? There are Thousands of “Islamic Web Sites”, openly abusing Christian faith, the Holy Bible and the Holy Personage of Christianity, yet they have lots of problems when Dr. Robert Morey writes about “Moon God”. The Muslims have all the “Rights” to insult, abuse and ridicule Christianity in most derogatory way? Why the “Interfaith Dialogue and Harmony Activists” can’t stop such insult of Christianity or at least talk on this crucial subject? We hear and our “Interfaith Peace and Harmony Activists” believe that Islam is the “Religion of Peace” yet where is this “Peace”? I have not been able to see it. If killing innocent people is peace, I denounce such peace. If “Intolerance” of other faiths is “Peace” I denounce this kind of one sided “Peace” too. What we see and what history tells us about Islam, we can conveniently observe that “Peace” has never been included in Islamic Ideology. “Peace” has a different meaning in Islam and that is, either “Convert to Islam” or become “humble subjects” of Islamic state or be ready to face the “Sword of Islam” (in present time Bullets and bombs of Islam). There is no freedom of religion and the freedom that we have as Pakistani citizens is fading away fast. The tolerance for Christians has almost exhausted. The hatred for Christians is on rise and I will not be surprised if in my life time Christianity is “Banned” in Pakistan. (In many Islamic countries Christianity is officially banned like Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan).
When of “Interfaith Dialogue” and “Interfaith Peace and harmony” activists hold talks or “Dialogue” with Muslims, do ask them what concessions are they ready to give to Christians in their country of origin? Would they allow “Mega-Churches” or even small churches in their country of origin? Would they give freedom to the people of other faiths to speak openly to “Refute” the “Rubbish” of Islamic scholars especially against “Christianity”? When would Muslim Peace activists start teaching their fellow Muslims to have the courage to face other religions especially Christianity? I bet my life, they would not give any thing that I have requested our Christian “Peace Activists” to demand!
The Muslims must be made to understand that what they think is the birth right for them, are they willing to give such rights to the people of other faiths especially Christianity? If they claim that Islam is a “Religion of Peace” then they must demonstrate it! It is about time they too acknowledge the importance of “Peace” and teach their fellow Muslims that mankind needs a safer world and equal rights must be given to all human beings. They must understand that the World does not belong to them (Muslims) alone. If they want to live in peace they must allow others to live the same way in peace. If Islamic world agrees on the principals of “”Live and let Live”, only then the “Interfaith Dialogue” and “Interfaith Peace and Harmony” will be possible, otherwise “Interfaith Dialogue, Peace and Harmony” is extremely dangerous for “World Peace”.
Bishop Timotheus Nasir
Victorious living.
Circumstances often fill us with fear. Traumatic experiences, dramatic changes in our personal lives, every day problems might cause us to feel lost and seriously threatened.
The only way we could possibly cope with life is in partnership with God. He will not allow you to be defeated. He will deliver you from evil. Through god’s Holy Spirit you will be able to live victoriously.
Jesus said, “ I have said these things to you, that in me you have peace, In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world”. John 16:33
If God be for us, who can be against us? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Romans 8:31,37
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will up hold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Romans 16:20
He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1. John 4:4
Blessings,
Musarrat Nasir
Please feel free to send these prayers to anyone you think would benefit from them. I have a radio program. It airs every Saturday at 3:30P.M.at AM980. It is on the web 24/7 along with the weekly devotions. Please log on to www.whsrradio.com click on schedule, look for Saturday schedule and click on 3:30 P.M. You can send me an Email at musarrat@bellsouth.net.
SOUTH ASIAN OUTREACH MINISTRY
OF
THE PRESBYTERY OF TROPICAL FLORIDA
Weekly devotion for August 13,2007
August 14th is Pakistani Independence Day. Pakistan came into being on August 14,1947. Happy Independence Day to all our Pakistani friends.
August 15 is India’s Independence Day. Happy Independence Day to all our Indian friends. May God bless Pakistan and India and bring peace.
We think of freedom as having no strings, no boundaries and you can do whatever you like. The Bible saw freedom in a more concrete way. A key massage of the New Testament is that we can be set free from the one thing that enslaves all human beings, sin. So free can mean, free to do the right thing free to please God.
Proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all the inhabitants. Leviticus 25:10
You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:36
Though I am free from all men, yet have I made myself servant to all so that I might gain more. 1. Corinthians 9:19
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2. Corinthians 3:17
Whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and persevere in it, being not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, this man shall be blesses in what he does. James 1:25
As free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. 1 Peter 2:16
Thought for the week:
You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:36
Blessings,
Musarrat Nasir
Please feel free to send these devotions to anyone you think would benefit from them. Radio program is on the web 24/7 for you. Log on to www.whsrradio.com and click on schedule. Click on Saturday schedule at 3:30 P.M. Send me an Email at musarrat@bellsouth.net. Thank You.
30-08-2007
THE ELECTION OF THE BISHOP OF MULTAN DIOCESE, CHURCH OF PAKISTAN , WHICH COULD NOT BE HELD.
The CoP News Service (Team) was in retreat for quite some time though we had plenty of news to share both good and those which sadden us. All these are for our reflections and prayers for the he issues facing the church.
We have been asked by many friends to write on the election of Multan Diocese, which was scheduled to be held on 16 th of August 2007 by Bishop Alexander John Malik being Moderator of the Church of Pakistan.
All was set to hold the election according to the new system/procedure which we had termed as illegal because of the illegality of the Synod and vested interests of some of the leaders of the Synod but we were quite in order to see the result of the awareness drive and did not interfere in any way.
According to the new system the Diocesan Council (in this case the Diocesan Council of Multan) were supposed to short list three candidates from the entire list of candidates and the same day the executive committee of the Synod was to act as the electoral college of the Synod whereas the executive committee of the Diocese of Multan was to act as the electoral college of the Diocese.
At the time of fabricating this new system the chief of the new system was confident to manipulate both the houses to install the Bishop of his own choice but had neglected one aspect what if the Diocesan Council did not vote for his candidate to place him among the top three.
When it became clear that he does not grip the Council it was already late as all the members of the Council and those of the executive committee of the Synod had reached Multan on 15th August 2007 .
The chief architect of the new system was lodged in Dubai Palace Hotel along with the Bishops and some dignitaries of his choice. Realizing the flaw in gripping everything he asked the members of the executive committee of the Synod to support him for the postponement of the election until such time that he can harness the situation. As most of the members of the Synod are not used to applying their mind they said yes.
He called all the candidates and made the announcement of postponing the election for the Bishop of Multan. This announcement was immediately condemned by some of the candidates.
The members of the Multan Diocesan Council who were already around took it as an offence and gathered at the hotel and started raising slogans against the chief architect of the new system and the Synod.
He women of Multan Diocese mainly the delegates to the council went to the room of the Moderator Bishop Alexander John Malik in the hotel and wanted to drag him out all the time protesting and saying all sort of things.
Police called for protection.
The honorable moderator called the local police for his protection but they even could not cool down the mob which was difficult to handle including the women. The Bishops Samuel Robert Azriah and Azad Marshall who have greater influence within the Diocese of Multan intervened and took the people away for negotiations. They assured the mob that hey would provide them opportunity to speak to the Moderator.
The Moderator flees in burqa.
During this time when the mob was talking to the above mentioned Bishops the Moderator fled from the hotel. According to unconfirmed reports he fled in a BURQA. Readers the burqa is a long gown type of dress worn by Muslim women to cover the entire body of including the face in the Muslim world.
Last month if you remember at the incidence of Lal Masjid in Islamabad the leading Muslim clergy of that mosque had tried to escape the police in burqa and was internationally televised.
In this case it is said that the two Bishops helped him get away in burqa and some even say he went as portraying the wife of the Secretary of the Synod who comes from Peshawar in the NWFP Province of Pakistan which is these days hub of the activities of Muslim extremists and even the non-Muslim women also wear burqas.
The next morning some of the left over Bishops including the above mentioned but excluding the big one were given a very tough time by the members of Multan Diocese as they are not sure of their future.
Readers what do you say about this?
We were not reporting on the issue although we know first hand about the happenings but on the requests of our readers we send you this story as we got from the press and reported by persons present on site.
Courtesy:
CoP News Service (Team)
THE CHURCH OF PAKISTAN NEWS SERVICE
URL: www.copnews.org Email: info@copnews.org & copnews@gmail.com
17th August 2007
CNI. Gujranwala. Mrs. Enid Jalal ud Din has gone to be with the Lord yesterday, on Aug 15, 2007. She lived 90 years of victorious life on this Earth. She graduated from Kinnaird College Lahore Pakistan and earned her Bachelor of Education Degree from Australia. She taught at Atchison College Lahore and remained Principal of Edwards High School Peshawar for many years. She was wife of Mr. Jalal ud din, who was the overall Principal of Edwards High School for over four decades.
The children of Mrs. Jalal ud din are Rehana James Luke, wife of Gp.Capt (Retired) James Luke, Toronto Canada, Lt. Col. Javed Jalal (Late) who’s family is settled at Toronto, Canada and Dr. Helen Jalal who is a doctor at Christian Hospital Taxila, Pakistan with whom Mrs. Jalal lived. She is being buried today at Christian cemetery at Rawalpindi.
Her only living sister is Mrs. Joyce Faiz. Other sisters were Mrs. Olive wife of Rev.Boyd and mother of Ivan Boyd at Toronto, Mrs. Carol Alam Shah, mother of Aslam Alam Shah who slept in Lord earlier.
Your condolences may be directed to the following persons:
Rehana James Luke: 001-905-451-2581
Olive Jalal ud Din: 001-905-455-2864
Aslam Alam Shah: 001-905-823-5673
Ivan Boyd: 001-905-794-2419
Andrew Faiz: 001-416-709-5681
Reported By, Group Captain James Luke (Retired)
4th July 2007
Life on Line.
I read the four letters to the editor and I am glade that Mr. Irfan has asked me to silent Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, the director of Islamic Research Foundation. I have written a number of answers to Dr. Zakir Naik, yet he has never responded. Maay be he does not face the same fate that Sheikh Ahmad Deedat had to face in Sialkot Pakistan on 7th October 1987.
As far as I have noted, Dr. Zakir Naik have the same arguments against Christianity that Late Deedat had. He is trying to “Scratch” verses of Holy Bible and Koran to prove his point and so far he has miserably failed to do that. I call Dr. Zakir Naik a “Tongue Twister” and nothing more. I can take him on any time when he is ready even in Pakistan.
I do not defend my faith because I know that my God is “The God”, my Book the Holy Bible is “The Book” and my Faith the Christian Faith is “The Faith”. Rest all is “Mirage”.
If and when I have a debate with Dr. Zakir Naik, no body will see me playing of “Back Foot”. Unfortunately most of our scholars play on “Back Foot” and instead of attacking the opponent, they try to defend Christian Faith, that does not need any defense. Christian Faith in complete and perfect faith and I don’t care what others say about their faiths, that they are still trying to redefine. I Play on “Front Foot” and so far I have silenced many critics of the Holy Bible and Christian Faith.
Dear Mr. Irfan, I am looking forward to meet Dr. Zakir Naik. The day we come face to face, by the Grace of my God Dr. Zakir Naik will be a Christian preacher. It is my challenge.
Dear Mr. Asif, I understand your concern, yet my life is on line since long. The day and the way I will die is well known to my savior. My job is to preach and speak Biblical Truth, the “Only Truth”. I know I am a targeted person, yet no one can harm me as long as the Lord is with me. I don’t think Mr. Ifran is a Muslim nor he is naïve Christian. He has asked me to do a service for my Christian brothers and sisters, and I shall do it. Please encourage such people who feel pain when some “Tongue Twister” attacks his faith in most derogatory way. How ever I appreciate your concern for me. Thank you very much.
Dear Mr. Asif, you are right to state that Dr. Zakir Naik is a coward who is running away from debating with Sam Shamoun, Robert Morey and Ali Sina for many years. You are right in stating that if Dr. Zakir Naik has any decency left in him, he should either debate any of these gentlemen or shut his mouth from criticizing Christianity. Dr. Zakir Naik is always trying to run away when a straight question is asked about his faith. Dr. Zakir Naik never had any “decency” like Sheikh Ahmad Deedat. His only object is to criticize Christianity, insult our faith, insult the Holy Bible and to sell his “Useless” CDs and books.
Dear Mr. Nisar, I don’t know you too. But I believe that in your opinion, Dr. Zakir Naik is “Top Islamic Scholar” that you have today. Let me tell you Sir, memorizing books does not make an man scholar, you need to have understanding of the books which Dr. Zakir Naik lacks. You can call him a good “Haffiz” but not a scholar. In all my honest I challenge Dr. Zakir Naik that the day he faces me, I shall my self “Baptize Him”. This my “CHALLENGE that I gaave to Sheikh Ahmad Deedat on 7th October 1987 at Sialkot Pakistan, he ran away. So will Dr. Zakir Naik!!!
Soon I am going to send a formal invitation to Dr. Zakir Nnaik to come to Pakistan. I shall arrange his “Security” after he “Reverts” to Christianity!!
Please visit www.siloampak.org and www.kalamehaq.com
Bishop Timotheus Nasir
3rd July 2007
Dear Mr. Samuel George,
You wrote and I quote and answer,
“I would like to support Mr. Michael who reacts in the right direction, no doubt we have lot of issue with Muslims fundamental, where Christians are 1% of population, on which 80% percent don’t have the minimum level in education”.
With this situation that you have described, you still expect that a handful of Bishops and Pastors have a “magic rod” to raise the minimum level of education? No Sir, we don’t have one.
“Mr. Michael mentioned in his mail that we can develop our youngster for their better future, but to do this, our Ministers and higher priests have to play an important role here”.
Why Ministers and Higher Priests? Why not Doctors, Lawyers and other “Elite Segment” of Christian society in Pakistan and abroad?
“So far what I saw and read in the Newspapers, if Christian Ministers want to fulfill their requirement by government they have to go for the hunger strike. Sorry to say but for me sound like handicap Politician who cannot use their brain in the right direction”.
Please don’t undermine Pakistani leadership. If the Christian leadership, I mean Bishop and Pastors ever fails, the Christians in Pakistan will cease to exist. The statement I made, I own it. I would request you to use your brain for once and stop targeting Christian Religious Leadership.
“Here I agree with Mr. Michael, Pastors and Bishops are growing like mushrooms after rain, no idea which degree they are holding to call themselves Pastor or Bishop. I acknowledge Bishop Community doesn’t have good understanding between them, either no rule which they have to follow and bond with”.
Sir, what problem does it create for you if Pastors and Bishops are growing like Mushrooms after rain? Do you have to pay for every Pastor or Bishop that “grows like mushroom”. I see critics of Pastors and Bishops growing faster than mushrooms rather “rain bugs” having nothing to do, start finding faults in Pakistani Christian Religious leadership. We are better educated and have better understanding of the situation in Pakistan. We know the sanctity of our degree and know our work that includes dealing with people who have no respect for others. The Bishop Community has better understanding among themselves. However one can not rule out difference of opinion on a particular issue. The Bishops certainly follow the rules that you might not be knowing.
“Higher Priests & Bishops are like a KING, who creates their own rules and regulation. Example existing in Lahore Mr. Alexander”.
No, bishop don’t lives like kings, yet they are authorized by the constitution of their respective churches to abrogate, make and promulgate new rules and regulations. As far as Bishop Alexander John Malik is concerned, he made mistakes (as we all do) and he kept silent. Do you want some one to kill him? Are we not commanded to forgive? Are we all angels? Have we never made any mistake, small or big? I wrote against Bishop Malik, yet I am not his enemy. We might be making bigger mistakes and committing bigger sins than Bishop Alexander John Malik. Yet we don’t look at our own lives and try to correct our selves.
“This is the reason every Pastor want to open his own church and NGOs are growing, this is the reason Priest from Karachi, go to Lahore to sign his new stay order to stay in the same church where he & his grand children are staying from the last 16 years”.
I don’t think it is a crime that the family of a Priest stays more than 16 years in the same pastor house, if the son of pastor or grandson of that pastor is serving the congregation. I have no problem with a Pastor building a church through his own efforts and having an NGO at the same time. What ever he is doing, yet he is serving the people. The real problem is that our people living abroad can not see a pastor’s prosperity. If other Christian people can make an NGO, what stops a Pastor from making an NGO?
“As a Bishop could you please answer us”?
Q. Why Priest from different known Protestant Churches is not following their staying order which terminate every five years time? And they have to be transferred to other churches?
A. The Protestant Churches have their own way of working. If a Pastor stays more than Five years in a church (Congregation) that should be not a matter of concern to any one. Let us decide who will stay where and for how long.
Q. Why Bishops from other cities have authority to extend their staying order?
A. We don’t have “City Bishops”. There are different Diocese in the jurisdiction of a Bishop and any Bishop having his headquarter in a different city can use his ecclesiastical authority of a Pastor in any city under his jurisdiction. Bishop of Lahore, Bishop Alexander John Malik who lives in Lahore has jurisdiction in Narowal and Rawalpindi. You are no body to challenge the Ecclesiastical Authority of any Bishop in Pakistan.
Q. How come Pastor in Karachi become Bishop in one night? And no action was taken from the Bishops Union?
A. Kindly name the Pastor who became Bishop in “One Night”. I may be able to give you a better and detailed answer. However again this is our issue and not your.
Q. Why Bishops are taking more interest in the Christian property that the Christian community?
A. Please let me know which property and which Bishop? I know some church properties have been sold, yet can a Bishop sell any property all by himself? People with vested interests do gain from such sales and I know the “Loins Share” goes to the Bishop. However what ever the case may be I strongly condemn it.
Q. Why Christian property is not protected?
A. As far as I know the Christian properties are safe and well protected. However it these properties are sold, I again condemn it.
Q. Why there is million of Rupees open cases in the Graveyard (Karachi Gora Kabaristan)?
A. I would rather wait for the verdict of the courts of Pakistan on this case. I personally condemn such cases and the people who want to sell the “Karachi “Gora Qaberistan” or the Graveyard.
Q. Why Bishop is allowed to make his daughter marriage with a Muslim man in the church and no action was taken from the other Bishops Union if it’s existing in one unity.
A. This issue has been discussed at length. There has been lot of protest from Bishops and common Christians on this particular issue. But I really want to know the feelings of the father who’s daughter makes a wrong decision and the father has to endorse it. Bishop Malik is not the only father who went through this tragedy, there are hundreds of fathers who go through this agony. Please ask a father in Canada who’s daughter has married a Muslim. That father is a living dead person. My be Bishop Malik was to busy looking after his church and could not give time to his family. I am not condoning the mistake of Bishop Malik, but just telling you every family has its own serious problem. One is caught and the other get away. We must learn to forgive the one who is caught and pray for those who get away.
Dear Bishop, yes we all like to support our brothers & sisters in Pakistan, but again, who can we trust as our respecter are corrupted?
Sir, I am a Bishop therefore you should not trust me. Wait for the angels from heavens. You want to help your Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan? You have to trust some one or at least trust God. If some Bishop cheats you he will not be cheating you he will be cheating Lord God. Let God decide his fate. You do your duty, if you are serious.
I can only request that please make a system that your own people will trust you in the name of God, otherwise please leave the seat on which you are seating for those who deserve it.
Dear Sir, we have a system and the help that is received from abroad does reach the poor Christian. But I have no means and measures to tell you who is honest and who is not. I have no authority to tell any one to leave his “seat”. May be you can trust me, but I am a Bishop too.
May I suggest, make an organization, get it registered in USA and Canada. Chose a Church in Pakistan that is registered. Send them the help and demand an “Audit Report” from a Charted Accountant duly registered with the government of Pakistan. If your help does not reach the right place you can always seek help from the government of Pakistan through its Embassy or High Commission.
Hope I have answered your question!!!
May the Lord bless you all.
Bishop Timotheus Nasir.
3rd July 2007
Dear Mr. R. Michael & Mr. Samuel George
Christian greetings from Pakistan.
Despite having evidence, I am nobody to provide evidence against any one. What ever some one is doing is answerable to Lord Jesus Christ. You raised a question regarding Pakistani Christian Ministers, Higher Priests and Bishops and it was my moral duty to respond in all honesty and to the best of my knowledge.
In year 2006, Mullahs filed a “Law Suit” against me in Karachi. I requested all “Human Right Activists” that I knew in Pakistan for help. No one came forward. Why? They knew I was not going to be of any use to them on international level for collecting funds. You can find these organizations on Internet and then make an inquiry your self.
During October 2006, Lahore Police arrested a Christian young man for no reason and took a large amount to release him. I located the young Christian and got the money back from Police. Have you ever heard that Police pays back the money they take as bribe?
There is a long list of people like me who are either Higher Priests or Bishops who constantly help their Christian brothers and sisters, yet we can not disclose how we do it. If we try to project our work, we will not be able to continue helping our persecuted Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan.
Dear Sirs, More authority does not mean absolute authority. In Pakistan the orders of Supreme Court is not given any importance by the local Police and you are talking about few Bishops.
I agree that these days Pakistani Pastors are growing fast and they all belong to the Charismatic Organizations. Any one who writes “Pastor” before his name falls into that category. A trained Pastor writes “Reverend” abbreviated “Rev”. Then there are “Sadhus” who travel from village to village with no education but some “Tricks” of casting out demons and our people are fooled despite being warned. Then we have “Peers” and Christian “Shahs” and so on. There is no theological university in Pakistan yet we have well reputed Theological Seminaries in Pakistan and the real Priests go through at least three years intensive training in these institutions. As far as the politicians are concerned, they spend huge amount of money to get elected or selected. No Christian Organizations spends a penny on their elections or selection, therefore at least I can not ask a Christian MNA or MPA what they are doing.
Sir, I mentioned 150 Million Pakistanis in American Continent and in Europe, that this figure was assumed from Pakistan Christian Council. The information provided to me by the government of Pakistan, we are only 2 million plus in Pakistan. If I may assume that there are one million Christians in American Continent and Europe, yet that is a huge number to help Pakistani Christians. Yet you do not trust the Clergy? I have no further suggestion to make. We are trying our best without your help. Let us do our work and please if you can not support Christians in Pakistan, you have no right to criticize the Clergy of Pakistan.
Dear Mr. Michael and Mr. Samuel George, please visit me next time you visit Pakistan. I may be able to explain better face to face. Writing and criticizing on internet is easier than facing the facts in a country like Pakistan. You have too many questions and that can be only answered if you visit me next time you come to Pakistan. Please don’t ask how to help poor Christians in Pakistan, You know it! You have asked me to name an honest Bishop, Unfortunately I can not name a bishop who is an angel! You must come out of your “Preoccupation” and start trusting the Clergy of Pakistan. If you don’t trust us, we don’t need your help and tears for Pakistani Christians.
You wrote “I am personally looking forward to hear from you & will be happy to help Christian community as much as possible”.
Sirs, I am a Bishop. And you do not trust Bishops, what name should I give? Sorry Sir, I can’t help you with your present frame of mind. The comments of Mr. Samuel George are highly deplorable and objectionable. I strongly condemn his remarks of Pakistani Christian leadership and demand apology from Mr. Samuel George. He must learn to respect the people he will certainly need some day.
Prayerfully Yours,
Bishop Timotheus Nasir.
21st June 2007
Islamic Re Search Foundation!
I have written “Islamic Re Search Foundation” because every now and then some one starts “Re Searching” Islam according to his own understanding of Islam. However what the mode of “Re Search” of Islam may be, it is absolutely important for such people to criticize Christian Faith and the Holy Bible without which their job remains unfinished. It looks that the Islamic Research Foundation is trying to “Re Define” Islam.
In recent years “The Islamic Research Foundation in Mumbai, India” and its seventy “so-called” have been busy twenty four hours a day to prove that their faith is “The Faith” and Christianity is nothing more than collection of prophecies of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U. H) and yet they have failed to give one single argument to prove their claim. Their leader Dr. Zakir Abdul Karim Naik gives a most illogical argument and thinks he has won the world. I knew Dr. Zakir Naik’s “Gurru” Sheikh Ahmad Deedat from South Africa and on 7th October 1987, he failed to give any answer to my questions on Islam. The Islamists have taken full advantage of modern technology and through their web sites and Television Channels, they are once again “Re Searching” Islam according to modern day needs. These days Dr. Zakir Naik is unsuccessfully trying to prove that the Holy Koran is a “Science Text Book”. However this is not the topic of this article. The topic is “little on no knowledge” of scholars of IRF. For the purpose of insulting the Holy Bible, they pick up a verse or a statement of the Holy Bible and without having any understanding of these verses, they talk in most derogatory manner against the Holy Bible. They forget that the Holy Bible is not a common book like their Books, it is a “Path of Spirituality” that leads to eternal life. Islam on the other hand lacks spirituality and presents worldly aspect of every thing even the life after death from humanistic point of view.
Islamic Research Foundation’s television channel, the “Peace T.V” has employed people to ridicule Christian Faith. On 13th June 2007, one of the “Schooler” (Scholar) Ather Khan was bragging about his knowledge while talking on fundamentals of Christian Faith. He tried to take on the “Inherited Sin” of t