Cross - The Magic Mantra of Our Mission
Dr. John K. Mathew
These lines are written in the wake of an investigation on two major mission organizations in India.
The allegations are not trivial. On the other hand, Christians who share the same faith quarrel on the street just to safeguard their vested interests.
To top it all, the moral degradation of priests and bishops, together with the already existing allegation of "Cross farming" (Kurish Krishi) question our integrity and reliability.
It is purely God's grace that the Pentecostals are not in the limelight yet. Nothing but the grace of God. It is despairing that we Christians are not in a good shape due to our own fault and the furious act of the administration.
Does this make it appear that we are standing beside a faded cross?
The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is rugged. But it is not faded, because:
Still, the cross is magnificent in its appearance.
Mighty in its power
Meaningful in its presentation.
Marvellous in its message.
The only means of salvation.
The manifestation of love and
The magic mantra of our mission.
It has to be preached. Apostle Paul says; "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who, perish, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1Cor.1:18).
First and foremost the main means of evangelism is preaching.
Apostle Paul continues, "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe" (1Cor.1:21). So preaching must continue until the coming of Christ.
However, is preaching the only ingredient in mission and evangelism. Certainly not. Apostle Paul's initial words in1 Corinthians, chapter 13, are: "And yet I will show you the most excellent way". The whole chapter talks about LOVE.
Towards the end of the chapter, it reads" And now these three remain: faith, hope and, love, but the greatest of these is LOVE.
