Rev J N Manokaran

St. Francis of Assisi is credited with staging the first nativity scene in 1123 at a medieval village of Greccio, Rieti province about 80 km north of Rome, Italy. St. Francis got permission from Pope Honorius III to set up a manger with hay and two live animals – an ox and an ass. St. […]

A dynamic disciple has many online friends in a particular city who were not followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. He thought of traveling to that city, gathering his non-Christian friends, and attending the Christmas service. He was able to choose a church that gave a lot of advertisements for their Christmas celebration. They all

One church announced that all members should come with Denim Wears for a special Sunday. Some people wondered if there were Denim sarees, Denim Dhotis, and Denim salwar. The richer upper classes in India mostly wear denim. In the past, some churches urged their members to wear only white apparel. The Son of God made

In the medieval church, there was a special occasion of the New Year service for giving offerings. They believed the church bell would ring when God was pleased with adequate offerings from the congregation. There was a big basket attached to the pulleys of the church bell. People used to put the offering one by

There was a young man. He was a genuine religious person. His understanding was that God was within himself. By performing rituals, penance, abstinence, and submission he could find God, and then become god himself. In this pursuit, his business was neglected, wife and children were left to fend for themselves. Many hours he spent

Because of human Fall, God cursed the earth. Sin brought many unwanted and irritating aspects into the world. One of them is thorns and thistles. For a farmer and gardener, thorns and thistles are a daily challenge. Even in the life of disciples, there could be thorns and thistles of different natures. Peninnah was a

50 girls hospitalized after corporal punishment at Andhra Pradesh Residential Junior College. She reportedly instructed students to sit and stand while holding their ears, a punishment meant for those deemed irregular in their studies. Around 100 students per day were subjected to this punishment over a span of three days, with each student ordered to

There is a Russian proverb: Bees seek nectar in flowers, flies seek filth—what you seek depends on who you are. The Bible states that wickedness proceeds out of the wicked. (I Samuel 24:13) From within the heart proceeds all wicked thoughts. (Mark 7:15) Many believe that a person sins because of the environment or by

The reason for the season (Christmas) is God sent His Son into this world to redeem humanity. (John 3:16) However, the mission continues until the gates of grace are open and until the Lord comes again. The followers of the Lord Jesus Christ are commissioned and commanded to be involved in missions. What does it

Christians are called to be with Him, serve Him, and serve for Him. All disciples are servants of the gospel, the Holy Spirit, the Church Body of Christ, and those who are Lost. They are expected to have and exhibit certain qualities, of which three are prominent. In other words, HIS servants mean H-Humility, I-Integrity,