Rev J N Manokaran

Lord Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem in a procession riding a donkey on Palm Sunday. (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11) He cleansed the Temple, left the city, and went to Bethany. The next day he came to Jerusalem, he was hungry and saw the fig tree from far off, hence expected to eat from that tree. (Mark […]

Lord Jesus Christ offered the cross to his followers. Those who steadfastly follow him until the end will receive the crown of glory. (Matthew 16:24-26) Sadly, many preachers offer prosperity, which will lead them to emptiness. Embracing death: One who is not afraid of death is not afraid of life with all its challenges. One

When David was fleeing from Absalom his son who wanted to usurp the throne, Barzillai the Gileadite provided for David and his men. (II Samuel 19:31-39) His spiritual maturity and discernment are a model for all. Rich Man: Barzillai was a rich man. He did not keep his wealth for himself or his descendants. He

Many people have neither concern nor call for ministry or mission. They claim ownership or stakes or rights, without any contribution. Sometimes, they want to be involved in jeopardizing the whole project. Godly leaders need to be discerning to see such people and avoid such pitfalls. Here are some examples: Gideon: When Gideon called Ephraim

Many times, people of God do not know the value of resources that are in their hands. However, God delights to use what meager resources to fulfill His purpose and for His glory. Ox goad: Eight-foot-long stick is an ox goad. On one end it is sharp to poke the ox and the other end

Some claim to be descended from the sun or moon, lakes or mountains or oceans or rivers, angels or giants or dragons. Anthropological studies reveal that various people groups claim glorious mythological pasts, for higher status in society in contrast to others. Tribal pride, caste pride, racial pride, linguistic pride, and cultural pride are the

God’s grace is amazing and is beyond comprehension. His grace is manifest according to the needs of the person, the context, and God’s higher purpose. Sickness, pain, and suffering are part of the world that was cursed because of the human Fall in the Garden of Eden. The legacy of Adam and Eve penetrates all

How many people lived during the time of Noah? The Bible does not answer. The estimation of the population at that time varies from 750 million to 7 billion. God judged the inhabitants that all except eight who were in the ark perished. (Genesis 6,7,8) Peter affirms the historical event and confirms only eight were

In ancient architecture, the cornerstone or capstone was the most important point of the building. It was the principal stone, the largest, strong, and solid, placed in the corner and the whole edifice is built from it. The alignment, and measurement of the remaining construction are determined from it. Lord Jesus is the cornerstone. (Isaiah

One psychologist listed characteristics of unconditional love based on research done by a university. Interestingly, it provides a list that applies to God described in the Bible. Paul challenges us to fathom the depth, width, and height of God’s love. (Ephesians 3:18) Empathy: Lord Jesus Christ born as a human endured all that a human