God’s Dwelling Among Men - The Ark of the Covenant (Sunday, October 26th, 2025)

Praise the Lord! What a joy it is to gather in His presence and worship together. Every time we come before God, something within us changes. This morning, I want to share something that’s been stirring in my heart for several days — a message about the presence of God.

Now, I’ll be honest — this isn’t a brand-new idea or a mysterious revelation. It’s a truth we’ve all heard before, but when it really takes hold of our hearts, it can transform our walk with God. My prayer is that as you read this, you won’t just absorb information, but that you’ll feel the presence of the One we’re talking about — Jesus Himself.

1. God Desires to Dwell With Us

From the very beginning, God’s desire has been to dwell among His people. Genesis tells us that He created mankind “in His image, according to His likeness” (Genesis 1:26). Among everything He created — the sun, the moon, the animals, and the stars — only humanity was made in His image. Why? Because God longed for relationship.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam walked and talked with God in the cool of the day. Can you imagine that kind of closeness? Sin hadn’t entered yet, and there was no barrier between man and God. That has always been His desire — to dwell with His people.

Even after the fall, God kept pursuing relationship. He spoke with Cain and Abel, walked with Enoch, and guided Noah. He met Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the patriarchs — and they responded by building altars. Every altar represented an invitation: “God, dwell among us.”

Later, in Exodus 13:21, as Israel journeyed through the wilderness, “The Lord was going before them in a pillar of cloud by day to lead them on the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light.” God was visibly with them — His presence guiding, protecting, and dwelling among them.

2. The Tabernacle: A Picture of God’s Desire

When Moses received the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai, God also gave him an important instruction:

“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.”
(Exodus 25:8, NASB 1995)

This wasn’t a random idea. God was revealing His heart: I want to be among My people. The tabernacle — that tent in the wilderness — was designed exactly according to God’s pattern. It wasn’t a monument of human creativity; it was a divine blueprint showing how God intended to live with us.

Inside the tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant — a golden box symbolizing God’s throne on earth. Inside the Ark were three items:

• The tablets of the Law – pointing to Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17).

• A golden pot of manna – pointing to Jesus, the true bread from heaven who said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:48).

• Aaron’s rod that budded – a dead stick that came to life, symbolizing resurrection power and authority — the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

Above the Ark was the mercy seat, with two cherubim facing one another. That mercy seat represented God’s throne — where the blood of atonement was sprinkled once a year. It foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice that would come through Jesus Christ.

In John 1:14, we read,

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory.”

The Greek word for “dwelt” literally means “tabernacled.” Jesus came and pitched His tent among us! He was the living, breathing fulfillment of the tabernacle — God’s presence in human form.

3. Jesus: Our Mercy Seat and Dwelling Place

When the women went to the tomb on resurrection morning, they found something remarkable. John 20:12 says they “saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying.”
That’s the mercy seat! Two angels facing each other where the atoning blood had been shed — the fulfillment of everything the Ark represented.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became our mercy seat — our throne of grace. Hebrews 4:16 says,

“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

When we come to Jesus, we’re not coming to a distant God. We’re coming into the very presence of the One who made a way for us to dwell with Him forever.

And that same presence isn’t confined to a building or a Sunday service. Revelation 21:3 gives us a glimpse of eternity:

“Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them.”

God, who cannot be contained by the universe, chooses to live in the hearts of those who are humble and repentant. He makes His home in us.

4. LET US THEREFORE COME BOLDLY UNTO HIM

For years, I knew about the Mercy Seat in the tabernacle of Moses and I knew the verse in Hebrews 4:16 that says “Throne of Grace” but weren’t able to connect the two because I thought “grace” was different from “mercy” and “seat” was different from “throne.” Technically, they are. But we have to remember that these are translated from two different languages: Hebrew and Greek. And God, through the writer of Hebrews, is speaking about the same place where the presence of God rests. (In fact, in other languages such as Malayalam, the same word is used for the two.) Hallelujah!

So, what does this mean for us today?

It means that we don’t have to wait for a special moment or a “mountain-top” worship experience to feel God. We can walk with Him daily, just as Adam did — in constant fellowship. When sin runs deep, His grace runs deeper. Where He is, we find freedom — not freedom to do whatever we want, but freedom to love Him and reflect His nature.

Holiness isn’t about trying harder to be good. It’s Christ being formed in us. The more we walk with Him, the more His presence changes us — our desires, our attitudes, our hearts.

So today, let’s come boldly to His mercy seat. Let’s seek His presence with all our hearts. Because when His presence fills our lives, everything else fades — fear, guilt, and striving give way to peace, joy, and transformation.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for desiring to dwell with us. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, who became our tabernacle and our mercy seat. Fill us with Your presence. Transform us from the inside out. May Your glory be revealed in us as we walk with You daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.”
— Psalm 16:11 (NASB 1995)

In The Beginning God (SUNDAY, October 19th, 2025)

Praise the Lord! It’s such a joy to be standing before you today. As I always say, sorry for the repetition, to see people face-to-face who we have been seeing through our prayers is a big thing for me. And this time, I think we are visiting maybe after six weeks—we missed you! However, almost everyone came to our house two weeks before, which was a real blessing, and we are so thankful for that.

Before I say anything else, I just want to share a little ice-breaker. Especially back in India, when we go for a wedding—a Hindu wedding, or any wedding for that matter—after the rich rice and curries, there is dessert time, and they will serve paisam. It's a very sweet dessert. In the middle of the paisam, they often place a small bit of pickle. Why? It's because when we eat too much of that sweetness, we cannot take it anymore! We need a different taste. So, you take a touch of the pickle, and then you can enjoy more of the sweet dessert. In the American way, I call it horseradish with your steak. It’s that sharp, different flavor that refreshes your palate. Today, maybe you were expecting the same "steak," the same rich dish, but I'm giving you a little bit of that lemon pickle—that sharp, necessary truth.

Because no matter who is standing up here—Pastor Manoj, Robin, me, or anyone else—we are ministering the word of God, and we must remember its power and its permanence:

• Scripture: For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

• Scripture: The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

If we come with the attitude, "God, speak to me," this Word can pierce our mind, our body, and our thinking. The simple, powerful message God laid on my heart today comes from just four words from the very beginning of the Bible: In the beginning, God.

Core Message: God is the Absolute Priority

If we forget everything else, let us always remember that our purpose, our value, and our very existence come only from God being the first thing in our lives.

• The Identity of God (Elohim) and His Eternal Nature: When Genesis says "In the beginning, God," the Hebrew word used is Elohim. This is the majestic plural, pointing to the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It also reveals that God is not subject to time; He created time. He was already there, the uncreated creator. His eternal existence is our rock, assuring us that our ultimate priority is eternal, not temporary.

  • Scripture: Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..." (Genesis 1:26)

  • Scripture: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made. (John 1:1-3)

  • Scripture: Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. (Psalms 90:2)

  • Scripture: I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13)

• The Power of the "One" and Dependence: We often boast of our assets: good health, a good education, and the opportunity to be in this country. If I put all those things down as zeros (0000), they have no value. But if you put God as the "one" in front of those zeros, your life becomes infinitely meaningful. We must be careful, church, because relying on self is vanity. If the "one" is our pride, our career, or our wealth, those things will eventually fail. Only the Lord is an unshakeable foundation for our lives.

  • Scripture: Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:5)

  • Scripture: For apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:5)

  • Scripture: Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.” (Jeremiah 17:5)

  • Scripture: No one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)

• The Call to Holiness and Repentance: Because God is absolute, we are called to absolute devotion. When we realize His holiness, we must respond with awe and humility. If we've slipped and put our careers or comforts first, it's time to repent and turn back. We can't approach a Holy God casually.

  • Scripture: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! (Isaiah 6:3)

  • Scripture: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

  • Scripture: Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. (Psalms 29:2)

  • Scripture: Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. (Psalms 51:10)

• Soul Over Success (The Breath of Life): We must always choose to place God first, because we are the only creatures that have the breath of God—the soul. I was recently asked if a dog goes to heaven. I had to say no, because only human beings have the soul. The life of any other creature is done when it is done. But we have eternity stamped on us. That is why we must protect our souls above all earthly pursuits. Our earthly accomplishments are just dust if they cost us our soul.

  • Scripture: For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? (Mark 8:36)

  • Scripture: The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4)

  • Scripture: For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. (1 Timothy 6:7)

• The Promise of Direction and Provision: When we put Him first, we receive the greatest promise in the Bible: "In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:6). This is our assurance that when God is first, He handles the logistics of our life. We don't have to worry or strive in our own strength.

  • Scripture: But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

Making God the Priority in Practice

This isn't just theory; it requires practical application in three key areas: our time, our money, and our rest. No compromise for this priority.

1. Priority in Obedience (The Morning and No Delay)

We demonstrate true reverence by acting immediately, without hesitation, placing God before our routines. Our obedience is the tangible proof of our love for Him.

• Early Action: We are called to immediate obedience, just like Abraham, who rose "early in the morning" to obey God's command regarding Isaac (Genesis 22:1–3). This shows a true heart for the priority of God.

• Heart Posture: The women who went to the tomb of Jesus went "very early on the first day," showing their devotion was the first priority on their minds, before anything else in the week.

• No Delay: God doesn't wait for your convenience; He asks for your immediate willingness. If we delay, we allow doubt and the cares of this world to steal our faith. This is why the Scripture warns us:

  • Scripture: Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. (Hebrews 3:15)

• Obedience is Proof of Love: Our actions prove the faith we profess. If we truly love the "One" who gave His life for us, we will follow His commands immediately.

  • Scripture: If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

  • Scripture: For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:26)

  • Scripture: Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)

2. Priority in Stewardship (The First Fruits and The Promise)

We honor God not because He needs our resources—He created everything!—but because we acknowledge He is the provider of everything, and we give back the first portion as an act of worship.

• Honoring with the First: We must honor the Lord with the "first of all your produce" (Proverbs 3:9)—the tithe—not just what we have left over. I remember 29 years ago, when online banking wasn't common, I would go to the teller to transfer my tithe first. This discipline is about a thankful heart.

• The Promise of Return and Protection: Giving opens up a blessing that goes beyond money. It’s a promise of protection and provision, so that the devourer is kept from your crops and possessions!

  • Scripture: Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. (Malachi 3:10)

  • Scripture: You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. (Malachi 3:9) (A powerful warning to show the serious nature of neglecting the priority of the first fruits.)

  • Scripture: Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be put into your lap. (Luke 6:38)

• A Cheerful Heart: God loves a cheerful giver. We honor Him by giving whatever we have, even the widow’s two pennies, with a thankful heart.

• Tithe and Justice: Jesus confirmed the importance of tithing but taught us never to neglect the "weightier provision of the law"—justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23). We must do both!

3. Priority in Sleep and Waking (Rest and Meditation)

Even in our rest, we must put God first.

• Peace in Bedtime: When we go to bed, we can claim this verse, going to bed in peace and safety because the Lord alone makes us dwell securely. Thank Him for the rest He gives.

  • Scripture: In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalms 4:8)

• Thankfulness in Waking and Meditation: Before you do anything else, acknowledge God immediately when you wake up. But our rest is also a time for deep communion. When you wake in the night, let your thoughts be centered on Him.

  • Scripture: I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. (Psalms 3:5)

  • Scripture: On my bed I remember you; I meditate on you in the night watches. (Psalms 63:6)

  • Scripture: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalms 119:105)

So, let's carry this simple truth with us this week, church. In the beginning, God. Let that be the attitude in your work, your decisions, and your home. Let's conclude by singing that familiar chorus, "Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God." Amen.

The Call To Share Christ- YOU shall be my Witnesses 5 (Sunday, oct 12, 2025)

Praise the Lord! What a God we serve, amen? The Holy Spirit is moving among us, and it’s a beautiful thing. Today, I want us to look at a subject that is the very heartbeat of our church: Evangelism. We're diving deep into the book of Acts, chapter 8, verses 26 to 40, and the title of our message is The Call to Share Christ.

Evangelism isn't just a task for a few selected, anointed people; it's a calling for every ordinary believer—like Philip, like me, like you—to become extraordinary in sharing Christ’s message. Our main character today is Philip the evangelist, and his journey gives us the blueprint for effective, Spirit-led ministry.

I. The Divine Re-Routing: Obedience Over Comfort

Friends, the movement of the Gospel in the early church didn't start with a comfortable gathering; it started with persecution. Acts 8:1 says a great persecution arose against the church, and all were scattered—and what did they do? Acts 8:4 tells us the glorious truth: "Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word." Persecution did not stop them; it propelled them!

Philip, one of those scattered, went to Samaria and saw a powerful, fruitful ministry. Acts 8:7-8 confirms this: "For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city." Imagine that level of success!

Yet, in the midst of Philip’s comfortable success in Samaria, an angel of the Lord tells him to leave and go to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. And what did Philip do? He obeyed immediately, just as Acts 8:26 commands: "An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, 'Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' This is desert." He didn't make excuses! Friends, evangelism starts not with clever words, but with a heart that is ready to hear and obey God’s word. Obedience opens the door for divine appointments.

Why this route? This was to fulfill Jesus’ ultimate Great Commission in Acts 1:8: "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." The desert road to Ethiopia was the geographical "end of the earth" for their generation, sending the Gospel across racial and continental boundaries. God is the ultimate Chief Planner!

II. The Proactive Pursuit: Going to the Searcher

On that desert road, Philip saw a highly educated Ethiopian minister—a eunuch, a Chief Financial Officer—traveling 4,200 kilometers, all the way from Ethiopia, in a chariot, reading the scripture (Acts 8:28). This man was a seeker; he had traveled far just to worship in Jerusalem! Philip, following the Spirit’s prompt, runs up to the chariot. Acts 8:29 tells us, "Then the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go near and overtake this chariot.'" This is key: Evangelism is not passive. We must go to the people.

Philip heard him reading a profound section of Scripture—Isaiah 53. The eunuch was reading about the Suffering Servant: Acts 8:32-33 quotes it: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb silent before its shearer, so He opened not His mouth. In His humiliation His justice was taken away..."

Philip asked the simple, engaging question, Acts 8:30: “Do you understand what you are reading?” The eunuch gave the classic, honest reply in Acts 8:31: “How can I, unless someone guides me?”

This is why we must share the Gospel! Romans 10:14-15 reminds us: "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent?" We are the ones who are sent! We are the guides!

I want to briefly share my own testimony, because I was that person who did not know. I was raised Hindu, very religious, but also an angry person and, honestly, an alcoholic. My wife, Uma, begged me to go to church. I finally went, sat on the floor, smelling of alcohol, and feeling the guilt. But I heard the preacher talking about Jesus Christ—how He shed His blood, how His hands and legs were pierced with nails for me. That message pierced my heart.

Even after a miraculous healing from severe back pain—which a surgeon attributed to "Your Jesus Christ"—I was still confused. I prayed, "God, reveal to me the true God." That night, the Lord Jesus Christ showed me a vision, standing in the heavens, waving His hands. Uma and I immediately knew the only thing to do was to surrender ourselves to Jesus.

III. The Simple Result: Baptism and Joy

Coming back to our scripture, Philip explained that Isaiah 53 wasn't about a prophet; it was about the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Acts 8:35 says, "Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him." This shows the power of preaching Jesus from the Old Testament!

When they came to some water, the eunuch cried out, Acts 8:36: "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?"

In some ancient manuscripts, the eunuch even makes a clear confession of faith before baptism: Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' And he answered and said, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'" What a beautiful, simple commitment! He was baptized right there in the desert.

Acts 8:39 tells us the glorious result: "...the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing." Salvation brings immediate, unshakeable joy! And Philip? Acts 8:40 says, "But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea." He didn't stop—he immediately went to the next assignment!

Friends, before we close, I want to ask you this: Who is your Ethiopian eunuch? Who is the person in your life who is searching, who is reading, who is asking, "How can I know, unless someone explains it to me?"

We have the call to share the love of God, the one who died and rose again for us. Let us be obedient and reach out to them. Amen.

Key Main Principles for Spirit-Led Evangelism

• Principle 1: Radical Obedience and Availability (Acts 8:26)

  • Basis: The direction comes not from convenience, but from divine command: "Arise and go..."

  • Implication: Be ready to leave places of comfort and established success (Samaria) for difficult, lonely assignments (the desert).

  • Reward: Obedience guarantees that you will be precisely where God needs you to be for His global purpose (Acts 1:8).

• Principle 2: Proactive Engagement, Not Passive Waiting (Acts 8:29-30)

  • The Command: We must be directed by the Spirit to "Go near and overtake this chariot." The harvest is waiting, but we must run to meet it.

  • The Approach: Philip initiated the conversation. Our role is to interrupt the routine of a busy world with a simple, respectful, and relevant question: "Do you understand what you are reading?"

  • The Power: It’s not human energy that compels us, but the Holy Spirit's urging that makes our actions fruitful.

• Principle 3: Centering on Scriptural Clarity (Acts 8:31, 35)

  • The Need: People possess pieces of truth, but they lack the key. The eunuch confessed, "How can I, unless someone guides me?"

  • The Method: Use the Scriptures already available to them (Isaiah 53) to reveal the Messiah. Don't start with rules; start with Christ's sacrifice.

  • The Core Message: Our entire message is summed up in Acts 8:35—Philip "preached Jesus to him" from the prophets.

Crucial Takeaways for Your Daily Walk

• You Are a Messenger Sent (Romans 10:15): Every believer is "sent." See your workplace, your neighborhood, and your family as your personal mission field, fulfilling the commission (Acts 1:8).

• The Gospel Produces Immediate Transformation:

  • Repentance & Belief: The eunuch instantly confessed, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37).

  • Public Witness: The desire for baptism was immediate, showing a deep hunger for public commitment (Acts 8:36).

  • Joy: The ultimate sign of a successful witness is a person going on their way "rejoicing" in their new salvation (Acts 8:39).

• Be Ready for the Next Assignment (Acts 8:40): The Spirit is ready to snatch you away (Acts 8:39) and place you in the next city (Azotus) for the next task. Commitment to Christ means being ready to preach in "all the cities" until He calls you home.