BSI E-NEWSLETTER -June 2025 -2nd edition
Death and the Belief in Life After Death: From Ancient Babylon, Egypt, and Sheol to the New Testament Hope
How Real and Painful is Death for Human Beings?
Death is one of the most certain and yet deeply unsettling realities of human existence. It is not just a biological end but an emotional and spiritual rupture that affects both the one who dies and those left behind. For human beings, death is real, inevitable, and often painful – physically, emotionally, and mentally[….]
BSI E-NEWSLETTER -May 2025 -2nd edition
EQUIPPING LEADERS FOR GOD’S MISSION IN TODAY’S WORLD: THE BIBLICAL MANDATE
The Urgency of the Hour
The world today is marked by profound upheaval, such as technological acceleration, political polarization, wars and rumors of wars, and an overwhelming sense of spiritual disorientation. The rise of secularism in the West, persecution in parts of the Global South, and the rapid growth of urbanization globally all point to one truth: the mission field has changed, and so must our approach to……..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER -May 2025 -2nd edition
MOTHER’S DAY: A BIBLICAL REFLECTION
Luke 1:26–38
Mother’s Day is a time to honor and celebrate the immeasurable love, sacrifice, and strength of mothers. For Christians, this day can also be a meaningful occasion to reflect on the biblical model of motherhood, especially through the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Mary holds a unique and powerful place in Scripture, not only as the earthly mother of Christ but also as a symbol of faith, endurance, resistance, resilience, obedience, and grace that……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – April 2025 -2nd edition
“He is not here. He is risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6)
ENCOUNTERING THE RISEN LORD THROUGH THE RISEN
(In Memory of Pope Francis, a Pilgrim of the Resurrection)
When I first watched The Risen (made in 2016), I expected a historical drama. What I encountered, however, was a spiritual journey; a journey that not only retold the greatest story ever lived, but also invited me into it. The film, directed and written by Kevin Reynolds, narrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ through……..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – April 2025 -1st edition
The Strength of Self-Effacing Virtues in Interpersonal Relationships
As we are in the season of lent, let us meditate upon the important virtues of self-effacing to maintain a healthy interpersonal relationships in our Christian journey of life.
Interpersonal relationships are the fabric of human society. Whether within families, friendships, workplaces, or faith communities, how we……..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – March 2025 -2nd edition
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION on the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, and Empowerment.“
The Bible Society of India (BSI) joyfully celebrated International Women’s Day on March 7, 2025, at its Central Office in Bangalore and across all 17 Auxiliaries in India under the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.” We are thankful to the DImapur Auxiliary for the wonderful ……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – March 2025
214th BSI Formation Day – Mary Jones Public Lecture
The Bible Society of India joyfully celebrated its 214th Formation Day – Mary Jones Public Lecture on February 21, 2025 with great reverence and enthusiasm at the Central Office in Bangalore and across all Auxiliaries in India. This significant day marked over two centuries of dedicated service in translating……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – February 2025
The Intrinsic Value of God’s Love to Human Love for One Another
God’s love is the ultimate foundation for human relationships, shaping how we love one another with sincerity, compassion, and selflessness. The Bible teaches that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), meaning that God’s very nature is love itself. This divine love is not based on merit but is unconditional, sacrificial, and redemptive
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – January 2025
“ENTERING 2025 WITH GRATITUDE AND HOPE”
As we stand at the threshold of a new year, 2025, let us take a moment to reflect on the goodness of our God. We have made it through another year, and it’s only by God’s grace that we are alive today.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – November 2024
Blessing and Thanksgiving in the Midst of Challenges in Life
November is often a time of thanksgiving and reflection of what God has done and being doing for us, and it’s a great opportunity to focus on Christian spiritual blessings.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:6-7
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – October 2024 – 2nd Issue
Personal Reformation Through the Word of God
1. The Centrality of Scripture (Sola Scriptura)
The Protestant Reformation was built on the foundation of Sola Scriptura, the belief that Scripture alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and life. The Word of God is not just a text to be read; it is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), bringing about deep, personal transformation in the believer…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – October 2024 – 1st Issue
The National Staff Retreat (NSR) of the Bible Society of India (BSI) was held from September 19-22, 2024 at Sai Priya Beach resort, Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh. After a gap of seven years the retreat brought together the BSI staff from Translation Centre Shillong, 17 Auxiliaries and Central Office to foster unity, spiritual growth, and strengthen their commitment for the Bible cause……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – September 2024 – 1st Issue
On International Literacy Day, we celebrate the power of literacy to transform lives, open doors to opportunity, and deepen our understanding of the world and God’s Word. From a biblical perspective, literacy is more than just the ability to read and write; it is a tool that equips individuals to grow in faith, wisdom, and service to others……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – August 2024 – 2nd Issue
PRAYER OF THANKFULNESS FOR THE BIBLE SOCIETY OF INDIA
Gracious God,
We come before You with hearts overflowing with gratitude and praise for the marvelous work You are accomplishing through the ministry of the Bible Society of India. Thank You, Lord, for the diversity and richness of this ministry, which reflects Your boundless love and desire to reach every soul in our nation. We thank You for the many……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – August 2024 – 1st Edition
Bible Society of India Offers Prayers and Support for Wayanad amidst Devastating Disasters
In one of the worst disasters due to heavy rain in the southern coastal state of Kerala, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, which caused landslides in the hills of Wayanad district early on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, sending torrents of mud, water and tumbling boulders downhill and burying or sweeping people……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – July 2024 – 1st Edition
“God’s Steadfast Love Endures Forever” – Psalm 36
Psalm 136, often known as “The Great Hallel,” is a profound song of thanksgiving and praise that celebrates God’s enduring love and mighty deeds. The refrain “God’s love endures forever” is repeated 26 times, emphasizing the perpetual and unwavering nature of God’s love. This refrain is a reminder that God’s love is……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – June 2024 – 1st Edition
“AND GOD SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD” – ECO-THEOLOGY
As we found in the Book of Genesis Chapter 1, we know how much God loves the creation, because they are so beautiful, so special and so satisfying. Eco-theology is a profound and evolving discipline that explores the relationship between religion and ecological concerns,.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – May 2024 – 1st Edition
Empowering Faith: The Journey of Braille Bibles in Indian Languages
Nearly 25 years ago, the Bible Society of India (BSI) embarked on a remarkable mission, aligning seamlessly with its vision to ensure access to the Bible for the visually impaired. Initially, only select portions of scripture were available, but recognizing the pressing need, BSI established a dedicated department catering to Special Audiences…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – April 2024 – 1nd Edition
An article devoted to all BSI staff and Volunteers who formed this amazing tapestry in God’s mission of Generosity of Fundraising Embracing Divine Generosity: The Journey of Fundraising for the BSI Ministry
In the circle of human existence, threads of faith, compassion, and service intricately weave together to create a narrative of shared humanity. Within this narrative lies the sacred mission of God’s ministry – a beacon of hope, love, and benevolence guided by the divine principle of doing good and loving one another…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – March 2024 – 2nd Edition
RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST:
AFFIRMATION OF LIFE HERE ON EARTH AND IN HEAVEN
Luke 24:6-7 recounts the pivotal moment when the angels announced to the women at the empty tomb, “He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” These verses encapsulate the essence of the Christian faith – the resurrection of Jesus Christ…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – March 2024 – 1st Edition
The Case of the Daughters of Zelophehad:
A Tribute to Women’s Rights in Numbers 27:1-11
International Women’s Day is observed every year on March 8th. It offers a chance to contemplate the advancements achieved, to push for change, and to pay tribute to the acts of bravery and perseverance shown by ordinary women who have played extraordinary roles in the history of their nations and communities. The theme for the 2024 celebration is “Count Her In: Accelerating Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment.” This theme is in line with the main focus of the UN 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 68) and seeks to investigate pathways to enhance economic inclusion for women and girls worldwide…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – February 2024 – 1st Edition
Jehovah Rapha: God Our Healer:
“I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26, NIV)
In the rich tapestry of biblical names given to God, one stands out as a beacon of hope and restoration – Jehovah Rapha, the Lord our Healer. This divine title is derived from the Old Testament, specifically from the book of Exodus in the Bible. In Exodus 15:26, after the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea, God revealed Godself as Jehovah Rapha when God spoke to Moses. The verse reads, “I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:26, NIV)..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – January 2024 – 2nd Edition
Morning Mercies:
Embracing the Consistent Faithfulness of God
In the midst of sorrow and despair, the verses in Lamentations 3:22-23 provide a glimmer of hope and comfort. They highlight the enduring nature of God’s love and mercy even in the darkest times. The author acknowledges the faithfulness of God, expressing confidence in His unwavering love and the daily renewal of His mercies..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – January 2024 – 1st Edition
New Year Message
“The Eternal God: Yesterday, Today, and Forever”
As we stand at the beginning of the year 2024 to delve into the timeless truths of God’s Word, I am reminded of the unchanging nature of our Creator God. The God we serve is not confined by the constraints of time and space; our God is the God of our Past, the God of our Present, and the God of our Future – the “Immanuel” – the boundless God..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – December 2023 – 2nd Edition
REFLECTING ON THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS
As the Christmas season is here, I find myself contemplating the profound question: Why Christmas? In a world filled with diverse celebrations and holidays, what makes Christmas so special, so universally cherished? Beyond the glittering lights, festive decorations, and the exchange of gifts, Christmas holds a deeper meaning that transcends cultural boundaries. It is a time when the spirit of giving, compassion and joy permeates the air, bringing people together in a shared celebration of love and hope…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2023 – 1st Edition
YOUR WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH
Psalm 119:105
In this season of joy and reflection we celebrate the timeless message Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. This deep truth resounded in the hearts of the unassuming shepherds, who amidst the peace and tranquility of the night, heard the sacred Words in the song sung by a host of angels guiding them to the manger where the Savior was born..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2023 – 2nd Edition
Blindness for Change: A Journey to Clearer Vision
Acts of the Apostles 9: 1-19
Acts chapter nine unfolds a poignant narrative within the tapestry of the Bible, distinguished by its unique portrayal of divine intervention. While the sacred text is replete with instances of God’s healing touch and restoration of sight, the account of Saul’s transformation is marked by an intentional divine act – God chose to blind him, not as punishment, but as a means of shaping Saul into a mature servant..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2023
Dreams As A Catalyst For Transformation
In the realm of human existence, dreams have always held a mysterious and captivating allure. From the surreal landscape of slumber to the corridors of our subconscious minds, dreams serve as a gateway to the extraordinary. In the Bible, dreams are not merely figments of the imagination; they are potent messengers, often serving as the divine blueprint for significant outcomes…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2023
Biblical Reflection
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-9
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2023
Rev Dirk Gevers, Secretary General, United Bible Societies with the Bible Society of India
It was a great joy for the Bible Society of India to have Rev Dirk Gevers, Secretary General, the United Bible Societies (UBS) on August 21 and 22, 2023. It was good to have Mr. Andrian White too, the Chief Operating Officer of UBS with Dr. Gevers during these two days….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2023
It is an opportunity to reflect on biblical perspectives that can help us understand and address international indigenous issues. The Bible offers guidance and principles that can inform our understanding of indigenous peoples and their unique struggles. Here are a few key reflections……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JULY 2023
Scripture engagement is an interaction with the biblical text in a way that provides sufficient opportunity for the text to speak for itself by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling readers and listeners to hear the voice of God and discover for themselves the uniqueness of the Bible and claim Jesus Christ is making upon the readers and his followers……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2023
Appreciating God’s Creation and Our Responsibilities
As the whole world had just celebrated the World Environment Day on June 5th, 2023 let me reflect in a few lines from one of the most beautiful Creation Psalm found in our Bible Psalm 104. This Psalm invites us to contemplate the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation, emphasizing the interconnectivity between the natural world and the divine. As we reflect on this psalm, we are reminded of our role as stewards of the Earth and the responsibility we have to care for and protect the environment……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – MAY 2023
Faith that Leads us on
Every conversation on faith has to be relooked at in the light of how we addressed ourselves amidst a global shift during Covid. It took a sojourn into the deepest darkness for us to recognize and appreciate the light. A phase when we were clouded with more questions than answers, enquiries that ultimately drew us closer to the heart of God……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2023
Isaac Watts and his hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Isaac Watts was born in 17 July 1674 at Southampton, Hampshire, England and died as a bachelor at the age of 74 on November 25, 1748 at Stoke Newington, Middlesex, England. He is a non-conformist, an ecumenist, a theologian (he mastered the Biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew), a prolific writer, a philosopher, an educationist, a scientist…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2023
Since my childhood, one of the sports that always make me excited is a Relay Race, and the most crucial part of the race is passing the baton from one runner to the other, then to the others. If anyone dropped the baton or had a difficult hand off, you would lose precious seconds that would be hard to make up…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2023
CROSS HAS BECOME THE CENTRAL SYMBOL OF CHRISTIANITY
CROSS IS IT SACRAMENTAL OR ORNAMENTAL?
Cross has become the central symbol of Christianity. Just imagine a visitor walking into one of our Churches for Sunday worship. He is greeted by an usher with a pew slip which has a symbol of “Cross” as the theme………
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2023
EPIPHANY: A Call To Take A Different Route In The New Year
A new year always brings a sense of hope. The previous year with all its tragedies, problems, disappointments, failures, and sadness is now behind us, and a clean slate lies ahead………
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2022
CHRISTMAS – A TIME TO REGAIN CHRIST CONSCIOUNESS
The message of Christmas is the message of universal love. It is the message of ineffable divine glory and splendour. The message of Christmas is the message of peace and goodwill among all nations……..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2022
Psalm 103: Thanking God in our Lives
As the Advent Season of the year is just around the corner, Christians across the globe are started observing Thanksgiving prayers. There are so many reasons to thank God for God’s sustaining mercies and blessings in our lives as individuals, families, churches, communities and nations. The book of Psalms is one of the most beautiful collections of thanksgiving songs we could reflect upon…….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2022
Taste and See that the LORD is Good! – Psalm 34:8
The goodness of God is not only an attribute of God but a foundational truth every Christian should embrace. Many of us who check the news everyday may be dismayed to see all sorts of bad and unpleasant things happening around the world. With all the bad news circulating around us, we sometimes get caught up with negativity around us and are threatened to draw away from God. Therefore, it is important for us to learn to detect the movement of God and see the goodness of God in everything, everywhere……..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2022
Biblical Reflection: Freedom to be what we are meant to be – Luke 15:11-32
Freedom and independence are the words we all love and strive to experience in our personal and community lives. This year, as we celebrated our 75 th Independence Day, we were reminded once again of the struggle and the sacrifices of many who made it possible. God never intended for us to be enslaved; rather, God desires that we be free. In the parable of the so-called "prodigal son," Jesus teaches us how and where we can truly enjoy and experience freedom…….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2022
Biblical Reflection: (in the Context of the Celebration of the International Indigenous Day on August 9, 2022)
When the eager followers of Jesus keenly listened to when he was using a simple metaphor of “light” to tell who they were, saying “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” I could see the enthusiastic tribal communities, young and old, whose sparkling eyes could connect themselves with that light of the world, the light that sparks on the hill top, illuminated by the gospel of Jesus……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JULY 2022
The Dignified Donkey – Reading Bible with Diligence in Search of Dignity
I confess that reading The Parable of The Good Samaritan from a human dignity perspective has really widened my horizons of thinking. I wish to concentrate exclusively on the parable rather than the dialogue before that.
Firstly, the Priest and the Levite. Here we have to consider social dignity, which converts a person to a distinguished dignitary (DD) in society…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2022
The Word of God is Alive and Active
Technology is a boon today no doubt to humankind by making communication fast. About three decades ago things were different and today we see smartphones influencing and impacting every sphere of our lives including our habits, our relationships, etc. We may seem to be connected to several folks but in reality we find ourselves to be alone. For those addicted to smartphones, they find it to be a need than an addiction…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MAY 2022
The New Covenant – Jeremiah 31:31-34
Many biblical scholars consider Jeremiah 31:31–34 to be the most important passage in the book of Jeremiah and believe that it contains the deepest insights in the whole of the Old Testament. This passage speaks of a “New Covenant” in the Old Testament. The prophet says that the Lord God will write His law on the heart of the individual. The text gives us a clear picture regarding the fulfillment of the covenant in the believer in Jesus Christ and of His covenant with Israel.”…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER APRIL 2022
A Pause Beside the Empty Tomb
Resurrection refers to the “state of one risen from the dead.”
Scripture presents conclusive evidence that Jesus Christ was in fact raised from the dead. Christ’s resurrection is recorded in Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; and John 20:1–21:25. The resurrected Christ also appeared in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:1-11). Easter acknowledges and recalls that Jesus defeated the powers of sin and death for all who believe.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MARCH 2022
Sharing Each Other’s Burdens to Win the Battle in Life
The Christian community across the world begins the journey of 40 days of Lenten season by observing Ash Wednesday on the 2nd of March this year. More than any other time of the year, this season helps us to contemplate more on our Christian faith, journey, and commitment through the Cross of Jesus Christ.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2022
India is a secular democracy where “…religious liberty of both the individuals and associations of individuals united by common beliefs, practices and discipline” is constitutionally guaranteed. The Indian constitution in Article 25 grants to the citizens of India of all religious persuasions freedom to profess, practice and propagate their faith in a way that does not disrupt public order and does not affect public health and morality adversely. Although the Article 25 of the Indian Constitution ensures a fundamental human right of the Indian citizens in no case to be subverted otherwise, several differing attitudes have emerged since its promulgation. Objection to conversion is one of them
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2022
Introduction: Have you ever gotten somewhere and forgotten how or why you got there? We do it all the time with daily routines, going into auto-pilot mode for our most mundane tasks or daily excursions, so much so that sometimes we stop paying attention to what is happening until something out of the ordinary happens and gets our attention. Or, better yet – have you ever gotten somewhere and forgotten why you were there? Maybe it’s the grocery store or Target, or even your living room. You know you went in there for a reason, but for the life of you, you can’t remember what it was. Some say it’s a sign of aging, which is in part true, but it can also happen when we are stressed out or tired, and lack the capacity to retain information any longer.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2021
Introduction: We have tremendously high expectations of Christmas. We want everything to be perfect. We have pictures in our minds of children playing, church choirs singing, and people smiling and getting along. But often it is not that way. It is supposed to be, as the song says, “the most wonderful time of the year” and the “hap-happiest season of all.” But for many it will be a very difficult time because something has interrupted the joy. It may be COVID 19, sickness, or death, or divorce, or loneliness.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2021
Introduction: Friends, as we celebrate the Reformation Day again this year on the 31st October 2021, I want to suggest that we of all people are in need of reformation. In Acts 10, we read a beautiful story of Reformation. Apostle Peter receives a vision from God. In that vision, God showed him a sheet, and inside that sheet were all kinds of unclean animals. Now Peter was a faithful, Bible obeying Jew. He knew what the Scriptures taught. He knew what the consequences were for disobeying the word of God. He could not eat these unclean animals. They were forbidden by God. They would defile him. They would separate him from God.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2021
Introduction: In the recent past, we had to confront deaths of several of our loved ones, including nine of our own dear colleagues succumbing to the Covid Pandemic. All of them could be, without any shadow of doubt described as “persons who have lived a life of kenosis”, emptying their own lives for the development of the other. The departure of the above loved ones made me to ponder over the importance of developing and practicing a Theology of Death by the Church at large so that people do not become afraid of death but instead face death boldly viewing death as a natural and normal process of life. For this, Job 1:21 is taken as a tool from which a few pertinent observations are culled out to develop a Theology of Death.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2021
Introduction: Climate Justice is a subject matter that is discussed and studied from various perspectives and angles with basic understanding that connects Human Rights, the rights of the Subaltern people and Eco-justice. To reflect on our title “Respecting Boundary: a Gesture for Climate Justice” from a biblical text, I have selected Psalm 104 which is a beautiful hymn of Creation and Restoration. Here the psalmist brilliantly sang how God assigns boundaries for all creations with the liberty to exercise their own rhythm of life within their own space and time.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2021
In our given passage, dwelling on one of the infamous traditional tools “portrayals of women” found in many books of the Old Testament by the prophets and the wisdom writers to talk about the paradoxical life of the Israelite society, faith and tradition, the Apostle Paul was trying to explain the dignity and status of a Christian in the kingdom of God by following the New Law laid down by Jesus Christ.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JULY 2021
July 3rd is the traditionally observed as the martyrdom day of Apostle St. Thomas, Apostle of India, and disciple of Lord Jesus Christ, who arrived in India in 52 AD and was martyred near Chennai in 72 AD. On this day we celebrate the person and message of Lord Jesus Christ that was brought first to India in 52 AD by St. Thomas the Apostle, and many Missionaries subsequently.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MAY 2021
In 1946, delegates from 13 nations met at the small Elfin sward Conference Centre in England. World War II had been over for less than a year, and each country represented at the conference was still reeling from the devastating consequences of the deadliest conflict in history. Many attendees shared their personal experiences from the war, which included distributing Bibles in secret in Poland or being imprisoned by the Gestapo in Berlin. Yet each attendee testified to the power of God’s Word, which brought them hope and comfort even in the face of suffering
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MARCH 2021
As per Christian tradition, especially of the Catholic, the Anglican and the Lutheran Church from the early Christian era to this day, Christians continue to observe the 14 “Stations of the Cross” or “Ways of the Cross” during Lenten Season….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER FBRUARY 2021
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the international community to make 2021 “a year of healing” in his video message for the New Year. Excerpts of his speech are worth pondering over…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2021
A New Year is again before us to live a life in all its fullness. However, being human we will be forced to ask the question “How can this be?” off and on in our life ahead. We have raised this question in our life many a time in the past and we will continue…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020
The story of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is told by Luke in three places in the Acts of the Apostles in chapters nine, twenty-two and twenty-six. In Acts twenty-six, Paul, a prisoner awaiting to be sent to Rome for trial looks back on his life….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2020
October 31, each year marks the day of Reformation. Reformation is an on going process in divine-human history and hence confining Reformation only to October 31, 1517 is not justified. Reformation has been an on going act of God….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2020
The Great Commission Text in Matthew 28: 18-20 is the key text for our engagement in the Mission of God.The Church around the globe and the various mission bodies had been caught up with the mandate for mission inherent in this text…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2020
The term ‘marketplace’ is used to mean ‘the public square’ in the widest sense. That is, I am not thinking only of ‘the market’ in a purely economic sense, but the whole world of work – trade, professions, law, government, education, industry…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER AUGUST2020
The Bible Society of India, through one of her projects called “Scripture Engagement with the Poor Children of India” is reaching out to thousands of poor and deserving children across India…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JULY 2020
Recently two episodes in the TV caught my attention. One was about the cruelty of the humans against animals – giving a pregnant elephant fruits filled with firecrackers to eat, which led to the death of the elephant. …
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JUNE 2020
One of the questions that I face in times like COVID-19 is, “Where is God?” I understand and deeply sympathize with the question. I do. But I need to ask why is it only in the hard times that we tend to ask this question? When the sun is shining, and times are…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MAY 2020
Romans 8:18-39 has been a very encouraging text for me at times of uncertainty, upheaval. In it we are reminded that creation, and therefore, humanity, is not what it is supposed to be, and that creation, and therefore, humanity “groans” in all kinds of ways for healing.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER APRIL 2020
Romans 8:18-39 has been a very encouraging text for me at times of uncertainty, upheaval. In it we are reminded that creation, and therefore, humanity, is not what it is supposed to be, and that creation, and therefore, humanity “groans” in all kinds of ways for healing.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2023 – 1st Edition
YOUR WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET AND A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH
Psalm 119:105
In this season of joy and reflection we celebrate the timeless message Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. This deep truth resounded in the hearts of the unassuming shepherds, who amidst the peace and tranquility of the night, heard the sacred Words in the song sung by a host of angels guiding them to the manger where the Savior was born..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2023 – 2nd Edition
Blindness for Change: A Journey to Clearer Vision
Acts of the Apostles 9: 1-19
Acts chapter nine unfolds a poignant narrative within the tapestry of the Bible, distinguished by its unique portrayal of divine intervention. While the sacred text is replete with instances of God’s healing touch and restoration of sight, the account of Saul’s transformation is marked by an intentional divine act – God chose to blind him, not as punishment, but as a means of shaping Saul into a mature servant..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2023
Dreams As A Catalyst For Transformation
In the realm of human existence, dreams have always held a mysterious and captivating allure. From the surreal landscape of slumber to the corridors of our subconscious minds, dreams serve as a gateway to the extraordinary. In the Bible, dreams are not merely figments of the imagination; they are potent messengers, often serving as the divine blueprint for significant outcomes…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2023
Biblical Reflection
“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” – Jeremiah 17:7-9
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2023
Rev Dirk Gevers, Secretary General, United Bible Societies with the Bible Society of India
It was a great joy for the Bible Society of India to have Rev Dirk Gevers, Secretary General, the United Bible Societies (UBS) on August 21 and 22, 2023. It was good to have Mr. Andrian White too, the Chief Operating Officer of UBS with Dr. Gevers during these two days….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2023
It is an opportunity to reflect on biblical perspectives that can help us understand and address international indigenous issues. The Bible offers guidance and principles that can inform our understanding of indigenous peoples and their unique struggles. Here are a few key reflections……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JULY 2023
Scripture engagement is an interaction with the biblical text in a way that provides sufficient opportunity for the text to speak for itself by the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling readers and listeners to hear the voice of God and discover for themselves the uniqueness of the Bible and claim Jesus Christ is making upon the readers and his followers……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2023
Appreciating God’s Creation and Our Responsibilities
As the whole world had just celebrated the World Environment Day on June 5th, 2023 let me reflect in a few lines from one of the most beautiful Creation Psalm found in our Bible Psalm 104. This Psalm invites us to contemplate the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation, emphasizing the interconnectivity between the natural world and the divine. As we reflect on this psalm, we are reminded of our role as stewards of the Earth and the responsibility we have to care for and protect the environment……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – MAY 2023
Faith that Leads us on
Every conversation on faith has to be relooked at in the light of how we addressed ourselves amidst a global shift during Covid. It took a sojourn into the deepest darkness for us to recognize and appreciate the light. A phase when we were clouded with more questions than answers, enquiries that ultimately drew us closer to the heart of God……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – APRIL 2023
Isaac Watts and his hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Isaac Watts was born in 17 July 1674 at Southampton, Hampshire, England and died as a bachelor at the age of 74 on November 25, 1748 at Stoke Newington, Middlesex, England. He is a non-conformist, an ecumenist, a theologian (he mastered the Biblical languages of Greek and Hebrew), a prolific writer, a philosopher, an educationist, a scientist…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – MARCH 2023
Since my childhood, one of the sports that always make me excited is a Relay Race, and the most crucial part of the race is passing the baton from one runner to the other, then to the others. If anyone dropped the baton or had a difficult hand off, you would lose precious seconds that would be hard to make up…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – FEBRUARY 2023
CROSS HAS BECOME THE CENTRAL SYMBOL OF CHRISTIANITY
CROSS IS IT SACRAMENTAL OR ORNAMENTAL?
Cross has become the central symbol of Christianity. Just imagine a visitor walking into one of our Churches for Sunday worship. He is greeted by an usher with a pew slip which has a symbol of “Cross” as the theme………
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JANUARY 2023
EPIPHANY: A Call To Take A Different Route In The New Year
A new year always brings a sense of hope. The previous year with all its tragedies, problems, disappointments, failures, and sadness is now behind us, and a clean slate lies ahead………
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – DECEMBER 2022
CHRISTMAS – A TIME TO REGAIN CHRIST CONSCIOUNESS
The message of Christmas is the message of universal love. It is the message of ineffable divine glory and splendour. The message of Christmas is the message of peace and goodwill among all nations……..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – NOVEMBER 2022
Psalm 103: Thanking God in our Lives
As the Advent Season of the year is just around the corner, Christians across the globe are started observing Thanksgiving prayers. There are so many reasons to thank God for God’s sustaining mercies and blessings in our lives as individuals, families, churches, communities and nations. The book of Psalms is one of the most beautiful collections of thanksgiving songs we could reflect upon…….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2022
Taste and See that the LORD is Good! – Psalm 34:8
The goodness of God is not only an attribute of God but a foundational truth every Christian should embrace. Many of us who check the news everyday may be dismayed to see all sorts of bad and unpleasant things happening around the world. With all the bad news circulating around us, we sometimes get caught up with negativity around us and are threatened to draw away from God. Therefore, it is important for us to learn to detect the movement of God and see the goodness of God in everything, everywhere……..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2022
Biblical Reflection: Freedom to be what we are meant to be – Luke 15:11-32
Freedom and independence are the words we all love and strive to experience in our personal and community lives. This year, as we celebrated our 75 th Independence Day, we were reminded once again of the struggle and the sacrifices of many who made it possible. God never intended for us to be enslaved; rather, God desires that we be free. In the parable of the so-called "prodigal son," Jesus teaches us how and where we can truly enjoy and experience freedom…….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – AUGUST 2022
Biblical Reflection: (in the Context of the Celebration of the International Indigenous Day on August 9, 2022)
When the eager followers of Jesus keenly listened to when he was using a simple metaphor of “light” to tell who they were, saying “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.” I could see the enthusiastic tribal communities, young and old, whose sparkling eyes could connect themselves with that light of the world, the light that sparks on the hill top, illuminated by the gospel of Jesus……
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JULY 2022
The Dignified Donkey – Reading Bible with Diligence in Search of Dignity
I confess that reading The Parable of The Good Samaritan from a human dignity perspective has really widened my horizons of thinking. I wish to concentrate exclusively on the parable rather than the dialogue before that.
Firstly, the Priest and the Levite. Here we have to consider social dignity, which converts a person to a distinguished dignitary (DD) in society…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER – JUNE 2022
The Word of God is Alive and Active
Technology is a boon today no doubt to humankind by making communication fast. About three decades ago things were different and today we see smartphones influencing and impacting every sphere of our lives including our habits, our relationships, etc. We may seem to be connected to several folks but in reality we find ourselves to be alone. For those addicted to smartphones, they find it to be a need than an addiction…..
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MAY 2022
The New Covenant – Jeremiah 31:31-34
Many biblical scholars consider Jeremiah 31:31–34 to be the most important passage in the book of Jeremiah and believe that it contains the deepest insights in the whole of the Old Testament. This passage speaks of a “New Covenant” in the Old Testament. The prophet says that the Lord God will write His law on the heart of the individual. The text gives us a clear picture regarding the fulfillment of the covenant in the believer in Jesus Christ and of His covenant with Israel.”…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER APRIL 2022
A Pause Beside the Empty Tomb
Resurrection refers to the “state of one risen from the dead.”
Scripture presents conclusive evidence that Jesus Christ was in fact raised from the dead. Christ’s resurrection is recorded in Matthew 28:1-20; Mark 16:1-20; Luke 24:1-53; and John 20:1–21:25. The resurrected Christ also appeared in the Book of Acts (Acts 1:1-11). Easter acknowledges and recalls that Jesus defeated the powers of sin and death for all who believe.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MARCH 2022
Sharing Each Other’s Burdens to Win the Battle in Life
The Christian community across the world begins the journey of 40 days of Lenten season by observing Ash Wednesday on the 2nd of March this year. More than any other time of the year, this season helps us to contemplate more on our Christian faith, journey, and commitment through the Cross of Jesus Christ.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2022
India is a secular democracy where “…religious liberty of both the individuals and associations of individuals united by common beliefs, practices and discipline” is constitutionally guaranteed. The Indian constitution in Article 25 grants to the citizens of India of all religious persuasions freedom to profess, practice and propagate their faith in a way that does not disrupt public order and does not affect public health and morality adversely. Although the Article 25 of the Indian Constitution ensures a fundamental human right of the Indian citizens in no case to be subverted otherwise, several differing attitudes have emerged since its promulgation. Objection to conversion is one of them
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2022
Introduction: Have you ever gotten somewhere and forgotten how or why you got there? We do it all the time with daily routines, going into auto-pilot mode for our most mundane tasks or daily excursions, so much so that sometimes we stop paying attention to what is happening until something out of the ordinary happens and gets our attention. Or, better yet – have you ever gotten somewhere and forgotten why you were there? Maybe it’s the grocery store or Target, or even your living room. You know you went in there for a reason, but for the life of you, you can’t remember what it was. Some say it’s a sign of aging, which is in part true, but it can also happen when we are stressed out or tired, and lack the capacity to retain information any longer.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2021
Introduction: We have tremendously high expectations of Christmas. We want everything to be perfect. We have pictures in our minds of children playing, church choirs singing, and people smiling and getting along. But often it is not that way. It is supposed to be, as the song says, “the most wonderful time of the year” and the “hap-happiest season of all.” But for many it will be a very difficult time because something has interrupted the joy. It may be COVID 19, sickness, or death, or divorce, or loneliness.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2021
Introduction: Friends, as we celebrate the Reformation Day again this year on the 31st October 2021, I want to suggest that we of all people are in need of reformation. In Acts 10, we read a beautiful story of Reformation. Apostle Peter receives a vision from God. In that vision, God showed him a sheet, and inside that sheet were all kinds of unclean animals. Now Peter was a faithful, Bible obeying Jew. He knew what the Scriptures taught. He knew what the consequences were for disobeying the word of God. He could not eat these unclean animals. They were forbidden by God. They would defile him. They would separate him from God.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2021
Introduction: In the recent past, we had to confront deaths of several of our loved ones, including nine of our own dear colleagues succumbing to the Covid Pandemic. All of them could be, without any shadow of doubt described as “persons who have lived a life of kenosis”, emptying their own lives for the development of the other. The departure of the above loved ones made me to ponder over the importance of developing and practicing a Theology of Death by the Church at large so that people do not become afraid of death but instead face death boldly viewing death as a natural and normal process of life. For this, Job 1:21 is taken as a tool from which a few pertinent observations are culled out to develop a Theology of Death.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2021
Introduction: Climate Justice is a subject matter that is discussed and studied from various perspectives and angles with basic understanding that connects Human Rights, the rights of the Subaltern people and Eco-justice. To reflect on our title “Respecting Boundary: a Gesture for Climate Justice” from a biblical text, I have selected Psalm 104 which is a beautiful hymn of Creation and Restoration. Here the psalmist brilliantly sang how God assigns boundaries for all creations with the liberty to exercise their own rhythm of life within their own space and time.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER AUGUST 2021
In our given passage, dwelling on one of the infamous traditional tools “portrayals of women” found in many books of the Old Testament by the prophets and the wisdom writers to talk about the paradoxical life of the Israelite society, faith and tradition, the Apostle Paul was trying to explain the dignity and status of a Christian in the kingdom of God by following the New Law laid down by Jesus Christ.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JULY 2021
July 3rd is the traditionally observed as the martyrdom day of Apostle St. Thomas, Apostle of India, and disciple of Lord Jesus Christ, who arrived in India in 52 AD and was martyred near Chennai in 72 AD. On this day we celebrate the person and message of Lord Jesus Christ that was brought first to India in 52 AD by St. Thomas the Apostle, and many Missionaries subsequently.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MAY 2021
In 1946, delegates from 13 nations met at the small Elfin sward Conference Centre in England. World War II had been over for less than a year, and each country represented at the conference was still reeling from the devastating consequences of the deadliest conflict in history. Many attendees shared their personal experiences from the war, which included distributing Bibles in secret in Poland or being imprisoned by the Gestapo in Berlin. Yet each attendee testified to the power of God’s Word, which brought them hope and comfort even in the face of suffering
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MARCH 2021
As per Christian tradition, especially of the Catholic, the Anglican and the Lutheran Church from the early Christian era to this day, Christians continue to observe the 14 “Stations of the Cross” or “Ways of the Cross” during Lenten Season….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER FBRUARY 2021
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the international community to make 2021 “a year of healing” in his video message for the New Year. Excerpts of his speech are worth pondering over…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2021
A New Year is again before us to live a life in all its fullness. However, being human we will be forced to ask the question “How can this be?” off and on in our life ahead. We have raised this question in our life many a time in the past and we will continue…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2020
The story of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus is told by Luke in three places in the Acts of the Apostles in chapters nine, twenty-two and twenty-six. In Acts twenty-six, Paul, a prisoner awaiting to be sent to Rome for trial looks back on his life….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2020
October 31, each year marks the day of Reformation. Reformation is an on going process in divine-human history and hence confining Reformation only to October 31, 1517 is not justified. Reformation has been an on going act of God….
BSI E-NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2020
The Great Commission Text in Matthew 28: 18-20 is the key text for our engagement in the Mission of God.The Church around the globe and the various mission bodies had been caught up with the mandate for mission inherent in this text…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2020
The term ‘marketplace’ is used to mean ‘the public square’ in the widest sense. That is, I am not thinking only of ‘the market’ in a purely economic sense, but the whole world of work – trade, professions, law, government, education, industry…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER AUGUST2020
The Bible Society of India, through one of her projects called “Scripture Engagement with the Poor Children of India” is reaching out to thousands of poor and deserving children across India…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JULY 2020
Recently two episodes in the TV caught my attention. One was about the cruelty of the humans against animals – giving a pregnant elephant fruits filled with firecrackers to eat, which led to the death of the elephant. …
BSI E-NEWSLETTER JUNE 2020
One of the questions that I face in times like COVID-19 is, “Where is God?” I understand and deeply sympathize with the question. I do. But I need to ask why is it only in the hard times that we tend to ask this question? When the sun is shining, and times are…
BSI E-NEWSLETTER MAY 2020
Romans 8:18-39 has been a very encouraging text for me at times of uncertainty, upheaval. In it we are reminded that creation, and therefore, humanity, is not what it is supposed to be, and that creation, and therefore, humanity “groans” in all kinds of ways for healing.
BSI E-NEWSLETTER APRIL 2020
Romans 8:18-39 has been a very encouraging text for me at times of uncertainty, upheaval. In it we are reminded that creation, and therefore, humanity, is not what it is supposed to be, and that creation, and therefore, humanity “groans” in all kinds of ways for healing.