The stream of Kerala Christianity, pioneered by Apostle Thomas, magnified in strength and modified in diversity down the ages, found its way into a quiet hamlet of Mallappally... where in course of time there arose a worshipping community in the Anglican strain. Nurtured by the culture of Mallappally, and always contributing to the history of Mallappally, it moves on in the grace of God - faithful in its commitment, honest in its convictions, lofty in its concerns, and above all, blessed in its calling. Here's for you, more of our 'Immanuel Story'...


St. Thomas Christians The Geographical area that is now Kerala was never an isolate. Ev....

February 2010

Defining A Christian Life
"Yet not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22: 42)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

God’s grace was with us, and helped us to pass through the first month of 2010. Let’s praise Him for His blessings.

This month, I wish to consider and share with you some thoughts on the question, “What do we mean by Christian life?”

This question is very challenging, and it cannot be answered in a few words. At the same time, it is quite simple to be understood by anyone.

Christianity is not a religion. Nor is it the obedience we show to a set of moral codes. Membership into an organization or institution doesn’t make you a Christian. Christianity, in its essence, it the relation a person can have with Jesus Christ, who died on the cross, rose up from the dead, and who is alive even today. It is a lifestyle which goes ahead in the love, faith, strong dependence and personal relation with Jesus Christ – yes, a life in its newness, with Christ and in Christ! The words of St. Paul are significant: “If any person is in Christ, then that person is made new. The old thing has gone. Everything is made new” (2 Cor. 5: 17).

Christian life is not an automatic offshoot of the physical life we have on earth. We start our earthly existence through a physical birth. A new birth is the need of any person who has enjoyed this physical birth. Unless a person has undergone this new birth, he cannot be called a Christian. This new birth takes place through the working of the Holy Spirit. But for that work of the Holy Spirit to take place within us, there is a requirement: our dedication and obedience. We should desire for it, and also yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Holy Spirit will act within us, and our experience of being ‘born again’ will turn out be a reality. From our side, there should be a deep craving to enjoy this experience of new birth, and a total surrender for the Lord. When this happens within us, that is the moment we’re born again – for, the Lord is always waiting to bring us to this experience. The new life is a powerful one – a life when we are in Christ, and when Christ lives in us. The Holy Spirit will strengthen us to move ahead in our lives. More than that, from Him we will have the victory over the powers of destruction that work in our lives.

Don’t most of us have the desire to live a good and honest life? And, we may think that our lives are in the right track even now. Many try to lead a good life trusting in their own strength and abilities. But, realize that such a good life is not a Christian life. To live a Christian life depending on our own strength is an impossibility.

Christian life is a gift from God. It comes to effect through the power of God, and with our dedication and surrender. A total surrender is called for, if you desire a Christian life.

The life of Jesus Christ was one of total surrender. May the words of His prayer (Luke 22: 42) be ours. Let’s surrender and submit ourselves to God, with the deep desire for a true Christian life.

Yours in the Lord,
Rev. K Mathews Elanjickal