VOL. 20 ISSUE A9 MONTH-SEPTEMBER YEAR-2005
"THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD FALLS ON THE CONGREGATION" :: PERSONALITY PROFILE STEPHEN THE MARTYR :: 365-DAY BIBLE READING PLAN - SEPTEMBER :: BIBLE QUIZ XVII :: LIVING WITNESSES OF GOD IN JEEVAN DHAM :: PICTURE OF CROWD- AUG 14


“THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD FALLS ON THE CONGREGATION”

Our Lord Jesus Christ sprinkled His Most precious Blood on the congregation gathered for the Sunday prayer service at St. Anthony’ s School ground, Sec-9, Faridabad on 28th of August. Many saw bloodstains on their clothes and were awestruck. Jesus had sanctified them with his precious blood, forgiving their sins. About 20-25 persons came on the stage (the group photo above) displaying the bloodstains on their clothes: some were very dark and fresh, some were big spots, some small fine droplets, others were little faded or absorbed into the clothes, or were not quite visible due to the dark colour of their clothes.
Few minutes earlier, that day, some outstanding miracles had happened. One was a 3-yr old eunuch child who became a girl. Another was that of a boy who had an epileptic fits during the proclamation of the Word (on the Gospel of Luke 9:37-43) and had become totally unconscious. His gaze was fixed and his body had become cold and stiff. Looking at the serious condition of the child, a volunteer brought him to the stage, holding him in her arms. Mrs. Mani called the Holy name of Jesus into his ears and praised the Almighty God. His eyes opened suddenly and he was given water to drink. Within a few minutes he got up and everybody saw him walking on the stage. All this time his mother was crying thinking that her son was dead. All started praising God believing that only Jesus can restore back life to the dead. Those who had witnessed this miracle at close quarters had their faith in Jesus boosted up. This provided the background for the unexpected miracle of the precious Blood of our Lord, which reinforced their faith in Jesus and renewed their relationship with Him.
    While singing the bhajan, Mrs. Mani had the vision of a blazing fire coming from the heart of our Lord and filling the whole area under the tent, and a big dove hovering around the stage. Then she saw the loving yet stern gaze of our Lord Jesus Christ standing on the stage with his blood soaked hands; He opened his arms and sprinkled his precious Blood on the people twice. But whatever she saw in the vision became a reality as testified by the spots of blood, big and small on the clothes of the people. This unheard miracle had a deep impact on the believers - some were crying, others were kissing the blood spots, while others stared at the stains on their own clothes and on every other person’s blood stains. Many persons stood up and came forward to the stage to display the stains. Later, an old lady wearing a white printed saree came to show the number 9 (in the photo below)
written at two places as if written with a finger soaked in blood (one big and the other small) “Truly Jesus is alive. Our God is the God of the living, not of the dead.” He is still living among his believers working wonders and gathering the sheep of his flock to lead them to eternal life. Do you believe from the depth of your heart that He is a living God, and that nothing is impossible for Him? Jesus says, “Do not doubt but believe” and assures that “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe”.(Cf. Jn. 20:27,29)

 


BLOOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
      In the Old Testament, the Blood of the bulls and spotless lambs was the most important element the Israelites used in their ritual, purification ceremonies and other feasts. Blood has, first of all, life in it, the very essence of any being. The blood was a potent medium of communication, a living sign of covenantal relationship of Yahweh with the people of Israel. It acted as a sign of protection for the people of Israel.
Though the people of Israel experienced salvation and knew the God who saved them, their knowledge of God, who saved them repeatedly, was limited. The salvation in the beginning was intended as protection from the death of the first-born, it did not have a personal dimension at all. The Israelites never understood the aspect of a complete liberation, an experience of being freed personally from the slavery of sin and death.
BLOOD OF CHRIST IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
      In the New Testament, the sacrifice of Christ explicitly reveals the mystery of God’s love towards human being. The shedding of Christ’s Blood on the Cross brought complete and permanent liberation to his believers from the slavery of sin and death. He is the spotless Lamb by whose Blood the whole humanity is being washed and made a new creation. He continues to extend to us those fruits of redemption: joy, peace and reconciliation. Even today His Blood continues to give life and forgiveness to those who receive Him in the Eucharist and in faith. But the Blood of Christ will change their hearts and their lives only when they allow it to act in them to enter into a new relationship between the Creator and the created. Definitely this new bond of relationship calls for a deeper love and communion, a call to give life to the other even at the cost of one’s own life; a hidden invitation to martyrdom because the Blood of Christ is the strength of the martyrs. This is what the book of Revelation states.

“But they have conquered him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they did not cling to life even in the face of death.” (Revelation 12:11)
    The Blood that flowed from the side of Jesus on the Cross flows down even today sanctifying the entire world protecting them from the grip of evil. That Blood eloquently speaks of healing, healing completely the entire humanity making it whole and perfect. He is the Lamb of God who takes away our sins once and for all (Jn. 1:29) “He loves us and has washed away our sins by His Blood” (Rev. 1:5)
“For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!”
(Hebrews 9:11-14)
Yes, the blood of Christ enables us to worship the true God and His Blood is used to reconcile us with the Father and with others. This Blood has been offered to us as a life-giving fountain to wash our sin and impurity away. (Zech. 13:1)
“...for you(Jesus) were slaughtered and by your blood you ransomed for God saints from every tribe and language and people and nation; you have made them to be a kingdom and priests serving our God, and they will reign on earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
    As St. Maria De Mathias, the Apostle of the Precious Blood says, “He gave it all, He gave it for all and He does not cease to give it. Like a fountain or rather like a life-giving river accessible for all, it flows on and out to all the children of Adam, going with them abundantly at every moment of their mortal life in order to sanctify them and bring them to eternal happiness.”
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” (Revelation 5:12)
THE INCREDIBLE MIRACLE REPEATED ON SEPT. 4TH
     On September 4th, the following Sunday, Our Lord sprinkled His Precious Blood again on the congregation at the same place. 70-odd people stood up and most of them came forward to the stage to display the stains on their clothes. This time, while singing the bhajan, Mrs. Mani had the vision of a red light filling the whole area under the tent, Our Lord on a big cross just in the middle of the tent, and Blood oozing out from His side pierced with a lance falling down on the people. As soon as this vision was announced all of them started examining their clothes anxiously. The vision had become a reality. Many newcomers (around 60% of the people) present were astounded to find the blood spots on their clothes. Shortly, a lady discovered blood on her fingertip and cried out in tears. She gave her testimony on the stage while many people rushed to have a closer look at the blood mark on her hand.

 

PERSONALITY PROFILE

STEPHEN THE MARTYR

   Around the world, the gospel has most often taken root in places prepared by the blood of the martyrs. Before people can give their lives for the gospel, however, they must first live in their lives for the gospel. One way God trains His servants is to place them in insignificant positions. Their desire to serve Christ is translated into the reality of serving others. Stephen was an effective administrator and messenger before becoming a martyr.
    Stephen was named one of the managers of food distribution in the early church. Long before violent persecution broke out against Christians, there was already social ostracism. Jews who accepted Jesus as Messiah were usually cut off from their families. As a result, the believers depended on each other for support. The sharing of homes, food, and resources was both a practical and necessary mark of the early church. Eventually, the number of believers made it necessary to organize the sharing. People were being overlooked. There were complaints. Those chosen to help manage were chosen for their integrity, wisdom, and sensitivity to God.
    Stephen besides being a good administrator was also a powerful speaker. When confronted in the Temple by various antagonistic groups, Stephen’s logic in responding was convincing. This is clear from the defence he made before the high council. He presented a summary of the Jews’ own history and made powerful applications that stung his listeners. During his defence Stephen must have known he was speaking his own death sentence. Members of the council could not stand to have their evil motives exposed. They stoned him to death while he prayed for their forgiveness. His final words show how much like Jesus he had become in a short time. His death had a lasting impact on young Saul (Paul) of Tarsus, who would move from being a violent persecutor of Christians to being one of the greatest champions of the gospel the church has known.
Stephen’s life is a continual challenge to all Christians. Because he was the first to die for the faith, his sacrifice raises questions: How many risks do we take in being Jesus’ followers? Would we be willing to die for him? Are we really willing to live for him?
Strengths and Accomplishments:
One of seven leaders chosen to supervise food distribution to the needy in the early church.
Known for his spiritual qualities of faith, wisdom, grace, and power, and for the Spirit’s presence in his life.
Outstanding leader, teacher, and debater.
 First to give his life for the gospel.
Lessons from his life:
Striving for excellence in small assignments prepares one for greater responsibilities.
Real understanding of God always leads to practical and compassionate actions toward people.
Vital Statistics: v Where: Jerusalem
Church responsibilities: Deacon - distributing food to the needy
Contemporaries: Paul, Caiaphas, Gamaliel, and the apostles
Key verse: –
“While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.” (Acts 7:59-60)
Mentioned in:
Stephen’s story is told in Acts 6:3-8:2.
He is also mentioned in Acts 11:19; 22:20.

365-DAY BIBLE READING PLAN

BIBLE READING PLAN FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER:

244.. Day 1 ..... Baruch 4-6 245.. Day 2 ..... Ezekiel 1-6 246.. Day 3 ..... Ezekiel 7-13 247.. Day 4 ..... Ezekiel 14-17
248.. Day 5 ..... Ezekiel 18-20 249.. Day 6 ..... Ezekiel 21-24 250.. Day 7 ..... Ezekiel 25-28 251.. Day 8 ..... Ezekiel 29-32
252.. Day 9 ..... Ezekiel 33-37 253.. Day 10 .... Ezekiel 38-42 254.. Day 11 .... Ezekiel 43-48 255.. Day 12 .... Daniel 1-3
256.. Day 13 .... Daniel 4-6 257.. Day 14 .... Daniel 7-9 258.. Day 15 .... Daniel 10-14 259.. Day 16 .... Hosea 1-5
260.. Day 17 .... Hosea 6-10 261.. Day 18 .... Hosea 11-14 262.. Day 19 .... Joel 263.. Day 20 .... Amos 1-4
264.. Day 21 .... Amos 5-9 265.. Day 22 .... Obadiah 266.. Day 23 .... Jonah 267.. Day 24 .... Micah
268.. Day 25 .... Nahum 269.. Day 26 .... Habakkuk 270.. Day 27 .... Zephaniah 271.. Day 28 .... Haggai
272.. Day 29 .... Zechariah 1-8 273.. Day 30 ....Zechariah 9-14    



 

BIBLE QUIZ
XVII.THE GOSPEL OF MARK- Key Places
Mark’s Gospel was the first Gospel written. John Mark, the author of this Gospel, was not one of the 12 disciples of Jesus, but he accompanied Paul on his first missionary journey(Acts 13:13). Of the four Gospels, Mark’s narrative is the most chronological - that is, most of the stories are positioned in the order they actually occurred. Though the shortest of the four, the Gospel of Mark contains the most events: it is action-packed. Most of this action centers in Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry. Capernaum served as his base of operation from which he would go out to cities like Bethsaida, Gennesareth, Tyre and Sidon, and Caesarea Philippi. After his ministry in Galilee and the surrounding regions, Jesus headed for Jerusalem.
Now you have to locate (all occurrences) all the places given below in the Gospel of Mark:
1. Bethany 6. Jerusalem
2. Bethsaida 7. Jordan
3. Capernaum 8. Nazareth
4. Caesarea Philippi 9. Tyre
5. Jericho 10.Gennesaret
Answers to Last month’s Quiz
XVI. THE PASSION AND DEATH OF JESUS
Answers are typed in bold with location:
1. “Greetings! Rabbi!”(Mt. 26:49) by Judas.
2. “Hail! King of the Jews!” (Mt.27:29) said by governor’s soldiers.
3. “He has blasphemed! Why do we still need witnesses? You have now heard his blasphemy.”(Mt. 26:65) by high priest.
4. “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him.” (Mt. 27:42) by the chief priests with scribes and elders.
5. “Are you the King of the Jews?”(Mt.27:11) by Pilate, the governor.
6. “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.”(Mt. 26:33) by Peter.
7. “ I am innocent of this man’s blood; See to it yourselves.”(Mt. 27:24) by Pilate.
8. “Surely not I, Rabbi?”(Mt. 26:25) by Judas.
9. “Truly this man was God’s Son!”(Mt.27:54) by the centurion and other guards with him.

Send Your Answers to:
JEEVAN DHAM, H.No. 696/ Sec-22, Faridabad-121005, Haryana.

Rules to be followed:
1. Answers may be sent by post or e-mail latest by the end of the month. Answers received after that will not be considered.
2. You should clearly specify your name and postal address. Mention the quiz number and title before the answers written in order.
3. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of three consecutive quizzes.
4. Answers and winners of each quiz will be published in the subsequent issue of the newsletter.

Thanks for taking the Quiz! Good Luck!

PICTURE OF THE CROWD AUG-14

 



A)MY HANDICAPPED DAUGHTER WALKS THROUGH THE GRACE OF GOD!

Praise be to Jesus! Thanks be to Jesus!
“ I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, my stronghold…. the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe.
(Psalms 18:1, 32)
I firmly believe in the words of Jesus, “What is impossible for mortal is possible for God”. (Luke 18:27) That is why when God gives strength to a disabled or a handicapped person to walk all are awestruck at such a miracle. This happened with me too when I saw my polio crippled daughter walking without any support by the grace of Almighty God.
My daughter Divya aged 11 years was struck by polio when she was just 9 months old. She could never ever walk without support as her one leg was shorter, weaker and leaner than the other leg. She used to drag herself on the ground. I took her to few polio-eradication camps in Faridabad and Agra and to several hospitals including the Kalavati Hospital in New Delhi where she was given electric shocks. Even after providing her with specially made high heel shoe for her shorter leg, she could not walk because her leg was too weak to take her body weight. For the past one year we had been to AIIMS several times in order to make callipers for her but in vain.
One of our neighbours advised me to attend the Sunday healing prayer service assuring me of my daughter being healed if I had faith in God. That weekend we all came together to JEEVAN DHAM and heard the powerful Word of God and the awe-inspiring testimonies of the believers. The first Sunday itself, Divya felt the healing touch of Jesus. She started regaining strength in her weaker leg. Surprisingly, we got her callipers made from Safdarjung Hospital. What we have been trying for a year, we got it in a few days through God’s grace. But today, after about two months, when the lady on the stage announced that the Merciful God is giving strength to those who have difficulty in walking, trusting in Him I removed the callipers on her leg and asked her to stand up and walk. Amazingly, she could balance her legs well and she got the inner strength and confidence to walk. I could not believe my eyes. She was walking straight towards the stage without any support. Where doctors had given up, God showed His glory through the power of His Eternal Word. Alleluia!
Kaanti(mother), Divya
New Delhi
Jesus says, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”(Luke 11:9)

B) THROUGH THE POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD, THEY GOT THE STRENGTH TO WALK AND LEFT THEIR WALKING STICKS!










E-mail
us your petitions to: mailto:justcallanthony@yahoo.com
IMPORTANT TIMINGS
DAILY MORNING PRAYER :
On Weekdays from 9:00a.m. to 11:00p.m. 24-HOUR Adoration is going on everyday ROUND-THE-CLOCK for over the last 1 year. You too can join us in prayer anytime.





HOLY MASS :

On Fridays: morning 10:00 a.m.
On Sundays: evening 6:30 p.m.
WELCOME TO JEEVAN DHAM
Are you … worried & burdened?
Are you … depressed?
Are you … sick or weak?
Do you … feel the absence of peace & love in your life?
Are you … grappling with a lot of problems in your life?
Then visit this place chosen by God & see for yourselves all the incredible miracles happening here.This place is ‘JEEVAN DHAM’. Believe in God and attend the prayer session held every Sunday at St.Anthony’s School (ground), Sec-9, Faridabad from morning 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. organized with the grace of Almighty God by ‘Jeevan Dham’- H.no.696/ Sec-22, Faridabad. Obtain invaluable graces & heavenly blessings & witness the miraculous healings performed by Him.
WELCOME TO JEEVAN DHAM!
Scriptural references in DIVYA JYOTI are from the New Revised Standard Version (© Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers)1989
Edited and Published by Anthony. JEEVANDHAM, 696/22. Faridabad -121005, Haryana, INDIA
Ph: 91-0129-2231126, 9350128560