ARMENIAN EVANGELICAL EMMANUEL CHURCH - CHANITZ YOUTH

ԻՆՉՈ՞Ւ ՄԱՍՈՆ (ԱԶԱՏ ՈՐՄՆԱԴԻՐ) ՉԵՄ ԸԼԼԱՐ

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

It is not a secret anymore that freemasons have expanded their target areas, infiltrating into the social, educational, cultural, political and even religious institutions, convincing the leaders and today the youth to adhere to their brotherhood and fraternity under the guise of advancement of humanity.
Rev. Hovanness Svajian's research rings an alarm bell to all the Christian men and women, specifically the Armenian Evangelical Church and its youth to be aware of the snares of freemasonry and the like secret fraternities.

Note: Rev. Megerdich Karagoezian, the president of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East, has also reminded the communicant members about their oath to the church, and not having another oath in other organizations, institutions, parties or fraternities.

Our faith, trust and commitment is to Christ, the one and only head of the Church.

General Administrator,
Raffi

Click on the image to read the research/article.

ՎԵՐ. ՅՈՎՀԱՆՆԷՍ ՍՎԱՃԵԱՆ

ՎԵՐԱՊԱՏՈՒԵԼԻ ՀԱՄԱՅՆՔԱՊԵՏ ՅԱՐՈՒԹԻՒՆ ՍԵԼԻՄԵԱՆԻ ԱՅՑԸ ՀԱԼԷՊԻ ՀԱՅ ԾԵՐՈՒՆԻՆԵՐՈՒՆ

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 23:30:00 +0000

Click on the image to read the article

«ՀԱԼԷՊ ԿԸ ԾՆԻՆ, ՊԷՅՐՈՒԹ Կ՛ԱՊՐԻՆ ԵՒ ԱՄԵՐԻԿԱ ԿԸ ՄԵՌՆԻՆ»

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 23:00:00 +0000

Click on the image to read the article

ՀՐԱՅՐ ՃԷՊԷՃԵԱՆ

ՅՈՅՍԻ ԾՆՈՒՆԴ

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:30:00 +0000

Click on the image to read the article

Taner Akcam Appreciates Rev. Nishan Bakalian's Help

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:59:00 +0000

In Aztag newspaper, we read about Taner Akcam's interview with Louis Shreiber, the granddaughter of Sarkis Torosian, who has been captain (harurabed) in the Ottoman Army. Sarkis harurabed has fought with the Ottoman Army, but when seeing the Turkish treatment of the Armenians, he has switched sides, leaving the Ottoman Army and migrating to America.

Aztag newspaper has translated and published Taner Akcam's interview with Louis Shreiber, and in the article we read professor Taner's gratitude to Rev. Nishan Bakalian, for helping him in contacting Ms. Louis Shreiber, and being able to conduct this valuable interview.

You can read the Aztag article at: http://www.aztagdaily.com/archives/105652

You can read the English translation of the Turkish source at: http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=tr&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sesonline.net%2Fphp%2Fgenel_sayfa.php%3FKartNo%3D57564

Chanaser (Ջանասէր) Sep-Oct 2012 Issue

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Mrouj Worship Services - Summer 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 21:00:00 +0000

During the Summer of 2012, the Armenian Evangelical Church organized worship services in the Mrouj area, where many Armenian families spend their Summer, escaping the heat and humidity of Beirut.

The worship services took place from 8 July to 23 September, on Sundays, at 10:30am, in the Arab Evangelical Church of Mrouj.

The following pastors and laymen from the Armenian Evangelical Churches preached: Rev. M. Karagoezian, Rev. S. Kilaghbian, Ms. Sh. Geocherian, Ms. V. Balekjian, Mrs. V. Svajian, Mr. H. Akbasharian, Mr. A. Messerlian, and Rev. H. Svajian.

Mr. S. Svajian, Ms. A. Baboghlanian and the Chanitz of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Marash led the worship.

The pastor, Rev. H. Svajian served the communion on Sunday, 16 September.

Ջոջեր եւ Տնտեսներ Ա. Կորնթ. Դ.1-13 Վեր. Նշան Պագալեան

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 22:30:00 +0000

As always, a very prophetic message from Rev. Nishan Bakalian, which is very timely and comes as a wake-up call back to the true mission and vision of the church and being the church.

General Administrator,
Raffi

Click on the image to read the sermon

Վեր. Նշան Պագալեան

Armenian Evangelical Church of Iraq Organizes Bazaar During Christmas Season For Poor Families

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:59:00 +0000

«Ներքին» Առաջնորդութիւն

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Click on the image to read the article

ՀՐԱՅՐ ՃԷՊԷՃԵԱՆ

AMAA Armenian Launches its Website

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Mr. Harout Nercessian, Representative of AMAA Armenia, gladly informed us about their newly launched website.

The website is in Eastern Armenian.

You can access it at: www.amaa.am

Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church's Picnic Day

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 20:30:00 +0000

On Sunday, after church service, the Armenian Evangelical Emmanuel Church's families headed to Anjar to have their annual picnic day, that was organized by the Trustees Committee.
The Emmanuel Church members helped in preparing the food and the place. We thank Ms. H. Barsoumian, Mr. R. Chilingirian, Mr. & Mrs. S. Demirjian, Mrs. V. Demirjian, Mr. & Mrs. A. Ovigian, Mr. K. Astarjian, Ms. Sh. Demirjian, Mr. H. Hovsepian, and Ms. Dz. Demirjian.
Sixty two adults and children participated in this event, where food was shared, games were organized and played and had fellowship.
At the end of the event, Mr. N. Chaghatsbanian presented two national songs.
The families had a blessed time together and returned home safely at 6pm.

Ralph Yirikian's Speech at the AUA 2012 Commencement Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 20:00:00 +0000

Ralph Yirikian's Speech at the AUA 2012 Commencement Ceremony

Sharing Christ's Love and Celebrating the Birth of the Messiah

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 21:00:00 +0000

Քրիստոս Ծնաւ եւ Յայտնեցաւ,
Ձեզի Մեզի Մեծ Աւետիս:
Christ is Born and Revealed,
To You and to Us a Great News.

Անսահման Խաղաղութեան Պարգեւը` ՎԵՐ. ՄԿՐՏԻՉ ԳԱՐԱԿԷՕԶԵԱՆ

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:30:00 +0000

Click on the image to read the message for the year 2013

Haigazian University Honors the Armenian Printing and Publishing Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 20:00:00 +0000

On Friday, December 7, 2012, within the framework of numerous events commemorating the 500th Anniversary of Armenian Printing and the 100th Anniversary of Armenian Press in Lebanon, Haigazian University honored the current Lebanese-Armenian printing and publishing houses, an event conducted under the patronage of the Minster of Industry, H.E. Vrej Sabounjian.
After the Lebanese national anthem, the event opened with the welcoming words of Dr. Antranig Dakessian, Director of the Armenian Diaspora Research Center. In the name of the 500th Anniversary organizing committee, Dakessian shared the importance of the Armenian printing and publishing houses in preserving the Armenian culture, identity and heritage. He noted that the oldest published book in Lebanon was in 1894, in both Armenian and Turkish with Armenian Alphabet.
Through a power point presentation, Dr. Armen Urneshlian, member of the organizing committee, traced the more than a century-long history of Armenian printing and publishing houses, noting that “currently 20 Armenian printing and publishing houses are operational in Lebanon,a number shrinked originally from140, around a century ago.” During his presentation, University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostain and Minister Sabounjian distributed appreciation plaques to representatives of those currently operating houses.

In his word, Minister Sabounjian expressed his ministry’s readiness to support the printing industry, as books are considered asvital agents in building righteous future generations, and pillars of healthy societies. In this respect, he encouraged the owners of the printing and publishing houses to improve and advance in their domain and production, and to issue even more publications on Armenian history, culture, philosophy, literature, art, etc… Sabounjian also gave the example of Hagop Meghabard, who, in 1512 printed the first Armenian book in Venice, Italy.
President Haidostian appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee for this unprecedented event, the extensive researchconducted in the field of printing and publishing houses. He finally highlighted the contribution the Armenian community has had on the local Lebanese printing industry.
At the end, the audience moved to the Mugar Hall and had the chance to watch a unique exhibition featuring rare Armenian books and manuscripts dating back to more than one century.

Mira Yardemian
PR Director

President of Armenia, H.E. Serge Sargsyan pays a historic visit to Haigazian University

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:34:00 +0000

Beirut, 28/11/12- Armenian President Serge Sargsyan during a three-day visit to Lebanon—addressed Haigazian University students and faculty, underlying the importance of fostering the ties between the two countries, Lebanon and Armenia. Present were a number of students from three other leading universities in Lebanon.

Sargsyan, who was heading a delegation of 20 people including four Ministers, of Foreign Affairs, Education, Diaspora and Culture, was first welcomed bythe University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, Board members, Deans, and Administrators.
The program started at the Mugar building, where the President and his delegation toured the Matossian Gallery having a look at a unique photo exhibitionfeaturing the history of the University, after which Sargsyan signed in the Golden Book of Haigazian, and registered words of appreciation.
While proceeding to the Philibosian, Mehagian and Heritage buildings, where symbols of Mount Ararat and the Cedar tree decorated the playground, Sargsyan was greeted by hundreds of students. A short cultural program was presented.

In the First Armenian Evangelical Church Hall, Rev. Haidostian introduced President Sargsyan, noting that “Haigazian witnessed a special renaissance by this historic visit, the very first of a president of the Republic of Armenia”. Expressing his pride, Haidostian said that the Armenian spirit and identity are always present on campus, and that through ongoing cooperation with the Ministry of the Diaspora, as well as Armenian educational institutions, ties have been further strengthening with Armenia.
In recognition of the President’s achievements, and quoting the University’s motto, “truth, freedom and service,” Haidostian granted Sargsyan with the University’s Service Shield.
Sargsyan started his speech by first thanking the Lebanese President, General Michel Sleiman for his invitation, underlying the importance of the strong ties of the two countries, Lebanon and Armenia, which are linked by well entrenched and deep-rooted cultural and historical relations. He further encouraged the youth of both countries to visit and cooperate.
Commenting on the situation in the Middlle East, Sargsyan voiced his deep concern over Syria, especially on the fate of at least 80,000 Syrian Armenian in the war-torn country. He called for a halt to the bloodshed and restoring peace.

Turning into internal issues in Armenia, Sargsyan shared the economic and political challenges faced by his country, especially in resolving the issue of NagornoKarabagh, the issues related to protocol signature with Turkey, and the 100th commemoration of the Armenian genocide.
Sargsyan concluded his speech by a short Q & A session.

Mira Yardemian
PR Director

President of the Republic of Armenia Mr. Serge Sarksian Visits the President of the U.A.E.C.N.E.

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Click on the image to read the News Release from U.A.E.C.N.E.

Հայ Աւետարանական Բեթէլ Երկրորդական Վարժարանի Մանկապարտէզի Վերանորոգման Բացման Հանդիսութիւն

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:30:00 +0000

Click on the image to read the article

What does God expect from us?

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 18:00:00 +0000

“The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: ‘See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.’” Micah 6:8

I hear many people say, “You know I love God, but I don’t know what he wants for my life. I don’t know how to be a good disciple.”

As followers of Christ we shouldn’t have thoughts like these. Jesus made it pretty clear to us in His Word. Everywhere in the Bible, we see commandments on how to live and be fruitful for God. First of all, the two great commandments (Matt. 22:37-40):

1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first and most important commandment.

2. Love others as much as you love yourself.

Indeed, both commandments seem the easiest thing to do in the world. Love is the most beautiful thing. But who does exactly Jesus refer to by saying “others”? My father, mother, best friend, brother, sister? Yes, but it doesn’t stop there. Some versions use the word “neighbor”. Who exactly is my neighbor? He refers to your enemy, the one that has caused you pain. To go even further, and to enlarge our borders, our neighbor is the little sick and hungry child in Kenya. That is precisely who Jesus was talking about.

Now, you may tell me, “My friend, I’m just a nobody in this world, with no special powers whatsoever.” Let me tell you something, God loves and uses nobodies. Have you ever heard of Agnes Bojaxhiu? Well, neither had I, but this woman is a Noble Prize winner and the founder of the Missionaries of Charity. You might know her as Mother Teresa, who said, “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.” A few years before her death, a journalist asked her, “What will happen, Mother Teresa, when you are no longer with us?” Her answer was: “I believe that if God finds a person even more useless than me, He will do even greater things through her.”

I’m sure you know Paul. But we often forget Saul, Paul’s past, the man who persecuted Christians. He was a nobody, but it’s because of him that the world knows about Jesus. The list is long. Rightly, Bette Reese has said, “If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”

Did you know that there are more than 2000 verses in the Bible that refer to Justice and Poverty. Jesus has blessed us with so many great things so that we can in return help the needy, those who have less than us. In James 1:27 we read, “Religion that pleases God the Father must be pure and spotless. You must help needy orphans and widows and not let this world make you evil.” The Bible is full of such commandments.

Here are some facts for you: 1 out of 4 people is underweight in developing countries; 1 out of 7 people worldwide which means 854 billion people do not have enough food to sustain them. And here you go, 25000 children die of hunger every single day, which makes up more than 9 million children dead per

year. When you put your children to bed tonight, think of those 25000 children who laid down their lives today because they didn’t have what your children have.

You might be thinking, is Vahé aware of what he’s talking about? How in the world can I help all these children? Well, you can’t. However, you can help that one child who’s dying of hunger near you. Next time you pass by him or her, think of this little childs life, and think of how you can help. You would have done a big difference to that child!

This reminds me of the man who was walking on the beach when he saw tens of thousands of starfish lying on the beach, dying. He sat on a rock, crying and weeping for all those lives which were about to end. Then as he was weeping, he saw a man taking a starfish and throwing it back into the sea. The man was puzzled and asked the guy, “Sir, what are you doing? There must be tens of thousands of them here. You can’t throw each one by one back into the sea? There’s no way you can save all of them.” The man looked at him and answered, “It made a difference to that one.”

God doesn’t expect you to do everything. He only expects small things from everyone. He calls you to self-denial, to take up your cross and follow Him.

Do not forget, Jesus came for the poor and the sick (soul and body). He said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do. I didn’t come to invite good people to be my followers. I came to invite sinners.” Mark 2:17

Indeed, the need for mission should be our third commandment! World Vision once did a survey on pastors to know where they set their priorities. 79% said worship, 55% children’s ministry, 57% evangelism, 47% discipleship. Unfortunately, only 18% considered helping the poor and hungry a priority in their ministry.

This is the essence of our religion as James clearly states. The World needs our help, that’s why Christ came to the World. People must see that followers of Christ are here to change the World, and not to adapt to our World’s way of life.

As Paul instructs Timothy, he does the same to us, “So with God and Christ as witnesses, I command you to preach God’s message. Do it willingly even if it isn’t the popular thing to do. You must correct people and point out their sins.”2 Timothy 4:1-2

Vahé Jebejian

Emmanuel Church Youth and Children Participate in the Translation of the Movie "Mary Magdalene" into Western Armenian

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:51:00 +0000

Armig Kazezian supervising the translation process and helping the American team

Raffi Chilingirian, voice over for the Jesus character

Lots of hours spent on refining the proper spelling, pronunciation and quality of v

Mano, Mike, Garo, Ara, Raffi, some of the youth that took part in this project

The team that watched the movie from A to Z and proposed corrections and changes

Ընկերդ Ո՞ւր Կ'առաջնորդես՝ Յիսուսի՞ Գծ. 8. 26-40

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Click on the image to read the sermon.

ՎԵՐ. ՅՈՎՀԱՆՆԷՍ ՍՎԱՃԵԱՆ

Youth Summer Camp in KCHAG - Lebanon (August 30 – September 2, 2012)

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Summer camps are considered the highlight of our youth ministry.

Pastor Datev Basmajian, the youth worker of the Armenian Evangelical Churches CE Union, was the leader of the youth camp. The speaker was Rev. Raffi Misirlian, the pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church in Ainjar, talked around the theme “Come and See”. It was based on different events taken from the life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ on this earth, and how he invited his disciples to come and see his lifestyle, miracles, authority, cross, and resurrection, and Jesus’s invitation for commitment and ministry.

The first session was about the “Call to a Relationship”, John 1:35-39, Jesus invites the disciples to come and see his household, not only that, but also invites them to stay with him, know more about Jesus and his life/ministry.

The second session was about the “Call to Have Faith”, in Luke 8:40-56, Jesus proclaims that her faith has healed the woman who was subject to bleeding for twelve years. And the second part of the story continues by Jesus asking Jairus to have faith that his daughter will live.

The third session was about the “Call to the Cross”, in John 17:1-19, Jesus prays for himself and his disciples. He prays and asks for glory for himself, which is the cross in this case. And later on he prays and asks that may God keeps his own (disciples) in this world, and protects them from the evil.

And the fourth session was called “Call to Ministry”, in John 21:1-19, where Jesus appears to his disciples and has the last breakfast with them, and after that he calls Peter to continue his ministry after him.

It was challenging for the youth (43 young people) to come to Christ, to witness his authority and ministry, to recognize the importance and heaviness of the cross, and to commit to outreach and ministry.

The leaders were 5, Mrs. Yester Kilaghabian, Mrs. Kayane Misirlian, Pastor Sebouh Terzian, Pastor Hrayr Cholakian, and Mr. Jiro Ghazarian. They have committed their time, effort, service, focus, and availability to make this camp an event that would glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our daily schedule was full. The youth woke up refreshed in KCHAG, had a good breakfast, quiet time with God, worship, session, break into study groups, coffee break, debate, lunch, leaders meeting, rest, outdoor activities and games, shower time, dinner, evening activities and games, sing song, and ended our day with prayer time.

The commitment night was the highlight of our camp; the youth re-committed their lives to God, and took serious steps towards the calls made during the camp through the sessions, and study groups. Also, they had to turn away from sins, and as a symbolic act they wrote it on a piece of paper and throw it in the consuming fire.

I thank the leaders, the speaker, the AMAA, local supporters, KCHAG staff, and last but not least God, that made this camp possible. I believe that from the first moment of our planning meeting until now, we were blessed by his presence, guidance, grace, and power.

For His Glory, Amen.

Junior Youth Summer Camp in Ainjar - Lebanon (August 13-19, 2012)

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Junior Youth ministry is a dynamic part of the mission of the Armenian Evangelical Churches and Schools in Lebanon. Summer camps are considered the climax of our ministry.

The speaker was Mrs. Seta Kejelian (NEST graduate, BA in Christian Education), talked around the theme of this year “Fears”. Some of the sessions were about “Phobias”, “Fear vs. Anxiety”, “Internal and External Reasons for Fears”, “Parents Fear towards Their Teenage Children”, “Fear in Relationships”, and finally, the real meaning of “Fear of God”. It was challenging for the campers (92 teenagers) to be aware of the fears, anxieties and phobias around them, the importance of dealing with such pressures, understand them, and to favor in growing in God, after understanding the real meaning of the fear of God.

Our daily schedule was full. The campers woke up, had breakfast, quiet time with God, worship, , break into study groups, session, snack break, workshops (NEWS, Video-Clip, Drama, Dessert, Art, and Dance), lunch, leaders meeting, , outdoor activities and games, shower time, dinner, evening activities and games, sing song, and ended our day with prayer time.

The commitment night was the highlight of the camp. Many campers devoted their lives to Christ for the first time, and others had the chance to renew their vows in Christ Jesus our Savior.

On Sunday, we participated in Sunday morning worship at Armenian Evangelical Ainjar Church, our campers sang two new songs they learnt at camp, and two of the youth gave their testimonies of how God worked in their lives, and how they have committed their lives to Christ.

Pastor Datev Basmajian, the youth worker of the Armenian Evangelical Churches CE Union, was the leader of the junior youth camp. The counselors were, Mrs. Talin Meserlian, Miss Shushan Artinian, Miss Nanor Kelenjian, Miss Arine Baghdoyan, Mr. Shahan Kilaghabian, Mr. Shant Aynilian, Mr. Hagop Akbasharian, and Mr. Jiro Ghazarian. We also had 3 helpers this year, Miss. Gacia Danaoghlian, Mr. Njteh Mekhsian, and Mr. Hagop Kerkezian. They have committed their time, effort, service, focus, and availability to make this camp an event that would glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.

Currently we are planning a one-day-retreat in KCHAG, as follow up. We will be inviting the campers and have a one day event at KCHAG, follow up on them, inquire about the decisions made back in summer camp, and encourage them to be different among their peers.

I thank the leaders, the speaker, the AMAA, local supporters, Ainjar boarding school staff, and last but not least God, that made this camp happen. I believe that from the first of our planning meeting until now, we were blessed by his presence, guidance, grace, and power.

For His Glory, Amen.

Why do we keep on doubting?

noreply@blogger.com (Raffi) — Sun, 16 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000

“But Jesus replied, ‘Why are you so afraid? You surely don’t have much faith.’” Matthew 8:26

Doubt is a feeling which comes into the life of the follower of Christ quite often in his/her life. It can even overwhelm that person, make him turn to the other side of Truth, and make him turn away from his Savior. I have seen many of my Christian friends who have left their faith and turned to atheism because of this very fact, doubt.

Doubt is the most normal, human feeling. If you don’t doubt, it means that you’re blindly following a book called the Bible. Indeed, Christianity is based on blind faith, but that doesn’t mean that we should be robots and just believe without even understanding. God gave us a brain which has immense capacity. We must use it for critical thinking. If you don’t doubt, how will you make progress in your walk with Jesus? If you don’t doubt, many people will come to you with arguments which prove your faith wrong. You’ll just say, ‘I know Christ’s message is the true one.’ But after a while, trust me, you’ll have enough of believing when everything tells you not to.

Let me tell you something interesting, that you might know. If I tell you that there was a God-man back in ancient Egyptian mythology named Horus worshipped since 2200 BC, that was conceived by a virgin, had twelve disciples, his birth was announced by angels, three solar deities were guided to his birthplace by a star. This God-man raised from the dead someone called Lazarus. He was baptized at the age of 30. He walked on water, cast out demons and much more. For your sake, I’ll stop now. This story was in circulation much before Jesus came on Earth. Well, I don’t know about you, but Jesus’ story suddenly seems to me less original, just copied from somewhere else. There are plenty of stories like this out there. So if we don’t keep our path straight, think for ourselves, we would just fall in the depths of doubt and at last turn from the only thing that gives us reason to live, Christ’s death on the cross.

As the philosophers of the Enlightenment era said, we must always re-question our faith in order that we might advance in our Faith and walk with Christ. George Herbert, a Welsh priest has said, “He that knows nothing doubts nothing”. Jesus knows that we will doubt. He even says it so many times in the Bible. Tor instance in Luke 24:38 we read, “Why are you so frightened? Why do you doubt?” It’s one of our many flaws as human beings. We can’t completely trust in a God who we have never seen.

However, Christ explicitly says that doubt is not healthy. Doesn’t He know that we are human and that the very act of believing is already hard enough for us?

He even points out the difficult aspect of faith in Matthew 21:21,”If you have faith and don’t doubt, I promise that you can…tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will.” Of course, no one is going to make mountains fall into the sea, but Jesus says it in a hyperbolic way to insist on how hard it is for us to have faith as big as even a mustard seed.

Let’s go back now to our original verse. It’s taken from the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. So more than five thousand people were sitting on the grass, and Jesus asks his disciples in Matthew 14:16, “They don’t have to leave. Why don’t you give them something to eat?” At that moment, I’m sure

everyone thought that Jesus had gone mad, how can we feed all these people, he can’t be serious? They even rebuke Jesus in Mark 6:37, “don’t you know that it would take almost a year’s wages to buy all of these people something to eat?” Of course, Jesus knew that, but he still insisted that they bring what they had.

Once again, Jesus wanted to test their faith, and once again, the disciples fell short of God’s amazing presence.

Indeed, in the Great Commission, Jesus commands us to go to all nations and spread His Word. Do we sometimes fall short of God’s glory, thinking that what He asks us to do is too much for us, mere human beings? God doesn’t expect much of us, only “five loaves of bread, and two fish” he asked from his disciples, which was nothing to feed five thousand people. He only asks from us what we can give to him. He wants us to humble ourselves so He can use our weakness, only if we let him and let go of our pride. As the Lord says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My power is strongest when you are weak”. Are we ready to leave this doubt far away and submit ourselves to Him with true obedience so that the Potter can mold us in whatever shape He wants to, in whatever work that He has in store for us?

Give God a chance to show you His Glory. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you every day so that He can help you overcome Doubt.

I believe that we will never be able to put Doubt aside, we are human. Furthermore, the more we put our trust in God, the more we will feel blessed in His presence, and do not forget, with only twelve disciples Jesus changed the world, imagine what He can accomplish through you.

Vahé Jebejian