Have you read the Bible?

I don't preach Christianity. I believe in Knowing Jesus because knowing Jesus is knowing God. Jesus is God's love in human form. Vivekananda said, "If I lived in Jesus' era, I would have washed his feet with my blood, and not with water." The word gospel means "the announcement of the good news of an emperor born" in Israel, as God had promised the Hebrew people. The gospels –Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John– answer the question, "Who is Jesus?" and "Why did he come?"

The first question has two parts: Who does Jesus claim to be (Messianic King, Israel's Savior, and God in human form)? And, what do people consider him (Prophet, Teacher, Activist, False Messiah, Liberator)? The second question has many parts, such as, "Did he come to save Israel from Roman oppression or the power of Sin and the Devil?" "Does he save only Israel or other people groups also?" Further, "Is the salvation physical and tangible or is it spiritual and intangible?" "Is it about a Kingdom in this world or in the coming World/Age?"

As with the Ramayana, we need to read the Bible in its historical context to grasp the meaning and significance of Jesus' character. Interestingly, just as the Ramayana communicates values central to Hindu tradition, the Bible, through the life and teachings of Jesus, reflects and expresses core Hindu values such as Ahimsa (nonviolence), Satya (truth), Prem (love), Dheeraj (patience), Daya (compassion), and Shanti (peace). Both texts have shaped the ethical frameworks of their respective cultures and have been sources of moral inspiration and debate. Nobody reads the gospels and leaves unaffected, untouched, unmoved, or untransformed (in a good or bad way).

The Bible is God's word for all humans: Israel and the nations. It is a document of God's covenants (will) with humanity. It is the story of Israel (the Kingdom of God) continued through the faithfulness of the Jew-plus-Gentile family of God in Christ Jesus. It is a record of personal testimonies of those who walked with God. In essence, faith in the Bible requires mutual faithfulness between God and his people. When God's people humble themselves, trust and obey him, it results in Δικαιοσύνη θεού or Covenantal justice. Faith in God increases as we hear or read his word.

I live in hostile conditions. I encourage myself to continue in the faith by preaching small sermons and posting them online. Our goal is the final resurrection and life in God's kingdom after Jesus returns as King. It is too big a prize to miss or compromise. For anyone longing to remain faithful each day, even a small act can help: start your morning by reading a short passage from the Bible or pausing to pray for guidance. Reach out to a fellow believer or encourage someone who is struggling. These simple steps help strengthen our trust in God and remind us that we are not alone on this journey.