Apostle Thomas: A Giant of Faith and His Impact on India
Honoring Apostle Thomas: A Giant of Faith and his impact on India
By God's grace I want like to share something significant as we honor an apostle who played a foundational role in spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in India: Apostle Thomas.
Apostle Thomas, one of the original twelve apostles, was a courageous figure who carried the great commission from Jerusalem to the nations. He was not only taught for three and a half years by Jesus Himself, but he also received further revelation during the 40 days following the resurrection of our Lord. Yet, many of us know Thomas primarily as "doubting Thomas," often overlooking his remarkable faith and commitment to the Gospel of the Kingdom.
After the resurrection, the disciples were understandably discouraged and thought that the ministry of Jesus Christ was at an end. However, they were eventually filled with the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost and empowered to spread the message of the Kingdom. Thomas's journey took him to India in 52 A.D., where he became a pioneering figure in establishing the apostolic foundation in one of the world's most diverse and challenging cultures.
During my own experiences in India, particularly since 2009, I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of Thomas's mission. He became a mighty force, preaching the Gospel and establishing a strong foundation for the Church over two decades. Despite the prevalence of 333 million co-called deities in Hinduism, Thomas boldly declared that Jesus Christ is the true and living God, above all others.
It is important to reflect on the historical context. While the Apostle Paul desired to take the Gospel of the Kingdom to Asia, he was prevented by divine intervention. This indicates it was God’s will for Thomas, one of the original disciples who walked with Christ, to carry the truth to India. Many of us may not be aware that Thomas’s ministry laid the groundwork for a significant Christian presence in the country, which continues to thrive today.
Now, approximately 28 million believers in India identify as followers of the way, a testament to Thomas’s faithful work. As we look back over nearly 1900 years, we see that the seeds of faith sown by Apostle Thomas have borne much fruit. Today, India is one of the fastest-growing areas for Christianity, and the harvest is ripe.
Apostle Thomas’s legacy reminds us of the teaching from John 12:24, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of a grain of wheat dying to produce much fruit. Thomas’s martyrdom in India was not in vain; it paved the way for a powerful kingdom movement of faith across the country.
As we honor this incredible giant of faith, let’s remember that he is a foundational stone in the New Jerusalem, as highlighted in Revelation 21:14. His name is listed among the twelve apostles who laid the groundwork for our faith.
In this double decade, 2022, we are reminded of God’s promises and the anointing being released. We stand on the foundation laid by early apostles like Thomas, who were empowered by Christ to bring light into the world. The darkness that once blanketed India cannot withstand the light of Elohim, and I believe it is a time for a fresh outpouring of grace and empowerment over this nation.
People of India, rise up and claim the double portion God is releasing in this season. The pioneering spirit of the early apostles is available to you as you continue to advance His Kingdom. The Holy Spirit is at work, bringing the light of Christ into every corner of your land.
In closing, let us honor apostle Thomas by following his example—spreading the love and truth of Jesus Christ everywhere we go. Together, let’s prepare for the incredible destiny that awaits both India and the global Church in these exciting times.
Jesus Christ bless you, beloved followers of the way! May His peace and grace abound in your lives as you shine His light through the darkness. Shalom!
Comments
Post a Comment