Saturday was Diwali - a Hindu holiday celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.

Ironic and sad, since the religion of Hinduism is in many ways the epitomy of spiritual darkness, and seems more than any other religion, to bring its followers under the terrible power of the evil one. The little lighted diyas that they put out at sundown are a sad reminder of the darkness that Hindus are really in, though they do not realize it.

This house is where two of my good friends live. I do Bible studies with them and they come to our church. They have shown desire to follow Christ, for which I thank God. Their Hindu parents accept their Christian beliefs - but not for themselves. It is a very sad thing to see the bondage of Hinduism on many people. Some will say: "I born Hindu, I going to die Hindu". They may be very tolerant of Christians and even profess to "pray to" Jesus along with their other gods - but turn away from their Hinduism - never.

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:4 ESV

Though Hindus may be in deep spiritual darkness, no spiritual blindness or spiritual hardness or purpose of the evil one can stand against God's sovereign saving grace, which he works by the power of the gospel in the hearts of those whom He will save. No darkness can stand before that mighty Word when it says, "Let there be light." The gospel of the glory of Christ is powerful. Let us proclaim it to all peoples.

For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. - 2 Corinthians 4:5-6 ESV