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Bakht Singh

Bakht Singh Chabra (1903 - 2000). Indian evangelist, church planter, and Bible teacher born in Joiya, Punjab (now Pakistan), to a devout Sikh family. Educated at Punjab University, he studied agricultural engineering in England (1926-1928) and Canada (1929-1932), embracing a Western lifestyle, including smoking and drinking, while rejecting his Sikh roots by shaving his hair. Initially hostile to Christianity—once tearing a Bible apart—he converted in 1929 in Winnipeg after reading the New Testament, influenced by Christian friends John and Edith Hayward. Returning to India in 1933, he began preaching as an Anglican evangelist, later becoming independent, sparking the 1937 Martinpur revival, a pivotal movement in Indian Christianity. In 1941, after a night of prayer in Chennai, he founded Hebron Ministries, establishing over 10,000 indigenous churches modeled on New Testament principles across India and South Asia. Singh authored books like How I Got Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory and held annual “Holy Convocations” in Madras, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kalimpong, drawing thousands. Married to Rama Bai at age 12 in 1915, little is recorded of their personal life. His contextualized gospel, blending Indian spirituality with biblical truth, earned him the title “Elijah of the 21st Century” in Indian Christendom. Singh’s words, “I have never asked any man for anything, but the Lord is richly supplying all my needs,” reflect his faith-driven ministry. Despite Parkinson’s disease in his final decade, his legacy endures through Hebron’s global network and writings, praised by figures like Ravi Zacharias.
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Sermon Summary
In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of the beggar as mentioned in 1st Samuel chapter 2 verse 7 and 8. The preacher emphasizes that God sees us as beggars, helpless and in need of His grace. He describes the beggar as someone living in a dirty and filthy place, symbolizing our sinful state. However, the preacher also highlights God's love and mercy, as He lifts up the beggar from the dust and sets them on thrones of glory. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize their need for God's saving grace and to rely on His unchanging love.
Sermon Transcription
The message delivered by the Lord's servant, Brother Bug Singh, on the evening of 10th November 1970, during the All India Holy Convocation gatherings held at Ebron, Hyderabad. The theme of the message is from 1 Samuel Chapter 2, Verses 1 and 8, The Beggar. The message translated into Telugu by Brother K.N. Augustine, and in Hindi by Brother B. Samuel of Bilaspur. Our mighty and great God, our blessed living and true God, Father of all mercies, giver of all good gifts, Father of all lives, never failing, never changing God, God of glory, the sovereign and keeping God, and the prayer-answering God. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our highly-exalted Savior, with a heart full of righteousness, and a prayer-answering life. We thank Thee for Thy grace, and we thank Thee for Thy grace, and we thank Thee for the means Thou art using to seek and find and save a condemned lucid eye. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, our highly-exalted Savior, with a heart full of righteousness, and a prayer-answering life. We thank Thee for Thy grace, and we thank Thee for Thy grace, and we thank Thee for the means Thou art using to seek and find and save a condemned lucid eye. Without being full-charged of the remaining gatherings, we do what it is that is self-promised in abundance of peace and truth. By faith we rebuke and bind up our darkness. Do give us victory over the enemy's enunching devices. Those who have no peace may find Thy peace. Those who are nauseous may recover it. And those who are waiting upon Thee, hear Thy voice, we hear Thy voice. Those who have fallen, be raised up. Those who are in darkness, come in Thy light. And those who are carrying heavy burdens, elect the grace. The Lord gives any affliction given by strength. Those who are not keeping well, be healed by Thee. Those in Thy service, be anointed by Thee. Those who have unhappy homes, give us Thy grace. Those who have uncrivileged relations, give us Thy abundant prayer for them. Now we pray that we fill the pandal with Thy strength and Thy glory. Be full-charged of the whole period, and by faith we rebuke and bind up our darkness. We pray in the name of the Lord. Adharanayunnadi dukha-dukhamulo vasanamunnadi. Vishwakamunthi dhyaninduni. Asechambhavishrandamulo. Yasodhatukena Adharanayunnadi dukha-dukhamulo vasanamunnadi. Vishwakamunthi dhyaninduni. He is the Grand Old Home, the Grand Old Home. Find a word of comfort wherever you may roam. In His promises of praise, so keep on believing in the Grand Old Home. To the portion from His word. Psalm 145. Adverse 3. Great is the Lord, and great lead to be. Greatness is unsearchable. We are not gathered here to be entertained in any kind of human wisdom and human cleverness. We are not gathered here to be entertained in any kind of human wisdom and human cleverness. Whether we know it or don't know it, we are brought together by our loving God. And we may know something of His greatness. Whether we know it or don't know it, we are brought together by our loving God. And we may know something of His greatness. And yet, we foolish, mortal, weak human beings have a privilege to know something of His greatness. And that's why He is seeking us. And you find in this twofold message in God's word, in the whole Bible. But what we have become because of sin. But what we have become because of sin. How far we have gone away from God because of sin. How far we have gone away from God because of sin. In many ways, you find the same message being brought to us from God's word in the whole Bible. In many ways, you find the same message being brought to us from God's word in the whole Bible. But sinners and its consequences. At the same time, what is in the heart of God, even though we have gone so far away. How His heart of love is bubbling over constantly, evening over us, bringing us to the high position. Then you find all these different stories given to us. She wants to ask the twofold purpose. Many names which Bible gives us as sinners, one name is a beggar. Many names which Bible gives us as sinners, one name is a beggar. His first Samuel and second chapter and verse 8. His first Samuel and second chapter and verse 8. He rises up the poor out of the dust, lifts up the beggars from the hill, to set them on crutches and to make them as a throne of glory. For the pillars of the heart of the Lord, He has set the world upon them. He rises up the poor out of the dust, lifts up the beggars from the hill, to set them on crutches and to make them as a throne of glory. A beggar living in a dung hill. A very dirty, filthy place. No shelter, no house, no building, no refuge. A very filthy, dirty place where he is sitting right now. A very filthy, dirty place where he is sitting right now. And the whole day, he has a friend for begging. Begging for crumbs, begging for food or shelter, whatever he requires, he must beg. Begging for anybody passing by. Begging for children, begging for adults, begging for poor, begging for rich people. Is it very, very sad? A picture of a beggar. That's how God word does call us. A beggar living in a filthy, dirty dung hill. A beggar living in a filthy, dirty dung hill. What we are seeing here, by the word of God, is that even though the earth is full of mud, the Lord is able to lift it up from the dust and place it with the birds. And to make them inherit the throne of glory. Who would ever believe that? You may tell any beggar in your street the same thing. Now, Mr. Beggar, one day you are going to be a great king of glory. And he will say to you, Sir, don't make fun of me. Mr. Beggar, Mr. Beggar, Mr. Beggar. Why are you mocking me? I am already in misery. Why are you mocking me, a beggar like this? Naturally, no beggar will ever believe what you say to him about this. Naturally, no beggar will ever believe what you say to him about this. Mr. Beggar, this is the word of the Lord. This is not the word of a human being. You have to believe it. Whatever God has created, whatever He has revealed, whatever He has said, whatever He has announced, He will fulfill it and do as He says. The book of Numbers, chapter 23, verse 19. God is not a man that he should lie. He is not a man that he should inherit the repentance. Happy says, he not do it. Happy is spoken and shall he not make it good. Numbers 23. God has declared His word, He will fulfill it. God has declared His word, He will fulfill it. He is God of truth. He is yes, yes. And that's why we are told in God's word, that we are going to be judged even for one idle word. Whatever word we say, we will be judged for it. Matthew 24, and 12 chapters. Verse 36. And I say unto you, every idle word men shall speak, they shall give account in the day of judgment. So there can't be any idle word in God's word. Even though we can't understand it, God will fulfill, verify all that He has said. Now can you see for yourself, why is God calling us by the name a beggar? Now can you see for yourself, why is God calling us by the name a beggar? There are few cases of beggars mentioned in God's word. And the apostles, and 3rd chapter, we saw that other day in family prayer. Those two. And a certain man, lame from his mother's womb, was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple, which he called beautiful, to ask alms of them, answered in prayer. He was a beggar and a lame ox. He was so lame, could not even walk. So they had to carry him and leave him there, as he gave the temple. He was so helpless. And he saw the people coming in and going out of the temple, he began to beg for alms. Whatever he need, he was depending upon the temple. He was depending upon the people passing by, coming in and going out. And he was a lame beggar. Absolutely helpless. Now what a clear picture of a sinner. Sin makes us helpless. We have no strength left, not by any temptation. Even though we may say, I won't do this and won't do this. We are bound to be dragged into some sin, sometime, somewhere. We are helpless. We absolutely don't have strength left to conquer any temptation. Great right. And also we are never satisfied. We are never satisfied. We have to beg for something all the time. Depending upon others for our physical satisfaction. As sinners we are begging everybody for something. Because we have seen us hungry of some kind, not satisfied. Our physical satisfaction. As sinners we are begging everybody for something. Because we have seen us hungry of some kind, not satisfied. Because we have seen us hungry of some kind, not satisfied. When you throw your leaves outside after finishing your food, you see some people actually come outside to lick the leaves. And you see, they are so hungry. Even a few grains of rice left over on your right sleeve is being licked by them. They go that way from place to place. Wherever they hear about the leaves as a wedding function, they go there. Because they are hungry. They want something. Many years ago, when I was shipwrecked coming to Shanghai, China, somebody said to us, don't throw away the leftover bread. Keep safely. There are many, many hungry people in China waiting for the crumbs. When you go to China, there are many hungry people waiting for the crumbs. We went on saving for many, many days leftover bread and biscuits, whatever we could find to save. The crumbs and biscuits were left over for many days. We saw many, many people coming with a small boat in the ship. We saw many, many people coming with a small boat in the ship. They were carrying very big bamboo. And a small net to tie on the top. And a small net to tie on the top. When they came near, they raised the bamboo. Dugging for the dry crumbs left over for 2-3 weeks. You wouldn't even look at them. You wouldn't even look at them. But they were so thankful. They kept on begging for their livelihood. As the condition of the beggar, he was not born again. He was a wandering beggar. Licking the filthy, dirty novels. And for hours, standing in a queue to go to the cinema. And for hours, standing in a queue to go to the cinema. And like a fool, looking here and there the whole time. Why? They are hungry of something. Hungry of the lustful, filthy, dirty, evil desire. Like a beggar, they go here, they go there for some satisfaction. Licking the filthy, dirty leaves of novels, story books. Hungry beggars. Living in dung hills. No satisfaction. No real peace in the heart. Full of filth and dirt. Just as a beggar is very happy in the filthy conditions. No bath for ten years. Filthy, dirty clothes never washed for fifteen years. He has not cut for many, many years. And they are quite happy in the filth. They are filth-proof. Filth-proof. Thank you for many people also. Many people are more happy in filthy, dirty, filthy music radio. Only morning delivery time. Mothers and children and fathers in the same condition. Happy and no guilty conscious. Seeing filthy things and hearing immoral music, no guilty conscious. Because they are beggars. They are filthy beggars. You may be a professor. You may be a collector. You may be any minister. You may be any minister. You may be a slave to these things. Filthy, dirty story books. Immoral music. Now in filthy, dirty, evil cinema. Filthy cinema. You are, for God, a filthy beggar. This is God's picture for you. A beggar, a filthy beggar living in Dunghill. Living himself. Whole body naked. Filthy, dirty rag. If you go these days to America and other countries, Australia, Europe countries, among women specially, especially women, whole body naked. Let's make it up to here. And no sense of shame. Oh filthy beggars, dirty beggars. Quite happy in the nakedness. As a beggar is happy in filthy, dirty rag. Savage cinders. Makes us helpless. And makes us spiritually deaf and blind. And slaves to every filthy, dirty, immoral activity. And the very same beggar we are told over here is going to give a new life. He began to run about. Ex-apostle. And third chapter. And verse 67. And verse 67. And verse 68. And verse 69. And if it was immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood and walked and turned with them into the temple, walking and leaping, appeasing God. All the people saw him walking and praising God. How quickly, just by one word, the bag was fully changed. In the name of God, the beggar has changed. In the name of Jesus Christ. One who died fast enough arose again. In that blessed name, he was raised up again. And killed the spirits of life. God has raised up dead. We are witnesses. His name, so we say, has made man strong. Faith has justified. It was Peter who gave him that new life. Himself to say that. Lord, you have died, whom they crucified. God raised up. He has given him new feet and new legs, everything new. He himself has given him a new life, new hands, new legs, a new man. Now the same Lord has died again, now in our midst. The same Lord Jesus Christ, who rose again from the dead, now in our midst, is here. Talking to every beggar. Willing to bless everyone. And lift every beggar from Doggy Hill. And make him a prince on the throne of glory. And that's how God's greatness, here being mentioned by Hannah. And that's why God's greatness is being mentioned by Hannah. She was dying for some time. She was longing for a child. God heard the prayer. Gave his son, who they came in blessing to marry. God gave him a son. After that, he was a blessing to many. And she began to see God in a new way. And she began to see God in a new way. You see 1st and 2nd chapter. And from the verse 3. Talk no more so exceedingly proudly. Let that arrogancy come out of his mouth. For God's knowledge. And by him, exonerate. Talk no more so exceedingly proudly. Let that arrogance come out of his mouth. For God's knowledge. And by him, exonerate. The bows of the mighty are broken. And they that stumble are guarded with strength. The bows of the mighty are broken. And they that stumble are guarded with strength. Verse 7. God makes it poor and makes it rich. He brings it low and brings it up. So the one repent, they be one day brought down low. How so mighty they may be. One day they be brought down low. The bows of the mighty are broken. One day God must punish him. One day God must punish him. How so great he may be in the world. But one day, we must be judged about him. At that time, our friends, relations, others, money can never save us. But those who are now willing to come humble, being sorry for their sin, they not only will be removed their sin, they will be raised to a very high position. And one day they will become heavenly kings forever. No more lame beggars. No more blind beggars. No more crippled beggars. They will be princes. Sitting on the throne of glory. What's it? He is the poor dust built of the beggar dunghill to set among princes and to make them inherit the throne of glory. Only a great God can break the bow of the mighty. And the same great God can lift the beggar on a hump of glory. And this great God can lift the beggar on a hump of glory. In this evening, God will uncover your condition and your sin. Not because He wants to punish you. But He wants to forgive you. And cover your nakedness from by your begging. And the humility of your habit of begging will make you and lift you from your filthy place. And bring you upon the throne of glory as heavenly king. Only a great God can do it. Only a great God can lift the beggar on a hump of glory. And a human being can't do it. Neither the priest nor the servants can do it. But God can lift the beggar on a hump of glory. He showed love to him. And to show his love to him, God made him. On the very day God made him. God made him mature at the very beginning. God cooked him. My dear son Adam, with gay love I have made you. Now I want to give you a birthday gift. Adam never asked for it. God himself gave him. He chose love for him. I am a prema-sutra-siddhi. My dear son, hold on to your... I make you a king in the whole earth. At that time, there were no curses. No sickness, no poison, no death, no sorrow. Everywhere so clean. God gave Adam that wonderful earth as a birthday gift. God said to him, ask who I give you dominion and power over the fishes, over the fowls, all the cattle. God gave Adam all these things. So because of sin, disobedience, he lost that privilege. So because of sin, disobedience, he lost that privilege. Again God says, in verses 3 and 6, I am the Lord, I fear not. Therefore these sons of Jacob are not consumed. I am the Lord, I fear not. God can never change. He changed. God can never change. God can never change. His love unchanging. His power unchanging. His purpose unchanging. What He has purposed, it must come to pass. Even though Adam failed God, Even though Adam failed God, God will not fail Adam. His purpose has never changed. And that's why Lord has come into the world. And that's why Lord has come into the world. Adam was not disobedient. Our Lord gained by obedience. God can never change. God can never change. He changed. God can never change. His love unchanging. His power unchanging. His purpose unchanging. What He has purposed, it must come to pass. Even though Adam failed God, God will not fail Adam. His purpose has never changed. And that's why Lord has come into the world. And that's why Lord has come into the world. Adam was not disobedient. Our Lord gained by obedience. On our behalf, He became so obedient. He became so obedient. Please see 2nd chapter. As soon as he found in fashion as a man, As soon as he found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient He humbled himself and became obedient on death, even the death of the cross. So through sin, Adam became a beggar, so through sin, Adam became naked, now of the Lord, you become a princess, no more beggars, but princess, no more naked, but savoured by his own garment, every believer, every believer, God wants you to be a king, and that is why his patience and love is seeking us, as we saw last evening, he gave all what he had to seek us, to find us, to forgive us, and change us, and one day in him, we shall be complete and perfect, because that is why he is God made man, to make him king over the whole earth, that is why he has given dominion over all the creation, birds, animals, fishes, and that will be possible, and we are filled finally with the whole life of Lord Jesus Christ, 2nd chapter, 2nd chapter, 9th chapter, for in him dwelleth all the full body and bodily, and we are complete in him, which is the adorned to the power, all God fullness, fullness in the Lord Jesus Christ bodily, God can never change, we change, God can never change, his love unchanging, his power unchanging, his purpose unchanging, what he has purposed, it must come to pass, even though Adam failed God, even though Adam failed God, the Lord will not fail Adam, and that is why the Lord is king of the world, but Adam lost by disobedience of the Lord, gained by obedience, and never be half, he became so obedient, received with the 2nd chapter, 8th chapter, and he found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient on death, even the death of the cross, so through sin Adam became a beggar, also through sin Adam became naked, now through Lord Jesus Christ, we become princes, no more beggars, but princess, no more naked, but covered by his own garment, glory and beauty, every believer, for worship to be a king, and that is why his patience and love is in God, and we saw last evening, he gave all what he had, to seek us, to find us, to forgive us and change us, and one day in him, we shall be complete and perfect, bounty to be a holy king, and that is why God made man, to make him king over the whole earth, and to give him dominion over all the creation, birds, animals, and that will be possible when we are filled finally with the whole life of Lord Jesus Christ, and that will be possible when we are filled finally with the whole life of Lord Jesus Christ, all who came to him were healed by him, just by him, same way he showed his power over the water, over the sea, over the air, over the demons, same way he showed his power over the water, over the sea, over the air, over the demons, and he was not filled by the fullness, but we can't get there yet, have a think, and that's why one day we are given immortal bodies, in that body we will be filled fully with mindfulness, and then we shall reign with our Lord as king, and then we shall reign with our Lord as king, book of Revelation, and chapter 5, and the verse is 9 and 10, and they sung a new song, saying, the worthy take the book, open the season of, the book of slaves, and have little to go by blood, every kindred, son, and people nation, and have fear of God, kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. and they sung a new song, saying, the worthy take the book, open the season of, the book of Revelation, and have little to go by blood, every kindred, son, and people nation, and have fear of God, kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. and they sung a new song, saying, the worthy take the book, open the season of, the book of Revelation, and have little to go by blood, every kindred, son, and people nation, and have fear of God, kings and priests, and we shall reign on the earth. All among us who are willing to be redeemed by his blood, washed by the blood, cleansed by the blood, can become heavenly kings. If we prefer to remain beggars, he won't compel us. But very lovingly he will come to us again and again. I owe him Mr. Beggar, I still love you, I died even for you, I am willing to forgive you, I am willing to wash you, I am willing to take away filthy garments and give you new garments, I am willing to make you my king, Are you willing? He won't force it. There is no compulsion in divine law. There is no compulsion in the love of God. Now see for example, when a shepherd was in the boat rowing very hard. It was a very, very dark night. And the sea became very rough. Then they see the Lord Jesus walking upon the water coming near them. But when he came near the boat, he stopped there, waiting for their permission to come in the boat. Is that a mystery? Start from 6th, from the verse 18, responsibly. Willingly, he walked upon the water. For four miles, he had power to repress the storm. By one word, the storm came to a calm. He was standing outside the boat. My disciples, can I come inside? A king asks you for bachelor's permission. It is a divine law. No compulsion, no force in divine law. You are more happy in filth and dirt. God will push you in the kingdom. Are you ready to forgive you? And lift you from down hill. And clothe you with garments of glory and beauty. And accept you to be heavenly king forever. What a great saviour! What a great salvation! What a high purpose of salvation! What a mystery! A beggar, a beggar, a beggar, living in down hill for years, now reigning as a king upon the throne. A beggar, a beggar, a beggar, living in down hill for years, now reigning as a king upon the throne. Indeed, God is wonderful. And His greatness is unsearchable. And His greatness is unsearchable. You find me end of one day full of worry, full of mystery. When I see you a person of glory, When I see you a person of glory, They have the crown. They will say, Lord, yes, I am. We all know that beggar in Mashirabad. We have seen him licking his tizzy knees for many years. We have seen him licking his tizzy knees for many years. Rotting in cinema. Drinking, drinking, boiling music like water. Drinking, drinking, boiling music like water. How did he do it? We know one thing. Same beggar in Mashirabad. How did he go there? So high. So high. He is in shining clothes. In heavenly crown. Lord, how did he do it? Lord says, to my blood. And to my love. And because of my grace. I went to him. I spoke to him. And told the condition to him. He forgave his sin. I forgave him. And washed him. Do not be jealous of him. This is my grace. This is my purpose. Do not be jealous. Rather come and rejoice. And the whole heaven is filled with heavenly music. Yes, Lord, you are a great God. And you are insatiable. And beyond your greatness. You are full of glory. Lord, you are ready. Long he sits in the lowest place. And he is happy to lift you from the lowest position. Come with all humility. With a broken heart. Feeling to be sorry for yourself. This very evening, before he finishes speaking. He will forgive you. This very evening, before he finishes speaking, he will forgive you. He is so faithful. He won't say, I will forgive you after ten minutes or one hour. He won't say, after ten minutes or one hour, I will forgive you. He won't say, I am very busy now. He won't say, tomorrow at my gate. No, no, no, no. Right now, he will forgive you. The very second you call upon him. He will forgive you. He will forgive you and wash your sins. And accept it, we have written. I shall be praying. Our loving Heavenly Father. God of Grace, Mercy and Peace. Our Mighty and Wonderful King God. Whose Greatness is Unsustainable. Whose Love is Unchanging. Whose Word is True. Whose Grace is Abundant. Whose Ways are Fully Out. Whose Longing to Bless Us.
Beggarly
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Bakht Singh Chabra (1903 - 2000). Indian evangelist, church planter, and Bible teacher born in Joiya, Punjab (now Pakistan), to a devout Sikh family. Educated at Punjab University, he studied agricultural engineering in England (1926-1928) and Canada (1929-1932), embracing a Western lifestyle, including smoking and drinking, while rejecting his Sikh roots by shaving his hair. Initially hostile to Christianity—once tearing a Bible apart—he converted in 1929 in Winnipeg after reading the New Testament, influenced by Christian friends John and Edith Hayward. Returning to India in 1933, he began preaching as an Anglican evangelist, later becoming independent, sparking the 1937 Martinpur revival, a pivotal movement in Indian Christianity. In 1941, after a night of prayer in Chennai, he founded Hebron Ministries, establishing over 10,000 indigenous churches modeled on New Testament principles across India and South Asia. Singh authored books like How I Got Joy Unspeakable and Full of Glory and held annual “Holy Convocations” in Madras, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Kalimpong, drawing thousands. Married to Rama Bai at age 12 in 1915, little is recorded of their personal life. His contextualized gospel, blending Indian spirituality with biblical truth, earned him the title “Elijah of the 21st Century” in Indian Christendom. Singh’s words, “I have never asked any man for anything, but the Lord is richly supplying all my needs,” reflect his faith-driven ministry. Despite Parkinson’s disease in his final decade, his legacy endures through Hebron’s global network and writings, praised by figures like Ravi Zacharias.