Writer Ignatius Fernandez joins me today to chat about his new spiritual live lessons book, Think Christ. Live Christian.
Bio:
Ignatius Fernandez is a double postgraduate in chemistry and business management. He holds a certificate for higher English from Cambridge University, UK, where they found him to have a high level of performance in written English.
Rising through the ranks he held positions of General Manager, Director, and Chief Executive in different companies, in different industries. Moving from industry to academics, he was professor of management studies in Business Schools and Corporate Trainer for senior managers, drawn from different industries and levels.
After retiring from full-time service, he took to writing. He has authored 12 books, of which 9 are published. He has also written over 60 articles for blogs, websites, and magazines.
He enjoys reading only nonfiction books – especially on JESUS and spirituality. He listens to Western Classical and Country music and watches cricket matches and movies.
He has four grown sons, all of whom are MBAs, senior managers in industry and published authors.
Welcome, Ignatius. Please tell us a little bit about your current release.
Think Christ. Live Christian is a practical guide to living the two commandments of Jesus.
For many of us Christians the relationship with Christ is casual, even cold and calculating – wanting favors from him, without responding in love. We do not understand the immeasurable love he has for us. We look at him through the human equation – he is like others who are around us. But he pants after us because he cannot help Himself; his love has no circumference, no limits. So, his hand is always open and outstretched, when ours are clenched.
Consider our neighbors. How willingly do we give, forgive, praise, and stay clear of inordinate attachments, when transacting with them? Or take our relationships – fragmented in many cases; beyond repair in some. Avoiding pompous instructions, TCLC outlines how we can take our relationships forward, by giving, forgiving, praising – constantly seeking the help of Jesus.
In short, Think Christ. Live Christian offers a helping hand in making obedience to the two commandments possible, even necessary.
What inspired you to write this book?
Reflecting on Biblical verses, I was struck by the all-embracing two commandments JESUS gave us at the Last Supper – Love God; love others. He compressed the whole of Scripture into those two commandments. Trying to understand them is the first step. Trying to live them is the next – easier said than done. My book is an attempt to outline ways and means of living the two commandments of JESUS in our daily lives.
Excerpt from Think Christ. Live Christian:
To know Jesus is to establish a dynamic relationship with him – not static – which could peak in loving him as the farmer showed us how. Jesus made his love known to us through sacrifice and suffering. How do we make our love known to him? Doing it in any way would be a labor of love, spread across a lifetime – for growing in love is a passion that is on the edge of perfection, and perfection takes time.
No wonder in Matt. 5:48, Jesus exhorted his disciples to be perfect: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” In Leviticus 19:2, through Moses, God urged the Jews to be holy for a reason that denied any argument: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” In 1 Corinthians 3:23, Saint Paul conclusively stated: “You belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” Through attempts to be holy and perfect, we are pleasing in the eyes of Jesus – since we belong to him, and he to God.
What exciting project are you working on next?
JESUS CHRIST – Peerless Leader is being readied for publication.
Do you write full time? What is your day like?
Since I have retired, I engage myself in research for my books and writing them, though I spare time for other activities.
What is an interesting writing quirk?
I am a serious writer of nonfiction, mostly Christ-related ( I do not read or write fiction).
What did you want to be as a child?
As a child I dreamed of becoming a manager with many people reporting to me. Thank God, that dream was realized early in my career.
Anything additional to add for the readers?
I believe, strongly, that I have a God-given purpose in life to make my Lord and Master, Jesus, known and loved by others. To that end I direct my efforts.
“This book is excellent. The quotes and illustrations are amazing. It is scholarly and has the essence of Biblical Christianity.'” Dr. Wayne Norton, Founder and Executive Director of Hope for Your Day Ministries, Claremore, Oklahoma.
Think Christ; Live Christian is a wake-up call to all who profess to follow Christ yet do not understand what it means to be Christian.
“The author has the gift for story-telling. Through many anecdotes and short stories, he weaves a tale that makes a strong case for change.” — Edward Valenzuela, former managing director, Accenture LLC, Littleton, Colorado
“This is a wonderful book! Surely it will impact and challenge you.” –Rev. Kwame Ankoma-Amoa, President and CEO of Gospel of Christ Ministries, Worcester, Massachusetts
“This is a must-read. I found myself completely engaged in the God-inspired words, which seem to draw you in as you read them, and compel you to read more. Each page overflows with hope and wisdom.” — Felicia Starkes-Sherman, writer, author, playwright, director, internet radio personality, speaker, entrepreneur, Columbus, Georgia
This is a very thoughtful book, and I appreciate the reminder to focus on love and to care for your literal neighbors with the “love your neighbor” command.
Anyone who has read this book, what stood out to you?