PRAYER EQUALIZES WORSHIP

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Would you believe me if I said that "prayer" is a form of worship?
In various religions, such as Islam, prayer is one of the primary ways to offer worship to
Allah. According to Nabeel Qureshi, there are different sets of prayers depending on the
situation and reasons like adhan, salaat, and du'aa. Some are improvised, while others
are prescribed in their sacred books.
Bilang kristiyano ba, is prayer important to us? Engaged parin ba tayo in our prayer life?
How often do we pray each day? Ano yung opinion natin about prayer? Do we still have
the same fervor when it comes to prayer, or do we only pray when we want something?
Before we delve into that, let's address some misconceptions about prayer.
MISCONCEPTION 1: Prayer is only for emergency situations.
If we view prayer as solely for emergencies, there is something wrong with our
relationship with God and how we perceive prayer as Christians. Quoting verses like "God
will give you the desires of your heart..." and using prayer as a means to attain personal
desires is problematic. May mali na sa gantong aspeto ng pananalangin natin. We are to
do the Lord's will, not our will.
MISCONCEPTION 2: Prayer becomes an oral habit.
Sometimes prayer can become a mere habit, like reciting words without genuine heartfelt
meaning. It's like when you're in school, about to have a break, and the teacher asks you
to pray for the food before going to the canteen. You may go through the motions and
pretend to pray sincerely, but it's just empty words without true connection.
MISCONCEPTION 3: Prayer becomes an obligation.
If we see prayer as an obligation imposed by leaders, parents, or sincere Christian friends,
we miss the point. Entering a relationship is not about obligation. Kung halimbawang
mayroon kang kotse tapos yung ka-couple mo wala, then magpapasundo siya sa'yo to
pick him/her up, would you consider it an obligation to give them a ride when they ask?
Likewise, if you view your relationship with Jesus as an obligation, you're missing out on
the true essence of that relationship.
The status of your prayer life reflects your sincerity in walking with Jesus. Just as Daniel's
life exemplifies the impact of prayer in our walk with God, Jesus also placed great value
on His prayer life. Prayer is a way to communicate and deepen our connection with God.
Prayer is a form of worship because, like Jesus, it acknowledges and gives glory to God.
It is through prayer that Jesus relied on the work of God the Father and the Holy Spirit
within Him. Prayer gave Him the courage to fulfill the Father's will and save us.
Recognizing God above all else, Jesus devoted more attention to prayer than to
performing miracles. For Him, prayer restored joy, brought comfort, and encouraged Him
to do His ministry.
Our prayer life reveals the state of our relationship with Jesus. If our prayer life is dead, it
indicates a dead Christian life. We serve the living God, not a dead one. A weak prayer
life signifies weakness as a Christian.
When our faith weakens, it may be because our prayer life has diminished. Take the time
to evaluate your prayer life and see how it reflects your Christian walk. A Christian who is
weak in prayer cannot withstand spiritual warfare.
Dapat sa isang kristiyano, mas mahalaga sa kanya ang BUHAY PANALANGIN kaysa ang
ibang bagay na maliit ang porsyento na makakaapekto sa lakad niya bilang kristiyano.
Mas magbabad tayo sa panalangin kaysa sa ministry, dahil kahit anong gawa natin sa
ministry, kung mahina tayo sa prayer, mahina rin ang impact natin sa ministry kung saan
tayo inilagay ng Diyos.
Let us be mature and Christlike, never allowing our prayers to crumble. Start afresh,
rekindle your prayer life, and watch your Christian life thrive (Matthew 6:7-8; Psalm 95:6).
Remember, prayer is a powerful tool in our relationship with God. Cultivate a vibrant and
sincere prayer life, and you will experience the transformative impact it brings to your
Christian journey. (Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 51:17)
Huwag mong hayaang mawala ang prayer life mo, dahil kapag nawala ang prayer life,
mamamatay ang iyong Christian life.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS PERFECT CHRISTIAN
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Ang kaaway natutuwa kapag nakikita niya tayong nadi-discourage because of other's
footsteps. Sa napakarami nating ginawa, kapag nagkamali tayo — pagkakamali ang
titignan sa atin. Ganun din sa nangyayari sa mga kristiyano at sa reyalidad na nilalakaran
nila.
Always remember, Christians are people, they are not perfect. Every human being,
regardless of their faith — christians — like any other human being, has flaws,
weaknesses, and struggles.
Nagkakamali ang mga kristiyano dahil hindi sila perpekto. They strive to live a life that is
pleasing to God and in accordance with His teachings, but they are not exempt from
making mistakes, experiencing doubt or temptation, or facing challenges and hardships.
The Bible acknowledges the imperfection of humanity and the need for God's grace and
mercy, at hindi exempted ang mga kristiyano (Romans 3:23). It is through faith in Jesus
Christ and His sacrifice on the cross that believers are saved and receive forgiveness for
their sins.
Christians, like all people, are not perfect. Christians are simply those who have
recognized their imperfections and need for a Savior, and have chosen to follow Jesus
Christ.
Christianity is not about being perfect, but about recognizing our imperfections and relying
on the grace of God to guide us towards growth, improvement, and to conform to His
likeness.
We come to faith in Christ because we acknowledge our sins and the need for forgiveness
and salvation that only He can provide.
Rather than striving for perfection, Christians are called to pursue holiness and growth in
our relationship with God. This involves acknowledging our weaknesses and faults,
repenting when we fall short, and relying on God's strength and guidance to live a life that
honors God.
Christianity is a journey of growth and transformation, and while we may stumble along
the way, we can always rely on the grace of God to pick us up and guide us towards
righteousness.
It is important to remember that perfection is not required to have a relationship with God,
but rather a humble and repentant heart. Dahil kung perpekto ako, hindi ko na kailangan
ng Kristong namatay sa krus ng kalbaryo, pero hindi ganun ang reyalidad.
Yes, I'm a Christian, but of course I am not perfect. I am proud to call myself an imperfect
Christian because I serve a perfect God. God's grace is always sufficient for us.
"KASALANAN NI ADAN AT EBA TAPOS MAGIGING OBLIGASYON KO?"
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If I commit a sin, is it Adam's fault? Hmmm... I hope you will gain something from this.
This is a question sent to me through messenger, and I'm glad that there is still this kind
of curiosity among Christians and non-Christians alike. It is important for us to have
curiosity about things before coming to any conclusions. To the sender of this message,
I hope you will also get to read this. First and foremost, may God be glorified!
So let's start, here's her response.
1.) "Hindi ko naman pinangarap na mabuhay, or never ko hiniling sa god na magexist
ako, pero bigla ako nagexist ng walang kamalay malay, then bigla ako nagkaroon ng
kasalanan tapos kapag hindi ako nag-repent bigla akong mapupunta sa hell?..."
▫️"Hindi ko naman pinangarap na mabuhay..."
— in Romans chapter 5, we see how Adam's transgressions affect every individual. Paul
emphasized the universality of sin that Adam brought forth by simple disobedience to
God. Tinawag tayong makasalanan (sinners) dahil sa disobedience ni Adam. Adam was
the head of mankind; he could bring offspring. Generally, not all of us are dreamt to live.
Some people would rather not be alive than suffer atrocities and suffering every day of
human life. Mayroon naman because of materialistic impressions and dreams, na
gustong ma-aattain pero hindi na-attain.
▫️"...or never kong hiniling sa god na magexist ako, pero bigla ako nagexist ng walang
kamalay malay..."
— who are we to decide? We cannot. Hindi pupwedeng pigilan natin ang paglalabing-
labing ng mga magulang natin. They have free will to do things they want beyond our
desires. The nature of man and woman is to produce offspring. To produce life is their
number one purpose. Ang absurd na gagawin muna ng magulang na humingi ng consent
sa kanilang magiging anak na ipanganak siya bago nila siya buuin. Hindi sa baby
humihingi ang magulong ng consent para lang makapag-honeymoon sila to produce life.
That's their choice to make, not the baby's.
▫️"then bigla ako nagkaroon ng kasalanan tapos kapag hindi ako nag-repent bigla akong
mapupunta sa hell?..."
— yes, it's true na naging makasalanan ka sa harapan ng Diyos dahil sa na inherit mong
kasalanan mula kay Adan, pero ang kasalanan na ginagawa mo magpasahanggang
ngayon ay hindi kasalanan ni Adan. Sabihin nating abusive, masama, at talagang
irresponsible ang tatay mo. Noong lumaki ka, nagkaroon ka ng mas malalang ugali kaysa
sa tatay mo. It's true na na inherit mo yung some certain physical traits and syempre yung
dna ng tatay mo, but it's absurd and nonsense to claim na kasalanan ng tatay mo na
lumaki kang matigas ang ulo o kaya ka naging mas masama kaysa sa kanya dahil
kasalanan niya His deeds might have an effect on you, but you are responsible for your
own actions. Kung nagnakaw ka at nahuli ka ng pulis, hindi mo pupwedeng sabihin sa
pulis na kasalanan ng magulang mo kaya ka naging ganyan. No, you are accountable for
your own actions, kahit pa anlaki ng pagkukulang sayo ng magulang mo. Your choice is
not theirs to make. So their choices aren't yours to make.
Ganun din sa nangyari noong nagkasala sila Adan at Eba, noong pumasok ang
kasalanan THROUGH ADAM (Rom. 5), lahat ng mga ipinanganak mula kay Adan ay
isang makasalanan. God promised immediately to Adam na mamamatay siya ng mga
oras na iyon (spiritually) at unti-unting darating sa punto na mamamatay si Adan at lahat
ng mga nagmula sa kanya ay hahantong rin sa physical death even to so many
generations. We are affected by spiritual death. Death is the grave consequence of the
disobedience Adam and Eve committed. Naging makasalanan ka/tayo dahil PRIMARILY
nagmula ka kay Adan. Pero ang kasalanan na ginagawa natin ngayon ay hindi dahil
kasalanan ni Adan, ang pagsisinungaling mo, pagmumura mo, pagpapaimbabaw mo, o
panunuod mo man ng malalaswang bagay? It's not Adam's fault; it's your fault.
Just like Adam, na may kakayanang sumunod o hindi sa sinasabi ng Diyos, ganun rin
tayo. We can do things that are pleasing to God, but since we are sinners and we are far
from spiritual reconciliation, even the things that seem good for us are still filthy rags in
the sight of the Holy God. We need to be born again through the work of the Holy Spirit
within us. We must be born again spiritually, dahil patay tayo ispiritwal simula noong
nagkasala si Adan willfully (Gen. 2:17–18; Gen. 3:6; Jn. 3:3).
We are guilty of Adam's disobedience, and we share the same guilt as Adam (Ps. 51:5;
Rom. 5:12, 18) losing the image of God when we were first created by God (Gen. 6:4).
Though we became sinners originally because of Adam's fall, and although Adam was
worthy of blame for the fall of mankind, by no means is he deserving of blame for your
own sins. Out of heart-willfully, Adam sinned before the Lord, and still out of heart-willfully,
you sinned and still commit sins before God. Adam isn't to blame for your own actions.
2.) "...parang lumalabas kasi kuya nagkaroon ako ng obligasyon eh malay koba dun hindi
ko naman po hiniling na mabuhay tapos kapag nagkasala hindi nagrepent dagat
dagatang apoy ako mapupunta".
▫️"...parang lumalabas kasi kuya nagkaroon ako ng obligasyon eh malay koba dun hindi
ko naman po hiniling na mabuhay..."
— lahat tayo, unconsciously, we have no knowledge, habang binubuo tayo ng mga
magulang natin. Their choice is not ours to make. Originally, God designed man and
woman to have offspring; that is their original design. Hindi mo o ko obligasyon because
to say it's your obligation to bore Adam's fall is to say you or we can save mankind's fall.
Tandaan mo, there is one person who bore the sins of mankind's transgressions — Jesus
Christ, who is without sin. Lahat tayo apektado ng kasalanan: who are we to change the
past? Who are we to change what happened before? Itinuring tayong makasalanan dahil
sa ginawang kasalanan ni Adan, pero yung kasalanang ginagawa natin ngayon ay hindi
kasalanan ni Adan. We inherit a sinful nature because of Adam's disobedience. That's
why we need a Savior who can save us from the penalty of sin — death.
▫️"...tapos kapag nagkasala hindi nagrepent dagat dagatang apoy ako mapupunta".
— some argue that it is unjust for God to punish all of Adam's descendants for Adam's
actions. But is it truly unjust? Tingnan natin ito mula sa isang ibang anggulo.
When Adam sinned, siya'y nagri-represent sa buong sangkatauhan. Sa isang paraan, we
were present in him. Ang kanyang paglabag ay nagdulot ng isang malalim na pagbabago
sa kalikasan ng tao, nagdala ng kasalanan, at ang mga bunga nito sa mundo. Namana
natin ang makasalanan na kalikasan mula kay Adan, at bilang resulta, tayo ay likas na
may kahiligang magkasala. Isipin natin ang isang sitwasyon kung saan isang hari ang
namumuno sa isang kaharian, at ang hari ay nagkasala ng pagtataksil laban sa kanyang
sariling kaharian. Bilang resulta, ang buong kaharian ay nagdusa sa mga epekto ng
kanyang mga aksyon. Ang mga tao, bilang mga sakop ng hari, ay hindi maiiwasan ang
epekto ng kanyang desisyon. Sa parehong paraan, si Adan, bilang kinatawan at pinuno
ng sangkatauhan, ay gumawa ng isang desisyon na nagdulot ng impluwensya sa lahat
ng kanyang mga descendants.
And it is important to recognize that God is just and righteous. He cannot simply overlook
sin. Sin is a rebellion against God's perfect and holy nature. It disrupts the harmony and
order that God intended for the world. Therefore, there must be a consequence for sin.
But God's justice is not without mercy. Despite the consequences of Adam's sin, God
provided a way for humanity to be reconciled with Him. Through Jesus Christ, God's Son,
who lived a perfect and sinless life, died on the cross, and rose again, a path to
forgiveness and salvation was opened. Through faith in Jesus, we can receive
forgiveness for our sins and be restored in our relationship with God.
Conclusion:
While it may seem harsh on the surface, na para bang ang unfair na nabuhay tayo tapos
may na inherit tayong nakakatakot na parusa sa kasalanang nakuha natin mula kay Adan,
it is not without purpose. The punishment inherited from Adam's sin serves as a reminder
of the gravity of sin and the need for redemption. God's ultimate plan is to bring restoration
and offer salvation to all who believe in Jesus.
We can be saved because Jesus Christ offers us salvation through Him, and in Him there
is grace, forgiveness from past, present, and future sins, and fulfillment. Jesus died on
the cross, and He rose again on high to pay the debt and penalty you deserve.
THE TRUE FRUIT OF THEOLOGY IS SEEN IN OUR CHARACTER, NOT IN OUR
KNOWLEDGE.
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Leonard Ravenhill once said, "Theology for the eyes is no good."
Maikli man ang nilalaman ng salita, pero malaki ang matututuhan natin sa sinabi niya.
Maraming nais makapag-aral sa Bible schools, mayroong mga kristiyanong pursued rin
ang makakuha ng degree sa theology school, but not all who studied are mature
pagdating sa character as a Christian.
The evidence of studying theology is seen more in our character than in the knowledge
we have.
Gaano man kalaki ang nalalaman natin sa teolohiya, makikita't makikita ang bunga ng
teolohiya natin sa kung papaano ito nagsasalamin sa character natin.
Character has the greatest impact on theology. Anyone can study theology and learn a
lot, gaining greater knowledge about various aspects. However, not everyone who studies
theology develops a Christlike character.
Why? These are the things that hinder someone from being Christlike.
1. An unapplied theology
— one abuse na ginagawa natin sa napag-aralan nating teolohiya ay ang hindi natin
pagsasagawa nito sa ating mga buhay. Unapplied can create a negative vibe of self-
centered acknowledgment, na kesyo naaral mo na ito, or 'yan," and may increase
knowledge about certain things. All you need to do is stockpile. Aminin man natin o sa
hindi, mayroon at mayroon talagang pagkakataon na gusto nating magbasa ng mga libro,
pero ang nangyayari ay para makapagbasa lang at makakuha lang ng kaalaman, hindi
ma-apply.
2. A misuse of theology
— head knowledge can create a barrier between you and other people, either Christians
or non-Christians. Theology is important, and we all agree on that, but madalas nami-mis-
use natin yung theology, sa papaano paraan? nagagawa nating i-apply ang ibang
nalaman natin at dinadissect natin yung ibang mga na-encounter nating napag-aralan
dahil mayroong kurot na ayaw nating maramdaman. Kaya mayroong areas parin sa life
natin at may pag-u-ugali parin tayong hindi mabago-bago ay dahil we tend to disregard
ALL lessons we have learned from the Bible or kahit pa sa theology book na napag-aralan
natin at nabasa natin.
3. A wrong theology
— how we act and live our lives reflects the theology we study. Mayroong ring
pagkakataon na may curiosity tayo toward sa pagiging isang totoo Christian, pero nag-i-
end up tayo sa maling katuruan. It's easy to fall prey to the devil's scheme na wala nang
dapat tayong ikabahala sa mga nababasa natin, sa mga natutuhan natin sa bibliya, or sa
anumang christian literature(s). Paul encourages us to examine and test every spirit, and
kahit mga sarili natin at mga taong nakapaligid sa atin. Inaanyayahan niya ang mga
kristiyano na maging tulad ng mga bereans. Mamaya maaring yung sinasamahan mong
tao o yung taong ina-admire mo hindi mo namamalayan natuturuan ka nang ma-adapt
yung mali niyang ugali at teolohiya. It's also crucial to set boundaries with those whom
we think can help us grow in our walk as Christians. Not everything we think can help us
can. In most circles, we tend to be a reason for malayo tayo sa totoong bunga ng Spirit
of God, lakad natin sa Diyos, and tamang katuruan sa teolohiya.
4. Theeology over Theology
— may mga times rin na tama naman yung theology na pinag-aaralan natin, pero ang
nangyayari may times na yung theology na dapat kay Lord naka-center, nagiging tayo na
yung center, and it is called "theeology". Narinig mo na ba ito? Yung theology ay ikaw ang
standard ng living and walking mo bilang kristiyano.
Pero mali.
Kaya ka nga kristiyano at kaya need mo magkaroon ng kaalaman sa faith at sa theology,
not because para sa'yo lang, kundi first of all, ginagawa mo yun PARA KAY LORD. In a
word, "Christian", it resonates the idea that once you put Christ first in all matters, you are
recognizing that you are nothing without Him and you are recognizing His Lordship. By
putting Christ second, third, fourth, or fifth and placing someone as first, or kahit sarili mo,
you are opposing the word "Christian." Walk in THEO [God's] logy, not in "THEE [you]
logy."
Isang malaking paalala sa atin ang buhay ng mga Pariseo noong panahon ni Hesus.
They may have graduated from the book of Torah after spending their whole lives studying
it. They may have knowledge above the others, but that doesn't change the fact that when
they encountered face-to-face the Man [Jesus], who came down from heaven and is filled
with incomprehensible knowledge and vast wisdom, they were all astounded.
Theology shapes Christlike character more than it shapes your knowledge.
In Acts chapter 4 (you can search for it as well), makikita natin kung papaanong na awe-
struck ang mga paring Judio, mga kapitan ng mga bantay sa Templo, at ang mga
Saduseo (mga hindi naniniwala sa pagkabuhay), kila Juan (the Beloved), at Simon Pedro
(Cephas).
"...nagtaka ang buong Kataas-taasang Kapulungan ng mga Judio sa katapangang
ipinakita nina Pedro at Juan, lalo na nang malaman nilang mga KARANIWANG TAO
lamang ang mga ito at hindi nakapag-aral." (Ac. 4:13).
Sa paglilingkod sa Diyos, hindi basehan ang dami ng napag-aralan mo o sa degree na
nakuha mo sa kung papaano ka gagamitin ng Diyos. I'm not demonizing the essence of
studying in Bible schools; however, I am persuaded by the fact that "na hindi karunungan
ang dahilan bakit ka ginagamit ng Diyos, bumabase ang Diyos hindi sa talino mo, sa
talento mo, sa bunga ng teolohiyang natapos mo o pinag-aaralan mo.
Nakabase ang Diyos sa kung mayroon kang mababang-mababang puso na handang
sumunod sa nais Niyang gawin mo.
Dahil sa oras na ginagamit ka ng Diyos at puspos ka ng Banal na Espiritu, kahit wala
kang napag-aralan, magiging matalino ka sa harap ng mga nagtatali-talinuhan at sa
puwesto ng mga may natapos at napag-aralan.
Yes, Leonard Ravenhill got it right: THEOLOGY ON EYES IS NO GOOD because your
theology is so much seen in your character than it is in your knowledge. Theology has a
profound influence on character, but not all who study theology necessarily develop a
Christlike character.
1. Dapat ang motibasyon natin sa teolohiya ay para ma-develop nito ang Christlike
character sa mga buhay natin.
2. Dapat ang rason natin sa teolohiya ay hindi numero uno para sa kaalaman, kundi para
mas maturuan tayo nitong mas MAPAGPAKUMBABA.
Sa oras na tumataas tayo sa kaalaman natin sa teolohiya o sa bibliya, dapat mas higit na
mas nagpapakumbaba tayo. Dahil wala tayong kakayanan kung walang pagkilos ng
Diyos sa ating buhay, hindi lang sa kaalaman. Mas matalino sa harap ng marami ang
puspos ng Banal na Espiritu kaysa sa nakapagtapos sa theology school ng may degree
at maraming librong napag-aralan.
Hindi ito pang-di-discourage, kundi pang-i-encourage na dapat hindi lang tumitigil sa mata
at sa utak ang teolohiyang pinag-aaralan natin, dapat nagriresulta ito sa pusong
mababang-mababa at buhay na si Kristo ang nakikita. Dahil maraming nasisirang buhay
at nasirang buhay noong tumigil ang napag-aralan sa mata at utak. Nagresulta ito sa
pagiging palalo, maraming nagiging mayabang, at nakakalimutang magpakumbaba.
Walang maling mag-aral sa theology school at makapagtapos ng may degree. Wala rin
namang maling lumawak ang kaalaman natin sa partikular sa pag-aaral ng libro of
theology.
Pero ang masama ay ang lumobo ang utak at mapuwing lang ang mga mata natin sa
napag-aralan at pinag-aaralan nating teolohiya. Hindi ibinabaon ang laki ng napag-aralan
natin primera sa mata at utak, kundi sa puso. Nagriresulta dapat ang theology sa
mababang puso at larawan ni Kristo.
Theology can sometimes lead to pride when it becomes focused on intellectual
knowledge rather than genuine understanding and humility. When individuals believe they
possess superior knowledge or insight into theological matters, they may develop a sense
of pride or superiority over others.
True wisdom and spiritual growth are often found in humility and a recognition of the
limitations of human knowledge, which results in Christlike character. Genuine theology
that is applied results in humility and a heart that has Christ in it.
Pride can hinder the open-mindedness and empathy necessary for engaging in
meaningful theological discussions.
Isa sa naging mali ko nakaraan ay ang nakalimutan kong hindi sa dami ng napag-aralan
o sa dami ng kaalaman sa libro nakatingin ang Diyos sa akin, nakatingin ang Diyos sa
puso ko kung si Kristo ba ang larawan nito (1 Timothy 6:2; 1 Cor. 8:2).
"See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to
human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to
Christ." (Colossians 2:8)
Kaya paalala lang, huwag maging palalo dahil lang maraming kang napag-aralan.
Tandaan mo, mas higit na ginagamit ng Diyos ang Karaniwan kaysa sa punong-puno ng
degree at kaalaman.
Mangingisda nga ginamit ng Diyos mightily to put shame on the wise, paano pa kaya
yung mga taong walang napag-aralan o mangmang sa paningin ng marami?
Nagiging bulok ang napag-aralan lang, pero hindi isinasabuhay.
HINDI LAHAT NG KATAHIMIKAN, KAPAYAPAAN.
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Ibang iba ang depinisyon ng kapayapaan sa katahimikan. Dahil mayroong mga tahimik
na walang payapang nararamdaman.
Huwag nating ipagkumpara ang kapayapaan sa katahimikan.
Dahil bukod sa hindi lang magulo ang laban sa labas na nakikita ng mga mata natin, sa
isip at puso natin ay may mas magulong laban rin.
Kung simbolo pala ng kapayapaan ang katahimikan, sana naman pati puso at isip ko
payapa narin.
Pero hindi.
Pupwedeng tahimik ka lang pero hindi ka payapa sa loob mo. Marami akong kilalang tao
na parang payapa sa itsura at pisikal na aspeto o maging sa present life nila, pero deep
inside hindi talaga sila payapa.
Dahil kahit pagbali-baliktarin man natin, hindi lahat ng katahimikan, kapayapaan. Hindi
lahat ng katahimikan, nagbibigay kapayapaan. Maraming tahimik pero hindi payapa.
Palagi kong pinapaalala sa sarili ko na walang lugar, walang tao, o walang sitwasyon ang
ibang makakapagbigay ng kapayapaan na hinahanap ng puso't isip ko liban lang kay
Jesus at sa Kanyang mga salitang binitawan na mayroon sa Kanyang kapayapaan kahit
hindi tahimik ang posisyon na meron ako.
Mas nakakatakot ang katahimikan, bakit? Dahil mas babad ang tao sa loob na laban niya
kaysa sa labas at paligid niya.
Wala sa lugar, sa sitwasyon, sa tao, o sa anumang bagay na meron dito sa mundo ang
makakapagbigay sa atin ng payapang puso at isip.
Dahil kung may Hesus ka, kahit nasa gitna ka ng magulong paligid mo, puno ka man ng
laban sa loob ng puso at isip mo — mayroon kang kapayapaan — dahil mayroon kang
Jesus na kayang pumayapa ng puso't isip mong nagugulumihanan.
Wala sa ginagawa ang totoong kapayapaan natin.
Wala rin sa mga taong nakapaligid sa atin.
Wala rin sa masasayang sitwasyon o sa iba't ibang okasyon na nangyayari sa atin.
Wala sa lugar, sa paligid, at sa sitwasyon, o sa katahimikan ang kapayapaan
Na kay Jesus lang.
Payapa maging ang puso't isip nang mga taong may Jesus sa buhay, kaysa sa taong
kahit mayroon na ng lahat ng bagay pero walang Kristo.
Ang totoong nakakaranas ng kapayapaan kahit sa paligid na walang katahimikan ay yung
may Jesus na sa buhay nila'y nananahan.
Tandaan mo, kapag si Jesus nananahan na sa'yo, may magulo mang sitwasyon na
dumating sa buhay mo, mayroon kang matatakbuhang Kristo na nagbibigay kapayapaan
sa'yo.
Oo, magulo
Oo, mabigat
Oo, may hindi pagkakaintindihan
Oo, may problema't kapagsubukan
Pero isa lang ang masasabi ko na sinasabi ng bibliya — sa gitna man ng mga tao at kahit
pa ito'y sunod sunod na maranasan mo — magiging payapa ka parin dahil may Prinsipe
ng Kapayapaan na na'sa sa'yo (Isa. 9:6).
Libreng-libre lang kapayapaan kay Jesus, lapit ka sa Kanya, long-lasting pa (Matt. 11:28).
Only Jesus Christ can gives us the long-lasting peace that no man can ever do. Payapa
ka na, magiging puno ka pa.
A FUNDAMENTAL SOLAS TO REMEMBER AS A CHRISTIAN
---------------------------------------
Mayroong mga fundamentals o tinatawag na MAHAHALAGANG bagay sa turo ng
kristiyanismo hindi lang sa kung sino si Jesus, ano ang bibliya, bakit kailangan magsisi
sa ating mga kasalanan, at bakit kailangang sumampalataya sa Diyos. Hindi lang gospel
ang dapat nating alalahanin sa lakad kristiyano natin.
Knowledge about our faith is something that is also important for us to treasure. It is not
something that should be neglected. May pundasyon ang paniniwala natin at
pananampalataya natin, kaya mainam rin na dapat nating malaman at mapahalagahan
ang mga ito. Kung magtataka ka bakit may nakikita kang SOLAS or yung tinatawag na
word na puro alone: Scripture alone, in Christ alone, through faith alone, for the glory of
God alone, at saved by grace alone
Hindi na ito iba sa turo ng kristiyanismo.
Why is it so important to remember? Bago natin banggitin, noong circa early period ng
reformation na binubuo nila Martin Luther, John Knox, John Calvin, at marami pang iba
— people who defend the distinctions of our faith sa faith ng Roman Catholic are a biblical
plea of early reformers against the teachings of the Roman Catholic church.
SOLA means "only," and it accompanies another word. It is in relation to the biblical
teaching of the SOLAs, such as
1. SOLA SCRIPTURA (ano ibig sabihin?)
Sola scriptura (latin phrase) or Scripture alone (in English): ibig sabihin ay "bibliya lang"
or "salita lang nang Diyos". Bakit mahalaga na "Scripture alone?" Roman Catholics
believe that na bukod sa bibliya, which is para sa atin ay final authority we ought to submit
ourselves, pero sa Roman Catholic Church teaching — popes — are considered in
authority rin.
The Roman Catholic Church believes that Popes are inspired by God, which early
reformers rejected not because they were against it out of emotion but because the Bible
contradicts the tradition and the teaching that Popes are inspired by God. The Bible is
clear about what it says: "only the Bible" is God-breathed" and is inspired by God.
Sinasabi ng Sola Scriptura na tanging bibliya lang ang may awtoridad sa atin at may final
say sa buhay at lakad kristiyano natin, hindi mga Pope(s).
2. SOLA FIDE (ano ibig sabihin?)
— sola fide means "faith alone" or in Tagalog, "sa pananampalataya lang". Naniniwala
tayo na ang kaligtasan ay biyaya lamang sa atin ng Diyos "through faith", pero sa
panahon noon ng mga Romano Katoliko, they believed na ang paggawa ng kabutihan ay
nakakapagligtas, pagdodonate sa simbahan, o yung paggawa ng ganito or ganire para
ikaw ay maligtas.
Hindi nakakapagligtas ang paggawa ng mabuti, pagbabaptize, paggiging miyembro ng
simbahan o kung ano pa mang man-made effort to attain salvation. We are saved through
faith alone, and it is a gift of God that we are saved, nothing else. Ang pananampalataya
ay biyaya parin ng Diyos sa atin.
Protestants believe that good works are a fruit of genuine faith but are not the basis for
salvation. Sola Fide underscores the grace of God as the sole means of justification and
provides assurance that salvation is a free gift accessible to all who trust in Christ (Eph.
2:8-9; Jn. 1:12; Jn. 3:16)
(Pwede mong basahin ang Romans chapter 4 na naghahighlight ng pananampalataya at
kung paano naligtas ang mga tao noon).
3. SOLA GRATIA (ano ibig sabihin?)
— sola gratia o grace alone (sa biyaya lamang) ay naligtas tayo (Eph. 2:8–9). Tandaan
natin na, we are saved not because of what we have done or what we're doing; we are
saved because of what Christ accomplished 2,000 years ago on the cross. We didn't do
anything to gain the things we have right now, including salvation; it is God's work through
His grace alone, na naligtas tayo at nagkaroon ng pribilehiyong maging isa sa pamilya
Niya, dahil yun sa grasya ng Diyos.
Sola Gratia confronts the idea of good works + faith = salvation. It highlights the
undeserved favor of God and rejects any notion of salvation through merit or personal
achievement (Eph. 2:8-9).
4. SOLUS CHRISTUS (Solo Christo)
— solo Christo (in Christ alone) "si Kristo lang". It emphasizes the significance of Jesus
and his role in the salvation that we seek. Walang ibang namatay sa krus para sa atin
kundi si Kristo lang na nag-alay ng Kanyang buhay para sa atin na undeserving. Sa
balikong paniniwala ng Romano Katoliko, para sa kanila'y may great role ang mga santo
gaya nila Peter, Paul, o iba pang mga "patron" na kanilang kilala at santo na ginagawa
nilang intercessor to God para sa prayer pleadings nila.
But as the Bible says, Christ is the only mediator between man and God. He is the High
Priest who intercedes for man before the Most High God. Protestants believe that Jesus'
sacrificial death on the cross and His resurrection provide the only means of reconciliation
with God. Solus Christus rejects any other mediators or intercessors, highlighting the
uniqueness and sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work. (Eph. 2:8-9; Heb. 4:15).
5. SOLI DEO GLORIA (ano ibig sabihin?)
— soli deo gloria o "to God be the glory alone" (para sa Diyos ang kapurihan at luwalhati)
ay nagpapaliwanag na ang bukod tanging DESERVING NG LAHAT NG PAGPAPAGAL
NATIN sa lakad natin with God ay ang Diyos lamang. In 1 Corinthians 10:31, it says this:
"Ito ang maisasagot ko riyan: Anuman ang inyong gagawin, kumain man o uminom, gawin
ninyo ang lahat sa ikakapuri [ikaluluwalhati] ng Diyos."
It emphasizes the ultimate purpose of human existence, which is to glorify God in all
aspects of life. Soli Deo Gloria directs believers to acknowledge God as the supreme
authority, giver of salvation, and ultimate source of all blessings. It encourages a God-
centered perspective, humility, and a life dedicated to serving and magnifying God's
name.
Ito yung pokus natin ngayon lalo't kristiyano tayo — para paralangan ang Diyos — sa
mga buhay natin. When we are saved, may inilathala rin sa atin ang Diyos na magkaroon
tayo ng mabuting bunga, at ang mabuting bunga ay para rin sa glory ni Lord through our
lives as an instrument na ginagamit ng Diyos sa harvest field Niya.
These SOLAS fundamentals are essential to remembering that, although we have been
given the privilege to walk with Christ, it is only possible because of what God has
accomplished. We have nothing to brag about kahit gaano kalaki labor natin sa Lord:
mapa-socmed world or mismong f2f encounter natin sa mga tao sa paligid natin, public
places or private.
Palagi nating alalahanin na hindi nalang romano katoliko ngayon ang may paniniwala na
kontra sa limang SOLAS. We are called to live by Scripture, not outside of it. We are
saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, and it is God who is deserving of glory,
honor, and praise.
Edit: Reformers, who were the ones who brought changes to the beliefs and practices of
the Roman Catholic Church. In our differences, we believe in the doctrines taught by the
Catholic Church that have existed since ancient times, but we do not agree with certain
changes implemented by the Roman Catholic Church throughout history. Our faith and
the teachings passed down to us by the ancient Catholic reformers are important to us.
Palagi nating panghawakan ang limang mahahalagang katuruan na ito na dinipensahan
ng ating mga kapatid noon magpasa - hanggang ngayon, hindi lang para depensahan
ang pananampalataya natin, kundi para maliwanagan rin tayo sa pananamplataya natin.
YOU STRUGGLE WITH SIN BECAUSE YOU CHOOSE TOO SIN.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Sinisisi mo ba si Satanas o yung kahinaan ng flesh mo kung bakit ka nagkakasala o si
Lord?
Madalas bini-blame natin si Satan for tempting us, at kapag na-fall na tayo sa temptation
niya, we claim na its Satan's fault. May times na ginagamit din nating rason yung kahinaan
ng flesh natin kesyo ganto or ganoon.
Pakiusap, let me remind this to you
Babad tayo sa kasalanan hindi dahil kagagawan ng laman natin o ni Satanas, o lalo ng
Diyos. Yes, we are in a continuous spiritual warfare, battling against the unseen forces of
principalities, rulers, and evil spirits (Eph. 6:12). But, it is crucial to keep in mind that those
who struggle with sin are not helpless victims but are individuals who choose to entertain
the temptation. It is those who willingly entertain the temptation that are more likely to fall
into its trap, and consequently, continue to stumble in sin (1 Pet. 5:8).
Many of us, Christians, instead of resisting sin, we choose to entertain sin. Therefore, we
must remain vigilant and guard our hearts and minds against the cunning schemes of the
enemy, and resist the temptations that come our way, by putting on the full armor of God
(Eph. 6:10-18).
Napakaraming dahilan kung bakit nag-i-struggle ka sa kasalanan kung saan nakaraan
pinalaya ka na nang Diyos.
1. 𝖸𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝗂𝗌𝗇'𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖾.
— one factor why we struggle with the same sin is that our hearts are not biblically
changed. It is possible to "feel" that our hearts and personalities have changed, but there
must be evidence. The real evidence that our hearts are new is when the desire of God's
heart becomes the desire of our hearts. God wants His children to focus on Him and His
will for them. However, when a heart is not biblically changed, there is no other remedy
to change a person's heart (Prov. 21:1).
It is therefore surprising that many people claim to have been ex-Christians who have
experienced the fullness of God, yet their hearts were not changed in the first place.
Those who believe that their hearts have been changed must examine themselves to
determine whether it is true or if they merely felt like it was changed (Js. 1:23-24; 2 Cor.
13:5-7).
Feelings should never be the sole basis for determining whether one's heart has been
biblically changed. Only the Bible has the power to accurately discern whether a heart
has truly been transformed or if it remains unchanged. Relying on feelings may lead to
confusion and misunderstanding, but relying on the Bible can provide clarity and
confirmation.
2. 𝖸𝗈𝗎 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄 𝗌𝗂𝗇 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝖻𝖾 𝗈𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗅𝗈𝗈𝗄.
— dahil nga sa hindi totoong-biblical binago ang puso natin, one thing is sure padin, we
treat sin like a pet. Nakakalimutan nating mapanira ang kasalanan dahil nga hindi nabago
ang ating mga puso. God looks at the heart and searches it, but He doesn't stop there.
He also has the power to change it.
The saying "masarap ang bawal" (what is forbidden is enjoyable) has become a well-
known motto in our generation. Because forbidden things can be enjoyable, we tend to
justify our actions based on our own standards. We may think that God is "all-loving" and
that His love is incomprehensible, and that He is rich in grace and mercy. But thinking that
sin can be a pet is like treating a deadly lion as if it were a cub. We can do it, but we
shouldn't (Rom. 6:14).
Because your heart didn't changed biblically, you think sin can be overlook na para bang
tumingin ka lang sa salamin at nakalimutan mo na agad ang iyong sarili. If our hearts are
truly changed, therefore we submit to God's heartbeat. Pero dahil hindi nga tayo biblical
nabago ang puso natin, nao-overlook natin yung law ng Diyos na we fall short, and that
the law points us to see how dreadful our sins were and how perfectly we have fallen
short of God's glory (Rom. 5:23; 3:23; 3:10).
3. 𝖸𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝗉𝖾𝗇𝗍𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗆𝖾 𝖿𝖺𝗅𝗌𝖾.
— since your heart isn't biblically changed, it affects you on how you perceive sin, and
since it affects you on how you perceive sins, your repentance became a false
repentance. Kaya ka nagpu-fall sa siklo ng kasalanan ay dahil hindi totoo ang iyong
pagsisisi. You can only be in true repentance when you are biblically changed within your
heart, and a heart that is changed biblically will look sins how God looks at it (2 Cor. 7:10).
True repentance is not just an outward expression of remorse or regret for wrongdoing,
but rather a deep and genuine transformation of the heart that is only possible through
the power of the Holy Spirit working in us (Ac. 11:18; 2 Tim. 2:25). Ang ganitong
pagbabago ay nangyayari lamang only when we allow ourselves to be shaped and
molded by the truth and wisdom found in God's words through the working of the Holy
Spirit within us. You can only experience true repentance when you undergo a biblical
transformation within your heart. But, it's difficult to undergo such a transformation if you're
disconnected from the Scriptures.
So paano mababago yung puso ko nyan? How can my perspective on sin be altered?
And how can I have true repentance?
a.) 𝖲𝗈𝖺𝗄 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖦𝗈𝖽'𝗌 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝖽𝗌.
— when we submit to the Bible, the Holy Spirit will work in us to changed our hearts
biblically because the work of the Holy Spirit isn't only to convict sinners when they have
sinned before God or to others, but also to changed the hearts of the sinners to the truth
of the word. Only the Spirit of God through the word of God we can conform to the pattern
of the Son of God. Therefore, if we do not submit ourselves in Scriptures, we can never
expect biblical changed in our hearts (Jos. 1:8; Ps. 119).
b.) See sin as how God sees it.
— after nating mag-under go sa pagbabago ng ating mga puso day by day, maapektuhan
nito ang perspektibo-pananaw (mind) natin sa kasalanan, magkakaroon tayo ng
pagbabago sa kung paano na natin titignan ang kasalanan. Kung dati'y kaaya-aya at okay
lang, dahil nga'y binabago ang puso natin at continues yung pagbabago na working ni
Holy Spirit sa hearts natin, ang magiging tingin natin sa kasalanan ay marumi,
pandidirihan natin, lalayuan natin, at higit sa lahat, titignan natin ang kasalanan gaya ng
pagtingin ng Diyos sa kasalanan (Prov. 8:13).
c.) True repentance.
— Last but not least, because our hearts are being biblically transformed through the
working of the Holy Spirit and our perspective on sin is being altered, the third fruit of this
heart transformation will be genuine repentance. Tandaan natin na ang pagsisisi ay
biyaya parin ng Diyos, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit that enables us to repent of our
sins, to feel ashamed of them, and to experience guilt and conviction (2 Cor. 7:9-10).
Satan is the great tempter, but he is not to blame for our sins. It is not our flesh either, nor
is it the fault of the Lord.
Kung paulit-ulit tayong nalalaglag sa iisang kasalanan na niligtas na tayo ng Diyos
nakaraan, may problema na sa atin — sa puso natin nag-u-ugat lahat ng problema. Kung
ano ang nilalaman ng puso natin, yoon ang mas ginagawa natin.
Jesus said that the heart is what defiles a man (Matt. 15:19), kaya puso ang ugat ng lahat
na meron sa kung ano ang ginagawa natin at sa kung ano ang bunga nito hindi lang sa
iba kundi sa atin.
Yes, Christians may struggle from some certain and particular sins, but they cannot
remain on the cycle of sin and still be true christian.
"BAKIT PARANG HINDI AKO PAYAPA AT PARANG KULANG AKO."
------------------------------------------------------------
Ikaw din ang gumagawa ng sarili mong kakulangan at hindi mo kapayapaan.
We are so blinded by the things of this world. We are trying to satisfy our own selfish
desires and are forsaking the One who satisfies our longing souls for contentment and
fulfillment. One way to recognize peace and joy is to acknowledge this very acronym:
J.O.Y.
J.O.Y. means Jesus, Others, and Yourself. Sa sampung utos ng Diyos o Moral
Commandments, sa 1–4 ay patungkol sa Diyos at ang 5–10 ay between man to man.
The Bible never lends any supporting verses to promote ourselves: na dapat tayo yung
mauna, unahin natin yung sarili natin, o yung tinutukoy ng mundo na love "you" yourself.
This is a selfish idea, and it comes from the old serpent who tempted Eve and Adam.
Walang commandment si Lord Jesus na sinabi sa atin na mahalin natin ang sarili natin
above or more than others, instead, sinabi ni Jesus sa four gospels na deny yourself.
Sinabi ng Diyos na kapag minahal mo ang kapwa mo katulad ng pagmamahal mo sa
iyong sarili — para mo na ring minahal ang sarili mo. Palaging huli ang sarili natin,
tandaan mo.
Kapag Y ang inuna natin sa "J.O.Y," hindi na ito matatawag na joy. O kapag O naman
ang inuna natin, hindi rin ito magiging joy. Kaya dapat according ang pagsunod natin sa
sinasabi ng Diyos, J-O-Y. Jesus before others, and others before yourself.
Hinding-hindi natin kailanman makakamtam ang tunay na kapayapaan at kagalakan sa
buhay natin na hinahanap natin sa mga bagay na meron at binibigay sa atin ng mundo.
Ang kasikatan
Karangyaan
Materyal na Kayamanan
Paggiging bantog man
O kapangyarihan
Ang pagmamahal sa sarili
Ang mga ito'y kailanma'y hindi kapayapaan.
Ni hindi kapayapaan ang kasalanan at kamunduhan. Kapwa ko kristiyano at mga hindi
pa kristiyano, alalahanin natin na ang kapayapaan ay hindi nagmumula sa gusto natin,
sa gusto ng tao sa atin, o sa anu mang bagay. Makakatagpo lamang natin ang
kapayapaan kung meron na tayong Hesus na naghahari sa mga puso natin.
Hindi naman talaga kasalanan ang lumakad dito sa mundo, ang kasalanan ay ang
umayon sa lakad ng mundo (Rom. 12:1-2). Iba ang nabubuhay ka dito sa mundo sa
namumuhay ka gaya ng mundo.
We should expect no peace if we seek satisfaction from this world, o sa sarili natin, sa
kasalanan, at sa tao.
"Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do
not have the love of the Father in you. The world offers only a craving for physical
pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and
possessions. These are not from the Father but are from this world. And this world is
fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases
God will live forever." (1 John 2:15–17)
Let alone self-conscious people who run dry and seek naught. For peace can only be
found in no other name than the name of Jesus. I just want to remind everyone, while this
may be true that peace can also be from those whom we loved, things we do, or ways we
does, there is only One Person Whom we can find the long-lasting peace, comfort, and
joy — true peace, comfort, and joy can only be found in no other name but Jesus.
Mananatiling kulang, hindi payapa, at walang kalingang mararamdaman ang mga puso
at isip natin kung hindi si Kristo ang kalinga at kapayapaan natin. We can never find true
peace, comfort, and joy outside of Jesus
Pinagpala ang may mga Kristong nananahan sa kanilang mga buhay at puso—dahil
mayroon silang kapayapaan at kagalakan sa puso.
Paano maliligtas yung mga di nag-confess with their mouth na Christ is Lord and Savior,
or di man lang nag-confessed ng kanilang mga kasalanan?
(Mahilig ka ba magbasa ng mahaba? Take time to read).
-------------------------------------------------------------
Uunahan na kita
Confession of your sins with your mouth, or confessing with your mouth that Jesus is the
Lord and Savior of your life, cannot save you.
Siguro magtataka ka kung bakit? Can you please take this moment to think:
"Has my confession of sins and that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior of my life saved
me?"
Some of you may argue that, "Oo naman, mahalaga ang pagsasabi nito since the Bible
supports the idea that those who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
I agree, and if this is true na necessary ang confession with our lips, let's examine this
idea.
▫️Mute people (disabled people)
— kung necessary ang "confessing our sins and confessing with our mouth that Jesus
Christ is the Lord and Savior of our lives," then paano naman kaya yung mga mute
people? Yung mga pipi o walang abilidad na bigkasin clearly o makapagsalita kahit isang
word man lang? Can they be saved if they do not confess with their lips that Christ is the
Lord and Savior of their lives?
▫️𝖯𝖾𝗈𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝖽𝗂𝖺𝗀𝗇𝗈𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝗌𝗍𝗋𝗈𝗄𝖾
— on the other hand, people with strokes can be listed in this category. Medyo heavy and
confusing talaga yung senaryo kung ganito. Marami akong kilalang mga tao at
nakakatanda (in age) na na-stroke, and of course their situation hits different dahil
anlaking adjustments ang dapat nilang gawin dahil mostly sa mga na-stroke half-dead
yung body, yung iba naman bedridden talaga at hindi makapagsalita. If confessing with
our lips or mouths is necessary, what about those who can't? who don't have the ability
to CAN physically?
▫️𝖸𝗎𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝗀𝖺 𝗇𝖺𝗄𝖺 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗌𝗎𝗉𝗉𝗈𝗋𝗍
— paano naman yung mga naka life support na pasyente? If confessing our sins and
confessing that Jesus is Lord and Savior with our mouth or our lips is necessary to save
us, could it be fair enough to say na, "hindi na maliligtas yung mga walang kakayanan
gaya ng mga taong nasa life support situation?" (Pwede niyong tignan yung 1 John 1:9;
and other verses na nagpu-point out sa confessed with your lips or mouth).
Narethink mo na ba? Now let's proceed.
Previously, nagkausap kami ng isang kapatid natin in faith about sa papa niya. She was
deeply in confusion and sadness, dahil akala niya kulang yung pagshi-share niya ng
gospel sa tatay niya na malapit nang mamatay noong mga oras na nagshi-share siya sa
tatay niyang nakaratay na sa higaan ng ospital.
Now she said to me, "Paano ko malalaman na in-accept na ni papa yung gospel? I am
worried na baka hindi, kasi wala akong sagot na narinig or mismong whisper man lang.
Gusto ko siyang makasama one day sa heaven pero paano ko mami-make sure kung
talagang inaccept niya yung gospel?"
I know myself better than everyone around me, and before I came to believe that there is
a reassurance in heaven for those who never confessed with their mouth, I formerly
believed that it was really necessary to confess with your mouth your sins and confess
that Christ is Lord and Savior to be saved. I thought it was really necessary, but not until
I realized it wasn't.
My point is, medically, doctors say bago mamatay ang mga pasyente o tao, sa five senses
nila, ang huling nawawala ay ang pandinig ng isang tao, dahil konektado ang pandinig
natin sa ating brain o utak. Ang unang nawawala ay ang paningin, pagsasalita, pang-
amoy, pang-dama, at ang huli ay pandinig.
The moment we die, medically, the function of our body system decreases over time. It is
generally believed that hearing is one of the last senses to fade away as a person dies.
This is because the auditory system is one of the last parts of the brain to shut down when
the body begins to shut down. As a result, even if a person is unconscious or in a coma,
they may still be able to hear sounds around them until the very end.
We cannot surely know kung ano nga ba ang huling nawawala, but medically, pandinig
ang huling nawawala, but note that the experience of dying is complex and can vary
widely. Some people may experience changes in their senses in a different order or may
not experience changes in all of their senses before they pass away. Yet the exact
experience of dying is unique to each individual.
Hindi pa naman tayo patay to know and understand kung ano ang pakiramdam nito,
marami sa ating mga tao takot sa gantong subject. Again, let's proceed.
Can someone be saved without confessing their sins with their mouth and confessing
with their mouth that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior? Pwede bang mangyari yun?
Hindi ba yun magiging against sa word ng Diyos?
Yes, it won't.
How can someone be saved without confessing with their mouth that Christ is Lord and
Savior, or without confessing with their mouth their sins?
"God searches the heart"—from the beginning to the end, the Bible speaks clearly about
the heart of the person that God is truly seeking. Science, medical professionals, and
Bible scholars agree that the heart is the spring of life (Prov. 4:23). No matter how much
we disagree that life isn't the primary factor of life, then ano pala dapat? Kung walang
puso kahit may brain, mamamatay ang tao. Kung may digestive system but without heart,
mamamatay parin yung tao. The heart is responsible for giving life to a man. It's a primary
thing that man needs to survive. Ito yung nagpa-pump ng blood and nagbibigay ng
oxygen sa katawan ng tao. The lungs are in charge of maintaining the function of
breathing and balancing the oxygen levels in the body.
The Bible says, God searches the heart of the man more than they search theirs (Prov.
21:2; Matt. 5:8; Ps. 44:21; 1 Kgs. 8:39). If God knows the heart of a man, whether a
person is mute, in a severe stroke, or in a life support situation, they can be saved without
confessing with their lips that Jesus is Lord and Savior, because God knows the heart of
a man
1.) Man can confess with their hearts their sins to God and can confess with their hearts
that Jesus is Lord and Savior.
2.) It is God who saves a person; neither I nor other Christians know the situation of the
hearts of every man. If they are bedridden or on life support but still breathing and have
a heartbeat, they can still be saved if they wholeheartedly place their faith in Jesus
3.) The gospel is the door to salvation because the gospel's message is Jesus Christ,
who died and rose again on the third day. Anyone who believes with their hearts, kahit na
hindi nakapag-confessed with their lips, they can be saved.
"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him
from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made
right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. As the Scriptures
tell us, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.'" (Rom. 10:10-11).
Please take note the word: Trust. Paul also included in Romans chapter 10 verses 14 or
13 if I'm not mistaken that TRUST rests in the hearts of man. David had this words also
na, trust comes from the heart. Even Proverbs says this (Prov. 3:5-6).
The best example na naligtas without confession with lips ay ang criminal na sinabihan
ni Jesus na makakasama Niya sa paradise. Walang confession na nangyari, walang
water baptism, walang church membership, walang ministry na napasukan o nahandle,
wala ring proclamation or declaration gamit ang bibig na binanggit ang kriminal na si
Jesus ay Savior and Lord niya, yet still, dahil alam ng Diyos ang puso niya, Jesus declared
to him, "today, you will be with Me in paradise..."
Confession with your mouth doesn't, can't, and won't save you. Kung nakakapagligtas
ang confession with our lips, that would be against the Scripture, magiging salvation by
works ang kalalabasan niyan. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph.
2:8-9). Salvation is not what we earn from God for doing something; it is the gift of God
for those who rely upon the fullness of the work of Christ on the cross 2,000 years ago.
Kaya sa situation ni ate na nakausap ko about sa papa niya, she was at ease hearing
that God searches the heart of every man, whether their hearts are true or not. God can
only judge the situation in our hearts. It is He who searches the hearts of a person, which
man can't and won't be able to do.
Kung mayroon kang mga kamag-anak na nabahagian mo ng gospel pero naka bed-
ridden na, in coma, stroke kaya di makapagsalita, or may disability sa pagsasalita, believe
in God that He can save those who trust and believe the gospel with their hearts. Have
faith also in the Lord that the Spirit of God will work within their hearts.
Alam ng Diyos ang puso nila kahit di natin alam, at kilala ng Diyos kung sino ang
nananampalataya kay Jesus na Siya'y Diyos at Tagapagligtas, at kilala rin ng Diyos kung
sino ang buong pusong nagsisisi sa kanilang mga kasalanan.
Jesus says, "Blessed are those who believe even though they haven't seen Me (Jn.
20:29). And blessed are those who are pure in their hearts, for they shall see God (Matt.
5:8).
It is not the confession with my mouth that saved me; it is the One to whom I confessed
my sins before and declared with my whole heart that Christ is my Lord and my Savior.
Jesus Christ frees those who put their complete confidence in Him from the cycle of sin
and punishment (death), while also giving us the undeserved gift of companionship, hope,
and purpose in this age and the next — eternal life.
Hindi dahil sa pamamagitan ng bibig o puso kaya tayo naligtas, kundi dahil sa kung sino
ang pinananampalatayanan ng ating mga puso at idinideklara ng ating mga bibig ang
nakapagligtas sa atin. Ang nakakapagligtas ay kung sino ang object of faith natin, hindi
sa kung ano ang ginawa natin.
But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart” (that is,
the word of faith that we proclaim) (Rom. 10:8).
Believe that those who didn't confess with their lips that Christ is Lord and Savior can still
be saved. Alam ng Diyos ang puso nila, kahit di mo alam.
PALIHIM MAN ANG HIKBI MO SA MGA TAO, ALAM NAMAN NANG DIYOS ANG
PINAGDADAANAN MO
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Madalas mas gusto nalang nating umiyak ng mahina at patago dahil takot tayong
makarinig ng mga salitang
"Ang arte mo naman"
"Ang baduy mong tao"
"Napakahina mo..."
Alam naman nating tama lang sabihing naghihirap tayo, nahihirapan tayo, at nabibigatan
tayo. Pero madalas, kung ano pa ang tama at dapat na gawin, yun pa ang nakakatakot
gawin sa harap ng marami.
God knows we suffer silently.
He knows the pain and the agony we feel.
And He promised that when we come to Him, He will gives us what we truly need.
Kung malubak man nakaraang araw
Kung puno man ng mabibigat na pagsubok kahapon
At kung wala na tayong lakas na magpatuloy lumakad sa buhay
Tandaan natin na alam ng Diyos ang lahat ng ito. Maging luha man natin naubos na
kakaiyak sa iba't ibang kapagsubukan at problema, mananatiling kapayapaan ang
ipapakita at ipapadama Niya sa atin sa lahat ng lumalapit sa Kanya.
Normal lang mapagod at mabigatan sa problema at pagsubok, dahil kaya tayo
nakakaranas rin nito ay patunay lamang na wala tayong kakayanan kung wala si Kristo
sa mga buhay natin.
Don't be afraid to be vulnerable and transparent. You have feelings and emotions. When
it feels heavy and weighty, come to Jesus, for it is not ours to carry.
Si Jesus nga binuhat ang krus para sa'yo, paano pa kayang problema at pagsubok lang?
Kayang-kaya ni Jesus 'yan (Matt. 11:28).
It's reassuring to know that God understands our struggles and promises to provide us
with what we truly need.
May those who are hurting find solace and healing in Jesus, and may we all strive to be
sources of compassion and support for one another.
Sa tao kapag umamin kang nanghihina ka at napapagod, napakaraming masasabi. Sa
Diyos kapag sumuko ka, wala kang panghuhusgang mararamdaman at maririnig.
Iwasan na nating magmaskara, maging totoo na tayo sa isa't isa. Tandaan natin na tao
lang rin tayo na nakakaranas ng bigat ng pagsubok at problema.
YOU'VE MADE IT THIS FAR BECAUSE OF JESUS.
---------------------------------------------------------
Minsan ba ipinagpasalamat mo sa Diyos na nakaalis ka sa nakaraan mong problema, na
na-overcame mo na yung dating kasalanan na nakaraan hirap ka, na nakawala ka na sa
bigat ng loob at sama ng loob mo sa iyong kapwa, at na-reconcile na yung relationship
mo sa tao?
Nagpapasalamat ka ba? O nagku-complain parin dahil sa walang katapusang pagsubok
at problema?
Mayroong mga taong hindi nakukuntento.
Mayroong mga taong ungrateful
Mayroong mga taong hateful toward God.
Pero mayroong mga taong kahit simpleng bagay na mayroon sila grabe kung
magpasalamat sa Diyos.
We are all on the same plane, desiring things we want while sitting.
Some people want coffee, while others want drinks and tea. Others wanted salmon and
pasta, while you and I desired chicken, rice, and a siesta.
Frankly, you pray more about your desires and care less about God's desires for you.
Nakakaligtaan nating kahit hindi natin naipanalangin, ibinibigay ng Diyos dahil alam
Niyang kailangan natin. Ngunit imbis na maging grateful tayo, nagiging ungrateful tayo
dahil simpleng hindi lang sinagot ng Diyos yung prayers natin, galit na tayo.
I was reminded of the 10 lepers Jesus met while traveling. This encounter with Jesus
made me realize how ungrateful I am toward him.
The story of the 10 lepers that Jesus met while traveling is a powerful reminder of the
importance of gratitude and thankfulness. Jesus healed 10 lepers, but only one returned
to thank Him for the miracle. The others went on their way, taking the healing for granted.
It's natural to sometimes take things for granted, including blessings and miracles in our
lives.
Recognizing and expressing gratitude for these gifts is important, as it helps us cultivate
a positive and appreciative attitude.
When we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, we can experience greater
joy, contentment, and fulfillment.
If the story of the 10 lepers has inspired you to be more grateful and appreciative of the
blessings in your life, consider taking time each day to reflect on what you are thankful
for.
You might also express gratitude to others who have helped or supported you and
practice acts of kindness and generosity to pay it forward, most especially to the One
Who Never Gives Up, reminding you to be grateful as always.
You've made it this far because of Christ.
Nakawala ka na sa kadena ng dati mong kasalanan.
Na-overcome mo na yung dati mong pagkatao.
At nasa sitwasyon ka ngayon na noon ipinapanalangin mo lang
Dahil yun syempre kay Kristo
Don't just praise Christ and glorify Him when you have things you desire; instead, show
gratitude and thankfulness to Christ even if you don't have what you want.
This story serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and thankfulness in our
lives. Even when we experience blessings and healing, it can be easy to take those things
for granted and forget to express our gratitude.
The one leper who returns to thank Jesus demonstrates not only his gratitude but also
his faith in Jesus as a powerful healer and source of grace.
Jesus asks, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned
to give praise to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:17-18)
When you express gratitude and thankfulness to Christ for His blessings, you not only
honor Him but also open yourself up to receiving more blessings in your life. Be like the
leper who turned to Jesus and thanked Him for what He had done.
Make it a habit of thanking Christ for all He has done in your life. You should be thankful
and grateful as always, just as the leper was when he turned to Jesus.
It's important to thank Christ not only for the things you have but also for the things you
don't yet have and for His love and grace towards you, even when you don't deserve it.
And rather than focusing on what you lack, cultivate a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness
towards Christ, even in difficult circumstances.
Follow the example of the leper who recognized the power of Christ's healing and
expressed his gratitude.
We can learn from this story by taking time to reflect on the blessings in our own lives and
expressing gratitude for them. It is important to remember that every good thing we
experience is a gift from God, and expressing gratitude helps us cultivate a spirit of
humility and contentment.
Even when things in life are difficult, don't forget to show your gratitude and thankfulness
towards Christ for bringing you this far.
Always be thankful and grateful to God for what He has done for you whether visible or
invisible in your naked eyes.
Christ has been with you every step of the way, so thank Him and be grateful.
ANG HIRAP MAG-SUBMIT SA DIYOS KASI ANO...
--------------------------------------------------------
Hindi pupwedeng walang rason ang isang sitwasyon.
May times na dumadating tayo sa point na nagiging mahirap ang sitwasyon sa pag-sa-
submit sa Diyos, not because it's designed to be that hard, but because there's some
reason(s) behind the feeling of
"Nahihirapan ako magsubmit sa Diyos."
1. 𝖯𝗋𝗈𝖻𝗅𝖾𝗆, 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉𝗌, 𝗌𝗎𝖿𝖿𝖾𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗌𝖾𝖼𝗎𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇.
— Christ foreknew the effects when we walk with Him. Maraming kukutyain tayo,
maraming ipagkakaila tayo, at higit sa lahat, maraming iiwan tayo. Magkakaroon ng
cracks sa relationship natin between other brethrens or other people. Things like these
are common but vital sa walk natin with Jesus. We know naman na nag-pa-falter din tayo
at times sa walk natin with Jesus because of weighty problems and hardships (1 Cor.
10:13).
Experiencing problems, hardships, sufferings, and tribulations can make it challenging to
submit to God. When we go through difficult times, it's natural to feel overwhelmed, angry,
or frustrated. We might start to question God's plan and wonder why we're going through
such difficult circumstances.
Moreover, if we are being persecuted or facing opposition for our faith, it can be even
more challenging to stay committed to our beliefs. We might feel like giving up, renouncing
our faith, or compromising our values to avoid persecution or hardship.
Ito yung nagiging dahilan rin kung bakit natin feel na ang hirap magsubmit sa Diyos dahil
akala natin easy na or wala nang problema.
Laging nating pakakatandaan na ang difficulties and hardships are a natural part of life.
No one is immune to them, and they can serve as opportunities for growth, learning, and
character development. Additionally, God is present in our suffering and that He can help
us through difficult times if we turn to Him in prayer and faith.
Ultimately, submission to God is a personal decision that depends on one's faith, beliefs,
and values. It's not always easy, but by turning to God in times of hardship and trusting in
His plan, we can find comfort, strength, and guidance to help us navigate life's challenges.
2. 𝖲𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗈𝗐𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝖦𝗈𝖽
— the other problem about feeling na parang ang hirap magsubmit sa Diyos ay dahil sa
kasalanang hirap i-confess at i-repent sa Panginoon. When this happens, we begin to
feel driven by a vine of emotions. Lahat ng pagpapagal natin sa Diyos binibilang na natin.
Nanlalabo na devotion layp natin. Yet, what's worse about this is this: sinasabi mo na
nawala na presensiya nang Diyos sayo dahil PAKIRAMDAM mo hindi mo na ramdam ang
Diyos.
The Bible tells us that sin can corrupt the inner joy we feel in our walk with Jesus. When
sin reigns in us, it becomes the same shackle that hinders us from losing sight of the fact
that true satisfaction and contentment can only be found in Jesus.
Unrepented sin can be seen as a barrier to spiritual growth and can hinder one's ability
to fully experience a relationship with God. Sin can create a separation between an
individual and God and, if left unaddressed, can lead to a hardened heart and a lack of
spiritual sensitivity.
"And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death." (James 1:15)
When a person's affections are divided, with sin and worldly distractions competing for
attention, it can be challenging to maintain a focus on spiritual matters.
Therefore, it is important to acknowledge and confess sin to God, seek forgiveness, and
turn away from sinful behaviors. This can help restore a sense of intimacy and closeness
with Jesus and allow for a greater capacity to love and serve God with wholehearted
devotion.
3. 𝖲𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗈𝗐𝖺𝗋𝖽 𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝗌
— may totoong anay sa ispiritwal na lakad natin, which is still ang kasalanan na nagawa
natin sa ating kapwa. We can certainly say that Jesus summarizes the 10 commandments
into two, which are: Love your God with all your heart, with all your mind, with all your
soul, and with all your strength. And love your neighbor as yourself.
This second greatest commandment is an important and vital command we mustn't
neglect. Maraming cases and different types of sins na nako-commit natin against sa
kapwa natin Some of them were never confessed at all because there was a gap in
relationships between other individuals. Meron naman, nagkaroon ng conversation
between what happened, but still, may irony na nangyari sa pagpapatawad.
Pupwedeng yung sin ay about sa hate mo toward other individual(s). Sabi ng Bibliya:
Before God forgives us, we either have to forgive or confess our sins to those to whom
we have caused hurt and pain. Mahalaga na humingi ng tawad at i-express or i-confess
natin ang ating kasalanan sa ating kapwa, because if we do not confess and express our
repentance toward the other people toward whom we have given hurt and pain, we cannot
submit, commit, or devote ourselves to God.
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be
healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16).
Confessing our sins before people and sincerely repenting of them can be a powerful way
to seek forgiveness, make amends, and move forward in a positive direction. It requires
humility, honesty, and a willingness to acknowledge our mistakes and take responsibility
for our actions.
When we confess our sins before others, we acknowledge the harm we have caused and
seek to make things right. This can be a difficult and uncomfortable process, but it can
also be incredibly liberating and healing. By admitting our wrongdoing and expressing
genuine remorse, we open the door to forgiveness, reconciliation, and restoration of
relationships.
Alalahanin mo yung nagawa mong pagkakamali sa kapwa mo, dahil sa oras na ino-
overlook mo ito, yung submission mo sa Diyos magiging pabigat at responsibilidad para
sayo imbis na pribilehiyo.
4. 𝖠𝗇 𝗎𝗇𝖿𝗈𝖼𝗎𝗌𝖾𝖽 𝖺𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖺𝖿𝖿𝖾𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇.
Ultimately, sometimes it becomes hard and seems impossible to commit and submit to
the Lord because we haven't been living the word "deny yourself living." Christ calls us to
a life of denial of worldly things, self-pity, selfishness, and even a self-centered attitude,
which are the dangerous causes of
"ang hirap mag-submit sa Diyos."
It's either family, loved ones, relatives, careers, goals, or ministries. These things aren't
inherently sinful in themselves, but when they become the fuel that drives our faith and
our walk with Jesus instead of love and the grace of God, we might end up like Lucifer
turned into Satan. Idolatry can be anything: puwedeng ibang tao yung sumisistema sa
buhay at puso mo, pwedeng trabaho't pag-aaral, puwedeng iba't ibang mga bagay, at
puwedeng sarili mo.
Kaya nahihirapan tayo mag-submit sa Diyos dahil yung kayamanan natin ay hindi ang
Diyos. Gumagawa parin tayo ng way to satisfy the cravings of our flesh, kahit na alam na
natin sa sarili natin na nakalibing na ang dati nating pagkatao noong tayo'y na-crucify na
kasama ni Kristo.
We need to refocus our hearts and eyes and turn to God. Dahil hindi lang kasalanan sa
Diyos at sa kapwa mo ang problema kaya nahihirapan kang mag-submit sa Diyos, kundi
dahil maaring hindi mo parin maiwan-iwanan ang sarili mo na dapat, sa totoo lang,
ginagawa mo.
Colossians 3:2 is a reminder to us, Christians, to focus our attention and thoughts on
spiritual matters and heavenly things rather than becoming too attached to material
possessions or worldly concerns.
The verse encourages believers to prioritize their thoughts and actions towards the things
that are eternal and will last beyond this life. This means living in accordance with God's
will and seeking His kingdom above all else (Matt. 6:33).
In essence, Colossians 3:2 reminds us to keep our priorities straight and to keep our focus
on God and His ways instead of getting caught up in the distractions and temptations of
the world around us.
By doing so, we can find true peace and fulfillment in our lives, both now and for all
eternity, and submission to God won't be that hard and disheartening to do, dahil alam
natin sa sarili natin na ang SUPREME thing na mahalaga sa buhay natin ay walang iba
kundi ang Diyos lang at ang mapaglingkuran Siya.
Submitting to God becomes simple when we come to the knowledge na may struggles,
hardships, and persecution and tribulation ang christian life natin, when we confess and
repent of our sins to God and others, and when we choose to deny ourselves and follow
Jesus until our very last breath. Hindi ito trabaho o obligasyon, kundi dahil ito ay grasya
at pribilehiyo.
Sa tingin mo bakit ka nahihirapan mag-submit? Rethink it and examine yourself.
HAPPY SUNDAY!

This might be your last service.

This might be your last praise.
This might be your last worship.
This might be your last fellowship.
This might be your last time hearing the sermon.
This might be your last breath.
"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and
spend a year there and trade and make a profit'— yet you do not know what tomorrow
will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then
vanishes." (James 4:13-14)
God gave you this day, so choose not to waste it. Give it to the Lord; He deserves the
best. No one knows when the Lord will call us home. Give your best to the Lord, because
this might be your last day.
If this might be your last, spend it on what's worthy of it.
DON'T LET THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD AND SIN MAKE YOUR HEART FALL OUT
OF LOVE WITH YOUR FIRST LOVE.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Its a reminder to keep our priorities straight and stay true to our faith. It's easy to get
caught up in the distractions and temptations of this world, but it's important to remember
the love and grace that we have received from our Creator.
It's easy to become distracted by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world
and lose sight of our first love, Jesus.
In the book of Revelation in the Bible, Jesus speaks to the church in Ephesus and praises
them for their hard work and perseverance, but also admonishes them for losing their first
love. He urges them to repent and do the things they did at first, to rekindle their love for
God.
We must remember that these things are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. They may
bring momentary pleasure, but they cannot compare to the joy and fulfillment that comes
from a relationship with God.
Similarly, we need to be intentional about maintaining our relationship with God and not
allowing the things of this world to take priority over our faith. This involves regularly
spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, attending church, and serving others in love.
By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and our hearts full of His love, we can resist the
temptations of sin and stay true to our first love.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things" — (Colossians 3:2)
We should focus our attention and affections on eternal things, rather than the temporary
pleasures and distractions of this world.
When we prioritize our relationship with Jesus and seek to live in accordance with His
will, we experience a sense of peace and contentment, a sense of joy and fulfillment that
cannot be found in anything else that cannot be found elsewhere.
The problem arises when we allow ourselves to become captivated by the momentary
pleasures of this world, whether it's material possessions, status, or other forms of
temporary satisfaction. These things may bring us pleasure in the moment, but they
cannot satisfy the deep longings of our hearts. When you become satisfied with the
temporary pleasures of this world, you lose sight of what truly matters and miss out on
the deep fulfillment and joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your
right hand are pleasures forevermore." — Psalm 16:11)
As followers of Christ, we must guard our hearts and minds against the allure of temporary
pleasures and instead fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith
(Hebrews 12:2). We must seek to find our satisfaction and fulfillment in Him alone,
knowing that He is all we truly need to be truly fulfilled and satisfied.
We can trust that He will provide for our needs and guide us through the ups and downs
of life.
So, let us not be tempted by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world, but
rather let us fix our eyes on Jesus, our first love, and seek to live in a way that honors
Him.
LAGI NALANG SILA, BAKA IKAW PALA?
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Before I became rooted in Jesus, nandoon yung feeling na ang superior and ang bossy
ko sa mga kapatid ko (though I am still making progress sa ugali kong ito) but the reason
why I felt this was because
"Ako panganay, ako dapat tama!"
Yes, tama pagkakabasa mo, panganay ako. And yes I admit na I already did that and still
have sometimes. Na kahit mali na ako ipagtatanggol ko parin na tama side ko. Pero
minsan, nagri-reverse psychology method ako na ako yung mananahimik para kunwari
tama ako.
I'm not proud of it, of course. Naalala ko yung story ni Jonah na parang ako rin.
Mababasa naman natin sa Bible na itong si Jonah was initially reluctant to follow God's
command to preach to the people of Nineveh.
He tried to flee from God and ended up in a boat with other sailors. When a storm arose
and the sailors were in danger, Jonah slept peacefully while his companions were
struggling to save themselves.
Jonah's disobedience becomes president caused of the storms that endanger the lives of
the sailors in the boat. Jonah was the cause of the storm that was endangering the lives
of the sailors aboard the ship he was on.
This can serve as a reminder that sometimes we can become so focused on our own
comfort or our own agenda that we become indifferent to the reality of those around us.
Akala natin na porke, we think we are right on our own side, akala natin okay na. we are
called to be compassionate and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We must be vigilant
and mindful of the needs of others, and not become apathetic or complacent in our own
comfort.
Jonah had disobeyed God's command to go to Nineveh and instead boarded a ship
headed in the opposite direction.
The storm arose as a consequence of his disobedience, and the sailors only discovered
that Jonah was the cause after casting lots to determine who was responsible. Jonah
ultimately confessed to his wrongdoing and was thrown overboard, which resulted in the
storm subsiding.
Mas madalas hindi lang natin napapansin, na ang pagkakamali natin at ang kasalanan
natin ay hindi lang mismo sa atin nakakaapekto. Gaya ni Jonah na ang simpleng pagtakas
at pag-disobeyed niya LANG SANA sa Diyos ay naging kapahamakan pa sa iba niyang
mga kasamahan sa bangka.
Our own sin and disobedience to the Lord or kahit sa mga magulang at leaders natin in
church can endanger the lives of our brethrens. Our actions and decisions can have
consequences not only for ourselves but also for those around us.
Just like how Jonah's disobedience to God caused danger for the other people on the
boat, our own sins and disobedience can have negative effects on those in our lives. It's
important to always seek to follow God's will and live according to His commands, not just
for our own sake but also for the sake of those around us.
Hindi ka palaging tama.
Hindi porke ikaw ang may posisyon, okay lang.
Huwag maging makasarili
Huwag mong alagaan ang kasalanan at ang pagiging suwail mo sa Diyos, sa magulang,
at sa mga leaders at kapatid in faith na binigay sayo ng Diyos.
Maaring yung pagkagalit sayo ng iba ay dahil may ginawa kang mali sa kanila.
Maaring yung problema ng relationship na meron ka sa (kaibigan, special someone,
ministries, and sa mga leaders mo sa simbahan at sa bahay) ay dahil ikaw na pala yung
problema.
Dahil imbis na ikaw lang ang makaranas ng consequences sa kasalanang pinaggagawa
mo — maaapektuhan pa nito ang iba. Pagsisihan mo na ngayon sa Diyos ang lahat ng
pagkakamali at kasalanang nagawa mo laban sa Kanya at sa tao.
Isipin mo ulit yung nangyari nakaraang araw kung bakit nagtatampo sayo yung mga tao,
bakit ayaw sayo ng mga tao, bakit ang bigat ng sitwasyon mo sa pamilya mo, sa kapwa
mo, at sa ispiritwal na lakad mo — dahil ikaw na pala yung problema.
Gaya ni Jonah na umamin na siya ang dahilan ng bagyo, humupa agad ito noong
nagpakatotoo siya. Aminin natin na tayo rin talaga ang problema, hindi ang nasa paligid
natin. Wala namang mawawala sa sarili natin kung magiging totoo tayo sa Diyos at sa
mga tao na nakapaligid sa atin.
Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For
the sea grew more and more tempestuous. He said to them, “Pick me up and hurl me into
the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you, for I know it is because of me that this great
tempest has come upon you.”(Jonah 1:11-12)
Minsan kaya nakakaranas ng problema ang mga kasama natin sa bahay o sa bahay-
sambahan o sa isang relasyon hindi dahil ito ay natural and common situations na
nangyayari sa buhay kristiyano natin — but often times dahil sa kagagawan natin kay
nagkakaroon ng problema.
Hindi palaging iba, madalas ikaw na ang problema.
"PWEDE PO BANG TRACTS NALANG KAHIT WALANG VERBAL CONVERSATIONS
SA PAGSHI-SHARE NG GOSPEL? DI PO KASI AKO MATALINO."
---------------------------------------------------------------
"Paano ko po 'yan ishi-share knowing that I'm not capable of handling difficult questions
to answer, unlike other Christian apologists who can defend and have all the answers at
the plate."
Sharing the gospel involves communicating the message of salvation through Jesus
Christ to others. Actions can sometimes speak louder than words, but at some point, we
will need to use words to clearly communicate the gospel message.
In Romans 10:14-15, the Apostle Paul writes, "How, then, can they call on the one they
have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?
And how can they hear WITHOUT SOMEONE PREACHING to them? And how can
anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those
who bring good news!'"
Actions are good demonstration but its not enough to give palatable end of the
conversation. Ang tracts ay importante. Some occassions and exemptions, its quite
effective lalo na kung emergency talaga na di ka makapag-share verbally sa mga taong
nakakatabi mo sa jeep, sa school, sa tricycle, sa barbershop, or saan mang private and
public places.
There are public places where communicating with other people about the gospel of
Christ Jesus can become too hectic and unclear to deliver the message of the gospel.
And at times, it can be very nervous sharing verbally the gospel with the other individual(s)
dahil aminin na natin sa hindi, mayroong mga matatalinong tao na icha-challenge faith
natin, and most of us are afraid to have that encounter.
But while our actions can be a powerful witness to our faith, there will come a time when
we need to verbally communicate the message of salvation to others. It's important to
note that sharing the Gospel should always be done with LOVE, RESPECT, HUMILITY,
and SENSITIVITY to others.
We should be mindful sa cultural and personal backgrounds of the people we are
speaking to, and seek to build relationships with them before sharing the Gospel
message.
Pero kung hindi ka kasing maalam ng isang kristiyano na grabe kung mag-explain, mag-
eisegesis este mag-exegesis, or you feel na you're not knowledgeable about the Gospel,
it's important to first invest time in studying and understanding it yourself (Js. 1:5; Prov.
3:5-6).
The more you understand the message of salvation through Jesus Christ, the more
confident you will be in sharing it with others.
Here are some practical steps you can take to increase your knowledge of the Gospel:
1.) READ YOUR BIBLE REGULARLY
— ang pagbabasa ng bibliya araw-araw ay sobrang napaka-importante (Js. 1:8). The
Bible is the primary source of knowledge about the Gospel. Make it a habit to read it
regularly, starting with the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — it would be better
if you start reading with the book of John kasi doon mo malalaman sino ba si Jesus at
bakit Siya naparito sa mundo?) and then proceed ka sa other New Testament books.
2.) ATTEND A BIBLE STUDY OR CHURCH GROUP
— joining a Bible study or small group can provide you with opportunities to learn from
others and deepen your understanding of the Gospel. Hindi lang naman tayo ang
kristiyano, sobrang dami rin nating kamukha natin. Pwede kang maki-join sa community
ng kapwa mo kristiyano either sa online man or physical gathering. Be mindful parin and
take it as a reminder na always pray to God to guide you and lead you to right group who
can help you grow as Christian without compromising your faith in Christ.
3.) SEEK OUT RESOURCES
— para sa akin, sobrang laking tulong ang naidulot ng mga libro sa buhay at kaalaman
ko. Like me, there are many books, podcasts, and online resources available to help you
learn about the Gospel. Look for trusted resources that align with your beliefs and values.
Kung di ka hiyang sa english, may mga tagalog books na biblical to help you understand
what's the meaning of the gospel at mayroong mga christian pages sa social media like
sa peysbuk na makakatulong sayo para malaman ang ibig sabihin ng Gospel.
4.) ASK A TRUSTED CHRISTIAN MENTOR
— whether social media or personal, if you know someone who is knowledgeable about
the Gospel, consider asking them to mentor you and help you grow in your understanding.
Malaking tulong na humingi ng tulong at kaalaman rin sa mga spiritually mature in faith
mapa-social-media man or personal mong itatanong sa leader(s) in church or sa kaibigan
mo.
5.) READ CHRISTIAN/APOLOGETIC BOOKS
— ang makapagbasa ng libro ay napaka-importante to increase our knowledge and
understanding about the dilemma we are going. We also need to do this para ma-equip
tayo to break our former limits in the field para kung halimbawang matanong tayo for
certain question(s), maaari nating mabigyan ng sagot.
BUT DON'T EVER FORGET THIS ONE... mawaglit mo na lahat, wag lang ito —
acknowledge the Holy Spirit — Gaya ng sinabi ni Pablo sa mga taga-Corinto chapter 2.
Paul didn't preach by the power of lofty and plausible words of wisdom, but in
demonstration of the Spirit and of power...
This means Paul wasn't relying on the power of human knowledge, wisdom, or
philosophies here. Paul preached in dependence on the Holy Spirit's work and power.
Kung ginawa ni Pablo na mag-rely upon his own wisdom and knowledge, nothing will
ever be able to be done sa ministeryo niya. All of Paul's ministry and work at Dahil sa
Banal na Espiritu He has a colossal intellect, but Paul didn't rely on his own. Indeed, he
submits and acknowledges the Holy Ghost's authority to lead and work in him.
Though knowledge is important, unless we have the wisdom and understanding that
come from God, ang lahat ng ginagawa natin ay confusion lamang kung walang pagsama
ng Banal na Espiritu sa atin. Sharing the gospel doesn't require you to have all the
answers or be a theological expert. It's simply about sharing the message of God's love
and salvation through Jesus Christ. As you learn more about the gospel, be open and
willing to share what you do know, and trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you in your
conversations with others.
Hindi naman magagaling ang mga nilalagay ng Diyos sa ubasan para mag-ani, kundi ang
mga tapat at willing sumunod sa Salita Niya ang Kanyang ginagawang matatalino at
magagaling para pagmukhaing mangmang ang mga taong pakiramdam sa sarili'y
matalino at magaling.
Be confident sharing the gospel because you have a message of hope and salvation to
share with others. The Gospel is the good news that God loves us and has provided a
way for us to be reconciled to Him through Jesus Christ. It's a message that has the power
to transform lives and bring people into a closer relationship with God. Kristiyano ka and
you have the privilege and responsibility to share this message with others. The Bible
encourages us to be bold in our witness for Christ and to share the hope that we have
with others.
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-
discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)
When you share the Gospel with others, you may face opposition or rejection, but it's
important to remember that you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with you, empowering
and guiding you as you share the message of salvation. Be confident in sharing the
Gospel, knowing that it has the power to change lives and that you are partnering with
God in His work of reconciling the world to Himself.
Remember, sharing the gospel is not about impressing people with your knowledge or
persuading them to agree with you. It's about pointing people to Jesus and helping them
understand God's love and the salvation He has for them.
Don't trust your knowledge; trust the Holy Spirit to help and guide you. Pray for wisdom
and guidance as you share the gospel with others, and trust the Holy Spirit to work in their
hearts.
Wag kang matatakot to share the gospel with other people dahil ang Espiritu na nasa sa
Iyo ay ang Espiritung kasama noon ni Pablo at ni Jesus sa ministeryo.
The Holy Spirit is in you that is powerful and great beyond any other.
"BAKIT HINDI NALANG ANGHEL ANG NAMATAY SA KRUS AT HINDI DAPAT JESUS.
EDI SANA DI NA NAGHIRAP SI JESUS."
------------------------------------------------------------------
The Bible does not provide a specific answer to why God did not allow angels to die for
our place, but it does give us some insight into the nature of angels and their role in God's
plan of salvation.
1.) Powerful and holy beings.
2.) They are created to carry out God's will and purposes.
3.) They are often depicted as messengers, and ministers of God who are sent to do His
bidding and help His people.
Sa totoo lang, there are things that we don't truly know now sa kung ano pa ba ang
characteristics ng mga anghel bukod sa mga nabanggit natin. But we can know kung ano
nga ba ang angel at bakit hindi sila yung namatay sa puwesto natin at bakit si Jesus.
1. Jesus is fully man and fully God.
— itinuturo ng Bibliya na ang kaligtasan ay isang kaloob na makukuha lamang sa
pamamagitan ng pananampalataya kay JesuCristo, na siyang natatanging
tagapamagitan sa pagitan ng Diyos at ng sangkatauhan (1 Timoteo 2:5). Si Jesus, bilang
ganap na Diyos at ganap na tao, ay natatanging kuwalipikadong magbayad ng multa para
sa ating mga kasalanan at magbigay ng paraan para sa ating kaligtasan.
Nagawa niyang maging perpektong sakripisyo para sa ating mga kasalanan. Namuhay
Siya ng walang kasalanan at kusang-loob na ibinigay ang Kanyang sarili upang ipako sa
krus bilang kabayaran sa ating mga kasalanan, tinatanggap ang kaparusahan na
nararapat sa atin. Though ang mga angel ay powerful spiritual beings created by God,
hindi nila kayang gampanan ang tungkuling ito dahil hindi sila tao at walang kakayahan
na pasanin ang mga kasalanan ng sangkatauhan. Christ is the only one who is both fully
God and fully human, making Him the only one who can truly represent both God and
humanity.
in 1 Timothy 2:5, it says, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and
mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
This verse emphasizes that Jesus is the only mediator between God and human beings,
and no other being, including angels, can take His place in this role. The idea that angels
should die instead of Jesus ignores the unique role that Jesus plays as the perfect
mediator between God and humanity, and the specific purpose of His death and
resurrection as the means of reconciling humanity to God and offering forgiveness of sins.
And still, the argument that angels should die instead of Jesus is based on a faulty
assumption that angels are somehow equal or interchangeable with human beings in
terms of representation before God. This assumption is not supported by Scripture, which
consistently presents humans as unique and distinct from angels, with a special status
and relationship to God.
2. The prophecies about Jesus Christ.
— secondly, Jesus' death and resurrection fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and
typology, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His promises and foreshadowing the
ultimate victory over sin and death (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Hosea 6:2). God's plan of
salvation through Jesus Christ was the only way to reconcile humanity to Himself and
provide the opportunity for eternal life.
This sacrifice was necessary because, as the Bible teaches, the penalty for sin is death.
Jesus, in His death and subsequent resurrection, defeated sin and death and made a
way for us to be reconciled to God and have eternal life. It is only through faith in Jesus
as our Lord and Savior that we can receive this gift of salvation and be reconciled to God.
Ang bibliya punong-puno ng propesiya patungkol kay Jesus. As Christians, we believe
that the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God. It is the final authority to which
man must obey. And that it reveals Christ from Genesis to Revelation. Ang Bibliya ang
huling awtoridad kung saan dapat nating isuko ang ating buhay at mga paniniwala, at
naglalaman ito ng mensahe ng kaligtasan na humahantong sa buhay na walang hanggan
dahil parin sa ito ay pumupunto kay Jesus na Siyang tinutukoy nito.
Sa Lumang Tipan, makikita natin ang mga propesiya at mga anino ng darating na
Mesiyas, at sa Bagong Tipan, we can see that the fulfillment of the prophecies ay sa
katauhan ni Jesu-Kristo. Sa buong Bibliya, nakikita natin ang plano ng pagtubos ng Diyos
para sa atin, at ito ay sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya kay Jesu-Kristo na tayo ay
maliligtas at makipagkasundo sa Diyos.
3. Jesus provided a way to reconcile humanity to God and received forgiveness.
— Jesus' death and resurrection provided a way for humanity to be reconciled to God
and receive forgiveness of sins, something that angels cannot offer since they are not
human and cannot represent humanity before God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Hebrews 2:14-
18). In John 14:6, Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to
the Father except through me." This implies that only through a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ can one be reconciled to God and receive eternal life.
Ang sakripisyo ni Hesus, bilang ang perpekto at walang kasalanan na Anak ng Diyos, ay
kailangan upang mabayaran ang mga kasalanan ng tao at magbigay ng paraan para tayo
ay ma-reconcile sa Diyos. Ang ideya na ang mga anghel ay dapat mamatay sa halip na
si Jesus is a philosophical argument. Ang mga anghel, habang makapangyarihan at banal
na mga nilalang, ay hindi makapag-a-alok ng reconciliation and salvation sa mga tao sa
Diyos. According to the Bible, only Jesus Christ can offer reconciliation and salvation to
humanity. Angels have the ability to take on physical form, yet, they are not human and
do not share in humanity's fallen nature and need for salvation.
The idea that angels could somehow atone for human sin is also unsupported by
Scripture. In fact, Hebrews 2:16 explicitly states that
"For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants."
It implies that the salvation offered by Christ is only for humans, not for angels. Angels
cannot offer the same level of salvation and reconciliation that Jesus Christ offers. They
are powerful beings created by God, but they are not divine beings like Jesus. They do
not possess the same attributes or authority as Jesus, who is the Son of God and part of
the Holy Trinity. Angels have been used by God throughout history to carry out His will
and to serve and protect His people, but they do not have the power to save humanity
from sin and grant eternal life like Jesus does.
4. Jesus had to die to demonstrate the depth of His love for us
— finally, Jesus' death and resurrection also demonstrate God's great love for humanity,
that He would be willing to suffer and die for us (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8). God demonstrated
His love towards us that He sent forth His Son to die on our place. Kung sa tingin mo
mahalaga ka, yes you are! Dahil mahal ka ng Diyos at pinahalagahan ka Niya to the point
na maging kamatayan hinarap Niya only to save you and reconcile you back to Him. That
is a beautiful truth about the love of God for humanity. The death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ is the ultimate expression of God's love for us, as it shows that He was willing to
sacrifice His own Son to save us from our sins and reconcile us to Himself. This sacrifice
was not forced upon God, but rather it was His own initiative out of His great love for us.
The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross demonstrates God's love for humanity in a way that
could not have been shown through the death of angels. The fact that God would give up
His only Son to die for the sins of humanity shows the extent of His love and mercy
towards us. It is a demonstration of His desire to reconcile us to Himself and to offer us
the gift of eternal life. The death and resurrection of Jesus is a unique and unparalleled
event in human history, and it is through Him that we can find salvation and redemption.
And ayun, therefore, it seems that God in His infinite wisdom and love had a specific plan
in mind for our salvation that involved Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer, rather than
angels. This plan ultimately points to the centrality of Jesus in God's redemptive plan and
highlights the unique nature of His sacrifice for us. Ginagawa natin ang lahat, pero hindi
natin alam na ginawa na ni Jesus ang lahat para sa atin. If you haven't yet placed your
faith in Christ Jesus, I encourage you to do so now. You can start by confessing your sins
to God and asking for His forgiveness. Then, place your faith in Jesus as your Lord and
Savior, and commit to following Him for the rest of your life
Ito ang panahon nang kaligtasan mo kung hindi ka pa ligtas. Pagsisihan mo lahat ng
kasalanan mo humingi ka ng tawad sa Diyos. At mananampalataya kay Jesu-Cristo
bilang Diyos at Tagapagligtas.
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he
is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."
(2 Peter 3:9).
It is never too late to turn to God and seek His forgiveness and love. God is always ready
to welcome us back into His loving arms, no matter how far we may have strayed or how
many mistakes we may have made.
THOUGH MAY BE HURTFUL, SO BE IT, LORD.
------------------------------------------------------------
Following Jesus is a personal decision, and it may require us to make difficult choices
and even lose relationships along the way.
"Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who
loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up
their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and
whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." — (Matthew 10:37-39)
While it can be painful to lose relationships or face rejection from others because of our
faith, I believe that our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus and His teachings. We are called
to love and serve others, but not at the expense of compromising our faith and beliefs.
It's important to remember that following Jesus also means being part of a community of
believers who can offer support, encouragement, and accountability along the way.
While we may lose some relationships, we can also gain new friendships and a sense of
belonging to a spiritual family.
Lastly, as we follow Jesus and seek to live out His teachings, we can trust that He will
guide us and provide for us, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Mahirap man sa umpisa, matututo tayong malaman ang halaga ng pagsunod sa Kanya.
THERE'S HEALING IN CHRIST WHEN YOU LET YOUR SOUL REST.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Rest is an important aspect of our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. In today's fast-
paced world, many of us are constantly on the go, striving to achieve more and do more.
While it's important to work hard and pursue our goals, we also need to prioritize rest and
relaxation.
Resting allows our bodies and minds to recharge and recover from the stress and
demands of daily life. It can help us to feel more calm, centered, and at peace. When we
take time to rest, we also create space to connect with God and reflect on our priorities
and values.
Jesus understood the importance of rest, and He often retreated to quiet places to pray
and spend time with His Father. In Matthew 11:28-30, He invites us to come to Him and
find rest for our souls:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
So if you are feeling weary or overwhelmed, take time to rest and recharge. Whether it's
taking a nap, going for a walk, or spending time in prayer and meditation, prioritize rest in
your life and allow God to bring healing and renewal to your soul.
You can rest too :))
YOU CANNOT GROW OUTSIDE SCRIPTURE.
----------------------------------------------------------------
In this story of the book of Daniel, Daniel and his friends were among the Israelites who
were taken captive and brought to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king ordered
that they be trained in the ways of the Babylonians and provided them with food and wine
from his table. However, Daniel and his friends refused to eat the king's food and asked
to be given vegetables and water instead.
In verse 8 of chapter 1, Daniel said to the chief official who had been appointed by the
king to take care of them, "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but
vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young
men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see."
Daniel and his friends believed that eating the king's food would defile them and violate
their Jewish dietary laws. They chose to stick to their beliefs and trust in God's provision,
even if it meant risking the king's wrath. In the end, God blessed them for their faithfulness
and they were found to be healthier and stronger than the other young men who ate the
king's food.
And there are worth-noting things i had learned from this passage:
Often times we try compromise truth over what's okay to the godless society. We enjoy
fleeting pleasures and forsake heavenly things.Yes, it is true that in today's society, there
is often pressure to compromise or water down biblical truth in order to conform to the
values and beliefs of the world around us. This can lead to a desire for fleeting pleasures
and a neglect of heavenly things — and that's a bad news to those who succumb to it.
1.) As Christians, we are called to be set apart from the world and to follow God's ways,
even when it goes against the cultural norms or expectations. In Romans 12:2, it says,
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and
perfect will."
2.) We are called to live according to God's standards, not the world's. This can involve
making difficult choices and sacrificing temporary pleasures for eternal rewards. It may
not always be easy, but it is worth it. In Matthew 16:26, Jesus says, "What good will it be
for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in
exchange for their soul?"
3.) Therefore, we must continually seek God's wisdom and guidance through His words,
and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds so that we can live a life that
is pleasing to God, rather than conforming to the values of the world around us. And for
apart from Christ through His words, the thing that only we can do will be noTHING. When
we seek things outside Scripture, we will never grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
Our growth and transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ comes primarily through
our relationship with Him and our study of the Scriptures. The Bible is God's Word, and it
is through the Scriptures that we learn about God's character, His will for our lives, and
the way of salvation through Jesus Christ.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it says, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be
thoroughly equipped for every good work."
This passage emphasizes the importance of the Scriptures for our spiritual growth and
development.
While there may be many helpful resources and teachings available outside of Scripture,
we must always test them against the truth of God's Word and make sure they align with
what the Bible teaches. As Christians, we are called to discernment and to be aware of
false teachings and doctrines that can lead us astray from the truth.
Therefore, while it is not necessarily wrong to seek guidance and wisdom from outside
sources, it is important to always filter everything through the lens of Scripture and to
prioritize our relationship with Jesus Christ above all else. It is through our faith in Him
and our obedience to His Word that we can truly grow into the likeness of Jesus Christ.
ANONG DAPAT GAWIN KAPAG SINAKTAN KA NG KAPWA MO NA-ATTEND SA
SIMBAHAN? (A CHURCH HURT ISSUE — A LONG MESSAGE TO READ)
---------------------------------------------------------------------
It is incredibly disheartening to observe in the present day how many suffer damage and
turned away from Christianity as a result of what religious people did to them for their own
personal agendas. Although it might be too offensive for you to hear it from me in this
setting, I would rather speak to you about it than keep the door shut.
Numero unong rason kung bakit sobrang daming nag-aalisan sa kristiyanismo ay dahil
rin mismo sa nagpapanggap kristiyano sa loob ng maraming simbahan. Mayroon mga
nag-confessed sa akin how they were treated in their church and those who formerly had
church. But let me clarify one thing regarding this matter:
It can be challenging and upsetting to be hurt or disappointed by the religious community.
It is crucial to look after yourself and get help if you have been injured by the church. You
can take the following actions:
1. 𝘈𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦
— it is important to recognize and validate your emotions. It's okay to feel hurt,
disappointed, angry, or betrayed. Don't try to suppress them or push them away. Self-
care does not mean selfishness. There's a big difference there. Kapag sinabing "care"
means watching over yourself, not reigning over yourself (selfishness). Dahil noong
kasama na nating namatay si Kristo sa krus at nabuhay magmuli, gaya ng sinabi ni Pablo,
hindi na tayo ang nabubuhay sa ating mga sarili kundi si Kristo na sa atin (Gal. 2:20).
Don't kill your self by hiding the pain inside caused by the church, because it won't change
the fact that you have emotions and you're not a robot. Give it to God dahil hindi mo kaya
pero makakaya mo dahil kay Lord.
2. 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵
— seek out people you can trust and talk to them about what happened. This could be a
therapist, a friend, or a support group. You may also want to consider finding a new
community of faith that aligns better with your values and beliefs. It can be helpful to talk
to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor about what you are experiencing. They
can provide comfort and perspective as you navigate this challenging time. The best parin
ang christian community circle na centered sa Bible to look for advice dahil alam mong
ili-lead ka niyan sa tamang aksyon at ano ang dapat gawin.
3. 𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩
— if you feel comfortable, you can try to talk to a leader or member of the church about
what happened. Be clear about how you were hurt and what you need from them in order
to move forward. It is important to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being. You
may want to talk to a pastor or church leader about what you are experiencing. They may
be able to offer guidance and support, at least sa ganitong pagkakataon, let them speak
things for you that you really need. God appointed leaders to take care of us too and
guide us to the truth.
4. 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩
— if you feel that the hurt you experienced is too great to continue attending your current
church, consider finding a new community that aligns with your values and beliefs. It's
okay na magpaalam sa pastor or sa community humbly na formerly mong kinabibilangan
na you need to have some time to sort things out. Finding a new church is not a bad thing
para gawin. Being Christian in life is an individual walk, but it is never meant to be walked
alone. We need a community that helps us grow in our understanding and knowledge of
the God that we are serving. Kaya kung nagiging toxic na ang simbahan na inaa-tenan
mo, consider finding a new church, especially when all they do to you is against the word
of God. Hurt may be inevitable to feel, but if hurt from the people we know becomes
greater and greater, it's another reason to consider finding a new church.
5. 𝘉𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴
— engage in activities that bring you joy and help you feel centered more deeply with
Christ Jesus and having yourself altogether from scratch and pieces. This could be
anything from taking a walk in nature, to reading a book, to meditating the word of God,
praying, and worshiping God. The hurt people caused you shouldn't be and never should
be a reason to blame Jesus Christ and leave Him. Its not Jesus who hurt you, its them na
kamukha mo.
6. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴
— the Bible is rich of stories how one who does follow God isn't instantly changed at one
time occurrence, change is a constant process of progress. Among many of us Christians
we know that spiritual growth and transformation is a lifelong process, and that no one is
perfect or fully "arrived" in their faith. The Bible is indeed rich with stories of people who
struggled with their faith, made mistakes, and yet were still used by God for His purposes.
For example, the Apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament, described himself
as the "chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15) and acknowledged that he still struggled with
sin (Romans 7:15-25). Similarly, King David, who was called a "man after God's own
heart" (Acts 13:22), committed adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11). These stories show
that even the most faithful and godly people are not immune to sin and struggle.
As I've said, change is a constant process of progress. It takes time, effort, and a
willingness to surrender oneself to God's will and guidance. The Christian life is often
described as a journey, with ups and downs, successes and failures, but ultimately
leading towards spiritual growth and transformation. Therefore, attending church services
does not mean that one is perfect or has arrived in their faith, but rather it is a community
of people who are all works in progress, supporting and encouraging each other in their
journey of faith.
7. 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴
— forgiveness is a personal decision, and it does not mean that you have to take
everything at once or reconcile with the church instantly. It is about letting go of the anger
and resentment so that you can move forward in a healthy way. Sometimes it may be
hard, but gaya ng sabi ng pinakanirirespeto kong mga lingkod ng Diyos: kung gagamitin
mo ang pagmamahal ni Jesus, tiyak, pag-ibig din ang bunga. Ang pagpapatawad ay
bunga ng pag-ibig. Most of us are deluded by the word "forgiveness," because what it
means to forgive is just to accept their sorrys at sabihin naman nating "oo na,
pinapatawad na kita." That is not genuine forgiveness. It's more than just accepting their
remorse; it's accepting them for who they are and letting them know that instead of saying
"na gawin mo sa kanila ang ginawa nila sayo," what you wanted to do is "give them the
picture of how Christ Jesus loves you.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is no shame in seeking help. Take the time you
need to heal and prioritize your own well-being while at the same time gazing your life
constantly and obediently in Christ Jesus, the Perfecter and Finisher of our faith (Heb.
12:2-3). Healing from church hurt is a process, and it may take time. Be patient with
yourself and allow yourself to grieve and heal in your own time.
Consider praying for people who have hurt you, betrayed you, abandoned you, or caused
you pain. Because at the end of the road, as Christians, we are not exempt from loving
them as ourselves, to show grace, mercy, and a helping hand towards them. I only know
One Person Who has been most hurt by the church —Jesus Himself. Siya ang higit na
mas nakaranas ng pananakit mula sa atin dahil sa mga pinaggagawa natin.
Don't let people be the object that drives your faith, because at the end of the road, you
will lose your walk with Christ by focusing on people's opinions. Instead, magpokus ka
kay Christ, dahil kahit anong pang-aalipusta, pananakit, o mali ang gawin nila sayo —
nakikita mo sila na katulad mo lamang na kailangan ng grasya at habag ng Diyos. Instead
na tignan natin silang kaaway, ituring nating kapatid natin sila na gaya natin minu-mold
sa proseso.
No matter how the church hurts you, though the pain that they cause you might take time,
focus on Jesus Christ, because in Christ you will never experience pain or something
wrong that people can possibly do to us.
PINATAWAD KO NA NAMAN SIYA PERO HINDI KO NA SIYA KAYANG
PAGKATIWALAAN AT MAHALIN ULIT.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Totoo bang napatawad mo na yung tao?
There are things you can do to rediscover how really you have forgiven the person, even
if you may have felt too isolated to trust the individual while you claim to yourself that you
have already done so. Isa sa napakagandang natutuhan ko sa isang lingkod ng Diyos na
ginamit ni Lord na naging instrumento kung ano nga ba ang totoong pagpapatawad ay
ang mga ebidensiyang ito.
Totoong napatawad mo na ang tao kung:
▫️𝖪𝗂𝗇𝖺𝗅𝗂𝗆𝗎𝗍𝖺𝗇 𝗆𝗈 𝗇𝖺 𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗄𝖺𝗌𝖺𝗅𝖺𝗇𝖺𝗇 𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝖺𝗈
— una daw bahagi ng totoong napatawad mo na yung tao ay kung kinalimutan mo na
ang nagawang pagkakamali sa'yo ng tao. Imagine halimbawa napaka below the belt nung
ginawang kasalanan sayo ng tao — sa tingin mo ba napatawad mo na yung tao dahil
sinabi mo lang? If you're willing to forget the wrongs and suffering they have brought
about you, then you've already show the first of your willingness to forgive them. At
masasabi mo lang na kinalimutan mo na yung pagkakamali ng tao kung hindi mo
ibinabalik at hinuhukay yung pagkakamali ng tao.
▫️𝖭𝖺𝗀𝗍𝗂𝗐𝖺𝗅𝖺 𝗄𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗆𝗎𝗅𝗂 𝗌𝖺 𝗍𝖺𝗈
— malamang, isa ito sa NAPAKAhirap na gawin lalo na sa taong ginawan tayo ng
pagkakamali against sa atin, especially kung below the belt pa. Sabi ng isang lingkod ng
Diyos,
"Talagang totoo mong napatawad yung tao kung nagtiwala kang muli sa tao."
It's not funny to say this (hindi ako exempted) dahil kung ako tatanungin, paano ko
mapapatawad yung tao kung sa limutin palang yung nagawang pagkakamali ng tao hirap
na ako? pagkatiwalaan pa kayang muli yung tao? Sobrang hirap no? Paano naman yung
inabuso ako pisikal? Yung sinaktan pamilya ko? Siniraan mga mahal ko sa buhay? Inalis
mga bagay na mahahalaga sa akin?
At yung last sa mas sobrang hirap pang gawin na gawing muli sa tao ay ang
▫️𝖬𝖺𝗁𝖺𝗅𝗂𝗇 𝗆𝗎𝗅𝗂 𝗒𝗎𝗇𝗀 𝗍𝖺𝗈
— "teka lang! Hindi ba 'yan joke?"
Yes, hindi ito joke. Panghuli sa hakbang na totoo mong napatawad ang tao ay kung
mamahalin mo uli yung tao gaya ng pagmamahal mo sa iyong sarili — walang exemption
rito. Mahirap ito pagdating sa mag-asawa lalo na kung nagloko yung isang partner. Pero
mayroon akong isang kilalang tao na napatawad ang gumawa sa kanya ng pagkakamali
at nagawa niyang mahalin muli, at sobrang nakakagulat at nakakatuwa non. Pero most
of us ay hindi kayang gawin ang bagay na yun na mahalin muli yung nakagawa ng
napakabigat na pagkakamali against sa kanya. Kung una tayong magpapatawad, tayo
ang unang lalaya sa rehas ng bigat ng loob. Take the first initiative.
Literal na mahirap magpatawad. Pero literal na totoong kaya nating mapatawad ang isang
tao. It is so clearly demonstrated by Jesus. Paano ba natin magagawa ang tatlong ito lalo
na kung sobrang bigat ng ginawang pagkakamali ng tao sa atin?
𝖢𝗋𝗈𝗌𝗌 2,000 𝗒𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗌 𝖺𝗀𝗈.
— For me, the cross was the catalyst for realizing how crucial it is to forgive. The crucifix
opened my eyes na although may oras man na naaalala mo yung pagkakamali ng tao
sa'yo, ngunit nagawa mo paring mapatawad ang tao. May oras man na ginawan ka man
ng pagkakamali ng tao ngunit sinet-aside mo yon to trust the person again, hindi dahil
martyr ka. At naging mabigat man ang nagawang pagkakamali ng tao sayo, nagawa mo
pading mahalin yung tao.
Hindi dahil sa kakayanan mo, kundi sa kung ano ang kakayanan ni Kristo sa buhay mo.
Si Jesus nagawa tayong mapatawad sa kabila ng sobra-sobrang below the belt na
kasalanang nagawa natin. He forgot our sins from the past, na sobrang filthy and ugly,
pero hindi lang yun. He trusted us in ministry, and He has given us privilege para gamitin
Niya tayo to lead other souls to Him. Last but not least, kahit sobrang bigat ng kasalanan
natin — nagawa Niya tayong mahalin.
Christians, imitating Christ is impossible without His Spirit dwelling in us. It's hard to
forgive someone whose sins were beyond our love, patience, and control. Unless Christ
dwells in us, there's definitely no genuine forgiveness that will happen. Hindi ko alam kung
ano ang step by step, pero one thing is sure: the evidence of true forgiveness doesn't
stop when we accept their sorrys. True forgiveness is obvious when you forget, trust, and
love those who have placed you more than once in pain and agony.
Imagine the cross Christ had to bear and the crown of thorns He had to endure. Imagine
the things Jesus Christ did for you. He didn't just do it out to stretch forth His hand and
finish the agonizing pain on the cross He had to bear. Christ is telling you right now: If you
can't forgive someone who has wronged you, how can you love Me with all of your heart,
mind, soul, and strength if you still have junk you continue to embrace?
Bitterness and grief are the offspring of an unforgiving heart. However, serenity and joy
are borne from a heart that is forgiving. Forgiveness isn't a choice of feeling, its a choice
over feelings.
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that
your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Ps. 32:1).
Tandaan natin na hindi tayo mapapatawad ng Diyos kung tayo mismo hindi marunong
magpatawad ng totoo sa kapwa. Ang pagpapatawad hindi lang binibigkas, kundi
ipinaparamdam. Hindi lang bukambibig ang pagpapatawad, kundi pagpaparamdam nito
sa taong nakasakit sayo.
And remember, mahirap maglingkod ng may dalahin at bagahe ang puso na mga basura.
YES, GOD DOES LOVE EVERYONE.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
To say God does not love everyone is to eliminate the perfection of God's love among
any other love. There's an internet sensation of a Christian page where I bumped into it
just like this:
"God does not love you."
And, of course, not. I'm not doing this post to give shame to the uploader of the post but
to give reassurance to every reader that, yes, God's love is unconditional, and of course,
God does love you.
How can you be so certain kung halimbawa sa tingin mo na hindi mahal ng Diyos lahat,
tapos ikaw lang mahal Niya. Kung sa isang pamilya may nanay at tatay ka tapos mayroon
kang tatlong magkapatid, and you can't leave your thought na "God does not love
everyone" or "God does love only certain people", ibig ba nung sabihin halimbawa kung
ikaw lang ang kristiyano sa pamilya mo, ikaw lang tong mahal ng Diyos sa loob ng
tahanan mo? I would never jump into that pool of thoughts na God only gives His love to
those who choose Him over those who don't.
Why do most Christians (hindi ko ilalahat) think God does not love everyone?
1.) 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗈𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗅 𝗂𝗌 𝗈𝗇𝗅𝗒 𝖺𝗏𝖺𝗂𝗅𝖺𝖻𝗅𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗍𝗂𝗆𝖾.
— most Christians prefer to defend na hindi lahat mahal ng Diyos dahil hindi naman lahat
nakareceive ng gospel. They believe that if GOD DOES LOVE EVERYONE or EVERY
PEOPLE, God would choose to save EVERYONE as well. Well, kung di ka magiging
aware sa sinasabi ng bibliya, you will be persuaded to this kind of conclusion na, "oo nga
no? May point naman...". when this point of view can appear to be true, how can we be
certain that God loves us when someone else does not? This notion is in conflict with
Romans 5:8. Even the book of John's epistle, John 3:16, will work. Numerous verses
directly refute the notion that God ONLY loves some individuals while rejecting others.
And I don't think it's true na mahal lang ng Diyos ang IILAN at hindi lahat. Kung titignan,
parang available lang ang gospel through the entire book of New Testament kasi we know
certainly how salvation can only be found in Christ alone, pero...
Makikita natin na even Old Testament peeps, HAVE BEEN SAVED BY FAITH. The Old
Testament way of salvation wasn't through keeping the law or any law(s), it was through
faith in the promised Messiah that would come. Hindi naligtas ang mga Old Testament
people by offering an unblemish animal for atoning their sins or by keeping their entire
laws. Paul was clear here how Old Testament people were saved — because it was
through faith, and to what object? Papaano naligtas si Abraham at ang iba pang mga Old
Testament people kung hindi pa incarnated in flesh si Christ at the same time we know
naman na before 400 years bago si Christ mag-incarnate sa flesh, buhay na si Abraham.
The fact is that we can find it in the book of Romans 4, where Paul confirms how Abraham
and other people of the Old Testament were saved, and it was through faith (to what?).
Of course, the object of their faith was God alone— the promised Messiah that someday
would come. The gospel teaches us that only by grace through faith in Christ Jesus will
we be saved. However, how can you know for sure they were saved, kung di nila kilala si
Jesus? Then point yourself to the book of John, chapter 8:58, where Jesus says, "Before
Abraham was, I am." In the Old Testament, people looked forward to the promised
Messiah that would soon come. We know that Jesus is God incarnated in flesh. He is
before Abraham was (John 1:1–2; pati yung book of Colossians). And it's clear in the
passage as well that those who place their faith in Christ will be saved.
"That is why his [Abraham] faith was 'counted to him as righteousness.' But the words 'it
was counted to him' were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted
to us who believe in Him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, ..." — (Romans 4:22-
24)
The gospel has advanced before our generation. Ang gospel ay hindi eksklusibo para
lang sa New Testament people, It was also contained in the book of the Old Testament
(Gen. 3:15). Hindi unconscious ang mga Old Testament people about the coming
Messiah. Jesus was already prophesied so many times in the Old Testament. And those
who (I'm talking about Old Testament saints) place their faith in the promised Messiah will
be made righteous and saved, not because of their faith but because of the object of their
faith. They were aware of this—that the coming Redeemer would soon stand upon the
earth (Job 19:25).
It would be a contradiction to say that there is another way in which Old Testament people
are saved. Jesus clearly stated in John 14:6 that He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
No one comes to the Father but by Him alone (Jn. 14:6; Ac. 4:11–12; Ps. 118:22; 1 Tim.
2:5; Jn. 8:24).
2.) 𝖴𝗇𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖽 𝗉𝖾𝗈𝗉𝗅𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗀𝗅𝗈𝖻𝖾
— another point of view to defend the idea that God doesn't love everyone is that most
Christians say
"Papaano yung mga unreached people? They never heard the gospel as well; how can
they be saved?"
Sinabi ni Pablo na bago pa ang lahat, God already revealed Himself in nature and in the
hearts of people. Maraming magsasabi na iga-granted or papalampasin nalang ng Diyos
yung ibang tao na hindi pa nakarinig patungkol kay Jesus para maligtas sila. No, walang
pinapalampas ang Diyos kahit pa pagdating sa kaligtasan. He will make sure that those
who will be saved ay palaging dumaan sa tamang pintuan at sa makipot na daan, walang
iba kundi si Jesus. Jesus commanded us to preach and disciple all nations (Matt. 28:18–
20).
Ang malaking problema noon magpasahanggang ngayon ay hindi dahil hindi narinig ng
mga tao ang patungkol kay Jesus, kundi dahil they refused to believe what they heard.
Many people heard about Christ, but instead of believing that He was the Redeemer, they
closed their ears and hearts and did not believe that He was the Messiah that God would
send to save them. Paul also urges us that the gospel is also for the hopeless, not only
for the Jews and some Gentiles; the gospel is for all.
We are all accountable for our eternity. But how can someone hear about Christ if
Christians aren't reluctant to reach out to people? kahit pa sa kasuluk-sulukan ang
mundo? No one will believe if they haven't heard, and no will heard about Christ if we do
not preach the gospel of Jesus. Maraming kristiyano ang nagbuwis ng buhay to preach
the gospel sa lahat ng mundo and still nagpapatuloy parin ang pag-reach out kahit sa
mga tribo-tribo.If we are not willing to lose our lives for preaching the gospel for the sake
of other people's eternity, then we are not worthy of Christ.
"Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" — (1 Corinthians 9:16)
Sobrang desperado na makarinig ng mga tao ng gospel because it's the only way to bring
them to salvation. It's the only thing that will make them realize that there is no other name
that can save them but the name of Christ Jesus alone. Harvest na pero maraming
laborers ang tamad at walang compassion and love sa napakaraming tao. Kaya tayo
kulang sa laborers sa field dahil nakikipag-argue tayo whether God loves everyone or
not.
But for me, I believe God loves everyone. He loves all people. Hindi ako Diyos para
sabihing ilan lang ang mahal ng Diyos. Alam ko na walang ibang laman ang puso at isip
ni Kristo habang nakapako Siya sa krus liban nalang na lahat ng tao ay iniisip Niya at
laman ng puso Niya. Hindi rin ako batas para sabihing para lang sa ilang tao ang
kaligtasan. And of course, sa page na nagsabing hindi "tayo mahal ng Diyos", I'll leave
my question here for you:
Paano mo namang nasabing mahal ka ng Diyos? Mahal din ba ng Diyos ang kapatid at
magulang mo?
Hindi naman tayo si Jesus para i-profess sa tao na, "namatay lang ako para kay ganito
at hindi sayo!" All of us were given the ultimate sacrifice by Christ. Furthermore, His love
is unwavering. God's love is not subject to any conditions na kailangan mong maging
ganito para mahalin kita, na kailangan mong maging malinis para mahalin kita or
kailangan mong gawin ito or yan. No, kahit anong sulit pa ng tao na abutin ang Diyos,
hindi nila maabot ang Diyos, kaya Diyos na ang bumaba para abutin ang tao. And the
term "unconditional" does not imply conceding what God despises na parang ganto:
halimbawa nagkasala ka tapos paulit ulit mo nalang niri-reject si Christ, hindi ibig sabihin
na porke nagkakasala ka at paulit-ulit mong nirireject si Christ ay hindi ka na mahal ng
Diyos. Of course, God will condemn those who don't believe in Christ, but God still loves
those who don't believe in Christ, dahil binibigyan pa Niya sila ng pagkakataon to accept
the gift of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. His grace is the product of His
love for us; while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Salvation is conditional, but God's love isn't. God's love for us is unconditional because
we are undeserving of His love: "Minahal na Niya tayo bago pa natin Siya mahalin. At
minahal Niya tayo kahit undeserving, unqualified, unworthy, depraved, wretched, at
wicked tayo sa harapan Niya — He still lavishes us with His outpouring and overwhelming
grace, mercy, compassion, and love towards us. Akala kasi ng maraming kristiyano na
kapag sinabi nating unconditional ang love ni Lord eh hinahayaan na ni Lord na
magpakasasa sa kasalanan ang mga indibidwal na di kumikilala sa Kanya. Yes, God's
love is unconditional, but this doesn't change the fact that God hates sinners who
habitually sin. His wrath is also the product of God's unconditional love for us. He
disciplines, He chastises, and He rebukes the works of evil. The best picture of the
unconditional love of God toward His people is the story of the prodigal son.
I am not ashamed to tell anyone that God loves them. Dahil ako ngang hindi kamahal-
mahal minahal Niya, paano pa kaya sila? If you think God only loves certain people, then
it's more likely that God doesn't love your family. Kung sino pang hindi kamahal-mahal,
tayo pa may ganang sabihing hindi mahal ng Diyos ang ibang tao. Tandaan mo, lahat
tayo hindi kamahal-mahal pero minahal at patuloy parin tayong minamahal ng Diyos kaya
magpasahanggang ngayon gusto Niyang maligtas ang tao.
God's love never just goes to you; it goes to everyone.
"SABI NG AKLAT NG HEBREO BULAG ANG PANANAMPALATAYA MO..."
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Do Christians have blind faith?
"Truth never changes, but critics do." Sabi ni Josh McDowell
Every generation(s) ay naglalapag ng iba't ibang arguments ang iba't ibang tao to
disprove the viability and verifiability of any religion, especially the most attacked religion,
Christianity. And those who challenge Christians are skeptics, agnostics, and atheists
(serious and internet groups who challenge Christians). Siguro isa ka na rin sa maraming
Christians na naka-encounter nang ganitong phenomenon. Maraming mga tao na
magsasabi sayong wala namang matibay na ebidensiya ang pananampalataya mo and
then commonly yung pinu-point nila na verse ay yung Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
(Hebrews 11:1)
"Is faith believing in things we cannot see? If it does, then Christians do have blind faith."
That is why I encouraged every Christian to not hate the apologetics subject because in
this way we can prove what we believe and why we believe things they don't do (when I
say "they," it means those who are ignorant, skeptical, and atheists).
Bago natin answerin ang common arguments ng mga chuma-challenge sa faith natin,
Let's learn what faith really is. Noong tumingin ako ng meaning ng faith sa merriam
webster it makes the same claims that atheists, skeptics, and agnostics make. As defined
by Merriam-Webster, faith: 𝑓𝑖𝑟𝑚 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑓 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑤ℎ𝑖𝑐ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑓.
Christians will undoubtedly be referred to as clinging to blind faith if they actually have
faith in the manner that Merriam Webster describes. But Christians never let their trust
rest on this kind of confidence. They don't believe without evidence or with blind faith.
The faith of Christians is frequently misunderstood as follows:
1.) 𝖡𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖽 𝖿𝖺𝗂𝗍𝗁
— Again, Josh McDowell says, "Faith in the Bible is intelligent faith, not blind faith. Now,
when most Christians say to take it by faith, they aren't referring to blind faith. When you
take it on faith, it's an intelligent faith. Your heart should never rejoice over what your mind
rejects. God gives us our minds and our hearts to work in unity to glorify Him."
Most people do have faith in believing in things they do not see. Common na sa ating
(kristiyano) na batuhan ng ganitong argumento. Lately nga habang nag-i-evangelize
kami, naka-encounter kami ng philosophical arguments from a certain first-year college
group of students. One student denied the authenticity of Christ's incarnation. He doesn't
believe in Jesus because it makes no sense to believe things his naked eye can't
perceive. Naniniwala naman raw siya kay Einstein dahil may video at litrato raw ito, but
kay Jesus, he's so reluctant to disagree. Nakakapagpantig lang talaga ng tainga ang
ganitong pilosopong sagot but as I took turns to question him, I asked him if he could see
love but hindi na siya sumagot.
See? If our faith is based on things about which our hearts rejoice yet our minds don't
agree, there is something wrong with our faith. If the foundation of our faith is something
that makes our hearts sing with disagreement in our minds, then something is wrong with
our faith. Ang pananampalataya natin bilang isang kristiyano ay hindi naka-based sa
kawalan. The tsunami evidence is the basis for our faith because it demonstrates the
certainty of both what we believe and why we believe it. The amount of evidence pointing
to the foundation of our faith is more than sufficient.
2.) 𝖫𝖺𝖼𝗄 𝗈𝖿 𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖽𝖾𝗇𝖼𝖾(𝗌)
— I felt sympathy for people who object to the validity of the evidence that the Bible is
untrue. People who disagree with Christian's beliefs are either inconsiderate or have
hearts that are hardened. Most of them constantly attempt to bring up the issue of the
Scripture's inconsistencies in and fabrications. They believe na kesyo ang bibliya ay isang
likhang isip lang ng tao na basta nalang sumikat sa kawalan. Don't get me wrong ha, hindi
ko dini-demonize yung paniniwala ng ganitong tao na nagbi-bring up ng gantong subject
or pinagtatawanan ko ang faith ng mga atheist(s). If your faith compels you to put your
mind out of commission and make use of only your eyes and heart, then you may have a
greater issue than just your faith.
Encourage yourself to avoid jumping to rash conclusions. Kung ang iba't ibang mga
subject ay pinag-aaralang maigi para mapatunayan ang itinuturo, gamitin din nating ugali
ang ganoon para ilatag sa katotohanan sa kung ano naman ang patungkol sa bibliya.
Don't jump on buildings without trying to understand the concept of pain once you fall
from them. No book in human history has received threats, been burned in public so many
times, spread like a contagious disease, or had a greater impact on human lives than the
Bible. God gave you a mind, not just eyes and a heart. Before you believe that Scripture
is fallible and not true, don't set your eyes down on your heart. Let it start in your mind
and sink into your heart.
𝖧𝖾𝖻𝗋𝖾𝗐𝗌 11:1 never supports the idea of blind faith. This verse ingrains in us what faith
looks like in one's life, not what faith is as a concept. Mike Winger goes on to say (though
mahaba), but it's well said, seeing it from him:
"... .Faith here in these passage isn't a concept, its what faith looks like in one's life. In
other words, a person who has faith will live like the future expectations we have are
certainly coming realities. This is why the chapter goes on to list a number of people who
exhibited such faith, even though those people had lots of evidence to cause faith in the
first place. Familiarizing yourself with the stories of the Old Testament saints shows they
were living in ways that showed the confidence about the future (an example of faith) but
that they were not without evidence in justification for such confidence. An example today
could be a Christian who has lots of evidence for God, the Bible, and the resurrection of
Jesus, living in such a way that demonstrates she is willing to lose her life in the hope of
what God will do. Perhaps standing up to a Taliban execution squad. Her faith which is
demonstrated in her willingness to die for her beliefs, is itself proof of her confidence and
her conviction related to it. Faith is hugely important here, but this passage is not saying
'faith is a belief without evidence.'"
Faith is not without evidence. It's a faith firmly rooted in the tsunami evidence. I say
tsunami because we cannot count lots of evidence one by one. Napakaraming ebidensiya
ang naglilitawan ngayon simula pa noon. Kung mayroon mang epidemya kung bakit hindi
naniniwala ang mga tao sa certainty at the authenticity of what we professed to be true
as Christians, the real problem is
𝖠 𝗁𝖺𝗋𝖽𝖾𝗇𝖾𝖽 𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍
— I think the real problem isn't the factuality of the evidence of God to support the certainty
of what Christians claim to be true or the certainty of the Scriptures and faith of Christians.
I think the real reason so many people reject Christianity is because their hearts are
hardened. Hindi evidences yung problema kung bakit hindi naniniwala ang tao kay Jesus,
sa katotohanan ng Bibliya, at sa existence ng Diyos. Ang totoong problema ay naiimbak
sa kaibuturan ng tao — puso na contaminated ng kasalanan. Kapag nakontamina ng
kasalanan ang puso natin, pati pag-iisip ng tao sasarado na. Mas nanaisin nating takpan
nalang ang tainga natin at isarado ang isipan natin sa reyalidad na totoo ang ipinupunto
at sinasabi ng Bibliya. Napakaraming ebidensiya ng Diyos, at ang isang malaking
ebidensiya rito ay ang sarili mo at ang Bibliya. Before you believe on something,
examined it. Huwag mong hayaang maalikabukan ang utak mo.
The evidence itself is not the only thing that leads me to believe in Jesus. The authenticity
of Christ's love is what first made me believe in Him. Because I am aware of Christ's love
for me, I have come to the conclusion that nobody else in the world would be willing to
die in my place for my sins than Christ Himself. My conversion to Christianity was
prompted by Christ's tremendous love. Hindi gut feelings ang pundasyon ng
pananampalataya ko bilang isang kristiyano, kundi bukod sa napakaraming ebidensiya
at katotohanan ng pinaniniwalaan ko at bakit ko ito pinaniniwalaan, isang malaking
pundasyon kung bakit ako nananampalataya kay Kristo ay dahil sa Kanyang
pagmamahal sa akin.
As Josh McDowell puts it this way: "The evidence showed me that the Bible was true and
Jesus Christ was the Messiah, but they didn't bring me to Christ. All that did was get my
attention. What brought me to Christ was the love of God. When I saw in the Scriptures
that if I were the only person in the world, Christ would still have died for me... in actuality,
it was the love of Jesus Christ."
"And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we
may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is
the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20)
The bottom line here is that hindi naniniwala ang kristiyano blindly but intelligently
because you have to have the mind to work things out before your heart rejoices in things
you come to believe to be true. If someone rejoices in things they cannot even factually
check or prove to be true, it's intellectual suicide. If you use your heart to know things and
learn things, then you never learn at all. We use our minds to learn and understand things.
May problema na sa atin kapag mata at puso ang pinang-e-eksamina natin sa bagay
bagay hindi ang isipan natin.
Whether they believe or not, Christians, let alone Scripture, lead them to their sinfulness.
The best thing you can do is to always be loving toward them, even if they disagree with
you. God shows and showers you with His grace, so let grace and love be your gifts
toward them. Because in that way, only the love of Christ will lead them to the truth.
It was the love of Jesus that led us to Him, and it will be the love of Jesus that will soon
lead them to Him.
CHRISTIANS, JESUS LONGS FOR YOU TO BE LIKE HIM.
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Biniyayaan tayo ng talento ng Diyos para magamit at gamitin lamang sa kaluwalhatian
ng Diyos, hindi para sa ikararangal natin. If everything we do is for Christ alone, we should
never chase glory for ourselves that we never deserve to have.
If your ministry serves to showcase your talent, serves you as a way to show off yourself,
then there's no question about it, because if your ministry serves you instead it serve God,
your ministry has never been your worship and devotion to Jesus. True worshippers seek
nothing to satisfy themselves. They serve and worship to give God what He deserves.
Ministry is not an instrument to display your talent; it's an instrument to display God's
greatness in your talent.
1. 𝐻𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑘𝑎 𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑠𝑖 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎.
— hindi tumawag kailanman ang Diyos ng magagaling para paglingkuran Siya. Pero
merong mga tao't mga kristiyano na magagaling nga, gifted nga, pero dahil sa katigasan
ng puso at ulo, hindi malabong magaya sila kay Haring Uzziah na dahil sa paggiging
palalo nalimutan niyang tinawag lang siya at instrumento lamang ng Diyos ng kadakilaan
ng Diyos. Kapag ang kadakilaan ng Diyos ay itinuring nating kadakilaan natin, tayo ang
masisira sa huli (1 Chron. 26:36).
2. 𝐻𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑘𝑎 𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔, 𝐷𝑖𝑦𝑜𝑠 𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔.
— isa sa namimis-understood natin ay ang sabihing magaling tayo sa particular field ng
talento or ng area nang sports. Kung sa umpisa palang magaling tayo, simula't sapul wala
nang ministeryo ngayon. Dahil ang ministry ay hindi para sa atin kundi para sa Diyos. Ang
mga disipulo hindi tinawag ni Jesus dahil magaling sila, tinawag sila ni Jesus dahil
magaling Siya. Magaling Siya dahil kayang baguhin at gawing magiting na instrumento
ng Diyos ang isang kristiyano na willing maglingkod sa Kanya. Gaya ni Moses na
mayroong diperensiya sa pananalita, hindi yun naging hadlang para gamitin mightily ng
Diyos si Moses. Hindi man nawala ang diperensiya niya sa pananalita, hindi ibig sabihin
na mahina o hindi makapangyarihan ang Diyos. Hindi man pinawala ng Diyos ang
diperensiya sa pagsasalita ni Moses, pero isa sa malaking layunin ng Diyos kung bakit
hindi Niya ito ginawa ay para ipakita sa mga tao o Israelita at kay Moses na kahit mayroon
siyang diperensiya, kayang-kaya siyang gamitin ng Diyos ng higit pa sa
makapangyarihan at mataas pa sa kanya o buo man ang katawan.
Sa Diyos, kahit sa tao may diperensiya ka, isa ka sa gagamitin Niya para patunayang sa
kabila ng mga ito — kaya kang gamitin ng Diyos dahil magaling Siya.
3. 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑙𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝐻𝑒 𝑑𝑒𝑠𝑒𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑠.
— isa sa layunin ng gift na binigay sa atin ng Diyos ay para gamitin ito sa ministry para
sa kadakilaan at kapurihan ng Diyos sa mga buhay natin. Mayroong mga ministry na
ipinagkaloob sa atin ng Diyos upang magamit natin ang gift o talento na binigay Niya sa
atin para parin sa Kanya upang makita Siya at ang Kanyang kadakilaan sa mga buhay
natin. May mga kanya-kanya tayong talentong ipinagkaloob sa atin ng Diyos. At isa palagi
sa dapat nating ipaalala sa ating mga sarili ay hindi dapat natin hayaang palakihin ng
talentong ipinagkaloob sa atin ng Lord ang mga ulo at puso natin, dahil kahit kailan,
walang credit or glory na deserve natin kahit gaano tayo kagaling tumugtog, kumanta,
tumayo sa pulpito, maging usher, or ano pa mang ministry na inilagay at ipinapahandle
sa atin ng Diyos.
Let your life be the candle for those who want to see Jesus. Your main goal is to let people
see Christ in you, not you (Gal. 1:10). May problema sa atin kung tayo ang nakikita sa
ministry instead na si Christ sa buhay natin. Always give God the glory He deserves. Ang
pride nakakasira kapag hinahayaan at hindi ikinokunsulta sa Diyos. Maging mababa ang
puso mo dapat palagi — dahil yan yung susi para makita si Jesus sa'yo, hindi ikaw.
Huwag mong hayaan na kainin ka ng kayabangan at pagmamataas. Dahil sa oras na
hinayaan mo ang pride na manahan sa puso mo, para sayo — magiging kalaban mo na
si Jesus para sa glory na gusto mo — na dapat na para kay Jesus lang.
"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." (James 4:10).
Ministry can be idolatry when used in the wrong way. Ministry can instill pride in your heart
if you don't know who you are worshipping and why you're in the ministry. Christians, I
encourage you to make Jesus the center of everything you do until your own image
disappears and only Christ Jesus is seen in you.
Dapat mas ginagawa ka pang mas mapagpakumbaba ng ministry na ipinagkaloob sayo
ng Diyos.
PAANO MO MASASABING MAPUPUNTA KA SA LANGIT?
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Bago natin sagutin kung papaano natin masasabi na mapupunta tayo sa langit, ask
ourselves first: para sa atin ano ba ang langit? At kung nakapag-isip ka na, keep it to
yourself and let the Bible share with you what is heaven.
As an animator too, I always (back then) drew something we called heaven, like it was
always filled with white clouds, as in pure white clouds. Yung tipong mas maputi pa sa
kulay niyebe. I imagined that thing, and I thought to myself that this was what heaven
would be like. For most people, heaven is where people of God gathered to worship Him
for all eternity (which is not wrong). While for some, when we die, we become angels
afterwards and walk in white clouds with a yellow halo above our heads. And these would
make the majority of people who aren't interested in such things be like:
"Ang baduy, mas mainam pang mambabae nalang, para ka pang nasa langit"
"Mas masarap sa bawal, araw araw kang nasa langit"
"Ang baduy ng langit na worship lang sa Diyos ang gagawin? Mainam pang matulog
nalang sa bahay"
If we feature heaven like this (as we've said above), people will start telling you about it
na "hindi appealing yung langit na sinasabi mo..." Kung ganito ang feature ng heaven,
anyone would rather wish to go to a bar, bahay aliwan, or get high on drugs, go to do
prohibited things, have all the sex they want, or do things that God utterly despises.
But what if I tell you that hindi ganito ang sinasabi ng Bibliya? The Bible speaks more
marvelously that no one can ever imagine concerning about heaven.
1. Heaven is a grand and blissful place.
2. Heaven is where the people of God gather and fellowship forever. (Wala nang chismiss
na nangyayari, galit, tampo, poot, o sama man ng loob sa isa't isa.)
3. In heaven, the relationships of God's servants with other servants (such as in the old
and new testaments, servants of God) will grow healthier and richer in fellowship.
4. In heaven, there will be no weeping, mourning, or crying, or pain, sin, temptations, or
hardships. Everything we will feel in heaven will be joy, a great grandeur of joy.
5. Heaven is where everlasting comfort is because of Jesus.
(See the book of Revelation and the Epistles of Paul)
Marami pang sinasabi ang bibliya patungkol sa langit, anong itsura nito, ano-ano gagawin
natin roon. Though we cannot fully enumerate things we will do in heaven or ano ang
heaven, let's talk about them now: paano ka mapupunta sa langit?
𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑒𝑛? ℎ𝑜𝑤?
Heaven will never be a place for someone whose affection is set on things below, not
above. Magiging mapaklang lugar ang kalangitan sa mga taong hati ang apeksyon mula
sa Diyos. Being Christians, heaven is what we're anticipating. We really do dahil ito rin
yung ipinangako sa atin ng Diyos, pero ang tanong, mapupunta ba tayo sa langit?
Sino ba ang napupunta sa langit?
1.) 𝖬𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗍𝗎𝗐𝗂𝖽.
— bago mo naising mapunta sa langit, isa sa kailangan ng langit ay ang pagiging matuwid
mo. Dapat matuwid ka maging sa pamumuhay mo, pag-iisip mo, pagkilos mo, pananalita
mo, at higit sa lahat — dapat nasunod mong lahat ang unibersal sandigang batas ng
Diyos para maturing na matuwid ang isang tao, walang iba kundi ang sampung-utos ng
Diyos. Hindi ka ba nakapagsinungaling? Hindi ka ba nakapangupit? Sinunod mo ba ng
walang palya ang magulang mo? Nirespeto mo ba sila ng walang sayad? At, minahal mo
ba ang Diyos ng higit sayong sarili at minamahal mo ba ang kapwa mo gaya ng
pagmamahal mo sa iyong sarili? (Rom. 3:10;23).
2.) 𝖬𝗀𝖺 𝖡𝖺𝗇𝖺𝗅.
— syempre hindi pupuwedeng matuwid ka lang, sa langit puro banal, dahil yung Diyos
na nananahan roon ay napakabanal. Ang tanong, banal ka ba? Pag-sinabing banal, wala
kang kasalanan. Wala kang bahid ng anumang iskandalo na kamalian sa buhay mo.
Walang hindi banal ang pupwedeng mag-march sa langit dahil lahat roon ay banal. Kung
hindi ka banal, bago ka pa makatuntong sa langit, ibang langit na ang matutuntungan mo.
Kaya dapat banal ka, banal ka ba?
At ito ang pinakamahirap na requirement sa lahat bago tayo makapunta sa langit. (Acts
17:24).
3.) 𝖯𝖺𝗀𝗂𝗀𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝗉𝖾𝗄𝗍𝗈.
— ito ang mahirap sa lahat, kung desindido ka talagang mapunta sa langit — what you
really need is to be perfect. What does it mean to be perfect? It means you need to be
blameless, flawless, without sin, walang bahid ng anumang karumihan sa lahat simula pa
noong bata ka. In other words hindi ka dapat magkakamali at nagkakasala sa kapwa mo,
lalong-lalo na sa Diyos. Kailangan lahat ng mabubuting bagay na sayo. There should be
no defect or spot in you. Wala kang kulang. Lahat nasa iyo.
Pansin mo? Sobrang hirap no? Bakit hindi nalang ba gawin ng Diyos na makapunta tayo
sa langit na gaya ng pagpasok natin sa McDonalds na pupwedeng mag-dine-in na walang
iniintinding gawin or isa-sacrifice, or isu-surrender — just be at ease lang. Alam mo bakit
napaka-imposibleng makapasok sa langit? (Ps. 18:30).
𝘉𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘵 𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘱 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘬 𝘴𝘢 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘪𝘵?
1.) 𝖪𝖺𝗌𝖺𝗅𝖺𝗇𝖺𝗇
— kaya isa sa naging napakahirap na rason bakit hindi tayo makapasok sa langit (third
heaven) ay hindi dahil hindi ka crush ng crush mo, kundi dahil ikaw ay may kasalanan, in
short, makasalanan ka. Bakit naman? Bukod sa ikaw ay natintahan ng kasalanan na mula
kay Adan at Eba, isa pa sa naging rason kung bakit hindi ka pupwedeng makapasok sa
langit at kung bakit ikaw ay naging makasalanan ay dahil nalang sa sampung-utos ng
Diyos.
Ang layunin ng batas ng Diyos ay husgahan ang mga taong hindi kailanman nakaabot sa
kaluwalhatian ng Diyos. Lahat nakapagsinungaling, nakapagnakaw, nagalit sa kapwa,
hindi sumunod sa magulang at lalo na sa Diyos, gumagawa ng seksuwal na imoralidad,
at napakarami pa. Dahil sa hindi pagsunod sa batas ng Diyos ng mga tao, lahat ay
itinuring na makasalanan. Alam naman natin na ang Diyos ay ayaw sa kasalanan, He
abhors it horribly. Even one single sin He sees in us makes Him angry. He is a wrathful
and fearful God — and ito rin dapat ang hindi mo dapat kalimutan, Siya ay Banal na Diyos
na kailanman walang kasalanan na ipinapapasok sa kaharian Niya. Dahil sa kasalanan,
sinintensiyahan ka ng parusang ispiritwal kamatayan na magpasawalang-hanggang
paghihirap, pagdurusa, pagkabalisa, at ang nakakatakot ay walang hanggang
pagkawalay sa Diyos (Rom. 3:23).
2.) 𝖪𝖺𝗌𝖺𝗆𝖺𝖺𝗇
— dahil sa kasalanan, itinuring karing masama ng Diyos sa Kanyang harapan. Naging
masama ka sa harapan Niya dahil ikaw ay makasalanan. In Romans, Paul emphasizes
how we have fallen short of God's perfection and glory. Because we fail to be holy, to be
righteous, to be sinless, and to be perfect, it means we fail God and have fallen short of
His glory. Heaven is never intended for someone like us who are sinners, wretched, do
abominable things, and do things God despises (John 14:15).
3.) 𝖪𝖺𝗅𝗂𝗄𝗎𝖺𝗇
— ang Diyos kailanma'y hindi nagtatangi. Walang favoritism ang Diyos. Kahit gaano ka
pa kabait sa kapwa mo, if you haven't place your faith in Jesus, you are condemned
already because there is still sin that reigns in you that needs to be blot out and a way of
life in you that contradicts His wills. Dahil kasalanan ang naghahari sa atin, kasamaan
ang ginagawa natin, at dahil masama tayo — lahat ng bagay na ginagawa natin ay
palaging apart from the Lord. Our hearts turn evil and are overflowing with malicious
thoughts and motives. Every act that we commit is bad in the eyes of the Lord. No one
searches for His will; instead, we follow our own paths. We resemble one another to lost
sheep. (Isa. 53:6).
But my friend! Heaven is a place for people like us.
"What did you just say?"
Yes, tama pagkakabasa mo. Heaven is for you, how? Diba makasalanan nga tayo tapos
naging masama tayo sa Diyos dahil lahat ng ginagawa natin ay pawang kalikuan lamang.
And oo agree ako dyan. Pero ang langit ay para sa'yo. Although heaven is a place where
our God, the Almighty, Holy, Loving, and Ever-Gracious Creator dwells, we can dwell too
in His Kingdom, face to face in His presence.
Dalawang-libong taon na ang nakakalipas noong nagkatawang-tao si Jesus, namatay si
Jesus sa krus ng kalbaryo, at muling nabuhay mula sa pagkakalibing nagkaroon tayo
ngayon ng blessed assurance and hope to dwell in God's everlasting kingdom
forevermore, but it is because of Jesus Christ, who did it all for us. He provided a way for
us to cross up to the everlasting grandeur of heaven. He intended it all for us. He prepares
it all for us. Heaven is never been a place for unrighteousness, unholiness, and sinners
— but yes, HEAVEN IS A PLACE FOR FORGIVEN PEOPLE like us.
Unless we are forgiven through Jesus Christ and washed by the blood of Jesus Christ,
there is no other way that someone like us will be saved. There are no other ways for us
to be saved except through Christ, who took the punishment for our iniquities and imparts
His righteousness to us. We gave Christ what we deserved, but He gave us what we
really did not deserve—His righteousness.
Para makapunta ka sa langit, All you need to do is NOT these.
1. Church membership.
2. Church giving.
3. Speak in tongues.
4. Be baptized in water.
5. Or dress (physically) modestly. Don't tattoo, don't put on make-ups. Or do these and
do that.
Though these things will precede after salvation, it is not the doing of them that leads us
to heaven. It is only through the work of Jesus that heaven is now possible for us to go
to. This is not how we can go to heaven. But through Jesus Christ, we can go to heaven.
Ang kaligtasan ng kaluluwa natin ay kondisyonal na gaya ng isang regalo, bago mo
tanggapin ang regalo syempre kailangan mong gamitin ang dalawa mong kamay para
kunin ang regalo. Gaya ng regalong binibigay ng Diyos sa atin sa pamamagitan ni Jesus,
dapat din nating tanggapin ang regalo — may pagkilos paring kaakibat. Mapagmahal ang
Diyos kaya pinapapili ka Niya ngayon kung anong desisyon ang gagawin mo. Kung
tatanggapin mo ba ang regalong kaligtasan na mula sa Kanya, o babalewalain mo ang
regalo Niya para sa'yo. This gift of salvation will only be available through habang
nabubuhay ka pa pisikal. Para makapunta ka sa langit ito ang dapat na gawin mo:
1.) 𝖬𝖺𝗀𝗌𝗂𝗌𝗂 ka sa lahat ng kasalanang ginawa mo. Ihingi mo ng tawad sa Diyos (sa
pamamagitan ng panalangin directly through Jesus Christ hindi sa mga pari dahil ang
pari makasalanan at kailanma'y di sila tagapamagitan mula sa atin sa Diyos). Kapag
nagsisi ka ng totoo, papatawarin ka ng Diyos sa lahat mg iyong mga kasalanan dahil
mayaman ang Diyos sa pagpapatawad. At Kanya ka Niyang lilinisin sa lahat ng kasalanan
mo. At dapat mong talikuran ang mga kasalanan mo unti-unti sa tulong ng Banal na
Espiritu.
2.) 𝖬𝖺𝗇𝖺𝗆𝗉𝖺𝗅𝖺𝗍𝖺𝗒𝖺 ka ng buong puso sa Panginoong Jesus na namatay sa atin sa krus
ng kalbaryo. At tanggapin mo Siya bilang Diyos at Tagapagligtas ng iyong buhay
(See Eph. 2).
Sa pamamagitan ng pagsisisi natin sa ating mga kasalanan at pagsampalataya natin sa
ating Panginoong Jesu-Cristo, gagantimpalaan tayo ng Diyos ng buhay na walang
hanggan at posible na ang pagpasok natin sa langit. Heaven is a place for guilty sinners
made righteous through Jesus Christ. It is a place for forgiven people. Yes, you reader,
heaven is for you—but you cannot go to heaven without the One Who is the Way to
heaven. You can't ride to heaven all by yourself; you need the One who died and rose
again on high for it to be possible for you to go to heaven.
How can you be so sure about this? When you truly repent of all your sins and lay them
before the Lord and place your faith in the One who died and rose again for you, as the
Bible says, God is faithful to all His promises. Abide in His promises through His words.
When God promises, he means it. He will fulfill it kahit naging unfaithful tayo sa Kanya —
mananatili Siyang faithful. Isa lang ang hindi kayang gawin ng Diyos
Ang magsinungaling Siya at hindi gawin ang pangako Niya para sa atin (Num. 23:19; Ps.
145:13).
Sa pamamagitan ni Jesus noong ikaw ay sumampalataya sa Kanya, ginawa ka nang
matuwid, pinapabanal, at unti-unting ginagawang perpekto — dahil parin kay Jesus. At
sa oras na mamamatay tayo, mayroon tayong pag-asang mapunta sa langit hindi dahil
sa atin kundi dahil kay Kristo.
It is not the guiltless who go to heaven, but the guilty one yet forgiven, saved through
Jesus Christ. But I'm still saddened to say this: anyone can go to heaven, but not everyone
will go to heaven. Heaven will never be a place for you when your heart is set on the
things of this world. You still have time to repent of all your sins, trust in Jesus Christ, and
receive Him as your Lord and Savior. Turn to Him while there's still time. Eternity is a long
time to be wrong!
Hey! pwede kang makapunta ng langit at posible yun dahil kay Jesus!
NOT ALL SMILES ARE TRUE.
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Smiles can be convincing if you are not aware of what is behind the smiles of people
around you. Not all smiles are true. There are people who will secretly hide their pain and
mask themselves through their smiles so that they won't bother you.
People are battling with different versions of pain and struggles in life. As a Christian, I
am convinced that not all who say they're okay are sincere. Dapat maging mapagmasid
ka sa ngiti at bigkas na taong tinanungan mo kung okay lang siya. Depression is not a
joke.
Don't let their smiles convince us that they are okay. Because what seems okay, happy,
and stunning in our eyes are broken feelings from the hearts of people who struggle with
pain.
But hey! There's a way out!
You don't have to carry it all alone! Heaviness is not yours to carry! Jesus will help you!
He will be there for you! He won't judge you when you're in trouble and you're afraid! You
may be scared to face him, but he is ready and eager for your support. You need to reach
out to Him and believe in Him!
There's always someone waiting to catch you! Someone to help carry your load and give
you strength! A way out of depression seems impossible, but there's Someone who can
help you find your way out because He's your way out of depression.
There's no better and greater cure for depression than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who
will help you get over this disease. He'll help you find yourself again and bring healing to
your heart! And he is patient and kind to everyone! Even when you're struggling to
overcome a problem, His heart is full of love! He is patient and willing to wait!
"Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest..." (Matthew
11:28).
Jesus is waiting patiently for you. He is watching you and earnestly seeking to enter your
heart. When it is heavy, that is not yours to carry. Come to Jesus.
"GOD ALLOWS EVIL THAT'S WHY LIFE'S UNFAIR..."
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Narinig mo na rin ba ito sa iba? Or else ikaw na ang nakapagsabi rin nito sa sarili mo?
In the Bible, we can see a lot of bad, evil, iniquity, and suffering that many early people
experienced in their lives when they were alive. Even in non-Christian documents,
biographies, and most poetic papers that poets wrote, they included suffering and evil as
an unfair thing beyond human strength and capabilities. Most of them, since they had
their own god(s), complained to their higher power and their gods na grabe ang buhay
napaka-UNFAIR. At di pa nagtatapos roon, kahit mga early Christians and servants of
God questioned why evil persisted in the world when God had the power to make evil
gone.
Currently, non-believers view evil, suffering, anguish, and agony as an unfair phenomena
that affects everyone's existence. Although genuine Christians believe that life is unfair,
they also believe that God is just and powerful enough to use even the worst
circumstances to work for good.
1.) 𝖦𝗈𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐𝗌 𝖾𝗏𝗂𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖧𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽.
— why would God allow something we cannot bear?
Madalas nating question ito and still popular among non-christians around us na madalas
nila/nating ikinu-complaint kay Lord,
"kung sino pa ang makapangyarihan, Siya pa yung walang ginagawa para mawala yung
suffering na nararanasan nating mga tao."
𝑌𝑒𝑠, 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 — His goodness is beyond our comprehension. We cannot grasp the
goodness of God, bakit? As simple as this: because He's good, unlike us—the wicked—
filled with sinful colors and agendas roaming in our hearts. God is indeed good enough
to bring about good from the suffering we experience and the evil we see every day. Kaya
napakabuti ng Diyos dahil kahit na sobrang horrible ng scene everyday na nakikita natin
sa social media, sa real world, at kahit sa kanya-kanyang bahay natin — God is good,
and He wanted mankind to see His goodness through His grace, patience, and love
towards us EVERYDAY—especially through His gospel.
"Mabuti naman akong tao ha?"
Then look at the Romans again kung talagang mabuti ka nga. Walang ibang mabuti kundi
ang Diyos lang. Ikaw nga simpleng nabangga lang sa gate niyo sa school ng hindi
sinasadya, nawawala na agad patience mo, paano pa kayang si Lord na ayaw sa
kasalanan at mga gawaing CONTRARY sa Kanyang wills at kabanalan? Kaya mo 'yon?
But God is merciful, and even though He has hated sin(s) ever since before the fall of
mankind, He did love you even at your worst. Jesus sees your worst, but He's the one
who loves you the most. He is good because even though you're experiencing pain,
sadness, and stress every day because of the negative thoughts in our minds enemies
tries to puts in us and the unwavering problems, temptations, hardships, and obstacles
we encounter every day, God never ceases to provide you with what you really need (Ps.
145:9). He is proving His goodness to you, even at this very moment.
2.) 𝖦𝗈𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐𝗌 𝖾𝗏𝗂𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖧𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝖿𝖺𝗂𝗍𝗁𝖿𝗎𝗅.
— sa lahat ng mga nangako sa atin, isa pa lang yung hindi sumira ng sinabi niya at hindi
kailanman sisirain yung pangako na kanyang binitawan, Siya si Jesus. Sa tingin mo ba
sasabihin nang Diyos na magtiwala ka sa Kanya kung hindi Niya kayang tuparin lahat ng
mabuti, maganda, at blissful promises He has promised us in His words? Sa tingin mo ba
sasabihin ni Jesus sa Matthew 11:28 na "...all you who are weary and heavy laden, come
to Me and I'll give you rest" kung hindi Niya mismong naranasan ang masaktan, ma-
experienced yung paghihirap? Jesus also went through pain, agony, and suffering for you
when you "felt" content with your inclusions of delight, like sin. Christ keeps His promise
to us in a way that no other human has ever been able to. Kung nagbitaw ang Diyos ng
mga pangako, kailanma'y hindi Niya tayo bibiguin, dahil that will all happen just as it is
promised. From the very beginning to the very end of your Christian walk, God has been,
is, and always will be able to keep His promise to you.
Being faithful is who God is. You will always encounter the bad in others in this life, but
there is one thing you can count on: Christ will always be there for you when everyone
else fails you, no matter how many times someone has betrayed you, abandoned you,
deserted you, wounded you, or become unfaithful to you. The evil in this world is not a
counterbalance to God's faithfulness, but rather a primer and a conduit for us to
understand how faithful God is (Isa. 25:1).
3.) 𝖦𝗈𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐𝗌 𝖾𝗏𝗂𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖧𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗉𝗈𝗐𝖾𝗋𝖿𝗎𝗅.
— Why wouldn't God want to stop the word "evil" if He has the power to do so?
Would you like me to respond to that question?
It's because you are the evil. God has the power to end evil at any time, but He chose not
to do so because He loves you so much that He wants you to turn from all your sins. You
are the one God may thwart at any time because you are evil. He has the power to stifle
evil, but the truth is that in His eyes, we are all wicked. Because of Jesus Christ, you are
essentially already righteous. We brought nothing but wretchedness to Jesus, but what
Christ gave to us [Christians] was His very righteousness. We gave to Jesus what we
deserved, but Jesus Christ gave us something we didn't.
I recall that when Habakkuk complained to God about injustice, the rise of evil, and the
repression of people's evil intents, God didn't find it surprising. God responded to
Habakkuk's grouse. Habakkuk erred in that he believed the evil to be more potent than
God, who can use the evil that was growing to bring about good results.
"The Lord replied, 'Look around at the nations; look and be amazed! For I am doing
something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you
about it." (Habakkuk 1:5)
Be amazed, brethrens. Kayang-kaya ng Diyos na solusyunan ang imposible sa
kakayanan natin, dahil wala naman tayong kakayanan. Have faith in the One who
destroys the wicked and strengthens the righteous. God isn't partial about bringing good
and just judgment to the people of lawlessness. He brings judgment on all who rebel
against His will and on all who habitually and willingly work out iniquity before His holiness.
Abraham's testimony proves it. He bartered with God to save his nephew, Lot, who had
lived before in Sodom and Gomorrah. God did bring judgment on the people of Sodom
and Gomorrah and spare the life of His nephew. But despite the fact that grace and
repentance are being extended freely right now, God will one day execute severe
judgment without either. One day, worse than the judgment God sent to Sodom and
Gomorrah, God will also bring judgment to this generation and this world. God will
certainly put a stop to this evil eventually, so breathe.
Since the victory is His, He has promised us that. We already have the victory when we
have Jesus living inside of us, if we are in Jesus. For now, the winning trophy we will
eventually receive is what we are anticipating. Kapit lang, hayaan mong makita mo ang
kadakilaan ng Diyos sa mga bagay na ipinangako Niyang unti-unting natutupad.
4.) 𝖦𝗈𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐𝗌 𝖾𝗏𝗂𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖧𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗀𝗋𝖺𝖼𝗂𝗈𝗎𝗌.
— because God is loving and gracious, He will save everyone who is willing to turn to
Him and repent of their sins and is wicked in their situation. Namatay nga Siya sa krus
para sa'yong masama, what more pa kayang linisin ka Niya para maging banal ka at
matuwid? Tayo ngang imposibleng magbago, nabago Niya, what more pa kayang
maglagay ang Diyos ng tuldok sa evilness na nakikita natin at nararanasan araw-araw?
Don't let the word evil capture your attention and lead you astray from the ever-gracious
God, brethren.
Dahil mayaman sa grasya ang Diyos, He is patiently waiting for people to repent of their
sins. Gusto Niya nga lahat maligtas, But, God sees a bigger number of individuals who
will be cast into the lake of fire one day because we have free will that can be used to
sate our ephemeral yet anti-God pleasures. Yet, as long as a person is still breathing, he
or she has the opportunity to accept God's gift of grace, which is reconciliation with God
and redemption through Our Lord Jesus Christ, by turning from their sins and accepting
Christ as their Lord and Savior (1 Jn. 1:9).
5.) 𝖦𝗈𝖽 𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗈𝗐𝗌 𝖾𝗏𝗂𝗅 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝖺𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖧𝖾 𝗂𝗌 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾.
— If God is love but tolerates evil, then He is an evil God.
No, my friend. The existence of evil in this world was permitted by God, but He did not
take part in or approve of its inception. Light and darkness cannot coexist in one entity.
Darkness rules when there isn't any light. But the darkness flew gone when you turned
on a light in a space that had been oppressed by it. "Tolerate" should never be used when
referring to it; it should always be "allow." Tolerate implies agreement, but the word "allow"
is indecisive; you can either approve of something or not.
Gaya ng magulang, kapag sobrang kulit talaga minsan ng mga anak, minsan kahit hindi
na gusto ng magulang hahayaang maranasan ng anak nila yung gusto nila hindi dahil
pabaya silang magulang, kundi para makita ng anak na, "Oo nga, mali ako at sila mama't
papa, tama. Dapat pala sinunod ko sila", though may characteristic ang Diyos na gaya
ng isang magulang, higit pa ang Diyos sa pagiging magulang Niya sa atin. Noong
nagkasala sina Adan at Eba, they were punished by God because of their disobedience.
Bakit di nalang gawin ng Diyos na mag-umpisa uli sa umpisa? I-rewind lahat ng nangyari
para walang kasalanan? When God created things, there are no ever words na
mababasa mo or makikita mo na "God tried again." God's promises hold true. He carries
out what He promises. Dahil mahal tayo ng Diyos at fearfully and wonderfully created
tayo, God did not decide to recreate mankind from scratch. He allowed us to life in spite
of that we are sinners and deserving of death. Tayo lang, sa lahat ng nilikha, ginamitan
ng Diyos ng effort!
God allows evil hindi dahil nakikiparticipate Siya, kundi dahil yun yung form of love Niya
— He helped us see how our own ways could lead to our destruction. Hindi Niya tayo
ginawang robot. Ang pagmamahal hindi manipulation or control. Love is never designed
to coerce; it is always meant to give people the freedom to follow God or rebel against
Him as they see fit. God loves us in this way na even though alam Niyang gagawa tayo
or gagawin natin yung gusto natin, hindi Niya tayo pinilit na gawin ang gusto Niya para
sa atin, bagkus pinapaunawa pa Niya sa atin na masisira tayo sa sarili nating desisyon
kung hindi tayo susunod sa Kanya. While it is true that He loved us first, He never forces
us love Him back.
We don't fully understand or have access to God's complete motivations when He permits
evil in this world. Evil, however, will eventually come to an end. Because Christ conquered
death by rising from the dead, good will always prevail. God is able to turn evil into good
(Rom. 8:28). The good news is that God will continue to be good, faithful, powerful,
gracious, and loving as He has always claimed to be in spite of the evil things that are
unavoidably happening to us. Gaya ng sinabi ng Diyos kay Habakkuk, wag nating
pagdudahan ang kakayanan ng Diyos kahit sobrang lala na ng evil sa mundo. Instead of
doubting God, be amazed on God.
Only God is able to keep the promises He has made to us.
BAKIT ANG INGAY NG DAGAT?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel: "Ang ingay ng dagat no?"
Jhianne: "Haha oo napansin mo din yun?"
Daniel: "Oo naman. Kamusta ka na kay Lord?"
Jhianne: "Um...pede ibang tanong nalang?"
Daniel: "Kamusta ka na kay Lord jhianne?"
Jhianne: "Hindi ako okay haha. Anlayo ko na kay Lord eh. Para bang katulad ng dagat
na ito yung nararamdaman ko ngayon sa loob ko. Maingay at magulo".
Daniel: "Pano kung sabihin ko sa'yo na hindi naman talaga maingay ang dagat? Sadyang
ganyan lang talaga ang hampas ng alon ng dagat, maingay pero nakakapahinga sa mata
at tenga".
Jhianne: "okay. Pero bakit ganun..."
Daniel: "alin?"
Jhianne: "Ang gulo ng relasyon ko sa Diyos ngayon. Dati hindi naman ako ganito. Yung
fire ko sobra pa sa sobra noong una. Ngayon kahit simpleng conviction kapag
nagkakasala ako parang wala na."
Daniel: "huwag kang magagalit ah, pero gusto ko lang linawin sayo syempre na...baka
ikaw na yung may problema. Ikaw na yung nagku-cause ng ingay at gulo sa relasyon mo
sa Panginoon"
Daniel: "Pansin mo? Gaya ng dagat, hindi naman palaging ganto kaaliwalas ang hampas
ng alon. Hindi din naman ganito palagi ang panahon. May mga panahon na mas nagiging
maingay ang dagat kapag may bagyo. Kapag wala naman, maayos ang takbo ng alon.
Parang ganito lang sa mga oras na ito"
Daniel: "sa isang relasyon hindi palaging maaliwalas, maayos, at hindi magulo. Darating
yung mga araw na magkakaroon din ng bagyo. Sa relasyon mo sa Diyos normal lang na
makaranas ka ng gulo, yung nalilito ka, at parang ang ingay sa loob mo. Pero jhianne
hindi naman kasi tayo katulad ng dagat. Walang self-choices ang dagat hindi gaya natin
na meron, na maaring magdesisyon sa sarili."
Jhianne: "ano bang nagawa ko daniel at nagkakaganito ako sa Diyos?"
Daniel: "Maaring mayroon kang mga bagay dyan sa puso mo na naghahari ngayon imbis
na si Kristo. Mga bagay na di mo maiwa-iwanan. Ikaw mismo ang nakakaalam ng mga
bagay na yan jhianne at ang Diyos."
Jhianne: "Ang layo ko na sa Diyos."
Daniel: "Hindi palaging sitwasyon ang nagpapalayo sa atin sa Diyos. Hindi gaya ng dagat
na sumasabay lang sa posisyon ng panahon. Jhianne, ikaw din madalas ang naglalayo
sayo sa Diyos."
Daniel: "Hindi naman gusto ng Diyos na gawin kang katulad ng dagat na walang will sa
buhay mo. Binigyan ka Niya ng free will to choose whether or not lalayo ka sa Kanya o
mananatili. Ikaw kasi yung gumagawa nyan sa sarili mo. Alam ng Diyos ang lahat from
the very beginning, pero hindi yun maaring idahilan para magpakalayo ka sa Kanya."
Jhianne: "anong gagawin ko Daniel?"
Daniel: "bumalik ka sa Kanya."
Jhianne: "paano?"
Daniel: "paano ba ang ginagawa kapag nagkakamali? Hindi ba aayusin yung nagawang
pagkakamali? Magsimula ka ulit sa Diyos. Jhianne, ang relasyon mo sa Diyos ay bukod
pa sa anyo ng dagat. Marami kang bagyo na kakaharapin. Pero hindi magpakailanman
ang bagyo dahil alam mong nasa Diyos ka. Alam mong may napagkukuhanan ka ng
lakas. Huwag mong paghariin ang puso at isip mo ng mga bagay na temporaryo lang.
Hindi ka matutulungan niyan na maglalast-long. Pagsisihan mo na nagkasala ka at
napalayo sa Kanya. Tapos magsimula ka ulit. Pero the moment na magsisimula ka ulit,
isipin mo na mahalaga ang relasyon mo sa Diyos."
Daniel: "bakit maingay ang dagat?"
Jhianne: "sa alon?"
Daniel: "normal lang ang ingay ng dagat. Bagyo at hangin ang nagpapaingay nito.
Jhianne, hindi mo maaring idahilan na malayo ka at feel mo na wala ang Diyos sayo.
Alalahanin mo na hindi palaging panahon ang nagpapalayo sa atin sa Diyos kundi tayo
din mismo. Wag kang magpapadala sa bugso ng panahon sa relasyon mo sa Diyos.
Gawin mong dahilan ang Diyos para magpatuloy ka palagi sa Kanya kahit sa pabago-
bagong panahon."
Daniel: "Maingay man madalas ang dagat pero hindi ka katulad ng dagat, jhianne.
Magsimula ka ulit sa Diyos. Balik ka na."
Jhianne: "Salamat, Daniel."
"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they
are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 'The LORD is my portion,' says my
soul, 'therefore I wil hope in him.'" (Lamentations 3:22-24)
May this story encourage you to persist during the difficult seasons of your Christian walk
with God.
CHRISTIANS, ESPECIALLY LEADERS OF THE CHURCH, REMEMBER THESE
THINGS.
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One surefire way to know you're with a true leader in the church is when they empower
you, educate you, use words that are both meaningful and palatable, correct you when
you've done wrong and sinned against God and others, and exhort you to keep fighting
the good fight of faith by keeping the Bible close to your heart.
To tend to God's flocks today, God has selected a variety of leaders in the ministry, most
notably pastors. To point the flocks of God in the direction of the truth and to Jesus. But
something is going on in this leadership ministry. The church's leaders appear to be
seized by this spreading sickness, who then abuses their authority to subjugate God's
people rather than empowering them.
1.) 𝖫𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉 𝖻𝖾𝖼𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗌 𝗋𝗎𝗅𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉
— Between a leader and a ruler, there is a HUGE difference. Between their differences,
Merriam Webster says,
• something that leads (leadership), while "rulership" means, from the very word, "one
that rules."
• a leader is a person who directs, while a ruler is one who becomes authority or sovereign
above any.
This type of ministry, in which leadership transforms into rulership, is prevalent in the
churches of today. The vast majority of leaders in today's world choose to misuse their
position to obtain control over the congregation or church members rather than
empowering those people in church. Hindi ganito ang leadership na gusto ng Diyos
because God has His standard of leadership. Pag sinabing leader, True leaders are
appointed to lead, to direct the flocks of God, and to encourage them to do the will of God.
Pero ang ruler ay isang position kung saan ikaw ang namamahala, gumagawa ng sarili
mong dikdatorya o batas, at ikaw ang masusunod.
God has given you the responsibility of leading, not governing, as the church's leader.
Everything and anything is under the control of God. You are beneath him. The written
word of God is the ultimate authority in this situation, not us.
2.) 𝖫𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗉 𝗂𝗌 𝗌𝗒𝗇𝗈𝗇𝗒𝗆𝗈𝗎𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖻𝖾𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖺 𝖻𝗈𝗌𝗌.
— ito yung talagang common sa church ngayon, though di man kita yung pagiging above
ng leader na feeling boss sa simbahan, sila yung tipo ng mga lider(s) na gagawing utus-
utusan ang miyembro ng isang ministry or mismong bahay panambahan. Yung tipong
kapag hindi ginawa yung ipinag-uutos niya, siya pa yung galit at feeling above God.
These leader(s) exercised their position to control and manipulate the flocks of God in the
church to gain what they wanted. Being a boss and a leader has a great difference as
well. Though medyo similar yung word na boss and ruler, but the difference between the
two ay: A ruler is one who has disproportionate power over others. A boss takes decisions
not based on standards. At hindi ito leadership,
The above premises are not true leadership.
True leadership never undermines others' convictions. True leadership never uses
position to overpower but to empower. Sila yung may commitment hindi sa posisyon na
binigay ng Diyos sa kanila, kundi sa Diyos na naglagay sa kanila sa posisyong iyon at sa
mga kaluluwang pinapaalagaan sa kanya. Hindi dikdatorya ang tingin niya sa posisyon
niya, kundi pribilehiyo para maging isang mabuting ehemplo sa mga tupa ng Diyos. True
leader(s) are inspiration, not one who is desperate to be above.
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑒𝑘𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑠𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑘𝑒𝑒𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑔𝑜𝑜𝑑 𝑓𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓
𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑡ℎ
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑠 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑣𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 𝑑𝑜
𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑗𝑢𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑦.
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑛𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑜𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘(𝑠) 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑑
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑑 𝑏𝑦 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑜𝑑.
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑘 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐽𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑠 𝐶ℎ𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡.
Dahil si Jesus ang totoong modelo ng pagiging isang totoong lider. Mababasa at makikita
natin sa bibliya kung ilalagay natin ang sarili natin sa ginawa ni Jesus noong Siya'y
incarnated in flesh pa kasa-kasama ang labindalawang disipulo Niya. Hindi Niya
ginawang utus-utusan ang mga disipulo, bagkus Siya pa itong nagpakumbaba para
makita nila ang pagmamahal at pagkalinga ni Jesus sa kanila. Kahit Diyos Siya na
nagkatawang-tao, Jesus emptied Himself, humbled Himself, and, above all, thought
Himself less so that He could serve others.
Ganito ang totoong leadership, one who empowers, enlightens, employs good works, and
encourages others to walk in the likeness of God through, of course, the written word of
God sa pamamagitan ng kapangyarihan ng Banal na Espiritu. Mga leader(s) sa
simbahan, hindi ka ruler or boss. Bawal i-disproportionate ang standard ng leadership
dahil lang sa inappoint ka ng Diyos na maging lider sa simbahan niyo. Pwede kang
tanggalin o alisin ng Diyos sa posisyon na yan instantly lalo na't kapag ginagamit mo ito
sa pamamaraang ikaw ang nagiging diyos hindi ang Diyos.
Your position in the church should humble you lalo na kung isa ka sa inappoint bilang
maging leader sa simbahan in certain ministry kung saan ka nilagay ng Diyos. Maging
mapagpakumbaba. Follow and imitate Christ at all costs (Eph. 5:1). True leadership is
never about position and power, but about commitment, devotion, and love towards God
and others.
Isa lang ang palaging susi kahit na ikaw ay leader na — mababang puso na si Jesus ang
nakikita hindi ikaw.
MASAMANG UMATTEND NG SECULAR CONCERTS SUCH AS K-POP
CONCERT(S)?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Last August 2022, when I posted that "there is no such thing as a Christian k-pop fan," I
received so many repulsive responses from people who claim to be Christians. Though
inaamin ko na "kind of hurtful talaga". Isa yun sa pagkakamali ko But, I would rather speak
the truth than refuse to refute a lie.
After that most recent post, the Jesus and Me ministry of 2023 (March 26) discussed the
possibility of hosting a performance by the well-known Korean pop group Black Pink. The
page received a ton of abusive comments from non-Christians all the way up to "so-
called" Christians. Dahil nga sa worldly parin sila — so-called christians, they fanned the
flames of the fire lit by the secularists/non-christians.
Walang sinabing masama o kasalanan ang pag-attend-attend ng secular concerts. But
I'm not going to continue to debate with you about how this has become superfluous and
unworthy of the new lives the Lord has given us.
No "Christian" is ever urged by Paul to overlook their freedom as a Christian. We have
been given privilege to use it to choose whether we would honor God or not. Please spend
a moment reading Romans 6 if you have the chance. Since it deals with the concept of
"sin," idolatry is also included, which we can look at in the present.
Hindi lang "limit" ang usapan dito when it comes to kung puwede, the question should be,
"deserving of our time ba or worthy ba ito in our Christian walk?". Hindi kasalanan ngunit
ang tanong — worthy ba?
Ito ang DAPAT na meron kapag nakipag-isa tayo kay Kristo.
▫️𝖭𝖾𝗐𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾
— Paul urges us to examine ourselves to see if we are still bound to Jesus or have let
Him go as he talks about walking in the newness of life.
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, WE TOO MIGHT WALK IN NEWNESS
OF LIFE." (Romans 6:4)
Christians have the same limits as other people. We cannot fully and completely
understand and apply the word INSTANTLY, yung pagsunod agaran sa decree ng Diyos
na we must submit fully and totally surrendered sa Panginoong Jesus at sa new life na
nareceive natin from God. Apart from the help of the Holy God and nighing to the word of
God, hindi natin kaya. Ngunit dahil patay na tayo sa dati nating pagkatao noong tinanggap
natin ang kaloob na bagong buhay (2 Cor. 5:17), we have no dominion over ourselves;
we are servants (slaves for righteousness that leads to sanctification).
Since the question above ay kung pupwedeng gamitin ang freedom to go to secular
concerts or k-pop concerts, pasok natin yung unang binanggit ni Pablo
"Does it display the new life you've received from Jesus?"
"Ang pagpunta mo ba sa secular concerts like k-pop concerts ay pinapakita ang new life
mo na nareceive mo kay Jesus?"
In every action we take, the new life we received from God must be displayed at all times;
it must display the Christ reigning in you AT ALL TIMES, at all cost. Hindi ito pupwedeng
ino-okasyon. Hindi okasyon ang pagiging isang kristiyano. Ang buhay kristiyano natin ay
araw-araw na pamumuhay hindi pananamit na may halong de-kolor at puting damit — in
short paiba-iba. Stick ang changes and process ng christian life natin o new life natin. If
we use our freedom just to satisfy the cravings of our flesh, then there's something wrong
with how we use our freedom as Christians.
▫️𝖶𝖾 𝖽𝗂𝖾𝖽 𝗂𝗇 𝖢𝗁𝗋𝗂𝗌𝗍...𝗐𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗅𝗅 𝖺𝗅𝗌𝗈 𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖧𝗂𝗆 [God].
— nakalimutan na nating mahirap maging isang kristiyano dahil it will cost us ourselves—
even the dreams and goals we sought to have. Ngayon, iba kristiyanismo ngayon.
Napakadaling maging kristiyano ngayon dahil kahit wag mo na bitawan pagiging
makamundo mo tatawagin ka paring kristiyano. Basta go ka lang sa flow ng mundo
marami namang magdi-defend sayong mga kristiyano "daw" para i-shield ka na beneficial
yang ginagawa mo kahit na obviously hindi.
Magsalita ka lang about sa righteousness and holiness, you will be labeled as a legalist,
extremist, or hyper-Christian at sasabihan na may narrow-mindset ka against the liberty
we receive from the Lord.
Maraming magsasabi sayo na:
"So, bawal palang uminom ng tubig kasi worldly yun eh?"
"Bawal magsuot ng damit kasi worldly din"
"Ay! bawal kang tumira sa bahay kasi worldly"
It irks me to see these nonsense arguments na galing sa flesh-led Christians. Yes,
everything in this world is "worldly," because we are in this world, and everything in it is
"worldly" in a certain sense na galing ito sa mundo at nasa mundo ito. But I won't point
out the term "worldliness" to that. There's nothing inherently sinful about the things of this
world, but there's wrong with how we engage ourselves with them. When we say worldly,
in biblical terms, it means 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑎𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑙𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑜𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒
𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐺𝑜𝑑
Atsaka isa pa, ang pananamit kailangan natin, ang pag-inom ng tubig sa baso kailangan
natin, ang pagkain ng pagkain kailangan ng katawan natin, ang pagtatrabaho syempre
kailangan natin dahil need nating kumayod para masustain ang PRIMARY NEEDS natin,
pamilya, hindi initial na luho. Pero ang panunuod ba ng K-pop concert/s kailangan? —
primary needs ba ito? Kapag ba di tayo nakapanuod ng secular concerts or k-pop
concerts mamamatay ka? Ikamamatay mo ba ang pag-set apart from secular concerts
and k-pop concerts? Kahit panunood lang ng k-pop, ikamamatay mo bang wala ito? Kahit
si Jesus binanggit ang pananamit, pag-inom ng tubig, pagtatrabaho, at pagpapahinga ng
sariling katawan as primary needs natin dahil we have limitations. We have natural needs
to survive. The great question, binanggit bang mahalaga ang pag-attend sa secular
concert(s)?
Selfless needs ba o selfish parin yang ginagawa mo? Remember, we Christians are
selfless, not selfish.
Kung idadahilan natin na para anti-boredom lang or anti-depression lang ito kaya tayo
nagjo-join sa gantong aktibidad na remarkable sa mga taong walang Kristo, para narin
nating binalewala ang pagiging isang kristiyano natin, pagkamatay ni Kristo, at muli
Niyang pagkabuhay — lalo na ang bibliya na — our light to our path and lamp to our feet.
Ang pagpunta sa secular concerts ay KAGUSTUHAN hindi kailangan dahil hindi naman
natin ikamamatay kapag walang secular concerts or k-pop concerts.
Worldliness is a heart issue. There's nothing wrong na i-enjoy ang freedom na binigay sa
atin ng Diyos, but it doesn't mean na yung freedom na meron tayo ay dapat na
makipagsabayan sa makamundong tao. Namatay na tayong kasama ni Cristo noong
nakipag-isa tayo sa Kanya. Noong ibi-nerid si Christ, at sa pamamagitan ng
pagsampalataya natin sa Kanya, nakaburied narin ang dati nating pagkatao. At noong
nabuhay Siya, nabuhay na tayo (ispiritwal) at dapat mabuhay para sa Kanya (Gal. 2:20).
So again, let me ask you another question:
"Naipapakita ba ng pag-attend mo sa secular concert/s (including k-pop) ang pagiging
patay mo sa sarili mo at sa dati mong pagkatao at pagiging buhay mo para kay kristo?"
Ang hirap no? Never let the freedom to think about worldly matters interfere with your
Christian faith. If you use your freedom to fulfill your own desires and refrain from doing
the things that God appreciates, everything you do will be for all time wasted. With Christ,
we not only died, but also shall ultimately live. Spiritually, wala pa tayo face to face sa
presence ng Diyos, but as Christians, kailangang mamuhay tayo ayon sa Diyos. WILL
denotes ability to perform. The Bible does tell us that God's word is meant to be lived, not
only learned.
▫️𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝖧𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗌, 𝖧𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗈 𝖦𝗈𝖽.
— ayokong i-sugar-coat yung word na Christianity dahil marami nang nagpatunay na ang
pagiging isang kristiyano ay parang pagpirma mo ng sarili mong kamatayan. The summit
of it all is Jesus Christ. He led a God-obedient life hanggang sa nabuhay Siyang magmuli.
Namuhay si Jesus para gawin parin ang kagustuhan ng Diyos. Yung "not My will but
Yours be done" na word ay napaka-weighty na word for us sa totoo lang kapag walang
pagsama ng Banal na Espiritu sa atin. Dahil it teaches us how to live our lives FOR GOD
sa kabila ng kagustuhan at ng sarili natin. Saying "let Your will not mine" means giving up
and denying oneself at all costs - everything you own.
Jesus is the ideal illustration of how Christians should utilize their freedom to glorify God,
give praise to him, and do what pleases him rather than what pleases the crowd.
Madaling sumang-ayon sa mundo, pero hindi pupwedeng maging totoong kristiyano kung
naka thumbs up ang dalawa nating daliri sa dalawang hari. Jesus never stated that
following Him will make you feel comfortable and at ease, na wala sayong mawawala.
Dahil kabaligtaran yan kapag binasa mo ang buhay ng mga disipulo. Nawala lahat sa
mga disipulo
1. Yung ginagawa nila formerly
2. Yung masamang ugali nila
3. Yung sarili nilang kagustuhan
4. Yung mga bagay na akala nila treasure na para sa kanila
Lahat ng meron sila na hindi essential sa lakad nila kay Kristo — nawala. Pero mayroong
isang nangyari — noong nawala ang mga bagay na ito sa kanila ay siya naman nilang
kabuuan ng kanilang sarili habang sumusunod sila kay Kristo. To them, Jesus Christ is
everything. Disciples have turned the world upside down because they are filled with the
Holy Ghost. Nowadays, Christians are filled with Bibles in their homes and with
theological books on shelves and in rooms, but they are not filled by the Holy Spirit. They
are still flesh-led Christians who would rather compromise beneficial spiritual things just
to satisfy their fleshly cravings. They cannot even turn their community upside down
because they have been turned upside down by the world.
𝖫𝗂𝗆𝗂𝗍 𝗂𝗌 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖼𝗈𝗋𝗋𝖾𝖼𝗍 𝗊𝗎𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝖻𝗎𝗍 𝗋𝖺𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋
1. Does what we do reflect the newness of life we have received from God?
2. Will secular concerts or even k-pop concerts give God the glory He deserves?
3. If we're going to attend k-pop concert(s) or secular concert(s), will this uphold our true
identity as Christians?
4. Does the thing you do reflect your true identity?
5. Does your Christian liberty display Jesus Christ?
Concerning Christian freedom, we have a lot of questions. God didn't stop us from
enjoying the wonderful things in life, including entertainment; yet, as time passes, we
increasingly indulge in these activities at the expense of spiritual pursuits. The dominant
worldview in our society is secular, not religious. Despite the fact that we identify as
Christians, we still behave like non-Christians, care about earthly things, and pursue
various sorts of entertainment in order to feed our finite desires while putting our spiritual
lives, which have grown weak, to the side.
Isa lang masasabi ko above all, I have no desire to dispute with you on anything. I hardly
know you at all dahil sa social media lang naman natin nai-interact ang isa't isa. Yet, I
want you to consider and ask yourself this question: Does the freedom that God has given
you as a Christian reflect the genuine self that you have found in Christ? Ginagamit mo
ba yung liberty mo to let Jesus see in you? Or otherwise na imbis na Siya ang makita,
ikaw parin? Sabi ni Pastor John Piper,
"If you don't see the greatness of God then all the things that money can buy become
very exciting. If you can't see the sun you will be impressed with a street light. If you've
never felt thunder and lightning you'll be impressed with fireworks. And if you turn your
back on the greatness and majesty of God you'll fall in love with a world of shadows and
short-lived pleasures."
Examine your self, dahil mayroong mga idolatry na hindi natin napapansin sa sarili natin
na madalas nating napapansin sa iba kung hindi na natin ini-ri-reflect ang sarili natin sa
bibliya. Madaling sabihing kristiyano sa mundong ibabaw. Pero iilan lang ang mga
nagsabing kristiyano sila na totoo sa kanilang pananampalataya. Hindi nakakakristiyano
ang pagsasalita — pagsasabuhay ng Salita, oo.
You may be Christian for some people but you cannot fool the God of true Christians.
Walang mali sa pag-attend ng secular concert(s) — but before you do, examine your
motives: (1) para ba sa Diyos? o (2) para parin sa akin?
"Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all
your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment..." (Matthew 22:37-38)
May mali sa Christian layp natin kung tayo parin ang may dominion nito. Who you are
reflects on what you do. Your true motive is exposed when you open your Bible and
compare yourself with it. Your Christian liberty should uphold your true identity you've
found in Christ.
WOMEN ARE NOT EXEMPTED
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lahat na yata na kay haring David na. King David was not only humble and handsome,
but also a man after God's own heart. Grabe kung sumunod si David sa Diyos. King Saul
and king David had this great difference: one was stubborn and stiff-necked, but the other
one is completely different. Dahil yung isang hari nakatuon SOLELY to God.
Men are not the only ones who should be after God's own heart; women should too. Kini-
critical natin masyado ang pagiging after God's own heart — sa lalaki lang — at
nakakalimutang ganun rin dapat sa babae.
A woman who is not after God's own heart should never be after ours, my fellow godly
man. Dahil napakadaling makahanap ng makakarelasyon pagdating ng araw, pero isa
lang ang bihira — yung mapunta ka sa babaeng hindi ikaw ang pinakamamahal kundi si
Jesus lang.
Oh teka wag maging seloso. Si Lord Jesus 'yan hindi kung sino-sino.
But before that, ano nga ba ang after God's own heart at paano natin masasabing after
God's own ang babae/lalaki?
𝖬𝖺𝗌𝖺𝗌𝖺𝖻𝗂 𝗅𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗇𝖺𝗍𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖦𝗈𝖽'𝗌 𝗈𝗐𝗇 𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗌𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝖻𝖺𝖻𝖺𝖾?
1.) If she is indeed seeking God's will.
2.) If she has a repentant heart.
3.) If she seeks the best, not the one who settles for less.
4.) If she has a humble heart
5.) If she seeks Christ above all else.
And if she's a woman of God's word.
Hindi lang lalaki ang dapat na maging after God's own heart — dapat babae rin. Dahil,
kapwa ko godly man, NAPAKARAMING consequences ang hindi malabong mangyari
kung mapunta tayo sa babaeng hindi after God's own heart. Walang ibang desire ang
God's after own heart na babae liban na lang sa pagsunod niya sa Diyos at hindi sa
kanyang puso o nararamdaman.
God is seeking someone whose heart is entirely His. And if God is seeking a heart that is
entirely His — if a man's heart is fully given over to God — my fellow man of God, seek
for a woman whose heart is equally wholly given over to God. Hindi tayo pupuwedeng
mangibabaw sa trono ng puso ng babae. Dahil kung tayo ang nangingibabaw dyan sa
puso nila, hindi si Lord, thus, a woman is not someone who is after the heart of God and
she is not worthy of our love. My brothers in Christ, never settle for anything less.
Madaling makahanap ng babaeng naglilingkod sa Diyos na maganda, matalino, talented
man yan. Pero isa ang mahirap makita sa babae — ang makakita ng babae na ang puso
ay nasa sa Diyos lamang nakatuon. Madaling makahanap ng babaeng nagpapagal sa
Panginoon, pero mahirap makahanap ng babaeng puso ng Diyos ang inaasam-asam. Do
not set your love or affection for a woman if she is not truly after God's own heart. Choose
a woman Solely whose heart is entirely set on God and God alone. Look for and pray for
a woman who has God's heart in her.
You are a godly man, marvelously and wonderfully created. Never settle for a cheap
woman at the expense of the actual standard of women. Every woman has the potential
to develop into a woman in your life, but not all of them are God's after own heart.
Do not give your heart to the woman who's not after God's own heart.
THE GOSPEL OFFENDS THE HAUGHTY BUT IS A PRICELESS GIFT TO THE
LOWLY.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kagabi habang nagmumuni-muni ako bago matulog, nag-isip ako ng acronym sa salitang
"GOSPEL". Andaming pumasok sa isip ko and since si Lord sobrang magaling at grabe
talaga, sinink-in sa akin ni Holy Spirit ang acronym and ito yung kinalabasan:
𝖦od's 𝖮nly 𝖲on 𝖯aid 𝖤verything so that you and I could 𝖫ive.
The gospel is an urgent message to those who are perishing, at tayo yung sinasabing
"perishing" (Rom. 3:23). Everyone needs it, and everyone MUST conditionally receive it.
Bakit ba kailangan na kailangan ang gospel? There are a lot of devoted Christians who
are adamant about the gospel everywhere they go. Because of their fervor for sharing the
gospel, so many Christians lost their lives. Many proponents of biblical reform speak up
for the truth to protect its veracity and legitimacy. Many Christians who preach the gospel
have received death threats and abusive feedbacks, and many have been killed as a
result. At the same time, many lives have been changed by the gospel and their lives will
never be the same again.
▫️ANO BA ANG GOSPEL?
1. 𝖨𝗍 𝗂𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗉𝗈𝗐𝖾𝗋 𝗈𝖿 𝖦𝗈𝖽
— saan ka nakakita ng balita na kayang makapagpalaya sa isang preso ng kasalanan?
"...dahil ito ang kapangyarihan ng Dios sa ikaliligtas ng lahat ng sumasampalataya – una
ang mga Judio at gayon din ang mga hindi Judio." (Roma 1:16)
Walang ibang kapangyarihan ang kayang makapagpalaya sa atin sa kasalanan liban na
lamang sa kapangyarihan ng magandang balita, at ang sinasabi ng mabuting balita na,
𝑠𝑖 𝐻𝑒𝑠𝑢𝑠, 𝑛𝑎 𝐴𝑛𝑎𝑘 𝑛𝑔 𝐷𝑖𝑦𝑜𝑠, 𝑎𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑦 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑑𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑙 𝑠𝑎 𝐾𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑛, 𝑑𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑙 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑎
𝑆𝑖𝑦𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑛 — 𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑑𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑙 𝑠𝑎 𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑔𝑎 𝑘𝑎𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑛 — 𝑘𝑎𝑦𝑎'𝑡 𝑆𝑖𝑦𝑎'𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑦
𝑠𝑎 𝑘𝑟𝑢𝑠.
Ngunit hindi nanatili si Jesus na namatay sa krus at nakalibing. Dahil nabuhay si Jesus
pagkatapos ng tatlong araw at dito ipinapakita na kahit kamatayan ay hindi Siya kayang
mahadlangan, kaya ang kapangyarihan ng Diyos sa ganitong paraan ay nakita at
naipapamalas sa atin na anumang bunga na meron ang kasalanan kahit kamatayan
ispiritwal, ang balitang ito ay ipinapakita ang walang hanggang kapangyarihan ng Diyos.
2. 𝖨𝗍'𝗌 𝖺 𝗀𝗈𝗈𝖽𝗇𝖾𝗐𝗌
— ang balitang ito ay hindi sariwang balita na naririnig mo sa mga marites kada araw,
hindi rin ito tamang balita, hindi rin ito bali-balita. Dahil ang balitang ito ay 𝒎𝒂𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈
𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒂.
Ang gospel ay mabuting balita at simple lang kung bakit ito naging mabuting balita: 𝘥𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘭
𝘵𝘢𝘺𝘰 𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘴𝘺𝘰𝘯 𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘸𝘢𝘭. (Rom. 5).
Kaligtasan ang ipinapahayag ng mabuting balita at walang ibang mabuting binabanggit
ang mabuting balita liban nalang sa nag-iisang mabuti — ang Panginoong Jesus.
Lahat ng tao makasalanan, kabilang ka na rin roon. Dahil simula noong magkasala sina
Adan at Eba, ispiritwal tayong nawalay sa Diyos. Ang dating maganda at napakaayos na
likha ng Diyos ay natintahan at nadumihan ng isang kasalanan. At dahil nagkasala si
Adan, lahat ng mga galing kay Adan ay makasalanan.
▫️𝖡𝖺𝗄𝗂𝗍 𝗄𝖺𝗂𝗅𝖺𝗇𝗀𝖺𝗇 𝗇𝗀 𝗀𝗈𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗅?
1. 𝐃𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐨.
— kahit wala kang sakit pisikal, mahirap ka man sa estado ng pamumuhay maging
pinansyal, may kaya ka man o mayaman, hindi ka makakatakas sa salitang — isa ka —
sa makasalanang tao. Pag sinabing MAKAsalanan
a. Ginagawa mo ang gusto mo kahit bawal at mali.
b. Nasisiyahan ka at hindi nakukuntento kahit pa mali.
c. Masaya ka sa hindi puwede at mali.
d. Naglalaway ka kapag hindi mo nagawa ang mali.
e. Ayaw mo ng katotohanan dahil gusto mo ay mali.
Sa madaling salita: MAKAmundo ka, MAKAsarili, MAKAsalanan na hindi kumikilala sa
Diyos at sa nais ng Diyos.
"For the wages of sin is death..." (Romans 6:23)
Ang pagiging MAKAsalanan ay isang direkta oposisyon sa salitang MAKAtuwiran at
pagiging MAKA-Diyos. Dahil naging makasalanan tayo, bukod sa mula ito kay Adan, hindi
rin natin nasunod ang kautusan na siyang pamantayan ng pagiging matuwid ng tao sa
harapan ng Diyos. Lahat tayo nakapag sinungaling, nakapagnakaw, nakapagnasa,
nandaya, naging disobedient sa magulang lalo sa Diyos... Lahat ng nakasaad sa
sampung utos na siyang universally batas (panglahatan) para maging mabuti ang isang
tao — imbis na gawing mabuti ang mga taong sumusunod sa pamantayang kautusan ng
Diyos, nagiging salamin ang sampung utos ng Diyos para ipakitang makasalanan tayo at
kailangan natin ng Tagapagligtas ispiritwal.
2. 𝐃𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐤𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐭𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐢 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧.
— resulta ng pagiging alipin natin sa kasalanan na meron tayo ay ang kakayanang HINDI
NATIN KAYAng bayaran ang sariling opensa para magkaroon ng dispensa at makalaya
tayo sa katakot-takot na walang hanggang pagkawalay (o madalas tawaging 'eternal
death') spiritually.
"Bakit walang hanggang kamatayan? Kapag ba namatay tayo mamatay na naman tayo?
— magiging unconscious?"
Nope. Mamamatay tayo pisikal at alam natin 'yan. Pero oo, gaya ng sinasabi ng Bibliya,
mamamatay tayo spiritually in a sense na mawawalay (separated) tayo sa Diyos. Often
times, kahit sa concordance Bible/s, kapag sinabing death or dead, this doesn't mean
"literally dead" or walang pulso, walang tibok ng puso. This means, SEPARATED from
the Giver of Life — Jesus Christ.
Kung sakali mang namatay na tayo pisikal, conscious tayo both in hell and heaven (kung
san man tayo mapadpad. See what happen to Lazarus and the rich man). Tama lang na
tawaging eternal separation ang 'eternal death' dahil sino ba ang nagbibigay ng buhay?
Of course, si Jesus (Jn. 14:6; 3:16; Rom. 6:23; Jn. 11:25). Kung wala tayong Jesus, wala
tayong buhay. Dahil wala tayong buhay, mawawalay tayo sa nagbibigay ng buhay at
magiging patay magpakailanman ispiritwal pagdating ng panahong namatay tayo pisikal
ng hindi natin natatanggap ang mabuting balita o gospel. At sobrang napakaraming
supporting verses na magpapatunay na kapag wala tayong Jesus sa buhay natin, bukod
sa hindi natin matatamasa ang buhay na walang hanggan in His Kingdom, wala din
tayong buhay na ganap at magiging patay tayo ETERNALLY because we have no Jesus
na Siyang buhay natin.
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have
life” — (1 John 5:12)
At ngayon palang patay parin ang mga taong walang Jesus sa buhay. Habang buhay
tayo, kung wala tayong Kristo na Siyang buhay natin, ituturing parin tayong patay sa
harapan ng Diyos.
3. 𝐃𝐚𝐡𝐢𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐭𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐚 𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐭𝐨.
— I've been an avid lover of Marvel Studios noong hindi pa akong converted in faith.
Though di man ako ganun ka die hard fan ng Marvel Studios, I had this guts na kailangan
mapanood ko 'to lalo na yung paborito kong karakter in the story. Isa sa common na
palagi kong napapansin when it comes to superheroes, palagi nilang nililigtas ang mga
nagpapasaklolo sa kanila sa gitna ng panganib at mga nasa matitinding panganib.
Pero hindi mo rin ba alam? Bago pa maging superheroes sila Spiderman, Wolverine,
Doctor Strange, Hulk, Ironman, or even Captain America — merong nagngangalang
Jesus na namatay sa krus para sa ating kaligtasan. Higit pa Siya sa mga bayaning
napapanood lang natin sa sine o telebsiyon. Jesus is a superhero who does more than
simply rescue people's lives; He also completely transforms their life. Lahat ng
superheroes physical appearance ang sinisave sa tao, pero si Jesus ang nag-iisang
superhero na kailanama'y ispiritwal na pandemya ang sinulusyunan.
Walang ibang laman ang mabuting balita maliban kay Jesus lang na ipinako, namatay, at
nabuhay na magmuli. Si Jesus lang ang laman ng mabuting balita.
▫️𝖫𝗂𝗀𝗍𝖺𝗌 𝗄𝖺 𝗇𝖺 𝖻𝖺? 𝖽𝖺𝗁𝗂𝗅 𝗉𝖺𝗋𝖺 𝗌𝖺 𝗂𝗒𝗈 𝖺𝗇𝗀 𝗀𝗈𝗌𝗉𝖾𝗅
Kung hindi pa, ito na ang panahon at oras na dapat mong bitawan ang pagnanasang
maka-laman at hindi maka-ispiritwal na hindi sa'yo makakapagligtas balang araw simula
ngayon. Nag-iisa lang ang mabuting balita at nag-iisang lang rin ang nilalaman at
ipinapahayag ng mabuting balita — si Jesus. Ang mabuting balita ay
"Ipinako si Jesus dahil sa ating mga kasalanan, namatay ngunit nabuhay na magmuli
para patunayan at isigurado ang buhay na ganap at kasiya-siya sa mga tatanggap sa
mabuting balita."
Ano lang ang kailangan mong gawin para maligtas ispiritwal?
1.) Aminin sa Diyos sa panalangin ang kasalanan at pagsisihan. (Kapag totoo mo itong
ginawa, papatawarin ka ng Diyos ngunit hindi ka nito maipupunta sa langit, kaya
kailangan mo rin ng pangalawa)
2.) Manamplatayang si Jesus ay nabuhay na magmuli at tanggapin Siya bilang Diyos at
iyong Tagapagligtas at matatanggap mo ang gantimpalang ipinangako ng Diyos sa mga
taong lalapit sa Kanya, tatalikuran ang kanilang mga kasalanan, at mananampalataya na
Siya'y namatay sa krus, nabuhay magmuli para patunayan na walang kamatayan na
makakapagpawalay sa atin sa Diyos.
The gospel is offensive to those who feel rich and proud, but it is very good news to those
who are humble. My fellow brethren, God's Only Son paid everything so that you and I
could Live. Don't hesitate to preach the gospel, for it is the good news and the power of
God for salvation.
The gospel is an "I love you" for the lowly, but an "I hate you" for the haughty. Ano ang
gospel para sa'yo? share mo naman.
WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD, NOT COMPETITION IN THIS WORLD.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Have you wondered the same way? It's utterly tiring to compete in this world rather than
obeying the Lord, right? pero nakaka-crave no? Para tayong asong nakakadenang
inaabot ang buto habang nakikipag-kompitensiya sa mundong ito.
Dapat makilala tayo
Dapat makita rin tayo
Dapat tayo naman ang mauna galing dulo
Pursigido tayo sa gantong bagay kasi para sa atin kailangan mapansin tayo ng marami
para maging mahalaga tayo, para lang mahanap natin yung pagmamahal kaya aayon
tayo sa panlasa nila. Para ma-validate nila yung existence natin.
At sa oras na umangat na tayo at pinupuri na nila, hindi parin doon natatapos ang
pagsaklaw natin sa kagustuhan nila. Paulit-ulit nating ibinibigay ang sarili natin para
manatili ang panlasa nila sa atin. Ginagawa natin LAHAT ng paraan para yung taste ng
tao mag last long — para maging matamis tayo — at mawala ang bokabularyong
"pagiging matabang" sa harap ng tao.
Masarap naman kasi mapansin at makilala. Yung ikaw ang pinupuri hindi ang Lumikha.
Subalit, gaano ba katimbang ang ating sarili kaya't napili nating makipagpaligsahan sa
mundo kaysa sumunod kay Kristo?
Take heart, you can never ever be fulfilled having the likes of crowd watching and waiting
for you. The world is not a good master to surround yourself to. Pinapakain ka lang nito
ng mga bagay na isusuka mo lang rin balang araw at isusuka mo rin pagdating ng araw.
Ang panandaliang saya na nakamit natin dito dahil sa pakikipag-kompitensiya, ay siya
ding kaubusan natin. Babalik at babalik parin tayo sa kahuli-hulihang tanong natin na
"bakit kulang parin?"
The world doesn't need or want us; it only wants our abilities, skills, talents, time, and
moment, which we can never change no matter how much we choose to disregard the
TRUTH about this world. — as the time we spent convincing the world to love us is time
that will always be lost. Several opportunities to change our direction and focus on the
One who endured an agonizing death for us are being lost here dahil sa mata nating
nakatitig at puso nating nakatuon sa kamunduhan, kasalanan, materyal na karangyaan,
at yaman man.
Christians, we are citizens of heaven at tayo lamang ay isang waring pilgrim lamang rito
sa mundong ibabaw. Time spent wasting in our dying world cannot be recovered.
I realize that it can be difficult to break your attachment to certain things. You need to
remind yourself that even though it could hurt and pushed over the edge. The world is not
worthy of you, just as you are not worthy of God. Yet, Christ accomplished what the world
CANNOT: He died for you and is now inviting you to a life of obedience that will complete
you rather than a life of competition that would drain you completely and leave you empty.
Pinapahalagahan at pinahalagahan ka Niya, kaya't sana'y pahalagahan mo rin Siya
ganun narin ang sinasabi Niya.
"...our purpose is to please God, not people..." (1 Thessalonians 2:15).
This is a fact, not an opinion. Totoong ikaw rin ang mauubos kakapursiging mapanalunan
ang mundo.
𝖮𝖻𝖾𝗒 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖫𝗈𝗋𝖽 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖽𝗈 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗉𝖾𝗍𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖽𝗒𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗐𝗈𝗋𝗅𝖽.
Reconnect with Jesus, and distance yourself from anything that pushes you to compete.
Afterwards, turn to the One who seeks your obedience and your present. Andami ko nang
paulit-ulit na narinig na si ganto nakamit ang ganyan, si ganyan nakamit ang ganto. Paulit-
ulit nalang ang siklo ng mga tao. Ma-a-attain ang worldly achievement, pero pagdating
ng araw another temporary milestone na naman ang gustong ma-achieve.
Things in this world are not deserving of our attention or time. It will repeatedly make us
gasp for air. It will leave us feeling hopeless, worn out, depleted, empty, and even worse,
unloved and unworthy. Kasi AKALA natin mabubuo tayo ng bagay na meron dito.
Gumagawa tayo ng paraan para maging masaya na hindi si Kristo ang dahilan.
Nagsusuot tayo ng maskara palagi para hindi mawala ang tingin sa atin ng tao. Hanggang
kailan ba natin tatakluban ang mga mata natin at tatakpan ang ating mga tainga para
makaparinig ng ebanghelyo ng kaligtasan? Walang naliligtas sa pakikipag-kompitensiya,
ang mga sumusunod lang kay Jesus ang nakakatanggap ng kaligtasan.
Christ is the only place where one can find identity, fulfillment, value, and lasting success.
Ang temporaryo walang ibang maidudulot sa atin kundi ang hindi natin kakuntentuhan.
Palagi tayong maghahanap ng solusyon sa kakulangan natin na hindi si Kristo. Hahanap
tayo ng gawaing AKALA natin kukumpleto, kukuntento, at bubuo sa atin.
Isa lang ang nakakapagbigay ng kakuntentuhan — walang iba — kundi si Kristo lang.
Huwag tayong gumawa ng bagay at gawin ang mga bagay na ikakasira at ikalalayo lang
natin sa Diyos balang araw.
Ang gusto ng mundo ay ang kung anong meron sayo, hindi ikaw. Gusto nito
makipagkumpitensiya ka. Pero ang nais sa'yo ng Diyos mabuo ka kaya gusto Niyang
sumunod ka sa Kanya.
Walang taong nasira noong sumunod kay Kristo. Maraming nasirang tao na mas pinili
ang makipagkumpitensiya dito sa mundo kaysa ang sumunod kay Kristo. You will become
worn out by the pressures of this world, but you will be restored if you obey the Lord. (Col.
3:2-3).
Hindi nakakakuntento ang temporaryo — anumang meron dito sa mundo. Kahit si Jesus
na sinabihan ang babaeng Samaritana na kailanma'y babalik at babalik Siya sa balon ni
Jacob para sumalok muli ng tubig kapag nauuhaw. Pero ang tubig na ibibigay ni Jesus
ay walang hanggang nakakapawi ng uhaw natin — dahil si Jesus ang nagbibigay ng
kapawian sa ating kauhawan magpasawalang-hanggang (John).
Papagurin lang tayo nitong hanapin ang sarili nating kakulangan sa kawalan. Ngunit kung
totoong nakaupo si Kristo dyan sa puso mo at sumusunod sa sinasabi Niya (Jn. 15) —
wala kang kapagurang maglilingkod sa Kanya ispiritwal kahit pisikal napapagod ka.
Kung paulit-ulit tayong sasalok sa balon ng kamunduhan, paulit-ulit lang tayong mauuhaw
at hindi makakatagpo ng tunay na kapunuan. Ang bukod tanging nakakapawi ng
kauhawan natin ay walang iba kundi si Jesus lang.
HUMILITY IS THE WILLINGNESS TO BE LITTLE.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
When my mother and I first started arguing over a particular issue, I lost control of my
emotions and said things that were hurtful and ungodly. Napagkamalan ng nanay ko na
galit ako kasi akala niya na yung pagpapaliwanag ko ng side ko ay pagalit. At that time,
she misjudged me. Pero alam kong nasaktan ko siya sa mga nasabi ko kahit di naman
ako nagmura.
Di rin kami nagpansinan ng ilang araw.
Mapride akong tao before.
Alam ko yung word na "humility", pero intimacy sa word na yan — wala.
(Dahil ma-pride, mayroon akong audacity na direkta magsalita talaga lalo na kapag alam
kong tama ako. Do you know what God taught me, though?)
Formerly, ugali ko na talagang sumagot, though tama man ako, but often times nao-
overwhelmed ng tampo kaya nagbi-berserk ako in inside (ngayon unti-unti nang inaalis
ni Lord sa akin ang pagsagot-sagot kahit tama pa ako). Aaminin ko, marami akong
nasabing hindi maganda kay mama. Isa sa tinuro sa akin ng Panginoon before was the
word, "humility".
Akala ko dati grasp na grasp ko na yung deep meaning at konsepto ng humility, but no,
nagkamali ako.
"𝐻𝑢𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓, 𝑏𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠𝑒𝑙𝑓 𝑙𝑒𝑠𝑠" Sabi
nga ni C.S. Lewis.
Madalas ang akala natin sa salitang "pagpapakumbaba" ay hindi na pag-ba-validate sa
sarili natin kaya we're struggling to engage to the word humility. Nahihirapan tayong gawin
na magpakumbaba sa tao, humingi ng tawad sa kanila kahit pa tama tayo at mali sila.
Nagkakaroon tayo ngayon ng EGO because we want people, lalo na non-christians
around us, to validate our emotion and feelings. Which is the real problem, why?
▫️𝖧𝗎𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗂𝗍𝗒 𝖨𝖲 𝖭𝖮𝖳 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿
— of course may halaga yung side natin. Even as Christians, our emotions are not
supposed to be kept isolated. Nandoon yung desire natin to be validated kasi nga tao
lang rin naman tayo, nagsta-struggle in life (Rom. 3:23). Di naman tayo instantly perfect,
nagkakamali rin at some point. Pero isa sa namimis-understood natin sa salitang humility
is, "its not about thinking less of yourself".
Ang pagpapakumbaba ay hindi pang-cha-chop-chop sa sarili natin TO BE LESS than
others, and that's the number one problem here. A humble person is selfless (Prov.
29:23). ability to let up of one's ego and self-importance. In order for people to see Christ
in you — not you — you must be willing to be little. This is what it means to be humble.
Humbling yourself does not mean invalidating what you feel.
▫️𝖧𝗎𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗂𝗍𝗒 𝖨𝖲 𝖭𝖮𝖳 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿
— while it is not about thinking less of yourself, humility is, of course, not thinking of
yourself MORE. Dahil hindi 'yan humility kundi pride. Pride is the complete opposite of
humility (Prov. 11:2). Pride wants to gain strength, power, control, and position, but
humility lays off his own to make way for others. Christians, God is not pleased with a
proud heart but is pleased with one who has a humble heart (Js. 4:10: Prov. 22:4).
Humility is never more of you. It is more of Christ and none of you (Jn. 3:30).
▫️𝖧𝗎𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗂𝗍𝗒 𝖨𝖲 𝖺𝖻𝗈𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗄𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗈𝖿 𝗒𝗈𝗎𝗋𝗌𝖾𝗅𝖿 𝗅𝖾𝗌𝗌
— the best example of humility is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. He emptied
himself for our sake. Wala tayo dito ngayon sa sitwasyon nating ligtas kung hindi ibinaba
ni Jesus ang Kanyang sarili. Hindi Niya ipinamukha sa ating,
"Oh! Yan ito ginawa ko sa'yo, masaya ka na?"
No. Hindi ginawa ni Jesus na ibato at isaksak sa baga natin ang ginawa Niya. Hindi Siya
nagmalaki sa atin kundi mas binaba Niya pa ang sarili Niya kamukha ng isang lingkod na
naglilingkod. Siya na Hari pa sa mga hari ay naglingkod sa ating mga dukha at mga
aliping walang kakayanang magbayad ng sarili nating utang. Mahirap magpakumbaba
kung akay-akay natin ang pagiging mapagmataas. To think less of yourself is to put the
goods of others over one's own. Humility teaches us to seek out others' states rather than
to treasure and watch over our pride and ego (Ps. 25:9). We all have the same value and
worth just as they are. Tayo ang may Kristo, tayo parin ang umunawa kahit mahirap.
Doing it all by ourselves won't do any good for us or for the person we have a problem
with.
But the questions I would leave with you are,
Kung hindi tayo ang magpapakumbaba, sino? WHO would make the first move if not us?
1. 𝐾𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑚 𝑎𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑎 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖
— tayo parin ang magpakumbaba (Eph. 4:2; 1 Pet. 5:5). Kung mayroon tayong kapwa
kristiyano na hindi nakaintindihan o kadugo natin at kapwa pa natin kamananampalataya,
sa atin parin dapat magmula ang paghingi ng tawad kahit na saang anggulo tayo tama
(Js. 4:6). Kung tayo ang nakakaintindi, tayo ang magpakumbaba. Huwag nating taasan
ang pride natin o di kaya'y isiping mas may value ang sarili natin kaysa sa kanila (Phil.
2:3). Tinuturuan tayo ni Kristong ibaba ang sarili para Siya ang makita sa atin hindi tayo.
Hindi nadadaan ang kapayapaan at kaayusan ng isang sitwasyon sa pamamagitan ng
pagtataas ng boses, pagtatanggol sa sarili, at paggamit ng mga salitang nakakatisod sa
kapwa natin. Tayo ang malalim sa relasyon natin kay Kristo, tayo ang umunawa — tayo
ang magpakumbaba.
2. 𝐾𝑢𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑎𝑙𝑎 𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝐾𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜 𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑎𝑦𝑜 𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑜𝑛
— tayo na ang magtiklop ng problema. Tayo na ang bumaba sa eksena. Hindi
nakakababa ng pagiging tao natin at pagiging kristiyano natin ang pagpapakumbaba
natin sa kanila (Prov. 16:19). Being humble towards someone doesn't make you less
Christian or less human. Yes, you are hurting, but all you have to do is put the key in front
of you, give yourself to God, surrender your pride and ego, and set aside what you are
feeling toward the person who hurts you. You have to have a humble heart. Ang palaging
susi sa bawat sitwasyon kahit sa ganitong pangyayari ay walang iba kundi ang —
pagiging mababang puso natin sa lahat ng pagkakataon. You may be hurting, but you're
not broken. Buo ka na tandaan mo dahil may Jesus ka na sa buhay mo simula noong
nahanap ka Niya.
Nasasaktan ka kasi tao ka, pero hindi hadlang ang sakit na nararamdaman natin at hindi
ito kailanman magiging rason para ibaba ang sarili natin. Ang pagpapakumbaba hindi
nakabase sa nararamdaman. Bunga ito at produkto ng grasya at pag-ibig sa atin ni Kristo.
Its an action, its a decision to make. So if you're not willing to humble yourself, may
problema sayo at mas lalaki ang problema.
Oo, nasasaktan tayo kahit na tama yung posisyon natin kaysa sa posisyon nila. Pero
kahit napanalo natin ang argumento, imbis na makita nila ang pagbabagong ginagawa
sa atin ni Kristo, nawawalan ng saysay dahil sa pagmamataas at pag-iisip natin sa sarili
natin na mas mahalaga tayo kaysa sa kanila. Kung gusto nating ma-validate ang feelings
natin kaya tayo sumasagot sa magulang natin, sa kapwa natin, sa classmate natin, sa
teacher man or leader na nagkamali sa atin — nasaan ang deny yourself and take up
your own cross d'on? Pride dies when a wise man humbles himself.
Pag-ibig ang resulta kapag ang pagpapakumbaba ang susi natin sa lahat ng sitwasyon.
How to do simple devotion?
( my 𝑃.𝑅.𝐴.𝑌 devotion method )
(Very lengthy to read but hopefully it will provide you with some useful information.)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marami na akong nakitang mga simple method/s of devotions such as yung popular na
S.O.A.P and there's a lot more than just the SOAP method. Before we get to how to do
the PRAY method devotion,—ano ba muna ang kahalagahan ng devotion?
Devotion in a biblical term actually means 𝑡𝑜 𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒, 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑, 𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑,
𝑤𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝐺𝑜𝑑. Ang devotion life
which accompanied with prayer and worship ay important to get to near to God, it's our
spiritual discipline, spiritual food, and to deepen the intimacy of our relationship with God.
Just like prayer, devotional life should never be separated from our spiritual walk.
Then why would we engage in such a vital thing as per the Christian walk? Is it really that
important to be engaged with?
1. Ang pagdi-devotion ay MUST.
— when we say "must", ito ay KAILANGANG gawin. Kailangan mong magpakasakop sa
sinasabi, o kailangan mong maging submitted to the authority of something or someone.
Biblically speaking, Joshua 1:8 may mean that God is speaking to Joshua, but it can be
helpful for us to think about and remind ourselves that the word of God is our precious
bread, our spiritual food that we need to take in every single day (Matt. 4:4). Whether you
would prefer to devote yourself to a journal without music or a worship song, it is indeed
crucial for you to be engaged with the word with a pen, notebook, and Bible.
Ang aim natin bakit natin kailangan magdevotion is to know God deeply, not just the word
of God, but to deepen our understanding of the God of the word. Mahalaga na may
notebook and ball pen, why? kasi in times of problems, hardships, persecution, your
goals, and revelation na nireveal sayo ng Diyos through His words, puwede mong balik-
balikan yung nasulat mong word. Iba parin ang isinusulat dahil niriremind tayo nito noong
mga araw na on fire, nanghihina, nanlulupaypay, napapagod. Niriremind tayo ng jina-
jotdown nating devotion kapag nakaka-encounter tayo ng unexpected event sa Christian
life natin.
2. It will deepen the bond we have in our relationship with Jesus and help us know Him
more.
— from Genesis to Jesus' ministry hanggang magpasa-hanggang ngayon, there is this
bond ng Triune God. Kahit noong kasa-kasama ni Hesus ang Kanyang mga disipulo, He
worked his ministry through the working of the Holy Spirit. He cast out demons by the
power of the Holy Spirit. He healed many people through the working of the Holy Spirit.
When He was baptized, we can see how God the Father and the Holy Ghost worked.
Noong nasa Gethsemane si Jesus, we can see how Jesus relied on the Father and the
work of the Holy Spirit. (dahil alam nating incarnated Siya in human flesh which was also
the reason kung bakit limited ang Kanyang sarili at Kanyang pupwedeng gawin.) He
emptied Himself on our behalf.
Bakit ko ito sinabi? Because as the Triune God is in One, so are we supposed to. Devotion
is not just a reminder that we have a relationship with Jesus; it should remind us that we
are in one body with him. Apart from the Lord Jesus, we can bear no fruit (Jn. 15). Ang
gampanin ng devotion sa layp natin ay para mapalago tayo in spiritual sense. In our
spiritual walk with Jesus. Hindi lang dapat tayo maging pamilyar sa ating bibliya, dapat
maging pamilyar din tayo sa Diyos na sinasabi sa Bibliya.
3. Lastly (although marami pang primary benefits ang devotion), sa devotion din natin
idinadala ang rants natin sa Panginoon.
— aminin man natin o sa hindi, napapagod tayo at times kahit malakas tayo spiritually
(Matt. 26:41). Kaya nga ang layunin din ng devotion natin is to make our spirit grow
stronger than ever. To kill the cravings of our flesh. And live up to the way of God in all
matters. Nagkakaroon tayo ng problema kapag lumalakas ang flesh desires natin at ang
spirit natin ay humihina dahil maaaring di na tayo nakakapagbabad sa devotion natin. At
may mga rason kung bakit tayo nanghihina spiritually, hindi pupwedeng wala. Either we
are overwhelmed by problems and succumb to them, or we remain negligent and fail to
delve ourselves into Scripture in our devotional moments with the Lord.
Saan ba muna magsisimula kapag magdidevotion? Anong chapter dapat? Pupwedeng
mag start sa Old Testament or New. But I prefer New Testament muna magstart para mas
maliwanagan tayo kung sino ha si Jesus.
1. John.
2. The three gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke)
3. The book of Acts
4. Romans
5. Then proceed ka sa kung anong book of the Bible mo susundan.
The rest you can find in the spot where you want to start. Yung iba kasi from Genesis to
Revelation, yung iba Matthew to Revelation and then punta sila sa Old Testament. Pero
paalala lang, be discerning about the Holy Spirit. Kasi may leading ang Banal na Espiritu.
Pupwede kang gumawa nga ng sarili mong method and where do you want to begin with.
But itong tinuturo ko ay sample guide lang sa mga di maumpi-umpisahan ang devotion
nila. So handa niyo na yung notebook, ballpoint, marker, at bible niyo.
So papaano na yung P.R.A.Y. method sa devotion? Mayroong S.O.A.P, but here I'll teach
you how to do the PRAY devotion method.
▫️𝐏ray
— ang unang letter ng P.R.A.Y. method ay "P" which illustrates "prayer". Bawal tayong
mag start ng devotion natin, magbuklat ng bible natin and mag jot down ng natutuhan
natin kung wala tayong prayer na nasisimulan.
Bakit kailangan ng prayer?
Kasi dito tayo nagpapacover sa guidance ng Banal na Espiritu to lead us sa word ni Lord.
To gives us wisdom and knowledge na nanggagaling lamang sa Panginoon. Wag tayong
maging ma-pride. Dahil we cannot work unless God works. Walang papasok na new
revelation sa atin ang Panginoon sa chapter or context na binabasa natin kung di tayo
nakapagbabad sa panalangin. Hindi tayo independent, si Lord lang. Maging dependent
tayo sa Diyos palagi by acknowledging Him in our prayers na kailangan natin Siya. Iba
yung nauumpisahan mo mag-pray dahil kahit ilang beses mo nang nababalikan yung
context ng chapter na binabasa mo, palaging may bago revelation na pumapasok sa'yo
habang nagbubulay-bulay ka ng word ni Lord.
"..the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak..." (Matt. 26:40-43).
Kailangan muna nating mababad sa panalangin dahil si kaaway ay tinitempt tayo na,
"bukas mo nalang gawin 'yan..."
"Tulog ka muna..."
"Inaantok ka na..."
Be vigilant dahil ang pisikal katawan natin ay mahina kahit gaano kalakas ang ispiritwal
natin.
▫️𝐑ead
— syempre tapos na tayo sa prayer, dito na tayo magpu-proceed sa "R" which means
"Read" o basahin ang certain passage kung saan tayo nag-start. Sa read na syempre
natin gagamitin yung marker natin o pang-highlight ng mahahalagang word o di kaya
verses na nagstruck talaga sa atin. Kung halimbawang nagstart tayo sa book of John,
mayroong tinatawag na "section" ang chapter ng books. Mayroon kasing mga Bible na
dire-diretso ang verses at walang title or stop over. Pero meron rin namang mga bibliya
na may title at hindi diri-deretso ang verses — at magandang mayroong ganun — dahil
kung wala naman, pwedeng mag install ng YouVersion bible app then idownload ang
different version tagalog man or english: may naka proceed nang title roon.
Halimbawa ganito kung nasa book of John tayo at mayroon tayong Bible na may title ang
kada context,
John 1:1-18, 𝖯𝗋𝗈𝗅𝗈𝗀𝗎𝖾: 𝖢𝗁𝗋𝗂𝗌𝗍 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖤𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗇𝖺𝗅 𝖶𝗈𝗋𝖽
1.) 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛 1:1-18 — yung 𝐽𝑜ℎ𝑛 ay book.
2.) John (1):1-18 — ay yung chapter ng book. So kung nasa malaking naka-highlight na
1 ka, yan yung tinatawag na "chapter". At ang pagkakabasa dyan ay, "John chapter 1
(one)".

3.) Ikatlo, yung colon ) tas may kasunod na number ay tinatawag na "verse(s)". Kapag
may high pen (-) ang pagkakabasa dyan ay,
"John chapter 1 verse 1 'to(-)' 18." — nawa'y inyong naintindihan.
Bakit ba natin binabasa ang Chapter ng book kung saan tayo nagsimula? gaya ng
pagbabasa natin sa iba't ibang libro na non-christian or kahit panunood ng isang movie
or telenovela at k-drama, hindi pupwedeng mag-jump off tayo sa conclusions ng isang
istorya kung hindi natin alam ang buod ng kuwento o detalye ng binabasa natin. Bawal
ang chismis sa pagbabasa ng bibliya. Kailangan nating mismong lumangoy sa sinasabi
ng konteksto ng chapter ng book na binabasa natin para alam natin ang ibig sabihin ng
konteksto at kung ano ang tinutukoy nito: kung para saan, kailan, sino ang tauhan, ano
ang naganap, at kung para kanino. Para hindi tayo maging "cherry-picker" at ma-out of
context na ginagamit lang ang verses to fit in sa kagustuhan natin.
So, ako kasi, sinusulat ko yung coverage ng chapter and verses na dini-devotion ko.
Halimbawa, John chapter 1:1-18, lahat 'yan ilalagay ko sa notebook at isusulat ko. And it
depends sa iyo kung isusulat mo pa ba yung verses/context o kukuha ka nalang ng
revelation from the verse(s) na nabasa mo.
▫️𝐀cknowledgement
— sa "acknowledgment" papasok ang question na, ano ang tinutukoy ng verse na nabasa
at ano ang itinutukoy nito sa Panginoon?
And most of all, ang magandang question ay hindi, "ano ba ang verse na ito para sa
akin/atin?"
Rather it should be,
"Ano ba ang tinutukoy ng verse na ito para sa Diyos?"
God is our sole object of worship. We are not to aim to focus on what the word says to
us, but on how it points to God. Though, importante naman talaga na kung ano ang impact
nang word na binasa natin patungkol sa kung anong dating nito sa atin, but our great aim
is to worship and devote ourselves to the God that we are serving. Who is God in these
verses?
Ang acknowledgment ay part ng kung sino ba si Jesus sa buhay natin? Sino ba Siya sa
nabasa nating verses/s? At ano ang attributes or characteristics ng Diyos sa verse na
binulay-bulayan natin.
After nating magawa ang acknowledgment, papasok na tayo sa,
▫️𝐘ourself
— pagtapos natin magbasa at ma-observe ang binabasa nating konteksto, sa yourself, i
suggest na isulat niyo kung
1. Ano ang natutuhan ko?
2. Papaano ko ito isasapamuhay sa sarili ko bilang isang kristiyano?
Mahalaga na dapat ina-apply natin ang nabasa natin sa bibliya. Ang devotion ay personal
imitation natin ng word ni Lord (Jn. 15). Sabi nga,
"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only
fooling yourselves." (James 1:22).
Application of God's words (to ourselves) comes after devotion. Brethrens, the Bible does
not become the book of life by being studied; rather, it becomes the book of life by being
lived. Our commitment to God is demonstrated by our involvement with and imitation of
the written word of God. Daily devotion is the spiritual workout we need to bolster our
spiritual life, subdue our unjust system, and become closer to and knowledgeable about
the Lord we serve.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Syempre pagtapos natin magdevotion, ang pagtatapos padin niyan ay PRAYER. Before
and after dapat mag pray tayo. Ipagpray natin na bigyan tayo ng guidance and protection,
ilead sa truth at mamuhay sa nabasa natin sa Bible. Part parin ito nang pagsasubmit natin
sa authority ng Panginoon.
Don't assume that devotion is not significant. We are in spiritual warfare, kaya need nating
lumakas spiritually at maging rooted kay Christ spiritually. Walang sundalo ni Kristo ang
pabaya sa ispiritwal na buhay niya. At wala rin namang pabayang kristiyano ang lumalago
sa lakad niya kay Kristo. A devotional notepad, a bible, and a ballpoint pen are essential.
We talk to our Father privately at this time that is just for us.
There is no such thing as a Christian who does not devote himself to God's words.
"SORRY LORD, FOR BEING TOO MUCH..."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
No Christian is spared from experiencing many ups and downs in their Christian life. As
the other sides of Christians were feeling heavy in some sets of upsets, some people
were suffering from a lot of temptations, while others were falling back into their previous
sins.
God knows we have a lot to carry, so why does He keep doing it, helping us?
Lahat tayo kayang pabayaan ng tao, kahit mga taong kadugo natin kayang-kaya tayong
pabayaan most especially kung talagang below the belt ang transgression na nagawa
natin laban sa kanila. Mayroon din namang kahit sobrang dami mo pang nagawang
kabutihan, kakarampot na pagkakamali mo lang huhusgahan at didiktahan ka na kaagad
nang hindi magagandang pananalita at aksyon.
I understand how much I weigh, but God's grace never ceases to astound me. Why is
that? kasi alam kong Siya lang ang kayang makapagbago sa akin kahit sa paulit-ulit kong
mga kasalanang nagagawa laban sa Kanya na nagawa ko sa kapwa ko, sarili ko, at sa
harapan Niya. God remains conscious of the different shackles of Satan's yoke and the
sins the world offers us, and how painful and terrible it may be to experience them.
We're not exempted, kahit pa Christians na tayo.
Dahil nga sa pakiramdam natin sobrang lala na natin at We all clamor to put an end to
our relationship with God; we separate from Him and reject Him because we FEEL like
we have failed Him once more. Yet, I must remind you of something, my brother or sister:
▫️ 𝖣𝗂𝖽 𝖦𝗈𝖽 𝖼𝖺𝗅𝗅𝖾𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗍𝗈 𝗅𝗂𝗏𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗉𝖾𝗋𝖿𝖾𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇?
— of course He did, ngunit tandaan natin, He alone is perfect, and we're not (1 Pet. 2:22;
1 Jn. 3:5; 1 Pet. 1:19). Paano nangyari yon? Paano tayo nan magiging perpekto sa buhay
na'to kung tayo mismo makasalanan at imperpekto? (2 Cor. 5:21). When we think we've
let God down (and of course we did a LOT OF TIMES). Hence, it stands to reason that
God did not treat us in the same manner as we treated Him. Kahit na naging unfaithful,
ruthless, wicked, filthy, at sinful tayo sa harapan ng Panginoon, isa parin ang nakikita Niya
para sa atin: pagmamahal, kapatawaran at kalayaan.
Kapag tumingin ang Diyos sa atin, hindi Siya tititig sa dami ng kaso at kasalanang nagawa
natin, dahil simula palang alam na Niya iyon. Alam Niya ang lahat ng iyon bago pa man
tayo tumapak sa mundong ibabaw. At alam Niyang hindi mo magagawang abutin ang
Kanyang kaluwalhatian kahit ano pang pagpapakabuti at pagsunod sa utos Niya ang
gawin mo (Rom. 3:23). Babalik ka parin sa salitang
𝐻𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑘𝑜 𝑘𝑎𝑦𝑎
Dahil sa alam Niyang di mo kaya at kailanma'y di mo makakaya, Siya na ang gumawa
ng lahat para sa'yo. Ibinaba Niya ang Kanyang sarili mula sa pagiging mayaman at isinuot
ang pagiging kamukha nating mga dukha. Siya ang nagmamay-ari sa lahat ng bagay,
ngunit Siya itong ipinanganak sa pinakamababang-mababang lugar, ang sabsaban.
Itinuring Siyang Hari ng mga hari at Diyos ng mga dios, ngunit dahil sa pagmamahal Niya
sa'yo, tinignan Siya bilang isang kriminal habang nakapako sa krus ng kalbaryo. Sa tingin
mo tinawag ka Niya para maging perpekto? Kung sasabihin kong hindi, maraming
magbibigay kaagad ng argumento pero ang totoo niyan—hindi.
Hindi ka tinawag para maging perpekto ng IKAW mismo, kundi para suotin ang pagiging
perpekto Niya sa pamamagitan noong sumampalataya ka sa Kanya (Jesus). Walang
kayang maging perpekto liban na lamang kung merong Kristong naghahari sa atin. Hindi
natin katangian ang pagiging perpekto kundi katangian ng Diyos. Siya na ang bumaba
tungo sa krus para sa kalinisan natin. Siya narin ang gumawa ng lahat kahit naging
imperpekto tayo para maging perpekto—dahil parin sa Kanya.
Ni wala nga tayong maibigay sa Diyos kundi sakit ng ulo at puso. Pero iba ang ginawa
ng Diyos, habang tinitiis Niya ang hirap sa krus, walang ibang laman ang puso Niya kundi
ikaw. Binigay Niya lahat maging dugo at buhay Niya para lang sa kalayaan at kaligtasan
mo. Kaya't sana sa oras na nagkamali kang muli alalahanin mong kaya kang patawarin.
Kung hindi ka magkakamali at kung perpekto ka, sa tingin mo ba kailangan mo parin
Siya?
Ang pagtawag sa ating pamumuhay ng pagiging perpekto ay hindi nangangahulugang
dapat wala tayong kasalanan, dapat nasusunod natin lahat-lahat ng nakasaad sa bibliya.
We will eventually disappoint God because we are aware that perfection entails being
faultless and spotless, neither of which we are capable of.
He challenges us to pursue perfection in our lives as we submit to the rule of the Perfect
Savior and Lord Jesus. Only Jesus Christ's great effort and perfection can make us
perfect day by day through the powerful working of the Holy Ghost.
▫️ 𝖶𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖿𝖺𝗂𝗅 𝖺𝗀𝖺𝗂𝗇, 𝗅𝗈𝗈𝗄 𝗍𝗈 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝖧𝖾 𝖽𝗂𝖽, 𝗇𝗈𝗍 𝗈𝗇 𝗐𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖽𝗂𝖽
— sabi ng ilan, bato nalang ang mga taong paulit-ulit na nagpapatawad ng mga taong
nagkasala sa kanila. Sa lahat daw na napakahirap gawin noong nagtanong ako,
pagpapatawad daw ang sobrang hirap gawin. And while I was in that momentum, I kept
thinking about it. Oo nga no? kasi sa atin syempre aminin na nating hindi tayo perpekto,
naroroon yung pagkakataong kapag talagang sobrang below the belt na nung ginawang
pagkakamali, maraming tao isang taon bago mapatawad, yung iba hindi talaga
mapatawad, and yung ilan buwan at linggo bago mapatawad.
Yet, when we sincerely repent to Christ and ask for His forgiveness, He CAN definitely
pardon us for our transgressions instantly with no hesitations (1 Jn. 1:9; Rom. 5:8). Kung
nadapa ka ulit sa pagkakasala, tingin ka ulit sa krus at balik sa Kanya, ngunit tandaan rin
natin na iba ang nadapa sa nagpapadapa. Hindi pinapatagal ni Jesus na patawarin tayo,
hindi Siya nagraramot magpatawad. Sa buong buhay mo na makasalanan ka, sa isang
iglap kaya kang linisin kung haharap ka sa Kanya ng totoo at magpapalinis sa
pamamagitan ng Kanyang dugo (Heb. 9:22). Walang ibang kayang magpatawad ng
napakaraming kasalanan ng isang araw o iglap lang liban kay Jesus. Kung ano pa ang
mahirap gawin para sa atin, ito yung hindi ipinagkakait sa atin ng Diyos—ang
kapatawaran kahit napakarami nating nagawang kasalanan.
Remember, kung pakiramdam mo di ka na mapapatawad ng Diyos, nagkakamali ka.
You are being duped by YOUR emotions.
Look aside from the emotion you are experiencing and remind yourself that the devil is
the source of it. Turn away from Him and put your faith in Christ.
Sa oras na magkasala at madapa ka, hindi ko sinasabing ibabad niyo ang grasya para
sa mga kasalanang gusto ninyong gawin. Ang ibig ko ay, kahit na gaano man tayo
nakagawa ng pagkakasala, kahit daang libo pa yan, kahit na bilyon pa yan, at kahit na
gazillion pa yan—tandaan mo kayang-kaya kang patawarin ng Diyos sa oras na iniharap
mo sa Kanya ang iyong kasalanan at iyo itong pinagsisihan ng totoo.
Ipagkakait man ng tao ang kapatawaran sa atin, pero ang Diyos hindi kailanman.
Although you have failed God numerous times and will undoubtedly do so again, God is
not looking for perfection in us; rather, He wants our submission to His Perfection. He
also promises never to desert and abandon us. No matter how extensive the lists of your
sins were, He will and is able to pardon you. Even though you have sinned a great number
of times, His grace is more than you can handle, and His love is so great that He will still
love and forgive you in spite of your imperfections.
Hindi ka kailanman pagkakaitan ng Diyos ng kapatawaran. Balik ka sa Kanya, at sana sa
oras na bumalik ka, matuto ka nang manahan ayon sa Kanya hindi sa iyong sarili. Lagi
nating kailangan ang Panginoon, at sa totoo lang lagi rin nating kailangan ang grasya
Niya.
"Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now
I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through
me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Jesus—not your emotions—is the cornerstone of your Christian faith. God will always be
faithful no matter how many times you fail Him. Araw-araw tayong kinakalinga ng
Kanyang grasya kahit paulit-ulit tayong nadadapa.
AKO? 𝑰𝒏𝒊𝒘𝒂𝒏 AT 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒂𝒚𝒂𝒂𝒏?
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Sa oras na pagod tayo sa lahat ng bagay
Maging sa oras na nadapa tayong muli sa pagkakasala at pagkakamali
Sa mga panahon na tinalikuran natin ang lahat ng opurtunidad pati tawag sa atin ng Diyos
Nabilanggo man tayo noon ng mga oras at pagkakataon para mawalay sa Kanya dahil
sa bigat ng problema at pagsubok
Nawalan man tayo ng ganang maglingkod at parang tumatalikod na
Nag-alinlangan man tayong magtiwalang muli at tawagin ang pangalan Niya
Sa galaw mong parang napagdududahan mo Siya at parang walang ibang desisyon kundi
ang tapusin nalang ang buhay
— Iisa parin ang hindi Niya kailanmang magagawa sa'yo
Ang 𝑖𝑤𝑎𝑛 at 𝑝𝑎𝑏𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑎𝑛 ka
Dahil patunay lamang ang krus sa hindi kayang gawin ng mga tao sa paligid mo. May
bigat kang nararamdaman ngayon pero pinasan na Niya noon ang bigat na meron sayo.
At binibigyan ka pa ng kapahingahang payapain ang puso mong napagod.
Tandaan natin na hinahayaan man ng Diyos na mangyari ang mga bagay na nararanasan
natin sa buhay natin pero kailanma'y iisa parin ang hinding-hindi gagawin ng Diyos sa
atin—ang pabayaan at iwan tayo maging sa oras na pagod na tayo.
Hindi dapat natin pagdudahan at akusahan si Jesus na iniwan at pinabayaan tayo dahil
nakakaranas tayo ng pagsubok at problema. Dahil kahit kailan hindi Niya nagawang iwan
at pabayaan ka kahit ikaw mismo ang gumawa nito sa Kanya ng napakaraming ulit.
Sa krus palang pinatunayan na Niya ang pangako Niyang
"Hindi kita iiwan at pababayaan."
Wag kang magdesisyun nang permanente na hindi na magpatuloy dahil lang pagod ka
at nakakaranas ng napakabigat na pagsubok at problema. Huwag kang magbitaw ng
salitang sa'yo parin babalik.
Wag ka nang bumalik sa hindi nangako sa'yo. Bumalik ka sa nag-iisang nagpangakong
hindi ka makakaranas ng kapabayaan at pang-iiwan.
Mahalaga ka sa Kanya, tandaan mo 'yan.
DON'T SETTLE FOR UNBELIEVERS, BUT DON'T SETTLE EITHER FOR SURFACE
CHRISTIANS.
(𝐵𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖 𝑛𝑎𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑔 𝑘𝑎𝑚𝑖, 𝐿𝑜𝑟𝑑?)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
May ganun rin ba na nangyari sa'yo? yung nanghingi ka kay Lord ng response kung yung
taong nagugustuhan mo at nagugustuhan ka ay para na ba kayo sa isa't isa tapos sa
pinakadulo hindi naging kayo?
When the things we wanted don't turn out the way we expected them to, it might
sometimes seem like God doesn't want us to be happy. But I don't believe it means that
𝐺𝑜𝑑 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑢𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 ℎ𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑦...
Of course GOD DOES—but only in accordance with His Holy Words and the working of
the Holy Spirit.
Mayroong bang mabuting magulang na hahayaang maglaro sa putikan ang anak?
Syempre wala naman siguro. Bilang isang anak, halimbawang masaya tayo sa paglalaro
sa putikan kahit na dungis na dungis at ang baho na natin, kahit na masaya pa tayo—
hindi tayo hahayaan ng Diyos na magtampisaw rito. Hindi porke't masaya tayo sa bagay
na gusto natin hindi ibig sabihin na para sa atin ang bagay na 'yon.
Merong exemptions na nangyayari sa pag-ibig, sometimes ginagamit ng Diyos ang isang
believer para madala ang isang unbeliever. But OFTEN TIMES hindi hinahayaan ng
Diyos na mangyari din ang ganung pagkakataon sa ibang sitwasyon at sa ibang tao.
Similar to Samson, who believed that he loved Delilah, but who was unaware that she
was using her influence over him to carry out her own plan to have Samson killed.
Marami kasi sa atin porke na-attend lang sa church, nag-gigitara lang, nagda-drum lang,
nagpreach lang for some occassion sa youth service, nagbabasa lang ng bibliya sa
church o cell group, may alam lang na certain verses o di kaya may doctrine of soteriology
lang na hinohold, pinagpray lang for closing prayer sa sunday service—nainlab na agad
(kutusan kita eh , djk lang).
If you're a Christian, dating and getting married to non-believers may not be sinful, but as
your fellow brother here na of course concern sa inyo, it wouldn't be an advisable thing to
say that you should date to marry unbelievers. Kasi most likely, imbis na ikaw ang maka-
lead sa kanila to Christ, ikaw pa itong nalead nila para mapalayo sa Diyos. 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑛𝑜𝑡
𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑢𝑛𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠 except lang sa kung will ba ni Lord na maging kayo one day
(Alam mo ba na magiging kayo one day ng unbeliever na yan? hmmm. Di mo nga bilang
hibla ng buhok mo, maging kayo pa kaya one day ng unbeliever na yan.)
That's not the will of the Lord pero kung makulit ka, ikaw rin ang masasaktan sa huli.
So Christians between christians naman. What are the benefits and good things you can
gain when you date and marry those who have Jesus reigning in their hearts? And ano
ba ang dapat na kilatisin bago manligaw to kasal sa isang tao na may Kristo na?
1. 𝑀𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑆𝑝𝑖𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦)
— sa maturity dito narin papasok ang intimacy ng isang tao kay Kristo. Hindi ka dapat
bumase sa dami ng alam niyan sa theology or books na kayang-kayang gawin din ng
isang unbelievers. Instead, focus on person's character whether or not malalim na ba kay
Lord 'yan o sadyang nagbabasa lang ng libro pero walang paglago sa lakad kristiyano.
Wag mong mamahalin kasi maraming alam sa libro teolohikal (magandang may alam rin
pero...). Kilatisin mo yung bunga niya, yung character niya, lalo na kung na-a-apply niya
ba librong ipinagmamalaki niyang nabasa na niya. Maturity doesn't depend on how many
books we have read, but how we apply the books in our lives.
Kahit alam pa nyan yung basic and fundamental teachings of Christianity, kung hindi
naman well-applied ang bibliya, libro, at Banal na Espiritu sa buhay at pakikipagtalo at
bardagulan ang alam—malabong mature 'yan. Maraming mukhang mature, pero sobrang
fragile pagdating sa spiritual walk. Karamihan pa sa feeling mature eh yung marami nang
nabasang libro. Don't get me wrong ha, napakaganda na makapagbasa ng christian
books mapa-apologetics pa 'yan or for spiritual growth, but if its not well-applied kahit
sobrang well-versed pa ng isang tao sa librong binabasa niya or sa bibliya man—kung
walang application, that person already failed.
Ang layunin sa pagbabasa ng libro ay hindi para makasagap at mapalago ang
kaalaman—thats just a bonus. Ang layunin ng librong kristiyano ay para mapalago at
maging malalim ang ispiritwal na katawan natin.
(marami akong kilalang mga kristiyano na palabasa lang ng libro tapos nagustuhan na
agad ng marami)
2. 𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑖𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑐ℎ𝑢𝑟𝑐ℎ
— sometimes we have ignored this thing just so we could date and marry a superficial
Christian, pero hindi dapat ganun. Most Christians can be found good at their maturity,
but if their commitment and submission to their local church bukod pa sa (universal
church) ay fail—pause in a while.
Marami kasing kristiyano ang walang certain o local church na kinabibilangan. Hindi
nagagamit sa different ministry dahil yun nga ay walang local church na nagpa-flock sa
kanila. Gaya ng pamilya na may kanya-kanyang tahanan pisikal, hindi kaya ng isang
kristiyanong lumago steadily kung wala siyang local church kung saan belong siya. At
dahil wala siyang local church, wala rin siyang magiging evidence of commitment and
submission to the local church, at syempre dahil walang evident commitment and
submission, malabong mature 'yan in spiritual term (Rom. 29).
Bakit mahalaga ang commitment and submission sa local church? dahil kung wala yang
kinabibilangang simbahan ang isang kristiyano paano naman natin malalaman ang
pagiging loyal at self-denial nyan sa Diyos at sa mga leaders na inappoint ni Lord? hindi
mo makikita kung tapat ba yan (hindi lang universally) kundi lokal na simbahan. At
nakakapag doubt din na maging tapat 'yan kay Lord kung palipat-lipat ng simbahan yan
dahil ang paglago niyan magiging gaya ng hangin, tumatakbo sa kung saan saan. Wala
kang makikitang maturity sa taong walang commitment at submission sa local church.
Tandaan natin na MUST ang maging belong sa local christian church, hindi suggestion.
3. 𝐴𝑔𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦
— syempre kapag nag-aaral pa tayo at wala pa tayo sa tamang edad, wala pa tayong
financial aid (na naipu-produce natin) on our own at naka depende parin tayo sa nanay
at tatay natin or kuya at ate natin, then think of it again. Hindi pupwede makipagsaklawan
ka sa relationship unless you CAN produce your own financials, you are in the right and
legal age, and kung tapos ka na sa pag-aaral mo.
"Eh what about the others na kahit nag-aaral palang may bf/gf na tapos sabay silang
nakapagtapos at nakapagtrabaho and nakapag-asawa"
Bakit mo naman kinukumpara kung ano sila sa kung ano ang dapat sayo? And isa pa
lalo't kristiyano na tayo what we OUGHT to do ay sumunod sa kalooban (word ni Lord),
sa magulang natin, at hindi sa kagustuhan natin. Nandyan lang ang pag-ibig sa kapwa
natin, pero kung matigas ang ulo natin madali tayong makakahanap nang
makakarelasyon pero asahan mong destruction and distraction ang magagawa lang nito
sa atin habang naglilingkod tayo sa Diyos, habang nag-aaral tayo, at habang sumusunod
tayo sa magulang natin.
Hindi naman tayo pinagdadamutan ng Diyos na magkaroon ng wife and husband one
day but for now, focus on things na PRIMARILY important. Huwag nating pilitin ang hindi
pa dapat. Huwag din nating pilitin ang hindi lang dapat but ang hindi rin gusto ng Diyos
para sa atin.
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new
person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you,
which is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:2)
God desires not just our happiness, but He also initially desires that we conform to His
pattern daily as we walk our pilgrimage here. Don't settle for anything less, my fellow
Christians. Commit yourself to the pattern of Jesus and be renewed by the leading of the
Holy Spirit.
Hindi ka pinagdadamutan ng Diyos kundi iniingatan at inaalagaan. Bitawan mo na gusto
mo at sumunod sa gusto ni Lord para sa'yo. Dahil kailanma'y walang nasira at nawasak
na mga lingkod ng Diyos na sumunod sa kagustuhan ng Diyos.
God wants you to be holy, godly, and pure. Hindi ka graba, kundi ginto na hindi basta-
basta. Ingatan mo puso mo, ibinibigay 'yan sa nararapat.
Kung magkakaroon ka man (dahil hindi lahat magkakaroon) dapat yung mas mahal si
Kristo kaysa sa'yo :))
WE'RE IN THE WORLD, BUT WE'RE NOT OF IT.
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Ang paggiging makamundo ay kontra sa pagiging maka-Diyos lalo na't bilang isang
kristiyano.
When we say "worldly" o "makamundo" pinupunto nito ang affection (heart issue) ng isang
tao na nakatuon sa mga bagay na meron dito sa mundo either it would be our material
possessions, fame, our families, our selves, our wealth, and things with which we are
FAMILIAR.
Kapag nakatutok ang puso natin sa mga bagay na meron sa mundo at kagustuhan natin
instead na nakay Lord, we are committing worldliness—which is idolatry (Rom. 12:1-2).
Higit pa ito sa pakikipag-sabayan sa uso at takbo ng mundo: sa pananamit, pananalita,
maging istilo at kilos, at aksyon na common sa agos na meron ang mundo. Ang pagiging
makamundo ay isang problemang PUSO kung saan lahat ng mga makasariling
pagnanasa ay nagmumula.
More so than sipping water from a glass, worldliness extended downslope.
1. Christ used Scripture
— Jesus, in contrast to Adam and Eve, fought to Satan's ploy by consistently and firmly
standing at the Scriptures. Imbis na sumunod sa nakakaakit na offer ni Satanas sa Kanya,
Jesus gave an ABSOLUTELY OPPOSITE answer. Instead of approving Satan's offer,
Jesus did what WE should also do.
Kahit na nakakaakit ang offer ni Satanas kay Jesus, Jesus stand firm to the Scriptures
(Matt. 4:4). Baligtad sa nangyari kila Adam and Eve, noong tinukso si Eba ni Satanas na
kainin ang ipinagbabawal na bunga ng isang puno, naakit si Eba at kinain ang bunga na
ipinagbabawal. At si Eba nama'y ipinakain ang bunga kay Adan. For the lust of the flesh,
lust of the eyes, and lust of life, they compromised the truth (1 Jn. 2:16).
Between what Jesus did and what Adam and Eve did, there is a HUGE difference. Alam
nating si Eba ang tinukso ni Satanas na kainin ang ipinagbabawal na bunga at hindi alam
ni Eba ang sinabi (directly) ng Diyos kay Adan na wag kakainin ang bungang
ipinagbabawal. Ngunit nakalimutan ni Adan ang sinabi ng Diyos na wag kakainin ang
bunga. Imbis na pagbawalan at i-rebuke si Eba, hindi niya tinanong at pinagsabihan na
wag kakainin ang bungang inoffer sa kanya ni Satanas. Instead, siya ang nadala ni Eba
na hindi alam ang sinabi ng Diyos (direkta). Imbis na i-rebuke at hindi ikompromiso, na
tolerate ni Adan ang sarili niya na kainin ang bungang ipinagbabawal. They chose the
fruit over obedience to the truths they believed weren't authentic.
Jesus does the opposite. Kahit anong offer at tukso ang gawin ni Satanas sa Kanya na
kahit gaano kaakit-akit, hindi Niya ikinompromiso ang TRUTH over what's pleasing and
good in the eyes, flesh, and pride of life. Jesus used Scripture to judge and rebuke the
works of Satan that He was offering to Him.
Marami sa ating mga kristiyano ngayon ang akala'y ayos na ayos ang pagiging
makamundo, pakikipagsabayan sa uso, at pakikipagtagisan gaya ng mga hindi kristiyano
at makamundong tao.
2. Worldliness seems okay but
— not all that is permissible is good and beneficial. Sa atin normal nalang makipag-
sabayan sa takbo at agos ng mundo KESYO LIGTAS na naman tayo at wala na tayong
dapat pang ikaalala o ika-concern sa christian walk. But no my friend, kahit ang kapatid
natin na si Pablo ay pinursiging nasa kaligtasan siya by evaluating his day-to-day
Christian walk. According to the Bible, we are not to follow the fashion of this world but
rather, we are to renew our minds.
Everything in this world, including education, interests, material belongings, a family, a
profession, a job, fame, notoriety, and money, is not necessarily wicked. Yet things will
become increasingly dreary if these things fills us our heart instead of God. Mas gagawin
natin ang nasa(gusto) ng laman natin. Sa puso lahat nagsisimula ang isang pagnanasa
na malayo sa Diyos kaya nga puso ang inaayos ng Diyos MUNA sa atin (Eze. 36:26)
The Bible CLEARLY tells us na dapat lumakad at humayo tayo ayon sa pangunguna ng
Banal na Espiritu. If we don't walk in the Spirit, we'll follow the road where taking care of
and valuing the flesh takes precedence over the Spirit. Tandaan natin na lahat ng meron
dito sa mundo ay pansamantala lang at walang halaga pagdating ng araw. Those who
are motivated by their passions of the flesh are unable to one day enter God's Spiritual
Kingdom. Once we disregard the heavenly over earthly, we are storing up things like hay,
wood, and paper that won't hold up to the test of true treasure that will one day be
impervious to rot. All things in the heavenly realm are spiritual.
Desires and passions are what propel people. na
"Dapat ma-achieve ko 'to..."
"Dapat magawa ko yung nagagawa ng ilan..."
"Dapat maging mayaman at successful ako..."
"Dapat makilala ako..."
"Dapat kasi ganto at ganyan..."
DAPAT YUNG KAGUSTUHAN NG DIYOS ang masunod hindi na tayo.
Marami na sa ating kristiyano na ngunit sariling kagustuhan parin ang naghahari't
nangunguna.
Doing what you want doesn't necessarily mean it's right or beneficial, even if it makes you
happy. Now that you are a Christian, you owe it to the Lord to walk in the leading of the
Holy Spirit, to walk in light from darkness, and to do the things which the Lord is pleased.
3. Worldliness is idolatry, and idolatry is a sin
— syempre sino ba naman sa ating mga kristiyano na gagawin ang ayaw ni Lord? ikaw
ba? kung desindido, passionate, and sincere tayo sa lakad kristiyano natin instead of
wanting more of what makes us happy, we shall want more of what makes God happy.
Idolatry can take many different forms. Sa atin, minsan di na natin namamalayan na sa
sobrang pokus natin sa mga bagay na meron dito sa mundo na gusto nating ma-attain
nakakalimutan na natin we are only passing visitors here, we are citizens of heaven.
Walang masama sa career, sa dreams, sa goals, sa anumang bagay na gusto nating ma-
attain para mapasaayos buhay natin and para sa family natin Yet if you give these things
so much thought and care that they fall by the wayside, remember—you are serving the
Creator of the heavens and the earth—and if it keeps your affection for God put aside,
you're thereby engaging in idolatry sinasadya man o hindi. Sabi nga ng isang preacher ni
Lord Jesus na si Leonard Ravenhill:
"It doesn't matter what kind of things you are placing yourself in, I don't care whatever
that is, because if it is not pleasing to God, you are doing idolatry."
It's okay to enjoy things God given to us, but what we should remember is if we do
something, does these things pleases God? Does it help you to become a faithful saint?
Of course, aminin man natin o sa hindi na kahit ligtas na tayo mayroon paring mga bagay
na inaayos si Lord sa buhay natin such as our addictions and even bad habits. Pero ibang
kaso na pagdating sa kristiyano na nga pero kung mamuhay makamundo parin.
Before we indulge in the things that please us, let us first think:
"I am changed, and what I must do should reflect the changes that are happening to me."
Ang Banal na Espiritu ay hindi makamundo. Hindi Niya tayo binigyan ng bungang
gustuhin ang nasa ng laman bagkus gawin ang nais ng Diyos ayon sa impeccable and
infallible truth of the Lord—the Bible. Walang mali sa paglalaro ng online games (except
sa demonic talaga), wala ring masamang magtrabaho, mag-aral, magpursue ng course
and business, sidelines, or even magbonding kasama ng pamilya. Even if these things
aren't necessarily bad, if we let them dominate our hearts more than God, we are
voluntarily partaking in worldliness that we aren't supposed to.
The same behaviors that Adam and Eve displayed are still present in people. Because
they prioritized pleasure over the truth, thought solely about their own needs and
interests, and had no respect for God, Adam and Eve acted in a worldly manner. In place
of the Creator, man began to worship creatures. They revere their families, goals and
dreams, wealth, notoriety, careers, jewels, and other material possessions.
Christians:
— store things in heaven.
— do not let anyone, even Christians who are not sincere in their faith, dictate how you
should live your Christian life.
— follow where God's Word and Spirit direct you.
— spend time with Christians who take their faith seriously so they can serve as role
models for you in your walk
— always keep in mind that anything you earn materially is only ever temporary and won't
benefit your soul in the long run.
— don't let the world and sin be into your life if you have Jesus Christ in your heart.
The true test of genuine Christianity is evident when one walks in the Spirit of God, lives
by the Word of God, and does things for God. And the true evidence of the triumphant
love we have for Jesus is seen in how we respond to the greatest commandment He has
commanded us to do. We must refuse to accept the offering of this world. Gaya ng sabi
ni Pablo: Wala nang halaga sa akin ang nakaraan na meron ako. Iisa nalang ang bukod
tanging mahalaga sa akin, yun ay si Kristo.
Nilikha nang Diyos ang mga bagay, kahit pamilya natin ay nagmula sa Kanya. Wala
namang mali na i-enjoy ang mga oras at moment na meron sa atin tulad nang
pagbabonding kasama ng pamilya, pagbili ng gustong damit, pagtatrabaho, at iba pa.
Ang masama nito ay ito na ang magpukaw ng sistema natin para akayin tayo papalayo
sa Diyos.
When we focus on the things of this world, we will lose everything. But if we focus on
God, we will lose nothing.
This world is not our home. Enjoy the good things God created with a set of boundaries,
but don't let these fleeting pleasures capture the affection we have for God. We are
pilgrims and strangers in this world, so let it be a reminder for us that whatever we do, we
should always set our affection on Jesus.
Totoo namang nasa mundo tayo pero hindi tayo para sa mundo. We must not focus on
something we will lose one day. Repent of your sins and turn to God! You still have a
chance, kaya mo 'to nababasa ngayon.
Jesus is worth self-denying and dying for. Worldly Christians are not worthy of Jesus. Isa
lang puso natin kaya't sana iisa lang ang naghahari sa atin, hindi na tayo, mundo, o
kasalanan— kundi si Kristo na.
NAWAWALAN NG APOY KASI?
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Kaya wala ng gana mag-devotion
Di ganun ka-full yung thirst and hunger sa word ni Lord
Nahihirapan magpray kahit ilang daang libo nang ginagawa
Nakukumpara ang init ng sarili sa init ng ibang mananampalataya
Bumabalik sa dating nakasanayan minsan sa kasalanan pa nga.
Ilan lang ito sa natural phenomenon na nangyayari sa ating mga kristiyano. At
imposibleng hindi ka makaranas nito. Yung mawawalan ka ng gana sa lahat ng
pagpapagal mo sa Lord at some point. Tawag rito—pagkawala ng apoy.
Nandodoon din ang pagkakataon na kapag di nasagot ang prayers mo you will blame
God.
You will question Him like,
"Lord, I REALLY need this right now! bakit hindi mo nalang ibigay?"
"Lord bakit ganto buhay ko!? nagpapagal naman ako Sa'yo ha!?"
Dumarating tayo sa sitwasyong mawawala ang apoy natin at lalayo tayo for different but
common reasons such as namatayan tayo, di natanggap sa scholarship, di na-attain ang
minimithing goal, at higit sa lahat hindi sinagot ang PRIMARY prayers natin—sa
pagkakaunawa LANG natin.
Add: (deny yourself ba itong nabanggit sa itaas? Hmmm... abslutely not.) To deny means:
to forsake your own and submit to God's own will.
Ang mga gantong eksena sa buhay kristiyano ay hindi madali at masarap sa pakiramdam,
it strikes with a really strong punch to the chest na para bang sasabog tayo anytime dahil
sa bigat at di malamang dahilan.
Ikaw ba naman di mo ramdam si Lord tapos para kang sobrang hinang-hina kasi nga you
are TRYING but not actually experiencing the FIRE you had before and are looking for
NOW.
Tama bang maging rason yung mga binanggit natin sa itaas kaya ka nawawalan ng apoy
sa Panginoon? Yes, there may be things that can be VALID to point to your OFF-FIRE
season, but NO as well.
Lahat ng panlalamig o pagkawala ng init sa Panginoon ay may dahilan.
Boats cannot be rowed on the two distinct rivers. Either you cross over to the other side
and turn left to cross across. Ganun rin, hindi pupwedeng nagsasagwan tayo sa isang
ilog ng walang dahilan. Maaring may tinatakasan tayo, tinatakbuhan, o di kaya
binabalikan.
Pwede nating sabihing nanlalamig tayo pero maraming rason ang panlalamig sa
Panginoon, maraming dahilan but often times dumarating tayo sa point na HINDI NATIN
ALAM (our coping mechanism) kung bakit tayo nawawalan ng apoy.
Madalas ngayon mainit ka tapos kinabukasan manlalamig ka nalang ng di mo alam—
coping mechanism natin uli.
Common signs ng cold (pagkawala ng init sa pananampalataya)
1. Blessing becomes a curse
— well, we often wonder why we would feel this way even though we didn't do anything
for something we didn't wish to experience, of course yung pagkalamig natin sa
Panginoon. Walang TOTOONG kristiyanong gustong manlamig sa Diyos o in short
mawalan ng INIT sa Kanya.
Pero let me tell you this, may dahilan yung panlalamig natin... (deep inside of you
"WEEEEEH?) Yes, mayroong dahilan and una na dyan ay dahil, nauuna ang blessing
kaysa sa Great Provider.
a. Wala namang masamang mag-aral
b. Wala namang masamang magtrabaho
c. Wala din namang masamang mag-adventure
d. Wala namang masamang magtake-care ng family
Pero ang masama—lamunin tayo ng pagkapokus sa isang bagay na nawawalan na ng
sentro ng ginagawa natin, kanino ba dapat tayo nakasentro? Minsan kung ano pa yung
blessing nagiging curse pa sa atin hindi dahil kagagawan ni Lord kundi dahil ang
ginagawa natin ginagawa natin itong ketong sa lakad natin. Wala ngang masama sa pag-
aaral, pero kung nilalamon tayo ng pag-aaral at wala na tayong ENOUGH at FIXED TIME
and MOMENT para sa nagbigay ng opportunity para makapag-aral tayo then it could lead
to coldness or in short pagkawala ng fire (spiritually)
Coldness leads to hardness tandaan natin.
Wala rin naman di'bang masama sa pagtatrabaho? of course yes, galing kay Lord din
'yan, but syempre just like education na blessing sa atin ni Lord, minsan kung ano pa
yung blessing na binigay sa atin ginagawa nating fuel to be a curse to our SPIRITUAL
walk. Maraming binigyan ang Diyos ng trabaho na SOBRANG INIT sa Panginoon dati,
pero simula nung nakapagtrabaho na sila—wala nang oras para sa nagbigay sa Kanila
ng trabaho. What'll happen? magkaka-cold.
Ganun din sa pag-a-adventure, ngunit dapat mas may oras parin tayo sa Panginoon natin
more than to things we want to do. Ganun din sa family, walang masama na mag-bonding
together, ngunit kung naaapektuhan na nito devotion, quiet time, worship, fellowship, at
prayer mo sa Panginoon—magli-lead ito sa pagiging cold mo (spiritually).
2. Kingdom more than the King
— at isa rin sa na-o-overlook nating rason kaya nawawala rin apoy natin sa Diyos ay dahil
nauuna ang work for God's kingdom more than God. We're God's sons and daughters of
the King. Through Jesus nagkaroon tayo ng pribilehiyong maging anak ng kataas-
taasang Hari at Everlasting Father. Mayroong pinapagawa sa atin ang Diyos to further
His Kingdom, pero alam mo ang nangyayari kaya nawawala rin fire natin sa Panginoon?
because we exert so much effort on behalf of God's kingdom that we neglect the King.
We are very focused on rewards, but we are not as focused on our Everlasting Father,
who needs US TOTALLY.
Sabi ni R.C. Sproul: What God really wants is YOU, not your possessions, skills, or even
talents.
Nagtataka tayo bakit tayo nanlalamig sa Diyos, at may rason rin yun kung bakit nga ba—
dahil wala ka nang COMMUNICATION sa Panginoon. You go to different intersection than
God's direction na apart from Him—you will bear nothing. Sa relasyon sobrang
napakahalaga ng komunikasyon sa isa't isa at kapag nawala ang komunikasyon na 'yon
darating at darating rin sa puntong manlalamig ang isa o minsan kayo pa ngang dalawa,
mawawalan rin ng init.
Pero ibahin mo sa Panginoon, ang Panginoon palaging mainit, ngunit tayo lang talagang
itong nakakaligtaang nanlalamig at nawawalan ng apoy dahil sa kapabayaan natin.
Wala tayong mababasa sa new testament maging sa epistles ni Pablo na nanlamig sila
kay Hesus, bagkus mas nagpursigi pa nga silang mas lalong maging mainit sa
Panginoong Jesus why? because being with the Lord Jesus is what they long for and
what their CHIEF PRICE is. Early Christians and disciples were more concerned with the
True chief price—Jesus Christ—than with rewards they'd receive one day.
In Acts 2, simula noong bumaba ang banal na Espiritu sa kanila at nagspoke sila in
tongues wala ka nang makikitang nag-fall away ang iba, nanlamig si Peter, o nagback-
slide ang ibang Disipulo. Iba pa nga ang nangyari—mas naging ON FIRE sila to win souls
at wala na sa bokabularyo nilang mawalan ng apoy o magpokus sa ibang bagay other
than the King and His Kingdom.
Ang malaking pinapaalala lang sa atin palagi ng mga kapatid natin na sina Pablo, Pedro,
at iba pang kristiyano ay magpalakasan tayo, magbabad tayo sa pananalangin at salita
ng Diyos, at lumakad tayo sa leading ng Banal na Espiritu. Aminin man natin sa hindi,
dumarating tayo sa point na mawawala at mawawala talaga yung sigla natin ngunit hindi
rin mawawala ang katotohanang may DAHILAN ang pagkawala ng init natin. Baka kaka
pokus natin sa ibang soul makaligtaan rin nating soul din tayo na kailangan ng gabay at
kalinga ng Diyos through delving in His words, prayer, worship, and fellowship with other
believers.
Check yourself dahil baka kaya karin nanlalamig ay dahil nauuna mo na ang temporary
ones than eternal things. At nakakaligtaan mo nang sa King ka nagsi-serve hindi sa
Kingdom. Don't worry, hindi kasalanan ang pagkalamig sa Panginoon sometimes, pero
masamang magstay sa pagkawala ng apoy. Go back to God again KAHIT PA HINDI MO
RAMDAM
"... looking ONLY AT JESUS, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith..." (Heb. 12:2)
You are not bound by life by feeling, but rather by faith. So rather than turning to the
opposite bank, where you will only experience short-term satisfaction but eventually
experience regret, turn to the side of the river where you will one day meet the king.
Brethrens, be bound entirely to Jesus.
ANO BA ANG TOTOONG PAGSISISI?
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Minsan kung kailan malayo na tayo sa panahon at oras na paulit-ulit tayong nakakagawa
ng kasalanan na nakasanayan natin, doon pa tayo madalas nalalaglag ulit pagkatapos
nating pagsisihan ang mga kasalanan natin.
Kung kailan isang taon na
Kung kailan dalawang buwan na
At kung kailan sobrang tagal na
Mayroon talagang kaisa-isang araw na malalaglag na naman tayo ulit sa pagkakasala na
iniiwas-iwasan natin.
Are we truly repentant, or are we just making a big show of it to trick ourselves?
Repentance is a transformation of heart and mind manifested in action; it goes beyond
simply confessing your guilt to the Lord.
Isa ka ba sa bumabalik ulit sa dati mong nakasanayang kasalanan?
Nagiging guilty tayo and we feel sorry for ourselves because we let God down once more
by failing. But be aware that it's possible that something is missing from your repentance
or that it has always been phony.
1. No matter how sinful you may feel you are, repentance is understanding that God can
forgive you.
— madalas kapag bumalik na naman tayo sa kasalanan natin ang nangyayari sa atin we
feel guilty, ashamed, and imbis na lumapit sa Diyos for forgiveness ang nangyayari we
convince ourselves that we must improve in order to get past this obstacle.
"... ang kabutihan ng Diyos ay tumutungo sa pagsisisi..." (Rom. 2:4)
The mere fact na hindi lang basta banal at isang napaka-makapangyarihang hukom ng
Diyos na kaya Niyang parusahan tayo sa ating mga kasalanan, ganun rin na isa rin
Siyang napakamapagmahal na Diyos (1 Jn. 4:8). Nandoon na tayo sa nagkamali tayo at
nagkasala tayo sa harapan ng Diyos ngunit wag nating hayaang lamunin tayo ng guilt at
shame natin para hindi na tayo lumapit sa Diyos. The shame and guilt na nararamdaman
natin ay isa dapat sa ginagawa nating fuel to surrender what has not yet been surrendered
sa Panginoon. Hindi tinitignan ng Diyos kung gaano karami ang naging pagkadapa,
pagkakasala, at pagkukulang mo sa Kanya dahil kahit kasinlawak man ng karagatan ang
kasalanan mo, mas malawak pa sa kalawakan ang pag-ibig Niya para sa'yo.
Sabi nga ni A.W. Tozer "kilala ka ng Diyos sa pinakapanget mong sarili, pero Siya ang
tunay na higit kang minamahal."
Hindi Niya binibilang pagkakamali natin, ang hinihintay Niya ay kung papaano lang
tatayong muli at manunumbalik sa katotohanang hindi mo kaya kapag wala Siya.
Repentance is a gift of God through the Holy Spirit. Ang Banal na Espiritu ang Siyang
nagco-convict sa atin (John 16:8) to feel guilty, convicted, and shamed, and it leads us to
humility when we sinned before God. True repentance signifies turning from your former
self and toward God instead of merely admitting your sins.
Because God is love, love is willing to give what you really need. Ang pag-ibig
pumuprotekta, kinakalinga ka, at isa pa, kapag nagkasala ka at totoo kang nagsisi—
pinapatawad ka.
Kaya kang patawarin ng Diyos kung nagkasala ka man kung humihingi ka ng TOTOONG
kapatawaran.
2. Repentance should bear fruit
— gaya ng kaligtasan na may bunga ganun rin ang pagsisisi, mayroon ring kaakibat na
ebidensiya at bunga. In Acts 26:20, sinabi ni Pablo na dapat magsisisi ang lahat ng tao
at manumbalik sa Diyos at ang pagsisisi nila'y mayroon dapat kaakibat na mabubuting
gawa. Dahil sa ganitong paraan nakikita na totoo silang nagsisisi.
Ano ang mabubuting gawa?
1.You are to walk in to the conformity of Christ. May pagsunod sa Kanyang utos at
pagtalikod sa kasalanan at kamunduhan (Rom. 12:1-2; Jn. 15:10)
2. Lumalakad ka sa ayon sa leading ng Banal na Espiritu (Gal. 5:16-17)
3. Gumagawa ka ng mabuti sa kapwa mo hindi lang sa Diyos (Matt. 22:37-40)
Ang pagsisisi ay hindi lang pagsasabi na ikaw ay makasalanan o nagkasala ka sa Diyos,
gaya ng isang alibughang anak, hindi Niya lang sinabi na nagkasala Siya sa Diyos at sa
kanyang ama kundi tinalikuran na Niya ang kasalanan at sarili niyang pagnanasa—
nandodoon ang gawa o simply means "bunga" (James 1:26).
3. You have to have a strategy to avoid sinning again.
— though the grace of God is unfaltering and ever present whenever we need it, the good
news is that the grace is not a license to sin.
bakit naman good news?
Alam naman natin na naligtas tayo by GRACE at until now na niligtas tayo ng Diyos
nandodoon parin ang grasya Niya para subaybayan at tulungan tayong kumun-form sa
pattern Niya. We can never really follow God without grace. Faith in Christ is essential for
continuing on your journey, and grace serves as our fuel.
Of course, the Holy Spirit works to convict us of sin whenever we stray from it, but that's
not where it ends; you still have to resolve the issue (Js. 1:26). Kung alam mong madali
kang ma-tempt na mag-masturbate or manuod ng porn kada gabi or madaling araw—
syempre ano gagawin mo? Hindi ka lang basta magpi-pray at fasting, mayroon ring self-
reproach na dapat mangyari sa atin.
Sample tips lang ha kung sa sexual immorality ang problem:

✓ wag kang matulog ng gabing-gabi.

✓ wag kang magbabad sa social media (kasi anywhere meron at meron talagang
lumalabas na di kaaya-aya at nakakapagtriggered sa atin to sin.

✓ avoid touching your private part or yung ilang bahagi ng katawan mo na

nakakapagtriggered sayo.

✓ don't justify your sin

✓ wag na mag-cellphone pag patak ng 8 pm or 9 pm.

✓ magpray, devotion, magbasa ng essential books (spiritually) but most importantly

basahin yung Salita ng Diyos.
Sa Mateo 5:30, Jesus does not suggest literally cutting off our right hand if it leads us to
sin bagkus ini-example lang ni Jesus na although nakasanayan na nating gawin ang
kasalanan at pagnanasa natin, dapat nating IWASAN at LAYUAN ang kasalanang
kinakasanayan natin.
Extreme repentance is required. We walk with God every day in this way. To enter the
path of salvation in the Christian life, repentance must be practiced on a continuing basis.
Minute by moment, we need it every single day.
True repentance does not embrace the notion that "I will do it better," but rather it
emphasizes that we should put our trust in God's goodness and faithfulness because
even though we stumble and fall along the way due to sin, God is just and merciful enough
to pardon us when we turn to Him with all of our hearts.
Add: kahit kristiyano na tayo hindi parin nawawala ang pagsisisi sa lakad natin dahil wala
namang perpekto sa atin kahit kristiyano na. Kailangan natin ng pagsisisi sa pagkilos ng
Banal na Espiritu dahil sa grasya at dahil parin 'yon sa pagmamahal ng Diyos sa atin para
sa atin.
You are not waging this battle alone; every Christian struggles with various temptations
and sins. Use your guilt over having sinned before the Lord to motivate you to completely
give yourself over to the Lord. And may the knowledge that genuine repentance honors
God's heartbeat sink into our minds and hearts.
Sin defiles and obliterates. Kung hindi ka pa nakakapagsisi—turn completely aside from
yourself and toward God. God can forgive you because He loves you.
REBUKE IS NOT A GOOD FEELING, BUT AN IMPORTANT THING
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When someone went off and went wrong gusto natin ay makita yung dapat na lumago
sila. We want the best for them. May mga pagkakataon na kapag nagkamali ang kapwa
natin kapatid sa pananampalataya, other feels discouraged, yung iba feel superior, and
ang iba naman nilalayuan yung tao.
But that's not what we've been told in the Bible. Kapag nagkakamali ang isang kapwa
believer, rebuke is ALWAYS in response from those other believers (who love brotherly
and sisterly other believers) because it's vital to keep others from falling again off the cliff.
Rebuke is necessary for discipline, not just encouraging words to continue and persevere
in faith.
"Like an earring of gold and a jewelry piece of fine gold, Is a wise person who offers
rebukes to a listening ear." (Proverbs 25:12)
We need rebuke not toleration over something God didn't want us to do. We need a slap
on the face and wrist, a few stern words to keep ourselves from wandering, a firm hand
to make sure our actions don't cross that line, and someone to remind us there are lines
to be drawn that can never be crossed. And rebuke can only be brought out of love.
Aminin natin o sa hindi maging magulang natin dinidisiplina tayo at pinagsasabihan ng
nararapat at tama dahil para satin 'yon. Ang pagtatama nila ay hindi pagpaparusa sa
ginawa nating mali kundi pagsasa-ayos na hindi na natin dapat gawin ang pagkakamaling
nagawa natin.
Even I, who consider myself Christian, am still in need of rebuke. We are not exempted
from that aspect, whatever our age may be. Age is neither the qualification nor the security
of our maturity, because those who mature in their Christian faith are the ones who accept
rebuke and discipline for whatever mistakes they have made.
We cannot grow as Christians without rebuke, just as a pencil cannot be sharpened
without a sharpener. Of course, the Bible is the final authority, and the Holy Spirit works
for the good of us, but God, of course, uses certain people in our lives lalo na kapwa natin
kamananampalataya.
“Let a righteous man strike me — it is a kindness; let him rebuke me — it is oil for my
head; let my head not refuse it” (Psalm 141:5)
Rebuke comes from those who love us (Proverbs 27:5), and those who love are borne of
God (1 John 4:7). Those who do this are people who love us enough that they want us to
conform into the image of Christ and not unto their image. Rebuke is a hard pill to swallow.
Nothing would ever change for us if we continue to run in our comfort zones. Only when
we accept rebuke can we make progress in our growth.
Kapag nagkakasala tayo, hindi lang lang tumitigil sa encouragement ang pagmamahal
kundi mayroon ring rebuke. A love without rebuke is just toleration. And toleration is not
love. Kung may nakikita tayong kapwa natin kristiyano na nag-crossed the line sa attitude
man or action, earn to reprove them in humility and in love. Talk to them privately first,
huwag mong ipapahiya yung tao. Huwag kang maiinis sa kanila kundi sa ginawa nila.
Kung tayo naman ang nagkamali, kahit gaano man karaming libro ang lumunod sa
kaisipan natin—hindi nun ibig sabihin na hindi ka na pupwedeng magpatama sa kapwa
mo believer. Hindi tayo palaging tama at hindi rin sila palaging mali.
Huwag nating isipin na sinasaktan nila o pinapahiya nila tayo when they rebukes us when
in fact its the opposite (Titus 2:15). We are responsible sa kapwa natin kristiyano, kung
alam na nating lumalayo ang pag-uugali at aksyon niyan, hindi lang tayo responsable sa
pag-i-enlighten sa kanila to continue to faith but we have the authority to rebuke our fellow
believers.
If we truly care about them, we won't be hesitant to correct their wrongdoing. Real love
never resides in unfair treatment. When we genuinely take the rebuke from our fellow
believers, humility sets in.
Only when you accept rebuke will you be able to progress.
"THERE IS NO GREATER LOVE THAN TO LAY DOWN ONE’S LIFE FOR ONE’S
FRIENDS." (JOHN 15:13)
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Sometimes I always wonder why a precious, holy, righteous, and pure Lord and Savior
would choose someone unworthy like me to be spared from the pit of hell for all eternity.
I wonder why would Jesus do that.
And now I understand why he does it.
"But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ
died for us."— (Romans 5:8)
Jesus was aware of how depraved, sinful, and rebellious mankind was. He was aware
that the human heart would do everything to further its own objectives. In other words, He
understood exactly the extent of human capability, making Jesus' selfless act of saving
everyone through Himself all the more amazing—it's filled with His love, for He is the God
of love, the Author of love. No one can save anyone from the pit of hell but Him
And through Jesus because of His love—salvation made possible.
Jesus didn't die and rose again on High for naught. He's a God-man incarnated in human
flesh. For the unworthy, like myself, to be set free, the author of love and grace took on
flesh. He sacrificed His life in a bid to keep sinners like us from being banished, as we
ought to have been from the beginning.
To me ,the cross stands for more than simply suffering, misery, and agonizing death. The
cross represents a King and His unfailing, meritless love for His people. Christ opted to
live a life of poverty so that we could be a royal priesthood, so that we could come to Him
and give all our cares to Him and find rest for our parched hearts and souls (Matt. 11:28).
For me, the cross represents the unwavering love of the innocent One. He was treated
with disdain not because He committed a crime but rather because He took our sins and
the debt that was owed to Him. It is the most potent representation of love in my eyes.
We all understand what love is, don't we? There are many various kinds of them, but the
love I have inside of me through Christ Jesus is the love that frees me from a fruitless
hunt for something to fill my wounded soul and empty heart.
We are so frantically searching for the love that we believed could complete us. True love
satisfies the very center of our hearts in addition to our entire being.
If the love you have in your heart comes from the One who created love—Jesus Christ—
only you will then be able to find satisfaction. There is nothing else that can fully appease
our yearning hearts but the love of Jesus Christ.
What a wonderful feeling of satisfaction to be loved by Jesus!
"MAKASALANAN AKO KAYA NATURAL LANG NA MAGPAULIT-ULIT AKONG
GANTO. MAHAL NAMAN AKO NI JESUS..."
--------------------------------------------------------------------
No, my brader and sister.
Quit inventing an absurd justification and an unreasonable coping strategy merely to keep
yourself a slave to your sin(s) and the systems of this anti-Jesus society.
It goes without saying that it is miserable for us to accept that we are sinners. We still can
not cease being ashamed of our sins (certainly true to those who are genuine on their
faith) as it brings with it such misery and guilt.
We are cognizant that thinking we were pristine was a grave mistake, yet we still feel
terrible about it. We all believe that we are so very innocent in regards to this reality, but
we are not (and that is true) because to live in denial of the truth is something I would
rather die than do.
Every time na nagkakasala tayo instead of confessing them to Jesus and turning away
from it, we've taken the GRACE of God FOR GRANTED. And have taken too LIGHTLY
the weight of the HOLINESS of God.
Nakakalungkot dahil napapaligiran tayo ng sermon(s) na
"Jesus loves you/us..."
Jesus does love us, of course. But, as a result of these and the failure to demonstrate
and proclaim God's holiness, people are becoming relaxed and committing the sins that
God has already delivered them from.
1. Never should being a sinner be used as an excuse for our sins.
2. Strip your pride (sins) and focus on the calling God has placed on your life.
3. Remind yourself that GRACE is NOT a ticket to wallow in sin and let it control you. Use
God's grace to live in accordance with the worthy, righteous, and indispensable purposes
He has for you.
4. The same blood that was poured on the cross 2,000 years ago was used to wash you,
and in doing so, Christ's love was evidently bestowed upon you.
Christians, being a sinner is not a reason to continue to be a slave of sin(s). There's a big
difference between sinning CONTINUALLY and sinning HABITUALLY.
Sa mundo paulit-ulit(continually) tayong magkakasala, ngunit hindi dapat magpapaulit-
ulit(habitually) sa pagkakasala. Kung niligtas tayo ng Diyos sa kahit anong kasalanan na
hirap tayong makawala—wag na tayong bumalik pa: sa pornograpiya, pagsisinungaling,
pagnanakaw, pangangalunya, pagsagot-sagot sa magulang, pandaraya, o
pagmamayabang man.
Ang pagiging makasalanan natin ay hindi lisensiya para magpaulit-ulit tayo sa kasalanan.
It is only through the grace of God that we have been saved by His mercy and love. He
is merciful enough to have saved many others before us from committing the sin(s) that
we do. He is good and loving enough to forgive us when we commit the sins that others
are punished for.
He knows all our faults, and God is gracious enough to give us an opportunity to confess
them, even though there is no point in doing so for someone like us who deserves no
heaven but hell.
Even then, I am grateful that He revealed His love and grace to me in the person of Jesus
(Rom. 5:8; Jn. 1:16; Rom. 5:20–21). I am also grateful that repentance and trusting in
Jesus as my Lord and Savior is the only way forward rather than a downward path for us
sinners—a way forward to atone for my transgressions and be saved.
There is only One Way to be saved, and that is through Christ Jesus, Who is the Way (Jn.
14:6).
Sana alalahanin natin palagi na ang grasya ay hindi lisensiya para sa paulit-ulit at
pagbalik-balik sa pagkakasala. Makasalanan tayo pero sa oras na niligtas tayo mayroon
ng banal na Espiritu na Siyang tumutulong sa atin para paalalahanan ang bawat isa sa
atin sa katotohanan hindi sa kamangmangan.
If you were genuinely saved, you wouldn't ever yearn for another taste of what God
delivered you from. You'll feel shamed by it and want to flee in order to follow the path of
light away from the darkness(sin)—(your former misery and anguish)
Bawal ang "try again" sa pagkakasala dahil lang sa grasya tayo namumuhay. Tandaan
natin parurusahan rin tayo ng Diyos ng nararapat base sa ginagawa natin. Never ignore
the grace that God has extended to you. Because of grace, both our salvation and the
severity of the judgment have been augmented. We were justified by grace, and we will
be judged by the One Who gives grace as well (Rom. 6:6-7). The grace of God ought to
motivate one to submit to and live in accordance with the will of the One Who frees us
from the yoke of sin (Jn. 14:5-17).
This should serve as a reminder to us that, even while sanctification does not happen all
at once or over night, grace is not to be taken for granted. Ang grasya ng Diyos ang siyang
dahilan kung bakit nakakapagpatuloy tayo sa Panginoon ngunit hindi kailanman magiging
dahilan para sa pagpapaulit-ulit sa kasalanan.
Grace does not compromise Christlikeness, nor does it abide in habitual sinfulness.
Grace must be a motivation for us to live set apart from the crowd and set apart for Christ
(Gal. 2:20).
"OKAY LANG NAMAN DAW SIYA SABI NIYA"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Sabay kaming naglakad ng kaibigan ko mga bandang alas-dos ng hapon galing sa
paaralan.
Ilang beses ko siyang kinakamusta kung "kumusta ang araw" niya.
Bukambibig niya sa akin ay "okay lang" siya.
Kampante ako kasi nakangiti naman siya
Umaga't hanggang gabi ay wala akong ibang unang sasabihin kundi "kumusta na" siya.
Ganun parin naman bungad ng sagot niya sa akin.
"Ayos lang..."
"Okay lang"
"Ayun, mabuti naman"
Nakakatuwa kasi pagtapos ko siyang sagutin kung kumusta siya, palagi siyang nakangiti,
tumatawa madalas, at binabalik naman sa akin ang tanong ko.
Ngunit isang araw
Sinuot ko na ang uniporme ko para pumasok sa paaralan.
Hinihintay ko ang matalik kong kaibigan.
Nakangiti akong hawak hawak ng masigla ang aking bag.
At excited akong tanungin muli ang aking kaibigan kung kumusta siya
Pero sakin yata babalik ang tinatanong ko sa kanya.
Ilang minuto ay wala parin ang kaibigan kaya napagdesisyunan kong puntahan na
lamang siya sa kanilang tahanan.
Mainit ng mga araw na 'yon
Pero di bale kaibigan ko siya at sabay pa kaming papasok sa paaralan.
Habang papalapit na ako sa lugar nila napakaraming tao ang nagsisiksikan.
Mula sa matanda hanggang sa pinakabata malapit sa bahay ng aking matalik na
kaibigan.
May mga ambulansiya.
Halo-halo ang naririnig kong mga salita.
Nagtataka ako kung bakit kaya dahil sa kuryosidad napag-isip-isip kong lumapit pa ng
lumapit.
Kanya-kanyang salita ang naririnig ko sa mga tao.
"Kawawa kasi 'yang anak"
"Ay lakas magpakamatay dumagdag pa sa problema ng pamilya niya..."
"Aba nakakawalang gana ganyang anak pabigat na nga magbibigay pa ng problema para
sa panlibing..."
"Kabataan nga naman ngayon pagagalitan mo lang kikitilin na ang buhay..."
Wala ako sa lugar para itanong kung ano ang nangyari. May nakatabi ako ale at itinanong
ko kung anong sitwasyon.
"Ate bakit po ang raming tao?"
Kuryos ako ng mga oras na ito.
"Wag kang gagaya sa kabataan na kumitil ng sarili niyang buhay..."
Kinutuban ako
Hindi kaya kaibigan ko ang mismong pinag-uusapan nila?
Pero hindi naman siguro ganun ang kaibigan ko kasi alam kong ayos lang siya ... sabi
niya sa'kin.
Nakita kong inilalabas ang bangkay sa cluster ng lugar ng aking kaibigan.
Maraming nag-iiyakan.
Yung iba galit
At ang iba naman ay walang ekspresyon.
Nang malapit nang dalhin papasok sa loob ng ambulansiya ang bangkay
Nakita ko ang nakalaylay na isang kamay nito.
Katulad ng bracelet na meron ako.
Kulay green at pula na magkahalo ang bracelet na suot-suot nito kagaya ng sa akin.
Mas kinabahan pa akong lalo.
Hanggang sa hindi na ako nagkamali na siya ang matalik na kaibigan ko na kumitil sa
sarili niyang buhay.
Nagbigti para matapos na lahat ng paghihirap niya.
Umiyak nalang ako.
Nanlumo sa nangyari.
Tinanong ko naman siya kung okay lang siya, pero mali palang tanungin siya ng ganun.
Nakangiti naman siya
Pero mali palang husgahan ang ngiti niya.
Sumasagot naman siya pero dapat pala pinupuntahan ko siya. Kaso hindi na pupwedeng
ibalik ng salitang kamusta at paalam ang matalik kong kaibigan.
Sa susunod na magkaroon muli ako ng kaibigan hindi ko na hahayaang maging retorikal
ang salitang "kumusta".
Masakit ngunit nagsilbing aral na sa akin.
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
huwag mong ikahiya na itanong sa kaibigan mo kung okay lang siya at wag mo ring itigil
lang ang isang pangangamusta sa "kamusta na siya?" ugaliin rin nating puntahan ang
kaibigan natin kahit masaya pa yan kapag magkakasama kayo dahil hindi lang ikaw ang
nakakaranas ng pagsubok at problema kundi ganun din ang mga tao sa paligid mo.
edit: we don't have any idea how fragile people were. Judging their situations based upon
their smiles and gestures is not the best idea, nor is asking how fine they were without
getting the real response from them by asking them, "how are they?" It can only create a
false sense of comfort that leads one to ask if someone is "fine" or as if it matters so
much. It's a terrible habit to begin with. We should start off small, then get rid of the
assumptions we make in order to see what's under the surface. I'm sure everyone has
different ways of looking at things that others may not be able to look at. But simply asking
how their days are going is a good place to start to see what's behind their smiles and
gestures.
wag lang titigil sa pangangamusta kundi puntahan mo rin. madalas kasi mas masarap na
kahit di ka kamustahan yung presensiya mo lang ayos na. (but beyond comprehension
ang PRESENCE ni JESUS, balik tayo sa salita Niya).
gumagamit lang talaga ang Diyos ng tao para kamustahin rin tayo.
but if there's someone who will always be with us, there's no one else but Jesus. Having
a best friend who asks you how you are is a good comfort, but having Jesus in your life
surpasses the feeling of being comforted because Jesus reassures us that no matter what
day comes to us, He is with us always. He's our shelter and refuge.
Makaligtaan man tayong kamustahin ng mga tao pero si Jesus kailanman hindi tayo
pinagsawaang bigyan ng kapayapaan at pangangamusta.
Sa Kanya lang natin mararanasan ang tunay na pagtahan.
"BE BEAUTIFULLY SACRIFICIAL RATHER THAN PERFECTLY ARTIFICIAL" — ANN
VOSKAMP
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Be the kind of woman who yearns for holiness and modesty in a society filled with
perfectly artificial beauty. We need women who want to be godly and who take on
meaningful work.
Punong puno tayo ngayon ng iba't ibang uri ng kagandahan. May kanya-kanyang paprika
at make-up tactics and strategies. Yung iba nagpaparetoke, nagpapa-opera ma-achieve
lang ang kagandahang ginugusto.
Contrary to common opinion, there is a beauty that transcends the limits of artificial
beauty. It is the beauty of a godly woman. Hindi niya ikinokompromiso ang desire ng Diyos
sa kanya para ma-attain ang gandang inaasam-asam ng marami.
It is she who yearns for what God yearns. She surrendered to the shelter of her heavenly
Father. She does not follow the world's norms and is not envious of its standards'
attractiveness.
Do you consider yourself a woman of worth or merely a woman of perfection, like the rest
of the world? There are a lot of women who ACTUALLY HATE their flaws because they
compare themselves to other women they have sought out and considered to be the
standard of beauty that must be reached.
Do you possess worth as a woman? or a woman obsessed with her own body's
perfection?
1. What you wear has no bearing on how valuable you are.
— akala natin kapag nasuot na natin ang gusto natin bibigyan na tayo ng high-regards
na mga tao dahil sa suot natin. Syempre ima-myday pa yan, sabay mag-aabang ng
maraming hearts and wow sa myday. O di kaya po-post sa facebook and other social
sites para maraming magla-like sa pictures habang suot-suot ang magagarang damit at
dress.
Of course walang maling magsuot ng mga magagarang dress or damit. Of course wala
din namang masamang i-myday, i-timeline update, at i-feature ang 'yong suot—but let's
be honest, women: sometimes, what you wear reflects who you truly are on the inside.
Maraming mga "kristiyana" na nagsusuot "just" for fun, for the purpose of updating current
status or just because they want to.
Pero marami sa mga "kristiyana", lalo ngayon ang nagsusuot for the sake of the crowd's
preferences—for a conscious agenda. And it won't turn out well. Instead na si Christ ang
mai-represent mo, dahil nakikipagsabayan ka at nakiki-uso, even though something
would be acceptable, doing it would only undermine your value in the eyes of Jesus. If
you live your life in accordance with the meager sacrifices the world makes so we can
become more like the masses, you are sacrificing your identity and value in Christ for
their cheap imitation.
2. Your worth is not determined by what you do or how attractive you are on the outside.
— Let this serve as a reminder to all of us (men and women alike) that our value and
worth are NEVER determined by what we do or how physically appealing we are. Our
worth is not determined by our outside appearance. Hindi din pakikipag-sabayan sa uso
ang sagot para masolusyunan ang feeling pagiging "HINDI MAGANDA" physically.
Kristiyana't kristiyano, hindi ka binayaran ni Jesus sa krus para i-identify ang sarili mo sa
mundo. Kung pagmamay-ari tayo ng Hari, bakit pa tayo titingin sa mala-aliping
kagandahan na basehang pisikal kagandahan ng mundong ito?
Maging totoo na tayo—nagkakaroon tayo ng jealousy dahil sa pagkukumpara ng sarili
natin sa mga taong kesyo physical attractive or what we call magaganda't gwapo. Totoo
naman, mayroon talagang biniyayaan ng kagandahang pisikal—pero kung yan yung
motivation mo to attain VALUE and WORTH, you are moving in the wrong direction. You
are deceiving yourself gravely.
Remember that envy and jealousy are sins. It has to be crushed and trampled. Okay lang
bang i-lookdown ang sarili?
a. Bakit mo ba kasi kinumpara?
— dito papasok yung word na "ano ba intention mo? napadaan lang ba or sinadya mong
ikumpara sarili mo? Tandaan natin na layunin ni Satanas na wasakin at i-distract tayo.
Sabihing wala tayong halaga at hindi tayo kamahal-mahal. Kaya ang ginagawa ni
Satanas, gumagamit siya ng mga bagay para bolahin ka. Marami sa ating nagpapabola
kaya natutuwa siya.
Women, you have no reason to contrast yourself to others if you have truly offered
yourself up to God. It is more than enough to tell yourself that you shouldn't let the
opinions of others determine your worth by reminding yourself that Christ died for you on
the cross and has given you the REAL IDENTITY and WORTH you have long sought.
Wag papadaya sa kaaway at mundo.
b. Where do you place yourself?
— 2 Cor. 5:17 and the Epistles of Paul give us a wonderful and astounding
encouragement for us, sa kung sino ba tayo kapag nakay-Kristo na tayo. Kasi sa totoo
lang kung nasa sa mundo parin ang tingin natin mananatiling mapait parin ang panlasa
natin sa mga sarili natin imbis na gaya ng isang pulot kapag tinikman (Rom. 12:1-2). Hindi
lihim ang sarili natin sa Panginoon. Huwag na huwag mong ituon sarili mo sa pisikal na
kagandahan dahil kukupas 'yan.
Certainly, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalms 139:16–17), but the outside
world tells you otherwise na dapat kailangan mong gawin ito at 'yan para maging
maganda ka sa panlasa ng mga tao. Kung world parin ang buhay natin, iikot lang tayo sa
salitang
"kulang parin ako..."
Kung tititig ka sa mundo hindi ka lang magiging kulang kundi magiging walang-wala ka
pa.
3. You were crafted with much care and concern.
— Christ did not only come to save you; He also came to clothe you in the splendor of
His unmerited favors, including love, grace, and salvation, to convey to us the truth that
He alone is the source of our identity and value. Ibinaba ang pagiging Hari at Diyos para
sa atin habang tayo naman itong nasa mababang lugar na pilit gumagawa ng paraan
para makita ng marami sa inaasam-asam nating tuktok at taas.
The more worthless you and I may feel if you lay your value in the hands of this world.
Yet, if you offered yourself up to Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, He would
remind you that you cannot earn your worth through good deeds or labor. He provides
you with an identity and a sense of worth because He loves you. Sapat na ang salitang
"namatay akong kasama ni Kristo at nabuhay muling kasama Niya..." Hindi na tayo ang
dapat makita sa eksena kundi ang Panginoon na.
If we are truly closer to Jesus, we will be more attuned to His voice and not that of the
world. There are no insignificant Christians in God's eyes. Each of us has worth that
comes from God alone. Self-worth, when it aligns with God's words, can establish the
idea that no amount of money or artificial beauty can degrade and put to shame the worth
He has placed in us and put for us.
Ang totoong ganda ay hindi pisikal kundi ispiritwal. Nawawala at kumukupas ang pisikal
na kaanyuan ngunit ang babaeng nananahan sa sinasabi ni Kristo ay ang babaeng
nakikita ang tunay niyang halaga samantalang ang malayo sa Panginoon ay mananatiling
mapakla ang panlasa sa sarili.
Jesus doesn't only satisfy you with His love and grace; He also satisfies your longing for
worth. Nothing else can we find our value and worth in except Christ Jesus.
Be the woman who is desperate for godliness and modesty, not for lust or the standards
of the crowd. Hindi maganda ang nagga-ganda-gandahan. Ang tunay na ganda ay yung
totoo sa sarili at namumuhay sa kabanalan ayon sa Salita ng Diyos. Worth is not
something you can earn; it is something that God gives.
Come to Jesus as you are.
Be a woman of worth, not perfection
"HUWAG MO NANG UULITIN HA?"
"OPO MA, PASENSYA NA PO."
------------------------------------------------------------------ (Mahaba yet be patient)
Isa sa ayaw ko nang gawin at maulit muli ay ang mapaiyak ko ang nag-iisang babae sa
buhay ko which is my mother. Kasi last time na napaiyak ko siya ay lukewarm pa ako sa
Panginoon. Sobrang sakit sa pakiramdam na para kang hinahataw ng martilyo sa dibdib
kapag nakikita mo magulang mo naiyak dahil sa ginawa mo.
Previously may nag-ask sa akin ng question whether or not it would be advisable and
beneficial na sumagot sa magulang in a good way at kung pwedeng i-defend ang sarili
dahil tama naman at ang magulang mali. Pwede nga ba? Tignan natin.
1. Honor your father and your mother
— the most powerful commandment God has given to us (universally) is to honor our
father and mother. Ito ay commandment between ourselves and others. Pero hindi lang
basta-basta "others" ang tinutukoy ng commandment na ito bagkus "blood-by-blood" pa
nga dahil ito yung mismong nagluwal, nagpakain, nag-alaga, nagdisiplina, at nag-aruga
sa atin from the very first stage pagkasalang natin sa mundo.
What does it entail to honor your parents? honor for
"To treat with high regard and admiration, treasure, show high regard for, value highly,
show high esteem, recognize, give special distinction, and so forth.
Napakaraming binanggit at meaning ng "honor." Why does it sound so crucially
necessary, though? Kahit ba hindi godly ang parents ay kailangan i-honor parin ang
magulang? Kahit ba mali na ang iniuutos at palagi nalang silang tama, i-honor parin ang
mga magulang natin?
"Parang ang hirap naman po no'n, kuya"
Mahirap kung ikaw ang sentro ng eksena pero kung sa Diyos mo i-ba-base ang lahat, the
entire conflict would shift as a result. God gave us this commandment to follow in order
for our own good and as a firewall for our hearts. Beyond all other commandments, it is
pertinent to God. na tumutukoy sa relasyon tao-sa-tao.
Here's why:
In 1st-4th commandments ang pang-lima ay "honor your father and mother" (Ex. 20:12),
then the rest of the commandments ay nagpi-precedes nalang tulad ng "you shall not
commit murder, lying, stealing..." This UNIVERSAL LAW ay hindi lang for minor, but sa
atin ding adult, young pro, and sa mga tanders narin kahit papaano.
In Exodus 19:16-20, As the Israelites camped near Mount Sinai, God gave Moses these
instructions. God didn't enact this law to humiliate us or put us in a doughnut, but rather
to draw people to Himself. Our parents have the authority in our lives. Hindi biro ang
pagluwal ng mga nanay natin at pagkakayod sa trabaho ng mga tatay natin. Up until
today, they have given us food (for most of us). For our personal benefit, they offered not
just food but also educational opportunities rin.
Ngunit hindi parin malabo na hindi magkaroon ng conflict sa mga magulang natin dahil
habang lumalaki tayo, nagkakaroon tayo ng own agenda na
"dapat kasi ito, dapat kasi ganto, at dapat kasi ganyan..."
Nasasagot natin magulang natin.
Aminin man natin o sa hindi, di lang magulang natin ang nakakasama natin kundi
nagkakaroon tayo ng kaibigan sa school, sa trabaho, sa environment na nakapaligid sa
atin. May epekto ang social interactions na nangyayari sating ito. Dahil pupwede nitong
mabilog ang attitude at approach natin sa magulang natin, kaya often times nasasagot
natin magulang natin, lumalaban tayo sa kanila, at worse sinasaktan natin sila hindi lang
verbally kundi physically at mentally sa actions natin.
To honor someone or something is to regard them with respect and to establish their
worth. As we get older, we become more self-reliant, and the influence of our parents and
other nurturers on our life changes. Parents continue to be our source of comfort,
sustenance, and security, but as we grow, we are increasingly tempted to rebel and make
our own decisions.
We attempt to take control of our own fate. It initially seems good, akala kasi natin malaya
na tayo sa parental' control oppression(s), however, as we get older, the desire to go our
own way stops being a luxury and instead becomes more and more challenging. Formerly
sa daring buhay natin, it means that we are not submitting ourselves to any parent's
authority or judgment. It becomes a challenge to decide who is our best friend and who
is our enemy as we decide whether or not to rebel against both them and society.
If we rejected and despised our parents', teachers', leaders', governments', and other
people's authority, it is ultimately gross misconduct and revolt against God. Alalahanin
natin na our salvation is not a result of our own merit; rather, it is a result of Jesus' work
on the cross, which secures salvation for those who approach Him.
We fight to submit to their authority lalo na't kung nasa side tayo ng "tama naman ako
ah...?" and self-conscious agenda. But in all honesty, ang pagpapakasakop sa awtoridad
nila ay hindi legalismo para pagtripan tayo kundi utos ng Diyos para makita kung tunay
ba ang pananampalatayang meron tayo, kung tunay bang pinababanal tayo (James
2:26).
Since our faith in Christ drives us to do good works, these good works will serve as a
testimony to the Christ who died on the cross for us. Tandaan natin na ang matibay na
ebidensiya na binago at binabago tayo ng Diyos ay ang buhay nating pinapaggamit natin
sa Diyos. Maraming tao ang hindi binubuklat ang kanilang bibliya dahil kung kristiyano ka
ikaw ang titignan nila kung may bibliya bang nabubuhay sa buhay na meron ka.
a.) Para sa godly ang parents:
— kahit tama man tayo at mali sila, Jesus' word can be applied to us na before natin i-
offer ang praise and worship natin sa Panginoon, kung mayroon man tayong nakaalitan
at nakaaway, it should be our first priority to forgive and make a difference na dapat kahit
tama tayo, tayo nalang ang humingi ng tawad sa magulang natin. Because in that way
imbis na makita tayo si Christ ang nakikita sa atin. Of course walang magulang na perfect
kahit godly pa 'yan however kung may Christ naman tayo sa layp natin our goal is to
display the love of Christ reigning through us so that others can see that love reigning in
us.
b.) Para sa hindi godly ang parents pero okay lang ang pagpapalaki
— ganun din sa first situation kung alam nating mali sila at tayo naman tama at may Kristo
sa buhay, tayo ang mag-initiate na humingi ng tawad kahit tama tayo at sila mali.
Nakikilala ang pag-ibig ni Jesus sa buhay natin kung nakikita ang bunga nating bunga ng
pag-ibig ni Jesus. Lahat tayong mga kristiyano ay bunga ng pag-ibig ni Jesus kaya dapat
tayong bunga ng pag-ibig ni Jesus ay pag-ibig din ang ipinapakita natin sa tao lalo na sa
mga magulang natin.
Mahirap i-honor ang parents kung tutuusin dahil hindi naman natin kaya ito on our own
strength and courage. With the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) and
the word of God (Mk. 12:31), tutulungan tayo ng Diyos na i-honor ang magulang natin by
the leading of the Holy Spirit and by submitting ourselves to the authority and love of
Jesus—to revere and admire our parents.
"Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must
have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had." (Philippians 2:4-5)
Its hard to honor them lalo't palagi silang tama at tayo bawal sumagot o magalit man
lang—but keep in mind that Satan hunts like a roaring lion and will eat us cruelly if you
don't put that mindset aside. Masaya siya kapag nagagawa natin ang agenda niya, pina-
flatter pa nga tayo na "tamang-tama ang SUMAGOT sa mga magulang natin" when in
actuality and biblically—HINDI.
It would be harder to honor our parents without the love of Jesus reigning in us. Kaya
noong binago na tayo wala na dapat ang former na puso natin kundi a heart of flesh na
galing sa Diyos (2 Cor. 5:17; 1 Cor. 13:1-13).
Isa sa mga paraan to show honor to our parents are as follows:
- eating together
- bind watching together
attending church together
- giving gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and on some occasions
- saying I love you to them, taking care of them, and respecting them.
- pangli-libre sa kanila kapag payday
- pag-aalaga sa kanila kung nagkakasakit sila
- pagsunod sa kanilang iniuutos
- pagpi-pray sa kanila
At marami pang iba.
2. But paano kung victim ang isang anak ng incest, slavery, rape—physical and
negligent? Is it okay to honor parin and obey their "own" discipline?
— how does child honor a parent if a parent lacks honor for a child? may exemptions sa
gantong commandments. Remember na mayroong standard of discipline—the Bible.
May isang lingkod ng Diyos ang nagsabi na
"Sa siyudad kung saan ang mga magulang ay pinaparangalan ng mga anak, ang siyudad
na iyon ay tatagal at titibay. Ngunit kung ang siyudad na may mga anak na hindi
pinaparangalan ang mga magulang ay malabong tumagal at tumibay."
At hindi lang anak ang may responsibility to honor their parents but maging mga
magulang rin to honor their children. Ngunit talagang mas maraming mga magulang ang
mapang-abuso sa kanilang mga anak—nakakalungkot pa nito ay sexual and physical
abuse na galing pa sa "mismong" magulang. Honor doesn't mean to agree with or obey;
it only means to revere highly and to show respect.
Yet contrary to biblical parenting and honoring, mayroong cultural shifts na nangyayari
generation to generations. Modern parenting and honoring become tainted by selfishness
and self-dependency. Nagiging,
"Ako magulang at ako tama!"
"Tama sinasabi ko kaya tama lang ginawa ko!"
"Ako, ako, ako!"
Kung alam naman natin na mali ang ginagawa ng magulang natin at ikaw naman ay nasa
age of minority, you can ask for help sa ilang taong alam mong may kakayanang
proteksyunan ka sa pang-a-abuso ng magulang mo na over the belt na ang ginagawa
such as sexual abuse and physical abuses. Makakatulong ang gobyerno na nagbibigay
proteksyon sa mga inaabuso para parusahan ang mga mapang-abuso.
We can set boundaries between our parents who abuse us physically lalo na sexually but
still show them the love kahit napakahirap—not by our sheer will and power, but by the
leading, power, and wisdom that come from our God (Js. 1:5).
Also, God intended governments para protektahan tayo sa mga mapang-abuso (btw
ibang usapan na ang gobyernong mapang-abuso ah). Pero palagi nating tandaan na
kahit gaano man kasama ang ginawa ng mga magulang natin sa atin, Bless those who
curse us, and pray for those who persecutes us. Huwag nating gantihan ng hindi
maganda ang gumawa sa atin ng hindi maganda (Lk. 6:29-30; Matt. 5: 38:42). Tayo parin
dapat ang magsilbing asin at ilaw para sa kanila dahil may Kristong nananahan sa atin
(Matt. 5:17-20).
Even though it may seem impossible to honor our abusive and unloving parents, we must
nevertheless demonstrate the LOVE that Jesus has given to us in order to demonstrate
His love for us to our parents. Huwag nating sabayan ang cultural shifts ng mundo
ngayon. Doon parin tayo sa hindi shifting na command ni Lord na honor our parents kahit
mapang-abuso.
It may look different sa mga anak na inaabuso ng kanilang mga magulang. Ang
pakikisama sa mga mabusong mga magulang ay maaaring imposible. For the meantime,
okay na munang doon tayo sa puprotektahan ka para hindi maabuso ng magulang. But
wag na wag magri-rebelde (though unsolicited advice 'to from me)
It can be challenging to love tough people, but we must constantly remind ourselves that
Jesus still loves us in spite of our transgressions. Not only for godly parents, but even for
those who mistreated us, we must show our love. Hindi man natin makita ngayon ang
bunga ng pag-ibig na itinatanim natin, one day magpapasalamat nalang tayo sa
Panginoon dahil mas pinili nating magmahal kaysa magtanim ng hindi pagmamahal.
Honor your parents in all matters dahil ang magulang hindi napapalitan kapag nawala.
Kahit gaano pa 'yan naging kamasama sayo bago mo ikahiya magulang mo at ikagalit na
meron kang mapang-abusong magulang—alalahanin mo maraming mga tao na hinihiling
sa Diyos na sana man lang nakita at nagkaroon sila ng oras na makasama mga magulang
nila.
Maraming mga humihiling na magkaroon sila ng magulang pero tayong mga anak na may
mga magulang wag nating sayangin ang oras na mayroon sa kanila para ipagpasalamat
natin sa Diyos at igalang ang mga magulang natin.
Tandaan natin, hindi malabong kayang baguhin ng Diyos ang mga mapang-abusong
magulang basta't mananatili lang tayong nagtatanim ng pagmamahal, walang sawang
panalangin, at pagdipende sa Banal na Espiritu at Salita ng Diyos (Prov. 3:5-6).
Honoring your parents doesn't require you to concur with their beliefs and everything they
want you to do, especially if they are at odds with the Bible. Honoring your parents entails
treating them with deference, reverence, and, most importantly, by demonstrating the love
of Jesus that He has for you to extend to them.
Mahalin magulang mo kahit mahirap 'yan mahalin. Dahil kapag pagmamahal ang itinanim
natin kahit hindi pagmamahal ang ipinapakita nila sa atin—one day, pagmamahal ang
aanihin natin dahil walang imposible sa Diyos.
Huwag mong mahalin kasi kamahal-mahal—lahat tayo hindi kamahal-mahal. Dapat
mahalin mo kasi hindi sila kamahal-mahal gaya natin. Minahal tayo ni Hesus kahit na
hindi tayo kamahal-mahal. Kaya mahalin natin magulang natin kahit napaka-mapang-
abuso niyan at mahirap mahalin.
Ang pananampalataya may pag-ibig ay pag-ibig din ang aanihin. Buhay ang testimonya
ng pananampalataya natin kung pag-ibig ang ipinapakita natin.
NAGTATAPANG-TAPANGAN TAYONG HARAPIN ANG KAMATAYAN PERO
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Bravery against death is not the solution to overcoming the fear of death.
There are still people who try to cloak themselves in bravery to cover their fear of death,
but that cannot be the solution.
Lahat tayo darating sa kamatayan.
Lahat tayo mamamatayan ng mahal sa buhay.
At lahat tayo kakaharapin ang misteryosong kamatayan.
I heard different testimonies of Christians who were formerly unbelievers in Jesus na
akala nila kaya nilang kaharapin ang kamatayan by ignoring it. Maybe it is effective for a
little while, but it cannot last long. It can't penetrate to push back the fear of death.
Oo, totoo, nakakatakot talagang mamatay. Aminin man natin o sa hindi marami sa ating
hindi lang takot na maiwanan ang mahal sa buhay, kundi takot ring mamatay.
Dahil kahit may paghihirap man sa mundo, nakukuha parin nating magkaroon ng saya sa
tumatakbong kamay ng mga orasan. Pinagmamasdan natin ang kagandahang nilikha ng
Diyos. Nakakatikim tayo ng masasarap na pagkain. Nagkakaroon tayo ng mga
magagandang memorya kasama ang mga mahal natin sa buhay. Nakakapunta tayo sa
dream countries na gusto natin
Pero ang kamatayan nandya-dyan parin.
Life is a tug of war with time. No one is promised a tomorrow, neither are we na
mabubuhay pa tayo bukas o mamaya.
Bravery isn't the solution to confronting the fear of death. The only solution to the fear of
death isn't to ignore it. The solution is to trust your life to the One who overcame death—
the One who can raise the dead.
Isa lang ang solusyon—pagsisihan natin ang ating mga kasalanan natin sa harapan ng
Diyos at tanggapin ang katotohanang si Jesus ang katotohanan, daan, at ang buhay(Jn.
14:6). Manamplataya sa Kanya na Siya ang namatay sa krus para sa ating mga
kasalanan at tanggapin Siya bilang ating Diyos at Tagapagligtas. Kung may pagkakataon
tayong gawin ang bagay na gusto nating gawin, bakit sa huli pa natin inilalagay ang
kaisipang si Jesus ang kaligtasan at buhay natin?
Eternity is a long time to be wrong.
Maraming mga tao hinihintay ang kamatayan ngunit hindi nila pinaghahandaan. Ang mga
handa lang sa kamatayan ay ang mga taong buhay na kasama ni Cristo Jesus.
"...a time to be born and a time to die..." (Ecc. 3:1-11)
Kung wala kang Kristo sa buhay mo wala ka ring buhay. At dahil walang kang buhay—
hinihintay mo man ang kamatayan mo ngunit sa totoo lang hindi ka talaga handang
mamatay.
"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—
it’s here a little while, then it’s gone." (James 4:14)
If not now, when? Seek Christ while He may be found.
"THEY WERE ALL GONE, I ASSURE YOU."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Whenever we hear the word "prophet(s)," what comes to mind first?
nagpu-foretell ng future events? nakakausap si Lord? Laging may bigote at tungkod?
Least importance yung "bigote" here sa isyu na'to, but we have to admit na until now
mayroon parin sa atin ang nagtataka kung may mga propeta parin ba o wala na. Itong
message na ito ay aking sariling conclusion-on-shot sa isyu na patungkol sa ganitong
seryosong tanong WITH IN Christian circles. Lalo na mga "curious" ones. Common na
common to lalo na sa mga charismatic churches eh.
Sa totoo lang ilang beses na akong naka-encounter na "self-proclaimed" prophet(s)."
Most of them, I had a bad feeling about. Their tireless quotes are
"God will bring you what you want."
"God will bless your entire home with health, prosperity, money, jobs, careers, etc.
"Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to
you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth
of the Lord." (Jeremiah 23:16) (see also Deut. 18:20-22)
At marami pang introduksyon para hikayatin ang tao na sila ay propeta. Ang isa nga sa
nakakatakot na parte rito ay "nakakausap nila ang Diyos 'personally'." Though some
might say na talagang pupwede 'yon in different aspects dahil OMNIPOTENT ang Diyos.
Yes, that's a fact, but what about comparing their side to what the Scripture tells about
what a prophet is? And what are their PRIMARY MISSION?
Some I will provide are a PRIMARY WORKS AND MISSION of a prophet(s)
1. To call people to repentance and lead them to God's revealed words.
— Though we might think that prophets are some type of instrument that God uses to
foretell future events, it would be unwise to say that their "main" task is to predict future
events that will come to pass. Totoo na isa sa anyo ng propeta ay banggitin ang kung
anong mangyayari sa hinaharap ngunit hindi ito ang talagang ministeryo na ibinibigay sa
kanila ng Diyos.
Their primary ministry and task is to call out people to repent of their sins before the Lord
and make known the word of God to them. It was no easy task for the prophets na ginamit
ng Diyos gaya nina Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah, Moses, at iba pa. Ang pagiging isang propeta
ay ang pagiging saksi mo rin sa puso ng Diyos. If you were to become a prophet, God's
heartbeat would be your heartbeat too.
Ang propeta hindi pasikat o isang uri ng taong kinikilala at itinataas, actually kabaligtaran
nga nito ang sinasabi ng Bibliya patungkol sa propeta. Ang main role nila ay ang
pagbibigkas ng sinabi ng Diyos para tawagin ang mga tao upang pagsisihan ang kanilang
kasalanan at sumunod sa instructions ng Diyos. Hindi ganun kadali ang ganitong ROLE
since chaos, sadistic deeds, and evil wills will rampage na naghahari sa puso ng mga
taong makamundo at nananahan sa kasalanan.
2. They denounced injustices, poverty, false worship, and idolatries.
— pansinin mo, isa sa ginagawa rin ng mga propeta na binanggit sa bibliya ay ang pag-
ku-call out sa kalikuan at karumihan ng mga namamahala at namumuno, maging pag-
ku-call out sa mga maling pagsamba sa Diyos. Ang isa sa mahalagang trabaho ng mga
propeta ay ang banggitin at itiwalag ang kalikuan, kabuktutan, at karumihan ng mga
pamamahala at namamahala, pati narin ang maling pagsamba sa Totoong Nabubuhay
na Diyos Magpakailanman.
It's truly dangerous to become a prophet because instead of receiving a warm embrace
from the people, you'll be otherwise despised, imprisoned, mocked, persecuted, hated,
and executed. Tandaan mo, marami nang lingkod ng Diyos ang naging tunay at buhay
na patotoo sa gantong aspeto ng ministry. Being a prophet is neither a joke nor a calling
to become materially prosperous and wealthy. It's the complete opposite; look at the life
of many prophets just like prophet Jeremiah (chapter 38).
3. A prophet receives the word of God directly from God Himself or either gumagamit ang
Diyos ng Anghel.
— when the Lord asked na kung sino ang pupwede Niyang gamitin para sa Israel, Isaiah
said, "Lord, here am I; send me." It was part of the ministry of the prophet to receive
directly from God his instructions and wills. Walang propeta na gumagawa ng sarili niyang
"fresh revelation(s) from God." Dahil when they do, alam nila ang kayang gawin ng Diyos.
Kayang pumatay ng Diyos ng pisikal at ispiritwal (Matt. 10:28).
Kung magsimula mang magsinungaling ang kuno "propeta ng Diyos" It is an act of
blaspheming the God of the living and falsely claiming that a self-proclaimed prophet
directly received messages from God, even though he did not. Pinaparusahan ng Diyos
with greater judgment/s (Acts 5:1-11) those who use His name for their own benefit and
advantage, but God won't be mocked (Gal. 6:7).
May kalalagyan ang mga propetang self-proclaimed at alam na alam 'yon nila ng mga
propeta ng Diyos dati. Hindi mapurol ang wisdom and knowledge na meron ang
Panginoon, bilang Niya maging hibla ng mga buhok natin at puso't isip nati'y alam na
alam Niya.
Pero what about a MODERN DAY prophet(s)? Mayroon pa rin ba?
Before we indulge into that, let us be reminded once again that the main role of a prophet
is TO PROCLAIM THE TRUTH, BRING PEOPLE TO REPENTANCE, AND DISPLAY THE
KNOWLEDGE OF SIN THROUGH THE LAW, and SHOW GOD'S CHARACTER. Sige
nga, tell me, can you elaborate overall yung character ni Lord? We cannot. Even God's
Name is unsearchable and unreachable what more pa kaya sa Kanyang character?
May mga propeta parin ba hanggang ngayon? Either Wala or Meron, but here, it's my
own conclusion. You can search it on your own and compare whether what I am saying
is true or not. What I found here, though, I won't persuade you to agree with me, nor will
I force you to believe what I have concluded. What I want you to do is compare what I am
saying to what the Bible really has to say.
Huwag tayong matagpuan lamang sa sinasabi ng iba or sa konklusyon ng iba, mag-deep-
dive tayo at magreseach ng sarili natin to further our understanding of what we read from
the blog posts that come from others.
So here it is:
1. Yes, there isn't any "prophets" today.
— the true prophets of God weren't the types of prophets that the moderns say (see the
books of Amos, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Psalms, and Elijah).
"God will prosper you after 24/7" "God will bless your home, or God will give you jobs or
careers"
"He will further your desires. I heard God 'said' to me' and magkakaroon ka ng sasakyan"
"God will bless your home"
Yes, totoo naman na binibless talaga ni Lord mga tao at may kakayanan ang Diyos na
ibigay ng higit pa ang hinihingi natin. Ang ulan hindi lang para sa mga faithful ones Niya,
but para din sa mga masasama at unfaithful—basahin mo uli. Though some will probably
say na meron parin, kaya nga test and compare what I have said. Kung mayroon na
tayong Bible as a final authority, bakit mangangailangan pa tayo ng propeta ngayong
araw? Is the Bible isn't enough, though?
TANDAAN NATIN na ang main role ng propeta ay SABIHIN ANG KATOTOHANAN sa
mga tao. Though I believe there are still genuine ones in whom I firmly believe are
proclaiming the truth and not compromising the Scriptures, mas nagri-reside ako sa part
na wala nang mga propeta ngayon. Kung hindi tugma at align ang sinasabi nila sa
sinasabi ng Bibliya, nakakapang-duda ang ganyang propeta at nilalayuan ang mga
ganyan.
Mayroon ng final authority, which is none other than the Bible itself.
2. A prophet will never cherry-pick or go outside of Scripture.
— oo, naniniwala rin ako na hindi pupwedeng talikuran ng isang propeta ang sinasabi ng
Bibliya dahil kung hindi align ang attitude, ministry, at pagiging propeta nila sa sinasabi
ng Bibliya, walang exegesis kundi eisegesis—they were just playing God. Merong mga
ginagamit si Lord sa ibang tao na nakakaranas ng hidden sins then gumagamit ng tao
tas sinabi roon sa may hidden sins na nilalagnat man or may sakit ay
"Mayroon kang tinatagong kasalanan sa Diyos kaya di ka gumagaling. I-confess mo sa
Diyos at pagsisihan mo ang kasalanan na 'yan. Ikaw at ang Diyos lang nakakaalam niyan"
Then after ilang days nung nakapag confessed na at nakapagsisi ang isang brethren ay
gumaling at pinalakas muli ng Diyos.
May mga ganitong patotoo na nangyayari until now. Though some might wonder, "Weh?"
"So, is it genuine?" I wouldn't recommend you to rely upon my conclusions, but I just you
wanted to research your own. There are many different versions of interpretations and
conclusions kaya dapat mahalagang kinukumpara ng sarili natin ang mga nabasa natin
palagi papuntang bibliya.
The primary responsibility and role of a prophet is to call people to repentance from
injustices, discrimination, or any other type of vile acts and to speak to them the truth of
God's revealed word. Being a prophet does not only mean to foretell future events. A
prophet's job is to convey what God said to the world based on His Word, not on their
own "fresh revelation from God Himself directly."
Ngayon dahil naka-packed na yung word ni Lord sa Bible, The Bible or the Scriptures
themselves are the only source of ultimate authority. Anyone who attempts to twist what
the Bible teaches because they pretend to be prophets is to be accursed and judged
righteously based on the Scriptures (1 John 4:1-6; Matt. 7:15; 24:24; 2 Pet. 2:1).
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,
for many false prophets have gone out into the world."(1 John 4:1)
Anybody who alters what the Bible say should be judged. Binigyan tayo ng patotoo ng
Salita ng Diyos na maraming lalabas na mga propeta na mag-a-anyong liwanag, tupa,
ngunit sa kabila ng pagbabalat-kayo nila ay isang mabangis na lobo na lalapa sa mga
hindi aware at alerto sa sinasabi ng Bibliya.
It is distressing to see how many Christians today place more trust in claimed modern
prophets than in the actual teachings of the Bible. Notwithstanding my conviction that
there are real (ones), I am adamant that the Bible is the source of final authority.
"GUSTO KO NGANG LUMIPAT SA IBANG CHURCH KASI WALA AKONG MAKITANG
MALAGO RIN DITO SA SIMBAHAN NAMIN..."
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Napabulalas ka na rin ba ng ganitong words? Hindi lahat sa atin pinalad na mailagay sa
isang bahay-sambahan na malago in spiritual aspect. Marami paring mga uma-attend na
kahit sobrang tagal na nila sa simbahan na 'yon—immature parin in faith.
Walang pagbabago sa ugali
Walang paglago ispiritwal
Walang submission sa elders in church lalo na sa pastor(s)
Walang submission sa time para sa ministry
Wala nga ring personal time kay Lord
At higit sa lahat nagpapatuloy parin sa nasa ng laman, kasalanan, at mga makamundong
bagay.
Ano ba mararamdaman mo kung ganito yung simbahan na napuntahan mo? Syempre
lalo na kung malalim ka na sa Panginoon mapapasabi ka nalang ng
"Lord! Ilipat Mo po ako sa ibang simbahan! Or otherwise Lord, ako na po yung lilipat"
May mga ganto parin katigas yung puso sa Panginoon, may nakita lang silang mali sa
isang bahay panambahan—all they were saying na ay, "ano ba 'tong simbahan na ito!
nakakatisod!" Pero, let me remind you about this before placing your foot on another floor
mat.
Kung halimbawang malalim ka na sa ispiritwal na aspeto:
1. Keep your attention off of other believers' spiritual journeys.
— nakakalimutan natin na lahat ng umaattend sa simbahan ay kailangan ng Kristo.
Kailangan nyan ng grace, mercy, encouragement, compassion, humility, and most of all
need nyan ng love natin bilang kapatid rin nila sa Panginoon. Kahit saan mang simbahan
tayo pumasok meron at meron parin tayong makikitang mga imperfect hooman. You
cannot choose what type of people you want to be with dahil aminin mo na rin sa sarili
mo—imperfect ka rin, tama?
So bakit ka ngayon tumitingin sa lakad kristiyano nila? Hindi tayo naging isang parte ng
katawan ni Kristo na halimbawa tayo ay paa sabay yung iba kamay at ang gagawin mo
kapag may nakita ka lang naging maling function sa kapwa mo ka-body in Christ, ayaw
mo nang makasama sila. Hindi porke hindi nagagampanan ng kamay ang function niya
ang gagawin mo
"ano ba yan, Lord, si kamay nakakatisod naman hindi niya man lang ginagawa yung
pinapagawa mo"
Tandaan mo hindi lahat ng believers pare-parehas ng functions. Hindi lahat ng nasa body
of Christ ay puro kamay. Don't judge their "misfits." dahil lang nakita mong nagpi-fail yung
mga taong nakakasama mo sa simbahan. Dahil lang sa nakakatulog sila, tapos yung iba
sa selpon nagti-take notes ng sermon ni pastor nyo or di kaya yung iba palabas labas ng
simbahan para bumili ng chichirya.
Remember, you're not called by God to justify the other members of Christ's body for their
misdeeds, shortcomings, or imperfections. Tandaan mo, nagkakamali ka rin at nalalaglag.
Huwag mong hayaang lamunin ka ng kabutihang ginagawa mo para sa Diyos at
makalimutan mong ang Diyos lang ang mabuti. Don't act so spiritually that you neglect to
remind yourself—you're a sinner too, like them, who is in need of grace moment by
moment in your Christian walk.
2. Kapag may nakita ka mang nagkakamali sa bahay-panambahan na inaa-tenan mo
— klaruhin mo sarili mo, ano ba ang ipinunta mo sa simbahan? Para tingnan ang tao o
maglingkod sa Diyos na gumawa sa'yo? Mayroon akong kilala na nagtayo ng sariling
bahay panambahan kesyo yung former simbahan niya ay "unbiblical." Yung iba
karamihan pa nga sa iba sinasagot sagot ang elder, pastors, and leaders sa church dahil
lang sa di masyadong na-emphasize o napaliwanag ang naituro sa pulpito.
Mayroon namang iba dahil lang sa sintunado yung song leader at malayo sa tono yung
mga instrumentalist nagpantig na dalawang tenga at umalis na. At mayroon naman di
lang nabigyan ng "love gift" umalis na sa simbahan. Kung talagang malalim tayo sa
pananamplataya, hindi natin fuel ang pagpapasagasa sa kalayuan, kamalian, at kalikuan
ng iba.
Take heart na ikaw ang gagamitin ng Diyos sa church na flawed, imperfect, at unbiblical
para ibalik muli sa Panginoon, para maging full gospel, pleasing, at Jesus-centered. Gaya
ng ilang propeta na natagpuan ng Diyos na faithful despite the disobedience, rebellions,
and grudge sins most Israelites committed against God. God can used an ordinary person
to bring about His good will and purpose.
Huwag nating hadlangan ang paglagay sa atin ng Diyos sa simbahan na nilalapagan
natin ngayon. Dahil kung mananatili tayong tapat at sumusunod sa Diyos sa kalagitnaan
man ng katigasan ng ulo ng maraming brethrens natin, iisa parin ang tinitignan ng Diyos
sa atin—yung puso natin na align sa Kanya at may pagmamahal ni Kristo na naghahari
para iparamdam at ipakita sa iba.
3. You are not called because you're qualified; God calls you, and He qualifies you.
— the same word must repeat to us day by day,
"Hindi ako tinawag ng Diyos kasi malaki ang pananampalataya ko, tapat ako, at magaling
ako at mas relihiyoso kaysa sa iba"
Hindi ganon.
Noong inilagay ka ng Diyos dyan sa simbahan na 'yan tinanong mo muna ba sa sarili,
"karapat dapat ba ako sa pagtawag mo?" Sila Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah, Moses, David, at
maraming pang iba ay ginamit ng Diyos para gawing instrumento sa katigasan ng ulo ng
mga Israelita pero... naging matigas din ang ulo ng ilang instrumento na ginamit ng Diyos
para sa mga taong malalayo sa Diyos.
Kahit great prophets ay nagkamali at nag-disobeyed din sa Panginoon. Syempre
dinisiplina sila ng Diyos. Hindi rin sila karapat-dapat sa pagtawag ng Diyos. Ngayon sa
atin, nakikita ba natin yung sarili nating karapat dapat sa pagtawag ng Diyos o tinitignan
nating hindi tayo karapat-dapat sa pagtawag ngunit malaking pribilehiyo ang pagtawag
ng Diyos sa atin kahit hindi tayo karapat-dapat?
Kung sa tingin mo karapat-dapat ka, nagkakamali ka. Hindi ka din karapat-dapat gaya ng
mga taong kasama mo na nasa simbahan. Katulad ka rin nila kahit hindi ka sila.
• paano naman kung di na talaga ako natutulungang lumago ng simbahan at mababaw
pa ako sa pananampalataya?
Don't rush into leaving your former church. It is not an overnight occurrence. Before you
wish to leave your former church na di na talaga nakakatulong sa growth and spiritual
health mo
1. Ask God first in prayer and fasting, in words and in silence, with obedience and
submission to the Holy Spirit's leading.
2. Kung talagang hindi na essential at nakakatulong simbahan niyo sayo, kausapin mo
ng maayos yung church pastor or leader na balak mong maghanap ng ibang simbahan
in a good approach.
3. Be humble palagi sa kanila kung napalayo man sila sa bibliya, mas nananaig parin ang
pag-ibig ng Diyos para pagbuklurin tayong magkakapatid sa Panginoon. Hindi porke
nagkamali kapatid natin sa pananampalataya eh hindi na natin 'yan kapatid.
4. Lagi mong ipanalangin yung simbahan na hindi lumalago. Seek God, intercede for
them. Ipakita mo yung compassion at love gaya ng mga propeta lalo na ni Hesus noong
tayo'y talagang nawawala at malayong-malayo sa Kanya.
5. Don't lean on your own understanding; instead, ask God to give you wisdom and
knowledge and go back to Scripture kung talagang sa iba ka na ili-lead ni Lord or not.
Huwag mong bibigyan ng pagkakataon ang kaaway na i-flatter ka kesyo ikaw lang ang
malalim sa pananampalataya mo dyan sa simbahan kaya dapat umalis ka na.
No.
I-lend mo muna yan kay Lord. Kaya ka nga malalim sa pananampalataya kasi ikaw ang
POSSIBLE instrument na gagamitin ni Lord para tulungan ang mga brethrens mo dyan.
Yung iba dyan kapatid mo dyan na kailangan ka rin.
Hindi tayo sinukuan ni Hesus kahit na sobrang layo natin sa Kanya noong una, kaya
sana, ganun din ang ipakita at iparamdam natin sa mga kapwa natin kapatid kay Christ
na naliligaw, nalalayo, at nawawala sa sinasabi ng Bibliya. Kung may kapatid tayong
nagkamali, huwag nating lalayuan, kundi dapat mas i-lead pa natin sa Panginoon at
ipanalangin sila.
Huwag nating i-condemn bagkus with righteous judgment, meekness, most especially
love—judge them biblically and righteously but in humility and in love. Nasa sa kanila na
kung tatanggapin nila or hindi. Pero sana alalahanin din natin na dapat open din tayo for
discipline and rebuke. Kung leader mo yan tapos kung makasabat ka eh parang ikaw si
Lord, repent na agad.
Alam mo na ngang nagkamali leader mo tapos ginatungan mo pa ng hindi magandang
approach, sumabat ka pa ng hindi maganda—masusunog lang yung intimacy niyo with
Christ. Hindi ginagatungan ng pagkakamali ang isa pang pagkakamali.
"As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we
say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may
be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."(2
Thessalonians 3:13-15)
Dapat ngang mas mahalin pa natin kasi gaya natin nagkakamali rin sila(Gal. 6:1; 1 John
4)
"My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back"
(James 5:19)
Kung walang sustansya simbahan ninyo at ikaw ay firm in Christ at nagpu-progress sa
spiritual life at sila nagri-regress, rest in God's faithfulness. Kaya kang gamitin ng Diyos
sa simbahan na di malago para palaguin at pagtibayin.
Syempre ikaw ang magiging posibleng instrumento ngunit si Lord ang dahilan. Mas pinili
ni Kristong mahalin tayo sa kalagitnaan ng pagiging makasalanan natin, tapos ikaw
nagkakamali lang at natisod sa ibang parte ng lakad kristiyano nila ang kapwa kristiyano
mo—nilalayuan mo na?
Hindi 'yan pag-ibig toward sa iba na galing sa Diyos. Pagiging self-conscious 'yan na hindi
para sa iba o galing sa Diyos kundi nakatuon lamang sayo.
NAGIGING PALALO KASI PINUPURI NG TAO?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Ang Panginoon hindi tumitingin sa kung gaano ka kagaling, kahusay, ka-systematic
magpaliwanag ng bagay-bagay kahit pa sa sinasabi ng Bibliya.
Ni hindi nga tumitingin ang Diyos sa dami nang talent and achievements na na-a-attain
natin. It doesn't count in heaven. Walang minus points or dagdag points.
Walang ganun.
Maraming tao ang magchi-cheer sayo, mang-pi-flirt sayo na,
"Uy! Anggaling mo naman!"
"Naks! Galing mag exposit ng ano oh ng context na'to oh!"
"Ikaw ba 'yan? Anggaling mo na! petmalu na ha"
"Ang yaman mo na!"
"Anggaling pastor ka na! Dami mo nang hinahandle na ministry oh!"
"What a great person you are."
No, you're not a great person, God is.
Tandaan mo, hindi ka ginamit ni Lord kasi magaling ka, ginamit ka Niya kasi Siya yung
magaling. Dapat ang motibo, intensyon, at sagot parati natin sa mga taong nagsasabing
magaling o talentado tayo ay,
"No, si Lord yung magaling :))"
What God desires is a servant, a child who is willing to submit to His authority and
faithfulness. Kung walang submission sa will and authority ng Diyos, at kung wala ang
paggiging mababa ang puso—What we do for the Lord is in vain deeds and worship to
Him.
'Wag nating titigan ang sinasabing papuri ng tao sa atin, negatibong responde sa atin
dahil sa ginagawa natin sa Diyos, what we should do is always look to the cross. The God
who died on the cross and rose again on high is the God-man, who is able to use a
nobody to be somebody to bring and display His glory.
God is not searching for a great man of faith, one who is gifted, and one who is well-
known. He seeks ordinary, natural individuals like us to whom He might impart His
desires, His heart and the salvation He has provided for individuals.
Isa sa nasira sa pagkakaroon ng puso palalo ay ang dating hari na si Uzziah, ngunit dahil
sa Kanyang kapalaluhan, nakalimutan niyang Diyos ang gumawa lahat ng kadakilaan na
ginawa niya na akala niya kanya.
Alalahanin mo sana na pusong mababa ang gusto ng Panginoon hindi kakayahan o
galing mo. Sa oras na mababa ang puso, imbis na ikaw ang makita—si Kristo ang
nakikita. Huwag mong kuhanin ang glory na para kay Kristo lang.
Iwasang maging mayabang, ayaw yan ng Diyos. Maging mababa ang puso, si Hesus
dapat ang nasa eksena, entablado, at pulpito hindi ikaw.
Wala kang karapatang agawin at kunin o magkaroon man lang ng credits sa glory ni
Jesus. Palaging maging mababa ang puso dahil kailaman, pusong mababa ang
kinahahabagan ng Diyos hindi ang matatalino, magagaling, at talentado.
Huwag ilagay sa ulo ang papuri ng tao—ibigay palagi sa Diyos. Glory to God hindi glory
to you.
Pride destroys the person. It is a disease that spreads through the veins of the body and
eats away at your soul until you’re hollow on the inside and your heart becomes full of
yourself.
The only cure for it is to give it to the Lord and lay yourself down before Jesus Christ. At
palaging paalalahanan ang sarili na hindi tayo ang dapat makita, kundi si Kristo. Tumayo
man tayo sa eksena, una palang si Kristo na dapat ang makita.
Hindi hahayaan ng Diyos na matuyo ang isang dahon. Ngunit gaya ng mayabang, hindi
hahayaan ng Diyos na manatiling sariwa ang isang dahon. Mananatiling sariwa ang
mabababang puso, ngunit natutuyo ang isang palalong puso.
AN OPEN LETTER TO THOSE WHO STILL HAVE PARENTS
EMBARRASSING MAYBE FOR SOME
---------------------------------------
Bilang anak at lalaki, I used to ignore "I love you" na salita na dapat sabihin sa magulang,
kay mama at papa. Pakiramdam ko parang ang corny, ang cringe, at ang oldy pakinggan
at gawin.
Pero I thank God for bringing me back to the truth. He made me realize na walang the
best na regalo si Lord na ibinigay Niya sa atin (bukod sa grace, love, salvation, mercy,
and etc) liban sa mga magulang natin.
Sila yung nag-alaga
Nag-mahal
Nag-aruga
At nagparamdam sa atin na may kalinga sa kanilang mga kamay.
Nandoon man yung oras na nag-aaway kayo ng nanay at tatay mo for certain reasons,
pero, hindi mo ba napapansin na nauubos lang nito ang oras para sabihin mo sa
magulang mo na mahal mo sila?
Mahal mo ba sila?
Kapag nawala ang kaibigan mo, mayroon kang magiging kaibigan pa.
Kapag iniwan ka ng mga pinsan mo, may mga pinsan ka pa.
Kapag iniwan ka ng asawa mo, may chance ka pang magka-asawa.
Pero tandaan mo, kapag nawala ang magulang mo, wala na.
Mabilis ang takbo ng oras at hindi natin alam kung ilang pagkakataon pa papaano natin
masasabing mahal natin sila. Tomorrow may be too late for us to tell them we love them.
Tell them now.
May galit ka sa magulang mo? You have no idea how fragile they have been feeling.
Nagtatampo ka kasi may mali silang nagawa sayo? Minsan ba natanong mo na din sila
kung may nagawa kang mali sa kanila? O minsan ba nasabihan mo na silang mahal mo
sila?
Gaano man tayo katama sa sitwasyong nakikipagtalo tayo sa mga magulang natin wala
parin tayong karapatang sagut-sagutin sila. Why? dahil regalo sila sa atin ng Panginoon,
magulang parin natin sila. Ang best revenge na maggagawa mo ay mahalin sila. Sabihin
mo na ngayong mahal mo sila.
Iba ang nagagawa ng salitang "mahal ko po kayo, mama at papa"
Tandaan mo yung iba nagnanais na makasama magulang nila kahit isang beses pa at
iba naman ninanais na sana nakita man lang nila o nasabi nila sa magulang nilang mahal
nila sila, pero huli na. Yung iba nawalan dahil maagang nawala magulang nila.
Ikaw ba?
Kaya ikaw ngayon na meron pa, huwag na huwag mong hintayin na nasa kabaong na
sila bago mo sabihing "mama, papa, mahal po kita." No ever person in this world can love
you truly except your parents. I don't care if you have a million dollars in the bank and
your own car or whether you got your first job. No matter what it takes to be loved, it's not
going to change how much your parents love you, and you should feel honored that they
do at all. There is nothing else like being loved by your parents, and there isn't anything
that will replace it once they leave you.
Nothing can ever take their place.
Hindi napapalitan ang magulang. Iba parin ang pagmamahal ng totoong magulang sayo.
The worst kind of ignorance ay ang hindi mo pagsabi na mahal mo magulang mo kahit
pa pinaparamdam mo ito sa kanila sa aksyon mo. Iba parin yung dating kapag mismong
lumalabas ang salitang mahal mo sila na naririnig sa mismong labi mo.
Maaring huli na ang bukas para sabihin mong mahal mo sila. Gawin mo na ngayon
hanggat nandya-dyan pa sila. Simple lang ang pagsambit na mahal mo sila, wag mong
gawin kapag nakalibing na sila at hindi na humihinga.
Ang bukas ay hindi nakapangako. Ngayon mo na sabihin. Tanggalin mo pride mo,
magulang mo 'yan. Sabihin mo ARAW-ARAW NA MAHAL NA MAHAL MO SILA.
Corny 'yan sa marami pero darating ang araw kapag nawala na 'yang magulang mo, mas
nanaisin mo pang buhay sila at maya't maya magsabi ng "I love you", dahil sa oras na
nakatikom na ang mga bibig niyan, nakatuwid na ang binti't mga kamay nyan, at sa oras
na nakahiga na 'yan sa puting higaan—isa lang sasabihin mo sa kanila kung hindi mo
nasabi ang salitang mahal mo sila
"Ma, Pa, dapat pala sinabi ko nang mahal ko kayo!"
Huwag mong hintaying nakalubog na ang buong katawan nyan sa hukay at hindi ka na
naririnig sa mga sinasabi mo. Ang pagsasabi ng I love you hindi mo kabawasan sa
pagiging lalaki at babae.
Malalaman mo kung gaano mo 'yan kamahal kapag hindi na sila nahinga. Kaya sana
huwag mo nang hintayin pang mangyari yun, sabihin mo na ngayong
Mahal na mahal ko po kayo, Mama at Papa.
Corny? No. Hindi ka pinalaki ng kultura, nanay at tatay mo nag-aruga sayo. Kaya't
tanggalin mo na pride mo, magulang mo 'yan—hindi kailanman napapalitan.
OFFER GOD WHAT IS PURE IN THE SENSE OF HIS STANDARDS.
---------------------------------------------
The most important thing to keep in mind whenever we attempt to make a "worship song"
for God from secular music is that,
"Tatanggapin ba ng Diyos ang gagawin mong 'yan or sa palagay mo ba tinanggap ng
Diyos ang ginawa mo? Align ba ito sa standards ng Diyos?"
Ang music o musika ay isa sa pinaka-pribilehiyong gamitin sa paglilingkod sa Panginoon:
pasasalamat, pagdakila, pagtataas ng Pangalan ng Diyos, pagbubukas ng mga isipan sa
kung sino ang Diyos at marami pang iba. Maraming bersikulo ang nagsusuporta sa
paggamit ng music to offer to God. Many servants of God offered music and songs as
their worship to Him at isa na siguro sa gumamit nang music ay ang kilalang "after God's
own heart" na si haring David (2 Sam. 22)
King David used songs and music extensively to pray to and thank the God who often
delivered him from the hands of his foes. But, the music King David brought to God was
not "some kind of music" like what modern Christians are attempting to imitate. Maraming
musika na ibinibigay natin sa Diyos ang natitintahan ng pagiging makamundo imbis na
maka-Diyos.
Pupwede bang mag-offer sa Lord ng ganitong uri ng worship but byproduct of worldly
music? Let's examine.
1. Unblemished offerings are what God seeks.
In Exodus 12:5, God gave Israel the mandate to present that
"The animal you select must be a one-year-old male, either a sheep or a goat, with no
defects [unblemish]."
Let it become engrained in us that God will only accept offerings that are in line with His
established desire. He has demands for offerings and worship. Hindi pupwedeng, "Sige,
Lord, ito na po the best ito", no.
"Eh? Di'ba sa Israel lang 'yan? Israel ba tayo? Out of context naman 'yang ginagawa mo.
Legalist!"
Of course, we're not trying to convince anyone of anything with this verse na dapat gawin
natin ang mismong sinabi ng Diyos sa Israel, But, this verse demonstrates how God
DESERVES any sacrifices or acts of worship we attempt to offer up in His presence
aligned with His standard. Habang babasahin natin ang book of laws or Torah, doon din
natin mapi-picture out kung gaano ka "incomprehesible" ang kabanalan ng Diyos na hindi
ka pupwedeng basta-basta nalang gagawa ng sarili mong standard of offerings to offer
to God—kahit pa christian lyrics yan na galing sa worldly music.
Kung pinapalo't dinidisiplina ng mga magulang ang kanilang anak kapag hindi nito
nagawa ang gusto ng magulang o ang iniuutos, mas lalong hindi tinotolerate ng Diyos
ang iba't ibang uri ng pagsunod at pagsamba.
2. God is holy
Marami na akong verses na nai-encounter and stories na nabasa't nakita kung gaano
kabanal ang Diyos—HINDI MO KAYANG SUKATIN. Now, kung susubukan nating
gumawa ng form of worship music na "christian" ang lyrics yet out of worldly music,
consider these questions once more:
"Para kanino ko ba ito ginagawa?"
“I am the Lord, your Holy One,
The Creator of Israel, your King." (Isaiah 43:15).
Dahil kung sa tao lang naman, yes, any form of offering is acceptable in the eyes of every
men. Kahit gawin mo pang christian music yung jopay ng mayonnaise puwedeng-pwede
dahil patok yan sa panlasa ng mga tao—lalo na mga makamundo. Pero kung para sa
Diyos mo naman ito gagawin? Aba! mag-isip-isip ka ulit. Hindi tao 'yang pinaglilingkuran
mo. Offerings are an expression of worship. The opportunity to express thankfulness for
God's grace, love, and mercy by giving during church services gives believers a chance
to demonstrate their trust and faith in the Lord into action. Offerings to God on a daily
basis, not just on Sundays, are acts of worship, much as reciting the Confession, singing
hymns, listening to sermons, and praying.
Offerings can also take the shape of music. And this offering is how we show God our
gratitude. Kung gagamitin natin ang music na tintado or orihinal na galing sa
makamundong bagay at panlasa, tandaan natin hindi magandang bigyan ang Diyos nang
"akala-ko-worship" na pamamaraan. Marami nang nasira sa ganoong offering sa
Panginoon. The offering that God seeks is one that is made EXCLUSIVELY FOR HIM:
hindi gamit, hindi second-hand, at hindi tintado ng kamunduhan, at kasalanan.
"Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of
every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar." (Genesis 8:20)
Since the God we serve is holy, making offerings to him na galing sa kamunduhan, at
tintado na hindi sa Kanya nakalaan ay improper and abhorrent. Gaya ni haring Saul, Cain,
at maraming Israelita na SINUBUKANG papurihan at bigyan ng offering ang Diyos, yet
hindi align sa KAGUSTUHAN NG DIYOS—they ultimately turned to destruction and
revolt; God judged them in accordance with their actions.
3. God yearns for a heart that is set on Him
Kung gusto ng Diyos na dapat masunod ang gusto Niyang standard of worship, there is
a special desire God has for any one of His people—their hearts. Kahit gaano pa katama
ang pagsunod mo sa Panginoon, kahit accurately yung form of offering mo na binigay mo
sa Diyos kung hindi align ang puso mo sa ginagawa mong pagsamba, pagpupuri, at
pagsunod sa Kanya—balewala lahat ng ginagawa mo.
Although the epic journey of Israel shows how God desires an unblemished offering,
obedience, and submission—above all that I've said, God desires a heart that is fixed
upon Him(Deu. 4:29; Jer. 29:13; 1 Sam. 16:7; Matt. 5:8; Jer. 17:10).
God doesn't want half of our hearts. He wants the whole thing.
The Bible says that our hearts are deceitful above all else (Jer. 17:9), but God desires our
hearts. Paanong desire ito ng Diyos kung deceitful naman pala?
— Una, alam ng Diyos ang nilalaman ng mga puso natin kaya kayang ayusin ito ng Diyos.
— Pangalawa, sa puso nagmumula lahat ng intensyon mabuti man o masama.
— Pangatlo, the best worship comes from a heart that is subject to God, a heart that
desires and longs for Him.
Ito ang inuunang ayusin nang Diyos before anything else. Kapag malayo ang puso natin
sa ginagawa natin para sa Diyos, mapapagod tayo, at worse mawawala tayo sa
paglilingkod sa Panginoon. God is not looking for a perfect offering; He is looking for a
heart that desires Him and truly worships Him.
Wag tayong pakampante kahit gaano man kaganda natin nakanta ang kinakanta natin sa
simbahan, nasunod man natin mga leaders natin sa simbahan, dahil kung ang puso natin
ay hindi ayos, balewala lahat ng 'yan.
Before I end this, let this again sink in: Ang paggawa ng Creating Christian lyrics out of
worldly music is just entertainment trying to please the crowd. We aren't made to please
men, but to please God. Of course, we didn't know the intentions of those who tried to
convert worldly music into Christian music, but what we did know is that "God desires an
unblemished offering and a heart that is committed to His will and His standards of
worship."
Naranasan ko na ding gumawa ng ganyan, but what made me think back then, "ang dami
ngang react, pero para ba sa Diyos?; Teka, ginamit na itong musika na ito ah? Bakit ko
ba iniaalay sa Diyos?"
We are not serving a god who tolerates any kind of worship. We are serving the Living
God, who longs for His people to worship him and offer their offerings according to His
standards. Sa puso nag-uumpisa ang totoong uri ng pagsamba, paglilingkod, at
pagpaparangal sa Diyos. Kung sino ang Diyos sa puso natin, ganun din namang nakikita
sa sinasabi't ginagawa natin.
Sincere ba ang isang obedience, worship, and offering kung hindi galing sa puso? I doubt
to say yes. Sincere offerings, worship, and devotion come first from a sincere heart.
Only those who can truly worship God are those who are justified, redeemed, and made
new by the blood and love of Jesus Christ. Christians are the perfect and living
worshippers of God Himself dahil sila'y nilinis na ng dugo ni Kristo at hindi na sila ang
nakikita sa mga buhay nila kundi si Kristo na.
True worship comes from a heart that worships. Iwasan na ang pagku-convert ng worldly
para i-adapt into christian one, hindi maganda. Kaaya-aya man pakinggan sa marami,
pero hindi sa Diyos na pinaglilingkuran natin. Iba ang gumawa ka ng tono ng musika na
iaalay mo sa Diyos sa kukuhanin mo ang makamundong musika para ialay sa Diyos.
Banal ang Diyos tandaan mo hindi lang mabuti at mapagmahal.
NEVER REASONED TO GOD YOUR INABILITIES AND SHORTCOMINGS.
---------------------------------------------
I remember the time when Moses argued with God that he could not do what God wanted
him to do because he had a disability with speaking.
And it didn't stop there.
Moses complained about everything to God, including his shortcomings and weaknesses
in delivering the Israelites from Egypt. But what is astounding about this part of the story
of Moses is what God did to him.
He mightily used Moses to deliver the Israelites from the shackles of Egypt. Just like
Moses, who complained about all his shortcomings before God, we all have the same
reason for battling before God.
"Lord, I can't do this."
"I cannot speak like those who have the talent to speak in front of people."
"Lord, please, I'm not capable of this and that; I don't have that kind of talent and skills."
But God never seeks to know about our shortcomings and incapabilities(because He
knew it all); but He seeks a heart that will submit to His will. It's true that we can do nothing
because we are the great "I'm not." But God is the Great I Am.
Don't measure your impossibilities against the God who can do all things. Of course, for
us, it's impossible, but with God, there's nothing impossible. When God uses you to this
kind of ministry to bring about His glory and display His splendor, never look at what you
can do. Instead, always look to God, who can do all things.
If we try to serve God in our strength, we will end up failing. But when we fix our gaze on
the God who declares, "He's the Great I Am" and can do all things—even the impossible—
we have no reason to look at our shortcomings and inabilities.
Let this verse be ingrained in us: "God doesn't call the qualified; He qualifies the called"
— (1 Corinthians 2:1-5)
We're all incapable and fall short of God's glory. But remember, we are serving the God
who can mightily use a nobody to bring and lead somebody to be one in Christ's body.
Look at what God can do, not at what you can/'t.
IWASANG MANATILI SA PANLALAMIG.
----------------------------------------
Sa lakad natin bilang isang kristiyano, its easy to say "I quit/give up" than to say "I keep
pressing on." Hindi madaling magpatuloy kapag nanlalamig.
Sa panlalamig mas madalas nating nababanggit ang salitang
"Lord, pagod na ako"
"Jesus, you still there?"
"Panginoon bakit naman andaming problema?"
"Akala ko ba, Lord, sasamahan mo ako?"
"God, I don't feel Your presence"
And worse: "Lord, I quit."
Just a quick reminder, the word "I quit" is not in the vocabulary of a true Christian. Walang
ganun sa kristiyanismo. Kung meron man, sila yung mga hindi totoong kristiyano. Huwag
mong gawing dahilan ang panlalamig mo para iwanan mo ang unang nagmahal sayo.
Ang panlalamig ay isang konsepto sa daang lalakarin ng mga kristiyano. Hindi naman
kasi palaging mainit. Walang palaging hindi napapagod. Wala din namang palaging
malakas. Lahat tayo darating sa puntong manghihina at manlulupaypay (Matthew 11:28).
Pero alalahanin natin palagi na hindi tayo malayo sa salitang "panlalamig" dahil lahat tayo
ay darating sa mga punto ng ganitong punto lakad-parte ng daang kristiyano natin.
However, I want to remind you this time that although coldness is a natural phenomenon
that occurs during our Christian walk, this doesn't mean it's a pleasant or good place to
expose ourselves to. Kapag ang tubig na binalot sa plastic labo ay inilagay sa refrigerator
never itong mananatiling tubig. Bagkus, nagiging solid ang tubig katagalan habang
nakakababad sa refrigerator.
At ikaw na nagbabasa nito, hindi porke natural na makaranas ng panlalamig ay mananatili
kang malamig nalang. Tandaan mo, nagiging matigas ang isang liquid patagal ng patagal
habang nakababad sa malamig na temperatura.
God allows cold situations to happen to us, but He never intends that we should stay
there. Sa panlalamig natin, dito natin nararanasan ang mga feeling na
1. Ayaw na magbasa ng bibliya.
2. Set aside na si prayer and fasting.
3. Wala nang time to fellowship with other believers.
4. Babad na sa secular at sa mga non-beneficial things.
5. Wala nang time to praise, worship, and gather with every brethrens.
Kahit nanlalamig tayo, huwag na huwag nating hahayaang mangyari sa atin ang ganitong
bagay. Nagiging matigas at malayo ang puso ng isang kristiyano kung nananatili siya sa
temperatura ng panlalamig. In the Olivet Discourse of Jesus, He expands on His saying
that "the love of many will grow cold" (Matthew 24:12).
This is surely the love of those whose love for God is just pretense and not a love that is
true in every way. Of course, we can't get to know kung sino-sino ang mga taong
nanlalamig na sa kanilang pananampalataya but we can get to know kung papaanong
nanlalamig ang isang kristiyano.
A real love for Jesus will never say, "I quit," just because you feel cold. The path that leads
to life is full of obstacles, hardships, and trials. If we find a path that has no obstacles, it
probably doesn't lead anywhere. Let's examine our faith, whether we are in Christ or not.
Hindi sana tayo maging tulad ng isang binhi na nasa gitna ng matinik, mabato, at nasa
gitna ng daan.
Maging tulad nawa tayo sa binhing nalaglag sa matatabang lupa. Ituring nating fuel ang
trials, problems, hardships, and obstacles to trust God more than ever. Sa totoo lang hindi
natin kaya ang buhay na meron tayo kung walang Kristong umaagapay sa atin at
nandyadyan para sa atin.
How to overcome coldness? with the help of the Holy Spirit, and as to what Paul says,
"examine and test ourselves" (2 Cor. 13:5), And as God told Joshua, "do not let this book
of law depart from your mouth" (Joshua 1:8). Palagi nating basahin ang bibliya mainit
man, malamig man, at pakiramdam man natin na malayo tayo sa Diyos o ang Diyos sa
atin. God will never change (Heb. 13:8). Pray and fast, and plead everything before God.
Sabihin mo lahat sa panalangin kahit pakiramdam mong wala ang Panginoon.
Hindi tayo sinusubok sa oras na mainit tayo, malalaman lang natin na mainit tayo kung
napagtagumpayan nating malampasan ang panlalamig sa lakad kristiyano natin. Hinding-
hindi mo masasabing mainit ka kung hindi ka nakaranas ng panlalamig sa pagiging isang
kristiyano mo.
Habang buhay tayo palagi tayong tuturuan at hahasain ang pananampalatayang meron
tayo sa Panginoong Jesus. Hindi nasusukat ang pananampalataya sa magagaang
sitwasyon, kundi sa mahihirap na pagkakataong dumadaan sa buhay natin.
You are called to conform to the pattern of Jesus and not of men. Maraming magsasabi
sayong tumigil ka na, pero iisa parin ang magsasabi sayong, "magpatuloy ka". Maraming
tao ang ginagawang dahilan ang panlalamig para bumalik ulit sa dati at mawala sa
Panginoon (Phil. 1:9-11).
Alalahanin mong hindi maganda at kaaya-aya ang manatiling malamig. Nagiging matigas
na parang bato ang mga nanatili sa panlalamig hanggang sa darating na sa kamatayan
ng kanilang ispiritwal na buhay. Walang patutunguhang maganda ang panlalamig.
Nakamamatay ang pagiging malamig.
NEVER LET YOUR EMOTIONS CONTROL YOU.
-------------------------------------
All of our natural emotions were created by our Creator. Some of the very natural feelings
we've been meant to have include happiness, displeasure, pleasure, anger, rage, joy,
gladness, and sadness. Naniniwala ako na walang robot na ginawa si Lord puwera
nalang sa mga nagpi-feeling robot at feeling walang nararamdaman na emotions.
Paano naman yung may sakit tulad ng mga autistic? Ibang story ang part sa mga taong
may autism. But even so, they are also human, and they experience emotions in peculiar
ways. Hindi porket iisa lang ang emosyon nila or dadalawa eh hindi na sila tao.
Nakakaramdam din sila ng lungkot though di nila ma-express in natural gaya nating nai-
express ng maayos ang nararamdaman natin in inside.
None of these things are impervious to humans. God Himself has feelings. Our emotions
were originally created by God (Gen. 1:26), but sadly, because of the first Adam's fall,
they have turned evil and ungodly (Rom. 5:12-14).
1. Yung dating emotions na align and godly, dahil nagkasala at ang kasalanan ay
lumaganap sa mundo, we too have been ruled by our own wicked, unholy, and ungodly
emotions. That is why we are told na noong binuhay na tayo ni Cristo meron na dapat
tayong desire na hindi galing sa atin kundi desire na natin ang desires ng Diyos na
pinaglilingkuran natin (Gal. 2:20).
2. Though feelings and emotions are normal sinabi ng bibliya na dahil tayo'y makasalanan
mas ninanais pa nating gawin ang masasama kaysa mabubuting bagay (John 3:19-20).
Inuuna natin ang pleasure na gusto natin to sate our appetites, appease our sinful nature,
and appease our evil intentions.
3. Galing man sa Diyos ang emotion and feelings natin, Here, the situation is different.
God's emotions and feelings are different because they are derived from His
righteousness, holiness, and purity, from a position of His love for us. Habang ang feelings
and emotions natin ay nagli-lead sa atin to sin, to rebel and disobey against God's
mandate and command (Jer. 29:11; Rom. 3:23).
4. Because we all fall short of God's glory (Rom. 3:23), we are much driven by the desires,
feelings, and emotions that we have (Rom. 8:7). Dahil nga makasalanan tayo, mas
napapangunahan tayo ng bugso ng damdamin natin. Mas ginugusto natin ang gusto natin
kaysa magdelight tayo sa Panginoon at malaman ang will Niya para sa atin.
5. Mawawala tayo sa Panginoon kapag ang nagmamaneho ng buhay natin ay ang
emosyon nating wala sa kublihan ng Diyos. You cannot serve when you are driven by
your emotions. That's why we need to lay down all these things before God. When we
feel emotional and don't know what's going on or what the reasons why we feel these
things are, turn to God and plead with Him in prayer and word (Psalm 37:4).
God's word should guide your decisions in life, not your emotions (Js. 1:22). (Jn. 8:31).
Never let your emotions get the best of you since doing so will make you lose your mind
and turn away from God. Instead, go to God in His Word and live according to what you
read therein.
As John MacArthur said, it is well that we are: "To study the Word, to live the Word and
to preach the Word."
God made it abundantly clear to us in His written words that emotions are not the
foundation of our lives as Christians. Instead, it should be given to God, who will grant us
the tranquility and comfort we seek. And the aspirations He has for us.
Even if we have emotions, they shouldn't be what motivate us to live the life that we have
now in Christ Jesus.
THE REALITY IS NOT CUTE.
-----------------------------------------------------
People try to replicate things they believe to be the most popular when viral things and
specific things take over the internet and explode in multiple outlets and media.
Kapag patay ka:
Sasabay ka lang sa uso.
Makikiayon ka sa panlasa ng tao
Gagawin mo ang ayon sa partikular na pinaglalaanan ng mundo.
Kailangan kasi dapat ganito.
kailangan kasi dapat ganyan.
Hindi ka ba napapagod? Have you asked that to yourself? Paulit-ulit nalang ang takbuhin
ng mundo. Kailangan makipag-tagisan ka para makasabay ka, pero paano naman ang
marami sa ating walang kakayanang sumabay? Magiging useless? magiging mahirap?
i-a-isolate at i-si-separate kasi walang kakayanan?
Nakakapagod tumakbo sa takbo ng mundo. Paiba-iba, pasikot-sikot, at paikot-ikot.
Common nalang. Kapag viral to, syempre i-imitate din ng marami kaso lilipas din.
Hanggang sa meron na namang mga bagay na uusbong at sisikat pero lilipas din
pagtapos.
Hindi ba tayo napapagod?
Yung iba nagpapakasasa sa reaksyong matatanggap nila kapag nagawa nila ito at nakita
ng mga tao yung dance videos, reels, at posts nila sa social media. Kailangan kapag
trending magju-join din dapat. People will applaud us when we succeed in gaining things
and achieving goals that are in accordance with world preferences. Nakakatuwa sa puso
kapag self-conscious. But remind yourself that however how pleasant things may seem
in this world, they ultimately lead to destruction.
Kapag ang puso at kagustuhan mo ang nagdidikta sa sistema ng pamumuhay mo,
tandaan mo—ikaw parin ang mauubos. Magampanan at makuha mo man lahat ng bagay
sa mundo, darating ang araw na lilipas din lahat nang bagay na pinaglingkuran mo noong
una.
Pansinin mo sarili mo habang sinusundan ang yapak ng mundo, napapagod ka, nauubos
ka, at mas malala—kapag di mo nakuha ang panlasa ng mundo, papatayin mo nalang
sarili mo kasi pakiramdam mo wala namang nagmamahal sayo, wala nang
nagpapahalaga sayo.
Always remember na sa oras na sumunod tayo sa galaw at yapak ng mundo uubusin
lang tayo nito at hindi bibigyan ng kapunuan. Ang mundo tuturuan tayong gawin ang
bagay kahit kasiraan na ng sarili natin, kahit kawasakan na natin, at tuturuan tayong
maubos ng hindi natin namamalayan.
These highly powerful words from the Bible are repeated here for our benefit:
1. Sin is pervasive throughout the world.
— hindi lahat may kakayanang sumabay sa uso at takbo ng mundo, pero lahat ay
makasalanan. Lahat kailangan ng Hesus tungo sa kaligtasan. Ang mundo ay balot ng
iba't ibang kasalanan (Rom. 5:12): pagpatay, pagsisinungaling, panggagahasa, pagli-
legal ng kasalanang kumukontra sa salita ng Diyos.
2. The world will cease.
— whatever we work so hard to acquire in terms of worldly success will eventually go.
Hindi natin kayang solusyunan ang unti-unting pagkawala ng kasikatan, kayamanan,
katalinuhan, o karangyaan dahil lahat kukupas at walang mananatili liban sa salita ng
Diyos (1 John 2:17; Matt. 24:35).
3. The living dead roam the world.
— its unusual for us to say na ang mundo ay para sa mga patay pero that's the reality.
Lahat ng nakikita nating lumalakad dito, nagwawagi ng titulo, nagiging kilala at mayaman,
at nagiging bantog man sa karamihan na walang Kristo—ay isang patay na tao. Patay
lang ang namumuhay na makamundo at nanatili sa kasalanan (Rom. 8:13).
Patay ang mundo dahil patay ang mga naninirahan dito. Kaya kung patay ka sasabay ka
lang sa uso at agos, takbo't ikot nito. Jesus calls us to a life away from self-conscious and
dead living. Kung natanggap natin ang kaloob ng kaligtasan galing sa Panginoon, buhay
na tayo at may kaalaman sa kung ano ang patay na pamumuhay sa buhay na
pamumuhay.
Patay lamang ang sumasabay sa agos hindi mga buhay. Kung alam mong binuhay ka na
ni Jesus at kung totoong binuhay ka talaga ni Jesus, hindi ka na mamumuhay tulad ng
mga patay na sabay sa agos at takbo ng mundo't kasalanan. Nakakaawa ang taong
mayroon nang kaligtasan pero patay parin kung mamuhay. Sumasabay parin sa uso, sa
takbo at ikot ng mundo.
We aren't made alive to live like the dead. We are made alive to live opposite from the life
of a living dead (Rom. 6:11; 2 Cor. 5:17). We are serving a God who isn't dead. So live
your life, you who've been made alive in Christ Jesus. Jesus is not the God of the dead;
he's the God of the living. If you're trying to live like the living dead, you are not serving
the God of the Bible.
The fact that Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death means that He did not stay
dead. For Jesus, dying for us wasn't enough; He also needed to show that He had
conquered death by rising from the dead. Our eternal life is promised to us by Jesus and
through Him alone.
"Now He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to Him.” (Luke 20:38)
Kung tayo'y nag-i-stay parin sa pagiging carnal at lowkey Christian, so trying to fit in with
this world, we are holding ourselves in a state of dead rather than experiencing the life
we have in the risen Christ. We serve a God who overcame death and ascended to the
highest place; we do not serve a god who remains dead kaya mamuhay tayo ng buhay
na buhay, hindi buhay na patay.
Buhay ka wag kang magpatay-patayan. We are to live in conformity with the living God
we serve.

(Go against the flow, iyan po dapat ang principle ng isang tunay na Kristyano. Tama na
ang pakikiayon sa takbo ng mundo, oras na para sumunod kay Kristo.
No to conformity, comparison and competition in this world. But obedience and
submission to the one true living God. Because again this world will eventually fade away.
Things the world offers us are only temporary.
Die to self. Live for Christ. Instead na self-conscious dapat God-conscious at from self-
centered to God-centered!)
WE ARE NOT CALLED TO FOLLOW OUR HEARTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Way back to 2019-2022 noong tumama ang COVID-19 seriously and epidemically,
marami sa atin ang gumamit nang bibliya. Maraming nanumbalik sa Diyos at higit sa lahat
maraming umattend sa simbahan at nagpost ng iba't ibang verses galing sa bibliya: sa
facebook and different social media sites. Nakakatuwa kung iisipin dahil naging way ang
ganitong epidemic para maalala nang mga taong na ang supreme need nila ay Diyos.
For me, it is indisputable that these incidents from earlier years were God calling
individuals to come to Him at tanggapin ang biyaya ng kaligtasan. Yet, as the days went,
nagkakaroon naman ng epidemya ngayon sa paggamit ng verses na nagpu-point out sa
"God[He] will give the desires of our hearts..." (Psalm 37:4)
Kung ibibigay ng Diyos ang kagustuhan ng mga puso natin, para naring nagwill-suicide
ang Diyos. Lahat ng nilalaman ng puso natin ay masama, sinful, puro self-conscious
thing, at higit sa lahat contradict sa kagustuhan ng Diyos.
Several people have said it na gumagamit ng mga verses such as
"God will give the desires of your hearts...He will give the desires of your heart",
Yet in reality, it is not the case there.
1. Our hearts are deceitful.
— The precise verse in Jeremiah 17:9 that draws our attention to the fundamental
problem with our hearts—where evil intentions and deceitfulness originate—is the verse
that reveals how tainted and defiled our hearts are with opposition to God's words and
will. Even so, we are indeed removed from their true meaning that we forget it and ignored
it. We don't even realize who or what we are or do. We are solely considering our own
interests. We are akin to persons who consider themselves first and foremost valuable.
We justify the absurd and uphold the unjustifiable. In the words of Martyn-Lloyd Jones,
"Our heart is the faculty where thoughts, emotions, and feelings arise."
Even the seemingly most minor of misdeeds originate in our evil hearts. Ang puso natin
ay kontaminado ng kasalanan. Ngayon dahil kontaminado ang puso natin ng kasalanan
naaapektuhan nito ang pag-iisip natin.God is holy, pure, and just, so the question is: Why
should God grant us our heart's desires if doing so would go against what He wants for
us?
"And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want
only what will give you pleasure." (James 4:3)
Ibibigay ng Diyos ang gusto ng puso natin? I tend to disagree. God wouldn't consider
doing it. He will not allow a sinful, corrupt heart to rule over His. God has absolute power.
He desires what He desires and wills what He wills. May pagkakataong ina-allow lang ni
Lord na mangyari ang gusto natin para malaman nating mali ang gusto natin at the best
ang gusto Niya para sa atin. Kung gusto ng Diyos ang isang bagay para sa atin, nothing
we do will ever be able to stop what He wants for us. Puwera nalang for some exemptions
like kay Abraham pleaded with God to spare Lot and his family, Moses spoke up for the
Israelis, Jonah exhorted the city of Nineveh to repent of its misdeeds at marami pang iba.
2. We want what will ensure pleasure for us.
— bago tayo maging kristiyano meron tayong mga puso na gaya ng isang bato. I'm not
attempting to convince you that the heart I'm referring to is literal, instead, it's spiritual.
Ang pusong bato ay hindi buhay, hindi tumitibok, walang silbi. Sa buhay nating mga tao,
puso ang isa sa mahahalagang parte ng katawan natin. Kapag wala tayong puso, wala
tayong buhay.
Dito nanggagaling ang pagpo-produce ng oxygen para sa ating katawan at pagpa-pump
ng blood. As a result, spiritually speaking, we have a heart that is useless since it is made
of stone. All non-believers have hearts of stone, but all believers have hearts of flesh. Yet,
unless God takes action to give us a heart of flesh, we will constantly choose to behave
as we want and have desires for our own selfish goals, jealousies, and agendas kahit pa
kontra sa gusto ng Diyos. So bakit bato? dahil parin kontaminado ang puso natin ng
kasalanan. Apart from the Holy Spirit, who endows us with a fleshly heart, para tayong
mga zombie na gusto lang kainin ang gustong kainin.
3. God commanded us to surrender everything, including our deepest desires.
— a Christian must live a life of self-denial in order to follow God's knowledge, wisdom,
and will as it is revealed in God's words. This includes denying oneself, putting aside
selfishness, and being selfless.
If you recall, Jesus commanded the disciples to leave their homes, their jobs, and their
desires. But anyone who strives to follow Jesus but has yet to deny their own desires and
aspirations is not worthy of Jesus.
Kung tinawag tayo ng Diyos sa buhay kristiyano natin, hindi na dapat tayo ang nabubuhay
para sa sarili natin kundi si Kristo na. Many people are dying to live, but Christians are
supposed to live to die themselves. We are not called to leave some we have and spare
something we previously had, but we are called to leave the WHOLE plate on the table
(Gal. 2:20). Hindi partial obedience ang pagtawag sa atin ni Kristo but a calling to a life of
full obedience hanggang dulo ng buhay natin dito sa mundo.
Ano ba ang ibig sabihin na ibibigay ng Diyos ang gusto ng mga puso natin? (Psalm 37:4;
20:4)
Hindi naman madamot si Lord bagkus baliktad pa nga. Araw-araw tayong pinagpapala
ng Diyos. May hininga tayo, may lakas tayo, may nasusuot tayo, may nakakain tayo, at
higit sa lahat buhay tayo. Hindi exclusive ang pagiging generous ni Lord toward sa atin
na kung material lang eh material lang ang ibibigay Niya. Actually, it's quite the opposite.
Pwedeng pagpalain ng Diyos ang isang lalaki at maging successful business man at
pangalawa naman ay normal na trabaho lang at sapat na pera para sa araw-araw. Pwede
din naman yung isa nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral at may diploma at yung isa naman
successful business man kahit hindi nakapag-aral at walang diplomang na natanggap sa
school o university.
Dahil alam ng Diyos ang makakabuti para sa tao. At dahil alam ng Diyos ang nilalaman
ng mga puso natin.
"Take delight in the LORD, and He will you your heart’s desires." (Psalm 37:4)
In Psalm 37:4, God is the focal point. The arrangement of this verse suggests we will find
our heart’s desire in delighting in God Himself. If our hearts are looking to God to fill us,
we will never be disappointed or dissatisfied.
"Pero di'ba inuuna ko naman si Lord? Pero bakit hindi Niya binibigay gusto ko?"
Ang tanong will ba ni Lord sayo yung gusto mo? What it means to delight in God Himself
is to make Him our chief priority of all priorities. Seeking God first doesn't mean
magdevotion ka kapag umaga or magpray ka bago gumawa ng mga gawaing bahay,
though it is important, seeking God first means to set God always at the center and to
gaze your life toward His desires revealed in the Scriptures above all (Colossians 3:1-2).
Unlike most people who only know the word of God but not the God of the word, we
Christians should strive to desire what God desires for us. God cannot give what we
desire contradict to God's. Unless tuturuan ka ni Lord na matuto sa will mo.
Kung kilala natin ang pinaglilingkuran natin, ilalagay natin ang sarili natin doon sa gusto
Niya para sa atin. We are crucified in Christ and dead to sin, so live like we were crucified
in Christ and delight ourselves in Him.
Christians are living to die.
SALVATION BY GRACE WITHOUT OBEDIENCE?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
We're too familiar with the word "salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ
alone." At hate nating mga christians ang salvation by works because doing so would go
against the basic teachings of Scripture, which make it very clear that only by grace
through faith in Christ alone can a believer be saved.
Naiinis tayo when someone asserts that salvation is not through grace but rather by
works. Salvation is meritless, just like grace. Yet, a salvation by works is contrary to
Scripture. Wala ni mismong binanggit sa bibliya na we're saved because we figure it out,
not really. Christ did all the work for us, which is why we are saved.
However, meron ding unbiblical, which is salvation by grace without obedience, It is a
sudden scene in every Christian that corrupts the idea of grace alone through faith alone
in Christ alone—naligtas nga—but is lacking in obedience to the word of God.
Sabi ni A.W. Tozer: "To escape the error of salvation by works, we come to salvation by
grace without obedience."
Marami rami narin tayong ligtas dahil sa biyaya ng kaligtasan na nagmumula sa
Panginoong Jesus. Ngunit marami-rami ring mga kristiyano na inaabuso ang salitang
kaligtasan galing sa grasya na nagmumula sa Diyos at yun ay ang "kaligtasang walang
pagsunod".
We aren't merely redeemed so that we might be free from the chains of sin, from the
slavery of the darkness, and from the terror of an eternity apart from God. We are saved
to obey the One Who died on the calvary cross. Hindi tayo iniligtas para talikuran ang
reyalidad na ang bunga ng kaligtasan ay pagsunod sa sinasabi ng Bibliya, sa kagustuhan
ng Diyos, at sa pag-sa-submit sa awtoridad ng Panginoong Hesus sa mga buhay natin.
Kung ang kaligtasang walang pagsunod ay nananahan sa atin, maaaring sa una pa
lamang hindi tayo ligtas. Ang pagsunod ay bunga ng kaligtasan at ang kaligtasan ay
biyaya ng Diyos na si Jesus para sa ating naniniwala sa ebanghelyo.
Many are saved yet lack of obedience. Ang obedience ay hindi weekly, kundi lifetime.
Galit na galit tayo sa taliwas na paniniwalang maliligtas ka kapag ginawa mo 'yan o
ginawa mo ito. Pero pinamamahayan naman tayo ng pesteng "kaligtasan pero walang
pagsunod".
Even while salvation by grace is undeserved, it still requires our obedience. One of the
benefits of the salvation we have received from Jesus when we accept the gospel is
obedience, which is our commitment to God. The truth that salvation comes before
obedience is one we can never ignore.
Kung nakatanggap na tayo ng kaligtasan na galing sa biyaya ng Diyos, hindi pupwedeng
mawala ang pagsunod nang matanggap natin ang kaligtasan. Hindi tayo naligtas para
lang maging malaya sa kasalanan, niligtas din tayo ng Diyos sa pagiging disobedient
individual natin.
1. DENY YOURSELF AND TAKE UP YOUR OWN CROSS
— Jesus' statement that "anyone wishes to follow Me" is one of the most important truths
in His discourse (Matt. 16:24; Jn. 12:26). Ang salitang ito ay nagha-highlight sa very word
na if you desire to follow Jesus, obedience precedes after. Yet these remarks are
immediately followed by a warning. kung hindi tayo susunod sa Panginoong Jesus,
"If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life FOR MY
SAKE, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your
own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?..." (Matthew 16:25-26)
Warning ito sa atin that everything in this world, including the very things we have acquired
and gained from it, is merely fleeting and temporary. Hindi pupwedeng talikuran at talikdan
ang pagsunod sa sinasabi ng Diyos. This is what Jesus said to those who sought to follow
Him. Yet, following Him will mean giving up everything they previously owned. They will,
however, possess everything when they start to follow Jesus because He is everything to
us. Christ is our supreme value.
Living as the majority of humanity does is the polar opposite of taking up our own cross.
The most significant three words Jesus ever used to influence conduct were, "Come,
follow me" (Luke 9:23; Matt. 16:24; Mark 1:17). Palagi nating alalahanin na sa oras na
sumunod tayo kay Kristo, hindi lang pera, trabaho, yaman, at mga minamahal natin ang
maaaring mawala sa atin, kundi maging sarili natin dati ay mawawala sa atin.
Pero alalahanin natin na sa oras na sumunod tayo sa Panginoong Hesus pagkatapos
nating matanggap ang kaligtasan, magkakaroon pa tayo nang higit sa kung anong meron
tayo dati dahil si Hesus ang lahat sa atin (Ps. 16:5-11).
2. OBEDIENCE REFLECT OUR WORSHIP TO GOD
Obedience is our act of commitment to God and involves more than merely adhering to
His word. That is our way of showing God our worship and love. Kung walang bunga ang
kaligtasang natanggap natin sa Panginoong Hesus, una pa lamang hindi tayo nagkaroon
ng biyaya ng kaligtasan na galing kay Hesus.
Jesus said that, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will
come and make our home with each of them. Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey
me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father
who sent me." (John 14:23-24)
There must be an act of submitting to God's commands, will, and authority if we truly
received salvation by grace. Walang natitigil sa kaligtasan lang. May kaakibat ang
kaligtasan at yun ay ang pagsunod. Sa talata nang 1 Samuel 15:22, ipinapakita rito na
God wants obedience, not sacrifice. Alalahanin natin si king Saul ay nasira nang hindi
niya sinunod ang Diyos at nag-offer siya ng sacrifices, hindi tinanggap ng Diyos ang
ginawa niya.
Sabihin nating mayroon kang vow sa Lord na magdi-devotion ka around 9-10 pm, pero
nakaligtaan mo kasi kaka-selpon mo. Then you vowed to the Lord na, "Lord, siguro bukas
nalang hehe". That is what we mean by sacrifice; that is not obedience. Everyone of us
is expected by Matthew 6:33 to put God first in everything (Col. 3:17; 3:23; Pr. 3:6).
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into
practice.”(Luke 11:28)
Despite the concept of 1 Cor. According to 10:31, we are not to cause our brethren and
sisters in faith to waver because of us. We are also to walk in obedience to everything we
say, do, and act, showing that Jesus is reflected in all of it.
3. OBEDIENCE DISPLAYS THE GLORY OF GOD.
God must be praised in everything we do, including how we think and behave. Our
thoughts should be fixed on God's riches and His word (Psalm 1) (Psalm 119:11). God's
Word helps us stay focused so that we can make moral decisions and carry them out.
Noong ibinaba ni Jesus ang Kanyang sarili at nagkatawang-tao at namatay sa krus on
our behalf, there was never a moment where Jesus ceased to glorify the Father. In all
matters, Jesus actively obeyed the Father. Hindi pumalya si Jesus, and we too are
expected to obey God to display His splendor(Eph. 5:1). Though tayo ay may have
stumbles and shortcomings side by side, we are able to continue and display God's glory
with the help of the Holy Spirit and the words of God.
In order to analyze and live to the utmost for God's honor and glory, it is crucial to consider
all aspects of life.
Allow these words to become ingrained in our minds: salvation begets obedience, and
obedience is the fruit of salvation. Salvation is never possible apart from submission to
the Lord and obedient adherence to the Bible's commands.
Hindi tayo niligtas para maging malaya at magawa ang mga bagay na gusto natin, iniligtas
tayo para sumunod sa kung ano ang sinasabi ng Bibliya, sa kagustuhan ng Diyos, at
magpakasakop sa awtoridad ng Banal na Espiritu.
Kailanma'y hindi kaligtasan ang walang pagsunod. Tandaan natin na mas nakakapagod
ang pagsunod sa Panginoon kung hindi din bunga ng pag-ibig.
Ang kaligtasang natanggap natin ay galing sa grasya lamang ng Diyos at galing sa pag-
ibig ng Diyos. Kung ang pagsunod natin sa Diyos ay hindi bunga ng pag-ibig, madali
tayong mapapagod at tatalikod sa Diyos. Napakahirap pumasok sa kaharian ng Diyos sa
mga taong hindi maiwan-iwanan ang yamang meron sila at ini-ingat-ingatan nila.
Ang bunga ng kaligtasan ay pagsunod sa Salita at kagustuhan ng Diyos.
NASUSUNOD PARIN BA KAGUSTUHAN MO?
--------------------------------------------------------------------
When God told Moses second time around to speak to the rock so that water will sprung
up, Moses failed. The punishment for him was that Moses wouldn't enter the land that
God had promised at yun ang parusa sa kanya.
Imbis na kausapin ang bato, Moses struck the rock(Numbers 20:1-13). Inutusan ng Diyos
si Moses na dapat ay kausapin ang bato para lumabas ang tubig pantanggal sa kanilang
uhaw. The Israelites were led by Moses, who had a long-standing, strong relationship
with God. Although some may consider Moses to be imperfect, God used him greatly. But
not everything we seem as perfect actually is. When Moses struck the rock, he fell short
of being a portrait of Jesus.
Hindi pinapasok si Moses sa lupang pangako dahil sa simpleng disobedience and
rebellion na ginawa niya sa Diyos. Mas nasunod ang galit ni Moses kaya niya nagawang
hampasin ang bato at nakalimutan ang utos na binigay sa kanya ng Diyos.
Some pictures of rebellion and disobedience are as follows:
1. Because of Adam and Eve's disobedience, they ended up being brought out of the
Garden of Eden. Sin entered the world, and death through sin leads every individual to
their destiny—which is death spiritually, not only physically.
2. In Noah's time, God wiped out the race of humanity, and only the family of Noah was
saved from the great flood that happened. Noah warned the people, but they disobeyed
his warning message that came from God. Many people died because of their
disobedience and rebellion before God.
3. Our simple disobedience leads to corruption. That corruption is polluting us, which is
sin. Christ was the result of our overarching sinfulness. Just like Moses struck the rock,
likewise, we crucified the rock on the cross—Jesus.
Trying to obey what our affections are and disregard what God desires for us leads to
rebellion, disobedience, and our own destruction. Hindi nagustuhan nang Diyos ang
ginawa ni Moses na pagbalewala sa iniutos Niya sa kanya. Kaya ang kapalit na parusa
ay ipapakita lang ng Diyos ang lupang pangako sa kanya ngunit hindi siya makakapasok
sa lupang ipinangako ng Diyos.
We commit rebellion when we act in a way that is at odds with God's will. Maraming mga
nasira dahil sa simpleng pagsunod sa kanilang kagustuhan na hindi gusto ng Diyos para
sa kanila. We must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus died on the cross for our sins.
He carried the cross, as it were. He suffered a terrible death on the cross.
Yung palo na nareceive ni Jesus ay ang nakakalulang tala ng rebellion at disobedience
natin sa Diyos. Christ gave his life for us so that we can live. Christ led a life of abject
poverty in order for us to be the royal priesthood. Marami nang nasira sa pagsuway sa
kagustuhan ng Diyos. Kung may gusto tayo kontra sa gusto ng Diyos para sa atin,
napaka-imposibleng hindi tayo makaranas ng palo na galing sa Diyos na pinaglilingkuran
natin.
Kapahamakan natin ang hindi pagsunod sa kagustuhan ng Diyos. When we do what we
desire that is at odds with the will of the Lord revealed in the Scriptures, assume that you
will end up in destruction.
Following our hearts led many people astray. People who follow their hearts will likely end
up with a heart that grows cold before God. Kapag sinunod natin ang gusto natin, ilang
ulit man tayong padalhan ng Diyos ng mga taong tutulong sa atin para lumalim tayo sa
Diyos magiging balewala parin dahil nawawala sa atin ang calling na "self-denial" at nasa
road of "self-fulfillment" tayo.
"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself
for me." (Galatians 2:20)
When we want what God wants for us instead of what we want for ourselves, only then
can we find fulfillment. We ought to live in a way that pleases God, not the majority.
Thereby, we should live in accordance with God's will as it is revealed in the Scriptures,
not our own.
"That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his
commands, for this is everyone’s duty." (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Each and every Christian is subject to God's will and His authority.
May kanya-kanyang istorya at kuwento ang marami sa atin. Ngunit ibahin mo sa
kristiyano, hindi magkakaroon ng testimonya ang isang tao kung walang Jesus na
nagpabago sa taong yan. Ang kristiyano ay produkto ng pag-ibig ni Hesu-Kristo.
Each one of us is facing a different kind of turning point. In fact, yun yung di natin
pinakamakakalimutan na ginawa ni Kristo sa buhay natin.
Ako na isang former porn addict brought back to life by the same gospel that saves so
many others. The sincerity, beauty, and intensity of the gospel of Christ, which daily
transforms everyone in the world, have never wavered. At isa ka maari sa produkto ng
pag-ibig ni Kristo sa kapangyarihan ng magandang balita.
Masamang balita ang gospel sa mga makasarili, mayabang, at mapagmataas na tao.
Pero mabuting balita ang gospel sa mga taong alam nilang mahina at makasalanan sila
na kailangan nila ng kaligtasan na nagmumula kay Kristo.
Recently, mayroong isang former transgender na binago ngayon ng pag-ibig ni Jesus,
siya si brother @kunoimanalastas. He battled homosexuality for many years, but was
transformed after he realized who he was in Christ Jesus.
"Who would have thought? I was once a beauty queen, a fashion icon, a party enthusiast,
a make up mogul, truly, the one to beat... All I know is that, I am happy to finally be able
to find my true identity through Christ..." (Brother Kunoi Manalastas)
God was the one who enabled our new brother to rediscover the identity he had long
yearned to know. Plus the fact that Christ is the truth, Christ has placed him in the domain
of truth. Only the One who created people can transform a person; no man can do it.
Kaya sinong hindi mag-a-akala na ang akala ng maraming 'pang-habang buhay' na
wretched ay maliligtas sa reyalidad na ibinigay nang mundo at kaaway sa kanya na isang
ilusyon lamang?
Hindi ako naniniwalang hindi kayang baguhin ng Diyos ang tao. Dahil sa lahat ng mga
taong nagsabing magbabago na sila, ang tunay lang na nakagawa nyan ay wala.
Isa lang ang makakagawa nyan sa tao, hindi tao, kundi si Kristo na namatay sa krus ng
kalbaryo. Kung para sa ilan "katatawanan ang pagbabagong nangyari sa ating
fellowsheep" na si brother kunoi manalastas, pero para sa mga taong dati ring nalaglag
sa kamay ng kasalanan at kamunduhan, ay isa itong testimonya na kailanma'y hindi
makakalimutan.
Only God has the power to transform a transgender person, a porn addict, a drug addict,
a sexual immoral, an adulterer, a suicidal, a thief, or any other person. Jesus, who died
on the cross for you and me. He changed a long list of other people as well.
Ka-sheep! Kay Jesus mo lang matatagpuan ang identity mo. Kung kapunuan ang hanap
mo, kay Jesus parin. Si Jesus ang lahat-lahat sa atin! Kaya kung wala tayong Hesus,
kahit gaano tayo kamahal ng tao, at balot man tayo ng yaman na meron sa mundo—
palagi tayong balewala at kulang. Si Kristo ang solusyon sa lahat.
It is impossible for people to appear alive despite their best efforts. A dead person can
only be brought back to life by One Who died on the cross.
May pag-asa pa habang nabubuhay! Magsisi sa kasalanan at maniwala na si Jesus ay
nabuhay na magmuli! At tanggapin Siya bilang Diyos mo at Tagapagligtas!
Seek Jesus now!
Sana sa susunod kung ikaw man ay makabasa nito at hindi pa nakakatanggap ng regalo
ni Jesus, walang imposible sa Diyos na isa ka na rin sa tatawagin naming "fellowsheep!"
Jesus is everything to us! May you wander into Jesus one day, at a time and place where
you will understand who He is for you and who you are to Him. Isa na naman sa produkto
ng pagmamahal ni Kristo ang nagbunga! Ang pag-ibig ni Jesus na kailan pa man ay hindi
magmamaliw!
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life
is gone; a new life has begun." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Welcome to the family, brother kunoi manalastas!
ALAM MO BA KUNG ANONG NANGYARI WHEN ISRAELITES TRIED TO ENACT
THEIR OWN FORM OF WORSHIP FOR GOD?
----------------------------------------------------------
God rejected their worship and punished them for their willful attempt to disrespect the
one true god.
Exodus 32 describes and illustrates the most grievous deed the Israelites committed in
front of the Lord. Sinubukan nilang gumawa nang golden calf by trying to figure out na
once na magawa nila ang "golden calf" mas mararamdaman nilang malapit ang Diyos sa
kanila. But they attempted to worship God in their own kind of way, which failed to worship
God in the manner that God desired.
Natagalan sila sa paghihintay kay Moses habang ini-encounter ang Panginoon sa
Bundok Sinai kung saan ginawa ng Diyos ang sampung utos. Dahil sa pagiging impatient
ng mga Israelita(Exodus 32:1) sinabi nila kay Aaron na gawan sila ng isang diyos na yari
sa ginto at ilan nilang jewelries. Dahil sa ginawang ganito ng Israelita, sinabi nila
pagkatapos gawin ang gintong guya, "Ito ang Diyos ng Israel na naglabas sa Egipto..."
Nang mabuo nina Aaron ang gintong guya at sabihing ito ang Diyos nila ng sabay-sabay,
agad na sinabi ng Diyos kay Moses na balikang agad ni Moses ang Israelitang nilabas
niya sa Egipto sapagkat nakikita ng Diyos na tinatakwil Siya ng mga Israelita (32:7-10).
Nagalit ang Diyos sa ginawa ng mga Israelita, ngunit nagmakaawa si Moses na wag
lipulin ng Diyos ang mga Israelita.
Ngunit kung ipagpapatuloy parin nating basahin ang chapter at passages ng Exodus,
makikita natin na nagmatigas talaga ng ulo ang mga Israelita. Israel attempted to create
an own kind of god that would satisfy their desires. a god who willlerds them so that their
sinful natures can be satisfied. They were yet punished by God, the Holy One of Israel,
through Moses. They created their own peculiar god and pretended that it was the same
God who had led them out of Egypt.
Hindi natuwa ang Diyos.
Alam mo ba na ganun din ang marami sa atin ngayon? Maraming kristiyano ang gumawa
ng sarili nilang standards of worship para i-offer sa Diyos? at sarili nila ang example. Hindi
lang mga santo-santo, kundi maging mga kagustuhan at sarili nila'y diyos nila. Kung hindi
natuwa ang Diyos sa ginawa ng mga Israelita sa pagbuo nila mg gintong guya para
sambahin ang Diyos, hindi din natutuwa ang Diyos sa ginagawa ng marami ngayon na
mga kristiyano.
1. Quit worshiping God in a way that is not in accordance with what He intends.
Kung para sayo marami kang paraan na sambahin ang Diyos ngunit hindi ayon sa
sinasabi ng Diyos sa Bibliya, hindi Diyos ng Bibliya ang sinasamba mo. Kung para sa'yo
okay lang manuod ng mga sexual videos and images at the same time magri-repent
nalang right after, hindi Diyos ng Bibliya ang sinasamba mo kundi mayroon kang
binubuong sariling diyos na magsu-suit with sa mga kagustuhan ng laman mo.
Israel believed that after constructing their own kind of god ay mas magiging malapit sila
sa Diyos ng Bibliya at para sa kanila mararamdaman nilang nasa sa kanila ang Diyos,
pero taliwas ang reyalidad. Hindi natin pupwedeng i-tolerate ang isang pagsamba na
ayon sa atin para sa Diyos. Napakabanal ng Diyos at hindi ganun ang pagsambang dapat
ibigay at ialay sa Kanya.
Maraming consequences ang pagsamba sa Diyos in a different kind of worship na meron
tayo. Malabong maparangalan ang Diyos na sinasamba natin sa paraang gusto natin
Siyang sambahin. Kapag sinabi ng Diyos na parangalan mo Siya sa paraang nakaka-
edify sa spiritual life and sa ikaka-edify din ng ibang believers, wag kang lalayo sa sinabi
Niya sa Bibliya. Kapag sinabi ng Diyos na sambahin, parangalan, at purihin mo Siya sa
paraang nais Niya, dapat mong gawin 'yon.
When the Bible commands us to worship God in a way that is pleasing, unfaltering,
steadfast, and in harmony with the Truth and Spirit, we must obey that mandate. We
cannot worship God according to our own standards.
Ikakasira natin ang pagsambang iniaalay natin sa Diyos na malayo sa pangunguna ng
Banal na Espiritu at Banal na Salita ng Diyos.
2. There is just one standard of worship that God Himself has established.
A life committed to God's distinct form of worship is the true definition of worship. The
temple of God resides within each of us. God is holy and pure, and He expects all who
worship Him to do so in Spirit and in Truth as well as with a living sacrifice—our life. Noong
naging kristiyano tayo, nag-dwell in ang Banal na Espiritu sa ating mga buhay. Siya ang
nagiging dahilan kung bakit nagkakaroon ng changes sa buhay natin. But, the Holy Spirit
only operates in line with the written Word of God, for the Holy Spirit cannot operate in us
apart from the written Word of God. The Holy Spirit only finds value in God's word.
Alalahanin natin na Banal ang Diyos, kaya kapag walang Banal na Espiritu na Siyang
nananahan sa atin, hindi tayo magkakaroon ng pleasing, holy, living sacrifice, at pure na
pagsamba sa Diyos at walang magaganap na worship. By acting as our intercessor to
God, the Holy Spirit acts. If we don't have it, the only thing we can do before God is
witness to our false and pointless worship.
Hindi tayo makakalapit sa Diyos kapag walang Banal na Espiritu. At walang word na
"worship" kung walang Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does not just empower us to worship
God; it also enables us to worship God. A man without the Holy Spirit is self-conscious,
but a man with the Holy Spirit is God-conscious (2 Cor. 2:9–11).
We may have some golden calf idols vying for our attention in place of God. Soak in God's
word, pray, fast, and apply it as you learn to navigate them. Put everything down for the
Lord because you cannot worship Him else. Repent of your transgressions and confess
them.
We will suffer the consequences of Israel's disobedience if we don't lay down our golden
calf. Ang goal ng Diyos sa pagsamba ay hindi nakabase sa standard natin kundi sa
standard ng Diyos para gawin at sundin natin. Huwag na huwag mong sasambahin si
Lord sa akala mong tama at pleasing, because if it doesn't align with God's own kind of
worship, you're only putting yourself in destruction and danger.
WHEN SOMEONE APPROACHED ME LIKE, "ALAM MO PARANG WALA KANG
PROBLEMA AT PAGSUBOK...ANGGALING NAMAN, SOBRANG LAKAS MO."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Actually normal na attitude ko when it comes to other people ay maging masayahin. Sa
circle of prends na meron ako palagi ay hindi pupwedeng hindi ako isa sa mga
nagpapatawa. Though sa former life ko ay maging mga naughty jokes sinasakayan ko,
but syempre hindi na sa present self na meron ako.
I am changed. Proud ako sa ginawa ni Lord sa buhay ko.
But I just wanted people to know na hindi lang sila yung nakakaranas ng struggle,
pagsubok, at hardships sa buhay kasi isa din ako sa nanghihina at nanlulupaypay.
Christians, never assume someone na porke nakangiti, palatawa, at palaging nag-i-
encourage sayo ay malakas at hindi nanghihina. Nagiging vulnerable din 'yan sila minsan
hindi lang talaga halata. Yung iba takot lang na maka-receive ng mga words na
"Ay, ikaw pa naman yung nang-i-encourage sa akin pero grabe self-pity mo sa sarili mo"
We are all vulnerable to certain things.
This exact similar circumstance that happens throughout our Spiritual journey does not
exclude pastors, Christian bloggers, leaders, members, and preachers. The Bible never
claimed that "we must be positive at all times" or that we "must overcome negativity with
positivity." That doesn't work either. Being positive about something cannot alter the reality
we're facing.
Positivity is not the solution.
Instead, the Bible says that "we will face hardships and trials, but take heart—just as
Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33), so do we." because we are serving a Name
above all names; His Name is Jesus Christ. Hindi ipinangako ni Hesus na sa oras na
sumunod tayo sa Kanya, mawawala mga problema at pagsubok natin bagkus ipinaunawa
sa atin ni Jesus na maraming mawawala sa atin sa oras na sumunod tayo sa Panginoon.
Kakalimutan tayo ng iba
Kaayawan tayo ng iba
Iiwan tayo ng iba
I-a-unfriend tayo ng iba
Lalayuan tayo ng iba
At higit sa lahat, maging pamilya natin maaring talikuran tayo.
Pero kailanman, kahit iwan at talikuran ka man ng mga taong kinilala mo sa buhay mo,
isa lang ang hindi mang-iiwan sayo—si Kristo.
MARAMING TESTIMONYA NA NG MGA KRISTIYANO ANG NAGPATUNAY NA
TOTOO ANG SINASABI NG BIBLIYA.
---------------------------------------------------------------
When you become a Christian, be prepared for a significant fall in your standard of living;
but, the reward is immense for those who endure and maintain their steadfast faith in
Jesus.
Mabigat ang mawalan ng problema, bakit? sa oras na mawalan tayo ng problema babalik
tayo sa pananaw na "hindi ko kailangan ng Diyos, ako ang Diyos ng sarili kong buhay."
Ngayon pa nga lang na maraming pagsubok at problema sa buhay, nagiging selfish and
panginoon ng sariling buhay ang mga tao na hindi kumikilala sa Diyos, paano pa kayang
pagtinanggal ng Diyos ang pagsubok at mga problema natin?
Challenges and trials drive us to put our faith to the test. However, there are challenges
and roadblocks that are meant to fortify us and serve as a constant reminder to ourselves
that we cannot live out our Christian faith apart from God working in us.
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let
us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage
one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
"Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
Hindi porke't naging kristiyano ang tao wala na 'yang problema. Ang problema hindi
exclusive, kundi universal but common. Kung may kaibigan, kakilala, kapatid(in faith man
or kadugo mo) learn to say, "kamusta ka na?"
Kasi sa simpleng kamusta natin, malaking bagay ang nagagawa natin sa napagdadaanan
nila. Huwag nating ipagkait na kamustahin din natin ang nangangamusta sa atin, wala
namang kabawasan yan sa pagiging kristiyano at pagiging tao din natin.
We cannot directly change our circumstances or how we feel by choosing positivity over
negativity. Run to God; He will use people and things to help you. But most importantly,
God can only fulfill and restore you.
MARAMING BLESSINGS SA ATING IBINIBIGAY SI LORD.
----------------------------------------------
Gumising tayo, nakakahinga tayo, tumitibok mga puso natin, at higit sa lahat may
pagkakataon tayong purihin at sambahin ang Diyos.
Pero ang malaking question sa atin patungkol rito ay: binigyan tayo ng Diyos ng blessing
hindi para maging busy at malayo, kundi para maging malalim at malago.
Dapat ba kapag busy ka, busy na rin sa lahat bagay? Dapat ba wala na ring oras sa
Diyos? Aminin man natin o sa hindi, ginagawa nating rason ang pagiging busy natin sa
school, trabaho, businesses, or any sort of stuffs na pinagkakaabalahan natin
Kung ang blessing or isang bagay na inallow sa atin si Lord ay nagiging dahilan ng
paglayo natin hindi ang paglago natin, may mali sa atin hindi sa blessing. Madalas akala
natin valid na valid na yung reason na "Lord, next time nalang ako magdidevotion or a-
attend sa church, or magpipray and mag-pa-fasting tatapusin ko lang po ang mga ito..."
Pero nakikita mo ba ang nagagawa ng pagdadahilan na busy ka para lang mawalan ng
time sa Kanya? Hindi si Lord ang nagiging mahina spiritual, tayo parin. Kakasabi at
kakarason natin sa Diyos na busy tayo, bumabalik sa atin ang consequences. Bat pa tayo
magtataka kung nanghihina tayo spiritually? Or walang paglago spiritually?
Busyness is inevitable in our Christian journey, but busyness is not God's business. Kung
ginagawa nating business ang pagiging busy, tayo parin ang magsisisi sa huli. We need
to re-evaluate and discipline ourselves. There are Christians who are still babies in their
faith, but for those of us who have had longer faith than them, we need to ask ourselves
this question.
Huwag nating gayahin ang mga tao noon na hindi maiwan-iwan ang mga bagay noong
panahon rin ni Noah. Patungkol man ang istorya ni Noah sa kaligtasan, pero tinutukoy rin
nito ang mapanirang pagdadahilan na busy tayo sa ating mga pinagkakaabalahan.
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1
Corinthians 10:31)
Walang dahilan kahit busy tayo, valid man reasons, pero hindi ba pupwedeng magkaroon
ka ng ilang oras or minuto na masinsinang usapan sa Diyos? Busy ka man sa school, do
your devotion first. Communicate with God. Kahit nagtatrabaho ka pa, or hectic man, man
problems man. Busyness is never a valid reason for praising and giving thanks to our
God. It's just a compromise to neglect your walk as a Christian. Idols are not only things
that are seen; idols can be in any form. If things we do and value take precedence over
God, that'll highly lead to idolatry.
Ang pagdadahilan sa Diyos na busy tayo ay pagpapakita lamang ng malayong damdamin
at debosyon natin sa Kanya. Huwag nating idahilan kay Lord ang pagiging busy para sa
huli hindi tayo magsisi.
It's not that we are too busy to give God time; it's just that our affections aren't for him
anymore. Kapag nawawalan na tayo ng oras sa Diyos kakadahilan ng busy tayo,
manlalamig ang mga puso natin at magiging bato: wala nang pagka-uhaw sa Salita ng
Diyos at wala nang pagkagutom sa presensiya Niya.
Kaya namamatay ang ispiritwal nating lakad dahil may nagmamay-ari na ng mga puso
natin.
WE SHOULD SAY NO TO SOGIE BILL
----------------------------------------------------------------
(My thoughts about Sogie bill as a Christian)
As a Filipino citizen who is also a Christian, I thought it was objectionable that the
aforementioned bill, despite promising to protect everyone from discrimination, actually
encourages the idea of persecution, inequality, and an imbalance of rights for everyone
that is in opposition to the beliefs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bakit ba kailangang hindi maipasa ang SOGIE BILL?
1. Equality or Inequality?
“Engaging in public speech meant to shame, insult, vilify, or which tends to incite or
normalise the commission of discriminatory practices against LGBT’s and which acts or
practices in turn, intimidate them or result in the loss of their self-esteem.”— (SOGIE BILL
'Section 4.1)
With regards to this bill, in "Section 4.1" of sogie bill, alam naman natin na ang mga
LGBTQIA+ peeps ay tulad lang din naming mga kristiyano na kailangan din ng rights in
every way possible. Ngunit ang paniniwala tulad naming kristiyano ay mas naaapakan
kaysa narirespeto kung sakaling maipasa sa kongreso at mai-legal ang bill na ito.
Maraming mga Pastors and Preachers(of any form: street, air, and media). And we know
that Christians are against the practices and teachings of LGBTQIA+.
Sa totoo lang, sa provision na sinasabi ng Section 4.1, where they said na "in public
speech meant in shame" could be broad. Halimbawa ganito, sabihin nating mayroong
preacher sa daan na against sa LGBTQIA+, then nasaktan yung bakla sa sinabi ng
preacher sa daan, pupwede niyang sampahan ng kaso yung preacher na wala namang
harassment na ginawa. The gay could easily said sa "gobyerno" na nadiskrimina or
nagkaroon ng 'shame' against sa kanya sa sinabi ng preacher sa daan kaya dapat siyang
parusahan.
At nasaan naman ang proteksyon naming mga kristiyano? Sa lahat ng napakaraming
taon ang nagdaan, hindi LGBTQIA+ ang nagkakaroon ng mockery, shaming, and
persecution kundi gaya naming mga kristiyano. Naalala ko nga tuloy yung nangyaring
nakulong ang isang preacher dahil lang sa sinabi niyang "JESUS LOVES YOU" at ang
nangyari pinagmumura siya, yung iba tinutulak siya, at ang ilan namang kasama niya ay
sinasabihan ng hindi magagandang salita, where's the equal protection in that?
Balita ko nga ang LGBTQIA community pa ang involved sa ganitong sinabing panukala
sa bill na ito kaysa sa mga tulad naming kristiyano(hindi ko nilalahat dahil merong profess
ones na christians) na wala ngang sinabing masama kundi banggitin lang ang sinabi ng
Bibliya at paniniwala namin pero nakaka-received kami ng hindi magagandang salita,
paninirang-puri, at higit sa lahat binabastos pisikal at inaabuso pisikal at berbal ang gaya
namin. Nasaan ang proteksyon? Wala.
2. Protection or Discrimination?
“Denying a person access to or the use of establishments, facilities, utilities, or services,
including housing, open to the general public on the basis of sexual orientation or gender
identity or expression…” — (Sogie Bill Section 4.h)
Kung sakali talagang mapanukala ang batas na ito, magkakaroon ng worse scene which
is discrimination. Ang mga pedophiles, mga rapist, at mga sexual abusers can easily prey
to their target/s. Sa batas na ito ipinapakita na kung lalaki ay kino-konsidera na siya ay
babae at gustong mag-rest room sa female room, they can do so. Poor government
officials who agreed to this bill, instead na maproteksyonan against sa discrimination,
rape, abuse, and any form of abuse ang isang indibidwal, mas binibigyan daan pa nito
ang mga mapang-abuso, mga gumagawa ng maling aktibidad that'll highly bring abuse
and worse death on their hands to their victim(s).
My conclusion:
Pwede niyong basahin ang every sections of this bill, it poses a significant threat. sa tulad
nating against sa LGBTQIA+. Hindi ko na per punto per punto babanggitin ang ilan sa
mga absurd and nonsensical provisions na meron sa bill na ito. But what I would leave
here is this: Be firm in your faith, Christians. We're living in the days where Satan isn't
hiding anymore. He is urging every individual to forsake the reality of God and strive to
be gods. Just like what happened to the Garden of Eden, where Satan lured Eve, he is
doing so again to this very nation, our dearest, poorest country, the Philippines.
All children of all races and ages are being lured by the Filipino people by the government
representatives who are promoting this measure. We are expected to defend the truth as
Christians. And as the church, it is our duty to spread the gospel of Jesus. The corruption
will grow more pervasive and broad as it spreads. There can be nothing less than
complete lawlessness in this nation. This is the reason I'm writing on the subject. Even if
it's a minor problem, it still lies. It's a feature that will undoubtedly alter reality. If you don't
consume a slice of bread, the entire loaf will be gone in a matter of minutes. And I'm
confident that it won't be long until everyone's bread has been consumed or used up. It
won't be long before the entire nation has succumbed to the devil's influence and become
wholly polluted with evil.
Whether or not people agree with us, we must express the truth in love. Remember that
our mission as Christians is to expose people's hearts' inherent depravity so they might
repent and turn from their sin rather than trying to change everyone's heart. We cannot
change the hearts of men, only we can reveal the wickedness of their hearts by the truth
and the working of the Holy Spirit.
Let Jesus Christ's gospel be preached. Our duty is never to compromise the truth. Our
duty is to speak the whole truth, no matter how bitter a pill it may be for the majority. But
let us pray for God's grace to heal our wounded and broken souls. Let us pray that this
will continue to spread worldwide. Let's pray that the truth and justice will prevail over
wickedness in this land. Let us pray that those who believe in Jesus Christ will be saved
by Him.
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
Bilang kristiyano at tao din tulad ng mga itinuturing ang sarili nilang kasama sa grupo ng
LGBTQIA+, Our first responsibility is to demonstrate Christ's love for one another by
treating others with respect (1 John 4:8). Yet we are not in the business of compromising
the veracity of the Bible. Despite the distorted state of culture, let's cling to God's infallible
words.