Attack Them Not!

The part of this course that really impressed me was the passion of the genuine Christians to share the love of Christ even when they experienced persecutions in their place. Some Christians transferred to another place then shared the gospel. Others migrated to another country and also shared the love of Christ to them for they knew that only Christ can help them in whatever troubles they had experienced. The challenging part of the course was the Unitarian doctrinal position held by some churches in Chapter 11. I find it difficult to look for the specific doctrines which they held. I had read the pages and look for it many times but I only found one church who held its view clearly about the Unitarian position, the Iglesia ni Cristo. It is really a Unitarian belief because they believe that the Father was only divine, Jesus and Holy Spirit are not. The other church that had this doctrinal position was the Philippine Independent Church led by Aglipay influenced and developed by Isabelo de los Reyes. The book didn’t tell clearly about their belief like the Iglesia ni Cristo but it simply stated the Unitarian belief because I know now of some churches who is Unitarian in position and for them Jesus is the only true God. It is still the same with INC as Unitarian but different in views on the true God. The part which challenged me to strive more and to become better as a person is the idea of not attacking fellow pastors and workers of Christ. Attacking includes verbal, actions and even entertaining bad thoughts towards them even if they did wrong in the ministry. Sir Ballono reminded us also in the class about this and it really stick into my mind hopefully by the help of God I can do this soon when I’m already in the 

ministry.   

One of the greatest Hymns in History

The hymn “Jesus Lover of my soul” was written by Charles Wesley when he and his brother were hiding in a place because their angry pursuers were looking for them from the place where they had been preaching. While hiding, Charles wrote the hymn as a prayer of trust in God as his refuge. The lyrics are mostly leaning on God for trust and care that He guides us when problems come in our lives. There is no one who can help us in times of troubles but only Jesus can do that. Casting all our cares to Him and letting God do the rest for us for He knows what’s best. The hymn moreover has brought comfort to countless lives especially to those who are dying.  

AS I read this hymn, it made me reflect on myself thinking, did I really put my 100% trust on God? Looking back at the past, I can say that I failed on trusting God. I was very selfish, as I recall especially the decision part of what I want to do with my life.  Never did I put God in the decisions I made. I remember that I asked God to help me if only I have problems in life on what to do.

Starting today I should put my trust in Him always. Meaning that I should let Him accomplish His plans in my life, always asking Him first in the decisions I will make, helping me do the right things that would make Him and me happy and for things that would glorify Him. I should submit myself to the authorities or people that God placed in my life to guide me to be a better person as I live day by day doing His ministry. Living under God’s grace also made me think that what I’m experiencing right now as a student is because of His wonderful grace. Even though I failed Him many times, still God is always faithful to me and I should be very grateful for that.       

Never Forget!

Yes, it is still the most important value that the members of the church should not neglect. Study of the Scripture and daily prayer should be the utmost priority in life as a child of God. These practices in life must never be neglected because of the fact that by doing this everyday, a new perspective in life follows in whatever situation an individual has been into. Leaning on God who helps us in every situations we have, meditating His word and talking to Him everyday is the thing that makes Him happy and for an individual who puts his/her faith, trusting on Him that “all is well” when we commit our daily activities, problems and our future. I always believe in the saying that “Knowledge is Power”, especially when we talk of knowledge that comes from God. As an individual who devotes his time to study the Scripture and daily prayer, it can be seen in his life as an application of what he has learned or what is inside of his mind. What we believe reflects on the actions in our everyday life. What we talk, we move, we think and others always comes what has been into our system right from the moment an individual is alive, even before we were inside of our mother’s womb, some mothers would teach their child lessons that would help him someday.

Also, as a child of God having these practices in life reflects the life we are in right now. Spending our time everyday with God would remind us always of what our purpose is and why we are here on earth. His word always reminds us to do the things we ought to do and not neglect them. By neglecting His commands, it probably means that an individual is not putting the commands as more important than other things in life. I’m not saying that if one is a child of God, he always follows His commands everyday because sometimes we try to do the things that we want to satisfy our fleshly desires.

By studying the Scripture and daily prayer and as a member of the body of Christ, our actions should follow on what we believe. The learning’s we acquired by meditating His word always should be seen in our daily lives.       

Jesus the Only Mediator between God and Man.

What happened in Cana was the first miracle Jesus did. Mary told Jesus that there was no more wine. Jesus responded that His time is not yet come; nevertheless, Jesus changed the water to wine. That was for me the most important part of the story but every person is unique so some people look at other things, an example would be Mary, the mother of Jesus. Her action was interpreted by others as being a mediator to her son. To them her action proved that she can mediate for people who want something from Jesus. I find it odd, since it was the only time that Mary asked something from Jesus to do.  Basing on that single action, would it mean she can ask anything from Jesus, and as “a son,” is he obligated to do what his mother asks?

This action of hers caused Roman Catholics to vindicate her as a mediator but in the Bible we can read in 1 Tim. 2:5 that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. Nowhere in the Bible can we find Mary as mediator. Now highly regarded for them as mediator, this caused Catholic people to pray for her as someone who is a helper, always be there to help those in need. Instead of praying to Jesus because He is God, they pray to Mary who will ask Jesus to give them what they want. The veneration and honor she received has affected many lives of the Filipinos. One example we can see is that Mary is greatly recognized as “Blessed Virgin Mary” even though she had many children. It was the only time that she was a virgin when he gave birth to Jesus after that; there was union between her and Joseph. Praying to God alone was diverted to praying to Mary and other saints. They have this idea of talking to them and they would bring their appeal to God. By having the idea of Mary and the saints taking the prayers of the people to God would mean that there is a big possibility that God would answer their prayers, a belief that was greatly spread by Roman Catholic leaders in order to defend their faith and traditions.

For me, the most important thing we could find for Mary is an example of being a virgin right before she became married. This was one thing that this generation is lacking. It’s no longer an issue today whether one is a virgin or not. Today, women are proud to say she’s not a virgin rather than being virgin. Not all women are like this, but this is true to many. Even Christian women are like that. It is sad to hear this issue, we should probably teach our daughters the importance of purity in life, as a person who in anything we do can glorify God alone. 

Hospital for Sinners - CHURCH

I felt pity for genuine Anabaptists the moment I heard the report. For the genuine anabaptists it was like hell that they were falsely accused and some were tortured and killed without finding any fault as long as your part of the group. I was angry with Zwingli since he was one of the main person who approved of killing Anabaptists. He said that it was not about the issue of baptism that the people were killed but because of rebellion. In fairness, I think Zwingli, didn't himself entirely approve of killing people but because of judicial duty that must be implemented in order to have an example for others not to do anything stupid, he approved. It must have been very hard for Zwingli seeing those people killed everyday.

        The church should be a hospital for persons who are badly wounded fighting for their lives and for those people who want to have a Christ-like living slowly not immediately God is changing them. Church should accept people for who they are, not the church wanted them to be. Although in a sense that the idea of changing them from bad to good is right but church should understand that it is very difficult to change instantly a person, unless the Lord Himself revealed to that person, like what happened to Paul.

        When I'm in the ministry, I should change my view ok different kinds of people that I will be ministering to. Understanding them for who they are, accepting of what they are, being able to truly understand what on earth we are here for and what is the purpose of living. I tend to ignore people who are hard-headed but the Lord help me realized that I am a hard-headed person, I should accept them since God accepted me for who I am. So help me God. 

 

God is our Only Refuge

This song reminds me back when I was a child. My family usually listens to this song every  day. We have an album of Steve Green that includes this song. The first time I listened to it, i thought it was boring but when I look at the lyrics and listened to it again, my heart stopped  beating and my ears, attention of my mind focused on the song. I said to myself, what a beautiful song!  After it, I couldn't stop thinking of the song. It went over and over again in  my mind. I sang it everywhere I go but just in my mind. The funny part of it now, back then,  it was just a cassette tape but it’s original since before it has no pirated tape.

Then when the teacher in the class Church History showed us this song to make a reflection, I smiled and remembered the moments cherished in our family about this song. A memory that I will always hold on to since my family loves this song very much. Mom would always play it every morning.

The song talks about how Christ is a winner in every aspect of our lives against the enemy. A sure win against the schemes of the enemy because Jesus Christ had already won the victory on the cross. We are not fighting for victory but we are fighting in victory. This is a great comfort for the believers and an encouragement to those who are weak.  He is the Lord of our lives and we should live for Him alone. A helper in times of trouble, a shelter in the times of storm, that is our Lord Jesus Christ and we cannot do anything without Him.

One of a kind Pope Francis

Papal visit here in the Philippines next week is one of the most talked about topics right now as the visit is drawing near. Streets in Manila are flooded with welcoming posters as a sign of support and hospitality of Filipinos for the pope. Policemen are told by their heads who are assigned to be on alert for the assurance of the safety of the pope and to wear an adult diaper just to make sure they won‘t leave their post for 24 hours, not looking for toilets to ensure the safety of the pope. As far as I can recall, this is the first time that a pope visits our country since Pope John Paul II on 1995. Our president and the pope will meet in Malacanang to discuss certain issues in the country especially the people in Tacloban who were greatly affected by typhoon Haiyan.

As I was watching the television last week, I felt pity for those people who posted on twitter account of Pope Francis hoping that the pope would pray to God for them instead of them. I felt the need of praying for them in order that someone would tell them that we can pray directly to God with what we feel and need in our life. No need for other person to pray for you because prayer is a personal communion with God. With that God will use someone in order for them to realize and open their hearts and minds to the truth.

In spite of these things that are happenings for the visit, I was very happy of what he said that, “People should remember that they should still focus on Jesus Christ, not me”. It made me think that, “this pope is one of a kind”. Hopefully God will use him mightily in his position and works so that through him, the mighty works of God maybe displayed and that people will realize someday that they need Jesus Christ in their lives. I should always share the gospel to unbelievers. So help me God. 

Be a People Person Oriented

I was saddened by the report of Antonio because Papacy used his power to gain money. He used the authority for his own gain that eventually made him rich. A very sad story for his office was supposed to be the spiritual office those who would seek spiritual enlightenment in their lives especially the people who trusted him as the head of the church. Next is the inhumane killing of those people who oppose the Roman Catholic teaching. Instead of making them change their mindset for good, the Inquisition did terrible things that those people who saw what they did would really fight against them. Such a terrible thing for the authorities who used their power for the sake of rebellion against them.

Someday, when I am in the ministry and will handle different kinds of people who oppose me, I should handle them very well with the help of God. I should do my very best for them to get back on the right track without any misunderstandings and tensions. Disciplining a member in the church is surely a difficult task of as pastor but with the help of God I would accept challenge.

By handling different kinds of people in the church, I would make events or sessions that can build our relationship as brothers and sisters. I will try my best to earn their respect, help them strengthen their relationship with God and even more closer to Him. I pray for wisdom especially those elder people because most of them have principles in life that cannot be changed. Dealing with them will probably be a pain, but by it, I can be a stronger person in the future and would have an idea on how to deal with them.

Be Humble Always

        Pope Gregory 1 is an unknown name in history. The only one if I’m not mistaken who was humble even if he held the highest authority, defended that all bishops were successors to Peter, did not excommunicate bishops who were against him and didn’t make any demands as pope.    

A humble of humbles as I would describe him. Now I know that not all popes are bad. It just proves that God really is in control of things. Hopefully, someday someone will be like him as humble of humbles and will control the highest authority as pope and to bring back people to the truth.

        It’s also the very first time I heard that for Muslims, heaven is a place where man feast and served by beautiful women. I laughed. I was thinking what kind of man was Muhammad and made up stories about heaven as something like that. Maybe someone influenced him of that view or he misinterpreted when he read the Bible. I’m not so sure but I think he read the Bible but in the long run of reading, he decided to stop. That’s when probably he decided to make a religion.

        From the first day of the class up until now, I learned so many things that gradually changed this mindset of mine. As for this week, I learned that all followers of Christ are to be regarded as equal because we are all the same and follow Christ. Although, Apostle Paul by the help of God, wrote that some have to be shepherds of the flock.  A shepherd that helps us to do what we should in this life, have more relationship to Christ and to share the gift that God gave us and reconciling the lost souls to God. 

         When I will be in the ministry, I should consider all followers of Christ as equal regardless of what they have achieved in life. I should treat them all equally even if they are the leaders in the church or in any organization, as long as they serve God. I should learn to forgive and accept those people who are trying to change in their life for good slowly. 

Time Heals!

I was astonished when I knew that Athanasius defended our faith against the belief of Arians. I only knew him as a saint, now I know that because of him our orthodox faith was preserved. Thanks to him very much, and for that I give him a big round of applause. When I was listening to the discussion about him, deep inside I felt happy of what he did, although I did not like the idea of Arius being expelled in the church but I like him. During my first year here in BTC, I really liked to have debate with another religion about the faith we believe. That time I was very aggressive to have debate thinking that I know everything. By the grace of God I didn't find a person whom I should debate. If God allowed it to happen, surely I would be in shame because I only knew little. I just also learned that Augustine was the one who taught of prevenient grace and was accepted by the Council of Orange on AD 529. This prevenient grace is so biblical that the first time I heard about it, no doubts arose in my mind and heart. God really is in control of everything in this world. To God be the glory!

When God is in control of everything, even the bad things that are happening around us (Christians) will eventually turn into good (Rom. 8:29). I just realized that statement last semester in the subject Doctrinal Synthesis when I was making the Doctrinal statement about the Providence of God. My mind immediately brought me to the church I served before. I was very angry of the church leaders for they never walked their talk. My reaction to that was not good because I left the church with a rebellious attitude. I looked up to them highly with respect for they were the leaders in the church. I thought that the church would not grow not until they all die. I was wrong, thinking, that without me or others who left, the church can't survive. The rebuke of God's word was painful to me but minutes later; it opened my mind and heart that we should not be proud of ourselves of what we did. Even when things were not falling into places where we think it should be, still all things will eventually work out for good especially to those who love Him. Right now, I am happy for the church that God uses those experiences in the past for them to do things that will make them more mature in Christ and have a closer relationship with the church leaders and members, the rich and the poor.

I will pray for them always so that God one day, my expectations for them will be realized. I know for sure that God will use people that will help them achieve their goals in the church for His glory. I still love them, I'm not angry anymore. I thank God for it. It's really true for me, the saying, "Time Heals".

God bless us all!  

Oh I love you with the love of the Lord!

Reflection #2

       

One of the two things I learned from the study was about the Polemic writings of the early Christians. It never came into my mind that they wrote a polemic kind of writings to defend Church leaders judged as wrong. It just showed how much they love their leaders. It amazes and giggles me just thinking of that idea. How I wish members for today's churches would defend their pastors, not gossiping things that are degrading to them even if what they did was wrong. The other thing I learned was the idea of saints that could mediate to God for the Christians, who came from Gnostic influence. I never knew about where that idea came from. I was thinking that they just made it to justify this belief especially the Roman Catholics are using this.

        I will change my way of thinking for pastors whom I know was or is not doing his ministry in the church well. I know of pastors who have issues about their churches or the church they serve before and my mind thinks that he is not a good pastor. I concluded immediately whenever someone shared to me about their issue. I judged them wrong possibly because they have reasons why it happened, that I don‘t know. Little did I know that I also left the church I served before for some reasons. I was just like them! Funny it is to think that when you hate people because of what they did, it just reflects to us  the same mistake they did and it just like us.

        The specific steps I will do to put these changes into effect are, first I should pray that God will give me wisdom and open heart that people are imperfect beings that longs to be perfect. God wants us to be like His Son and its not an easy task to do. We all have shortcomings, one should note that. Next I should drop these judgmental attitude towards other people. I should still love them, accept them for who they are and not think of their mistakes in the past. Also I should love those people who hates me, I know some of them. I forgave them a long time ago and I was hoping that when I see them someday in God‘s perfect time, no more hate for them left in my heart.

Leave the rest to Jesus!

Reflection #1

        Two things I learned from the discussion, first was the topic of Christians offended their neighbors in Ethical way. The Christians refused to murder their children by abandoning them in lonely places. What kind of parents would do that to their children? I don‘t think those parents during those times all agreed to that particular tradition. Its very unethical, do they have conscience? I think so. But for some of them, they had reasons for doing that. Secondly, I learned that the New Testament books were written in AD 90. Before I know that date, my expectation was all the NT books were written or complete between 100-200 AD because I didn‘t exactly know the date of apostle John‘s death.

        I think, if I'm not mistaken, that most, if not all, churches today are focusing on Christ-like living in preaching or discipleship. Rebuking, correcting and training on how to combat cultic religions are mostly not taught in the church. I had conversations with some of the youth today, they know of their faith but when someone asks about doctrines or certain issues in the Scripture, they can‘t answer very well. They were not trained in apologetics. How I wish churches today would also teach apologetics. That‘s very exciting!

        I will change my way of thinking in the area of preaching. After every preaching, I would always ask myself if the people who listened to the preaching were blessed or they learn something new from it. I‘m always bothered. But thanks be to God that He used a person to rebuke me. That person told me that leave the rest to God. We are only a vessel of His word, its up to Him to do the things He wants to those people who heard His message. I was very comforted by that. His word will not go back to him in vain. So the next time I will deliver God‘s word, I will leave it up to Him to do His job to change peoples lives. I should also study very well in preparing a sermon so that I can find new things that God would want to help me and to the people who will listen to His word.